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Chapter Sixty-Eight

Edward slipped out of bed early Thursday morning to head to work.

I was lying on my stomach as I felt him sweep my hair behind my ear and whisper, "Start thinking about what you want for your birthday."

Opening one eye, I mumbled, "I don't need anything. You give me everything just by breathing." Edward quirked and eyebrow and I said, "Yeah. That was lame. I like scarves and fuzzy socks. Surprise me."

He laughed, kissed my head and told me he'd stop by later on his lunch break.

We really needed to bring the Jetta over to his apartment, along with the rest of my things. I was waiting to hear back from the hospital in Seattle to receive a list of Renee's things she was allowed to keep with her.

Four hours later, Edward walked in the door with a paper bag in his hands.

"Turkey or tuna?" he asked before placing a chaste kiss on my lips.

Hardest decision ever. I mulled a little too long before Edward rolled his eyes.

"Turkey," I said without thinking.

He smiled and tossed the sandwich. "Turkey it is."

You can imagine how we spent the remainder of his lunch break.

"We really need to talk to Phil about the money," he said for the third time this week. "And he might be worried about your mom."

"Doubtful," I mused. "She gave him the money before she was diagnosed with anything. I doubt they had a contract. How am I supposed to get the money back?"

"Ask nicely?" Edward replied while pulling his shirt back over his head.

"The money was never mine. My grandfather left it for Renee. I just don't know if this is something I want to get into."

"We can figure it out later. Emmett mentioned something about paying a visit to Phil and bringing along a taser..." Edward trailed off. "So. Emmett isn't allowed to get involved," he concluded.

"That's for the best," I agreed as there was a knock on the front door.

Edward opened the door after looking through the peephole. Emma squealed, ran and attacked Edward's leg merely seconds after.

"Someone missed me," Edward joked and mussed her hair as she held onto his leg. "What's up you two?"

"Miss Emma would like to take Miss Bella out for ice cream," Alice said in a confusingly pleasant tone.

"Oh," I replied dumbly, too shocked to say anything else.

"Don't you like ice cream?" Emma asked with a pout.

"I do."

"Everyone likes ice cream." Edward laughed and dropped to his knees, to her level.

"Nuh uh. Uncle Emmett loves ice cream," Emma said seriously, little brunette ponytail swaying with enthusiasm as she nodded her head.

"Some timing," Edward tapped Emma's nose. "I was about to head back to work. I just stopped by for...lunch," he lamely said and I looked away.

"That's fine. It's gals only, anyway." Alice shrugged while looking unapologetic.

Edward glanced up at Alice and said, "I'm mildly offended I'm not invited."

"No boys allowed," Emma explained, causing us all to laugh.

"Well..." Edward stood, glanced between his sister and me and asked, "Do you want to go?"

"Oh, for God's sake, Edward. You're acting as if I have fangs," Alice quipped. "We're going to grab ice cream and safely return her to you."

I appreciated Edward's hesitance as I assured him it'd be fine. I was even starting to believe it myself.

I'd be fine.

Alice gave me a tight smile.

Emma clapped with glee.

I disappeared to the bedroom to change into jeans when Edward walked in and shut the door behind him before sitting on the bed.

"You know you don't have to go."

"I know." I exhaled as I felt his eyes on me.

"Okay, but I-"

"Edward." I stepped closer and stood between his thighs. "It's not your job to protect me from everyone. Especially not your sister," I said slowly and watched his features relax.

"As long as you're comfortable," he stated, grabbing my hips with both hands. "Have fun and I'll see you after work, okay?"

"Okay."

I was grateful the entire drive to the ice cream shop was spent listening to Emma sing along to one of her CD's.

After Emma changed her mind three times about which flavor she wanted, we walked outside the to cheap, plastic playground and watched as Emma suddenly ran off to join the other children.

"Stay where I can see you," Alice instructed.

My leg bounced and I pretended to be engrossed in my mint chocolate chip ice cream. And by 'pretended' I mean I was entirely devoted to that small cup of goodness and was grateful Alice hadn't tried to speak to me yet.

"My brother is very taken with you," Alice said politely while gauging my reaction.

I wiped my mouth and smiled to myself. "He's...wonderful," I said, fully aware the simpleness of the word did him no justice.

"Yes. Well."

More silence save for the children playing and screaming nearby.

My attention was obviously on Emma but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't seem to find myself comfortable sitting here, on a bench, with Alice and her untouched cup of ice cream. It's hard to trust a person who doesn't devour their Cookies 'n Cream within minutes.

"My family wants to throw you a birthday party on Saturday."

"I've heard. Edward mentioned it to me."

"Edward also mentioned to my mother, who told me, that you were hesitant at first but that you finally agreed. I have a strong feeling your assent was due to my dear brother's persistence." She pursed her lips. "Did your hesitation have to do with me?"

I let my eyes finally stare at her expression. "Partly," I said honestly. "But not entirely, no."

"My family is quite upset with me, you see. They all seem to be taken with you as well," Alice chuckled to herself. "My own husband left me in the middle of the night because Emmett called, stating he needed to look after you. Jasper didn't hesitate."

One, two deep breaths and I was able to answer, trying my hardest not to be defensive. "I never asked-"

"I know," Alice cut me off before looking down at her lap. "You never asked for my family to love you. But they do."

I fought the urge to wipe the tears that had pooled in the corners of my eyes.

"I was wrong," she whispered.

I watched as she swallowed and tried so very hard to utter her speech; her apology.

"I went behind Edward's back to check up on you and your mother. I was led to some not so perfect things and-"

"You judged me," I interrupted this time.

Alice nodded and said, "Yes. I did."

"Edward never told me you did that, by the way."

"I'm not surprised he didn't mention it to you. He's good at keeping things like that to himself; things that will hurt others."

My thoughts were instantly drawn to Edward and the things he had kept from me for my own good. His private meeting with Charlie; the bounced check; Alice's hostility towards me.

"My brother has good intentions," Alice assured as if I were to think differently of him. "I'm sure there's a reason if he keeps something from you."

"You're not telling me anything I did not already know."

"I suppose you're right." Alice shook her head and laughed before turning serious again. "Bella. I apologize for treating you the way I did. It was unacceptable."

"Yes. It was."

"I realize you're going to be a constant part of my family's life and I would hate for you to feel uncomfortable around me because I have been unfriendly towards you."

A constant part of her family's life.

The thought made my heart burst.

"Thanks." I was unsure of what else to say.

"I do hope you'll forgive me, Bella. At least, someday."

I nodded.

"Now. Let's talk about your living situation with my brother."

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to a certain gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream I refused to buy at the store earlier. Thanks for reading.

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