Here's the latest from Mobward and his Isabella. I figured out some things I needed for the next chapter to take shape, now I just need to write it. Hope everyone is well and I'll be working hard to get you the next chapter in two weeks. Shouldn't be a problem, just need to get him in a room to talk to me.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 6

"And you still haven't found him?" I asked Jasper.

"He's a slippery fucker, Edward. Every time we get close, it's like he knows." Jasper shut up abruptly and I thought it was because of Alice, but when Isabella came up behind us with two coffee cups, I knew it was to protect her.

"Are you staying for breakfast, Jasper?" Isabella asked as she handed me my coffee.

"I wouldn't want to impose," he replied.

There was a clattering of something dropping into the sink, and Isabella turned in the direction of the kitchen doorway.

"I should go and check on Alice. Have a good day, Jasper."

Isabella retreated into the kitchen and Jasper shook his head.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Jasper, I swear to God-"

"Edward, it wasn't anything bad. Isabella seems to be made for this life. She'll be one hell of a Boss's wife."

"There's a lot that still needs to be sorted out. What if Carlucci stands by Jimmy?"

"He would be an idiot to do that. If you aren't one of them, you're disposable to them. They already showed that by telling Jimmy she wasn't his ticket in."

"Okay, what if they feel like she knows too much and sends one of their own men after her?"

"Two bosses are walking in there to vouch for her. He'd be an idiot to make a move."

"You're right, I just don't want to see her hurt."

"She won't be. Aro is supposed to be home in the next couple of days, right? So you'll have an answer soon."

"Yeah."

"I'm going to the bar to check in, but I'll tell dad that you'll be here today?"

"Isabella said she needed to do some shopping, so I'm taking her. I'll call the bar when we get back here."

"Have a good day."

Jasper left and we sat down to breakfast. Alice and Isabella talked the entire meal, planning out their ideas for everything from the day to day running of the cafe to the layout. I was so pleased they got along so well because it meant that Isabella might stay … even if she didn't stay for me.

Alice shooed us out of the house before dishes were even done, and as we walked to my car, I asked Isabella the first question of the day. "Would you mind if we stopped by my house? I wanted to clean up and pack a bag for the next few days."

"Fine by me."

With that settled, we drove over to my place, and I told Isabella to relax in the living room while I threw together a bag and took a quick shower.

When I returned to the living room, she wasn't there, but movement in the kitchen alerted me to where she'd wandered off to.

"Did you need something?" I asked.

"No. I was just exploring a little. Did you recently move in?"

"Yes, I've owned it for a while and done some work on it, but I started living here shortly after my trip to Chicago. Why did you assume I hadn't lived here long?"

"It seems a little sparse, like you're still finding the right pieces."

"I'm leaving that for the day I bring my wife home. I think she should have a say in how the house is furnished and decorated."

"Have you met the woman who has inspired such devotion?"

"I'm hoping so, but I don't want to rush her. She's got a lot going on at the moment."

Isabella blushed, so I didn't push her further. We locked up my house and then began our day of shopping.

I knew Fulton Street would have everything she could ever need between A&S, Martin's, and the other shops there. I parked the car in a spot that was close to the stores we needed and led her to the furniture shop I'd been in a few weeks ago.

A salesman caught us as soon as we entered and I told him we were looking for nursery furniture. He led us to the back of the store where there were individual pieces along with two different models for complete nursery sets along with wood finishes they were available in. Isabella ran her hand along the crib of one set, and I came to stand beside her.

"Do you like this one?"

"I do, and the light wood reminds me of the bleached driftwood on the beaches back home. But I don't have a whole room for the baby. I barely have a corner for him."

"Him?"

"I don't know for certain, but when I think about the baby, I picture a little boy."

"Oh. Well, we can have him order just the crib in this style."

"I'm not sure it would fit. That one there is small enough for my bedroom." She walked to the one she was talking about and gave it a closer inspection.

Isabella spent a few more minutes looking around before telling the salesman she wanted the crib and a rocking chair she'd found. The items were paid for and delivery was arranged, and we were on to the department store.

I expected Isabella to be more excited about this shopping trip, but she was very matter-of-fact about it. We started in the maternity clothing department, and I stood back and watched as she picked out a series of dresses. She ducked further into the racks, and I followed until I saw it was where they had the underwear; that had me retreating back to the aisle.

Soon she emerged with two large bags, which I took from her as we moved onto the area that had baby's goods. Even here, she picked up the bare minimum. The one thing that did cause her face to light up was the Moses basket. I was quick to snatch it up, and when she'd declared herself done, she quickly bought those items and started walking towards the door.

I would see her eyes catch certain things as we walked, but she'd turn back just as quickly. I had never seen a woman who didn't make a day out of shopping. Most of my personal experience was narrowed down to Esme and that one frightening trip with Alice where she tried to not only furnish her place, but mine, but Isabella was the opposite.

Once we were back inside my car, I turned to her.

"Do you want to grab something to eat? I'm starting to get hungry."

"Sure."

"Isabella, are you okay? I was expecting you to be happier today. Planning for this child should be a happy time."

"When I was little, I dreamed of this. But the way I've gone about it is all wrong. I imagined that I'd be married and my mother would be with me to help. Alice has been very helpful, but I was so starved for affection that I fell in with the worst possible man."

"You were mistreated in Seattle, but that won't be the case here. I've told you that I feel something for you, and when you're ready, I want to show you what real affection is. What it is like to be showered with love and taken into a family that will cherish you."

"Even with a baby that isn't yours?"

"My mother died when I was young and Esme has been there for me and Jasper since the moment she and my father got together. I have an example of how it is more than blood that makes someone family. Though ..."

"There's a difference between family and family, that I understand. I don't know what I've done to deserve it, but I'm grateful that you look at me and see more than my mistakes. I'd like to see where things could go between us, but with Jimmy lurking, I'm scared."

"Jimmy will be taken care of, I promise. Now, how about some lunch?"

"That sounds lovely."

We drove to the Sugar Bowl and were seated at a booth away from the lunch rush.

After we'd placed our orders, Isabella shifted in her seat. "Can I ask you a question?"

"You can ask, but I hope you know I won't always answer."

"Oh, it's nothing like that. I just wanted to know what the whole story is with Jasper and Alice. All I can get from her is that he's a damned idiot."

I laughed at Alice's characterization of him. "He can be, especially where women are involved. We were all teens back then. Jasper had just turned sixteen, and I was a few months shy of my nineteenth birthday. Aro's mother, Arianna Volturi, was turning seventy-five and her nieces and nephews in Italy were making a big deal of it.

"She'd been living there since her husband's death. In the beginning it was temporary, but after Caius made his mess of things and almost cost us everything, she chose to stay. Aro insisted that my father bring us boys. At this point I was already his heir apparent, so he wanted to introduce me to some of our men in Italy. Plus it was a matter of respect to the family."

I sat back in my seat as our food was placed in front of us and our drinks refilled. As soon as our waitress was out of earshot, I continued.

"It was two weeks in paradise. Italy is one of my favorite places in the world, and to see it as a man, it opened my eyes to so much. Sadly, for my brother, he was thinking of all the pretty girls there. Alice is Aro's great niece, so of course she was there, and Jasper followed her around like a puppy from the moment they flew in. Four days after meeting her, he proposed marriage and she looked at him like he was insane."

"Did she live in New York at the time?" Isabella asked.

"No, she was born and raised in Chicago. He expected her to marry him in Italy at sixteen and move to New York, into our parents' house, after only four days."

"He was sure of himself," Isabella said with a shake of her head.

"He was. When we came home he was so upset, and then Maria pounced. She was a year younger than me, so he jumped at the fact that she was interested. Then a couple of months later she was pregnant and he married her."

"Okay, so is Alice's issue that he didn't pine for her or try harder, or that he moved on so quickly?" Isabella asked.

"My assumption is that he moved on so quickly, especially since it was with Maria Moretti. They're not to be trusted. If Lucio or Nettie Moretti ever approach you, don't give them the time of day."

"How is little Peter doing? The services for Maria should be happening soon."

"It's tomorrow, actually. We're doing a private graveside ceremony. Her parents are pissed that Jasper isn't doing a mass and a viewing, but Aro gave his orders. He wanted it taken care of while he was gone and no fuss. Not with everything she was pulling."

"What time will you be going?"

"I wasn't sure I should go. It would leave you alone. Now that I've been sleeping here at night and the men are working with Jasper and my crew on the other matter."

"You have to pay your respects. If it is about leaving me unprotected, you could bring me along. I've got a dress appropriate for a funeral, and there will only be a few people there, mostly your family."

"It would be making a statement," I warned her.

"I'm aware. But I think it is time I meet someone besides your brother."

"What will you say of the father when people ask?"

"That he passed away not long after I found out I was pregnant. Beyond that, it isn't anyone's business, and I doubt they'd even question it with you by my side."

She turned her attention back to her lunch and I did the same. Once we finished, I paid the bill and then drove home. I saw her eyes darting up to the scar that marred my hairline, but she never asked about it.

Part of me wanted her to know, so she would know that I was able to protect her and her child, just like I had Jasper.

The drive home was uneventful, and Isabella began to put away her purchases as soon as we got in. I called Jasper at the bar, asking for the particulars for the funeral. I also warned that Isabella would be there.

"Makes no difference to me. But if she's coming to something like this, things must be moving along. Congrats."

"Thanks, Jasper. We'll be there a little early in case you need backup."

"I might just take you up on it. And Peter keeps asking about the nice lady from the diner, so Isabella may be able to keep him distracted."

"Ma will be there too. Between the two of them, Peter will be in seventh heaven."

"Night, Edward."

"Night."

I could smell the food cooking in the kitchen, so I poked my head in to check on Isabella. "Any word from Alice?"

"She's staying with Sulpicia tonight. Originally, she was going to just visit her, but with the funeral tomorrow she decided to visit with her great aunt while you're busy. You know, in case Jimmy were to come by while there isn't a sentry outside."

"So, it's just us tonight?"

"That's right. Did you want to open the wine? The pasta is almost done."

I did as she asked, and soon we were sitting down to eat.

"Is this fresh pasta?"

"With me, it is either fresh pasta, or no pasta. The bread is a loaf I baked yesterday, too."

"I might put on a few pounds sleeping on this couch."

Isabella's eyes went from mine up to my hairline for a second and then back.

"Isabella, you can ask."

"What?"

"You keep looking at my hairline. So if you want to ask about the scar there, you can."

"Sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude." She looked down.

"You aren't most people. People in this neighborhood know who I am and they'd never presume to ask anything unless it was out of need. As long as you can live with the fact that you might not always get an answer, you can always ask. I'll tell you if a subject is off limits. This scar is public knowledge."

"How did you get it?"

"It was June 23rd, I remember because it was the last week of sixth grade. We had just gotten home and changed out of our school uniforms so we could play until dinner. My dad wasn't at home as much, and we were spending a lot of time either with my grandparents or friends from the neighborhood.

"A car came down the street, so Jasper and I ran up onto our lawn. It slowed down just a little, and I saw the metal of the guy's gun as he held it out the car window. I felt the bullet graze my head, but all I could think of was getting to Jasper. My dad couldn't lose both of us. The second bullet hit me in the side as I dove on top of Jasper.

"After that, all I remember was the pain and then waking up in the hospital a few days later. I was lucky that the surgeon who was on duty at Kings Highway Hospital had served in Korea. They had to remove part of my liver and my gallbladder, but I could have died so easily. When I woke up everything was different.

"There were men outside my hospital room and there were always guys from the bar at the house. My dad and Aro weren't around much that summer and I didn't understand it. I spent the whole summer indoors, mostly because I had to rest before I could run around and do things, but Esme wouldn't let Jasper or I out of her sight.

"I remember one night, my father came to check on me when he thought I was asleep. I asked him why he was mad at me, and he broke down. He was angry at himself that they'd brought this fight to our house. Aro was upset that history was repeating itself and his godson had been hurt because of it. His sons crossed a line, and it almost got me killed. When I was well again, my father started bringing me by the bar more often. That was when I started to get my first taste of this life."

Isabella sat back in her chair. "I didn't see it as much back in Seattle, but it seems like these types of things are always popping up for you."

"These were thugs that Peter and Paulie got involved with. It is one of many reasons we don't mess with drugs. It brings in problems we don't have time for. Between the families, there hasn't been any beef since Aro took over as a young man."

"You aren't just saying that?"

"I'm not trying to trick you into this. These things I'm telling you, they played out on the streets. Day to day stuff you won't be told. You'll get a kiss on the cheek and a 'see ya later' and that will have to be okay too."

"I'm thinking I'd prefer that right now."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Why don't we just finish eating and then we can watch a little television before we turn in for the night."

Isabella nodded, and we ate in relative silence. I changed while she did the dishes, and then we sat on the couch and watched the evening's programs. By the time I've Got a Secret was ending Isabella was off to her room. I made up the couch and fell asleep.

I was disoriented when a noise in the kitchen woke me up later that night. I sat up quickly, a move that startled Isabella as she came into the living room with a glass of water.

"I didn't mean to wake you. Go on back to sleep."

She turned quickly, but not before I noticed she was crying. "Isabella, are you okay?"

"Fine, I'm just being emotional. I promise I'm not normally this weepy."

"Come here." I patted the couch beside me. "What is it?"

She sat down, putting her glass on the end table before she turned to me. "Just hearing that you had such a violent childhood, it scares me for the baby."

"It was one event in my childhood. Jane had a normal childhood even with who her father is. That day was an exception, not the rule."

"Jane is Aro's daughter?"

"Yeah, she's in Italy now with her grandmother. Aro's hoping she'll fall in love with someone over there."

"Thank you for calming me down. That'll make it easier to fall back asleep."

"No problem. But can I ask for something in return?"

"Sure." She smiled.

"When this mess is sorted, I wanna take you out on a real date. Show you the good side of this life."

"I'd love that." Isabella reached over and squeezed my hand, then she picked up her glass of water and went back to her bedroom.

Meanwhile, I settled back into the couch with something to look forward to once Aro returned and Jimmy was taken care of.