*Knock Knock* Anyone there?

I know it has been a ridiculous about of time since my last update. And all I can say is I suck. So I let you get to it. Hope you enjoy.


Chapter 11

Waiting for the End

Edward almost kissed me. We almost kissed. Did I want him to kiss me? Kind of. Was now the right time? Absolutely not. There was already enough on my plate, I didn't need to add a delicious piece of meat to it. No, that's not right. I shouldn't describe Edward as a piece of meat. Especially since he was being so kind and supportive. He was like a completely different person. His smart ass remarks were replaced with words of comfort and assurance. I didn't know what to do with this new Edward.

I always enjoyed our banter and the heated arguments always left me wanting more. But now, now I was screwed. Because now instead of wanting kiss that arrogant smirk off his face and push him against the wall, I wanted to trust him and believe that he was going to be there for me. Doing this would get me into a whole hell of a lot more trouble than being a horny fool. Like I said, I didn't know what to do with this new Edward.

I knew that Edward was very close to Morgan. I knew that he wanted to be a part of her life. And I would never deny him that. Ever. But the question that nagged at me for the past three nights was how long would she be a priority to him? Sure, he says that he isn't going anywhere, but what happens when he meets someone. Marries someone. Has a kid with someone. The thought alone makes me want to hurl, but it is a reality. And I really shouldn't question Edward's love for Morgan. I know that he loves her, but will his girlfriend/wife/baby mamma understand? He will eventually have to pull himself away from her, maybe not completely, but certainly to some degree. I would be so sad for Morgan if her relationship with Edward dwindles down to a birthday card and phone call on Christmas. Now I'm rambling. Is it even possible to ramble in your head? Okay, deep calming breaths. You are getting way ahead of yourself. Breath in, breath out. I couldn't believe that I was obsessing over all this.

It had been three days since the funeral. Three days since Edward almost kissed me. And three days since I started expressing my grief instead of bottling it up inside. I took Edward's advice and called a grief counselor like his father suggested. I had an appointment to meet with her next week. Despite my freak out about Edward, which was becoming an everyday thing, I was feeling good. Normal… well I guess normal isn't a good word. I don't think I would ever feel normal again. Nothing would ever be normal again. My sister was gone and I was now the primary caretaker of a beautiful baby girl. Things definitely wouldn't be same. But I was coping with it and creating a new normal for my life.

Today Edward and I had an appointment to meet with Mr. Jenks, Ben and Angela's attorney, to discuss their will. It was going to be tough hearing my sister and my brother-in-law's last wishes. It made everything so final. Permanent. But it had to be done. And I was so grateful for Edward going with me.

I looked over at the clock beside the bed. It was still early, but I knew Morgan would be waking up soon. Throwing the covers off of me, I decided to take a shower before she woke. Just as I was getting out of the bed, I heard Edward's voice on the baby monitor. "Good morning princess. I got your breakfast ready and we're going to be super quiet so we don't wake your Aunt Bella, okay?" He was using that soft voice that people only use with babies or small animals and it was adorable. I sat back down on the bed to listen to him for a minute. "You get to visit with Esme today. Esme… that sounds weird. We're going to have figure out something for you to call her."

He was quiet for a while, so I grabbed the monitor and walked into the bathroom. I didn't need to take the monitor with me, but I wanted to be able to hear Morgan just in case. Or be nosey and invade Edward's privacy. Whatever. As I was washing my hair, I heard some movement on the monitor. "Okay Chunk, you need to burp? You drank that pretty fast, must have been tasty. Yeah, was it tasty pretty girl?" I could hear him patting her back, eventually coaxing an adult sized belch from her belly. "Whoa, that was quite a burp. As weird as it sounds, that made me a little proud." he said. I couldn't help the small giggle that escaped me. "Now let's get you cleaned up. Alright, I'm about to take off you diaper. Any uses you have for this diaper needs to be taken care of now, understand? We don't want you going tee tee on Uncle Edward." Morgan gave a little gurgle in response and Edward must have taken that as confirmation of his instructions. "Okay, here we go. Oh, was that a poot? Did you just baby fart? Well, I guess I will let that slide since I didn't specify that it wasn't allowed. But no more of that. Oh my god, that is foul. You smell like Emmett. Ugh, I can't believe that even came out of you."

I was full on cracking up then. I wrapped a towel around my body and sat on the edge of the tub to calm myself. Edward continued telling Morgan what a lil stinker she was, before taking her downstairs. I quickly got dressed and joined them in the kitchen. Esme had already arrived and apparently brought breakfast with her. She handed me a plate filled with bacon, eggs, and a huge piece of French toast. I guess she noticed how little I had been eating lately and was trying to fatten me up. "Thank you, Esme. This looks great."

"No problem. Eat up, you're looking a little thin." My suspicions confirmed, I smiled and took her advice. Of course it was delicious and I ate every bite. Once the breakfast dishes were taken care of, I fixed my hair for the tenth time and I made sure that everything Morgan needed was convenient for Esme, twice, I couldn't hold off our appointment with the lawyer any longer.

"You know, we could put this off for a couple of days. If you don't feel up to it, we don't have to go." Edward said.

"No, I need to take care of this. I want to make sure that everything Ang and Ben wanted for Morgan is done." I responded. I took a deep breath and lead the way to my car. Tossing the keys to Edward, I settled myself in the passenger seat, mentally preparing myself for what was to come.

We arrived at Mr. Jenks office about ten minutes later and were greeted by his secretary. Mrs. Trudeax was a sweet old lady, with powder white hair pulled neatly in a bun and tiny reading glasses perched on the tip of her nose. She looked like Mrs. Claus and I half expected her to pull out some fresh baked cookies and milk. She showed us to Mr. Jenks' office and left us with a gentle smile. Her kind manner instantly put me at ease and I entered the office ready to handle whatever was thrown at me.

Mr. Jenks motioned to the chairs in front of his large desk, after greeting us at the door. Edward and I quickly sat, both folding our hands in our laps. I looked over at him, noticing his anxiety by the way he was chewing the inside of his cheek. I'm not sure what he was so nervous about, but I reached over and quickly patted his arm. He instantly relaxed and gave me a small smile before returning his attention to the man before us.

Mr. Jenks pulled a few files in front of him and began speaking. "Well, like I said in our last meeting. Ben and Angela had all of their affairs in order. I want to start by offering my deepest condolences. The Chaney's were wonderful people and I'm very sorry for both of your losses." After Edward and I mumbled our thanks, he continued.

"I don't think I have ever drawn up a will quite as specific and unique as this one, but I will start at the beginning. The following is the last will and testament of Angela Michelle Chaney and Benjamin Joseph Chaney. We, Angela Michelle Chaney and Benjamin Joseph Chaney, being of full age and sound mind and memory, do make, publish and declare this to be our Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and annulling any and all Last Will and Testaments or Codicils at any time heretofore made by us. We direct that all our just debts, secured and unsecured, be paid as soon as reasonable after death, provided, however, we direct that my Executor may cause any debt to be carried, renewed and refinanced for its repayment as our Executor may deem advisable taking into consideration the best interest of the beneficiaries hereunder." Mr. Jenks paused shortly looking between both Edward and myself. "Basically, this means that any and all debts will be paid before any portion of the estate will be distributed. It is my understanding that the home and vehicles were paid off, so that shouldn't be a problem. Any other debts, such as credit cards, the creditor will have to respond to a notice posted in the newspaper. Understand?" We both nodded and he continued.

"All the rest and residue of our property, real and personal, of every kind and description and wheresoever situate, which we may own or have the right to dispose of at the time of our death, we give, devise, and bequeath to our child, Morgan Renee Chaney. We direct that our Executor and beneficiaries abide by any written statement or list directing the disposition or tangible personal property not specifically disposed of by this Last Will and Testament. This directive is mandatory to the extent allowed by law. The word "Executor" means the same as Administrator, Executrix, or Personal Representative and refers to the person who is to administer our estate and carry out the terms of this Last Will and Testament. We hereby name, constitute and appoint as our Executor Isabella Marie Swan." After another brief pause, Mr. Jenks resumed reading.

"A person who receives property in this Last Will and Testament is known as a Beneficiary. If any share of personal property or real estate given under this Last Will and Testament becomes distributable to a Beneficiary who has not attained the age of 21 years, then such share or property shall immediately vest in the Beneficiary. However, notwithstanding the provisions herein, our Trustee shall retain possession of such share or property in trust for the Beneficiary until the Beneficiary attains the age of 21. Our Trustee may use so much of the net income and principal of such share or property as our Trustee deems necessary to provide for the proper support, medical care, and education of the Beneficiary, taking into consideration to the extent our Trustee deems advisable any other income or resources of such beneficiary known to our Trustee. Any income not used for support, medical care, and education of the Beneficiary shall be accumulated and added to principal. The Beneficiary's share or property shall be paid over, distributed and conveyed to the Beneficiary upon attaining the age 21. Whenever our Trustee determines it appropriate to pay any money for the benefit of a Beneficiary for whom a trust is created hereunder, then such amounts shall be paid out by our Trustee in such of the following ways as our Trustee deems best: directly to the Beneficiary; to the legally appointed guardian of the Beneficiary; to some relative or friend for the care, support and education of the Beneficiary; or directly to a third party for the Beneficiary's care, support and education. Our Trustee shall have such powers and authority to manage the Trust property as are provided for by the applicable state laws. We hereby name, constitute and appoint Edward Anthony Cullen as Trustee."

I turned and looked at Edward and noticed his confused expression matched my own. Did my sister not trust me with handling Morgan's trust? Mr. Jenks noticed the looks on our faces and continued quickly.

"This is all very normal. The Executor and the Trustee are often different people. It doesn't mean anything in regards to lack of responsibility, merely just lightening the load off of one person. Are you following everything I read so far?" We once again nodded.

"Okay, this is where it gets a little unusual. Keep in mind that everything I am reading was the expressed wishes of your sister and her husband," he said. "The Testamentary Guardian is the persons named in this that is to have custody and take care of any minor child that we have at the time of death. We hereby name, constitute and appoint Isabella Marie Swan and Edward Anthony Cullen as Testamentary Guardians. The Testamentary Guardians will share equal responsibilities in the care of Morgan Renee Chaney while maintaining permanent residence in the current home of the child." Mr. Jenks finished. He remained silent while the words sunk in.

Edward broke the silence, "I'm confused. Bella and I were each named as Morgan's guardian, but we have to live together at Ben and Angela's house?"

"That's correct. If one or both of you are unable to comply with the wishes expressed, we will have to discuss the options." Mr. Jenks replied.

Edward looked over to me for a response. Once everything sunk in, I pressed my lips together tightly to hold back my feelings. Unfortunately I couldn't hold it back for long and a loud giggle burst from my mouth. I slapped my hands over my lips to stop the sound.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, this is just so Angela." I said, looking over to Edward. "Angela has been convinced that you and I were meant to be together since the wedding. She had been pushing me to give you a chance. I guess this was her last shot."

Edward smiled awkwardly at me. "Well, when I became Morgan's godfather I promised to be there for her no matter what. So I'm in, if you are." Edward said grabbing my hand.

I tightened my hold on his hand and looked at Mr. Jenks. "So what do we do now?" I asked.

"Well, there isn't much you need to do. I will take the will to the court to be probated. You will both need to be present once a date is set to sign the paperwork in front of the judge. I will get everything filed this week and will call and give you an update when I have the information."

"Okay, so is there anything else we need to do today?" Edward asked.

"No, we've covered everything. But there is a letter here that was written by Mr. and Mrs. Chaney for both of you." He pulled an envelope from beneath the folder on his desk and handed it to me. Mr. Jenks stood and extended his hand to each of us. "Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you."

"Thank you for all your help." Edward said, guiding me to the door.

"No problem. I'll be in touch. Have a good day."

Edward and I walked out of the building and as he was opening the car door for me he asked, "Do you want to get some coffee or something? It will give us a chance to talk about all this and read the letter."

"Um, I don't think I want to be in a public place when we read the letter." I replied, but once I saw the defeated look on Edward's face I quickly added, "But I have coffee at my house and I need to grab a few things anyway."

He smiled beatifically and nodded his head. Once we arrived at my house, I started a pot of coffee and sat down next to Edward on the couch. "So…" he started.

"A lot of stuff to take in huh? I can't believe Angela though. I guess she thought she could pull a fast one on us. I mean what did they think would happen?"

"Well maybe they thought us living in the same house and taking care of Morgan would stir up some feelings. I guess they were a little optimistic." Edward said.

"Uh, ya think? So, how do you take your coffee?" I asked. I wanted to change the subject quickly. This was a dangerous line of thinking. Dangerous because my feelings had already been stirred. My feelings for Edward had been stirring for a while now, but they were mixed with doubt and fear, which always prevented me from acting on them. And right now I needed to concentrate on Morgan. I had way too many things going on to add a possible relationship on top. Not to mention, Edward's feelings may not be stirred at all.

"Bella, hello?" Edward was waving his hand in front of my face.

"Oh, sorry. Zoned out. What was I saying? Coffee." I turned and quickly walked into the kitchen.

"I'll have mine black." he said.

I swiftly poured the coffee and rejoined him on the sofa. I handed Edward his mug and tucked my feet underneath me. "Are you ready to read the letter?"

"If you are."

"I just can't believe the planning that they did. I guess scheming would be a better word. What if all this would have happened in a few years? I mean what if one of us was married?" I asked.

"Well if that was the case, they probably would have re-written the will. Or maybe not, if Angela was as persistent as you say, then she probably would have expected us to get divorced." He laughed a little at the thought.

"Before we do any of this, I just want to let you know that I don't expect anything. What I mean is, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable about dating other people. Well not other people, just people, because we aren't dating. But anyway, just because Ang and Ben thought this would push us together, I want you to know that I don't. I'm not expecting you to propose or anything."

I blew a big breath out thinking that I was done with the word vomit that just poured from my mouth. Edward's mouth was hanging open just looking at me and just as he was about to speak, my seriously fucked up brain decided, nope not done.

"And I also want you to know how much I appreciate you being here, through all this. Really, you have helped keep me together. I just wanted you to know that too." My voice started to break at the end and my eyes started to water. Edward leaned over and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"Bella, you don't have to thank me. I'm here because I want to be. And just for the record, I'm not interested in dating at the moment. But I'll let you know if that changes. And the same goes for you. Feel free to date anyone you want."

Any thoughts I had about Edward's feelings went out the door with that statement and a sinking feeling in my stomach replaced it. I huffed in annoyance at myself. Surely I would need some kind of medication with the way my emotions were all over the place. "Since we got that out the way…"

I picked up the envelope and slid my finger under the flap. As soon as I saw my sister's perfect script on the page, the tears once again began flowing. I passed the letter to Edward and asked him to read it. His smooth voice started off a little shaky, but picked up strength quickly.

"Dearest Edward and Bella, I'm sure you both have so many questions right now. But unfortunately Ben and I won't be able to answer them. What's the fun in that anyway? What we will tell you is that when we chose you guys as godparents to Morgan, we thought about it for a while. We both wanted to choose someone that we knew would take care of our beautiful baby girl and give her the love and support that she would receive if we were there to give it to her. We didn't take the responsibilities that we gave you lightly, and hopefully you didn't either.

The only wish we have for our sweet girl is that she is happy. Make sure she knows that her Mommy and Daddy love her with every piece of our heart and that will never change. No matter how old she is or how much time passes, she is our everything.

Bella, I will remind you that I am older and therefore wiser. Don't question me. I know you are hurting now, but you are so much stronger than you even know. But you can't do everything by yourself. Ask for help when you need it and don't push people away that are only trying to care for you. I love you so much and nothing can ever break the bond that we have. Things won't always be easy, but you can handle anything. Ben and I have so much faith in you.

Edward, the friendship you share with my Ben is beautiful. And as soon as I met you I loved you as much as he does. You are such a wonderful person and I am grateful to have someone like you in our life. Please take care of my baby sister; you and Morgan are her family now. I know she is a pain in the ass sometimes, okay, most times, but she is so important to me and I know she needs to be taken care occasionally. We love you.

All our hearts,

Ben and Ang

P.S. We will give you one clue into some of our reasoning behind all this. Watch our wedding video. Maybe you will see what we see."

Once Edward finished, I was sobbing uncontrollably and there were a few tears sliding down his cheeks as well. He pulled me to his chest and hugged the hell out of me.


A/N: So a few more tears, hopefully things will start drying up around here. Let me know how you liked it.

~Ashlei~