Authors note- The response to this story continues to amaze me. Thank you to all who read, review and rec this story. Sorry for the delay with this chapter; I just wasn't happy with it, and now we are so close to the end I refuse to rush and put out something I'm not happy with. I hope you like it.

Thanks as always, to my Beta, Fran. She's so wonderful and incredibly supportive when I was overthinking and struggling with this chapter. Thank you so much xx

Chapter 38

I didn't hear or even notice Edward come to bed that night, but I awoke with his chest pressed up against my back, his arms wrapped securely around my waist - holding the baby and me.

I have no idea what time it is; the drapes are half-drawn, but the early morning light creeping into the room makes me think it's too early to consider getting up.

Edward appears to be awake; His fingers lightly stroke over the swell of my belly. He's so close I can feel his breath drifting over my shoulder, tickling me. For a few moments, I bask in the joy of his embrace before the need to see his handsome face overtakes my comfort. Unable to resist, I turn in his arms, so we are face to face. He looks tired; there are dark circles under his eyes - which are slightly bloodshot. Despite those things, there is a smile tugging at his lips that's utterly charming. My lips curl into a smile of their own; I'm unable to hide my happiness at waking up next to my husband. I can't describe the feeling. It's a mix of joy and excitement but, most of all, contentment.

For a moment, we don't say anything; we simply enjoy the wonderful feeling of being together. We're close, but it's still not close enough, and I can't resist snuggling into Edward's side. Clearly, he feels the same way, too, and as he moves against me, I feel something else stirring too. Edward is too much of a gentleman to press me for more, and he shifts back slightly, trying to hide his arousal. Good luck with that - it's hardly little.

My gaze meets his, and there is a softness in his eyes that makes my heartbeat quicken, and when he reaches over and runs his fingers along my temple, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I fucking whimper. I momentarily close my eyes and inhale deeply as his fingers trace the line of my jaw.

"This is a surprise," he says softly, breaking the silence.

"A good one, I hope," I whisper into his chest.

"The best ... certainly more than I deserve."

Something in the way he says this makes my eyes flick up. I can see the guilt … the self-doubts there. I don't like seeing him this way.

"I hoped ... I prayed you would forgive me, but I never thought you would."

"Being apart was only punishing both of us. Every aspect of our relationship has moved so quickly; perhaps it was inevitable I forgave you just as fast. I love you, and I know we can get past this. You're not completely forgiven, though, so don't think you can get around me with kisses and ... other things," I tease, my cheeks flushing at the thought of said 'things.'

"Are you sure about that?" he says, making me blush. Edward smirks, he knows the effect he has on me, and he's enjoying every second of it.

Edging closer, his lips hover above mine before he pulls back quickly - his eyes alight with mischief and delight. He's radiant ... so playful. It makes my heart happy just looking at him. Rosalie is right - I am hopeless when it comes to this man.

And then he kisses me, long and slow and full of emotion and passion. It's the type of kiss that gets my heart beating and my breathing frantic. But before either one of us can get carried away, I pull back, much to Edward's disappointment. His handsome face morphs into a frown, and I can't resist leaning in and kissing him again.

It's all too easy to get distracted when Edward kisses me, but we have some serious conversations to be had, and I tell him exactly that.

"I don't want to keep going over what happened, but there are things we need to discuss once and for all so we can draw a line under this," I begin apprehensively.

Edward props himself up on one elbow, looking down at me intently. "So tell me what you are thinking. I'll do anything. Just tell me what's worrying you, and I'll do what I can to make it right," he says, and I believe him.

"The accusations of cheating I understand because, if the situation were reversed, I would have probably reacted in the same way." I pause, uncertain how to voice something that has plagued my mind and refuses to go away. I'm being stupid … irrational …. emotional - I know this. I just need to hear Edward say it - tell me I'm being ridiculous, and I'll never mention it again.

"What stuck with me most is what you said about the baby. It got me thinking about a few things that have been worrying me for a while now. I know you love our baby and me, but do you ever regret … ever wish it were just the two of us?" I whisper, struggling to put what I'm feeling into words.

Edward looks absolutely horrified by my words.

"Bella, I swear you two are the best things that have ever happened to me. The baby is a gift - the product of our love. How could I ever regret that? I never want you to think that, okay?" His voice is strong and determined, filled with passion.

"I believe you." And I did. The conviction in his words and the look in his eyes make me believe him. I offer him a wide smile before telling him seriously. "That's what I needed to hear. But in the future, no matter how angry you are, you can't ever throw the baby back in my face as you did that day. My emotions are all over the place right now, but I can't be any clearer on this one thing. If you do, there will be no second chances. I won't forgive you. I love you, Edward ... so much, but I will leave you if you ever say something like that to me again," I tell him, hoping to express how strongly I feel about this matter.

"I swear to you, Bella, that's never going to happen. I've learned the hard way what my life is without you, and I'm going to make it, so we never have to go through that again," he seals his promise with a kiss.

I don't know what happens; one minute we're kissing, the next I find myself trapped beneath his hard body. Edward is careful not to crush me, but I let out a low moan when his tongue moves against mine. His hips press against my body, and I can feel him starting to get hard against me. Just when we are close to getting carried away and sealing our reunion in the best possible way, I can't help freezing up. My body stiffens when I feel Edward press against me.

He notices.

He stills my trembling fingers and turns me to face him, lightly brushing my cheek with his thumb to get my attention. When I look up, I am shocked by the concern in his eyes.

"What's wrong? Too soon?" He worries. I smile, loving his vulnerable side I know many people don't get to see very often.

"No ... it's not that," I admit, feeling my cheeks heat, embarrassed by the prospect of revealing the reason behind my reluctance. It isn't too soon; The desire ... the lust ... the ... attraction is undeniable; unquestionable. Whether it is caused by my hormones or our recent time apart, I can honestly say I've never wanted my husband as much as I do now.

There's only one problem ...

"Then what is it?" Edward asks, looking bewildered. I can't blame him. One minute I want to attack him; the next, my thoughts run away with me, and I completely shut down.

"You'll think it's silly," my voice trails off, and I look down, but Edward cups my chin in his hands, gently lifting my gaze back to his

"No, I won't. You can tell me anything, Bella."

I sigh, knowing there is no point fighting him; Edward will get it out of me one way or another.

"This is our family's home ..." my voice trails off. I don't need to explain the reason behind my reluctance, but apparently, I don't know when to shut the hell up.

"I just don't feel comfortable doing that ... here ... knowing the whole family is only doors away."

Edward nods understandingly.

"Of course, I understand now. We'll wait. With any luck, we'll find Marcus, and we won't be here too much longer," His smile grows, his hands running up my side while his lips briefly brush against mine. He's in a playful mood … slightly cocky. I love this side of him.

"We'll wait until we are back in our home and then ..." his voice trails off.

"And then ..." My words are barely above a whisper.

"Then you are all mine, and you won't have to worry about being quiet," Edward says, his voice low, seductive, and full of desire. He seals his promise with a kiss that quickly turns heated. His mouth moves against mine, and I forget all about the family or anyone else when Edward's tongue brushes mine. His hands wander; teasing, and I'm lost. Suddenly I'm gripping his hair too, pulling him as close as possible, rubbing against him - desperate to ease the ache that makes all my claims about being put off by the family around us completely void.

We could be quiet, right? Possibly ... maybe …

No chance ... After less than a week apart, there's no way I'll be able to control myself, and I doubt Edward would too.

He agrees.

When we pull apart, we are both breathing hard. Edward groans, then turns over, burying his face in the mattress.

"You're killing me, you know." His words are muffled by the duvet.

"I'm sorry," I struggle not to laugh.

"No, you're not."

Edward turns suddenly, and before I can wipe the smug smile off my face, he pounces, hovering above me, somehow managing to land in such a way that keeps his weight off me. I shriek in surprise at how quickly he moved before admitting, "You're right; I'm not sorry."

I push on his chest with little force - it's more a token gesture. His hands grab mine, gently pinning them above my head, holding me in place unnecessarily. Does he think I'm going anywhere?

"I've missed your smart mouth," he quirks.

My laughter is cut off when Edward's lips find mine.

Then the only sounds coming from my lips are moans, gasps, and sighs.

Our kisses grow, our hands wander, our touches become more desperate, and very quickly, we are at the point of no return once again. That's when Edward pulls back abruptly. He gathers me in his arms, bringing me to rest against his chest. He kisses my forehead before whispering, "I love you."

"I love you too," I tell him, as I cuddle closer, enjoying being in Edward's arms - where I belong.

"What time did you get back last night? I didn't hear you come in," I'm curious.

"I'm not surprised; You were flat out, snoring with your mouth wide open," he teases.

"Very funny!" I jab his ribs. Edward catches my hands, intertwining our fingers and bringing them to rest over his chest, where I can feel the steady rhythm of his heart beating against my palm.

"It was about two-ish." He says, sounding gruff.

I don't need to ask how last night went; the look on his face tells me it wasn't a successful search. "We thought we had a solid lead, but it turned out to be yet another dead end," he replies, sounding frustrated.

"You'll find him," I reassure, squeezing his hand.

"I wish I shared your confidence. He's managed to evade us so far. He's good, Bella - a lot smarter than we gave him credit for." Edward sighs.

I've never heard him sound so unsure of himself—I don't like it.

"You're better ... smarter ... stronger," I reassure him.

"Thank you," He kisses my nose, and when he pulls back, he offers me a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. Edward is not the same untouchable ... confident man I first met all those months ago. There are traces of it when he's teasing and flirting with me, but his uncle's deception has hit him hard, which is to be expected.

I hate seeing him so disheartened, but we need to have another difficult conversation - one I've been working up to for a few days. There's never been the right moment to bring up my suspicions about his uncle's involvement in the deaths of his parents. Now is a good a time as any, I suppose.

"Speaking of Marcus ... There is something else I wanted to talk about, but I'm worried how you'll react."

I'm not looking at him, but I can feel Edward's hard gaze on me, and when he tips my chin up, lifting my gaze to his, those suspicions are confirmed. He looks curious but concerned too.

"Now you have to tell me. Is this about while you were with James? Did they hurt you? Do anything to you that you've not told me about?" His voice is low … controlled, but I can read the panic in his eyes.

"No, nothing like that," I reach out, running my fingers along his worrying brow.

"Marcus said somethings I can't get out of my mind. I don't have any proof, but I think maybe … maybe he played a part in your parents' death."

When I'm finished, I chance a look at Edward, who doesn't appear shocked by my theory - only resigned.

Did he even hear what I said?

"I've been thinking the same... " Edward lets out a long, weary sigh.

"You were?" I'm shocked.

"Yes ... After everything that's happened recently, it got me thinking. There are too many coincidences ... too many unanswered questions I've always had about what happened to them. It's all a little too convenient how Marcus was there to pick up the pieces after they died—how he suddenly found himself a part of the family. At the time, I was so young and heartbroken. And Uncle Marcus was right there for me, seemingly picking up the pieces, stepping in for my father. It seemed right. I didn't think anything of it, but now, being older and wiser, and after what he did and how he's acted, I wouldn't rule out anything."

I sigh, so sorry we have to even talk about this.

"But why do you think he did, Bella? Did he say something? Tell me."

"Are you sure you want to talk about it?" I ask tentatively.

"Absolutely."

"When he came to see us at the house, he said something about people being in his way ... 'always someone he needed to take care of.' Or words to that effect. It was clear what he was implying."

Edward looks crestfallen, and I want to take it all back. But it needed to be out there; he needs to know.

"All these years I looked up to him— thought he hung the moon. How does someone, even in our line of work, kill their own sister?"

I start to talk, but he silences me with a kiss.

Shaking his head, Edward tells me, "No ... I think we've had enough heavy conversations this morning. Let's go back to sleep," he groans before rolling onto his back, dragging me with him. And as I tumbled slowly into sleep, with my head on his shoulder, his arm wrapped protectively around me; I can't keep the ridiculous smile off my face because I have no doubt in my mind, I've made the right decision.

Sleeping in Edward's arms is such a blissful ... happy feeling. I'm quite sure I won't be able to sleep without him by my side ever again. This is where I should always be.

...

A few days have passed since we reconciled, and Edward and I are stronger than ever. I feel so happy and content, and I know Edward does too. It shows in his crooked smiles, his playful teasing, and the many tender moments we've shared.

When he wasn't out trying to find Marcus, he doted on me, hand and foot. The times where Edward was away, proved difficult. I missed him, but I had work to do too. The adventures of a playful little rabbit called Rupert and his friends were the perfect distraction from everything happening with the family. I sought peace in my temporary office, where I finished what I hoped was my final draft before sending it over to my editor to approve before my maternity leave kicked in.

Not that I was overdoing it - Edward saw to that. It wasn't just him; the whole family rallied around me - looking out for me. Or, in Nanna's case, checking up on me. She was constantly dropping by to see me and, more importantly, feed me - not that I was complaining.

They needn't have worried; I was following doctor's orders of rest, rest, and more rest. We had our check-up a few days ago, where I again got the all-clear. My blood pressure was notably reduced to a normal level, and all my other tests came back clear. Still, I wasn't taking any chances or unnecessary risks; I felt incredibly lucky to have no complications or lasting effects from what happened.

Today, Jasper and Alice were the lucky ones keeping an eye on me while Edward and Emmett were out. I'm not complaining. It was so nice spending time with Alice and, in particular, Jasper, with who I've barely had many interactions outside of family gatherings and events. I've got to see a different side to him. Underneath his quiet nature, Jasper is so incredibly laid back and chill, with a sharp mind and a dry sense of humor that reminds me of my dad.

Moreover, he has a calming influence, and he's level-headed about the search for Marcus compared to other family members.

In the last few days since the family joined forces with the Russians, they've had no luck finding Marcus. The trail has gone cold, and to make matters worse, any leads they had proved unsuccessful. Carlisle didn't seem too concerned by their lack of progress, yet Edward and Emmett were frustrated - they didn't have the cool head of their leader. They were relentless in their hunt - out after dark looking God knows where to find him. And when they weren't hunting,' they were doting partners.

Thankfully, Rose has kept her word and backed off, no longer aiming snide or cutting remarks at my husband. As a result, the four of us have enjoyed spending time together with no awkwardness.

"What's taking them so long?" Rosalie joins us in the living room, demanding to know where Emmett was. She's been keeping herself occupied with the family's extensive collection of vintage cars they have hidden away in the garage. A few needed a little love and affection, so Rose was more than happy to pass the time exploring those.

I suppose I should cut her the same slack I urged her to give my husband. This life was a lot to take in, and Rose had been thrown in at the deep end. Mafia life wasn't all fast cars and glamour. It was brutal, but I think her experience with James toughened her up a little.

"They should be back by now," Rose worries.

At first, I'm surprised by her outburst, but I understand her concern when I check the time. Tonight is family night, the one night of the week when the whole group has dinner together. No matter what, we all made time for one another, hence why the boys had gone out a little earlier than usual with the promise of being back in time for dinner.

Now, it was close to seven o'clock, and Nanna was cooking up a storm in the kitchen, but there was still no sight of my husband and Emmett.

"Calm down, Rose, I'm sure they're okay. Probably just got held up, that's all. They wouldn't dare risk the wrath of Nanna," I say, hoping to calm her fears.

I shoot Edward a quick text, reminding him the time was getting on and it would not be wise to keep Nanna waiting.

The response I got was a simple, on the way xx.

...

Determined to make myself useful, I'm helping Esme set the table when the front door slams, alerting me of their return. I hear raised voices followed by what sounds like Carlisle urging someone to calm down, and then there's silence.

Glancing at Esme, she offers me a tentative smile before we walk towards the source of the disturbance. When we get into the hallway, there's only Carlisle and Emmett. Both men look tense, and it's clear they aren't pleased with the outcome of whatever it is they are discussing. To make matters worse, Edward isn't with them.

"Where's Edward?" I ask though I have a sneaky suspicion where he is when I hear heavy footsteps upstairs, followed by a door shutting with force.

"He went upstairs; he needs to cool down," Emmett reveals.

"Is he okay?" I worry.

Carlisle nods before telling me. "Edward is incredibly angry and frustrated right now. We had a tip-off that turned out to be false."

I'm about to follow him upstairs when Emmett reaches out a hand to halt my movement. "Give him some time," he advises.

"I need to see him, Emm," I say, but he looks hesitant.

"Are you sure that's wise? He's not in the best of moods, Bells."

What the hell is he getting at?

"I'll take my chances," I tell him firmly. If Edward is struggling, I want to be there for him, whether it be to vent, calm him down, or simply be with him.

...

Instantly, my eyes find Edward upon entering our bedroom. He is standing at the far end of the room, with his back to me. He appears frustrated and is mumbling to himself, fisting a hand in his hair, making it stick out even more than usual.

"Not now, Emmett, please," he sighed, "I know you mean well but just leave me alone."

"It's me ..."

He turns around, jumping when he sees me standing in front of him. His eyes widened before he sends me a tight smile.

Closing the distance, I slowly walk towards him, wrapping my arms around his waist as he pulls me in. Edward leans down, kissing my forehead.

"Are you okay?" I ask, concerned.

"I am now."

For a moment, we just hold each other; I can feel the tension slowly sinking out of him.

"What's wrong?" I ask, pulling back so I can read his reaction. Edward looks reluctant. I can see he's struggling to control his anger, and I hate that he's holding back ... worried about offending me.

"You don't need to hold back for me. It's ok to be angry, Edward," I tell him.

"Angry! I'm fucking fuming! It's been days, and we are no closer to finding him." Frustrated, he rakes a hand through his hair pulling at the roots. "Every day that fucker is out, there is a day he shouldn't be breathing. I need to find him and make him pay for everything he's done to this family … to you."

He's fierce, protective, and incredibly hot, impossible to resist. But while I'm fighting the urge to attack my husband, he's shouting again, though thankfully, his anger isn't directed at me.

"This is taking too long. He could be anywhere by now." He rages. Moving towards him, I pull his hands out of his abused hair, interlinking our fingers, trying to calm him.

"It's been less than a week; have some patience and faith in yourself. You'll find him; I know you will," I say, squeezing his hand.

"How do you do that?"

"Do what?" I ask, puzzled.

"Calm me down when I'm losing my shit." he laughs. "You're a great distraction."

"I know another way to distract you," I tease.

"You," he lazily drawls as his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me against him. "Are a tease," I melt into his arms, enjoying the feel of his lips against mine.

When I pull away, Edward pouts.

"Let's go join the family. Dinner is nearly ready, and Nanna will be angry if we keep her waiting," I warn.

"I think we should stay here." Edward kisses me again, and I'm close to giving in. He knows it, too, judging by the smug smile on his face.

"Come on, Romeo. I'll make it up to you tonight."

Now I'm the one with the smug smile. Because yeah, we're not having sex, but we'll have fun in other ways ...

"I'll hold you to that," Edward places one final lingering kiss on my lips before taking my hand in his and leading me downstairs.

Author's note: I hope you liked it. Up next, we catch up with the rest of the family. Join me over on Facebook for teasers and more :)