Sorry for the delay - health issues with hubs - edits for the next book. Life has been crazy. Thank you for your patience.

The next morning, I made a tray of muffins, brewed a pot of coffee, and let myself into the room used by Alice, Esme, and Rose. I was early because Edward was up and gone before the crack of dawn, although this morning, he hadn't left without a lingering kiss and a whispered, "I love you."

I sat at the empty desk beside the spot I knew Rose worked at every day. When the door opened a short time later, I looked up to see her falter as she entered. Emmett followed her, offering me one of his wide smiles. "Hey, Bella."

"Hello, Emmett."

Rose crossed to her desk, tugging off her jacket. She wore a long-sleeved shirt and dark pants. Her hair swept into a long ponytail. She was beautiful, but looked upset as she sat down; her green eyes, so much like Edward's, regarding me nervously.

"Hello, Rose."

She nodded. "Bella."

"I'll leave you ladies to it. Okay, Rose?" Emmett asked gently.

She drew in a deep breath. "Yes."

"I'll be back later. Wait, are those muffins?"

I chuckled. "There is a basket of them in the kitchen."

He rubbed his hands together. "I am off then. See you later."

He closed the door, and for minutes, the room was silent. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.

"How are you today, Rose?"

"I-I'm good. How are you settling in?"

I huffed out a big breath. "I would be lying if I said it was all good. It's an adjustment."

"Is Edward being difficult?"

The question surprised me. "No, it's an adjustment for him as well. He is trying to help me."

I lifted the coffee pot, pouring us each a cup, adding cream and sugar, and offering one to her. She accepted it with a smile. "You know how I like my coffee?"

"I asked Edward." I picked up the muffins. "He said blueberry were your favorite."

She took one, biting it, and closing her eyes. "These are so good. Thank you." She ate a few bites, then set the muffin on her desk.

"Bella, I know you're married to my brother, and I know I've not been welcoming. I'm sorry."

I shook my head. "I'm not here to make you feel bad, Rose. I was hoping to get to know you a little more. Perhaps become friends."

"I-I'm not very comfortable with new people."

I sighed. "I know, and if you prefer I go, I will. But you're my sister-in-law now, so I'd like to get to know you."

She studied me for a moment, then smiled. "I can't believe Edward got married."

I smiled in return. "I wasn't exactly on his radar, and he certainly wasn't on mine." I leaned forward, earnest. "I love him, Rose. Somehow, it was meant to be. I thought he was going to kill me, but he saved me. And I fell in love with him."

"And he with you. He talks about you all the time when he comes to see me."

"He does?"

"Yes." She sighed. "I know you know my story. I appreciate how patient you have been with me, but I would like to get to know you."

I couldn't hide my delight. "Really?"

"Yes." She bit her lip, then spoke again. "I know Edward isn't an easy man to love. He became what he did because of me. I owe him everything."

"He doesn't regret his choices, Rose. He loves you very much."

"I know. He and Emmett watch over me so well; I know I'm not in any danger. I have an extremely sheltered life, but that is my choice. I'm happy and content. Edward has denied himself all these years. He's been missing something, and I think he finally found it when he found you. However you met, whatever the circumstances, you make my brother very happy, so I would like to try to get to know you." She smiled, looking shy. "You must be very special for Edward to love you as he does."

She reached out and covered my hand. I noticed she shook slightly, but I patted her hand with mine. "Thank you, Rose. It means a great deal to me, and I know it will to Edward as well."

"Are you going to join us here?"

"I would like to—at least some of the time. I like looking after the house and Edward."

"I'm glad. He needs that. I'll look forward to you being here more."

Esme and Alice walked in, seeming shocked to see me.

"Bella!"

"Hi, Esme. Good morning Alice. Rose and I were having coffee. Would you like some?"

"Yes."

"Alice?"

"Please!"

Rose lifted the basket. "She made muffins too. I was just going to tell her more about what it is we do here."

Esme met my eyes with a small smile. She accepted a muffin and sat next to me.

"Go ahead, Rose."

~00~

The kitchen door swung open, and Edward strode in. His pace was fast, his face wreathed in smiles as he approached me. Before I could react, he swept me off my feet, kissing me hard. Wrapped in his arms, feeling his adoration radiating from his kiss, I was caught up in his passion, returning his kiss as fiercely as he gave it to me.

He pulled back, leaning his forehead onto mine. "Bella, my wife, you wonderful girl. I love you."

"Why?" I whispered, my lips still feeling the possessive touch of his.

"What you did. Going to see Rose. Making the effort." He leaned back, his eyes glowing in delight. "You have no idea. Thank you."

"I wanted to try. You did last night, so it was my turn today."

"I don't deserve you."

"Yes, you do."

He cupped my cheek. "So brave again. I like it."

"I'm going to see Mrs. Cope this afternoon."

A slight frown creased his forehead. "Can you do it next week?"

"You mean after Wednesday?"

His frown grew.

"I heard you last night, Edward. I would like to see her today, but if you prefer me to wait, I will."

"No, Felix will accompany you. There is already someone stationed by her room, so it's fine. I just hate letting you out of my sight."

"I'll be careful. I won't leave Felix's side."

"You can't go yet."

I frowned. "But I sent you lunch; did Felix not give it to you?"

"Yes, he did."

"You're still hungry? I can make you something else."

He lifted me to the counter, pushing himself between my legs. "I'm hungry all right. I want dessert." He slid his hand up my thigh. "I want you for dessert."

I draped my arms over his shoulders, feeling a rush of desire. "Oh."

His lips dragged along my cheek, ghosting to my ear. "I'm starving for you."

He bit down on my lobe, tugging the tender flesh with his teeth. "Say it, Bella. Tell me what I want to hear."

"I want you," I pleaded, pushing on his jacket.

"What do you want me to do?"

He knew I was still shy, but he loved it when I talked dirty to him.

"I want you to . . . taste me."

He yanked my panties down my legs, spreading them wide.

"And then?"

"Fuck me, Edward. I want you to fuck me." I inhaled. "Hard."

He dropped to his knees. "I love it when you get bossy."

My head fell back as his mouth covered my aching center.

I loved being bossy.

~00~

Mrs. Cope smiled at me, still looking pale and weak.

"Bella, dear, you look well."

I kissed her cheek, placing the flowers I had brought on her bedside table.

"I am. Edward sends his love."

She sighed. "I miss you both—so much."

I patted her hand. "We know. But the important thing is for you to get well again."

"I'm not sure I'll ever be able to return."

"Hush," I soothed her. Edward already knew what her doctor's opinion was about her recovery. She would never work again. "We will figure something out." I stood and fluffed her pillows. "How about I get some tea?"

"I would love that. You can tell me everything I'm missing."

I spent some time making up funny stories about things at the house. She loved the ones I told about learning how to make pasta with Felix, and the mess I created when I dropped the bag of flour. When she grew tired, I rose from my chair.

"I will let you rest, but I will be back next week. Perhaps Edward can come with me."

She patted my cheek. "You are such a dear girl." She held up her hand. "Oh, wait. I need my purse."

I opened the drawer and handed it to her. She reached in and withdrew a set of keys and a transponder. "My car and house keys and pass to get in the gate. I am sure Mr. Cullen needs them back."

I took them, turning the transponder over, running my finger over the piece of tape.

"Oh," she whispered. "Don't tell them. I could never remember the password to get back in, so I wrote it on that piece of tape. Pull it off before you give it to him."

Chuckling, I kissed her cheek. "I will."

She sighed and closed her eyes. "Thank you for coming, dear."

"You're welcome."

I slipped the keys and transponder into my purse and then went into the hall.

Felix stood. "Are you ready, Bella?"

"Yes. I need to make a stop, if that is all right. Only a quick one."

He nodded. "Of course. Mr. Cullen said to take you wherever you wanted to go." He winked. "As long as you came home quickly to him."

I returned his grin.

~00~

Later that night, I relaxed in the tub, the steam swirling around me. The sound of our bedroom door opening made me sit up. Edward's tired face appeared around the door.

"Room in there for one more?"

"Always."

He came in, shrugging off his shirt. He undid his belt, allowing his pants to drop to the floor, leaving him in only his boxers. I watched as he tugged them down his thighs and stepped away from the pile of clothes. He stopped to pull his watch from his wrist and caught me studying him in the mirror.

"Like what you see, my wife?"

I slid forward, making room for him. I smiled as he walked toward the tub.

"Very much so."

He slid in, wrapping his arms around me, bringing me tight to his chest. He dropped his face to my neck.

"So brazen you are these days."

I giggled as he teased my skin with his tongue.

With a sigh, he leaned back, taking me with him.

"I have longed to be close to you all day, Bella."

I traced his hands, toying with his ring. "Are you all right, Edward?"

"I will be."

I knew what he was telling me without words. Tomorrow was the day they were moving against their latest target. I knew nothing, expect it was huge, and Edward was very worried about it. He didn't like to talk about what he did, and I didn't try to push him.

"Will you be gone long?"

"Two days, maybe three." His arms tightened around me. "Bella, you must promise to stay here while I'm gone. Esme, Alice, and Rose will be staying here. Carlisle will join them when he isn't at work. There will be security and you will be safe, but I must have your word you will not leave."

Esme had already warned me that would happen. She said every time they were gone for a longer than normal period, they all stayed in the safety of the house. "I know, Edward. I made sure I had everything we would need. I won't leave, I promise."

He pressed a kiss to my head. "Thank you."

"I need your promise as well."

"Oh? What promise might that be?"

I turned and met his green gaze.

"That you will come home safe to me, Edward. I need you. I love you."

His eyes softened and he cupped my cheek. "I will, Bella. We are ready, and once we shut down these lowlifes, I will come home to you. I will be back as quickly as I can."

"I know."

"I have never had someone to return to until now. Until you."

"I will always be here."

He kissed me, his mouth hard and possessive. After a few moments he rose, lifting me with him. He stepped out of the tub, water cascading off our skin, hitting the floor like raindrops. He laid me on our bed, hovering over me.

"I love you," he murmured.

I reached for him, pulling him down to me, needing to feel his weight on me. Needing to feel him.

"I love you, Edward."

Thanks for reading. Many thanks to Midnight Cougar for her beta work.