Well, this little story is winding down. Only four more to go and it's Fin. I have another started … in my head, along with a ton of notes. But I have to get started on In Plain Sight too!

Thank you all so much for reading this story. I love the reviews that say that they didn't like the story at first but stuck it out and now they love it. I like that part.

Do you all know who my beta is? Her name is Cintia and she has been with me for a while now. She is devoted to me and I have never, ever, had to ask her where my chapter is. She is the absolute best! Thank you so much, C for always being here.

Kriszta is my pre-reader and brainstormer. Man, does she tell it like it is, but I like that about her. She will let me know when I'm straying and she keeps me on track, so thank you so much for coming into my life, Kriszta. You know I loves you, right?

Now … Dun-dun-dun

CHAPTER 26:

Edward hears his phone ping a message, and when he reads it, his shock forces him to read it again … five more times.

My flight lands at eleven-thirty, is your offer still good? ~ B

He jumps up from his seat and leaves the room, his fingers flying over the keys as he types his message lest she changes her mind.

Of course it is! ~E

Thank you. ~ B

I'll see you tomorrow then. ~E

Stunned … shocked … speechless … Edward staggers back to the living room and drops down onto the couch with a stupefied look on his face. Alice was the first to speak up.

"Jasper, quick, hand me my phone. I need to take a picture of that look on his face!" she jests. "What is it, Edward?"

"Bella. She just texted me asking if I would pick her up at the airport tomorrow," he explains with disbelief in his voice.

"Really?" Alice says excitedly, her eyes huge with incredulity. "I'm surprised. She could have asked me, but she asked you instead?"

"Well, not really. She had previous plans to have Dwyer pick her up, but she changed her mind for some reason. I don't care what it is, the bottom line is that she canceled him and asked me."

Alice places her hand over Edward's and gives him a warm, loving smile. "I knew she'd come around. She just needed time, you know?"

"Yeah. I just have a gut feeling she's not quite ready to forgive me, but this is a start. I will take anything she has to offer, as long as it opens the door to communication," he replies, grateful for this golden opportunity.

"What are you going to wear?" she giggles.

"I don't know," he begins, twisting in his seat, folding his hands over his closed knees and batting his eyes at her. "I was thinking about the short blue jean skirt and halter top!"

"Oh, Edward," she laughs, hugging him tight. "I love you."

"Yeah, Edward, I'm happy for you, man. I know what this means to you, so good luck tomorrow," Jasper adds. "And don't fuck it up, eh?"

~.~

The following morning, Edward paces his room in nothing but his briefs, stressing over what to wear. It's evident by the fact he has every shirt he owns laid out on the bed. Ultimately, he opts to just be himself and slips into a long-sleeve knit shirt, a pair of relaxed jeans and comfortable chucks.

The drive to LaGuardia is only about twenty minutes or so, and on the way there, he begins to prepare himself on seeing her for the first time since she walked out of his life over a month ago.

What do I say to her? What do we talk about on the way back? Do I kiss her?

Fuck!

Opting to park the car and meet her at the baggage pick up area, he waits. Pacing back and forth, he occasionally looks up to see if he spots her. When he doesn't, he begins pacing again.

"Are you nervous?" a sweet voice says that he recognizes too well says. He abruptly stops and spins around to see her. He pauses and closes his eyes, inhaling her scent.

"You have no idea!" he replies through a chuckle. To say he's happy to see her is an understatement. He never dreamed he would even share the same air space with her again. Taking a small step toward her, wanting to rush to her and crush her to him, he hesitates. When she doesn't retreat, he continues to slowly close the small distance between them. When she still doesn't move away from him, he reaches out to her and gently folds his arms around her, holding her head to his chest.

What he doesn't see is Bella's closed eyes as she loses herself in the sense of protection his arms give her when they're wrapped around her.

Lowering his face into the side of her head, Edward buries his nose into her neck and simply breathes her in. Bella, on the other hand, remains quietly passive. Not sure how to react, or what to say to him, she doesn't say anything … nor does it go unnoticed.

Sighing, he gives her an affectionate squeeze before he releases her, his arms dropping to his sides. "Come on, let's go get your bag."

The wait for her luggage is strangely uncomfortable, and the walk to the car is an uncomfortable strained one. There's no hand-holding, no slipping of her hand through his elbow, which is her preferred way of walking with him … nothing. She doesn't say anything, and he's afraid to start a conversation.

Edward opens the passenger door for her, then places the bag in the back of his SUV before taking a deep breath.

"Here goes," he whispers to himself.

Once he slides behind the wheel, he fastens his seatbelt and sneaks a glance her way. He can clearly tell she's nervous, and he doesn't want to add to it, so he finds a neutral subject.

"So, are you set for the show?" he asks.

"Um … I think so. I have a meeting with Rosalie tomorrow to go over the entire grouping. It's set for two weeks, right?"

"Right," he replies, feeling insignificant at not being included on the photo selection.

Not sure what he expected when they first saw each other at the airport, he can see she's still harboring resentment, so nothing has changed, really.

"Just let me know if there is anything you need from me," he says, looking out the windshield. "Am I even expected to be there?"

Bella's head quickly turns in his direction. "Of course you are. Are you planning on not going? Are you cancelling, Edward?" she asks with a heated tone.

"Of course not. I'll do whatever you want. If you want more photos — I'll give you more photos. If you want me to not be there — I'll not be there. If you want me to stay in my corner — I'll stay in my corner. I'll do whatever you want, Bella."

Bella continues to stare at him. Esme said he was broken, and now she can see it too. He's not the same person, whether or not it's Anthony or Edward. Facing forward again, the two ride most of the distance in silence until Bella asks the one question that's been bugging her from day one.

"Why did you want me to remain silent?"

Surprised, he looks at her, opens his mouth to speak but just as quickly closes it and looks back at the road.

"Because I knew that once we spoke, we would be over before we began," he explains. "Do you want to discuss this now? I would give anything to talk to you about this, but it's going to take more than a short trip from the airport to me dropping you off, and if we start this conversation, I want to finish it."

"I figured out why you blindfolded me, and why you didn't want me to see you, but why I wasn't permitted to speak puzzles me. Why? Why did you do it? Why did you even approach me on the train, but not at the club?"

Taking her continued questioning as a sign she wants to talk, he moves forward. "Because, believe it or not, Bella, I fell in love with you that night but didn't know it. I saw you and couldn't take my eyes off of you. You were singing to me. You danced for me. I wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you, and when I saw you on the train … I … I … I fucked up, all right?"

Edward's heart breaks again for the umpteenth time in as many days, and when Bella turns to look out the window, he knows the conversation is over.

"Were you laughing at me, Edward?" she asks in a whisper. Edward's heart begins to bleed for her, and when he spots an opportunity to pull off the road, he takes it. Putting the car in park, he turns to her.

"Look at me, Bella," he commands. Bella, recognizing the tone in his voice, obeys. "Not once, ever, did I laugh at you. Never. Not once did I think you were a fool. Not once did I think you were anything other than the sexy, beautiful woman that you are."

Edward takes her hand and holds it firmly in his own, softly stroking the back of it. "Bella, you did things to me. You made me feel things I've never felt before," he begins, swallowing thickly. "If by chance we make it through this, I will tell you what it is I felt, but for now, I need you to know that I fucking love you, and laughing at you didn't even enter my mind. Ever. So if there's anything you need to stop doing, it is thinking like that. After I initially saw you that night, I wanted to make love to you so badly. And then when you would leave to go home, I wanted to keep you with me, never letting you go. It tore me up to see you walk out that door … alone. I wanted so desperately to look into your eyes while we were connected."

Edward finally ends his groveling, and Bella is still looking just as sad and broken hearted as before, watching their joined hands. Seeing that she's not going to say anything, he deeply sighs and lays her hand back in her lap. Turning back to the wheel, he puts the car in drive and heads for her house. He can see that she's not going to forgive him, and if she's not going to talk to him about it, he can't fix it.

Driving the remaining distance in silence, he pulls up to the curb of her building and opens the door for her before retrieving her luggage.

"It was good seeing you again, Bella," he says completely broken. "I'll call Rosalie to see if you need anything from me for the show. Take care of yourself." Edward turns and walks to his car, his heart breaking into millions of pieces. As he pulls away from the curb, he sees Bella standing on the sidewalk watching him drive away.

~.~

A week has gone by since Bella has seen or spoken to Edward, and she feels as if she's lost her best friend. After hearing him pour his heart out to her, she felt his pain as much as her own. It's no longer about what he did, or why he did it, it's regarding her ability to forgive. She's no longer angry at him, she's sad because he's not in her life. She's heartbroken because they don't speak anymore … and because they don't touch anymore.

It's then that she decides to work on forgiveness — to release the hurt and anger inside her. It's then that she decides to call for reinforcement.

"Rosalie, it's Bella," she says upon hearing her friend's voice. "Can you come to my office so we can finalize the show?"

"Absolutely. Let me clean up a few things here, and I'll be right there."

After saying their goodbyes, Seth rushes into her office. "Bella, the large prints for the opening have arrived. Would you like to see them?"

"Rosalie's on her way, I'll wait until she gets here. Have you received any more responses to the RSVP's?" she asks him.

"Oh, yes. Especially since the Mayor and his wife will be here. The Art Institute responded as well. This is going to be a huge opening. I'm so excited!" he says gleefully.

"The caterers and the bar are scheduled as well?" Bella asks, knowing they are, but needs to hear it again.

"Everything is ready, Bella. The Manhattan Chamber Society will be here early to set up, so your guests will be greeted with music and champagne," he explains, checking that off the list. He doesn't go anywhere without his clipboard these days knowing Bella is nervous for this opening, and it must be perfect.

"Let's do another walk through just for giggles," she says, pushing away from her desk.

After they decide to move the locations where the bar will be set up and where the four-piece chamber orchestra will be placed, she is finally feeling more comfortable with the arrangement.

"Did you have the sign made for the tour of Alice Brandon Designs?" she asks, looking around the room.

"Yes. I've been working with Alice for her opening as well, but she really doesn't need me. She has it down to a science," Seth says.

"She's been doing this a long time. Alice is a master at this now, having organized four of my gallery openings."

After they return to Bella's office, Rosalie comes in with a portfolio under her arm. Bella asks Seth to get them something to drink, and the two women make their way to the conference room to lay out Edward's more recent photos.

"Have you talked to him since he picked you up at the airport, Bella?" Rosalie asks, focused on her task at hand.

"No. Why?" Bella answers, inwardly saddened that she hasn't.

"Curious."

"Why, Rose?"

"Because no one has heard from him. Emmett hasn't seen him since he picked you up. Jasper has been calling him, and he won't return his calls. I've tried to call him to see if he's even going to show up for this thing, but he hasn't responded."

"He'll be here. He promised me he would," Bella says quietly. "Do you think I should call him?"

"Uh, yeah!" Rosalie replies sarcastically.

Bella reaches for her cell and dials his number and on the fourth ring, he finally answers.

"Hello."

"Edward, it's Bella," she says. "Um, Rosalie is here and said that your friends are trying to reach you, but you haven't returned their calls. Are you all right?"

Surprised at her question, he answers, "Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Bella begins again. "So, you'll be at the opening, then?"

Edward is puzzled by this question. He's done everything that's been asked of him. He's submitted his photos and he hasn't contacted Bella.

"I said I would be there, Bella. I don't understand what you are asking. Just have Rosalie tell me when to show up and where I'm supposed to stand. She told me that you didn't want to talk to me and to keep my distance from you. So just tell me what to do, and I'll do it. Have her send it to me in an email," he explains with obvious hurt ringing in his voice.

Bella looks at Rosalie and tears well up in her eyes. Rosalie reaches for the phone.

"Edward, it's Rose. What's going on? You aren't coming?" she asks.

"I just told Bella I would. Why would you ask that?" he answers, angrily.

"Because she's crying. I only assumed you told her you weren't coming," Rosalie says, looking back at Bella who wipes a lone tear from her cheek.

"I'll be there. Like I told her, just email me when and where. I don't know why she's crying, Rose, but I swear I didn't say anything … I swear."

"Okay, I'll ask her —"

"Okay, thanks, Rosalie, um, bye." And with an abruptness that surprises her, she pulls the phone away and looks at it.

"What did he say?" she asks Bella.

"He … he said to email him where he's supposed to stand, Rose. He said you told him he's not supposed to talk to me, and that you are supposed to tell him where he's supposed to stand."

"Bella, you're the one that told me you didn't want to talk to him and to keep him away from you!"

Bella's tears fall even harder now, and Rosalie comforts her by wrapping her arm around her shoulder.

"I love him, Rose."

~.~

The day before the opening, Edward retrieves his tux from the dry cleaners, so he doesn't have to deal with it tomorrow. He hasn't spoken to Bella since he picked her up at the airport, and he's hoping that after tomorrow night, he won't have to see her again. Although he's tried to forget her, it's impossible. It's going to be difficult to see her on the arm of Philip Dwyer, so his plan is to put in a courtesy appearance, hanging out with his parents, and then afterward they'll go out to dinner. While his parents take a small road trip north, he plans on taking a short ride on his bike, just to avoid the backlash from the tabloids. He doesn't want to see her and Dwyer together like he did when they went to the gala.

Thankfully, he has an assignment that has been offered and will be traveling to Ireland in two weeks to photograph for National Geographic. Jasper submitted a portfolio of his landscape photos to them, and they were excited to offer a contract for the following issue.

After picking up his tux, Edward drives to pick up his parents at the airport — he's very happy they're coming to see his very first showing, although it doesn't seem all that grandiose, he knows his mother will be proud of him.

"Oh, Edward, I'm so glad to see you," his mother squeals, running into his arms.

"Me too, Mom. Hi, Dad," he says, holding out a hand for his father to shake.

"Hi, Son," Carlisle says, concern written on his face.

"Come on, let's get your bags. Mom, your gown and Dad's tux arrived yesterday. Both are hanging in your closet."

Esme searches her son's face and can immediately tell something is wrong.

"Edward? What is it, dear?" his mother asks, concerned.

"Nothing," Edward replies through a forced grin. He turns and guides them, walking toward the baggage claim.

"Carlisle," Esme whispers, "I think it's Bella. I think they didn't work things out after all."

"We need to leave them be, dear. We can't interfere, all right?" he says in a tone that tells her to stay out of it.

"But …"

The look on his face tells her again not to interfere. "All right, darling. But if he asks, I'm helping."

"I know, dear, I know." Rolling his eyes, he smiles down at his wife as he puts his arm around her waist, guiding her to follow their son.

~.~

On the day of the opening, Edward receives a phone call from Rosalie informing him that she and Bella want him to mingle among the guests, and that she didn't mean to imply that he was to remain in a corner of the gallery as if he's a kindergartner in time out.

"I don't want to cause her any further stress or upset, Rosalie. I plan on doing this show for her, and then I'll be out of the country for the remainder of the year, and possibly most of next year as well," Edward informs her. "Would you let her know that for me? I'll see you tonight."

After he hangs up, he feels the pain in his chest begin again. The pain of loss. He's pulled out of his deep thought by his mother's voice.

"Edward, what is that?" she asks upon seeing the Tantra chair in his room. He quickly decides to sell it. He won't be using it again anyway.

"It's a chiropractic chair, for a tired back, Mom," he quickly says. "Come on, the car's here to take us to the gallery. I don't want to be late."

Edward quickly escorts his mother out of his room as he shuts the door behind him. What he doesn't need is his parents' questions concerning that particular piece of furniture.

~.~

Bella sits at her vanity after taking a luxurious bubble bath in the scent Edward likes. She makes an effort to look particularly good because tonight she plans on talking to him — to tell him she wants to put it all behind them and start new. Mostly, she wants to tell him that she loves him and misses him.

The conversation they had in the car on the ride back from the airport tore her heart out of her chest. When he explained his reasons for becoming Anthony, and how much he loves her, was her undoing. Unfortunately, she couldn't find it in her to say those words back to him at the time. She regrets it to this day. But tonight she will make sure that he knows what's in her heart.

Putting the finishing touches on her messy chic hair style that is pulled off her face, accentuating her long neck and porcelain skin, she slips into another one of Alice's designs. She can't help but giggle as she struggles to zip the back, but finally manages the task.

Standing back to make sure everything is perfect, she applies the ruby red lipstick that matches the color of her gown. She's nervous, and can't wait to see Edward. The need to talk to him is consuming her, and she can't wait until she's in his arms again. Free from the anger and pain, she smiles in anticipation.

Upon arrival at the gallery, she's greeted by the local press waiting to get pictures of the Mayor and his wife, no doubt. Seth is standing by to open the limo door and assist her out of the car when the bright flashing lights begin and blind her.

Taking Seth's arm, she waves to the crowd gathered on the sidewalk and smiles as she walks through the door. Upon entering the gallery, she sees a large photo of herself and knows it's one of Edward's. She doesn't know when he took it, but she knows his work by heart now. Nearly in tears, she turns away and sees him across the room gazing at her. She gives him an appreciative smile, but he barely smirks and turns away from her.

As she enters deeper into the throng of people, she then sees a portrait of him. The portrait she painted of him that has been blown up with his name 'Masen' under it. How in the world did that get into Seth's hands, she wonders?

When Bella looks at her manager, he only shrugs and points at Rosalie. Rose, in turn, ignores her and begins chatting with the guests.

After Bella graciously does the same, she looks up to see Philip Dwyer glaring at her. She offers him a small smile and turns to show a few of Edward's landscape photos in black and white. She's happy to see that many of them have 'sold' signs on them already. This is good for Edward as well as for the gallery.

"Bella?" she hears Philip say behind her. "May I have a minute of your time?"

"I'm sorry, Phil, but I am rather busy at the moment. Perhaps you can call tomorrow, and Seth can schedule an appointment for you," she says coldly, yet professionally.

"I need to talk to you …now," he says between his teeth, taking her by the arm.

"And I said no. Phil, I don't know what's going on with you, but there is nothing, and there will never be anything between you and me. Now if you will excuse me, I have guests."

Bella jerks her arm out of Phil's tight grasp and rubs it, fearing she may have bruises from him digging his fingers into her flesh. She glances up and sees Edward talking to his parents, but his eyes are on her. When Esme sees Bella across the room, she smiles and waves, moving toward her.

"Bella, what a grand opening! I am so proud to see my son's work hanging in your gallery. Thank you for forcing him out of his shell. He would never allow anyone to see them until you," Esme nearly squeals.

"Esme, you will have to give the credit to Edward's manager and my friend, Rosalie. They forced his hand, not me. But, I have to tell you, I truly love his work as much as everyone else here," Bella explains, still searching Edward's eyes.

"Come, I want you to meet Carlisle." Esme takes Bella's hand and pulls her toward the very man she wants to speak to. But first, introductions must be made.

"Carlisle, this is Bella, Edward's friend. Bella, this is Edward's father," Esme says. Carlisle holds out his hand to her and she takes it, smiling.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella. I've heard a lot about you," he says, causing her to blush, knowing it couldn't have all be good.

"You as well, Carlisle," she replies. "Um, I'm sorry, but Edward, may I speak to you in my office for a moment? I promise I won't keep you long."

Edward is surprised that she wants to talk and looks at his parents, then back at her, informing his parents that he won't be long and then they will go to dinner.

On the way to her office, Edward admires the backside of her dress, noting how delicious it fits her, then shakes the thought out of his mind, reminding himself that it will never happen.

After they reach her office, she invites him in and closes the door behind her.

"Please, have a seat," she offers, motioning for a chair.

"Thanks, but I'd rather stand … my parents are waiting," he says quietly.

Bella can't help but notice how alarmingly handsome he is tonight in his black tuxedo, stealthily looking at him from head to toe. Unfortunately, he sees her eyes roaming his body, and he turns to break her stare.

"Um, Edward, I want to tell you I'm sorry too. I reacted irrationally to all of this and handled it even worse …"

Edward's brows raise at hearing her heartfelt apology and wonders if he should dare to hope.

As she is about to pour her soul out to him, the door bursts open, and Dwyer storms through, angry and aggressive.

"Phil, what the hell?" Edward scowls.

"Get the fuck out of here, Cullen. I'm sick of you sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. I told you she was mine, and you can't have her."

"Philip, will you please stop talking about me as if I'm a possession? I have already explained to you that it's not going to happen. I already belong to someone else anyway."

Hearing her words, Edward quickly looks at her, his brow furrowed. She holds his eyes, silently communicating with him. Once she sees that he knows it's him she's referring to, she turns back to Phil.

"I think it's time you leave before I call the police and have you removed," Bella shouts at him.

"Is that right? If I can't have you, no one will," he bellows, whipping a gun from his tuxedo pocket aiming it right at Bella.

With rapid speed, Edward jumps in front of her, shielding her. Two shots ring out followed by Bella's scream. In shock, she drops to the floor next to Edward

"Bella?" Edward whispers, looking into her eyes as he drops to the floor. Bella kneels at his side, holding his face, as she sees blood pour from his chest.

"I love you, Edward. Please don't leave me! Don't leave me, baby!" she cries into his mouth.

A/N: And it's Cliffie time! Don't interrupt me … I'm singing along with Bruno Mars, "I'd take a bullet for ya". So, I know what you're going to say, but let me hear it anyway. Till next time …