~Edward~

After Bella was in a deep sleep, I slipped from her, and staged the campsite. I was certain it wasn't needed, but I decided to err on the side of caution. Once the tent was up and I built a fire, I sat beside it on one of the small stools, staring at the flames, wondering if the house that made Bella so sad was burning—if the man who had struck such terror in her life was now a pile of ash and bits of bone.

I hoped so, because I wanted him to burn in hell.

I listened for her, hurrying to the SUV when she began to fidget and stir, worry creeping back into her subconscious. I leaned in the vehicle, and pulled her into my arms, keeping the blanket tucked around her and carried her to the fire. She blinked and woke up, staring around her.

"What did you do?" she asked, her voice raspy.

"Just in case they were curious and wanted to know where we'd been camping. I staged it. If they came to look, they can see we've been here."

She shook her head. The tent was up, a small cooler and makeshift kitchen area set, and the campfire complete with a ring of rocks to keep the area safe.

"That was a lot of work."

I chuckled into her hair, inhaling the soft fragrance of her. "Took me about twenty minutes. Now we can reap the benefits."

"Oh?"

I reached into the cooler and handed her a bag of huge, fluffy marshmallows. "You told me once you like these toasted. I even got some sticks ready." I made a face. "I have hotdogs too if you want those."

"Oh, I like hotdogs. Did you bring mustard?"

Pleased she might actually eat something, even as horrid as a hotdog, I smiled. "Then I'll cook you one. You can have marshmallows for dessert."

"What about you?"

I grinned into her neck. "I'm still good from my Bella-feast last night. But"—I nipped the skin— "I could be persuaded to have you for dessert. With maybe a sip or two of your sweetness, like the finest of dessert wines to finish me off."

She responded instantly, her body tightening, and she moaned low in her throat. "Edward," she murmured, shifting in my arms.

I stroked my knuckles down her cheek. "I love how you respond, kitten." I kissed her hard. "First, you eat your disgusting hotdogs."

"They aren't disgusting."

"Well, these ones aren't as bad. I bought the most expensive kind, and they are supposed to contain meat as opposed to the ninety-nine cent priced ones. I couldn't bear the thought of you eating those."

She snorted. "This from the man who drinks from wildlife and thinks that makes him a vegetarian."

I burst out laughing. I loved it when she became snarky.

I tapped her nose. "Enough. Let's get you fed."

~o0o~

Snuggled between my legs, Bella crowed as she pulled another toasted marshmallow away from the flames. She had eaten two hotdogs, and was now devouring her sixth marshmallow. She begged me to try one, but it was like trying to down a mouthful of wet sugar. I couldn't even finish it.

But she loved them.

Finally replete, she leaned back into my chest. "I know this was only for an excuse, but could we do this again?"

"If you want. I didn't think you'd be much of an outdoor girl."

"Well, as long as we can sleep in the SUV and I can have lots of marshmallows, I'm game."

"Then we will."

She was quiet for a minute, gazing up at the stars.

"What do we do now?" Bella asked

"It's almost five. We can stay here another several hours, then pack up and head back. I have no doubt when we arrive, there will be people waiting to talk to us. Are you ready?"

"Yes. I can tell them we went away for a couple nights camping and our phones didn't work here."

"Good."

"I'll act shocked and upset over the house—" her voice caught, and she cleared her throat.

"Which is the truth."

"In some ways." She sighed. "There was a time I loved living there."

"Then, think of those days, and forget the rest. Charlie would want you to be happy. You'll have the money from the sale of the land at least. Go back to school, buy something you've always wanted—whatever you desire."

"Buy another house?"

I tightened my arms. "No. That isn't needed. Your home is with me. Always. In fact, you can just put the money in the bank and let it grow. I'll look after you."

She started to speak, and I pressed my lips to her ear. "I will look after you, Bella. That is my job now. Let me do it."

"I want to work in the bar," she insisted, her stubborn nature showing.

"Fine." I knew I couldn't expect her to sit and do nothing. "But if you decide to go back to school, you can. You can do anything you want now."

She sighed. "That might take me a while to get used to."

"I know."

"I might like to go back to school."

"Then do it. Whatever you want, kitten."

"I don't know if the land will sell. It's not a very popular area being out of town."

"I'm buying it."

"Edward!" she objected, sounding displeased.

"I planned to before you came back. I was waiting for the house to go up for sale. I like my privacy, so it only makes sense. I will give you fair market value."

"I bet," she mumbled.

I chuckled at her temper. "As I said, it will give us privacy. Although I think my parents are thinking of having a home in Forks, too."

"How would you feel about that?"

"I would like it. I've held them at arms' length far too long. They want to be part of my life, and they adore you, so it's time."

"I love them," she admitted. "They make me feel like I belong."

"You do. You belong to me, and to my family."

She tilted her head up, her dark eyes questioning. "And you belong to me?"

Her words caught me off guard. I had never belonged to anyone. I had never wanted to. But then again, I had never met Bella. My mate. I bent down and kissed her. "Yes."

"Okay, then."

I rested my chin on her head. "Okay, then."

~o0o~

I turned onto the street.

"You ready?"

"Yes."

Her voice quivered, and I knew she wasn't going to have any problem acting upset. She already was. I didn't like her feeling that way, but it was going to help finish this.

Ahead was exactly what I expected. A firetruck and police car, with people milling about. I pulled the SUV up alongside the curb, and we both got out of the vehicle, staring.

Even though I expected it, the sight that met my eyes surprised me. There was nothing left of the house. It had collapsed completely, and all that remained was a charred pile of rubble, still smoldering and hot.

Bella froze, tears coursing down her face. I hurried over, pulling her in my arms. Carlisle and an officer approached us.

"Carlisle, what happened?" I asked.

"We think the wiring," he stated. "I was telling Officer Uley here about the problems we had found, and why Bella had been staying with you."

"Fuck. I was so worried about this happening." I bent and pressed a kiss to Bella's head. "Thank God, baby, you weren't there." I pulled her closer. "Thank God you were with me."

Sam met my eyes, his gaze open and understanding. I knew him well from the bar, as both a customer and when we needed some law enforcement. "There's nothing left, Edward."

Bella pulled back. "N-nothing?"

"I'm sorry. I know it was your father's place. I wish I could tell you we were able to save something."

"The fire must have broken out while we were sleeping. Esme woke up and saw it, but by then, it was totally engulfed. It collapsed before the firetruck could get here," Carlisle spoke up.

Sam nodded. "One of the drawbacks of living in such an isolated place. No one to see."

I heaved out a long breath. "I never thought of that, to be honest."

"Of course not. It's not something you think of, is it?"

"No," I agreed.

"What happens now?" Bella asked, her voice quivery. She stared at the rubble, white-faced and distraught.

"We have to let it burn out, then we investigate." At Bella's obvious distress, he hurried to add, "It's simple procedure. I agree with Carlisle. I remember Charlie having trouble with wiring a while back." He frowned. "Did you, ah, have insurance?"

"No," Bella whispered. "Charlie didn't, and I hadn't done anything about it."

"I'm so sorry." He swallowed, clearly uncomfortable. "Not that your personal things can be replaced."

For some reason, those words made Bella cry even harder. I couldn't remind her that her pictures and memories were safe in my house, so I simply held her.

I met Sam's gaze with a concerned stare. "Can she go with Esme? Do you need to ask us anything?"

"Of course," he said. "We don't have any questions. We know you weren't even here."

"No, we went camping for a couple days." I indicated the burned house. "We didn't expect to come home to this."

"I know. Take Bella inside."

"I'll be back."

I swooped her up in my arms and carried her to where my mother was waiting.

"Did things go to plan?" I asked my mother quietly, setting Bella on the sofa, and kneeling in front of her. I pushed back her hair, studying her face. She smiled at me, her lips trembling.

"Sorry," she whispered. "It was still a shock."

"I know, kitten. You did well. It lent the realism we needed." I kissed her forehead. "Are you okay?"

"I will be."

"Everything went better than we planned," my mother assured me. "The fire burned so hot and fast, even we were surprised."

"Good. And, ah . . .?"

"Your father made sure nothing will be found."

I stood and kissed her cheek. "Thank you."

She cupped my face. "Go and see what is happening. I'll take care of her."

"Okay."

~o0o~

The next few days went by quickly. They investigators had very few questions. After a cursory investigation, faulty wiring was listed as the cause. Because there was no insurance, it was over and done promptly.

The money I found in the trunk of the car Phil had hidden, Bella refused to touch, but my mother convinced her to pick out some charities and they received sudden cash windfalls. The car Phil had stolen was found abandoned and burned out on a deserted strip of highway miles away from Forks. How it got there remained a mystery. No one reported Phil missing, and never would. He was just another criminal who disappeared and was forgotten.

The biggest mystery was Bella. I thought she had come to grips with Phil and his death, and the loss of her house. But for days I would watch her from my perch on the roof as she walked around the property across the street, looking sad and lost. For the first time, her mind was entirely closed to me, even in sleep. Awake, I could barely even sense the static I associated with her. I was perplexed and growing impatient.

I studied her as she stood across the street, staring at the empty lot. As soon as the investigation closed, I had the rubble removed, and the hole filled, thinking it would help Bella move forward. But it seemed to have failed. She toed at the dirt, then turned and disappeared into the woods for one of her walks. It took everything in me not to jump from the roof and follow her. Phil was dead, and she wasn't in danger, but my first instinct when she disappeared from my sight was to find and protect her; even if it was from a stray tree limb that caused her to stumble, or worse a wild animal. Although my father reminded me she stayed close enough any of us could reach her even if an animal crossed her path.

I pushed down on the roof tiles, preparing to go after her when my mother settled beside me, and patted my hand.

"Relax, Edward. No need to have to replace the roof this week. We have enough to deal with."

"I don't understand what is going on." I growled. "She isn't herself. Everything about her is off. Even her scent is different."

"Edward, the girl—the human—you love, is struggling."

"Why?" I snarled. "I thought she understood this had to happen."

"Understanding and coming to terms with it are two different things. You are forgetting something."

"And that would be?"

"Bella is experiencing an emotion you don't feel—guilt."

"Why is she guilty? She didn't do anything."

"She feels guilty because you took a human life to protect her."

"He deserved it."

"That doesn't make any difference."

"That makes so much sense," I stated dryly.

"Sometimes emotions don't make sense."

"Which is why I dislike them."

My mother sighed. "Edward, if you truly love this girl, it is part of her. And regardless if you change her, or she becomes more like you, I think it's so deeply ingrained, you had better learn how to deal, because it's not going to go away."

I yanked on my hair. "Fuck."

"I have to admit, you're being more patient with her than I expected."

"Trust me, it is not without difficulty."

She laughed. "Why don't you take her away, really away, this time? Take her somewhere where there are no memories or anything associated with her life, or this place."

"Do you think it would help?"

"I don't think it would hurt. The change of scenery might be what she needs." She tilted her head. "That, and the man she loves taking care of her, listening, and wanting to help? I'm sure it will do her a world of good."

"Where should I take her?" I mused, watching the red color of her jacket through the foliage. She seemed to be wandering aimlessly. It bothered me, the constant movement.

"Somewhere beautiful. What about the cabin in Jasper? I could arrange to have it opened for you. It was always your favorite of our homes."

I thought about it. We could drive there easily. Bella could sleep the miles away. She couldn't pace in a car, so she would rest. Or maybe trapped in the vehicle, she would talk. In addition, the cabin was set in a remote, scenic area, guaranteeing our privacy. Although, "cabin" might be too loose a term. It was huge, complete with an outdoor Jacuzzi and a sauna, and had been a long stay home for us many times. Set in the mountains, my mother was right—it had always been one of my favorite places and I had spent many years there in my early life.

"I'd like that. What about you and Dad?"

She laughed. "We'll look after things at the bar for you. The people here are different. They don't shy away from us. We're both enjoying our time. I'm going to start quilting next week!"

I chuckled. "Okay. Make the arrangements." I stood and brushed off my pants. "I'll go tell Bella." I sighed, feeling worried. "I hope she isn't argumentative over this trip."

My mother stood and patted her perfect hair. "Remember, patience. And I like her arguing with you. Keeps you in your place."

I mock swatted at her, and with a grin, she effortlessly sidestepped my hand. I rather liked Bella's argumentative side at times. But when it came to her health and safety, I preferred her to be compliant.

But I was fast discovering, I didn't always get what I wanted.

I hopped down from the roof, grinning at the exhilaration of the action. With no one around it felt good to act natural. I hurried across the road and stepped into the woods, locating Bella within seconds. She was perched on a fallen log, her legs drawn to her knees. Her head rested on her folded hands. I paused, searching the air for her mind and scent. Both seemed neutral. Straddling the log, I folded my hands over hers. She smiled.

"You found me."

"Were you really hiding, kitten?"

"No."

"What exactly are you doing?"

"Remembering. Charlie and I used to tramp through these woods. We'd find rocks and fossils. We'd collect leaves in the fall, and gather pinecones I would make into pretty ornaments. At Christmas, we'd chop down a tree and decorate it." She wrinkled her nose. "There were some really bad trees."

"We can do all those again, if you want."

She shrugged.

"Why are you so sad, Bella?" I asked, unable to stop myself from probing anymore. "Was I wrong to kill Phil?"

"No."

"Yet, you're suffering. Feeling guilt you shouldn't, unable to move forward." I paused. "Unable to forgive me."

Her eyes widened. She moved closer, shaking her head. She pulled her hands away, grasping at my shoulders. "No, Edward! No! That's what you think?"

"I don't know what else to think."

"There is nothing to forgive. I'm just . . . lost, Edward. I thought I was coming here to escape my past. Instead, I brought it with me. And because of that, you had to protect me. And I've turned your life upside down."

"You've done nothing of the sort. You have brought focus to my life." I lifted her hands to my mouth, and kissed her knuckles. "You've given me something to live for, kitten."

"I have?"

"Why can't you see that? You brought me closer to my parents. You bring me a joy I didn't know I could experience. You love me for me. For being Edward."

"But I made you kill. More than once."

"And I will again, if I have to." I cocked my head to the side. "That is the vampire in me, kitten. It is as ingrained in me as it is in my father. Or even my mother. If my father were threatened, she wouldn't hesitate to protect him." I sucked in a deep breath. "It's part of who we are, Bella. For years, my whole life, I have struggled with that part of who I am. I felt like a monster. But for the first time I'm grateful for that part of me. I will protect you. Always—without question."

She studied me quietly.

"The question is, can you live with that part of me, Bella?"

"I'm not scared of you. Or that part of you."

"But?"

"I'm worried you'll grow tired of how lopsided our relationship is."

"Lopsided?"

"The fragile human and the semi-immortal who cannot be hurt."

"But I can be."

"You said. . . "

"You can hurt me, Bella. Without you I am vulnerable. Our needs for each other are different, but we are equals in many ways."

She didn't say anything.

I squeezed her hands. "I want to take you away from all of this for a while. My parents have offered us their cabin in Canada. It's beautiful there."

"Can you do that?"

I chuckled. "My 'brother and his wife' are very popular, and no one is going to miss me. Given what has happened, the fact I take you away will seem normal, so yes, I can. If you want to."

She sighed, resting her chin on her hands. "It might help."

"Then, we'll leave tomorrow. You can sleep while I drive."

"How long will we be gone?"

I shrugged. "We have no time limit. We can be gone for as long as you need." I hunched low so she could see the sincerity in my eyes. "If this place is too much, we can leave permanently, Bella. Start new somewhere else."

"But your businesses . . ."

"Can be sold or run by others. I have a few in different places. We can find a new town. But we don't have to decide that right now. Let's go away and just be Edward and Bella for a while, then we can decide."

"I hate to think you would give up your home for me."

"Kitten. You are my home. My parents will follow wherever we go. We will have a life together regardless of the place we live. We are what is important."

"I love you," she whispered, the words making my sluggish heart beat faster. She hadn't said them for days.

I lifted her from the log, wrapping her in my embrace.

"I love you."

Thank you for reading. See you next week!