Author's note: Hi,

So its been awhile and I'm sorry about that. I have been writing though! I do have 2 other chapters of this story and 1 of the Dark one sent to my beta so you shouldn't have to wait long. That being said, Life is crazy right now and I'm doing my best. I'm ready for a little break if I'm honest! Mental health is important right?

Anyways, I've also been reading stories that I have been neglecting to read:

Currently: Devil Incarnate by Meteoronamoonlessnight and Trust and Obey by heartfortwilight-WIP but there is an update every week.

I've also been re-reading The Time Changer by: IBACULLEN-which is also a WIP but it hasn't been updated in a bit. Its a very good read!

Check those out! They are good.

anyways on to the story!

Chapter 19

Thanksgiving

Edward POV

"I know he's down there, Carlisle! Don't lie to me!" I heard my mother yelling from upstairs. I was still in the basement. I think it had been days, I didn't even know to be honest. It felt like days.

I tried to make out what they were saying. "You know why he's down there!"

I could hear my mother's cries, "it's too early."

"No Esme, it isn't." I heard him yell as the door closed and I heard him make his way downstairs.

I jumped up from the bed in a sweat. Why were these memories coming back? Why was I dreaming of them? I pulled off the cover and swung my legs to the side of my bed and put my head in my hands. Why was this happening? I shook it off and made my way to the bathroom. It was in the past and the past was done with.

After I finished pissing, I grabbed my phone from the side table and saw I had missed a call from my wife. I looked to see the time it was 10pm here. So it was 9 there. I had arrived in Denver this morning and was currently staying at the house that I owned here. I was feeling tired so I laid down to sleep and didn't realize I had slept so long.

I hit send and listened to the phone ring. It rang twice before she picked up.

"Hey!" she said happily.

It put a smile on my face. "Hey! I just saw where you called. I was asleep."

"I figured." She let out a laugh.

"Hey now, you're the reason why I didn't get any sleep last night." She chuckled. I bet she was blushing right now. After having a fuck fest last night I woke up at around 2 am with my cock in her mouth. It was the first time she had done that and she acted like she knew what she was doing. This had me questioning her. She told me she got some advice from people. I didn't ask who and she didn't tell me. Then she told me she also watched a porno and that had me hard as a rock. I came in minutes. Shit, she was that damn good.

After that I fucked her again, and we passed out until I had to get up early this morning for my flight. The meeting with John from Core Enterprises was tomorrow and I was going to meet him. However, he thought he was meeting with Ben, my VP. I couldn't wait to see his face when he found out it was me.

"How did your doctor's appointment go?" I asked Bella. She had a Doctor's appointment with the woman doctor. We had finally had "the talk" after that Halloween Party and Bella decided she wanted to go on birth control. I didn't care honestly. I could keep pulling out like I had been except those few times like the first two times we had sex and Halloween night. I just told her straight up I wasn't going to wear anything, She didn't like that, saying I didn't give her a choice. I told her she could do whatever she wanted. I wasn't making her get on it. But fuck she was my wife I didn't want there to be any barriers between us.

"It went great. They gave me a pregnancy test, but it was negative." I let out a huge breath. In the back of my mind I was glad she wasn't but a part of me was a little sad as well. We hadn't really discussed children, but Bella didn't want any until she finished her degree, which could be two to three years from now. I didn't really say much on the matter besides tell Bella whatever she wanted.

If you had asked me months ago about children, I would have told you to fuck off. With Bella? I wanted everything and that included children. Now don't get me wrong, I still worried and I was terrified as shit about being a dad especially with who I was and what could happen to them but I would protect them to the best of my ability.

"That's what you wanted, right?" I asked. I honestly didn't know what to say on the subject.

"Yes," she said softly. I couldn't detect any sadness in her voice so I assumed she was ok. "Are you ready for this meeting?" she wondered. I sighed. I was in fact ready. Ready to see John's face go blank when he realized he wasn't meeting with Ben.

"Yeah. Are you ready to host Thanksgiving?" I asked her and now it was her turn to sigh. I laughed. My mother usually made a big feast for Thanksgiving but since I was head of the family now, it sort of fell on Bella's shoulders. Well, the planning anyway. Mom said she was up for it, but Bella wanted to do it. Not that I was real happy about my house being full of people but it was just my family so I think I could handle it for a few hours.

"Yeah, I'm going to head to the store with Zafrina tomorrow, get some last minute things. You'll be home tomorrow night, right?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am." As soon as this meeting was over with, I was heading home.

"Good, I miss you." I swear my heart beat so fast when she told me that.

"I miss you," I said. I heard her yawn and I chuckled, "get some sleep, Bella."

"I will," she yawned. Damn, she must have been really tired.

"I love you," I said, still not believing I could say that to her. I never thought I would be able to show emotions but with Bella it was becoming like second nature.

"I love you," she whispered back. I then made my way downstairs to where James and Laurent were. Of course, Emmett had to stay behind to make sure everything was running smoothly.

Laurent was currently on the phone, talking to his girl no doubt. I had yet to find out who it was. The dude was with me most of the time so I was still unsure of how he was dating someone. James on the other hand was polishing his gun and kissing it. Yeah, that crazy fucker wasn't doing anything he usually didn't do.

"Hey, Ed!" James said, looking at me. I gave him my finger. He laughed and went back to polishing his gun. I saw Laurent end his call and bring me over a sandwich. I gave him a look and he shrugged. He had been the most helpful as of late and had started taking a hand in the kitchen. He had been cooking non stop lately as well. He even wanted to get back in time to help Bella with Thanksgiving. What the fuck? Oh shit! Was he with Ms. Cope? I started gagging on my sandwich and next thing I know, Laurent was hitting my back with his hand.

"Boss? You alright?" Laurent asked, concerned.

I coughed. "Yeah," I choked out.

I mean he couldn't be. Right? She had to be at least 20 years older than him or did he like older women? I shook my head. I didn't care as long as none of it went down in my house or had it already gone down?

"Please, for the love of God, tell me you aren't with Ms. Cope?" I managed to say even if the words that left my mouth gave me a bitter aftertaste.

James spit out his drink and laughed like a maniac. I ignored him and looked at Laurent again who had wide eyes.

"No, sir, no way. I mean she's a good cook and all," Laurent began but shut up. He was a man of few words.

"Ed, what in the hell made you think that?" James said, still laughing obviously.

I shook my head. I didn't even want to have this conversation. Why did I even open my mouth? I knew those fuckers were staring at me now. I could feel their eyes on me as I bit into my sandwich.

"What?" I asked and threw my sandwich down. "Look, you've been cooking and shit. More vocal and that isn't you. Your whole personality changed."

"Shit, Ed, he probably just got laid by someone and he is all relaxed and shit now," James said trying his hardest not to laugh

Laurent turned red. "Not that it's any of your business but no, I haven't got laid but I am with someone."

"You ain't gotta explain shit." I waved my hand and went back to my sandwich. It was the best deli sub I had gotten in a while, not that I would tell him that shit.

When we were done, we went over the plan for tomorrow. Either way, after all this was done I probably would end up killing John. The fucker betrayed me by taking his business elsewhere. It didn't matter if this was the legal side of things he knows who I am.

I couldn't wait until tomorrow to fuck him up.

******BID*******

We made our way across the polished floors to the desk where a young skinny blonde sat. I sat down the hall so she couldn't see me. She knew who I was, in fact, so I sent James down to butter her up and divert her attention elsewhere while I snuck into John's office.

It didn't take long for James to work his magic. I saw the two leave the blonde's desk and move toward a different hall. I quickly got up out of my chair and made my way to John's office. I entered the office which was massive, almost as big as mine.

His desk was clean, pictures littered all around as well. I knew they were some of his wife and kids. I pulled out some gloves and put them on. I started opening drawers and found nothing until I was met by a locked

door in the back of the desk. Hmm? Interesting. I also looked for cameras but didn't see any. Jasper had confirmed that John didn't keep cameras In his office and it was obvious why. I went ahead and disconnected his phone and took off my gloves and put them in my suit pocket.

I had some files that Jasper was able to pull. I was hoping I wouldn't have to use them. Then I heard voices come from the other side of the door. It was him! I stood behind the door so he wouldn't see me just yet. I heard him muttering some shit but then the door opened.

"Where is that girl?" he huffed and slammed the door closed. Then that fat fuck walked to his desk. He hadn't noticed me yet.

As he walked towards his desk, I made myself known and saw his eyes widen. I swear he probably just shit himself.

"Mr- Mr- Cullen…," that motherfucker stuttered out.

"John," I said simply as I locked the door and walked smoothly over to the chair across from his desk.

"I wasss—expecting- Mr—Mr—Cheney." I tried my hardest not to laugh. He literally looked moments away from shitting himself.

"I know," I smirked.

John started taking deep breaths as he calmed down.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Cullen?" he said with his hands on top of his desk.

"You already know why I'm here."

John gulped. "Mr-Mr. Cullen, look I had to pull out on our deal."

"I want to know why." I was pretty sure I already knew why but I wanted him to confirm it for me.

He started sweating, his face red. He grabbed the handkerchief from his pocket and began to wipe his face.

"Why so nervous?" I said with my legs crossed and my hands in my lap

"I'm- not," he started and huffed another breath.

What Jasper had found was he had been paying off a woman a heavy amount. Jasper also found out he had been paid a large sum a few weeks ago through an off-shore account.

He was still searching for that one. It seemed whoever it was kept changing numbers and Jasper was having trouble linking it to anyone. I still felt like it was Cadmus but until I could be sure, I would keep that to myself.

"If I was you, John, I would be saying something." The fact that this asswipe had yet to utter a word pissed me off.

"Theyy—had dirt on me. I was losing money, and they said they'd show my wife."

"Who are they?" I asked, trying to keep my impatience down.

"I cant, I donttt."

I slammed my fist down on the table. He jumped and started shaking. "I want to know?" I grilled him in a menacing voice.

"I've been fucking my past secretary for months. She wanted more and I couldn't give it to her so she has been blackmailing me with pictures and videos of our encounters."

I sighed I already knew this, I had pictures of him and the secretary. I also had pictures and CCTV footage of him and the new one that he was currently fucking, the one I had James distracting. He still hadn't learned his lesson since he was paying off the old sectary and currently fucking the new one. Like I said, I knew he had a problem with keeping his dick in his pants.

"I've been paying her hush money and the woman from Cadmus found out."

Ah, finally! Yes, I knew it. I bet Ms. Starr blackmailed him into pulling out from our investment. But why?

"My personal bank account was low. My wife likes nice things so it was near zero plus with the blackmail. I had taken some out of my business account. Ms. Starr said she'd pay off my debt if I started working for her but I had to pull out of our investment. I couldn't work with you at all."

I chuckled bitterly. "Not only did you pull from an investment with me, someone you worked with for years, you did it for some woman who had no ties to you. You betrayed a five year partnership for some pussy." He looked down sheepishly and started shaking again. I was glad my reputation preceded me.

I took out the folder of some compromising photos of him and both secretaries and spread them out on the desk.

"I know about both of them. What deal will you make with me now?" He started sweating again. I then laid down some photos that I had kept for years, it was him in various strip clubs and luxury BDSM clubs. "I've known for a while, John, and never did I use this. Oh boy, I could have," I chuckled. However, I wasn't amused.

"Mr. Cullen, please." I slapped the shit out of him. He held his face and I swore he started crying.

"If you had come to me when Starr did and told me what was going on, I would have helped you. I would have given you a loan, and paid off your old secretary." She wouldn't have told me no. I would have offered them a sum that would have kept her content. He bowed his head.

"But you betrayed me by pulling out of our investment and stealing from my company." He looked at me scared and started shaking his head.

"Mr- Mr Cullen, I promise you I haven't stole from you." He kept shaking his head. He looked like a damn bobble head. "I just pulled our account and that was it." He wasn't lying. Jasper had confirmed for me that there was no way John could be stealing but we had yet to find the culprit. It irked me to no end.

"How would you like to make it up to me John?" I had no way into Cadmus unless it was through John. I could be behind the scenes, use John to my advantage and then when the time was right find out what this Starr woman was up to. Obviously when I'm done with John he'll have to be thrown out but until then.

"Yes, yes, Mr. Cullen, but I can't let Starr know or anyone at Cadmus." He struggled to say. He seemed really afraid of whoever this Starr woman was. That also pissed me off since it seemed he was more afraid of her than me.

"Wait for my call. Until then, you are to act like everything's fine." I stood up, buttoned my suit jacket and walked to the door. "Oh!" I turned back to him. "And quit fucking your secretary," I said loudly as I exited, where I was met by said secretary and James who had just made it back to her desk and looked at me with wide eyes.

I strolled out but kept my head down. I didn't need anyone to see me. I didn't know if Cadmus had cameras anywhere or people watching. Maybe they didn't and just wanted John to pull out to hurt me. I needed to find out more stuff about Cadmus. Something definitely wasn't right there.

BELLA POV

I carried the pot to the sink, and drained the macaroni. I'll admit I was excited to be hosting Thanksgiving tomorrow. I was currently making macaroni and cheese and was going to freeze it and cook it tomorrow. I had also frozen some other casserole dishes. I had even made an antipasto platter. Esme was bringing some more Italian dishes while Alice was currently over here helping me with some and by helping, I mean sipping wine and talking shit.

Currently, she was bitching about Rose and Emmett. Apparently, after the infamous Halloween party, Emmett and Rose left the party together. But I knew better, they had it out and Rose later went back and got her date and left to go back to school. She wouldn't tell me what they talked about but she swore there was no sex. I believed her too since she seemed hurt by whatever she and Em had talked about.

According to Alice, Emmett had been "a moody fucker", her words not mine. Apparently, his date caught on to who Rose was and broke up with him along with quitting her job at the gym. It didn't seem like Emmett minded but he did look like a heart broken fool.

"Can you believe she just left him like that?" Alice took another sip. "Now he's back to being moody. I even smoked a joint with him yesterday so he would be chill. I'm probably going to have to before tomorrow as well." I chuckled remembering how Emmett and Alice were acting at the party.

"Alice, didn't you say on the way to the Halloween Party that it was none of our business?" I'll admit, I was still a little irritated at Alice for her comments toward Rose at the club. I did understand why she said what she did but it didn't mean I liked it.

Alice smirked at me. "Look at you. I'm beginning to like this snarky side." She also took another sip and I shook my head. I wouldn't comment about her current soothing device. Alice had been smoking joints and drinking too much here lately.

"So, what Italian dishes are you helping me with?" I asked while Alice shook her head and rolled her eyes and put the wine glass down.

"You're no fun Bella." It was time to roll my eyes then.

"You told me you were coming to help me." I was feeding a lot of people and didn't have time for anything else at the moment. "I'm beginning to think you just came over just to get out of your house," I said.

"Caught me." She didn't lie, not that I would expect her to. I fully believed Alice was going through something right now and that's why I wasn't too angry about her being here. She can say it doesn't bother her, but I know she didn't agree with Jasper's decision to wait on having a baby. Which also I think it's why she is here.

A few hours ago, Ben called Jasper and told him Angela's water broke and he needed to come to Cullen Enterprises. I don't why Jasper had to go but I didn't comment. Not too long after Alice came over and she reeked of pot. Like I said, I would let her self-medicate for now but if I needed to I would say something.

"Come on Bella, I know how to make Mom's Italian bread. You will also need to make the Cauliflower Parmigiana."

"Ew, that sounds disgusting."

Alice then whipped her head to me and looked at me in shock. "It's Dad's favorite. Edward likes it too." I went beet red. Oops, I would definitely need to make it no matter how gross it sounded.

*****BID******

After we were done with what we could do for today, Alice announced she was leaving and she would be bringing dessert tomorrow. She also said she was going to Em's to get high and chill with him. She said I was acting like her brother right now. I don't know what she meant by that shit but whatever. I was exhausted. I had barely got any sleep the night before due to the fuck fest we had and then I had my Dr's appointment where I started my birth control. I didn't sleep last night after talking to Edward because he wasn't home and I missed him. I guess I had gotten accustomed to being beside him and was now having trouble sleeping. I couldn't wait for him to come home. He would either be here tonight or early in the morning, just in time for Thanksgiving.

I went to the dryer where I pulled out the rest of my towels. I had given Jessica the week off, not that she did much when she was here. I either helped her or there wasn't really much for her to do now that I lived here. I cleaned up after myself and even got Edward in the habit of it.

The numbing pain that I've had the entire day in my back started shooting up my side again. I didn't know why I was hurting but it had been going on since I woke up this morning. I put the towels in the basket and carried them to the bedroom and dumped them out on my bed.

After I had put the towels away the pain in my back had really become bothersome. I thought the best thing to do would be to take a bath. I was hoping the jets would soothe my back. I stripped off, and waited until the water was hot. I had also added in some soothing bath salts. I stepped in and put my back all the way on the jet streams. I turned them on and felt some relief at them hitting my back. "Oh, God!" I moaned. This was heaven. Maybe I had been overdoing it. I had been a little stressed around here lately. I finished my mini-semester online a few days ago and Edward suggested a fuck fest which I was totally up for. But since then, my back has been acting crazy. I have been on my feet all day today so maybe I had added to it. My feet hurt too and I was exhausted.

I laid my head back against the tub and closed my eyes. It was so incredibly peaceful. All I could hear was the sounds of the jets going and my breathing. I thought I was going to fall asleep when I heard a noise in the bedroom. Was I that out of it that I hadn't heard anything before? I quickly rose up trying to grab my towel. Panic was starting to set in and I didn't know why. Edward had assured me this place was impenetrable. So, why was I panicking? Maybe because I knew I was alone in the house? Zafrina was staying in the pool house since Edward was out of town.

I tried to calm my breathing but it was futile. I was standing in the tub with a towel wrapped around me when the bathroom door opened. My face turned into a grin when I saw who it was.

"Hey!" I said with a huge smile on my face.

His eyes were dark but he smiled. He was also shirtless and I took that in.

"Fuck me." he said all seductively. I just smiled and took my towel off and sat back down in the water. Edward's eyes never left mine and he didn't stop staring. He then smirked before he let out a breathtaking smile and those green eyes shimmered. He quickly jumped in with me.

"Edward, you're getting your pants wet!" I gigged as my boobs came in contact with his chest.

"Fuck my pants," he smiled and gave me a searing kiss which had me moaning.

He then leaned down and took my nipple in his mouth and I let out a moan. He smirked at me and I felt the bulge underneath me. I wanted to fuck him so bad but the pain in my back kept me from wanting it. I actually flinched when he put his hands on my back.

He looked at me in concern. "My back has been in pain all day," I said.

He then stood up, stripped off the rest of his clothes and settled on the other end of the tub. "All day?" he asked as he picked up my foot and began massaging it.

I moaned again and he looked at me with that hooded gaze. "All those moans are going straight to my dick," he chuckled.

I smiled. "I'm sorry but you don't know how good that feels."

He kept massaging and I tried my best to not let out another moan. I didn't want to tease him.

"Did you find out who was stealing from you?" I asked, trying to change the subject hoping that it would help his situation below. I was also curious.

"No, but I found out some information," he said as he began washing my feet.

"So it didn't go well?" I asked.

"Not in the way I wanted it to, but I'm 100% sure I will find out what's really going on."

I made my way over to him and gave him a kiss.

"I missed you."

He smiled, "I missed you."

"It smells amazing downstairs by the way," he said. I smiled, thankful for the compliment.

"Hopefully it tastes good too," I said as I took the washrag and began washing my body.

"Sweetheart, when have you ever made anything bad?" I blushed. I wasn't used to compliments, just my failures.

He took the wash rag from me and began washing my legs.

"I can."

He cut me off, "let me take care of you."

I nodded. I swear my heart skipped every time he did something like that. I never thought I would see this side of him. He was so angry all the time and hateful and now he was a different person. No matter how much I wanted him at the moment my body was way too sore and I just wanted rest. After our bath, we went to bed. I felt a little bit better, although it still hurt. I was just glad to be wrapped up in Edward's embrace.

****BID*****

I had left Edward in bed, and slowly made my way down the stairs. The pain in my back was on fire, but I needed to finish Thanksgiving dinner. I put the turkey in the oven, and began taking out the dishes that I had frozen yesterday. Thank God for this oven, it could hold many dishes. I sat down at the table to begin making my pie crust. I know Alice was bringing dessert but I wanted to contribute something.

I also started to think about today. I was nervous to see Mr. Cullen again and I wasn't sure why. Maybe because he scared the shit out of me. Mrs. Cullen on the other hand was a different matter. We had met for lunch a couple of times since Halloween with Alice as a buffer of course. I had grown to like her a little, but I still didn't fully trust her. She was being too nice and I don't know if it was fake or she was actually being genuine.

She had told me she would be happy to help me out today but I declined. For some reason I felt like I had to prove myself with this dinner. I don't know why but I felt like I was a burden and I had to prove myself in some way.

My whole lower back ached, so I headed for the medicine cabinet and too two ibuprofen pills. I kind of wanted to hit up the oxycodone pills that my husband had upstairs but I wouldn't no matter how it hurt. The ibuprofen must have worked some because the pain wasn't as intense as it was.

I then pulled out the mac' n cheese, and the cauliflower dishes and sat them on top of the stove.

"Mhhm, is that what I think it is?" Edward said as he wrapped his arms around me, I tried not to flinch but nothing got past my husband.

"Your back still hurting?" He moved away from me. I moaned at the loss but in hindsight I was glad he had moved.

"A little," I said, no need to lie.

Edward stared at me acting like he wanted to say something but didn't.

"I'm going to get ready, could you keep an eye on this?"

Edward nodded. "We can cancel Bella, tell them fuck it."

I shook my head no. "I'll be fine."

"You're not fine," he said, "go lay down, I'll keep an eye on this."

I shook my head and made my way to my bedroom. I grabbed my outfit out of the closet. It was some dark jeans and a silky purple blouse. I picked up my phone and headed to the bathroom to put my makeup on. I had a text from Rose saying "Happy Thanksgiving". I wrote the same back and told her I missed her. I really did, but I was also happy she was following in her father's footsteps.

When I was done, I walked back into the bedroom to get my earrings when Edward came in.

"Fuck me," I blushed and grinned.

"Promise?" He looked like a sad little puppy.

I felt a stabbing in my left side this time and gasped. It hurt. All amusement was gone from Edward's face.

"Bella."

"I'll be fine." His face was set in stone and I didn't like the look he was giving.

"I promise, Edward, as soon as everyone leaves I will rest. I'll lay in bed all weekend if you want me to."

"Shit, if you don't, I'll lock you in here." I knew he was kidding but he could also be serious

"I promise," I said as I went to give him a searing kiss.

"Oh for Christ's sake," he said, "now I hafta have a shower."

"Why?" I asked and he gave me a look.

"Oh." I smirked as he went into the bathroom.

***BID*****

EDWARD POV

I made my way downstairs as the bell rang. I heard Bella making noise so I'm sure she didn't hear the bell. I made my way to the front doors and saw Alice and Jasper. There seemed to be tension between them but lately, when wasn't there.

Alice came in and said hey. Jasper followed with what looked like different pies.

I heard Alice greet Bella in the kitchen. Jasper gave me a head nod, and then I saw my sister come out and grab the pies from him leaving him stuck.

He shook his head and sat down on the couch. I followed him.

"Everything okay?"

Jasper looked at me weird. Probably because I had never asked him that before but shook his head, "baby shit."

I nodded. I felt for them, I did. They really wanted a baby but he was tired of seeing what Alice put herself through every time it never worked. She wasn't making it easy for him either, and I think it was uncalled for but it wasn't my business. I decided to change the subject.

"How did it go yesterday?" I knew he had to go to my work because Angela went into labor. I had this nagging feeling I had a mole either at my work or in "the family". I hadn't figured out who it was yet but I didn't want to leave Cullen Enterprises empty.

"Fine, literally it was creepy with no one there but I also was able to just chill."

I had left Jasper in charge after I got a call from Ben. Emmett was watching over the family so all things were good there.

"Heard anything from Ben?" I asked. Angela had gone into labor around noon yesterday so she had been there over 24 hours.

"Naw, man," he said and shut his eyes. I let him be and went into the kitchen where I heard Alice running her mouth a million miles a minute with Bella nodding along. The wife can say she is fine all she wants but I know she was in pain.

I wanted to demand her to sit her ass down but I didn't want to come across as a controlling asshole. She had been done horrible in the past by Black and her father so I didn't want to be put in the same group as them. But I'll be damned after this was over if I didn't make her get in the jacuzzi or some shit. If she was still in pain later I was going to call the doctor. I noticed the wife didn't want people to worry and she downplayed a lot of stuff but she wasn't gonna win this.

She smiled at me as she listened to Alice who seemed to be on about Black Friday shopping.

"Like you need more clothes, Ali." Alice gave me a glare and ignored me as she went back to talking to Bella

Jasper then came in and had a grin on his face. "Ben just texted me, it's a boy!" There was a whoop of congrats from all of us except Alice who looked at Jasper with disdain. The tension wasn't lost on Bella either. She gave Alice a look, and I had a feeling there was something else going on with Alice then we knew. She turned from us, saying she was heading outside. Jasper rolled his eyes and left the kitchen. I then heard the TV turn on. I quickly strolled over to my wife, and gave her cheek a kiss. She smiled of course.

"So, what's going on with Alice?"

"I don't know. She's self-soothing, I know that," Bella said as she began to carry the dishes into the dining room. I scooped up the one with the turkey on it and followed her.

"Self-soothing?" I asked with my brow raised.

"She's drinking or smoking pot way too much. She isn't dealing with the problem and she takes all her anger out on Jasper," Bella said.

That I knew and I knew how patient Jasper was but if Alice kept on he was going to lose it. Two things that could fuck him up and that was Alice and computers. You mess with either one and all hell would break loose. Jasper would do anything for Alice but her acting this way would make him go berserk.

"I also don't think she's dealt with the Benji mess either," Bella continued.

My eyebrow rose up again. My wife had a degree in Human Services so she knows what she is talking about but she also hadn't grown up in this life. Alice knew traitors and rats were not acceptable in the family. She shouldn't have a problem with it but could my wife be right? Could she still be dealing with something about Benji?

I didn't have time to think because I heard the door open again and I heard my mother yell, "God, it smells like pot out there."

Shit that meant my father was here. I quickly made my way to my bar. Definitely needed a drink now.

BELLA POV

We had all sat down at the dining room table and said grace and had begun to eat. It was tense, that much was certain but it was mainly coming from my husband and his father. Esme was a nice buffer between the two as they said hello to each other but that was it. I hadn't seen him since we were on lockdown. His hair was nearly gone but to me he still looked strong.

Esme had brought lasagna Bolognese, cauliflower parmigiana, and some type of bread. It was filled with peppers and olives. We had that as well as turkey, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, antipasto platter, Italian bread, rolls, and cauliflower parmigiana which Carlisle had said tasted better than his wife's. This made Edward look at me weird. Esme even agreed and that had me blushing. Like I said, I wasn't used to compliments.

Emmett had brought wine and green beans which I ate just to be nice but they tasted horrible. Both Alice and him were glassy eyed and would giggle from time to time which earned a look from both Jasper and Esme.

"Bella, you really outdid yourself. This food is delicious!" Esme said.

"Yes, Bella it is." Carlisle said which had Edward looking at him.

Both Emmett and Alice started laughing about something and I tried to blur them out. Alice was getting on my nerves for some reason.

When we were done, Esme got up to get the desserts with Jasper helping her. They brought them back, I declined any as I was full and my back was now in full blown pain. I was trying to breathe slowly without alerting Edward. I didn't want him to freak out or anything but I would probably need him to call his doctor later. I had never been in this type of pain before.

"Bella, I know this is your first Thanksgiving with us, but we have a tradition where we go around the table and say what we're thankful for," Esme said. "I'll start. I'm thankful to have all my children and bonus children with me right now." She smiled and looked at Edward, Emmett, and Alice. Then she looked at Jasper and I. "Carlisle?" she said.

"I'm thankful for another holiday with my family," he said simply and then Esme started tearing up.

I then heard Jasper speak up, "I'm just thankful to be here."

I nodded. I was on that same page. It was quiet then and I decided maybe I should say something.

"I'm thankful for a new life and everything that has happened in the past few months," I smiled at Edward who knew exactly what I was talking about.

"Well, I'm thankful for the weed, man," Alice said giggling up a storm.

"I'm thankful for my dick," Emmett said laughing.

"That's it!" Esme yelled. "You two are so fucking embarrassing right now."

"Like you have any room to talk, ya drunk!" Alice yelled at her mother.

"You better watch it, young lady!" Carlisle jumped up and I could tell she had hurt Esme's feelings.

A stabbing pain hit me in the back, and I started breathing hard.

"Bella?" Edward asked me.

"I'm fine," I said as I began to breathe harder.

"No, you're not."

Suddenly black dots filled my vision.

"Is she okay?" I heard Carislie.

"Can it, old man!" Edward said while I heard Esme shushing him

I stood up from the table and I felt like I was going to throw up. Once I stepped away from my chair I remember falling and someone catching me as the black clouded my vision.