I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.

Before we continue onto the story, I do want to address how everyone is handling Alice.

She fucked up. Plain and simple.

She slept with Jasper to get details about Bella. She didn't want to find out who was sending the emails to her about Bella. She didn't care. As an attorney, she should be able to portray a level of trust. In her behaviors? Zero trust. Because of her choices, her integrity was questioned and rightfully so. She felt that Bella was worth less than the dirt beneath her shoes and due to that behavior, she lost her professional integrity and rightfully so.

In regard to her family, she also hurt her relationship with them. She worked in a family business, which caused her family's integrity to be questioned. Will she be forgiven? In time … Regardless of her behavior, her family will love her. Like my mom used to say, 'I love you very much, but I don't like you at the moment.' Will she ever be trusted, especially in situations where she's working with her family? Definitely not.

She is an entitled snot and her choices finally caught up with her.

I do not like this Alice. It's as simple as that. If someone pulled some of this bullshit on me, I'd react the same way. Her family, Bella and everyone involved have every right to be pissed at her. She has to make some changes in her life, but regardless, her choices irrevocably changed her relationship with her brother, and made her parents question her professional ethics. And Jasper? Yeah, not happening … she burnt that bridge so badly that the bridge is no longer there.

Stepping off my Alice Hate-Train and onto the story.

None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …

Chapter Nineteen

Bella

I felt safe. I felt protected. Sighing, I snuggled deeper into the covers. Then I realized that my pillow had a heartbeat. Opening my eyes, I was confused. Where am I?

"It's okay, Bella. You're safe," said a male voice.

Jacob?

No, not Jacob. He would never hold me. He also doesn't smell like sandalwood and beach grass.

I shifted, looking up. Edward was holding me. His eyes were gentle, kind and swirling with concern. "Hey, gorgeous," he breathed.

"Hi," I croaked. "How did I get here?"

"I carried you inside. As soon as Rose and Emmett left, you crashed. Seth was adamant that I stay because he said he'd never seen you so relaxed," Edward murmured, trailing his fingers down my cheek. "I can go."

"No," I gasped, tightening my hold on his t-shirt. "Stay. Please, stay." I felt tears well in my eyes. God, I'm such an emotional mess. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize, love," he said, wiping his thumbs on my cheeks.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"A little after eleven in the morning," Edward explained.

"I need to get Seth breakfast," I blurted, trying to get up.

"Relax, Bella. I got up and we got some McDonald's. I borrowed your car, by the way," he snickered. "He's currently organizing his new room and working on a book report. He also asked me about callbacks."

"He got called back?" I asked. "He didn't tell me."

"He was really worried about his mom," Edward smiled, brushing my hair back. "But, he got called back for the Baker in Into the Woods, Jr. I gave him some tips and listened to him. Seth is really good, to be honest. He's got a natural way when he reads his lines and a nice singing voice."

I snickered. "He didn't get that from me. I'm completely tone deaf."

"Singing is not a talent of yours," Edward replied diplomatically. "But, I won't hold that against you, love."

"I should get up," I said. "I feel gross. I also need to finish organizing the house."

"I think you're entitled a lazy day, Bella," he murmured. "When was the last time you just vegged?"

"Um, never?" I answered.

"Well, let me and Seth handle things," he smiled, brushing his lips with mine. "You just plop down on the couch and look up some ideas for paint, décor, and tchotchkes. You're also going to soak in that tub and let me spoil you." Tears welled in my eyes. "Don't cry, Bella. You're not alone."

"I'm just so emotional and I don't know …" I whispered.

"You have every right to be emotional. You've been through hell for years. You're entitled to cry, sob, rage, and scream. Seth's biological father is asshole, and he doesn't get to know that wonderful, beautiful boy that you raised. A boy who is kind and smart and funny, despite the fact that he'd been through hell with you. He adores you, Bella. He thinks you're the strongest person in the world. He would walk through fire for you, Bella," Edward whispered.

His words made me cry more. I was so proud of my child and the person he'd become. However, my child should not have to walk through fire for me. That was my job. Not his.

Edward gathered me in his arms, not saying anything as I cried.

"Bella, I know that you are dealing with things. I understand that you think you're damaged. You're not," he said once I calmed down. "You're bruised and you have some scars, but you are strong and resilient and beautiful."

"But, like everyone else, you'll leave," I muttered, voicing my greatest fear. "Everyone who cares about me leaves."

"I'm not going anywhere, Bella," he pressed. "You'll have to order me away."

"I don't want that," I admitted. "I kind of like having you here."

"I think you more than like having me here. You burrowed into me, sleeping so hard. When I got up to take Seth for breakfast, you wouldn't let go," he said. "Now, you go soak in the tub and I'll make you breakfast."

"Make?" I teased.

"Pick up. Shut it. I still can't cook, and I don't know the local delivery services," he quipped. "Seth said he'd help me." He kissed my temple and got out of bed. I noticed he was in a pair of jeans and t-shirt. "I checked your bathroom. It's fully stocked. Since my shit is at Jasper's, I opened a new toothbrush. It's the only one in the holder. Do you have any preferences for food? You do need to eat, love. You barely ate all day yesterday."

"Greasy cheeseburger and tater tots," I said, getting up. I was still in my clothes from yesterday, but it didn't bother me since my outfit was a pair of yoga pants and an oversized shirt. "With a cherry coke. Seth will know where to get it. Just don't trust him for directions."

"You got it," Edward said, giving me a crooked grin. "Soak, relax and decompress." He leaned forward, kissing me tenderly, brushing his mouth over mine. "One greasy cheeseburger with tater tots and a cherry coke coming right up." With another deep kiss, he left my bedroom and called for Seth.

I padded to the dresser, which was filled by Rose. I found a pair of panties and a bra. I carried them, along with a pair of jeans and pretty top. I'd looked like a zombie, and I wanted to look nice for Edward. He'd traveled all this way for me. A smile ghosted over my face. He was here. Edward was here.

I took my time in the bath, soaking in the bathtub after giving it a deep scrub. I lit a few candles that Rose had deposited around my bathroom. The calming scent of lavender filled the room. I relaxed and let the hot water soothe my tense muscles. Finishing my bath, I took a shower to wash my hair. When I was clean, I dried my hair and tossed it into a low ponytail. Applying makeup, I got dressed and left my bedroom. I felt better, but was still so exhausted. Not sleeping for almost a week really fucked me up.

I walked down the stairs. Little tidbits of home were scattered around the living room, kitchen, and dining room. Pictures were hung and there was another beautiful bouquet on the kitchen island. The flowers that Edward gave to me were in my bedroom. I must have been completely out of it if I hadn't heard the hammers pounding on the walls. Looking at the pictures, I smiled at the history on my wall. My family, my friends, my son.

Photos from Christmas, laughing in front of the tree at Rose and Emmett's.

A picture of my father … "Dad?" I whispered, plucking the photo from the wall. The picture was creased and worn, but it was my dad in his uniform. "Daddy?" I slid down the wall, looking at him. Tears welled in my eyes as I traced his features.

"Mom! Edward and I have … lunch," Seth called, finding me on the floor. He put the food on the counter. "Mom? What is it?"

I held up the picture, pointing to it. "W-W-W-Where did you find this? I lost everything about my father," I asked, looking down and shakily running my fingers over my dad's face on the picture. "All the pictures, his awards, him."

"It was in one of the boxes that held your books, Mom. One of the older ones from when I was a baby," Seth answered, sitting down next to me. "Uncle Jasper found it. It was Edward who got the frame for it and put it on the wall. You look just like Grandpa, but girly. You also don't have a mustache."

"That wouldn't be a good look for you, gorgeous. I'd still think you're hot, but it would make kissing you a bit difficult," Edward snickered.

I laughed, looking at my father's face. "You look like him, too. You have his smile, Seth." I hugged my son, kissing his temple. "I'm sorry. I was just having a weepy mom moment."

"Well, you need to have a hungry mom moment," Seth said, standing up and pulling on my hand. "Edward and I got you something to eat. You've been surviving on coffee and air this week." I got up and he led me to the kitchen. "Please, Momma?"

"Thank you," I said. "Both of you."

"I'm sorry if I overstepped," Edward said softly, pulling out plates for us. "Jasper showed it to me, and it was in bad shape. When we got breakfast, I found a boutique that had frames. I got this frame for the photo because … your father … I wanted to protect it for you."

"You didn't, Edward," I responded. "It's just been … so long. I haven't seen a photo of my father since I left Forks. I'll explain more later. But, seeing him again just threw me for a loop."

"Well, here's your greasy hamburger, tater tots and cherry coke," Edward grinned, handing me the plate with a flourish.

"I got some nacho cheese for us to share," Seth said, sitting next to me. Edward gave him another plate with another hamburger and French fries. "Thanks, Edward."

"I will make dinner for us since you two ate McYuck's for breakfast and Sonic for lunch," I teased. "Thank you for picking this up."

"You're welcome, gorgeous," Edward replied, unwrapping a patty melt with his own tater tots. "I don't want to burn down your brand-new pretty house."

"Thank you for that," I laughed. "Now, Seth, Edward said that you got called back for the musical?"

"Yeah. I don't think I'll get it, but whatever," he shrugged, devouring his hamburger. "I just like music and singing. I figured why not."

"I'm going to have to get you even more clothes, Seth Charles Swan. I just dropped a shit-ton of money on a new wardrobe for you," I teased.

"I'm a growing boy," he said, his mouth full of fries.

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Edward and I chided. I giggled as Edward gave me a crooked grin.

"So, this must be what it's like to have two parental units," Seth quipped. "I think I like it."

"You've been respectful to Edward, right?" I asked.

"He's awesome," Seth answered, nodding eagerly. "We have an understanding, right, Edward?"

"We do, Seth. He's been great, Bella. He's an amazing kid," Edward blushed. He held out his fist and Seth bumped it while he slurped up his soda. "Are you two okay while I run over to Jasper's to pick up my luggage? I mean … if that's what you want. I didn't want to presume."

"Stay," I said simply.

"Okay. Is it alright if I borrow your car again?" he asked.

"After you finish eating your lunch," I snickered.

"Right," he laughed.

While we ate lunch, Seth told me about his audition and about his call back, which was scheduled for next week. After some prodding, he did sing his audition piece. His tanned skin was so pink, but his voice was sweet and confident. Pride filled me and I hugged him tightly, much to his embarrassment. His face flamed to a bright crimson, giving me a scowl. "If you get that lead, I'll be in the front row and will be that embarrassing mother."

"I'll be right next to her, Seth," Edward smirked. "You're good, kid. Probably better than I was."

"Could I be in the movie?" Seth asked.

"Possibly. Usually, when I do a movie based on a book, I try to get the author on screen with a cameo," Edward said, giving me teasing grin.

"Oh, no. I'll write the screenplay and give you the source material, but I will stay off screen," I snorted. "You're done with your lunch. Go get your stuff from Jasper's place. Do you know how to get there?"

"I do, but if not, I have my phone and Jasper's address," Edward said. "I'll be back in a little bit." He cupped my cheek, kissing my lips. "Call me if you need me."

"Bye, Edward," Seth said, again with his mouth full. Edward laughed, walking down to the garage. "I like him, Mom. He's a lot like Uncle Emmett and Uncle Jasper, but a lot more protective of you. You obviously like him, too. That hug yesterday morning?"

"I was completely shocked that he was here," I smiled, dipping a tot into some cheese.

"Mom, you threw yourself into his arms and clung to him like a spider monkey," Seth deadpanned. "You also fell asleep in his arms. He's a good guy. He loves you."

"He can't love me," I argued.

"Uh, yeah. He can," Seth grinned. "Mom, I may be twelve, but I can see how much he loves you. You also love him. You trust him." He reached over to me, squeezing my hand. "Mom, our lives have been a shitshow."

"Language," I chided. "But, it's the truth. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault, Momma," Seth said. "It's all my sperm donor's fault. He did this. He's trying to hurt you, to hurt me."

"He won't, Seth," I vowed. "We're going to fight this and as far as your sperm donor is concerned, he has no say in our happiness, in our lives. We write the story, not him."

"We do write the story and I think with Edward, we'll get our happily ever after," Seth smiled, hugging me tightly. "You deserve happiness. You deserve love and not just from me. If he says that he loves you, will you say it back?"

Now, if that wasn't a question for the ages …

xx Blockbuster xx

While Seth was at school, Edward was invaluably helpful in setting up my home. We'd painted walls and went shopping for décor. I was also shocked at how handy Edward was. He said that he learned how to do this stuff because of his job. If he wanted something done, he needed to do it himself. He also had a really good eye for décor.

"Set dressing," he shrugged, tossing a couple pillows into the shopping cart at a home décor store. "You have an aesthetic you want to portray for a character, and you look for what you want. Granted, in movies, I tend to find the stuff at Goodwill, Salvation Army or the dumpster, thanks to budgetary concerns."

"Well, I'm thankful for your eye," I grinned, finding a throw blanket that matched my new bedding. "I'm surprised your house so sparsely decorated."

"I put all of my decoration mojo in my movies. I want my life to be simple," he explained, holding up a lamp.

"Ugh, no. The shade is pretty, but the lamp is atrocious," I laughed.

He held it up, inspecting the lamp portion and he wrinkled his nose. "Yeah, this is pretty bad. My apologies, gorgeous." He put it back and pushed the cart. "So, while you were working on alphabetizing your books, I talked to my parents."

"You make it sound like I'm a nerd," I snickered. I shook my head. "Wait, I am a nerd."

"A sexy nerd," he grinned, pulling me into his arms and caging me against the shopping cart. "My sexy nerd."

Butterflies swarmed in my belly as his lips trailed along my neck. I smiled, blushing at his sweet words. "Edward," I whispered. He chuckled darkly, straightening and we walked through the aisles in the store. "What did your parents want?"

"They asked me if I was coming back for Thanksgiving. I told them I wasn't. I do have fly back for some meetings during the first week of December, but I can be back," he said.

"What are the meetings?" I asked.

"Finalizing locations and scheduling auditions," he said. "Then, once we begin hiring the actors, I can send Elliott to do some B-roll shots, stuff to use for transitions in the movie. Since the book covers such a long span of time, we need to have change of seasons and I can't exactly get fall foliage footage in April. I'd rather get the real thing than having to set up a soundstage with fake fall trees or heaven forbid, with CGI. Computers can do some amazing things, but I still prefer the real thing."

"I'm curious. For the locations, you didn't …" I trailed off. "I don't want the film to be done in Forks or La Push."

"I know that. With your history and what happened to you, Forks and La Push were not even options. We're looking at Oregon and Vancouver for the early parts of the movie," he explained. "We're also exploring northern California, as well."

I turned around, sliding my arms around his middle. He stopped and held me, cradling my head and body like I was the most precious thing in his life. "Thank you," I breathed against his chest.

"This whole movie-making process has been rough on you. Granted, a great deal of the drama came from my sister and now with … you know," he shrugged, kissing my head. "Come on. I want to take my girl out for a date."

"I have to pick up my kid in a few hours," I snickered.

"I can still take you out for lunch, woman," he said. "Come on. Let's pay for this frou-frou decorative shit and go out for lunch."

"You have the heart of a poet," I teased, pushing the cart to the exit of the shop.

"I do try," he grinned.

After paying for the decorations, we drove to one of my favorite sushi restaurants. He told more about the plans for the movie, along with his decision to have the auditions up here. He wanted my approval for the leads, but for the smaller roles, he'd hire them.

"After the casting process, I want to step back. I want to see what you come up with for the movie," I explained. "I've been very hands on, but I really want to be surprised when I see the movie at the premier."

"I can work with that, but if I need help I can call you, right?" he asked.

"Of course," I nodded. Edward paid for our lunch, and we drove to my son's school. Seth got into the backseat with wide eyes. "Is everything okay, Seth?"

"I got the role of the Baker in the musical," he said. "Rehearsals begin after Thanksgiving break."

"Congratulations, Seth," Edward smiled. "Do you have your script?"

"I'll get it tomorrow at the first read-through," Seth answered. "Can you pick me up tomorrow at four?"

"Sure thing, kiddo," I said. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom," Seth chuckled anxiously. "I'm worried that I'm going to suck. At least, it's double cast."

"You are not going to suck," I chided. "You wouldn't have been cast if the director didn't believe in you. Right, Edward?"

"I agree," Edward nodded. "You're going to rock it and when you're on stage, I want to see you. I'll be right next to your mom, sitting in the front row."

"Really?" Seth asked. "That would be awesome, Edward. I mean, wow!"

"After being on stage, you'll be on the big screen in no time," Edward quipped.

"Maybe," Seth drawled. "We'll see."

The next couple of weeks, things calmed down. My house became a home. The only fly in my ointment was the lack of progress in my apartment break-in. Other than completely trashing my place, there were no other clues. It didn't appear that anything was taken, but I don't know. Whoever got inside had cut the security feed from McCoffee Café and Lauren, who had closed that night, didn't remember anyone staying until closing. As a result, I had no idea who invaded my home, and it made all the men in my life extremely anxious.

It made me anxious, as well.

Having Edward stay with us gave me solace and protection. I don't know how I'd feel once he flew back to Los Angeles, but having him with me and Seth made me feel so safe. Also, watching Seth turn to Edward and seeing their relationship blossom, it made my heart burst. My son had someone on his side. Yes, he had Emmett and Jasper, but he saw them as uncles. Edward's relationship with Seth reminded me of my relationship with my father. One of mutual respect, love, and laughter.

I wanted to believe that my son had a father, but I didn't want to presume.

It felt nice to hope.

As I was planning Thanksgiving and talking about with my latest therapy appointment with Rose at my place, my cell phone rang. Edward was with Seth, Jasper and Emmett. They were shooting hoops with a couple of Seth's friends and their fathers.

"Who is it?" Rose asked.

"It's Caius," I replied. "What if Jacob …?"

"Don't think the worst," Rose soothed. "Put it on speaker."

I slid my finger across the screen, turning on the speaker phone. "Hello, Caius. How are you doing?"

"I'm good. I wanted to talk to you about what I've found out about Jacob and his claim to your son," Caius said. "I also wanted to check on you. Have you settled in the new place?"

"Yes, I have," I nodded. "With the help of my family, I was moved in and it's feeling like home."

"You sound better than when I spoke with you last," Caius breathed. "I was really worried about you, Bella. I still am, if I'm being honest. However, knowing that you're accepting help from your family puts my heart and mind at ease. You deserve happiness."

"For the longest time, I didn't think I deserved anything, Caius. Now? I realize that the voice in my head, that nasty voice who told me that I was worthless and a waste of skin, he was lying," I hissed. "I'm not. I want happiness. I want love."

"And, you'll get it," Caius agreed. "Do you have a moment?"

"Yeah, give me a second," I answered, looking up at Rose. I picked up the phone and ducked into my office. I sat down on the leather sofa. "I was in the kitchen, talking to Rose, when you called."

"It's okay. As I said, I've found out some information about Jacob and his case," Caius explained. "Along with the murder investigation involving Sue Clearwater, as well."

"Start first with Sue," I whispered.

"Well, her death was ruled a homicide. The FBI have taken over the investigation since the tribal police refused to do anything about it. They 'claimed' that she was attacked by bear while out for a walk, or something," Caius explained.

"Do you know who is in charge of the tribal police?" I asked.

"They spoke to the chief of the tribe, William Black," Caius answered. "He was less than helpful."

"Doesn't surprise me. He's the one who …" I trailed off. "He condoned the ritualistic sexual assault of his own daughters. They left when he backed up the boys who … you know."

"There's a lot more going on that reservation than meets the eye," Caius growled. "I'll reach out to my FBI contact and have them open up an investigation. It seems that the chief has a lot to answer for, to be quite honest."

"And Jacob?" I asked.

"Money. It would appear that Jacob has another child, and the child has special needs. He tried to say that the kid wasn't his, but the parents of the woman who gave birth insisted on a DNA test," Caius said.

"Why the parents?"

"The mother died in childbirth. She had a preeclampsia and died from a complication," Caius murmured. "Her name is Emily Young and she lived in Port Angeles. Jacob had worked at the garage that her father owned. Anyway, Emily fell pregnant and got sick. She died. Her daughter, who has severe cerebral palsy and a significant developmental delay, needs special help. So, Jacob has to pay child support and he's being sued for back support since he never paid. Long story short, he saw you as financial windfall."

"Is he still pursuing the case?" I whimpered.

"For now, he's dropped it, but he's a man obsessed. He think he deserves a portion of what you got paid for the movie and the book," Caius sighed.

"He doesn't deserve shit. If anything, he should be paying me," I snapped. "He doesn't get one penny from me. He threw me out."

"I know that, but he's very entitled. He may have given up the legal route to get money from you, but I wouldn't put it past him to try to do something to tarnish your reputation or hurt you, physically," Caius said. "His first offense was Paul. It was completely by accident that Paul came across your name, but he knew about your 'relationship' with Jacob. Once he saw your contract and who you were working with, he sent that information to Jacob and to Edward's sister."

"Ugh, Alice," I groaned. "She's … she made things so fucking difficult. Yes, she helped after Paul decided to be the biggest asshole in history of assholes, but I don't trust her at all."

"Yeah, well, you didn't hear it from me. Her actions have provoked an investigation of the Bar Association. Something about not protecting a client's confidentiality. The client, in this case, is you," Caius grumbled.

"I was never Alice's client. She made that abundantly clear," I frowned. "I'm the gold-digging whore trying to ruin her brother. She slept with my friend to get details about me. Granted, my friend had more brains than she did, and he put the kibosh on that."

"I'm sorry that you had to go through all of that," Caius murmured sympathetically.

"I'll get over it. It's not the first time I've been judged by who I am," I said, shrugging.

"But, you shouldn't be judged for your past, Bella," Caius pressed. "Anyway, I just wanted to let you know about what I found out. I'm taking some time off for the holiday. The office will be closed the rest of the week and most of my employees are traveling to be with their families."

"Thank you for the information," I smiled. "What are you doing for the holiday?"

"I usually work. I don't have any family to go home to," Caius admitted. "Both of my parents are dead and my wife's family … they …"

"Come to my place. We're having a Thanksgiving celebration at my new place and … I would love for you to join us," I said. "I'm not sure if it's appropriate, but no one should be alone on Thanksgiving. I spent many holidays on my own and no one should be without family."

"It's probably not appropriate, but your offer is one of the kindest I've received," Caius said. "What time do you want me there and what can I bring?"

"You can come any time after two in the afternoon and you don't need to bring anything," I answered, smiling. I gave Caius my address. He sounded excited about coming and I felt happy to bring someone else into our adoptive family. The information about Jacob pissed me off, but everything about Jacob pissed me off.

I walked back to the kitchen. Rose was on her cell phone. "See you in a bit, Emmett." She hung up, smiling at me. "Apparently, your boy wiped my husband's ass all over the court."

"Seth?" I asked. "He was the MVP of his basketball team."

"I misspoke. Your boyfriend kicked Emmett's ass. But, Seth did help," Rose snickered. "My former professional athlete husband is feeling a bit old."

"He's getting soft running a café," I quipped.

Rose gave me a sly grin. "On the court, yes, but he's hard everywhere else."

"Ugh, I do not need to know about the sexual debauchery you do with your husband," I groaned, wrinkling my nose.

"Bells, I'm saying this from a place of love, but not all sex is bad," Rose murmured, taking my hand. "It can be beautiful. It's a way for you to say 'I love you' without words. And with a man who loves you, it can be magical."

"I'm still afraid, Rose," I whispered.

"I don't blame you, but Edward is one of the good guys. Edward is your Emmett," Rose explained, hugging me. "He loves you. I can see it in his expression and in his actions. Do you love him?"

I opened my mouth, but quickly closed it. I looked up at her, nodding slowly.

"Good. Now, when are you going to tell him?" Rose quipped.

"Really, Rose?"

xx Blockbuster xx

Edward

Early on Thanksgiving morning, I reached over to Bella's side of the bed. The sheets and pillows were cold. I sat up, rubbing my face. "Bella?" I called. Swinging my feet onto the floor, I yawned and stretched. I tossed on my shirt, walking to the bathroom and took care of my morning needs. With another yawn, I shuffled out of the bedroom and padded down the stairs, finding Bella in the kitchen. She was tackling a turkey that was nearly as big as her. "What are you doing?"

"Prepping the turkey. This guy needs to cook for hours, Edward. Hours! I've never made a turkey," she said, slathering butter all over the bird. "And it weighs a ton!"

"Let me drink some coffee and then I'll help you, okay?" I said, pulling her away from the bird. "We can make a plan of attack and today will go perfectly."

"But …"

"No, buts," I chided, walking her to the sink and washing the butter from her hands. "Gorgeous, this is a holiday. Not another level of stress." I led her to sit down at the island with a cup of coffee. "Drink."

"You're all cute with your hair all sleep rumpled and with pillow lines," she snickered, sipping her coffee.

"I'm always adorable," I grinned. "Is Seth still asleep?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "He was up late, playing video games. Emmett taught him how to play and my son is obsessed." She took another sip of coffee. "Rose and I made a plan for Thanksgiving. It's on the fridge. My job is that monstrosity and the gravy. Rose is handling the side dishes and Emmett is bringing alcohol. Jasper is bringing the dessert, along with a date."

"A date?" I asked.

"Yep. He met a new author at the publishing house. Her name is Maria Wynn," Bella said. "She writes historical fiction and she's super sweet. She's also British. At least, that's what he told his sister."

"Good for him," I smiled, cutting some fruit, and toasting a bagel for Bella. "I know that my sister fucked him up."

"Your sister fucked up a lot of us," Bella snorted humorlessly.

"Well, she fucked herself over, as well," I huffed. "I'm thankful that she's not in the country right now."

"Where is she?" Bella asked.

"Taking some time off for herself in Tuscany," I said. "We had another blowout a couple of days before I flew up here. She doesn't understand why she was wrong and why things are so rocky." Bella bit her lip and her chocolate eyes swirled with anger and mistrust. "I know you don't like her. Fuck, I don't like her at the moment. Her actions have irrevocably changed the dynamic of our family. It opened my eyes to her selfishness. But, enough about her. She has no place in our first Thanksgiving together."

"You make it sound like this will be an annual thing," she quipped, but her eyes were guarded. She'd been so hurt that she feared that I wouldn't be by her side a year from now.

"I'd like it to be," I said. "I mean, I'll be working on editing the movie, but you're my number one priority. You and Seth … you've become so important to me." I love you.

"So have you. You have no idea what you coming up here when I moved meant to me," she breathed, a soft smile spreading over her gorgeous face. "I'm so thankful for you, Edward. You saw me when I was nothing."

"Gorgeous, you were never nothing," I argued. "What Jacob and Billy said to you? They were wrong."

"Like your sister, they don't have a place here," she said strongly. "I want to celebrate this holiday where we celebrate our blessings with my family. I'm thankful for Emmett, Rose, Jasper, and their support. I'm incredibly grateful for my talent, which helped me get out of the hell I lived in since I was eighteen. But, your friendship, your relationship with me … it means more to me than I ever imagined. Edward, I love my child. He's a part of me, the best part of me. I love Rose, Emmett, and Jasper. They accepted me when I was at rock bottom. They gave me a family when I had none. But, you? I love you because you made me feel like me. The me before my father died … I love you, Edward."

I stared at her, tears welling in my eyes. I rounded around island, taking her face into my hands. I held her with so much love and care, like she was my everything. And, she was … she was my everything. I'd do anything to ensure her happiness, her success, her love. "I love you so much, Bella," I whispered. "You are …" I chuckled, kissing her tenderly. "You said you loved me when I carried you to bed that first night here."

She blushed with a shy smile. "I'm not going to lie. Saying those words terrify me," she admitted. "I … closed myself off to everyone. For some obvious reasons, but Rose made me realize that I was starving for affection. I was yearning for a family. I have that now."

"You do, love," I said. "I also know that my parents would love to meet you."

"Well, let's get through this craziness first," she snickered. "I still have to cook that bird."

"You're not alone, Bella," I murmured, kissing her tenderly. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she cooed, sliding her hands up my arms and tangling her fingers in my hair. Our kisses were soft, sweet, and then morphed into more. I slid my tongue into her mouth, lifting her onto the counter and stepping between her legs. She whimpered quietly as we lost control. Her lips moved sinuously with mine, nipping at my mouth. Her fingers tugged on my sleep-ravaged hair while my arms banded around her slight body. She pulled back, panting heavily. "We should stop. I don't want to stop, but Seth is still asleep, and the turkey is glaring at me."

"The turkey is not glaring at you," I teased, nipping at her lips.

With one more kiss, I helped her off the counter and we ate breakfast. Then, we tackled the turkey. Well, I did the heavy lifting while Bella dressed the turkey. It took the two of us an hour and a half to dress the turkey before putting it into the oven. "I'm going to shower," Bella said. "I smell like butter and sage and raw poultry. Not a good combination."

"When you're done, I'll do the same. I'm going to call my parents and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving," I said.

Bella kissed me and walked toward the stairs. She stopped, looking back at me. "I love you, Edward. And, I know that you love me and that you'd never hurt me. Not like how Jacob did. I may not be ready for everything, but I want to try. Rose said that making love with someone who loves you can be magic." She wiped her cheeks and smiled at me. "I want magic."

Before I could respond, she turned on her heel and walked up the stairs.

Magic?

I could work with that.

A/N: This chapter ran away from me, to be honest. I had a plan, I swear. Well, that plan has been moved to the next chapter, along with some other goodies. Now, just because the case with Jacob has been 'dropped', doesn't mean that he's gone from Bella's life. He still wants a piece of that pie.

Nothing will stop him from getting that pie.

Not a lot of pictures with this one … there will be more in the next chapter. The few pictures will be on my blog. You can access that through a link in my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

Leave me your thoughts! Thanks for reading. I'm so incredibly thankful for all of you. Many hugs to you!