We All Fall Down Sometimes

Thanks to ladysharkey1 who beta'd this for me and Jen328 who pre-read. I love them!

I've been told to give a warning with this one…

Rangerward is the ideal man

There might be a need for tissues.

Enjoy!

BPOV

I could hear the children playing in the back yard as I rolled the dough for biscuits. I figured since the laundry was done early for once that I would get a head start on dinner and then I'd have a little free time in the afternoon to make a run into town and take the children to visit Pa and Emmett.

I had just finished placing the last of the rolled dough on the sheet when I heard the children yelling about a rider coming up the road.

Normally, we'd have a few people ride by on their way to Austin or where ever stop in between so I wasn't too concerned. Still, I covered the dough with a cloth and walked out on the front porch. The sight before me was shocking to say the least.

A young woman, probably no more than eighteen, was riding side-saddle up to my home. It was a warm July day so I could understand no riding jacket, but what I failed to understand was the lacking of material on the top of her dress. She wore a corset, tied too tight to breathe and billowing skirts with a bright red and pink under layers.

She smiled sweetly as she hopped down from the horse, causing her cleavage to bounce precariously and I prayed that her breasts wouldn't pop out in from of my children.

I turned then and said, "Sarah, Jack get inside and clean up a bit, we're going to visit Papaw Charlie."

They nodded and took off inside, slightly intrigued by our guest. I turned back to the girl and tried my best to appear unconfused. "Can I help you?"

She giggled. "This is where the Ranger lives, right? A couple of the girls pointed me out this way."

I nodded. "He's an ex-Ranger, but yes, he lives here."

She bit her bottom lip in a move I assumed was meant to appear coy and spoke quietly, "I'm Maggie."

I stared at her with a cocked eyebrow. I was in no mood for pleasantries, especially from a woman who was going to cause my children to ask questions I wasn't even prepared to answer.

"Do you need something? My husband isn't home right now if it's him you need to speak with."

She sighed dramatically and stuck her thumb and forefinger between her breasts and pulled up and square of white cloth. I noticed the initials sewn into the corner and froze.

"He ran out in such a hurry the other night that he forgot it on the nightstand. I was just being nice and bringing it back to him." The false kindness was gone and her words burned like fire. "Tell him he's welcome back anytime, Mrs. Masen."

I held the piece of material in between my fingers and squeezed my fist around it.

She was turning to get back on her horse when I spoke again.

"If you come back around my home again, I'll shoot you." She turned her eyes widening. "Get."

She looked offended that I shooed her away like a dog, but right then, the only thing that was keeping me from hurting her was the fact that my children were upstairs.

I watched her back until I could no longer make out her shape on the horizon and then I went inside.

"Change of things, babies. I forgot that Grandma Lizzie wanted to see you both, so we're going over there. Would you like to stay the night?"

They were excited and happy and I as packed the satchel with their clothes, I tried to think of what I would tell Lizzie. Finally, I decided that I would just say we needed some private time. The less people knew the better. I wasn't certain this girl was telling the truth. I mean, I knew my husband. He was loyal and honest to fault. He wouldn't do this to me.

Then I remembered the late nights he'd been keeping. Edward would say he was in town helping Pa with something or out tending the herd. Who was to say what he'd been doing? He hadn't really pressed me for intimacy either the last few weeks. He was always run down from work.

My stomach was in total knots by the time we reached Lizzie's.

She didn't ask for my reasons on why I wanted the kids to stay with her and for that I was grateful, but I could tell that she knew something wasn't right. I left about an hour after I arrived, telling Lizzie that I would be back first thing in the morning to get them.

My mind was consumed with images that I never wanted to see all the way home. I tried to shake them from my head, but they stayed, taunting me and making tears well in my eyes.

He wouldn't do this to me.

He loved me.

I reached the house and went inside, immediately starting dinner. For some reason the routine seemed to make things so much more bearable, but it didn't make my brain work any slower. I chopped the carrots to thoughts of his hands on her. I sliced the meat into strips and saw his lips on her neck. I placed the biscuits in the oven and imagined them tangled together on her cheap, dirty sheets.

I closed the oven door much more forcefully than intended and the clang echoed around the kitchen.

Then I sank to my knees and cried.

After several minutes, I pulled myself back together and took a deep breath.

"Just talk to him," I said aloud.

So, I sat at the table with dinner set up nicely, and waited for Edward to come home. He arrived just a few minutes after I took my seat.

"It smells wonderful, Isa. I'm famished." He kissed my cheek like always before taking his seat. "Where are Sarah and Jack?"

I ate a spoonful of soup before answering, "I took them to your mother."

He nodded and dug in. After a couple of minutes of silence, I pulled the handkerchief from my skirt pocket and placed it on the table.

Edward noticed and smiled. "I'm so glad you found that. I thought I lost it." He reached across the table, but I pulled it back. He looked at me quizzically.

"I didn't find it."

He sat down his spoon and looked at me strangely. "Then why do you have it?"

I looked him square in the eye and said, "It was given to me by a young woman named Maggie." His face paled a little. "She rode right up it to the yard and told me that my husband ran out too quick to retrieve all his belongings from her room." His brow furrowed and I continued, "Says you're welcome back anytime, Edward."

"You believe this?" He asked softly.

I felt myself start to break down again so I looked away. "I know that I'm not as young as I once was and it makes sense that you would find her attractive and that I would no longer fulfill that need."

Edward's voice was cold. "Have you lost your mind?"

I looked up, not caring that tears were building up in my eyes. "I don't want to know. I can't stop it and there's not much I can do about it, but I don't want you bringing her around here. They can't come to my home."

"I'm trying to understand what you're staying Isa, but you're not making any sense. What is it that you think I'm doing exactly?" There was a tension in voice that attested to his building anger.

"You've been having an affair with a brothel girl." My voice wasn't strong anymore and I knew I would cry soon. Saying the words aloud just made them more real and hurt worse.

The chair clattered across the floor as Edward stood up far too quickly and violently.

His hand curled into fists and brought them up to his forehead. "You think that I've been seeing a whore? You think I'd do that to you? You think I'd pick a girl, practically a child, over my wife?"

"Why would she have this?" I held it out again and he snatched it away.

His voice rose with mine. "You think I'd step out on you for a whore?"

"How else did she get it then?" I screamed and stood up. "God, no telling who saw you. I'm probably the talk of the town. Those admirers of yours probably are glad you never showed interest in them after this!"

His fist connected with the wall to his left and I jumped. "You think so little of me?" His voice had lost its fight and I stared at him.

"You certainly haven't shown any interest in me lately. What am I supposed to think?"

"What?" He stared at me with completely heartbroken eyes.

"Like I said, I know that I don't look the same. My stomach is softer and my hips are wider. I'm still so plain."

"Damn it." He walked to the counter and leaned against it, his hands gripping the sides and his head hung low. "I've failed. The only thing I've ever cared about and I've failed."

I just closed my eyes against the tears, but I felt them slide down my cheeks. I felt his hand under my chin and he raised my face up, but I didn't open my eyes and he didn't ask me to.

"I'm sorry I've made you believe that you're not beautiful. I'm sorry that I haven't told you that I love you enough and that you're my world. If I had, then we wouldn't be here right now. If I had made you see how much you mean to me, you wouldn't have believed her. I failed you."

I shook my head and squeezed my eyes tighter.

"What I'm about to tell you is something I never wanted you to know, Isa. I've been out late, yes, and I've spent an inordinate amount of time in those brothels." I made a disgusted noise. "Not as a customer. I told you on the day we were married and here I stand ten years later, telling you again, I am yours and my body only knows your touch, Isa." He turned my head and I peeked up at him.

He smiled and stroked my cheek. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

I didn't respond and he cleared his throat. "It's your brother, Isa." I gasped and he shook his head. "I'm sorry. I've been trying to keep him in line, but when Rose died, he just sort of lost it. I make sure he doesn't do something stupid and get killed. I can't stop him from taking up company though."

"Why did she say you left this on her nightstand then?"

His eyes darkened. "That's a lie. I sit in the game rooms. I've never been in a bedroom other than ours. Emmett got into a fight the other night and I had to break it up. I gave it to him after because he was bleeding. I guess after he shoved me away, cursing my name and telling me to go to hell, he went in with that girl and left it.

"I'm sorry that I gave it to him and that it was almost lost. It's too precious to be handing out like that and I'm ashamed that it was where it was."

I sighed. "Never?"

He placed his hands on either side of my face. "Never. I've never wanted anyone other than you. I'm not good with words, Isa, but I should try and tell you more so that you don't doubt me."

"It's not your words, I doubt. It's me. She was so beautiful, Edward. Sure, she was dressed rather tacky, but she is young and perky in places that have long since lost that edge with me." I tried to laugh but it was forced.

He took my hand and pulled me into the sitting room. Edward gently pressed my shoulders and turned me around, untying the back of my dress. I moved away and he tugged me back by the strings. "Where are you going?"

"I don't think this is a good idea, Edward."

He continued loosening the strings. "I think it's an excellent idea. My wife has been neglected and I fully intend to show her just how amazing she is."

"It's not necessary." I ground out.

"I beg to differ." He pushed the dress off my shoulders and it hung limply around my waist, still help up by the petticoats. Edward released the string on those and the whole thing fell to the floor. "I've been taking care of Emmett, and making sure you were happy got put on the back burner, Isa. It won't happen again."

He trailed over my neck and he turned me around.

"Was she dressed like this?" He trailed a finger tip over the swell of my breast.

"Yes."

Edward smirked. "On her, I can imagine how tacky it looked, but on you, Isa, it drives me wild."

His lips followed the path that his fingers took and I bit my lip to hold back the sound that was threatening to escape. Edward pulled back and turned me around again, unfastening the corset and pushing down the underclothes that covered my bottom half. When I was completely nude he made me face him again. I reached out to cross my arms to cover my chest.

"I don't think so, Isa." He pulled my arms away and kissed me hard. His arms wrapping around me bringing me flush against him. "Lie down," he said against my lips.

I lay down, my back propped on the arm of the settee. I watched as he took off his shirt and then tugged his pants down his toned legs. He still looked the same as he did when he was twenty-four, every last inch of him.

"As you can tell by the state of my cock, I don't find you attractive at all," he said cheekily before he moved to sit between my legs. I snorted and bit my lip to stop the smile that was taking over my features. He caressed my right leg and then kissed from my knee to my hip, repeating the process on the left side. "Now where are these problem areas, Isa? Let me tell you how much I love your body, darlin'."

I just looked wide-eyed at him and he smiled down at me. "I believe you had some troubles with these hips, yes?" He squeezed his hands and I licked my lips. "These are perfect. You know why?"

"No," I whispered.

"Because they are just enough to grab onto and hold while you're on top of me. I love these hips in my hands when you're taking me."

I moaned and he slipped a hand from my hip to my sex. He gently traced there before pulling back and asking, "Was it your stomach next?" Edward's lips kissed a circle around my belly button then he placed his chin right below it. "My daughter grew right here. My son thrived right here." I swallowed hard and he looked at me softly. "There's nothing ugly about this, Isa. It might not be like it was, but every time I kiss you here or touch you here, it's because I can see and remember exactly what you've given me." I looked away, feeling too overwhelmed to meet his eyes. "I'm sentimental, sweetheart. I love every little mark."

Edward sat up and chuckled low. "I believe these were next." His hands grazed my sides as they made their way to their destination. "I love them." He cupped my breasts in his hands and brushed my nipples with this thumbs.

I couldn't stop the giggle that burst forth. His voice was playful. "What? They were gorgeous when you were eighteen and they are spectacular now."

"Now you're just teasing me." I tried to move away.

"I'm not. They were a bit smaller before the babies and now they are just right for my hands and when you wear your nice dresses, the tops of them peek out so nicely. It makes me want to do indecent things to you in public."

I snorted and he brought his mouth down to them. "They taste just wonderful, too," he spoke against my flesh. My hands fisted in his hair and he groaned. "God, it's been weeks, Isa."

"I know. Trust me." I lifted my hips to press against him.

"I'll never keep anything from you again. I promise."

"I trust you," I spoke quietly.

Edward glanced up and said, "I love you. I will never hurt you again, sweetheart. I'll stay away from that side of town. I'll tell Charlie."

I nodded. "I don't want to talk about this anymore." The hands that were in his hair pushed him to meet my lips and he grunted from the force of the kiss.

With one hand, he reached to pull my right leg up around his hip and he settled against me. "Too long. Damn, you feel so good and I'm not even inside you yet."

He ground down against me and I gasped as he hit that sensitive bundle of nerves. His lips closed down over my nipple and he continued to move his hips against me, bringing me closer and closer to release.

"There you go, darlin'." He pushed down a little harder against me and let his teeth scrap my nipple.

My breath caught in my throat and I gripped his shoulders tightly as I felt the first tremors of my climax hit. Before I knew what he was doing, his thumb took up the movement on my breast and he thrust inside.

Edward immediately groaned and started to pull out slowly, pushing back in with force, my muscles still shaking around him.

"I can feel it," he whispered.

He took my bottom lip between his and sucked softly as he slowed down his movements. I shifted slightly under him and tried to tilt my hips to make him resume his previous pace when he said quietly, "I wouldn't throw this away, Isa. You are too precious and I love you too much. You're all I need."

I tried to pull him closer, but there was already no space between us. His movement sped up and I placed kisses on his shoulder, sucking softly. When his breaths started coming out in pants and his arms started to shake, I increased the pressure and moved with him. It wasn't long before called out my name and let his head fall onto my shoulder.

After several minutes I said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have believed her."

He picked his head up and kissed me. "I shouldn't have given you a reason to doubt me. I should have told you what was happening."

"I can understand why you didn't, Edward."

He stood up and offered me his hand. I followed him up the stairs into our room and cuddled under the covers with him.

"I just wonder why she said those things."

He shook his head. "I don't know, but I intend to find out."

EPOV

I never went to sleep. I held her in my arms and tried my best to remain in control of my anger. I had come so close to saying something that was completely inappropriate to say around my wife earlier as I punched a wall.

Not my best moment.

It wasn't anger towards her, though. It was fury at Emmett for making me put myself in these situations because he was being reckless. I just didn't want Isa to lose her brother. First thing in the morning, I was going to Charlie and I was going to that brothel and see just why that girl rode out to my home.

I wouldn't stand for them coming out here, toying with Isa.

As soon as the sun broke the horizon, I tried to move away from Isa so I could get dressed, but her arms held on to me tighter.

"Don't go yet." Her voice was rough with sleep.

I couldn't help but smile at her and I felt my eyes sting. I understood how Emmett had lost himself after Rose passed. I could even see him seeking out alcohol to dull his senses, but the women? I didn't understand that.

I ran a finger down Isa's arm and swallowed.

If she was taken from me, there was nothing that would bring me comfort and I think I'd lose my mind if she wasn't the last woman to have touched me. I would need that connection.

"For a little longer," I whispered.

I held her until the room was a little brighter and then I scooted away from her. She mumbled into her pillow and reached for me, but I could only kiss her forehead and move to dress.

As I was walking down the stairs, she walked out of the bedroom door, holding the sheet around her.

"Are you sneaking away?"

I smirked and walked back over to her. "Never. You definitely keep me coming back, Mrs. Masen. The service is just wonderful." I kissed her exposed shoulder.

"Get going, Ranger. I've got two small children that look surprisingly like you to go get."

I let my lips make their way up her neck and along her jaw. "You go back to sleep. I'll get them. I just need to run into town first."

"Are you sure?" She let her head lean to the side, allowing me more access to her sweet smelling skin.

"Uh huh. Let me do something nice for you. I've got some making up to do with my wife."

She giggled and moved away. "I could think of some wonderful things you could do, if you just come back to bed."

I groaned. "I can't. I've got to see Charlie." She pouted her lips and I kissed her quickly. "I'll continue to make my amends tonight, I swear."

Isa nodded and I went along my way, trying to figure out how I'd talk to Charlie. I still hadn't come up with a good plan as I took the steps up to his office.

He was sitting at his desk when I opened the door.

His eyes met mine and he sighed. "When were you planning on tell me, Edward?"

"I don't know."

"He's in a cell, sleeping it off."

I sat down in front of him and put my head in my hands. "Isa thought I was having an affair with a brothel girl because of my late nights and the fact that one showed up our house yesterday with my handkerchief. I can't keep it up. I won't put myself in a position that makes Isa lose her trust in me. I've tried to help, but I'm not sure how anymore, Charlie."

"What would you do if you lost Bella?" He asked softly.

"I'd probably take care of my children until they were grown then wither away. Emmett isn't me though." I looked up at my father-in-law.

"I know that. I just don't understand it either. He has Samuel and he hasn't seen the boy in two months."

"He looks like Rose," I stated.

We lapsed into silence and Charlie sighed. "You need to stay home. I'll watch him, try and talk some sense into him. Don't ruin things with Bell. You've got your own family to care for, besides he's my son."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

He walked around his desk and clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You had good intentions."

"I should go. I've got to get the kids from my Ma's."

I turned for the door. "You and Bell have a big argument?"

"The biggest one we've had. Now, I've got to go ask some girl why's she's coming to my home, telling my wife I've been in her room."

Charlie snorted. "I can save you a trip. I went looking for Emmett Swan last night at one of the houses that has a bunch of new girls and they didn't know him, but they did say they had an Edward Masen that fit the description I gave them."

I sucked in a sharp breath. "He's been giving them my name?"

Charlie nodded. "Apparently."

I left his office and walked quickly down the street toward the houses I'd been spending so much time in for Emmett. As soon as I pushed the door open, I was greeted with the strong scent of flowers.

"Can we help you?" A rough voice said to my left.

"I need to speak with Maggie."

She nodded and went upstairs and a few minutes later a young woman walked down behind her. They both stared at me, waiting.

"I'm Edward Masen."

They looked confused and Maggie said, "You're Emmett."

"No, I'm Edward, and I need to ask you not to come around my home again. I'm done looking out for Emmett, so this will be the last time you see me, but I just want to let you know that the Edward you think you know isn't the right one."

She nodded, looking very embarrassed. "I'm so sorry."

I didn't speak, just tipped my hat and left their establishment.

It wasn't until I was riding up to my Ma's yard that I let myself lose some of the tension in my body.

Sarah and Jack ran to me, and I hopped off my horse and pick them both up at the same time.

"I've missed you both," I said as I spun them around.

"I missed you, Papa." They spoke at the same time.

"Well, get your things and we'll head home, all right?"

They ran into the house and my Ma stood on the porch. "You and Bell okay?"

I nodded. "Just a misunderstanding and I needed to tell her some things about Emmett."

"It's sorted now, yeah?"

"Yes, Ma."

"Good."

Even being in her later years, my Ma was full of life. She was a constant for me and I depended on her guidance still. Besides, she'd have my skin if something happened between me and Isa. It was obvious that my wife was the daughter she never got to have. Ma didn't say anything else, so I waited outside in silence as the children brought out their satchel, then I secured it to the horse and climbed up.

"Now, Jack, you're up front." I pulled him to sit on the saddle. "Sarah, you hold on behind me."

"Is this safe, Eddie?" My Ma asked.

"It's fine. I'm an excellent rider and we're not going far."

I reached behind me and wrapped an arm around Sarah and one around Jack in front while holding the reins. It was one of the most uncomfortable things I'd ever done and when we got to our house, my arms were aching.

Still, I helped them down safely and watched as they took off toward their Momma.

It was sitting there on that horse that I felt a tug in my chest, thinking about Emmett. He wouldn't have this and although I might not act like him that situation, I would be in utter despair, too.

You don't know how he feels.

I swallowed hard and realized I should have gone to Charlie sooner. Why would Emmett take the advice of a man who seemingly had everything he wanted? No, he needed advice from the man who had lived through losing his wife and managed to survive.

He had needed his father.

After I had the horse situated in the barn, I went into the house and watched as Jack sat on the counter next to Isa as she buttered some leftover biscuits.

I found myself praying that I would never, ever have to help my son through a loss like Emmett's and that my Ma would never have to talk me through the loss of my wife.

I walked behind Isa and wrapped my arms around her waist, leaning into her slightly. I let her warmth ease my anxiety and sighed.

"Jack? Did I ever tell you about the time that your Grandpa Masen taught me how to ride a horse?"

"No, Papa. Did you fall?" His big green eyes, looking curious.

I didn't know what would happen in the future, but I knew that my family would never doubt my love for them. I would hold on to them and keep them safe and close. I'd be the man that my Ma expected and that I knew my Father had been.

Even if I wasn't a Ranger anymore, I still had the attributes. I was loyal and honest and as I looked into my son's rapt eyes, I realized that I'd become one of those Ranger's that had stories to share and possibly embellish.

"Well, Jack, it was a hot August day, and I was just about your age…"

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you liked this addition. I have one more planned, but if there's a specific moment you'd like to see them tell me about it. I love writing these two =)