As always, none of this is mine. This belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground she created.
We have the epilogue left and it will be a glimpse into their future. What will happen Mobward and Dolce? How will they handle their lives in Seattle? What will they have? Boy? Girl?
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Epilogue
Bella
Five Years Later
"Mom! You promised we could go visit Dad," Charlie said, his hands on his hips. It was the last day of Spring Break and my kids were all very antsy. He looked so much like my husband, with his unruly hair and piercing green eyes. However, he also looked like my father, as well. Every so often, he'd make a face that was so distinctly my father.
"We're going," I chuckled, packing up the diaper bag with bottles and extra diapers. "Go get your sister while I load up the baby."
"Libby!" Charlie bellowed as he ran up the stairs.
"Your big brother has two volumes, little one. Loud and louder," I whispered conspiratorially to our third baby, another boy. A baby boy who was named for a fallen friend, Demetri. I lifted him from his high chair and grimaced. Demetri, unfortunately, would be our last baby.
Elizabetta, or Libby, was an easy pregnancy. She was named for her paternal great grandmother. I experienced no issues with her and she practically slid out of my body. I bounced back and a couple years after her birth, I got pregnant with Demetri. His pregnancy was not easy. I was hospitalized several times for dehydration because I could not keep anything down. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, placed on bed rest for a majority of our pregnancy. Esme and Sue had moved into the house to help out with Charlie and Libby. It drove Edward crazy.
Demetri James Cullen, or D.J., was born via C-section and I had my tubes tied after his birth. Edward and I made that decision because he hated that I was so sick, shackled to our bed. He couldn't bear to watch me wither away. He said that he'd get a vasectomy, but I said that I'd get my tubes tied.
My oldest son and my baby girl came downstairs. Libby had obviously dressed herself. Her bright red hair was a snarled mess and she wore the mismatched outfit, with a tutu over her shoulders like wings. "Oh, child. You are a mess," I laughed. I balanced Demetri in my arms and turned Libby around.
"Mom," Charlie whined.
"It'll take ten minutes, bud," I said, frog marching Libby up to her room. I put D.J. into his crib. He started wailing, but I ignored it. I changed Libby's clothes, much to her protestations. "Mommy, I want to look like a princess. I'm Daddy's princess."
"I know, baby girl," I said, putting her into a pretty purple dress. "But, princesses need to have their hair combed and the tutu is for dress up or when you have dance." I sat down on her bed and guided her to sit in front of me. I quickly brushed her hair, tossing it up into a ponytail. She was squirming, making it difficult to fix her hair, but she looked much better. "Pick a pair of shoes, Libbybell."
"Kay, Mommy," Libby said, picking a pair of sparkly shoes.
After Libby was dressed, D.J. was changed and Charlie stopped having his temper tantrum, we loaded up into our Range Rover. I drove us to the Cullen Pier. Edward's business venture with Alistair had blossomed. The Cullen Consortium was one of the foremost investment capital firms in the Pacific Northwest. I was so proud of him, of what he built with his partner.
"Mom, after we visit Dad, can we go to the Jimmy's? I want to see Ganpa," Charlie said, bouncing in his booster.
"Oooh, I wanna see Gandpa," Libby squealed, clapping her hands.
"Sure thing, Charlie," I smiled, parking the car. Grabbing the stroller and taking Libby's hand, we walked to the entrance of the Consortium. Charlie's hand was on the stroller. "Go open the door, Charlie and hold it open for me." He scurried to the door and I walked through it, ruffling his hair.
"Mom!" he whined. "I worked hard on this hair."
"No amount of work will help you, buddy," Edward laughed. "I've got the same problem."
I smiled at my husband, who even after seven years of marriage, made my heart gallop. His bronze hair had more grey and his face was lined with smile lines and crow's feet. Regardless, he was so sexy, smart and amazing. "Hey, CEOWard. How are your millions?"
"Growing into billions," he laughed, kissing me tenderly. "How are my minions? Are you keeping Mommy company? Being nice to her?"
"Mom took forever to get ready," Charlie said, hugging his father's waist. At nearly seven years old, our son was a spitting image of my husband. He adored his father, wanting to emulate him in every way. However, Charlie was a Momma's boy. I was his person, despite his sass at the current moment.
"Uh, I didn't. Miss Thing here was wearing a hot mess," I snorted, tugging on Libby's ponytail. "And she truly was your daughter this morning. Her snarls had snarls."
"Mommy made me look pretty," Libby said, skipping to her father and holding up her arms. He scooped her up, kissing her sweetly. She snuggled against him, playing with his hair. With a smile, Edward guided us into his office. I waved at Alistair. He gave me a wink before turning back to his computer and yelling into his headset. "Is Uncle Alistair mad?"
"He's always mad," Edward snorted.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
"We hired an intern from UDub and she didn't work out as well as we hoped," Edward sighed, sitting down on the couch. "She messed up a deal and it cost us some money. Alistair is ripping the university a new …" He trailed off when he saw two pairs of jade-colored eyes hanging on his every word. "He's strongly expressing his displeasure."
"What happened to the intern?" I pressed, taking out D.J. and hugging him to my body. He curled against me.
"We've let her go," Edward answered. "It wasn't the only mistake she made. She held promise, but … I miss you in our office."
"I'm still healing, baby. I'm hoping that by summer I'll be back. A couple more months," I snickered. "Besides, with D.J. being our last little one, I want to relish spending time with him when he's all cute and adorable. It's not every day that I get snuggle my babies and we all know that trying to snuggle those to is like herding cats." Edward laughed, nodding as he watched our two older kids bounce around his office. "I just don't want to rely on your parents for child care. Your mom is still healing from that hip fracture and subsequent surgery."
"Uncle Jimmy and Sue have offered, as well," Edward suggested. "I just miss working with my wife."
"I miss working, too," I said, adjusting our baby boy because he was trying to eat my sweater. I covered my chest, guiding D.J. to my breast. He went to town and would continue to breast feed for another month before I'd begin using formula.
Once the building opened up, four years ago, I joined Edward and Alistair in the office. I wasn't a mogul at money like them, but I was able to type up press releases, maintain the website and social media presence. I handled that aspect of the Consortium and helping to grow the company, one Facebook page and Twitter follower at a time. After I'd gotten that to a comfortable spot, where I could just post updates and not fuss with code on a daily basis, I also freelanced with Julia Burke, the wife of the contractor who renovated the building, in her interior design firm. Owen and Julia moved into an upper office in the building, loving the vibe of our company.
In addition to being our work neighbors, they also became very close friends. Charlie and their son, Michael, were best friends. They were frequent visitors to our home, enfolded into our unique family.
"I heard from Emmett and Lauren," Edward said, giving Charlie and Libby some snacks. "Their home has sold and they're officially making the move."
"Excellent. It took them long enough," I snickered. "I missed seeing them so often. I know you felt the same way, Edward."
"Emmett and I, despite the distance, have grown closer ever since things morphed into what they are now," Edward shrugged. "I'm not my brother's boss. We're equal partners and were able to thrive separately. And, our lives, they're filled with peace and contentment that I never thought I'd have."
"You have lost some of your hard edges, baby," I said.
"I'm not all soft," he growled. "In fact, I showed you last night just how hard I can be."
"Trust me. I'm feeling it today," I giggled, shifting on my seat. "Now, tell me more about Emmett and Lauren's move."
Nearly everyone had moved out to Seattle. There was nothing holding them in Chicago. In fact, the only time we actually went back to Chicago was for weddings, for Seth and Claire and Emmett and Lauren. They got married within a month of each other. We ended up staying in the condo for both nuptials, having sold our Chicago home. We'd kept it for a few months, but the upkeep seemed like an unnecessary expense. We sold it, but kept the condo downtown. It would available to us, similar to the condo Edward owned in New York City. We wouldn't have to stay in a hotel, having the comforts of home.
Uncle Jimmy, Sue and Leah moved out the summer after we closed on our new home. A couple of years after they got married, Claire got injured on the job. She was shot in the arm. When she went to the hospital, they discovered she was pregnant. They decided to pack it in, moving closer to family. They had a baby girl, Katherine, named after Sue's mother, and they worked with Jasper and Felix in their private security firm.
Esme and Carlisle moved out when I was pregnant with D.J. because of my difficulties with my pregnancy, but kept their home in Chicago. They spent half their time in Seattle, in their massive McMansion, with our family and the other half in Chicago with Emmett, Lauren and their two girls, Mia and Antonella. However, my guess would be that Esme and Carlisle would permanently sell their home since Emmett and Lauren had made the decision to move out to Seattle.
Their reasoning? Life just wasn't the same.
With the dismantling of the illegal aspect of the Consortium, things had dramatically changed and obviously so. While Edward and I were starting new, Emmett was dealing with the aftermath. It was something that Edward warned him about, but Emmett was willing to take that risk. He'd never been the target, the focus solely on Edward. Emmett was trained and he was far more diplomatic than Edward.
There were rival gangs who targeted Emmett, Lauren and the remaining members of the organization. Emmett was shot at and Lauren received several suggestive threats at her shop. However, an attack on Lauren while she was walking to her car after a late appointment, prompted Emmett to make the move. Lauren, using moves that her husband taught her, managed to get away and her attacker bled out in the parking garage. The police came to take her statement, but the attacker's death was ruled justifiable.
However, the police noticed a pattern against Emmett and Lauren, so a special prosecutor opened up an investigation on the Consortium, Emmett and its connections, causing us to panic. The books were so well cooked, they weren't able to find anything. Jenks also went to town, claiming that the investigation violated his clients' rights and that it was unjustified. In the long run, they got an apology and monetary restitution for emotional distress.
Once the investigation was closed, Emmett made the decision to sell the Chicago base for the Consortium. It was still a lucrative business, but he did not have the heart to lead it. He'd done an amazing job in the five years since we'd left, but his strengths lay elsewhere. Emmett sold it to his second in command. They would be affiliated with us, but home base would now be Seattle.
"They bought that house down the street from ours," Edward said, breaking my reverie. "Emmett is going to deal with the move, packing, clearing out the house, and closing up everything with the Consortium. He's sending Lauren and their children out by the end of the week."
"Where are they staying?" I asked.
"With my parents. They've got the biggest house out all of us," Edward smirked.
"They don't have a house; they have a fortress," I snorted. "A small resort. Seriously."
"In a way, they want us to have that safety in case something happens," Edward shrugged. "But, with two girls and another baby on the way, it was the best option."
"Is there something else going on? Something that I should be concerned about?" I asked.
"No, not at all. Lauren is dealing with the same problems she had with her first pregnancy. Even with Mom's healing hip, Lauren needs help," Edward answered. "It's all hands on deck."
"What will Emmett do while he's here?"
"To be honest, he's going to take some time off to be a parent to his kids. When he's ready, Emmett will come to work here, working as a realtor. We're still trying to figure it out, but Emmett wants to spoil his kids for a year or two," Edward chuckled. "After taking over the mess that we left, he's entitled to a time off."
"Mommy, can we see Ganpa?" Libby asked.
"In a little bit, Libbybell," I answered, gesturing to the baby. "I'm feeding D.J."
"Kay, Mommy," Libby sighed dramatically, walking to the diaper bag to take out some toys. Charlie was playing on his iPad.
"She is so much like you, dolce," Edward breathed, staring at our daughter. "I see so much of you in her movements, her speech and her looks. I never imagined this." I blinked over to my husband, seeing his eyes mist over.
"Hey, baby," I whispered, reaching over to take his hand. "What's this? I'm the one who should be a hormonal mess. I just gave birth three months ago."
"I'm sorry," he murmured, moving closer to me and sliding his arm around my shoulders. He adjusted the blanket that covered my chest so he could see our youngest feed. His eyes were trained on our son, and my tit. My freaky husband loved my boobs. I gently elbowed him. He chuckled. "All my life, I prepared for the life. I was trained to handle every situation, quickly, quietly and violently. I never thought I'd get a happily ever after. Yes, we're hiding a part of who we are, but a quiet life with my wife and children without the constant fear of be retaliate against? That was something I never thought I could have."
"Do you miss it?" I asked. Demetri stopped feeding and I handed him to Edward. He burped our youngest while I cleaned up.
"I thought I would, but I don't. I truly don't," he answered. He gently patted Demetri's back. His hand was so large against our tiny boy. "I'm challenged by this business. I love helping people." Demetri burped and Edward cradled him against his chest. "I don't miss the constant fear I had in my belly. When we left, the world was changing. The ways of Marcus, of my father, were dying. There was no honor. More situations like what happened to you became the norm. Only, the outcomes are not …"
"Don't say it," I choked out. Closing my eyes, I shuddered, remembering those horrific four days where my mother and her psycho boy-toy abducted me for money. They didn't get the money, thankfully. The both got lead in their bodies and were rotting in hell.
"I'm sorry, cara," he muttered. "You're safe. No one will hurt you." He took my hand and pressed my hand to his chest. "Deep breaths, dolce."
For the most part, I was okay with what happened with me all those years ago. However, I did get panic attacks and they came out of nowhere or due to some comment that Edward would make or a news story I'd see in the papers or on television. My husband would calm me down with deep breaths, whispering that I was safe. I moved closer, leaning my cheek against his chest and listened to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. "Sorry, Edward."
"Don't apologize, Bella. I know that you still struggle," Edward said, caressing my arms with his free hand. "I'm going to change D.J. He's wet. Why don't you take a few moments to yourself?"
I nodded and ducked into the private bathroom. I allowed myself to let go of my ragged emotions. Part of it was due to my PTSD from my abduction, while the other part was because of my residual hormones from my pregnancy recovery. Blowing out a breath, I wiped my tears away. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was tired, with puffy eyes. Despite my exhaustion and ragged emotions from my minor panic attack, there was a peace in my eyes that hadn't been there while we lived in Chicago. The decision to move to Seattle was the right one for our family.
Splashing my face with some water, I finished in the bathroom. I walked back out into Edward's office. He was seated on the floor with Charlie, Libby and D.J. He D.J cradled against his chest while he was playing with our two older children. At forty-one years old, Edward looked amazing. He was still in shape, running every day and working out. He also played on a softball league with Owen, Jasper and Seth in the summer.
"I love you, Edward," I whispered to him, sitting down behind Libby.
"Oh, cara, love is too small a word," he replied, grinning crookedly. He adjusted D.J. in his arms. "Alice is off today. She's on her way here with Sophie and Jasper."
"They're letting Alice out into the real world?" I snickered. "She's a workaholic."
"The chief of medicine or whatever, forced Alice to take a vacation," Edward deadpanned. "We're meeting them at Jimmy's for lunch. When we're done, you're spending some time with Alice for some pampering."
"The kids," I argued.
"I'm taking the afternoon off and we're going taking these guys to the aquarium," Edward said. "I had an easy day planned. I rescheduled my one meeting, which worked out well. My client was not feeling well and was considering cancelling in the first place. Jasper arranged for a pedicure and massage at a nearby spa. You both deserve it."
"I don't know what I did to deserve you," I smiled. "Thank you, baby."
"Anything for you, dolce," he smiled.
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Edward
"I'm getting too old for this shit," I grumbled. "How many millions do you have in the bank? Why am I doing manual labor?"
"Because you're my brother and I've missed hanging out with you. Plus, you're the only one who can set up all this technology," Emmett said. "Seeing you once every couple of months is not the same, Edward. Lauren can't pick up anything since she's on bed rest and the movers were creepy."
"We could have gone old school and made them disappear," I chuckled.
"You're funny, Boss," Emmett growled, tossing a towel at me. "When was the last time you picked up a gun?"
"When we found Bella in Decatur," I answered. "After that, I got rid of a majority of them. I only kept the one that Bella purchased for me and it's legally registered." I took a sip of water. "How's Lauren? Does she like Seattle?"
"She hasn't seen much. Dad and Bella have been taking the girls on outings since Lauren has been so sick with the baby. Mom is slowly recuperating from her hip surgery, but she's still mothering Lauren as much as she can," Emmett said. "It's so much worse since our first little one." He sat heavily on the couch. "I'm getting a vasectomy. Jasper got me an appointment with his guy."
"I didn't know that Jasper got snipped," I said, pushing my glasses up my nose.
"He's talked to me about it, but Alice only wanted one kid. She adores Sophie and her nieces and nephews, but she struggled with bonding with her daughter," Emmett explained. "Part of it is due to how her parents handled her. They didn't understand Alice's brilliance and they wrote her off."
I frowned. I'd been so focused on rebuilding the Consortium as a legal venture. I didn't even realize Alice's issues or the disconnect between my god daughter and her mother. "I'm an awful friend."
"Edward, it's not something they broadcast to the world. In a way, Alice and Bella really connected over shitty parents. Your wife may know more. Jasper only told me because I called him the day he'd had his surgery. On our FaceTime call, I noticed an icepack on his junk. He spilled the beans," Emmett explained. "Things are better now that Sophie is older. Plus, Sophie is showing the same level of intelligence that Alice has. They're growing closer."
"When are you going in?" I asked.
"Next week," Emmett replied. "It's why I need your help with this shit. Lauren can't do much and for a couple weeks, I won't be able to lift anything."
"I'm taking you to your appointment, Emmett," I said, picking up a box. "It's the least I can do since I left you in Chicago to deal with the aftermath of my decision."
"Don't, Ed," Emmett said. "You needed an out. If you'd stayed in the game, you would have lost your wife. Either by some asshole killing her or her leaving you, divorcing you. I saw how much Bella's abduction shattered you. I was always on the sidelines, but I was capable. I was willing to go to bat for you. I love you, bro."
"I still feel so fucking guilty," I sighed. "By the grace of God, we managed to break free of this life and we haven't been prosecuted for all of the bullshit we did, our family did."
"Edward, there was a point in my life where I hated what we did," Emmett said. "So much bloodshed, violence. The people we … they were worse than us. The Consortium changed when Dad took over. The Consortium became legit when you took the reins. You're a good man, Edward. An honest man. A loyal man. Regardless of the bloodshed and violence, we made a positive difference in the world. The Bratva is still licking their wounds in the heart of Russia. The Volturi are now selling wine. Marcus sent over some of his best vintage before we moved. A gift to one honorable family to another …"
"We were the last of a dying breed," I shrugged. "Now? The world scares me. Gangs and organizations are fighting without fear of retaliation. Rules that were once honored, such as protecting women and children, are now long-forgotten. If something happened to my family, I would readily go to bat to protect them."
"You're not the only one. When Lauren was attacked, I was ready to make her attacker pay," Emmett snarled. "But, my wife made him pay and I was so fucking proud of her. Anyway, do you want to hear some gossip?"
"I'm not a teenaged girl," I snorted.
"It's about that asshat, Maas," Emmett smirked.
"You've got my attention," I said slowly, connecting Emmett's television to his Apple TV and cable box.
"He was shanked," Emmett said. "You know cops don't handle being in lock up all that well. He kept to himself, for the most part. But, when one of the men that Maas had framed saw him, he plotted to bring him down."
"I thought that he wasn't in with the general population," I frowned, turning on the television to get him logged in.
"Overcrowding," Emmett shrugged, handing me a card with his WiFi password. "Anyway, a month afterward, Maas was found in the showers. He'd been …"
"I can imagine," I shuddered.
"Regardless, he was found dead," Emmett said. "Minus a few body parts." He gestured to his crotch. "It was stuffed …"
"Emmett," I sighed.
"I just wanted to let you know," Emmett shrugged. "That asshole who made your lives a nightmare is gone."
"Good riddance to bad rubbish," I muttered, stepping back. His television loaded up and his home screen appeared. "You're set."
It had taken a couple of months for Emmett to sell his home in Chicago. Lauren stayed with my parents with their two daughters. We all helped with Lauren, who was nearly seven months pregnant with their first and only boy, and the girls. Alice helped with her medical needs, getting her one of the best OB/GYNs at Harborview. Bella and I took the girls as often as we could, spoiling our nieces, when they were too much for my parents. My dad could handle them, but my mother had fallen and broken her hip in January. She'd had surgery and was on the mend, but she couldn't handle two little girls as well as she could.
Emmett and I finished setting up the rest of the televisions. I also talked to Jasper about putting in a security system. He'd do it within the next week. When we were done, I followed Emmett to my parents' home. Bella was over there with our three children, spending time Nonna and Poppy, along with Aunt Lauren and their cousins.
Inside of my parents' huge home, we found everyone on the back patio. The kids, minus D.J., were playing in the pool with my father. Bella was sitting on a chaise lounge in a bathing suit, talking to my mother while she held D.J. Lauren was next to her, underneath an umbrella. "Our house is done, mi amor," Emmett sang, holding his arms out.
"DADDY!" we heard from all of our children. Bella gently shushed them, gesturing to the bundle in her arms.
"Is everything set up correctly, Edward?" Lauren asked, giving me a smirk.
"That's why he asked me, Lauren," I chuckled, kissing her cheek. "How's the baby?"
"Tap dancing on my kidneys," Lauren grumbled. "I can't wait until he's born. I feel like a beached whale."
"Well, you look gorgeous," Emmett grinned, sitting down on the edge of the chaise. He lifted Lauren's feet into his lap. "Only a couple more months, baby."
I smiled at them as I sat down behind my wife. "How are you, cara?"
"Good. I was about to put him down for a nap," she replied, gesturing to our sleeping son. "Nonna fed him and then he crashed."
"It felt nice to hold my grandson," Mom said.
"Did you do your exercises?" I asked.
"I did my water aerobics. It's why the pool was open today," she answered. "Every day I'm getting stronger, Edward. Stop being a mother hen."
"We need to keep you around, Mom," I said.
"Agreed," Bella nodded, handing me D.J.
I kissed his chocolate brown locks. He yawned, blinking up at me. His deep chocolate eyes stared at me for a few moments before he dropped again. I stood up, walking him inside and put him into the pack in play. He grumbled a bit, but was still milk drunk. I took the baby monitor, walking back outside.
"Daddy, are you going to swim with us?" Mia asked, bouncing on her toes in the water.
"I didn't bring my suit, baby girl," Emmett frowned.
"Uncle E?" Mia wheedled, batting her eyes.
"I'm in the same boat as your dad, principessa," I answered. "Aren't you having fun with Poppy?"
"I'm not as young as my boys," Dad laughed, trying to keep Charlie from dunking him. "Kid, I'm not going down. It's because I'm awesome."
"Ganpa goes down," Charlie grumped, swimming in front of my dad.
"That's because Ganpa lets you win," Dad retorted, ruffling my son's wet hair. "You are all getting burnt. Let's get out."
"Nooo!" they all cried, with various protestations of letting them stay in the water longer.
"I'm certain that Aunt Lauren would like to go home," Bella said. "Girls, don't you want to see your new house?"
"Does it have a pool?" Antonella asked.
"Well, no," Emmett said.
"Daddy," Antonella whined. "Can't we stay with Nonna and Poppy?"
"You can come visit anytime, bambina," Mom said. "We loved having you all stay with us. You helped me with my exercises and you were so good for your mom. But, your daddy missed you so much. I promise that you will be able to come and swim."
"I do miss my bed," Mia said. "Come on, Nella."
"You need to pack up your stuff, girls," Lauren said. "Be quiet when you go through the family room. D.J. is taking a nap." She frowned. "And you need baths."
"I got them," Bella said, kissing my temple. "Edward, you get to tackle the Squirm Monster. Come on, girls."
"Me, too, Mommy?" Libby frowned.
"Yep," Bella replied, arching a brow at our daughter. "Out of the pool, Elizabetta and no lip."
"Yes, Mommy," Libby sighed, doggy paddling to the ladder.
Emmett and I lifted our daughters out of the water, guiding them to my wife. She marched them to the guest bathroom while I sat down on the chaise that Bella left behind. "So, everything is set up?" Lauren asked her husband.
"For the most part," Emmett answered. "All that's left is the nursery."
"I know that Bella and Julia have a ton of ideas," I said. "I've seen the designs."
"I'm looking forward to that," Lauren said. "Did you set up the kitchen?"
"Stuff is put away, but I know that you have your anal retentiveness when it comes to the kitchen," Emmett said.
"It's fine, for now," Lauren nodded, rubbing her belly. "Thank you for your help, Edward. I love my husband, but his technology expertise is … he can handle that shit at work, but setting up a television? Internet?"
"It's all good," I grinned. "Charlie! Stop crawling all over Poppy. He'll never let you win. He never did with us. We have to go home."
"Is that true?" Charlie asked, swimming in front of my dad.
"Your dad is right. But, you're stronger than you think, kiddo. You almost got me," he said, hugging my son.
Charlie laughed, swimming over to me and hopping out of the water. I wrapped him in a towel. "Come on, Charlie. Let's get you cleaned up."
"I want to give Nonna kisses," Charlie said, running over to hug his grandmother. "Love you, Nonna."
"I love you, too, sweet boy," she breathed, holding him close. She whispered in his ear and he nodded. He kissed Lauren and gave my brother a fist bump. I held out my hand, guiding him into a bathroom. Regardless of the teasing, it felt nice to have our family together again. Even though we weren't working together, we were finally one family, in one location.
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Bella
Four Years Later
Standing in my bedroom, I adjusted my robes. "Edward, I don't understand why I need to sit through the whole ceremony."
He walked behind me, putting on my mortar board onto my head. "Bella, you put your dreams on hold. I wanted you to finish your master's degree, working as a psychologist. You deserved this. We're so proud of you and we want to cheer you on as you get your doctorate. Dr. Isabella Cullen has a great ring to it, cara."
"Edward," I breathed.
"What? I'm proud of my wife," he said. "The way you helped Owen and Julia's little girl when her grandmother died? That was …"
I'd never imagined going back to get my psychology degree. I was happy doing what I was doing. That all changed when Julia got a phone call from her six-year-old daughter, Madelyn, who was home sick with her grandmother because she had the flu. We were working on a house that Owen and Emmett had flipped. We were decorating the home for the open house. Julia's mother had a massive stroke and died instantly. Julia was obviously shattered, but her daughter was traumatized.
Julia was lost in a world of grief. Owen was trying to keep things together with work and their other children. Madelyn was terrified. She refused to eat, couldn't sleep and shut down. I went over there, a couple days after the funeral, to check on their little girl. In her bedroom, Madelyn was huddled in a little ball. Her black eyes were open in abject terror. I talked her, using a quiet voice. I talked about everything and nothing. I went over there for a week solid. Julia and Owen didn't know what to do.
On the eighth day, Madelyn opened up to me. She told me how she was afraid of dying. She sobbed that she thought her grandmother's death was her fault. I spent an hour listening to her and it sparked my interest in psychology. I told Julia and Owen about my background. They asked me to help their daughter. And, I did.
Helping Madelyn piqued my interest in finishing my degree. I met with the head of the psychology department at University of Washington. I transferred in and finished my master's degree in a year. My advisor encouraged me to get my doctorate and here I was, walking away with a doctorate, Isabella Cullen, Doctor of Psychology.
I had an office in the Cullen Pier. I already had several patients, including Madelyn. She didn't need as much as when she first fell apart, but she loved to turn to me when she felt overwhelmed.
"Bella, come on," Edward laughed. "You're spacing out."
"Right, commencement ceremony," I said, adjusting my curls. "I have a bunch of toys for D.J., along with an iPad. Charlie and Libby should be fine, but …"
"Dr. Cullen," he snorted, taking my face in his hands. "We'll be fine. I love you."
"I love you, too, Edward," I said.
Taking off the robes and the mortar board, I drove myself to UDub. I checked in with my advisor and went directly to my seat. An hour later, we walked into the stadium. I looked around, trying to see my husband and children. I didn't see them, but I did see my uncle. He was seated closest to the field with Sue, Leah and Edward's parents. I waved at them. Edward walked in with Charlie and D.J. Alice was behind them with Libby and Sophie. I apparently had a full house.
The ceremony was too long, but when I walked across the stage and introduced as Dr. Isabella Cullen, I realized why Edward wanted me to do this. The cheers were deafening. I blushed as I shook the university president's hand as I took my degree. An hour later, the ceremony was done and I threw my mortar board in the air. I hugged my neighbor, leaving the field. I felt my cell phone vibrate.
We're in the quad. Libby and D.J. got antsy ~ Edward
On my way ;-) ~ Dr. Cullen
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and made my way out to the quad. I found my family easily. However, it was my uncle who pulled me into his arms. "Your dad would have been so proud of you, baby girl," he said, holding me tightly against his body.
"Uncle Jimmy," I whispered, returning his embrace. "Thank you for being here."
"There's nowhere else I'd want to be, Bells," he beamed. "Dr. Isabella Cullen … damn, I'd never imagine I'd see the day."
"You're not the only one," I laughed.
"Bells, when I was unpacking our stuff, I found something that your dad wanted you to have," Uncle Jimmy said. He pressed a small black box into my hand. "You may be Isabella Cullen now, but you were born Isabella Swan."
I opened the box and saw a delicate swan pendant on a black satin pillow. "It's beautiful."
"It's not expensive, but I think you'd want it. It belonged to your dad …" Uncle Jimmy said, blushing a bright red. "He was going to give it to you for your high school graduation, but …"
"He died before he could," I sniffled, pulling it out. "Can you help me put it on?" I turned around, flipping my hair up. Uncle Jimmy clipped the necklace around my neck. I picked it up, seeing an inscription.
To my sweet Bells, my swan
I love you always,
Dad
"I forgot I had it. To be honest, I thought that Victoria had swiped it," Uncle Jimmy said. "It was actually Sue who found it."
"I saw the box and I put it into my jewelry box," Sue said.
"Thank you," I smiled, hugging her and giving her a warm smile. "Both of you." I hugged my uncle again.
"It was fourteen years too late," Uncle Jimmy said. He kissed my forehead. "I've kept you long enough from your family. Party tonight at the restaurant."
"Of course," I snickered. "I want a glass of Conundrum."
"A glass? Psssh! You'll get the entire bottle, Bells," Uncle Jimmy laughed, stepping away so I could go to my husband.
"Dr. Mommy!" D.J. squealed.
"Are you doctor like Aunt Alice?" Libby asked. "Can you fix people like her?"
"No, baby girl," I said, scooping her up. "I help people if they have problems with their minds and emotions. Do you remember when Madelyn lost her Nana?"
"She's my best friend," Libby nodded. "She was really sad."
"Well, when Madelyn was sad, I helped her and it made me want to be a doctor of emotions," I explained. "But, I couldn't have done without your help, or Charlie, or D.J.'s or Daddy. Thank you, Libbybell."
"I'm proud of you, Dr. Mommy," Libby giggled, hugging me.
"We all are," Edward grinned, tugging me into his arms. He kissed me deeply. "I know it took time, dolce, but you achieved your goal."
"Thank you for your support, Edward," I said. "And for making me do this. As boring as the ceremony was, it was worth it when I heard my name."
"Everyone! We need a photo!" Carlisle said. "I've got a photo journalism major who's willing to take it for us."
The recent college grad quickly put us into a formation where we'd fit into one picture. I was in the center, snuggled next to my husband and hugging my two oldest children. D.J. was in Edward's arms. Ten pictures later, Carlisle's phone was returned to him and he took pictures in smaller groups before we all clambered into our cars.
My graduation party was held in Uncle Jimmy's restaurant. We had everyone in our family out to celebrate my graduate. We even had a few familiar faces from Chicago. Manny and Joseph came with their children. Rhonda, Edward's old assistant, and our old cook, Mrs. Cope came as well. I was shocked when my old advisor from Northwestern walked in. Dr. Rivara gave me huge props for my doctorate dissertation, which had been published in a well-known psychology journal, and pleaded for me to join her practice. I thanked her, but explained that I was happier here and that I had a growing clientele.
I was sitting with D.J. draped over my lap. He'd crashed and all he wanted was Mommy. Next to me, I had a glass of Conundrum wine as I gently scratched my fingers down his back.
"He's out," Julia said, sitting down.
"It's been a long day," I said. "I think he was up at dawn. Edward tried to put him back to sleep, but he was bouncing off the walls at six in the morning."
"I never thanked you, Bella," Julia murmured. "I know that you're here because of your involvement with Madelyn. You saved my baby's life. Hell, you saved mine, too. I never expected to lose my mother like that. It was so sudden. She was healthy, happy."
"Losing your mom is something you never expect. At least you had a solid relationship with yours," I said. "My mom? She ducked out of my life early and only came back when she needed something, namely money. After she passed, I was afraid that I'd end up like her with my own kids. I struggled with Charlie for a few months after her death." My hand moved up to my old scar where I'd been hurt almost ten years ago.
"You completely dote on your kids," Julia breathed. "You adore them."
"I do," I smiled, holding D.J.'s body closer to mine. "But, I struggled. I had a lot of help. The tall guy, with dark brown hair and goatee?"
"Dr. Hottie?" Julia asked. "Both he and his husband are GORGEOUS."
"They are good looking, but I see them as brothers," I snickered. "Anyway, he was the one who encouraged me to talk to someone. It was his help and Edward's support that made me realize that I was not my mother."
"You are the pure embodiment of a mom, Bella," Julia said. "The only person who is more a mom is Edward's mother. She's like June freaking Cleaver."
"Sue's pretty close, too," I laughed.
"Regardless, I'm grateful for you bringing my baby back," Julia breathed. "Thank you so much."
"Bella?" Edward called. "I have a surprise for you."
"I'll take him," Julia said.
I got up, handing my snoring son to my friend. "Thank you." I walked over to Edward, who was talking to a tall man. My husband moved and my jaw dropped. "Jacob?"
"Hey, Bells," he said, his teeth blinding against his deeply tanned skin. My old body guard was still big, strong, but with some grays mixed into his hair. Along his left arm, he had a full tattooed sleeve. I also noticed a silver glint on his left ring finger. "Or, should I say Dr. Cullen."
I threw my arms around his neck and he hugged me tightly. "I can't believe you're here!"
"Edward called me and he told me that you were getting your doctorate in psychology. I was there for a handful of classes. I knew I wanted to see you get that degree. My stupid flight got delayed. I just got in. I drove directly here after I checked into the hotel with my wife," he chuckled. He gestured to a petite woman with curly hair and bright green eyes. "Bella, this is my wife, Lina. Lina, this is one of my oldest friends in the world, Bella."
Lina stepped forward and hugged me. "Jake's told me nothing but wonderful things about you," she said. Her eyes told me that she was aware of his past. "It's nice to put a face with a name. I mean, we named our first daughter after you."
"Jake?" I asked.
"She's in Hawaii with Lina's mom," Jake murmured. A flash of sadness crossed over his face. "Our little ones were too young to handle a six-hour flight."
"Come, let's sit down and talk," I said, guiding Lina and Jake to a booth.
"Bella, we're going to take the kids home," Carlisle said, holding D.J. "They're going to spend the night with us. You guys have fun tonight." He smiled at Jake. "It's good to see you, Jacob."
"Thank you, sir," Jake nodded.
Edward and I gave my kids kisses and they went with their grandparents. We sat down at the booth, across from Jake and Lina. "How are things in Hawaii?" I asked.
"Now? They're good," Jake answered. "I met Lina and she brought me back from a really dark place." He took Lina's hand, threading his fingers with hers. "For the first couple years, Dad and I worked hard. We owned this great place on the beach and life was good. We were living in paradise. Despite what had gone down, I managed to find the bright side. Then, Dad died."
"Oh, Jake," I said. "I'm so sorry. If I'd known …"
"Bella, it's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault, really. My dad's health was not the best and he had a heart attack," Jake said. "I got him to the hospital, but he died on the operating table. His heart was shredded."
"My deepest condolences, Jacob," Edward murmured softly. "Your father was an amazing man and he loved you so much."
"Did you know?" I asked, looking at Edward. He shook his head. "Jake, I can't …"
"It's not your fault, Bells," Jake answered, giving me a soft smile. "My dad was sick. He just hid it really well. I had a small memorial for him and he was buried at sea. It was after he was gone that I fell apart. My dad was the brains of our shop. You both know that I have some learning disabilities. I didn't know how to handle the books and I nearly lost everything. Lina worked at the accountant's office that my father had used and she helped me. She saved my livelihood and my life."
Lina kissed his cheek. "I helped Jake with the shop. I wasn't an entrepreneur, but I understood numbers. We got the business back in the black. We also hired people to help Jake run the place. He's a born salesman with a dynamic personality. It was his smile, when he did smile, that pulled me in." Jake flashed his signature smile, kissing his wife. "You see that?"
"I do," I chuckled.
"I was so angry after Dad's death. I drank a lot, did some drugs, and …" he trailed off. He took out a coin. "I couldn't stop. But, with Lina's support, and a lot of meetings, I'm five years sober." He pushed his coin toward me and I smiled. "It was a rocky road, but things are looking up."
"We have two kids together," Lina said. "Isabella Ani, named for you and my mother …"
"And Edward William," Jake breathed, looking at my husband. "For the two men who didn't give up on me, even when I probably deserved it." He tugged out his cell phone and found a picture. "Isabella is three and half going on thirty and Liam is eight months old."
"Oh, wow, they are gorgeous," I breathed. "You make beautiful babies." I flipped through the pictures, in awe of his family.
"Thank you," Jake said. He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat.
"Lina, do you want a drink?" Edward asked. "After the long flight, I'm certain you're ready for some booze."
"I'd love that," Lina said. Edward helped her out of the booth, talking as they walked to the bar.
"Bells, I'm sorry about what happened all those years ago," Jake whispered. "Part of my issues were because of the guilt I felt over your abduction. Step nine is to make amends and this is me, making amends. If I could go back in time to stop what happened to you, I would."
"Jake, this is ten years too late, but I've forgiven you. Yes, I blamed you when it happened, but it was my mother's fault," I breathed, taking his hands. "I should have come to see you. I should have talked to you …"
"Bella, you were the victim and it was because of my actions. I accept what happened and the consequences of what I did. I'm happy that you are alive and doing so well. You achieved your goal of getting your psychology degree. You and the Boss? You're happy and at peace with your lives. I'd never see Edward look so …"
"It's taken time. We were afraid that the other shoe would drop," I said quietly. "For a moment, about seven years ago, we were certain we'd be fucked. There was an investigation in Chicago shortly after Emmett moved out here. Thankfully, Jenks had our backs." I sighed, idly twisting my wine glass in my fingers. "From what Edward has told me, the illegal part of our past is now gone. We have no more connections to illegal outfits or dirty money. The fortune we have here? All legitimate. Jake, I'm certain that if you wanted to, we'd love to be a part of your life. I want to get to know my namesake."
"I'd like that," Jake smiled. "Lina and I are here for a couple of days."
"All of our family lives in Seattle, now," I hedged.
"My home is with Lina. I love Hawaii. I love my life there," Jake said. "It's where my father is buried. You are my family, Bella. You loved me when I thought I wasn't worth it. You proved to me that I was worthy of love and friendship." He gave me a soft smile. "Just think of it this way … you always have friends on the islands. You should come down to Hawaii. Aren't you and Edward going to celebrate your ten-year anniversary soon?"
"It was last year, Jacob," I snickered. "But, we'll keep it in mind."
"I've missed you, Bella. I hope … that … I want you back in my life. Lina knows it all," Jake whispered. "She knows my past and she doesn't hate me. I love her, but she wasn't you. You were my best friend."
"You still are my best friend," I smiled. "I missed you, too."
Lina and Edward came back. Lina had a glass of wine while Edward had a bottle of beer for himself and a soda for Jake. "So, Lina and Jake have never been to Seattle before. I'm taking the day off tomorrow and we're giving the tour," Edward said, sitting down next to me. "What do you want to see first? Pike's Place or the Space Needle?"
xx MOTM:FFF xx
Edward
Six Years Later
My son was trying to put me into an early grave. I was fifty years old and my seventeen-year-old son was truly pushing my buttons. I checked my watch again, pursing my lips.
"Edward, you can't shoot your child," Bella chided. My wife, even after nearly fifteen years of marriage, was my calm. Her hair was pulled into a low ponytail as she read an article in her journal. She was thirty-nine, but didn't look any different than when I first met her. Her skin was still flawless and pale. Her body was rounded from having three children, but she was in amazing shape. In fact, she'd blossomed in the Pacific Northwest. The ghosts of our pasts remained in Chicago.
"Bella, I swear, Charlie is … I'm taking away his car, his phone …" I growled. The garage door opened up and I glowered at the rear entrance. My oldest son sauntered in, laughing on his cell phone. However, when he saw me, his laughter abruptly stopped and he hung up his phone. "You're three hours late, Charles Edward Masen Cullen."
"Dad, I can explain," he said, holding up his hands.
"You better explain quickly, Charlie. Your father is very close to sending you to military school," Bella said, arching a brow over her reading glasses.
Charlie sighed. "I can't explain. I was fucking around," he said.
"Language," Bella and I admonished.
"You both swear worse than me," he grumped.
"We're also adults, Charlie," I snapped, pinching my nose. "Who were you with?"
"I was with Sophie, Paul and Zoe," he replied. His voice on the last name was almost dreamy. "We rode on the ferries for a couple of hours. Sophie and Paul can never get any time alone because Uncle Jasper is an overprotective ass."
"Charles," I sneered. "Be respectful. Uncle Jasper has every right to be overprotective. Sophie is his only child."
"Whatever," Charlie sassed.
"You're treading a fine line, kid," Bella growled. "Keep talking and you may get your freedom by the time you graduate from high school."
Charlie sighed. "Sophie and Paul were making out on the roof of the ferry. Zoe and I were …"
I pursed my lips and walked out to the garage. I opened the door of Charlie's car. It smelled like sex and I found a condom wrapper underneath the seat. At least, he's being safe. I'm not ready to be a grandfather. I walked back into the kitchen, holding up the wrapper.
Bella's eyes watered as she stared at it. She blinked toward Charlie. His face was bright pink. "Mom … I can …"
"Don't," she hissed. "Edward, I trust you to handle this? I can't … " I nodded and I watched as my wife went upstairs.
"You just broke your mother's heart, Charlie," I said. "I'm grateful that you're being safe, but you're only seventeen."
"How old were you when you had sex?" he asked.
"I'm not the one we're talking about. We're talking about you. Are you ready to handle the adult responsibilities if you're making adult decisions? If Zoe became pregnant, would you step up to be a dad to that child?" I pressed.
"I don't know," he answered, shifting on his feet.
"Exactly," I said. "Give me your keys."
"Dad, come on! I've got football and …" he argued.
"Give me your keys," I snapped. "You'll take the bus and you don't have football. You will go to school and then come to the Pier for your punishment. I'm certain Owen would love some help on his jobs. You will keep your phone, but I'm removing all data from the plan. You can make phone calls and you can text, but everything else is gone."
"This is bullshit," Charlie yelled. "Come on, Dad. This punishment is bullshit."
"Keep it up, kid and military school might become a reality," I yelled back. "Charlie, I love you, but tonight when you weren't home, I was freaking out. Your mother, despite her cool affect, was just as anxious. However, she shows her displeasure in snarky comments and now, in tears."
"You were this huge mobster, Dad. And, you're freaking out that I wasn't home?" Charlie scoffed.
"I did live a different life before we moved here. There were moments where I wasn't sure if I wasn't coming home, Charlie. I'm not in that life. Not now and not for over sixteen years. When you came into our life, that stopped. I wanted more than a life of violence and fear for my wife, my children, my fucking family," I said, slamming my hand on the counter. "Charlie, you're a smart boy. You have a brilliant mind and you're capable of so much. This? Tonight? You're better than this. Your girl? Zoe? She deserved more than a quick fuck in the backseat of a car. Do you love her?"
"I don't know," Charlie muttered.
"If she showed up pregnant, what would you do?" I asked. Charlie just looked at me with fear in his eyes. "Exactly. You need to grow up." I held out my hand. He put his car keys into my palm, along with his cell phone. "You need to prove to us that you can make these decisions. Until then, you're on lock down. You also need to email your football coach, explaining your reasoning for quitting the team."
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "Can I, at least, text Zoe? I don't want her to think that I'm purposely blowing her off."
I handed him back his phone. He quickly tapped out a message. He frowned when the reply came through. "She's also on house arrest, too."
"We love you and we want the best for our children," I said, taking his phone back. "Go to bed, Charlie."
He nodded, dragging his ass up the stairs. I blew out a breath before I locked up the house and set the alarm. I walked to the master bedroom. Bella was curled up on my side of the bed, holding a ratty old blanket. "Is that Charlie's wooby?"
"Shut it. I saved it from the garbage," she sniffled. "When did my little boy grow up? He's having sex?"
"Well, from what I understand, he won't have it any time soon. His girlfriend is also grounded," I said, tossing his phone onto the dresser. My cell phone chirped and it was message from Jasper. "Sophie is also grounded for life, too. Her boyfriend gave her a hickey and Jasper is ready to resurrect his Desert Eagle to shoot Paul in the gonads."
"You'd probably do the same if it was Libby," Bella said.
"Damn straight," I growled. My phone chirped again. "Alice had to give him a tranquilizer."
"Come on, Edward. I need to feel you," she whispered. I nodded and slid into bed, holding my wife to my chest. She cried quietly and I gave her as much comfort as I could. We healed each other the way needed the most, by making love. It made us forget the drama with our teenaged son. When she fell asleep, she clung to me. My mind, however, would not shut down. It was difficult because I was so upset with Charlie. It would take some time before I'd be okay.
Little kids … little problems.
Big kids … big problems.
xx MOTM:FFF xx
The next three months were a bit difficult in our household. Charlie was sullen and irritable. He hated losing his freedom, relying on the bus and working after school with Owen. If he wasn't working with Owen, building and working on various homes, he worked at the Pier, filing. He'd rather work with Owen because at least he could wield heavy power tools.
After the first of the year, and after our annual visit to see Jake, Lina and their kids, Bella and I loosened the reins on Charlie's punishment. Libby was involved her middle school's drama production and D.J. needed extra tutoring for math. We needed some help with taking them to their various activities since Bella's psychology practice was thriving. She had a lot of children who came for her help.
Alistair, after eight years of working together, had decided to leave the Consortium. He flew to England to deal with the death of his grandmother. He met a woman, found love and stayed there. Emmett stepped into Alistair's shoes, but I still handled most of the work for the Consortium.
We tried, like hell, to make sure we were all home by six for dinner. However, there were days where it was very difficult. So, with strict rules, we gave Charlie back his car keys.
It also didn't hurt that I had a tracker installed onto the car and had Jasper keep a close eye on the comings and goings of my oldest child.
By the summer, Charlie had proved that he'd learned his lesson. He'd also earned a spot on one of Owen's construction crews. Charlie knew that he wasn't going to work with his hands, but he was a dedicated worker and he used the heavy labor as a work out in hopes of getting back on the football team.
One night, a few days after my fifty-first birthday, I was sitting on the patio, drinking a beer. Charlie was tossing a football to D.J. while my girls were giving each other pedicures. I smiled softly, looking at my family. I never imagined this. I never thought I'd ever get this.
"Daddy, can you get us some ice cream?" Libby asked.
"Did the nail polish add about fifty pounds to your feet?" I teased.
"No, Dad," Libby laughed. "I don't want to smudge my toes. Mom put stars on my nails."
"I can put stars on your nails," Bella smirked.
"I'm good," I laughed. "Do you want ice cream or sundaes?"
"Sundaes!" Libby squealed. "Chuck! Deej! Dad's making sundaes!"
"Sweet!" D.J. crowed. "Come on, Charlie!"
"There better be whipped cream," Charlie laughed.
"Oh, there is," Bella smirked. I blushed as I looked at her. We'd had some fun with the whipped cream when the kids spent the night with Emmett and Lauren. That was a good night. "Cherries, too."
"I'll be right back," I said, walking into the kitchen. I pulled out five bowls and the variety of ice cream flavors. I put chocolate into mine and D.J.'s bowl. We were the traditionalists of the family. For Libby, I put in a scoop of Cherry Garcia. Bella and Charlie loved Phish Food. Using the whipped cream, I covered the ice cream and added sprinkles, chocolate and caramel sauce, topping each sundae with a cherry. I carried the sundaes out to the patio and grinned when I saw my entire family laughing around the lit fire pit.
They all took their treat and my children dug in eagerly. I sat next to my wife and kissed her forehead.
"You okay, baby?" she asked.
"Just thinking," I said, enjoying my sundae. "I'm so happy. This year was rough, though."
"Yeah, with Charlie's punishment and the craziness after the first of the year," she chuckled. "But, we rallied. Libby was great in her drama production. We've got a future actress on our hands. I'm happy that she didn't get my singing voice. She got your musical abilities."
"Not that I've done much recently," I shrugged. "D.J. is finally starting to understand math."
"Hey, this way they're teaching math doesn't make sense to me either," Bella said, wrinkling her nose. "And Charlie …"
"Charlie …" I breathed. "He's matured, grown up. Do I still trust him? No. Not as much as I did before that night."
"At least, we're not grandparents," Bella shuddered. "I want grandchildren. I want to be a Nonna, but not until they're married." She put her bowl down and looked at me. "Charlie's talked to me. He apologized for what he did. He also kind of talked to me about his future."
"Yeah?" I breathed.
"Yep. He's taken his ACT and SAT, scoring off the charts. He can go to any university," Bella said. "The options are limitless, but he looks up to you, Edward. He's seen what you've built and he wants to pave his own way. He also respects Owen, too. He likes working with his hands, but he doesn't want to be a contractor."
"What does he want to do?" I asked.
"Double major in business and architecture," she said. "She can work with you after he's completed his degree, but have the option to do his own thing with Owen."
We finished our ice cream. Our kids went out onto the grass and the tossed the football around. I held Bella in my arms. "You know, if we'd stayed in Chicago, Charlie's life would have been dictated for him. He would have no choice but to follow in my footsteps," I said.
"Edward …"
"No, listen, Bella. We left Chicago to give our babies a chance at their own lives. Charlie? He doesn't have to work for me or with me. He has the choice to do so and he wants to. He's not forced to do it. Libby? She can be the next Academy Award Winning actress. It's her choice. D.J.? He could become a math teacher," I laughed.
"That's highly unlikely, Edward. D.J. hates math," Bella giggled.
"Still, it's his choice and there are no rules making him choose his path," I breathed. "We moved out here for a fresh start, a new beginning. We moved out here to give them a chance. The freedom to live their own lives."
"You wanted that, too?" Bella asked.
"It's all I wanted when I was Charlie's age. I went into the business because I had no choice. I did the best I could, but I hated it. I was a monster," I seethed.
"Not anymore, Edward. You're a good man, a wonderful father and the best husband," Bella murmured, turning around and brushing her fingers through my hair. "Despite your vocation, you were still a good man. I'm glad, though, that we moved here. We have a good life. I love you and I've loved you from the moment you kissed me. You protected me even after I … said that I didn't want to see you. You told me once that I was your light in your dark life. You saw that light and now, our children … they're living their best life."
I kissed my wife, tasting her sweet mouth and sliding my tongue inside. She melted against me and tried to move closer to me.
"Oh, gross, guys," D.J. whined. "Don't make out like teenagers!"
"I think it's sweet," Libby breathed. "Mom and Dad are so in love. I want a love like that."
"You'll get it, Libs," Charlie smiled. "We had great examples. But, seriously, it's not fair. You guys get to make out and I'm single, watching this. I'm scarred. Scarred!"
I stopped kissing my wife and I hopped up. I ran toward Charlie and he took off. We laughed as we ran around the yard. Libby and Bella were taking bets on who would win and D.J. was trying to catch up with us. I tackled him and we fell onto the grass, laughing as we went down.
"You still got it, old man," Charlie chuckled.
"I don't run five miles a day for fun, kid," I said. "And, I'm not old."
"Sure, Edward," Bella quipped, bringing a blanket and sitting down.
We all cuddled on the blanket, watching the stars. Bella curled against me with Libby next to her. Charlie was resting on his elbows and D.J. was next to me. I smiled, looking around me. This is what I fought for.
I fought for a chance to share my love with another person, my Bella.
I fought for a chance to be a husband.
I fought for a chance to be a father to my children.
I fought for my future, for my children's future.
I fought for their, our freedom.
That was something that I would never take for granted. Not for one single moment.
This moment with my family, my wife, my children, my loves was worth it all.
Fin