So this is only edited by one member of our team, so any and all mistakes found within are our own and we accept full responsibility for anything that is not grammatically correct.

Please note there were some liberties taken in this chapter within the court system that would not normally happen, but this is fiction and well it fit best this way for the storyline.

Chapter 25

Cut the ties of the past

Edward kneels before me on the couch. "Breathe, love," he tells me as he takes the papers from me.

"I'll call the troops in," Jessica whispers, as if in shock, or maybe it is just me.

"What the fuck is he playing at?" I ask out loud, yet not directed at anyone in particular. "He knows they cannot be his. I mean do the math. Any first grader could deduce it is impossible. We've been divorced for ten months and we were separated twenty months ago. Not to mention it's been twenty-four or more months since we last had sex. Is he that stupid, does he think I am an elephant?" I ask harshly as my eyes finally rest on Edward.

"I'm not sure; love, but the court will turn him away. We already have indisputable DNA, showing I am the father of the boys."

"Yeah, I know, and once again he'll get a slap on the hand and be told to leave me alone. It is the same thing they tell kids at school who bully others. Don't do it anymore, but it doesn't make a difference because they still torment and tease the people they see as weaker than them. Why do they have to wait until someone is physically hurt to put an end to this stuff? Hell, they ought to be persecuting him, because he caused me to go into premature labor and deliver our boys early. He endangered their health as well as mine!" I jump up and start to walking to the door, but I only get a few steps before Edward pulls me back to him.

"Where are you going?"

"To beat the ever loving fucking hell out of him! I've have had enough of this shit, this needs to end, now."

"Love," Edward hushes me, and his hand goes to my head. He pushes my hair back and makes me look at him in the eyes. "Calm down, love, and let me deal with this. Don't you worry; he's not getting away with anything."

I shake my head in frustration, and let out a growl before breaking down and crying in Edward's arms.

Edward holds me to him as my inner voice repeats the same thing over and over again. "Come on, Bella; pull yourself together, he only wins if you let him break you."

I kiss Edward's chest and pull away from him. I wipe my face as Jessica hands me a box of tissues.

"Look at me, Bella," she says and turns me to her. "At school I was a bitch." She turns to Edward. "You really have no idea how bad I was. I never hit anyone, but I lashed out in other ways. My verbal attacks were disgusting, and I have no excuse for my past behavior." Her eyes return to me. "You always took everything I said, and it never seemed to get to you. I know I hurt you, I'm not that stupid, but you never allowed my words to change who you were inside. I think that's what pissed me off and made me want to get at you even more. Between my need to get to others and the fact that my parents always allowed me just to get away with my behavior, I was terrible. Keith—my abusive ex-boyfriend—what he did to me, in a way, was my just deserts."

I shake my head at her. No woman—I don't care how stuck up; bitchy or nasty they are—deserves to be beaten.

Jessica nods at me as if she could hear what my mind was thinking. "I know, Bella, but he started bitching at me. The things he said, the way he made me feel, were in some ways worse than the broken bones he gave me. I hated myself, hated my voice, the way I walked, the way I ate. I hated who I was, but I couldn't change me." Jessica stops and clears her throat. "I had already grown up by then, but that showed me just how bad I had been in school. I made a promise to myself that I would change. When I have children, I will love them enough to tell them they are wrong, and won't let them get away with treating others the way I did. I will forever instill in anyone I can that no one has the right to verbally abuse another." She again stops and gives me a sad look. "When Keith was talking down to me, my mind always seemed to go to you and Emmett. I could see so much of how Emmett behaved not just to you, but how he was with me, in Keith's actions. I felt sad for you because my relationship was new, but yours was a longer one. When I heard you were divorced, I celebrated your freedom."

I pull my brows together and Edward chuckles making me look at him. "She did, she made me join her only saying an old friend had been set free from a bad situation."

"This is what he's doing now; he's trying hard to break you. Emmett's not stupid; he knows a DNA test will be needed, and he knows he doesn't stand a chance. He's just pissed that you have not been doing what he wants you to do, and I blame Renata. That woman gives him money every month like he's still a teenager. God, even I had to work when I was younger."

"Renata does what?" I ask interrupting her.

"You didn't know his mother gives him between five hundred and a thousand dollars each month, and has done so since he was fourteen?" I shake my head just feeling angrier. "It's why they had to sell the diner."

"You're joking, right?" I gasp. Why wasn't I told that was the reason?

Jessica just sighs and shakes her head. "She is partially to blame; she raised a self-centered asshole. I know my sins and I have grown up, and tried hard to repent and atone from what I had done. As for Emmett, I don't ever see him owning up to his mistakes. But, Bella, stay strong, and let Edward handle this. He and his lawyer dealt with Keith, and I'm just a friend. He Lo ..." Jessica claps her mouth shut and then clears her throat. "You're his wife; believe me when I say Emmett's not going to know what hit him."

I let out a long breath and nod at her. I look at Edward and raise my brow at him. "I want him crying in a fetal position!"

Edward grins and nods at me. "I'll be sure to make that happen."

"Thank you," I say and look back at Jessica. "I would never have thought the girl that made my school years hell would be the person who lends me strength now."

"No problem and I'll be here for you, and help in any way I can. For now, I'm off to work, and I'll call in a few favors to see if I can find out where the worm is at."

Jessica walks out the front door as Edward pulls me back to the couch. We just sit down when Jack starts to cry. I rub my head but before I can stand up Edward is there picking him up from the bassinette.

"Momma will change you while daddy gets you bottle ready, okay?" Edward's eyes flash to me and I nod at him, smiling as he hands me Jack.

"I can't believe you are hungry again, you were just fed not too long ago, little man," I tell him.

I change Jack's diaper and just as I finish Edward walks in with a bottle.

"Come to daddy," he says grinning as he sits down next to me.

I place Jack in his arms and lay my head on Edward's shoulder. I relax watching him talk gently to Jack as he feeds him.

"You make this look so easy," I say feeling a little jealous at how easy Edward is adapting to everything.

"I have had years of experience with babies," Edward says and winks at me.

Anthony starts to cry, making me hum. I kiss Edward's lips and stand up to get him. Once he's changed, I take my breast out so that I can feed him.

"Oh, breast alert," Jasper says spinning around so that his back is to me. "And yeah, Edward, I have to agree, well at least to one that is, nice and perky, for sure."

I raise my brow and look at Edward whose face is flushed. "It was the morning after in Vegas that I said that and I was still drunk," Edward stutters out.

"And the day after that ... And the day after that, and so on. Um, hello, back turned here, is the breast hidden away by one of the boys' head yet?" Jasper asks while laughing, clearly cracking himself up.

"Yes," Edward hisses.

"Oh that's good, didn't need to see more of that," he says turning around. "I'm here to grab those papers from you, so I can make a copy and drop them off at Peter's."

"How do you know already?" I stutter out

"Jessica text me, she sent out a mass text to everyone in fact."

"They're on the table," Edward says motioning with his head to the stack of papers.

Jasper picks up the paperwork and reads it through, and then rolls his eyes. "Okay, I need to take care of this. Mom should be here soon, she went to pick up Jane first." Jasper waves walking out of the house and I look around at Edward.

"Yes, he does that often," is Edward's simple reply to my unspoken question.

Edward leans over and kisses my lips. I smile into the kiss, despite the fact we've yet to declare our love for each other. I know I am close, I feel so much for him. From the looks he returns to me, I am hoping that he feels the same.

"Okay, Jacky, time to see if you have any air in your tummy." Edward rubs and pats Jack's back, making him belch and fart at the same time.

"Thanks, son," Edward chuckles as he goes back to feeding him.

"Hey, I have lunch, and I made your favorite cake. I'll make you both a plate, and then we can get down to business," Esme blurts out as she walks into the living room, and heads straight to the kitchen.

"Hey," my head turns and I see Jane slowly sitting down in the chair across from us.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, as she seems out of breath.

"Getting there ... slowly."

I frown, knowing just by looking at her that she is disappointed that her healing process isn't progressing fast enough for her liking. "Take your time and get better so I can go out dancing with my sister-in-law," I joke, but Jane's eyes sparkle.

"Yes, that is a great idea-you two should definitely get remarried."

My mouth drops open but nothing comes out.

"If you like I could make a wedding dress for you," Jane says seemingly unaware or just flat out ignoring the fact her words have shocked me.

"What's got you so happy?" Esme asks walking into the room.

"Bella and Edward are going to get married again, and I am going to design her dress. In return she wants me fit and able to dance with her!" Jane gushes out.

"Oh, when are you thinking of doing this?" Esme asks looking at me.

"I ... I ..." Nope I can't speak. How do I tell them that's not what I meant?

"We're still talking about it, but we're leaning toward the thirteenth of September, since that's our anniversary," Edward says smoothly.

"That's not even three months away!" Esme stutters walking to Edward. My eyes move to her, and she takes Jack, walking back with him to Jane.

"Love, close your mouth," Edward whispers making me look at him. I give him a pleading look, hoping he sees this is not what I meant.

Edward laughs lightly and moves my hair placing it behind my ear. "I want to marry you again, this time neither of us will be drunk." He stops and swallows. His eyes move to Anthony, and he stands and picks him up and hands him to his mom.

"I'll be back," he tells them. He walks to me pulling me up and takes me out to the back deck.

"I'm just going to say it out loud, I am in love with you," he says and my heart takes off. Edward drops his head and looks down. "I told you that I felt something for you both first times I saw you, both in Vegas and my office. Being your doctor and believing that you were married ... it hurt and I didn't understand why. I just always had this constant emptiness that only left when I was with you."

"I'm sorry," I blubber. "I ..." I stop. "At first it was a mistake. I should have been clear right away, but admitting I was single and pregnant was hard for me. It was as if I was admitting to the validity of all of the hateful nasty things Emmett had said about me. I felt like I would be seen as being dirty, a bad mom, because I wasn't married. I saw your photo, and just wanted to have what I thought you had." I shake my head knowing that I came close to losing him.

"I love you, too," I sob. "I love you, and need you more than I have ever needed anyone and that scares the shit out of me," I tell him truthfully.

He opens his arms and I move to him. We both hold each other close.

"Are you sure you want to marry me and be my husband?"

Edward tilts his head down and I look up at him. "We're already married, love. The only question is do we—you—want to do it again, and do it right this time in front of our family and friends?"

I nod at him, making him grin. "Not good enough, you have to verbally say it."

"Yes, I want to marry you again and do it right this time," I say and his grin gets even bigger.

"Yes," he hisses before kissing me. "So, we'll recite our vows again on the thirteenth then, now we just have to get it all booked."

"Yes, my wedding's going to be that day again," I say stopping and biting my lip. "The same day as my birthday," I tell him shyly.

"I know," he tells me causing me to tilt my head at him. "It's in your file; I just thought it was a coincidence, when I first noticed it."

I roll my eyes at my stupidity; of course he knew my personal information.

"When is your birthday?" I ask.

"June twentieth."

"That's very soon then," I gasp and Edward nods, before pulling me close and kissing me again.

~WHIVDAST~

The last week should have been filled with Edward and I getting used to being a family, but instead we have been working with attorneys building a case for the court, which starts tomorrow.

"Hi," Jasper says walking in, along with Jenks. Over the past week, I have grown accustomed to Edward's family walking in without knocking or ringing the doorbell. Thankfully they all text us first, unless they are summoned over.

"You're working late," I say, but feel nervous about the fact that they both look worried.

"Jasper, Jenks," Edward says taking hold of my hand as he sits beside me.

"Darlin', we have something we can use against Emmett," Jasper starts off softly. "I have enough evidence to tie him to the sale of your bedroom set and missing furnishings. I also have records of the jewelry which was sold at a local pawn shop."

I gasp stopping Jasper's talking. "He sold my grandma's set?" I ask, feeling a mix of anger and hurt.

Jasper's eyes flicker to Edward, and then come back to me. "No, he gave that to Miss Hale," Jasper swallows. "Now, Darlin', this is going to hurt and upset you so let me get it all out before you ask any questions, okay?"

I nod at him, knowing I need to know what he is going to say, but hating the fact that I have to hear it.

"We've connected him to the house sale as well. He managed to get your documents because he had access to your home by working under a false name for a security company. He also tampered with my police car, that's why the tire went flat and we crashed into the curb. We can prove that, due to the camera the city installed in my vehicle. I also believe he tampered with your vehicle, but that's currently speculation. The money he gained from the sale of your home to five different families totaled was nearly one million dollars, but he has spent almost three-quarters of it."

In shock at the amount, my eyes pop wide open. "How on earth did he manage that?"

Jasper's eyes flicker to Edward so I follow him, and see that Edward looks angry.

"I guess since this was my idea, Jasper is silently telling me it is my turn. The hair sample I took from you was clean. But I suspected something was off due to your ability to become pregnant so easily by me. On a hunch, I looked at your past health records from your primary care provider and found that each time you went in for a yearly exam, your body had high levels of synthetic hormones showing." I frown at Edward who closes his eyes. "Jenks managed to talk Rose into having a blood test, and she also has high levels of synthetic hormones in her system. When Jasper searched her home, he found unmarked tablets that have been confirmed to be a high dose form of birth control pills." Edward stops and licks his lips. "I believe that Emmett was drugging your morning coffee with the same pills that Jasper found. He has also clearly been doing this with Miss Hale. There was never an issue for you to have children. The scar tissue from your endometriosis, was not as bad as you thought. From what we have figured out, the reason you were unable to become pregnant was due to the high levels of birth control you had been taking." I feel my bottom lip wobble.

Edward clasps my face and I look at him. "But the baby, her baby, she was pregnant," I say, praying that Emmett wasn't cruel enough to do anything to hurt her or her unborn child.

"I can't prove it at this point, but I believe he may have given her another drug to cause her body to reject the baby."

My hand covers my mouth, feeling pain for Rosalie and the innocent child she lost. Though I don't know the loss of a child, I know what going through the worry of a child possibly not surviving feels like.

"How ... I mean how? Why couldn't I see who he really was when I was married to him?" I ask Edward who shrugs.

"You knew him as a young boy. You dismissed the selfish parts of him to just being a flaw in his character," Jasper says. "You worked many hours, and your brain may have been too tired or just didn't want to see or accept that everyone was right about him. Add that to the daily verbal abuse and it fits. He was sly and always made it seem as if he was trying to help you. I have seen many men and women in the same situation. Some people just know how to play the game. And I'll bet that up until that text Miss Hale sent, Emmett had gotten his way in everything in your marriage and your wants had been pushed to the side." Jasper raises his eyebrow but I nod, knowing he's right.

I have to accept my responsibility in Emmett's behavior towards me. After all, I allowed and even encouraged it.

"So when you didn't give in to his demands during the divorce, it sent him down the path to making you regret it. Only he made mistakes, he's not as smart as he thinks he is. He will pay the price, for everything he has done. The King County District Attorney is filing charges and intends to go for the maximum sentence on everything his office can prove."

"Thank you," I whisper and Jasper winks at me.

"On a happier note, I arrested Rachel today," Jasper says with entirely too much glee. "Come on, ya know you wanna ask, so one of you, come on and ask me why!" He bounces like a child strung out on sugar, waiting his turn in line for an amusement park ride.

"I don't really give a shit," Edward tells him bluntly, which makes Jasper look as if Edward ran over his puppy or something.

"Okay fine! Why, oh, why, dear Jasper, did you arrest her?" I ask batting my eyes at him.

Edward snorts and Jasper huffs.

"Shoplifting," Jasper mutters out, after Edward has stripped him of his excitement.

I give Edward a side glance, and see that he's looking at me. "Eh, Jasper, are you sure?" I ask, since Edward seems speechless.

Jasper smirks "I am positive, now ask me what she was stealing," he says excitingly, having returned to the gusto he was reeling in before.

"What was she stealing?" Edward questions.

"A dildo."

Again my eyes go wide and I have to swallow back the laughter bubbling up. "A dildo?" I finally say with a loud snorting noise due to the laughter still building in my chest.

"Yep, a dildo, and it was a big black one too. Just like the one that was flushed down your toilet."

"You flushed a sex toy down the toilet?" Edward asks sounding confused and shocked.

"No, Emmett did at my house to cause problems," I reply dryly at him. "And before you ask, no I didn't have a big black dildo in the first place. Now back to Rachel. She stole a sex toy—a large sex toy—why?"

Jasper just shrugs. "She refuses to say anything other than calling me a dick. Of course it was at the sex shop downtown, and that new busy club is down there too. I put her in handcuffs and hauled her out in front of the store. The lights were on and I even had back up arrive, with lights and sirens blaring. Needless to say, there were a lot of people watching from across the street. Oddly enough, that new club is one of those higher class places where you have to be a member and well most of the people knew who she was. I especially had fun stating to her again, loudly, outside of the car that she was being arrested for the theft of a sex toy. I even re-read the Maranda rights to her. Several of the people were videoing the arrest and according to Alice, it is already on at least a dozen of Rachel's personal friends' Facebook pages. It was great! I handcuffed her and put her in the back of the police car after having a female officer pat her down fully and after her rights were read ... a second time. It was epic, I tell you!"

Edward hums a little. "That sounds very staged?" Jasper gasps and places his hand over his heart.

Edward and I just hum, and narrow our eyes at him.

"Okay you two; try to get a goodnight's sleep and I'll see you tomorrow."

~WHIVDAST~

I bite my lip looking down at my two boys. "They're going to be fine, they have my mom, Sue, Leah, Emily, Alice and Jane to take care of them," Edward says.

I huff already knowing this, but I still don't want to leave them. Edward wraps his arms around me pulling my back flush with his front. His head dips down and he softly kisses my neck. I nuzzle closer and run my hand up and down his arm.

"Bella, Edward, we need to get going," my father says and then clears his throat.

"We'll be right with you, Charlie," Edward replies but doesn't let me go.

"We should go," I sigh, still wishing I could stay here.

"Yeah, let's get this done with."

Edward grasps my hand and keeps hold of it as we walk out to the living room.

"Good luck, sweetie," Sue says hugging me.

"I don't understand why I can't just take the freaking douchebag out the old fashioned way," Leah huffs.

"Because you are in graduate school, and only have a year to get your PHD," I remind her but she just rolls her eyes.

"I still say that James' plan sounds better than bothering with the legal system," Leah states.

I sigh but hug her knowing she's trying to look after me.

"Good luck, Bella," Emily, Seth's girlfriend whispers in my ear.

"Call us," Esme says hugging me.

"Come on, love," Edward smiles as I quickly hug Jane and Alice at the same time.

"Please take good care of our boys," I say before leaving the house with Edward.

Edward opens the rear car door, lets me get in, and then sits next to me.

"You could have sat up front with my dad," I tell him but he shakes his head.

"No, I think I like it back here with you better." His hand goes back to mine and he lifts and kisses it. "No offense, Charlie."

"None taken, son," my dad chortles.

We arrive at the courthouse and where we are directed to the courtroom that is handling our case.

"Here comes the whore!" I hear Renata mutter. "When we get the boys home, we'll need to burn everything she touched, and give them a good bath. As for the stupid names she gave them; they need to be changed. Make sure to ask that lawyer of yours to say that!"

"I know, Momma," Emmett says sounding like a little boy.

"Hey," James says kissing the side of my head.

"See that, he just lets him kiss her and does nothing! That just proves that she's sleeping with them all like you think. I bet she's lying and is just saying that doctor is her partner so the judge will look kindly toward her."

"Who let the dog out?" James asks loudly.

Renata huffs and glares towards us.

"James," Jasper says with a warning tone. "Not here."

Renata gives James a big smile showing her teeth, because she feels she has won something with her little show.

"McCarty v Swan," the court clerk calls.

Edward growls a little, but takes my hand and leads me into the courtroom.

The Judge that granted the restraining order walks in, his eyes flicker to Emmet and stays there as the case is read by the court clerk.

Once we are told to be seated, Mr. Jenks remains standing. "Your honor, may counsel approach the bench?"

"Yes," the judge states as both Jenks and Emmett's attorney move towards the judge. Once they stop, the judge looks to Jenks. "Mr. Jenks, I believe you wish to address something?"

"Yes, your honor. This documentation is proof that Ms. Swan is married and is legally known as Mrs. Cullen. Therefore we ask that she be addressed as such in this hearing and any other hearings going forward should that need ever arise."

Renata tuts loudly making the judge's head snap to her.

"Mrs. McCarty, listen and listen well. This is a courtroom, and right now this court-room is mine. That means my rules, and my words are final. You will either control yourself or leave. If you interrupt or make another sound that comes across as an insult or threat, you will be put in jail for contempt of court." The Judge lifts his brow, almost as if he is begging her to say something out of line. When she says nothing, he turns back to address Jenks and Emmett's attorney.

He looks over the paperwork Jenks has given him, and looks at Emmett's attorney. "The paperwork is legal, Mrs. Cullen is the Defendant's true legal name, so therefore going forward, she will be addressed as such."

"Yes, your honor," Emmett's attorney states.

"Counsel you may return to your seats. When this case showed up on my docket, I was shocked and before either side says anything, I would like to address something with Mr. McCarty."

Emmett remains sitting in his chair, and his attorney stands. "Your honor, this seems highly unorthodox."

"Mr. Fuller, with all due respect, you were Mr. McCarty's attorney for his dissolution and for the restraining order hearing as well. Therefore what I need to address with you and your client is relevant and needs to be addressed immediately. Also, I believe I covered this with Mrs. McCarty, but this is my courtroom and I will handle this case by the law, but in my way, do you understand me?"

"Yes, your Honor."

"Mr. McCarty, please make your way to the witness stand," he says waving his hand to the stand. "Bailiff, please swear in Mr. McCarty."

The bailiff swears Emmett in and he's told he can sit.

"Mr. McCarty, I believe the last time you were here, I told you to stay away from Mrs. Cullen."

Emmett makes an attempt to speak but the judge hushes him.

"Do not even attempt to darken my court with the lies that Mrs. Cullen's babies are yours. I don't want to hear it."

"Your Honor, I object," Mr. Fuller, Emmett's lawyer states.

"Hold your objection, Mr. Fuller, and answer a couple of questions for me. Was Mr. McCarty sworn in at the dissolution hearing?"

"Of course," Mr. Fuller answers confidently.

"And was Mr. McCarty sworn into court at the hearing held to have the restraining order placed?"

"Absolutely," he states again.

"And finally was Mr. Carty read his Miranda rights when he was arrested and gave his written testimony of the facts as he saw them for harassing Mrs. Cullen?"

"Yes, I was present when this happened," comes his quick answer.

"And at the dissolution hearing, when under oath, what did he comment about Mrs. Cullen?"

Mr. Fuller seems to be unsure what the judge is asking.

"Don't think too hard Mr. Fuller, I have a copy of the record from the dissolution hearing right here, should I remind you?" The Judge asks but before anyone can say anything he carries one. "Isabella is conniving and evil. She sleeps around and gave me an STI, and even blamed me for it all. Yet the truth was that Mrs. Cullen did not have an STI and stated to the court at that time it had been over a year since they last had sexual contact. Isn't that correct?"

"Yes, your Honor."

"Moving on to the deposition and hearing for the restraining order. Mr. McCarty under oath claimed and I quote, "My ex-wife is a whore, she fucks anyone she can. She's even trying to blame that bastard she's carrying on me and I know this is a lie because it's been more than a year since we last had sex. She is just unaware of whom the father is, and I know that there are at least ten men in the long line of possibilities."

The judge looks at Mr. Fuller and raises his brow. "So tell me, Mr. Fuller, was your client lying then, or is he about to lie to me now and be held in contempt of court and charged with perjury?"

Mr. Fuller swallows and Jenks stands up.

"Your Honor, I think we can prove the answer without Mr. McCarty or Mr. Fuller's input, I would like to submit the DNA test results which conclusively prove that Dr. Edward Cullen—Mrs. Cullen's husband—is the biological paternal parent to both of the babies that Mrs. Cullen gave birth to." He hands the papers to the bailiff who takes them and hands them to the judge.

"We have proof those babies are Mr. McCarty's," Mr. Fuller states.

"Now you look here!" Renata yells standing up. "He was drunk and she raped him. He was ashamed and embarrassed about it so he lied."

"Mrs. McCarty you were warned and are now in direct contempt of court and have gained yourself thirty days in county lock up and a fine of five thousand dollars. Bailiff, remove her!" Renata's mouth just opens and closes, as she is put in handcuffs and led away.

The room is silent, and Emmett looks as if he's seen a ghost.

"Your Honor, Detective Jasper Whitlock of the Seattle Police Department is present with a bench warrant for Mr. McCarty due to breaking the restraining order," the bailiff states from the door and Jasper enters the courtroom.

Jasper walks up to the bench and hands the paperwork to the judge. The judge reads it over and looks at Mr. Fuller.

"Mr. Fuller, since you and your client are both here, I'll allow you to have fifteen minutes of conference time, and we will hear your clients defense on this charge. Mr. McCarty, you are not to leave the conference room. Bailiff, please escort Mr. McCarty and Mr. Fuller to the conference room, now."

"Wait, I don't need no conference, I plead not guilty, and she's crazy."

"Have it your way Mr. McCarty, please stand down and sit beside your attorney. The Court calls Detective Jasper Whitlock to the stand."

Jasper steps forward and is sworn in and sits on the stand.

"I believe you have evidence to bring against Mr. McCarty?"

Jasper runs through the number of times I reported things happening in my home and with my car. He also includes all of his findings.

"Detective Whitlock, I am unable to ask you any questions regarding pending criminal charges, however there is evidence documented to show me that Mr. McCarty has ignored my restraining order, you may stand down. Mr. Fuller, Mr. McCarty, please stand. Mr. McCarty on the violation of the restraining order I find you guilty on six documented counts. For those six counts, I order you to serve one month for each count in county lock up. The total of time to serve is six months. During that time I'm sure you will have been tried and brought to justice on the remaining pending criminal charges. Bailiff please remove Mr. McCarty from the courtroom."

Emmett is removed and I swallow wishing it was all just over with, but I know there will be another hearing in the future.

"Mrs. Cullen," the judge calls. I look at him and he sighs. "Unfortunately sometimes, and I hate when it does, issuing a restraining order fails. Mr. McCarty should've taken my warning seriously. I will make sure that all records from your pending and past cases involving Mr. McCarty are brought to the attention of the trial judge. I bid you farewell, and hope that Mr. Fuller is able to advise his client more suitable this time. Mr. Fuller, you should expect to be hearing from the review board shortly. This case has no validity and is dismissed. Court is adjourned," with those words, he slams the gavel down and leaves the courtroom.

I nod and watch as the judge leaves.

"Ready?" Edward asks and I nod at him and stand. As I turn around, I see Rosalie standing with the man that came to install my alarm.

"Hi," I say looking between them.

"I'm sorry," The man says softly. "I never knew you were his ex-wife." He stops and clears his throat. "I never knew he was abusing you or breaking into your home. I am deeply sorry for the pain I have allowed him to give you." Again he stops talking. "I've been fired and I know it doesn't make up for anything to you, but I just wanted to say sorry in person." I nod at him.

"It wasn't Royce's fault, I begged him to give Emmett a job. He—Emmett—made me think that you were taking most of his wages, and for him to get paid under the table would be the only way we could start over," Rosalie stops talking and sniffs.

"I believe this is yours," she hands me a small box and I open it and see it's my gran's jewelry set.

"Thank you," I say feeling relieved to have it again.

"He ..." She breaks down and starts to sob hard. "I believed him, I believed everything he said. I thought he loved me, the way that I loved him." She rubs her head as if she finds her thoughts hard to follow or believe. "I have already agreed to give full testimony to the District Attorney's office. I know about a number of times he and I were at your home together, and I know he was trying to sell the house and that he was meeting with prospective buyers. I thought that you had agreed to sell it, and you were doing it together. Although now, I know it wasn't you. It was a stripper friend of his." Rosalie snorts. "He cheated on me; he cheated on me from the get-go." I frown as I look at her. "If someone cheats to be with you, then he'll cheat on you. That's what they say, right?"

I sigh but nod at her.

"Thanks for listening to us; I'll let you go now."

I watch as Royce leads Rosalie who is still crying away.

"Come on, love, let's get home to our boys," Edward whispers.

I nod and feel relieved even knowing I still have the criminal court case to get through. At least for now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

A/N: So Rose is going to testify against Emmett. Her brother lost his job and is going to cooperate with the police against Emmett. Renata is in jail for thirty days, and Emmett for six months. Things are looking up on that front. Loved the judge, and his attitude. What are your thoughts of how things have went so far.