A/N: I don't own this, we all know who does. If I did, Rpattz would be stealing me away for the day, to some romantic spa where they serve chocolate and soda all day long, with back rubs and foot rubs and ALIAS playing non stop on a giant TV. Oh, and we'd be making out all day too, of course. :D That's kind of a requirement. I mean, have you SEEN the man? :D

This is unbeta'd, so any and all mistakes belong to me. My house is full of children and my hubs. My head hurts already...but at least I got to sleep in. :D

This is for my wifey, Mrs. Robward. I adore her, she's kinda special. :)

Thanks to Luxure & EdwardsBloodType for prereading this. I gotta come up with something truly epic to say to you two, this story's winding down. Oh, I did add some stuff to this chapter. Wonder if you can spot it... :D And mnp968...you know. You're wonderful, too. :)

**disclaimer **

This story is a bit taboo. Man, you guys just don't trust Carlisle, do you? Poor guy...

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… Chapter Fifty Six - Flustered … Edward …

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You're gone for a while with my father. My mother is happily entertaining Claire. I gotta admit, I'm shocked.

I didn't think she would be so accepting, but she is. The way she is with Claire, I didn't think it was possible. Never have I seen her smile, laugh, giggle so much in my life. My mother, giggling like a school girl. It's like she has no concerns anymore. Like nothing bad or hard is in her line of sight.

I just wonder what the precious bitties at church would say if they knew. If she would be different to them, around them. I hope not, our Claire deserves better.

When I walk into the kitchen, I find myself glancing around at the counter tops. Are there any medications here that could explain her sudden change in demeanor? This all just seems too good to be true.

Maybe she hit her head harder than I thought.

I hear Claire's laughter from the other room and it assures me, there's nothing to worry about. My mother's a good person. A little misguided at times, but in her heart? All good.

I decide to find you, see what you and my dad are doing. When I get to the office, the door is closed, but I hear your voice on the other side. You don't sound happy, and I pause, listening.

Just as you open the door, I hear my father telling you to take the money and go. He stands behind you, holding out a check.

"What did you say to her?" I ask, rage quickly building. Is this what it looks like? He's trying to buy you off? Is that why my mother is so content and peaceful today?

"Edward, no," you say, putting your hands on my chest, trying to catch my eyes.

"Son, it's not what you think. Let me explain." I can see he's anxious, flustered. I pull you to me, shielding you from the shit that I think might soon be hitting the fan.

"What?" I ask, my voice showing my anger.

"I've been putting money aside each month for Bella and Claire, ever since I found out you were her father. Like child support. I didn't know where Bella was, so I couldn't send it to her. Now she's here and I want her to have it. She won't take it, I was just trying to get her to accept it, that's all. This is all my fault, son. Please, let me do my best to try and mend things."

My mind wanders. "You put money aside for them?" I ask. My eyes showing the shock of what I'm hearing.

Have I stepped into the Twilight Zone? Because seriously, these are not my parents.

He pleads his case, professing his sincere apologies. Sad that his lies kept us apart. Angry that things weren't really possible for us at the time. Broken that we've missed so many days, minutes, years together. He just wants to make it right, to help you, us. He was nervous, he says. Nervous about how I'd react to his offering, to what he's been doing all along. While I was missing you, yearning for you, he was setting aside assistance for you. Never telling me, or anyone.

My mother doesn't know. He promises to tell her, he knows she'll ask soon. He's just afraid. And for one of the few times in my life, I see it... Fear. He truly is afraid. Afraid of losing everything he's just gained.

As I look at you, see Claire in you, I understand that. I would be terrified to lose this. What we have.

Your eyes meet mine. You plead your case as well, insisting that you don't want the money. Don't need the money. That we're fine without it, though you appreciate the gesture. You don't want to be seen as a money whore, as someone just looking to cash in on my family's kindness, graciousness.

You're not that, I know you're not. And I don't care what anyone else says. I know what we have, I know it's real. True. Forever. Money or no money, we're it. For now and for always.

I don't know what to think about this situation, though. Not that I want my father's money, but it's not for me to decide. It's yours. Yours and Claire's. You're the ones who suffered, made due without so many things.

I tell you, it's not up to me, not my choice. Just as you're about to say no for the fiftieth time, I stop you. A thought crosses my mind.

"Baby, just think, that's school for you, and for her. No more worries about money. Not ever, if we're careful. Plus, with that as a down payment, we could buy a house."

Your eyes light up, your teeth bite into your lower lip. If we were alone, I'd be pawing at you by now for that.

"A house? Like in a neighborhood with grass and everything?" you ask.

"Yeah, everything."

You look down at the floor for a moment before looking back up at me. "Can it have a few extra bedrooms?"

I smile. "Of course, we need someplace for this little one," I say, my hand on your belly.

"What about a couple others that aren't so little?"

We stare, quietly watching each other. Your brow is furrowed, creased. I see worry in your eyes, desperation. I've never seen you look this way before. Others that aren't so little? What do you mean?

Then it hits me.

Your other children. Kim and Alex. Even the older ones, they might want to stay sometimes.

I smile. "Absolutely."

You let out a breath, the corners of your mouth bending up into a little smile, relief. Turning to my father, you nod. "I'll take it." Your arm tightens around my waist. "We'll take it."

And as we leave, I know our life together will never be the same.

And I realize, we need an amazing attorney.

And a preacher.

And for our good luck to hold out just one more day.

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A/N: Everyone okay again? We cool? You happy with Carlisle again? He's good, see? He didn't mean anything bad by his offer. :)

I think it's time we meet Jake the Snake, don't you? :)

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