Chapter: meeting family and more surprises:

One month later:

A/n: Marie is six moths pregnant now

Marie groaned as the pain in her back subsided. Sam was a natural heating pad.

"Thanks Sam."

"you never have to thank me honey."

Marie blushed as she called her that. no one except for Jacob had called her that but with Sam it was different. It wasn't just a term of endearment…it meant more. Sam always gave her more than expected.

"you have any plans for today?" he asked her.

Marie nodded as she stood and took their dishes to the sink. Ever since the bonfire. Sam would bounce between his house and his fathers, but most of the time was spent at his house. She knew it was only because she was there.

Before her, his house had been empty. He only came here to occasionally get away but in his words, she had "made his lonely house a home."

So, they came up with a routine. One that was comfortable and wouldn't break any of the boundaries Marie had set up, but of course with Sam, her walls were always down.

Every morning She and Sam and a few of the shadow would have breakfast every morning. Everyone took turns cooking so it was never just one person doing everything, but Marie was the main one. She loved to cook but never got the chance after she married Edward. The Cullen's were very traditional and over the top. Marie didn't mind tradition but there was difference between tradition and control.

And every so often she and Sam would take a nap...in her bed… it was always during the day and always fully clothed. He respected her.

There was a knock at the front door which cause Marie to jump. Ever since she filed for divorce, she had been a bit jumpier then usual. It was the fear of knowing Edward could turn up any minute.

A warm hand on her back had her relax.

"sssh Mi alma. Its ok. No one will hurt you… I promise."

Marie nodded and began to pour herself a glass of orange juice.

The door opened and their stood Paul, Seth and brady. It was obvious they had just finished a patrol and they did not look happy.

"Good morning. Are you guys hungry?" Marie asked before Sam could grill them on what happened.

She realized that the shadow needed to be reminded that they were still human.

Paul smiled and nodded. He then turned to sam.

"it was supposed to be a regular patrol chief, and everything was going fine unto the end of it"

Sam nodded for him to continue.

"We, brady, Seth and I were switching out with Jonah, Jared and quill, when a new scent came upon us. It wasn't threating and smelled completely innocent. So, quill and I agreed that it could be left alone. However, Jared and Jonah decided that it was good idea to go investigate..."

The way that Paul said investigate, Marie knew it was trouble and knew that was her que to leave. Sam was getting ready to step into a role he didn't like. She didn't know what exactly, but she knew that Jared and Jonah had caused some kind of trouble and Sam was going to handle it. but this didn't call for human Sam, this called for Alpha Sam and he was not happy.

With Red glowing eyes, Sam stood. Something Marie found out later was that the whole group's eyes changed on their emotions. that's why Joshua's eyes had been red. He was angry with her, but Paul's eyes had been yellow, showing that he meant her no harm.

Marie quickly picked up her keys and with a gentle nod from Sam, she left.

She had tons of things to do. She needed to check in at work, go grocery shopping, get another ultra sound and-

Marie slowed down as a familiar face stopped in the middle of the road.

Marie rolled her window down. Confused she Called out "Ephraim! I could have killed you! What in the world are you doing?"

Ephraim smiled and simply hopped in her truck. It was funny because he looked old but moved like he was young.

"Well, I was out and about today, and I figured I would get to spend some time with you. If that's ok? I called your phone, but you didn't answer."

Marie looked down at her phone and saw she had two missed calls.

"oh. I'm sorry. I turned it on silent when I was having breakfast with sam. And yeah you can join me, that fine." Marie said stiffly. Her whole body had tensed, and her fingers began tapping nervously on the wheel.

"Marie…I will not hurt you. I promise. you are safe."

Marie took a shaky breath and looked at Ephraim with tear filled eyes.

"it still hurts Eppy." She breathed using Sam's nickname for him. "The fear is real and it's still there. It's like I know you and Sam and a few of the guys form the shadows would never hurt me but -"

"but the fear is there…because any time you turn the corner you feel like someone would take advantage of you and what Joshua did last month didn't help. and it probably doesn't help that I'm related to one of the men who was forced to rape you."

Marie sighed and shook her head yes.

"..Marie…have .have you thought about…therapy?"

She shook her head.

"no, how can I when my former family is involved in organized crime. It kind of plays a big part in my story."

"if I find a good therapist who you can divulge everything too…would you go?"

"…I think so." She told him.

"ok. I will find one for you. Now, lets get this show on the road. Where too first?"

Marie smiled. He cared, now that was a start.

J. Jenks pov:

Jenks surveyed the room and knew his presence had not been made known yet, mainly because they never met.

The only person who knew him by face was peter swan. Peter swan was the black Cullen's family lawyer, he attended to all their legal matters. And the person in charge of peter, was Charlie of course. There was a chain of command and jenks was not following protocol. Right now, he was a man of the law. A man who has a job to do despite the consequences. But his stepdaughter was worth it and the best part…they didn't even know. Jenks had met Renee Higginbottom formerly swan, when he was doing some work at the prison. Over time, they had fallen in love. Renee had admitted everything to him. how she had failed her children as a mother, how she cheated on her ex-husband, how she was just so unhappy. It took jenks reaching out to Isabella Cullen for Renee to reconnect with her daughter. She didn't reconnect with her other children, knowing they would never forgive her. It was funny because Jenks had never met any of Renee's children and that included Isabella, but he had communicated with her over time. Their conversations were short, but he'd had earned her trust. So, when she called him about divorcing Edward, he was more then happy to do it. He had heard about her disappearance not to long ago from an angry peter who needed to vent to someone. It took everything in Jenks, not to punch peter. He had said some vile things about Isabella, but he wouldn't blow his cover. He would control himself...for Renee.

Jenks ordered himself one last whiskey and then headed to the private party section.

He had to plan it right to get past security. Embry black was excellent at his job and made sure those under him didn't fool around. Jenks just needed to spot peter and then he could make his move.

Fifteen minutes later he spotted peter.

"peter! Hey!" he called, noticing security closing in on him.

Just as Security was going to pull him away, peter stopped them.

"jenks! Seen out of the office! what a surprise. Come on in here, grab a drink!"

Like taking candy from a baby, Jenks thought.

Jenks made sure peter had a few drinks in him before he snuck off to find Edward Cullen.

It didn't take him long. He found the jerk, surrounded by his closest friends and family and hanging on his arm was a overly tanned women. She had waist length brown hair, brown eyes and a smirk that said she ruled the world. This was Marcy swan, soon to be Cullen. Isabella's older sister. How sick was that. Her younger sister disappears and instead of searching for her, instead…she steals her sister's husband…while he was still married.

How sick was that. jenks needed to get this over with.

"Edward Cullen?" he asked as he approached the dirty blonde. Jenks made sure his voice was full of malice and yet a touch of superiority.

Everyone around him was instantly on guard.

Edward turned and looked at jenks. He didn't recognize him.

"yes?"

Jenks let a cold smile cross his face and began to pull out the paperwork.

As he expected guns were instantly drawn. He felt one on the back of his head. Ready to pull the trigger.

"calm your balls. All of ya. Edward mason Cullen. You. Have. been. served."

With that said, Jenks handed Edward the paperwork, he then politely gestured for the guns to be moved from his head and then walked away.

It would take about ten minutes for Edward to process what was happening and jenks had to move fast.

"THAT BASTRD! SOMEONE STOP HIM!"

Jenks knew he wouldn't make it. Embry black was already in his way. So, he stopped. They would never get a word out of him. No matter what he would make it to his wife.

Edward pov:

Edward didn't know what to expect when he saw the strange man approach him, so when he reached into his jacket, Edward was ready to shoot him and so was everyone else but then he actually read the paper. He saw red.

Isabella was petitioning for divorce. A divorce from him. How dare she! Edward had the man taken to a back office.

After a few more pleasant conversations, Edward left his fiancée to talk peoples ears off. He and his three bosses plus his brothers went into the back room. This was where Edward unleashed his fury.

"First of all, how dare you serve me in front of my guest! Do you know who I am?! And Secondly Who are you! Who sent you and Where is my wife!"

The man didn't get to answer because his disheveled drunk uncle in law stumbled in.

"Ed-Edward out him down! Darn it. j, what did you put my drink? What the heck is going on?"

"you know this guy!?" Edward asked

"yes, I know him. He handles all of our legal activity."

"actually, I'm resigning from that. Today was my last job. Any who. It doesn't, matter who I am or what I do. all I know is you, Edward Cullen need to sign those divorce papers. I was told from an anonymous source that Isabella Cullen has filed for a no-fault divorce. That means that this won't be messy. You can sign those papers and you can go marry her sister in there. There will be no blame. She doesn't want anything but to be free of you."

Edward snarled and pulled at his hair as he looked at the man.

"free of me! free of me! I gave her my whole life! She can't divorce me!"

"just sign the paper and move on with your life." The man tried to persuade him

"Where is she! She can't just disrespect Edward like that, especially not twice and as far as people in our lives go, she's dead. Her name is not to be spoken. Who's your source?" Charlie asked

Ignoring Charlie, the man stood up, dusted himself off and picked up the divorce papers Edward had discarded on the floor.

Both Carsile and Billy went to say something, but Edward silenced him. This was his choice and his fight.

"Mr. Cullen move on with your life and sign the papers. If you sign the papers now, I will process everything for free. No Charge to you or Isabella."

Edward sank down in the office chair. It had been easier thinking his wife dead. Then he would never have to wonder why she left him or why things didn't work out. He had loved her. no, he still loved her.

"Everyone clear the room…except for jenks and I. Go enjoy the party."

Jacob pov:

Jacob smiled and Kissed Emily's scars. He knew his family would be pissed but he didn't care. They would see him at dinner. Yes, he ditched his joint Engagement party with Edward to spend some alone time with his soon to be wife.

He wanted to remember her this way before she took on the mantle of his wife and everything that came with it.

"are you sure your family won't be too upset about us not attending our won engagement party?" she asked

"yes, they will be upset but I did let my parents know ahead of time and are you sure their no one in your family you want to event to our wedding?"

Emily rolled her eyes and sighed.

"I will invite my mothers' side of the family…that's it. now...where were we? "Jacob let out a satisfied chuckle. He knew he would never forget about Bella. She would always be in his heart, but he was glad she was gone. He could move on with his life, he just hoped Edward could too.

…..

Marie laughed as Eppy told her stories from his childhood. With him as her traveling companion. She had gotten everything done. She went to Sam's office and sorted out some files and made some business offers that Sam could pick up whenever he got back in. next, they went grocery shopping, not just for herself but also for the whole shadow. And then finally, they went to Marie's ultrasound. There were many shedding of tears as Marie saw a 3D image of her triplets. She still didn't want to know what the sex was yet, that was bit too much. At least right now anyway. After that Marie stopped at the local salon and got her hair cut. She had high lights out into it. She knew it was against everything her old family stood for and maybe that was the point but no one would use it against her, And finally, Eppy talked her into having an early dinner with him.

"is everything to your liking Marie?" he asked.

"of course! This is the best steak dinner I have ever had!." Marie cheered as she stuffed her face with the redskin mashed potatoes.

They were currently in one of the most popular diners in forks called the lodge. What made it funny was that it was owned by Eppy himself. It had been passed down from generation to generation, and while Eppy was no longer in charge of the day to day operations, he still had the finale say.

One of his nieces was currently acting manager.

"the best steak you've ever had. Really?" he asked surprised.

Marie smiled and said "it's funny because Rich people are really picky about What they eat. There's no fat, no grease, no... fried stuff. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying fried foods are the best thing in the world but every once in a while, it wouldn't kill anyone to have a fried snicker…or a fried twinkie…oooh fried pickles dipped in chocolate."

Eppy laughed.

"looks like someone's cravings are kicking in. So, have you bought everything you needed?"

Marie blushed at the question.

"uh, no. I haven't really thought about it. I... I try not to."

Eppy, reached over and gently grabbed Marie's hand.

"Granddaughter" that's what he started calling her. "I ...cannot Fathom...the terrors you have seen, but don't let it stop you from enjoying motherhood."

Eppy stopped and cocked his head to the side. Almost like he was listening for something.

"I see. Well this is my que to leave."

Marie looked up in confusion. However, it was soon replaced with joy, when a familiar face walked in the door.

"Sam!" she exclaimed. Why did it feel like she hadn't seen him in years? Had she missed him that much?

"Mi alma." He breathed. Sitting across from her, Sam ordered two slices of pie with ice cream.

"I'm sorry its not a fried pickle with chocolate."

Marie blushed.

"Sam... not that I mind and I'm really glad to see you…but what are you doing here?"

Sam reached across the table and with his eyes asked if he could touch her.

Marie nodded Eagerly and allowed him to touch her. She actually yearned for his touch. It was safe, and gentle.

"I just needed a break. The shadow really irritated me today and we've had a few more changes. But that's not the reason I'm here. I ...I wanted to ask you out on a date...properly. So, Marie uley black, Will you allow me to take you out on a date and multiple more after that?"

Marie felt her eyes fill with tears. They were tears of joy. No one had ever asked her out on a date before.

"Marie? I'm sorry did I- "

"no. no." she cut him off "you didn't do anything wrong, it's just my hormones are really acting up today and well, no one's ever asked me on a proper date before. So, what did you have in mind?"

Sam blushed and said "well, I was thinking we could go and have a picnic under the stars and then see a movie. I was thinking tomorrow after work. Um what time works for you?"

"well after work, I have a Lamaze class. So after that?" she asked

" your taking Lamaze…can I join you? Well that is if you want! I don't want to step on your toes I just-"

Marie cut off Sam's rant by squeezing his hand.

"sam. I would love for you to come to my Lamaze class. I was actually going to ask you, but I didn't want to be too forward. You're a busy man with your own life and the last thing I want to do is burden you with someone else kids you don't even want."

Sam leaned back as if someone had struck him.

"Why would you ever assume that?" he asked his voice full of...hurt? disappointment?

"well, uh.. I mean…its true right? My kids…there not yours... why would you"

Sam let out a small chuckle, but it was full of bitterness.

"I swear Marie, if I ever meet the men who hurt you and molded you into this oblivious… did you ever think that I want to be the father of your children? Did it ever occur to you that I want you in my bed for the rest of our lives? That I would give you my last name at the drop of a hat? Did you ever consider this?"

Marie looked like a fish who had been out of water for too long. When she didn't speak Sam spoke for her.

"No, you didn't. Because you thought I just being nice. You thought me saying I love you was it and we would stay in our little routine and I wouldn't want more from you. Well, let me tell you Marie. I do. Darn it, I want more for us. Now I know your not ready and I wont rush you or force you because I don't want to rush this, but I will set my intentions straight with you. I want to marry you one day. I don't care when or how. But I will. When you're ready."

"What if I'm never ready?" Marie asked finally able to speak.

Sam smiled sadly and said, "Then I'd be happy with just your daily presence."

After that the couple ate their pie in silence. What else was there to say.

As Sam helped her stand, Marie couldn't help but cry. Marie stopped at the passenger door; he was obviously going to drive them home.

"I thought about it, you know. Being with you...marrying you…it crossed my mind but then I threw it out because I'm damaged goods. You don't want me Sam, or my kids. Were no good."

Sam helped her in the truck and said "We are all damaged goods Marie; the only thing is that someone is always willing to pick us up. And I am willing to do that. I love you and you love me. I will wait for you for as long as you need me too. You are worth loving, don't let your past stop you from having a good present. Or a future."

Sam was so engrossed in his conversation with her, that he didn't realize he was speeding. So, when the red and blue lights glowed in his review mirror, Sam cursed.

"I'm sorry honey. I should have been more careful. You got your insurance and what not?"

Marie nodded and as she gathered what she knew she would need she confessed something to sam.

"Sam…I'm scared. I am so freakin scared. That's the issue of it all. I'm scared Edward will find me; I'm scared I won't be a good mother and most of all I'm scared of losing you."

Marie didn't get to finish because the officer knocked on the window.

"License and registration please? You know why I pulled you over sir?"

"Hey sheriff, and yeah I was speeding."

The officer finally looked up and noticed who he was talking to.

"Sam uley? That you…I was wondering why the license and registration didn't match up. Now why in the world are you speeding boy! And where's that car of yours?"

Sam let out a nervous chuckle and said, "I'm sorry Chief, I was having an intimate conversation with my girlfriend and I wasn't paying attention."

"Girlfriend? now let me see here who-oh my god...BELLA!?"

Marie face mimicked the sheriffs as they stared at each other in shock.

"GIL?"