Lilith and Ficfangirl are the best pre-reader and beta ever. They have made this story so much better. All errors are mine.

Welcome to the new readers who have stopped by and taken the time to read. A huge thank you to those who have reviewed. I appreciate it so much. Some of you are voicing your ideas of who you think is behind Edward's incarceration and I love it. :)

Many of you have asked what was Edward thinking during the escape. His POV is here and some of the story is repeated. Fair warning. More connections are being made and bonds are forming.

~ J *+* D ~

"It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do."

~ Jane Austen ~

Chapter 26

Esme

The telegram we received late Thursday afternoon from Rose simply read: Is the offer still open Stop Rose Stop

Both Carlisle and I immediately knew this was about our offer for Mr. Masen to come and stay with us. Before the messenger left, I handed him the note back with Rose's information and wrote one word. Yes Stop

We didn't know if it meant he was free in the legal sense of the word and, to be honest, we didn't care. Our opinion hadn't changed. He never should have been sent to prison in the first place.

We were surprised late Sunday night when we were roused from our bed by the incessant barking of our dogs and someone knocking on the door. An exhausted and bedraggled Rose was standing on the other side. We ushered her into the sitting room and, while I poured her a glass of wine, she and Carlisle exchanged pleasantries. Once I was seated, she launched into her reasons for the unannounced arrival.

Rose told us a story of meeting with a guard from the prison right after she and Sam had visited us. They made a deal. If there was a worsening in Edward's treatment then he would notify her. Well, he did, and since she didn't know what to expect when she asked for our help, she packed quickly and boarded the first train.

When she got to the train station in Birmingham, she needed to hire a vehicle. When she said her name, the man behind the counter asked, "Do you know a Mr. Emmett McCarty?" She said she did and he handed her a sealed envelope. "I was paid good money to get this to you." She accepted the envelope and read a letter from Emmett while she waited for her driver. In a nutshell, they are to be taken from the chain gang tomorrow. Monday. Edward has been severely beaten on multiple occasions and, if they didn't do something immediately, he would surely die.

As soon as Rose understood what was going on, instead of staying the night in a hotel, she felt it was in our best interest to deliver the latest news without delay. "I wanted to give you a chance to bow out of your offer. There will not only be Edward, but another inmate. I told you about Jasper. He's been trying to help and protect Edward as best he can. Along with them, if they make good on their escape, will be several others who will have participated in the escape plan. I needed you to know what was happening. I didn't want you to be blindsided. I can leave first thing in the morning..,"

"Rose," Carlisle calmly tries to cut her off. She's tired, eyes closed, rubbing her temples as she rambles on.

"And look for another place for them to hide out in."

"Rose," Carlisle patiently tries again.

"Maybe I can find a safe spot in Georgia. You're not very far from the border."

"Rose!" I decided to intervene. She looks at me in confusion and a slight frown mars her forehead. "Carlisle has been trying to get your attention," I inform her with a teasing smile.

She looks at him sheepishly. She's obviously stressed, beyond tired and her mind is working in overdrive. "I'm sorry, Carlisle. You wanted to say something."

He chuckles at her, "Yes. I don't…" he looks at me for confirmation before giving his answer. I don't even hesitate in nodding in agreement. There was nothing on this earth that would give me greater pleasure than seeing that man safe. "We don't have an issue with Edward or Jasper being escaped felons. As for the others, we have plenty of room."

Rose practically deflated as she blew out her breath and melted into the sofa. Carlisle chuckles and gently chastises her, "You need to get some rest yourself, young lady. We have guests coming and we need you awake and alert when the time comes."

"Thank you, Carlisle. Thank you, Esme. You are both so dear to me. I just hope that everything goes according to plan. You will be lifesavers for these two men."

~ J *+* D ~

More prophetic words were never spoken. It's Monday afternoon and Carlisle is in his office putting away medical supplies that he had recently picked up from the post office. I'm busy baking a ham and casserole. I wanted something that would feed a lot of people. Earlier, I had let our two German Shepherds out and they started barking up a storm. It wasn't long before I heard the telltale signs of a vehicle slowly making its way up the drive. I turn from the stove and see Carlisle walking to the door, opening it and calling for the dogs to come in. I call for Rose, who's upstairs, and she quickly races down them. The dogs are put in the house and the three of us stand on the veranda as the car finally rolls to a complete stop.

The passenger side door opens and a lovely young woman with black hair slides gracefully to the ground. She waves up to us and shouts in relief, "Rose! It's so good to see you again."

Rose smiles as she starts walking down the steps towards the vehicle. "Alice, it's good to see you, too. And Jasper, I'm so glad you made it," she acknowledges the good looking, tall, blond man who exits the vehicle and who's lap Alice must have been sitting on. Another lovely, taller, blond haired woman gets out on the driver's side and Alice introduces her to Rose. It strikes me as odd that none of them have smiles on their faces. That's when we both hear Rose gasp.

"Carlisle, Edward needs you!" Rose's panicked voice raises goose bumps on my skin as she waves for him to come. He immediately takes off down the steps, past the blond woman, and leans into the vehicle.

He's only in there for a few moments when he pulls out and yells up to me, "Esme, get a clean cloth and wipe down the examination table. Then cover it with several sheets." My heart beats wildly and I don't ask questions as I hastily run into the house. I grab the dogs by their collars and put them in a bedroom. Next, I run into Carlisle's examination room. I steel my nerves and try to think of Edward as a patient. I've assisted in Women's Clinics with everything from lancing a boil, sewing up wounds and to the delivery of babies.

After the table is ready, I take it upon myself and setup the implements which Carlisle might need in case of surgery and make up a stitching tray. I grab the sterile cloths I've ripped up from old sheets and place a bottle of iodine next to them. Finally, I open his locked cabinet and grab the bottle of morphine and a syringe. Everything is in place when I hear movement through the office. Edward is cocooned in a blanket. Jasper is holding him under his shoulders. Another girl dressed in boy's clothes and the blond young woman are holding onto the blanket by his sides, while Carlisle is carrying him by his feet. Carlisle guides them into the examination room and pauses as the blond moves away from the table side. I reach over the table and grab onto the blanket and we all gently lower him onto it.

After he's settled, Carlisle keeps his eyes on Edward as he scrubs his hands in the sink, instructing everyone, "If you could all leave the room. Make yourselves at home. I'll see to Edward. Esme will show you to the rooms we've readied."

"Let me stay, Carlisle. I can assist you. Please." I practically beg. I want to help. He pulls his gaze from his patient and looks at me. He knows this is one thing I can do better than showing our guests around.

"Thank you, Esme." He gently smiles and dries his hands before removing the blanket. I noticed everyone had left except one. The girl/boy. Her eyes haven't left Edward and it's evident she cares deeply for him.

"You need to go, dear. Rose can show you around and get you something to eat." I gently try to coax her to leave as I wash up.

"Please, let me stay, too. I know about his injuries. I've been trying to take care of him. I need to know he'll be all right," she whispers in a low voice.

Carlisle has removed the blanket and I get my first view of the damage done to this man. He's hardly recognizable and my heart aches. Carlisle is oblivious to our conversation as he prods the wound in his stomach.

"According to Jasper, you'll find the bullet has gone through. He also mentioned he has cracked or broken ribs. Oh, I've also given him an opiate." She lists the most important information for Carlisle.

"Opiate?" Carlisle's head snaps up. "When and how much?"

"About an hour ago. Enough to keep him calm." She pulls out a small vial from her pants pocket to show Carlisle and another so he can see how much was in each bottle. He uncorks the empty bottle and swipes his finger over the top and tastes it. He seems to calculate its strength before he puts the bottles on a tray.

"Thank you for telling me, dear. It probably saved him from a lot of pain and also slowed his blood loss. I have Esme here to help me with him for right now and I promise you, he will survive. You can help take care of him after I get him sewn up and in bed. Okay?" And then he refocuses his full attention back on Edward while using a cotton ball and alcohol to rub his fingers clean.

The young woman sighs and with one final glance at Edward, she reluctantly leaves the room, softly closing the door behind her.

~ J *+* D ~

Working with Carlisle was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. He was appreciative when I anticipated what he might need and patient when I struggled to help him as he sutured up various holes in Edward's stomach. Luckily, the bullet missed his spine. I found strength in body and spirit when Carlisle relied on me to hold Edward steady on his side as he sutured the wounds in his back. But, my heart was in my throat when I saw how badly his back was scarred, scabbed and in some areas infected from lashes liberally applied.

"Esme, is your brownie camera still in the office?" Carlisle asks almost absent mindedly.

"Yes, why?" It seems such an odd question considering where we were at the moment.

"I want to document all of his wounds, scars and contusions. If someone should ever question his condition or treatment, I think having actual pictures would speak volumes over anything we could describe. In fact, I could write a detailed report to explain what each photograph represents," he mutters as he applies a salve to various infected and open sores.

It's a brilliant idea and once again my admiration for Carlisle knows no bounds. I ran to the office, snatched up the brownie and quickly put in a new role of film. I'd recently taken up the hobby of photography and Carlisle had surprised me with creating a dark room in one of the outer sheds to develop my own pictures. I couldn't think of a better use than what he was proposing.

When I return, he tells me what he wants photographed. I'm thankful Edward is still heavily sedated, otherwise he would have been either extremely uncomfortable or in great pain.

When I'm finished and Carlisle has done all he can, we wrap his ribs tight. By the time we're through, Edward is beginning to groan in discomfort. My heart goes out to him as we let him rest for a bit. It's the first time that I really look at him. His face is a battered mess. Bruises ranging in color cover 70% of his body. His bandages hide a vicious one on his ribcage which resembles the heel of a man's boot.

Carlisle breaks into my assessment when he grabs my hand across the table over Edward's chest, "Thank you, Esme. You are an incredible assistant. And thank you again for agreeing to let him come here."

"Psshh. Agreeing for him to come here was a no brainer. Watching you work, probably saving his life; now that is truly something to be thankful for. You really are amazing, Carlisle, and I finally got to see you in action."

"You can be my nurse anytime. From now on in this practice, we're a team." He squeezes my hand again.

There is no greater praise he could have bestowed upon me. "Thank you."

After a few more minutes of watching our patient, I leave the room. I need to make sure the downstairs bedroom is cleared of the dogs so we can transfer him in there without any hazards. When I step into the main hall I can hear everyone speaking in hushed tones from the sitting room. No doubt they're anxious to know how he's doing. As soon as I step into the room, all eyes are on me and silence reigns.

Without preamble, I launch into his condition, "Edward is doing as well as can be expected for right now. No vital organs were hit and the bullet missed his spine. He's resting quietly as he should. It will just take time for him to heal. We will keep him safe here. All of you are welcome to stay for as long as you like."

Murmurs of thank you are repeated by one and all. Rose stands and walks over to me, enveloping me in a huge hug of relief. When she releases me she makes the introductions. Bella is the name of the girl/boy. When I mention I need to get the room ready for Edward, she sweetly asks if she can help. I nod because she is full of nervous energy and needs something to relieve the stress. I can well understand her feeling of helplessness.

Rose had already let the dogs out and Bella follows me into the bedroom. We pull the bedding off, bare to the mattress. From the linen chest I pull out birthing pads and place them on the mattress and cover them with several old, clean sheets. This way if he bleeds, it won't soak into the bed. Next, we move the linen chest from the foot of the bed, against the wall and out of the way. As I fold down the top sheet and drape a coverlet at the foot of the bed, Bella locates a chamber pot in the closet and sets it nearby. Last, but not least, she filled a pitcher with hot water from the kettle on the stove and set it in the basin. He's going to need a sponge bath to remove the dirt he's covered in.

Bella explains about the riot and that he was severely beaten on the muddy ground. He wasn't allowed to clean up afterwards. I'm horrified at what's been done to him.

Once I'm satisfied with the room, Bella and I return to the sitting room. Jasper still looks uneasy and I ask if he can help us get Edward into the room. He immediately jumps to his feet and hastily agrees, "Of course – anything."

In fact, everyone follows me back into the examination room. Carlisle has been busy himself. He's rolled Edward back onto the blanket with the sides hanging down to the floor. He looks at all the willing hands and tells everyone to grab a side. With our make-shift stretcher we easily carry him into the readied bedroom. Carlisle and Jasper gently roll him from side to side to remove the blanket. Bella ran out of the room and returns with an armful of clean rags she must have spotted in the examination room. When Edward is settled onto the bed, she dips one of the cloths into the warm water and starts gently washing the dirt away from his face. I know she wants to spend time with him, I can read it in her eyes. I get everyone else out of the room and leave her and Carlisle to it.

That's when I smell the ham and my mind clicks. I forgot all about the food in the oven. I race into the kitchen and then stop short. The table is set with plates, glasses and silverware. The casserole and ham are keeping warm on top of the stove and there are mounds of treats plated on the table. How? What? Who?

I didn't realize Alice and Charlotte followed behind me. "You were so busy, working hard to save Edward. We wanted to show you our appreciation for that and for offering a safe haven to both Edward and Jasper," Alice quietly answers my unspoken questions.

"Jasper has been like a big brother to me and my husband, Peter. We think the world of him. Thank you again, Esme," Charlotte softly adds.

"You're all more than welcome," was all I could answer. It's strange, I've never had so many women in my home at once and that they were willing to help was so different. I can't remember a time when we socialized any of the women offering to help. It was beneath them. When Carlisle and I were ostracized for our willingness to help Edward the first time around, I never thought I would trust another person. After the trial, I was positive of it. Now, we're being thanked over and over again for doing just that. This will take some getting used to on my part.

Carlisle joins us after a few minutes. I look up at him in question. I felt sure he would stay by Edward's bedside. "Bella wants to take care of him for now. He was becoming restless, but she has a way of calming him down quickly. She'll let me know if he starts moving around too much or seems to be in pain. He has a slight fever so she doesn't want to leave at the moment. She'll keep him comfortable." He has a twinkle in his eyes and I can guess it has to do with Bella's concern for Edward.

Introductions are made again for Carlisle's benefit. Alice and Charlotte insist I take my seat and they bring the food and beverages to the table. The first part of our dinner conversation is spent in learning about the EJ plan and the great escape. I thought the planning was simplistic in nature and yet incredibly effective.

Then I get to know them as individuals. None of them would be considered the cream of the crop, as my father would say, especially considering they had all just participated, in one form or another, in relieving the prison system of a few inmates. A smile lights my face when I remember we were harboring said inmates. Instead of feeling apprehensive or dreading what might be coming our way from the authorities, I feel giddy and alive. All of these people are charismatic and have self-worth. And they make Carlisle and I feel as if we fit in well with them. I take Carlisle's hand under the table and gently squeeze. He returns it and by the look in his eyes, I know he feels the same.

~ J *+* D ~

Before Judgment Day, my world was a vast universe with infinite possibilities – After Judgment Day, my world became a black hole existence. Now I see a spark of light flickering inside and have the desire to resurrect myself.

~ Edward Masen ~

Edward

At the time when Ace and Slider were helping me into the dining hall for breakfast, I was barely feeling any pain – let alone my limbs. Only my ribs were protesting the stretching of my arms draped around their shoulders. Angela is definitely my angel. The tincture allowed me to sleep through most of the night for the first time since…I can't remember when. At one point, when I turned abruptly, I did feel the effects wearing off.

In the early hours of the morning, my fingers felt around the edge of the mattress, inside the bed frame, and found the small vial I'd hidden. With minimal movement I worked the stopper off and brought the miracle liquid to my lips and drank. Not long after, I lost myself in its numbing properties. Free of pain and nightmares. This morning I threw the empty bottle down the toilet. I was sad to see it disappear, knowing I wouldn't be finding any relief later on today.

As I waited in line for scrambled eggs and biscuits I was able to stabilize my legs and gain control of my drifting thoughts. Once I ate, I was thinking more clearly, yet when I noticed Lahote walk outside into the courtyard to wait for the inmates, I dreaded the start of the work day. I noticed McCarty was also on his way out and I knew I would go down on my knees to beg to be on his crew.

After our breakfast was finished, we headed out into the courtyard to load into the cages. I was happy I was able to walk under my own power. I refused to let Lahote see me as a weakling. It may not stop him from beating on me again, but I'd be damned if I give him the satisfaction of seeing me grovel or fear him.

Once at the job site, as Ace would say, lady luck was on our side. We were assigned to McCarty. It gave me hope that I would survive the day after all. McCarty had chained Lahote's crew first and sent him on his way. He wasn't happy when McCarty refused to put me on his crew. I fully expected a fight to break out between the two of them. Lahote backed down when Crowley and Caius sided with McCarty and told him to move on.

Everything started out as normal. That is until I noticed beyond the slight bend, a vehicle on the side of the road. Two women and one young man. As we drew nearer I could see that one of the women was Alice. My eyes immediately swung to the boy and I squinted to confirm it was Billy. What are they doing here? My thoughts drift to prior times, when people have come out to watch the performing animals. They wouldn't do that! I chide myself for even thinking such a thing. So why are they here?

Crowley left his crew and told McCarty to have us help the youngster. We dropped our tools and, with surprising speed, I lead the crew, since I was the end of the chain, with Ace behind me, followed by Slider and Silver holding the ball.

Billy had to have already changed the tire, because it looked fine. There was only the jack and shaft that was resting by the side of the sedan. Billy commented that we were too late to help, and then he whispered under his breath for me alone to hear, "Be prepared." Prepared for what, was going to be my question until I heard the gunshots. All of us ducked down beside the sedan. Ace fumbles around my ankle and I notice the chain is gone. What worries me is Billy still standing and I reach up and grab him to squat down with the rest of us. My brain was fuzzy as I tried to figure out what was going on when more shots were fired.

Caius came running from the opposite side of the sedan and took a defensive stance towards the trees, bringing up his rifle to fire. Billy bravely stood up taking the jack with him/her and threw it at the back of his head. With more bullets flying around us, I was worried about Billy or Angela. I stood up just as Slider and Silver crawled to the rear and then I backed away from the sedan as Billy turned and opened the door. That's when I spotted Lahote coming our way. From the angle he held his rifle, Billy was in the line of fire.

I wasn't going to allow that to happen, so I moved further away from the vehicle. He wanted me dead. Well, here was his chance. The sound of shots being fired echoed all around me. In slow motion, I saw the way his rifle jerked in his hands. Suddenly, Ace was tugging me closer to him and I felt a searing pain as a bullet hit me in the gut and I went down on my hand and knees. I knew the shot came from Lahote. I just waited for the next one to come. My only thoughts were for Billy's safety and their need to get out of here. Now!

More shots rang out. The next thing I know, I'm being pushed into the backseat of the sedan and Billy is there grabbing me by my shoulders to guide me in and pulling my head down to rest on his lap. When I turned too sharply, my ribs let out a protest and the pain was so excruciating I literally lost my breath and passed out.

~ J *+* D ~

I floated in an out of consciousness. A comforting hand was running through my hair and massaging my scalp. It felt so good that I easily slipped back into the black abyss. The only times I remember resurfacing was when the hand was removed. I wanted it; I needed it. It calmed me and, in a strange way, it made me feel alive, cherished even and cared for.

Billy woke me and the miracle liquid was offered. Even in my groggy state, I didn't need to be asked twice as I greedily drank down every last drop. Afterwards, I vaguely remember being carried to another vehicle. My scratchy uniform was removed, replaced with a soft blanket wrapped all around me. Maybe it was the transfer from one vehicle to another, but suddenly my ribs spasmed in pain and the wound was a burning throb. My head was gently elevated until it rested in Billy's lap again. I selfishly pulled the comforting hand back to my head. A stressed, but soothing voice hushed me in my moments when the agony was too great. I didn't want to worry Billy or Angela or whoever the hell she is, so I refused to allow another sound to leave my lips. Soon the liquid was doing its job and I was lost in a pain free void.

I awoke again when I felt weightless and realized I was being carried and placed onto a hard bed. Voices surrounded me, but I only focused on one. I heard Angela's voice pleading to stay and I wanted her to. When I realized there was a doctor present, I'm relieved she's sent away. The doctor's voice was vaguely familiar; how I would know this is baffling. When I felt him probing at the wound the agony was so intense, I once again passed out.

I wake up to the soothing feel of a warm, wet cloth washing my face. I keep my eyes closed, enjoying the soft touch. Another, firmer hand is busy cleaning my lower half. Not long after, I hear the door open and shut and I know by the sounds in the room there is only one other person here.

When the washing is complete on my upper body, I feel the bed move and I blindly reach out a hand and capture a warm arm. I run my fingers down the silken skin until I reach her hand and lace our fingers together. For the first time in my life, I fear being left alone. I need more of the gentle caresses I've been given. The bed moves and a second hand slides fingers from the base of my neck and up into my hair. It's familiar and calming. A light kiss is placed on my forehead and I instantly relax and fall back asleep.

~ J *+* D ~

I awake from one of the deepest sleeps I've had in a long time. How long I've slept, I've no idea. It could have been days. Slowly, I crack open my eyes and a vision of lovely, brown eyes comes into focus. It's Billy without a hat and Angela without the scarf. She's so beautiful with thick reddish brown hair, gently arched brows and long thick lashes in the same shade. A small pert nose, high cheekbones, and generous full lips, naturally tinted a dusty rose. A small smile lifts in the corners of my lips. It's her. She is the one who has given me solace and I need to let her know how much I appreciate her care. My throat is dry as I mumble out, "Thank you." I'm not sure if she understood the words as she softly shushes me and continues her ministrations as sleep takes me away again.

I feel hot and struggle to remove the blankets from my body. I'm hushed and soothed at the same time. A cool cloth is placed on my brow. I remember the few times when I was sick as a child. My mother was incapable of taking care of me, so it fell to the housekeeper to see to my needs. She was a cold, stern woman. She would cool my brow and feed me soup. But no other physical contact ever came from her, unless absolutely necessary.

Feeling warm, soft hands trying to calm my restlessness is so comforting. The fingers with a light touch explore all parts of my face. The hands run along the scruff of my jaw, fingers trace down the bridge of my nose and gently over my lips, then back through my hair. I don't want the hands to leave me. Ever!

I never knew I was a man starving for affection, for just a simple touch, until I felt her hands soothing me – it's a revelation. I momentarily think about fidgeting just to feel this connection, until I'm given a shot in my arm by a stronger pair of hands. Soon my body feels weightless and I slip back into unconsciousness.

~ J *+* D ~

A nightmare assails my mind. I'm back on the plantation with the Boss and Eagle Eye. They're laughing at me as I'm strung up by my wrists with a rope, which is wrapped around and secured to a thick tree limb. All of a sudden, Lahote joins in their revelry. He makes his way to stand in front of me and I become his personal punching bag. The Boss and Eagle Eye take turns whipping my back and thighs. I thrash and jerk with each hit. The pain is too much and I just want to let go and surrender to certain death, when I'm pulled from my dream by the concerned soft voice of Angela begging me to wake up. She shushes me and kisses my forehead. She's telling me everything is okay and I'm safe. As the nightmare subsides it's then I feel it – I am safe. I'm not only safe – I'm a free man.

I slowly open my eyes and my bleary vision eventually clears, focusing on the one who has watched over me. My savior from the darkness of nightmares. She's real and she's here. I can feel the tension emanating from her. It's caused by my thrashing I'm sure, and I want to express my gratitude for the gift her comfort has been to me. My arms feel lethargic. I fight to lift them and place them around her where she sits on the bed next to me. One hand has finally reached up to rest behind her neck and I gently pull her down closer to me. I need to thank her. I want to kiss her cheek. I want to relive the feeling of her soft skin under my chapped lips.

Instead, I feel the warmth of her full, supple mouth. At first, I'm stunned by the instant pleasure that sparks at our connection and it overwhelms me. It's so intimate, my heart stops and then starts again in a mad dash. My body hums and I feel more alive in this moment, than I ever have before. I want to feel more. No, I need to feel more and savor this new emotion. It's as if she's my life's blood. It's her who makes me feel this way and I greedily take from her as I apply more pressure. The craving doesn't abate. It increases tenfold in euphoric desire. I groan deeply against her lips and she answers with a sigh.

Then my mind interjects a worried thought that I've taken advantage of her in the wake of my consuming need – interrupting my pleasure. I pull back slightly and mumble a feeble excuse. "I'm sorry. I meant to kiss your cheek."

"Don't be. It was nice," she whispers and her warm breath brushes away the fear.

"It was nice. Very nice for my first kiss." I crack a smile and gaze into her beautiful eyes so she understands the simple truth of my words.

"Yours and mine both. I hope someday you might want to do that again. Though I doubt that you'll remember it," she shyly murmurs and seems upset by the idea.

"Don't doubt me, Billy. I've done nothing but think of you, or you as Angela, since the first time I met you. I know you're one and the same. I won't forget," I mumble, as my heart slows back down to its normal rhythm, the sudden rush from my little exertion has tired me again in my weakened condition.

"My name is Bella," she whispers.

I smile again, happy to know a little more about her. I close my eyes as I hear her speak her name in my mind. Bella. Much better than Billy and beautiful like Angela. When I succumb to sleep, I have dreams of my beautiful Bella. Only this time, I have more to add than a simple kiss on the cheek.

~ J *+* D ~