Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. However, I do own this plot and storyline. I also own my own original characters.

All publicly recognizable characters, settings, products, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any franchise. No copyright infringement intended.

Author's Note: First, I would like to thank you all for the awesome reviews. Although, I don't respond to each one anymore as there is just not enough time in the day, please know, I read them all. Also, I would like to thank the ladies who keep me sane: Justjo, Sally H., Dee P., Bethany, Pam, Christina, and Ging. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I couldn't keep doing this if it wasn't for you.

Secondly, I'm sorry if you feel my story is a guide of sorts. I'm a very detail oriented person and I guess that shows in my writing, it's how my mind works.

Thirdly, I have said numerous times, this is a slow burn. It also isn't about lemons. If you are looking for a story full of lemons, this isn't it.

Now, about the sleeping in the same bed…LOL. Bella and Edward are two grown adults and in my opinion, it is possible to sleep in the same bed without having sex. They are getting to know each other on a more personal level.

Lastly, hang on tight. There are a few chapters before the BIG reveal, but it's coming. I will give you a heads up, there are several character deaths coming up.

Chapter 21: A Spark Makes a Flame

EPOV

Friday morning, we're up early, eager to get home. After a quick breakfast of cold cereal, we depart the marina and head toward the Texas coast. If we stay on schedule, we should arrive at the marina in Kemah around three this afternoon, which puts us back at the ranch by early tonight.

We don't even anchor to have lunch, Bella just heats up the leftover shrimp from last night and makes wraps. From what Billy tells me, she's never away from Cassie longer than a few days at a time. I can't blame her. I know adults need a break occasionally, but I would never want to be away from my kids. It's been almost two weeks since we left the ranch and I miss everyone, even Emmett, so I can only imagine how she's feeling.

A little after three o'clock, we are turning toward the marina so Bella calls Jessica to see what slip is hers, putting the phone on speaker. "When you come through the entrance, go all the way to the end. Once there, you can only turn left, then come all the way down toward the blue and white building. It's the second slip on the right before the dead end, number four. I had to get a sixty-foot, but you're right by the office and parking entrance. See you in a few," Jessica directs, before hanging up.

Billy goes to the aft where there's a joystick control, which he uses to guide the boat into the slip. Once docked, I shut the engines down and make my way aft. Jessica and Seth are standing on the dock, but what has Bella rushing off the boat is her daughter in Seth's arms. By the time Billy, Jasper, and I have the boat long-term moored, Bella and Cassie are a giggling mess.

"Holy hell," Seth sputters with wide eyes, walking onto the boat. "This is fucking cool."

"Take your shoes off!" we all demand before he can go any further.

Bella carries Cassie onto the boat, sitting on the aft lounge and removing her shoes. Once her mother lets her go, baby girl is off to explore her home on the water. While Seth and Cassie look around, the rest of us get our luggage and the food packed up.

Before we lock everything up and set the alarm, the marina manager comes to inspect the boat as their policy states. We all load into Bella's SUV with Seth at the wheel and are quickly on our way home. I dose off before we even get on the freeway.

I'm shaken awake by Billy as we pull through the ranch gates. Bella and Cassie are both asleep in the third row behind me. As we pull up to the house, Alice is standing on the porch, bouncing in excitement. As soon as Jasper is out of the truck, she's in his arms.

Before I turn to wake up my girls, I hear part of what Alice is whispering to Jasper. "... and some crazy shit has been going on here."

That has my attention, but I figure they'll enlighten us soon enough, so I get my girls out and grab a few of the bags. Emmett and Jake are already helping unload the vehicle along with Billy.

We eat dinner, Cassie falling asleep soon afterwards. Seth and Jessica wore her out on the boardwalk before we arrived at the marina. After putting our stuff away, Bella and I head into the living room, where the others are waiting for us. Bella's immediately on alert. "What's goin' on?"

"I'd like to know the answer to that as well," Billy commands. "Jake, start talkin'."

"Um … Saturday mornin', Leah and I went ridin' on the horse trails. There were some off-road tracks, fresh ones. Since we all know not to ride ATVs on the horse trails, I knew it wasn't one of us," Jake explains, looking pale. "I had my gun with me so we followed the trail, and it led to the northwest corner of the fence line. There was a twenty-foot section of the fence knocked down."

I heard Bella gasp next to me, but she doesn't say anything, letting Jake finish the story. I reach over and take her hand in mine, comforting us both.

"I called the guys, and they met us out there. I brought Leah back to the house and called Garrett. After we fixed the fence, Emmett and Garrett took the southwest blind. Seth and I took the northwest one, and we stayed up all night. Nothing happened, so we thought maybe it had been down for a while and we missed it.

"Monday mornin', Garrett came out and stayed with the girls while we guys checked the entire fence line, all the way around the property. We made sure there were no cuts.

"Monday afternoon, Rose was in the garden and saw some smoke, so she came to get me. The blind, the one we set up with the camera, was set on fire. Luckily, we got out there before it could spread and cause a forest fire," he breathes out, so upset he is shaking.

Billy walks over to his son and takes a seat beside him. "Anything else happen?"

"Yeah, just weird shit," Emmett interrupts with a frown. "And it keeps getting closer and closer to the house. The first tracks were out by Jake's place, but Sam found some on the other side of the lake. Someone let the chickens out of their pen and set a pile of lumber for the new courtyard barn on fire. They spray painted some nasty words on all the picnic tables at the pavilion, too."

"So they're gettin' braver or tryin' to see how close they can get to the buildings," Bella comments, not really to anyone in particular. "It has to be the Call boys and that Jane girl."

"What did Garrett say 'bout it all?" Billy questions. "I know y'all kept it from us so we wouldn't stress while we were gone, but this is a family, don't keep anything from us again."

"Sorry, Dad," Jake whispers, glancing between Billy and Bella. "Garrett filed a vandalism report. Until they catch 'em, he can't do anything."

"Well, they aren't gonna get away with destroyin' my property or threatenin' my family," Bella growls, jumping up from her seat. "I don't care if they have a vendetta or not, I will protect what's mine."

"Let's get some sleep," Sarah suggests. "I'm sure y'all are waterlogged and tired."

After kissing Bella goodnight, I head upstairs. Lleu's at my feet as soon as I walk in the bedroom door. I scoop him up and lavish him with some attention. Once I've taken my shower and I'm in bed, he's asleep in his bed. I turn out the lights and fall into a deep slumber.

I'm almost done with preparing breakfast when Bella and Cassie emerge, both looking grumpy. "Good morning, my girls."

"Mornin'," Bella grumbles. "Miss Priss decided she needed to sleep in my bed last night. You'd think someone so small wouldn't take up the whole bed." I stifle my amusement at Bella's expense and focus on getting breakfast ready.

I finish breakfast while she drinks her first cup of coffee. I know there's more to her not sleeping than Cassie climbing in bed with her. She's stressing about the vandalism, and I can't blame her. I feel guilt wash over me because I brought this psycho here. Well not technically, but she's here because of me.

The entire day turns out to be stressful, and everyone is jumpy. I stick close to the house, close to Bella and Cassie. I wash clothes from our trip, cook, and clean. I do whatever I can to make it easier on her. She's quiet throughout the day and not just with me. She hasn't talked to anyone really, basically staying confined to her office in the house.

Sunday is a bit of the same, however she's talking a little more. She even helps me cook dinner for everyone. Sitting around the pool and eating, it finally feels like things are getting back to normal. Cassie and Heidi are sitting on the edge of the pool, dangling their feet in the water.

Suddenly, Dasher is up, running through the yard and growling. He's on full alert and so is Bella. She yanks Cassie up from the ground, and at the same time, Emmett has Heidi in his arms. Bella hands Cassie to Rose. "Take 'em to safety. You know where," she whispers heatedly.

"I smell smoke," Billy sneers. "Jessica, hit the panic button."

Everyone's running through the house or around the side yard. Once in the front yard, I can see smoke and flames in the distance.

"GRASS FIRE!" Seth yells, running toward the utility building, Jake and Bella are hot on his heels.

Next thing I know, Jake and Seth are both on tractors heading our way. What surprises me is seeing Bella's truck speeding down the driveway. Before I can even blink, she plows the truck through the fence, between the fire and us. At about the same time, Billy yells, "STAMPEDE." I understand why she did it. Over a hundred cattle are trapped and she just gave them a way out. It just so happens, that way is right where we're all standing because as soon as she breaks the fence down, they are heading our way, which is in the middle of the front yard. Tyler and Eric immediately start herding the cattle into another pasture on the opposite side of the property.

Jake and Seth follow behind Bella, plowing up the grass along the way as she demolishes the cross fencing. I assume they're trying to make a fire break. I'm not sure how much time has passed before I start to hear sirens.

Six hours, that's how long it took to get everything under control. The firefighters got the flames under control before it spread to any of the buildings, thank God. Although, Bella's truck is damaged. However, it's better than having the house and barns catch on fire or have any of the animals perish. It's bad enough that she lost about five hundred acres and the cross fencing.

While the fire department gets the grass fire completely out, Jake and Seth cut a firebreak around all the buildings. Garrett and a few other police officers show up behind the fire department. Once they can safely make it to the back of the property, they'll investigate the cause, along with the fire marshal.

Bella knows it was intentional; we all do. It started at the back of the property, which backs up to a national forest. Therefore, no one could've thrown a cigarette out of a car or anything to cause this.

Once the fire has been contained, Emmett and Rose emerge from their hiding spot with the girls. Both of them are asleep of course because it's after midnight. Bella looks like she's going to drop any minute. The stress is getting to be too much for her, and I really don't want her to get sick.

"Hey, pretty girl," I whisper, leaning my head next to Bella's. "You wanna go lay down with the girls? I'll come get you if anyone needs to talk to you."

"Okay," she answers softly. "Thanks for everything, Edward. I needed your strength tonight."

"Always, pretty girl," I respond, kissing her softly before she climbs off the tailgate of her truck where we've been sitting.

I'm not sitting here long before my father and Billy take the space on each side of me.

"How's she doin'?" Billy questions, staring out across the pasture where the firefighters are still soaking down the remaining embers.

"Devastated," I utter tiredly. "Worried about everyone and everything. She's worried about Cassie and Heidi being drug into the middle of all of this and getting hurt. Whatever this is."

"How are you holding up, son?" my father implores.

"Pissed the fuck off," I growl out. "I want to know what the fuck this bitch wants with me. What in the hell did Tanya promise her? I want her to fucking pay for this shit." I gesture toward the burnt, smoldering field.

"Oh, she's gonna pay," Billy whispers angrily. "They all are, I promise you that."

We're just sitting there when Garrett walks up. "I gotta go to the station but I'll be back as soon as I can. I'm leaving two deputies here. Get some sleep. We'll figure this out in the morning," he concludes before walking to his truck and driving away.

"Sarah and I are stayin' at the house tonight," Billy remarks. "I told Jake and Leah to stay here as well. It's better that we be close."

We head into the house, where it seems like every couch or chair is occupied by someone crashing on it. I bypass all of them and make my way to Bella's room. She's asleep in the middle of the bed with Cassie and Heidi snuggling into each side of her.

All three dogs are asleep on the rug at the foot of her bed, none of them even opens an eye as I move around the bed. I take my shoes off and plop down in the chair in the corner of her room.

I'm awakened by giggles and hush whispers. I peek my eyes open to see Bella trying to quiet the two little girls playing on the bed with the pups.

"Good morning, girls," I croak out, my voice hoarse from sleep and the smoke of the fire.

Cassie looks up at Bella. "Da, up."

"Yeah, I'm sure you little giggle monsters are the reason," she growls playfully at the girls, who in turn giggle more.

"It's okay, pretty girl," I state, stretching. Oh, I'm too old to be sleeping in a chair.

"Coffee's ready," Bella comments, getting off the bed and coming over to the chair. I pull her down onto my lap.

"How'd you sleep?" I question, looking at the circles under her eyes.

"I could use a little more, but then so can you," she answers, rubbing her fingers under my eyes.

"Let's get some breakfast," I state, changing the subject, standing and stretching. "It's gonna be a long day."

"Go shower and I'll start breakfast," Bella commands, reaching up on her toes to kiss me. We break apart when the giggles get louder behind us.

"I love when you get all sassy," I growl, popping her on the ass and earning a glare in return. I just smirk at her.

After my shower, I make it back downstairs and the smell from the kitchen assaults my nose. I definitely smell bacon cooking. As I walk by, I glance out the back door to see the girls running around the backyard with the pups. Emmett is sitting on the porch, looking like he's guarding the world, which to him, he probably is.

I'm handed a cup of coffee and look to see my father standing beside me. "Bella wants to send them to Houston," he remarks quietly. "She's saying Emmett and Rose can go with them until all this blows over."

"No," I snap. "Sorry, Dad, but this bitch is not separating that little girl from her momma."

"I agree," he smirks, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Bella will be even more stressed if Cassie isn't close to her during all this shit. Garrett's here. He wants to talk to us after breakfast."

"Well, let's eat so we can get this fuckery figured out," I quip. I need to get my anger under control.

As I help Bella carry the food to the back patio, I notice an older man standing with Garrett and Billy. As soon as Bella sets down the platter, she's over there and hugging him. He's wearing worn jeans and a flannel shirt, his hair so gray it's almost white.

She leads him over to where I'm fixing Cassie a plate. "Edward," she calls. "This is Sheriff Berty, one of my dad's friends. Sheriff, this is my boyfriend, Edward Cullen."

"It's nice to meet you, sir," I greet, shaking his hand firmly.

"Good to meet you too, son," he replies. "Sorry it's under such difficult circumstances."

"Me too," I agree. "Make yourself a plate. I gotta get this to baby girl before she has a meltdown."

As I walk away, I hear him whisper to Bella. "He's a keeper."

I set Cassie's plate in front of her, but apparently, the stress around her is rubbing off because she's on the verge of tears. "Hey, baby girl. What's this? Why are you crying?"

"No uce," she wails. I pick her up and take her into the house.

Sitting her on the counter, I lean down so we're eye level. "No tears. Tell me what you want and I can get it for you. You need to use your big girl voice and not yell at me. It hurts my feelings when you yell," I explain in a soothing voice.

She calms herself down, sniffling a little before looking up at me with big blue watery eyes. "Me uce for bites."

"You want juice with your food?" I ask in clarification.

"Peas," she whispers.

"That's all you had to say, baby girl," I chide. "Now, let's get you some juice and go eat breakfast before it gets cold."

"'K," she responds as I stand her on her feet and grab her Sippy cup.

Once her cup is filled and in her little hands, she's out the door and back in her seat. I just shake my head and follow her.

After everyone has eaten, Sarah and my mother start cleaning up. Leah leads the two little ones to the jungle gym in the corner of the backyard.

"Sorry for running outta here last night, but I needed to talk to someone at the station," Garrett explains, leaning back in his chair. "Eli Call turned himself in last night."

There are several gasps heard, but my concern was the look of pure hatred on my girl's face.

"He says he didn't know what Jane and his brother were planning until it was too late. They've been living at a motel in Marquez. When he disagreed with his brother and told them he wasn't gonna help set the fire, Embry beat the hell outta him.

"Eli walked to the police station, but by the time he got there, the fire was already set. He says they're planning something big, but they want to taunt you first. He also said that Jane is crazy, like psycho. That she was promised Edward and the money, whatever that means," he concludes, glancing between Bella and me.

"Edward," Sheriff Berty calls, getting my attention. "Garrett says you don't know this girl, that the first time you saw her was in Vegas. Is that right?"

"If she was ever at any of the benefits or charity galas I attended in Seattle, I don't remember meeting her," I confirm, trying to not let my anger take over. "She approached me in Vegas. The first time, I didn't know her name and Angela rescued me within minutes. The second time was when she told me her name and threatened me. My dad is the one who confirmed she's the daughter of one of his former colleagues."

"So you can't think of what she means by being promised you and money?" the sheriff asks.

"No, sir," I reply. "If she was friends with Tanya, I never knew. My restaurant was successful before Tanya and her dad ruined it, but I wasn't rich. My family is well known in Seattle because we always volunteered and gave back. We supported the charities my mother was involved with. We supported my father's career and volunteered at the hospital functions. We supported my brother by going to the home games and my sister-in-law by doing fundraisers for the animal shelter where she volunteered. That's it."

"I'm the one that came from money," my mother interrupts. "My family is well known in Seattle. I guess everyone assumed we all had money because of my maiden name. My children all work for everything they have. The three of them have small trust funds from their grandparents, but I don't think any of them has touched that money. I know for a fact, they never mentioned they even have it."

"I have a trust fund?" Emmett questions. "I thought that was gone when I finished college?"

"Son," my father sighs. "We'll talk about it later."

We all laugh at Emmett's disgruntled pout. "Fine."

"So let me get this straight," Bella finally finds her voice and it's laced with venom. "Eli follows his brother blindly, but when shit gets bad, he comes to his senses and hightails it to the police? What the fuck did they carry outta here on that video?"

"A calf," Garrett began. "They stole a calf. Eli said it was a prank for the football team, but now he thinks they wanted to see if they could get on the property without you knowing it."

"Where's my calf now?" Bella questions angrily. "I don't believe in brandin' an animal. That's why I tag 'em, but I guess the tag was cut off."

"It was," Sheriff Berty responds. "It's being returned to you tomorrow. It's at an animal shelter in Normangee."

"Ya know I know the law, right?" she questions with a raised eyebrow, glancing between the two men. "The 1868 Texas Cattle Rancher's Law applies to my property; this ranch is my livelihood. I will do whatever it takes to protect this ranch and everyone on it. My property line is clearly marked and there are warnin' signs posted."

"And that's your right," Sheriff Berty implies. "You'll be within those rights to protect yourself or anyone else for that matter. I know you have a good head on your shoulders, Bella; you aren't a vengeful person."

The next week is absolute hell. Everyone's on guard and no one goes anywhere alone. Jasper had King Construction bring in another crew to get the courtyard barn finished before anymore of the materials could be damaged. He also hired another company to rebuild the cross fencing after Jake and Billy tore down the remaining burnt sections and plowed up the charred ground.

Jessica has more cameras installed and linked to the office and house. The new barn will also have cameras, and a state of the art security system that will cover the whole ranch, will be installed. They even installed emergency releases on the stall doors in all the barns.

Emmett, Rose, and Ben are working on the last summer camp, which Bella refuses to cancel. As a precaution, Garrett and a few of his buddies will be here for security. They're keeping the activities close to the center and lake.

The camp will run from Friday through Sunday, the last weekend in August, and we'll be leaving the following Monday for Houston. That's why today, Billy, Bella, and I are going to College Station to shop for tackle and everything else on Bella's list.

Of course, Cassie's not happy that she's going with us while Heidi is staying with Emmett and Rose. They have a meeting with the caseworker today and a psychologist. This is the last step before the adoption can be complete. Another reason we're going shopping is because Bella wants to have a special dinner for all three of them this weekend. A welcome to the family for Heidi and to welcome Emmett and Rose into parenthood.

Bella and I are actually following Billy to the dealership first. She's dropping off her truck with Larry to get it repaired. The cattle guard took most of the damage, but there are a few body repairs needed, too.

We pull up to the dealership and Larry walks out shaking his head, "What'd ya do?"

"Plowed down a fence." Bella laughs at his shocked face. "That cattle guard did its job though."

"Is this an insurance claim?" he asks, walking around the truck.

"Nope, it was my fence," she confesses. "Needed to save my animals from a grass fire."

"All right," Larry sighs. "I'll call ya when it's ready, 'bout a week."

Our first stop after dropping off her truck is to the sporting goods store. Billy has officially reverted to his youth. He's like a kid in a toy store. Bella's pushing Cassie in her stroller, and I get the task of pushing the basket, which Billy's quickly and eagerly filling.

"William Black," Bella chides. "We're not all gonna be fishin' at the same time. Get a couple of saltwater combos and then a couple of those spincast combos. I'm not gonna be here all day."

He finally settles on eight rods before we head over to the bait section. Bella picks up a saltwater tackle bag and a storage box. Setting them in the basket, she tells Billy, "You can fill those, that's it."

Leaving him with the basket and his task of picking the best baits and supplies, we head over to the boating department.

"Will ya get another basket, please?" she asks when we're both trying to juggle everything. At least she's getting essentials, like a diver down flag and an extra first aid kit.

It takes over an hour to get everything and check out. The next store is for home goods. This is actually easy since Bella has a list of exactly what we need.

"Edward," Bella calls from the bath section where she's getting everyone a shower tote. "Will Jasper be all right with green?"

"Yeah," I answer, taking the things from her hands and putting them in the basket. "He doesn't care, pretty girl. I love how much you care about making sure we all have what we need."

I can hear Billy and Cassie throughout the store. They went to "look around" per Billy. However, it sounds like there's more "playing around" going on.

Bella and Sarah have decided to keep everything in neutral and sea colors: browns, beige, sea green, and light blue. After the towels and bath rugs are picked out, we head to the kitchen area. We'll need the most from this section. We need to stock the galley, bar, and aft grill area.

"Look, pretty girl," I address, getting her attention. "Let's get this coffee maker, it's compact and there's no glass. It won't break or slide around."

"Okay," she surmises. "Do we need a toaster or any other appliances?"

"A blender and hand mixer," I reply, already picking out a blender.

We grab a small bakeware set and go pick out plates. She already bought a stacking cookware set and some glasses that are specially made for boating.

My girl is simple and practical. She gets what is versatile and needed. We have everything from her list and are ready to go, except I have to go find the two escapees while Bella checks out.

After the grocery store, we're on our way back to the ranch. Cassie and Bella are in the backseat of the truck, sharing some fruit snacks she bought. Those two love their fruits and veggies.

The week continues with the same busy schedule. Building, gardening, and taking care of the animals. Cleaning, riding, and training, it's a never-ending cycle, but it's enjoyable. Still, we don't let our guard down. We even are able to have a little fun by taking the Wave Runner out on the lake, swimming and taking the XUV's out on the trails.

The dinner for Emmett, Rose, and Heidi goes off without a hitch. Cassie gives Heidi a dollhouse she picked out for her new room. Emmett and Rose shed a few tears along with their thanks to everyone.

The following week, we get ready for the campers, although this camp will be low-key. Mostly swimming, fishing, and horseback riding.

Friday morning, the kids and their parents arrive full of excitement. We're all pretty excited, even though we're a little short-staffed. Sarah, however, has designated herself as the one to get us all packed and ready for the boating trip. Jasper and Sam are at the courtyard barn trying to get it finished along with the crews from King. Angela's at the nursing home helping Sue so she can keep up her hours, and my mother is auditing the books for one of Bella's charities. There are enough of us here to make sure everyone is safe and has fun, that's all that matters.

Emmett, Eric, and Tyler are at the lake, overseeing the activities taking place, such as fishing and paddle boats.

Rose and Kate set up a karaoke stage under the pavilion. Some of these kids can really belt out a tune, and as a result, we all get to enjoy their music.

Ben, Leah, and my dad are the water monitors at the pool, making sure no one gets hurt or just helping them if needed.

My eyes search out Bella. She, Billy, and Alice have the horses in a pen close to the activity center. She's currently leading a little boy around the arena, laughing at what he's telling her.

I finish setting up the tables for lunch, listening to the singing from the pavilion. I decide to keep it simple, making deli and veggie trays. Everyone can make their own sandwich or salad. Jessica and Seth are helping me get everything ready.

Seth's been riding around the property, keeping an eye on everyone and everything. Even though Garrett is here with a couple of other guys from the station. I feel better knowing that they are here.

While everyone's eating lunch, Garrett steps up to the microphone with Bella beside him. "Can I have your attention please? With the hot, dry weather we've been experiencing and some recent vandalism on the ranch, we're implementing a curfew. All campers are to be in their cabins by nine o'clock tonight. If you need anything after that, please call the office and someone will assist you. We just want to keep everyone safe. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day."

No one complains about the curfew or asks questions, which lessens the stress Bella has about the whole thing. I clean up lunch with Jessica's help, while Seth takes off to make rounds again.

Two days of water and singing, although it's more contained and low-key, the kids have fun. Clean up is fast and easy, everyone helps to get things back in order.

We're sitting on the patio Sunday afternoon when Jake opens his mouth, pissing off every female around. "So, Ma, if you and Edward are both leavin' for over a week, who's gonna cook for me?"

"I suggest you cook for yourself," is Sarah's snarky reply. "We cook for y'all every day because we enjoy it, not because we have to."

You would have thought he'd let it go, but no, he turns to Leah and asks, "Ya know how to cook, right?"

"I do," Leah answers sweetly. "But I'll be cookin' for me at the house. I'm not sure what they'll have in the bunkhouse. That's where you'll be stayin'."

"Jake," Bella sighs. "Don't start your crap. There's stuff for sandwiches, cereal, and plenty of people who know how to cook."

She gets up from her chair, calling for Cassie to come pick out some toys, books, and movies to take. We need to get an early start in the morning so that we can get our fishing licenses as well the dive tanks filled.

It's gonna be a long night, but I'm excited for this trip. Most importantly, Bella is excited for this trip, if the smile on her face is any indication.