We're moving them along on their road to a new life. Hope you all enjoy.

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Chapter 14

"What about this?" Alice held up some other piece of baby paraphernalia and I shrugged.

"I feel like they didn't have half this shit when Bella was pregnant. If you want it, add it to the list."

"Thanks again for doing this. Rosalie is so busy and besides, I feel guilty because she can't have a baby. Like bringing her shopping for this would be rubbing it in her face."

"She's fostered babies before, Alice. And I'm sure if you asked her to help you, she'd be happy to do it. Rosalie Cullen doesn't have a problem sticking her nose into other people's business, but I love her anyway."

"Rosalie called and asked me to hold off on the inquisition because she gave you a hard time last night."

"Did she tell you about what?"

"I assumed it was Bella. But you know I love her and after everything she did for you in your recovery, I think it might have been what was meant to happen. Everyone got bent out of shape when Jasper and I moved to Seattle, except you. You told me that if it made me happy, then fuck the Greek chorus."

"I did say that." I had to chuckle.

"Yes, you did. And I'm going to say it back. Live your life for you. Whatever that means and wherever it takes you."

"How much did Rose say?" I asked her.

"This has nothing to do with her mouth and everything to do with my ability to read you. You're my twin, and I know when you're trying to work out life moves. So figure them out, and then tell me what you decide. I'm always in your corner, Edward."

"My hype woman."

"And don't you forget it."

We meandered our way through the store, adding some things to her registry, while I threw things in the cart to buy her now. From there we went to Target and Walmart and I loaded up on things I needed that I couldn't get in Forks. We had lunch and I dropped her off at home, feeling good about our conversation.

I made my way back to Forks, when Samantha called. "Hey, Boss."

"Yeah, Samantha?"

"We got an application from a cop out of the Tacoma Metro area. He's moving to Port Angeles because his wife got a job at the community college. He'll be in the area on Thursday, and since Peter will already be coming in, I set up an interview for him as well. If they're both good, we may be done with our search before we've even really started."

"That would be good. Start making calls to their old stations and leave me the information with their official applications. I'll review them Wednesday before they come in."

"Got it, Edward."

"Anyone showing any interest in the Chief spot?"

"Unofficially?" she asked.

"Sure."

"I think Liam wants it. Nothing from the others, but someone may be keeping it close to their chest."

"That makes sense, his kids are older, so the extra hours wouldn't be as hard on him now. It was what kept him from going for it when Charlie died."

"Yeah. Looks like things are working out well for you. This could all be wrapped up by the start of summer and then you can focus on the next steps."

"Don't kick me out of the office just yet."

"See you Wednesday, Edward."

"Have a good one, Samantha."

I hung up and made the last stretch of the drive in relative silence. I pulled into my driveway to see Bella already there. When I unlocked the door, she was working hard on dinner and I was struck by the domesticity of it.

"How was shopping with Alice?" She asked from the kitchen.

"We had a nice time. She sends her love."

I walked up behind Bella and she leaned against me. My hands found her hips and she let out a breathy sigh. "I missed this."

"You don't have to, my house is yours whenever you're ready."

"I know," she whispered. "Not quite yet."

"So what about you? How have the last few days been?"

"Good, I had a really good conversation with Ang, she's going to become the manager of the Sweet Shop and I'll just be an owner. She's going to see about hiring a few part-timers."

"Are you doing that in anticipation of the summer, or our possible move, or both?"

"The move. I want to open a new location wherever we end up and I think having a successful business that is still making money will help if I need to get a business loan."

"Smart, plus the monthly profits will be a nice income."

"Yeah." Bella returned to her cooking and I grabbed a beer before sitting at the island.

"Samantha thinks we may have our new officers if these two applicants pan out. Plus Liam will likely put in for Chief."

"This is really happening," she said.

"It is, are you okay with that?"

"I am, but I wanted to tell you something." Bella turned from the stove to face me and I straightened up.

"Whatever it is, tell me."

"I don't want to sell my house. I want to keep it. It will make visits easier and the idea of selling Charlie's place..."

"I get it, Baby. You don't have to sell it. I'm selling this place, and we can put that money towards wherever we move next. Plus we have the money we've saved."

"There's something else," Bella said.

"What?"

"I got the check for Vanessa's life insurance policy."

I froze. "I'd forgotten all about that."

Bella reached across the island and squeezed my hand. "It was in with all her paperwork. I'd contacted them once the investigation was finished down at the Reservation, because I knew they'd want that information to process it. I can write you a check for your half."

"No," I argued. "Keep it, you can use it as a down payment on your new business. It was $50,000 if I remember correctly?"

"Yes, my dad paid for the highest amount. I thought we'd be turning it over to her in nine years."

"Nessa would have wanted us to use the money towards starting over, so you put it towards your business."

"Okay, if you're sure."

"I am. Now, I'll leave you be so you can finish dinner."

Bella smiled and turned back to the stove. When the salmon was done, Bella pulled the roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts out of the oven and plated our meal. We sat in companionable silence, each thinking about what we had left to do. I knew Bella, she was a planner like me, so she likely had a list for both her business and our personal move. For me, the biggest thing was tying up everything at work, and that would take a bit of time.

Tuesday passed quickly, I took the time to get everything I needed done before returning to work the following day. I was hoping to have a decision on the new Chief by my birthday, but there was a more important birthday for Bella and I to celebrate first.

I should have expected Bella to handle everyone, but I was surprised when I got the message from my mom that she was going to be at the cemetery in the morning with my dad, so Bella and I could have time alone that evening.

I had called the local Chinese restaurant and asked them to deliver our order to Charlie's place around seven, knowing we'd be home by then.

Bella showed up at my place at five on the dot, dressed casually, but looking beautiful. It was a short drive to the cemetery, but once we were there it was easy to spot where our girl was laid to rest. There were flowers from my parents and my siblings, cards and drawings in plastic bags pinned to the grass from her friends, and a small Quileute carving.

"Emily was here." I motioned to the figure.

"Are you upset?" Bella asked.

"No. I'm glad she's not here now, so we can have this moment in private, but I don't blame the tribe. I blame Jake, but I can't hold that against the rest of them. I just wish someone would have held him accountable in some way. But he doesn't matter now, we're moving forward."

"And he is definitely the past," Bella stated.

Bella and I stood there silently, each taking our time to send her our love and birthday wishes. This would have been a big one. Double digits, she'd told me.

"I ordered Chinese for your birthday, all your favorites," I said when the emotion of standing there was too much.

"And I baked cupcakes, just like you always asked for," Bella added.

The roar of an engine cut through our quiet visit, and I didn't need to look in the direction of the car to know who it was.

"Let's go," Bella urged. "We can have dessert first and then wait on the Chinese delivery."

I nodded, taking her hand and putting myself between her and Jake.

"So you're just going to ignore me?" he asked.

"You're not important, Jake. At one time you meant something to me, but that's over. My future is standing beside me," Bella told him.

"Look, I'm sorry," Jake said, shifting his weight. "I'm not trying to be an ass. I came here now because I was trying to avoid seeing you. I wanted to visit her, say that I was sorry."

"We're leaving, do what you need to ease your conscience."

Bella and I got into my SUV and I drove to her house. Just as we told Nessa, we ate cupcakes before our dinner arrived and then we sat at the table and ate all her favorite foods, joking around and telling stories. She would have loved every minute of it.

"Happy birthday, Sweetie," I whispered, feeling that she could hear me.