My days consisted of running errands and making phone calls for Esme; she was planning some Valentine's charity event for a few days from now. I welcomed the menial tasks. They kept my mind from wandering through a field of questions, all beginning with what if and why now.

My nights were spent entertaining guests at Esme and Carlisle's house.

Though awkward at first, I enjoyed spending time with my former in-laws. Dinner and conversation had become something to look forward to, even if the conversation was only superficial, never scratching the surface of substance - my relationship with Edward and the Cullens' relationship with me.

Yet, I sat at the table every night and watched as Esme hosted fellow members of her church and the philanthropies she chaired. She was gracious and listened to the visitors who had stopped by to offer their support in words and platitudes. Some guests brought dessert and stayed for coffee while others dropped off casseroles of every kind.

Casseroles were, of course, the universal grief and support food.

Esme smiled and laughed, putting on a good show, but I could tell she was worried about her son. She inconspicuously glanced at the grandfather clock each evening, most likely wishing the night was over and a new day was ushered in so she could be with Edward at the hospital.

A few of the guests were Carlisle's colleagues; they liked to discuss the particulars of Edward's condition and provide their professional opinion on his prognosis. Though most of their medical jargon flew over my head, I desperately wanted to believe them when they said everything would be okay.

They all made sure to include me, making me feel like a part of the family again. If anyone thought it was odd I was staying with the Cullens, they didn't mention it. Esme simply introduced me as a friend of hers to the acquaintances I'd never met. Plus, Alice and Jasper were there to keep me company.

Nine days had passed since Alice helped me move into the guest suite at my former in-laws' house. However, I was packing my things to move to yet another room; Edward was coming home today.

I had offered again to go back to a hotel or stay with Alice and Jasper in order to avoid being under the same roof with my ex-husband. They wouldn't hear of it. It wasn't until a couple days ago when I overheard Carlisle and Esme discussing the logistics of Edward being discharged that I realized my presence caused some problems they hadn't fully considered.

Esme tried to convince Carlisle to have rails installed in his bathroom shower just in case and to buy a small refrigerator for his room so he didn't have to traverse the stairs in his condition. I listened to their conversation and realized the first floor guest room I was currently occupying would solve all their problems. It was originally an in-law suite for Carlisle's mother until she passed away a few years ago. If I went back to a hotel, Edward could stay on the first floor and have easier access to the kitchen, library, office, and home gym where he'd be doing his rehab. They only conceded to my suggestion when I agreed not to leave, but to move my things to Jasper's old room for the rest of my stay.

I opted to stay at the house to tidy up and finish transferring my things while the rest of the family waited at the hospital for Edward to be discharged.

My motives in doing so were partly due to the fact that five people weren't needed to help Edward from the wheelchair to the car. I was certain Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, or Alice could handle that task. Plus, I didn't want to see Carmen, and Edward probably didn't want to see me.

Someone also needed to be at the house to meet the physical therapist who would be stopping by to assist Edward in his recovery.

The house was empty and silent, which was rare. I had grown accustomed to the sound of other voices. I would miss it when I returned to my solitary existence back home.

Hot and sweaty from my morning move, I decided to get cleaned up before everyone returned. As I stepped into the shower, it occurred to me that my shampoo was still in the downstairs bathroom. I put on a robe, wrapped my hair in a towel, and was walking through the foyer to retrieve my toiletries when the doorbell rang. The trainer wasn't supposed to arrive for another half hour. I couldn't exactly bolt up the stairs and get dressed first because the stranger could see me through the ornate glass windows in the front door. Cinching the belt of my robe a little tighter, I decided not to make the poor person wait any longer.

I swung open the door to see a burly sort of man. He was dressed in sweatpants and a sweatshirt that proudly displayed the insignia for the University of Texas, which was most likely his alma mater. He had a duffel bag clutched in his left hand.

Although he was huge and looked quite intimidating, his face had this boyish, almost innocent cuteness to it. From his short and curly, dark hair to the dimples that framed his smile, I could tell he was a softy.

"Um, okay. I thought I had the right place," he stated as he looked from me to the numbers on the door.

"I'm sure you do. You must be the physical therapist here to see Edward Cullen," I responded to reassure him that he was indeed at the right house.

He took that as an invitation to enter as he walked across the threshold.

"Hi, I'm Emmett, and yep, I'm here to bust Edward's behind into shape. I'm a little early." He grinned as he held his hand out for me.

"I'm Bella. Nice to meet you." I returned the shake and the smile.

Recognition gleamed in his eyes. "You're Bella? Wow. Okay then."

"I see the Cullens have filled you in on me."

"I wouldn't say Cullens, more like Cull-en."

At my obvious befuddled look, Emmett explained, "Edward and I go way back."

How far back? I'd never heard of him. Was Emmett a part of Edward's life before he moved to Georgia? Did they keep in touch? If so, how come I'd never heard of him?

"So…you're from HotLanta huh?"

"That I am," I answered, shaking my head to clear the thoughts. "Although, we're trying to stop the use of that stupid nickname. We're sophisticated now. Can't you tell?" I waved my hand over my robe.

It took Emmett a few seconds, but his eyes went from perplexed to suspicious as he narrowed them at me. "I think I'm gonna like you. Bet you kept Edward on his toes." He chuckled.

I cleared my throat before responding, suddenly feeling a bit awkward. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go get dressed. Make yourself at home; they should be back any minute now."

I finished my shower quickly but took my time getting dressed, delaying the inevitable. Maybe if I stayed up here, I could miss all the nasty glares that Edward was sure to throw my way. I could have food brought up to me; Esme wouldn't want me to starve. I had everything I needed, even my trusty laptop…except I couldn't find it.

Damn! I left it downstairs. Maybe I could sneak down and then back up.

I crept downstairs, making my way toward the family room. I rounded the corner and heard familiar male voices. They were back.

I stopped in my tracks when I heard Edward's voice, hesitant to enter with him present.

"Emmett, how do you read that crap? You know they print nothing but trash in those."

"I don't know, Eddie boy. You'd be surprised what you'd find in here."

"Oh, yeah. Like what?" That was Jasper.

"Allow me to school you two," Emmett answered.

Curious, I peeked around the corner and saw Emmett sitting in the center of the wrap-around couch. Jasper sat on the arm of it next to Edward who lounged in the built-in reclining chair, wearing a baseball hat. He must've really been missing his hair.

Emmett held a magazine in his hand. Judging by their conversation, it was of the gossip variety.

As I watched them goofing off - Emmett showing way too much interest in the articles and Edward jokingly punching Jasper on the arm - I realized just how much had changed. Once upon a time, I would've known where I fit in. I would've been sitting in Edward's lap, his arm around my waist, laughing along with them. Instead I was relegated to the sidelines, watching as the life I used to know carried on without me.

Emmett's boisterous voice brought me back to the room. His face was pushed close to the magazine, eyes wide with surprise.

"You guys remember that Riley Biers kid?"

"Sounds familiar," Jasper replied, furrowing his brow in concentration.

"Yeah, I remember him. He was a couple years younger than me. Remember, Jas, he played ball for South Garland?" Edward reminded him.

"Oh yeah! Wasn't he the lead in that movie Crosshairs?"

"That movie so sucked." Edward snickered.

"Apparently that isn't all that sucked," Emmett added. "Says here that reps have confirmed that Riley Biers is set to wed his long-time partner Alec Blake. The two were confirmed as a couple after Riley Biers announced he was gay after months of speculation."

"No way. He's gay? Get outta here," Jasper said as he got up to read the article for himself.

"Told you it was informative, didn't I?" Emmett gloated. "Two dudes getting married. Wonder what that's like?" he fake pondered, tapping his chin.

"Oh, you know. I bet it's just like an episode of Leave it to Beaver just without the…"

I laughed along with them at Jasper's little joke. Unfortunately, my laughter alerted them to my presence, and all eyes were on me.

"Um, sorry. I just came to get my laptop." I pointed it out laying on the end table closest to Edward. "I'll just get it and leave you be."

"No, it's okay, Bella," Jasper protested. "We're about to have lunch. Esme and Alice are in the kitchen heating up leftovers."

"Let me guess…chicken and rice?"

"Tuna noodle," Alice chimed in as she walked into the room. "Oh, hi, Bella. Have you met Emmett?"

I was about to respond when Emmett beat me to it. "Yep. Me and B are real acquainted with each other. I've already seen our girl here in her skivvies."

He winked at me as my face flushed.

My mouth, already agape, was set to offer a protest to Emmett's version of events when I was interrupted yet again.

"What the hell does that mean, Emmett?" Edward demanded, his forehead crinkling as he narrowed his eyes.

Emmett let out a hearty chuckle before responding. "Don't get your panties all in a twist, Eddie boy. She was wearing a robe. Wait, Bella." He turned his attention to me. "You were wearing skivvies under the robe, right?"

He winked at me again before turning his face back to Edward, fighting a smile.

I knew all of Edward's expressions, although they didn't make sense to me right now. Even with the baseball hat, I recognized that vein in his forehead and could tell he was probably grinding his teeth from the clench of his jaw. Edward's hands gripped the arm of the recliner hard enough to turn his knuckles white. I wondered if he was in pain or if he reacted like that because of Emmett's teasing.

"Better be careful, Em. Don't let Rose hear you talk like that," Alice warned.

The smile all but vanished from his face. "I was only kidding," Emmett argued, his voice still playful. "But you won't tell her, right?"

Alice just smirked as Jasper chuckled, slightly shaking his head with disbelief.

"Alice? Al? Buddy?" Emmett pleaded.

"That'll teach you. I think I'll hold on to this knowledge for later use," Alice threatened.

Emmett turned to Jasper and whined, "Your wife is evil."

I watched the whole exchange. Alice was anything but. She effectively broke up the tension in the room just by being herself. She even got Edward to relax his hold on the chair.

"Well, you guys heard me, didn't you? Tuna noodle casserole is ready to be devoured. We still have like two whole baking pans left of the stuff."

We all sat at the large dining room table as Esme set the serving dishes before us. I had waited for Edward to be seated, so I could sit as far from him as possible.

Being at opposite ends of the table didn't stop him from shooting me the stink eye, however. I realized too late that I should have sat on the other side.

Averting his gaze, I silently forked leftover casserole into my mouth.

"So, Emmett. What do you have my son eating…or drinking rather?"

"Just a protein shake, Mrs. C," Emmett answered and then returned to shoveling food in his mouth. After swallowing he explained. "Don't worry. I'm just here to make sure Mr. Sensitive over there…" He pointed his fork in the direction of Edward's scowl. Emmett grinned back and answered, "Yeah, you. Anyway, those shakes will help him get some of the protein he needs to keep up with the workouts I'm gonna subject him to. I'm just making sure he gets back to where he was before the surgery."

"That may not be possible," Edward replied. "Don't worry, Mom." He preempted Esme's concern. "And speaking of," Edward paused to take a sip of his shake, "I don't need Grandma's old room. I'll be fine with my room upstairs. I just want things to go back to normal."

I sunk a little lower in my seat when he glanced at me again.

"Edward, are you sure, dear? I want you to be comfortable and to rest. I'm not so sure going up and down the stairs-"

"Mom, I'm okay. Please don't worry about me. Emmett is gonna bust my butt back into shape so he can try and beat me at racquetball."

"Try? Oh, you so know I kicked your butt last time, Eddie," Emmett countered.

"Keep wishing, Emmie."

"I'd be careful if I were you, I have the power to make you do my bidding."

Their pseudo-argument was cut short by the piercing ring of my cell phone. The table grew quiet, watching as I fumbled to retrieve the phone from my pants' pocket.

"Hello."

"Bella, it's Kate. I just talked to Garrett, and he loves Masen!" she squealed through my phone. Edward looked up and met me with inquiring eyes, and that's when I realized I had accidentally put the phone on speaker.

"Hi…um…can you hold on just a sec?" I asked as I silently excused myself from the table where all eyes were on me again.

"No, no. This'll just take a minute," she prattled on.

I tried exiting the dining room before anything else could be overheard, but Kate was talking a mile a minute in her eagerness.

"He wants to have dinner when you get back and talk about the proposal."

I scooted around all the other chairs as quickly as I could, but before I had a chance to get into the kitchen, everyone had pretty much heard the rest of the conversation.

Her voice finally dropped to a normal octave while she barreled on. "Of course, we still have the lawyers looking into possible scenarios, but in the meantime, your initial work is in first stage editing. So take all the time you need. Alrighty. Gotta run. Talk to you soon."

No sooner than the phone call ended and I had returned to my seat, Emmett interrogated me.

"Who's Masen, and why does Garrett love him? Is this like the Riley Biers thing all over again?" Emmett chuckled.

"She talked kinda loud," Alice offered as an excuse for my conversation being overheard and for Emmett's rudeness.

"So you have something to tell us about this Masen guy? He taking you out to dinner, like a date?" Emmett wiggled his eyebrows at me.

"Uh…uh…" I stammered.

I had just met Emmett, and I didn't really feel like disclosing such personal information with the current audience. I also didn't want to jinx myself and jump the gun by announcing I might soon be a published author. I avoided eye contact and focused on my chewed up cuticles. I tried to come up with a plausible answer when someone shoved away from the table.

"Edward…" Esme said.

At the same time Emmett yelled out, "Hey, where you going? I own your ass for the next two hours, buddy!"

"It's…it's okay. Let me." I looked up and gestured for Esme to sit back down before following Edward into the foyer.

"Edward…wait…"

He stopped in his tracks but didn't turn around to face me.

I walked toward him and hesitantly placed my hand on his elbow. He shrugged off my touch and shoved his hands in his pockets.

His voice barely above a whisper, he asked, "Do you care for him?" as he turned around to finally face me, avoiding eye contact.

"Care for who?"

He gave me a you-know-what-I'm-talking-about look and pursed his lips.

"No, really. What do you mean?"

He sighed heavily. "If you don't want to tell me who Masen is, Bella, you don't have to."

I was caught off guard by his question - I mean, he had Carmen. Plus, his mood swings were starting to give me whiplash. He went from deadly gazes to inquisitive stares to pseudo-jealousy, all in the span of an hour.

I was once again left without words…just a memory.

It was a little over three years ago, right before Christmas. Edward was working a late shift at the hospital. I was waiting up for him in bed, typing away on my laptop when the front door opened and shut.

"I'm awake, you don't have to be quiet," I yelled out to him.

"Damn, am I glad to be home." He sighed entering the bedroom, emptying his pockets of his keys and wallet and depositing them on his dresser.

"Long day?"

"Just crazy. I lost a patient."

"Oh no! You wanna talk about it?"

He crawled into bed next to me after kicking off his shoes. Resting his head against the headboard, he said, "She was maybe in her late forties. Comes in complaining of vomiting only, at least that's what the triage nurse noted."

Being married to a doctor had helped with my understanding of hospital speak, and Edward's explanations helped me to keep up when we talked about our days.

"So she tells me that she's been spitting up pure blood, and it was clumpy, which means it was clotting." He looked at me to make sure I was following. I nodded slightly, and he continued. "So I'm thinking…why the hell wasn't that on the triage report?

"So I ask the normal questions. Blood in stool? Prior medical history, you know?

"She goes on to tell me how she's been bleeding for the past three days and how a year ago or so, a doctor told her she had a problem with her liver, Cirrhosis. I look at her monitor readouts and see she's about to crash. Heart rate over a hundred and BP way low.

"I yell for the nurse to cross for six units and page the GI unit stat. You know what the patient said? 'Oh no, I guess I'm sick, huh?' All I could do was chuckle. I mean, she's crashing, yet asking about herself as if asking for the time. She bled out on the table."

I knew it was coming, but I grimaced anyway at his explanation of her death.

"The worst part…the worst part was telling her husband. He completely broke down, sobbing uncontrollably…kept saying, 'Not her, God. Not her.' We had to sedate him."

"I'm sorry," I said, trying to console him as I ran my fingers through his hair. "What was her name?"

Edward once told me that he tried to remember his patients' names so he could remember to treat them like a person and not a number. He wasn't really supposed to share that information with me – HIPAA laws – but who was I going to tell?

He grabbed my wrist and turned his head to place a soft kiss on its underside.

"Cynthia Martin. You know, I don't think I'd be in any better shape if I lost you."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Good. Because I'm never leaving," he promised before leaning over and kissing me sweetly.

I loved the taste and feel of his lips, sweet like honey. When he kissed me, I tended to forget to breathe. "Mmm…that's what I like to hear."

He deepened the kiss and closed my laptop, placing it beside me. He grabbed my hip and pulled me on top to where I was straddling him. "You know what I like to hear?" he asked, his voice breathy and deep.

He deftly ran his fingers up and down my sides and up and under my breasts, circling his thumbs over my nipples. "What's that?"

"The sounds you make when I do this…"

He demonstrated by cupping my breast fully while suckling on my neck. I tilted my head to give him better access and gave him what he wanted. I moaned softly and started to roll my hips upon his growing erection, loving the friction.

"I want you," he whispered.

"Take me," I answered.

And he did.

Skin to skin. Heart to heart. Just him and me as I rode from one orgasmic wave to another. Our gazes locked on each other. No words needed.

I rested my forehead against his after we both got our fill of one another. He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his hands on my backside.

"Thank you, Mr. Martin."

Edward laughed, shaking us both. "What was that?"

"I'm just thanking the man that made my husband realize how indispensable I am." I grinned.

"I've always realized that. He just reminded me."

"Thus…my gratefulness. Maybe I should write him a letter." I giggled.

"You could start a letter writing campaign to all unsuspecting folks that help complete strangers have mind-blowing sex," he quipped.

"You know. You might be on to something. Hmm…out of respect, I can call my first one a Letter to Masen…have to change the name and all. Protect his identity, you know." I smirked, looking into my husband's bemused face. "And mind-blowing huh?" I asked as I started moving my hips again.

"Uh huh," he groaned, pulling me down with him, rolling me over. We kissed like teenagers until he was ready again, making love for most of the night. He had trouble shutting down after his emotional day, so we lost ourselves in each other: meeting sigh for sigh and thrust for thrust, again and again.

Edward's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Bella?"

"Um, sorry. What did you ask?" I was stalling, and he knew it.

"You know what I asked." His tone was impatient.

How to answer this? Did I even owe him an explanation? Honesty was best, right?

"Yes," I whispered.

His lips formed a tight line, and he walked away from me, saying nothing more.