"Are you certain?" Edward frowned as he flipped through the papers.

Garrett shook his head. "What else can I give you to prove it, Edward? It's his DNA. James is dead."

A rush of relief flooded me. This was the news we'd been waiting for. I watched Edward process the information. Slowly, the realization of Garrett's words sunk in. Edward's expression cleared.

"The threat is over."

"Yes. Your team, your wife, and your identity are safe."

Edward met my eyes, his relief blatant. His gaze dropped to my stomach then lifted back to my eyes. I knew what he was thinking. His family was safe. That was paramount to him. We had become more important than his work. More important than anything. I knew it without a doubt. Our gazes locked and held. Love blazed from his eyes as he looked at me, and he nodded slightly.

He stood. "This is good news, Garrett. Thank you." He drew in a deep breath. "And I have some news for you as well. I'm leaving the squad."

The entire room, myself included, stared in shock. Felix, Jasper, Emmett, and Carlisle were in the room with us, all anxious for the confirmation of James' death. They were as surprised as I was at his words.

"Edward," Garrett protested. "You can't be serious."

"I am. Things have changed, Garrett. My life, my priorities have changed. Next time, I might not be so lucky, and Bella, my family, is too important for me to risk."

Garrett shook his head in disbelief. "Edward …"

Edward's voice dropped, his face serious. "It isn't only about me anymore."

Garrett frowned.

"Bella is pregnant, Garrett. I have to protect her at all costs."

Garrett huffed out a long breath.

"Edward, this division, this team, will be lost without you."

"No. Felix can do this. He's the obvious choice. The men respect him, and he'll do an outstanding job. He is exactly who you need to lead the team." Edward paused. "He can give you one hundred percent of himself, Garrett. I no longer have that to give."

Garrett's shoulders slumped. "I understand. I always knew this day would come." He lifted his shoulder with a small smile. "I'd hoped I would have been retired before it happened. But I'm happy for you, Edward." Garrett smiled and leaned forward, extending his hand. "For you both. Congratulations."

Edward shook his hand with a nod. "We can discuss this in private later and figure it all out."

Carlisle walked Garrett to the door. Felix stood, his expression serious. "Edward, I am honored you think I can lead this team, but—"

Edward shook his head. "No buts, Felix. You are the right man. I discussed this a long time ago with Jasper and Emmett. They both agreed when the time came, you were the one to step into my shoes."

Jasper and Emmett nodded.

"I plan on stepping back myself in a few years," Emmett stated. "But until I do, I agree with Edward. You're the man to lead us."

Felix glanced toward me and I smiled. I knew how much Edward trusted him and how highly he thought of Felix. We had become close, and there was no doubt Edward had chosen well.

"You'll be a great leader," I assured him.

He smiled and left the room. Like Edward, he always needed a little time to think things over when it came to something that affected him on a personal level. When it came to what they did, the lives they saved, and the risks they took, their decision-making process was instant and unquestionable.

Edward glanced at me and looked toward Jasper and Emmett. They stood and left the room. Carlisle stood to follow.

"I'll give you some privacy, but this evening we are celebrating this. All of it. The end of this, and the beginning of your new life, Edward. I'm so happy for you both." He pulled the door closed behind him.

Edward crossed over and crouched beside me.

"Are you all right, Bella?"

I cupped his cheek. "I'm fine. A little surprised. Are you sure about this, Edward?"

He met my inquisitive gaze with a look of determination. "Yes. I've been thinking about it for a while." He placed his hand on my stomach, rubbing it gently. "Our child needs a world free from all of this. From the danger it brings to our life. I want to disappear with you. Start fresh in a place free from blood and fear. I want to live my life in peace with you. With our family."

"But you feel so strongly about this cause."

He nodded. "And it will continue after I leave. After Emmett and Jasper leave. Garrett knew I would go." He sighed. "Eventually, we all have to walk away before it consumes us." He tilted his head to the side, studying me. "I admit if you hadn't come into my life, I would have gone on for longer. But you awakened parts of me I kept buried, Bella. The parts that allow me to feel more than anger and hate and the need for revenge. Now I know James is dead, I can walk away. I want to grab those feelings and live."

"I love you," I whispered.

He smiled. "That is the greatest gift of my life. That and our little one growing inside you. You have brought me to life, Bella. And now it's time to move on from the past and into the future. Our future."

I leaned forward, and he met me halfway, our mouths connecting with tenderness. His kiss always made me feel his love.

"I like what the future holds."

He kissed me again. "Me too, Bella. Me too."

~0o0~

I pushed some jars aside and peered into the depths of the refrigerator with a dissatisfied groan. I was desperate for grape jelly. On soft, doughy white bread. And a glass of milk.

The problem was it was the same craving I'd had for the past few weeks. Twenty-four hours a day. Edward had made sure I had several jars of my favorite brand in the cupboard, but between the cravings and my stress level at him being away, I had eaten it all.

And drank the milk.

I squinted at the clock. It was early—not even seven a.m. I never slept well when Edward was gone, and this time was no exception.

I shut the door with a huff. Edward would be home in a few hours, and then I could go to the store and get some more jelly and bread. Or if I texted him, he would stop before getting home. I looked down at my round belly, rubbing it. Even though I was safe, he preferred me not to leave the house without an escort. Preferably him.

"You have to wait, baby," I murmured.

As if in protest, there was a little push against my hand. I laughed quietly. "Just like your father—impatient. There is nothing I can do, so you just have to be patient."

Sounds from outside drew me to the window. The grounds crew was already outside, working in the gardens. I knew they would wait until after eight to start cutting the grass, but since I was awake, there wasn't really any reason for them to do so. Edward had only changed that guideline when I became pregnant, and he didn't want my sleep interrupted.

I opened the back door and stepped outside. Over the past couple of months, Edward had relaxed, and once he did, I found myself feeling better. More open and at ease with my life. I made sure to introduce myself to all the workers allowed on the property. I wanted to be part of the daily activity, and I enjoyed talking to them since I had always loved gardening.

Felix was busy shadowing all of Edward's moves and getting ready to step into his role. I missed him and our friendship. I had a new bodyguard, Sam, who followed me around, ensuring my safety and that the workers understood exactly who I was. I ignored him for the most part. He was even more intense than Felix and, despite my efforts, remained aloof. So I went along, doing what I wanted, getting to know everyone and causing Sam to huff in frustration.

On occasion, Edward would call me into his office and ask me to "give Sam a break". But his attempts to hide his grin when he did so, let me know he was fine with my behavior. He often kissed me, telling me how proud he was of his wife. The fact that I liked to know the names and people who worked here made him smile. He chuckled at the cases of water and snacks I kept in the shed and handed out when I went to say hello to them. But I noticed how often he would appear by his window observing me as I went around chatting and making sure everyone was hydrated. He was ever watchful, and I liked knowing he took the time to make sure I was all right.

I knew Sam was in the house. I had heard him earlier. Unlike Felix, he checked on me rather than being constantly beside me. I preferred it, given our more distant relationship. Sam would work in the office until Edward arrived home, and then he would leave unobtrusively. There were men outside, but I rarely saw them. They watched the house from another building, making sure the grounds were safe. I was looking forward to the day when it was only Edward and myself and our family.

As it was, it was only us today, as Alice, Esme, and Rose were having a shopping day and the rest of Edward's men were with him. I had used my exhaustion as an excuse not to go. I wanted to be home when Edward arrived, and I hated shopping.

I stepped outside, breathing in the humid air. It was going to be a hot day. I approached the men working in the garden with a smile.

"Good morning!"

They all looked up with smiles. "Good morning, Mrs. Cullen." They greeted me.

"It's going to be hot. I have water in the fridge and I got some of those crunchy bars you all love. The door is open to the shed, so please help yourself."

They all thanked me.

My favorite crewmember came around the corner. "Hi, Mrs. Cullen."

I smiled. "Hi, Tom. Haven't seen you the last couple of weeks."

He shook his head. "Yeah, bit under the weather."

"Well, I hope you're better."

He nodded. "Much. You're up early."

I chuckled, rubbing my stomach. "Someone is kicking. You can start cutting the grass anytime. I'm awake and the only one here right now, so you won't disturb me."

"Great."

I sat down with a sigh as the crew started back to work.

"Are you okay, Mrs. Cullen?"

I smiled. "Aside from my craving and missing my husband, I'm good."

"Craving?" Tom grinned. "My wife had those bad. What are you wanting?"

"Grape jelly sandwiches on white bread. With gobs of butter."

He laughed. "Are your supplies low?"

"Empty."

"Oh, that's bad news."

I nodded.

"I'll run and pick up some for you."

"I can't ask you to do that."

He waved his hand. "You didn't—I offered. Jack won't mind. I'll run to the store, grab the stuff, and be back in ten minutes." He studied me earnestly. "My wife would expect me to help out another pregnant woman."

I hesitated. Tom was a new addition to the crew. He wasn't always here, but I liked him. He had helped me one day when I stumbled, reaching out to steady me with a knowing grin, explaining his wife had the same trouble now she was "top heavy" too.

We started talking, and I discovered he was intelligent and kind. He was missing two fingers on one hand—a "hazard of the job" he had told me when I finally got up the courage to ask him.

"I learned to handle all the equipment again. But I prefer the actual work. I love digging in the dirt. There is something very satisfying about planting and nurturing things," he said in his quiet voice.

He spoke of his wife a lot, and I enjoyed our conversations. Bald with dark eyes, he wore hats a lot and worked hard. He never spoke to me if Edward or Felix were around and I had a feeling they intimidated him. He seemed quite shy, and I could understand his feelings.

"Please, Mrs. Cullen. It's not a problem."

I gave in. I was desperate. "Okay. Let me get you the money."

He followed me into the kitchen, waiting by the door.

"Darn it, my purse is in the hall. I'll be right back."

"Sure."

I hurried as fast as I could and returned to the kitchen with a twenty. He was in the same spot, looking around with curiosity. "My wife would love this kitchen."

"It's a nice one," I agreed and handed him the cash.

"I'll be back fast. Okay if I go through the garage to the truck?"

"Sure. You're a lifesaver."

"No problem."

He came back in about fifteen minutes, knocking on the garage door. I opened it with a smile. "I didn't hear the truck."

"I parked farther down the driveway." He carried the bag to the counter. "I got Smuckers, like you asked." He held up the jar.

I reached for it. "Thank you."

He nodded. "No problem, Mrs. Cullen. Enjoy your sandwiches."

He slipped out the door, and I made my sandwich, sighing in satisfaction as I bit through the soft bread. I ate two sandwiches, drank a tall glass of milk and sat back, replete.

"Better, baby?" I asked quietly, running my hand over my stomach. I looked around the kitchen with a smile. "Now if only Daddy would get home, it would be perfect." I yawned, feeling sleepy. "Maybe a nap would help pass the time."

~0o0~

A couple of hours later after a nap, I walked into the kitchen, startling when I saw Tom sitting at the table. I frowned in confusion.

"Tom?"

"Mrs. Cullen."

I looked around, unsure. "Are you all right?"

"Yes."

"I thought I heard the crew leave."

"They did."

A shiver of fear ran down my spine. He was staring at me, the usual friendly expression on his face gone. Instead, his face was impassive, blank. Even his voice was different. It was no longer soft or shy. It was cold.

I began to back up, and he stood. "Don't bother. Sam can't help you." He tilted his head. "No one can help you."

"Wh-what?"

"I've been waiting for this. I knew it was only a matter of time until you showed exactly how stupid you were."

My gaze tore around the room. I didn't know what was happening. I didn't understand.

"St-stupid?" I repeated.

"Letting me in your house. That was all I needed. But then you gave me a gift. Two minutes alone in your kitchen. All it took was thirty seconds, and I had everything I needed."

"Needed?"

He held up his hand. A small gadget sat in his hand. "I have every code. Every door is locked. Every camera belongs to me. I control everything." His smile terrified me. "I control you."

"I-I…"

"Let me introduce myself properly." Another dark smile curled his mouth. "After all, you should know the name of the man who is going to bring your husband to his knees." From behind his back, he withdrew a knife.

My mouth opened but no words came out.

"James. My name is James Hunter. And I'm going to kill you. Very slowly."

His evil smile grew.

"And let your husband watch."


Sorry for the delay - between holidays, health issues and publishing, this was delayed. Thanks for reading. The final chapter will be up on Sunday. Thanks to Sally for her help on the last couple of chapters.