Author's note: As always thanks to Sheri. Thank you also for reading and reviewing my story it means a lot!

Also, I've updated past chapters that contained lemons. Your welcome lol so now you can read in full glory. I think I got all of them but if your on Stars and you see one I missed let me know. Also, if this story gets removed I'm on stars with the same name. I'm thinking of making a blog for the story as well for those who don't want to use stars.

ENJOY!

Chapter 31 Acceptance

EDWARD POV

Hearing Bella's snores beside me I pulled away just a bit so I could get up and use the restroom. It felt amazing to be back in my bed, I won't lie it felt even more amazing to hold my wife even if a small part of me still held some anger towards her. After taking care of business, I made my way back into my bedroom. Bella was out cold, so I quietly made my way out of the room.

Walking downstairs I remembered I had company, Rose and Emmett were at the kitchen table talking and sipping what smelt like coffee. I checked the clock on the stove, and it was past midnight. Raising my eyebrows, I swiftly walked by them to the fridge while Rose glanced at me.

"She, ok?" She asked quietly while she took a sip of that wonderful aroma. I got in on that and closed the fridge, making my way to the Keurig. I popped in my k-cup and looked back at her. "I don't know but she's sleeping." Putting my mug under the drip I then started the machine.

I leaned back onto the counter and crossed my arms facing those two sitting at my kitchen table. Rose looked hesitant like she wanted to say something but couldn't. "What is it?" I asked her noticing the look she threw Emmett.

"Nothing." She said but I rolled my eyes.

"Just say it." I said trying to stay calm, but my inner turmoil was getting the best of me, and I didn't like that.

"It's just something Bella said, it stuck with me that's all." She muttered taking another sip. "It has me really concerned. I don't know why she would have said that." Rose looked at me with her crystal blue gaze.

"Said what?" Now I was curious. What had Bella told her? Something she shouldn't? Why would Rose be concerned?

"Ed." Emmett started but I waved my hand towards him to be quiet. This wasn't his woman anymore. She knew something about my wife, something she was reluctant to share.

"She said Charlie wasn't her father, okay?" Rose rushed out and I tensed up and gave Em a look.

"Did she say who it was?" I asked remaining calm.

Rose looked confused then. "What? Wait are you seriously entertaining this idea that Charlie isn't her father?" Rose looked angry then. "I'm concerned Edward, she is saying things that don't make sense!" She said in a bitchy tone. "I get that she's depressed but this is kind of questionable."

I put my hand up and she looked between Emmett and I. "I've been friends with her since Elementary school Charlie is her father!" Rose rushed out and she looked legit mad. Rose shook her head and rose up from the table. "I know they haven't gotten along in the past few years; I know he wanted her to marry Jacob, but I don't understand why she would say that?" Rose said but it seemed like she was trying to convince herself this aloud.

"We came up on some information." I started trying not to give too much away. Rose knew Bella had been taken by Jacob and that Jacob and Charlie were dead. It was more than I wanted her to know at this point, but she was under the impression Black did everything and we saved Bella. She didn't know it was actually me. Whether she believed that was true or not, it didn't matter to me because I wasn't about to admit that it had been me to do the deed. She was about to be a fucking lawyer for goodness sakes! I'm pretty sure once they let Bella know they'll announce it in the press. If she thought about uttering my name and his in the same sentence trust me, she wouldn't be breathing much longer.

"Information?" She rose an eyebrow and gave me a look.

"Yes." I spoke. "That information included some things said between Black and Swan including Swan admitting that Bella wasn't his daughter."

Rose's eyes went huge, and she gasped and then looked confused. "That's not possible, I've knew the Swans since I was little. Bella was Charlie's everything until right before Renee died. He started acting weird." She finished

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "That's when he found out when she got that infection. She needed blood, neither his nor Renee's matched Bella's"

Rose looked shocked, "Wow, I'm sorry I need a minute to process this." She sat back down, and I noticed my coffee done. Emmett remained quiet, and that had me suspicious he was never this quiet. I noticed he couldn't quit looking at Rosalie though.

"So." Rose began while I poured a little cream into my coffee before sipping it. "Renee cheated on Charlie and got pregnant by another dude?" Rose asked still looking like she was in shock.

"Or she was already pregnant when met Charlie." Emmett finished keeping his gaze on her.

"Wow." Rose held her head, "I feel horrible for my thoughts now."

I sipped the brew while I took a seat at the table. "What do you mean?" Emmett asked.

Rose's eyes became shifty, and she gave a quick glance she wasn't subtle about that shit no matter how hard she tried to be. "I know she's been through a lot with Renee dying, Charlie, Jacob, her new life, and the baby." She said quietly and I looked down at my coffee mug aware that I didn't really think about what Bella had been through before. What a shitty husband I had been.

It made me feel even worse than I already did. "I just honestly thought she may have been losing it when she said that." Rose said but she looked upset admitting that. I didn't like that, but I couldn't begrudge her that since she knew Bella longer than me. I could admit I never once thought my wife was losing it.

"This is a lot." Rose said and looked off. I finished my coffee and sat the mug in the sink and quickly washed it. "I'm going to head to bed." She said and I nodded. "Will you be here tomorrow?" I looked back from the sink and noticed she was staring at Em.

"Sure." He said and he smiled the biggest smile. I turned and rolled my eyes.

Once she had made it up the stairs and I heard the door creak on the 3rd floor I looked at Emmett. "So, Bella knows." I said unable to come up with a thought as I sat across from him at the kitchen table.

Emmett nodded "You don't have to be the bearer of bad news." He said as he took a sip of his coffee.

"No, just I don't know how to approach it with my wife, nor do I know how to tell her that Swan had her mother killed." I added.

"Maybe you shouldn't," Emmett said, and I looked at him like are you kidding me right now? "I mean if she doesn't know that part." I thought about it, but it felt like I was lying. Did she need to know? Would it restart this cycle?

"Besides, we got another problem." Emmett said and I squared up this time giving him my full attention.

"What is it?" I asked however I'm sure I already know the answer. "Brady called me." Emmett started and I nodded. The feds still wanted to talk to Bella, since Swan's bones had been identified. Jenks called me yesterday and said Perez was becoming very suspicious as to why she hadn't come in even though they just wanted to talk to Bella about it. I still thought the whole thing was absurd but according to Jenks she wasn't a suspect they just wanted to talk and apparently there were some things with Swan's estate she needed to deal with.

I could handle that for her, but I also didn't want to overstep. I really needed to have a talk with my wife when she woke up there were a few things that needed to be dealt with before we could talk about the baby. I shook my head of my thoughts, I needed to stay on task.

"See if Jenks can push another day, and we'll come in. I need to talk to Bella." Emmett nodded and stood up.

"I'm going to crash in one of your bedrooms." I nodded but shaking my head knowing he'll probably end up in the one currently occupied by a certain blonde. Granted, if they got back together and it got Em out of this funk, he's in I welcomed it. If she is what makes him happy. But I honestly didn't see how it would ever work. A lawyer and an underboss? One wants children the other doesn't?

I didn't have any room to judge since my relationship was currently messed up. I shut the lights off and made my way upstairs to my bedroom. Bella was still asleep, and I laid down beside her. It didn't take long until I drifted off to sleep.

MOMENTS LATER

I awoke suddenly, aware that I was the only one in my bed. Alarmed, I suddenly rose up and listened for any movement. There was no one in my bathroom so where had she gone? I even opened the balcony doors, and she wasn't there either. I did notice Mike pulling up, so it had to be later than I thought. I quickly left the bedroom and made my way downstairs. Once, I reached the bottom step I smelt a wonderful smell coming from the kitchen. I made my way towards it when I saw Bella at the stove, she was still dressed in what she wore last night, and she was humming some tune.

I stopped midway amazed that she was actually cooking. I didn't know how to approach her, and I hated feeling like that. It didn't matter anyway because she turned around with a plate. She looked startled at first, but a small smile moved across her lips. "Hi." She said as she put the plate down.

A smile formed on my lips. "Hi." I said back as I closed the distance towards her. We stared at each other for the longest. I looked at her lips, really wanting to lean down and kiss her. I brought my head down..

"Yo!" I heard Emmett's booming voice and we quickly pulled away from each other. Damn Em for having bad timing. Bella blushed and started setting the table as I made my way to the sink.

"I made French toast and bacon." I heard Bella say and Emmett telling her he missed her cooking. Bella laughed but it wasn't a real one, so I turned around.

She made her way to the fridge and pulled out the orange and grape juice. I turned on the Keurig machine needing a cup. I noticed she was in a trance; she really didn't look at Emmett or I but kept busy.

"Will Rose be joining us?" Bella asked setting the glasses down finally looking up at Em and I. I looked at Emmett because he would know better than I.

"I don't know she went to bed the same time as us." Emmett said and he started digging into his plate. That fucker didn't join her? I knew when he was lying but he most definitely wasn't right now.

Bella then sat down and poured herself a glass of grape juice. I sat down with mine and asked Bella if she wanted some coffee instead. She hesitated but shook her head. Hm? That was odd. I thought she would definitely have picked that back up. She even made bacon something else she couldn't eat before because it made her nauseous.

It was quiet as the three of us ate. Bella looked uncomfortable before she rose up. That had me alarmed so I looked at her. "I'm going to get Rose." She said as she swiftly left the kitchen. I watched her go not taking my eyes off of her until she was out of my sight. I even listened to make sure she moved up the stairs.

"Brady called." Emmett said in a hush like voice. I moved my eyes to him still listening out for Bella. She was moving on the 3rd floor. "That's why I'm up so early." He continued while I fully looked at him hearing Bella close the door to Rose's bedroom.

"What did he want?" I said while I drank the rest of my coffee.

"He said Agent Perez is getting restless wants to ask Bella if she knows anything. Said the Agent just wants to close the case." My hand went into a fist. I was very hesitant about this whole thing, but it was beginning to seem like I didn't have much of a choice. "Also, Swan's lawyer needs to contact next of kin." Emmett added.

My heart and mind literally fought on this; my mind literally screamed at me that we needed to get this over with. My heart didn't want her to go in there, my heart ached it was too soon. She just left the bedroom for goodness sakes! "Call Jenks and tell him I'll need him today. Then call Brady tell him Bella is coming in for questioning only. Let's get this settled and done." I said in a demanding voice.

"Questioning?" I heard that angelic voice. Shit. This isn't how I wanted her to find out. I quickly turned towards her where she was giving me a weird stare. Rose looked mad but didn't voice her opinion. I scratched the back of my neck; this isn't how I wanted it to go down.

"I need to talk to you." I said as I grabbed her hand and led her down the hall.

BELLA POV

I quickly pulled up my leggings and threw on the long sweater dress top. Rose was straightening my hair because honestly, I really didn't feel like doing it. I didn't even want to leave the house yet. I wasn't ready, but nope my husband didn't understand that. I can understand I haven't been acting myself, but to throw me in the deep end all at once was that necessary?

Edward didn't want them here and I could understand that but why couldn't they meet somewhere closer? Why did I have to go all the way to the city to talk to them?

Because you can't keep hiding Bella, you must deal with your trauma.

My inner voice told me, and I shook my head. Why couldn't I deal with it in my own time? I was exhausted, why couldn't I take baby steps? Why did it have to be everything at once?

"I can see you overworking yourself. What's up?" Rose asked while I quickly looked at her. I shook my head, but she gave me that eyebrow.

I blew out a breath "I need more time, I'm not ready to leave the house yet. I mean I just left the bedroom!" I said slightly agitated.

"I know B, it's not fair at all. But Edward has been pushing this back for a while, I think the cops are getting restless. It's better this way just get it over with and you can come back here, and we'll eat junk food and watch movies." She said seriously as she finished up my hair.

I nodded that sounded nice. It felt normal, stuff we used to do as kids. God, how things used to be so simple. Rose and I eating popcorn watching movies while my parents cuddled on the couch. My face dropped, not parents. Charlie wasn't my dad. I still didn't know what to say about that information, but I felt a bit of relief knowing I didn't share any genes with him.

"Sounds like a plan." I said as she started on my make-up nothing big of course just a bit of lipstick and foundation. I tried to remain still but everything in me wanted to yell and run away. Inside I was freaking out, but a small part of me a very small part knew I had to be rational. I had to get this done, I had to be strong even if everything in me screamed to get away.

"There all done!" She announced and I quickly put a smile on my face and I stood up. I gave her a hug and made my way out of my bedroom. Edward stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting on me. He was dressed in a button down, with a jacket and dress pants on. He gave me a small smile as he took my hand and led me to the car.

****BID****

I looked out the window at the scenery passing me by. The houses were becoming scarce so that meant we was almost to the city. I leaned back and closed my eyes. Edward sat on the seat next to me but as far as possible. I guess he was giving me distance since I hadn't been entirely happy about this trip.

When he told me what I had to do, I argued of course. It wasn't right making me face this right now. Deep down I knew I was being childish, Rose said he pushed it back as far as he could. I hated myself thinking they wanted to talk to me right after the situation happened. Lucky for me my husband hadn't let that happened.

We really needed to talk, there was a lot of things that hadn't been said between us that needed to be aired out. There were also things that had been said that needed to be talked about.

"Bella." He said in a soft voice. I turned towards him. "I know your angry but this needs to be dealt with so we can live our lives in peace." He finished.

I tried not to I really didn't, I chuckled, and he caught it. He always caught it. "What?" He said unamused.

"We'll never have peace, will we? We'll always be targeted by someone." He didn't answer me but looked at me with a face of indifference. I shook my head and turned towards the window again.

"I promise I'll never let what happened that night happen again. I promise until my last dying breath I'll protect you." He said softly. I looked at him then, I could see in his eyes that he meant what he said but could I believe him? I mean look at what already happened!

I stared out the window again, I didn't know what to say to him right now. I could tell he meant what he said but I had no words to put in how I felt right now. They were overshadowed by my agitation and anger at what I was about to face.

"Bella." He said this time in more of a business-like tone. I stared at him; his eyes softened a bit before he put back on his stoic face, but I caught it. "There's something you need to know, I wanted to wait but it needs to be said before you walk into that station." He said taking a breath before looking at me again.

"Charlie Swan isn't your father." He said and I nodded but I was confused on how he knew that. Did Rose say something? Why would he tell me something like that right now?

"I'm aware." I let out a bitter chuckle. "Rose said something?" Edward shook his head and that had my attention.

We had made it into downtown before Edward said anything. "I found out; I'll show you later. I just didn't know if it would be brought up today if they know that is." He finished. "Thought you needed to know." He said looking away from me.

"So, you thought you would just unleash that crap on me right when I'm about to be questioned?" I let out a bitter chuckle. There was no way he would do this right now, no way. He knew something, something I didn't. "We can talk later, but this is a bold move for you." I said and then looked out the window. Edward wouldn't have told me that, he just wouldn't because he wouldn't have risked that right before I was about to talk to some feds. He wouldn't have risked me being emotional right now. Not that I would have cried over it, it just didn't make sense from Edward's view.

"How long?" I asked as I saw the station in the distance. He looked at me with a guarded glance. "How long have you known?" I tried to stay calm, but if he had known all this time and never said anything I was going to be pissed.

"A couple of weeks ago, but I'll show you later."

I rose my eyebrow "Show me?" Edward didn't say anything after that, and I decided to drop the subject for now. I wasn't mad he hadn't said anything, I hadn't exactly been here if I'm honest, but it made me wonder what else he could be hiding from me.

When we pulled up to the station, Edward faced me again before I got out. He looked concerned but he gave me a smile. "I'll be right here, when it's over." He said and I knew he couldn't come in with me. A small part of me hated that he couldn't pull strings right now. I nodded at him and stepped out of the car where Laurent flanked me.

He escorted me inside where Jenks was waiting. "Mrs. Cullen." He said and I gave him a nod. He then escorted me to this younger man wearing a uniform. I didn't recognize him, but Jenks seemed to know who he was. He introduced himself as Deputy Brady. Laurent left me then and headed outside while I was escorted back to the rooms.

This time, I was in a conference room instead of an interrogation. The long oak wood table was surrounded by a few chairs and Agent Perez and another agent stood up when they saw me.

"Mrs. Cullen." Agent Perez came up to me and shook my hand. I then made my way to the other side as Jenks held out a chair for me to sit in. He then sat beside me, and I noticed Deputy Brady by the door.

"First, before we get started, I would like to apologize for what happened the last time you were here. That shouldn't have happened."

I nodded. "It's fine." I mumbled out. She shook her head not agreeing with what I said.

"Everyone that was involved that night, was either suspended or fired." She finished. My eyes went wide, but I quickly diverted my gaze to the wall. Damn, I wonder if Edward had anything to do with that? Or had Agent Perez did something?

I turned my gaze back on her "Wow." I mumbled out not really knowing what to say.

Jenks then coughed, and leaned in. "Mrs. Cullen has a busy day so could we begin?" He said and I gave him a small smile. It was beginning to get awkward, so I was thankful for his comment.

"Of course, Mrs. Cullen could you tell me the last time you saw your father?" Perez asked while pulling a notebook in her lap. I knew I had to lie, because of course the last time I saw him was that night.

"Here the night I was brought in." I said calmly and Perez nodded. "You haven't talked to him since?" I shook my head and then said no. Another lie.

"He was found in Jacob Black's bunker; his bones were identified, and they had gunshot wounds." Perez said while looking at me, my eyes widen in surprise, but I didn't make a comment. "Looks like a murder-suicide." She spoke.

"Looks like?" I said in a croaked voice. She wasn't sure? What the hell murder-suicide?

She nodded "Seems that Black killed Swan and then himself." She finished giving me a stare. Her saying looks like had me questioning why?

"Looks? So, it's not a murder-suicide? I asked holding my chest looking at her with confusion on my face.

"That's the cause of death, but the house was blown up. We found a dead man in a shack with explosives."

"What?" I didn't know the whole story because I tried not to think of that night, so I didn't know how they died. Explosives?

"The guard set them off we think, just not sure why. Your father and Mr. Black were already dead…" She trailed off and I sat back in my chair.

"Are you implying something Agent?" Jenks asked and I was grateful for the question. I didn't really want to be here. I just wanted to go home and hopefully talk to Edward.

"No, not at all. It just doesn't make sense." She said as she shuffled some papers on her desk.

"Was this all you wanted to ask?" Jenks said. "I honestly feel like this could have been done over the phone." He said as he rose up and I did with him. Honestly? This was it?

"No, I just wanted to inform Mrs. Cullen the cause of death." She said grimly. Jenks gave her a smile it wasn't a nice one, but he pulled something out of his briefcase. "If there is any confusion now or in the future this is where Mrs. Cullen and Mr. Cullen were on the night in question." He handed her the paper.

She took it from his hand, gave me several looks and then her eyes softened. I couldn't even see what was on the paper, but once she sat it down, she looked at me in sympathy. I glanced over the paper and saw Dr. Stevens' signature. Oh. Now I knew what it was.

"Mrs. Cullen, I'm so sorry for your loss." She said and I nodded while tears came out of my eyes.

I quickly wiped them away. "Thank you." I told her and she nodded. Her expression didn't change though so I don't think she really meant what she said.

"Were you aware that your father was working for Former Officer Hawkins and Mr. Black?" She asked me going back to cop mode.

"Hawkins?" I asked, giving a look around. Why did that name sound familiar? That was that cop, wasn't it? The one in the room that night.

"He was in the room with you a few months ago." She said and stared at me. Ah I remembered now, the horrible man from that night.

Perez looked at me waiting on an answer good for her because she was getting the truth. "No, I didn't really know anything about my father." I said and put my hands in my lap.

"Did you know that he had a gambling problem as well as a drinking one?" I knew Charlie started drinking heavily right before my mother passed. It was as bad though until after she passed. After she died, he kept drinking to the point where he had to be brought home by his friends. He was constantly passing out at bars and clubs. It a wonder he didn't lose his badge but if he was working for Jacob. Ugh it made me sick thinking about it.

I nodded "I'm aware of the drinking one yes." She huffed, I guess I wasn't answering her questions like she wanted me to. Jenks noticed as well, and I could see he was getting irritated with this whole mess.

"Is that all Agent Perez?" He asked. Man, l was loving Jenks right now and his no bullshit attitude.

She shook her head. "No, Mr. Jenks it isn't." She looked at me again and swallowed. "I'm sorry, I know this is a bad time, with the death of your father, and the…" She trailed off and I looked away trying to keep the tears at bay. "A few months ago, your father had racked up a debt that had been paid in full do you know anything about that?" She said and I blinked a few times

"No, I don't know anything about my father." Calling him father made me cringe every time. Now knowing he wasn't my father and his actions that night literally made me sick saying it.

"Mrs. Cullen has stated she doesn't know anything about her father." Jenks said irritated and I couldn't blame him, I was too. I mean how many times do I have to say it?

"Very well, let me put it this way then," She started, and I paid attention. "We're pretty sure your father was in debt to either Black or Hawkins. He was covering up reports, tampering with evidence all related to Black. Your father also took out all his money from his bank account a few days before he died. Your father also had a journal of everything he had done for Jacob."

My eyes widened in shock, but I remained quiet and calm. What could he have possibly done for Jacob? I wasn't really shocked about the money Charlie threw money away after mom died. "A journal?" I questioned.

"Yes, it had listed everything he's done for the past four years." She said and I looked down, four years? "It's been four years since my mother died." I said to no one, I was thinking out loud but of course the agent caught it.

"Yes, I'm sorry about that as well, it seems after the death of Renee Swan, Mrs. Cullen your father went off the deep end." I nodded. She wasn't wrong at all Charlie completely changed but now I knew why it was because he knew I wasn't his. The question was why did he do it?

"Yes, her death hits us hard." I said because I didn't know what to say. I didn't get to really mourn my mother like I should have then.

She blinked at me, "In those four years while you lived at home you never thought something was seriously wrong?" She asked letting out a chuckle. "Correct me if I'm wrong but don't you have a Human Services degree? You should have picked up on that."

Jenks moved beside me, and I knew he was about to comment but I quickly held my hand up. This woman was going down a trail I did not like. Was she blaming me? Seriously? She had no idea what I endured at the hands of Charlie and Jacob.

"Ms. Perez, I didn't quite live with my father for the full four years, I left Forks shortly after graduating in July. I then moved here to Seattle, but to answer your question my father became very distant after my mother's death and started the drinking. I tried to talk to him multiple times, but nothing worked. Yes, I guess I could have tried harder, but I was also a girl who just lost her mother." I took a breath; I could literally feel my anger rising damn this agent!

"Shame on you though, for blaming me for something I had no control over, I lived my life the best way I could. My father would yell constantly, he turned mean to the point I tried to stay at college. Yes, I may have been an adult by then, but I was mourning the loss of my mother by myself. I had no one." I finished and tears started to fall damn this woman! How dare she! Her face turned remorseful, but I wasn't taking that she felt any remorse.

"Mrs. Cullen." She started but I waved her off, "I'm here because you had questions, but it looks like you're blaming me for something I didn't do!" I said standing up and I noticed the Deputy in the corner coming over and warning Perez that she was out of line.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Cullen, I'm just trying to figure out why Mr. Black killed your father. I'm trying to find motive. Mr. Black donated to the Forks Police Department, there's even a photo of you and Mr. Black at the charity event." She pushed it over and I glanced at it.

The smile on my face in it was a fake one. "Yes, Mr. Black was interested in me, but I was not." Pushing the photo back to her.

"Was he in debt due to your schooling?" She asked and I laughed. Was this woman forreal? Was she really trying to blame me for any of this?

"I was on a scholarship." I said in a loud voice making my point clear. I was not the reason nor going to be her reason for what Charlie did. She hummed, pushing papers together I guess she thought she find out something today, but she didn't and in all honesty, I didn't know anything.

"Agent Perez, I had no relationship with my father after my mother died. I tried to but he threw me away. A mere eighteen-year-old away. I went to school and finished my degree so I could get away from Forks and that's what I did. I moved here and met the man of my dreams and I'm currently working on my bachelor's degree. "I took a breath, she nodded but I don't think she was done.

"Mrs. Cullen, do you know a Paul McCormick?" She moved around then shuffling papers on her table.

The name sounded familiar, but I couldn't place the name. I shook my head confused with her question.

She saw the confusion on my face, but a smile played at her lips. "He was a local mechanic in Forks." She said studying my face.

It took a minute, but his face slowly entered my brain, he was a nice man, hardly charge anything for his services. Always had a smile on his face. I nodded. "Yes, I do now. I probably have seen him maybe twice in my whole life."

"What does this have to do with Mr. Swan?" Jenks asked slightly frustrated "Mrs. Cullen is here to know about her father's death and handle his affairs not to be questioned on an already confirmed death."

I wanted to get up and leave, this was starting to feel like that night all over again when I was brought in here. The cop named Brady then came up, "Let's wrap this up Perez." He said and she shot him a look.

"Need I remind you that I still have authorization here. "Perez said.

"Actually, your time has run out, the deaths have been confirmed. I'm letting you do this as a courtesy." Brady countered back

"Fine." She then turned to me again. "Mr. McCormick was a friend of your fathers and his mechanic. His name was also in the journal, your father paid him 10,000 a little over four years ago by the date."

"Okay?" I said confused not understanding this line of questioning.

She let out a clearly frustrated sigh. "So, you don't know anything about that either do you?" She asked and I shook my head.

"Perez!" Brady said in a warning tone.

"I'm just asking, I'm trying to pinpoint a timeline of when your father fell into trouble and how long Hawkins was working with him and such. The 10,000 was the first indication of trouble. This was before your mother died though" She added. "He went missing a few months later.." She trailed off.

I could feel my anger rising and I was trying to get a hold on it and yet something in this moment told me I was missing the bigger picture. "I told you" I said in a cold voice. "I don't know anything." I rose up and Jenks was by my side.

"Were done here. You have asked and you have your answers. Mrs. Cullen doesn't know, so you will need to find someone who will." Jenks said carrying me away from the table.

"Mr. Swan's lawyer is here to settle his affairs." She said gathering her paperwork and brief case before standing up at the table. She then walked with the two men behind her that I didn't recognize. "Here's my card, if you remember anything." She said as we stared at each other, she was in front of me now. I refused to take it, instead I had a stare off.

I saw Jenks move in my periphery and take it from her. "Again, sorry for your loss Mrs. Cullen." She said as she left the room. As soon as the door closed it opened again and a bald short man walked in introducing himself.

We sat down at the table, and he discussed everything Charlie had left, which was basically the house. There was no money, but there were some valuables including jewelry and other personal items. I was supposed to go to Forks to settle it, but I was nowhere near ready at this point.

I nodded, that I would handle it shortly, but I was just ready to leave. After Charlie's lawyer left Jenks and I did to. I thanked Deputy Brady as I walked out. When we made it to the lobby, I saw Laurent looking around. When he saw me, he came towards me suddenly in a quick like movement. I shuddered seeing Jacob's face on Laurent for a brief second that I stopped moving.

We had almost exited the police station, where I was frozen in place. "Mrs. Bella?" Laurent asked concerned. My eyes closed but listening to his voice trying to tell myself that it was Laurent and not Jacob with his arm around me. I opened my eyes and met Laurent's concerned ones, I blinked and shook my head. "I'm sorry I didn't think." Laurent said softly realizing what happened.

I shook my head again and noticed some people looking at us in concern. Not wanting to attract unwanted attention I headed out of the station with Laurent and Jenks on my heels. I saw the car in the distance, and I knew Edward was inside. I was breathing hard, trying to fight the tears that were beginning to spill. I knew I wasn't ready for this.

"Tell Mr. Cullen I will notify him of everything soon. "Jenks informed us, and Laurent nodded, and we continued to walk to the car. Once we got close it quickly opened and Edward face popped out, I dashed in the back with him, and he swiftly closed it behind him.

"Bella?" He said softly. I couldn't look at him yet, afraid I would see Jacob's face again. I really, I mean REALLY didn't want to see his face on my husband. "Bella?" He called again. I shook my head, my eyes clamped closed. "Bella, please talk to me." I heard him say and I also heard Laurent say that he may have spooked me but coming up to me fast.

I could hear Edward sigh, but he didn't say anything for a moment. The car was silent besides the sounds of the road that we were currently driving on. I huffed out some air, struggling to breathe. "Baby please." I heard but I couldn't open my eyes, I felt a tear escape out of the corner of my eye, but I didn't feel it run down my cheek for some reason.

I slowly opened my eyes, and they were met by the piercing emerald gaze of my husband. He moved his finger away from my face. He must have caught the tear, the dam busted then, and I grabbed him in a fierce hug.

"Shh, it's okay. Shh" He grabbed me back, it felt so amazing to be in his arms again. "I've got you." He quietly said.

I don't know how long we stayed liked that, all I know is that when I looked out the window and saw the houses disappearing as we went by, I knew I was almost home. I rose up from his shoulder and he looked at me in concern. "I'm so sorry." I said and started crying again.

He grabbed me gently as he could. "No, Bella I'm sorry I didn't realize all that you have been through, including this and our." He choked and looked away from me.

I started in his eyes as they came back to meet me, and I felt strength, realization in that moment. Clarity hit me like a ton of bricks. This man and me were one, we were both hurting, we were both going through shit, and I had pushed him away when he needed me most. We needed each other, that much was certain. "Our child." I finished for him, and the tears silently ran down my face. He nodded and we hugged again. I hope that in time we would be whole again but for now whatever we faced we would do it together.

EDWARD POV

"I'm going to take a shower." Bella said as she climbed the stairs to our bedroom. We had just arrived home, and Rose had greeted us at the door, Emmett behind her. She didn't say much, but I could tell she wanted to fire off her questions. She remained quiet though and that was a shock to me. Who would have thought that I would like the blonde better when she wasn't with my brother anymore?

Emmett on the other hand looked restless, like either he had something to say or wanted to hear what went down. I turned to Rose, "Can you listen out for Bella? Em and I are headed for my office." She nodded and made her way upstairs. My office was down the hall from my bedroom, and I could listen out if Bella needed me, but I had to distract Rose with something.

Emmett and I made our way upstairs and down the hall to my office. Emmett closed the door behind him as I took a seat in my overstuffed chair. "What's going on?" I asked waiting on Emmett to get it out.

"Jenks called a while ago," He sat down across from me. "You, okay?" He asked and I looked away. Was I okay? No, I wasn't but I was doing better than yesterday or the weeks before.

"Jenks called?" I asked avoiding his question.

"Yeah, he said Bella was really brave in there, Perez kept pushing her though." I nodded, knowing she was upset when she got to the car. However, she didn't mention anything that happened, but she was sorry for how she had been the past few weeks. "Wait? Perez pushed her?" I slammed my fist down on the table. "I'm going fucking kill Brady; he was supposed to shut that shit down." I stood up and started pacing.

"Jenks said Brady is handling it, after he showed the document from the doctor Perez became more relentless in her questioning. Bella wasn't a suspect so both Jenks and Brady are looking into what can be done." Emmett finished. "She held her own though according to Jenks" I nodded proud but something else must have obviously happened since she was upset coming out of the building.

"I need to talk to her, but did Jenks say what was asked?" I questioned going for the liquor on my bar in my office and pouring me a drink. I gulped it down and it burned my throat when I was done, I looked at Emmett. "Want one?"

He shook his head declining, and I went back to sit in my chair. "If Bella knew what Swan had been up to, when he was in bed with Hawkins, Black, and some mechanic was mentioned." Emmett finished

I felt the breath being taken out of me, a mechanic? Oh no, did that mean? I looked at Emmett again. "A mechanic?"

"Yeah." Emmett started to say but stopped when it hit him too. "Oh shit, you think she knows?" He jumped up and went straight to the bar to make him a drink then.

I thought about it logically, I feel like she would have been more upset if she knew that. On the other hand, she did come out upset or maybe everything finally crashed on her. I really needed to talk to my wife soon.

Not a few moments later, I heard a blood curling scream from down the hall. "Bella!" I yelled taking off out of my office with Emmett right behind me.

BELLA POV

I stepped out of the shower, feeling a bit better than before. My mother always used to say a bath will fix everything. Granted it wasn't a bath but shower, but I couldn't take baths right now. I quickly dressed before opening the door into my bedroom where I noticed Rose sitting on the nearby couch.

"Hi." I said as I sat down on my bed and began to run lotion on my feet.

"Hey." She said back but she seemed conflicted. "You, okay?"

Was I okay? I mean I felt a little bit better than I did but I don't think I was okay.

"Let me rephrase that, are you slightly better?" She asked with a smile.

I took a breath, trying not to think on the past few weeks, but I knew in hindsight I would have to deal with my trauma once and for all if I was ever going to heal. "I'm getting there." I answered

She nodded "Did they tell you? I mean what was the big deal to get you there in a hurry?"

I put the lotion to the side and focused on Rosalie. "It was a murder-suicide, Jacob killed him and then himself." I started. "I'm sure it'll be public now since I know." Rose hummed like she didn't believe what they said but she didn't say anything. "Charlie was more corrupt than they originally thought, he had been paying people before my mom died."

Rose let out a breath "Wow B, I'm so sorry, this unreal for me, I can imagine just how you feel."

I nodded if anything Rose spent more time at my house than hers especially after her father passed.

"I keep wondering, if any of it was real? Did he pretend to love me, or did he love me until he found out I wasn't his?" Which meant he really didn't love me to begin with if finding out I wasn't his he quickly pushed me aside.

"I don't know B, it's still hard to wrap my mind around him not being your dad." Rose admitted and I looked at her.

"So, you believed me when I told you?" I asked. She looked down but gave me a small smile.

"I um." She started and I waved her off.

"It's okay, I wouldn't have believed me either, I haven't been myself."

"It's not that, I sort of thought you was losing it, I was concerned so I made a comment to Edward, but he already knew." Rose finished and I gave her a smile.

"Yeah, its fine it seemed crazy but when you think about it, seems logical." I said trying to tell myself, the answer should have been in my face the whole time. I think I was holding on to memories, to my childhood where he was doting and supported me but, in the end, he hurt me. I would have to let my past stay in the past. I would have to let Charlie Swan go no matter how many memories I had. No matter, the questions unanswered. At the end of the day, he was a villain.

"So, are you ready to go downstairs to your big ass living room and stuff ourselves with junk?" She smiled brightly.

I nodded, I did want to do that, but I really wanted to talk to Edward first. I wanted to see what he had to show me. "I do, I really do I just need to talk to Edward first." I said and she nodded.

"I'll go get the stuff ready." Rose said as she was about to leave my bedroom. My mind was still stuck on everything that was said back at the station. The questions I was asked, all these new players, but the one that was mentioned didn't make sense. The mechanic, why would Charlie have paid him an amount like that? That seemed like a hefty amount to me, and I don't recall neither one of the cars needing that type of service for that amount at the time. Heck, I wouldn't think anything would cost that much in Forks.

"Rosalie." I called and she turned back to me suddenly. "Do you remember a mechanic named Paul McCormick?" Rose took shop in high school, working on cars was a hobby of hers. She would probably know more than me.

She scoffed. "Do I! He was worthless, I remember when mom put the car in the shop for a starter because hers wasn't working right. He didn't even fix it right, so I did it."

"Is he still in Forks?" I asked.

Rose thought for a moment, "No, I remember his wife was sick about the time your mom died. They left town shortly after I think to see a different doctor. I don't know really but he was the worst."

I don't remember that I always thought he was a kind man but looks can be deceiving I mean look at Charlie.

"Why B?" She asked

"He was mentioned today, Charlie paid him 10,000 before my mother died." That's when it hit, I felt like the breath had been knocked out of me. I started gasping, how did I not see It before? "Oh shit." I said aloud grabbing my hair, the tears started pouring down my face as well.

"Bella!" I heard Rosalie say but I couldn't answer her. It had been in front of my face along. After I was discharged from the hospital all those years ago, I remember dad and mom being distant. I remember not long after that dad had her car put in the shop because it was acting weird. When we got it back, mom didn't go many places, she liked to walk. I remember a fight between them, and mom wanted to leave. How could I not remember this? Mom then was going somewhere, and I was supposed to be with her, but she sent me to Rosalie's.

"Oh my god." I sat aloud pulling my hair. "Why?" My breathing became heavy, and it was like I am running out of air. "Why?" I choked out with a cry before I let out a blood curling scream.

EDWARD POV

"She just needs rest." Dr. Stevens told me as she exited the bedroom. I called her because I thought Bella would be more comfortable. She may have been an OB-GYN, but she did have basic medical training. "There's only so much the mind can take; Mrs. Cullen is going to be fine in the long run." She added "Just have patience." She said as she started downstairs. I knew Emmett would see her out.

Taking a breath, I opened my bedroom door. Earlier, I had ran in here after hearing her scream. She was pulling her hair and Rosalie was trying to get her attention. I asked what happened and Rosalie mentioned a mechanic. Shit. It took a few minutes to try to calm her down, but I called Dr. Stevens anyway.

Bella was standing at the balcony doors; they were closed but she was looking out at them. I came up behind her pulling her into my arms. Her back touching my chest, she leaned into my embrace, and we stood there for a few moments.

"Come on let's get you to bed." I said as I tried to pull her with me. She stiffened up when I did and turned around.

"I'm not tired." She said in a soft voice. "I can't go to bed yet. I need to talk to you."

I gave her a glance, but she looked determined now. She left my embrace and went to sit on the couch on the other side of the bed. I slowly joined her.

We stared at each other for the longest, before Bella broke the silence. "Did you know?" I knew what she talking about, but would she flee if I told her? Would we be okay from this?

"Yes." I said simply, "It was what I was going to show you." She nodded trying not to cry. I hated seeing her this upset. "I was waiting for when you were more aware." I hoped she knew what I was trying to say that I was waiting for when things could be easier for her. She gave me her don't bullshit me look. "Fine, I was hoping to tell you when things were better, when you wasn't upset over our.." I don't know why I had trouble saying it now, maybe in my mind I still didn't believe that he was gone.

"Our child." Bella finished for me, and I nodded. "I can't be mad at you for not telling me then, you were right, my mind wasn't in a good place." She stood up and began to pace some before coming back to the couch. "I keep thinking, this is a nightmare. I keep trying to wake up but then it hits me I am awake." She said as she came and sat back down. "I feel like a failure." She muttered quietly.

"What?!" I tried not to yell but what? Why would she feel that way? "Baby why?"

She angrily wiped away the tears spilling out of her eyes. "I lost my baby, my body got rid of him, I can't quit crying, I'm not even trying to cry it just happens!" She yelled but put her head in her hands.

"Bella, look at me." I said as I tried to grab one of her hands, finally she rose her head up. "Don't talk bad about your body, I love your body and it wasn't your body's fault. You can't quit crying because your depressed over the loss of our" I blinked it was on the tip of my tongue. "Child." I finished. "Or its hormones. To be honest, you deserve to cry you've been through a lot." I still hated that I couldn't see that part. That she had been strong for way too long.

"The loss of your mother, putting up with Charlie's shit over the years, Jacob and what he did to you, the baby, hell even me and all I've done." I said realizing I married a strong woman, who has been through some shit. It was like seeing strength in a whole different light after thinking I knew what weakness was.

She wiped at her eyes and nose. "I'm not completely innocent." She started looking at me with her red rimmed eyes. "I wasn't there for you when you needed it."

I stayed quiet because honestly, she wasn't but I also hadn't realized all the shit she had been through factoring in as well.

"I kept thinking you was pulling away, that you had moved on, I felt alone." She said quietly.

I could feel the tears prick the corners of my eyes, moved on from her? Didn't we already have this discussion?

"Bella, you own me body, mind, and soul. I belong to you, I thought I made that clear in my office at Midnight Sun." I finished taking a quick glance at her, her cheeks were a bit red, and I could have sworn I saw a bit of a smile.

We just stared at each other then, I know a lot needed to be said, but just being in the same space as my wife was relaxing, it felt normal.

"A few weeks ago, I changed in front of you, and you looked away. I thought you didn't want to see my disgusting body and what it did." She said quietly.

I looked at her in shock, "Baby, it was not your body's fault, it was Jacob's. He killed our baby not you and I didn't look at you because I was trying to give you privacy." Did she really think I couldn't have looked at her? I always want to look at her.

She cried again. "No, Edward it was my fault, I fought back. If I didn't maybe, he would still be here."

"Bella, if you hadn't then you would have been dead." I said simply. "Then I wouldn't have you or him so stop blaming yourself. This is Jacob's fault and Charlie's and there both dead, so you don't have to worry about them anymore."

Bella went to say something but then stopped. I had a feeling it was to ask me if I did it, or how they died. I could tell by the look in her eyes she didn't believe they died by murder-suicide. Bella's eyes glanced at me and then shifted to the wall behind me.

"I don't deserve you." She said quietly and I turned to her giving her a look of shock.

"Me? You don't deserve me? Baby, you have it backwards." She shook her head, not believing what I had said.

"Edward, you have tried since the beginning to help me, you made things better even when I was being a pain in the butt, and I've disappointed you at every turn."

"Bella!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing at all. "You have never disappointed me, if anything you've amazed me."

"How?" She croaked out.

"The strength you have, the kindness you show, and I know you're a tough cookie, I've seen it." She smiled and I loved seeing that on her face.

"Losing our child was just a breaking point for you." It was easier to say child now that I have been able to say it a few times. "You will get through this; we will get through this." I added. "We just need time."

I couldn't believe the shit coming out of my mouth right now, when did I become so full of emotion? Bella. The voice inside of me said. Because of Bella.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you." She said softly. "I feel terrible."

I gave her a smile, "Don't. Everything will be okay." I told her as she nodded. I just hoped I was right.

Silence filled the room then; all I could hear was our breathing. I grabbed her hands and brought her close to me missing her touch. She stared at me, and I stared back. "Show me." She said quietly. I gave her a look, could I show her? Would this make things worse?

I stood up grabbing Bella's hand and we left the bedroom to head for my office. Not letting go of her I found the file on my computer and hit play. She watched with such intensity, never taking her eyes off the screen. I couldn't stop watching her, I squeezed her hand letting her know I was here.

After she watched both videos, she turned to me with tears in her eyes. "He never cared at all." She cried out. "I don't know why I thought he did, but he never did." I stared at her in confusion, I didn't know what she meant by all that.

She let go of my hand walked to the window in my office and hugged her arms to herself. I went up behind her placing my hands around her stomach. She tensed and I wasn't sure why, but she then walked back towards my desk.

"Bella?" She shook her head. "Bella?" I repeated.

"I-I-I don't know if I can handle being touched on my stomach right now." She whispered to me.

I nodded, of course she wouldn't right now. It would just be a reminder of what she lost. She just needed time I kept telling myself.

It was quiet all I could hear was our breathing in the room. Bella then relaxed and looked at me in the eyes while walking away from me. "I figured it out when he was walking me towards Jacob. It just hit me suddenly, so I asked him." She let out a bitter laugh. "Told me he wasn't my father." She came back to towards me "I'm glad he's dead." She said. "No, that's awful I shouldn't be saying that." She kept saying. "No, fuck him he killed my mother." She said with anger. "Both of them, I hope they rot in hell." She finished as she came to hug me.

We stood there holding each other for what felt like hours, only it had been minutes. "The bank account? Is that from?" She didn't say it, but I think she wanted to. She pulled back a little so she could see my face.

"We don't know, Jasper is looking into it. We either think your mother was connected before, and maybe a family member was putting money into it or." I trailed off.

"My real father is." Bella finished for me, and I nodded. "So, my mother could have been in the mafia? My father is?" Bella snorted saying it, but she was probably right. I know I mentioned maybe an accountant, but I didn't think so I was leaning towards one of them having connections.

I nodded, "You will be able to access it this year when you turn 23." I told her as I remembered I had missed her 22nd birthday because I was in Russia. I did buy her a car upon my return but that didn't make up for it.

"I don't even know if I want to." Bella said and now she looked nervous. "I mean I don't need money." She was right she didn't, I had more then I knew what to do with. Deep down, I felt Bella would find out something though once she was able to open it or hopefully Jasper would be able to find out something.

"You have awhile before you have to make that decision." I told her and she nodded.

"I'm tired." She stated and I nodded. "I told Rose we have a junk food movie night." She let out a breath. "But I just want to cuddle with you in our bed." She finished.

I let out a chuckle, "Go eat your junk and enjoy the time you have left with her. She will have to leave soon." I kissed her head. "I'll be here if you need me." She nodded against me and left my office.

I let out a breath, maybe just maybe we would be back to normal soon. We just needed time.

Thanks for reading! I'm about half-way done on the next chapter so hope to have it out soon!