Author's Note:

Here it is, the epilog. As mentioned before, I know what I want to happen in this, the finale of my story. However, I have lost my story blocking, so I'm just going to have to make it up as I go along. I've changed my mind about how or why this Epilog happens, but the core of the last detail has always been there, from the beginning. There was no other way to wrap this story than the way I've chosen. In a way, the entire story itself was created just for this one event. It had to be. I'm too much of a fan of the characters affected to have it any other way.

To my followers, thank you again. I've enjoyed your company and feedback.

To anyone out there who enjoyed my writing style, as different as it is from the norm, I also thank you. To anyone who didn't, well, thanks for sticking with it anyway. I know it reads more like a screenplay than a normal story, but I'm not a fan of rewriting things that everyone knows anyway, just for word count.

To any out there who are looking for a good editor, my services are always offered. I've never beta'd a story before, but I'd be willing to give it a shot. Editing though, is a passion.

And now, our final installment. Enjoy!

Epilog: Progeny

"What the hell happened? Where is she?" Rosalie's screams filled the clearing, easily drowning out the moans of injured wolves around the clearing.

Edward struggles to communicate with Rosalie as she fists the front of what little shirt he had remining and lifts him. "I don't know what to tell you Rose, she disappeared! One moment she's there, shielding Bella from Victoria, and the next, they are both gone!"

Realization hits Rosalie like a punch in the gut, and she drops Edward unceremoniously on his feet. "Gone?"

Bella has never touched Rosalie in all the time that she has known the vampire, but in that moment, as they both begin to mourn the loss of their friend, she can't help but put a hand on Rosalie's shoulder in shared comfort.

As Rose struggles to process both the loss of her friend and the human who she's never really cared for offering her support, a small smile touches her face. She did it. The realization that Alexa would be happy in this moment is all that matters. A small, warm glow bursts to life in Rosalie's chest as she stares out across the mountain clearing, and she is happy she came to know the mystery that is Alexa.

Things settle. Life returns to normal. Edward and Bella get married, and eventually Edward keeps his word to Bella and changes her. Rosalie had expected to hate the girl for her decision to give up on humanity and all it has to offer, but finds herself content to let the brunette make her own choices. In fact, after a long period of reflection, Rosalie has decided to make a change in her own life. After all, what good is immortality if you don't take the opportunity to explore new avenues.

It has been three years since that day on the mountain, and Rosalie still feels the glow within her chest. She has no explanation for it, but doesn't really need one. The feeling that the light within her creates is soothing, and reminds Rosalie of nothing less than one of Esme's hugs. Peace, that's what it fells like. Home, contentment, love.

Suddenly, the small flame within her bursts to life, filling her with sudden, raging heat. Rosalie finds herself shooting up from her seat on the couch to stand with her back arched, muscles straining as if a rope was pulling her upward by her heart. The feeling should be painful, for all the strain that her body is under, but the expression on Rosalie's face says otherwise. Venom streams down her face from her eyes, the always impossible tears that never fall making streaks down her face. A wide smile graces her lips, and although there is a slight edge of panic for what she is feeling, Rose has the distinct impression that she is safe and loved.

Just as suddenly as the feeling within her came, it is then gone, reduced down to the warm glow within her once more.

"What the hell was that?" Emmett, who she had completely forgotten about during the whole ordeal, stares at her from the couch. He had been playing on his game system, the two of them relaxing in companiable silence. Now, his eyes are wide as he stares at her, not understanding what happened or why his wife is crying, yet smiling.

"I don't…" She is interrupted as a small cry, soft and yet urgent, is heard from the direction of their room. Rosalie gasps, hands coming to her mouth in shock. Her eyes lock with Emmett's, and as one, they race up the stairs to their bedroom.

There, lying between their pillows on the bed, swaddled in a pink blanket, is a newborn baby and a folded piece of paper.

Rosalie only has eyes for the little bundle on her bed, so as she gently picks the child up, Emmett grabs the sheet of parchment. The words on the page blaze in light so bright he has to shield his eyes, but in a moment they fade to inky black and he is able to read them.

"Rosalie Lillian Hale,

I entrust this child unto you. Know that her love for you outshines all. Be a beacon to her, guide her, and protect her until the time comes when she must return to me. I love you, my child, as I love her. You deserve this happiness."

The letter was unsigned, but there was no doubt to the two of them who had sent it and the baby in Rosalie's arms.

"What are we going to call her?" Emmett asked as he peered over Rose's shoulder.

Rosalie, unable to look away from the child's eyes, gives a soft gasp as the baby gives her a slow wink.

"Alexa"