A/N: So many people hate my Edward and love my Rachel! Good. I had one reviewer who hit the nail on the head, but you'll have to wait to see who and what that means. This is the chapter I want you to see before Christmas.

Thank you all for your adds, favorites, and reviews!


"Dad! Breakfast!" I yelled up the stairs. "Get you butt down here, I made muffins!"

"Keep your pants on!" he called down the stairs. "I gotta put mine on and my sternum keeps clicking like a lock on a chain link fence in a high wind."

"Nice imagery. Don't make me come up there and help you put them on!" I knew that would shut him up. I chuckled. He'd been home for about a week and it had been wonderful to be helpful to him again. I put the muffins in a basket on the table. I stopped, feeling a little light headed. I took some deep breaths and shook it off. I poured his coffee and flipped his omelet. My phone buzzed so I checked it. It was Jake. Since he'd left a few days ago, we'd kept up texting each other about really simple, light things.

Hey! I'm in Lake Charles this week and Maggie said yes! We're going out tonight somewhere far from the casino.

I smiled at my phone. He tried really hard to act happy that Edward was going to work at not being so controlling. He nodded and told me he knew I had to try. When I told him he needed to give someone a chance to love him he agreed and told me all about Maggie. It was with mixed emotions that I encouraged him to ask her out. I hoped it didn't show on my face.

Great, Jake! Let me know how it goes! I fired back.

"So I didn't even have to get down here because you're checking your phone," Charlie grumbled. He pulled out his chair and sat down.

"Jake has a date," I announced happily. I plopped his omelet down in front of him.

"No bacon?"

"Nope." I put a muffin on his plate. He hadn't shaved since his surgery and he had a full grown beard and I saw the smile he was hiding underneath it.

"What the heck is this?" he asked, poking at the green leaves I'd added to his omelette.

"Spinach. You like spinach and I added extra onion because I know you like it," I said. He grumbled a little bit, but took a bite. The look on his face was pleasant, so I guess it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be.

"Edward get home okay?" he asked before taking his second bite. Charlie was trying hard to keep positive about Edward, too.

"Yes. He texted about nine last night. He told me to take all the time I need up here. I talked to Jessica last night and she said I've gotten more done in the two and half weeks I've been up here than I did in a month before I came. She said Mr. Banner will need me down there next week for a meeting, but I don't need to worry about the logistics for a few days." I broke open my own muffin and placed a pat of butter in the middle to let it melt.

"I want some of that," he said, looking at my butter.

"Fat chance, old man. Am I taking you down to Billy's today?" I asked and took a huge bite of my butter filled muffin and made a face just to taunt him.

"Yes, please. Can we run by the station just to stop in and say hello? I want to show them I'm doing just fine."

Truth was he was just so bored. I didn't mind taking him anywhere.

"Not a problem," I chirped back.

"You got a lot of work to do today?" he asked.

"Not really. I'll do some down in La Push. I want to talk to Rachel about a scholarship program again. She needs donors and I think I'm going to fund one."

"Does Edward know about that?" he asked, and eyebrow raised.

"It's not his money, so it doesn't matter," I commented back. "I got that raise and I don't need the money."

"Won't Edward wonder—"

"Dad, we've talked about this," I cut him off. "Edward is changing. He's been great since we had our talk."

"He's still Eddie Haskell in my book. I'm just worried about you, Bells. I'll leave it alone, though." He took another bite of his omelet.

"Thank you. I'm not the same person. My eyes are wide open, I promise. And you know that I have to do all I can and trust him."

"I know, baby. I know." And we finished breakfast before I took him into the station. We stayed for about an hour before we headed to Billy's.


"Bella, you just solved a huge problem! Thank you so much!" Rachel yelled the last part in her little office. "We were going to transfer funds from one of our community action projects in Houston, but now we don't have to fill out all the paperwork. Of course Jake probably would have just donated the money. He does that all the time."

"He does?" I asked. I didn't need to learn more wonderful stuff about Jake. Rachel wasn't making my decision any easier.

"Yeah, he puts it in under 'private donor' in some other city, but I know it's him. He forgets I do his taxes, too. Dumbshit."

"You think he's dumb for donating the money?" I asked a little shocked.

"No, dumbass, for thinking he can hide it from me. I actually love him more for it, if that is even possible." I smiled up at her and finished the last email and sent it off the Jessica. I was basically done for the weekend and it was only Thursday.

All of a sudden I felt very nauseated. "I'll be back," I announced. I got up and rushed to the bathroom and unloaded the muffin and two cups of coffee I'd consumed at the police station. I rinsed with the mouthwash on the counter and washed my face with some cold water. I didn't feel any better.

"Bella? You okay?" Rachel's voice came through the door. I turned around and opened it and shook my head.

"I must have food poisoning or something," I surmised. She looked at me skeptically before turning her eyes down the hallway.

"Charlie are you sick?" Rachel yelled down the hall.

"No!" he called back.

"Nope, chica. I don't think that's it. Can you think of anything else that might make you violently ill out of fucking nowhere?" she asked with her eyebrows raised.

"It's not that," I said, pushing past her and going into the office. I sat back down in my chair and checked my calendar just to be sure.

"How do you know it's not that?" she asked. "You've been married for five years. And sexually active for even longer. My brother talks in his sleep," she said.

"Shut up! You're gross!" I said. But as I scrolled through my calendar I realized I should have started the day we got to Forks. I was two weeks late.

"Bella, sex should be an act of physical love. There is nothing gross about that," she said trying to lighten the mood.

"But talking about your brother's sex life is gross," I added for good measure. And I really didn't need a reminder of how good at sex Jake was. From the very beginning...it was like his second talent next to football.

"So, now that you're done checking your calendar, are you?" she asked.

"How did you—" I whipped around and saw she could see the reflection of my laptop screen in the window.

"I think I am," I said. "This is bad. Edward doesn't want children. He's made that very clear."

"But you said things were getting better. Maybe he'll be open to the possibility," she suggested.

"No, we talked about this just this week, before he left for Seattle. He said—" But I stopped. I didn't want to betray a confidence.

"What did he say, Bella? I'm not going to tell anyone. I may have a big mouth with little filter, but I do know when to clamp it shut. What did he say?" I looked up at her and she was dead serious. I pretty sure I could trust her and this was something I needed to talk out.

"He said that the reason he wanted me to limit my time at work was because he was jealous of the time I spent with the people there. He knows how silly it is. And, aware of his condition as it is—"

"Wait, what condition?" she interjected.

"He's OCD. Like, clinically, not just particular. Knowing his condition, he would have a hard time sharing me with a child knowing how much of my attention a child would command. He complimented me and my commitment to whatever I do and told me he would end up resenting the child." I remember we were laying in my bed after making love. Well, he made love. I was basically just there. But he was incredibly sweet and attentive afterwards and that was new. Again, I had to repress my memories of Jake...

"Please tell me you knew this before you married him," she said, sitting down in her own chair.

"Yes, we talked about it before we were married. After we had dinner here that one night I had brought up how happy you seem to be and how ecstatic Paul is about being a father. He actually said how much he admired Paul for that and that's how we got talking about it."

"Shit, Bella, what are you going to do? Wait." She raised her hands to stop the conversation. "We need to make sure, first. I have an extra pee-stick." She got up and pulled me out of the chair. "Tell me you didn't pee while you were in there."

"I didn't," I said, a little confused.

"Good. Let's find out for sure before we begin to worry." She pulled me into the bathroom again. She rifled through one of the drawers.

"Ah ha ha ha ha! See you asshole! It pays to be a packrat!" she said to herself. She must have been talking to Paul even though he wasn't there. I stayed silent. She unwrapped the indicator. "Now, just pee on this end right here-"

"I know how they work," I said dryly.

"Well, put the cap back on it so you don't get urine all over my basin. I'll even leave, though I really don't want to." Then she hurried out the door and left it open a crack.

I reluctantly undid my jeans and sat on the toilet. I'd done this once before all those years ago and was very pleased with the result. I was only eighteen and Jake just about to turn seventeen.

"Come on, Bella, let's hear some tinkling," she urged.

"I can't do it with you listening!" I hissed. Actually I could. I was just nervous. A slow trickle came out and I was able to get enough on the stick to saturate it. I was barely redressed before Rachel came back in.

"We should know in a few minutes. I always buy the fast acting ones because you know…impatient." She pointed at herself. "Do you have a doctor here? Will you go back to Seattle? Oh! Could your father in law be your doctor? I guess not since he a heart surgeon and not and OB/GYN."

"Rachel can you please shut the fuck up?" I asked. She looked over at me.

"Sorry," she said, truly contrite.

It didn't take long for the second line to come clear. It was just as bright blue as the indicator.

"Okay, now we can worry," she said in a whisper. "I think I'm pretty safe in assuming that a D&C is out of the question." She looked at me and I just nodded.

There was such a mixture of emotions going through me. I was so excited that I had another little life inside me.

I had a little person growing inside me.

A person that Edward flat out said he would resent.

"What am I going to tell him?" I asked no one in particular.

"I think you know what. The question is how. Can I just ask a potentially offensive question just to erase all doubt from my mind so if anyone even hints at it I can bite their heads off?"

I had no idea what she was talking about. "Yes?"

"You and my brother didn't, you know, rekindle your physical flame before Charlie's surgery did you?"

"What? No!" I responded. "We fell asleep in the recliner together, but that's it. What, do you think we had sex while Charlie was asleep in his hospital bed?"

"No, I just had to be clear. I've seen the way you two looked at each other before Edward got back. I just needed to erase the doubt."

"God, what am I going to do?" I said again and walked back into the office and had a seat.

"I think you should tell him in person," she suggested.

"I think you're right," I agreed.

"Bella, this is a good thing. This is a really good thing."

"Are you kidding? This is a great thing! I just don't know if Edward will agree."

"Why don't we book the helicopter to take you back to Seattle? You can tell him and see how he reacts. If it goes well, you can stay and if it doesn't, well you can fly back up here and we'll all support you. I know your dad is just going to be chuffed as all hell!"

"What time is it?" I asked looking at the clock on the wall. It was a little after one.

"One, why?" Rachel asked, confused.

"I need to get to Port Angeles," I picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. "I'll come back for my laptop. Will you drive Charlie home if he wants to leave before I get back?" I asked.

"Yes?" she answered like a question. "What are you going to do?"

"I have to make sure some things are in place before I tell he doesn't take it well. I can't tell you, but I have to do this."

"Okay, Bella. You go take care of it and I'll take care of Charlie. We'll make sure he's okay," Rachel reassured me. She came over and gave me a hug. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

"I will," I promised. "I'm counting on it." I gave her a meaningful look and she looked at me with a mixture of worry and excitement. "And don't throw that pee stick away," I called as I breezed out of the door and down the hallway.

I walked through the front room where the dads were watching some game with a ball on television.

"Dad, I have to run and errand. Rach will take you anywhere if you need to go. I'll be back later." I didn't give him time to respond. Just because his heart needed work didn't mean his eyes and mind were on the fritz. I never gave him credit for how observant he really was. I didn't need his penetrating eyes to figure this out before I'd figured out what to do.


I actually sped to Port Angeles. I never exceeded the speed limit. In high school it was because the truck would never go that fast and after that it was just out of habit. But Jake's restoration included a souped up engine and I had to watch it when I got over eighty.

I pulled into the parking lot of the building Edward took me to the day after our picnic at First Beach to file the paperwork. He'd signed the deed over to me and I needed to be present for the Notary Public to verify the signature on all the documents. I'd never read the fine print before, but I wanted to make sure that this land could not fall into anyone else's hands if things went south.

Edward had always been sweet and kind with me, but I was fully aware of how he treated others he thought beneath him. The more reading I'd done on OCD I figured out he had Obsessive Reassurance Seeking and in manifested in categorizing people. I was in a good category, but if I shifted in his mind, I'd be open to the same vindictive treatment he showed others.

I pulled into the parking spot and entered the building. "Good afternoon, may I help you?" the nice woman said.

"Yes, I'm here to see Fred. Is he available?" I asked in my most solicitous voice.

"Why yes, he is. Can I tell him your name?"

"Bella Swan-Cullen," I recited. Sometimes adding the Cullen helped facilitate what I needed to get done.

"Mrs. Cullen!" Fred called. His head had popped up over the cubicle when he'd heard his name. "What can I do for you?"

"Thank you," I said to the lady. She smiled and went back to her online shopping I could see on her monitor.

"Hello, Fred. I was wondering if I could review the papers we filed here a few weeks ago. I want to check that I have full control over the land near Second Beach."

"Well, Mrs. Cullen—"

"Please, call me Bella," I admonished him. I didn't want to hear my married name until I was sure I still wanted to be married.

"Well, Bella, it does give you complete control unless you die or become incapacitated. Mr. Whitlock drew up the papers and was very clear on that. He wanted that very transparent to anyone who may come and review the papers later," he explained. He cleared his throat like he was uncomfortable.

"Does it define what incapacitated means?" I asked. He gave a surprised look.

"No, it doesn't," he answered.

"Well, that needs to be clarified, don't you think?" I asked.

"Yes it does," he said warily.

"Has anyone come in to review them?" I asked. He shifted in his seat, uncomfortably, and seemed to make a decision.

"Well, yes. Mr. Call and Mr. Atera were in here a few days after they were filed to read over them. You know that their company is based out of La Push. They want to preserve the area and were wondering if there was anything that could be done to restrict any large scale building. Unfortunately, you have complete control over that issue," he said. His eyes searched my face looking for any clue to my intentions.

"Well, can I make those changes, to agree with their wishes? I want to make sure there are no loopholes in the contract so that someone can't cut down those beautiful trees and commercialize the area without tribal consent," I explained.

"May I ask," he cleared his throat again, "are you here of your own accord, Mr. Whitlock's request, or say, Mr. Black's request?" I stopped and looked at him for a moment. I knew that Volturi & Sons strong-armed their way into many land deals and left many disgruntled people in their wake. I knew of the connection to Jake, it might be used against me or Jake later.

"I'm here because I grew up visiting those lands and I have an acute love for the people and the tribe. Those lands should be in tribal hands and it is what my Grandfather-in-law wished when that land was ceded to the Blacks. Now it has fallen into my hands, quite unexpectedly I might add, and I want to ensure the best outcome for the most people," I concluded.

"I see," he said. He looked like he really liked that response and started clicking and typing on his computer, asking me to repeat certain phrases I had said. While he did so he asked me, "Did you know that my father is half Quileute?"

"No, I didn't." I really was interested and he continued on with his story as he typed.

"Well, his father was abusive so my grandmother left him and moved her family here. She used to take them up to First Beach and to the little museum there so that my dad and his siblings could remember their heritage. My dad did the same for us. I was able to go to school on a Native American scholarship. I have a great love for those lands up there. I've even hiked to Second Beach a time or two. It is absolutely gorgeous. There!" he finished. The printer was printing out what he'd just typed. "You look over this while I go get Janine. She'll notarize this."

I read over the addendum and it was perfect as far as I could tell. It basically stated that the tribal council had to approve any developments over a certain dollar amount by a simple majority, but I still had full control over the lands, titles, and any other developments on the property.

"Are you in touch with Mr. Black?" I asked. He looked wary again.

"Well, when he comes into the office for permits," he replied, but I saw his eye twitch. "Why?"

"Well, I wouldn't be opposed to Mr. Black hearing about my visit. But I'm not sure Mr. Whitlock needs to see this pre-maturely," I said, nodding my head slowly. I wanted to make it clear whose side I was on in this whole thing...in case there was any doubt.

"Well, I was told to call Mr. Whitlock if Mr. Black or his associates came in to question or review the documents. Are you one of their associates?" he asked.

"No I am not," I stated firmly. "We are longtime friends, but not business associates. I hope that clears up matters," I said.

"It does and I know exactly how to act. Mr. Black has done me an enormous favor and I owe him a great deal. I know that he does a great deal for that community and I will do all I can to make sure that continues."

"I think we understand each other, then," I said with a smile.

I thanked Fred and invited him up any time as it was my intent on keeping the trail to Second Beach well maintained for the public to enjoy.

I was still anxious as I drove back up to La Push, but I was more clear headed.

If Edward chose to accept this baby as a gift, then we could continue down this path we'd started two weeks ago.

If he didn't, well, I'd reconnected with my roots and I knew I had a strong support system. I was pretty sure that Mr. Banner would be fine with allowing me to continue to work from Forks as long as I could make meetings, and I knew someone with a helicopter pad on their property.

It was all going to be okay one way or another.


Thoughts?