So, I started my journey into Fanfiction with my first story, La Cantante. I had never been driven to write until I read Twilight and saw the movies (and the beauty of Robert Pattinson ~ dayum, he's one yummy guy.) Writing that first story got me through the end of my marriage and the beginning of my new life as a single woman. Now, it's almost four years since I completed that story. I'm so sorry for the delay, but I did promise you a sequel. Here it is!

The epilogue will be a future take. You'll find out more about these two love birds.

Before I start wrapping up La Musica del Cuore, I want to say thanks. First off, those of you who have been with me since I first started my fanfiction journey and followed me to this one, thank you. I'm truly appreciative of your support. Writing FF helped me through a hard time in my life – getting divorced, moving out, my mother's illness and subsequent death, and a new job. Thank you for being there with me, every step of the way. Secondly, to the folks in my Facebook group: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation, your kind words, never-ending cheerleading and friendship mean more to me than words can describe. I love you all!

Now, enough of me being sappy … onto the epilogue …

Chapter Thirty: La Musica del Cuore: Epilogue

EPOV

Five years later …

"Elijah McCarty Cullen, you get your butt down here," I snarled, chuckling as I listened to the present my son left for me on my computer. I heard the pummeling steps of my five-year-old son as he ran to the basement of our home. He giggled, looking up at me with his jade-green eyes and crooked smile. "I go to listen to what I worked on last night with Uncle Emmett and Uncle Jas and this is what I hear." I pressed a button and some simple drum beats fill the room, along with a basic bass line. It was simple, but for a five-year-old to create it? On his own. Color me impressed, but still irked that he was fussing with the equipment in our recording studio.

Eli loves Mommy!
Eli loves Daddy!
Eli loves Aria!
Eli DOESN'T Love Kellee OR Jasen … they smell.

"It's my new song, Daddy. I loves you," he said, crawling into my lap. "I loves Mommy."

"But, you don't love your new baby brother or sister?" I snickered. He wrinkled his nose, shaking his head. Elijah was Bella made over, in male form, even down to her snark and perfect pitch. However, he had my coloring, but with darker brown hair. "Elijah, regardless, Mommy and Daddy love you very much. That will never change."

"But, everyone is going blah over Kellee and Jasen," Elijah said, rolling his eyes. He snuggled against me, toying with the tattoo I had on my arm, an almost full sleeve, representing my family and our binding connection of music, love and family. "They're babies. All they do is sleep, eat from mommy's boob and poop."

"I hate to break it to you, Nugget, you did the same thing when you were a baby," I laughed, kissing his forehead.

"Nuh uh," he argued, looking at me and arching a brow. "Don't call me Nugget."

"Uh huh and you'll always be my Nugget," I teased back, tickling his sides. He laughed, squirming on my knee. "Kellee and Jasen need extra care because they came early, unlike you. You were overcooked."

"Mommy wanted to make sure that I was baked all the way through," Elijah said, holding his arms wide. But, he sighed. "I do think they're cute. When they're not crying …"

"I agree with you there," I said. Kellee and Jasen were colicky babies and persnickety about who would feed them. Only Bella could do it. They preferred the breast, but with twins, we had to supplement with formula. I tried to feed them, but they usually screamed. So, I focused my attention on Elijah and did what I could with the twins, which was baths and diaper changes. We were both exhausted, but were making it work with the help of our family and soon, a nanny. "Now, where did my latest track go, computer genius. I need that for Mommy and Uncle Kellan."

Elijah closed out his recording and pulled up the latest song that we'd recorded for our fourth studio album, Speranze e Sogni, or Hopes and Dreams. We had almost finished it when Bella went into preterm labor in early October with our twins, Kellee and Jasen. We just needed two more songs, which I was working on with the guys, recording when my family was sleeping.

Thank goodness, our studio in the basement was sound-proof.

Kellee was named after her godfather, Kellan. Nia acted as her godmother, giving Kellee her middle name of Lynne. Jasen was named for his godfather, Jasper and Ainsley, Emmett's fiancée, was named as the godmother. His middle name was Whitt, honoring both of his god parents. Ainsley's middle name was Whitney and Jasper's last name was Whitlock, so it worked. They were a little over three months old now and just now sleeping through the night.

In addition to getting ready to put out our fourth studio album, we were preparing for a world tour to promote Speranze e Sogni and our latest foray into movie score composing. Bella was hesitant about going on a world tour, but when Adele said we'd be able to bring our children, we were sold. The tour would begin in February in London, concluding in late August in Los Angeles so Eli could start going to kindergarten at some private, exclusive school.

We'd done a smaller North American tour when Elijah was two-years old. He was with my parents while we were on the road, but every two weeks we'd go back to New York to spend time with our son, a necessity for Bella. We hit a number of large cities and the cities we'd missed when we did our last tour with the nightmare of James stalking us. It was a promotional tour for our third studio album, Sempre.

"Daddy, can I be a rock star like you?" Elijah asked.

"You can be anything you want to be, Eli," I smiled, kissing his temple. "What do you think?" I played the title track of the album, "Speranze e Sogni." He beamed when he heard his mother singing, in a clear, ringing soprano. "You hear Mommy?"

"Yeah," he grinned. "Is she going to sing on the last two songs?"

"Nope. I'm singing those last two songs," I answered. It was a necessity since we needed to finalize the damned album. We had to change the keys so the songs were more comfortable in my range. "You want to hear those?" Elijah nodded. I stopped the recording and turned on the first song, "Darkness and the Light."

"Daddy! You sound so good," he sang, throwing his arms around my neck. "You need to sing more, Daddy."

I smiled at him. His wish was going to come true. Out of the thirteen songs for the fourth album, I was singing seven of them. We were also going to put out another album of different arrangements of popular alternative songs just before the holiday season, called Breaking Midnight: The Mixtapes. Half of that album was already recorded and we were working on finalizing the rest of the options during Kellee and Jasen's naptime.

"Green-Eyed Freak," Alice chirped. I rolled my eyes as my sister glided down the steps. "Hey, Nugget."

"Hi, Aunt Ali," Elijah smiled. He leaned against me and his eyes drooped. I kissed his forehead.

"What's up, Pix?" I asked. "You look stressed. Your hubby treating your right?"

"Kellan is treating me fine," she giggled. "But, I'm stressed. We're trying to finalize the dates for the world tour and we're struggling in trying to get dates that fit within our time constraints. Kellan is trying to negotiate, but it's not going well." She brushed Elijah's messy hair back. I looked down and I saw that he was sleeping. "He's so beautiful, Edward. All of your children are."

"You sure about not having your own?" I quipped.

"That's another thing I wanted to talk to you about," she said. "Kellan knows and he's telling Bella, but I'm pregnant. About two months."

"Alice," I breathed. "Are you okay with this? I know you were …"

"I'm very happy," Alice sniffled. "I'm terrified, though. I met with Dr. Castillo and my shrink said that I need to stop taking my medications for the bipolar disorder. I'm afraid I won't be able to keep it together, Edward. You saw what happened the last time …"

"The last time you were out of control. You're older, in love with a man who would give his left kidney to you," I said. "You have a family to support you. We'll be there for you, Alice. For you and Kellan. You're going to be wonderful parents."

"I hope so," she whispered.

Kellan and Alice got engaged the same night that Elijah was born. He'd planned on asking her that night, regardless of what had happened. When they'd sent a text showing us the gorgeous engagement ring, they sent their congratulations for our newborn son. The next day, they came to the hospital with our two Academy Awards and showing us their bling. Alice asked Bella to be her matron of honor, along with Nia as a bridesmaid. But, there was a sadness to not include Rosalie in the wedding preparations. Alice invited Rosalie, extending an olive branch, but the invite was returned, no forwarding address. However, the wedding was beautiful and a wonderful occasion. I never saw my sister so happy when she walked down the aisle to Kellan.

But, the soft smile on her face and her hand on her belly, it was a close second.

"Anyway, hubby wanted to know how the album was coming. Did you get the last two songs recorded?" Alice asked.

"Take him," I said, picking up Elijah from my lap and putting him on the couch next to my sister. She balanced his head on her lap, brushing her fingers through his hair. I shared the two songs with Kellan, Adele, Jasper and Emmett with a brief note. "I just sent what we recorded last night to Kellan."

"Good," Alice snickered. "He was getting anxious. The album is due out in less than a month. We have to finalize the cover art, begin a press tour, social media blitz …"

"Alice, relax," I said, scooping Elijah off her lap. "We'll get it done." Carrying up my son to his room, I tucked him into his big boy bed before checking on Bella and the twins. Kellan was holding his namesake, cooing at her adorably while Bella was nursing Jasen. "Congratulations, Kel."

"Thanks," he said, nuzzling Kellee's cheeks. "Did you get your shit done? How's the album? You done?"

"Language, Kellan," Bella chided. "Elijah's first word was shit. I don't want a repeat for these two."

"His first word was not shit," Alice laughed.

"Yes, it was," I offered. "We lied when we said that it was 'Mama.' I don't think the parentals would appreciate the humor of our son's first word was a cuss word."

"I think I have the moment on my cell phone," Bella said, burping Jasen and covering up her boobs.

"We believe you," Alice said, sliding her arms around Kellan's waist. He balanced his goddaughter and kissed Alice's forehead as he held his wife close. He whispered against her temple and Alice smiled, nodding.

"Will you be able to travel with us, Alice?" Bella asked, getting up and putting a slumbering Jasen into the pack and play. "I can't imagine you not coming with us."

"It's all dependent on how I'm doing mentally and physically. I may be able to do so at the beginning of the tour, but toward the end? You guys are leaving in less than a month, if you can get the album finished," Alice said. "I feel fine now, but I've been off my meds for a day."

"Don't stress out about the album. I sent you the final two songs," I said. "I also included Adele on the email."

Kellan pulled out his phone and pressed play. Elijah's song came through the tinny speakers of his phone. "I love you kid, but I don't think this is a number one hit," he quipped.

"Oh my God," Bella snickered. "Did he lay down that track?"

"I can't believe I sent you that to you," I grumbled.

"I got the other two, too," Kellan laughed. "I'll listen to them when I get home. Once we're done with that, we can meet at the LA office of Twilight Records to finalize your choices, take photos for the cover art …"

"Ugh, I'm still not down to my pre-baby weight," Bella said, wrinkling her nose. I blinked over to my wife and arched a brow. She was softer around the edges thanks to her two pregnancies, but sexy as fuck. Plus, her tits were huge and had stayed big even after breast feeding Elijah.

"Bella, you're beautiful," Kellan said. "I know you're trying to keep your head above water with the twins and a very hyper, but sweet little boy. We're here to help you, sweetie."

"I know. I'm just …" she said, waving her hand in front of her face. "With the twins coming so early and that month in the NICU? They're fine. Perfectly healthy, although small, but I'm freaking out. It's too much. A new album, two new babies, a world tour? And the prospect of hiring a nanny? I want to raise my own children!"

"When was the last time you went out with your husband?" Alice asked. "No kids? No responsibilities?"

"The night before I went into labor with the twins," Bella answered. Alice arched a brow and picked up her phone. She tapped out a few things and grabbed Bella's hand. "Where are you taking me?"

"You and Edward, you both need a date," Alice replied. Her phone chirped. "Excellent. Mom and Dad are coming, along with Senior and Kathryn. You need some mommy/daddy time. And you're not saying no." My wife gave me a panicked look as Alice tugged her upstairs. Despite my wife's anxious expression, I think this was exactly what the doctor ordered.

xx LMDC xx

Eight months later …

"What time zone are we in?" Bella asked as we woke up in our bedroom. "Oh, we're home. I feel like I got ran over by a truck."

"I feel you," I said, kissing my wife's forehead. I could hear the twins cooing with their nanny, a young woman named Nessie. "I love touring. I love our fans, but nothing feels better than coming home."

"We came home just in time to send our son to kindergarten," Bella said, sitting up and rolling her head. "I'm not ready for that, Edward. I feel like it was just yesterday that Elijah was a baby. I carried him in my belly. Now? He's going to school. He's going to be wearing this adorable little uniform and spending half of his day at school. What are we going to do?"

"We have Kellee and Jasen," I said. "We have Emmett and Ainsley's wedding to look forward to, not to mention Alice and Kellan's belated baby shower."

Bella nodded, her fingers gliding over my belly. "A push party … Alice has already sent over ideas. Her baby girl is so spoiled already. Now, when is Jasper going to make Nia an honest woman?" Bella asked, her voice wistful. "They've been together forever!"

"Who's to say they aren't already married?" I quipped. She sat up, arching a brow. "Nia and Jasper didn't want a big wedding, or a traditional wedding in the first place. They exchanged vows while we were in England, at Stonehenge with some priestess or something. They'd been engaged for a while, but didn't want to rush into anything."

"You knew about this?" Bella asked.

"I did, but that's because I helped him make the arrangements. He wanted to exchange his vows at dawn on the summer solstice," I explained. "They were planning on announcing it soon, but after they had their honeymoon."

"So, that's why Nia and Jasper didn't come home with us," Bella murmured. "Where did they go?"

"Some private island in the Pacific Ocean," I snickered. "They'll be home in two weeks."

"Well, that's great news," Bella yawned, standing up and padding to the bathroom. While we were on tour, Bella lost those final ten baby pounds. She was as lithe and sexy as she was prior to the birth of our twins. I loved her and I showed her as often as she'd let me, which was pretty much any time I kissed her. We were just as insatiable for each other. It's been almost ten years and the love I had for my wife hadn't diminished or dwindled in the slightest. She was my best friend, my lover, my wife and mother to our children. She was everything I ever dreamed of and there were days when I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. "Edward, are you coming to join me or not? It's been far too long and I want to conserve water," Bella purred seductively.

You don't have to ask me twice.

After our shared shower, we left the twins with Nessie and took Elijah out to go shopping for his school supplies for kindergarten. Our baby is in kindergarten. We took him to a local store, picking up his uniform and then to an office supply store. We finished there and went to a carnival that had been set up in the parking lot of one of the high schools. We were recognized, but for the most part left to our own devices as Elijah played and laughed, enjoying his last weekend before school started on Wednesday. We also made plans to see our new niece, Brienne, on Sunday.

Little did we know it, but, Alice had pretty much saved our marriage when she pushed Bella and I out that night eight months ago. We went to a romantic dinner, drinking wine and talking to each other about adult things, not stressing about diaper changes, who was taking care of the babies and chapped nipples. Bella still had to contend with chapped nipples, but we got to be us again.

We even checked into a hotel, after okaying it with the grandparents. We reconnected on a more intimate level. Bella wasn't ready to make love, since she needed to see her gynecologist for a new form of birth control, but we fooled around. Shortly before we left for the world tour, after a whirlwind media blitz, Bella had an IUD implanted. We wanted more children, but we had time. We were both pretty young. I was thirty-one and Bella will turn thirty in a couple of weeks.

Anyway, while we were out that night, we discovered that we had lost each other while caring for our twins. We adored our children. Elijah, Kellee and Jasen were our lives, but our marriage was just as important. Plus, we needed to be able to perform without stressing out about the twins. So, we hired Nessie. She was fantastic with all of our children, but the twins adored her. It also strengthened our relationship with Elijah, who had felt a little bereft with the birth of the twins, as exemplified by the song he'd recorded. So, we'd have days where it was just the three of us, loving up on Elijah. And when the twins were old enough to realize it, we'd do the same with them, too.

Our fame and fortune meant nothing without the love of our family. They were number one in my book and something that Twilight was comfortable with since they'd paid Nessie's salary while we were on our world tour, along with all her travel expenses.

Upon our return from our day of fun with our son, we gave Nessie the rest of the night off and had a family night in. The next day, we went over to Kellan and Alice's home. They'd found a beautiful house a few blocks over from where we lived. Bella held a gift bag with a beautiful dress we'd found in Paris for Brienne. Elijah found some other toy while we were out and he was determined to give it to his new cousin. Brienne was two months old. As Elijah said, all babies do at that age was eat, sleep and poop. But, it was sweet.

Kellan opened the door. He was a little rough around the edges, but smiling widely. "Welcome, Cullen's," he said, opening the door. "How was the rest of the tour?"

"Fantastic, but we're happy to be home," I said, balancing the two car seats that held our twins. "How's parenthood?"

"I don't know who's crying more. Brienne or Alice," Kellan snorted. "Ali was upset that the doctors wanted her back on her meds, pretty much stopping her from breast feeding. But, she's doing fine, for the most part. They need to regulate her mood swings, but with all of the hormones …"

"I get it," I snickered. "I lived with Alice for how many years?"

We walked into the family room and saw Elijah gently rocking his cousin. Alice was talking to him, telling him about the baby and he was listening with rapt attention. "It would appear that Elijah doesn't mind babies, just so long they don't live in his house," Bella quipped. "I've never seen him so still, except when he sleeps."

"Even then, he's like a tornado," I said. "Have you seen his bed in the morning?"

"True," Bella giggled. She walked over to Alice and Elijah. My sister hugged my wife and picked up Brienne, putting her into Bella's arms. Brienne whimpered a little bit but settled back into a quiet sleep.

"Come help me with the food, Edward," Kellan said. I followed him into the kitchen after I put the twins on the floor. They looked enormous compared to Brienne. Kellan put some steaks on the grill, and a hamburger for Elijah. "Look, I know that you guys are getting settled back into home life. Are you having a wrap party?"

"Not this time. Most of the crew were from Europe and it wouldn't be feasible," I answered, sipping some beer. "Why?"

"Brienne is going to get christened. Alice is not very religious, but my parents are. As am I," Kellan said. "I may not seem that way. I believe in God. I'm a Christian and I want my child to be raised in the church. Anyway, I'd like you to be Brienne's godfather. You're my best friend and brother by marriage. I see how much you love your own children."

"Kellan, I'd be honored," I smiled, hugging him. "When is the christening?"

"It's happening just before the push party," Kellan snorted. "I hate using that term. I swear. We're having it at St. Bernadine's. And Brienne will have two middle names … Isabella Antonia, for both you and your wife."

"Bella's the godmother?" I asked. Kellan nodded. "Wow."

"Yeah," he said.

"How are you really?"

"The last two months of her pregnancy were a challenge. I'm not going to lie. I almost wished I was on tour with you, but my wife needed me at home. Her emotions were all over the place. It's the main reason why they put her back on her meds as soon as she was out of the hospital. It's also why I got snipped, too," Kellan said. "Alice got really down one day and she said that she wanted to die. I can't lose her, Edward. If we want more children, we'll fucking adopt. I'm grateful for Brienne. She's the light of my life, but I don't want to have another one at the risk of losing my wife."

"Does Alice know about your vasectomy?" I asked.

"Yeah. She was pissed, but after talking with Esme and ironically, your biological father, who lost his wife, she understood," Kellan explained. "Anyway, we're enjoying our daughter and so happy that you're back. I missed you guys. I know Alice missed Bella, especially with the birth. Esme never had children, naturally. You know? And my mom? She can be overbearing."

"Your mom freaks me out," I snorted.

"I think that's why my sister had some voodoo wedding at Stonehenge," Kellan laughed. "She was fucking smart. Going back in time, I wished I had a small wedding. Instead, it was three-ring circus."

"But, in the end, you got to marry my sister and she was thrilled," I said. "Everyone was looking at her as she walked down the aisle. I watched you and you never looked happier, Kellan. You're her lobster."

He grinned goofily. "Yeah. I am."

xx LMDC xx

BPOV

"Emmett, stop squirming," I said as I put on his red rose boutonniere. "I'm going to poke the hell out of my finger."

"I'm just nervous," he whispered. It was New Year's Eve and it was his wedding to Ainsley. "What if I fuck things up like I did with Rosalie?"

"Brother Bear, you've been sober for over five years. You and Ainsley have been taking things at a snail's pace, but it's worked for you. She was burned by a man who cheated. You were a cheater. You had to build that trust between you," I said, running my hands along his lapels. "Now that you have it? You and Ainsley are stronger than ever and you got to now Ainsley as a woman, a friend and as a lover. You learned your lesson, too. Though, have you heard from her?"

"Who?"

"Rosalie," I muttered, wrinkling my nose. There was no love lost between me and my ex-sister-in-law.

"When I was in New York with Jas, looking for a wedding ring for Nia. It was that week we were recording a few songs for the Mixtape album, just prior to our leaving for the world tour. I damn near ran her over," Emmett said. "Spilled coffee over some expensive suit she was wearing. She bitched me out something awful, not looking up. When she did, she was shocked to see me. Well, I couldn't tell since she'd been botoxed, filled and turned into a plastic stand-in for Rosalie. I bought her a new cup of coffee and told her about my engagement. She seemed disinterested, waving some gaudy, ostentatious ring on her finger. But, she wasn't married. She was seeing someone and this was his promise that he was going to leave his wife."

"Wow," I laughed. "She's a mistress."

"Of her boss," Emmett said. "Apparently, I got the better end of the deal. The last I heard, the company went belly-up and the boss, along with Rosalie, were implicated in some embezzlement scheme. It's not good, but … I don't want to focus on that. I'm getting married today. Ainsley and I are starting our lives together."

"I'm happy for you, Em," I said, kissing his cheek. "You and Ainsley deserve happiness."

Jasper poked his head inside. "We're reading for you, Emmett," he said. "Bells, you need to go to your spot with the bridesmaids."

I hugged my brother and darted into the bridal room. Nia handed me the bouquet of red flowers. Our bridesmaid dresses were sexy black sheaths. Ainsley's dress was a bright white lacy dress with a black sash around her waist. We took pictures before we went to the rear of the church. The organ began playing and we walked down the aisle. Elijah was the ring bearer and Ainsley's niece, Sarah, was the flower girl. Sue and Esme watched the twins and Brienne during the service and Nessie would be taking the babies back to our house while we partied at Emmett and Ainsley's wedding.

I took my spot next to Ainsley. I was the matron of honor and Edward was the best man. The ceremony was beautiful and the love between Emmett and Ainsley was palpable. Edward looked at me the whole time, his eyes brimming with tears. It made me remember my wedding and my promise of forever to my husband.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mr. Swan, you may kiss your wife," the priest announced. Emmett whooped and took Ainsley's face in his hands, pressing his lips softly to hers. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy to present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Emmett and Ainsley Swan!"

The organ began playing the wedding march and they walked down the aisle. Edward looped my arm through his, kissing me tenderly. "It makes me remember our wedding, cantante," he smiled. "That was the happiest day of my life, Bella."

"Hmmm, me, too," I breathed, leaning my cheek against his tuxedoed shoulder. We smiled for the pictures and went to the five-star hotel where the reception was being held. It was an elegant affair and I saw true joy in my brother's face.

A midnight, we celebrated the new year, kissing each other and wrapping up the reception. Edward dragged me up to the suite he'd reserved for us. We made love all night and went home, walking funny and grinning like goofballs. It's amazing what a night of fucking each other stupid can do to a person's psyche.

xx LMDC xx

Ten years later …

I was sitting in my living room in New York, in the dark. I kept checking my cell phone and got angrier and angrier each time a moment snuck past. The door jangled and I saw a tall form sneak in. I recognized his silhouette easily. He slipped off his shoes and tiptoed past the living room. "You're grounded for the rest of your god damned life, Elijah McCarty Cullen," I sneered.

"Shit!" he spat as I turned on the light. My son was as tall as Edward, with his disheveled hair, green eyes and muscular body, but he was all me in his behavior and attitude. "Mom …"

"Don't Mom me," I sneered. "I told you that you couldn't go out tonight. Your father and I had to go to the studio, working on our latest album. You were supposed to watch your brother and sister. Imagine my surprise when I called the house and Jasen said that you went out. To some gig?"

"You and Dad always go out," he argued, throwing his arms up. "I was playing with my band. We had a show at the Chapel."

"On the campus? Emerson University?" I growled. "You're only sixteen, Eli! Your father and I trusted you. I get the pull to be on stage, but you have responsibilities in this family. This meeting was a last-minute thing and we needed you to take care of the twins. They're not old enough to be home alone."

"I'm sorry, Mom," he said. "What happened?"

"Kellee burned her hand trying to make dinner for the two of them. Your father is at the hospital with her while I stayed back to confront you," I snapped.

"I would have preferred Dad," Elijah grumbled.

"Well, if Dad was here, he would have punched you out and asked questions later," I said, narrowing my eyes at my oldest son. "He's pissed off. So pissed off that he's talking about sending you to military school. Be grateful you're dealing with me. I'm just grounding you until you are old and gray. I love you, Elijah, but we don't trust you." Elijah blinked down and I saw tears well in his dull eyes. "Now, go upstairs, and shower. You smell like a brewery. Were you drinking?"

"No. Someone spilled their beer on me," he answered. I arched a brow. "I swear, Ma! Uncle Emmett told me about his troubles with alcohol. I don't want to be like that." I nodded and pointed up the stairs. Elijah trudged up the stairs and I sent my husband a text.

He's home. Performed at the Chapel. Bring back memories? ~ B

I'm still going to kick his ass. Kellee's hand is really fucked. It's second degree burns and ugly as fuck ~ E

Don't tell her that. Be her hero, baby. How's Jasen? ~ B

Upset that he couldn't help his sister, but he'll be fine. He's charming the nurses. That boy … ~ E

We'll be home in an hour. Love you, beautiful ~ E

Love you more, baby ~ B

I slipped my phone into my pocket and walked to the office. I sent a brief email to Adele, explaining why we needed to book out of the recording session. She replied almost immediately saying she understood. Her husband a text saying that both of her sons were at the same gig that Elijah was performing at in the Chapel. That made a little more sense since Ralph and Walter were going to be going to Emerson the following year, but they were still in high school. Seniors, but still in high school

Sigh …

I checked on Elijah, taking away his cell phone, computer, tablet and gaming system. He didn't fight me. The guilt he felt was another essence in the room. "Your sister is going to be fine. She's probably going to enroll you into indentured servitude for being an ass, but you'll do everything she asks."

"Gladly. I'm really sorry, Mom. I know I should have stayed home and I feel awful," he said, his voice cracking. "I just see you and Dad and I want that rush from being on stage. Yes, playing in the band, singing in the choir and all that jazz is fun, but it's not the same as hearing a crowd chant your name."

"I get it, Eli," I said, tucking him in and kissing his forehead. "Why do you think your father and I still tour? It's not because we love to travel. We could do that without the hassle of touring. We do it because performing …" I smiled and chuckled. "Performing gives us a high. A legal one. Without drugs or alcohol."

"Not that you drink much anyway, Ma," Elijah snickered. "I'm really sorry."

"I know you are, but you're still grounded," I said, getting up and closing his light to his bedroom.

Elijah was just as musically talented as both Edward and me. Probably even more so. He could play guitar, piano, drums, bass, trumpet and a slew of other instruments. He had perfect pitch, like me and was his choral directors best friend, leading rehearsals and being an amazing section leader for the concert choir at Edward's alma mater.

Shortly after Emmett got married, my father's lung cancer had returned and he wasn't as lucky this time. Carlisle even came out of retirement to look over my father's care. After a year of fighting his ass off, Charlie succumbed to his cancer, leaving behind his wife, Sue. We were all heartbroken. Emmett took it harder than most, but Ainsley was with him, every step of the way. Once we went through the house, taking what we wanted from our childhood, there really wasn't anything holding us to the west coast. We sold our home in Calabasas and made New York our home. Emmett and Ainsley had a baby girl, named Charlotte, and we call her Charlie for short.

Sue was still involved in our lives, but she stayed in Forks. I loved her like a mother, since she was more of a mother than my own. We offered her a place, wanting to give her a fresh start, but her heart was in Forks, with Charlie. She stayed in the house she shared with my father. She was currently seeing a real estate agent, but nothing was serious. She still loved my dad. I was happy for him that he had a woman who adored him up until he took his final breath.

Renee, however, was out of prison and tried to weasel her way into our lives as often as she could. Having two famous children, a famous son-in-law and three grandchildren she never met, she wanted her due, but Renee was served with a restraining order and slapped with a defamation lawsuit when she tried to sell her story to some tabloid. She disappeared shortly after that and as far as I know, she was living in a halfway house in Tampa.

I went into the bathroom and stripped out of my clothes. I pulled on a pair of Edward's boxers and a loose t-shirt. I rubbed some lotion on my legs, arms and gently dabbed my face. I lay back, putting my hand on my belly. It wasn't as flat as it used to be, but two pregnancies changed my body. We wanted more children, but with my father's passing, and subsequent depression, it never seemed like the right time. We were blessed with the three we had and we decided that it was perfect the way it was.

The garage door opened. I sat up, tossing my hair into a ponytail. I put on a robe and went down to the kitchen. Jasen walked in first, carrying a plastic bag of Kellee's belongings. He was nearly as tall as me, with bright red hair, hazel eyes and an impish grin. He was a charmer, that's for certain. He was also brilliant. Carlisle may get his doctor out of Jasen. He scored off the charts in both math and science. "Hey, Momma," he said, hugging me. "Kellee is not allowed to cook anymore."

"So, I've heard," I quipped. "Thank you for helping with her, Jase. You're a good man."

"I know. I rock," he laughed. "Besides, I wanted to see how the doctors were going to treat her. Her hand was a bubbled up and gross."

"Jase, I don't want to clean up more puke," Edward laughed. "My car is going to smell for a month!" His arm was around our daughter, who looked pale and wan. I walked over to her and pulled her into my arms. She whimpered, snuggling into my body. Kellee was petite, with pale skin like me, with chocolate brown hair and the most interesting eyes. They were silver, but an undercurrent of green. She was a beautiful girl, who was sweet, kind and sharp as a tack. She was also our queen of arguing. Senior said she was a lawyer in the making.

"How are you, peanut?" I asked, brushing her curls back.

"My hand hurts," she said. "But, oh the fun I'll have with Eli."

"Don't torture him too much," I snickered.

"Oh, I'm just going to have an Aunt Alice shopping spree and Eli will have to carry all my bags," Kellee said, waggling her brows. She yawned. "I'm tired. They gave me a shot and I'm sleepy."

"It's also late," Edward said, taking her free hand. "No school tomorrow, little one. We've to make an appointment with that burn specialist."

"Can I stay home, too?" Jasen asked.

"No, Jase. You're gross and I don't want you touching my hand," Kellee grumped. "It's not cool or anything. It hurts and it's ugly." She paused, looking at her father. "Do you think I could sue?"

"No, Kel," Edward snorted. "You are so like your grandfather. Up. Bed. I need to clean out your puke from my car. My poor car …"

"Sorry, Daddy," Kellee said, kissing his cheek. The twins went upstairs.

Edward scrubbed his face, leaning back and looking at me. "Can we send Eli to military school yet?"

"Tempting, but no," I said, sliding my arms around his waist. Oh, my husband looked so fucking good for someone who was forty-two. All muscled, tattooed, pierced and sexy-like.

"Baby, as much as I appreciate the massage to my ass, I have vomit I need to address," Edward laughed. "We can have naked fun time later."

"Meh …" I snorted. "I did ground Eli until his first grandchild."

"That doesn't make any sense, Mrs. Cullen. How can he give us grandchildren if he's grounded?" Edward guffawed.

"Tired and pissed. I don't know half the shit I said to him, but he's well-aware that we're disappointed in his choices." I huffed out a laugh. "I still can't believe he was at Emerson University in the Chapel!"

"That place is still up? It was crumbling when we went there," Edward said, kissing my forehead.

"I think he's going to follow in our footsteps, Edward. If not performing like we do, but maybe a career in music," I murmured. "Maybe, he'll be the music teacher that we started out trying to be."

"We could always go back, cantante. I'm certain that Emerson would let our credits carry over," Edward smiled, kissing my forehead. "They're only twenty-years old."

"Ha, ha," I deadpanned. "Now, let's get some sleep."

"Sleep as in sleep. Sleep as in fucking," Edward purred.

"What do you think?" I sang.

xx LMDC xx

Elijah was grounded for the remainder of the school year. By the time he was a junior, he had some freedoms returned. He was able to drive to school and go out with his friends, but he had an early curfew. Elijah didn't fight it. He knew he screwed up. His little sister had to deal with some pretty significant scarring and pain from her burn. Jasen was all about watching as her hand was cleaned by Poppy, but she was grossed out and wore a compression glove to hide the scarring.

The summer between Elijah's junior and senior year, and the twins' sixth and seventh grade year, we went on another North American tour. It was a family vacation for us. Alice and Kellan, with their children Brienne and adoptive son, Preston, Nia and Jasper, with their three kids, Kaylee, Tucker and Christian, and Emmett and Ainsley, with their daughter, Charlie, all clambered onto our four buses and traveled the country. The tour we had with our kids was the tour we should have had with the Midnight Sun tour. What made this tour a lot more fun was Elijah played guitar and keys for us on the stage.

It was his summer job. Not many kids had that kind of summer job, to be honest.

He loved it, playing in front of thousands of people and singing with us. But, I knew he wanted more. I recognized that look. It was the same look that Edward and I shared when we performed. It was why we still created music and pumped out album after album. It was also why people still bought our recordings, our singles. We were up there with one of the highest grossing tour groups. We were just behind Bon Jovi, but surpassed some other big names, much to our surprise.

Upon our return to New York, Elijah applied to colleges, including Emerson University. We were shocked. We expected him to apply to bigger schools, to get lost in a crowd. But, after talking to him, he said that his friends were looking to apply there. These were the same friends that he played with, various gigs and performed on stage. We supported him in his decision, wherever he wanted to go.

We were celebrating Thanksgiving at our house. I was working with Esme, Kathryn and Amelia to make dinner. "I can't believe that Elijah is a senior," Amelia. "I remember when he was in your belly, Bella."

"I was shocked that I was able to get pregnant during that whole situation," I snorted as I mixed the sweet potato casserole. "But, Eli was a blessing."

"And so talented," Esme cooed. "Elijah reminds me so much of Elizabeth with his talents. Music just pours out of him."

"He's very much our musical child," I chuckled, covering the casserole with candied pecans.

"What about Kellee and Jasen? Are they musical?" Kathryn asked.

"Kellee plays the flute in the band. Jasen avoids anything musical, but he's got a beautiful voice. He won't acknowledge his talent. He wants to be so different from the rest of the family," I snorted. "I'm not going to push my children into something that they don't want to do. If he wants to start singing, I'll support it. If he wants to join the circus, I'll question his sanity, but I'll support any of my children. I only want what's best for my babies."

"In the long run, that's all you ever want for you babies," Amelia smiled. "And my babies got the best with Alice and Jasper. They are with spouses that love them unconditionally, with beautiful children. They both have jobs that they find fulfilling and challenging."

"We're very lucky to have Kellan and Nia. They are an amazing team and we're blessed to have both of them who looked out for us from the very beginning," I smiled. Elijah walked into the kitchen. He was holding an envelope. "What's up, Nugget?"

"Ma," he whined. "I'm going to be eighteen-years old. I'm not a nugget."

"Well, too bad. You will always be my nugget. Just like Kellee will always be my peanut and Jasen will be my bean," I snorted, ruffling his hair. "Now, what's up? And, what's that?"

He handed me the envelope and the logo for Emerson University was on it. He looked up at me, biting his lip. "Information about my future?"

"Open it, Elijah," I smiled.

"Let me go get Dad," Elijah said, darting away. He dragged Edward, Carlisle and Senior into the kitchen. With the ruckus, everyone filed into the kitchen as well. Elijah picked up the envelope, looking up at me and Edward. "Here goes nothing." He tore into the envelope. He read out loud. "Dear Mr. Cullen: We're happy to offer you enrollment into the class of 2039!" He blinked up and he smiled eagerly. "I got in! I got in!"

"Congratulations, baby," I said, hugging my oldest son. "I'm so proud of you."

"I have to text the guys. I wonder if they got in, too," Elijah said. He kissed my cheek and hugged his father before tearing up the stairs.

"We have a child that is going to college," Edward whimpered. "I'm not ready for that."

"Neither were we," Esme snickered. "Welcome to parenthood, son."

"Bella, hold me!" he cried, suctioning his body to mine. I laughed, ruffling his hair.

"Now, that's something to be thankful for," Emmett said. He held up his bottle of Perrier. "To my nephew getting into our alma mater."

xx LMDC xx

One year later …

EPOV

"This brings back memories," my wife whispered. "I never thought we'd be back at Eclipse. I wonder if Kellan went into his office for shits and giggles. Do you think we could sneak into the green room? Have some raunchy wall sex?"

"Tempting," I laughed. "But, I don't think my creaky old bones could handle it. I'm decrepit, woman. My forty-three-year-old body is not as lithe as my twenty-year old body." She smacked my belly. "It's true!"

Alice walked over to us and she smiled. "Blast from the past, kids. But, we're in the audience, watching Elijah. What's the name of his band?"

"Sogni," Bella answered. "He's just as romantic as his father with the Italian wooing."

"Like father, like son," I said, patting my chest. "He'll probably mate for life, too. He'll find his cantante …"

"Don't even, Edward Anthony," Bella pouted. "I'm struggling with the whole concept that Elijah is in college. Don't make him fall in love and get married. I'm not ready for grandbabies. We're hot."

"You won't get an argument from me," I snickered.

"We aged well, like a fine wine," Kellan said, sliding his arm around Alice's waist. "Now, Sogni is getting ready to perform. I heard from one of the college kids that there's an agent in the audience."

"From where?" Jasper asked.

"Twilight," Kellan snickered. "I don't think they know that Elijah is your son. On the billing, he's listed as Eli Masen."

"That doesn't surprise me. He wants to establish himself as his own musician," Bella explained. "From what I've heard, their sound is a blend of alternative, hip hop and a touch of jazz. It's quite unique."

The lights went down and the crowd went crazy. I stood behind my wife as some electronic sounds filtered through the speaker. A spotlight focused on Elijah's face and I was shocked at how much he looked like me. His voice was pure and ethereal, but was able to growl with the best of the rockers I've ever known. The set was dynamic, filled with fast songs, slow songs and that quirky blend that Bella described. Toward the end of the set, a petite red head came out. Elijah slid his arm around her waist and he stared at this girl like I looked at my wife of over twenty years. "He found her …" I whispered against Bella's temple.

"Are you surprised?" she sighed. "She's cute. But, can she sing?"

"This next song really speaks to me. The reason being is that it was a song that my dad wrote for my mom, both of whom are musicians. The love between my parents is something that not many people see. I was so lucky that I got to see how much my parents loved each other and the respect they had for each other. It's also how I feel about Madelyn," Elijah said, leaning over and kissing the red head. She melted against him. "Now, I took the original song and I made it a little different. So, here's Sogni's version of 'La Musica del Cuore.'"

The song I wrote for my wife was beautiful and it made my heart skip every time we performed it. But seeing my son sing it to the woman who captured his heart, made me so overjoyed. Bella was crying next to me, tears streaming down her cheeks as we listened to the love song that was a part of our past and now, instrumental in Elijah's future. His take on it was so beautiful, unique and perfect.

"If they didn't know who Elijah's parents were before, they do now," Kellan yelled, poking my side. I nodded, shocked at how loud the crowd had become. Elijah and Madelyn sang together. Their voices blended perfectly and I knew I'd have a new daughter soon.

The song ended and Elijah shouted out his thank you as the lights went down. A few moments later, they were back up and the DJ was spinning some tunes. "Should we stay?" Bella asked. "Perhaps ask to meet Madelyn?"

"Nah," I said. "He's probably freaking out knowing that the agent was in the audience. If he knew that we were here? He'd have a fucking heart attack." I took my wife's hand. "You want to go reminisce on campus? Sneak into Brandon and have some wild monkey sex on stage?"

"Oooh, can we?" Bella giggled.

We snuck out the back and we did drive through campus, but were too tired to stop. When we got home, we made love in our bed, remembering the beginning of our relationship at Emerson University and the love that blossomed from the moment Bella ran into my arms the moment she moved into the dorms.

The next day, the phone rang entirely way too early. I ignored it. It wasn't until Jasen sauntered in, wearing a pair of boxers and a major case of bedhead that I answered it. "You better be dying to be calling this early," I grumbled. Bella moaned, curling closer to me.

"Not dying, really. Maybe dying of shock. Dad! Twilight Records wants to sign me!" Elijah prattled on. "They sent a scout and she was totally impressed. Loves the sound, the arrangements … DAD! What am I going to do?"

"Do they know who you are?" I asked, sitting up and scrubbing my face.

"Janie figured out with the final song," Elijah chuckled. "But, she didn't have a clue prior to that. They want to sign Sogni! They want us to record a demo. What should we do?"

"Did this Janie give you paperwork? Information?" I yawned. Elijah responded yes. "Bring that stuff home and we'll have Uncle Kellan take a look at it, along with Grandpa. Okay?"

"Sounds good. And Dad? Can I bring home someone special?" he whispered. "Her name is Madelyn and … I think she's my cantante."

"I look forward to meeting her, Elijah," I smiled. "You coming over today?"

"Yeah," he chuckled. "After I get some sleep. I was kind of pumped to crash last night."

"I don't want to know what you did, son, but I think I have an idea," I snickered. "Make sure you're being safe." My wife smacked me. I hissed.

"Dad," Elijah whined.

"What? We're too young to be grandparents," I said to both of them. Bella scowled at me. "I'll see you later on today. Love you, Elijah. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad," Elijah chuckled.

We hung up and I tossed the phone onto the floor. I curled around my wife, nuzzling her neck. Bella's fingers twined with mine and she burrowed against my body. "I think he's going to want to quit college. Especially if they're offering him a contract," I whispered against her ear.

"It worked for us," Bella sighed, turning around and sliding her leg between mine.

"Did you ever regret not finishing your degree?" I asked. "Becoming a music teacher?"

"There are days where I regret that I don't have a college degree, but I think of our lives and I'm so grateful," Bella explained. "All of my dreams came true, Edward. Every day, I get to make music with people that I love. I've reached millions of people with my words, my music, my voice. I married the man of my dreams and I have three beautiful children. We have a wonderful life, baby. Nothing could make me prouder than that."

"Bella?"

"What, baby?"

"I hope you don't intend to fall back asleep," I whispered, sliding her panties down her limbs. "After hearing that, I just have to show you how much I love you."

xx LMDC xx

Two years later …

ElijahPOV

Never in a million years would I think that I'd be attending the Grammy Awards. On top of that, my band, Sogni, is up for best new artist. Also, our debut album was up for Album of the Year and the song I wrote for my fiancée, Madelyn, is up for Song of the Year, against my parents. That was a shocker. I'm attending the Grammys and I'm in the running for the same award as my parents and their band, Breaking Midnight. They were the favorite. They'd won over twenty Grammy's in their career. Plus, fifteen American Music Awards, three Golden Globes and two Oscars. They're even on their way to win a Tony.

They were collaborating with Lin Manuel-Miranda on some Broadway show. The previews were favorable and it could win them a Tony.

Shit!

If only I were that talented. My parents would say that I'm more musical than the both of them combined. I disagree. I work my ass off to do what I do. My father is a natural showman, with phenomenal guitar skills and the ability to improvise beautifully on the piano. His voice is rougher than mine, but a brilliant tenor. My mother, she sounds like an angel. Her voice is pristine, like smooth glass. And when they perform together? It's nothing short of magical. I loved watching my parents as a kid, but as an adult and as a fellow performer, I have a new-found respect for my family and what they do for a living.

I'm also lucky to have the support of my family, my band and my fiancée. Most parents would have scoffed at the prospect of a record deal. But, using our resources, Uncle Kellan and Grandpa, we discovered that the deal was legit and was really good. We'd record two albums … an EP, with our first single and a full-length album, Breaking Dawn. It was a nod to my beginnings and my parents. My bandmates, Rufus, who played bass, Erick, who played guitar and keys, Gary, who played rhythm guitar, Reese, who played drums and percussion and finally, Madelyn, who shared singing responsibilities with me, they were supportive of the debut album title. They had nothing but respect for my parents' band. Madelyn even had a poster of my dad in her bedroom at home in Tulsa.

We also had a full brass and woodwind section for a jazz band because our sound was a jazz fusion. When we performed at Eclipse, we usually pre-recorded those tracks, Rufus, Gary and myself playing the parts. But with Twilight records, we got the budget to hire a full jazz wind section.

We performed our Song of the Year selection, "Amore." My parents were going to perform last, just prior to the announcement of who won the award. I was an anxious mess as my parents performed their song, "Forever and Always," a companion piece to my mom's song, "Until Forever Dies." The love radiating between the two of them was shockingly apparent. I felt a soft nudge to my side.

"You look at me the same way, Eli," Madelyn whispered. "Your parents are … you're lucky, baby." I blinked down at her, kissing her sweetly. "I love you, Elijah."

"I love you more, Madelyn," I whispered back, leaning my forehead against hers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that was the final nominee for Song of the Year. The Grammy goes to …" said Charlie Puth. "Breaking Midnight with 'Forever and Always'!"

They walked back onto the stage and graciously accepted the award. My father gushed about his pride in our band and said that it would be shared with us. With hugs, they walked off stage and Madelyn threaded her fingers with mine. I ran my thumb across her engagement ring. I was disappointed, but happy for my parents, Uncle Jasper and Uncle Emmett.

After that, the Best New Artist was recognized by Taylor Swift. "And the Grammy goes to …" she gasped. "Sogni!"

"Oh, my God," Erick barked. "We won!"

We stood up, hugging, kissing and making our way onto the stage. I accepted the award, grinning like a buffoon. "Before you say your speech, you've won another award, too. Breaking Dawn is album of the year," Taylor beamed, handing me a second trophy. I blinked, clearly shocked. I expected my parents to win with Forever and Always, the album with the title track, "Forever and Always."

I handed the Grammys to my friends and blinked up. "Wow," I breathed. "Never in a million years did I expect that we'd beat out my parents." The crowd laughed. "Anyway, music has been in my blood since before I was born. I was blessed with amazing opportunities, wonderful friends and the best family a man could ever wish for. Thank you to our record label, Twilight and our manager, Janie Devon. I'd also like to thank my uncle, Kellan Moore, who helped guide us through that initial stage of signing.

"To the fans who made us a huge hit before anything. We do this for you! Thank you to my best mates, Erick, Gary, Reese and Rufus. You've been my best friends since I moved out to New York and I'm so happy to share this with you. To Madelyn, my cantante, my everything … I love you more and more each day. I'm so blessed to be your fiancé and partner." I kissed my beautiful fiancée, caressing her cheek.

"Last but not least, thank you to my family: my parents, Isabella and Edward Cullen, the lead singers to the band, Breaking Midnight, my uncles, Emmett Swan and Jasper Whitlock, Aunt Ali, Aunt Nia, my siblings, Kellee and Jasen and everyone who encouraged and fostered my love of music. They all taught me that music doesn't come from up here," I pointed to my head, "but, it comes from down here." I pressed my fist to my heart. "La musica del cuore, is the most cherished thing in our family and I will remember that always, along with this night. Thank you and God bless."

Fin