It was all such a blur, their low voices, the coolness of Edward's skin against mine. I realized I had dozed off and was sleeping in Edward's arms. As my eyes adjusted, I saw that I was resting on the couch with my head in Edward's lap. He was unknowingly running his hands down my hair which was so relaxing. I stirred and started to sit up and saw Esme smile as Edward pulled me into his lap and placed a protective arm around me. He looked at me as I asked, "What's everyone talking about? Do we have more information? Or are you working out a plan of some kind?"

From across the room, Alice laughed slightly. "I knew she was right for you, Edward. She knows how your mind works."

Carlisle glanced at everyone and seemed to get their attention so that he could speak. "Bella, Laurent came back to the house after you fell asleep. James will not walk away. He is planning to hunt you with Victoria. We have several ideas but both Edward and Alice were determined to let you be involved in this decision."

I sat and looked at Edward as I began to speak, "Okay. What plans did you all have in mind?" Carlisle quickly ran down the plans that they could take care of quickly. Edward just sat next to me and let me think about everything. He could sense the confusion and concern that ran through me. "What about Charlie? How do I keep him safe? Oh, God, he's probably worried sick by now."

Carlisle laughed slightly, "Charlie's fine, Bella. When you fell asleep earlier, Esme and I called him. We apologized that it was late but we explained that you had fallen asleep after our baseball game ran long. To give us extra time to hide you, I told him that you twisted your ankle out on the field and that I wanted to keep an eye on it to make sure it wasn't sprained badly. I told him that we'd call him tomorrow with an update."

"Will James go after him, Alice? Or will he stick to just me?" I asked concerned for Charlie's safety.

"James will be more interested in you than Charlie, Bella." Alice said.

"That makes me feel a little better, but I have to admit I'm going to worry about all of you. I know I'm the one in danger, I get that. I just feel guilty that something could happen to any of you because of me." I said as I looked at the carpet near my feet.

Edward sighed and turned me to face him, "Bella, you are worth it, especially to me. We will be fine. I'm going to worry about you more. James is determined and a dangerous animal, Bella."

I curled close to his chest, understanding the feelings that were behind his words. "I trust you completely, Edward, I just worry about you or your family getting hurt. I know it may be silly. I care for your family as they are important to you, Edward." I heard Esme gasp slightly realizing how strongly I felt for Edward.

Edward spoke as he held me close after we stood from the couch, "What's the plan, Carlisle?"

Several hours later, things were set. Esme and Rosalie would stay nearby to watch the town and Charlie. Emmett, Carlisle, and Edward would hunt James and Victoria. For my safety, Alice and Jasper would evacuate me south somewhere to be safe. I prayed that their plans would work. Just before we left, I was to change clothes with Esme and give my coat to Rosalie. It was supposed to leave my scent behind to fool James.

Alice looked at me at one point as time seemed to blur together during the preparations. "It's time, Bella." She whispered to me. I nodded and went to change clothes with Esme.

When I returned, Edward pulled me close and held me nearly crushing the air out of my lungs. He turned my face to his, his eyes still surprised me. I felt his lips come to mine and knew with one kiss, I'd never want to be without Edward. "Promise me you will stay safe and listen to Alice, Bella."

"I promise." I whispered through the dizziness his kiss brought to my mind.

"I will come to get you as soon as we have things finished. I love you, Bella." He said pulling me to him again almost desperately.

I sighed hearing him say the words I have never dreamed he'd say to me. "I'll be waiting for you, Edward. Stay safe. I love you, too." He was about to lean in for another kiss, when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

Carlisle, unhappily, had to interrupt us. "Edward, we need to get going. The sooner we do, the sooner Bella is back with you. Bella, we'll take care of Charlie, you stay safe." He said as he slightly smiled at us.

Alice helped me into the backseat of Carlisle's Mercedes as Jasper slipped behind the wheel. Edward was at the door for a moment until he slipped into Rosalie's BMW with Carlisle as he took off. I watched Esme and Rosalie drive off and then knew it was our turn. Alice held my hand as she saw the tears start to fall again. My mind prayed as I sat there, 'Edward, come back to me, please. Come back to me. I need you.'

I cried myself to sleep as Jasper continued to drive. When I woke later, we were somewhere in California and were still headed south. We stopped for a quick stop for gas and a short snack for me. I didn't feel like eating but Alice insisted saying Edward wouldn't want me anemic because I hadn't eaten. I grabbed some fruit and ate a piece before Alice would let Jasper leave again. My heart ached as I missed Edward and wondered if they were safe. The evilness of James still gave me chills just thinking about it. I was rubbing my hands together and suddenly realized that the rings showing a faked marriage to Edward were there. I wondered if he still had the ring on his hand he had slipped on. The warmth of the sun coming through even then dark tint of the windows made me feel drowsy and I slipped into my dreams again.

I looked and saw a clock next to me. Just a generic little alarm clock they put in hotels for the customers to use. The curtains were drawn so I was unsure where we were. I didn't remember getting here but my emotions have been crazy. I wondered about Edward, was he safe, had Alice or Jasper heard anything? "Well, Bella, if you want to know getting up would be a good first step." I said quietly to myself. Before I got the blankets off, Alice came in to check on me.

"Hi, Bella. How did you sleep?" she asked concerned.

"Okay, I guess. Have you heard anything, Alice?"

"No. But that can be a good thing too. If they are close to either James or Victoria, they wouldn't want to call to be safe. I'm sure Edward's fine, Bella. He has a good reason to come back." She said smiling at me. I blushed slightly as she pulled me into the other room.

Jasper sat watching the news or something on TV. Alice had piles of clothes set and ready. I glanced down and saw a drawing that caused me to feel frozen to the core. The details of the picture had me scared. Jasper must have felt the wide swing to my emotions because he stood up and looked at me and the picture. "Bella, what's wrong?" he said quietly as Alice walked over to us.