I own nothing.

I am riding on a charter bus with a bunch of middle school music students for an end of the year trip out of state. Several hours on the bus has given me tons of time to write!

Thank you so much for reviewing and giving me your thoughts about this little tale. And thank you for being understanding when I don't get the chance to respond to very many of them. I am sure you would rather have the new chapter anyway. You guys are amazing and you make me smile every time my phone chimes with a new review/favorite/alert!

Okay, deep breath….

BPOV

"Mr. Smith, I think it unwise for you to be here."

"Come now, Isabella, I think we are past such formalities. Surely you feel comfortable enough to call me James by now."

I had no idea what he might be capable of, so I kept still, waiting for him to make a move. I held my basket directly in front of me, hiding my belly from his view. I was unsure if he knew of the child I carried, but did not wish to bring his attention to it, in any case. I watched him cautiously as he walked slowly toward me, rubbing his chin with his right hand as though he were considering what he might say or do next. Determined to show him no fear, I sought to keep him talking, hoping I would not anger him. I only had to hope he would not notice the shaking of my hands as they gripped the handle of the basket, nor the trembling of my legs as they fought to hold me in place rather than run from the danger he posed.

"I believe you have some explaining to do, Isabella. I have waited quite some time to have the opportunity to speak with you privately. Although, I suppose I should be pleased that our moment came before winter. The woods can be a terribly cold place when the winter snows arrive. Of course, you know this already, so I will get to it. I must admit, I am rather disappointed that you have not chosen to honor our agreement."

"I did not agree to anything, Mr. Smith. If anything, you threatened me and conspired to destroy my husband's reputation before taking his life. There was nothing of honor in it."

"Well, there is some fire in you after all. Perhaps I have underestimated you, my dear."

He continued to circle, keeping his eyes on me the entire time. I turned my body as he moved, always keeping him in front of me, hiding behind my basket, watching his every move. Reaching a stone bench, he seated himself upon it, leaning forward and scrubbing his hands over his face.

"You leave me with a dilemma, Isabella. You see, I have no issue taking the life of any man who stands in the way of what I want. However, I have never ended the life of a woman, or an unborn child for that matter. I am uncertain as to how I must proceed."

He knew of my child. I could only hope that if there were any shred of decency within him, he would be swayed by that knowledge. Drawing in a breath, I pressed him a bit.

"Do you mean to say that you do not intend to end my life?"

"No, no, no. You misunderstand me. I fully intend to kill you. The struggle I face is not if, but when it should occur. You see, the child you carry presents me with some rather interesting possibilities. I have the option of killing you now, waiting for your noble husband to find your body, and easily taking his life as he is overcome with grief. Cleanly handled and finished. The estate is left in turmoil and mine for the taking. However, I am not certain that is the most profitable option any longer."

He stood and began pacing once again. Slowly, methodically as though he were trying to keep me on edge, just as a predator would stalk his prey.

"For you see, Isabella, now I have a more enjoyable option, and perhaps a more profitable one as well. You may have heard that I had a brush with fatherhood myself recently. Of course, it turned out for the best as I have no wish to be a father. The benefit to my keeping you alive for the foreseeable future is that I would have unending access to a warm body whenever I chose to use it for my pleasure without the concern of an unwanted pregnancy. Once you deliver your child, I would have a commodity that many would be willing to pay excessive amounts of money for – the healthy child of handsome, wealthy parentage. Poor child, being orphaned at birth, would need a good home. What do you think, Isabella? Would you be agreeable to an option that would allow your child to live? Of course, I would have no mercy as I used your body, so it is likely that it would come early if it did survive. Well, in any case, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter."

I was sickened by his words. I feared I had no hope of this ending well. I had no way of knowing who was still inside the manor, or if they were even still alive. Had he taken their lives before confronting me, or were they blissfully going about their morning unaware of the terror I was facing? He stopped moving and brought his eyes back to mine.

"You seem a bit pale, Isabella. Perhaps you should sit."

I did not move or give him an answer. We stood, facing one another, unspeaking for some time. Finally, he shook his head, chuckling at some unknown joke as he began once again to spout his vile musings.

"Perhaps you have less fire in you than I thought. You have nothing to offer? No negotiation on behalf of your husband? Your child?"

"Would it bring any good? You have already stated that you intend that none of us survive unless it brings you a profit. What use would come of my pleading?"

His maniacal laughter unnerved me. He threw his head back and let out a bellowing laugh, holding his hand over his chest as though he were trying to control himself. In that moment, my eyes flicked up to the window of the conservatory where I saw Rosalie, staring wide-eyed and panic stricken at the sight before her. I quickly turned my eyes back to the madman before me while relief flooded me at the knowledge that no harm had come to my family inside the manor.

"You are wise, I give you that. What you assume is true, I have no use for you aside from what I might gain. I simply hoped to find amusement in your begging." His head dropped as he began to shake it. Turning he took a few steps away, sighing loudly before turning once again to face me, holding a firearm in his hand.

"Ahh, well, I must live with the disappointment then. Since you refuse to plead for your life, I do not wish to prolong this chore. Have you anything you wish to say. I might be willing to impart your words to your husband before I take his life. Of course, that would depend on whether or not he chooses to beg."

He looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to speak. I simply held his cold gaze, knowing that he would only make sport of me for any words I spoke. I suppose after a bit, he became bored and impatient. Lifting the pistol in his right hand, he held it level with my chest, offering me an evil, crazed grin. Closing my eyes, I tilted my face toward the sky and allowed the basket to drop from my grasp and placed my hands on my rounded belly. For just a moment, I could feel the soft rain beginning to fall, running down my cheeks, mixing with the tears I knew were falling. I had only enough time to register the cool breeze on my skin before I heard the explosion of the firearm.

I waited to feel something, anything. There was nothing. No pain, no burning, nothing. Slowly opening my eyes, I was startled by the sight before me. Not James Smith, but Rosalie. She stood, shaking, grasping a large pistol in her hands, as she held my gaze. As my eyes began to drift from hers, in search of James, she cried out.

"Do not look away, Isabella. Do not look at him, please." Tears were streaming from her eyes and she made no effort to wipe them away as we continued to stare at each other. It seemed hours, but was surely only seconds until I felt my legs begin to shake and my head began to spin. I could hear voices and realized that Emmett and Tyler had entered the garden as well. My knees buckled as I heard them shouting and felt a strong arm behind my shoulders and under my knees as I was lifted from the ground.

EPOV

My business with Jasper was completed quickly and for that I was thankful. I certainly did not enjoy being apart from my Bella, but it was especially difficult now with her current delicate condition. I had complete trust in my brother and father to care for her in my absence, I simply preferred to see to her needs and protection personally. Of course, the knowledge that Smith was still at large did nothing to set my mind at ease.

Jasper understood my concern and was efficient in his duty. My father had transferred the inheritance of Whitfield to me and the paperwork was simple to ensure the consistent operation of the estate should something happen to him. I also had requested a transfer of a portion of the property at Collingsworth be transferred to my Bella. She would not stand for the transfer of the entire estate to her ownership, but I knew she would be willing to accept the area of the estate that she had designated for the education of the tenant children. It would be hers regardless of whether the current attempt was successful or not.

In any case, we had the pertinent paperwork completed and filed in short order last evening and after a quick morning meal with Alice and baby Anna, I found myself pressing toward home, hoping to arrive before the evening meal. The morning sun had disappeared and I was now faced with impending rain. I could only hope that the storm would not burst forth before I had reached home.

When I had just passed halfway through my journey, I pulled up short at the sight of a rider speeding toward me at an alarming rate. As he neared me, I recognized Eric, my driver, and was immediately on alert that something was amiss.

"Mr. Cullen!"

"Eric, what is it?" I knew by his countenance that the news was bleak. His face was solemn and full of sorrow as he slowed to face me.

"Sir, Mr. Smith has shown himself at Collingsworth. There was a confrontation – "

"Isabella?" I felt as though my insides were caught in a frozen grip and my lungs could capture no air as he spoke.

"She is well, sir, but there was a confrontation. Mr. Smith has – "

I waited no longer for his explanation, but rather spurred my poor horse at a speed guaranteed to cause him illness once we stopped. I rode into the rains as they poured from the heavens, having no care for the state of my own body or the animal that carried me. My only thoughts were of my sweet wife confronted by that evil wretch in our own home.

Arriving at the manor some time later, but much sooner than I would have expected, I dismounted my horse, leaving him unattended as I bounded up the front steps and through the door.

"Tyler! Emmett!" Calling out for them as I ran for the stairs, I was brought up short by my father's voice.

"Edward. This way, son." Turning toward his voice, I noticed my father and Emmett standing across the room near the entrance to the dining room.

"Would either of you care to tell me what happened today? Where is my wife?"

My father quickly grasped my arm and pulled me to face him. "I will tell you the whole of it, but you must calm yourself, Edward. Isabella is delicate at the moment and you will upset her further. Now, come with us and let us explain."

Scrubbing my hands over my face, I ran them through my hair in an effort to gain control of my emotions before turning to face Emmett. "Tell me."

"It appears as though he was waiting to gain access to her at the opportune moment. She had been in the garden with Emma most of the morning and once the child left her side, he approached. Rosalie saw it from the windows of the conservatory and ran to retrieve your firearm from the study. We only heard the gunfire and I ran toward the garden. Tyler ran from the house as well, and we found them both standing over his body."

My father stepped forward and placed his hand on Emmett's shoulder while he struggled to maintain his composure. It only took a moment for him to recover himself before continuing.

"We brought the ladies into the house, then, and Mrs. Cope assisted Rosalie to clean herself up. Isabella, however, will allow no assistance."

"What do you mean? What assistance? Will she not be comforted?"

"Edward." My father's calm voice and gentle presence caused me to settle a bit as I struggled to keep myself from running to my Bella immediately. "She is distraught, and has retreated into herself. She is in the pump room beside the kitchen and your mother is with her. She has yet to change her clothing or wash herself."

"I cannot understand your meaning. Will you simply allow me to go to her and see for myself?"

Placing his hand on my arm just above the bend, he met my eyes as he described the state in which they found my wife. "Son, she has yet to tell anyone of the words he spoke to her, but they caused such terror in her that she lost the ability to control her bladder. I am certain the pregnancy did little to prevent this occurrence. You need to know, however, the worst of it is that she is covered with blood on her front side."

I am sure he saw sheer panic and fear on my face as he quickly grasped both of my arms in his hands, holding me in place as he continued, "It is not her own. Rosalie fired that weapon while he stood only a short distance from Isabella. It was inevitable that she would end up soiled as a result. I simply ask that you rein in whatever reaction overtakes you when you see her. I suspect she is holding on just enough to find her strength and comfort in you.'

Giving him a simple nod, I closed my eyes and worked to calm my breathing. It occurred to me that I owed a debt of gratitude to Rosalie, and yet I had no idea of her condition. Lifting my eyes to Emmett's, I inquired about his wife.

"Rosalie is unharmed?"

"She is well. She is understandably upset at the knowledge that she has ended a life, but she does not regret it. I have sent her to rest as her nerves are a bit jumpy."

"Yes, I can imagine they would be. Please relay to her my gratitude. I will speak with her when she is feeling better."

"She has come to love Isabella very much, Edward."

"And for that, I will be forever grateful." Nodding once in agreement, Emmett turned and gestured for me to go ahead of him through the door. We walked in silence to the small room beside the kitchen that housed the water pump and drain. Taking a deep breath, I slowly pushed the door open to reveal my mother just inside and to the right. She was holding a cup of water and her red, swollen eyes snapped immediately to mine as I entered the room. Steeling myself for what I might see, I cautiously brought my gaze to my wife on the opposite side of the room.

My father was correct in assuming her appearance would be alarming. Her hair and dress were wet, I assumed from the rain. The front of her dress, her face, and neck were all splattered with blood, though where it stained her skin was somewhat smeared. I was certain this was due to my mother's attempts to wipe it from her. Bella stared at the floor in front of her, only shifting her gaze when I stepped across the room and knelt before her.

"Bella." Her name was but a whisper as it fell from my lips, as though I feared she would startle if it were any louder. When her eyes met mine, she offered a sad smile and whispered, "You have returned to me."

"I promised that I would." She simply nodded, never moving her gaze. I held out my hand, offering it to her gently, "Will you come with me, Bella? We should get you into some dry clothing."

She stared at my hand for a moment before meeting my eyes once again. "The constable has come. I feared they might arrest me. Or Rosalie. Has he spoken to you?"

I glanced back over my shoulder to where Emmett stood in the doorway. Emmett shook his head, "We sent for him immediately. He has removed – it has been taken care of. He will contact you later to speak with Isabella when she is feeling up to it."

Nodding, I turned back to my Bella. "All is well, love. Come, let me assist you." Taking my hand, she stood slowly from the stool where she had been sitting, but took only a couple of steps before stopping and pulling her hands from mine. Shaking her head, she wiped her hands down the front of her soiled dress.

"I do not wish any part of him to enter our home. Please."

I understood her intention immediately and turned and sought help from my mother. "Will you ask Mrs. Cope to bring a tub of heated water and some soap and linens? Perhaps you could bring her a clean dressing gown and some dry clothing for me as well? I will assist her here."

Reaching out to grasp my arm, she gave it a gentle squeeze before leaving the room, pushing Emmett and my father out in front of her. When the door closed, I turned back to Bella, gauging her health. She was pale, but did not seem ill. I urged her to sit once again. When she was settled, I removed her shoes and set them aside. Moving behind her, I opened the buttons on her dress and slid it forward from her shoulders, noticing her slight trembling as I did so. Standing before her once again, I slid the dress from her arms, allowing it to drop to the floor at her feet. I continued to undress her until all that remained was her chemise, damp and stained a lighter shade of red by the blood that had saturated her clothing.

She said nothing, nor did she move as the door opened and my mother entered, followed by Mrs. Cope and Rachel, our new maid. They carried tubs of water, linens and soap. Mother draped the robe across a stool and offered Bella some tea, which she quickly declined with a slight shake of her head. All three ladies quickly exited after a quiet reminder from my mother that my Bella had not had anything to eat since the morning meal. I assured her I would take care of it and then ushered them out of the room.

Returning to my wife, I retrieved a cloth and dipped it into the warm water before gently wiping it across her cheek. Closing her eyes, she leaned ever so slightly into my hand with each pass of the cloth over her skin. I continued on this way for some time – wringing out the cloth, applying the soap, washing her face, neck, arms, and hands before gently removing the stained chemise from her body and bathing her tenderly. As the cloth made its first pass over her swollen belly, she sniffled slightly. Looking up at her from where I knelt, I watched as her hand covered mine as I wiped the cloth over her skin. When she finally spoke it was barely a whisper.

"I feared he came to me after ending your life."

"Is this what he led you to believe?"

"No. I only feared it. He told me he would kill you as you grieved over the body of your dead wife and child. He intended I would die as I would not beg for my life. In truth, I feared he would not kill me.

I struggled to understand her words. Why would she resign herself to die? What had been his threat that she would rather die than endure it? I felt my stomach churn with dread as I considered how she might answer, but knew I must ask anyway.

"What do you mean, Isabella?"

She said nothing for a time as I continued bathing her. As I reached for the linen to dry her, she began to tremble and her tears were more insistent. Pulling her arms into her robe and wrapping it around her shoulders, I turned her to face me and lifted her eyes to mine with my fingers under her chin.

"Tell me, love. He can harm you no longer."

Turning her head to avert her eyes, she spoke the words that both enraged me and broke my heart for her fear and pain.

"Were I to beg him, he intended to keep me alive, using my body for his pleasure until I delivered our child. Having no further use for me, he would orphan our child then sell him as though he were a commodity in the market."

By the time she managed to speak the last, she was sobbing, grasping at my shirt, attempting to bring me closer. Crushing her to me, I held her as tightly as I was able. "Shhh, my Bella. He cannot harm you. We are safe and our child is well."

It took some time before her cries and trembling had subsided. When she was finally a bit calmer, I loosened my hold on her, leaning back so that I could see her face. "You need to rest, love. I do not wish you to be ill."

She nodded and glanced down at the pile of clothing on the floor. Before she could gather it, I shook my head and pulled her forward, "Do not trouble yourself. I will have Rachel see to it."

"No. I want them burned." Her eyes were full of fire and determination. There was to be no argument.

"I understand." And truly, I did understand. I had no wish to see any trace of this day ever again. I led her upstairs and into our room before ringing for Tyler and my father. Upon their arrival, I gave Tyler instruction for the removal of Isabella's clothing as well as arrangements for a light meal to be delivered to the room. My father informed me that both he and my mother and Emmett and Rosalie had requested the same. Tyler assured me that the gardens had been cleared and that any remnants that the rain had not washed away would be dealt with tomorrow. After a little more discussion regarding simple estate matters, he left my father and I to tend to my Bella.

She was exhausted and after a simple examination by my father, I placed her in the bed to rest for a bit. Joining my father at the hearth, we began to build a fire as the sun had set and the room was becoming chilled. After a few minutes of silence, he turned and studied me before finally speaking.

"You have controlled your anger exceptionally well today, son. I cannot fathom what you must be thinking."

Giving a bitter laugh, I threw the small bit of wood into the hearth before settling on my knees on the floor. "I will be indebted to Rosalie for all eternity for rescuing the life of my wife and child, but I would be lying were I to say I did not wish him still breathing so that I could shred him with my bare hands. I fear that should I see his corpse, I might be driven to accomplish it regardless."

"I understand your rage. I can only imagine to horrors she spoke of." Placing his hand on my shoulder, he squeezed gently before continuing, "You are a good man, Edward, and you are becoming a fine husband. You have placed your wife's needs above your own today and have shown yourself to be a man of character and compassion. Isabella will need that strength to draw on. Do not allow your rage to rob her of the gentle man that you are."

He stood then and watched the fire build for a few minutes before quietly leaving the room, leaving me to the silence. After a while, Bella's soft voice broke me from my angry thoughts.

"Are you angry?"

I was a bit startled by her question and for a moment I did not have an answer. I was angry. Very angry. But it had nothing to do with her. I decided that honesty was the simplest and best route. "I am angry, though my anger is not toward you. Why do you ask?"

"I worried that you were angry with me, but I reasoned you could not have cared for me as you did this afternoon if you were truly furious with me. I am not sure why I am asking, I simply need to know that we are alright." Her honesty was humbling. As I neared the bed where she sat, I could feel the tension radiating from her and I was certain she could feel the same from me. I crawled up beside her and pulled her into my arms, kissing her forehead as I did so.

"I am angry that you were ever placed in these circumstances, sweetheart. I am angry that you had cause to fear for your life. I am angry that you were forced to watch a man put to death mere paces from where you stood." Taking her face in my hands, I brought her to face me. "I am angry about a great many injustices that occurred today, but more than all else, I am angry that once again I have failed to protect you."

"Emmett, Carlisle and Tyler were all here and they could not protect me, either. He had been hiding in those woods, waiting for his moment. It might have been years, but he would have waited. You have nothing to be upset about. If anything, I am relieved it is over and grateful to Rosalie for her quick response. I cannot comprehend the risk she took for me, for us."

"I told you before, Rosalie is extremely loyal to those she loves. You have won her over just as you have everyone else that meets you, love. At any rate, you did no less for her last winter."

She sat for a moment, considering my words. When she finally spoke, her wisdom and determination were evident.

"I no longer wish to dwell on this. I no longer wish to give that man any more of my strength in worry and fear. I will speak to the constable tomorrow morning and put this in our past. We will open the cottage to the children next week, continue planning for the Winter Ball and enjoy our lives with no fear and worry clouding over us."

Grasping my hands and bringing them to her lips, she placed a soft kiss on each of my open palms before holding them to her chest. "Will you let this go as well? He can do us no more harm other than the anger and bitterness that will destroy you if you hold onto it. He did not lay so much as a finger to my flesh today, and I am unharmed and no longer afraid. Please, Edward."

I could not deny her. Pressing my lips to hers in a tender kiss, I made my vow. "I will let this go. For you, my love. Will you promise me something as well?" I waited for her nod of agreement. "Eat something and then rest. I will not have you ill and I am concerned for our child as well."

She smiled a genuine, sweet smile and agreed quickly.

After a small meal, I settled her back in the bed, climbing in beside her and holding her to me as I opened her favorite book of Shakespeare's sonnets, reading until she drifted to sleep. I had planned to attend to some things in my study once she was resting peacefully, but found I could not bring myself to leave her even for an hour.

Several hours later I was thankful I had not left her as her sleep had been fitful at best. She had consciously chosen to move forward, but her mind at rest had other plans. She cried out several times in her sleep and twice had to be restrained as she swung her little fists at me as her body tensed and jerked. I could only imagine what her dreams held to upset her so severely. Each time it occurred, I held her tightly as I whispered assurance of her safety or hummed softly until she settled.

I had no illusions regarding exactly how frightened she was and I knew it would take some time for her to recover, whether she would admit it or not. I could only hope that the courage and strength that had upheld her so well in the past would assist her in this as well.