Chapter 14: Protectors
By: Crash Hale
POV: Bella

I turned and looked at the boys who were strapped into their seats. I gave them a smile so they'd know everything was okay now. Everything was okay because of Emmett. Even letting myself think for a moment how badly things would have workout without him there, made it hard to breathe.

I swallowed when the door opened and Emmett sat beside me now in the passenger seat. He gave me a smile and then looked at the boys also, "You guys hungry?" He asked.

Oh, fuck. I hadn't even thought of food. It was way passed the boys lunch time, way passed snack time and way passed nap time. They must be starving.

Really, what the hell was wrong with me today, did Emmett need to remind me to feed them too?

I felt so horrible. How could he think I was a great mother?

The boys both nodded and Emmett turned to me, I had yet to start the car, unsure of where to go, considering home was not somewhere I wanted us to be right now.

"Why don't we get some drive through while I make a few calls. I don't want you feeling unsafe at your own home. I'll fix this, Bella. I promise." He was so sincere with me. He was keeping us all together.

I nodded and took a deep breath before pulling out of the parking lot. I cleared my throat and looked through the rear view mirror at the boys. Aiden was pulling at the straps of his seat belt while Evan had his head laid back, looking at the window. He seemed tired. With all of the excitement today, I'm surprised he wasn't knocked out completely.

"How are my little monkeys?" I asked, managing another smile now that they were safe, and both Emmett and I were here. I wished we could stay in our safe little bubble forever, but I knew we couldn't. The real world was waiting.

"Okay," Evan sighed, "Okay," Aiden repeated. I knew they were both tired from everything that had happened. We'd get them food and then they could sleep all they wanted.

I, on the other hand, had no idea how I felt. All my focus was on them, all I could think about was them, until Emmett kissed me, on the hospital floor, and made my head spin out of control.

That one amazing kiss. I had never been kissed that way before. There was meaning behind it.

I loved it, it was like I could breath when he was kissing me, it was like I needed it to survive, and suddenly, I felt even more guilty for not thinking of our children in all this.

We were all just getting used to being a family, could we handle... this? Whatever this was. Was he just trying to shut me up, or had he been meaning to do it for some time?

I wasn't blind, we had a few intense moments, but always backed away. Like when Adien took a hold of both mine and Emmett's legs and wouldn't let us go. There was nothing we could do, so he wrapped his arm around my waist as I did the same, laying my head against his chest and threading my fingers through Aiden's hair while he looked up at us innocently. He didn't know what he was doing, he just wanted to hug mama and daddy at the same time. Or did he?

I spotted a fast food restaurant that I knew the boys had eaten at before and somewhat enjoyed, so I pulled in, driving though the drive through.

I ordered the boys a "healthy" kids meal and something small for Emmett and I, were were both not in the mood for food, still trying to get our normalcy back.

I parked and turned off the car, getting up onto my knees in my seat and turning back to the boys. I helped them unwrap their food and eat, while I heard Emmett making a few calls.

I trusted him with the boys safety. I knew he'd never let anything happen to his sons. He loved them more than I ever could have imagined him to, and then some. It was beautiful to watch, and calming to know.

I watched the boys eat, ignoring my own food, just so relieved that they were both okay. My normal breathing was returning as I was now sure of that fact. My worst nightmare had happened and Emmett was the hero.

Sure, I had had to take Evan to the hospital before, but it was never something this major.

I felt Emmett's hand on my lower back, rubbing just above my jeans. I turned to him and noticed he was off his phone and half turned in his seat, smiling at the boys. I didn't even hear what he was talking about on the phone a second ago, too focused on making sure the boys ate.

"How's the food?" He asked, giving an even brighter smile, making me melt just a little, very aware of his hand still on my lower back, just above my ass.

"It's good," Aiden nodded, answering for them both.

"How about you?" He asked me, "You tired any yet?"

I shook my head as his hand moved away and let me sit forward in the seat again, "I'm not so hungry," I sighed, running my hands over my face and into my hair.

"Well, let's try having some at least. Everything will be okay by the time we get back home," He assured while opening his chicken sandwich.

"Okay," I complied, eating some of my own by force. Food was the last thing on my mind.

I was wondering how he could fix this. How was it possible that I wouldn't be looking over my shoulder every second even while in my own home?

We sat in silence, a million thoughts going through my mind; that amazing kiss flying by every few seconds, making me feel guilty again. Damn, when had life had a chance to get even more complicated? Today was a day for change, clearly we had no choice in the matter.

Emmett and I had briefly discussed his status in the public eye and how and when we'd come out with this news. We never came up with any answered, we just kinda of avoided the question for awhile.

I turned to him and watched as he ate with one hand and texted on his blackberry with the other. He turned to me when he noticed I was looking and gave me a warm smile.

I bit on my lip and looked back down at the half eaten food on my lap. I decided I was done. I cleaned up, getting out and opening the back door to get all of Aiden and Evan's mess also. By the time I was putting everything into the trash, Emmett was done too.

"Is it okay to go home yet?" I asked.

"Yeah, let's go put the boys to sleep," He brushed another strand of hair from my face, making me nod dumbly. I loved when he did that. He made my heart race like some teenaged girl crushing on the hot guy in school. I wanted his mouth on mine, so maybe I could catch my breath again.

Damn it, Bella. Today isn't about you!

It was about the boys. It was always about my babies. I'd put my own wants and needs aside forever for them. They were and always would be my number one.

We drove home in silence, both Aiden and Evan were dozing off.

My street was calm as I drove up it, surprised when I saw two very tall and built men, dressed in black suits standing at either ends of the drive way. Emmett's car was still parked out front and a new black car sat across the road, not doubt belonging to the men dressed in black.

I looked to Emmett for answered and he assured me they were fine. We'd talk to them in a moment.

The garage door opened and I drove in, the door closing behind us and the light flicking on.

Thank god for modern technology.

We took the sleeping angels out of their seats, and carried them into the house, heading straight for their room.

I felt a tear escape as I stood before Evan's crib and held him in my arms. I was so scared for him. He was too innocent to have to feel any pain. I felt so helpless, when I was meant to be his protector.

What if he hadn't been okay? What would I do then?

There was nothing more terrifying than the thought of my babies not being perfectly safe in my arms. Nothing.

I sucked in a deep breath when I felt Emmett behind me. His arms went around my waist as he kissed the back of my head, "He's okay, put him down so he can sleep." He whispered kindly.

I sniffled and finally laid him down, taking off his little sneakers that daddy had bought him last week, and then tucking him in. I brushed his hair back and kissed his forehead, watching him a little longer. I didn't want to take my eyes away from him.

As much as I didn't want to, I pulled away and went to Aiden. Emmett already had him tucked in, so I spent a minute brushing his blonde locks with my fingers before kissing him and finally looking at Emmett.

He was looking down at Evan, but quickly looked to me when he saw I was finished. I was about to walk out of the room, when he grabbed me and pulled me to his chest.

I was startled at first, but then noticed he was doing what he knew I needed. I needed him to hold me up, because I couldn't do this alone anymore. I couldn't pretend to be strong in every second anymore. I was exhausted.

I gripped onto the back of his T-shirt while he held me to him, one arm wrapped around my back and the other stroking my hair. He shushed my sobs and kissed the top of my head.

I pulled myself together and willed myself to stop the tears. He finally let me go and I wiped my tears while exiting the door.

"Hey," Emmett grabbed my arm when I was in the living room and made me stop, "You alright?" He asked.

"I'm fine," I turned to him and nodded, "can you just tell me what's going to happen now? Who are those guys?" I asked, motioning to the front door, knowing the men were out there.

"They've worked for me before... Can I ask them to come in, so that I can introduce you and explain everything?" He was so damn careful and gentle with me. Why? Why was he so perfect? And why didn't this feeling want to go away?

I felt it so many times before; When he sat with me at the dining room table over a month ago and explained how the child support worked, how his will worked and he'd take what I gave him and be grateful. He had been understanding and caring the whole time. He let me make the choices and was more patient with me than anyone had ever been.

I was thankful for it all, I didn't need all the money he put into the account every month, I used it on the boys, but we really didn't need it, we just needed him now. I never wanted to do this without him ever again. I had kept him away long enough at the beginning.

I was slowly making up for it, at least I hoped I was.

I finally nodded. He rubbed my arm up and down a few times, and then told me he'd be right back.

I stood where I was, looking around the living room and waiting for him to return. Things were calm now and it seemed odd after the crazy day we just had.

The front door opened and Emmett entered, followed by the two dark men, they were even taller and bigger than Emmett, which was saying something, considering Emmett was pretty damn big. They were no doubt some kind of guards. They both looked Native American, one with a long ponytail.

"This is Embry Call and Quil Ateara, they work for Sam Uley, he's my head of security, everything from my personal life, to every single office and event the company hosts," Emmett told me.

I shook both men's hands and gave them a weak smile, not sure if it even looked like a smile. They were kind of scary, but they were here to protect, and I trusted Emmett, so that put my mind at ease.

"Sam's been working for me for a long time, and before that, he worked for my Pops. I trust him with my life. He's always kept my family safe, you and the boys will be safe as long as one of his men is out there. I've asked for two at a time, you'll meet the others when they change shifts."

I nodded as I listened to Emmett and looked at the three of them in front of me. They seemed to know what they were talking about.

"We won't be any bother. You won't even notice we're out front. And in case there are any problems, Emmett gave us your cell phone number. We've done this before and I assure you nothing will happen to put you in danger as long us one of us is here," The one with the ponytail said.

"Thank you, Quil. You really help put me at ease, knowing you're here... And thank you for taking care of the reporters before we got back," Emmett spoke kindly, coming from the heart. He really was thankful to these men, and so was I, now knowing what they were doing here.

"We'll be in the car, if ever you need anything. Emmett will also give you our number. As soon as the phone rings, we'll answer, anytime just call," Embry told me.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

Emmett went on to tell them what cars Alice and Jasper drove and informed them that they live here and not to be alarmed when they came and went.

Oh, Jasper would not be happy about this. He'd probably take time off work and stay home with us just to be sure we were okay at all times. He'd, of course, blame this all on Emmett.

Embry and Quil exited the way they came. I watched as Emmett grabbed my iPhone from the table by the front door and put their number in.

I walked to the couch and sat down, looking into my lap, trying hard to process what had happen and what would change now.

My eyes moved to Emmett when he sat next to me, "I'm so sorry," He breathed out heavily and I noticed he was looking into his lap the way I had been looking into mine, "It's my fault this is happening. I hate that you and the boys have to go through this because of me..." He suddenly stopped and swallowed down anymore words he was going to say.

"Hey," I sat up and put my hand on the back of his neck and rubbed my thumb in the small curls at the nape, the other moving to his hands in his lap, "We knew this would happen. Sooner or later, right?" I shook my head as he finally looked up at me with sad blue eyes.

He nodded slightly and dropped his head again, "I'm okay with who you are. I trust you when you say the boys and I will be safe... This will all blow over once we're old news. We just have to get through it," I was trying to make myself, as well as him, believe these words.

"We'll deal with everything together," I swallowed now, he looked back over at me, squeezing my hand in his, a small smile playing across his face.

I smiled too, and everything really was okay for a moment. We could do anything together. His eyes told me so, "Yeah, we will." his hand left mine and moved to my face, cupping it gently.

My heart raced, wanting to leap from my chest and into his hands as he moved in closer and kissed me again. This kiss wasn't as forceful, his lips lingered against mine before massaging gently and making me open up to him.

Our tongues slipped into each others mouths as my body turned to his, wrapping an arm around him and fighting to deepen the kiss. God, why did this feel so good?

I moaned into his mouth as his hand came to the back of my neck, the same way as it did at the hospital and pressed us together. The kiss was war and love all at once, we wanted to take from the other, but give everything as well.

His arm squeezed me closer around the waist, his hand gripping through my t-shirt and into my skin. I was so lost in him. Everything was perfect when he was kissing me.

I heard a giggle and quickly pulled away, Emmett still holding onto me made it a little awkward though. My eyes widened as Alice stood there with a small smile. Jasper stood behind her with a look of death towards Emmett.

I pushed against Emmett's chest and he finally got the hint to let me go.

"Hi, guys... Whatcha doin'?" Alice asked, very amused.

I had totally forgotten that they would be home now. They both got out of work at the same time today.

Before I had a chance to answer, Jasper made his voice heard, "What the hell do you think you're doing?" He asked Emmett.

Emmett stood up and so did I, grabbing his arm so he wouldn't do anything. I wasn't even sure if he was upset. My face was burning a minute ago, but now I was just confused.

Jasper looked at my hand holding Emmett's arm and shook his head, "Oh, so you're on his side now?" He asked.

I was about to yell at him that there were no sides, Emmett was on our side. We were all on the same god damn side! but Emmett spoke first, "Hey, I wa..." Emmett began, but didn't get a chance to finish.

"No! You can't just come in here after two years and take advantage of her that way. She's not going to sign anymore of your damn papers just because you're being... all... romantic with her," He sneered at Emmett, then turned to me.

I held Emmett's arm tighter, afraid of what Jasper might say... Was there truth in his words?

I did not truly believe he was using me to get closer to the boys, but there was always that little part of your brain that told you otherwise.

"And if I see you signing one more of his stupid legal documents, I'll fucking lose it. What if he's playing you, Bella? What if he's already gotten you to sign something saying the boys are his now?"

"I'm not that stupid!" I let go of Emmett's arm and stepped forward.

Emmett explained all the paper work, it was for his will and for the child support, and I read it all twice before signing anything. Emmett had not done anything wrong, he was just making sure the boys got everything incase something happened to him, and making sure I had money to support them and give them all they needed.

This time, Emmett took my arm, stopping me immediately when Alice stood between Jasper and I.

"Calm down. Both of you," She turned to Jasper and put her hands on his chest, "Calm down," She spoke calmly and then stroked his hair. He looked into her eyes and softened his stare a little.

I watched them for a moment, wondering what was going on and how to explain everything that was happening. They had no idea what happened today, and I'd have to tell them soon, explain it wasn't Emmett's fault, because I knew they'd think it was.

"Jasper, I understand you're protective of Bella and the boys. I'm glad they have you looking out for them, but I'm not playing her, I'd never trick her into anything. And like she said, she's not stupid, I wouldn't be able to pull anything like that, even if I wanted to." Emmett was the model for calm right now. He spoke evenly and clearly, so sure of every word.

"I want to do this right," His hand traveled down my arm, spending goosebumps up my body. He took my hand into his, making me look at him.

"What?" I asked, confused by his statement. What did he want to do right?

"I was going to ask you later, with everything that happened today, I just wanted to wait till tonight maybe, but now is a good time too..."

My eyes narrowed as he smiled at me, seeming like he forgot Alice and Jasper were even here, "Will you go out to dinner with me? I'd love to take you out on a date."

What?