Okay, so here it is. The sequel for A Nerd Story of Love. I don't own any of this. The only thing I do own is the plot to the story and a very cool 'Geekward' mug. I'm planning on keeping the story lighthearted as can be, but there will be angsty moments. I will post warnings in the author's notes at the beginning of the chapters for fair warning.
Thanks for everyone who's faved, reviewed or read my story. I love writing SGB and Nerdella and I'm so happy that you all love them too.
Chapter Twenty-Five: Courtroom Drama
BPOV
"Bella, how are you decorating the nursery for Owen?" asked a still gimpy Alex. "Do you need help?"
"Like you can do anything," I teased as I finished feeding Kyra. Alex scowled at me and adjusted his injured leg on the couch. "Was that good my principessa?"
"Mo!" she giggled. "Pease."
"You are such a little piglet," I said as I scooped her up. I placed her in Alex's lap and cleaned up her lunch, strained squash. It's the color of baby poop. How can that be appetizing? "And to answer your question, Alex, no we haven't made any decisions for Owen's nursery other than not paint the walls blue. Edward and I want Owen to have a boy's room without shoving blue down the child's throat." I laid my hand on my belly and Owen kicked soundly. "Yes, no blue, baby boy."
"Did he kick?" Matthew asked from his spot near the stove. He was making some lunch for us while I fed Kyra and entertained a very crabby and bored Alex.
"Yep," I replied. I grabbed Matthew's hand and placed it on my belly. He got a swift kick to the heel of his hand. Matthew pulled his hand away, blowing a low whistle. "Soccer, I tell you. He'll be playing soccer."
It had been a week since our meeting with our family at Whitlock Technologies. Edward was busy working on a newer version of the tablet that he invented to distract himself from Emmett's trial. He was also working with the attorneys in the Cook County State's Attorney's office to solidify the evidence in the case against his brother. Emmett's trial was high profile since of his numerous transgressions and his status as a former attorney. As far as we knew, Emmett was assigned a public defender. It didn't look good.
For him.
Insert maniacal laughter here. Asstard.
Kate, Edward's cousin, explained what Emmett had to overcome in order to get acquitted and let's just say that there's a better chance that hell would freeze over than that happening. He was absolutely screwed. He had nearly fifty charges against him, not including the two murder charges of Carlisle and Lauren.
Anyhow, I'll be so happy once this is behind us. So will Edward. He's been a nervous wreck. I swear that man will go bald with all of the anxious pulling at his hair. I tried to distract him with sex but he's afraid of hurting me or the baby. Come hell or high water, I will calm down my edgy hubby. In some way, damn it. But preferably with sex.
Momma's horny. Can you tell?
"Of course, Mr. Edward…sorry, Edward," Matthew said sheepishly. "She's right here. Hold on." He handed me the phone with his good arm. "He's in rare form, Bella."
"Oh lord," I sighed as I took the phone from him. "Yes, angel?"
"I got a phone call from Charlie. They're letting Emmett out of solitary to meet with his attorney," Edward moaned. "He's going to put a hit on us. I think you need to visit your mother in Phoenix."
"Edward, I'm not leaving. You need to calm down," I said. "Besides, Dr. Payne doesn't want me flying. I'm staying close to home."
"But…what if we drive you?" he suggested.
"Like that's better," I said flatly. "Edward, come home. We need to talk."
"Fuck! Now you're going to divorce me," he wailed.
"No, angel. Just, please. Come home," I sighed. "Bring your work with you and we'll have a quiet evening. Just the two of us."
"Dada!" Kyra squealed.
"And Kyra," I giggled, kissing her soft bronze curls.
"Baby girl," he said wistfully. "Okay. I'll leave in fifteen minutes. I have to finish putting my stuff away. But, I do want to talk about Emmett."
"I know, baby," I cooed. "Just come home. Breathe and we'll be alright. And pick up some chicken parm from Tufanos."
"That's the third night this week," he pouted.
"Get something for yourself but I need chicken parm. Oh and some pistachio gelato," I giggled.
"At least it's not pickles and Chunky Monkey," he grumbled. That does sound good. "I know what you're thinking, Bella. How can you eat that?"
"Don't criticize the pregnant lady," I said, laughing quietly. "Go, SGD. I'll see you in an hour."
"I love you, gorgeous," he purred.
"I love you more, angel."
Our phone call ended and I spent the time with Matthew and Alex. Kyra played happily on the floor with her toys with Matthew while Alex and I talked about the new foundation locations that Esme had scouted out. The old location in Naperville was demolished. Too many bad memories there: Emmett's attack on Alex, the bomb threat, and the fight between Edward and his brother. Marcus donated the cost of a children's park to the mayor of Naperville to atone for our abrupt departure. That park was going to placed on the former foundation location. Even though we weren't staying there as the Cullen Children's Foundation, we were still giving children a place to be themselves with the park without the negative connotations.
Demetri and Edward came home with the bags from Tufano's. We ate together, as a family, before Demetri and Alex left our house to go back to their own home. Matthew headed up to the loft above our garage to check in with Johnny. Edward and I gave Kyra her bath. Edward sang to her as I readied her crib for bed. It was one of the few times in the past few weeks that he looked relaxed was when he was with his daughter. His principessa.
Placing her in the crib, Edward turned to me. Worry lined his face and his golden eyes were filled with anxiety. I took his hand and led him to our bedroom. I pushed him onto the bed, I straddled his waist. "Bella," he moaned.
"Shut it. We're not having sex," I spat. "Since someone is afraid that you'll hurt me. But that's not why I'm sitting on your lap, Cullen." I smacked his head and glared at him. "Snap out of it!"
"You totally did not just quote Moonstruck to me, did you?" he said, his handsome face pulled into a frown.
"I did, Edward Anthony," I snarled. "But, I'm going to ask you about another movie…have you ever seen Strictly Ballroom?"
"No," he said, his eyes fixed on the random bow on my maternity shirt.
"Eyes up here, Cullen," I said as I forced his chin up. "I know my boobs are huge but they aren't talking to you right now. I am. Anyhow, one of my favorite quotes from that movie is 'a life lived in fear is a life half lived.' Right now you're living in fear, Edward. Emmett is behind bars. You, along with Alex, Matthew and Charlie, caught him and he's going to pay for his crimes."
"I know. But, I'm still so afraid…"
"No fear. Edward, no more fear. You lived most of your life prior to meeting me in fear," I said as I tangled my hands into his hair. "We had all of our firsts with each other…first love, first kiss, first time making love…if you hadn't talked to me online, PianoCompGeek81, we would have never met. We wouldn't be together. If you were afraid, we both would be sitting in our respective homes, single and lonesome. Never to have had this life."
He wrapped his hands around my neck and pressed his forehead to mine. "How did you get so smart?" he sighed. "Emmett is behind bars and based off what Kate told me, will stay there for the rest of his natural life. I just can't shake this feeling, though. He may be behind bars, but there's always that threat."
"There's always threat and it's not only Emmett. It's life, Edward. You could cross the street and get run over by a car. I could go into labor and have complications. We need to live life to the fullest. Enjoy our time. Love each other, our children and our families. And seriously, Edward, if we make love, you will not hurt the baby. Or me."
"Wow. Horny much?" he quipped, taking my face in his hands.
"Yes. I am. God damn it, Edward. Please! Fuck me," I growled, crashing my lips against his. "I'm in the second trimester…I'm horny as fuck. If your cock is not in my pussy in ten seconds…"
"Okay, I get it," he said as he pulled his face away. "But, I don't want to fuck you. I want to make love to my wife. Make you feel cherished."
Cherished or hard fucking…hmmm…
"Bella, I'm not going to be rough with you," Edward said as he placed his hand on my protruding belly. "I'm just as horny as you but I don't want you or Owen to be placed in any danger, gorgeous." Owen punched at Edward's hand, eliciting a loud groan from me. "See? Our son agrees with his brilliant father. Trust me, baby. You'll feel so good…" He took my face in his strong, loving hands and held it as if I was the most precious thing. I knew I was in his world. He loved me. He loved our daughter and our unborn son. The adoration in his golden eyes will brimming and it brought tears to my eyes. "Don't cry, gorgeous."
"Pregnant. I'm hormonal," I sniffled. "How is it that you can look at me with such love?"
"Because, you are my world, Bella," he answered simply. "You are my wife. Mother to my children. My rock. My everything. The single most precious thing in the world to me. I love Kyra and Owen, but it was our initial love that created them. The love for our children is different than the love I have for you. Without you, Kyra and Owen wouldn't exist. Besides, I want to practice for baby number three. And four…"
"God, I'm never going to have a waist," I snickered. "Four children?"
"A litter. I don't care what you have as long as I have you," he said sweetly, kissing my lips with a tender touch. His hands moved from my face and slid around my rounded waist, pulling me closer to his body. I could feel his growing hardness between us. His mouth moved languidly against mine, teasing and taunting my lips. He sucked my tongue between his teeth, moaning quietly. My fingers were twined in his silky hair. If he kisses me like that, I'll turn into that woman with twenty children. His mouth can be the cure for violence in the world. Damn.
Edward's hands moved the hem of my black and white striped tunic. He lifted it off my body, tossing it onto the floor, growling lowly. Why? I have no clue. I hated my pregnant body. My stomach was huge and my boobs were the size of large melons. Thankfully, Edward was a boob man. He loved my pregnant tatas. Reaching behind my back, Edward released my lacy, black bra. He slid the straps of my lingerie down my arms and threw it onto the floor. Breaking his gaze with my eyes, he looked down at my chest. His jaw dropped, salivating at my breasts. "So beautiful," he murmured, dipping his head to kiss the swell of my breasts. His left hand gently cupped my right breast. The cool metal of his wedding band gave me a shudder. He smiled as he kissed down my breast until he reached my pink, pert nipple. His lips wrapped around it and he began swirling his tongue around the very sensitive nub.
Unlike my first pregnancy, my breasts were very tender and sensitive to touch. One night, Edward made me come by just sucking on my nipples. He was well on his way to doing the same tonight. And he knew it. My body was rocking against his as he flicked, nibbled and sucked on my chest. My wanton whimpers spurred him on. "More, Edward," I begged. "I need to feel you."
"In due time, my love," he purred against my skin. He spun us and I was on my back. His mouth moved to my other nipple, giving it the same treatment. His hands glided over my baby belly and took purchase on my cropped pants. Deftly, he popped the button and lowered the zipper. His tongue and teeth brought me closer to my release. However, he released my nipple with an audible pop. He smirked as he stood up to his full height.
"Edward," I moaned. "I'm so close."
"I know," he said as he removed his red polo shirt. His muscles rippled as he put his shirt on the ground. His pale skin glowed and his tattoos stood out on his flesh, contrasting against the pallor of his skin. Fuck, he's so goddamned sexy. He smirked as if he heard my thoughts and reached to the waist of my pants. He slowly pulled them down my legs along with my black panties. He crouched down on the ground, pulling me toward his face. With an arched brow, Edward pressed soft kisses up my legs. He spread them wide, displaying my dripping wet pussy for his pleasure.
Aw, hell, who am I kidding?
It's my pleasure, damn it. And fuck, I desperately need his delicious tongue. Like now.
"Stop staring and dive in, Cullen," I purred. I wiggled my hips to punctuate my point. "Please, angel."
"Since you said please," he crooned as he licked up my inner thigh, reaching the apex of my legs. I couldn't see him since my pregnant belly was in the way. It added to the moment. I was blind to his ministrations and I was shuddering with anticipation. His warm breath caressed my swollen clit as he moved closer. I whimpered, dying inside without his touch.
Then, angels wept. His velvety tongue flicked my clit. Once his wet tongue touched my body, my muscles clenched and I came immediately. Edward hummed appreciatively as he watched my pussy twitch in ecstasy. "Damn. One swipe of my tongue and you explode," he chuckled. "I think that's a new record."
"More," I growled, sitting up on my elbows.
"Demanding little thing aren't you," Edward teased as he looked up at me over my belly.
"I'm not little, Edward," I frowned, putting my hand on my stomach.
"Yes, you are," he soothed, running his hand over my abdomen lovingly. "Once Owen is born, you'll bounce back to what you were before. But, can I finish what I started? I'd like my dessert."
"Really?" I giggled.
"Really," he said seriously. His face moved between my legs and attacked my clit with fervor. I flopped back on the pillows and moaned. Loudly. His tongue danced on my swollen nub while his fingers dived into my pussy. Within a few moments, I had come at least two more times, gushing out my release.
That only happened when I was pregnant and Edward loved that he could that to me. When he crawled up my body, his pink face was smug. On his lips and cheeks was a clear indication of my climax. I think some of it dribbled off his chin. I should be grossed out. But, seeing him so proud at his oral skills made me even wetter. "Proud, SGD?"
"Always when I can make you come," he said as he hovered over me, kissing my lips softly. I could feel his naked cock brush against my folds. How in the hell did he take off his pants? He then pulled me up gently and crawled onto the bed. He guided me over his hips since having me ride him was easier on my back and belly. He grasped his cock and the swollen head passed over my lips. I mewled as I sunk over his rigid dick. A breathless sigh escaped Edward's lips as my heat enveloped his hardness. "I will never tire of you surrounding me, my Bella. Fuck, it feels so good."
"Not as good as it feels to have you filling my body," I purred. I kissed his lips as I started moving over his erection. We glided together effortlessly. Our bodies knowing what we liked. What made us feel good…great…complete…loved…
Edward whispered words of love as he brought us both to the brink of ecstasy. He vowed that he wouldn't live his life in fear because of his brother. He promised to love me and our children with all of his mind, body and soul. His quiet words of love and devotion caused me to come hard, clenching around his cock, milking his release from his body.
We fell onto the mattress. He curled around me, wrapping his arms around my waist. Our lovemaking had awakened Owen and he was kicking up a storm in my belly. Edward quietly sang to my stomach, soothing our son with his voice and lulling me into a drowsy stupor. With a tender kiss to my naked baby belly, we fell asleep in each other's arms.
xx TGGTP xx
"Mom, make sure that Kyra goes down for her nap at eleven," I said to Renee. "And she hates peas. I don't know why but we always end up with peas for baby food. She just throws it across the room."
"Isabella Marie Cullen, I raised you. I know this," she giggled. "I also know that you're nervous about this trial with Emmett. You need to relax. It's not good for Owen or Kyra."
I put my hand on my belly and took a deep breath. "You're right. I need to stay calm. I refuse to go back into the hospital with this one. I mean so far my blood pressure is fine but the risk of preeclampsia is increased since I had it with Kyra. Dr. Payne is monitoring my pregnancy closely. But, I need to stay relaxed."
"Speaking of relaxed how's Edward?" Renee quipped, taking Kyra out of her bouncy chair.
"A hot mess," I sighed. "He's currently on the phone with his cousin talking about all of the possibilities that could happen with Emmett's trial. Kate is almost tempted to just show up and be second chair for the state's attorney in the trial. It would put Edward's mind at ease."
"I'm not a hot mess," Edward mumbled petulantly.
"You've been sulking since I arrived two days ago, Edward," Renee said, arching a brow at him. "Have faith in the justice system."
"The last time this happened, Emmett escaped and murdered my father," Edward challenged. "He's closely guarded but still, he's vicious. I don't know how we're even related…he's so…cruel and evil."
"And you're not," I said as I wrapped my arms around his waist. "You're amazing and loving and everything that Emmett isn't. Got it?"
"Got it," he sighed. "Renee, we do appreciate you coming out for the trial. Everyone in my family is involved in it in some way and child care was…"
"Nonsense. I've been meaning to come out here for awhile and this gave me the perfect opportunity to spoil my granddaughter," Renee cooed to Kyra. "And soon, she'll have a little brother. Yes, you will!"
"Baba!" Kyra squealed, flapping her hands excitedly. "Da!"
"God, it's been so long since I've had to listen to the babble of a baby," Renee said wistfully. "I have no idea what she said."
"She's acknowledging her brother and asking for Edward," I said.
"Oh, when you asked for your baba, you were asking for that ugly green dragon that you named Byron," Renee explained. "I wonder if I still have that smelly thing."
"It was not smelly," I said, glowering at my mother. Edward had plucked Kyra from her arms and we playfully glared at each other.
"You dragged that thing everywhere, Isabella Marie. I've had to perform surgery on that thing to put it together because it was washed a million times. But it still smelled like ass," Renee said.
"Ass!" Kyra parroted.
"Renee, you need to watch your language. This one has turned into a monkey," Edward chortled, tickling Kyra's belly. "Monkey see, monkey do. Ooh, ooh, ooh."
"Ooh, ooh, ooh, Dada," she giggled, tugging on Edward's hair. She kissed his cheeks sloppily before she nuzzled into his embrace.
"Daddy's monkey," he smiled. "Unfortunately, we have to go. I've arranged for a limo for all of us so we can have some extra protection. Due to the high interest in this trial, the press is going to be in our faces."
"What about everyone else?" I asked.
"They've got their own limos," Edward said with a worried smile. He handed Kyra to Renee. "Be good for Grandma, principessa." Her golden eyes filled with tears and she reached for Edward. Lately, Kyra had become attached to Edward and cried relentlessly when he left to go to work, go for a run or just leave the room to take a shit. Filter, Isabella. Filter! Filter! Filter! He kissed her forehead, his eyes clamped shut. He hated leaving her. Hated it. Hell, I abhorred listening to her shriek whenever we left. We bustled out of the house and into the waiting black limousine that we being driven by Ricky. Matthew was already in the car, fussing with his strap of his shoulder brace.
Today was mainly going to be opening statements for both sides. Witnesses were going to be called up starting tomorrow. In our family, the only person not going to be called up was Tim and Marcus. Alice, Jasper, Rose and I were either going up to determine previous actions and to demonstrate his cruelty and harassment of Edward which ultimately led to Emmett's downfall. Alex, Matthew and Edward were testifying to what happened in the foundation. Charlie was going up in an official capacity as the arresting detective. In addition to our motley crew, there were a few former clients and questionable characters who were screwed over by Emmett. He really was going down.
The limo pulled up to the Cook County Courthouse. Edward squeezed my hand before opening the door. Matthew, though incapacitated, was still acting as our bodyguard in the courthouse. He got out first and stood tall despite his shoulder brace. Edward got out next, assisting me out of the limousine.
We were surrounded by hundreds of reporters. Mass chaos.
"Mr. Cullen! What do you think will happen with your brother?"
"Is it true that Emmett tried to kill you?"
"What's going to happen with the Cullen's Children's Foundation?"
"Is that Emmett's secret love child?"
Edward growled at that one. He glowered at that reporter who shrank back from his heated glare. The rest of the questions were related to the trial and Edward's relationship with his brother. Once inside the courthouse, we were ushered through the metal detectors. I had to be patted down since I refused to go through the metal detectors with Owen. The older woman who made sure I wasn't packing any heat was respectful and wished me luck for my new little one. I asked if she was going to be there tomorrow. With a friendly glint, she promised to be on security detail while Emmett's trial was happening. She seemed nice and caring.
Inside, we headed up the courtroom. Rose and Tim were already there. Their children were with the nanny they had hired at home. Alice and Jasper were on their way. Marcus was staying with Esme to watch Adam.
Before settling down, I went to the bathroom to relieve my filled bladder. As I peed, I overheard two women talking.
"He's got what he had coming," one said bitterly.
"Yes. He does," the second woman spat. "You know, when he hired me as an escort, he wanted me to perform rape fantasies? And he never used a condom with me…"
"I've got a four year old baby girl from him," the first woman said sadly. "Not one penny of child support. He denied even fathering Lola. It must have been one of my other johns, he said. My baby girl has the same eyes as him and those fucking dimples. I love my daughter but I hate that when I see her, I'm looking at the spitting image of her father."
"Fucking Cullen," the second woman growled. "He definitely deserves more than prison. Getting ass raped would be poetic justice but the death penalty would be preferred."
"Amen, sister. Come on, let's get some good seats. Like right behind him so we can razz him all throughout the trial."
"And to stare at his delicious baby brother. Maybe he's single."
I opened the stall and smirked. "Nope, not single," I chirped, laying my hand on my baby belly. "I got the responsible, loving Cullen."
"Lucky bitch," the first woman snorted. "At least there's hope that not all men suck. Come on, Bailey." The first woman shrugged while Bailey waved half-heartedly. I washed my hands and walked back into the courtroom. Edward helped me into my seat and laced his fingers with mine.
"You okay, gorgeous?" Edward asked. "Your face is flushed."
"I'm fine. Just some skanks trying to put their claws into my man," I snarled, glaring at Bailey and her friend. "They were scorned by your brother and were obviously ogling you, thinking you were single."
"Bella, relax," Edward soothed as he kissed my temple. His mouth moved to my ear, caressing the shell, "You know I'm yours. Only yours, baby. My eyes only see you. I love you, gorgeous."
"Biased, I tell you," I chuckled. I turned and saw his golden eyes were darkened with desire. He smiled crookedly, leaning forward to give me a brief but searingly hot kiss. And I need new panties. Thank you very much, SGD.
"God, get a room," Rose bellowed from behind us. Jasper and Alice were vibrating with silent laughter while Tim was blushing.
We turned and scowled at my best friend who was smiling impishly. Her hair was curled and pulled back in a low ponytail. She wore a dress that was navy blue on top and burgundy on the bottom. I was very jealous at how quickly she bounced back to her original size. She had a waist. I pouted as I rubbed my belly. My waist will come back. Eventually.
"All rise!" barked the bailiff. "The honorable Judge Ryan Donnelly presiding."
We all stood up and watched as a younger judge ambled onto the bench. He was no older than Edward and was very handsome. Kate, who had slipped in prior to the bailiff announcing the judge, hissed that this was very good. Judge Donnelly was a hard-ass and hated men who killed women. He also abhorred crooked lawyers. Emmett was both.
"Good morning," Judge Donnelly said in a voice hard as steel. "We have concluded our jury selection for the trial: People of the State of Illinois versus Emmett McCarty Cullen. The jury is informed of their duty to listen to the facts and to either acquit or convict Mr. Cullen in the fifty-seven counts that he is charged with. Do the members of the jury have any questions?"
There was silence and a few jurors shook their heads no.
"Excellent," Judge Donnelly said with a terse smile. "We're going to start with opening statements. Representing the state of Illinois is Rita Benson and Stephen Fenili. Representing Mr. Cullen is Peter O'Doyle. Ms. Benson, the floor is yours."
"Thank you, your honor," Ms. Benson said formally. She began by introducing herself to the jury. She then began outlining the crimes that Emmett had committed with pride. She described the murder of Carlisle Cullen and Lauren Mallory, the stolen money from Cullen, Denali and Associates, paying for sex, drugs and just being a moron. Edward had pulled me close and was squeezing my hand tightly. His eyes watered with unshed tears. I cuddled up against his arm and soothed him as best as I could. Forty-five minutes later, Ms. Benson had finished her opening statement and sat down. A few tears had fallen out of Edward's eyes but he looked over at Emmett.
Emmett was slumped in his chair. Unlike his first appearance in court, he was not wearing a suit. Instead he was wearing a bright orange jump suit and slippers. His hair was greasy and his face was pulled into a vicious scowl. Emmett was hissing angrily at his lawyer who was cowering at Emmett's ire.
"Mr. O'Doyle," Judge Donnelly said in an irritated tone. "Any time now…"
"Sorry, your honor," Mr. O'Doyle mumbled. He stood up and tripped over the chair as he approached the jury. He rambled on about how Mr. Cullen was misunderstood by his peers, co-workers and family members. Due to this misunderstanding, he became the man that was here today. Inherently, Emmett was a good person but couldn't achieve his full potential with the expectations from his family and co-workers.
Based off the faces of the jury, they looked like they weren't buying what Emmett was selling. Then again, his attorney wasn't a true salesman. He fumbled over words and had a sheen of sweat that covered his bald head. His suit was too small and it made him look uncomfortable.
Mr. O'Doyle finished his opening statement fifteen minutes after he started. Judge Donnelly explained that we would take a brief recess. After that, the testimony of the witnesses would begin. We decided to go out to lunch while the recess was taking place. We had to be back in the courthouse by 1:30. Alice suggested we go to Lloyd's off of Randolph.
We all clambered into our limousine and drove to the restaurant. Since we were such a large group, we were seated right away and we placed our orders. Lunch was pretty sedate. Alex was in a great deal of pain. Matthew was also uncomfortable but that was due to his wearing a suit. I just felt fat and hot.
July in Chicago is sweltering. Being nearly six months pregnant was not conducive to being cool. I just wanted to strip off my dress and sit on top of a glacier.
Edward settled the bill and we all piled back into the limousine. Ricky drove us to the rear of the courthouse since the vultures were out in force. We were escorted back to the courtroom and settled into our seats. The attorneys came into the room but we noticed that the jury was missing. Edward shot a look at Kate who was sitting with her father, Eleazar, who had come straight from the airport from a business trip. Kate just shrugged while Eleazar looked skeptical.
"All rise!"
Edward helped me up and the judge sat down on the bench. "Please, be seated." The gallery sat down and looked expectantly at Judge Donnelly. "Shortly before the end of the recess, Mr. O'Doyle approached me and Ms. Benson with a motion. It appears that Mr. Cullen does not want to continue with this trial. He has admitted guilt on all of the charges against him and is ready for sentencing. However, he has one request before I hand down my decision for his future. He'd like to speak with his brother, Edward Cullen."
"Your honor, we're pleased to hear that Mr. Cullen has entered a guilty plea. We are, though, concerned for Mr. Edward Cullen's safety. There is a long-standing grudge between the two brothers and Mr. Cullen has tried to physically harm his brother," Ms. Benson stated firmly.
"Precautions will be taken into consideration. Mr. Edward Cullen has a security detail and will be allowed one of his bodyguards in the meeting," Judge Donnelly explained. "There will also be an armed bailiff in the conference room and Mr. Cullen will be secured to his chair."
"Edward," I whimpered. I looked up in my husband's face. It was determined and ready to face whatever Emmett had to throw at him. "Baby?"
"We cannot speak for Mr. Cullen," Ms. Benson sighed.
"Mr. Cullen, can you please rise?" Judge Donnelly asked. Edward stood up and stared into the judge's eyes. "Will you meet with your brother with all of the necessary precautions taken?"
"Yes, your honor," Edward said in a firm voice. "I can't speak for my family, but I want to put this nightmare behind me."
"Very well. Sentencing will take place on Friday after Mr. Cullen meets with Mr. Cullen," Judge Donnelly said as he banged his gavel. "Court is adjourned."
A/N: Up next will be Emmett and Edward's meeting. In addition to that, there will be the sentencing. Also, we're getting close to the end of the story. I'm thinking perhaps two more chapters? Then an epilogue? Possibly? We'll see. It all depends on how it flows from my brain. Finally, thank you for those of you who voted for SGD for Best Edward in the Wordsmith Awards. JA Mash's Edward from Fracture won and I couldn't be happier for her. Congratulations, chica! You deserve it. Leave me some love and check out Fracture while you're at it! Pic teasers are on my blog, too! MUAH!