A/N: Welcome back, awesome readers! My apologies that I've been remiss about answering reviews lately. Life has me, but I appreciate all of you so much!

One of Emmett's Party Packs to my lovely prereaders, Keye, Sandy, and Aleea, for always being there for me even when life is cray cray.

Special thanks to my beta, Sue (chayasara), who flew solo on this puppy and made suggestions that made it much better. Mwah!

Chapter 25

~Such Sweet Sorrow~

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

~Irish Blessing

When we get back to the cottage, Isabella is quiet. There's no more hiding behind family interactions or having fun with Hannah. We're alone and down to the wire. I leave in a few hours, and while I hate it, I know it must be done. If the Volturi get wind of this before I can get a handle on it, we may all be as good as dead.

She rushes into the bathroom and runs the water. I still hear her quiet sobs. I rest my hand against the door but step away a moment later, leaving her to deal with her emotions in the way she deems fit. Isabella has had so much thrust upon her in her short life: a terminal illness, the death of her parents, a whirlwind courtship with a man who wanted her only for her blood, having her child ripped from her bosom, and running from a murder trial only to find out she's the mate of a vampire. She's certainly entitled to have a small meltdown when her mate is going to be far away for an unknown period of time. I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with the pain of our impending separation myself, but it must be done.

I sit on the bed, waiting patiently for her to finish in the bathroom. Perhaps I'm allowing her to deal with her feelings, but I won't feign ignorance about it. If we're to survive all this, we must keep things completely honest.

Twenty minutes later, Isabella exits the bathroom and gasps when we come face to face.

"Edward!" She places a hand over her heart. "I wasn't expecting you to be sitting there."

"I was waiting for you." I pat the bed, inviting her to sit with me.

"Hope I wasn't too terribly long." She perches on the edge of the mattress, offering me a weak smile.

"I heard you, Isabella," I say softly.

"You . . . oh." She blushes and looks down.

"Hey." I pick up her hand and brush my lips over her knuckles. "Please don't be embarrassed in front of me. You have every right to work through your emotions privately."

She leans her head on my shoulder with a soft sigh. "You always know just what to say, Edward."

"I know a lot of people would beg to differ." I throw my head back and laugh when I think of just how many people. I imagine Jenks' reaction and laugh harder. It feels good—for a moment—and then reality crashes back down on me.

"To me, you are perfection."

"I could say the same, sweet one." I lean in and place a kiss under her ear.

And just like that, the mood between us changes.

Turning her face to mine, I glide my fingers up the sides of her neck until her jaw is cradled in my hands. Her expressive brown eyes meet mine, and I lower my lips to hers, kissing her tenderly. She places her hands on my chest, fisting the material of my shirt as our kiss deepens. Everything she does is with so much emotion—from the slightest touch to the most passionate of kisses.

I lie back on the bed, pulling her with me. Isabella straddles me, her silken hair cascading around us. My hands roam over her soft curves, which are beginning to fill in. The razor sharpness of her hipbones has been tempered by the five pounds she's gained over the past few weeks. She's still far from a healthy weight, but her skin, hair, and body are becoming much healthier.

I realize this is the last time I'll touch her for an indefinite amount of time. I remember everything I've ever done—every touch, every feeling, every word, every sight—but my intention is to take special care to memorize her tonight.

"Edward," she whispers, her hair still curtained around us. "Make love to me? I just need—"

"Shh . . . of course I will." I kiss along her jaw, nuzzling my lips against her ear. "I love you. I want to memorize every moment with you to take with me. It's going to cause me great pain to be apart from you—I hope you realize this."

"I know. I love you, too, Edward. So much."

I roll us, wanting her under me. Isabella doesn't protest, her heart quickening as I slide one hand under the silky camisole to caress her breast. My touch is slow and gentle. My lips return to hers, my tongue dipping inside her mouth to taste her sweetness. Need for her burns inside me.

I lift my head to look down into her eyes. "I want you naked under me, Isabella. I need to feel your skin against mine." I stroke a finger back and forth across her kiss-swollen lips.

She gasps, her pupils dilating further. "I want that, too."

Rising to my knees, I help her out of her top and boy shorts then remove my own clothing. When we come back together, we are both gloriously naked, and her skin feels silken and delicate, like warmed rose petals.

I lie over her, allowing our skin to touch but keeping my weight off her using my forearms. Isabella sighs so sweetly, spreading her legs around my hips, allowing me to feel the searing heat between her legs that pulses just for me. The essence of her arousal surrounds me, a heady scent that makes me hunger like no blood ever has.

Kissing over her hardened nipples, I lave first one and then the other with my tongue, swirling around until Isabella is whimpering.

"Please . . . I want you inside me."

"Patience, sweet one. This has to last us a while."

I kiss softly over her collarbones and up the front of her neck until our lips meet again. My fingers play over her body—touching, caressing, remembering— inciting her passion and mine as she writhes beneath me.

I reach into the drawer beside the bed for a foil packet, the faint scent of grape entwining with our mingled scents. I roll on the purple condom and return to my previous position, cradling my cock between her legs.

She spreads her creamy thighs wider, and I slip down between them, perfectly lined up with her heat. I enter her slowly, savoring the sensation of her wrapped around me. My thrusts are languid, and I look into her eyes as we join together over and over. Her heart beats inside me, ties me to her. Twining our fingers together, I stretch her arms over her head and hold them down against the satin sheets.

"Oh, yes . . ." she gasps. She likes this.

My hips swivel, my thrusts a bit harder and faster but still languid, building, building to a crescendo.

I ghost my mouth over hers, our lips parted but barely touching, her sweet, panting breaths coating my lips. I watch her eyes as we both draw closer to the edge of bliss. I want to watch her come apart beneath me, a memory to get me through the painful days ahead.

"So good . . . you feel so good," she whispers against my lips, and her fingers tighten on mine.

It's difficult not to let go and slam into her, but this slow build is intense and far more intimate, bringing us closer together than ever.

Isabella gazes into my eyes, her expression filled with yearning as the sensations we're creating intensify. I feel it, too, a pulling in my abdomen and tingling heat rushing through my limbs indicating I'm nearing my release. I've never made love so slowly before, never had the desire to prolong my partner's experience. With Isabella, I want to savor her and give her something to hold on to while I'm gone.

Her mouth opens wider as she pants, so, so close to her release but still on that razor edge. Soft sounds and whimpers surround me as I kiss and lick my way up the side of her neck. I whisper against her ear, coaxing and encouraging, "Let go, Isabella. That's my girl. Come with me."

She cries out, her body stiffening around me. Her fingers clutch mine convulsively as she throws her head back, riding out her orgasm. And I'm right there with her. I roar, coming harder than I ever have.

When she finally comes down, I roll us on our sides, brushing the hair out of her face. We look into each other's eyes silently, just touching and caressing, no words necessary.

~*RK*~

In the early morning light, I watch Isabella sleep. After we made love, she fell into a sated slumber, a slight smile on her face most of the night. I'm so glad she wasn't restless, knowing that I have to leave soon. I'm sure when she awakens there will be moments of distress, but I must keep my resolve. James Hunter has gone too far, and with his misdeeds showing up in the international news, it's only a matter of time before the Volturi—as archaic as their communications are in this modern age—get wind of it. One greedy man's quest to become immortal has already cost countless lives, and I'm determined that no one I love will be among them.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I head out to the sunroom to take the call. The private number is unfamiliar to me.

"Masen."

"Edward, it's Billy Black."

"Yes?" I can't help wondering why he would be calling or even how he came by my unlisted cell number.

"I understand you're leaving for a trip—by yourself."

"That's correct."

"Might I suggest that Isabella would be more comfortable staying with Sue and Hannah while you're gone?"

"Isabella will stay with my family. She has medical needs."

"I understand that, Edward. Perhaps if we amend our agreement while you're away to include Carlisle? He can come and go from Sue's with an escort to check on Isabella's health and administer her treatments. He can show Sue how to give the injections, too."

My head tilts to the side as I consider Black's offer. The rising sun cuts through the domed glass, creating colorful prisms of light. My sensitive vision homes in on a beam of dust motes floating suspended in the air, the colors changing and morphing. In a way, we're all suspended in a beam of existence, and only by the exertion of another force is our trajectory changed. Do I want the Quileutes to be a deeper sphere of influence over my Isabella? Would they ever try to keep her or Hannah from me? The possessive vampire in me wants to snarl and say, "Over my dead body," but the more rational part of me believes they have her best interests in mind.

It would be beneficial for Isabella to be with her mother and daughter while I'm away. I have to think of what's best for her rather than my own comfort.

"Billy, that's a very generous offer. I'll discuss it with Isabella and Carlisle. There is one concession we would require, however."

"What's that?"

"A medical crisis might arise at some point. If there are no wolves available, we would need permission to access your land unescorted to get to Isabella."

"I think we can accommodate that."

"I'll get back to you then." I program Billy's number into my phone after I hang up.

"Edward? Edward?" Isabella's frightened, sleep saturated voice wafts out to me.

"In the sunroom," I call, but I'm already moving swiftly to her side.

When I enter the bedroom, she's sitting on the side of the bed with her feet flat on the floor, clutching a hand over her heart. Her wild gaze roams over me as if she can't believe I'm really here.

I fall to my knees beside the bed and take her hand. "What has you so distressed?" I stroke her cheek with my free hand.

"I—I thought you'd gone. I woke up and you weren't h-here."

"Do you honestly believe I would do that?" I look earnestly into her eyes.

She shakes her head and looks down in shame. "I'm sorry."

Using a finger under her chin, I coax her to look at me. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I would never leave without saying goodbye. What's this really about, Isabella? You can tell me, you know."

"I'm going to be lost without you, Edward. I'm being such a baby, but I don't know how I'm going to do this alone." Her chin trembles, and a tear rolls down her face.

"I think I have a solution of sorts. Why don't you get dressed so we can discuss this with Carlisle?"

"Okay."

I cup her face and pull her toward me, kissing her lips softly. "You are the most precious treasure in the world to me. I promise I'll return to you as soon as possible."

"I know you will." She smiles bravely and heads off to the closet to dress, a slight spring in her step.

When we arrive at the house, Carlisle greets us stiffly. It's not so bad that Isabella would notice, but I can see the tension in his forehead.

"Father. Everything okay?"

Jasper and Alice are at it again. I'm worried about them.

I nod but say nothing in response. I know very well why they are "at it again," and it makes me sad to know that I'm part of the cause. Eventually they'll work it through. They're mates, which doesn't guarantee a happily ever after, but nature has stacked the odds in their favor.

"Hello, Isabella. Why don't you two have a seat?" Carlisle gestures to the living room couch.

We settle in and Esme joins us. Rosalie wanders into the room, glancing at me cautiously. She wonders if Emmett is all right; she's still heard nothing from him. I can see that she's been berating Alice, whose visions have been dim and vague.

"I'm leaving this morning," I begin. "Billy Black called me a little while ago and suggested that Isabella stay with Sue and Hannah while I'm gone."

"Oh?" Carlisle cocks his head. And how will that play out with Isabella's condition and need for medication?

"Really?" Isabella's face brightens immediately, and the little V between her eyebrows smooths out.

"Father, Billy said you'll be allowed access to Sue's house in my absence. I've also requested permission for you to go on their land without an escort in case of an emergency."

Rosalie's expression is thunderous. "Edward, are you serious? You'd rather her stay with those dogs than your own family?"

Esme sits quietly with her hands resting in her lap. She usually listens to all sides and gives considerable thought before weighing in, and this is no exception.

"Isabella is having a difficult time with me leaving, Rose. It would be best if she were with her mother and Hannah. It's nothing against our family—it's about what would be best for her."

"I see." Rose's mouth tightens, but she doesn't rebuff me.

"I think it's a good idea, dear." Esme leans over and pats Isabella's hand.

"You do?" Isabella smiles shyly. "I'm glad—because you've all been so good to me, and the last thing I want to do is insult any of you. I'd like to be with my mother and Hannah while Edward is away. Carlisle, would that be okay . . . medically?"

"Yes, it's fine. I have no problem coming to Sue's house to examine you and administer your injections. I can even show Sue or Seth how to give them if they're not squeamish about it." Carlisle nods encouragingly.

"Phew. I feel so much better."

"And now I'm dismissed, huh? I can just go?" I tease, kissing her on the nose.

"Well, no. I would rather you never left my side. Ever. But I understand you have to do this."

My cell vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out. "Masen."

"Are you sitting down?" Demetri sounds almost . . . out of breath.

"Yes. What is it?"

"Emmett. He's here in Spain."

"Yes, I know."

"Do you?" Demetri sounds amused. "Bet you don't know what he's up to."

"No, I'm afraid I don't."

"Well, I'm not sure, either. He's inside the compound walls. I just got a glimpse of him a few hours ago."

"He what?" I shoot straight to my feet, raking a hand through my hair.

All eyes in the room are trained on me. Way to overreact, Masen.

"I thought you might react this way. I got a glimpse of him through the security fence. I tried to get his attention, and I know he saw me, but he completely ignored me."

"Alone?"

"No."

"Thank you."

"Thank you? What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing. I'm leaving for Spain as we speak. I'll see you there."

"I'll find you."

"I'm counting on it."

Ending the call, I pinch the bridge of my nose; it's a wonder I have any skin left there. And Demetri's call couldn't have come at a worse time—with my family all within hearing distance of every blessed word.

Rose paces back and forth. "What does this mean?"

"It means Emmett is fine. I'm sure there's an explanation. Don't worry, Rose."

Isabella is the only one out of the loop, and she looks at us with confusion until it dawns on her. "Oh, vampire hearing. What have I missed?"

"Emmett is in Spain, and he's behind the walls of Hunter's compound. I don't know why, but you can bet I'm going to find out."

~*RK*~

A/N: Thoughts? Theories? Talk to me, peeps! Hope you enjoyed the lemonade because it might be a while . . . gulp.

Emmett's Party Pack Challenge is on! I've received some great flavors/scents and some downright weird ones, LOL. Keep 'em coming and you may be the one to sheath Edward for the reunion schmexing in addition to receiving your own special preview.

Next chapter of RK in two weeks. Sarita is overloaded with deadlines and stuff. New chapter of I Want It Painted Black early next week.

I've been given the honor of receiving an ARC of the lovely Sydney A. Logan's (SydneyAlice) new book Lessons Learned. I'll also be hosting a day of her blog tour on September 8th. Mark your calendars and show up on my blog to read an interview with her character, the schmexy Lucas Miller, and enter to win a free copy of the e-book!

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