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 a new POV, at least for the first part of the chapter. We'll also find out what will happen with Maas and discuss Bella's recovery. How will she fare? How will this impact Edward and Bella's marriage? What will happen with Jake? Maas?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Esme

Sitting in the living room, I sipped some iced tea and trying to maintain my composure. My husband and younger son told me all that happened while they were out searching for Bella. My daughter was in the private medical suite in the Consortium building, recovering from horrific injuries. Injuries caused by her mother and that animal.

"We need to be there for Edward and Bella," Carlisle said, taking my hand. He was just as tired as Edward, even more so. He was twenty-five years older than my oldest son and he'd been on the move for as long as Edward. His eyes were bleary, exhausted "It was bad, Es."

"Renee was completely unhinged, Mom," Emmett muttered. "It was her undoing, to be honest. Good riddance, in my honest opinion. She got what she deserved. I just wished she suffered more." I grimaced at the malice in my younger son's tone toward the woman who gave birth to Bella. However, he adored his sister-in-law and would have done anything to protect her or bring her back safely to Edward. With the team they assembled, they did.

Thank goodness.

"Jacob got her in the end," Carlisle sighed, leaning back on the couch. "She was holding Bella like a shield. The poor girl was nearly naked and littered with bruises covering most of her body. Renee held a gun to her own daughter's head."

"Traitorous cow," Emmett snapped. "All of this was because Renee wanted money; money that she had no right to have. Ricardo wanted vengeance for the death of his friend."

"And to destroy Bella and Edward," I sniffled. "My heart breaks for them."

"They got nothing in return," Carlisle sneered. "They both died because of their own arrogance and stupidity."

"Bella?" I asked. "Will she be okay?"

"Dr. Moretti and Alice said that she'd make a full physical recovery," Carlisle answered, walking to the kitchen to grab a bottle of beer for himself and for Emmett. "She'll need physical therapy, but she wasn't badly injured. Edward, however, was more concerned if she'd been sexually assaulted. One of her abductors was a convicted sex offender."

I blanched, looking at my husband and tried to hold back tears. "Was she?"

"No. They didn't have enough time. They were on the go from the moment they took her from the store," Emmett answered. "The longest time they spent in one spot was in Joliet. From what we heard from the men under Ricardo's leadership, he wanted his victim to fight back. The drug they used to lure Bella away from the store made her compliant. She would have gone along with whatever he'd said. She'd also have no memory of what happened. Ricardo wanted her to remember."

"Monster," I spat.

"He got his just desserts," Carlisle replied, giving me an evil grin. "He was shot in the head by Renee. She was having a temper tantrum, trying to shoot us at the abandoned gas station. Personally, I would have liked to sodomize him with a rusty pipe, but he's dead and gone." He yawned and sipped his beer.

"I'm going to crash in my old condo," Emmett said. "I'd go to Alice and Jasper's old place, but Claire is staying there with Leah."

"Where's Nessie?" Carlisle asked.

"I sent her home," I answered. My husband gave me a glower, as did Emmett. "The girl was a mess. Claire did her best, as did I, to help assuage her fears. She helped me with Charlie while you were gone, but she was an anxious, hysterical mess."

"She's an unknown," Emmett hissed. "She could spill the beans about our organization. You know that cop that was arrested because he was obsessed with Edward? He'd be small potatoes compared to the FBI. We'd all go down."

"Nessie is not going to say anything," I argued. "I spoke to her about our family, about what we do. She's aware of the need for secrecy. She doesn't want to lose Jacob. She loves him." Carlisle's eyes darkened at Jacob's name. "He also knows he messed up, too." I shook my head. "We'll discuss this later. You're tired and cranky. I'm going to check on my son and grandson."

I left the living room and padded to the rear of the condo. Inside of the nursery, I found Edward dead to the world while holding his son in the rocking chair. He clung to his child, who was sleeping as deeply as his father. I walked inside, picking up the blanket from Charlie's crib. I removed Edward's glasses, placing them on the dresser. Covering my son and my grandson, I kissed them and stepped out of the room.

Walking to the office, I checked the computer. I'd called Bella's Uncle Jimmy and Sue, explaining to them what had happened. They were currently on a flight back to Chicago. Seth was picking them up when they arrived around midnight at O'Hare. I was curious if their flight was on time, which it was. I called Nessie as I made my way to the bedroom, the emotions of the day weighing on me.

"Hello?" came her sleepy voice.

"Are you okay?" I asked, kicking off my shoes. "I'm worried about you, Nessie."

"Not really. I'm exhausted, but I can't sleep. I keep reliving that moment when I heard Leah scream, when Charlie reached for his mother and she was gone," she sniffled. "I feel like I'm to blame. I am to blame. Jake was talking to me when he should have been watching out for Bella, Leah and Charlie."

"You're not to blame, Nessie," I argued. "Jake is in love with you." I sighed, sitting down on the bed and smoothing the soft, white duvet cover. "I hope you know that you can't tell anyone. You can, however, talk to me, sweetheart."

"Or Claire," Nessie spat bitterly. She blew out a breath. "I won't blab. I promise, Mrs. Cullen. I'm just terrified that someone will come for me. Or the cops … what should I do?"

"I don't think they'll come, to be honest. If the cops come, ask for Jenks. He's our family's attorney. He'll protect you. I promise. Call or text any time. I'm here for you, Nessie. I know you're frightened and panicking. We'll protect you from whatever, but Bella's back and the threat has been neutralized," I responded.

"Is Bella alright?"

"She will be," I sighed. "They're going to need help."

"I doubt that Edward would trust me," Nessie whispered. "I don't trust me."

"Give it time," I said, praying that Edward would give her another chance. Though, knowing my son, who was so much like his father, it might not happen. Once you betrayed our family, you're removed from the equation. "If not, we'll help you."

"Thanks, Mrs. Cullen," Nessie breathed. "I'm going to try and get some rest."

"Call me if you need to talk, Nessie," I murmured before I hung up the phone.

I put my phone down on the bed and leaned back against the headboard. It had been a stressful couple of days. Charlie knew something wasn't right. He was fussy, anxious, clingy. I'd gotten very little sleep. I was upset and worried about my daughter-in-law. I was terrified that my son would not be able to find her or that she'd died. If she'd died, my son would not survive it. His love for Bella was beyond anything I'd ever seen. It was deep-seated in his very soul. She was his other half.

Without her, he'd have nothing.

Edward

"Do you feel better, Edward?" asked my mother.

I'd scrubbed my face as I stumbled into the kitchen. I woke up with a crick in my neck, having slept on the couch in the nursery. I sat down at the counter, where my mom placed a large mug of coffee in front of me. "Thanks."

"How's Charlie?" she asked.

"He's still sleeping. Who moved him?" I asked as I made my coffee, adding cream and sugar.

"Your father did. He was crying around midnight. He needed a diaper change and a snack," Mom snickered. "You didn't even move. You were snoring, completely under."

"I was beyond exhausted," I snorted, sipping my coffee. "I still am. It will be a while before I'm caught up, if ever." Mom gave me an understanding smile, but it was then that I noticed her exhaustion. Her skin was pale and she had dark circles beneath her eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Nothing that a month in the Caribbean can't fix," she snickered. "I think we need a family vacation once this is all done."

"I'll keep it under advisement," I chuckled. "Mom, go home. I'll take Charlie with me when I go back to the Consortium. You're just as exhausted as me. Both, you and Dad need to relax in your retirement."

"We won't rest, Edward. We may be retired, but you need us. Charlie needs us and we'll be there for both of you," Mom said, walking to me and hugging me tightly. I relished in her support, pulling on her strength. "The one thing I will tell you as that you need to shower. Son of mine, you stink."

"I can imagine," I snorted, plucking at my black t-shirt.

"While you're cleaning up, I'll make breakfast. Pancakes or French toast?" she asked.

"Whatever is easiest for you, Mom," I answered, kissing her cheek.

The shower I took was long, hot and relaxing. I stood underneath the hot spray for nearly twenty minutes, allowing the water to loosen the knots in my back. As I was scrubbing my fingers through my hair, there was a knock at the door. "Yes?"

"It's me, Em," he said. "Manny called and said that they're lessening Bella's sedation. If all goes well, she'll be awake by this afternoon."

"Thanks, Emmett," I responded wearily.

"Are you okay, Edward?" he asked through the door.

"Completely shattered, ripped apart," I answered honestly. "I don't know if I'm capable of doing this anymore. I swear, I felt like I've aged twenty years since I stepped into the leadership position of the Consortium."

"I'm coming in. Talking through a door …" he grumbled, walking into the bathroom. I finished washing my hair and wrapped a towel around my waist as my brother blindly walked in. "Are you still in the shower?"

"I'm out and covered, asshole," I snorted, leaning against the counter. My brother smiled at me sadly. "Why couldn't you have waited until I got out of the bathroom?"

"Because, I wanted to see how you were doing, without Mom hovering," Emmett answered. "Talk to me, bro."

I sighed, running my hands through my wet hair. I knew it was sticking up every direction. "Is this worth it? Is what we do worth the trauma to our families? Three years ago, I was abducted by family and tortured. That abduction forced my wife to kill someone, in a rite of vengeance. Now, Bella was taken, tortured, almost raped and has lost her mother."

"I'm certain that Bella would be happy to be rid of her mother and her bullshit," Emmett snorted.

"I agree with that," I shrugged. "There was no love lost between the two of them."

"You have to wonder what caused Renee to fly off her rocker," Emmett surmised.

"We'll never know, I guess. I can't exactly reanimate her to ask her," I deadpanned.

"Zombie bitch," Emmett laughed, sitting down on the edge of the bathtub. "I heard from Felix."

"And?"

"The State Police are ruling Renee and Ricardo's deaths as a murder/suicide," Emmett explained. "They let Felix go, along with the rest of the crew, to continue on their way for the business trip."

"So, they believed that Ricardo murdered Renee and then killed himself?" I asked.

"Yep," Emmett nodded. "I think that the fine people of that tiny town did not want to deal with the hassle of a murder investigation. It was a clean and simple investigation, tied up perfectly with Felix's explanation." He picked up a bottle, sniffing its contents. "This is nice. Did Bella put it in here?"

"She liked the scent," I answered, taking the bottle and inhaling deeply. It was a slightly tropical scent, with vanilla, bananas, coconuts and some sort of spice. Bella loved to use it during the summer. She washed her body and hair with it. "This stuff is an aphrodisiac whenever she wore it." I nodded to the lotion. "Hand me that, Em. Perhaps my wife would like to be spoiled." Emmett smiled, handing me the yellow container.

"Back to what brought me in here …" Emmett said. "What do you want to do? Are you serious about disbanding the Consortium?"

"It seems like a logical choice," I shrugged. "I mean, almost eighty percent of what we do is legit. We have about twenty percent in illegal ventures, but we could walk away. I don't know. I have to think about it."

"Whatever you decide, I support you, Edward," Emmett murmured, squeezing my shoulder.

"Thanks, Emmett," I sighed. "And as heartwarming as this conversation was, I'm naked and I want to get dressed. My wife is being weaned off the sedatives."

"You're not completely naked," Emmett snickered. "You are wearing a towel." I arched a brow at my brother. "I'm going. I'm going. Mom made French toast with eggs and bacon." He gave me a brief, strong hug and left the bathroom. I blinked for a few moments before turning to finish my morning ministrations, shaving and attempting to tame my mess of hair. I dressed in a pair of jeans and a button-down shirt. When I finished dressing, I picked up the lotion and the body wash.

In the kitchen, my mother had set up a vast array of breakfast foods. Charlie was sitting in his highchair, munching on some bacon and smashing eggs into his face. I kissed his forehead before sitting back down. My son gave me a toothy grin. I drank some more coffee and inhaled my breakfast. I hadn't really eaten while we were searching for Bella. I had a protein bar or two, but that wasn't really anything substantial.

"Where's Dad?" Emmett asked, stuff his face.

"He's still sleeping, as is Jimmy and Sue," Mom replied. "It may take him longer to recuperate from the rescue. I'll take care of him. They got in really late."

"Call me if you need Moretti or Alice for Dad," I said.

"I will, baby," she said, giving me a hug. "Now, you go see your wife."

"What about Charlie?" I asked.

"I'm staying and hanging out with my nephew. I haven't spent much time with the little dude," Emmett answered, ruffling Charlie's hair. My son giggled, kicking his feet. "Lauren's coming over, too. We're going to bring him to my condo and we're going to have some fun."

"Thanks, Emmett," I smiled. "I'm going to head to the medical clinic."

"Give Bella our love," Mom said, kissing my cheeks.

"I will," I said, picking up the lotion and car keys. I blew a raspberry into Charlie's belly before I left the condo. I rode down to the parking garage. Near my car, I saw Jacob. He was twisting his hands. "What do you want?"

"Boss," he whispered.

"I'm not your boss. As far as I'm concerned, you're unemployed," I snapped.

"Please, I … I'm sorry for what happened," he choked out. "If I could have traded places with her, I would have. Boss, I need to make it right."

"I trusted you, Jacob," I hissed. "Bella trusted you. You were a part of our family, but you were more interested in thinking with your dick than doing your god damned job. Bella and Charlie were your responsibility. Not Nessie. Because you were flirting with her, Leah was traumatized and my wife … my wife was …" I sobbed. "Jacob, I suggest you leave or your brains will cover the floor."

"I'm so sorry, Boss. I'm so sorry," he muttered, backing away.

I watched as he skulked away. I sent a text to Emmett and Jasper about Jacob. We'd need to discuss what we were going to do about him. However, I believed in what I said. He was no longer a member of my organization. I took a deep breath, clambering into my car and driving to the Consortium building. Before going to the medical suite, I poked my head in the office. I found Rhonda. She was working at her desk.

"Mr. Cullen," she said, shooting to her feet. "Are you back?"

"No, Rhonda," I answered, holding up my hands. "I'm actually coming in to tell you that I need to take an emergency family leave. My wife was taken and she's got a long recovery ahead of her."

"Oh no!" Rhonda frowned. "I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"Obviously, I need any meetings cancelled and rescheduled. I will be available via email and text, but for the time being, please work with my brother. He's off today, babysitting my son while I take care of my wife. She's in the medical clinic downstairs."

"Not a hospital?" Rhonda asked.

"Dr. Moretti is one of the best," I said. "And with what happened to my wife, I don't want her to be hassled by the press. She needs privacy and support."

"Understandable," Rhonda nodded. "I'll keep her in my thoughts. I'm glad that Mrs. Cullen is back safely."

"Me, too," I breathed. "I'll be in touch." Rhonda gave me a quick hug. I returned it and I left my office. I rode down the elevator to the medical office. Nurse Ellen was sitting there. She gave me a concerned smile, nodding to the door. I walked through the waiting room, filled with Dr. Moretti's usual patients. I opened the door to the patient suites. Ellen gave me a grin. "How is Bella?"

"She's doing well. We've almost stopped the sedatives," Ellen explained, guiding me to her private suite. "She'll be awake soon."

"When can I take her home?" I asked.

"Not for a couple of days," Moretti said. He was wearing scrubs and his black curly hair was covered by a surgical cap. "Her arm injuries, especially on the right side, are quite severe. With the way she received those injuries, we need to watch them for infection. We've bombarded her system with antibiotics. She'll stay on them for a couple of weeks."

"Where's Alice?" I questioned as we walked into Bella's room.

"She's feeding baby Sophie," Moretti replied. "She also needs to get some sleep. She hovered over Bella all night, checking her wounds and monitoring her vital signs. Alice is a new mother and needs to be with her baby. Now that you're back, I'm certain that I can talk Jasper into bringing her home. She's working herself sick."

"I only went home because she forced me to," I argued.

"And I agreed with her. Edward, you were dead on your feet. Having you stay would not have been good for you, either. You are still recuperating from your own injuries," he said, arching a brow.

"I'm fine," I insisted. "I'm just exhausted. Now, I want to check on my wife."

"Of course," Dr. Moretti said.

I went into the suite and sat down next to Bella. I noticed a beautiful bouquet of pink and purple flowers on the window. I got up, picking up the tiny card attached to the flowers. They were from Emmett and Lauren, delivered from the flower shop in the lobby of the building. I put the card back and I sat down next to my wife. "Hello, cara," I whispered, picking up her left hand. I pulled out the lotion and began rubbing it into her skin. "I'm here. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to find you sooner." I blinked up at her, watching as she continued to sleep.

The bruises on her face were deep and marred her beauty. Her left eye was swollen shut. She had a few stitches near her hairline and her lips were chapped. I stopped rubbing the lotion on her hand and I took out some lip balm I'd found in her purse. Gently, I covered her lips. She sighed, shifting on the bed. "Bella?"

"She's still under sedation, but is coming out of it," Alice said.

"Alice, I love you, but you look like shit," I snickered.

"You're lucky I like you," Alice snorted wryly, checking Bella's vital signs. "I got some sleep, but …" She pressed her hands to breasts. "I feel like a cow. My daughter is cute as can be, but all she does is sleep, cry, shit, eat and repeat."

"Welcome to parenthood," I deadpanned. "When do you think she'll be awake?"

"She's aware of you, to be honest," Alice answered. "I was in Moretti's office, nursing Sophie. In his office, Bella's vitals were on his computer. When she first heard your voice, her heartbeat spiked. Then, while you were rubbing the lotion on her hand, it calmed. She felt safe, protected."

"I would do anything to ensure her safety, Alice," I whispered. I began rubbing the lotion on her legs and massaging her feet. My wife whimpered, her brow furrowing. I blinked to Alice, who checked all of her readings. "Is she waking up?"

"It would appear so," Alice nodded. "I'll leave you two. If you need me, I'll be close by." She kissed Bella's temple and left us.

"Cara," I breathed. "I'm here. Can you squeeze my hand?" She whimpered again, lightly squeezing my fingers. "That's it, Bella. I'm here. You're safe. I love you so much. Please, open your eyes for me, cara."

"Hmmmm," she moaned. Her fingers tightened around mine. "Edward? Save me, Edward."

"You're safe, dolce," I breathed, caressing my hand down her cheek. Her eyes fluttered. Or rather, her eye fluttered. The left eye was still swollen. "Look at me, Bella. Please?"

She blinked a few times. Her right eye found me and she gasped. Tears began streaming down her bruised face. "Edward …"

"I'm here, love," I said, giving her a gentle smile. "You're safe. No one can hurt you."

"My mother?" she asked. "She …"

"She's dead, Bella," I muttered. "What do you remember?"

"Not much," she whimpered. "Thirsty …"

I kissed her temple and stepped away from the bed. I filled up a cup, sliding in a straw. I walked back to Bella's side. Carefully, I put the straw between her lips. She weakly sucked on it. "Better?"

"Yeah," she said, looking back at me.

"Are you in pain?" I pressed.

She nodded. "Every part of my body hurts, Edward. They … my mother and Ricardo …"

"Shhhh, cara," I soothed. "Save your energy." I pressed the call button. Alice and Ellen walked in. "She's in pain."

"Nothing too strong," Bella grumbled.

"Bells, sweetie, you've been through hell. You're getting morphine," Alice commanded. She darted away, undoubtedly, to get Bella's medication.

"How's Charlie?" Bella whispered. "Is he okay? Renee didn't hurt him, right?"

"He's fine. He's spending the day with Uncle Emmett," I answered. "I'll bring him by when you're feeling up to it."

"Tomorrow," Bella asked. "I need to see my baby."

Alice came breezing back in. "Bella, I'd wait. You can't pick him up due to your injuries. Give yourself a chance to recuperate."

"Why?" Bella whimpered. "I want to see Charlie."

"Bella, you went through a traumatic ordeal. There is no part of your body that is not bruised," Alice said softly. "We've had to perform intricate surgery on your right arm, reattaching your bicep and resetting the bone in your wrist. Your other arm is not as bad, but we had to suture the wounds inflicted by your mother and Ricardo." Alice blinked to me, placing the syringe on the counter. She pulled out a small mirror. She held it in front of Bella's face and my wife let out a broken cry.

"I'm hideous," Bella sobbed, reaching up with her left hand and grimacing with the movement of her arm.

"No, cara," I whispered, sitting down on the bed and gathering her in my arms. "You're just bruised, but still so beautiful. Remember when I was found? I was fugly and you still loved me."

"You're still fugly," Alice snorted, giving me a bemused grin. She picked up the syringe, injecting it into her IV.

"Alice," Bella chided. "You're perfect, Edward. I'm … not." Alice stepped out, closing the door behind her. Bella continued to cry, sniffling quietly. "How can you say that I'm beautiful, Edward?"

"Because, you still are. Right now, you're covered with bumps, bruises and scrapes, but those will fade, dolce," I said, holding her close to my body. "Nothing will make me love you any less. You are good and kind and tender and beautiful. I will remind you of that, always."

"What exactly is wrong? What are my injuries?" Bella asked, her left hand finding mine and idly playing with my wedding band.

"Probably the most severe of your injuries are located on your right side," I explained. "Whatever Renee did to your right arm, completed detached your bicep."

"She stabbed me. She stabbed my arms just because she could," Bella said woodenly.

"She won't hurt you anymore, dolce," I said fervently.

"What else?" she whispered, blinking down to her right arm, which was strapped to her chest.

"You have a broken wrist. Dr. Moretti said that he had to rebreak it to set it properly," I said. "You have stitches on your left arm. The rest of your injuries are not as intense. You have a sprained ankle, but that will heal in time."

"It hurts to breathe," Bella whimpered. "And my legs …" She blinked up at me, her brown eyes glassy from the medication but filled with terror. "Did Ricardo … did he?"

"No, Bella. He didn't," I said, cupping her face with my hands.

"I don't remember. I don't feel anything down there, but I've got bruises on my thighs," she panted out. "I … I can't even … I'm still yours? Right? I didn't want it."

"Cara, they never stopped long enough to do that," I murmured, kissing her forehead.

"He still touched me," she hissed, her body trembling terribly. "His hands were on my breasts and … he cupped me over my underwear. I feel so disgusting. I am disgusting."

"Bella, no," I said, moving so I could look at her. Tears streaked down her bruised cheeks. "Look at me, please?" She gripped my wrist with her left hand. Her eyes were unfocused, but she looked at me. "I know that you are lost, confused and feel … well, I don't know how you feel. Like you were my rock for me, I'll be there for you. I love you. I will tell you every day. Every hour. Whatever you need, I will do everything in my power to get it, to ensure your safety and your peace of mind."

"Just hold me," she sniffled.

"Forever, dolce. I'll hold you forever," I vowed, holding her to my chest. She cried, her tears soaking my shirt. I hummed quietly, idly running my fingers through her mahogany curls until her body relaxed against me. As she slept, I stewed in anger. Renee should have suffered more. She got off too easy with a shot to the back.

Regardless of what happened to Renee, I had to do something to ensure the safety of my wife.

Walk away … from the life … from the connections … from the mob.

Could I just walk away?

Blinking down to my sleeping, but tortured wife, I made my decision. For her, I would. For Charlie, I would.

A life without fear was worth it.

xx MOTM:FFF xx

Bella

It had been a couple of weeks since my abduction. My physical recovery was slow-going. The stitches in left arm and the few littered around my body had been removed. My right arm was strapped to my body, allowing my bicep to heal. I was sitting outside, laying on a chaise lounge. On my lap, my Kind was untouched. I was staring out, watching the sun glitter on the lake water.

"Baby girl, you need to eat," said my uncle, walking out onto the patio. "You're getting too skinny."

"I'm not hungry, Uncle Jimmy," I sighed, looking at him. "Besides, I'm not really capable of feeding myself with my left hand. I make such a mess. I refuse to be spoon-fed like my kid."

"That's why I made finger foods," Jimmy smirked, putting a place of sandwiches, shoe-string fries and freshly cut fruit onto the table. "No mess. I made your favorite chicken salad and used the special seasoning on the fries. Bells, I love you, but you need to eat."

"Okay," I grumbled. Jimmy helped me up and we sat down underneath the parasol. He pushed a bottle of water to me, which I sipped. "How's Sue? Leah? The restaurant?"

"Sue is fine. She's inside with Edward and Charlie," Jimmy answered, giving me a concerned look. "Leah, well, she's settled in at the center."

"It's my fault that Leah is in that fucking center," I spat.

"No, Bella. It's not. Leah's breakdown was not your fault. It never was your fault. If anyone was to blame, it was your bitch mother," Jimmy sneered. "Regardless, Leah needs more care than Sue and I could give her at the moment. Sue and I visit her daily and Seth and Claire spend time with her as their schedules allow. Until she no longer has those violent fits, she'll stay in the center. Sue's eye is just now starting to lose its discoloration. Her doctors believe it'll be a couple of months, but we've already seen an improvement."

"It may not be my fault, but I still feel responsible. Leah was fine before that whole ordeal," I muttered.

"Stop beating yourself up, Bells," Jimmy said, taking my left hand.

"It's all I can do," I sniffled. "I'm broken and so fucking angry. My mother got off easy. I'm left disfigured and fearful. Leah's hospitalized. Edward is plotting something … he's being protective and loving, but there's something in his eyes that seems to indicate that he's … I don't know." I gave my uncle a look. "Don't even get me started on the fact that you didn't even get your honeymoon."

"You are far more important than any honeymoon," Jimmy said. "Now, eat for fuck's sake!"

"Okay, okay," I said, picking up the sandwich. I nibbled on it. "This is really good, Uncle Jimmy. Thank you."

"Anything for you, baby girl," he smiled.

I continued to eat. Sue came out with Edward, who was holding my son. Charlie was growing like a weed, looking so much like my husband. I looked at Sue, who did have a healing black eye.

"Good, you got my Bella to eat," Edward said, sitting down next to me after he'd passed Charlie to Jimmy.

"I don't like having you feed me," I grumped. "I'm not as ambidextrous as you, Edward."

"Finger foods," Jimmy sang, tickling Charlie's tummy. My son was giggling and wriggling in Uncle Jimmy's lap. A ghost of a smile passed over my face. I reached to touch his chubby hand, but I pulled my arm back. The scar on my left bicep twinged from the quick movement. I wasn't ready to touch him. I couldn't … I'd taint him with my poison.

"Do you want to hold Charlie?" Edward asked, brushing an errant hair away from my face.

Do I? Yes.

Should I? No.

"I'm afraid I'll drop him," I whispered, pushing my plate away. I'd eaten most of my lunch and it was sitting in my stomach like a rock. "I'm not ready."

"He misses his mommy," Edward whispered back. "Tonight, when everyone leaves, you should spend some time with him. I know you're struggling. I know you feel dirty."

"I … don't," I argued weakly. Edward arched a brow over his glasses. "Edward …"

"I hear you speak when you're sleeping," he said. "Every word, cara."

"I'm sorry," I sniffled.

"Do not apologize, Bella. It's not your fault," he said quietly, brushing his lips on my temple.

"Have you spoken to Jacob?" Sue asked, her lips pursed. When she'd heard that Jacob was flirting with Nessie, resulting in my abduction, she was ready to spit nails. It was due to his negligence that I was taken and Leah was terrorized.

"He's been staying with his father," Edward replied, his posture stiff and his voice tight. "Things are … well, things are very uncertain at the moment."

"How so?" Jimmy asked.

Edward shifted and he threaded his fingers with mine. He nuzzled my hair, pulling me as close as possible. "I can't really get into details. Not until I have more answers. Until I've had a chance to make sense of what I'm feeling and … give Bella a chance to heal some more."

"What are you saying?" I pressed, looking at Edward.

"I'll tell you later. I promise," he said, kissing me tenderly. "In regard to Jacob, he's no longer a member of our organization. After what happened, he cannot be trusted. He's apologized numerous times and has begged to come speak to us, but I'm not ready."

"Neither am I," I sighed. "I'm not going to deny that Jacob and Nessie have something special, but it was due to his negligence that I ended up like this." I blinked down to my arms.

"Agreed," Sue spat. "Jacob was always a hard-working boy, but …" She huffed out a breath, crossing her arms angrily. Jimmy slid his arm around her shoulder and pressed a soft kiss to her head while he balanced Charlie on his other knee. She looked at him and melted into his embrace. "I'm sorry about my temper."

"You're not the only one who is struggling with what happened," Edward said calmly.

Uncle Jimmy and Sue stayed for an early dinner before Jimmy got called away to deal with a minor hiccup at the Blue Swan. Edward put Charlie to sleep and we walked back out to the patio. Edward lit a fire in the fire pit. He held me in his arms, idly scratching my back as we watched the flames dance among the logs. "Edward?"

"Yes, cara," he murmured, holding me tighter. I relished in his protection, the strength in his arms. I felt safe with him.

"I need help," I sniffled. "I'm terrified … I'm dirty … I …" Tears slipped down my cheeks and he turned me, cradling me in his arms.

"You're dealing with what I struggled with after my own abduction," he said, brushing his fingers along my cheeks. "I had you to talk to. You, with your psychology background, were able to help me. I do not have that expertise but I'm certain that I can help you find someone who does. Dr. Moretti has a brother who is a psychologist or psychiatrist. He's in the business … he understands."

"I don't know if I can talk to a guy, Edward," I hedged.

"I understand that, but he may be able to help you find someone who can give you the help you need," Edward said smoothly. His voice was calming and tender.

"I also noticed that you were 'tap dancing' when Sue asked about Jacob," I said. "What's going on?"

"Bella, trust me, please. We do need to discuss a number of things," he murmured. "Suffice it to say, there will be a family meeting at some point. For now, I just want to hold you. I want to enjoy the fire and the beauty of tonight, starting with you, dolce."

"Yeah, I'm gorgeous," I deadpanned. He gave me a sharp look, his green eyes swirling with frustration. "I'm sorry. I just feel gross. I can't really get as clean as I want to because of this monstrosity. You do a great job at washing my hair and such, but I just feel … I don't know …"

"I do know, cara," he sighed. "What I see is a woman who is stronger than anyone that I know. You're a little bruised at the moment, but you will be okay. I love you and will always love you. I'm just terrified that you will realize that I'm not worth it."

"You are, Edward," I said, brushing his too-long hair off his forehead. "I love you, too."

He took my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. He looked at my bare ring finger. I'd had yet to put my ring back on. My wedding band was now tainted by my mother's action. My wedding set was too tight because of some swelling from the injury in my left arm. "Bella, we're stronger together and we will get past this. We will find our happiness again. I promise you that."

"Stronger together," I breathed, cuddling closer to my husband. "I like the sound of that."

"Me, too, cara," Edward whispered, reverently as he slid his arms around my waist to hold me closer to his muscular body. I just melted into him, losing myself in the dancing flames.

A/N: Bella is recovered and is recovering. I will not be following every moment of her recuperation. We will meet Dr. Moretti's brother and get Bella in a better headspace emotionally. Alice will have a big hand in that, along with Esme and Sue.

Now, what will happen with Jacob? What will happen with the Consortium? There will be a family meeting and decisions need to be made. Leave me your thoughts as to what you want to see happen. I have my ideas, but I'm curious as to what you want to see.

I'll see you in a couple of weeks with another update! Thank you for reading!