Disclaimer: All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. The plot, along with a couple of characters that might be added in future, are mine.

Previously…

"Thank you, Sir," I said and this time I didn't ask to be excused. I headed straight toward the door. Once I grabbed the handle, I paused and turned around. "By the way it's Bella… Edward."

He grinned at me and crossed his hands over his chest. I stepped outside the office and as I was about to close the door, he called my name.

"Oh and Bella?"

"Yes?"

"I'm not a psycho," he said and winked.

Well fuck!

Chapter 2

EPov

"I c-can't believe you're," Mom wailed. "I c-can't believe you're d-doing th-this to me again."

Dad sighed and held her tightly. I swear that if she was able to go through the computer screen right now and hug the shit out of me then she would have. Mom was never able to settle with the fact that my job required me to travel a lot. Yes, they had been more than supportive but deep down I knew that they were afraid. Fear was what caused her extreme reaction at the news of a new deployment.

"Mom," I said soothingly. "It's only for six m…" I didn't get to finish as she started wailing again. I should've been used to it by now but it still broke my heart.

"I haven't seen you in over eight months and just when you're finally coming home you get deployed," she cried. "What sins am I paying for?"

"Mom, I'll still be able to come for a couple of days before I leave."

"You promise?" she hiccupped.

"Would I ever lie to you?"

She shook her head. "I just miss you so much, Edward."

And that's how a man's heart shatters. "I miss you too, Mom."

"When are you coming?" she asked as she tried to compose herself.

"Tomorrow, around noon. I'll stay 'til Sunday and Monday I fly to Seattle."

"Tomorrow? I don't have enough time to prepare!" Mom screeched.

"Mom it's just me. You don't need to make special preparations or anything," I complained.

"I need to air your room, go to the grocery store, ask Jenna to take over for as long as you stay." I shook my head since I knew that if I continued to complain then she'd keep going.

"How is Charlie?" Dad asked.

"He's good. I'm going to give him a call once we're done."

The only thing I hated about my job was announcing to my family a deployment. In my twenty year career I'd been deployed nines times and each time was worse when I dropped the news. Being an only child was suffocating sometimes and yet I couldn't help myself but to love them more and more as I grew older.

"I'm going to make your favorite," Mom sniffled. Just at the thought of homemade food, especially my Mom's stuffed veal roll, made my stomach growled in anticipation.

Dad chuckled. "Assuming from the ravenous grimace you just made, your stomach made its presence known, huh?"

I smirked and winked at him. "Well, I'm not the lucky son of a bitch that tastes her delicious meals everyday."

"You and your filthy mouths. Sometimes I wonder where I went wrong," Mom protested.

"Now now, my love," Dad said. "I don't hear you compl…"

"Whoa!" I half yelled. "Don't want to know that shit, Dad. Jesus, that's my Mom!"

"Your hot Mom if I may add," he fired teasingly and started laughing, as Mom gasped horrified.

"Carlisle," she said and slapped his chest.

"What? You heard the Cardiologist. Sex is good because it helps the heart to pump blood faster."

"I'm gonna be sick," I groaned and slapped my hand over my forehead.

"Once you find that special someone son, you'll be like me," my father said mischievously. "And I'll be sitting front row and enjoy the show."

"You're such a pervert," I laughed. "No time for this shit Dad."

And just like that my dear mother burst into tears. "That wench," she cried. 'Dear God not this again' I moaned in my head, "…ruined him."

Jane and I used to date –if date properly qualifies the nature of our relationship- for seven years. We were in an exclusive relationship; comfortable with each other. As years went by though, I came to realize that my feelings couldn't get past the stage of comfort and friendship. There was no earth shattering love; the one where you give every single cell of yours to your other half. It was naïve and immature of me at this age to wish for something like that but after all, at the end of the day, dreaming was the only thing that kept us going.

Three years ago, Jane and I talked about getting married. We came to that decision since neither of us was getting any younger, but, when it came to children and my job we couldn't agree on anything. She wanted me to retire as she didn't want to relocate when my job required it and she could never see herself as a mother since her career was more important. Only then did I realize that she wasn't what I was looking for; that marriage was nothing more than a convenience on both ends. We didn't want to find a middle solution: I desperately wanted children and she didn't. She wanted me to leave my job and I didn't. We broke up, sold our house and parted ways like civilized people. Last time a saw her was six months ago, newlywed and very, very pregnant.

"Mother," I groaned. "Not this again. We've talked about it thousands of times."

"I know," she cried. "I just want you happy, Edward. Don't think that I don't notice the sadness in your eyes when I mention Kate's boys to you."

Kate, my only cousin was married to a very dear friend and colleague of mine, Garrett. It was only a couple of months after my break up with Jane that Kate agreed to be my date for the Annual Christmas Ball. They met; started dating within a week and three months later they were married. They have two adorable little boys: Derek, sixteen moths old and Jim, a newborn. I was Derek's Godfather and I loved him to pieces. Jim, as well, but I had a stronger bond with the eldest. Not long after the Jim was born, my cousin had asked me if I could be the children's guardian in case something happened to both Garrett and her. She didn't want the kids to be separated so I said yes immediately and then spent the next hour reassuring her that they would be okay.

"And I love you for that mother. But please stop pestering me about it. If it happens then it will be welcomed. Until then, drop it," I said firmly. She knew that when I used my 'military voice', as she called it, I was serious and dropped the issue.

She sniffled and nodded. "I-I'll go and call Jenna," she said brokenly.

"Mom," I started but she bolted from the chair and disappeared. I threw my head back and stared at the ceiling. I hated it when this happened.

"She's just worried," Dad said sadly. "She means no harm."

"Tell me something I don't know, Dad. I just don't want to talk about it all the time." I swallow hard because I was about to call her and apologize, as always. "I need to go to bed," I lied. "I have a long day tomorrow. I'll call you once I land, okay?"

"Okay, son. I love you."

"I love you too, Dad," I said and ended the call.

I made a chicken salad, sat on my leather couch and watched the Mariners game. My father once told me that I should be ashamed being a Mariners fan and not a Cubs one, since I was a native Chicagoan. I chuckled as I recalled the shock when he found out I switched teams. He was so mad that I seriously thought t he might have a stroke.

My parents were like no others. Mom was the only daughter of a middle class family and Dad was the second child in his. My grandfather, Edward, had a small accounting company, inherited from his father and he in return passed it to mine. His dream was to see my father become a doctor and work side by side with my Uncle Jared. Too bad my father couldn't stand the sight of blood so instead he decided to follow his father's footsteps. Original huh?

Forty-four years ago, during a rainy mothers' day in Chicago, my father had forgotten to buy a present for my grandmother. Knowing her and what a simple woman she was, he decided that the best choice was to get her a bouquet with white lilies and red carnations. He stopped at the first flower shop he saw and entered without knowing that he was about to meet the love of his life, his soul mate. Two hours later, with a wonderful bouquet of flowers and a date for the following day, my father left the shop and went home. Exactly a year after they met, they got married and soon yours truly was born.

I really tried to allow my father to live his dream through me, but we both knew that it wasn't my calling; even if I never spoke the words. Becoming a Marine wasn't the job I envisioned as a child but once I enlisted, I knew that it was what I was supposed to do all along. It gave me a great purpose; a dangerous one but great nonetheless. Getting deployed was one thing but going to war was totally different. There were times, back in Afghanistan, where I was scared; scared of dying, scared of being captured by the Taliban and suffering at their hand, scared that I would never see my parents again. I still remember the day Mom went apeshit after finding out that I got injured.

Finishing off my salad, I placed the bowl on the coffee table and looked at the pictures that decorated my walls. I felt my eyes water, as a saw Peter's face smiling. We were best friends for as long as I could remember. We had the same interests, the same grades, the same circle of friends at school. The only difference was that he knew he wanted to be a Marine, but being an only child like myself, with no father in the picture, he decided against it no matter how much it hurt him to do so. Peter and I were like conjoined twins; he got a haircut, so did I. I'd be grounded, he'd be as well simply because he didn't want me to be alone or have fun when I wasn't able to. That's how he managed to enlist with me. Somehow we ended up being in the same Unit right before we went to war. If only I knew back then… if only. I was brought up to be strong and fight every obstacle that came across my path. I was never prepared though to see my comrades die; especially Peter. I missed him so much and there wasn't a day I didn't wish it was me instead of him. He had his life mapped out: return from war, find where his next transfer was, get hitched with his Maria, his high school sweetheart, and have his Mom live with them. I'd be his best man and he would be mine.

"I miss you brother."

≈Ж≈

I was barely out of the cab when the front door opened and I saw my mother running towards me. I barely managed to catch her when she threw herself at me.

"My baby boy," she sobbed, holding me in a bone crushing hug. "I missed you so much."

I could barely breathe but I didn't have the heart to detach her from me. I squeezed her as gently as possible and kissed the top of her head. Mom released me but not fully, and looked at my face; inch by inch as if she hadn't seen me in years. She ran her delicate fingers from my temple to cheek and smiled before her eyes started watering again.

"You have gray hair," she whispered. I smirked at her. "And laugh lines around your eyes."

"Ma, you said the same thing eight months ago," I laughed.

"They weren't so prominent," she mumbled.

"Sure they weren't," Dad chuckled. "Welcome home, son," he greeted and patted my back. "Let's get you inside."

Entering the living room I took a good look around. Even though I grew up in this house and knew every single corner in it, it still looked amazing. Every time I came home, there was always something new on display: a vase, a photo frame, new cushions; this time it was an antique clock that rested on the mantle of the fireplace. My mother loved going to bazaars, thrift stores and everywhere else she knew sold second-hand things. Her passion was to buy the items she liked, restore them herself, and then place them somewhere around the house. This was how I got my pride and joy; my Mariners baseball card collection with all the players from 1977 up to date. Dad almost had a heart attack when he saw that 'disgrace' in his house. Mom said that I could consider them as an heirloom to pass down to my sons when the time came. That made my father even angrier.

I sighed, sat on the couch and started to salivate once I saw the goodies on the coffee table: mint chocolate chip cookies, red devil cupcakes and a steaming apple pie. My stomach growled in protest and my father chuckled.

"Your things are in your room," he said and sat next to me.

"You didn't have to," I said and leaned forward to grab a cookie.

"Yes, I did," he stated. "Your mother is not the only who has the need to take care of you son. If we're lucky, we get see you twice a year and if taking your things to your room is one way I can do something for you, then I'll do it."

I cleared my throat to get rid of the lump. "I missed you, Dad," I whispered.

"Yeah, I missed you too, but shut up before the sobbing queen hears you," he grinned.

Mom entered the living room, holding a tray with her favorite coffee set. I made a move to get up and she glared at me. "Sit your ass down." I stifled a laugh because she almost never swore. She poured some coffee in a cup and handed it to me. I inhaled deeply: vanilla-caramel flavored coffee, my favorite. Peter would have called it coffee for pussies and I didn't give a damn.

"Now, how was your trip?" Mom asked as she sat down.

"Good," I replied as I shrugged my shoulders. "Thank God the Colonel gave me this short leave. It was very much needed."

She smiled and ran her fingers over my head. "Which is why, after you've had your coffee, you'll go and take a nap. I don't want to even think about how few hours you slept yesterday."

'Three' I thought bitterly, '…the day before yesterday.'

"How come you're going to Iraq early?" Dad asked.

Shit!

"Can we talk about it later?" I asked giving him a meaningful look. He nodded but someone else didn't like it.

"Answer the question, Edward," Mom demanded.

Lie! Lie!

"I was going to be transferred in six months time and take over SFC Crowley's Unit but he had a small accident and I was called to take over now instead of later," I said without giving too much information.

"Oh my," Mom whispered. "Is he okay?"

If you consider six feet under as okay, then I suppose he is.

"Sure," I smiled. "He'll be good as new in no time." She kissed my cheek and rested her head on m shoulder. She knew I lied but she didn't say anything… and I'm glad she didn't.

We talked for at least another hour when Mom excused herself to go and prepare dinner. I, on the other hand, went to my room to get some sleep or try at least. I took off my clothes and stepped into the shower. Moments like this always had me grateful for returning from a mission in almost one piece. When I was injured and witnessed Peter's death, everyone thought that I would suffer from PTSD. I had seen what it did to servicemen and prayed for it to never to happen to me. It has been tough, even up to now, I still have nightmares but very rarely. Therapy helped a lot but sometimes it felt as if it wasn't enough. Before we enlisted, we had researched what being a Marine entailed and PTSD was listed as one of the consequences of the job, especially during wartime. We saw documentaries and even met some patients but it wasn't enough to stop us.

'Promise me brother that if something happens to me you'll make sure my girls are safe; that you'll be safe and sound. Don't allow war to fuck up your life.'

Peter asked me to make that promise on our way to Afghanistan. He died seven months later. At first I didn't want to accept the fact that he was gone; that I'd lost my best friend - someone I considered my brother. When I was shipped back to the States was the hardest. I had to live day by day knowing that he wasn't coming back, watching Mama Carmen console my mother instead of being consoled. And Maria, sweet and caring Maria withering away every day that passed by and yet she stayed strong for Carmen. Both Carmen and I tried to persuade her that Peter would want her to live her life and get married but she wouldn't hear any of it. Her answer was simple: my heart stopped beating the day my Peter died. The only thing I can do is to wait until it's time to meet him again.

And she still does. Both of them moved to Mexico a couple of years after Peter died. With the money they got, they opened a small diner and they're coping. The fact that we talk maybe twice a year over the phone was quite saddening since it was my fault. I knew that I should have made good on my promise to him but deep down I knew they suffered every time we talked. The fact that I was alive was enough to hurt them. After all I was responsible…

A soft knock on the door brought me out of my thoughts. Only then did I realize that the water had started to turn cold. I got out and wrapped a towel around my waist and opened the door. My father was sitting on my couch holding an ashtray.

"Your mother asked me to bring you this," he said and left it on the small coffee table.

I nodded, grabbed some clothes and went into the bathroom to get dressed. I knew that look my father had. He wanted to talk and there was no doubt about the subject. I dried myself, got dressed and went to face the music.

"Thank you," he said and looked at me with watery eyes.

Sweet Jesus!

"Nothing to thank me for Dad," I said and grabbed my cigarettes from my jacket. "I know that you watch the news." I sank down next to him, took out a cigarette and offered it to him. He hesitated for a second and I rolled my eyes. "I've got Listerine Strips."

"Fuck it," he said and took it. We smoked in peace for a few moments.

"How are things down there?" he asked looking at the floor.

"The same, more or less. You never know when the shit will hit the fan. So far everything is cool but at the same time everyone is on full alert. A buddy of mine is there on a different base and told me that everyone is shocked with Crowley's death," I sighed.

"I bet they are. Any one of them could be in their position," he said seriously.

"I know."

He nodded and got up. "Get some sleep," he said and kissed the top of my head. "I'll wake you up."

≈Ж≈

These three days passed by really fast and truth be told, I didn't like it. Mom had a small breakdown the previous night so Dad gave her a Xanax and before we even finished coffee she was dead to the rest of the world. When I woke up I still had a couple of hours before I needed to leave so I headed to the kitchen to have some coffee.

"Fucking Christ," I gasped and I grasped the door frame to prevent myself from falling flat on my ass. My Dad was sitting on the kitchen island with a glass of scotch, smoking.

"Coffee is ready," he said, putting out his cigarette and lighting another. The ashtray was full, his eyes bloodshot and the entire kitchen was freezing.

"Jesus, Dad. Are you trying to catch your death?" I closed the window above the sink and then headed to close the door. As I turned around I saw that a cup of coffee was already placed on the kitchen island along with cookies and a cupcake.

"You're all set up?" he asked as I sat down.

"Yes," I said and lit a cigarette.

"Good, good," he nodded. "Your mother made you a batch of cookies. I put them in your duffle bag when you were in the shower," he continued and cleared his throat. My father was never good with departures. He would be cool and right at the last second he would get all teary. "I got you two cartons of cigarettes and…"

I placed my hand over his and he stopped. "You didn't have to Dad, but thank you."

"Eat," he commanded.

Now that, I could do. Once I finished everything I wiped my mouth and patted my stomach. "Best breakfast ever," I grinned.

Dad smiled sadly. "When are you flying to Iraq?"

"I'll spend a few hours in Seattle and then catch a flight to New York, London, Germany and finally Baghdad. Usually I would have to wait a bit but under the circumstances…"

"I see," he sighed and looked at his watch. "Help yourself to another cup of coffee while I get your things."

"No need to. I brought them with me on my way down."

He gulped the last drop from his glass and refilled it. You see, my father appeared to be strong in front of my Mom, but when it was just the two of us, he never hid his feelings. We were very close. Apart from Peter and Kate, I didn't have any friends when I was younger, so that made my Dad and me very close..

"I'm gonna be alright," I encouraged in a feeble attempt to cheer him up. That earned me a glare.

"Don't fuck with me kid," he hissed. "Until every single one of you leaves that goddamned place, you'll always be in danger. There will always be roadside bombs, there will always be fucking snipers and there will always be a couple of fuck ups who want to kill just to get a thrill out of it," he finished and lit another cigarette. "I almost lost you once, Edward."

"Dad, I'm not going to war; I'll only be gone for six months and then I'll be here for a long time. When I say I'm gonna be fine all you have to do is trust me."

"Trusting you is not the issue," he mumbled. "It's those fuckers I don't trust."

I heard a horn indicating that my taxi arrived. I put on my jacket and went to get my things but Dad stopped me. "Go say goodbye to her and I'll wait for you outside."

As I entered their bedroom, I saw her sleeping peacefully. I didn't want to wake her up. I kneeled in front of her and lightly pulled back the hair that fell on her face. Even in her sixties, Mom was still a striking woman: caramel hair, beautiful hazel eyes, light freckles here and there. Anyone would be proud to have her as their Mom; she was kind hearted, soothing, funny, helpful, encouraging, the best damn cook and I was the lucky one that had her.

"I love you. Mom," I whispered and kissed her forehead. "I'll be back before you'll even miss me." I stood up and headed to the door and left the room as silently as possible.

Dad was waiting in front of the cab, lost in his thoughts. I cleared my throat because I didn't want to startle him. He turned to look at me and his eyes were full of tears.

"Be safe," he said in a hoarse voice.

"I will Dad," I vowed.

He nodded and placed his hand on my shoulder. "Come back to me."

I lowered my head because I knew if I looked at him I would start crying and that was out of the question. I felt his hands around my shoulders; engulfing me in a warm hug.

"I love you so much," he choked.

"Me too, Dad," I said and patted his back. "I'll call you when I reach Seattle."

"Say hi to Charlie from me."

"I will," I said and opened the cab's door.

Instinctively, I looked up and saw Mom standing in front of the window, holding the curtain. She waved at me and I smiled in return and blew her a kiss. She winked and made a move to 'catch' kiss in her hand and place it over her heart, a gesture she's repeated since I was very little. She'd be okay.

'Go' she mouthed.

And I did…

≈Ж≈

"Sir," I heard a woman call. I opened my eyes and blinked. "We're about to land so fasten your seatbelt."

"Thanks," I said and looked outside my window.

As I passed through the luggage claim, I called Mom at work and then Dad. They again told me to give their regards to Charlie, and to make sure to call them in-between flights no matter what time it was. When the doors opened I came face to face with the Major. Yes, he retired as a Major General but to me he would always be Major and I, Ginger.

"Edward," he called and gave me a one arm hug.

"Hey Major. How are you?"

"Never better," he said and patted my back twice. "What time is your next flight?"

"In four hours," I replied and stashed my cap in my jacket pocket.

"Wanna go out or find a place to sit here?"

"Here is better. Whenever we get together we forget about the time so…" I trailed.

We found a small and quiet café that had a small play area for kids. The entire time he was holding a small package with a yellow envelope taped to it.

"Let me get our coffees and we'll talk," he said and placed the box on a chair.

"I'll get them," I offered and he glared.

"Sit down, Ginger."

I folded my hands over my chest and smirked. "Ya know, I should be the one ordering you around now," I teased and he snorted.

"I may be retired but I'm old school Cullen. I'll drop you on your ass in no time," he laughed. "Black with one cream, correct?"

"Yes."

The Major was a unique person; a man not to be taken for granted and he made sure you knew that. He was the epitome of a Marine, a great friend and mentor. Despite our rank difference at the time he was serving, he knew how to separate friendship and work. He never deserved to be treated the way he was by his first wife. Charlie spoke of her only a couple of times since I met him and from the things he told me that woman was nothing. The only thing he is grateful to her for is his daughter. Isabella is a thirty-two year old Marine who is serving abroad at the moment.. Sue, his current wife, whom I'd only met a few times but I could tell just by looking at them that they were meant to be together. She was a second Esme. It's a shame these two never met. They'd talked a couple of times over the phone when I visited Charlie.

"So tell me what's new," Major said.

"There's nothing new apart from my sudden deployment. It kind of threw me off but I can't do anything about it," I said and took a sip from my coffee. "It's a shame they died they way they did and only five minutes away from Baghdad." Charlie snorted. That wasn't good.

"That motherfucker Edward, didn't die in Baghdad," he whispered as he looked around. "He died on his way to Abu Ghraib." Come again? "And this I know for a fact."

I brought my chair closer to the table and leaned forward. "Abu Ghraib?" I asked.

"From what I know he told everyone that he was going to Baghdad but he let slip to his Staff Sergeant that he was going there. There were rumors of test bombing around the area but he did what he wanted anyway and that cost him his life along with three others," he finished angrily.

"He had no place to go there Charlie," I said thoughtfully.

"This whole mess is under investigation because it's fishy," he sighed. "That damn facility might have changed name and hands but I'm sure there are still US prisoners there."

"Did the Colonel know?"

"No. For all he knew, Crowley was going to Victory Base Complex to visit his cousin because he 'broke his leg' during PT."

"Did he seriously tell that shit so he could leave?"

"Yes," he said affirmatively. "When the news spread, said cousin barged into the Colonels' office demanding to know what happened. So imagine Black's surprise when he saw him pacing like a madman in front of him."

I shook my head in disbelief. "I just hope this whole mess won't turn out to be a repeat of 2006. If he was that kind of man then I don't even want to think about how he treated his Unit."

"The Unit is damn lucky to have the SSgt it has and that currently fills your shoes until you get there," he smiled and leaned back to his chair.

I narrowed my eyes slightly. "You know him?"

"Oh yeah," he laughed.

I waited for a few seconds. "Who is he?"

"My daughter."

I blinked…

And blinked again…

I opened my mouth but nothing came out so I blinked. Major threw his head back and let a boisterous laugh causing a couple of head to turn in our direction. Once he regained his composure, he took out his wallet and handed me a picture… and I stopped breathing. She was gorgeous; pale skin- dark brown hair and her eyes… my God, those eyes were like mirrors to her soul. Her smile was breathtaking and I wondered if it would be that bright for real. Without realizing it I run my thumb over her cheek and tried to fantasize how it would feel under my touch.

"Are you done ogling my baby girl, Ginger?" Charlie asked and I jumped lightly, feeling mortified for having those thoughts about Isabella no matter how innocent they may or may not have been. It was his daughter for Christ sakes.

I cleared my throat and put the picture down but not before I looked at it once last time. "Sorry," I said lamely.

"No you're not," he chuckled. "She's a beautiful woman, Edward. I can acknowledge that."

"Strong genes you got there, Major," I teased. "Spitting image of you, that one."

"And in character as well, even though she mingles it with a bit of Sue sometimes," he grinned. "Stubborn as a mule."

I smiled lightly when I noticed a figure looming over Charlie's head; boring holes into his skull. It was Sue and from the look she had on her face, she was angry. What was surprising though, was that she had two little children with her: a boy and a girl. The girl had light brown hair with gray eyes, where the little boy had dark hair and brown eyes. The little girl tugged on her hand; Sue looked at her and pouted her lips to shush her. She looked up and smiled lightly at me before she squinted at Major's head. Someone was in big trouble.

"So," I said a little louder. "Since you mentioned that gorgeous wife of yours- who has the courage to put up with and you should probably kiss her feet for the rest of your lives- how is she?" I asked and bit the inside of my cheek.

Charlie paled for a second if not two and then sighed. "She's behind me, isn't she?" he asked, closed his eyes and turned around.

"Pa," the little girl shrieked cheerfully and fell into his arms. "Did you like our surprise? Nana said you'd be," she paused for a second and furrowed her cute little eye brows. "What did you say Nana?"

"That he'd be surprised alright," she sneered with a smile plastered on her face.

Charles Logan Swan, you're fucked.

"The best surprise ever baby," he said and blew a raspberry on the crook of her neck, making her shriek again and wiggle out his arms. He put her down and turned to look sheepishly at Sue. "Hi sweetheart," he kissed her cheek and whispered something in her ear. She huffed in response. He made a move to pick up the little boy but he didn't want to be picked up, so he hid behind Sue instead.

"Munchkins why don't you go and play and while I order you something to drink?" Sue asked them and they nodded eagerly. Once they went to the play area, she approached me and hugged me. "It's good to see you again, Edward."

"Likewise."

"Darling…" Charlie started only to be interrupted.

"Don't darling me, Charlie. Did you think that I wouldn't want to see him?" she glared.

"Sue, we'd…"

"Not a word, Charlie. I'm her mother and he is going to take care of my baby, won't you, Edward?" she asked and turned to look at me.

"Of course I will, Sue," I smiled.

None of us spoke for a few moments. "She won't want you to," Major said.

I shrugged. "I know. I wouldn't want that either."

"How did you get here?" Charlie asked her.

"Sam drove us to Port Angeles, then we took the ferry and once we reached Seattle I took a cab," she said grimly. "You know I don't like to drive with the kids in the car."

Sue got up, went to order something for the children and she called to them once she returned. They both ran toward our table, panting with rosy cheeks. The boy sat on Charlie's lap and started drinking his juice; looking at me. The little girl though had different plans. She took her juice and stood in front of me, smiling.

"My name is Lisa Swan, what's your name, Mr. Soldier?"

Swan?

"I'm Edward and I'm a Marine," I grinned and leaned forward a bit.

She beamed. "My mommy is the Marine too."

"She's a Marine, Lisa," Sue corrected her.

"That's what I said, Nana," she pouted. "My mommy is away making sure our family is safe," she continued proudly. "Is your mommy the Marine too?"

I chuckled. "No sweetie. My mom sells flowers," I said and her eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Uh huh, lots and lots of flowers in any color and shape."

"Wow," she said and climb on my lap. "I like daisies. It's mommy favorite too."

Good to know…

Why the hell did I think that?

"I like daisies too." I really did. I grew up with flowers surrounding me and of all of them; they were the most delicate ones.

"Aren't you gonna introduce yourself buddy?" Charlie asked the little boy. He was still staring, as if he was trying to figure me out.

"I'm Chris," he said and continued sipping his juice.

"He's older than me but I'm smartest," Lisa said and I chuckled.

"Smarter," Sue said.

"That's what I said, Nana."

"Do you go to school?"

"Yes! We start in three days," she said sounding excited.

"That's awesome," I feigned excitement. "School is important, so you make sure you do all your homework so you can do whatever you want when you grow up."

"I will be a princess when I grow up," she said and grinned.

I gasped. "But I thought you already were one."

"No," she giggled and I started tickling her sides. Once I stopped she rested her head on my chest.

Only God knew how much I craved for a family of my own. I wanted to have a wife, and kids running around the house; play with them and later on help them with their homework. Take pictures as they got ready to leave for prom. I wanted everything so desperately. I didn't want games and meaningless hook ups. I was past that age and to be honest I was never that kind of person. I'd had a relationship with all of my sexual partners. I had a one night stand once when I was pissed drunk. I felt horrible waking up the following morning and even more horrid that I was alone in my bed.

"I'm going to be a General," Chris said, taking me out of my thoughts.

"That's new," Charlie muttered.

"Are you a General?" the kid asked.

"No," I chuckled. "I'm a Sergeant First Class. I'm too young to be a General. Your Pa on the other hand…"

"Watch it, Ginger," Charlie glared and I smirked. "Ain't that old."

"Your hair says otherwise, Major."

Attention please. The passengers of flight 734 to New York…

"This is you, right?" Sue asked.

"Yes," I said sadly.

"Are you leaving?" Lisa asked.

"Yes honey."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm gonna go to a place far away from here."

"Will you come back?"

"Yes, I will but it will take some time," I said truthfully.

"Will you visit us again?"

"Of course, I will." She grinned and stretched her hands to pick her up. She kissed my cheek and hugged me tightly.

Charlie whispered something to Sue and she nodded. "Have a nice flight," she said politely and after she took Lisa she took them to the play area to wait for Charlie. He picked up the package and handed it to me.

"You give this to my little girl and tell her that I love her and to be safe." He looked down for a second and then back at me. "Take care of her Ginger 'cause she's the most important person in my world, okay?"

"With my life, Major," I vowed.

"Take care of your Unit and make me proud son," he said hoarsely and patted my back. "Have a safe trip."

"Thanks," I said and smiled at him.

"Oh!" he exclaimed. "I almost forgot." He took out a CD case and placed it on top of the box. "On the thirteenth of September, it's her birthday. You give that to her then, okay?"

"Sure Charlie."

He waved and walked away. I kneeled and put the package in my knapsack but not before taking the envelope off of it and putting it in my pocket along with the CD.

"Chris," Charlie called loudly. I snapped my head to their direction and saw the little boy running toward me.

"What is it buddy?" I asked. My God his eyes were so expressive, a rich deep brown like his mother's.

"Are you going to Ra… um," he paused for a second, "… Arik?"

"Iraq?" I asked and he nodded. "Yes."

"Are you going to see my mommy?" he whispered and his eyes started to water. Fuck kid, don't start crying.

I looked desperately at Charlie asking for permission to tell him and he nodded. "Yes."

"Will you give her a kiss and tell her that I love her? I forgot to tell her yesterday because I was naughty and she got angry with me," he sniffled.

"I'm sure that's not true, Chris. Your mom loves you very much and no matter what you do she always will," I said sincerely.

"Really?" he frowned.

"Really," I said and winked at him.

He kissed my cheek and smiled shyly. "Don't forget to give it to her, okay?"

"Cross my heart," I grinned even though I was trying really hard not to cry in front of him. From colleagues I'd heard stories about leaving their families behind and it was tough for them. I knew how my parents felt whenever I left but this was the first time I'd witnessed this from a child's perspective. It was clear that they missed her very much and they didn't mention their father. It made me wonder if he was in the picture at all.

"Thank you," he said and turned around to leave.

"Thank you," Sue mouthed and wiped her eyes.

≈Ж≈

After long waits in-between flights and almost three days later, I finally reached my destination. By the time the plane landed in Baghdad, I was exhausted. I couldn't sleep, the food on the plane sucked and I smelled like hell. However, a nice hot shower and a fresh change of clothes would work like nothing else. I still had a lot of things to do before I could finally settle in. A Marine was waiting for me at the arrivals and he guided me to the flight line where a Chinook was being loaded with supplies. Once everyone was loaded, we took off.

When we landed at camp, a Lance Corp. was waiting for me and guided me to my can. He informed me that I had an hour before I had to meet with our Colonel for a briefing and also showed me where the heads were located. That shower was the best I ever had, hands down. The fifteen hour delay in Germany, due to weather conditions, killed me. I moaned loudly as the hot water hit my skin. I started scrubbing until all the grime had left my body and when I was satisfied I rinsed off and then shaved. I couldn't present to my Colonel sporting five o'clock shadow.

Snuffy was waiting for me outside my can, holding a cup of coffee in his hand. "What's your name Snuffy?" I asked and his body went rigid.

"McCarty, Sarge."

"Your given name."

"Emmett," he said but it sounded like a question.

"Where's my coffee?" I asked. Call me an asshole but I loved messing with my crew on my first day.

"This is yours, Sir," he said and handed me the cup.

"Where's yours?" I asked and took a sip.

"Sir?"

"You see Snuffy, I don't like drinking coffee alone," I chuckled.

"I had mine while I waited for you Sarge."

"Well, next time you'll have it with me, okay?"

"Yes, Sir."

"And enough of that Sir and Sarge shit. When we're alone, you're Emmett and I'm Edward. And later on a lady will be added to our little group."

He winced. "You mean Staff Sergeant Swan?" I nodded. "Good luck with that."

"Why?" I asked intrigued.

"She's a tough cookie, Edward," he whispered my name and looked around at the same time.

"Well, it's a good thing that I manage tough." Emmett laughed.

When the jeep arrived got in and drove to the Colonel's office. Once he saw the jeep from his window, he ended a call and stood up. Emmett informed me that he would be waiting here until we were done so he could take me to meet the Unit. Now that was something to look forward to. I entered the office and saluted him.

"Sergeant First Class Edward Cullen, Sir."

"Have a sit seat, Sergeant," he commanded and motioned to the chair in front of me. "I assume you had a nice trip?"

"The delay in Germany was unexpected but other than that it was good, Sir."

"What do you know about this whole mess, Cullen?" he asked.

"Nothing more than what was released," I lied. He raised an eye brow and dismissed it.

He started explaining what I already knew from what Charlie told me. Black informed me that the US military had prisoners in Abu Ghraib and that they were supposed to be moved under the radar to a new facility. What was suspicious was the fact that there was no official order. There was an undercover investigation that was held but they are about to close the case as solved.

"Are you familiar with Major General Swan?" he asked. "He is retired now."

"Yes," I started. "I had the privilege to be under his command twice in my career."

"Well his daughter is the SSgt of the Unit and currently filling in for you. You'll have no issues with her. I'm waiting for the whole thing to calm down before we go further with the investigation so I'll give you a ten day adjustment and then with the help of Swan, I want you to assemble a Squad team. These Marines must be highly trusted and in the best physical shape. They have been neglected a lot, don't you think?" he smirked.

"I'll see to it Sir," I smiled.

"No one apart from the both of us, Swan, and the squad itself must know about this mission Sergeant," he said seriously. "We've no idea who is implicated and how far in rank it goes. The order came from high above and it's our duty to solve it." I nodded. "We don't want a repeat of 2006. That was a disgrace for the US military."

"It was indeed," I said truthfully.

We chat for a while longer and then he dismissed me. Emmett true to his word was waiting for me. On the way to meet the Unit, I remembered I forgot to take the envelope with me so we stopped by my can to pick it up. No matter how cool I thought I was, time stopped when I heard her calling the "attention" command. The beauty I had seen in that picture was nothing compared to the woman that stood in front of me. She was perfection; pure and utter perfection.

These troopers had suffered under the command of an indifferent SFC. The one person they could lean on gave no shit about them and it was a shame because there is a reason behind our post. Maintaining their physical state was something easy, the emotional part was the difficult one. All of us were vulnerable away from our homes and sometimes the reason behind our job wasn't enough. Here, all we had was each other; they were brothers and sisters and I was the mother hen. If they had an issue, they knew they could come to me and I'd do anything possible to help them. These men and women needed to know that I was here and I wasn't going anywhere. They needed to trust me and for the rest of the tour I'd make sure they did.

Introductions were made and then I needed to talk with her. Colonel Black told me a lot of things but let's face it - he wasn't there until things fell apart. Isabella was and whether it was right or not, she was in charge of these people when Crowley wasn't. I'd make sure she knew that I was nothing like him. I wanted her to trust me more than anyone else and honestly, I didn't know why. Maybe the fact that she was Major's girl was part of it.

As we walked to my office, I tried to imagine her around those beautiful angels of herσ. Here, she was professional and from what I'd gathered, she was bad ass, like her father. I could see a lot of Charlie in the part of the character she showed. She was fierce for one. One look in her eyes and you knew you couldn't fuck with her. I wanted to know more about her, but not from the others. I wanted to be the one she could open up to. And she would.

That was the main reason I told her how I met Charlie and how much he changed my life. Did I try to gain her trust by using him? Sure I did and I knew that he would do the same thing had the roles been reversed. The moment she realized it was her father I was referring to, it was game over for me. We were both molded by the same man after all. Her expression was one of pure torture when I mention him and I was very close in mentioning her children as well but I decided against it for the time being. I had a promise to fulfill to a sweet angel and I wasn't going to go against my word. Never had, never will.

On the mention that I had something for her, I knew that she wanted to leave. We all did. Her eyes glistened with tears when I handed her the envelope and no matter how much she tried to be strong, I knew that once she was alone she would cry her heart out. She was a mother aside from being a Marine, her kids were the axis of her world and I respected that.

≈Ж≈

With Emmett's help, I unloaded my things and gave him Bella's package to give to her. I spent the next eight hours buried in paperwork, checking supply lists, enlisted promotions, NCODP, reenlistments and retentions and many others among them. Bella had done a great job fulfilling the supply list for different sections of the Unit, lifting the burden a bit. The good thing was that the ten days of adjustment Colonel Black gave me, were enough to catch up with everything.

I lifted my head and realized that it was dark outside. The clock on the wall indicated that it was almost twelve. I arranged the papers on my desk and headed out. As I was walking toward my can, I heard a soft cry. There was no way it was an intruder because the dogs would have started barking, escaping from their cages and all hell would break loose. I followed the cry and a saw some light coming from a small tent. I approached as silently as possible and the sight before me almost brought me to my knees. Bella was sitting in front of a small TV, hugging her knees while she rocked herself. Her cheek rested on her knees and she was crying. On the TV were her children, in what seems a back yard; holding a sign saying 'I love you Mommy'. She sniffled and turned her gaze back to the TV and hit play.

'Say something to Mommy,' I heard Sue's voice say.

'We love you, Mommy,' both of them laughed.

The video stopped and she rewound it; hitting play and the same scene started again and then again. Every time she did she cried harder and it broke me to pieces. It was as if I could feel her pain and it was weird because I had experienced situations like hers many times but never this intense.

"I love you too my babies," she chocked. "So very much."

Military terms:

Cans: little one room units with the bathroom/showers in different location.

Enlisted Promotions: The First Sergeant oversees all enlisted programs in his unit. He recommends potential promotions (up to E-4) to the Company Colonel. And he ensures his NCOs know about promotion opportunities in the unit and outside of the unit.

NCODP: Non Commissioned Officer Development Program. The First Sergeant oversees the NCODP program. He is always looking for creative ways to teach and develop his subordinate NCOs. He teaches classes and oversees classes.

Reenlistments & Retention: One of the significant First Sergeant duties is reenlistments and retention. The First Sergeant tracks enlistments and knows when his Soldiers need to reenlist or leave the military. He is very involved with helping his Soldiers make the best decision for their career.

A/N

There you have it… Epov.

Now I can't promise that you'll have an E pov every other chapter as I know the ones that will definitely be his. Anyway…

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing.

Cejsmom thanks you for your awesome Beta skill and Monique a huge fat thank you as well…

You'll find me on Facebook as Penelope Griva and on Twitter as MrsECullenPen.

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Until next time …

Pen…