Hi!

It's been awhile. I'm sorry for not updating sooner but things have been very busy lately and I only get about 30 mintues each morning to write before my kids get up. I'm was also struggling mentally but I'm doing better now.

Anyways...

Shoutout To Sheri who got this back to me really quick! Thanks for all that you do!

Also To Sherry Neal and anyone else who shares my stories on the facebook Groups thanks so much

Also thanks to everyone who reads my stories yall are amazing!

Chapter 35

CHICAGO

BELLA POV

I walked down the street with my drink in hand feeling the mid-morning air. Seth was behind me, and I gave him a quick peek. He was looking around everywhere taking in our surroundings. He had wanted to take the car, but I wanted to walk since the place I was going to was right down the street. We had just left the Foundation for the day. It amazed me how fast we were able to get a building to use for a domestic center. It was already bought and was being renovated immediately. I was told we could start it up in maybe a week! I guess with Cullen being your last name things got done.

Esme had congratulated me on getting the ball rolling. She said it usually took her a few weeks to get things done but it had been less than a week, actually it was the same week when I had got it done. It made me feel good to be congratulated. Emily and I were in talks with Esme about the business side of it. Since Esme was homebound at the moment, she really couldn't do much. Granted, she did come out and look at places, but she was on her phone with Alice every minute.

Carlisle wasn't doing well at all. When I was over there three days ago, I heard that his chemo was literally knocking him out. He refused to leave his home because his hair was thinning and falling out. He had lost a lot of weight. They paid a nurse to literally come to the house to do his chemo there. I had seen him a couple of times while I was there. No matter how bad he was doing he still seemed strong in my eyes.

I turned towards Seth as I came up on my destination. My mind literally forgetting all thoughts at the moment. "Are you coming in or standing outside?" I asked him

"I'm coming in. I'll stand by the door while you shop." I nodded at him. I was currently at a little boutique that sold baby stuff. We were leaving this afternoon for Chicago. Bree's baby shower was tomorrow, and we had already bought her cribs for the little ones, but I also wanted to buy some other stuff.

Granted, Edward had bought the cribs at the time because he knew what Sean and Bree were looking at. I thought it odd that we were buying the cribs since I felt like Sean would get those, but Edward assured me that it was handled whatever that means.

Edward and I? Well things were weird. Wednesday morning before I left, he apologized and told me he loved me, but things still felt odd between us. He also had been getting home late, and I had stopped waiting up on him. I wasn't even getting texts anymore from him saying he was running late. I didn't like that, but he hadn't been home enough for me to voice my opinion.

I just tried to stay busy for the most part. It kept me from worrying so much. I glanced up at the shop once I reached it. It didn't look busy and for that I was grateful. I still had to pack a few things when I got home for the trip but for the most part I was packed.

I marched up the steps to the door of the boutique. The little bell dinged once I opened the door. The saleslady greeted me and there was only one customer looking around. I walked around taking in all the baby things. I stepped forward and went to the boy section. Since Bree was having twin boys, I felt like that was the most obvious stop. There was so much green and blue it was crazy. I smiled at the sight. I didn't even know where to start. The blankets were so soft. They had so many, so I picked up some soft blankets in both blue and green. There were also crib sheets and those looked designer, so they were a couple of hundred. I picked up a lot of outfits as well with different sizes so she could use them later.

The handmaid blankets though, they caught my eye the most. I instantly went to them and felt the softness. However, I wasn't sure if Bree would like them since they looked cheap. Then on the other hand, Bree didn't strike me as a stuck-up type. She didn't come from money like me, so we were more alike than most women in this family or whatever you wanted to call it. I decided to get the blankets. If she didn't like them then that was fine. They didn't make these much anymore, so they were a little pricey. I took my handful to the register to pay for it. If she didn't like it, then I know she'll like the cribs, so I tried not to think about what I was getting was worthless.

"Find everything you need?" The lady gave me a smile.

"I think so," I said uncertainly. I mean what do you give mobster wives for their baby shower?

She rang up everything and it was about $800.00 total. Trying not to think about the price I handed her my black credit card. Her eyes went wide at the card but even wider when she saw the name. She swiped it and I noticed a gift-wrapping section. "Can I have this stuff placed in gift bags and boxes? I'm not going to have time to wrap these things."

"Of course, Mrs. Cullen!" She hurried and wrapped the clothes and sat them in the bags. Seth then came up to me as she placed the bags beside me. He started taking some and I took the rest. When we were done, I gave her a tip and her eyes widened in shock. I just smiled and Seth and I headed for the door. "Thank you so much and congratulations on your baby!" she said with my back to her. I stopped.

It wasn't her fault; she didn't know, I kept repeating to myself. "Bells?" Seth said, looking at me carefully.

"I'm fine," I said, trying not to think about my baby. My loss. Damn it, I was stronger than this! "Let's go."

We stepped out of the store, and onto the sidewalk. I was now regretting walking here since we now had all this stuff.

"I'm going to take it the words "instant regret" are going through your head right now," Seth said beside me. I gave him a look, and then smiled, ridding me of the thoughts that I had just now.

"Nope." I gave him a smile. "Let's go." I heard him mumble but then we started walking back down the street towards the foundation where my car was.

****BID*****

Arriving home, I quickly left the bags in the foyer. Seth went to check shit out and I headed upstairs to take a shower. I changed into some yoga pants and a huge t-shirt. I didn't know what time our flight was, but I knew we had to be at the airport in a couple of hours. I saw my duffle bag on the bed. I had packed most of my things for the two-day trip but I still needed to finish. It caught me off guard when I noticed it was full and there was a piece of paper laying on top of it.

"Have a great time!" I smiled at Jessica's handwriting. I sent her a text telling her "Thank you" and that I would see her on Monday. Everyone in the house would be out so it was good they were getting time to themselves.

I grabbed the duffle bag and the dress I had hanging up and went downstairs with it. Seth met me at the bottom and took it from me.

"I can put it in the car." I let out a nervous laugh. I couldn't pack my own stuff?

"I got it, Bells." He took it and walked away towards the garage. I stared at him in disbelief and then at myself for not just going ahead and doing it anyways.

I headed to the kitchen to grab a snack hoping to calm my nerves. I don't even know why I was nervous to be honest, maybe just the fact that I was about to go on a plane, and I hadn't been on one since that night. I went to the bar off to the side and quickly grabbed the tequila. I made myself a drink and gulped it down.

"Damn, was your day that bad?" I heard Edward say from behind me. I jumped of course because the man always has a way of sneaking up on me without making noise.

"Geez! I'm going to have to put a bell on you!" I said as I almost spilled what was left in my glass. He gave me a smile and I tried not to look at his face. I was still hurt by what happened the other night. I finished the drink off and he took it from me to wash. I just stood there not really knowing what to do or say.

"You ready?" He looked at me with a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Everything's loaded up and ready to go."

"Already?" I lifted my brow. "Didn't you just get here?"

"Sort of, I've been going back and forth all day."

I nodded and turned from him and went back upstairs to get my phone and purse. I did notice before going up that all the bags I just bought were not there either so Seth or him must have packed those as well.

After grabbing my stuff, I came back down where Edward was waiting on me at the bottom step. He looked like he was thinking about something hard. When he heard me come down a smile was placed on his face.

"Did you put those gift bags in the car?" I asked to make sure.

"Yep, they are loaded and ready," he said as we walked towards the garage. I trailed behind him and noticed we were taking the Range Rover. He opened the back door for me, and I slid in. I noticed Seth in the passenger seat. He gave me a smile as Laurent climbed into the driver's seat and Edward slid in beside me.

****BID*****

I watched the passing scenery through the window trying to ignore the awkwardness that was in the car. It was quiet, really quiet. Not even Seth or Laurent spoke. Edward was on his phone the whole time and I heard him mutter a few angry words. We had been in the car a bit until I saw a familiar gate in the distance. I went completely still. What the fuck? Why were we here? I mean why did I think we were actually going to SeaTac? A lump in my throat formed and I took a deep breath. I noticed Edward's body beside me go still and he looked at me.

"Bella?" he softly spoke as we passed the gate. I couldn't answer him. I heard the blood rushing through my ears as I tried to come to grips with my mind. Why did I think we were going to the main airport and not the airstrip?

I felt the car stop and Edward tell Seth and Laurent to check shit out when I glanced up through the window and saw the plane. Shit! I started breathing hard and closed my eyes. "Bella." I heard but couldn't answer the voice. There was no way I could get on this plane, no way. Was I having a panic attack?

"Bella!" I felt Edward's hands on my arms and his cool breath in my face. I opened my eyes and met his green orbs.

I was struggling with my breathing. What in God's name was this? I looked at him again and could see the concern in his eyes. "I can—ttt-," I mumbled out and felt dumb for the way I was talking.

Edward gave me a smile but rubbed my arms up and down. He looked confused but he didn't question it.

I gulped, breathing through my nose. "I can't get on that plane," I said and Edward looked from me to the plane and back before it occurred to him why I couldn't look him in the face.

"It's not the same one, Bella. Okay?" He grasped my hands in his. "I got rid of that one. Look at it and you can tell it's different, it's also bigger."

I looked from his eyes to the window and took a look at the plane. It wasn't the same after getting a good look at it. It was a little bigger jet; I could tell by the length and size now. Laurent tapped on the window and I guessed that meant everything was cool.

"You, okay?" Edward asked with a quiet voice while I took a deep breath. "Or do you need a minute?" he asked me softly and I looked at him and shook my head. He nodded and let go of me. He opened his door while mine opened beside me, and I was met with Seth's gaze.

After climbing out and being escorted to the plane. I carefully climbed up the steps to enter it. Edward met me as soon as I walked in. I briefly looked around at my surroundings. The chairs and couches were a black leather, and the carpet was a darker beige than what the last one had.

I tried not to think about the carpet from last time, but it was too late and now all I could see was blood. I shut my eyes in a hurry while Edward grabbed my arm, and we went to sit down on the nearby chairs.

"Let's get you strapped in. Once we're in the air you can go to the bedroom and lay down," Edward said, giving me a smile.

That sounded nice and all but it also felt like he was reassuring me as a child. I could feel a slight anger begin to boil in me but I bit it back. He was just trying to help, but it still irked me. I was his wife, not his child.

Once we were buckled in and the plane took off, Edward rose up from his seat once the captain said it was allowed. He asked me if I wanted to rest in the bedroom. I shook my head no, since earlier he made it seem that was what I needed. I was tired but I didn't want to rest. Especially not now considering I haven't seen Edward that much.

Edward went to the bar and made himself a drink. He gulped it down in a hurry and made himself another one. I rose my eyebrow not knowing why he was drinking like that. Did he have flight issues? Did being with me make him anxious? I tried not to think about it knowing I would probably tear up at the answer.

We still hadn't talked about the other night, but I didn't know If I wanted to seeing how I don't think I could take another rejection or wonder why I was being rejected.

"Want one?" I heard him ask me, but I shook my head. He frowned and I wasn't sure why. Why did it feel awkward between us? I looked out the window trying to keep my thoughts at bay not wanting to get upset at my current situation.

It wasn't long before I passed out…

****BID***

I woke up to darkness, but I was laying on something soft. I patted the space beside me and didn't feel anything. Where was I? I remember passing out in the chair. Edward was at the bar. Was I in the bedroom on the plane? I stiffly got up with my neck aching. I must have fallen asleep at a weird angle.

After I rose, I touched the nearby wall. It helped me to move along until I reached the door. I heard voices on the other side including a female one and that had me confused. Where the hell was I? Nervousness and panic set in my features until I opened the door.

I was no longer on a plane but what looked like a house. The hallway stretched and I followed the voices down the hall where I reached the living room. Edward, Emmett, and Rose were sitting. "Rose?" I broke out of my thoughts surprised to see her there.

"Bella!" She jumped up from Emmett's side and ran to hug me. I saw Edward out of the corner of my eye smile in the chair he was sitting in.

"Why are you here? Where am I? I have so many questions it isn't even funny," I said and hugged her back.

"We're at our apartment in Chicago," Edward said before he turned his attention to Emmett.

"Come, let's have some privacy," Rose said as she led me down the hall to the kitchen. I didn't say a word because honestly, I was still rather confused and lost.

I sat down at the bar while Rose went to the fridge and pulled out stuff to make a sandwich. I didn't say a word, still lost about the whole situation. After she was done making a sandwich, she handed me mine and we sat at the bar to eat.

I had taken two bites before I sat it down. "Okay, please tell me why you are here," I mumbled, still confused at the situation.

"I'm going to the baby shower with you guys. We arrived a while ago, you were still asleep."

Now, I was even more confused. Why would Rose be going with us to the baby shower? Did I wake up in a crazy world? That's when I noticed it. The light was reflecting off of it. There was a big ass ring on her left hand!

"What the fuck!" I exclaimed grabbing her hand. I then heard footsteps running down the hall. Both Edward and Emmett came in with their guns ready.

"What the hell's going on?" I heard Edward shout while I looked at them with confusion still holding Rose's hand.

"Bella saw it, everything is okay," Rose said to them and then I heard muttering while they walked off.

"When the fuck did this happen?" I said still staring at the huge ring on my friend's hand.

"Yesterday," Rose said. "Can I have my hand back?" I let go but was still in shock.

"I didn't even know you two were a thing again!" I exclaimed still not coming to terms with everything happening at the moment.

"We've been talking, taking things slow for a bit since I visited you," she explained with a sad smile before she replaced it with a happy one. "He met me in Forks when I went to visit my egg donor. Things got heated." She blushed and I smiled, glad she was happy until a thought appeared in my head.

"What about kids?" I whispered to her remembering his stand on the subject.

Rose smiled, "he's more accepting of It now. He said he doesn't want to lose me but we're in no hurry or anything." I nodded, hoping she wasn't going to marry him and then he changed his mind.

"You'll be my maid of honor, right?" she asked with a real smile on her.

"Of course! When are you thinking about doing it?" I said and went back to eating my sandwich.

"I would like a Christmas wedding," she said blushing. Then she began to tell me how it happened and everything.

I was still in shock but I was happy for her. "Don't tell anyone yet B, we're going to wait till after Chicago. We don't want to take the day away from Bree and Sean."

I nodded, fully understanding that tomorrow was Bree's day or today? Hell, I didn't even know what day it was.

"Is today still Friday?" Rose looked at me confused but it felt like a whole day had passed.

"Yes, B, it's late though." She yawned and I picked up our mess and cleaned up. I guess I was thankful. I hadn't slept the whole day away.

After we left the kitchen, we made our way back into the living room where I went to hug Emmett and offer my congratulations. He gave me a bear hug in return, and I noticed Edward's gaze flare. What? His brother couldn't hug me? He wouldn't touch me so no one could?

I headed back to the bedroom I had come out of after Rosalie said she was heading to bed. I couldn't stand seeing Edward's face give me looks anymore so I went to bed. I was awoken a few minutes later by the bed dipping beside me.

EDWARD'S POV

Putting on my cufflinks, I walked into the bathroom. Bella was curling her hair. Damn she was beautiful, the dress she was wearing was purple and it hugged her in all the right spots. I felt myself get hard at the sight of her and let out a groan.

"What?" she asked me. Crap, she heard me. "Am I taking too long or something?" she said, not even looking at me as she finished curling her hair.

"No, you look beautiful," I said truthfully because she did.

I saw her turn towards me and give me a look. She didn't say anything, but I did see her smile.

"I'm almost done and then we can leave," she said, and I nodded and walked out of the bathroom.

We just had to get through today and then we were leaving for Miami. My wife and I were going to spend the week together, alone with no distractions. She still didn't know about the trip, but I had already cleared her week at the Foundation. My mother knew so she could get someone. Emmett would be heading back to Seattle to oversee the family. James would be in Miami, but it was to survey the current situation with the Denali Family. Laurent would be close by just in case, but he was told to relax unless I needed him and I already had Seth coming home.

I deserved the much-needed break with the wife and we never really had a honeymoon. I was practically giddy inside and I hoped the change of scenery would help us out. My wife and I needed to talk about everything. We both needed to work out our issues and I felt the only way to do that right now was to get away. That way work wouldn't pull me away, the Foundation wouldn't pull Bella away and so on.

I know that was just an excuse. I could have talked to her any time, but it just feels like we have this wall before us and something needed to change. "I'm ready." I heard a voice behind me say.

I turned around and was met with my beautiful wife. She looked amazing and I was lucky to be married to her. "You look stunning," I said with a smile. She smiled but I could tell she was holding back her feelings. I went to her and grabbed her face. "I'm sorry," I apologized. Those words still sounded foreign to me, but she would probably be the only one I said them to.

She nodded, "I miss you so much, I just want things to be normal." I went to her and gave her a peck on her head. "There feels like this wall is in front of us, blocking us." I looked down at her, giving her a smoldering gaze.

"I know." I grabbed her into a hug and she relaxed against me. "When the shower is over, we will talk okay?" I looked back at her, and she hesitated but then nodded.

BELLA POV

We had pulled onto a hidden road that I later realized was a huge ass long driveway. The house we were being led to was Sean's Lake house. I noticed a much bigger home up the driveway that must have been to the main house.

They had valets opening the doors and I had one grab my hand as soon as I got out. "Welcome," the young man said but my hand was quickly pulled away by Edward who was giving him a death look.

He walked me towards the Lake house, muttering curses under his breath. Laurent and Seth were behind us walking at a distance. I shook my head and then my mouth dropped as we entered the home. It was done so beautifully and blue and green colors were everywhere. There were so many women, as well as some men. I noticed Edward didn't pay any attention to them and made a beeline towards Sean and Bree.

She was dressed in a blue flowy dress, her bump was huge but I expected it would be considering she was carrying two in there. She was sitting down and looked rather tired but her eyes lit up when she saw us approach.

"Bella!" she cried as she tried to sit up with Sean's help. I couldn't help but smile and let go of Edward's hand as she finally was up and went to hug her. "I'm so glad you came."

We were hugging so close that I felt something move against my stomach from hers. I backed up a little bit but gave her a smile when I realized it was the babies.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, regretting pulling me in that close.

"It's fine. I'm very happy for you both," I assured her with a smile. I turned towards Sean who was watching the scene with Edward. Edward looked at me with an unreadable gaze but forced a smile out. "Congrats," I said towards Sean with a smile.

"Thank you, Mrs. Cullen."

"Please, Sean. It's Bella." I said. I'm still not used to my last name and hearing it like that made me sound old.

He just smiled and turned to Bree and told her he would be back and to take it easy. She gave him a look but nodded. Edward then had my attention telling me he would be at the main house and they would be back. I saw Sean signaling a man in the corner who then moved close to Bree. I gave Edward a nod and he kissed my cheek and turned with Sean and left.

"So, you want to walk with me and I can introduce you to everyone?" Bree asked me with a smile.

"Sure, if you're up for it," I smiled, motioning towards the bump. I noticed the man Sean had got was very close to Bree now. He must be her guard.

"Mrs. Masen, Mr. Masen wants you to take it easy." His voice sounded gruff.

"I can walk around, Donald!" Bree all but shouted earning a few looks from the women around the room. She linked her arm in mine and we began to mingle.

"My husband treats me like an invalid!" Bree said to me and I smiled. "I still have a few weeks left, so it's only going to get worse." She then started to fan herself and I looked at her curiously. It was the middle of March and if I'm not mistaken, she was about 35 weeks along. It was still rather chilly, but seeing that she was carrying two babies, I'm sure she was hotter than usual. She led me around and introduced me to Sean's mother who I vaguely remembered being at our wedding. She also let me meet her friends and some other family members.

Both Sean and Bree were only children so there were no siblings to be introduced to. Apparently, her mother was ashamed of her marrying someone for their money or what her mother thinks Bree was doing. You could see the hurt behind her eyes but I knew that Sean and Bree both loved each other and money had nothing to do with it.

"I'm really glad you came, Bella," Bree confided as we moved around the room. "I told Sean it would be the hardest thing I have to do after something like that," she said with a frown on her face.

"You're my friend, of course I wouldn't miss this." I gave her smile, but it didn't reach my eyes.

Bree smiled back and acted like she wanted to say something more but a caterer called her from the side and she went to them excusing herself with her guard right behind her. I then noticed Seth in the foyer. He had his eyes on me but didn't enter the room.

More guests entered and I noticed The Denali Family showed up. Carmen, and Kate came in dressed to the nines. I didn't see Irina with them but that didn't mean she wasn't here. Kate quickly moved towards me and gave me a hug asking how I was and tried to start a conversation. I didn't know Kate that well, but she then asked if Alice had arrived with me, and I told her no. She then left and I headed towards the table with champagne on it.

After drinking a glass, I scanned the room. Carmen was talking with Sean's mother, and I could see her giving me looks. Hm? I wonder what was up with that. I guess she was mad because her daughter had to be sent to Alaska. If anything, her daughter needed it and I was glad when Edward told me her father sent her there for the time being. She needed to be brought down to earth.

"Mrs. Cullen?" I moved my gaze and looked at the brunette that had gotten my attention. My eyes widened and blinked a few times because I was unsure if I was looking at Irina. She must have let her hair go back naturally because it was no longer a dye job mess and she was wearing a dress that covered her most private parts. She was really beautiful, without all the caked-up makeup and slutty clothes.

"Irina?" I said and she nodded.

"I just wanted to apologize for my behavior towards you. There's really no excuse for how I was acting. Since Tanya is no longer in my ear, I see things differently now." She let out an awkward laugh.

"Well, you're forgiven." I let out a chuckle because this was sort of awkward. Besides, Irina never really did anything to me nor said anything.

"I want to apologize for Tanya's behavior." She started to say but I put my hand up.

"I know you mean well but don't apologize for someone else. Your sister needs to do that." I put my hand on her shoulder to reassure her and gave her a smile.

"I understand. It's been kind of nice without her around." Irina let out a chuckle and I smiled at her. Her face changed though at that moment and she went pale.

"You alright?" I asked her.

"Mrs. Cullen, there is something you must know–," she started to say but someone called her name and came towards her.

Irina's whole demeaner changed and she looked sick as her mother came towards us. "I was wondering where you went," Carmen said as she finally made her way towards us. "Mrs. Cullen," she said towards me as she shook my hand. She barely paid attention to me as she gave a look towards Irina who now looked scared shitless. That had the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

"It was good to see you, we should talk later," Carmen said, grabbing Irina's hand and walking away. Irina really didn't look like she wanted to go at all. That whole situation didn't seem right at all. It wanted me to keep a close eye on them.

"You handled that rather well." That small bell like voice said from my side.

"Alice," I greeted her with a smile as I went to grab another flute of champagne. She was dressed to the nines of course in a green silky dress. Her hair was curled what little of it could be curled. She was sipping on her champagne and smiled at me.

"You look really beautiful in that dress, Bella." She complimented me and I smiled at her feeling awkward because I remembered our last meeting.

"You as well," I said as she took another sip.

"Peter and I took the jet late last night. I borrowed Daddy's, of course." She tried starting a conversation, but it was forced.

"No Jasper?" I asked as we started to move away from the table, my eyes searching for Carmen and Irina.

Alice looked at me confused but shook her head. "Edward has him working on something back home. Apparently I'm not privy to details," Alice said with a bitter taste. "Besides he's not in the inner circle so he wouldn't have been here in the first place," Alice complained as she drank the rest of her champagne.

"Why wouldn't he? He's one of Edward's men."

"He may be but he isn't made," Alice said. "I see you're still learning," she spoke with an amused smirk.

"I see you're still a bitch," I blurted out, not being able to keep my mouth shut. She looked at me with a shocked expression but no one paid us any attention. "Besides, Edward is the top boss," I continued, not really liking to call Edward the king or whatever code the others liked to. "I understand not being at the big meeting they were having at the moment, but he still probably could have come." No matter how hush hush Edward may have been, I knew the problems at Cullen Enterprises was bad.

Then again, Alice may have been right and needed Jasper at home. I just hated how she acted sometimes. She went to say something but we were interrupted by Rosalie. I'll never forget the look on Alice's face when she saw her. Rose gave me a hug and then greeted Alice.

"Rosalie, what are you doing here?" Alice was a little loud and we had gotten the attention of some the ladies around us. "Bella, you can't invite someone to someone's baby shower, especially one with no ties to the family." Alice gave me a look of embarrassment. "Just because she's your friend."

"She was invited by Bree," I said with a hushed voice and Rose gave her a bitch brow. "She has ties as well." I explained as I gave Alice a look daring her to open her mouth.

"What ties?" She looked between us. "I'm sorry, I just don't understand. I'm not trying to be ugly about everything. This just seems unorthodox." She finished and I looked at Rose's hand to see if she was wearing the ring. She said she didn't want everyone to know yet but Alice noticed those things so I was glad she wasn't wearing it.

"I'm your brother's girlfriend." Rose said as she slammed back the glass of champagne she had. I couldn't wait till Alice found out Rose was more than that and her place on the totem pole would shift.

"I didn't know you two had gotten back together," Alice said, looking back and forth. "I need another drink." She left us as Rose came up closer.

"Give me five minutes in the bathroom with her," Rose muttered quietly as I tried not to giggle. Alice didn't rejoin us instead heading to Kate. Which was fine with me, I didn't have the patience to deal with Alice today.

"Rosalie, you came!" I heard Bree's voice from beside me as I looked around the room again. I found Carmen and Irina outside the glass door. It looked like Irina was taking a verbal beating from her mother.

"Of course, thank you for inviting me," Rose answered and I saw the two hug in my peripheral vision.

"Bella," Bree said and I looked away from Carmen and Irina to focus on Bree.

"Yes ma'am?" I said with a smile. Bree smiled back and pulled some hair behind her ear.

"Would you mind helping me with the gifts? Sean's mother will write who they are from so we can send thank you cards. I would love for you to hand them to me." Did she really just ask me to be up there with her in front of everyone?

"I would love to," I gratefully said and she grabbed my arm and we headed towards the front of the room.

EDWARD POV

I was currently in Sean's big ass dining room with the rest of the heads of the families. We were currently listening to Liam talk via webcam. He couldn't make the meeting this time since he was having some issues with his ports again.

"I can't even tell you who it is, they act like ghosts. I can handle it, I just didn't want to leave until I found out who it may be," Liam was talking about the men he had seen trying to come onto his lands.

"Are they only messing with the ports?" Garrett said acting as boss in place of Eleazar.

"Yes, there is no way they will get further than that," Liam answered with a stern tone. I could feel his frustration through the screen. We had just assisted him with The Volturi and Russian problem and now someone else was messing with his ports.

"What if it's the same people?" Garrett asked. "If the problem is the port, what if it's related to our problem in Miami?" he finished.

I thought about that. A body of water, Interpol, and hell even border control is what kept me from agreeing but they were getting the cocaine and weapons from below the border. It was possible but that would mean either someone else was playing a game or the Russians had turned on us.

"I doubt Sasha is interested in fucking up an allegiance with the families. We literally saved her," I shared my input.

"I was referring to the Volturi," Garrett finished.

"There's no one left," Emmett chimed in even though there was. No one knew I had Alec locked up so I knew it wasn't him.

"Marcus and Jane Volturi are still unaccountable, no one has seen them. It's possible it's them," Garrett said and I noticed Charles' knuckles go white.

"Jane was never in the family. Remember how Aro felt about women in the family. I can back that up with how Sasha was treated when we found her by the Volturi brothers and the Russians. Trust me, Jane is not behind this," I said forcefully.

"Alec was in Russia, correct?" Charles asked and I gave him a look. Something about Charles was off. I just couldn't say anything yet because I had no proof, it was more of a feeling.

I saw Liam's face through the screen, he knew we had Alec but remained quiet. "He was," I said.

"Marcus?" Sean spoke up then and I was thankful because I wasn't ready to speak about Alec. I should have killed him already but something inside of me was telling me to keep him close still.

"No one has seen him since my wedding," I said and glanced around to make sure no one looked indifferent that they may know otherwise. Charles remained composed but I was still wary of him.

"I think we need more evidence to know if it's the Volturi," Sean began to say but was cut off by Garrett.

"It has to be! Who else would want to harm each family? Have you not noticed every family is being attacked in some way? Both professionally and personally?" Garrett said, looking around the room, his eyes landing on mine.

"Yes, I'm aware. This pain in the ass business is why we called this meeting. However, Sean is right, we need more evidence," I urged as I gave Garrett a look.

"Tell me, Mr. Masen, what of yours has been attacked?" Charles spoke up then and I swear everyone including myself looked pissed at him.

"Mind your tongue," I yelled out and pointed to Charles.

Sean looked at him with a serious chilly gaze. Sean was quite a character; the man even scared me at times. He could literally look at you and kill you and he could do it all without seeming angry. His stoic face was one to be rivaled with and to this day I was envious when it came to his methods of killing.

However, Sean's weakness was Bree and proxy his children. It was known to everyone what could truly hurt Sean and it was his wife. Not that Bella wasn't a weakness to me, I was just better at not showing it. Bree on the other hand was a known fact.

"The threats against my wife and children are how I'm being personally attacked," Sean stated. "I have received death threats and drawings of dead babies sent to me. It may not seem like a lot to you, but I don't condone that. My wife is my priority and now so are my boys," Sean finished giving Charles a glare.

"Apologize," Garrett chewed a very ashamed Charles at this moment.

"I'm sorry," he said in the fakest apology I have ever heard.

"Get out!" I said and now I had everyone looking at me. "This is his home and you have disrespected it. Get out!" I said, gritting my teeth.

Charles got up and left the room with nothing said by Garrett. We continued to talk.

"So here is what we know so far. Two out of the four families are being attacked professionally and the other two personally," I started. "The Irish and Denali are having their ports and boats attacked. While the Cullen and Masen families are being attacked personally by having my business stolen from while the Lady of the Masen family was being threatened," I finished.

"It has to be connected in some way; it isn't a coincidence. We are all being attacked at the same time," Sean wondered.

"It's not," I countered.

"Do we have a rat?" Garrett asked looking around the room. I didn't want to confirm it but I was more than 90% sure we did.

"I believe so. However, I don't think it's anyone at this table," I said it like that because Charles had left. "We need to stay alert, more than usual. Try to find the rat, make them come out but keep things quiet between someone you trust only," I finished, knowing all those closest to me knew things.

"What if it's someone close?" Garrett asked.

Everyone looked around the room, before laying their eyes on me.

"You'll know what to do, it will come naturally," I said in a low voice.

BELLA POV

"Oh, aww!" Came the chorus of women everytime Bree opened up a gift. So far she had received blankets, onesies, washrags, towels, bottles, a breast pump, so much you name it.

After she had finished with that one, I grabbed the next gift that was in a nicely designed box and handed it to her. After she had removed the lid, she told her mother-in-law it was from Alice and Jasper.

I sat back down in the chair beside Bree and watched her lift the handmaid blanket and baby clothes. I felt a stab in my heart because it was almost the same blanket, she had given me when I found out I was expecting.

"Aww, how soft," Bree remarked as she handed the package to her maid who had been putting the gifts along the wall. I then got up and gave her a card. It was sort of weird, since it was just a card. I took a deep breath hoping it was a bunch of cash or something.

It was some cash for the boys when they got older. We found out it was from Esme and Carlisle, I saw Alice jump up and signal Peter to bring in something. Apparently, Esme also bought some bassinets.

"As everyone knows my father's cancer is progressing so my mother couldn't make it," Alice announced. Why the need for dramatics?

I glanced at Rose, and I could see we were on the same wavelength. I could see some of the ladies with hands on their chests giving her sympathy. Did she really have to do this here? This was about Bree. Why was Alice trying to bring this up?

"She wanted to make sure you received these, Breanna," Alice finished before taking another sip of her drink and dabbing her eye.

Bree looked at the scene with an amused expression and then turned to her mother-in-law Elizabeth again, "so, Esme Cullen - bassinets."

We then moved on to the next presents. I brought over two swings that I found out were from Rosalie and Emmett. Rose didn't make a production out of it but just smiled as Bree gushed over them. Next, I brought over the bags I had bought from the baby store.

"Oh," Bree let out a gasp. "These are so beautiful." She looked at the handmaid blankets and clothes and then found the card that was from Edward and I. "Seriously, the cribs you both got them was enough." She let out a laugh and grabbed the iPad from the table and showed everyone the pictures of the cribs.

Low-key Edward picked them out. I just agreed with him on what type of cribs. The clothes and blankets felt more personal to me but I knew we wouldn't have been able to just get away with that. We had to show more to these people which was what Alice was doing but it was different.

Edward was now at the top of the chain and by proxy I was. Alice no longer was and she was trying her best to hold onto that. I could understand it but she was wrong in many of the ways she did things.

Bree finished opening her presents and we finished by announcing our congratulations. Then she stood up and told everyone thank you. Most everyone left including Alice. Rose and I stayed behind and helped Elizabeth and the maids load up her gifts to take to the main house. Seth and Bree's guard, Donald, also helped.

When we came back into the main room Elizabeth had helped Bree up from the chair. I think we were going to head up to the main house. I went to help her on the other side when she let out a groan.

"Breanna, are you alright?" Came the worried voice of Elizabeth.

"I don't…," Bree trailed off as I looked at her. She was sweating and groaning now.

"Donald!" Elizabeth shouted, "Call Sean!" Then we heard a popping noise and I felt something hit my feet as it splashed on the floor.

"Shit," I heard Rose. We all turned towards Bree at that point who let out a blood curdling scream.

"Help me get her into the bedroom," Elizabeth said and then looked at her guard who had nervously been standing nearby. "Call her doctor, his number is on my phone. Tell him to get here now!" Donald then came up to Bree as Elizabeth's guard had the phone to his ear.

"I can't reach him, Mrs. Masen," Donald said as he went to pick up Bree and she screamed again.

"No! Please let me walk," Bree shouted as Elizabeth and I helped her move slowly towards the bedroom.

"Doc's on his way," I heard from nearby.

"Donald, you help Isabella get her to the bedroom. Gerald and I will go to the house to get Sean."

"I'll come with you, I may need to grab some towels or something while we are there," Rose chimed in and left with Elizabeth.

Donald and I carefully helped Bree into the bedroom as we waited.

EDWARD POV

Glasses of whiskey clinked together as we all offered our congratulations to Sean. Soon after, the Denali Family took their leave but we still kept the party going. The Cullen and Masen families were closer, so I wasn't surprised at the sudden departure of the Denali Family.

We were all standing on the balcony, drinking whiskey when we heard the front door slam and several footsteps run in. We all had our guns ready as well until Elizabeth, Rosalie, and her guard came in with panicked faces. I noticed my wife wasn't among them, so I instantly became scared.

"Sean!" I heard Elizabeth yell as we all put our guns down. Sean took off to his mother with Emmett and I following close behind. I heard Rosalie whispered something to Em and they took off down the hall.

"Mother, what's going on?" I saw Sean's chest heaving and the panic on his face. I knew Liz didn't have a thing for dramatics so whatever was going on was serious.

"Bree, her water broke, she's in labor." Sean's eyes went wide, and he quickly closed them before taking a deep breath. It maybe took a couple of seconds before his body semi relaxed, and he took charge.

"Has the doctor been called?" he said, removing his jacket where he was left in dress pants and a shirt. I followed behind him and Elizabeth.

"Yes, he's on the way. Donald and Mrs. Cullen are with her." I heard Elizabeth mutter and felt my heart relax. Damn this anxiety.

"Why did no one call me?" Sean shouted out as we went to the nearby golf carts. I slid into the driver's seat since Sean and Elizabeth were still talking. They climbed on along with Liz's guard.

"Donald did! You didn't answer!" Elizabeth screamed out as I drove us down the long driveway towards the lake house.

"Shit, I had it on silent," Sean yelled out and I saw him punch the air with his fist. "How long has she been in labor?" I heard him ask.

"Not long, Donald and Isabella were trying to get her to one of the bedrooms."

"What! Why is she not being loaded up to go to the hospital?" Sean exclaimed looking rather worried now.

"Because I didn't want to alarm you," Elizabeth started to say, "I think Breanna won't make it to the hospital. She was having multiple contractions before I left to get you."

"Shit." Sean said.

"Son, it's okay, the doctor is coming." Liz patted his back

"It's too early! Her doctor wanted to at least get her to 37 weeks," Sean voiced and I tried to stay quiet. I really hoped his sons didn't meet the same fate as mine.

When we pulled up to the Lake house, Sean took off like a bat out of hell and ran inside. The rest of us were left trailing behind. I just realized at that moment we had left Emmett and Rosalie behind.

I went up to the front door. My mission was to get Bella and get her out because I didn't know what this whole thing was doing to her mentally but I was met with the most terrible screams right outside the door.

"Damn," I said as I opened it and was met with Gerald and Seth.

"Boss," Seth said as he looked worried.

"My wife?" I asked.

"Inside with Mrs. Masen." He pointed towards a door, as Sean busted through, and I saw a glimpse of Bella holding Bree's hand before the door closed. "Mrs. Masen wants her there," Seth said and we both gave each other a look knowing what the outcome could be.

I began to pace, as I heard the screams get louder.

BELLA POV

"Bella," Bree said as we helped her lay down and Donald left the room to guard it.

"Bree." I held her hand trying to offer her some comfort. I was scared shitless, but I knew she had to be more. I was trying to remain calm for her sake.

"I feel weird. It hurts so bad." She kept breathing hard. "I feel like I have to push."

My eyes went wide, and I shook my head "No! Definitely don't do that. The doctor should be here soon!" She didn't listen, as I could tell she was trying to push.

"Bella, please take my underwear off, just see what's going on please," Bree pleaded with me.

I stood there flabbergasted not knowing what to do. "I don't think I should."

"Bella, please! I feel something down there I'm freaking out." I took a breath and closed my eyes then opened them. Bree was taking deep breaths and panting hard. "Where's that fucking doctor?" she said, angrily. "Where's Sean?" Then she began to cry.

"Hey, it's okay. I'll check." I took another breath and tried to steady my heart.

I pulled Bree's dress up and slid my hands up to grasp her underwear. Bree screamed in pain again as I held her hand. I let go after seeing her underwear drenched in blood.

The door suddenly opened, and Sean came in and I let out a sigh of relief before remembering what I just saw. Blood filled my mind, and I had a flashback, the screams, the blood that wouldn't stop flowing, those words..

I stepped away, which caught Sean's attention.

"You, okay?" he asked both of us and Bree let out a scream as he went to comfort her. I didn't answer him, I had to get out of that room.

"I'll just leave you two," I said as I went to walk away

"Bella, please don't leave," Bree shouted through screams.

I took a deep breath; Bree needed me, and I just wanted to wallow in my own misery. I went back to her side, giving Sean a look. It would be better for him to remove them than me.

"She wanted her underwear to be removed. She says she was feeling. weird." I looked at Sean hoping he would see my face and not alert Bree.

Sean gave me a quizzical look before leaving her side and moving to the end of the bed. I then moved to her side and stared at him. He lifted her dress again and his eyes went wide at the sight. I tried not to shake and he briefly looked at me before he removed her underwear discreetly. He then choked back as he pulled out his phone.

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?" he shouted into the phone as he stared down between his wife's legs. His chest moving up and down. "I'm pretty sure I'm looking at the top of one of my son's heads." I gasped and Bree started freaking out.

"Ssshhh, it's okay. That's probably why you've been feeling like that." I patted her arm realizing the blood was probably normal but what the hell did I know? "Do you want me to get Elizabeth?"

Bree choked out a sob. "Yes but please stay too." Bree said in a whisper-like voice as she stared at Sean who was shouting into his phone and cursing.

I then went to the door, slowly barely opening it and was met with curious gazes. "Elizabeth?" I said as my eyes landed on Edward's who looked at me with a longing gaze. I nodded at him to let him know I was fine as Elizabeth went into the room and I closed the door behind her.

"Oh, my word." Elizabeth gasped at the scene.

"Mother! No," Sean bitterly said as he rubbed his wife's legs. I heard another man's voice on the phone beside Sean. I realized he was on speaker instructing Sean with directions. It took me a minute to realize Bree was about to push the babies out.

"Baby?" Sean said as he looked at Bree who looked scared. "The doctor is 5 minutes away but baby A, who you haven't told me his name yet, is ready to come."

"Riley," Bree said and Sean smiled. I knew Bree was naming Baby A and Sean got to name Baby B. They hadn't told each other yet which I thought was cute.

"Riley, then. He's ready to come out baby. I need you to push."

The doctor kept telling Sean what to do as I put pillows behind Bree to help her push. I held onto her hand as Elizabeth came in with some towels and water.

Bree began to push with all her might and I looked at her in awe as she did it. She was just scared shitless and now she looked amazing and brave as her body pushed.

I let out a tear, amazed at Bree's strength as she screamed and then I heard Sean say the head was out. The doctor told him to carefully turn the head around and clear the passages. Bree screamed again yelling it hurt and I held onto her hand with all my might.

"He's out!" I then heard a baby cry as Elizabeth handed the towel to Sean as he rubbed the blood off the baby. I then heard the doctor tell Sean to put the baby on Bree's chest because Baby B would be right behind his brother.

Sean carefully carried him to Bree and laid him on her chest covering his little body. She let go of my hand to hold him. Sean looked down at his wife and baby Riley in awe as he kissed her forehead so I quickly took my phone out to snap a picture.

"Sean!" I heard Elizabeth say from Bree's legs and then I heard Bree groan. From Elizabeth's expression, it didn't look good.

Sean left her side as Bree's grip on baby Riley tightened a bit. Looking at Sean, his expression went wide. "Shit." I heard the doctor say he was almost here and then Sean said the words no one wants to hear.

"Baby, you gotta push extra hard this time, okay?" he said, trying to keep his voice neutral but he was doing a horrible job at it.

"What's wrong?" Bree said in a croaky voice. She looked and sounded tired.

"Just push, okay." Sean ignored her question and I glanced between her legs. A foot was sticking out, shit!

"Bella, here," Bree puffed as she tried to hand me her bundle. My heart started beating fast and I slowly went to grab him.

He was so small but he wasn't crying anymore. I just began to hold his little head against me as I cradled him in my arms.

Bree began to push, and her screams were so loud the baby in my arms jostled. "Shit." I heard from Sean and apparently the baby was stuck.

Just then the door opened, and a man came in. He was her doctor and I think all of us breathed a sigh of relief.

Sean moved from her legs and went to her side. The doctor then said he needed the room and Elizabeth left. I didn't really know what to do as I was holding their baby so I moved to the farthest corner and tried not to get in the way.

He told Bree to take a deep breath and push. Bree yelled at the top of her lungs as she pushed. The doctor told them the baby was out. I looked down and noticed the baby wasn't crying and his face a deep blue.

Oh no, I thought as tears sprung to my eyes.

The doctor turned to the side as he began to help the baby breathe when EMS came into the room.

"What's his name?" I heard Bree say from the side as she started crying.

"Tanner." Sean said as Bree's cries became louder. I didn't understand why she was crying even worse but apparently the name had some meaning.

I then heard it, a small cry from the doctor's hands and I think everyone in the room sighed with relief.

"Baby B needs oxygen, stat!" one of the EMT's said as they carried the baby out of the room.

Bree was then loaded on a stretcher with Sean at her side. I followed them to the door still holding Riley as I met Edward's gaze. He looked alarmed but gave me a smile once he saw me.

"Bella?" Sean then came up to me with his hands held out. I smiled at him and handed his little man over to him. "Thank you," he said as he quickly walked out the house with him. My arms felt weird like they lost something. I tried to follow behind but Edward stopped me and enveloped me into a hug.

"They're going to the hospital. Come on, let's go back to the penthouse," he said as he kissed my forehead.

"No." He then gave me a curious glance. "I need to know if they're all okay," I ordered as I left the house with him trailing behind me.

EDWARD POV

We had arrived at the hospital a while ago after making a quick stop so Bella could change her clothes. Her dress she was wearing was covered in blood and to be honest I don't think she had been aware of it. She hadn't talked much but she seemed tensed. I wanted to go back to the penthouse just in case Bella ended up freaking out but she was determined to come to the hospital.

When Elizabeth came down the hall, she told us Sean and Bree were ready to see us. Bella took off like a bolt of lightning and I hurried to catch up with her. She slowed down as soon as she reached Bree's door. She hesitated and grabbed my hand as she knocked on the door. We both looked at each other and she gave me a smile.

We heard "come in" so we both entered the room and I shut the door behind me. Bree was propped up in her bed, Sean at her side as they looked down at their bundle of joy. I felt Bella stiffen at my side because they only had one baby in the room.

"He's in the NICU, he needs a little more assistance but he's a fighter," Sean answered the unasked question as he looked at Bella's face. I saw her shoulders relax and she went to Bree's side.

"What were their names again?" I asked since I hadn't really heard at the house since everything had happened pretty fast.

"Tanner Edward." I looked at Sean and Bree sort of sniffled. Tanner had been Bree's little brother who died at a young age due to cancer. She and him had been close. I guess Edward was after Sean's dad, Old Ed Masen. He was always called Ed when I was around so none of us would get confused.

"And the Edward?" Bella asked.

"After his grandfather and godfather." Sean finished. I froze and I saw Bella stiffen. Were they talking about me? They had to be looking at Sean's face.

"Really?" I asked and Bree smiled turning to Bella.

"This is Riley Bell." I froze again. "Named after his godmother," Bree quietly said, handing Riley to Bella.

I saw my wife smile, but sadness was in her eyes. "You really made us godparents?" she asked and both Sean and Bree nodded their heads.

"I'm honored," Bella said as she looked down at Riley. It made my heart hurt because I could imagine what was going through her mind.

"Uncle Edward hasn't held him yet," Bree voiced as she shifted in the bed and let out a groan.

"You, okay?" Sean said, as he helped her sit up more.

"Here you go," Bella said from my side as she handed me the baby. She was smiling but I don't know if it was a real smile. I really didn't want to hold the baby; one because he was so small and I was afraid to drop him and two well, I didn't want to feel remorse right now.

I propped him in my arms holding his head gently. Bella smiled but she quickly looked away. He was such a small thing but his nose was definitely that fucker's nose. Poor Bree if Riley looked like Sean, I could imagine Tanner did as well.

"Thank you for everything. I just feel calm when you're around." I heard Bree tell Bella and it made me smile. I was glad Bree and Bella had hit it off. Sean was probably one of my best friends so it was a good thing our wives liked each other.

"I don't think I did much but I'm glad I kept you calm," Bella said softly.

After holding the baby for about five minutes, I handed him back to Sean who then carried him to Bree. The nurse came in then to let her know she was here to help with the breastfeeding. Bella and I left after that.

****BID****

I sat beside Bella as Laurent drove the car with Seth as passenger. Bella had been looking out the window at the lights downtown and watching with earnest as we passed many people walking the roads. It was dark but something must have been going on for this many people to be out.

Bella hadn't said much since we left and I still had yet to tell her about our getaway.

"You okay?" I asked and she looked at me with a curious glance.

"I think so," she said truthfully. "I'm still in my head," she finished.

I picked up her hand and gave it a kiss and continued holding it after the fact. "I have a surprise for you."

I then had all her attention now. "I don't like surprises Edward," she complained but continued to look at me.

"You'll like this one or at least I hope you will," I said and gave her a look. "We're not going back to Seattle tonight."

"Then where are we going? We packed up everything," she said with a confused gaze as she pointed to the trunk.

"You and I are going on a very late honeymoon," I smiled, hoping she would be on the same page.

"Really?" I heard excitement in her voice.

"Really. You, me, alone for a whole week," I finished as Bella started crying. I quickly wiped her tears as they started pouring. She moved closer to me in the car and laid her head on my shoulder as we passed the moving traffic.

I hoped this trip wouldn't backfire and I especially wanted us to get back to where we were before shit hit the fan.