There were many tears the next day when Alice, Laura, and Emmett departed. But with the goodbyes came promises of another visit soon from Alice.

Emmett, I found out, already planned on returning the following weekend and from the looks that passed between him and Rose the night before, I had a feeling I would be seeing a lot of the big guy. But Rose seemed happy and I had to admit I liked him. He was funny, caring, and had supported Bella when many others turned their backs, so that alone made him a good man.

After the van pulled out of the driveway, Teddy pulled on Bella's hand, worried over her tears. We both hated to see her cry. She smiled and assured him she was fine, although she would miss her sister and niece. He wrapped his little arms around her legs, leaning into her. "Daddy and I are here. We love you. Right, Daddy?"

I scooped him up and wrapped my free arm around Bella, dropping a kiss on her head. "We certainly do."

She smiled again, even as fresh tears welled up. Even Teddy seemed very sad after saying goodbye to Laura, snuggling his head into my neck with a small sigh. Deciding that what we needed was a day of fun, I pulled them with me to the house. "You both have an hour, and then we're going to go do something together."

"But you have work…"

"I got a lot done the past couple of days, and I'll finish the one thing I need to before we go."

"Where are we going, Daddy?"

I grinned at him. "How about the zoo?"

He threw his hands up in the air, already happier. He loved Woodland Zoo. Bella laughed at his enthusiasm, admitting she hadn't been to the zoo yet. I kissed her soft cheek. "We'll correct that today. Teddy and I love it there."

"Should I pack a lunch?"

"No. Some snacks and water. Teddy loves the pizza and there's a great little deli. Plus of course—"

Teddy interrupted. "Treats!"

Bella and I laughed as I ruffled Teddy's hair. "Ice cream, popcorn…whatever we feel like today."

"Sounds good."

"Okay! One hour. Meet you both right here."

They scurried off as I went to the office to finish up a couple of e-mails, before spending the day with Teddy and Bella.

My family.

*()*

With a small groan, I deposited Teddy on the top of his bed. I quickly rid him of his sneakers and clothes and, with Bella's help, wrestled him into his pajamas. Bella ran a damp cloth over his face and hands and we tucked him in. He didn't move a muscle. He'd fallen asleep in the car on the way home from the zoo, exhausted from a day of exploring, walking, and filling his tummy as often as possible. We'd covered every inch of the zoo, Teddy between us, firmly gripping our hands. When he would tire, I'd perch him on my shoulders and wrap my arm around Bella's waist, tucking her beside me. I'd loved the feeling of completion, having them both there with me. I'd loved watching Bella enjoy the experience for the first time. Teddy had kept up a nonstop dialogue, so worried she would miss out on his favorite parts—which, it seemed, was everything he saw. It was a day of smiles for all of us.

Once he had nodded off, mid-sentence in the car, I'd known there was no point in trying to wake him up, so we'd let him sleep. He'd be up early the next day, but that was fine.

I pressed a kiss to Bella's forehead. "Good day?"

She smiled up at me, trying to stifle her yawn. "The best."

"Why don't you go have a bath, and I'll get some wine and snacks and meet you upstairs?"

"That sounds perfect."

Dropping my head down, I lifted her chin, capturing her mouth with mine. She wrapped her arms around my neck, holding me close as I kissed her. Soft, light kisses—filled with the adoration I had for her. For today, for her gentle ways—for her love.

"I'll check e-mail and grab a shower. Take your time and enjoy your soak." I knew how much she loved to soak in the tub. I looked forward to the day I could soak in there with her.

"I love you," she breathed.

"Oh, Bella," I murmured, pressing my lips against hers again. "If only you knew how much that was returned."

"I think I do."

"Yeah? Well, quadruple it."

She giggled. "That's a lot of love."

I nudged her out of the room.

"That it is, my girl. That it is."

*()*

I tried not to let the e-mails waiting for me sour my mood, but I was quieter when Bella came upstairs. After a few minutes, she asked what was wrong and I told her about the unexpected changes the client wanted and how it looked like I would have to fly back to Chicago for a few days.

"This happens a lot?"

I nodded. "When a contract and project is at the beginning it does. Once construction starts, unless there is an issue, I'm more in the background. This client needs a lot of hand holding, though." I grimaced. "He's very particular and only wants to deal with me."

"Well, then, good thing you have me here, isn't it?"

I ran my fingers through her hair, the ends damp from the bath. "It is. I'm sorry to have to go away again."

"I understand. It's fine, Edward."

"I spoke with Mom. She and Dad are taking Teddy for the weekend. So you've got some time to yourself. You can unpack your things, do some work, and have a break."

"I don't need a break."

"Well, you're getting one. My parents want the time with him. They're going to pick him up on Saturday morning and bring him home late Sunday afternoon. I should be home Monday night. Maybe Sunday, if I can swing it."

She pursed her lips.

"Teddy loves sleep-overs with Grams and Pawpaw. He hasn't had one for a while."

She sighed. "Okay. I do have some things to work on."

"Perfect. I'll tell Mom it's on. She'll be so excited."

"Teddy and I will be waiting for you when you get home."

My chest ached with the sweetness of those words. I pulled her close, lifting her chin, and brushed my lips over hers.

"Then I'll hurry home to you."

She buried her hands in my hair, tugging my face down to hers.

"Good."

*()*

I smiled as the cab pulled away and I dug my keys out of my pocket. I'd been thrilled when things finished early and I was able to get a flight and come home today. I turned to look at the house, noticing the porch light was on, but the rest of the house was in darkness—even the top floor, which I had expected to see lit up. It was still early evening, and I chided myself for feeling disappointed. Bella didn't know I was coming home and it was the first free weekend she'd had since coming to live with us. Maybe she'd gone out to a movie or somewhere shopping. I certainly couldn't expect her to be home, waiting for me.

I had only hoped so.

The house was quiet when I let myself in. As I hung up my jacket and keys, I noticed Bella's keys were still on the hook and her jacket and purse were hanging in their usual spaces. Frowning, I went directly upstairs, worried that maybe she was ill, but her room was dark, the door open and the bed not occupied. I checked Teddy's room, then quickly went upstairs, but the loft was also vacant. I stood, puzzled, wondering if she had gone to my parents. If they'd picked her up, Mom could have used her key to lock up. Maybe she had forgotten her purse. Deciding to check first and then panic, I went back downstairs, grabbed my bag, and entered my bedroom, stopping at the sight in front of me.

Curled up on top of my bed, clutching my pillow and sound asleep, was Bella. The light from the street lamps came through the windows, casting her small form in shadows. I quietly put my bag down and crossed over to the bed. So many times, I had imagined seeing her there, in my bed, waiting for me. I had fantasized of waking her up with gentle kisses and making love to her on that dark green comforter until she cried out my name in pleasure and then let me hold her as we fell asleep, sated and content in each other's arms. Switching on the small lamp, I leaned down, frowning when I saw evidence that she'd been crying; her eyelashes were still wet and clinging to her cheeks. Her hands were tight balls as she clutched the pillowcase, and even in slumber, her face wasn't peaceful. My heart ached, knowing something had to be wrong to find her here in my bed.

I hunched down beside the bed, lightly tracing my fingers over her cheeks and calling her name softly.

Her eyelashes fluttered slowly, her eyes blinking in the light. "Edward?" she murmured sleepily. "Am I dreaming?"

"No, love, I came home early."

She sat up abruptly, looking around with a guilty expression. "I can explain."

Kneeling on the mattress beside her, I slid my hand around the base of her neck, stroking the skin as I shook my head. "I like coming home and finding you in my bed. The only thing you have to explain is why you were crying."

"You're not upset?"

I pulled her face to mine, brushing my mouth over her lips. "Not in the least." I pressed against her lips harder. "So soft, Bella. Your lips are so soft." Lazily, I trailed my tongue over her full bottom lip, teasing her. "Can I have a kiss hello?"

Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me close as our mouths fused together. With a groan, I yanked her tight to my chest, claiming her mouth with mine. Our tongues met and tangled, her taste and scent filling me up. Making me whole. Burying my hands into her thick hair, I tilted her head back, needing to be closer. Deeper. Wanting to taste her more.

Together, we sank back into the mattress, our bodies joined—chest to chest, hip to hip—hard, yearning angles melting into soft, giving curves. Her small hands tugged on my hair, keeping me close. My fingers delved under her shirt, spreading wide and possessive across the velvet skin of her bare back. My cock ached with the burning need to be inside her, and when she rolled her hips, I had to bury my face into her neck, cursing as pleasure tore through me.

"Bella," I panted. "Too fast, baby. We need to stop."

"No," she pleaded. "I want you."

I lifted my head, gazing into her eyes. "Tell me why you were crying."

"I missed you."

"Is that why you were in here?"

She arched up against me, making me moan as I struggled not to rip off the clothes that were between us and take her. "Is it?" I groaned as her lips found my throat.

"Yes," she breathed against my skin. "It smelled like you in here, and I could pretend you were close."

"What else?" I knew there was more. Bella was strong, and she wouldn't be seeking some form of my presence unless there was more.

She stilled under me. "My divorce is final. My lawyer called today to tell me it was done."

"Your divorce is final? It's over?"

She nodded. "Alec's in jail and will be for a long time—his past has finally caught up with him and he's facing a lot of charges." She sighed quietly. "I was relieved, happy... and sad. I wished I could call you and tell you, but I didn't want to interrupt and I started missing you… All of it hit me, and I needed to feel close to you. So I came in here, and I guess I fell asleep."

I lifted her chin. "You can call me anytime. Would you have hesitated if it was about Teddy?"

"No."

"You're as important to me as he is. Never forget that. Okay?"

"Okay," she breathed.

"Good." I smiled at her. "Bella, you're free of him. We can move forward—together."

"I can be yours now."

"Oh, love, you already were."

Then my mouth founds hers again.

Our lips pressed and moved, tongues stroking, deeper and deeper. We separated only long enough so I could pull her T-shirt over her head, yanking my shirt off at the same time. Our hands moved and pulled as our mouths fused, the last of the clothing between us disappearing. I held her tightly, soft silk sliding against my rougher skin. Her body felt like satin under my seeking fingers. She tasted like heaven under my tongue. She fit against me as if she had been made for me and me alone. An overwhelming tenderness ran through me as she pressed closer, her soft whimpers close to my ear. The need to show her that she was loved, adored beyond measure, filled me. My mouth was gentle as it covered hers, my hands caressing her in long, sensual touches. I let her feel me, embedding my love into her skin and branding her mine forever. I touched and stroked, kissed and worshipped until she was a quivering mass of want under me. Words of adoration, murmurs of love filled the room—all for her. I whispered how loved she was, how much I wanted her. I told her how beautiful she was and how complete she made me feel. Sliding into her wet warmth, I groaned at how she gripped me, her muscles fisting around me as I gasped her name, stilling at the intense sensation of being joined with her.

"Bella," I moaned.

Her arms gripped me tight. "Edward," she panted. "Please…Oh God…please. I need you."

"I'm yours, love," I groaned. "All yours."

I began moving—long, slow thrusts, pushing her deeper into the soft mattress. I lifted our entwined fingers, bracing them over her head, and lavished her arched neck with open-mouthed kisses. I trailed my lips down to the swells of her breasts, pulling in her puckered, rosy flesh and flicking my tongue over the hardened nipple, leaving a trail of wet kisses as I moved to the other, which was waiting for my mouth.

Bella shivered and twisted under me, her voice pleading and breathless. "More, Edward…give me more."

I let go. Kneeling back on my heels, I grabbed her hips, pulling her flush against me, and spreading her legs wide. My hips swivelled, driving into her powerfully. Her back arched under my thrusts, her moans becoming louder. Her hands clutched at the pillow, gripping and twisting the material in her fingers as she shuddered and moved with me.

Pleasure, intense and burning, rippled down my spine. My legs shook as my orgasm started to build. I slipped my hand down to where she was so wet and swollen, teasing her bundle of nerves. "Come for me, Bella. I need to feel you, baby." I stroked her faster. "Please, baby. Now."

Deep, powerful sensations tore through me—my entire body tightening and screaming. "Now!" I roared.

Bella shattered under me, crying out my name as she stilled, milking my cock as I shook and cursed. Buried deep within her, I came so hard, my body locked down as my shout echoed in the room.

Panting and still buried inside her, I slipped my arms under her back, lifting her close. Her head fell against my chest, her body limp and soft as I nuzzled her hair. I held her, feeling the warmth of her body soaking into mine, I never wanted to let her go. She tilted her head back, smiling up at me. Her eyes were warm and overflowing with love, her smile, slow and sexy. I gathered her thick tresses into my hands, pressing our lips together again in long, sweet kisses. Still holding her, I lowered us to the mattress, slipping from her body, but kept her tucked against me.

"I love you."

"Welcome home, Edward."

I pulled the blanket over us and rested my head beside her.

With her in my arms, I was home.

*()*

Everything was different the next morning. Waking up next to her, seeing her sweet, sleepy smile as I kissed her awake, making love to her before we got out of bed—it was all so right. We spent the day just being Edward and Bella. We made love in her room, slow and sweet. Upstairs in the loft, I pounded into her as the rain beat against the windows, the storm outside raging as strongly as the passion we shared in the warmth of the room. Finally, I held her close in the tub, easing away the day with gentle caresses of soapy hands and long, sensual kisses. We connected in every way possible, talking, laughing and touching all day—the stolen time alone, perfect.

When Teddy arrived home from his sleepover with Grams and Pawpaw, almost yelling in his excitement to find me home early, we were complete. The three of us were a family. The rain and clouds were the perfect excuses to spend the evening in the loft. Games, laughter and lots of teasing echoed in the room. I left only long enough to pick up a pizza, and when his tummy was full, Teddy fell asleep, curled with his favorite blanket in front of the fire. Bella sat with her back resting against a chair while I lay beside her, my head on her lap enjoying the feeling of her fingers running through my hair. She laughed softly when I told her how much I had wanted to do exactly this the very first day she came to the house, and she admitted to feeling much the same longing.

I looked up at her, hoping she felt the love in my gaze. "Quite the pair, aren't we?"

She returned my look, adoration plain in her expression.

"Yes, Edward, we are, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

I smiled. Neither would I.


Now they're complete in every way.

Almost.

See you Monday. Thank you for reading.