As always, none of this is mine. This belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground she created.
Edward's trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. What is safest for his family? We'll hear more about that in this chapter.
Up next will be the continuation of this chapter, with Bella's birthday, Maas's sentencing and maybe the conversation with Jacob. We're getting close to the end, folks. I'm thinking there will be three more chapters and then the epilogue.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Edward
On Saturday, the weekend of Bella's birthday, I was kicked out of my house by my mother, Alice, Sue and Lauren. They were giving my wife a day of pampering, which she deserved. I heard things mentioned like manicures, pedicures, highlights and a complete makeover.
It was also in preparation for the date I had planned for my wife in honor of her birthday. A long overdue date with soul mate, the woman I'd loved more than my own life.
I left the house with Charlie, driving over to Emmett's to watch the Cub's game with Jasper, Uncle Jimmy and my dad. Arriving at Emmett's contemporary home overlooking the lake, I took Charlie out of his car seat and carried him, along with his overnight bag of goodies inside. "Hello?" I called.
"Edward! We're in the back, but I'm getting beers," I heard from the kitchen.
I walked through Emmett's living room and dining room, finding Jimmy rooting around in the fridge. All around the home, I noticed Lauren's boho aesthetic mixed in with Emmett's love of clean lines. Lauren obviously decorated since Emmett was completely color blind. However, he loved the sleek contemporary lines. Their styles were blended well and it made for a unique home.
Jimmy turned around, holding a few bottles of IPA. "You brought my grandson!" He grinned goofily as Charlie began squirming.
"Ganpa!" Charlie squealed, reaching for Jimmy. He put down the beers and eagerly swooped Charlie into his arms. He kissed and tickled him, making my son giggle happily.
I chuckled, putting Charlie's bag onto the ground. I picked up the beers and walked with Jimmy out to the back patio. Once outside, I sit down on a chair and marveled at Emmett's set up. "Nice, Em … I like the outdoor family room."
"Thanks," Emmett grinned, munching on some chips. "The structure was already here, along with the fire pit and hook ups for the television. Lauren added the frou-frou stuff and made it homey."
"It looks great," I said, munching on some veggies and dip.
"Are you ready for your evening with Bella?" Dad asked.
"I think we both need this. Just a night where there's nothing hanging over our heads," I said, taking a sip of beer. "Thank you for watching Charlie, Dad."
"We would have, but after Sue comes back, we're going to visit Leah," Jimmy said, bouncing Charlie on his knee. "I'm happy that we got to see each other today." He kissed Charlie's head and he wriggled on Jimmy's knee.
"How's she doing?" Jasper asked. "Leah?"
"She's getting better. No more violent outbursts. At least, not recently," Jimmy answered. "The doctors said that she could be okay to come home by the holidays."
"Why was she placed in a residential facility?" Emmett asked.
"She was suffering from PTSD from the abduction and what happened that day. You've seen how Bella is dealing with it, and she's able to express her fears, frustrations, anger and pain. She can tell you if she's upset or question things occurred to her. Leah? She didn't know how to make sense of what happened," Jimmy said. "She became violent and she hurt Sue. She was raging and hit Sue so hard that she knocked a few teeth loose. So, we placed her into a residential facility. They've been able to help her come to grips what happened that day. It's slow-going, but we're seeing more of Leah and less of the confused, angry woman."
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"Edward, don't apologize. It's not your fault," Jimmy smiled at me. "You didn't cause Renee to go batshit crazy."
"No, but it was our connection to Ricardo that hurt Leah," I huffed out.
"Son, you can't talk ownership of what happened. It's not your fault," Dad said forcefully, his voice taking on a resonant tenor. "Things are changing. You're changing … let those changes happen." He gave me a stern, but understanding look. A look to tell me to shut the hell up.
"What are you doing for Bella's birthday?" Emmett asked.
"I helped Edward," Jimmy smirked. "My head chef is making a meal for the two of them. Felix is picking it up in a couple of hours."
"Originally, I wanted to take Bella out to dinner and just woo her, making her feel like a gorgeous woman," I said. "But, Bella's having some difficulties with going out in crowded places. She's jumpy and fearful. Understandably so … she's working on it with her therapist and talking about it. Anyway, I've been taking lessons with Felix and Liam, learning how to maneuver the boat. I'm taking Bella out on the yacht, The Dolce. I wanted to take her out and this way, we have the privacy to be together, but the safety of being close to home."
"I think she'll like that," Emmett nodded. "Did you get her something for her birthday?"
"I got her a new wedding band since her old one was tainted by her mother," I said. "However, I think what we need more than anything, is time just to be us. To talk, to reconnect as husband and wife …"
"I do not want to hear how you're going to defile my niece," Jimmy grumbled.
"We're nowhere near that, Jimmy," I argued, giving him a glower. "Bella's still healing and is still dealing with lingering issues from what Ricardo had attempted to do." I sighed, sitting back and taking a sip of beer. "Bella needs to remember that I adore her. I need to be there for her as her friend, her lover, her husband, the father of our son and the one who would protect her until the ends of the earth."
"I think that sounds like a perfect birthday celebration," Dad said. "Quiet and romantic."
"I need a refill," I said, getting up. "Anyone want one?"
"I want to see the options," Jasper replied, following me into the kitchen. He ambled to the fridge, pursing his lips as he stared at the vast array of beers. "Bella's been talking to Alice, about … you know."
"The fact that Ricardo sexually assaulted my wife," I spat.
"Yeah," Jasper said, plucking a beer and leaning against the counter. "She also talked to Alice about Renee."
"Bella told me about that conversation," I murmured. "My mother has been mothering her and showing her that my wife is worthy of a mother's love. She's worthy of everything. I'm starting to see my wife come back. She's not as haunted. She does still have nightmares and panic attacks, but …" I shook my head. "Thank you for talking to me. I love my wife."
"Just be careful with her," Jasper said.
I nodded. He gave me a smile, leaving the kitchen with his beer. I took a few breaths, sliding out my cell phone. I found Bella's number and sent her a text.
I love you, cara. I can't wait to spoil you tonight for your birthday. I'm thinking about you for every moment of every day … Edward
The three dots danced at the bottom of my screen. Her response came shortly after that. Edward, thank you … for everything. For being you. For loving me. Normally, I hate my birthday, but I'm looking forward to spending some time with you, just you and me. I love you … so much … Bella
"We're going to be okay," I breathed, sending a photo Charlie and Jimmy to my wife. "We're going to be okay."
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Bella
I ran my fingers through the curls. I looked like the woman Edward married, minus the brace around right arm. I was wearing a beautiful royal blue cocktail dress. I was barefoot, wriggling my pedicured toes in the soft carpeting of my bedroom. The bright pink nail polish glimmered against my pale skin.
"Stop fussing with your hair," Alice said.
"It's been a long time since I've had my hair down," I huffed. "And it's so long."
"You had almost six inches hacked off," Lauren snickered, rooting through my closet for shoes. "What about these?" She held out a pair of nude heels.
"That won't work," Esme said. "Not for what Edward has planned." She scurried into the closet and I heard them whispering.
"Does Esme know what Edward is doing for my birthday?" I asked. "It's not something super fancy, or a restaurant, or … I'm not ready. I don't think I can go out …"
"Bells, breathe, sweetie," Alice said, taking my hand. "Have a little faith in you hubby."
"I'm dressed up in this gorgeous dress, looking like how I used to," I trailed off. "I look pretty, when I'm not pretty. Not anymore."
"Now, that's complete and utter horseshit," Alice snapped. "What are you saying? Bella, you're absolutely beautiful. Inside and out. You have so many things that are beautiful … I know that you're trying to come back from something that no one should ever have to endure."
"Lauren, Alice, can I have a moment with my daughter?" Esme asked, carrying a pair of some simple flats, but still lovely. "Edward should be here soon."
"Sure, Esme," Lauren nodded. She walked over to me, hugging me tightly. "Happy birthday, Bella. I love you, sweetie."
"Love you, too," I breathed, hugging her back as best as I could with my gimpy arm. Alice kissed my cheek before dragging Lauren out of the room. Esme took my good hand, guiding me out to the balcony. Memories of the night where Edward and I had the hottest night of lovemaking of our entire marriage. I missed my husband. I missed feeling desirable. "Esme, I'm okay."
"You're okay, but you still see yourself as damaged," Esme said gently. "You're not damaged, sweetheart."
"But, I am, Esme," I whispered. "When will I feel normal? When will I feel like I'm not ruined?"
"You may never feel normal, Bella," Esme said. "But, regardless, you're stronger than you think. You're able to smile, laugh and love. And your mother? She was the one who was wrong. She missed out on knowing the most wonderful woman. It's her loss. Regardless of what she did, you are worthy of everything. I will tell you until the day I die that you are worthy of love, of happiness, of laughter and joy."
"I wish I had someone like you when I was growing up, Esme," I sniffled.
"I may not have been there while you were growing up, but I will be here for long time. I have Nonna duties," she quipped. She looked at her watch, smiling brightly. "I have Nonna duties tonight. Charlie is going to spend the night with me and Carlisle. You and Edward are going to spend time together."
"Esme, I don't think … I'm not ready for sex," I blurted.
"I know you aren't. So does Edward," Esme chuckled. "But, intimacy is more than inserting tab A into slot B."
"Esme!" I wailed.
"Hey, at least I didn't say 'bumping uglies,'" Esme smirked.
"Just … argh!" I whimpered, covering my ears. "There are some things that my mother-in-law should not say. Both of those phrases fall into that category, Esme."
She giggled, but sobered. She took my hand and stared at me, her eyes soft and gentle. "I may make light of sex, but I understand that you're trying to come to grips with what happened to you. Have you and Edward really talked about it? Talked about your recovery? Talked about what's happening now? Talked about what will happen in the future?"
"A little bit," I shrugged. "I just want to have a night without this dominating our conversation." I gestured to my arm. "I want to laugh with my husband. I want him to touch me without me jumping out of my god damned skin. I know Edward would never hurt me, but …"
"It will take time and Edward will be as patient as he needs to be," Esme said soothingly.
"I also don't want Edward to treat me like I'm fragile, or made out of glass," I argued.
"You may not be ready for sex, but that doesn't mean that you aren't ready for more," Esme said. "Rebuilding that intimacy, that connection, should be more healing than therapy. It helps you reestablish your limits, boundaries and love. Edward adores you so much. He'd do anything to take your pain away." She hugged me, giving me love my mother should have. "I love you, sweet girl."
"I love you, too, Esme," I said, pressing my cheek to her shoulder, relishing in her embrace.
She kissed my temple and pulled back, cupping my face. "You need a touch up and then, your husband will be here to celebrate your birthday. I hope you enjoy it."
She walked me into the bathroom, curling my hair and touching up my makeup. With each pass of the brush and Esme's soothing presence, I let the calm wash over me. She deemed me finished, helping me to my feet and down the stairs. I was better, but my balance was off since I was still down a wing.
Downstairs, I saw my husband. He was dressed in a pair of black dress pants and a polo shirt. He was talking to Alice and Lauren. Lauren was blushing and thanking him. I assumed that he was complimenting Lauren about her new home with Emmett. Edward blinked up and his mouth quirked up into a dazzling crooked smile. His eyes, behind his frames, just glowed with undying love.
I was in tunnel vision, staring at my husband. I faintly remembered Alice and Lauren hugging me once more before they left with Esme. Edward walked toward me, his smile loving and tender, but with a simmering heat, bubbling just below the surface. "You look like a dream," he whispered. His fingers glided over my cheek. "I'm so fucking lucky to have you as my wife."
"You're looking pretty amazing yourself, Edward," I said, stepping closer to him. He leaned down, staring into my eyes before he brushed his lips over mine. I sighed, melting into his embrace. I slid my good arm around his waist as he tangled his fingers into my curls. He nibbled on my lower lip before pulling back. "I wanted more," I pouted.
"I promise to give you more, cara," he smiled. "How was your day? No Bella Barbie?"
"Oh, I was Bella Barbie. But, since I've been living in my sweatpants and looking like a scrub," I snorted. "It feels nice to be dressed up and pretty. I forgot how good it feels to have curled hair and pretty toes."
"Even when you're wearing sweatpants and looking like a scrub, you're beyond gorgeous, Bella," Edward said, threading his fingers with mine and leading me out the back door.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"I know that you're not ready to go out to a restaurant," Edward said, guiding me down the deck to the slip where the yacht was docked. "I wanted to give you something special. With your uncle's help, I got us dinner. Some of your favorites."
"If I remember correctly, driving this thing freaks you the hell out," I said, gesturing to the boat. "You named it." On the bow, in an elegant cursive script, the name glittered. The Dolce bobbed in the lake water. "When did you get this done?"
"Felix and Liam found someone shortly after they got back from Decatur," Edward answered, his nose scrunched up.
"What's with this face? You'll give yourself wrinkles," I quipped.
"I'm just terrified that …" he muttered.
"Edward, it happened," I said. "I don't want you to freak out every time you mention what happened those few days I was taken. I'm working on my triggers. You can't treat me with kid gloves for the rest of our lives."
"Got it," he said, pulling me closer to his muscular body. "It's just, I'm still trying to come to grips that you're here. You're okay. You're alive, a survivor."
"I fought for you, Edward," I murmured. "I fought for you, for Charlie. And now? I'm fighting for me. I don't want to be this broken, fragile thing."
"You're not," he smiled. "Never were and never will be. Now, I want to celebrate your birth. You're the single most important person in my life. I love you and I want to spoil you, just a little bit." Turning and kneeling in front of me, Edward smiled. "Starting with this."
"Edward, baby, we've already said our vows," I said.
"Yes, we said our vows," Edward murmured, picking up my left hand. "But, you're missing an important piece of jewelry. Bella, I love you so, so much. Every day, I will tell you how much I adore you. Every moment, I will show you how much you mean to me. Bella, mia cara, will you wear my ring for the rest of our days? Will be my wife forever?" He slid a gorgeous diamond eternity band onto my finger.
"Oh, Edward …" I whispered. "Always. I can't imagine my life without you."
He grinned beautifully, standing up and kissing me deeply. He dipped me on the dock and I laughed as he peppered my face with sweet kisses. I giggled until he slid his tongue into my mouth and I moaned, lost in his strength and warmth. He righted us, pulling away from my mouth. He picked up my left hand and brushed his lips over my new ring. "This is not the only gift to you, dolce. Come, we have a date with the sunset."
"And you can drive this thing?" I asked as Edward helped me onto the yacht. Now, I know why the heels wouldn't work. They'd cause damage to the hull of the ship.
"I've been taking lessons," Edward said, helping me to sit down. "Felix and Liam have been a wealth of information." He kissed me again before he removed the ropes and turned on the engine. I watched him as he expertly maneuvered the ship away from the dock. He winked at me, making me blush.
A half hour later, he dropped the anchor. The sun was slowly making its way to the horizon. Edward took my hand and led me to the deck in the rear. "Stay here, dolce," he said, kissing me sweetly. He gently guided me to the back bench. Ducking into galley, I watched him take out a tablecloth and covered the table along with some plates, wine glasses and some fake candles. "With the wind, I don't want to make the boat become engulfed in flames. Alice found these on the Home Shopping Network."
"They look almost real," I said.
"Minus the flames," he quipped, kissing me and walking back into the galley. He came back with the food, settling down next to me after he'd turned on some sparkle lights. He poured us both a glass of wine and slid his arms around my body. "To your birthday, my love."
"Thank you, Edward," I murmured, kissing his jaw.
We drank the wine, ate a delicious meal and talking about Charlie and about our family. We did not talk about my abduction, Edward's indecisiveness about the Consortium, and the overall evasiveness with the family. Edward and I flirted, laughed and fed each other delicious morsels of the best meal I'd ever eaten. When we were done with dinner, Edward pulled out an adorable small birthday cake, decorated with purple, blue, seafoam green and pink icing. "This is so amazing," I said. "Very pretty."
"It's your favorite cake," Edward said, lighting a candle on top of the cake. He threaded our fingers together and pressed his lips to my temple. "Make a wish, dolce."
I closed my eyes, imagining a happy life with my husband. I prayed and wished for joy, peace and love. I wanted more babies. Opening my eyes, I leaned forward and blew out the candle. I turned to face my husband and looked at him. He was staring at me, his eyes swirling with so much love and adoration. It was then that I noticed another small box in his hand. "What's this?"
"Another present for you, Bella," he smirked.
"Edward," I chided.
"It's my prerogative to spoil my wife," he sang, opening up the box. Inside, sparkling under the lights of the boat, was a pair of sapphire earrings and a matching ring.
"Oh, wow," I breathed. "It's gorgeous. Thank you, Edward. I love the ring and the earrings are breathtaking."
"Nothing but the best for my wife," he whispered against my temple as he draped his arms around my body, holding me closely to his muscular torso. "I love you, Bella. With everything that's happened, I want you to know that I love you with my whole heart." His voice cracked on the last word. "I thought I'd lost you, Bella, and it broke me. Even now, I'm terrified that it won't be enough; that I won't be enough …" I turned and moved so I was facing my husband. I straddled his lap and watched as he fell apart. My strong, infallible husband was crying. I slid my good arm around his neck and I cried with him. "I can't lose you, Bella. I can't lose you. Stay with me." His arms held me to his body as he let out nearly two months' worth of fear, anguish and anger.
"I'm not going anywhere, Edward," I whispered in his ear. "I love you and you are my everything. You were my strength when I was taken. I fought for you. I fought for Charlie."
"I love you. I love you, Bella," he sniffled, looking at me with glassy green eyes. He looked broken, but so beautiful. "Always."
"Forever," I said, allowing my own tears to fall down my cheeks. "Forever, Edward."
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Edward
After Bella's birthday weekend, it had been a turning point. We both felt lighter, more at ease. We'd spent the night talking about moving forward from Bella's abduction and addressing the underlying cause of that abduction.
My job.
The Consortium.
"Are you ready for this?" Bella asked, taking my hand.
We were driving to the city and we were meeting with everyone in our family to discuss the future of the business. Anthony and Nina had flown in from New York City. Mom was spending time Anthony's mother while we were having this meeting. They were also watching the kids.
"I'm ready. This uncertainty … we need to move past it," I nodded, pulling into the Consortium building's garage. We walked to the elevator and rode up to the top floor. I held Bella's hand, walking with a purpose to the largest conference room in the building. Everyone was already there. Every seat was filled, save for the head of the table and the seat to the right. I helped Bella into that seat and she gave me a soft, gentle smile. I sat down, taking Bella's hand. "Thank you, everyone, for being here." I blinked to Bella. She nodded and mouthed that she loved me. "I know that the past few months have been a bit … undefined."
"Boss, it's okay. We get it," Seth said quietly.
"That's the thing, I'm not your boss," I said. "I'm not the boss. After Bella was taken, I was shattered to my core. It was our connection to Los Muertos that got Bella hurt. Yes, ultimately it was her mother's insanity, but it was us. It was this. I love her and I know that what I'm going to say is going to upset a lot of people. It is, however, what's right for my family, for our family." I kissed Bella's knuckles and blew out a deep breath.
"Edward, we will not be upset," Dad murmured, looking at me proudly.
I blinked to Emmett, who gave me a grin and shot me two thumbs' up. I snorted as I looked down at the table. With one more breath, I looked at the people who'd gone to war for me. Men and women who had helped maintain our dark empire. "I know that this limbo is driving you all crazy, but after discussing it with my wife and my family, we can't do this. I can't do this. I've got too much at stake. The Consortium, we're pulling out of the illegal part of our business. We've already begun to make those changes. We're selling our business holdings to our lieutenants, liquidating our inventory and cutting ties with our assets."
"What will happen to the rest of us?" Liam asked. "I know that you won't be needing a bodyguard or personal protection … I don't have any other marketable traits. I can't exactly put down 'assassin for hire.'"
"A number of our business are legit," Emmett replied. "We will help you with jobs, but you will also be paid handsomely."
"Liam, you will always be a part of our family," I added. "All of you are. We just cannot use our talents for evil. There are too many things at risk. Too many people. I don't want to lose anyone. Not anymore. We've lost too many people."
"What about the people you've thrown away?" Billy asked, glowering at me and at Bella.
"Billy, what your son did was not right. His attention was elsewhere and if he'd been thinking with his head and not his dick, Bella would not have been taken," Dad snapped. "We didn't throw him away. He made his choice when he didn't do his god damned job."
"We'll talk about Jacob at a later point, privately," I sneered. "Now is not the time to discuss his choices."
"So, what's the plan, Edward?" Felix asked.
"A fresh start," I breathed, looking at my wife. "Emmett will be moving to be the CEO of the Consortium, our venture capitalist and real estate firm. People who are electing to stay in Chicago will be given positions in the new organization. Bella and I are going to be moving away from Chicago, opening up a new firm on the West Coast."
"Where on the West Coast?" Seth questioned.
"It's not solidified, but we're looking at either Portland or Seattle," Bella replied.
"I know that this is not what you all wanted to hear," I said. "This organization has been in existence for almost four generations. It's been lucrative, but the cost is too much. We all need to move past the violence, the anger."
"Boss, I'm with you, whatever you decide," Jasper said. I opened my mouth to argue what he called me. "You are my boss. My friend. My cousin. My family. I'm with you. Both of us are." He took Alice's hand and kissed her knuckles.
"I miss working in a hospital," she smirked. "Bossing around scared little interns and residents. I need to have my minions. We're in."
"How will this go forward? Dismantling the illegal aspects of the Consortium?" Anthony asked. "I'm more than happy to take these next steps."
I sat forward and spent several hours explaining how we were cleaning up our act. It would be a slow process, but it had to be if we didn't want to be caught by the Feds or Interpol. Everyone was on board in the conference room. We found them work within the legitimate business, paying them fair, more than fair wages.
Emmett was staying in Chicago, taking over as CEO of the Consortium. We'd make the official announcement after the first of the year. My parents were going to stay in Chicago, as well, but would purchase a home in wherever we ended up. Or, at least, that's what my father said. Seth and Claire would remain in Chicago since Claire's arrest of Maas had put her on the fast-track to move up in the police department. Dr. Moretti was also going to stay in Chicago since he'd grown to love the city and he was building a lucrative practice.
Jasper and Alice were going to move the West Coast, along with Felix and Liam. Jenks also said that he'd travel to the West Coast, eager to dip his toes into fresh waters.
There were a handful of people on the fence as to what to do. Billy was steaming and pissed off. Nina and Anthony would work with us to clean up the New York facet of our organization. They had other ways of earning their money, continuing to do that until they retired. Some of our other employees were uncertain as to what they could do in the new organization.
After our conversation, the packed room emptied out and our plan for dismantling the Consortium was put into play. The only people who remained were my inner circle and Billy, who'd called Jacob when our meeting was finished. We needed to discuss his future in the organization.
Well, if I had my way, he'd have no future.
He'd be dead.
But, I can't use bullets to solve my problems anymore.
I'm on the straight and narrow.
Jacob came into the conference room, looking like total shit. His hair was shaggy and he had a scruffy beard. He ambled into the room, giving Bella a forlorn look. She bristled, taking my hand. "Thank you for coming in, Jacob," I said, trying to keep my voice even.
He nodded and sat down next to his father. "I was surprised that you wanted to see me, Boss."
"I'm not the boss. Not anymore," I sighed. "Jacob, we need to talk about what happened that day. Let me try to understand."
"Boss …" he said.
I held up my hand. "Don't speak until I say so."
"Edward," Billy growled, "stop being a prick."
"You're here as a courtesy. I can rescind that fucking courtesy," I snapped. "Your son fucked up. Royally. I want to know. I need to understand." I blew out a breath and looked at my wife. Her eyes were glassy, but there was no fear. "The day my wife was taken, you were on her detail to protect Bella and Charlie."
"Yes," Jacob answered.
"Who else was with you?" I asked.
"Felix and Leah," he replied.
"And?" I pressed.
"Nessie," Jake whispered.
"When Bella was taken, where were you? Were you guarding the bathroom?" I hissed.
"No," he muttered. He mumbled something, but I couldn't hear him.
"What was that?" I growled.
"I was talking to Nessie," Jake snapped back, shooting up and scowling at me. "I fucked up. I know that. I will live with that for the rest of my life, Edward. The person who was supposed to trust me for protection was taken and hurt beyond all measure because of me. I should have stopped it. I was Bella's personal protection. I was her friend and I fucked up." Tears were streaming down his face and he blinked to my wife. "I was distracted and I will forever hate myself for what happened to you. You are my best friend, Bella." He sat down, tangling his fingers into his greasy hair. "I don't know what I can do to make this better. Because of my actions, one of the people I love more than anything, was hurt and I've lost the trust of the other person I love."
"What happened with Nessie?" Bella asked, her voice quiet and tentative.
"We broke up," Jacob replied. "She couldn't stay with me, knowing the truth. She's moved back home, withdrawn from university." He looked up at me. "She won't breathe a word to anyone. I promise."
"Your promises mean little to me," I growled. I blinked to Jasper. Bella placed her hand on my arm.
"On it, Boss," he nodded, getting up and leaving the conference room.
"Jacob, with what happened, I can't forgive you. I can't forget it, either," I said.
"I understand, Edward," Jacob said. "I can't forgive myself or forget it. I hate the fear, the emptiness, I see in Bella's eyes. I hate that it was my mistake that put that into her eyes."
"Jacob, son," Billy frowned.
"No, Dad. I fucked up. You know I fucked up. You can be pissed at Edward as much as you want, but it was my mistake. I should be dead. I deserve to die," Jacob said quietly.
"No more death," Bella said. "No more lives." She looked at Jacob. "No more … I forgive you, Jacob." Standing up, she kissed me and left the conference room.
"She's right," I said. I pushed a file folder to Jacob, with a separate folder to Billy. "This is a new life for you, Jacob. A new name, a new life. Away from all of this. With all that happened, we can't trust you. Billy, I also know that you can't be a part of our organization without your son. It's the same offer as Jacob."
"Same?" Billy asked.
"Not exactly the same," I said. "Obviously, you've been with us for a lot longer than Jacob and your offer will reflect that. But, a new name, new life and an opportunity to start fresh, like all of us."
"I don't want your money," Jacob said, pushing the folder away without even opening it.
"Consider it a severance package," I argued. "It'll set you up for life, Jacob."
"We'll take it, Edward," Billy said. He put his hand on Jacob's shoulder. "You won't hear from us again."
"There's also a non-disclosure agreement you need to sign," I explained, opening the folder. "If you both could sign it ..." Emmett slid a pen to Jacob, who scribbled his name on the contract. He passed the pen to Billy, who did the same. "You both understand the repercussions if you talk?"
"Certain death," Jacob quipped sadly, giving me a pathetic grin.
"No more death," I argued. "That time is over, Jacob." I took the documents, placing them into a file. "Whatever you need …"
"We'll just leave. We have some family in Hawaii. My sister, Rachel, has a place down there. We'll open up a surf shop," Billy explained.
"Dad, you're in a wheelchair," Jacob snorted.
"I sell, you surf," Billy shrugged. He pushed back and rolled to me, holding out his hand. "I'm sorry for being an ass. I was thinking about my son, but I'd forgotten what Bella had to go through. It wasn't until Jake pointed it out. I'm sorry for being … an asshole. Please, tell Bella that I'm sorry."
"Well, your loyalty is to your family," I replied, shaking his hand. "Just like I'm loyal to mine. Best of luck in Hawaii."
"If you want to learn how to surf, give me a call," Billy chuckled, rolling out of the conference room.
Jacob got up and stood in front of me. "Boss, I know I can never earn your forgiveness or your trust. It will haunt me for the rest of my life," he mumbled. "I hope, in time, you will be able to …"
"I forgive you, Jacob," I said quietly. "I forgave you a long time ago. It's why you're still breathing and why you're getting a fresh start. You also were there for me, for us, in taking out Renee and ending that nightmare." I stood up, holding out my hand. Jacob shook it, but I pulled him into a hug. "Live your life, Jake. Be happy."
"I will, Boss," he whispered, returning my embrace. "I'm forever sorry, Edward." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled envelope. "This is for Bella. Give it to her for me? It's a goodbye."
"I will, Jacob. I wish you all the best," I said.
He nodded and took the file with the information about his new life. With one more wistful look, he turned to leave. My heart lurched and I sat down heavily. It was harder than I thought, letting Jacob and Billy go.
"Edward," my dad murmured, sitting down next to me, "I know that was difficult for you. Both of them were valued, loyal members of our family. However, what happened with Bella and Jacob's choice … he redeemed himself with his part in saving your wife. But, he betrayed you. He betrayed Bella."
"I know, Dad," I whispered.
"A fresh start …" Emmett added. "You gave them a fresh start. Just like you're giving yourself a fresh start. We all deserve it, Edward. Ending the story and beginning a new one."
I looked at my brother and nodded. "Let's start writing," I breathed.
A/N: We had Bella's birthday and the family meeting. You all saw this coming, to be honest. The Cullen Consortium will be going in a different direction. Emmett is going to take over in Chicago, while Edward and Bella will be moving across the country.
We've got one or two more chapters, plus an epilogue. I had every intention of putting Maas's sentencing in this chapter, but it'll be in the next chapter. We're also going to have some Mobward (but not Mobward) and Dolce reconnection. Again, I'd had every intention to have some citrusy goodness in this chapter, but it didn't seem right.
Pictures for this chapter will be on my blog. You can access that through a link in my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.
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