A/N: Thanks Sherry xx

Chapter 43

Being with Alice was refreshing. I think if I let myself, I could forget about everything that had happened recently and believe that I was simply out with a friend, but as it happens, the unfamiliar land and the bodyguard who was always two steps behind us prevented me from doing just that.

Alice was treated like royalty in her local town. Everyone went out of their way to greet her and ensure that she was happy. We never even paid for our meal. It was on the house. I had never experienced anything like it, but to Alice it seemed like an everyday part of life. I don't think she even noticed their generosity anymore. Though I can't fault her, she was more than kind to me and the kids. She bought us weather appropriate clothing, swimwear and accessories. It had been hard to accept her generosity, but she seemed like she truly wanted to help and I knew neither I nor Edward would to be able to purchase the things the kids needed.

After an early dinner and some shopping we stopped at a little bistro to refuel our energy with some coffee. Alice and I were sipping away on our drinks while the kids played around with each other. I was feeling very relaxed, soaking up the heat of the sun until I heard Oliva shout, "Daddy!"

I looked up to see a very pissed off Edward marching toward us. His gaze firmly fixed on me. I think he barely noticed Oliva, who ran and hugged him around the waist. I had never before remembered feeling so afraid of my husband. "What do you think you're doing?" he hissed.

I jumped up to my feet and held my hands out, silently begging him not to cause a scene, not in front of the kids and certainly not out here in public. "Alice was kind enough to offer to take us out for the afternoon," I said, gesturing toward Alice, hoping he would remember who she is and rein himself in.

"You knew I didn't want you to leave the compound."

"Dad!?" Jackson questioned, looking between us both, wondering what was going on.

"They were perfectly safe," Alice told him from her seat. She didn't look in the least bit affected by his anger. "Garrett was with us the entire time, there is no need to be worried."

At that moment the guard stepped forward and put a hand on Edward's chest, whispering something in his ear. Edward relaxed a little, but he still didn't seem entirely pleased. "I want you home. Now," he said, before marching off and leaving us all behind.

The guard turned to me and smiled. "It's okay," he assured me. "Sit down and finish your coffee. I'm sure he just got a fright returning to the compound to find you all gone."

I sat back down, but I never touched my coffee. I simply waited for Alice to be finished so she could give us a ride home.