A/N
Hi! Thanks for coming back! This is it … the last chapter. I'm a bag of mixed emotions, but it feels good to mark my first story as complete!
I need to start off by saying a HUGE thank you to all of you for pushing my reviews over 1k. It might not seem like a big deal, but for me, it was something I never thought possible. So, thank you!
I apologize for the length of time it took to get this last chapter out. My father was ill and passed away recently. Although we knew it was coming, a lot of things were put on the back burner, and my writing was one of them.
Some of you reached out with PM's and although I responded, I have a feeling my replies may not have come through. FFnet has been acting strange the last month or so, and sometimes I received a message indicating my replies went to spam folders. So, if you PM'd me asking when and if I was going to continue the story, I apologize if my reply didn't come through!
More acknowledgments at the bottom (especially for my awesome Beta, Fran). So, without further ado, please enjoy.
S. Meyer owns all things, Twilight
Chapter 66 Finding the Light
BPOV
"Babe!" Edward yelled from the bedroom. "Where are my blue socks?"
Turning my head, I projected my voice over the back of the couch.
"Top left drawer!"
I'd rearranged almost all our clothes out of sheer boredom last night. Listening to him open and shut drawers, I sighed before closing the book in my lap. I'd been using it as a distraction, but it wasn't working. My gaze stayed focused on the bedroom door while I gnawed my lower lip until Edward emerged, striding toward me with a wet head. He was looking down to button his shirt, and reaching the couch; he leaned over to kiss me quickly.
"Thanks"
Following him with my eyes, I watched as he walked into the kitchen, and I laid my head against the armrest before gazing up at the ceiling.
"What time is Riley coming?" I called out.
I heard him rummaging through the refrigerator before he reappeared, holding two bottles of water. Placing one on the table, he crouched in front of me and brushed some hair away from my face.
"How are you feeling?"
I knew his avoidance tactics all too well.
"Are you going to answer my question, or are you just going to pretend you didn't hear me?" I answered with a smirk.
He chuckled before straightening and signaled for me to move over.
Scooting back, I made room, and he slid beside me before gathering me in his arms and kissing the top of my head.
"They'll be here by eleven. Do you want to go over what's going to happen one more time?"
I shook my head.
"No, I'm good. I just want it over."
Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on my lips.
"Me too, baby. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end of all this …, and we can start living our lives."
Anxiety curled in my stomach when he said that, and I wondered if it would ever actually happen - if we would ever be able to live our lives with no talk of the FBI, crime families, or ledgers.
When Agent Biers came by today, he would bring some lawyers and a stenographer to tape our final testimony. It would be the last in a series of interviews and depositions we gave in the two months we had been here. Charlie and Alec had given theirs earlier in the week, and that, in conjunction with Alec's ledger, had enabled prosecutors to build their case quickly, getting the criminal complaint approved by the federal magistrate judge in record time. The indictments and arrest warrants were coming for Aro and his associates in a few days, which would surely be the year's biggest story when it broke.
My stomach turned once more as I thought about how things would change again after the indictments. Today wouldn't be the end of it. We would still have to get through the trial, and if they couldn't present a compelling case, what would happen then? We could be in hiding for the rest of our lives.
The case against Aro and the members of The Outfit involved tax fraud, money laundering, racketeering, embezzlement, extortion, and two counts of murder for James and Victoria. While I hoped the charges would result in hefty prison time, I wasn't sure we would ever be safe. They could still get to us, even if physically they were behind bars. Could I handle it if we had to be in witness protection forever?
I rested my head against Edward's chest.
"I miss everyone," I said softly. "I miss Ang … and Jake. I want to talk to Esme and apologize to Carlisle ... I want to live my life again, Edward. I want to live our life … we've already missed Christmas."
I trailed off, wondering if things would ever be normal again.
"Do you think it will happen?" I whispered.
"Do you really think things can return to how they used to be?"
Edward pulled me closer.
"Yes," he replied with quiet conviction. "Yes, I do, baby."
I snuggled down deeper into him, hoping he was right.
~!~
I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when I felt a pair of strong arms encircle my waist, and I smiled.
"Did he get it?" I asked.
Edward placed a brown bag next to me on the counter, and I leaned over to peek inside. Chuckling, he nuzzled my ear before stepping away so I could pull out the contents. Charlie, Alec, and Jane were coming over for dinner, and I needed ricotta for the lasagna, Alec's favorite dish. I knew he liked it extra cheesy, and I wasn't about to disappoint him.
We were all staying in separate apartments in a complex in the middle of the state. Well, it was more like the middle of nowhere. And while we hadn't been able to leave the premises, we were at least permitted to go outside, and I took advantage of that any chance I could, regardless of the cold.
We'd been here for two months, and in that time, Alec and Jane had become like family to me, as much as Charlie was. Alec had saved Charlie's life, and I'd always be grateful, but it was more than that. He was a strong, resilient young man, and I was in awe of the tremendous courage it took for him to do what he did, go against his family, and risk everything to do what was right.
"You're just as brave," Edward said softly while wrapping his arms around me after we'd settled in for the night. We'd lain in bed and watched the snow fall outside against the warm glow of the twinkling lights from our tiny Christmas tree.
I shook my head slowly, knowing I could never have done what Alec did.
"You are," Edward said before turning me in his arms. My naked limbs slid against his, and I reveled in the warmth he provided.
"You are," he whispered against my lips.
"You came out here to find your father; without help from anyone or a second thought. And you did that because you're brave."
He kissed the tip of my nose and let out a quiet chuckle.
"And Alec would agree with me, Mrs. Cullen."
I felt my face get red and buried it in Edward's chest before laughing, remembering our first meeting with Alec and the things he'd said about my relationship with Edward.
"Don't get cocky, buddy," I teased. "I still have options, you know."
Edward growled softly and pulled me closer.
My initial meeting with Alec occurred just after I'd been shot. Charlie brought him to my room, and Edward helped me sit up before Alec walked through the door. I couldn't help but smile at his appearance; he was exactly as Charlie described. His blue polo shirt looked like it had recently been pressed, and his dark hair flopped across one eye over his black-framed glasses.
I watched him approach, but before I could even say hello, he stopped in front of my bed and turned to Edward.
"Are you going to marry her? Because she deserves someone who will marry her. If you're not prepared to do that, I will be asking her on a date. I want to make my intentions known. I have money and can take her to expensive restaurants."
While I thought Charlie had prepared me well enough in advance for Alec's directness, it still took me a bit off guard, and when I turned to Edward, I saw he was in the same predicament. Like a fish out of water, he opened his mouth, shut it, and then opened it again before finally clearing his throat and speaking directly to Alec.
"Um, we haven't discussed that. Right now, we're focused on Bella's recovery."
Alec turned to me.
"Well, you have options. Just so you know."
Charlie grunted softly before shaking his head and chuckling under his breath.
"Thank you for the offer, Alec," I replied. "I'm flattered, really, and I'll keep it in mind."
Alec walked past Edward and lowered himself into the chair next to my bed before letting his gaze settle on me. Leaning forward slightly, I tried to convey my sincerity.
"I want to thank you for everything you did for my father, keeping him alive … and safe."
"Charlie Swan's my friend," he said matter of factly, and then he was silent, not uttering another word.
Charlie shifted in his chair, and my eyes cut over to him before I responded.
"And he's very lucky to have you as a friend, Alec. Very lucky."
~!~
I snuggled deeper into Edwards's embrace, mesmerized by the snowfall as the lights from the parking lot illuminated the large fluffy flakes that fell to the ground.
"We still haven't talked about it," Edward whispered next to my ear.
"About what?" I questioned innocently, but I knew. I knew what he wanted to talk about. He'd been hinting at it since Alec blurted it out while I was in that hospital bed.
"You know what," he replied softly.
"I know this isn't the most romantic way to do this, and I should probably wait, but ..."
I turned to face him and placed my palm against his cheek, feeling tears threatening to spill over.
"I don't want you to wait," I whispered.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Because Alec is right, Bella. Once this is all over, you're going to have options."
I pulled back slightly and looked at him in disbelief before shaking my head slowly and leaning in to kiss his lips softly.
"Now and forever; the only option I want or need will always be you."
He smiled and returned my kiss before rolling and hovering over me.
"Marry me," he whispered.
The tears fell then, and I smiled at him before responding with the only word that would ever leave my lips when it came to anything he asked of me; it would be impossible for me to answer with anything else.
"Yes," I murmured.
"My answer will always be yes."
~!~
"Why couldn't this be televised? Or on YouTube?" Jane asked with a huff.
We sat in our small living room, listening to Riley relay today's latest happenings from the court proceedings. The prosecution was getting ready to make their closing arguments.
"It's so frustrating to hear it second hand."
She looked at Riley sheepishly.
"Sorry, Agent Biers. No offense. I appreciate everything you're doing for us."
Riley responded with a sigh. "Unfortunately, the days of OJ are over."
Jane looked at him in confusion, and Charlie chuckled before Alec cut in.
"The OJ Simpson trial began on January 24, 1995, and was televised for one hundred and thirty-four days. Judge Lance Ito's dreams of becoming famous were realized when the dancing Itos made their appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the media circus that ensued created a backlash from some judges who banned cameras during criminal cases in the future."
Jane's brow was still wrinkled in confusion, and she looked from her brother to Agent Biers before glancing at Edward. Her face immediately softened, and I realized, not for the first time, that Alec wasn't the only one with a crush.
She must have felt my gaze because she looked at me quickly before her face reddened in embarrassment. Flustered, she looked at the floor until I caught her eye and gave her a reassuring smile. Jane was a wonderfully sweet girl, and I couldn't blame her for being mesmerized by Edward; I experienced the same thing every time I looked at him.
Watching Alec and his sister become reacquainted with each other these past few months had been a joy. Their bond was strong, and I realized Jane was just as brave as her brother. She never stopped trying to get him out of that life, and it was obvious they cared for each other deeply, even if it was difficult for Alec to express it, at least in ways I would understand.
He was very open about his neurodivergence and often tried to explain how he perceived the world.
"I see things differently, that's all. Differently than how you see them, Bella Swan."
I learned a lot from Alec and wanted desperately to hug him on more than one occasion, but I held myself back, knowing it would cross a boundary. But the smile stayed on my face for days when he gave me a fist bump out of the blue one afternoon, and I was content with the knowledge that he and I would have a unique and special friendship, even if it would be without hugs.
My gaze traveled around the room, falling upon Charlie and Edward as they listened to Riley intently and then over to Jane and Alec, who spoke lowly to one another in what I'd come to know as an almost secret language they shared. Edward looked at me with a soft smile, and I marveled again at how incredible, and unpredictable life could be. The events of the last few months had woven all our lives together like a tapestry, and if just one of those events hadn't happened at precisely the right time or in exactly the right way, who knows if our lives would have intersected at all?
But I knew, regardless of the pain I'd endured, I wouldn't change a thing about the trajectory of my life over this last year, not a single moment.
~!~
A few days later, the quiet but persistent sound of voices roused me from a deep sleep. With my eyes closed, I grumbled and reached across the bed, searching for Edward. But my hand was met with rumpled, cool sheets instead of his warm body.
Rolling onto my back, I reluctantly opened my eyes and blinked against the morning sunshine before glancing around the room. Throwing off the covers, I shivered as I left the warmth of the down comforter and hurried over to the dresser, where I pulled on a pair of Edwards's thick wool socks and his heavy sweater that I had claimed as my own. Running a hand through my hair, I opened the bedroom door and stepped into the hallway.
Walking into the kitchen, I saw Riley and Edward deep in conversation until they heard me approach.
"What?" I asked anxiously, noticing Edward's tense expression. "What happened?"
Riley stood and went to the counter to pour himself another cup of coffee before turning to me with a raised eyebrow.
"Do you want some, Bella?"
I walked over to where Edward sat, and he pulled back the chair next to him, inviting me to sit.
I nodded at Riley and cautiously sat in the chair next to Edward. When I did, he scooted closer and reached out to hold my hand before a mug was set in front of me, and Riley settled in across from us.
"What?" I asked again. "You're killing me here. What's going on?"
Edward turned toward me slightly.
"Aro's dead, Bella."
The world went silent as I searched his face, unsure if I'd heard him correctly.
"Dead?" I asked quizzically.
What did he mean Aro was dead?
"I … I don't understand."
Riley sighed and nodded in confirmation but didn't say anything.
"How?" I asked and felt Edward squeeze my hand.
"Hung,"
My brow furrowed.
"Aro hung himself?" I asked incredulously. That couldn't be right.
Riley and Edward exchanged a look.
"We don't know what happened," Riley answered bitterly.
"So, what … like Jeffrey Epstein?" I asked, trying to make sense of it all.
"Most likely," he replied, and I heard the frustration in his voice.
"Especially since the other two …."
"What do you mean the other two?" I questioned.
Riley and Edward looked at each other again before Riley spoke.
"Aro's two top men that were indicted, Marcus Franchetti and Anthony Carbone, are also dead; both shanked while they were in the yard."
I sat, trying to process the information until I could finally formulate a coherent sentence.
"What … I mean, what does this mean?"
Riley sighed. "We know Aro didn't hang himself, but unfortunately, there's no proof to the contrary."
He looked at Edward.
"Heads have already started to roll at the Bureau. Aro was supposed to be watched continuously, so something like this couldn't happen. The warring between the families has only increased since the media storm blew up around the indictments, and we knew this might be a possibility."
I looked between the two men again.
"So, you think it was a hit? They were killed by one of the other families?"
Riley nodded.
"Every boss within a hundred-mile radius has been vying to control Aro's territories for a while now, and this was the perfect opportunity for a power grab from one of them. We were expecting something like this and thought we had our bases covered. We think some others have been taken out as well. We haven't found any bodies, but the rumors are flying. Almost everyone under Aro's old guard has either disappeared or fractured off to work for one of the other bosses. Everyone is trying to find their place in this new and changing landscape within The Outfit."
He hung his head.
"It's a complete cluster fuck, and the Bureau has a lot of egg on their face. The brass is not happy, even if we did manage to get convictions for some of the guys from Aro's crew as well as the members of law enforcement that were named in the ledger."
I sat back in my chair and let out a slow, shaky breath as I tried to digest everything he said.
"But, what does that mean for us?
Edward squeezed my hand again.
"It's good news for us, baby," he said softly.
I turned to him before Riley cut in.
"Aro was the one who cared about the ledger Bella, as well as you and Charlie. He was the one we were worried might go after you or Alec after all of this as a vendetta."
My stomach turned, hearing Riley voice what had, until now, remained my unspoken fear for the past few months.
"Now that he's dead, the families are too busy fighting over who will take over most of Chicago to be concerned about you or his old grudges. They're looking towards the future and see this as the perfect opportunity to reorganize and establish new boundaries and alliances. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and I expect things to get very ugly very soon within their organization."
I looked at Edward and tried to keep my hope in check. I didn't want to allow myself to become too optimistic when I knew things could change rapidly – they always did.
"So, we could … we could go home?" I asked tentatively.
I heard myself and knew I'd failed to keep my voice neutral. It was nearly impossible, and my body practically vibrated thinking about the possibilities that phrase encapsulated …
Home.
~!~
Two Months Later
"I almost forgot," Edward said with a smirk as he reached into the back seat and handed me a small, insulated tote bag.
"I made you lunch."
A slow smile spread across my face, and I peppered his lips with kisses.
"You're the most thoughtful,"
-kiss-
"Kind,"
-kiss-
"handsome,"
-kiss-
"Wonderful man,"
-double kiss-
"And I love you."
He smiled at me before ensuring my coat was buttoned and my scarf wrapped securely around my neck.
"I love you too. Now go have a kick-ass first day. I'm so proud of you."
I kissed him before opening the passenger door and stepping onto the sidewalk. Approaching the large glass doors of the enormous building, I turned and waved before reaching for the handle and walking inside.
As I made my way to the bank of elevators, I felt a surge of adrenaline, and I entered the lift with the other men and women holding phones to their ears and briefcases in their hands. This was the start of a new life for me, both personally and professionally. I'd taken Rose's advice and called Mr. Big from the Arboretum Gala, and it turned out he meant what he said. He had a job opening for me at his publishing firm if I was interested, and I jumped at the offer without a second thought. Charlie had been right when he'd given me advice before he disappeared; life was for living, and with Edward's support, that was precisely what I would do.
And when they approached me to write a book about my experience, I agreed without hesitation. And although big dreams come with significant risks, I wasn't afraid of them anymore. Now, I faced it all head-on, with excitement and anticipation, knowing I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Yes, it was a bright, new world ahead of me, and with Edward by my side, I'd grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride.
~!~
Life in the mob went on as it always did, albeit with new leadership and new grievances and problems. But I was just glad it was behind us, and I never wanted to look back. We'd stayed in witness protection for a few more weeks after Aro was killed until The FBI felt it was safe for us to return to Chicago.
Riley and his men continued to monitor us for a while, but I was terrified, even with their presence. I jumped at every noise and didn't want to be away from Edward for even the briefest moments. I continued my sessions with Dr. Miller, and she told me it was completely normal and to be expected. But I only saw it as a character flaw and became frustrated by my inability to move past it as quickly as I would have liked.
We were working on it together, and I tried to take her advice and keep my expectations realistic. With the help of her and my fiancé, my progress was now coming along nicely.
My fiancé.
That was still so strange to say, but I smiled every time I referred to him that way.
Edward had given me a beautiful sapphire ring that belonged to his mother. A multitude of diamonds surrounded the blue stone, and I stared at its sparkling brilliance every chance I could. It was perfect, just like the man who'd slipped it on my finger during the welcome home party Carlisle and Esme threw for us. While they had been worried, I did take comfort in knowing they were aware we were alive and safe during our time away, but that was all they knew. The FBI wouldn't reveal any other details.
"We're just glad you're all right," Alice murmured as she rested her head on my shoulder and lifted my hand to look at my ring again.
"And I'm so glad you're going to be my sister."
I smiled as I wiped the tears from my face before getting up to get a tissue. I knew I should have brought the box with me when we moved into the living room. Since we'd returned home, all I seemed to do was cry; but they were happy tears.
I made my way to the powder room to grab some Kleenex and smiled as I passed Edward and Emmett, who stood by the food, engrossed in conversation with Charlie. Reaching the stairs, I almost collided with Carlisle as he emerged from the kitchen with a bottle of wine in each hand. He stopped and kissed my forehead gently, smiling down at me in silence before moving toward the living room.
Reaching the bathroom, I turned slowly and watched my family. A giant Christmas tree stood in the corner, a testament to Alice's insistence that we have a do-over for the holiday we'd missed spending together. A sparkling green Shamrock adorned the top, signaling the birth of a new St. Patrick's Day/ Christmas tradition that would carry on for years, and it gave Emmett an excuse to wear his Lucky Charms leprechaun sweater.
Angela sat next to Ben in front of the fireplace, and almost as if feeling my gaze, she turned and smiled at me softly. Edward had planned the surprise visit behind my back, and I was again reminded of how lucky I was to have such a wonderful man in my life. He knew I needed my best friend, and he made that happen.
Jake hadn't been able to leave the shop to come visit, but we'd talked on the phone many times since I'd been back and were in a good place. He was even dating someone now.
"It took me a little while, Bells, but I finally grew up," he'd said one night when I called to catch up. "I'm sorry I was such an asshole. I didn't mean to be. After Charlie went missing, I couldn't bear to lose you too; that's what it felt like, Bells, like I was losing you. I hung on too tight and was a jerk. But now, with Leah, I see things so much clearer. I don't know how to explain it."
I smiled at the phone.
"You see clearly because you're in love, Jake. Real love. And you don't have to apologize. I know exactly what you were feeling. I was feeling it, too, after Charlie disappeared. Like my entire life was falling apart. You don't have to apologize. We'll always be friends, and I'll always love you."
My eyes continued to scan the room, and I watched Esme hand Alec one of the full stockings from the mantle. He moved to a chair in the corner and sat before removing each item and showing it to his sister. He had decided against moving to Rhode Island with her when she'd asked, and Jane, knowing Chicago was where Alec felt at home, took a teaching position here so she could be close to him.
Esme came to stand next to me, and we watched the siblings as they continued to dig into the stocking.
"How's it working out?" I asked her.
"Great. Really great. He likes being in the back room when he does the books. It's quiet, and he doesn't have any outside distractions."
I nodded, picturing Alec doing what he loved.
"I've told him he'll have a job for as long as he wants."
She chuckled.
"I really hope he decides to stay because The Nook's finances have never been so organized."
"Rose said the same thing after he left the gallery last week. Her boss is obsessed with the quality of his work."
I turned at the sound of Jane's laughter and quietly admired how much she'd blossomed since she'd moved here.
"I haven't had a chance to catch up with her this week," I said.
"How'd the move go?"
"I'm so happy with how it turned out," she gushed. "You'll have to stop by when you have the chance."
"Which palette did you decide on? Please tell me you went with the brown and white rug."
Esme took a sip from her drink and raised her eyebrows while giving me a thumbs-up.
"Oh, good!" I responded. "I know she was leaning toward that one."
Esme left my side to refresh her drink, and I continued to let my gaze travel over the people in the room. I caught my dad's eye, and he gave me a wink, causing love to flow over me in waves. It surprised me sometimes when it hit me out of the blue like that because sometimes, I felt as if I was living someone else's life. I couldn't possibly deserve this much happiness.
For so long, I'd been convinced I didn't need anyone, that I was fulfilled and content with my life the way it was.
But now I knew I had been so very wrong.
This … right here is what I had been missing.
"You all right?"
I felt a shiver go through me as Edward's warm breath tickled my ear, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. I hadn't even heard him come up behind me. Smiling, I turned in his arms and looked up into his handsome face, brushing my hand over the stubble on his lower jaw.
He needed to shave.
"I'm more than okay," I breathed before kissing him tenderly.
"I'm home, and I'm loved. What more could I ask for?"
Edward leaned down and nuzzled my neck while his lips placed small kisses against my skin.
"You could ask for the stars, and I'd do my best to get them for you. You are loved, Bella. More than you'll ever know."
He pulled back and gazed at me intently, and I knew this man would walk through fire for me if I asked him to … as I would for him. Pulling me closer, he leaned down and softly whispered in my ear.
"… And I'm going to spend every day trying to show you for the rest of my life."
I leaned my head against his chest and slipped my arms under his sport coat, reveling in his scent and basking in his warmth, knowing I could face anything now. If I'd learned anything since I'd met and fallen in love with Edward, it was that with him beside me, I could face any challenge life might throw at us.
Our love will always guide the way.
Together … always … forever.
I guess that's a wrap, as they say!
Thank you to all who decided to take a chance and read, follow, favorite, and review. It meant the world to me to be so well received for my first attempt at something like this. I received my share of critical reviews, but they only improved my writing, so thank you for all the feedback!
Looking back, I do cringe a bit at some of the writing mistakes, characters, and scenes I would change. Maybe someday I will polish it up, but I can definitely see how my writing has improved from the story's beginning to the end. And that's a win in my book.
A HUGE thank you to Sunflower Fran for being the first to reach out to me when I posted this thing (it was basically one long run-on sentence and one very large chapter that should have been split into ten, LOL) and for being my Beta.
She has been such an encouraging presence, and I can't adequately express my gratitude for her ongoing support and insights. Any mistakes you see once she came on board are all mine.
This one took me a year to write, but maybe it was enough to get my creative juices flowing, and I'll try my hand at it again.
Thanks for reading, for loving Twilight, Edward, and Bella, and for being part of such a great fandom.
Elliemouse