A/N: I don't own anything but the plot, the characters all belong to SM. For better or worse filler chapter and yeah, you know, I will get right to work on chapter 4. You guys' response to this story has simply blown me away and I am so glad you guys are digging it. Thank you for the reviews and believe me I try to respond to every single one. I do enjoy seeing what you guys think and your ideas and as I write outline know I consider everything you guys suggest and want to see.

To the loyal followers of my other stories, please don't fret, I have docs going for Kings and to Love Honor and Obey and will start on the next chapter of Second to No One very soon. Thank you again I truly am humbled by your thoughts and I seriously believe I have the best readers and fans this fandom has to offer.

My Facebook crew, you guys listen to all my random gibberish and I honestly wouldn't make it through my days without you. Thank you April, Kim, Tonya, Yvonne, Martha, Fran you ladies keep me sane.

Thank you SarcasticBimbo for your amazing Beta work.

Okay enough of my random musings, see ya at the bottom.

BPOV

I let out a huge breath when the call between Edward and I was disconnected. His voice? It was like honey. His laugh was like a cold drink of water when you're dying of dry mouth. I said every stupid thing humanly possible, but he was right there to reassure me and let me know it was fine. I was bummed because we didn't get to talk very long, but he said he would get more phone time in a few days and would call me, and I should have a letter coming.

I went down to check the mail and there was a letter from Edward, I squealed a little. I shouldn't be getting excited about him. I mean, he was gonna be locked up for another fourteen and a half years, but there was something about the connection we had that made this feel better than alright.

Edward's letter was about music, his favorite music, and I had told him about a few songs that I was currently listening to on repeat. He said he'd had his sister get the songs for him and he loved them. Especially the Lifehouse song with Natasha Bedingfield. He had been listening to it and said that it was officially our song, cause, with us, everything was better than alright.

I had offered to get him an ITunes card to get him more of the songs we'd talked about, but, as usual, he turned me down, saying that it was gonna be his job to take care of me, not the other way around. He never wanted me to think I was just another resource for him, because that wasn't what this was about. Something in me wanted to ask him what were we really about. Was he writing to other women? I shoved those thoughts away, I had no right and really had no claim, he was my pen-pal, my friend, and it wasn't like we were in a relationship.

Work the next day was a drag in the beginning. I was happy because it was just Ben and me, and we talked about music and books and joked around, and I never felt on edge with him. Toward the end of my shift, I was in back getting the bakery and sandwich trays ready for the evening crew, when Ben walked into the kitchen area.

"Bella, there are two women here to see you," he said.

"Umm, who are they?" I asked, confused. I didn't know anyone outside of school and the people I knew from class would never come to my work. They had my cell number, they would just text me.

"I have no idea, but they specifically asked for you," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

I bit my lip and followed him out to the front. There stood two women, one with the longest, blondest hair I'd ever seen. She was dressed impeccably, with these thigh-high, stiletto boots and these tight, distressed jeans.

The other lady, although older, had the prettiest shade of red hair I'd ever seen and these green eyes that were just mesmerizing, I'd seen them before, they reminded me of Edward.

"Umm, can I help you?" I asked quietly, wiping my hands on my apron

"Oh my god, Mom, she is freaking adorable, just like he said," the blonde said with a smile.

I must have had a look on my face.

"Bella, I'm Rosalie, Edward's sister-in-law, and this is his mother, Esme, but everyone calls her Momma Es." the blonde said, stepping forward. I instinctively took a step back.

"Oh, sweetheart, no need to be afraid, love, we just, well, I'm a mother hen, and Edward has been talking about you nonstop. I had to come and see you for myself," the kind looking woman with the soft green eyes said.

"How did you find out where I work?" I whispered.

"My husband, he is a very powerful man, and he is very protective of his only son. So when Edward mentioned you in one of our visits, he poked around. I'm sorry" she said, looking apologetic.

"I, umm, I just... Edward is my friend. I write to him. He is a nice guy, regardless of his situation. He's smart and funny," I babble out.

I feel my cheeks heat up as Rosalie grabs her mother's hands. They both smile wide and look like they're on the verge of squealing.

"He says the same thing about you," Esme says.

"I umm, I don't judge him. I think he is a good guy; I know he's not-"

Rosalie cut me off.

"My brother is a good man. He has some flaws but he is a good guy. I think you're good for him, I haven't seen him happy in a long time," she said.

"I'm just happy to be his friend. He makes me laugh, and he gives me something to look forward to," I confessed.

"So, tell me about you, Bella. Your family, and school?" Esme asked.

"I umm, I have to get back to work, I'm off in..." I turned and looked at the clock, "actually now, I need to go clock out," I said

"Would you be opposed to us taking you to an early dinner? You can show us around, I've never been to Arizona," Rosalie said, leaning forward.

"Yeah, let me... uhh, just let me get my stuff," I said while getting up.

I went to the back to clock out and Ben just stood and stared at me.

"Who are they, Bella?" he asked.

"Umm, Ed-Uhh just some family of a friend," I said quietly.

"That guy is doing time, Bella, he isn't good for you. What are you doing?" he asked, placing his hand on my arm.

"For once in my life, Ben, I'm living. I'm doing something that is just for me, something that feels right to me," I said, grabbing my bag and my jacket and walking back out to the café.

Rosalie and Esme were sitting at the same table I left them at, smiling and talking. Their smiles got wider when they saw me.

"Are you ready?" Rosalie asked me

"Yeah, umm, we can just go to the McDonalds up the street, it's walking distance. I don't have a car," I said, looking at the ground.

"Oh, no worries. We'll take care of everything. Bella, are you okay? You seem nervous," Esme asked.

"My friend-err coworker, he doesn't agree with me writing to Edward. He thinks I'm stupid, or whatever, but-never mind," I mumbled. I shouldn't be telling her this, she would for sure tell Edward, and he would think me to be more of an idiot.

"This is us," Rosalie said and pointed to a dark colored Cadillac Escalade with dark, almost blacked-out, windows.

"Wow, nice car," I whispered as a man opened the doors and I climbed inside.

"So Bella, do you have a favorite restaurant?" Esme asked.

"I love blue, but I uhh, rarely get to go there, it's a steak house. Seriously, we can go to McDonalds, that would be fine," I argued.

"Bella, sweetie, I have to teach you about raising your expectations. It's not often I get to meet my future daughter-in-law and make a good first impression. The women in my family, we are cherished, held in high regard, and treated like royalty. You better get used to it," she said, placing her hand on my knee

"Edward and I, we're just friends. And even if we were something more, he said he got fifteen years. I don't know how it would work," I said.

"If you think my baby is going to serve that whole sentence, you're mistaken. And I can assure you that the second he gets out, he is coming here to get you, to bring you back to Florida," she said confidently.

"Uhh, I doubt it, your son is so smart. He's beautiful and he-there is no reason for him to want me," I said, playing with my fingers.

"Oh wow, we're gonna have to work on you, girlie," Rosalie said with a laugh.

"Bella, you're so precious. I can see why my son is enamored with you, so kind and so sweet. He said you have an amazing spirit," his mother said wistfully

"Wait, umm, is Edward going to get out soon? Like, before he's supposed to?" I perked up.

"My father-in-law is working on it. Our family, we have enemies, and those enemies-"

"Rosalie, not yet," Esme interrupted quietly

"I umm, I won't say anything. I just want Edward to be safe and happy, and I know he's not happy in there. I want him to be where he's happy," I confessed.

"Oh, my sweet boy has finally picked a winner. No worries, Bella, we are gonna get him out of there soon," she said as the car slowed to a stop and the door was opened.

We were at the Canyon Suites, right outside of the village. The outside was amazing. The concierge was waiting to greet us.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cullen. Welcome back. Would you like me to make a reservation for your party for dinner?" she groveled.

"No, we'll have something brought to our suite. Thank you for the directions, we found her," she said, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

I was led to a suite that was bigger than my entire apartment. It was done in a lot of black and crème colors. Everything looked expensive and modern. I walked to the window and just took in the view of the desert landscape. It was actually nothing I'd seen before and I was stunned.

"I know, right? It's amazing here. So, do you go to ASU?" Rosalie asked, standing next to me.

"Umm, yeah, I want to be a teacher. Like, reading or English for elementary schools. I want to teach kids to love books as much as I do," I said with a smile.

"Edward would cream over that. He is such a bookworm, always has been," she said.

"Why did you come looking for me? I mean, I'm sure he has a million women writing to him. What makes me so special?" I asked.

"We-"she was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"That would be dinner, girls. How about we talk while we shove our faces full of sliders, wings and fries? And Rosalie don't you dare tell Carlisle I was eating like this," Esme said with a devilish smile.

She was right, greasy, fattening snacks were laid out on the coffee table and we sat out on these huge plush pillows. It was the best meal I've had in a long time. Everything was so good. I totally made a pig of myself, but then again so did they. It was great.

"Well, Bella, as I was saying before, we never expected the responses for Edward's pen-pal ad that he got. But you were the only one that got a response from him. He read every single letter, and yours was the only one he responded toe called me the night he got it, questioning why you would even bother. And after a couple of letters, was when he asked us to look into you. Our family, Bella, we aren't always on the right side of the law, but we take care of each other. We are big on honesty and loyalty. My brother is guilty of the things they say he did. Edward has always been big into the rush and the thrill of instant gratification, but you will never find a more strong and protective man. When Edward loves, he loves hard," Rosalie said.

"I wish I had a family that stood up for me, looked out for my best interest, to be my voice when I couldn't have one. Edward is lucky," I murmured

"You're family now, too, sweet girl. My son has his sights set on you. Now what do you feel about my son?" Esme asked as she polished off a chicken wing

"He's beautiful. He's smart. He makes me laugh. He makes me feel confident and secure. And he has to have a flaw, because it's like I dreamed him into life."

"Oh, Edward has flaws. He is moody and quiet. He can't cook to save his life. He is possessive and has a mean overprotective streak," Rosalie laughed.

"Did he send you here to do recon on me?" I asked.

"No, he doesn't know we're here. I just-well, when he had me send you the roses, and then the gift basket, I got curious. And Mom, well, she is just nosy," Rosalie shrugged.

I smiled softly. "He is a really special guy. And even if the circumstances aren't so great, I'm glad we met. I hope he can get out soon," I confessed.

"We're working on it, sweetie. Trust me, we're working on it," Esme said.

"Well, umm, I hate for this to end, but I do have class tomorrow, and I need to study so I should get home. Besides, I owe Edward a letter, so I should get going on that. I really did enjoy meeting you both. Thank you for coming, this is the first time I've had visitors since I've been here," I confessed.

"Where is your family, dear?" Esme asked.

"Well, I have no idea who my father is, and my mother, she died of breast cancer. Now it's just me. My stepfather pays my tuition and rent, but wants no other involvement with me," I shrug my shoulders.

I could have sworn I heard Esme growl. I let it go and got up to start helping clear the mess.

"No, sweetie, the maids will do that. Let's get you home so you can study, gotta keep that A average intact," Esme said, giving my shoulder a soft squeeze.

It was so maternal that I leaned into it. It had been so long since I had any affection or human contact, or anyone who showed the slightest concern for me. It was nice.

"How did you know I have an A average?" I asked.

"My husband is very powerful and knows a lot of people. I told you, I wanted to know about the little butterfly that stole my son's heart," she said.

"I doubt I have his heart, but I know I have his friendship, and honestly, that is more than I could ever hope for," I said, returning her hug.

Esme walked me down and gave the driver specific instructions to take me home and to make sure I got inside okay.

"She's Edward's, precious cargo, if you know what I mean," she said with a cocked brow.

"Yes, ma'am, I'll keep her safe," he said as he opened the door to the black sedan.

The driver didn't look at me or speak to me the entire ride back to my house. He was professional and polite. He opened my door and said good night and stood there until he saw me unlock the security door to my building.

I checked my mail and there was a thick envelope, a letter from Edward. I smiled, his letters were really the highlight of my day.

I just hope his mother is right. I hope I am starting to attach a hold onto his heart, the same way he has a hold on mine. But time would tell.