"No, man. That's brilliant!" Jasper exclaimed. His eyes were bright with the excitement that came naturally when a good idea was being thrown around. "You are a genius."

Edward shook his head. "It was our idea."

Just as quick, a dark look came over Jasper's face, and he scowled. "We have good ideas," he said with a sigh. "And yet, somehow, the FBI thinks it's in their best interests to split us up."

"Are you whining again?" Agent Stanley interrupted them, setting down the coffee she'd gone to retrieve for everyone. She shook her head. "You're worse than a bitch without her puppies without Cullen."

Jasper narrowed his eyes at his new partner. "I am still in charge of this investigation, Agent."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "You're worse than a bitch without her puppies, sir."

~0~

The day of the meeting with the Black family, where the director was set to officially thank Billy for Jacob's service, Edward was unquestionably nervous. Billy Black, his daughters, and Rebecca's husband had all been put up in the finest hotel the night before. They were brought into the conference room at headquarters where the director, Banner, Jasper, and two surprise guests were waiting for them.

Since he couldn't be in the room directly, Edward, along with the rest of the team, was watching via camera feed. He had a headset on so he could talk to the director, Banner, or Jasper directly. The idea was to read Rachel's reaction to the proceedings and act accordingly.

Edward tapped his foot as the director introduced himself along with the two strangers: Eric and Katie Yorkie.

The set-up with the Yorkies had been Edward and Jasper's idea. While Uley and the Wolfe Brothers were guilty of a number of corporate crimes, most were the type that had portioned off funds as a whole, not really hurting any one in particular, but cutting a big slice of the pie for the three of them. One particular scheme, heavily believed by Edward and Jasper to be Paul Wolfe acting on his own, had cost a number of people a lot of money.

Many criminals could justify their crimes because the people they hurt were faceless. Edward was hoping that if Rachel knew something, putting faces and stories to the people who her boyfriend had hurt would prompt her to step forward.

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to talk to you face to face," Katie said softly. "You can't imagine how devastating it was for us when we found out that money we invested was just gone." Her voice cracked.

Edward felt a twinge of satisfaction followed quickly by guilt. When he and Jasper had interviewed a few victims they'd been in contact with previously, the Yorkies were a natural choice. He wished he could have said this was all an act, but it wasn't. Eric and Katie really had lost everything; her tears were real.

Together, the couple told their story to Billy and his family. They'd worked their way up from practically nothing to own a good home in a good neighborhood. Now, they and their two children lived in one room with his parents.

"So we wanted to thank you for your son's bravery," Eric said, sincere as he faced Billy. "It's a higher price than anyone should have to pay. I can't even imagine... But I hope there's some solace in the fact that there was some justice served here." He frowned. "At least, for one of the men who did this to us and to those other families."

Edward watched Rachel carefully, noting with some satisfaction that she looked equal parts ill and defensively angry.

"Now, Jasper," Edward murmured. On screen, Jasper nodded surreptitiously.

"We're still hopeful that new evidence will be uncovered or someone will step forward with more information about the Wolfe Brothers," Jasper said easily, his eyes on Eric and Katie. "Don't worry. We haven't closed the investigation."

"What do you mean?" Rachel exploded, her voice shrill. "You have Sam behind bars as it is. I thought this was over."

"Forgive me, Miss Black. I spoke out of turn."

"You know them?" Katie asked, looking genuinely surprised, though both the Yorkies had been briefed on the situation.

Rachel hunkered down, crossing her arms over her chest self consciously.

"Save her," Edward directed. Part of this game was trying to open Rachel's eyes to the fact they could be the good guys if she'd stop antagonizing them.

"Mr. Uley and both of the Wolfes grew up in the same small town with Jacob and his sisters," Banner explained smoothly.

"Wow," Eric said, nodding. "That only impresses me more. It must have taken a lot of guts for Jacob to bring what his friends were doing to light."

"It was very difficult for him," Jasper inserted. "I would say it broke his heart, but when he saw what they were doing and that they were cheating good, innocent people out of their money, he had to speak up."

"From what I understand, Mr. Black, your son found fairness very important," the director inserted. "I would say you've done a fine job in raising honorable children."

On screen, as Billy thanked the director, Edward watched as Rachel seemed to get smaller.

They continued like that for a short time, Jasper, Banner, and the director emphasizing Jacob's quest for justice - the quest he'd ultimately died doing - with occasional input from Edward via the headset.

By the end of the visit, Billy and Rebecca looked tearful. Rachel looked mostly green.

"I'd like to assure you that we're going to continue Jacob's good work," Banner finished as they were all standing, getting ready to leave. "We've left all avenues open. All it would take is an anonymous tip for us to be able to close this case with certainty."

"That's right," Jasper said, nodding. "We've also made it clear that if anyone at Imprint, Inc. - or anyone at all, really - has additional information, we're more than prepared to offer immunity for any previous obstruction of justice."

Rachel's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression suspicious.

"Back off," Edward directed urgently.

The director stepped in, again thanking the Blacks, commending Jacob, and offering lunch, on him.

A few minutes later, Jasper appeared, plopping down in the chair next to Edward's. "Well, what do you think?"

Edward steepled his fingers, contemplating the now empty conference room. "I think we've officially done all we can do," he said with a sigh. "I can see that guilt is eating her alive. If she knows something and doesn't step forward now, well..."

Jasper grumbled under his breath and sat back. "I hate this part."

"I know," Edward agreed.

"At least they got Paul Uley on possession. At least he has something on his record because of this," Jessica spoke up.

Edward and Jasper exchanged a glance.

They all knew a first time possession charge wasn't nearly justice enough.

At that point, only time would tell if they would have to live with what they got.

~0~

When he went over to Bella's after work that day, as was rapidly becoming habit, Edward was surprised to find Alice waiting. Jasper pulled up just a few minutes after he did, looking perplexed.

"What's this all about?" Edward asked.

Alice grinned at him. "We're taking our boys out to celebrate!" she declared, wrapping her arms around Jasper's waist.

Edward's eyes automatically went to Bella, and he couldn't help but smile when she didn't flinch at Alice's use of the words 'our boys'. Instead, she extended a shy hand to him, and he took it gladly, tugging her to his side.

"Well, a surprise visit from you is definitely a reason to celebrate," Jasper mused, leaning down to give Alice a tender kiss. "But why did you invite Edward and Bella?"

Rolling her eyes, Alice smacked his chest lightly. "Not that, silly. We're celebrating you two. The FBI's greatest team since Mulder and Scully."

"Mulder and Scully were pretty bad FBI agents," Edward pointed out.

Jasper nodded solemnly. "They really were. And for the record, I'm not in love with this asshole," he said, pointing at Edward.

"No. And Jasper would look terrible as a red head."

"Hey," Jasper protested. "Why am I Scully?"

"Because Mulder is devilishly handsome, clearly," Edward said, his tone indicating it should be obvious.

"Oh, Jesus," Alice muttered. She shook her head, unwinding herself from Jasper's arms and pulling at Bella's hand. "I changed my mind. Let's run away together; leave these idiots behind."

"Now there's a plan I can get behind," Bella said amiably, going to stand beside Alice.

Submitting to the playful atmosphere, Edward encircled Bella's waist bringing her back against his chest. "Mine," he said to the diminutive nurse.

Bella laughed, snuggling back against his chest. "Sorry, Alice. Agent Mulder seems to have regressed into a caveman."

"It's an X-File," Alice said, sighing in mock resignation. "Fine," she conceded, letting Jasper tuck her back under his arm. Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him. "I always thought Scully was hotter anyway, and way smarter."

"Ah, yes. When you put it that way, I am the Agent Scully of this partnership." Jasper grimaced. "Well, ex-partnership as of today."

A somberness descended, leaking into the lightheartedness that had permeated the room just a minute before.

"Come on, boys," Alice said, her voice more gentle. "We're going to get drunk." She grinned wickedly, winking at Bella. "Especially since we have a built in designated driver."

Bella blinked, looking startled. "Hey! I can drink!" she exclaimed absently.

Edward chuckled. "Well, no. You can't."

She made a face at him. "No, I mean, I hadn't thought about it. I'm legal drinking age." She seemed to remember then that they weren't alone and ducked her head, looking sheepishly at Alice and Jasper. "Sorry."

"Naw," Jasper waved a hand. "I remember that. On my 21st birthday, I walked into a liquor store to buy a six pack. I was so jumpy, I totally expected the attendant was going to call the cops on me or something. I felt so … guilty." He laughed. "Wouldn't you know it, the fucker didn't even card me."

"They never do on your 21st," Alice said with a sigh. "Oh, hey. I got an idea! Maybe after the baby's born, we can have a pretend 21st birthday," she said excitedly. "We'll get you good and trashed."

"Oh, no. That's just... That's not necessary," Bella said quickly.

"No, it really is," Alice insisted. "Bella, the alcohol heavy 21st birthday is a rite of passage."

"It's best you just smile and nod at her, hon," Jasper said comfortingly. "Before she realizes that you probably don't remember your prom either."

"Oh, I'm sure I never went to prom," Bella muttered. "And I'm not going to yours, so don't even think about it."

"Why not?" Alice demanded. "Oh, that makes me sad. Everyone should get a prom!"

"In what strange parallel dimension would I ever have gone to prom of my own free will?" Bella asked, shaking her head.

Edward chortled, trying his best not to think about a truly teenage Bella, pink cheeked and smiling in a pretty prom dress. Briefly, he wished that he had been cognizant enough to have seen her so long ago, when they'd briefly crossed paths at school.

He hugged her a little more tightly.

How could he argue, though? Fate had given him not only a second chance but, now, a third.

He wasn't going to be anything other than grateful for that.

~0~

After an evening spent with the woman he loved at his side, toasting the end of a partnership that had given him a best friend he wouldn't lose, Edward was drunk.

He was really only distantly aware of what was going on around him. Someone was supporting his weight as he hummed nonsensically.

"Are you sure it's okay to leave him here?" someone - Jasper - whispered from close by. "I can drag him to his place."

"No, he's fine here," Bella's voice responded. She sounded slightly strained.

Jasper chuckled, the movement jarring Edward slightly as he must have been leaning on his friend. "Don't look so worried, Bella. He's just drunk."

"I don't have much experience with drunk," she muttered, sighing.

"He'll be fine in the morning. Maybe a little headache, that's all."

"S'okay, baby," Edward heard himself mutter. He reached for her, meaning to caress her cheek but kind of palming her head awkwardly instead. "I jus' need a nap."

Bella burst out laughing, and Edward liked the sound so much, he couldn't bring himself to scowl at her for laughing at him.

Jasper half-dragged, half-led him to the guest room, shoving him down on the bed. "Jesus, you're a heavy son of a bitch, you know that, Edward?"

"Naw, you're jus' weak, Whitlock," Edward muttered. He paused, and grabbed the other man by the wrist before he could pull away. "You know... when they paired us up, I thought you were a prick."

Jasper snorted. "Yeah, well. I still think you're an asshole with a stick shoved up your ass... sometimes."

Edward snickered. "Sometimes," he agreed.

There was a silence between them. It felt strange. He remembered years ago being introduced to Jasper, not realizing the bond that would form between the two of them. He just hadn't realized how important - almost essential - their partnership had come to him.

Not knowing what to say to communicate what he felt, Edward let his friend go.

"Yeah. Me, too," Jasper said softly. "Now get some sleep."

Edward dozed for a minute before he felt the bed shift. He opened his bleary eyes, seeing Bella's shape sitting on the edge of the bed near him. Without thinking, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her until she got the idea and laid down, her back against his chest.

With Bella in his arms, he felt some of the sadness over his broken partnership ease.

Worth it, he reminded himself, and fell into an easy sleep.

~0~

"Holy crap," Bella muttered, putting down her shirt and lifting it again, as if by some magic, her rounded belly would disappear as suddenly as it had appeared.

It wasn't until the last week or so that Bella had really begun having trouble fitting even in her looser clothes. Still, she didn't really look pregnant. She looked rather like she'd simply been eating too much cake and hadn't used her gym membership in a while.

That morning, however, there was no denying it - she was noticeably pregnant.

Standing sideways in front of her bathroom mirror, Bella cupped the pleasingly round protrusion. She scrutinized herself, trying to decide whether she looked like one of those adorable pregnant women or if she just looked sloppy.

"You are... beyond adorable," Edward said.

Bella jumped, having not heard him amble to her bathroom doorway.

She frowned at him. "Shouldn't you still be sleeping?"

"I'm fine. It's a little bright in here, but I'm fine," he dismissed. His keen eyes raked over her body, and he grinned widely, wrapping his arm around her as he stepped into the bathroom, spreading his fingers over her belly. "You're adorable," he repeated as if he could read her mind.

She rolled her eyes but was secretly pleased at his compliment. "You're biased. You're just trying to make me feel better."

He snorted and kissed the tip of her nose before he dropped to his knees right there. Bella started, and he looked up at her, holding her eyes to gauge her comfort level as he nudged the hem of shirt up and laid his ear against her stomach.

A tender, adoring warmth spread through her body. She wondered if she would ever get used to this kind of intimacy. Sometimes, it felt so clandestine - as if she still expected her father to come around the corner and catch them - but other times, such as right then, it felt more natural than breathing.

She ran her fingers through his hair, smiling as she watched him. When she sucked in a breath, he looked up, concerned. "He's moving," she explained.

His lips turned up again, and he laid his head back down, bringing the hand that he didn't have wrapped around her waist to press against her skin. "I wish I could feel," he said wistfully.

"Me too. Soon," she promised.

"Soon," he agreed, kissing her belly with a brush of his lips before he stood and kissed her, leaving the taste of toothpaste on her tongue.

She expected him to pull away quickly, but instead, Edward wrapped his arms around her, his hands snaking up her back, pulling her closer.

It was amazing how a single kiss could speak so loudly. She knew he loved her. He didn't say it - she thought this was because he was trying not to scare her - but she could see it in his eyes every time he looked at her.

When he kissed her like this - a serious, slow, lingering kiss - she felt an emotion so intense, it was frightening and exhilarating all at once. He not only loved her, but adored and treasured her. He didn't have to say it; he showed it in his touch and with his lips moving against hers.

Sighing, letting herself step off the precipice she was teetering on, giving in to the emotion that swept over her, Bella wrapped her arms around his neck, tilting her head up and crushing her body against his. It was all the more encompassing when they both felt the hardness of her belly between them.

This was her family, Bella realized. Her son, nestled safe, snug, and protected inside of her, and her Edward - the man who had proven time and again that he would do anything to protect her and their baby.

Bella broke their kiss with a small gasp, tightening her arms around his neck and hiding her face against his shoulder.

"Bella," he murmured, his lips against her hair and his hands running up and down her back soothingly. "You're trembling. Are you okay?"

"Fine," she responded, but her voice was thin and shaky. Tilting her head, she kissed the side of his neck, breathing in the lingering scent of his aftershave.

It was a lot, when she still sometimes felt like a teenager, to accept that this life was really, truly hers. She had a... boyfriend, she supposed, who wore a suit and tie to work, always smelled vaguely of aftershave, who would come home to her every night after a long day if only she said that's what she wanted. They were going to have a baby - a tiny human they'd created in love and would be responsible for raising the next 18 years and the rest of their lives.

Sometimes, it still felt like she'd stepped into someone else's life, but more and more it occurred to her that part of her terror now was that that woman would someday want back what was hers.

Suddenly, irrational though it was, Bella felt a fierce protectiveness.

This was her life - her baby, her boyfriend. No one was going to take it away from her.

Edward brought his hands to her cheeks, gently pulling her face away from the crook of his shoulder so he could look at her. His expression was curious and concerned, and the way he searched her eyes made Bella think he was trying to read her mind.

Smiling at him, she brought her hands up, laying them over his on her cheeks. "I'm fine, really," she assured, her voice more certain than it had been before.

Though she didn't know how to put her emotions into words, she knew her statement was true. Finally, after long weeks and months of desperate uncertainty, she truly understood that she was going to be just fine.


A/N: Thank you to my girls Barburella, jadedandboring, jfka06, and GinnyW 3

Sooo from where I'm sitting, I see two more chapters - probably short chapters - and an epilogue.