Hello All!
First of all, I need to apologise for the lack of updates. My only excuse is weddings (not mine), holidays and momentous events...like meeting one of my wonderful betas and other nice things like that.
So I hope I haven't pissed you all off and that you are still interested in reading this.
Thank you to xoEMC and Jaustenlover for casting their wise yet youthful eyes over this chapter for me.
Enjoy xx

End of chapter 27...

As we head back to the car, Edward finally concedes and lets me help with some of the bags. He is reluctant at first, but watching him struggle with a cactus and all of the bags is just too much of an accident waiting to happen. I bought a journal in the gift-shop for myself. It has a picture of a lily on the front, along with information about different varieties of lily on some pages in the centre. I have never kept a journal; I didn't trust James not to read it. I hope that writing some of my thoughts down could be cathartic.

Edward wants to head back via the Sheldonian Theatre and this is where I find myself now. He is yet again directing me while he takes another picture. I really don't understand how he can be surrounded by this stunning architecture and seem to want me in every shot.

"Just take another step back, Bella."

I grumble under my breath and take a step back.

It's at that moment I collide with an unsuspecting passerby. I turn on my heel ready to make my apologies, but my words catch in my throat. The man in his mid-fifties who stands before me, straightening his suit and dusting off his trench coat, is one of my Father's oldest employees.

Edward comes jogging over to us as I stare open-mouthed.

"I'm so sorry, it was my fault. I hope there isn't any harm done." He smiles genuinely as he looks between us.

"Mr Dwyer?" I asked in a stunned voice.

"Isabella Swan, is that you?" His face softens and he looks at me sadly.

I nod, unsure of what to say.

"I'm so sorry for the awful loss of your parents. I did attend the funeral, but you were understandably overwhelmed so I kept my distance." He bows his head.

I'm frozen to the spot. I know my father's office was based in Oxford, but it never occurred to me I'd bump into anyone.

"Thank you that means a lot. I-I wanted to say that I'm really sorry about everything that happened with my Father's company. I hope you have been able to find more work." I smile sincerely. This is the moment I dread, but I feel I must apologise.

Edward stands next to me, politely remaining quiet.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean. I didn't lose my job." Confusion etches across his soft kindly features.

"My Father's company was liquidated. I was told that all of the employees of Swan Accountancy Ltd were made redundant." I answer confidently, wondering if he is confused.

"Who gave you that information?"

"My husband, James Smith. He handled the whole thing." I smile to show that I've come to terms with it.

"Isabella, I'm afraid you've been misinformed. Swan Accountancy was a strong business. It was sold for a profit. I still work in the same offices. Of course it's called Isis Accountancy Ltd now. We've almost doubled in size, but in essence, it's still the same company." He finishes and clasps his hands together.

Surely he's mistaken.

My mouth feels like cotton wool and I feel sick as I gape at both Edward and Mr Dwyer.

Chapter 28

My fingers encircle the mug containing the tea that has long gone cold. Edward and I have been sleuthing relentlessly since we returned from Oxford. We've been in his study making calls and carrying out research for the past few hours. Some of the business jargon that Edward has been using has my head spinning.

I've come into the conservatory to take a break. The sun set some time ago. I should really draw the curtains, but I like to stare out into the inky black emptiness. I turn my gaze to the shopping bags that sit by the kitchen table. Edward bought me some lovely things, but after this afternoon's chance encounter, I struggle to take any pleasure from them.

We were having such a progressive day, I was finally beginning to feel like my old-self around Edward. He began to open up to me about Tanya, it really felt like some headway was being made. Something always comes back to de-rail me though; I wonder sometimes if it is worth carrying on.

I feel like such a fraud, living with him, pleading poverty, when all along I have been duped by my spiteful husband. He must've been so proud of himself, hoarding all of the assets that were meant to be mine; things I would've gladly shared with him. His incessant greed I can almost come to terms with, but what I can't understand is why he remained married to me for so long. Did he ever really love me?

It would be so much simpler to just become consumed by it all. To retreat within myself and to let life carry on around me, to just become a spectator. I know that isn't a viable solution. I cannot let past experiences define me. I have to move on with my life. Although sitting here today, I wish I could just fast-forward and have these difficult times firmly behind me. I cling to my mother and her memory now to get me through these challenging times. All of the men that have featured prominently in my life have been a disappointment up until now.

Edward is slowly redressing the balance and restoring some of my faith. He has made me his primary concern. I know I need to work on becoming stronger, but he makes it so easy to lean on him. I'm frightened that I'm in danger of repeating my past mistakes. He helps me in so many ways. Most importantly he gives me validation, makes me feel valued and worthy of attention. I genuinely believe that being ignored is crueller than being taunted. At least when someone is belittling you, they're acknowledging the fact that you exist.

A depressing sigh escapes my lips and I place the mug on the low table in front of me. I hold my head in my hands, wishing that my fingers could still the jumble of thoughts that are contained within.

I feel him enter the room before I see him; his presence is electric, drawing me to him like I'm statically charged. I sweep back my hair and open my eyes, looking in his general direction. He's still in the smart clothes he wore on our trip to Oxford. He looks tired and his hair is something of a nest where his hands have worried it continuously. He stands in the darkness of the doorway, haloed by the light coming from the kitchen. He has a stack of paper in his hands and a forced smile on his face.

I swallow nervously and with trembling fingers I switch on the table-lamp next to me, dimly lighting the previously pitch-black room. I blink rapidly as my eyes take a few seconds to adjust. He pads over to me and rubs a hand on my back. I press myself into him; my head rests near his stomach. I close my eyes and breathe deeply, filling my lungs with his scent and trying to force back tears.

I reluctantly pull away from him first and he kneels down next to me, placing some paperwork in my lap. I look over the documents and instantly recognise the logo of my Father's accountancy firm. The words 'Annual Report' are written in bold typeface on the front. My eyes widen and I look to Edward for an explanation.

"One of those calls I made came through." His voice is gravelly and low. I nod for him to go on.

"It seems that under the Freedom of Information Act your Father was obliged to provide information about his company's turnover to Companies House. They're a government funded organisation and they ensure that all annual reports are freely available." He pauses, waiting to check that I understand everything he has said.

"OK," I say apprehensively.

"Is it what we suspected?" My voice comes out as a whisper.

He nods somberly.

"It's not good news Bella. I won't lie to you." His voice full of emotion.

No, he's always been nothing but honest with me. That's why I trust him so.

"I know you won't, please go on." I give his upper arm a squeeze to show that I'm stronger than I appear.

"Your Father made a profit for every year that he was in operation. I'm not talking about a small profit either, every year he exceeded the previous year's turnover.

It's all in there. Whoever bought the company would have paid a handsome price for it." His hands motion to the stack of paper resting between us.

I feel the little colour I had in me drain from my cheeks. I suppose in all reality it never did add up that a firm of accountants would go bust. Just another example of my immense naivety.

"So, do you think that's where some of the money in the bank account came from?" I look to him for confirmation, desperate to show that I follow his train of thought.

"Yes, but I really think that may only be a fraction of the money, Bella. Regardless of what your Father's firm sold for, now that we know he wasn't bust, you need to consider all of your parents other assets."

"I-I didn't really know anything about my Father's finances. Edward. He wouldn't have trusted me or my mother with that information.

All I know for certain is that if he wasn't bankrupt, the house would've been sold for a profit. The house didn't have a mortgage. There was also a holiday cottage in Cornwall."

I cast my mind back, trying to recall anything else of use. All I remember are endless games of golf between James and my Father and trips to the clubhouse. All of which were orchestrated by James. Of course!

"He would've told James, though!" The length and breadth of my soon to be ex-husband's deceit is slowly unraveling.

"James was always following my Father around." I look at Edward to see if he is with me, as I work through my memories and mental calculations.

"He would organise regular games of golf with my Father, sometimes spending more time with him than with me on the weekends. They went for drinks together and James even expressed an interest in my Father's line of work. He hinted that he wanted to re-train as a Chartered Accountant, so that he and my Father could run the firm together one day.

"When my parents died and he didn't pursue it any further, I just assumed that he had changed his mind, based on the fragility of my Father's industry." I shrug pathetically.

Edward mulls my words over before speaking.

"Well, it would certainly explain a few things that have happened since your parents' passing." He looks at me sympathetically.

"Edward, there's something I just cannot get out of my head..." I stare at him, unblinking.

"What if..." I shake my head as my throat constricts and I struggle to choke out the words.

"What if he had..." I break off my sentence again and cover my mouth with my hand, and try to control the nauseating feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"What if he had your parents killed?" Edward completes my sentence for me.

I nod, a single tear falls down my cheek.

He kisses my tear away and I close my eyes. I feel his warm breath flutter over my face. Two more small kisses are placed on each closed eyelid. He wraps me in a hug and buries his face in my hair.

I press myself further into his chest, wanting to block out our conversation and all that it might mean. His hands rub up and down my back, leaving a fiery trail.

I don't know how long we sit there clinging to each other. It feels so natural as our bodies both provide and receive equal comfort.

X-X-X-X-X

My fingers lift the silky soft fabric from the paper bag, leaving behind the tissue paper that protected it. I slip the silken nightdress over my head, my skin tingles as the cool material slides past my skin, skirting over my hips and falling to my ankles.

The cut dips at the front exposing my collarbone and the top of my breasts. I adjust the spaghetti straps and smooth the material. I spin a little, enjoying the feel, as the silk swishes with each movement. It feels so wonderful to wear something this delicate and beautiful. I only wish I could hide my damn cast; I tut at it disapprovingly.

After one final look in the mirror to smooth down my hair, I switch off the light and vacate the en suite bathroom. When I open the door I see Edward, lounging in bed, his arms crossed behind his head.

At the sight of me he sits up straight and his eyes slowly travel up and down my body. I shiver under his scrutiny. A diminutive smile plays at the corner of his lips and he clears his throat before speaking.

"Oh Bella, you look breath-taking." His voice is so husky I barely hear him, but that doesn't stop my cheeks flushing. I duck my head and smile to myself.

"Shame about this though!" I wave my cast desolately.

"That just completes the ensemble." He chuckles softly and peels back the covers for me to climb in beside him. Just like he has done every night since I've stayed here.

I clamber eagerly into what has become my side of the bed and sigh with contentment as my head rests on the soft downy pillows. I turn to look up at Edward.

He motions towards my cast and extends a hand. I offer my arm out to him.

"May I?"

It's only then I notice he is holding a pen. Smiling, I nod. He blocks my view with his upper body so I cannot read what he is writing until he is finished.

"Do you always have a pen with you when you go to bed?" I enquire, a hint of amusement evident in my voice.

"Well, quite often I'll wake up with an idea and I just have to get it down on paper. So I keep a pen and paper in my top drawer." He speaks casually, indicating that he thinks this is perfectly normal behaviour.

"Makes sense I guess."

He looks over his shoulder at me and smiles broadly. He places the cap back on the pen and blows on the ink to dry it, before letting me see the writing.

There is nothing so broken, that it cannot be fixed.
Ex

I read the words, knowing that it isn't merely my wrist that he is referring to. This goes for both of us. We'll fix each other.

My lips mouth the word 'Thank You'. I think my voice would betray me if I actually spoke.

I press myself into his chest, so close our bodies almost feel like they are fused as one. I place a tender kiss just below his collarbone. My lips linger there, hovering just above the skin, before I lay my cheek flat on his chest.

I smile as I feel his chin come to rest on top of my head. His hand slides down the side of my body and comes to a stop on my hip as he tucks me further into him.

"I want to look after you so much, Bella. I think I'm falling for you."

His hand doesn't stay still for long and it doesn't bother me one bit. His fingers glide back and forth over the silky fabric of my nightdress, inching it up slightly with each movement. I tilt my head and place another kiss on the exposed underside of his jaw. I feel it clench under my touch and he grabs a fistful of fabric at my hip. The edge of the nightshirt coming to rest at my knees now, as I continue to pepper little kisses along his jaw-line.

"I think I'm falling for you too, Edward," I say between kisses.

I open my eyes to see if it is too much, but his eyes are closed and his lips are parted as he lets out a small moan. I shuffle nearer, which is barely possible. Pressing myself against him, my breasts rub against his chest; the cool silk is the only barrier between us.

His hands release the fabric and travel up my arms, leaving a blazing trail of goose-bumps. I place my palm flat on his back as I pull him in closer to me. He caresses my back lazily. His fingers ghost across the naked flesh between my shoulder-blades. A small moan leaves my lips as I feel my eyes flutter closed.

I lean my head back, revealing the whole of my neck. Edward ducks his head and begins to return the same kisses that I was lavishing on him. His lips tackle either side of my collar bone, tracing along the skin. It feels as though my blood pools to every section of skin that he caresses.

"You're so beautiful, Bella." He murmurs, his words brush against my skin.

I arch my back as his fingers skim down my spine and come to rest on the curve of my bottom. One hand trails along my thigh, hitching my leg up at the knee to come to a rest on his hip.

"Is this ok?"

"More than ok, Edward."

His touch is so gentle. We're both so much less frenzied than when I tried to offer myself to him before. This feels real, not rushed. I feel ready for this.

"You're sure? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or pressured." He stops and looks at me, his eyes searching my face for even a hint of uncertainty.

My body feels like it is on fire. My pulse quickens as his fingers play with the soft skin of my raised inner thigh. His lips travel lower, kissing along my breast through the fabric; his nose brushes against my skin; his hot ragged breath teasing me.

"Mmm, you have the softest skin." He buries his face in between my breasts and places more small kisses there.

He moves achingly slowly, as if he is worried he'll frighten me. Lowering the straps of my nightdress, the fabric falls past my breasts. My nipples are already hard as they are presented to him.

He kisses lower so his lips are inches from one of my nipples.

"May I?" He asks, eyebrows raised, not wanting to take anything for granted.

"Please..." I nod, biting my lip.

He blows gently on the sensitive skin before taking it between his lips. My eyes roll back in my head with pleasure and a groan bursts from my mouth. He slowly sucks and licks my nipple, his tongue swirling around as it becomes harder. My fingers find their way into his hair, tugging on the strands and pulling him closer to me.

I can feel myself becoming more aroused with each movement. No one has ever made me feel this alive. My thigh that rests on his hip inches higher exposing the bare flesh between my legs. The cool air hits me and I can feel how damp he has made me.

Edward switches to my other breast and at the same time brings one of his hands down to rest just between my thighs. I feel the proximity of his fingers and I ache for him to touch me down there.

"More?" He speaks with my nipple still in his mouth.

"Oh God, yes, please." My voice is quiet and breathy, but it reveals all of my desire. I try and inch myself closer to his fingers. They trace along the length of my lips, but never explore further.

"You're sure?" At any other time, his double-checking would be adorable, but my body craves this so much. It has never been manipulated like this before.

"Please, Edward, please. I want it so badly."

Convinced by my pleading he dips his fingers lower. I feel one slide easily inside me, while his thumb brushes against my clitoris. I buck my hips and mewl with contentment as he gently strokes me and continues to suck my nipples.

I feel his other hand at the nape of my neck as he grabs a fistful of my hair. It doesn't hurt and he doesn't tug at all. Instead his fingers splay out and gently massage my scalp. My hand moves down to rest on his hand that is between my legs and I gently urge him to push further inside me.

I reach across and gently stroke his erection through the fabric of his pyjamas. His lips still, and I worry that I have done something wrong.

"No, Bella, don't. This is all about you." He moves to kiss between my breasts.

"But I want to do something for you too, Edward." I grumble to him.

"You are doing something for me. You're letting me enjoy all of you and hopefully you'll come for me too." He speaks so seductively and I feel my excitement notch up a gear at his words.

His fingers are relentless, bringing me so close to the edge. The folds of warm, wet skin accommodate him willingly. I stretch when he slides in another finger, slowly working it back and forth. I find myself on my back now as he rests on his side next to me, watching me. It doesn't occur to me to be shy; this just feels too good.

I grab a fistful of bedding as my breathing becomes ragged and I lift my hips in time with his fingers, trying to get more friction, trying to feel him deeper. Desperate for anything as I become more frenzied, getting closer and closer to coming.

As his thumb grazes me, I am undone. I groan deeply as my body shudders with each wave of pleasure, and I contract around his fingers. I feel a level of satisfaction that I have never experienced before. Each muscle melts into the mattress and my breathing is shallow as Edward repositions my nightdress and kisses me deeply.

"Thank you for making me feel so wonderful." I smile as he kisses me again.

"The pleasure was all mine, Miss Swan." He turns me on my side, and after turning out the light he pulls me into a hug, his arm resting on my waist.

"Does this change things between us Edward?" I ask him drowsily.

"Yes, but for the better, I promise." He kisses my shoulder.

I fall asleep smiling to myself. This day didn't turn out to be all bad after all.

X-X-X-X-X

I wake up feeling more well-rested and light-hearted than I have for a long-time. I look across to see Edward lying next to me. He's awake and he smiles down at me.

"Good Morning."

"Good Morning."

I roll over to him and shyly place a soft kiss at the corner of his mouth.

"Did you sleep ok, after everything that happened last night?" I think I see him blush.

"I slept the best I have in ages. Thank you for last night." I blush at my words.

"Have you been awake long?"

"A little while. I like watching you sleep." He brushes a strand of hair off my forehead and pulls me into his arms, my head resting on his chest.

"I can't imagine I'm very entertaining." I wrinkle up my nose at the thought.

"Actually you'd be surprised. You're very vocal." He chuckles and my head snaps up to look at him as I flush red.

"What did I say?" I feel mortified.

"Lots of random things, I wrote some of them down, a few words and some numbers too." He reaches across for the pad of paper and I try to sneak a look but he holds it too high for me. I cross my arms as best I can and wait for him to recite the details.

"Let me see, kitchen floor...Edward's hands...092144...Bloody Bastard...60877752...Chocolate railway. Yep I think that was all of it." His eyes scan the list once more.

"What were those numbers again?" I sit bolt upright, knowing that they are familiar.

He shows me his notes.

I read the numbers again, letting their meaning sink in.

"Oh Edward, you're fantastic!" I throw my arms around his neck and squeeze him tightly.

"Well, yes I agree, but any particular reason?" He smiles and pulls back so he can see my face.

"Those numbers. They are the bank details for the account James had in our name!" I search his face for some form of recognition. He breaks out into a laugh and pulls me close, squeezing me back tightly.

"Let me get my MacBook." He lets me go and settles me on the bed before sprinting from the room and dashing to the study to retrieve his favourite gadget.

When he returns to the room he has already started it up and is browsing the internet. He comes to sit on the bed and rests the computer between us.

"Let me see those numbers again."

I position the notepad so he can see it clearly.

"Right well, the first set of numbers must be the branch-code as all bank account numbers have eight digits like the second set."

"How do you know all this?" I look at him admiringly.

"Don't know, just do. I thought everyone did." He shrugs.

He types in the sort code, separating the digits into three groups of two using hyphens.

The search results are returned in seconds and it looks like the bank account belongs to an Internet only bank called Premier Direct.

"Well, that's that then. A dead end," I say bitterly.

"Not necessarily, the account is in both of your names. You could give them a ring." He suggests.

"I tried that, Edward. I couldn't get past security. He has a password set-up on the account." I sigh.

Edward keeps searching around the site for any further information.

"Wait, it says here that they have kiosks in a number of other bank branches for depositing cash and dealing with account enquiries. There's one in Oxford!" He beams at me hopefully.

As he continues to read, his face begins to fall.

"Bella, have you heard of Coutts?"

I shake my head.

"They're a very...exclusive bank. If James has money stored in a bank associated with them, we're probably talking large sums of money. A minimum deposit of half a million pounds is required to open an account."

"The balance of that account was much less than half a million pounds. It doesn't add up that he would have an account there. How do you know about them?" I ask curiously.

"I have an account with their flagship London branch." He smiles tightly.

"Oh." Is all I can think to say.

"Do you have your passport or driving licence? All we need to do is prove you're you. Then they have to tell you about the account and maybe any others?" He looks at me hopefully.

"Umm, I don't have my passport. Come to think of it, I haven't seen it for a while, but I never need it. I have my driving licence, though."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's head to the bank and talk to them." He leaps out of bed and then turns to look at me.

"We'll get to the bottom of all of this, Bella. I promise." He holds my chin and kisses me softly on the lips. I kiss him back.

"Now let's get dressed." He smiles, kisses the tip of my nose and runs into the en suite.

X-X-X-X-X

We're dressed and in the car in under twenty minutes and in another hour we find ourselves parking up in the centre of Oxford. Edward takes my hand and walks me hurriedly towards the bank. My feet dance along the cobbled streets as Edward weaves us through a number of different side streets that form a shortcut known only by him.

We come to a stop in front of the bank and I look up at the foreboding structure. A series of stone steps lead up to the wide stone doorway. It looks to be a least two hundred years old, probably more.

"Ready?" Edward squeezes my hand.

"Not really." I chew my lip nervously.

"Come on, it'll be fine." We make our way up the steps and enter the branch.

The inside is completely different than the entrance. There is glass and chrome everywhere. Futuristic furniture and modest marketing displays fill up the space. We head in the direction of the reception desk.

The receptionist looks us up and down, before settling her gaze on Edward.

"Good Morning, and welcome to Coutts. How may I help you?" She smiles at Edward expectantly. Her silk shirt is tucked into her pencil skirt and a neckerchief completes the look. She is painfully slim, poised and elegant.

I gulp noisily unable to form the words. Edward steps in to help me out.

"We're here to enquire about a joint account in the name of Isabella Smith & James Smith. It was set up with one of your online subsidiaries."

I smile at Edward gratefully and squeeze his hand.

"Certainly, I shall see what we have. Do you have any account details?" Her voice is clipped and she looks to Edward for further direction.

"Bella?" He looks to me and I nod as I unfold the piece of paper that I have been clutching in my hand and slide it across the counter to the lady.

"Thank you." She reaches for the paper and digests the information.

"It is for one of our Premier Direct accounts I see. We have one account in both names and Mr. Smith has another account in his name only." She taps on the keyboard and waits for some information to appear on her screen.

At this information I turn to look at Edward. Our suspicions confirmed, I see the recognition in his face.

"For security, can I ask you to confirm the password on the account please, Mrs. Smith?" She looks at me expectantly.

"I'm afraid I don't know the password. My husband set up the account."

She looks to Edward expectantly.

He just shakes his head minutely to indicate this isn't him and places his hand reassuringly at the base of my spine.

"Well, there is a security question. If you can answer it we can look at re-setting the password and getting you access to the account." She taps on the keyboard some more as I wait patiently.

"Do you have any identification with you, Mrs. Smith?" She looks bored.

"Yes, I do." I proudly present my driving licence, pleased to be able to get something right under this woman's critical eye.

"Excellent." She takes the card and types out some more information.

"Ok, so the security question is...'What is the Narnian Gateway?' " She waits expectantly.

My mind goes completely blank and I stare at Edward. He returns my confused look. I was hoping the question would be something like James' favourite colour or his Mother's maiden name.

I grit my teeth in annoyance, not wanting to reveal the full extent of my emotions.

"I'm afraid I have no idea of the answer to that question." I shake my head sadly.

"Without the correct answer I cannot grant you access to the account. Alternatively, if you could visit the branch with Mr. Smith, we can look at resetting the password and security question to something you both agree on." She smiles at me smugly.

I flinch at the mention of James and step closer to Edward.

"Excuse me..." Edward stops to read the lady's name badge,

"Lauren."

He smiles warmly and I watch as she turns her entire attention to him.

"Considering you have Bella's drivers licence and you can verify who she is, is there really nothing a woman of your power could do? Couldn't we even get copies of previous statements of the account? It is in her name as well you see." He smiles at her sincerely and she bats her eyelashes back at him.

"Well, I could probably pull a few strings. Are you ok to wait while I make some calls?" She twirls her hair around her fingers and stares deep into Edward's eyes.

"Certainly, we'll be right here." He smiles at her as she leaves the desk and makes her way into an office out of view.

I shake my head at Edward and smile wearily.

He just shrugs and stoops to whisper in my ear, "she's not a patch on you."

I blush ferociously and look down at the floor, unable to think of anything fitting to say.

We wait an age for Lauren, and when she eventually emerges she looks pleased with herself.

"After speaking with Head Office, there is some good news." She talks directly to Edward as we discuss my bank account.

"Sure, go on." Edward pulls me to him to include me as she speaks.

"Well, if I can take a copy of your driving licence, Mrs. Smith, we can get some statements sent out to you in the post. I assume they will be able to answer most of the questions you have about the account. However, statements can only be sent to the address associated with the account." She smiles at us proudly.

"Oh yes, most certainly. Thank you for your help, Lauren."

It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction. I will have to visit the house again to intercept the statements. This displeases me.

"Yes, thank you Lauren, it's much appreciated." Edward smiles and leans on the counter, turning up the charm another notch.

With my licence photocopied and my address confirmed for forwarding the statements, we prepare to make our departure from the bank.

"Oh, Mrs. Smith." Lauren calls after me and comes out from behind the counter. I stop and turn to look at her.

"Please do call us if you remember the password or the answer to the security question, and we can arrange for you to have online access to the account." She smiles kindly and I think that perhaps she isn't so bad after all.

That is until I see her wink at Edward and I find myself steering him hurriedly out of the bank.

X-X-X-X-X

Edward has cooked a homely meal of beef and ale stew with dumplings for us both. It is just what I needed, old-fashioned comfort food to take my mind off the traumas of the day. We are now sitting on the sofa enjoying a glass of ruby red wine. Music plays at a low level on the iPod as we discuss the partly fruitful day amongst other things.

"That security question has been going round and round in my head," I confess to Edward before taking a sip of my wine.

My feet are tucked up under me and I am sat in the crook of his arm. We have become quite the inseparable pair since last night; the physical aspect of our relationship having notched up a level.

"Me too. It's probably something so obvious we'll kick ourselves when you work it out."

He kisses the top of my head.

"When I work it out?" I scoff.

"You're more perceptive than you give yourself credit it for. I have faith that you'll work it out." He squeezes me in a one armed hug and I sigh.

"Were you this wise as a child?" I enquire.

"I like to think I was, but I highly doubt it. You'll have to ask my Mother."

I turn and look up at him.

"Would you like me to meet your Mother? When this is all sorted out I mean?" I chew on my fingernail self-consciously.

"Of course I want my parents to meet you. They'll love you as much as I do." His face stills as the gravity of his words hit him.

"I'd love to meet them too." I smile and gloss over his words, not wanting to make him squirm. I see him visibly relax and I nestle back into his arms.

"So, back to your childhood. What was it like having siblings? I'm so jealous considering I was an only child."

"Well, I'm the youngest so naturally Emmett used to enjoy humiliating me in front of my parent's friends and other family members."

"What sort of things did he do?" I ask curiously.

"Oh you know, spilling drinks in my crotch to make it look like I'd wet myself. Making me go in goal whenever we played penalty shoot-out and just generally throwing his weight around. Alice was worse though." He sighs sagely.

"Really? Worse how?" I try and stifle my laughter.

"She used to dress me up and practice her make-up on me. I used to hate it. All I wanted to do was sit and read without being bothered." He laughs at the memory.

"My Mother used to call me her little bookworm."

I smile at his words.

"I was a total bookaholic too! I suppose I still am now." It pleases me that we have something so tangible in common.

"So what was your favourite book as a child?" I turn so that I am facing him.

"Well, after I visited The Kilns on a family summer holiday, I have to say I became fascinated with anything written by CS Lewis. Especially The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I read that book again and again. I wanted to be Peter so badly." He takes a sip of his wine and stares ahead nostalgically.

"Edward! That's it!"

I jump up off the sofa, some of my red wine leaving the glass in my excitement.

He looks at me as though I have gone mad.

"The answer to the security question...The Narnian Gateway!" I look to him for understanding.

He registers what I am saying and smiles knowingly at me.

"The password is 'wardrobe'." We both say in unison.

A/n:

The Kilns is the house that CS Lewis lived in and where he wrote all of his books. You can see more here www(.)headington(.)org(.)uk / history / buildings / kilns(.)htm
This is what the bank Coutts looks like in Oxford www(.)flickr(.)com / photos / majorclanger / 2706106414 /
Thanks for reading all and I promise not so long between updates now the pace is picking up!