Also I want to thank you guys for your positive reviews and outlook (HOORAY NO FLAMES)

The Chapter would have been out sooner but I had trouble writing EPOV

Just a note about Edward's POV: Being that it goes back a bit I did not want it to be redundant so I filled in the missing pieces that were not in Bella's POV; such as the phone call between them, his talks with Alice & family, he's view on the kiss, what he said to Ashley on Twin Day and so forth.

***JUST A HINT BELLA WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE BETRAYED IN THIS CHAPTER***

BPOV

"This can't be happening" I kept mumbling to myself.

It was my worst and only fear coming true the possibility of losing my children.

I looked up at Alice out of Rose's embrace and saw her nursing her swollen eye.

Good I thought myself however I felt it was unjust the bitch deserved more than a fucking black eye.

"Why is she still here?" I said dryly to no one in particular

Before anyone could answer two uniform officers approached us.

Great could this day get anymore horrific

The officers looked between Rose, Alice, Angela and I taking in the situation before giving Alice their full attention.

"Are you alright ma'am we got a call from a patron of the restaurant that a woman was getting assaulted I can assume that woman is you from your appearance and that one of these two ladies did it."

The officer says motioning between Rosalie and me.

I definitely didn't want Rose getting in trouble for my actions so I decided to speak up but just as I was about to open my mouth Alice began to speak.

Great here it goes.

"Officer I'm sorry you guys had to come down here but it's nothing but a misunderstanding between family."

I looked at her with wide eyes. What the fuck is this bitch's angle? She has me right where she always wanted me at her fucking mercy.

And she choices to play this off as some sort of family dispute.

As I continued to look at her, her eyes flicker towards me and they carried some hidden emotion behind them; before she turned her attention back towards the officers.

"Seriously officers I do not want to press charges. All I want is to put this behind me and enjoy the rest of my day."

One of the officers nodded their head while the other began speaking "That's very noble of you ma'am but are you sure that's what you want to do?"

Alice kept her eyes on me as she answered the officer's question "yes I'm certain clearly just a misunderstanding between my sister and I. Right Bells?"

She said never losing eye contact with me and from her tone and expression I could tell she was egging me on and daring me to contradict her

Fucking manipulative bitch

I just nodded my head and put on a small smile and agreed with her.

The officers walked away and Alice opened her trap again.

"See Bella I have nothing to do with what you accused me of because if I did I could of just had you fucking arrested for the shit you just pulled in here. But did I do that? No I didn't and you want to why? Because unlike what you may believe I really do care about and for the month I've been trying to mend this bridge between us for the sake of our family but no you doubted my actions thinking I have some sort of hidden agenda. God Bella I swear if it wasn't for your children, my family and the very fact that I may be falling in love with Jasper I would of had your fucking ass arrested because you need a god damn reality check because your too fucking paranoid. For the fucking record I do not agree with what Edward is doing but after your actions today maybe it's for the best because god forbids you lose your temper with them like you did with me because lord only knows what you'll do to them."

I let her rant because they were just words. But on that last part I just had to lash out because of the on slaughter of memories from my abusive past...

"You fucking bitch I would NEVER hurt my children"

She knew where I came from and what I went through I could never cause or want to but any through that kind of hurt and pain.

"Yeah whatever Bella I'm outta here" and she stormed out of the restaurant in an angry huff.

I looked between both my two friends and saw they both held grim expressions as Angela spoke up and said "how about we take this to my office? C'mon Bells"

Both her and Rosalie wrap their arms around me supporting me as we headed towards the office.

We sat down and no one said I word. I guess they were giving me time to process through everything that occurred today.

The silence and the thoughts running through my mind were killing me.

"Do you guys think I'm being paranoid too?"

They both looked very thoughtful and Rosalie was the first to talk

"Bells I love you and I always believe to go with your instincts. Like I told you before babes I have my doubts too about her and after today she somewhat comforted at by the way she was acting. However what I don't understand is why she didn't have you arrested but on another note I cannot help to think you played into her hands by attacking her."

I just nodded my head because even though Rose didn't say it I knew the moment I hit Alice I had fucked up.

This was all too much for me to deal with and I was on the verge of an emotional breakdown, which I did not want anyone to witness.

Hell my last emotional breakdown caused me to run into the arms of Edward and that in turned caused my children to be conceived.

"Oh god" I cried out

"Bells what's wrong?" called out both Rose and Angela.

All I could do was shaking my head because I didn't want to believe that the man I gave myself to completely and had his children was hurting me again.

It's like history is repeated itself again by him being the old to cause my fears to come true.

Growing up I told him he'll eventually get tired of being there for me and kicked me to the curve. But of course for years he denied it and when I finally realize I was in love with him like he was with me he kicked me to the curve.

That was the worst feeling ever but you know what I accepted it because I deserved it for all the years of pain I caused him.

Now 5 1/2 years later his bringing the only thing I fear the most to come true.

He wants to take away my babies from me.

"My babies" I sobbed

Angela pulled me into a hug and whispered "its okay Bells we'll fight this together. We won't let anyone take your children from you."

Her words were comforting but she truly could not guarantee that and I refused to let false hope in. I did that once upon a time and my world shattered apart. I cannot NO I will NOT go through that again.

I needed to be alone so I could clear my mind.

As I stood grabbing my belongings, I turned to Rose asking her to pick up my kids and what over them for me tonight.

I didn't need them to see me like this

As I reached the door I heard the concern in her voice as she asked me "are you sure you want to be alone right now?"

I could not find my voice so I motioned my head yes and ran out of the restaurant towards my car crying.

I just sat in my car and let all my emotions out.

I truly do not know how long I sat there for all I know was that I was vaguely aware of a figure tapping on my car window but I paid them no mind as I rested my head on the steering wheel.

I heard the car door open and felt my weight being shifted as someone cradled me into their arms.

That was the last thing I remembered before giving into my exhaustion.

-

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-

-

-

-

(A/n: Was gonna be evil and end this chapter here but I had a change of heart on how I wanted to end this chapter. EPOV starts from when Bella left Edwards house when she bitch slapped Tanya)

EPOV

Well things just went fucking great today I thought to myself sarcastically.

"EDWARD" Tanya screeched

All I to do is just look up at here because I was still reeling from the shock of Bella hitting her because this was a totally unnatural response for Bella. Well at least for the Bella I used to know.

"Tell me you're not going let her get away with this and spare me the bullshit she's the mother of your child I want her arrested for assault"

"Tanya c'mon be reasonable. If you were in her shoes you'll do the same thing. Hell I've seen you lose you cool for less"

Tanya just shook her head no

"I will not stand by and let her insult or hit me nor will I let her dictate to you that I should not be around your children. For crying out loud we're engage to be married in a few short months. All she is doing is attempting to weasel her way back into your life and she is using those children."

"Bella is not like that Tanya and if she was then don't you think I would have found out about being a father sooner?"

Tanya just stared at me shaking her head "What is it with you always defending this girl whenever she does something wrong?"

I went to answer her question but she silence me before I even had a chance to respond.

I just sunk into the couch once she left and began wallowing in my misery thinking 'what the hell do I do now?'

Both Tanya and Alice believe I should file for full custody of my children because they believe Bella is flighty, neglectful, and a user. Granted she never told me that I was a parent but does that warrant me to take away her rights as a parent?

'You're not children anymore nor are you her protector anymore. If anyone you should be protecting and defending it should be me for crying out loud I going to be your wife in a few months. And so help me god if you do not get your priorities in order Edward the wedding is off" She spat

I just looked at her stunned "You… You do not mean that?"

"I love you Edward but I will not come second to her and as for as your children are concern I really hope you think over what Alice and I said because those children would be better off with you." She told me before leaving

After Tanya left I just sunk into the couch groaning can my life get any more complicated and should I take their advice and seek full custody of my children. I know Bella has her issues hell we all do but I observed her this morning with them and from what I gathered she puts their happiness before her own. How could I possible fault her for that?

But then again she did keep the fact that I was a father from me for over 5 ½ years. God this is just too frustrating to deal with.

Am I angry? Yes

Can I forgive her? Eventually

Can I trust that she'll never separate me from them now that I've met them? I don't know

Not know what to do I decided to call Bella because I knew there was plenty we have to talk about and I know I should give her time but I don't want this setting us back were the kids are concern.

I picked up my cell and began to dial her number however by the third ring I got her voicemail

'Hey you've reach Bella leave a message'

I didn't even bother leaving a message I just hung up and tried her house number. Her house phone rang 5 times before the machine came on

'You've reach Bella, Ashley and AJ we're not home right now so leave a message'

I just hung up again not even bothering leaving a message maybe it was too soon to call her I thought to myself as I got ready for bed.

-

The next morning I woke up with a better outlook and resolve on talking to Bella and making things work out between us for the sake of our children.

I decided I'll give her a call later this evening once I got off of work.

Throughout the day at work I kept thinking about all my options and I came to the conclusion that no matter what there was no way I would file for full custody of the kids. So far Bella has been nothing but open and understanding when it came to me seeing and spending time with them; so how could I possible do something like that to her?

Alice ending up calling me during the day wondering if I thought over the things that we had discuss and when I told her my resolve I heard the disappointment in her voice and she told me "Edward you know I love Bella like a sister but you know how she gets when she's upset. Granted she's change but I will not be surprise if you don't hear from her anytime soon because you know that's just how she is especially if it took 5 ½ years for you to find out you're a father. Do you know what her actions will do to those children if she does that? They'll think it was you distancing yourself from them and they'll grow to resent one. You already have one child that dislikes you. Do you want the one that adores you to turn against you cause of her actions?"

I was torn part of me felt that Alice was right and everything she said made sense but when I actually thing of doing something like that to Bella my heart couldn't fathom it. I could not cause her that kind of pain and how could I live with myself again if I hurt her once more. I was a shell of a person before after I first hurt her and I refuse to be that person again.

"Alice it's only been a day why don't we just give Bella the benefit of that doubt. You haven't seen Bella interact with those kids and nor do you know what Bella and I discussed with one another. Those kids are her reason for living, getting clean, staying clean and her reason for stop hurting herself. She'll die for them so how could you ask me to do something like that to her?"

She sighed into the phone

"I'm just trying to lookout for your best interest Edward"

"I know Ali and I truly appreciate it look I have to go. We're still on for dinner tonight with the others right?"

"Yeah we're still on for tonight and Edward I know you'll never want to do anything to intentionally hurt Bella none of us would but plus do not dismiss this option at least keep it on the back burner for now"

"Sure Alice, talk to you later"

When I gotten off of work I decided to call Bella before I met up with my family for dinner however yet again my call went straight to voicemail and I debated whether calling her back on a block number.

Seriously Bella was never the one for to hold a grudge against anyone. I know she was upset when she left my house but I doubt she'll go to the extremes in avoiding me after all we do have children together right?

However Alice's words kept playing themselves in my mind 'Granted she's change but I will not be surprise if you don't hear from her anytime soon'

No Bella wouldn't do that she's just probably busy with the kids. I'll try calling her again after dinner.

Dinner with my family was pretty interesting.

With the whole finding Bella and my being a father they all decide to stay in Chicago till after the wedding which was in 4 months. That way they'll get to spend sometime getting to know my children and to reconnect with Bella again.

Esme was the first to broach the subject on if I spoken to Bella yet. When I told her know I saw the pointed look Alice was giving me. It was along the lines of 'I told ya so.'

Esme and Carlisle had shared a look with one another before Carlisle began to speak "Now Edward yesterday I remained very quiet and not voice my opinion in what went on but seriously things need to change. Now while I'm by no means condoning Bella slapping Tanya however after Tanya's blatant disrespect for her since the first time they met, both Esme and I feel if we were in Bella's shoes we would have responded the same way. Did you know Bella heard everything Tanya said that day in the Hallway? We had to sit by and watch Bella try to control herself from Tanya's harsh words. You have to put yourself in Bella's shoes Edward, anyone can look at her and realize that telling you was the hardest thing she could of done after all these years especially after what happen since the last time you guys saw one another.

Now as far as you not hearing from Bella yet, I'm pleading with you do not do anything rash like you did the last time. Give Bella time because she's been through an emotional rollercoaster these last few days and probably even long than that because I'm sure the guilt of not telling you have been eating her up throughout the years."

I just sat there absorbing everything Carlisle was saying.

Esme reached across the table and grabbed my hand. "Another thing Edward, I know you and Tanya are getting married soon but you guys need to find some sort of common ground because if I was Bella I would never trust a woman like Tanya to be around my kids especially if she has no respect for me. You're a parent now and one of the most important things to know about being a parent is that your children come first. You children are not going to respect you or Tanya if they witness her disrespecting their mother; and Edward that's one lesson you do not want them to learn"

"Thanks I really appreciate all of you input in this matter. I know there is loads of things Bella and I have to work out that's why it frustrates me to no end that I haven't heard from her yet and that she appears to be avoiding my calls " And I truly did their words gave me a lot to think about.

"Edward" Alice said trying to bet my attention however as I looked up to her Esme cut her off.

"Seriously Alice your behavior yesterday was appalling. Ashley is a little girl and is entitle to her opinions on things on whether or not she enjoys fixing cars, playing sports, frolicking in mud or whatever the child decides to do in her free time. So you not liking that she doesn't like dress or shopping and all the things you do is uncalled for. Nor will I sit back and watch you mold that girl into a mini version of you. You attempted that with Bella as kids and look where it got the relationship between you two. I know your motto is to 'Save one fashion victim' at a time but no two people have the same taste or interest. Those differences are what make us who we are."

I swear had I blinked as I looked up at Alice I would have missed the look of pure disgust that flash across her face before she composed herself. I just chalked it up to her not liking to get called out on her actions in front of all of us.

Emmett whom was quiet throughout dinner finally to voice his opinions to both Alice and I "We just got Bella back in our lives and Alice from what I witness earlier today you seem pretty fond of her friend Jasper so for all our sakes give her time."

Alice just stuck her tongue out at Emmett before teasingly saying "You're just saying that so your chances with the lovely Rosalie is not ruined"

Emmett had a faraway look and the cheesiest grin ever on his face as she said that.

It seems like I was not the only one shock with this news that both Alice and Emmett seem to have interest in Bella's friends.

"You guys are involved with her friends?" Esme asked curiously

"Well when everything was going on yesterday, you know how I went outside with little man. Rose ended up joining us outside with Ashley. Anyway we got the talking and I learned that it was Rose who got Ashley into like cars and all the good stuff; so she offered to show me around her garage today. There was no way I was gonna say no. Did you guys see how hot Rose is? And she knows her way around cars nor is she like one of those airhead blondes back in Forks."

Emmett paused with a dreamy look in his eyes no doubt thinking about Rosalie before clearing his throat "Anyway pixie here gave me a lift today and while I went to check out her garage. I thought Alice had left so you can imagine to my surprise when after being in the garage for 2 hours Alice was still out front talking to Rose's brother."

Alice spoke up then "Yeah and were going on a double date this Friday. I wanted to actually purpose it be a quad date with you and Tanya as well as Bella and her significant other that way we all could past the olive branch to one another and so that Tanya could get to know Bella."

"Bella doesn't date" I said absentmindedly

Both Esme and Carlisle gave me this look while smiling amongst themselves like they something I did not know.

Alice had a weird edge in her voice when she replied to my comment "How do you know that?"

I just shrugged nonchalantly "Bella mention to me while that day in the hotel while you guys step out that she doesn't date because she doesn't want the kids to get confused nor did she want someone stepping into their lives and replace my role as their father before they even gotten a chance to meet me."

Everyone nodded their heads in understanding and I heard Alice mumbling something along the lines of "well isn't that just noble of her"

I knew Alice was still disappointed in the fact that Bella kept the truth from me and I appreciate her efforts but in reality all three of us (Alice, Bella and I) are to blame for the way things turned out.

"While I'm glad you two found people to entertain yourselves while you're here. Please keep in mind Bella's feelings on the matter of you two getting involved with her friends. Because I would truly hate to see a fallout happen between you guys or worse between her and her friends or even between us and the children."

Esme had a point and in all honest I was worried about them attempting to date her friends especially Alice when she's one of the people advising me to seek out full custody of my children.

I decided to bring up my thoughts on the matter later on because I knew at the moment Carlisle and Esme knew nothing of the whole custody thing and I'm sure they would not be too please to learn it was actually Alice's suggestion.

Shortly after dinner I decided to give Bella a call again and it went straight to voicemail yet again which turned out to be the same routine for the rest of the week straight into the weekend.

Slowly my decision on filing for full custody was wavering and I was starting to see Alice's stance on this.

It's been a week so far and I've yet to hear nothing from Bella.

And what makes the whole thing absolutely horrible was that I had to find out from Alice who found out through Jasper that Bella had to rush Ashley to the ER on Wednesday.

I get she's mad at me and everything else that occurred but don't I have a right to know my child ended up in the fucking ER?

That was the finally step in my resolve because it showed no matter what Bella only thought about her best interest and no one else's. I know Esme and Carlisle my not approve on what I'm about to do but I know they'll come around and support my decision eventually especially with Bella's flighty Behavior.

I was done play voicemail tag and had a new resolve in place. If Bella does not contact me by Thursday evening on Friday I'm going to meet with an attorney, and start the process of petition for full legal custody of my children.

-

Sure enough the rest of the week had gone by and I had yet to hear from Bella.

But as fate would have it just as I was leaving my attorney's office my cell without even glancing at the caller id I just answer it

"Hello"

I was greeted by silence for a moment until I heard the one voice I swore I would not hear from any time soon

"Umm Hey Edward it's me Bella"

"To what do I owe the pleasure of you finally return my call?" I asked sarcastically

I heard her sigh heavily into the phone before responding

"Look Edward, I do not need your sarcasm so I can hang up or we can talk about this like adults. So what's it gonna be?"

I ran my fingers through my hair and began taking a deep breath to calm myself down a bit.

"I sorry I just didn't expect to hear from you after all I've left over 20 voice messages and not to mention I have to find out from Alice that you rush Ashley to the ER" I didn't even realize I add a bit of harshness to my voice on the end

"Edward" Bella sighed with a pause

"It seems that all I do whenever I speak to you is apologize and I'm truly sorry for shutting you out these last two weeks but those things were extremely hurtful and I rather be in better control of my emotions because the last thing I want would be to lash out on you. I'm also sorry for not calling you when I rushed Ashley to the ER it was nothing serious, the doctor that saw her said it was nothing but a common cold. Also not that this is an excuse or anything but just like you're new to parenting I have to slowly getting over the fact that I'm not a single parent anymore. Anyways I do not want to hold you up or anything I just wanted to call to see if you wanted to meet up sometime during the week so that we can sit down and talk because we truly do have a lot to discuss. Plus I want to make this right between us. Where the kids are concern at least."

"Um how about we meet up Wednesday around 11?"

"That would actually work out perfectly for me we can meet at the diner down the street from my house if that's alright with you?"

"Yeah that'll be fine"

"Um… Edward?" Bella said hesitantly

"Yes Bella"

"Are you extremely busy right now?"

"No why?"

"Well when I told AJ I was going to call you today he became excited and wanted to talk to you so I just wanted to make sure that I was not interrupting any of your time so that you could talk to the kids freely."

I smile at this revelation because I would of love nothing more than to talk to my children

"I'm not busy. I would love to talk to them."

"Great. I'll go get them. Oh and Edward thank you for being so understand and giving me time to gather through my emotions."

I felt like an ass when she said this knowing where I had just came from and what I had just set into motion. I could always just call and tell me attorney I changed my mind right?

"Ah no problem Bella" I said casually

"Anyways here's AJ and I'll see you on Wednesday"

Talking to my kids was extremely enjoyable even though Ashley really didn't say much it was great nonetheless and it gave me insight into what's been going on in their lives for the past 2 weeks.

-

I'm not even going to lie and say I was not nervous knowing that today Bella and I would have to sit down and have a long talk. Part of me though was looking forward to just the prospect of Bella and I just sitting down to talk because this was something we hadn't done in awhile and I briefly wonder would it be awkward between us or would it be like how it was when we were younger.

What I wouldn't give for those days when everything just felt……

Right.

Between us.

During the course of lunch we had out brief awkward moments but eventually it was like something had transpired and it felt like we were Bella and Edward again.

The two people who was willing to face anything and anyone together.

And somewhere deep inside of me I knew that we would be okay eventually once everything was said and done.

When Bella pulled out the folder with everything pertaining to the kids daily activities, allergies, 'Mommy and Me days' and 'Twin Days,' I just stared at her in reverence and it was in that moment I knew that I had to cancel what I set in motion two days ago.

When she showed me the picture Ashley had drew of what she thought was her family portrait was. I was truly amazed how talented also I was touch that she included me and my family into the picture. However it did not escape my notice that Ashley pretty much drew everyone except for Alice.

However I choice not to mention it because at this moment nothing else truly matter but our children and the little bubble that seem to block out the outside world from our conversations.

We truly had no concept of time when we sat down and talk.

I swear if it was not for her friend Rosalie calling we would of probably stay here and continue talking. It was like none of us was ready to like the atmosphere we created amongst ourselves.

I do not even know what came over me but as we got up from the table I just pulled her into a hug and it felt absolutely right. However the awkwardness did not happen from the hug. No the awkwardness that between us happen when I turned my head to face her and instead of her kissing me on the cheeks like she intended too. We ended up having a very sensual close mouthed kissed.

That kiss alone woke up so many things buried deep inside of me and it was like it ignited something that was missing in my life however that kiss was wrong and it was stolen.

No wanting to make things anymore awkward we both mumbled an apology and I walked away saying I'll meet up with her latterly for 'Twin Day'

I shook my head in disbelief of what just happen and as I was turning out the door to leave something urge me to look behind me.

When I looked behind me I was stun to see that Bella stood there shellshock with her fingertips grazing over her lips and a lovely shade of red on her pale skin. For some reason alone that brought a smile to my face as I exit the restaurant.

Driving home instead of thing about how awkward tonight was going to be. I actually found myself looking forward to our little family outing.

As I pulled into my driveway I saw Tanya's car and groaned.

Fuck

I forgot we had plans for tonight when I had agreed to join Bella and the kids.

As I sat in my car staring at Tanya's car in my driveway. I realize I only had two options

Option one Cancel on Tanya and deal with her wrath

Option two Cancel on Bella and the kids, and deal with the disappointment that will surely follow

Fiancée or Kids?

GRRRRRRRRRR

As I got out of my car to head inside. I decided to go with the option that would weigh the heaviest on my heart if I were to cancel.

Tanya greeted my with a kiss once I entered the kitchen and began talking about how she left my suit hanging on the hook in my closet.

I cupped her face into my hands and sighed. "Tanya baby I'm not going to be able to make it to your banquet for tonight"

She pushed away from my embrace and shouted "WHY THE HELL NOT?"

"Well it had slipped my mind when I agreed to spend time with my children later this evening." Knowing Tanya's aversion to Bella I thought it would be wise to leave out she'll be there as well.

Tanya just stared at me like I lost my mind "Can't you reschedule?"

I just shook my head no because that was the last thing I wanted to do.

"This is their mothers doing I bet. Can't you see she's coming between us? God I cannot wait for you to have custody of those children so we do not have to deal with her anymore."

Fuck I know there was something I was forgetting

"Look Tanya, I know you have an issue with Bella"

"That's putting it mildly" she mumbling

I choose to ignore her comment and carry on with what I was saying "But if we're going to work you're going have to find some common ground with her because she is the mother of my children. Also as far as the custody go. I believe doing that will be a mistake and only cause more unnecessary problems."

"You've got to be fucking kidding this woman did not contact you for two goddamn weeks nor did she tell you your child was in the hospital and now after having lunch with her you fucking change your mind on getting custody of your children. What the hell happen during this lunch to make you change your mind?"

Great

Not like any good will come from saying yeah lunch was so great that we would just lost within each other and at the end we shared a kiss that puts most of the kisses I had this life time to shame. Yeah I could really see that one going over well with Tanya.

"Nothing happen Tanya. We talked and meet up in the middle were the kids are concern. Right now they needs is going to be one of my priorities. With that being said I know that ripping them from their only home will not go over well. So I'm asking you as my fiancée the woman I want to spend my rest of my life with to understand and respect my decision and now I'm asking you as my lawyer to please when you go into work tomorrow to stop the petition for custody."

Tanya just stared at me with her piercing gray eyes looking for something within my expression. I do not know what it was that she found but she slowly nodded her head and whispered before leaving "Okay I'll take care of everything tomorrow and Edward promise me one thing please"

"Anything Tanya"

"Please do not let her come between us I just feel like I'm going to lose you to her and I know that somehow she's going to use your children to do it." Her eyes were pleading with me and I knew it was because of her insecurities that have her feeling this way.

"Of course" I vowed kissing her before she left.

At least now some guilt has been lifted off my chest.

With the whole petition for custody not being in the equation anymore I knew nothing could ruin the progress I made with Bella earlier or what progress I would make tonight with my children.

However before this evening can go off without a hitch there was one thing I had to do, I've got to make things right with Ashley.

What the hell was I even thinking about when I wanted to petition for full custody of my children especially after Ashley's reaction to Tanya's inappropriate comment?

No I made the right decision today by changing my mind on the custody issue after all Bella was allowing me to see them freely. I'll just have to make sure to remind Tanya tomorrow not to file my petition.

-

When I arrived at Bella's the kids were upstairs getting ready so I just waited in the living room while Bella went upstairs to check on them. I was grateful that she was not acting awkward in my presence from the kiss we shared earlier.

I heard her call out to them from the staircase to hurry up because their surprise was waiting for them in the living room.

At the mention of surprise waiting for them I heard small feet running down the stairs and halted right in front of the threshold.

AJ looked pleasantly please to see me and Ashley was not upset but she was not cheer either with me being here.

AJ had rushed over to hug me and Ashley remained where she stood. After finish hugging AJ I walked over to Ashley and bent down in front her.

I was extremely nervous how to proceed with her especially with her aversion to being touch but I wanted to make things right between us.

"Hey Ashley, would it be alright if you and I talk privately before we leave?"

Ashley nodded her head yes and I looked up to Bell whom was smiling down at us as she gather AJ to go outside with her.

"I owe you a big apology Ashley for what happen the last time we saw each other. Tanya was out of line for her comment about being your new mommy and I just want you to know that even though I'm marrying Tanya, She'll never ever replace your mother. Your mother is too special to be replaced.

Also I want to apology for Alice being rude towards you. I would never want to change anything about you because that's what makes you special.

I know we hardly know each other but I would really like to get to know you better and I know they'll be times that I do not know what I'm doing but I'm hoping you'll be very patient with me; and give me a chance?. "

Ashley looked at to me and gave me a very genuine smile and said "I would like that Edward"

I know it was a small step but I was extremely happy with it.

As we walked out to the car, Ashley went and got into her seat and Bella had beamed up at me. I guess proud of my attempts to make things right with Ashley.

I ended driving Bella's car around and we made an extra stop to a street carnival before heading to the bowling alley.

During our time at the street carnival I just knew things we going to looking up for us especially when Ashley grabbed my hand once we had gotten out from the car.

She even allowed me to pick her up as Her, AJ and I begged Bella to get out face painted.

We truly did look like one big happy family. That's why I did not correct the photography when she assumed that because at least for today that's exactly what we're.

And if I was being honest with myself it all felt right.

The rest of our day was uneventful and we all enjoyed each other's company.

That day was truly my best day ever and one that I will always hold dear to me.

-

After that day things progress easily however Tanya was not company with the amount of time I was spending around Bella.

So to accommodate her I ended up trying to limit my time as much as possible with Bella even though I felt bad about it.

I do not know if Bella realize what I was doing but lately whenever I would pick up the kids they would seem to always be over at Rosalie's house without Bella in site.

When I asked Alice if she knew what was up with Bella she was under the impression that Bella was avoiding me for some reason and that I should keep an eye on things; because the last time Bella avoided things she ended up disappearing. So maybe this was her way of letting me spending times with the kids before disappearing again.

However I want to give Bella the Benefit of the doubt.

I wish I could say things were better after my talk with Alice however a few weeks later shit absolutely hit the fan.

On my day off I was relaxing at home when my doorbell ring.

It was a delivery man, so I signed for my package and when I opened the package the documents that I was staring at shocked the shit out of me

FUCK ME

I picked up my phone and immediately called Tanya.

"Hey Baby how everything is?" She said so causally

"How's everything Tanya seriously do you know what I have in my hands right now? Huh?"

"Well I'm not there so how would I know"

"Do not play coy with me Tanya. What the fuck am I doing with the petition I told you not to file in my hands?"

Tanya remained extremely quiet

"Well Tanya are you going to answer me?"

"Edward I'm so sorry it completely slipped my mind."

"Slipped your mind Tanya how can something like this slip your mind do you not understand how much damage this is going to cause. You know what I cannot even deal with you right now."

I hung up on her and decided to head over to Bella's house to explain to this is one big misunderstanding and hopefully she'll understand.

However as I was opening up my front door the sight in front of me caused me to pause…

(A/N- So who do you think is at Edward's door? You won't find out till his next chapter)

BPOV

An annoying beeping noise woke me up out of my slumber.

As my eyes adjusted to the darkness that surrounded me I looked around and realized I was in an unfamiliar room and bed.

Oh god please tell me I did not do anything stupid I thought to myself as I peeked under the blanket to make sure I was still fully clothed.

Once I saw that I was fully clothed still I began searching for the beeping noise that woke me out of my sleep.

I didn't have to search very far because the noise was coming from inside my purse which was on the nightstand of the unfamiliar bedroom.

Pulling out my cell phone I saw that I had over 30 miss calls and text messages all mainly from Jasper, Rosalie, Angela, Esme and Emmett.

I could not even bring myself to listen to the voicemails or to look at the text messages so I just tossed my cell back into my bag and let out a frustrated scream.

"Oh I see you're awake now" A voice said from the door way startling me.

I looked up to the source of the voice with a panic and my breath caught in my throat.

Instead of asking the most reasonable question like 'who are you?'

I asked "Why am I here?"

He motion for me to follow him and I was hesitated at first but I grabbed my belongings and followed him into what appeared to be the front room of his hotel suite.

He sat down in armchair and I sat on the couch closest to the door just in case I had to make a quick escape.

"I was at the restaurant you where at earlier and saw you having an emotional breakdown in your car and I thought it would be safer if you did not drive so I brought you back to my hotel and let you get some rest."

Right Emotional breakdown which was due to getting served custody papers by Ed…No I will not say that bastard's name I thought as traitorous tears ran down my cheeks.

The stranger past me a box of Kleenex and tried to offer me some comfort "You know they say if you talk things out to someone not involve with your issues it helps to give you clarity"

I just shook my head no

"No I could not impose my problems unto you've already done too much plus my life is even too complicated for me to even unload it unto you."

"Look um…" He paused looking at me expectantly

Duh dodo brain your name

"Bella" I said

He smiled when I said my name and I swore I heard him whisper "beautiful"

And I thought to myself like I haven't heard that pick up line before

"Bella it truly will not be a bother and I'm sure I could keep up but I will not pressure you if you do not want to talk about it. It's just that….. And excuse my boldness on this but someone as lovely as you shouldn't seem so stress out as you were earlier nor should anyone put you in the state of vulnerability you were in. Whoever was the person that caused you so much distress again if I can be so bold that person is a complete idiot and asshole."

"I couldn't agree more" I mumbled mainly to myself

I looked in his eyes and debated whether or not to tell him but like he said sometimes it does take an outside perspective to see things a bit more clearly.

So I began to explain everything to him in regards to the whole custody bullshit and that manipulative bitch. I did not feel comfortable enough with him to reveal my past so I just told him my current issues.

And he just sat back and listened while I cried and monopolized the conversation.

When I finally finish letting everything out he didn't placate me by telling me 'don't worry Bella everything's gonna be okay'

He told me "I have a battle ahead of me and that I should remain strong and focus on what's important."

He also said in times like these I should make sure I kept my friends close because in situations like these it never hurts to have as much support as necessary.

Talking to him came so easily and it brought some sort of peace to me

During the course of this my cell started going off again.

As I pulled it out I saw that it was Esme and decided against answering it because I couldn't deal with any of the Cullen's right now because I know Edward wouldn't have done something like this without all of their support.

This stranger and I continue talking for awhile but as the time went on I knew I couldn't avoid my issues and a responsibility anymore so I decided it was time to leave.

As I was getting up I realized something and turned to the stranger "You must think I'm a complete idiot. Here I was unloading my issues to you and I never once even asked you what your name was"

He looked at me and smiled

"Jacob, Jacob Black"

A/N

See Edward is not that heartless well sort of anyways.

He's surrounded by manipulative women and just needs to grow a pair

I like this cliffy better than where I was going to originally end this chapter at

Yes plenty of you guess correctly

Within the next two chapters the battle lines are drawn and we learn which RELATIONSHIPS will be affected by this custody case. Also I may have 2 more chapters out for you guys before the end of the weekend

The next chapter two chapters are called 'The Battle lines are Drawn' and 'Motherly Advice'

On a side note not related to this story I know many of my readers for this story have alerts for my other story Shattered Tears.

I just wanted you guys to know I DID NOT abandon that story it's just hard to write it because in that one I'm portraying Alice to be extremely caring if not motherly-like oppose to this story. However once I get to a certain point in this story I'll begin posting for the other story again.

I just want all the Alice drama out the way first.

Also once I start reposting for that story I'll be revising chapters too.

Until Next Time