Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. No disrespect is intended if I just tweak things a bit.

This chapter was preread by Siobhan Masen. Thank you so much for your nod of approval. She has some fabulous stories that everyone should be reading.

Thank you for the continued encouragement in reviews, pm's, followers and story favorites. Especially not blasting me on the last chapter. Someone left a guest comment saying they made a bannerforthis story. I can't pm guests but I am humbled and awed that someone took the time. Thank you. Also, there are lyrics weaved as lines from Elbow (my favorite band) that I tweaked a bit for my benefit. Guy Garvery my lyricist crush. *sigh*

Chapter 20

Reunion

Early Summer – 1935

Edward

Lying here in bed with Bella sleeping by my side, I place the kind of kiss, that wouldn't wake a baby, on the same face that wouldn't let me sleep. I'm amazed at the changes in my life. It's been four weeks since I told Bella my story and in those four weeks my life has changed dramatically.

After I relayed my story that morning at the table, Bella, Alice, Jasper and I went into the library and put the money in the safe. When the safe door closed, I could feel the weight of the guilt I carried start to ease from my shoulders.

"Come, I have a surprise for you," Bella smiles excitedly, while pulling on my hand. We head outside towards the Carriage House and as I breathe in the clean, fresh morning air, I feel even more alive. Bella stops at the door and has an amused glint in her eyes. I help her slide open the door and follow her inside to a covered vehicle as she starts pulling the tarp off. Under the tarp is the Aston Martin in pristine condition.

She looks up at me with a gentle smile. "As you must know, this is the car my parents were driving home. It was brought here after it was searched, because it held some of my parent's possessions and we didn't know when you might come to claim it." Her expressive eyes mist as she relives those dark days. She sighs, "We removed our parent's items and have kept it covered ever since."

I'm stunned. They never used it. She doesn't even know it belonged to her parents. Just as I am ready to explain to her the truth about the car's true ownership, Emmett comes in. "Bella, Edward, Detective Uley and Officer Call are here," his expression serious.

At first, I'm confused as to whom these men are and then I notice both Bella and Emmett are looking at me with indecision. I then comprehend they're the investigators for the case surrounding Charlie and Renee.

I have a brief bout of panic, wondering if perhaps someone didn't believe my story, but then I look at Bella as she cocks her brow, as if daring me to speak those thoughts out loud. She already reads me so well. Her hands fly to my face as she moves to stand in front of me, her eyes search out mine as she speaks, "I believe you and in you. You've more than shown yourself to be a man of your word. Don't doubt mine. It's your choice if you want to explain what happened. We'll all stand behind you." Her mouth softly touches mine as I realize she's on tiptoes in her attempt to gently seal her promises.

I embrace her to me. "Thank you."

I glance at Emmett and he tilts his head towards Bella. "She's right Edward. You wouldn't have saved all of us, if you were only looking out for yourself. None of us doubt your story."

I nod to him, my mind made up after hearing both of their declarations. "I might as well finish this. I'm tired of hiding who I am. If they want to take me in for questioning, so be it." I take Bella's hand in mine and we walk back up to the house.

Once we reach the parlor, everyone is already seated including the two men I had briefly seen twice before. Recognition immediately enters the eyes of Elder.

We take a seat obviously saved for Bella and me as she begins the introductions, "Detective Uley, Officer Call, I would like to introduce you to Edward…"

"Cullen, Edward Cullen," I finish, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable with either the lie or the truth.

Both men are startled momentarily, but immediately recover themselves. Detective Uley eyes narrow as if flashing through his memory as to where we would have met, and then he remembers. "I've seen you before. At the Inn, at the port, you were sitting at a table next to us. You weren't Cullen then."

Officer Call finishes the train of thought. "You had the front desk woman all but swooning over you. She called you, Mr. Masen."

Emmett chuckles and Rosalie shushes him, while I blush slightly. Bella looks up at me and I shrug my shoulders, I didn't know what else to do. I cleared my throat and begin, "There was a reason for the name change if you'll let me explain."

And so I do.

For over three hours I tell them my story and answer their questions. Bella sits beside me, either holding my hand or softly rubbing my arm or back, never letting me forget, I wasn't alone. I fully expect them to take me in for the simple fact of never coming forward in the first place, but, truthfully, they have no evidence to place me at the scene of the crime.

Finally, they focus on the robbery. Detective Uley questioning, "So you never got the last name of this Victoria woman?"

I shake my head. "No, like I said, I'd just met her and it was a short conversation about New Orleans and places to see while I was here in the States." I had already given them as detailed a description of both her and James.

Both law men exchange a look before Detective Uley speaks, "Well, your description of the two, are an exact match to James and Victoria de Sade. They are wanted for similar crimes all along the southern States."

They had done this before? Noticing my look of surprise, Detective Uley grimaces a little before answering, "Yeah, you aren't the first. There are at least seven other victims that we know about. But, they leave the area immediately. The victims are drugged and some beaten, so they usually have a day's lead to escape capture."

"Have you notified your parents yet about your whereabouts?" Officer Call changes the subject.

"No sir, not yet, I wanted to do the right thing for Bella and Alice first," I stress.

"Well, I suggest you do so soon. We receive weekly letters from them, asking for any new information or if you've been found," Officer Call recommends with a stern look, as if I were a wayward child.

I nod my head at him, understanding how my parents must still be worried and would never give up hope of finding me. Then I remember my ponderings as to why they never contacted Bella and Alice. I look at Bella musing out loud, "I still don't understand why you never received letters from my parents. They loved Charlie and Renee so much. They never even sent you condolences?"

Bella simply shakes her head and quietly answers, "No."

Emmett suddenly stands up. All eyes turn to him as he begins pacing the room. Finally, he grinds out, "It does make sense." I look at him confused.

He ignores me to look directly at Bella with raised eyebrows in challenge, "Who's been bringing you the mail, Bella?"

Bella looks questioningly at Emmett, but then anger begins to fill her eyes. Between clenched teeth she hisses, "Jacob."

"So, you didn't receive letters from the Cullen's. You didn't receive notice of the property taxes being due. I wonder what else you didn't receive." Emmett wonders out loud. Gasps fill the parlor from Alice, Rosalie and Leah. Seth swears under his breath and Mrs. Cope looks ready to spit fire.

"I don't know! But it does explains some things, doesn't it," seethes, a very angry Bella. I run my hand up and down from her neck to back trying to offer her comfort.

Detective Uley breaks into their conversation. "Jacob, Jacob Black? He's the man who was at the service for your parents, right?"

"Yes, he's the one you spoke with after," Alice answers and then questions. "Why did you talk with him anyways?"

Detective Uley looks at her for a moment, but evades a complete answer with a shrug, "It has to do with the investigation. We're checking out every available lead."

"Can you tell us more about the clue Renee left?" Bella questions in a calmer tone.

"No, not right now, but soon I think," he again evades a direct answer. He raises from his seat and we all follow suit. "Mr. Cullen, I wish you would have spoken to us in the beginning. We've spent a lot of time trying to find you, thinking you were a victim along with the Swans. It would've saved us a lot of man hours. But, I'm glad you're alive and well." He shakes his head at me in frustration. "I suggest you contact your parents as soon as possible. They seem like very loving parents who refused to give up on their search for their son." He shakes my hand and then addresses the room at large, "We need to go, but we'll be back in touch with you soon."

Once they've left, I feel the burden I've carried for so long fully leave my shoulders. I feel clean. I don't have to hide who I am anymore. It's done and I'm finally free.

Bella's standing beside me, and as I look down into her eyes, I can see she apparently still harbors quite a bit of anger. I'm assuming it's directed at Jacob Black. Not knowing if he's intentionally taken letters from my parents, I realize then, I do still have to hide who I am. I hug her tight to me. "We'll get to the bottom of this Jacob Black issue. But, I don't think we should let him know who I really am. Does he still collect your mail?"

"No, I told him to stop. Leah's recently been picking it up," she sighs into my chest.

I look around the room. "So, as far as anyone outside this home is concerned, I'm Edward Masen. I don't know this Jacob Black, but if he's purposely been keeping correspondence from reaching Bella and Alice, we need to figure out why." Everyone agrees, and it's clear as I search each and every face in the room, everyone has their own theories about Jacob Black's reasons.

Emmett spits out bitingly, "Oh, I'm pretty sure what's been happening now. It all makes perfect sense! When the Blacks were no longer shipping their tobacco overseas, Mister Black was angry at Charlie. He probably figured Charlie was still dealing with and visiting your parents." He looks at me, filling in some history for me and making sure I'm able to follow his train of thought.

"So, when the time comes for last year's cotton to be sold, they keep the correspondence from arriving. Isn't it blinding obvious, we just happen to have a fire in the office where the only other information was stored for you to contact Mr. Cullen, Bella? Jacob must have overheard our conversation in the fields when we discussed how to get in touch with him." Bella nods her head, agreeing with everything Emmett is saying.

Based on their expressions, the others too seem to agree as well.

"Jacob comes here asking you, practically begging you, to ask his father for help. Then, when you attempt to talk business with Mister Black he tries to blackmail you into a marriage agreement, complete with contract." Emmett is raging now. His large feet pound down on the floor with each step in his furious pacing, "That fire killed my father. That bastard killed my FATHER!" he yells up to the ceiling.

Rosalie is at Emmett's side trying to calm him down. All the girls are now there, hugging him, giving solace. I can only pat him on the shoulders and offer hope, "If the Blacks are responsible, and it sounds like it's the case, then they will see justice."

"Not Mister Black. He was killed in a hunting accident. There's only Jacob left, but I'm sure he was part of it. There's no doubt in my mind," Emmett heaves, reining in his emotions. "I need to do something, work in the fields or drive into town to hire some quality workers. It'll help me focus and get myself under control."

"I'm coming with you," Rosalie practically shouts in her enthusiasm. At Emmett's questioning gaze, she continues, "If you should happen to run into Jacob, you'll be compelled to go after him and I won't let you go to jail. If you leave this property Emmett McCarty, I'm coming with you."

She spins on her heel, her eyes are stressed with worry. She searches for another logical person to help her in her quest to keep Emmett calm. "Seth, why don't you come too, just in case?"

Seth nods, yes, in his agreement. Rosalie turns back to Emmett and he glares at Rosalie, while she glares right back. A slow smile builds across Emmett's face as he pulls her to him. "Yes, ma'am. Whatever you say, boss."

Laughing, she pats his cheeks. "That's better. Now we should get going and get some much needed help."

He kisses her quickly. "Let's go." As quickly as his rage appeared, it disappears just as quickly, but make no mistake, it's not forgotten.

As the three of them head out, Mrs. Cope and Leah head into the kitchen and Bella has returned to my side. I wrap an arm around her, pulling her by her waist to bring her closer. I don't have to fight my need any more too always have her near or the constant urge to touch her. She's mine, and I'll always want her beside me.

I look across the parlor and see a mirror image of my position with Bella, reflected back in Alice and Jasper. I quirk my brow at Jasper, who grins wickedly as he chuckles, "What, you can find your better half and I can't have mine?"

My smile is huge when I hear him call Bella my better half. I look down at Bella, who's smiling first at Alice and Jasper, then up at me. I clear my throat and speak up, "Not at all. I'm happy for you and Alice, Jasper. I just wish we would have sold the damn violin sooner."

"Yeah, but it was the candlesticks which started everything in motion. Thank you, Bella," he grins widely.

"Oh no, don't thank me. It was all Alice. She gave them to me to sell and I'm forever thankful she did," Bella tilts her head to Alice.

We all look at Alice, who shrugs her shoulders. "I knew they would bring us what we needed, and they did." She hugs Jasper close to her.

"They did indeed and I have them upstairs in one of my bags. I'll bring them down and you can put them back where they belong," Jasper adds, kissing her forehead.

"And I need to sign over the Aston Martin to the two of you. The car isn't mine," Both Bella and Alice can't believe what they're hearing. "It was put in my name to save on potential taxes. Charlie fell in love with the car and bought it," I smile at them as they try to grasp my words.

Alice has tears, running down her cheeks and is shaking her head in astonishment. Bella's eyes are misty as she looks up at me. "I can't believe what you've done for us, what you've done for me. Words will never be enough to thank you. And you too Jasper, for believing in Edward, to accomplish what you both did, for helping us. But, more importantly for bringing back Alice. She's more alive and happier than I can ever remember seeing her."

To someone witnessing from the outside, it may have been an overly emotional moment, but, for all that's occurred since first arriving here, it feels right. I found a true friend in Jasper. I know in my heart, the others who live here will end up being just as close of friends as time goes on.

They have already stood by me as I spoke to the authorities, giving me indescribable strength with their simple gesture. Jasper and I have found 'our better halves' as he pointed out and I can't imagine never having this feeling of completeness as I do now.

Bella pulls me out of my silent musings. "You really need to write your parents. They must be beyond worried and fear the worse, if they wrote weekly to the police."

"You're right, I'll do it now," I agree.

"I'm going to go help with lunch, see you in a bit."

I bend, kissing her briefly. "You can count on it."

H~~H

I finish the letter and we all meet up at lunch. Emmett has already returned and men are arriving and some are already in the fields. Seth is his assistant and they work well together. Emmett is directing on one side and Seth is doing the same on the other. During lunch, the talk is centered on how they'll proceed with Bella playing a key role. Because I know nothing about running the Plantation, it's educational to listen to the three of them strategizing.

After much discussion, Bella, who sits between Emmett and me, puts a hand on Emmett's forearm. "I leave it in your hands, Emmett. I couldn't ask for a better Foreman or Assistant," she looks at Seth, who smiles at her compliment. Both young men soon leave the table to get as much done with the remaining hours of the day.

Young men, it's what they are. Emmett's twenty, while Seth is barely eighteen. They're both so young, but so competent for their ages. I remember back to what I was doing at their age and see how frivolous I was. Sure, I had my job working for the Cullen business, but I didn't have a care in the world, except for what pleased me. I really was a selfish popinjay. A reality check was earned and learned when I came to these shores and I'm the better man for it. Humility suits me just fine.

After we clear away the dishes from the table, I ask if Bella can show me where the post office is. I need to post the letter to my parents and she agrees. I run upstairs to retrieve my key for the truck, grab the letter and return to find her waiting by the back door. With an impish grin on her face, she holds up another key.

"Want to take a ride in an Aston Martin?" she smirks.

"Nothing would please me more," I happily, grin back at her. I take her hand and we run to the Carriage House. After I slide open the big wooden door, I walk to the driver's side of the car making sure to open the door for her, "My lady," I bow, waving my hand to the driver's seat, using my best smile and manners.

She looks at me and shakes her head, "No, thank you, I prefer to be chauffeured around," she smiles winningly. Who am I to deny her or myself, for that matter, the pleasure of driving an Aston Martin?

I walk over to the other side, opening the passenger door and she slides in, smiling all the while. I can't help the urge to kiss her and I don't even try. Her lips are so soft and I feel myself getting lost all over again. She breaks the kiss, gasping for air, so I kiss her nose, cheeks and forehead.

I close her door after one last smile and run around the front and hop into the driver's seat.

Even after sitting for so long, it starts right up. Bella explains how Emmett, on a monthly basis, would start it up to try to keep the engine greased. I look at her, lean over, kiss her again, then put the car in gear and we're off. She lets out a contented sigh, which I fully understand.

On the way into town, Bella points out her grandparent's home, where Seth and Leah are now staying. It's good they have someone reliable taking care of it. We pass by her high school. She explains, how she, Alice, Seth and Leah completed their schooling from home and only attended for necessary testing in the offices after school hours. The fortitude instilled in all of them is inspiring. She points out various buildings, many closed due to the depression as we make our way towards the post office.

Once there, I park the car, open her door and as I help her out, a shrill voice screeches from behind me to assault our ears, "Bella!"

Bella, now standing by me with her hand in mine, responds to the offending interloper, "Hey Lauren," with all the enthusiasm of a 'mud fence post' as I recall Jasper saying once. I look from her sullen face, turn to face this Lauren and try to determine exactly what about this person that made her this way.

The very pretty blonde bounces up closer. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend, Bella?" Lauren gushes at me.

Bella releases my hand and murmurs, "Lauren, this is Edward, Edward, this is Lauren." It isn't the best introduction I'd ever heard and Bella looks as if she wants to sink into the ground.

"Bella, that's no introduction at all." Lauren pouts, as if reading my thoughts and then turns to me, batting her lashes. "I'm Lauren Mallory and I haven't seen you around before, are you new to the area? If Bella's too busy working on that Plantation of hers, I'd love to show you around," she rushes out, while she pushes her breasts out further towards me. And then I understand, Bella thinks I would be attracted to her and in years past, I might have been, but not anymore. Not since I found my Bella.

"Bella is doing a fabulous job of making me feel very welcome, thank you very much," I take back Bella's hand and I squeeze it, making her look at me as I smile down at her. She returns the smile, her whole face lighting up.

Lauren tries again to have me take her up on her invitation. "I'm sure Bella can show you the general area, but there are some places she may not be familiar with, so… if you want a complete tour," she tries to purr, while gliding her hand over the hood of the car.

Bella finally feeling secure, tilts her head while asking, "Aren't you dating Jacob, Lauren?"

At the name, I become a little more interested in her. Not because of her, but because of the name Jacob. Is it the Jacob, I've heard so much about, I wonder.

"Oh Bella, you know we're just good friends. You never know when the other might find their special someone, ya know?" Lauren looks at me with a sly smile crossing her face. I know exactly what she means and I don't want Bella around someone like her—at all.

I shut the door, pulling Bella towards the post office entrance, effectively ending the conversation with a "Good day, Lauren."

"But wait, I didn't catch your last name," she attempts to regain my full attention by crossing her arms under her breasts, pushing them up higher.

I look at Bella smiling. "Taken," is my answer. Bella smiles her most gorgeous smile back at me while I wrap my arms around her and kiss her hard. In the middle of the day, on a busy sidewalk. But I don't care at the moment. Several people walk by, tsking, at our inappropriateness and I let it slide. They don't know what it's like to kiss her. I finally end the kiss. Bella's features are lovely and flushed.

"Well, Bella, this is certainly a new development I'm sure Jacob will be interested in," Lauren sneers.

"Why would Jacob care about Bella? He's not some secret boyfriend is he?" I'm only looking at Bella, feigning shock for Lauren, but Bella can see amusement in my eyes.

Bella shakes her head. "No, Jacob is most definitely not my boyfriend," she's laughing lightly.

"This is good news, because I swear, I thought I was your boyfriend," I chuckle back at her.

Her beautiful smile lights up her face again. "More."

"More," I repeat with my nose brushing hers and completely ignoring Lauren as we turn and walk into the post office.

H~~H

After posting the letter we return to the car only to be stopped again. This time it is by a young man with dirty blonde hair and a pretty girl with brown hair.

"Hey Bella, it's so good to see you. How are you? How's Alice?" he inquires kindly. Bella only smiles at him.

"Mike, after all these years, you still hope someday she'll talk to you? It looks like she already has a boyfriend," the woman lightly complains and rolls her eyes.

"No Jessica, I'm not hoping she'll talk to me, not like that anyways. I'm just genuinely concerned for both her and Alice, especially after what you did." He glares at her.

Jessica, looking sheepish, "Bella, I'm so sorry I've been so hurtful to you and to Alice. It was wrong and spiteful, and you didn't deserve it. When Mike pointed out the money you lost because of me, I was ashamed. I do hope someday you can forgive me." I've no idea what Jessica meant, but the apology seemed heartfelt.

Bella looks at her, weighing her words and finally speaks aloud, "Thank you Jessica, I appreciate it a lot." Then she addresses Mike. "And both Alice and I are very good Mike. Thank you for your concern."

Mike looks as if he could faint and begins mumbling, "She spoke to me. She actually spoke to me."

Bella laughs and turns towards the car as I open the door for her. Before I could shut it, Jessica looks from Bella, to me, then back again. "Bella, aren't you going to introduce us to your boyfriend?" she smiles.

Bella laughs again, "Jessica, Mike, this is Edward. Edward, this is Mike and Jessica."

I smile at the both of them and shake Mike's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Jessica smiles as she replies, "Likewise." Mike is still mumbling.

I chuckle to myself, suddenly understanding who Mike is. I shut Bella's door, get in the car, start it up and take off, still chuckling.

As we make our way back to the plantation, no home, its home we're going, I break the silence, "So, he was one of your suitors, the one you never spoke to until just now?"

Bella is laughing to herself, "Yeah, never in all the time I've known him, have I ever said a word, until today."

"What made today different?" I'm curious.

"Jessica did it. When she called you my boyfriend, I decided he wouldn't be a pest anymore. Plus, it looks like Jessica finally got what she's always wanted, which is Mike," she smiles, truly happy for Jessica.

On the ride home, Bella explains to me about how Alice didn't speak after her parents died. How nightmares tortured her every night, until Bella came back after selling the candlesticks. How they slowly subsided and were completely gone by the time she came back the second time. To the lie Jessica spoke, losing them business at the farmers market.

Again, I'm speechless listening to her story. The strength of her character and sheer will power to overcome so much adversity is astonishing. I didn't think she could surprise me anymore and yet she did. I understand now, to be loved by Bella means undying devotion. She's shown it for her family and friends and now for me. It's a heady thought to be in her grace and I know I will strive every day to remain there.

H~~H

Bella and I haven't been back to town since the posting of my letter four weeks ago. Leah collects the mail for all of us and with Rosalie's help, buys the necessary staples which the Plantation doesn't produce. I still haven't heard from my parents. I hope they're alright and the shock of my letter didn't send one of them into a coronary.

Emmett has been explaining the basics of running the Plantation to me and I seem to be catching on fairly quickly. Emmett remarked just yesterday, "You're a natural born farmer, Edward. You belong working the land." I couldn't have been happier with his praise.

I work every day in the fields and in the family garden, learning how to make things grow. I feel like the land is actually speaking to me and telling me what to do and continuing to welcome me. I enjoy the smell of the soil when it's turned and the fresh air. I like the way my body feels, less aches and more muscle. I relish the feel of the sun tanning my skin or the breeze cooling the sweat. My thinking is clearer and I'm a stronger person all the way around. This is not some passing fancy. I see myself living and working on this land for many years to come. I'm thriving here and I love it.

I've created a new set of accounting books for Bella to keep track of expenses and such. Everything is starting anew since the fire destroyed the old ones. And even though I excel at the book work, I'm always itching to get back outside and work under the sun and in the fields with my new family and love.

My love for Bella also continues to grow daily. Everything she does is amazing. With the additional twenty men, some with families, the women are constantly cooking meals, cleaning house, taking care of the increasing livestock, gardening and washing clothes. There's always something to do and no one complains. In fact, they flourish with all the activity.

The evenings are filled with music, telling stories, listening to the radio with all in attendance. Everyone enjoys each other's company. No one, not even Bella or Alice put themselves above anyone. It's so different from my younger days with all the one-upmanship I experienced, it's no wonder I was never content. But content I am now.

My nights with Bella, when we retire to our room, are filled with passion, lust and always end in love. We've talked about the future, and we both know marriage is in it for us, with children to follow. We can't leave for any kind of a honeymoon until we see our first crop grown, harvested and sold. In the worst case scenario, if my father doesn't write me soon, I'll journey to England and make matters happen for the purchase of the cotton. Cullen Holdings, profit greatly from the purchase of it for our mill.

H~~H

It's midway through the day, and I've just left the library/office. I'm heading to find Emmett to see what needs to be done, when I notice a vehicle coming up the drive. As the automobile is rolling to a stop, I walk out onto the veranda. I finally recognize the driver, just as the passenger side door opens and I see my mother. She looks tired, but relief washes over her features, as she yells, "Edward, Edward, you're here, you're really alive and you're here." Her limbs can't move her in my direction fast enough. We meet in the center of the yard as we hug each other tightly, I notice my father getting out of the driver's side.

My mother is still mumbling how I'm alive and I'm trying to reassure her that I'm fine. My father approaches slowly, he's trying to give my mom some time. I see Bella coming around the side of the house as I sweep them both into a family hug. "Son, I'm so happy to see you. You'll never know the worry we've been through," my father murmurs.

"I know, dad, I'm sorry, I'll explain it all to you soon, I promise," I'm so happy to see them both." I look at Bella and she has a sweet smile on her face, with misty eyes, watching me with my parents and our happy reunion from the edge of the veranda. Just as she's starting to walk forward to welcome them, the side door of the automobile opens up to my surprise. Running towards me, with tears in her eyes, is Tanya?