HAPPY NEW YEAR! Sorry it took so long , but me and my new beta had to get our schedules together and with the holidays we had to take a little more time. I hope the wait was worth it. Thank you to Countryprincess for her wonderful job as my new beta! I look forward to collaborating with her in the future. Now maybe we can get into a quicker flow. I am glad to be back and look forward to starting the next chapter.

A Web of Deceit

The clever widow treads carefully, dressed in black & red,
She's so sly when out walking with not making any noise,
She'll spin her web of lies to entice & turn one's head,
You'll find her quite agile & definitely poised;
So beware when she goes out looking for a mate,
For this solitary ritual quickly inverts to a deadly game;
While her taunting & teasing will become your short-lived fate,
Once she casts her web of deceit, you'll find her afterall not so tame;
And you'll want to flee, but it will be too late,
She'll ensnare you & prey on all of your senses;
While leaving you paralyzed with fear,
This vamp will spue out her venom of false pretense,
It's then the Black Widow Spider wins; as she devours her meal & you know that you have edged too near.

By: Jean Dament

Edward had asked me to marry him; and I had said yes. What girl in their right mind would turn him down? I was head over heels in love with him. I couldn't imagine being with anyone else. However, there was still lingering fear over Billy. I had my doubts that he was finished with this family. I knew better; he certainly wouldn't just disappear.

It was a week later and I was finishing up the final details of the baby's room, at least the one here. I had hopes of decorating a baby room in a house that was my own. It just wasn't safe yet. I was beginning to wonder if it ever would be. It wasn't that I didn't love the family. But like any normal person I wanted a home of my own with just Edward and me. Of course, that meant both of us getting rid of our apartments. Which neither of us minded, we were never there anyway.

I could hear arguing downstairs and stepped out of the room to find out what was going on. I recognized the voice of Edward immediately as he spoke, "This should have been dealt with already. How long must we sit and wait until he decides it's time to make his move. Dad, I'm tired of keeping Bella in the shadows. Have you seen the sadness in her eyes? I want a home of our own. I want her to be happy and to feel safe. She never deserved this."

I leaned on the stairs and looked down seeing Edward as he sat on the couch, his face buried in his hands.

Carlisle placed a calming hand on his shoulder, "I know son. Please be patient. I do understand and it is being dealt with, but it is a very delicate situation and it has to be addressed as such. There can be no loose ends or else we will never be rid of this nightmare." Carlisle sat beside him, "Edward, I want Isabella safe and I want our baby safe, but realize you are my son also and I want you safe too. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. I know," he paused and looked out the back doors. "I know we haven't been close in a long time. Not like we should have and I regret that. I haven't supported you like I should have. It's not that I was ever against your music, but I wanted you to be like me. And your love of music reminded me so much of your mother. I think in a way I was trying to push away her memory because it was too painful to remember. I'm sorry for that. Isabella helped me see that you shine when you're allowed to do what you love, you're passionate about it. I was wrong to ever push you in any other direction."

Edward shook his head as he looked up at him, "Dad, it's okay. I didn't make it easy for you. I was quite the brat. I've changed a lot. I never knew what I truly wanted until I met Bella."

Carlisle laughed, "Yes, she has definitely been a blessing to this family. She brought my Esme back and she gave me back my son."

"And a new son," Edward teased.

"Indeed." Carlisle stood and happened to glance up catching me at the top of the stairs. He watched me for a minute and I was afraid he might say something, but instead he turned back to Edward,

"We do need to run those errands still. Check with Emmett and see if he is ready will you, son?"

"Sure."

I watched as Edward left and made my way down the stairs. I realized this was getting tougher as the baby grew. He was moving more and it seemed various items got stuck in places they shouldn't be. I rubbed my left rib as I arrived at the last step.

"Are you okay, darling?" Carlisle asked with a look of concern.

I smiled, "Yeah, he's just moving where he shouldn't. I think he's playing basketball or something."

He stroked my cheek softly and took my hand.

"Come with me. I want to talk to you."

Oh boy. I'm in trouble.

I followed him into his study. I pretended to be calm. I had no reason to panic after all. I didn't know what he wanted to talk to me about. He closed the doors behind us and I inhaled deeply as he walked past me and took a seat at his desk.

"Please sit down, Isabella."

I sat in the chair across from his and fidgeted with the hem of my shirt like a scolded child.

"Is something wrong?" he asked sincerely, his voice soft and calm.

I looked up to meet his pale eyes, "No, not at all. I'm sorry about earlier. I heard arguing and I-. Well I was worried. I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Carlisle chuckled at me, "You always were the inquisitive one. I suppose that's your nature. Edward and I have to run a few errands. Jasper and Alice will be here. Rose as well. I believe she is feeling under the weather today."

Rose was sick? I'd have to check on her. "Oh, okay."

I didn't ask about Esme. I knew she was at her office doing a few things. I knew also she would be well protected. I was wondering when he would get to the lecture that I knew was coming. I just wanted it over. As I watched him he seemed to be deciding something.

"Have you thought of any names for the little one?"

I was surprised by that question. I hadn't expected it. I smiled and clasped my hands in my lap, "I like a few, but I don't know what Edward will say. And I wanted to ask you as well."

Carlisle leaned on his desk with a curious expression, "Me?"

"Yes. I know Edward is your middle name. It's a family name. If it's okay, I would like to keep the tradition. I like Masen Edward. There are a few others, but for some reason I really like that name."

Carlisle's eyes widened in surprise and I couldn't tell if he was against the idea or for it. He was silent for a moment before shifting in his chair.

He doesn't like it. I felt tears sting my eyes but I blinked them back. He stood suddenly and knelt in front of me taking my hand gently in his.

"Isabella, I- ," He paused and looked at me with so much love in his beautiful eyes, eyes that reminded me so much of Edwards. A tear slid down one cheek and I wiped it away with my thumb, then cupped it tenderly in the palm of my hand. He was such a handsome man. I would always treasure him as the father of this child

"What is it, Carlisle ?" I questioned uneasily.

"That… is what we almost named Edward. Sometimes I think if we had met in another time and place..." He trailed off.

I smiled sadly knowing what he was meant. I nodded.

"Perhaps, but not if there was your Esme." I teased trying to lighten the now serious mood.

He closed his eyes as he whispered, "Isabella, I don't know if there

would have been an Esme if I had met you. Yes, I love her with all of my heart. I cannot deny that but under different circumstances, without children and lovers involved. I would have been captivated by you."

His honesty was alarming but not surprising. He was an honest man and he spoke his heart.

I met his eyes and noticed he was lost in thought, "And I you, but that is not the case. Thank you though for telling me I was worth loving. For so long, I thought...I felt I wasn't."

"Oh Isabella, you couldn't be more wrong. Edward is a new man because of you. I can't thank you enough for how happy you have made him."

I laughed as the light in his eyes returned, "Edward makes me happy too. It could have been that damn attitude he had when I first met him. Can't resist a guy who seduces me with his eyes you know. It gets me every time."

Carlisle laughed, kissed my hand, and stood, "Yes, I suppose there is something to be said for lack of manners these days."

I shrugged, "Edward was sexy. Manners didn't matter and he knew it, the jerk. I'm just glad he is my jerk and it was all just a show."

Carlisle leaned on his desk and crossed his arms, "He would not have been so bad had I been a better father. I hold some blame. I wish I could take back the pain I caused him. I only hope that this time I don't make the same mistake," he commented.

"You'll be fine. I'll kick your butt if you step out of line."

He raised an eyebrow, "I don't doubt it."

I didn't hear the door open behind me, "And as for Edward, he'll be just fine too," I said just as I felt warm fingers on my neck. I turned to be greeted by his lips on my temple.

"Gossiping while I'm gone are you?" Edward teased.

I caught his lips with mine before he stood and smiled, "Never and you taste like alcohol."

He sighed, "Sorry. I had some scotch to relax. You ready dad?"

He cast a glance at his father before returning his eyes to me.

I stroked his cheek and flashed him a look of concern. Carlisle passed us and gave us a minute alone.

"Baby, are you okay?" I asked worried. He pulled me up from my chair and into his strong arms, buried his face in my neck and inhaled deeply.

"I love how you smell. You always smell so good."

"Baby?" I massaged his scalp with my fingers lightly and he moaned.

"I'm fine my love. I just want things to be perfect for you. It's like it can't happen fast enough and it bothers me. There's so much that I want to give you." He leaned back and ran his hands along my rounded belly.

"I want him to have so much. You both deserve peace and security and I can't give that to you."

I twisted a strand of his bronze hair around my finger,

"Edward, you gave me your heart. I knew the rest would take time and I can wait. I love you so very much."

"God, Bella. I love you too." He cupped my face in his hands and leaned closer, "You are my life," he whispered before his lips met mine in a searing kiss.

His hands slid from my face and languidly down my back to embrace me and pull me closer to his body. His delicate touch starting a fire deep within me. I hated pregnancy hormones especially when I knew he was leaving in a few minutes, but I did enjoy kissing Edward. He was a wonderful kisser.

We slowly parted and he smiled sweetly at me, "What are you thinking, beautiful?" he asked as he brushed my hair back off of my shoulder.

"How much I love you."

He moaned and kissed my nose, "Keep that thought. I will try not to be gone long. I promise. Jasper and Alice are downstairs working on some computer stuff, I believe if you need them. Rose is somewhere, not sure where but the guards are posted and you have your cell if you need anything pizza, ice cream, pickles."

I grinned and pushed him towards the study door, "Yeah, okay enough with the jokes out with you."

He laughed and started walking towards Carlisle. I couldn't help but admire his butt. Such nice assets the man has.

Yumtastic, Okay, down girl.

I sighed and made my way to the kitchen and made myself a snack. I ate, watched television for a while and then went back into the kitchen to fix myself something to drink. It was then I heard a female talking and rather loudly. Her voice was unfamiliar, though I knew she had to be someone or the guards wouldn't have let her in.

I peeked out the kitchen and there was a tall blonde on her cell phone. I could overhear her conversation.

"Yes, yes send me the blue one. It's fine, darling. I know I look good in everything."

I mentally gagged. What a conceited little twit.

"Yes, well let me go I just got to Cullen's and I need to find my boo bear."

Boo Bear? What the hell?

Blondie hung up and removed her coat. She tossed it carelessly on the couch and looked around. That was when she saw me.

"Oh. Hello darling. Be a dear and make me a salad would you? I am starving." She walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table crossing her long thin legs. She flicked her fake blonde hair over her shoulder.

She had the audacity to order me to make her a salad?

"I just got off the flight from Paris. I tell you it was horrible. I called my Boo bear but he wasn't answering. He wasn't at his apartment so I figured he was here. The guard, what's his name… you know the chubby one?" She laughed. "I always call him chubs, I can't remember his name anyway he said my Boo would be back in a little while so I decided to wait and surprise him.

She did not call the security names and disrespect them like that! How cruel was that? And Boo? Please tell me she does not mean Edward because I was sure thinking that she did. And if she did it was so on.

I stood looking at her floored.

She tapped her fake nails annoyingly on the table and watched me.

"What's your name? I haven't been here in like a year and a half, maybe more. I've been overseas. It's been great for my career, but you know you just really miss American men sometimes. I don't remember you though."

"Bella," I snapped.

"Bella," she repeated. "Well Bella." She looked at my stomach and smirked. "Looks like someone has been busy, I didn't think Carlisle hired young female help around here. It's about time. Those older maids he had here were just too slow. It took forever to get anything done, really. Good for you it's a decent job for someone such as yourself. I'm sure he pays you well, now about that salad I'll just leave you a list of what I want in it and then I'm going to run and take a quick shower in Eddie's room and wait for him to get back, if you could just bring that up and some of your best champagne. I know he'll want it."

I was so fixing to jack her up.

I heard giggling and then a male voice and knew it was Jasper and Alice. Jasper walked in and kissed my head.

"Hey sis. How ya feeling?"

I tried not to growl because at the moment I felt like snapping, "I'm good and you?"

He looked at the strange woman at the table, "Good."

I noticed Alice was absent, "Where's Ali?"

"She's checking on Rose real quick. We were going to make something to eat and she wanted to see if Rose needed anything."

He looked back at the girl whose eyes were traveling over his body. How disgusting. She really was a piece of work. Edward was one little confused soul in the past.

Jasper being the kind person he is walked over and extended his hand, "Hey, I'm Jasper."

She grinned and playfully pushed her hair over her shoulder.

Please!

"I'm Irina. It's so nice to meet you. Do you model because you look so familiar to me? I model and I'm sure I've seen you somewhere."

I was sure I threw up in my throat a little.

Jasper stepped back beside me, his head tilted in a curious way. Jasper had a way of feeling people out and I knew he was doing just that. He had an uneasy look on his face.

"No, I'm just a computer geek."

Alice came twirling in with a huge grin and kissed Jasper, "My man is no geek."

She hadn't really noticed Irina until she realized we were all looking behind her. She turned and stopped cold in her tracks.

"Irina?"

"Yes. Hello darling, it is so good to see you."

Irina was out of her seat and hugging Alice like she was her best friend. Alice froze and then cast a glance at me.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm back in town for a few months. Can you believe it? Finally. I've been calling my Eddie and I came to surprise him. I'm sure he has missed me."

I felt Jasper's arm slip around my waist.

"Have you talked to Edward lately?" Alice asked concerned.

"No, but that's normal for us. He knows I am busy when I am in Europe. We always meet up when I come home."

Irina looked back at me.

"Pregnant girl, salad please I am starving."

Oh no she didn't!

I moved to step forward as she turned to walk away but Jasper stopped me.

"Really Alice, where does your father hire these people?"

"My name is Bella," I said furiously as Jasper maintained his grip on my arm.

Irina didn't bother to turn and look at me, "Whatever, I said please."

I thought I would pass out when I heard Edward's voice. I had never felt as proud as I did when he spoke, "You might want to remember her name. Especially her last name, Cullen," he said as walked over and kissed me. Of course it wasn't Cullen yet, but the fact that he did that was just…HOT.

Jasper smirked at him and moved as Irina turned, "Boo bear?"

Edward's left hand while wrapped around me soothingly stroked my stomach, "I hate being called that Irina. I haven't seen you in God only knows how long and a lot has changed. I'm not the same man I was when you left. I have a family now, a baby on the way and I won't have you treating her like hired help."

Irina's face was contorted in confusion, "Why didn't you call me and tell me. You said you didn't want a family, no kids. Why would you tell me that and then go do this?"

I could see she was now getting angry. This was obviously something she had wanted with him and he had denied her.

"Because Irina, I didn't want this with you. We just weren't right for each other. I can't be with someone who always hurts other people."

"As if you didn't do it too!" She shouted angry.

Carlisle walked into the kitchen and looked at them both, "Perhaps you two should speak in the library. Bella and I will remain in here. She doesn't need this stress."

Edward nodded in agreement then turned to look down at me. His beautiful emerald eyes filled with pain, "I'm sorry for this sweetheart."

I smiled even though it hurt, "It's okay, go."

He walked out not even waiting for her to follow. I suppose he knew simply out of instinct she would, poor girl.

Wait, who am I feeling sorry for?

Carlisle smiled at me and poured me a smoothie. I was grateful. I did love my smoothies. I looked around noticing that Jasper and Alice had disappeared. Where to I had no idea but I didn't have time to ponder the thought. Carlisle gripped my elbow in his hand and led me to the table where we sat down.

"I knew Edward had a past. I guess I just thought I would never be confronted with it," I said as I casually took a sip of my drink. It was probably really good, but at the moment I wasn't too sure I tasted it. Carlisle nodded thoughtfully and rested his hand on mine giving it a light squeeze. He was such a sweetheart.

Carlisle 's serious eyes met mine, "It doesn't matter now. It is in his past and even if you are confronted with things like this. You are strong enough to handle it."

"I know, doesn't mean I didn't want to smack her."

The huge laugh that came from him was unexpected and it made me want to laugh too. He cleared his throat as he composed himself, "Yes, well you are in no condition to, as you say, smack anyone Isabella."

"I may be pregnant, but I am not defenseless. I can still kick Malibu Barbie's butt."

Carlisle squeezed my hand again as he stood to fix himself a drink, "You do keep me on my toes."

I huffed but didn't argue. I could hear him as he laughed softly behind me.

Men.

I caught a flash out of the corner of my eye. I knew it was Irina as she ran past, my suspicion was confirmed as she slammed the front door on her way out. She wasn't happy. I wondered what Edward said to her. Then again I didn't want to know. It probably wasn't very nice.

I slid out of my chair and walked into the living room. Edward was on the phone with someone. He seemed frustrated. Poor Edward couldn't seem to catch a break today. He ran his hand through his hair and rested his head face first on the wall. I hated to see him like this. I could almost feel his tension. I moved closer and wrapped my arm around his waist resting my cheek on his tense shoulder blade.

It's funny how the smallest of things can make a difference. Our connection always was strong. I immediately felt him exhale deeply and relax a little, his hand coming to rest on mine. He didn't finish his conversation. In fact, he pushed the off button and tossed his phone on the couch. His raised his arm over my head to avoid hitting me in the face as he turned and enveloped me close to his warm body. I could feel his tension melt away as he inhaled slow and deep.

"Baby, are you okay?" I asked softly as I fingered the small curl at the nape of his neck.

"Mmmm hmmm." He managed as he pulled me closer. "It's just been a long day."

"I can tell. Want to talk about it?"

He leaned back to see my face, his hands stroked my neck gently, "Not really. "

I could see he was tired so I turned and took his hand in mine. He followed me as I led him upstairs. I stopped at the baby's room and leaned on the door.

"What do you think?"

He pulled me close as he leaned to my ear sending a shiver down my spine.

"It's perfect. I think he will love it."

"Good. Maybe one day…" I decided not to complete that sentence. He had enough stress on him right now.

He sighed and pulled me away from the room and into our bedroom, "I know what you're going to say. You would like a house of our own. I will give you that Bella," He said with conviction. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but I will."

He sat on the bed and ran hands over his face. He looked so defeated.

"Look, I'm going to take a shower." He said after a long time.

"Edward, wait please."

I tried to stop him. I knew I had made things worse and that was what I was trying to avoid. He removed his shirt and walked to the bathroom. He had totally ignored what I was saying.

"I didn't mean to imply you can't or that you wouldn't," I said softly following him. "I know you will and I just-."

Edward cut me off when he turned and held my arms, "Bella, I would like to take a shower. I'll be out in a few minutes. For now the subject is closed. I love you. I do, but I don't want to do this right now."

I stepped back as he turned and started the shower. I bit my lip in anxiety. He really was irritated. I decided I should let him be. He needed to relax and I certainly wasn't making this any better. I changed into some more relaxing clothes and stepped onto the balcony. He would come to me when he was ready. I thought about him until my mind had other ideas. I was tired after the long day and decided to relax in one of the oversized lounge chairs. Before I knew it I was fast asleep. I wasn't sure how long I slept, but I awoke when I felt the cool breeze as it blew softly against my skin. It was soothing, but not as much as the warmth against my left side. I snuggled more into it and sighed.

"Sweetheart."

I thought I was hearing voices. Technically, I was still half asleep and not really processing it.

"Bella, let's get you inside. This won't be comfortable all night baby girl."

I felt weightless and then I awoke suddenly, my eyes wide in panic. Edward chuckled when I gripped his shirt frozen in fear.

"It's okay, love. I'm just moving you to the bed. You fell asleep and I didn't have the heart to wake you. It was getting late though and I was worried you would stay there all night. It would be extremely uncomfortable for you in the morning."

He laid me down and crawled in bed beside me. His warm body close as I pulled the covers on us. I snuggled against him as he stroked my head, "Bella, about earlier," he started. His voice was laced with worry.

"It's okay."

"No, no it's not. You wanted to talk and I pushed you away."

I smiled into his chest but didn't say anything.

"I promised you I would stop doing that. I just needed a little alone time to figure some things out. You understand?"

I looked up to answer but he was looked down at the same time. His eyes were full of such intensity I didn't know what to say. God, he was beautiful in the moonlight. His skin luminescent and glowing, he was like an angel.

"I love you, Bella. God, I love you so much. It's hard to express to you how much sometimes," He whispered with compassion as his fingertip delicately traced my jaw line. I could feel him tremble,

"You're so beautiful. I waited so long to have what we have together. To build a life with a woman I love the way I love you. I never thought I would have it and now…" He looked down and smiled as he caressed my swollen stomach, "Now, I have everything I've ever wanted."

I felt a tear stray from my cheek as he glanced back up at me. He smiled and kissed it tenderly away. His body took that moment to inch closer to mine as he cradled my face in his strong but gentle hands.

"We will have the house Bella, you and I. Our little one will be safe. I promise you."

His eyes glanced down to my lips for a moment before he tilted his head slowly and met them. I felt like I would explode. There was so much passion in his kiss it felt like we hadn't kissed in ages. Even though it had only been this morning. I couldn't help when my hand fisted the sheet tightly. I felt myself trying to refrain from attacking him. Anymore it seemed like that was all I wanted to do. I could feel him grin against my lips.

"You know. Sometimes it is better to wait than to rush to get to the goal."

I was breathing heavily against him and his words didn't help.

"And why is that?" I asked as my tongue darting out to wet my now dry lips. He slowly slid his warm hand under my shirt and rested it against the delicate skin of my back.

"Because, when you get to the finale." He leaned to my ear and bit it softly before whispering, "It's usually more explosive."

I think I died and went to heaven.

He doesn't play fair. Doesn't he know you shouldn't toy with a pregnant woman's hormones? That's just wrong. I buried my hands in his hair and pulled his head back forcefully. I could see the look of amusement in his eyes.

"Let me explain something to you. I'm pregnant and my hormones they don't like to wait, understand?" I emphasized by tugging at his hair again. His eyes turned darker right before my own. Uh oh! Edward likes to play rough.

He reached behind me and adjusted a pillow before he rolled me back. Even as we played he still was considerate of my needs. He knew it was difficult for me to lay flat on my back. He quickly pulled my hands from his hair and held them in one hand as he leaned over to the bedside drawer.

"Edward what are you doing?" I question confused.

He smirked as he returned with one of his silk ties. My mouth fell open as he wrapped it around my wrists and tired it neatly. Is he serious? Not that I was against being tied up. I was just kind of shocked. He gently rested them on my stomach.

"I want to be in control of this and I know with you so far along things have to be adjusted. So, I thought this would work and be comfortable for you."

I couldn't begin to answer that. He grinned flashing his white teeth at me as he kissed my stomach.

"Daddy keeps everyone safe, you see. Everyone is comfortable and Mommy will wait until daddy says he is ready to move forward."

He leaned up to be closer to my face, "This is about so much more isn't it?"

I didn't speak as he hovered over me.

"This is about trust and being open with one another. You have to be honest with me because if you aren't I don't know what feels good."

I swallowed hard as I watched his expression. He was lost in thought.

"Most of all this is about love. I love you Bella and I want to show you. Will you let me do that? Can you trust me to do that with your body, with your heart so open to me like this?"

I smiled at him. It was such a simple answer, "Yes, Edward. I love you."

The relief on his face was instant. He pressed his warm lips to mine only for a moment, "Let me show you how you should be loved. You're a goddess, Bella and you should be treated like one."

Oh My God!

He couldn't be serious. Could he? I only asked myself that question for a moment and from that moment on I couldn't think straight. All I saw were stars. I love this man.

Well...I hope you enjoyed that chapter. I'll be back soon. I know Bella and Edward are just dying to have more romance so I can't keep them waiting. And we all want to know just where Billy is. Let me know what you think and I'll start typing. As always thank you for taking the time to read my work. It means the world to me.