A/N: Big thanks to Sherry & Cristina for this one.

Chapter 7

BPOV

I spent most of the morning exploring the new house and giving Bruno some TLC. He had been neglected these past few weeks and it had been unfair to him. I mean it wasn't his fault that his mom and dad had fallen out or that Marcus had been sent to prison. Speaking of Marcus, I kinda missed him. I mean, I know we hadn't always gotten along, but we had spent an awful lot of time together. The guy had kinda grown on me. I wanted to see him, see how he was doing, but I wasn't sure Edward would go for the idea and I didn't even know where he was imprisoned. How did you even find shit like that out? Did I ask Edward? Google it, or what?

Asking Edward didn't seem like a good idea, we were barely speaking as it was, but I believed he would throw a bitch fit if I went behind his back. The least I could do is ask him, try things his way and if he doesn't want to cooperate then I guess I am free to look at my other options. I sent him a text, trying my best to be inconspicuous.

Which prison did you say Marcus was in? x

He didn't instantly reply, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to do a little research while I waited. I typed Marcus's full name into the Google search bar. A lot of, shall we say, interesting articles came up, but none of it was what I was looking for. I was just about to set my phone down when Edward finally replied.

I didn't. x

Short, sweet and to the point. I made a face at my phone and considered what I should type back to him, but before I could message him back there was a knock at the door. I set my phone down on the counter and walked over to the front door, wondering who it could be. I didn't think anyone knew where we lived. I was shocked to see Maggie standing on the doorstep. "Hey," I said, opening the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Your husband spoke with my father," she beamed. "He thought you might need some company."

"That was thoughtful of him," I smiled, motioning her inside. I was happy to see her now that I felt more like myself. God knows what she must have thought about the mess I was in yesterday.

"Your home is beautiful," Maggie gushed, as she walked inside. Her eyes were busy darting around, trying to take in every detail.

"Thank you. Would you like me to show you around?" I had completely forgotten about Bruno until I heard a growl coming from behind me. Maggie let out a yelp which only encouraged him more. "No, Bruno. Bad," I said, trying to shush him away, but he was determined to stand his ground. In the end, I had to grab his collar and put him outside. "I'm sorry about that," I said to Maggie. "He usually is a big softie, but he isn't so good with strangers. Though, I thought he would have been okay with you since he saw you yesterday."

"Don't worry about it," Maggie said, shrugging it off. "He's just protecting you." She skipped over to my side and linked her arm through mine. "Now show me the house, I'm dying to see it."

I gave Maggie the grand tour. She was extremely enthusiastic about the house, some of her enthusiasm even rubbed off on me. We talked over design ideas. She even offered to come shopping with me when I went to purchase décor. I'll admit it feels good to have a friend again; someone who wasn't in the lifestyle, someone who I could relax around. Maybe being back in New York wouldn't be such a bad idea after-all.

"You know we should totally have a welcome home party for you," Maggie stated in-between biting the straw in her glass of fresh orange juice. We were now sitting outside by the pool on the sun loungers; Bruno had been put inside, much to his displeasure. The sun was nice, but nowhere near warm enough to sunbathe, though it was nice just to get some fresh air.

I made a face at Maggie wondering how I could politely decline her idea. I certainly wasn't in the mood to have a party. Sure, it would be great to see some of the girls again, but something quiet like this would be better.

"I know, why don't we have the party here?" Maggie exclaimed, sitting forward. Her face was lit up like she had just had the best idea in the world.

"I dunno. I don't think Edward would go for that idea." In fact, I knew that Edward wouldn't go for that idea.

Maggie shrugged. "He doesn't need to know. I mean, he works doesn't he? We could totally arrange it around his work schedule. I would even help you tidy up afterward. He would be none the wiser."

I sighed, knowing that no matter if we tidied everything up, Edward would still know. He had his ways. "Maggie, I don't think-"

"Don't say no!" Maggie pouted, putting her hand on my leg. "At least promise me you will think about it."

"Fine, okay. I'll think about it," I said, but I had no intentions of having any kind of party. I would just let her down easy in a few days.

Maggie and I sat outside talking for a few more hours before she took her leave. It was almost dinnertime. I knew Edward would be arriving home soon with our new housekeeper. I wasn't sure if he expected me to cook something or if we were going to order in. I looked through the fridge and cupboards, but the only thing I could possibly make with the ingredients we had was an omelette and even that was touch and go.

"Isabella?" Edward called, as he came in the front door. I sighed with relief, closing the fridge and walking through to the hall to greet him. Standing by his side was a plump, middle-aged woman, with short brown, curly hair. She was all dressed in black, apart from the flowery shawl she wore over her shoulders, which was a mixture of bright greens, pinks and blues. "Isabella, this is Nora, our new housekeeper. Nora, this is my wife, Isabella."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cullen," Nora said, extending her hand towards me. When I took her hand in mine, she pulled me into her arms and hugged me tightly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Nora," I said a little shocked by her affection, "but please, call me, Isabella. There is no need to be so formal."

Nora nodded. "If that is what you prefer." She then turned to Edward and pulled a brown paper bag from his arms. "I better get acquainted with the kitchen, then I bet you are both hungry. Is it this way?" She asked, pointing down the hall.

"Yes, down that way and to the left," I said, watching her walk away. "She seems nice," I said, turning to Edward once she was gone.

"I'm glad you think so. Hopefully, she will be a good fit. Did Maggie come over?"

"Yes, she did. Thank you for sending her. I enjoyed the company. How did you know about her?" I asked, curious.

"Her father told me you and her were old school friends, when he called me yesterday. I had some things that needed my attention, but I didn't want you to be alone all that time. I called her father and asked if she was free, luckily she was. Did you have fun catching up?"

"I did, thank you."

"Good," he said, taking my hand and pulling me forward. "Come and sit with me until dinner is ready. I want to hear about your day. I'm sure it was better than mine."

I happily followed him to the living room, where he sat down on the sofa, pulling me onto his lap. It felt so good to reconnect with him again, even if it was idle chit-chat. It was a start, and hopefully, it was how our marriage would carry on.