As always, none of this is mine. This belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground she created.

Up next will be the rest of the time in New York City. Bella will meet the McCarthy's and give her professional help to Ainsling. We're also going to have some mini citrus. Edward wants to make sure that his wife is okay. I'm also certain you won't turn away some Daddyward moments, either. We're also going to head back to Chicago and have some time at Lincoln Park Zoo. We'll also possibly hear from Maas and/or Renee. That might happen in the next chapter.

Chapter Fourteen

Bella

New York City

I was trying, fruitlessly, to sleep in the guest bedroom at Anthony and Nina's condo. I checked my phone in the darkness. Charlie was curled up in a pack and play by the window, sleeping contentedly while I fretted about his father. Anthony had texted me at two in the morning, explaining that they were going to a home in Long Island. My husband was a hero. He'd saved a teenage girl from the clutches of the Russian Bratva.

I was proud of him, but pissed off as hell. What if he got caught? What if the cops pin … I don't want my husband to go to jail.

Fuck!

The door opened to the bedroom and my husband walked in. He had changed from his dress clothes, which were probably destroyed after the incident tonight. He was in a pair of black jeans and a tight black long-sleeved t-shirt. "Edward …" I whispered, sitting up.

"Cara," he breathed, kicking off his shoes and crawling up the bed. He pulled me into his arms and held me tightly. I could smell his body wash and cologne. I slid my hand up his chest, to his jaw. He captured my hand, kissing the palm of my hand. "I'm okay, Bella."

I moved up and straddled his legs. I ran my fingers through his damp hair. "Are you sure? What happened?"

He sighed, cupping my face and looked into my eyes. "We did what needed to be done, cara. The Bratva are truly monsters. They sold a fifteen-year-old girl on the black market. She was kidnapped from her high school after a musical rehearsal. Her hair was shorn and some old man in Moscow purchased her for five million euro."

"Oh my God," I gasped. "Was she hurt?"

"Not physically. Her hair was cut off, but she didn't appear to be injured. She had some blood on her clothing, but it was from her struggling with her abductors. She kicked them hard in the nose and face, causing them to bleed," Edward explained. "She fought back, but they were easily three times her size."

I frowned, sliding my arms around his neck and snuggled closer to him. His hands rested on my ass. "I'm glad you got to her in time."

"I was afraid that we wouldn't," Edward said. "The guy who took her was off the rails. Very sloppy and emotional. It was his downfall." He took my face into his hands. "If something like that happened to you or to Charlie … I don't know what I'd do. Fuck, I'd move heaven and earth to save you."

"Just like I did to save you," I replied, kissing him tenderly.

He deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue into my mouth. With a heavy sigh, he pulled back and pressed his forehead to mine. "I'm going to behave. I don't want our child to be scarred because his parents couldn't control themselves. Plus, we need to be up in four hours to go to mass."

I wrinkled my nose and slid off his lap. "Four hours?"

"Aunt Maria is insistent about being connected to our faith," Edward said, getting up and shrugging off his shirt and jeans. He got underneath the covers and I joined him. I pressed my ear to his chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. "I love you, dolce."

"I love you, too, Capo," I whispered in the darkness. "You are a wonderful, amazing man … loyal and strong."

"As are you, Bella. Stronger than me, by far," he murmured, kissing my lips once more before sliding his hand to the curve around my hip. "Now, sleep … the alarm will go off sooner than you think."

I hooked my leg over his and we both drifted asleep. It seemed like we'd just fallen asleep when Charlie began fussing, followed by the squeals of A.J. and Carmella as they woke up, demanding Nonna's homemade waffles. Edward groaned, rolling onto his belly and covering his head with a pillow. I lightly smacked his butt and got up, tossing on a pair of pajama pants, scooping Charlie into my arms. After changing him, I made my way down the stairs to the kitchen. Maria was already mixing some batter while her grandchildren were in the living room, watching television.

"Did they wake you?" Maria asked, her brown eyes wide. "I'm sorry."

"Charlie was fussing from a poopy diaper and a snarling stomach," I snickered, putting him in the highchair that Anthony brought out from storage.

"He looks so much like Edward when he was a baby," Maria chuckled, a wistful smile on her face.

"I didn't know you spent time with Carlisle and Esme. I know that …" I trailed off. "Never mind. Open mouth, insert foot."

"I was very close with Esme. She was one of my few friends. Stephan hated Carlisle, obviously. Despite that hatred, I managed to form a bond with Edward's mother. We would always gravitate toward each other at family gatherings. Despite being the black sheep of the family, I was accepted where Stephan was not," Maria explained. "Part of it was due to his birth … being illegitimate and a blatant reminder that Edward Sr. had had a relationship with another woman before his wife. The other part was Stephan's temperament. He was emotionally, verbally and physically abusive. Even as a child, he would be violent. It only escalated from there."

"I'm so sorry," I muttered, opening up some banana baby food. "Did he …"

"He never touched Anthony. I protected my son. He took his rage out on me," Maria shrugged. "You could never see the bruises, but my spirit was shattered, as was my body." Her frail hand moved down to her stomach. She sighed. "He accused me of cheating and …"

"You don't have to tell me, Aunt Maria," I whispered. "I can connect the dots. I do have to say, though, your husband was a douche. Truly, a monster."

She snorted, mixing in some blueberries into the batter. "That's one way of putting it." Blinking up, she stared at me. "I wasn't always like this … skittish and fearful. I see a lot of myself in you. I was once snarky, smart and free to live my life. My marriage, however, was an arranged one. My father wanted to get into the good graces of the Consortium and marrying me to Stephan was a way for him to try gain their favor. Little did they know that my husband was in the same boat as my father … a black mark, a mistake. Anyway, I married Stephan, bore him a son. About three years after Anthony's birth, I got pregnant again and it was Stephan's. 'No' wasn't an option for me. If Stephan wanted, he took. Harshly."

My blood boiled. Stephan was even more of a monster than I realized. "Asshole," I spat.

"Agreed," she nodded, turning on the waffle iron. "Only, he didn't remember. He was drunk and high. So, he believed that I cheated on him and threw me down a set of stairs. I lost the baby and because of the trauma of the fall, had a complete hysterectomy at the age of thirty-two because of the massive hemorrhage in my uterus. Stephan was apologetic and he doted on me while I convalesced for almost two years. I had to relearn to walk because of a broken pelvis and shattered femur. Anthony also acted as my protector, at the age of five. He hated his father and from the moment when I was flung down the stairs until his father's death, he would barely acknowledge Stephan. I also relied a lot on Esme and Carlisle. It's part of the reason why Edward and Anthony are so close. I spent a lot of time with them as I was healing from what Stephan did to me and before Stephan began pulling away from the Consortium and partnering with the Bratva and the Volturi, about ten years ago."

"Why didn't you leave him?" I asked.

"Prenup … I would have lost everything. I would have been thrust back out into the world with only the clothes on my back," Maria sighed. "I wouldn't be able to see my son or anything. It was arranged through my father and I … it was a huge clusterfuck. So, I stayed. For the most part, Stephan ignored me. He'd fuck around with his goomah or find a willing whore. However, when he couldn't, I was the target of his ire. When I was told that he was dead? I cried, but not tears of sadness, of relief."

"That's understandable," I muttered. "I cried tears of relief, too. He tortured my husband."

"And I will always hate that Stephan did that to Edward, his family," Maria sighed. "Despite his lineage, Stephan was still Carlisle's older brother and Edward's uncle. But, he was a monster and as soon as I could, I packed up my belongings and moved here to be with my family, the people who love and accept me. They've helped me heal. I'm rebuilding relationships that I lost because of my husband's isolation." She smiled at me softly. "I can see the future of the Consortium and it will be a great one under Edward's leadership. You are also a woman of poise, kindness and intelligence. You love so fully and I'm grateful for you in Edward's life and in Anthony's life." She walked over to me hugging me tightly. I returned her embrace. "You ground my nephew and since you've come into our lives, there's a lightness in the family. Thank you, Isabella."

"Nonna! Are we having waffles?" A.J. bellowed. "I'm so hungry!"

She laughed. "Junior, you'll wake the dead. I'm making them. I'm just talking to Aunt Bella. Keep your pants on." She winked at me. "Do you want some waffles?"

"I would, but I think A.J. is about to gnaw off his arm. Feed him first. I need to tend to my own kiddo," I snickered. "When I'm done, I'll help you with breakfast."

"You're a guest, Bella," Maria chided. "I'll drag my son out of bed."

As she puttered around the kitchen, Edward shuffled out. His hair was sticking up every which direction and his eyes had dark circles underneath. He kissed Maria's cheek and poured himself a cup of coffee. He sat down next to me after kissing Charlie's forehead. Maria watched Edward; her lips pursed as she made the waffles. My husband was moving stiffly and sluggishly. He leaned against me with his arms loosely around my waist. I threaded my left hand with his, kissing his forehead. "Love you, baby."

"Hmmmm," he replied, moving closer to me.

"What time did you get back, Edward?" Maria asked. "I didn't hear you or Anthony."

Edward yawned and replied, "A little before four? Or was it five?" He squinted his eyes since his glasses were not on his face. "What time is it now?"

"It's half past seven," Maria replied. "Sweetheart, you need your rest. I think that God can allow you a free day. I'll just go to mass with Nina and the kids."

"Thank fucking God," Edward whispered against my ear. "We'll stay until you leave with Nina. I'm completely knackered."

"So, is Anthony," Nina said, gliding into the kitchen. "He's still snoring. I woke up when my oldest decided to whine that he was hungry."

"I'm sooooooo hungry," A.J. repeated, grinning at his mother.

"And you're too loud, Anthony John Milano," Nina sighed. "We have guests over and I'm pretty certain that Aunt Bella and Uncle Edward did not want to be up at the crack of dawn, bub."

"I already was," Edward snorted, taking another sip of coffee. Nina gave us an understanding smile. "How can Anthony sleep through this?"

"I have no idea," Nina snickered. "You guys can go. I know that we're a lot to handle."

"I'm sooooooo hungry," Edward mimicked, shooting a wink to A.J. "And these waffles smell delicious."

After we ate breakfast, which was delicious, Edward and I packed up Charlie. We hugged our family. Anthony was grumpy since he was dragged out of bed for our departure. He also bitched out Edward for getting out church-going duties, but my husband was dead on his feet as he held our son in his arms. When we got back to the condo, I put Charlie down for a nap while Edward collapsed on the couch. By the time I got back from Charlie's nursery, my husband was snoring. I smiled softly, kissing his forehead and covering his body with a throw blanket.

I curled up on an oversized chair with my Kindle. However, I didn't even last ten minutes before I drifted asleep, joining my husband in dreamland.

xx MOTM:FFF xx

Edward

Sitting in the back of the limo that Anthony had arranged, we drove up the semi-familiar route to Michael's Long Island home. Charlie was with Maria, A.J. and Carmella, under the watchful eye of Jacob and Pietro. Bella was sitting next to me, idly twisting my wedding band as she chattered quietly with Nina about their plan for lunch before we left on Wednesday.

"Whoa," Bella breathed, her eyes widening. "This place makes our home look like a shack."

"Don't get me wrong, the exterior is quite lovely. However, there's no accounting for taste," Anthony said dryly. "Money can't buy class."

"Anthony, be nice," I deadpanned.

"I never saw so much fake artwork in my life, Edward. I know you were focused on the girl, but fuck! It was like a cheap version of the palace of Versailles," Anthony snorted.

"We are guests," I sighed. "We were invited as a thank you for what we did for Michael, Catriona and Ainsling. Keep your commentary about their atrocious décor to yourself."

"I really don't want to have to call the Doc," Nina said. "You're wearing your Dior suit. Blood does not come out of merino wool, baby. Plus, that suit costs as much as a semester at A.J.'s private education. Behave."

The limo came to a stop and we got out. Michael was standing outside with his wife, Catriona. She was petite, with lush red hair in ringlet curls. The last time I'd seen her, she was wearing a house coat and her hair was piled on top of her head. "Edward," he said deeply, holding out his hand. I shook it and gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Thank you for coming tonight."

"It's an honor to be here, Michael," I replied. "This is my wife, Isabella."

"A pleasure, Isabella," Michael said, kissing Bella's hand. She responded with her own grin and a faint blush over her pale features. "My wife, Catriona."

"I'm happy to see you again, Catriona," I said, taking her tiny hand in mine. "And under better circumstances."

"Aye, Edward," she whispered, her voice raspy and drawn. Only then did I notice the heavy makeup, caking over her dark circles under her eyes and the exhaustion in her body language. "You brought my baby home. I thank you from the bottom my heart for doing that."

"I'd do it again," I murmured. "This is my cousin, Anthony and his wife, Nina. Anthony runs the New York contingent of the Consortium."

"Welcome," Catriona said. "Please, come in. It's getting colder and it's supposed to rain." We followed Michael and Catriona into the foyer. Sean was inside with a woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He introduced her as Serena and she was his fiancée.

We settled in the living room. Michael poured us some whiskey while Catriona had a bottle of wine for the women. "How's Ainsling?" I asked.

"She's …" Catriona sighed, gripping her wine glass. "She's struggling. We had her checked out by the doctor. Physically, she's fine."

"But, emotionally, mentally? She's having a hard time?" Bella finished for Catriona. Michael's wife nodded, gripping her wine glass tightly. Tears fell down her pale cheeks. "Edward told me a little bit about what happened. I went to school for psychology and it's important you get her to talk to someone about her ordeal. If not, it will eat at her and escalate."

"Like a shrink?" Michael asked. "Medicine?"

"Start with a psychologist, a counselor," Bella said calmly, taking my hand. "Talk therapy can be effective."

"It's not like she can really say what happened to her, Isabella," Michael snapped.

"McCarthy," I said coldly. "My wife is simply offering advice. No need to be rude."

"You weren't up with her, Michael," Catriona whispered. "She wants to die. They … mentally abused her. They emotionally tortured her. She won't talk to you, but she told me. Everything. Our reputation … my daughter needs help and fuck if you won't let her get it because of what we do." She shot up and stomped away, a choked sob exploding from her lips.

Bella narrowed her eyes at Michael, following Catriona, with Serena and Nina on her heels.

"Surely, you don't have medical professionals in your organization, Michael?" Anthony asked. "Doctors? Nurses? You saw the state that Ainsling was in when we pulled her out. You were just as broken up. You would deny her assistance? She's your child. Your baby girl."

"They're right, Boss," Sean said quietly, his green eyes swirling angrily at Michael. "While you were drinking yourself into oblivion down here, I heard Cat with Ainsling most of the day yesterday. Never should I hear a child beg for death."

"Where is she?" I asked. "Ainsling?"

"With my parents," Michael answered. "They're taking her to Ireland. My wife is going with her."

"She doesn't need your parents. She needs you," I said, arching a brow. "You heard what happened to me, hmmmm?"

"Vaguely," Michael grumbled.

"Well, suffice it say, I had to take a step back. And I'm a fucking adult. I still deal with the aftermath of my ordeal. My wife, who is a trained psychologist, has helped me more than words can say," I muttered. "However, I still have moments where I struggle. I have my triggers. Undoubtedly, so will Ainsling. I'm saying this as a fellow leader, a father and a victim, get her help and be there for her."

Michael shot up, glowering at me. "How dare you … disrespect me in my home …"

"Michael, he's not disrespecting you. For fuck's sake, man. Your daughter wants to die because of what those assholes did to her," Sean snapped. "Remember how you felt when she was taken and you didn't know if she was alive? You were fucking terrified. Right? Imagine if she ended her life because you were too close-minded to help her. She was taken because of our lifestyles, but we can help her heal and cope. If she commits suicide, that's on you. You ignored her pleas for help. Cullen is right. You need to take a step back. You need to focus on your family and not this, maintaining your stronghold in New York. As your second, I pleading with you to take care of your family and trust me to run things."

"In retrospect, we appreciate the invitation for dinner, but you need to focus on your family," I said quietly.

"I agree," Sean said. "You have honor, Edward and class. There's a restaurant on the island, please enjoy a meal with your family on me. I'll call my cousin to make the arrangements." He held out his hand and I shook it. I was shocked when he tugged me into an embrace, smacking my back. I returned his embrace.

I looked at Michael, who seemed lost. His blue eyes were swirling with rage, loss and confusion. "You make think that I'm disrespecting you, but I'm trying to help you. Your daughter needs her father. This? Is nothing without family, Michael," I said. I blinked to Sean. "You have my number."

"We'll be in touch," Sean nodded. "Let me get your wives."

Anthony and I walked out of the living room, giving Michael some space. He looked like he was about to lose it. Sean escorted Nina and Bella into the foyer. Catriona looked a little worse for wear, but she hugged my wife tightly. "You have my number if you want to talk, Cat," Bella said, squeezing her hands. "And Ainsling, too. I'm available by Skype, as well."

"Thank you, Bella," Catriona breathed. "You are truly an angel."

"I beg to differ, but I do try," my wife retorted, walking to my side and threading our fingers together. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more."

"You've done more than enough," Catriona said, wiping her cheeks.

Sean walked back in, sliding his cell phone into his jacket pocket. "You're all set at Gallagher's. You'll be seated in the private dining room and you can order whatever you want." He shook Anthony's hand and turned to me after he shot a look at Michael, who was trying to console his wife. "He needed to hear what you said, Edward. Thank you for that and we will forever be in your debt."

"Let me know what happens. I know he's pissed at me for stepping on his toes, but I want nothing but the best for you and for Michael and his family," I said.

"I will, Cullen," Sean nodded. "And if you need us, we're a phone call away."

"Same with us," I smiled.

"Enjoy your meal," Sean said, blinking to Michael and Catriona. "Say prayer for them, too."

"Done," Bella said. "And for the foreseeable future, too."

We walked back out to the limo and Sean spoke to the driver, giving him directions to Gallagher's. We ate our steak dinner, drinking some delicious wine and partaking in some amazing dessert. As we sipped on some after dinner drinks, I idly played with a curl in Bella's hair. Nina spun her cognac in her snifter. "What's the probability that Ainsling will get the help she needs?" she asked.

"I think that Sean will ensure that Ainsling will get that help, along with Catriona," Bella snorted humorlessly. "I know he's an ally, but Michael is … there are no words to describe how much he'll fuck up his daughter if he sends her to Ireland with her grandparents. She needs love, support and stability." She took my hand and kissed my wrist. "I think your words hit home the hardest, Edward. You spoke to him as a fellow leader, a husband and as a father. You also spoke to him as a victim. I'm proud of you for saying what you did. Sean told me …" She sniffled, wiping her cheeks. "He told me what you said. I love you."

"You're making him go soft, Bella," Anthony teased me.

"A little softness to those hard edges is a necessity," Bella quipped back, arching a dangerous brow at Anthony.

"Agreed," Nina nodded, pinching Anthony's arm. "Now, I'm stuffed. My meal was delicious and I'm ready to go home, to take off my Spanx. I feel them pinching my gut."

"Same," Bella snickered. "Plus, I miss my baby."

"Let's head back," I said, tossing a few hundred dollars for a tip when I stood up. Anthony helped Nina to her feet and I did the same for my wife, sliding my arm around Bella's waist. "I miss Charlie, but I miss you more."

"Then, who am I to deny you, Capo," Bella purred.

"Indeed," I replied, kissing her deeply.

xx MOTM:FFF xx

Bella

Chicago

"We've got some good news," I said, tossing my phone onto the couch. Edward was on the floor, trying to get Charlie to balance against him, standing on his on two feet. We'd been back from New York for a couple of days. Edward worked remotely, but had some business to attend to this weekend. "Well a couple of things, really."

"Do tell, dolce," Edward smiled, gathering Charlie into his arms and settling him into his lap.

"First off, Cat called me," I explained, sitting down across from them. "They did fly to Ireland, but the entire family went. Michael took your advice. Sean is in charge for the foreseeable future."

"Sean did inform me about Michael's decision. Patrick, his younger brother, went with them, as well," Edward sighed. "They need to heal as a family. Like I did after my abduction, for several months."

"It's a wise decision. I can see how much it helped you," I said, waving at Charlie, who was babbling quietly in my husband's lap.

"And the second thing?" Edward asked.

"Uncle Jimmy proposed to Sue. She said yes," I grinned. I swiped my phone, flipping through a few pictures. "Here it is." I handed him my phone.

"Oh, wow," Edward breathed. "They look so happy. Especially Leah …" He continuing scrolling. "The ring is gorgeous. Your uncle has amazing taste."

"He was with Victoria, the red-head, for years," I said, rolling my eyes. "He never once considered marrying her. She was also a soul-sucking leech, worthless, really."

"She served me a few times at The Swan Dive," Edward grumbled and shuddered. "She was shameless in her flirting, looking for a sugar daddy. She was also lazy as …"

"Trust me, I know. I covered for her ass more often than not," I snickered humorlessly. "Regardless, my uncle found true happiness with Sue."

"Have they said anything about a wedding?" he asked.

"Something small, something soon," I replied. "Uncle Jimmy is ready to start his life, with the woman of his dreams." I smiled at him. "I suggested our backyard, with the lake as their backdrop."

"That sounds like a plan," Edward beamed. "This summer?"

"Leah's favorite holiday is the Fourth of July. She loves the fireworks. They're looking to get married as close to the holiday as possible," I said. "I think a summer barbeque wedding would be perfect for them. Rustic, patriotic and fun. With your mother's help and Uncle Jimmy's connections, we can make their wedding a reality."

"The only fly in the ointment may be Alice," Edward said. "She'll be about to pop."

"She's popped already," I cackled. "It looks like she swallowed a basketball. And if things go as planned, she'll have a newborn by July." I moved so I was snuggled next to my boys. Edward wrapped his arm around me as he cradled a now snoozing Charlie in his lap. "What's the plan for this weekend? I know you have to work."

"We're heading up tomorrow, early. Probably after Charlie is up for the day," Edward explained. "I'll do what I need to do and I should be back, hopefully by midnight. It's a short job, really. Then, on Sunday, we're going to take a long-delayed trip to Lincoln Park Zoo. It's supposed to be sunny and lovely."

"Good," I sighed. "With this weekend in New York and trying to play catch up after our return."

"Agreed," Edward murmured, kissing my forehead. "I did as much work as I could while we were in New York, but I could barely keep my head above water when it came to the number of emails I had. Emmett did his best to respond, but many of them needed my attention."

"But, you're okay, now?" I asked.

"Reasonably," he chuckled. "I'll have some long days next week."

We stayed together like that until our stomachs gurgled their displeasure. I got up to make dinner while Edward fed Charlie before putting him to bed. My husband grumbled at how gross the baby food was – the smell, the texture, the color. Regardless of how disgusting how the food was, Charlie loved it and he gobbled every bite. He was growing and looking more and more like Edward, with a mix of Charlie and Jimmy, too. His brown hair had red undertones and his eyes were now a grassy green. Charlie was also getting taller. He'd obviously inherited Edward's height. I'd be dwarfed by my kid by the time he turned four, at this rate.

The next day, Edward left early with Felix, since he got a phone call at the crack of dawn from Jasper. My husband was clearly unhappy when he left. Jacob and I drove to the city with Charlie closer to noon. "Is Nessie going to be here today?" Jacob asked as we rode up the elevator.

"She's working on her midterms, Jake," I answered. "Then, she's going home for spring break. She'll be back in two weeks. I know that we took you away from her when we flew to New York …"

"My job is to protect you, Bella. My loyalty is to you," he said. "We've spoken on the phone, but I need to ensure your safety."

"Do you love her?" I asked as he unlocked the door. I balanced Charlie in his car seat, which was a struggle since it was growing so heavy. Jake must have noticed my difficulties and he took Charlie from my hands. "Thank you."

"You're so little and Charlie's so not," Jacob laughed, putting the car seat onto the cocktail table. "And to answer your question, I do love her. I feel protective of her. My heart takes off when I see her. When we kiss … it's …"

"I don't need a graphic description," I snickered, closing the door. "I'm glad that you and Nessie are working out."

"I know that there's some time, but if things continue, she may need to know about what we do," Jacob murmured, looking at me with a tentative smile. "Lauren knows."

"From what I've been told, Lauren is moments away from a proposal, if Emmett decides to take that step," I answered, starting some coffee. "I'm certain whatever happens, it'll work out for the best."

Edward returned to the condo after dinner. I'd spent the day with Jacob and Charlie. Alice came over for dinner. Jasper was still out with Edward and the rest of the crew, doing who-knows-what. It was nice to spend time with my best friend, though most of the time she complained about her pregnancy … swollen ankles, hemorrhoids, tender breasts and lethargy. I sympathized with her. Only a few short months ago, I was dealing with the same maladies. I just missed spending time gossiping and being girly with her.

"Why do you have the pissy face? The sour milk face?" Alice asked as she nibbled on some cookies that I'd brought from home.

"It's nothing," I shrugged. I sipped on my wine, idly flipping the channels.

"Bullshit," Alice snapped.

"Okay, fine. I'm sympathetic for your woes of pregnancy, but seriously, I do not want to hear about how you can't take a shit or how you want to fuck Jasper forty ways until Sunday," I sighed. "I didn't complain this much, except when I was trying to push Charlie out of my vagina."

"I'm sorry," Alice said, wrinkling her nose. "You're right. I'm just struggling. I'm obviously not close to my family. Esme hovers and Jasper's mother, well, she believes that Jasper could have done better. She's happy about getting a grandchild, but she'd rather that Jasper would have been with someone else in the family."

"That baffles me," I said, shaking my head. Charlotte Whitlock seemed like a warm woman. A bit close-minded, but she was welcoming to me.

"Prior to meeting me, Jasper was supposed to be with one of the Denalis," Alice spat. "A distant cousin or something. Not one of the trio of sluts." She shrugged. "It doesn't matter, really. Peter adores me. Charlotte has to accept me, for better or for worse. Anyway … enough of my bitching. How was New York?"

xx MOTM:FFF xx

Edward

I managed to sneak into the condo at half-past two after spending the day away from my family. The absence was expected, but not leaving at half-past six in the morning making it a fifteen-hour day. Fifteen hours of stress, anger and frustration. First, discovering the truth about the men on my clean up team and their disloyalty toward me. It was a mistake they paid for with their lives and now, they are curing in a vat of bleach in a destroyed warehouse near China Town.

A warehouse where we had several million dollars of tech and weaponry stolen from inside. We'd found a few of the culprits as they tried to run off and they met the same fate as the traitors.

It pissed me off. Another lost property, more betrayal and millions of dollars stolen from my family.

Who the fuck is doing this?

God damn it.

Another fucking mole.

Fuck. My. Life.

I took a deep breath, relishing in being home. As close to home, as possible. Home was in our house about an hour away. The condo was dark and quiet, with the subtle buzz from the fridge and the muted sounds of the city below. I made my way to the nursery. Charlie was awake, playing with his toes. "Hey, buddy. You should be sleeping," I whispered, gently rubbing his belly. "Were you good for Mommy?"

He gurgled, grinning at me sweetly. I bent down, picking him up and sitting in the rocking chair. "Da … da … da!"

"Did you just call me Dada?" I whispered, nuzzling his downy soft hair.

"Dada!" he squealed.

"I love you, my sweet boy," I said, cradling him to my chest. "Dada loves you."

Charlie grinned crookedly, reaching for my nose. I captured his little hand, kissing his palm. I gently rocked him until his eyes drooped. When he was asleep, I placed him in his crib and watched him. He was so small, so innocent.

"He's been saying dada all day," Bella said quietly behind me. I turned to her, seeing her wearing one of my dress shirts. Her legs looked a mile long. It made my cock twitch in my black jeans. "It started after he woke up from his nap. He saw a picture of you, pointing to it and squealing dada."

I ran my fingers through Charlie's wispy curls. "I wish I could have been there to hear him say it the first time." Fuck my job for keeping me away from my family. And fuck the bullshit with our enemies, breaking, entering and destroying another of our warehouses. Millions of dollars lost …

More lost lives, as well.

Traitors in our midst … for over two years.

"Edward, his first word is a testament of how much he loves and adores you," Bella murmured. She walked over to me, taking my hand and tugging me out of the nursery, to our bedroom. Once the door was closed, I pressed Bella into the wall, claiming her mouth with mine. She melted against me, tangling her fingers into my hair. Grasping her thighs, I picked her up and pressing her to the wall. "Fuck me, Edward." She unbuttoned the shirt and revealed her naked body, pert breasts, creamy skin and swollen, glistening pussy that was leaking arousal onto her thighs.

"Perfection," I growled, fumbling with my buckle and fly of my jeans. Bella pushed my pants and boxer briefs down over my ass, releasing my cock. It slapped my stomach. I moaned as she grasped it, stroking the length with her hand. "Baby, I need to be inside you." She nodded, wriggling her body and I lifted her, lining her glistening sex up with my erection. I thrust up into her, impaling her with my length. "Oh, yes, dolce. So, fucking tight."

"And you fill me up so completely," she breathed. "I need you."

"Hold on, love," I said, plunging into her with abandon. She grunted with each thrust into her. Our lovemaking was fast and brutal. Bella clung to me and her body was clenched around me, almost strangling my cock. I buried my nose into neck, sucking behind her earlobe as my balls tightened. Bella's whimpers made me even harder, desperate to claim her. I moaned against her soft, fragrant skin as I released inside her. She gasped, clawing at my back as her body convulsed around me, shattering in ecstasy.

"Hmmmm, that was hot, Capo," she panted. "My husband is so strong that he can fuck me against the wall without breaking a sweat."

"I beg to differ," I snickered, easing out of her and watching as my release trickled down my softening length. "I'm plenty sweaty."

Bella smirked, kissing my jaw. "Hmmm, you are. I think you need to come wash off. Fancy a bath?"

After some relaxing in the bath, sharing some sweet kisses and teasing caresses, we went to bed, exhausted from our lovemaking. The next morning, Charlie let us sleep in. I woke up to the scent of breakfast and the soft murmurs of my wife and son in the kitchen. I got up, dressing in a pair of sleep pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Padding to the kitchen, I smiled at the picture in front of me. Bella was on the couch, sipping some coffee while she flipped through a magazine. Charlie on the floor, playing with his toys.

"Good morning, dolce," I said. "And my sweet boy."

"Dada!" Charlie blabbered, holding up his arms for a snuggle. I bent down, picking him up and holding him to my body. He nuzzled closer to me, making my heart swell in love for my family. I grinned at Bella, who was giving me a sweet smile.

"There's coffee in the kitchen, Edward," Bella murmured. "And I texted Jake. He's okay to leave at around noon to go to the zoo. I figured you'd want a lazy morning since yesterday was such a … well, you know what it was, Capo."

"Excellent," I murmured, pretending to eat Charlie's belly. He squealed and wriggled in my arms. I flipped him onto Bella's lap and kissed her forehead. "I need to make a few phone calls."

"Follow up to last night?" Bella asked, balancing Charlie on the couch.

"Unfortunately," I sighed. "And I'm sorry about … I was so rough with you, cara."

"Don't even apologize. I wanted it. I wanted you," she chided. "It was hot." She gave me a secretive smile while her eyes danced with lust and desire. "Go deal with your Consortium things. I'm going to give this little one a bath."

"Dada!" Charlie giggled.

"Dada loves you, sweet boy," I said, padding to the kitchen to get some coffee. When I heard Bella go into the bathroom, I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Jasper.

"Boss?" he grumbled.

"Is it done?" I asked.

"It's done. The traitors have been dealt with," Jasper replied. "Finn, Julius and Joey were all handled, after they confessed to what they did. They paid for their transgressions, quite painfully."

"And, it's cleaned up. No fucking mistakes?" I snarled, clenching my hands into a tight fist.

"I handled it myself," Jasper answered. "I watched as the warehouse burned to the ground. I verified that the bodies were completely destroyed. Eli and Felix handled the traitors, while I worked with Liam to dispose with the assholes who had cleaned us out."

"Any indication who it was?" I asked. "Not the West Side Hustlers, again?"

"We did some intel after you left and it appeared that our stash was discovered on accident by one of the local gangs. One of the kids saw a delivery and informed the leader. He pounced."

"Who?" I pressed.

"Seth and Emmett found out it was Li Xiao, one of the leaders in the extensions of the Long Zi Group. They are trying to build a strong hold in Chicago," Jasper sighed. "When we went to go find him, we were informed he flew back to Shanghai last week. He's meeting with the leader of the Triad to gain favor, supposedly. He had arranged for our shipment to be sent to China prior to his departure."

"So, it's gone. Without any sort of hope that it will be recovered," I sighed, pinching my nose. "What a cluster."

"We'll hit 'em where it hurts, Boss," Jasper said with a cold chuckle. "We're already scoping out places for retaliation."

"Keep me appraised and spend time with your pregnant wife, Jas," I quipped.

"We're spending time with you, Edward," he laughed. "Alice wanted to go to the zoo."

"Well, we'll see you later, Jas," I said.

xx MOTM:FFF xx

Bella

"Dolce, we don't want Charlie to overheat," Edward chided as I debated on draping another blanket over the stroller. "It's a lovely day out. Sunny, almost a touch too warm for all of this."

"He had the sniffles earlier," I said, tugging on the sleeves of my jacket, sliding my thumbs into the holes.

"It could be allergies," Edward replied. "I'm highly allergic to a lot of stuff, especially in the springtime. Our son may have inherited my airborne allergies."

"I'll bring it up the next time we take him to the pediatrician," I sighed, tossing the blanket onto the couch. "I never had allergies, thankfully."

Edward's cell phone beeped. "Jacob's ready with the car. Are we ready?"

"We're heading back home after the zoo?" I asked.

"Back to my parents' house for Sunday dinner," Edward answered. "Then, we'll go home."

We rode down the elevator, picking up Alice and Jasper on the way. Clambering into the SUV, Jake drove us to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It was a perfectly sunny day, with crisp, cool temperatures and the promise of a wonderfully beautiful spring.

Jasper took photos of Edward, Charlie and me, using my cell phone. We couldn't have asked for a better day, but something was niggling in the back of my head. As I was walking to the bathroom with Charlie and Alice, I felt like someone was staring at me, watching me.

"You okay, Bells?" Alice asked, washing her hands in the bathroom. "You seem a little out of sorts."

"I may be paranoid," I began, putting Charlie back into his outfit and trying to wriggle out of his clothes. "Will you stop squirming, kiddo? Streaking is not acceptable, even at eight months old. Keep that mini-peen in your onesie, bub." I managed to finish dressing him.

"Paranoid? Spill it, girl," Alice said, crossing her arms over her chest and resting them on her baby belly.

I sighed, putting Charlie back into his stroller and strapping him in. "Paranoid … I'm hoping it's just paranoia. Well, all day today, I feel like someone has been following us. Watching us."

"Did you tell Jasper? Edward? Jacob?" Alice asked, arching a brow.

"No, but I don't know if it's my imagination or my fear," I grumbled, caressing Charlie's cheek. "Mommy's crazy, little one. Maybe, I've lost my mind."

"Bella, you have a very strong intuition," Alice said soothingly. "If you think someone was following you, following us, then, it's, in all likelihood, true." She grimaced, sliding her hands to her lower back. "Come on. We need to tell our overprotective husbands. Jasper is probably going to whisk me away, locking me in the house until this one is born."

"I'm probably overreacting and it's nothing," I said, nodding to the door, which Alice opened. I pushed the stroller through and stopped in front of her. "Don't say anything. Like I said, I'm probably being paranoid."

"I'm not sure, Bells," Alice whispered.

"Please?" I pushed.

"Okay, but if I see something that's off, I'm going to spill the beans," Alice snapped.

"Agreed," I nodded and we headed back to meet up with our husbands and protection. Edward smiled at me, kissing my lips softly.

Alice and Jasper decided to leave shortly after that. Her feet were bothering her and she was past due for her afternoon nap. An hour later, Charlie started fussing. "We should get going," Edward sighed.

"It's the witching hour," I said, flipping the canopy over the top of the stroller. "We should have left with Alice and Jasper." Edward nodded as we walked toward the entrance. I still had that niggling feeling that we were being watched. I looked around, seeing nothing but happy families, giggling children and loving couples.

Perhaps, it was still all in my mind.

I prayed it was … paranoia … wild imagination …

To be honest, was it?

A/N: Charlie's talking and his first word was 'Dada'. We also had some Mobward family time, a brief schmexy citrus and some follow up with the betrayal from the abduction from a couple of years ago. Pictures from this chapter are on my blog, which you can access from the link in my profile. I'm also on Facebook, Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

Now, what about Bella's inkling that someone was following them? Do you think it was paranoia or something based in reality? Leave me your thoughts.

Up next will be a shorter chapter and not my usual fare … we're going to hear from both Maas and Renee. Both of them have been too quiet. I do have a plan, and as I said to the lovely ladies at the Chicago Twific Meet Up, I can't get the characters to speak to me. I just need to get there.

Thank you for reading!