Something in Rosalie’s words made me realize the truth of that statement. We were a family now, in every sense of the word.

Abruptly, I leaned forward and wrapped Rosalie in a bear hug. She squeaked her surprise.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, Rosalie!”

“Um, you’re welcome, but what did I do?”

“It’s what you said. I have to go find Bella.”

I ran into the hall, drowning out everyone else’s thoughts except Carlisle’s. Strangely, he didn’t seem to be speaking with Bella anymore. And I couldn’t get a reading on where she was at the moment.

I walked into the living room and found Esme curled up on the sofa watching TV.

“Have you seen Bella?”

“She was in the library with your father.”

“She’s not there anymore.”

Carlisle walked in carrying his black case. He leaned over the sofa to kiss Esme’s forehead. “Well, I’m off to work.”

“Carlisle, do you know where Bella went?”

“No, I don’t.”

Then Alice entered the room, her dark eyes uncharacteristically somber. “Edward, she’s gone.”