Just a quick note... I lost several readers last week. Some didn't like the direction this story was going, which is fine; I respect that. If those readers had read the OS, they wouldn't have been surprised. The pregnancy was not a new idea for the expansion.

It was said by a guest reviewer that I brushed over the rape. I'm not sure how much more attention I should have paid to it, but I don't feel like it was brushed over. She was drugged, and doesn't remember anything. Maybe it was the missing months afterward... There is a gap of nearly three months in the last chapter between the rape and her finding out she's pregnant. But remember, this isn't a story about rape, either. It is part of the story, so I'm not going to spend several chapters dealing with the aftermath. As a sixteen year old, she is/was in denial...until she couldn't be because of the pregnancy. And as a sixteen year old in the last chapter, her pregnancy would be the most urgent thing in her life at the moment. The Cullens also wouldn't involve the police, given their ties to organized crime.

But it was also mentioned that I missed an opportunity to grow the relationship between ExB, and focused on a teenaged pregnancy. I'd like to remind this reader, if they are still here by chance, that the story is nowhere near over. She isn't ready for any relationship to grow with Edward, especially since he is already in a relationship with Heidi. And if he were a grown man capitalizing on her situation, he would be a creeper in my book. If you were referring to a missed opportunity for platonic bonding... Well, I'm not sure how much more I could write at that point in the story. He was/is there for her, in the capacity he feels he should be. She is still a child in the ways that count, so he is keeping a respectful distance...for now.

Now, for the rest of you, this is where we might begin to see the seeds of 'more' get planted.

Edward

"So, you're settling in okay, then?" Sitting on Maggie's small terrace with Bella, we're taking advantage of the unseasonably warm February day. The sounds of the harbor shoreline are just off in the distance, and though the sun is shining for once, it's still cool enough for us both to need light jackets.

"I am. Maggie has been really great," Bella says with a nod after finishing off her glass of juice.

"I'm glad. And she's been helping you get ready for the baby?"

"Yeah, she has. The nursery is almost put together, too. There's so much a baby needs I had no idea about." A small smile plays on her lips as she looks down at her lap. "And she, uh, she's been telling me stories about when my dad would come and stay here for the summer; all the trouble he and Carlisle would get into," she says, her smile growing.

"I'll bet that's been nice."

"It has. I just wish Dad could've brought me here himself to show me the place he loved so much." Her smile dims and looking closer, I can see the toll the last several months have taken on her.

The tiredness is clear in her eyes, outshined only by the glow she seems to have from being pregnant. That only serves to remind me that the young girl she was before she lost Charlie has been forced to grow up much too fast; her life uprooted and upended. Even having just celebrated her birthday back in September, she's still only seventeen and already has so much on her shoulders.

Feeling the need to change the subject, I ask how her schooling is going.

"Oh, it's been good. Maggie takes it very seriously, so make sure Esme knows that even though I'm home schooling, I'm not slacking off."

"I'll be sure to pass that along, then," I say with a smile. "And, uh, the baby? Everything is going okay there?" I ask my hand waving in the direction of the bump under her shirt. I know my question came out sounding unsure, but the whole thing makes me uncomfortable.

"Yeah, the doctor said at my last checkup that everything is right on schedule." Her hand rubs small circles over her growing belly. It astounds me how much she's grown in just the few weeks since I was here last.

"And you're sure you don't want to know what you're having?" I ask in a teasing tone. My last visit was full of me giving her a hard time about not wanting to find out the sex of the baby. The last several months we've grown a lot closer, and I tease her as much as I can, just to see the smile on her face.

"No, I'm sure. There are very few true surprises in life. Why spoil this one? I'm going to love it regardless of what it is, so it doesn't matter to me; as long as it's healthy."

"If you say so. I'm not sure I could wait a whole nine months to find out though."

"What if Heidi wanted to be surprised?" she asks, genuinely curious.

Her question brings me up short. I just can't picture myself being tied to Heidi by a child, so the thought has never crossed my mind. The fact that she's not exactly mother material doesn't escape me, either.

"I don't think Heidi wants children," I answer honestly.

"Do you? I mean, someday. I know you're still young to be thinking about that, but so am I, and look where I am," she says, pointing to her belly.

"I'm sure I will...someday. Gotta find the woman I'm gonna settle down with, first."

"And that isn't Heidi?"

I'm shaking my head before she's finished speaking. "No. I mean, we get along well enough, but I can't see myself with her forever."

"Then, don't you think you're wasting both your time and hers?"

"Are you sure you're only seventeen?" I ask, jokingly. What I don't say is that her question has hit the nail square on the head.

"What? I just call it like I see it. I wouldn't want to be led around hoping there was more to a relationship than there really was."

Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, I ignore her original question and attempt to switch gears. "So, what about you? Have any of the locals caught your eye?"

"What? A boy? Ha!" she barks out. "Yeah, I'm a real catch." She shakes her head. "As if I don't come with enough baggage, now I'm a two for one deal. No, I haven't even given boys a second thought. And even if I had, I don't venture much further than the market or the bookstore, so I wouldn't have had many opportunities. No, I need to concentrate on my schoolwork. It's up to me to support us, so I need to better myself before I ever think about looking for someone to share my burdens with."

"Now, Bella, you know that you don't have to worry at all about money. Our family-" She cuts me off with a raised hand.

"I'm not talking about that, Edward. Yes, I know financially things are taken care of. I'm talking about another human being counting on me to survive. It's going to be me changing diapers, and getting up in the middle of the night. I'll tell every bedtime story, and every scraped knee will need me to kiss it better. No, I need to concentrate on improving myself, because someone else is going to be depending on me very soon."

A strange ache in my chest brings my hand up to rub it away. Knowing she never asked for any of this but is determined to take it on by herself... I'm in awe of her. Even though I vowed months ago to look out for her, it's with renewed conviction that I promise myself to make sure she succeeds.

"So, in all that planning, have you decided what you might do after graduation?"

"Actually, I think I do know. I want to follow in my father's footsteps and go into law enforcement."

I cough, practically choking on my tongue. "You want to be a cop?"

She nods her head. "Yeah. I'm going to finish school here, then move back and apply to the police academy. My goal is to eventually get a spot in the organized crime division."

"Christ," I say under my breath. She must know what our family is involved in; what her father was involved in. And now she wants to make it her goal to be in a position to bring us all down? I can't imagine what Da is going to have to say about this.

"I can see the gears grinding in that head of yours, Edward. I was hoping I could be as useful as my father was to your family. Well, someday, anyway. I know it will probably be several years before I have a shot at it, but I need to do this." She pauses, looking out into the clear blue sky from our perch on the hill. "I found some of my father's journals when I was going through my things. He was investigating my mother's murder. He was doing it on his own since it was a cold case. I need access to the information on the Voltolini family so that I can find out what happened to her, and my father for that matter. I think they were both killed under the same circumstances, and I want answers as to how that happened. And I know he helped the Cullens over the years, which is something I want to do, too."

"Bella, you don't know what you're talking about. Going after the Voltolini family isn't something one woman should take on."

"Just because I'm a woman?" she asks, indignantly.

"Jesus," I mumble. "No, not because you're a woman. And you're barely that now," I say, my voice rising. "Look, they're ruthless. If they did, in fact, have your mother killed, then that tells me they have no honor in them. You're going to be a young, single mother in just a few months. All this talk about that baby," I say, pointing to her stomach, "having only you to depend on, you know that it's dangerous to do this. You're really willing to risk your life to answer a goddamn question?"

"It's not just a question, Edward. I need to know. I need to know why I don't have either of my parents in my life. What was so damn important that they both had to be taken from me?"

"You realize I'll need to tell Carlisle about this, don't you?"

"I was planning to tell him if you didn't." She sighs. "Look, I know that no one is going to like my choice, but it is mine to make. And like I said before, I hope I can be useful to your family...like my father was."

Gone is the easygoing banter we shared just minutes ago. The air is charged between us, tense.

"Bella, I won't let you put yourself in danger for our family. You mean too much to us." It's my last ditch effort to change her mind. But, I've come to realize over the last few months that once she sets her mind to something, there's no changing it.

"I promise not to put myself in danger, Edward. But, I need to do this. Please understand."

"Just..." I sigh. "Just promise me you'll think long and hard about it before you make any definite decisions?"

"I will."

With a raised brow, I question her with a look alone.

"No, Edward, I really will. I know there's a lot resting on my shoulders, so I won't make any decisions lightly."

"Then I guess there isn't anything else to say."

"Oh!" Her hand moves to a spot low on her bump, and her eyes light up with mischief. "Want to feel the baby kick?"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. Give me your hand." She grabs my wrist, bringing my hand to her belly. "Wait a minute. I just had that glass of juice, so it must be hitting her now."

"Now it's a her, huh? You think it's a girl?"

She shrugs her shoulders. "Just a feeling I have. We'll find out in a few months."

Just then, I feel the gentle nudge. Looking up at Bella, her eyes are bright and the smile on her face is blinding, and I feel one just as big taking over my own.

"Amazing, isn't it?"

"Wow. How long have you been able to feel it?"

"I've been feeling it on the inside for a few weeks, but it was just yesterday that I could feel it from the outside. Isn't that cool?"

Her question makes me laugh. "Very cool."

I spend the rest of my visit being shown all the things she's accumulated for the baby; some basic clothes, diapers, a few toys, and an intricately carved cradle she was told her father slept in decades earlier. After visiting with Maggie, and making sure Bella had what she needed for herself, I leave them both with hugs and a promise to return soon. My visits to this side of the pond have been more and more frequent recently. I've told Da it's been to make sure our new arrangement with Liam goes smoothly, but I know it's just as much been to check up on Bella and my niece or nephew.

Driving through the countryside, I'm lost in thought when my cell phone rings. Glancing at the display, I see its Da. Popping the Bluetooth receiver in my ear, I hit the button to answer.

"Hello."

"Have you had a chance to meet with Liam yet?" It doesn't surprise me when he skips the formalities and jumps right to business.

"I'm on my way now. Is there a problem?"

"Not specifically. Just be sure to go over the details before you leave."

I roll my eyes. "Isn't that why I'm here? To go through the final details? If I'm going to be the one to handle this, you've got to trust me, Da." I know I sound exasperated, but if he someday plans to hand over the reins to me, he has to have at least some faith in my abilities.

"Yeah, yeah, go on then. Just don't fuck this up, Edward."

"Your faith in me is astonishing, Da," I deadpan.

"We both know after the debacle in Jersey, I trust you to get things done. But, this is the first time I've trusted you to make arrangements this big for the family. There's a lot riding on the outcome."

The nearly three-hour drive goes quickly, and the countryside gradually gives way to the outskirts of the city, and I'm soon driving into Dublin.

"I just pulled into town, so I'll meet with him and be back home with details in a couple of days. Now, I've got to go, so I'll talk to you soon, yeah?"

"Yeah." Not one for small talk, he ends the call.

After parking the car, I make my way to the pub Liam and his family own. It's usually a busy place, people constantly in and out, but I've decided to wait until almost closing to make my appearance.

When he's served the last customer of the day, he turns the sign in the window and motions for me to join him at the bar.

"If I haven't said it before, this is a nice place you've got here, Liam."

"Thanks. It's been in my family for a few generations, so I'm pretty proud of it. Runs itself while I'm away for other business."

"Wonder if I could have a set up like this in Boston?" I ask as I look around, the idea of a place like this of my own swirling around in my head.

"I'm sure you could. With your family's connections, it wouldn't take much to get it off the ground. Just a matter of how much you want to invest, and how much of a return you want. If it's just a place to set up shop, well, you wouldn't need much. But, if you want it to be a legitimate establishment, it might take a bit more."

"I'll definitely have to look into it."

"So I guess this meeting is to finalize our arrangement, then?" he asks as he pours us each a glass of Jameson.

"Just a formality, Liam. Honestly, I think my da is just nervous he isn't the one to make the plans. Thought I'd set his mind at ease." I take the proffered glass and tip it back, the amber liquid burning down my throat.

"Yeah, good ol' Carlisle always was a nervous one," he says with a laugh.

"Well, can you blame him? Like I told ya before, things didn't quite work out with our last guy."

"Ah, well, your da and I go way back; all the way back to when he was just a lad chasin' anythin' in a skirt. He was buds with my older brother, so I've known him since I was just a sprog. I told him years ago that Patrick's son, Aiden was an eejit. But, did he listen to me? No. Patrick was a chancer back in school, and I doubt anything changed once he went to the States. So, I'd assume his boy wouldn't be any different."

"That's an understatement. So, let's make sure everything is in order before I head back home, yeah?"

"Sure. I'll lock up, and we can go over the details one more time."

As I guessed, Liam had everything ready to go for our first shipment of firearms. This one was a smaller load; more of a trial run, just to set Da's mind at ease. But, Liam and I seemed to work well together, so I hope this is the start of a long-term partnership.

My flight back to Boston is uneventful, and I'm able to catch some sleep. Our small, private jet has afforded us the luxury of being able to come and go without much attention, making it easier to conduct business overseas. As we land, I glance out the window of the plane, seeing the falling snow, blanketing the city in white.

Gathering my bag, I disembark and head to the waiting car.

"Hey, Eddie," Emmett calls out to me as I approach.

"I didn't know you were home. How'd you get stuck picking up my sorry ass tonight?"

He shrugs his shoulders. "Had a few days off school, so I decided to make a quick visit. I knew you were coming in and thought you might want to see a friendly face."

He pops the trunk, and I toss my bag inside before slamming it closed. "So, what? You're a driver now?"

"Nah, I just didn't think you'd wanna deal with Jimmy whinin' in your ear about his wife skippin' out on him. The poor bastard's been a mess for days now." He gets behind the wheel as I ease into the heated passenger seat.

"So, Vic just up and left him?"

"Yep. Took their girls with her, too. He found out she's been steppin' out on him for months."

"Damn."

"That's what I said." Pulling out of the gated area toward the main road, Emmett looks over to me. "So, am I taking you to see Da, or did you wanna go home first?"

"Take me home. I need a few more hours of sleep before I can deal with him and his questions."

"Giving you a hard time about this thing with Liam?"

"You could say that."

The ride to my apartment is quick, considering the time of night, and Emmett is dropping me at the curb before I know it.

"See you at the house in a bit?"

"Yeah. Like I said, I just need a few hours. I'll be there soon."

"All right. See ya, brother."

"Yeah, see ya." I wave him off, and head inside the lobby of the building. The night guard nods in greeting as I pass, completely unfazed at me arriving home in the wee hours of the morning. I step into the elevator, insert my security key, and hit the button for the penthouse. On the ride up, all I can think about is my bed is calling for me, even though I know I only have a few hours before I need to meet with my father. When the elevator doors open, I walk the short distance to my front door and fumble with the lock. Once inside, I toss my keys by the small table in the entryway and drop my bag at my feet.

I make a beeline for my shower, needing to wash away the stink of traveling. I strip out of my clothes while the room begins to fill with steam, then step inside. The hot water feels good on my tired muscles, but I don't linger too long; like I said, my bed is calling for me.

When I finally collapse into the mattress, I'm out like a light. My dreamless sleep isn't nearly long enough when the sound of my ringing cell phone wakes me. Fumbling around in the faint light peeking through the blinds, I find the source of the interruption. Not bothering to look at who it is, I swipe the screen.

"Hello?" I mumble into the receiver.

"Hey, baby. I heard you were home. How was your trip?"

"Fine."

"Well, you're a man of few words this morning. Is that all I get?"

"Sorry. You woke me up, Heidi."

"Oops," she giggles. "I just had to hear your voice. I'm sorry for waking you."

"Mm hmmm." I can feel my eyes getting heavy again, the warmth surrounding me making it hard to keep them open.

"So, the family friend you needed to see?"

"Is doing well." Just the thought of Bella brings a smile to my face. "She's all settled in, and things are good."

"She?" Heidi screeches. I pull the phone away from my ear, and I can still hear her yelling. "Edward, you never told me it was a woman you were going to see! Just who is this family friend, anyway?"

"Shite," I mumble under my breath. I'd never told Heidi about what happened with Bella, only that she came to stay with my parents all those months ago after Charlie died. "It's no one you need to worry about. She's just a kid that my Da asked me to check in with from time to time."

The line is silent between us for a long time. Her voice is small when she finally speaks. "Just a kid?"

"Yes, just a kid." The most mature seventeen-year old I know, but still a kid. "So, there's nothing to worry about."

"Maybe I can go with you next time?" she asks, hopeful.

"Yeah, we'll see." I know damn well that it'll never happen. Keeping Bella and the baby tucked away has become important. After much discussion, we thought it was best to keep things from Jasper as long as possible. If and when she ever decides to come back to the States, she'll need to have a fresh start, and keeping the baby's paternity a secret has become key to that. My brother could destroy any chance she has at a normal life. Not to mention what his bat shit crazy wife could do with the information.

"So, when can I see you? It feels like it's been weeks."

I take a deep breath before blowing it out, Bella's words echoing in my mind.

'Don't you think you're wasting both your time and hers?'... 'I wouldn't want to be led around hoping there was more to a relationship than there really was.'

I know I need to make more of an effort with Heidi, even if it's just making time for her. "Yeah, I've got some things to take care of today, so tonight maybe?"

"I'll be waiting."

Chancer - dodgy character who will do anything to get what they want

Eejit - idiot

Sprog - kid

A/N: Big thanks to Fyrebyrd, Gabby1017, Life and Death's Lullabies, and TheMetroDad for pre-reading, and to my beta, SunflowerFran, but please remember, all mistakes are mine.

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Thank you all so much for all the love you've shown this story. I adore each and every reader and review!