Author's Note: On the fourth day of Christmas Restoration, A Cullen Wannabe gave to meee….more drama to see….

Thanks to AgoodWITCH for working hard to get these back so I can keep to schedule. Also thanks to Deena and Sarah for prereading these. Enjoy Day 4!

Chapter 4

I sat up hot and sweaty, awaking from an endless stream of dreams of Edward; Edward's lips on mine, Edward's hands on my body, Edward's heat pressing in on me from our compressed bodies. It was better than porn and probably even less realistic. Edward was amazing and sweet, but as I tossed and turned the night before struggling to find my sleep, reality hit with painful clarity.

Edward and I both had responsibilities. We lived fifteen hours apart from each other, which means no sustainable relationship was possible and neither of us were the casual type. Hell, I was already halfway in love with him and we'd only held hands and kissed on the cheek. It was just one big recipe for disaster when reality would encroach upon us when the half fairytale, half nightmare week was over and the kids and I would return home to our lives.

I rolled over with a whimper as I curled in on myself. It had been so long since I had felt anything like an attachment to a man, and even longer since I actually felt a deeper intimate connection with one. I tried to pretend my marriage with Jake was happy, but the truth was, he had drifted away from me long before all hell broke loose, I just didn't want to see it. I had almost forgotten what it felt like to have a really intense conversation with a man, to feel the butterflies and the heart palpitations at the lightest of touches from another person. I didn't want to walk away from this amazing thing that was happening. My chest ached at the very thought, but I was a realist. I could never allow anything to happen with Edward because we simply did not have a future. Now I would just have to convince myself of that while in his presence later this morning.

I quickly showered and dressed, setting the alarm on my phone to remind me to go get on my webcam to watch the kids open my presents as I had arranged with Jake. We had set it up a month ago that he could talk to the kids on webcam whenever he wished. He rarely took advantage of the offer, but I'd be damned if I was going to give up at least seeing how happy my presents made them this year.

I pocketed the phone before walking down the hallway to the great room where the Cullen family were already amassed in front of the fireplace, stockings plucked from where the hung along the mantle and sitting in the floor in front of each of them. In front of an open seat next to Edward sat a red and white stocking with a holly leaf and Ho, Ho, Ho stitched on the cuff. I glanced from it to Edward, pausing as he smiled brightly at me.

With a deep crimson blush, I crossed the room to sit awkwardly next to Edward. I couldn't believe that they had gone through the trouble of buying me a stocking and filling it, but that wasn't the least of it. To my shock, amazement, and chagrin since I couldn't reciprocate, there were three neatly wrapped packages under the giant decorated blue spruce for me.

I smiled as I opened the soft sweatshirt with the town's emblem of the word Everwood sitting before a ridge of jagged mountain tops capped with snow and lined with greenery. It was such a sweet thing to do and I loved it. I really loved everything about Everwood. I would most certainly wear it with pride, not that there were very many occasions to wear such a heavy garment back home. I hummed enthusiastically as I stole a bon bon from the sampler box of chocolates from the town's bakery and chocolatier that had also been waiting for me. I made a note to make sure to stop by that place some day before I headed home.

The third gift was the one that brought tears to my eyes. A construction paper angel decorated in golden glitter and small white feathers glued upon the wings stared up at me. Upon the dress of the angel in the lopsided handwriting of a small child was written, "The Angels brought you to us this year, because nobody should be alone on Christmas. I hope you come next year if your kids are with their Daddy too. Love, Millie."

I carefully picked up the angel, stroking its wings gently before looking up at her with a teary smile. "Thank you so much, Millie. It's beautiful and I will treasure it always."

Millie ran over and hugged me as I glanced over at her pride filled father. He looked at me with an expression that told me that he had no clue about the gift, but he was quite pleased. I smirked as I realized this was probably the special project her grandma had suggested before they left us in town to explore the night before.

Millie hugged her Dad before hugging me again and darting off to the kitchen to help her Grandma leaving Edward and I alone in the great room. Edward opened his mouth to say something when my phone began to play Cheryl Crow's version of Sweet Child O Mine. I jumped, shutting off the phone.

"I'm sorry. I have a webcam date to watch my kids open their presents in five minutes. I'll be back in time for lunch okay?"

He looked disappointed, yet understanding. I got up and headed for the hallway before pausing to lean against the doorframe. "Uh…if you don't have anything else to do right now, you can come along and see them. I can introduce them to the man that saved them from having to live with Jake and Nessie full time."

I giggled as his brow crinkled worriedly. "Are you sure?"

I nodded with a smile before gesturing him to follow and practically sprinting to my room. I was so excited to see my babies I could barely stand it. Edward chuckled behind me as he followed. I rushed through the door, flying to the desk where my laptop sat, opening it, and rushing to log in. Within a couple of minutes, I was logged into skype, waiting patiently for Jake to sign in.

Eight o'clock came and went with no familiar chime indicating I'd been pinged and no sign in from Jake. I began to fidget, trying to be patient and not get angry, but lord knows that if the roles had been reversed, Jake would be throwing a hissy fit by now. Edward tried to reassure me that it would be fine, but when ten after eight rolled around, my patience had run out.

I picked up my cell and dialed, waiting for Jake to answer his cell. It went to voicemail. I left a message, then sent a text. Five more minutes later, I decided to try the house phone. As a rule, I only saved the house phone for a last resort, but I was getting anxious. I resisted the urge to throw the phone against the wall when I got the automated voice saying that the phone number was no longer in service. The Jackass could have at least let me know that was the case if I needed him in an emergency.

I tried Jake's phone twice before I finally broke down and called the one number I swore I would never call, but kept just in case of extreme emergency. I tried to steady my breathing as I waited for Nessie to pick up her cell phone. When the line finally was answered, it wasn't the whiney snarky voice I expected, nor the deep bass of Jake's voice that met my ears…no it was the sniffling cries of my son, his sister sobbing in the background while two adults yelled and an infant caterwauled.

"Mommy?"

"Braxton? What's going on baby? Why are you answering Nessie's phone?"

Before Braxton could answer I heard the harpy screaming in the background. "I DON'T WANT THEM HERE! THEY ARE YOUR BRATS, NOT MINE. I HAVE A CHILD TO TAKE CARE OF; I REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURS!"

If it were possible for anger to allow a person to teleport like they did in Star Trek, I'd have flown electronically through the phone to deck them both and take my kids out of there that very second.

"YOU THINK THAT I DON'T KNOW THAT NESSIE? YOU THINK I'M NOT STRUGGLING HERE? YOU KNEW WHEN YOU MARRIED ME THAT I HAD BAGGAGE, SO YOU JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE TO DO. DON'T YOU GET THAT?"

Edward gave me a worried look when my face turned purple as I flew around the room grabbing my purse and coat and throwing on my snow boots. He gestured he'd be right back and dashed out of the room.

"Braxton, I am going to be there as soon as I can. It's going to take about an hour, but I promise I will take you home with me. You and Bailey go into the room your things are and start putting all your clothes and toys in your bags. Get your coats, gloves, and boots ready so we can put them on when I get there. I don't care what the court says, I'm taking you home with me. Don't worry, baby."

"Promise, Mommy?"

I sniffled. "I promise, baby. I'm going to get you somewhere you'll feel safe, I promise. If we're lucky, we'll get back here in time to have Christmas dinner and you can play with Millie. Won't that be nice?"

Braxton sniffled as the room grew quieter.

"I'm coming, baby. I love you and your sister. I'll be there as soon as I can. Hang up and start packing, Baby and try to stay out of their way."

Edward met me in the hall, metal keys hanging from his fingers. "I heard enough to know you need to get over there. What's the deal?"

"It's a long story, but I have to go get them." I cursed and spun, "My car is still in the shop isn't it?"

Joe had dropped off my car at the town mechanic, but between the holidays and the expensive repairs my car needed, it was going to be another couple of days at least before I had it back again.

Edward shook his head. "Yeah, but it's fine. I'll take you in the Range Rover."

I shook my head, tears flowing again. "No. I can't take you away from Millie and your family for Christmas."

Edward denied me as he slid on his Ranger coat. "It's already settled. Mom's officially declared Christmas Dinner will wait for us, although if things go smoothly we should be back in time anyway. An hour there, half an hour to an hour to sort things out, and an hour back would have us getting here by 12:30 anyway. We have plenty of time. Besides, having your kids here would make you happier which would make us all happier and Millie is thrilled to meet your kids.

I sniffled, with a nod as he led me to the Ranger Rover. "Th…Thank you, Edward. I…I'm so upset it wouldn't have been good for me to drive."

He opened the door and helped me in before kissing the hand he used to assist me. "I know and I'm happy to do it. We'll be there in two shakes, just you watch."

With that, Edward quickly crossed to the car and got behind the wheel. I looked over in panic as I remembered something important. "We need to stop by the auto shop to get my car seats. Bay needs a five point harness and Braxton has to use a booster."

He smiled and winked gesturing toward the back. "My Mom is always prepared. She had a feeling we might need Millie's old car seat, so she had me install it when she got up this morning. Braxton can use her booster."

I nodded and melted in my seat, willing my adrenaline soaked body to relax a bit. I wouldn't be fully relaxed until I had my babies back in my arms, but I needed to slow my heart before I gave myself a heart attack.

Before we left town, I pulled out my cell to call my lawyer before I lost signal. According to him, I still didn't have legal grounds to insist they leave with me, but it sounded as though Nessie might be willing to talk Jake into allowing them to leave the home. As long as we stayed nearby so he could see them during the allotted time, the courts would not consider it a violation as long as all parties agreed.

Edward's winter driving skills were far superior to mine, but it still seemed like an eternity before we pulled into the drive in front of the middle class, ranch-style house with the bay window in front. I rushed up the drive to knock on the front door as Edward followed anxiously. I could tell he wasn't sure if he should come or not, but a beckoning nod from me had him following a few steps behind.

It took three loud knocks before the door finally opened, an angry looking Nessie standing in front of the door with a squalling bundle in her arms. "What are YOU doing here?"

I balled my hands into fists in the pockets of my jacket as I willed myself to stay calm and collected. Flipping out on her wouldn't help matters.

"I called earlier when Jake didn't sign into skype so I could see the kids open presents. After calling and texting him, I found out the home phone was disconnected, and then tried yours. The two of you were fighting, but when Braxton saw it was me, he answered. I told him I would be here as soon as I could."

She snarled, apparently unhappy that he answered her phone, but I could see realization dawning in her eyes. She was recognizing the opportunity presenting itself. She glanced in confusion at Edward, her eyes widening at his Ranger coat, before begrudgingly opening the door for us to enter.

I tried to steady my breathing as I saw the mess in the house. It really looked like a cyclone had hit it, and yet very few of the items making it look as such belonged to my kids. There were dirty bottles on the end tables alongside two bundled, apparently dirty diapers. Baby toys and blankets were strewn across every surface. The Christmas presents were still resting under the one step above Charlie Brown status tree, unwrapped and apparently untouched.

Jake stormed out of the back of the house, his eyes narrowed and livid. He stalked to loom over me, but he had never really scared me. I propped my hands on my hips and glared up at him, not backing down an inch.

"You missed my skype date with the kids. I finally got them on Nessie's phone and heard your fight. I want to take them back to the B&B. You can still spend time with them, but they won't have to endure all the fighting and the baby being fussy. I'll bring them to you if I have to, but I want them with me Jake. You aren't happy with them here, she's not happy with them here, and they aren't happy being here knowing they aren't wanted. Please Jake, just let me take them."

I could see the battle in his eyes. It wasn't that he didn't want them to go. I could tell he'd much rather have the break. His resistance was much more just the fact that he didn't want to be inadequate. Typical Jake was having trouble admitting it was too much for him and that he was failing.

He opened his mouth to respond when the sounds of my babies yelling for me came down the hall. Seconds later, I was nearly knocked over with the force of the two of them jumping into my arms at the same time and holding on so tight. I took a deep breath and hugged them to me tightly, kissing both of their cheeks and talking softly to them. Jake said something, but they ignored him, clinging to me, arms and legs suctioned to me like tentacles. They were both in dirty clothes that they had apparently been wearing for more than one day since they had two different lunch item stains on their shirts. Bailey's long dark hair was stringy and obviously hadn't been washed since I dropped them off and Braxton's face was covered in what appeared to be pop tart residue. They both looked exhausted and miserable.

I looked up to see Jake eyeing Edward venomously before glaring back at me. "You sure work fast. You've been here three days and you already have a new boyfriend?"

I raised a challenging eyebrow, because if Edward were by boyfriend, he definitely had no room to talk. It was none of his business anyway. "Not that it's any of your business if he were, but actually, if you'd bothered to listen to my story on the phone the other night, I got in an accident on my way to the B&B. Edward found me, had my car towed, and then took me to the B&B, which happens to be owned by his parents. My car is still in the shop, so Edward brought me to the kids."

Jake eyed him before rolling his eyes. "Yeah, sure, whatever. I'm not sure you're allowed to take the kids. This is my court mandated time. I don't want to lose that."

I rolled my eyes before moving to sit down on the couch with my monkeys still attached. "I told you I'd bring them to you when you wanted to see them if I had to. My car should be fixed in two days. Until then, I'm just over in Everwood. You could come see them there. I already called my lawyer and he said as long as you have access to them whenever you want them then it's fine. I just don't want my babies to suffer all week because this is too much. When the baby is older and has outgrown her Colic, then maybe it will go better for all of you, but for now, it's just too much. Please, Jake."

As if on cue, both my mini negotiators turned their big brown eyes on him in a maneuver they learned from Puss In Boots. "Please, Daddy?" Braxton cooed as Baileys came out more "Pwease, Addy?"

Jake's eyes darted back and forth between them before he sighed. "Okay, okay. We were going to take them to Nessie's family party, but I'm assuming Paul Bunyan skipped out on a family thing to bring you here. How about if I at least get to watch them open the presents from me and then you guys can load up and go."

Nessie sighed behind us, drawing all eyes to her. "By the time you do all of that we're going to be late."

Jake stood up and walked over to her, an apologetic look on her face which pissed me off. My own world was turned upside down this holiday to accommodate them, yet she can't be a few minutes late to her family thing? You would think that after a while I would get used to her selfishness, but somehow I never did.

Jake rubbed her arms and kissed her cheek. "Why don't you go ahead with Bianca? I'll come over once we're all done. Tell them to start dinner without me if they have to."

Nessie began to whine as I glanced at an annoyed looking Edward. He glanced at me. As we locked eyes I rolled mine and he smirked behind his hand. My kids had buried her faces back in my neck after they had gotten their way and I rubbed their backs in slow gently circles as we waited for Jake the appease his fourth kid.

It took fifteen minutes for Jake to help Nessie get everything together and load the car before he finally returned to us. The kids were reluctant to leave my lap but finally did thanks to the lure of gifts. They liked the fancy $100 Robot and the Doll house full of furniture, dolls, clothes and accessories, that all appeared too small for a two year old and many posing a real choking hazard. I'd have to go through and weed out the unsafe items before I let Bailey play with them.

After they opened Jake's gifts, he helped them gather their things to pack while Edward and I carried out the presents I had sent for them to open this morning. We had a special gift opening before we left Phoenix, but I wasn't sure how well Jake would do with presents and I wanted to make sure they had some things to open and knew I was thinking of them Christmas morning.

An hour and a half after we arrived, we finally pulled away, my now freshly dressed kids tucked safely in the back seat. I knew I was tense having them away from me, but I really had no idea how tense I truly had been before I had them back with me. They seemed to take to Edward pretty quickly answering his questions as we drove along the road. Within fifteen minutes, they were both out cold, my own eyes falling closed soon after. Before I knew it, we were back at the B&B.

The whole Cullen clan came out to greet us and help us inside as my children grew shy again, clinging to me tightly, although they did both smile and wave at Millie. When I asked Esme if there'd be time for me to bathe them before dinner she said it would take at least half an hour to get everything set out. I thanked her before carrying my two monkeys to my room. Edward and Carlisle carried in the things and left us alone.

We chatted as I quickly bathed the kids, asking them how things had gone. If I had a dollar for every time I wanted to beat Jake to a pulp during the conversation, I'd have been rich, but I was more grateful they were with me now. I hoped that this would work out better for everyone.

Once they were clean and dry, I tugged out the adorable little outfits I had bought them for Christmas, which Jake hadn't bothered to put on them. I smiled as Bailey did little circles in front of the mirror in her dress with the plaid bodice and little green velvet skirt with bits of green tulle peeking out beneath and matching long sleeve bolero. I had put a matching green bow in her hair and put on her black patent leather mary janes. She looked so cute they could put her on the cover of a magazine.

For Braxton I had purchased a red button-down shirt with matching red and black striped tie. I helped him tie the knot before helping him slide into his patent leather dress shoes and comb his hair. He looked so handsome it brought tears to my eyes.

Both kids held my hands as we walked down the hallway to the great room where the dining table was already set. As we walked in Esme cooed over how adorable they were before directing me to a seat, with settings on either side for my munchkins. We settled in as I smiled at Edward seated across from me. My kids were on their best behavior during dinner, of which I was ever grateful. They started out shy, but by the end of the meal, they were warming up, especially toward Millie.

The second the final bite of dessert was eaten, they dashed off with Millie to play in the sitting area with their new toys, both excited to open their presents from me. I smiled as I watched them dash off before helping Esme with the dishes. She tried to rebuff me, saying I was a guest, but when I argued that she had allowed her son to help me on Christmas so it was the least I could do, she finally allowed it.

When Esme and I escaped the kitchen, I smiled as I saw Carlisle sitting by the tree, all three kids sitting on Edward's lap in the floor with awestruck faces as he read to them the story of Christmas from a picture book. Edward smiled down at them as the three shared his lap without any argument. When Carlisle finished, all the kids begged for another one until I cleared my throat with a smile. Five heads spun toward me, all wearing similar bright smiles.

I chuckled, "Come on guys; let's not push dear Mr. Carlisle." Three pouty little faces made me chuckle harder as I moved to sit down. My two monkeys immediately left Edward's lap to climb up on the couch with me and cuddle in. I smiled and held them close as we melted together into the leather. The soft lighting of the fireplace and the white lights of the Christmas tree were the only illumination in the room, further enhancing the sense of peace I was feeling. After a moment, Braxton turned to me with his big Puss in Boots eyes.

"Mom? Would you sing us Silent Night?"

I felt my face burn. "I don't know, baby."

He made his eyes bigger, "Pleeeease."

Across the room, I heard the soft voice of Millie. "Please, Miss Bella? I want to hear it too."

I sighed and swallowed before nodded. Braxton cuddled to my side again, resting his head on my chest as I ran my fingers through his hair. I could tell Bailey was almost asleep already from her weight against my side. I took a slow breath and began to sing, closing my eyes and enjoying the music. It had been a tradition with the kids and me. We sing every night before bed, and at Christmas time, our playlist is filled with Christmas music, and their favorite is Silent Night. Thankfully it works pretty good with my Alto range.

By the time I finished all three verses, both my babies were out cold. I kissed their foreheads as I continued to play with their soft, clean hair, so grateful to have them with me, yet really wishing they hadn't had to endure what they did in order for it to be so. I glanced at the tree to see their presents still waiting to be opened with a sigh. They could just as easily open them the next day, as they were clearly exhausted.

After a few quiet moments, Edward came over and offered to carry Braxton to bed for me. He was getting heavy and it was ten times worse when he was dead weight, so I was grateful for the offer. He scooped him into his arms and tucked him against his chest before waiting for me to scoop up Bailey and lead the way to our room.

He lay my son down on the bed and told me he'd wait in the hall for me, giving me time to strip them of their dress clothes and try to get them into jammies for the night before tucking them in. It was a challenge as both of my children slept like the dead. Finally, after a lot of wrestling, I managed to get them both out of their dress clothes and into footed pajamas. They sighed and curled together on the bed, apparently content to be back with me.

I smiled and kissed their foreheads before tucking them warmly under the covers. I turned on the light in the bathroom so they could see if they woke up and crept to the door to check on Edward. True to his word, he sat against the wall, waiting patiently for me to come out. When I stepped into the hall, leaving the door cracked so I could hear if my kids awoke, he looked up with a bright smile, his eyes warm and twinkling.

"You have a beautiful voice, Bella. I don't think I'll ever hear Silent Night again without thinking of you singing it tonight."

I blushed again as I slid down to sit next to him in the hall with an exhausted sigh. "Thank you, Edward, for everything. This entire week would have been a disaster without you and your family. I'll never be able to thank you enough."

Edward shook his head lifting his finger toward me with a shake. "No thanks are needed. You don't know this, but you are helping us as much as we are helping you. Millie making you that angel was truer than you could ever know. You and your kids are a blessing to us. They're great kids, Bella, truly, and you are an amazing Mom."

I licked my lips and wiped at a few tears that escaped my eye. "Thank you. I'm doing the best I can at least. I hope it's enough."

Edward reached over and took my hand, brushing his thumb across the back of my knuckles. "I wish Millie had a mother like you. Your kids are so lucky to have you. You are caring and loving, and I have no clue where you get your strength and self-control, because I wanted to beat the hell out of your ex and the brat he's married to."

I snorted a giggle causing Edward to chuckle beside me. "I didn't get it before, but now that I've seen them I REALLY don't get it. How could he have left you for HER? It makes no sense at all."

I sighed and rubbed my eyes with the heels of my palms. "To quote him, she's the soulmate he never knew existed, the other half that makes him whole. I was a good wife, but she's the other half of him."

Edward scoffed, "Well that I guess I see. They're so alike it's disturbing, and not in a good way. I've never seen such selfish people."

I shrugged. "Yeah, well, I think he's already reaping what he's sown if this week was any indication. She's his to live with, not mine. I just have to put up with her during visitations and stuff. He's the one that will have to put up with her 24/7."

Edward laughed hard at that. "I've been where he is. I think he's in for a rude awakening…especially since he's not selfless enough to work around her."

I laughed again, grateful for the release. "Yeah, the impending fireworks might be interesting to see."

We both chuckled lost in our own thoughts before Edward lifted my hand again, holding it on his bent knees and examining it as his fingers drifted over my knuckles. He glanced up at me with a shy smile.

"Bella? I'm going to be on duty again tomorrow night, but I was wondering if you'd want to do something with me before I have to go in. Maybe we could have lunch together and I could show you around a little more? Mom would be more than happy to watch the kids while they play with Millie for you."

I swallowed, my heart aching in a beautifully painful way as the butterflies that had been gently fluttering in my stomach as he played with my hand instantly flew into a frenzy. I bit my lip as I gazed up at him, my heart pounding. "If the kids are okay with it, then that sounds wonderful to me actually."

Edward smiled, standing up and pulling me to stand in front of him. With slow movements, his lifted his hand to tuck the hair on my right side behind my ear. I struggled to breathe, as he stood so close. I wanted to lean forward and kiss him, just one time so I would know and not always wonder what it would be like, but at the same time being too timid to make that move first. My whole body was in a panic, but what rang out loudest of all was my fear that maybe I wasn't ready for this.

Edward's thumb drifted over my cheekbone softly, as if he were memorizing my features before he leaned in slowly to kiss the soft swell of my cheek. My breath hitched at the contact. It had felt good the night before, but tonight it was as if his lips were made of electricity, the warm humming buzz shooting between us setting my heart afire.

When Edward pulled back, his eyes were deep and serious as he breathed in a deep, slow cadence that made his chest rise and fall steadily. I'm not sure what came over me, but after a few seconds that had seemed like an eternity, my hands slid up his shoulders to his neck, pulling him down toward me as I tipped onto my toes to reach him, brushing my lips against his. My knees buckled at the sensation as his arm reached around my waist, supporting me and pulling me close to him. The heat from his body holding me so close felt so much better than what my imagination had conjured the night before, his lips so much softer and delicious that it made me moan.

We stayed wrapped in warmth as our hearts pounded against one another through our clothes, our lips moving together, yet not opening to deepen the kiss. Maybe it was fear, or perhaps self preservation, knowing that once that threshold was crossed my heart would be lost to the man forever, but I pulled away before we took that last intimate step. My face burned with my blush as I gazed up at the delicious sea glass green of his irises. Our lips no longer met, but our bodies had yet to part as I stood there in his grasp, not wanting to let go, but knowing I needed to. This was all too sudden, too soon.

Edward took a deep breath before moving in closer again. I was torn between wanting more than anything to feel his lips on mine again, and my tenuous grasp on that self preservation instinct when a small cry from my room broke us from our bubble.

I pushed back from Edward with an apology and promise to see him in the morning, before dashing into the room, closing the door behind me, and wrapping my baby girl in my arms. She curled in close and was quickly fast asleep, but I held onto her for a long time afterward.

I had never been more scared in my life. So many things made this such a bad idea and I had been burned by love once before, I honestly didn't think I'd ever have the faith to try again, but something about Edward made me move without question, act without double thinking, feel without resistance. The question was would he be the one being I could trust to restore my faith in men enough to give love a second chance, or would he break me just like Jake? Could I survive the aftermath of it if it was the latter? Was this even worth the risk?