Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong solely to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

A second disclaimer:

I'm not a professional writer. I write Twilight fanfic simply because I love this fandom.

I apologize in advance for any errors.

It's Time

Chapter 29

EPOV

Three days after returning to Chicago, I called Nonno to see how things were going in Forks.

"Edward, how are you? Glad to be back home?"

"I'm well. Busy." I avoided his second question.

He hummed at my response.

"And you? Nonna?"

"Good, good. Eli and Carmen are here for a visit. Gianna's not too happy about sharing the baby with others."

I laughed. "When did they arrive? Are they staying long?"

"They got in yesterday afternoon. I think they are planning on a week. Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't extend their stay."

Twirling the paperclip that lay on my desk, I nonchalantly asked, "And everyone else is o-okay?"

"Well, Mike is his normal grumpy self."

I groaned internally. Nonno wouldn't make this easy.

"That's good, I guess." I exhaled. "Gia's healthy?"

I could hear the smile in his voice. "Gia is perfect. She's standing up and cruising all around the living room on her own. We all have a bet on when she'll take her first step."

"Wow, her first step already. I imagine Bella's excited."

He hummed again in response.

I yanked my hair in frustration. "Oh, for the love of God, Nonno. Throw me a bone here!"

"And why should I, my boy? Have you been upfront with me?"

Sighing, I said, "Who told you? Jared?"

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that you didn't."

"I was planning on telling you. I just didn't want you to talk me out of it."

"Why do you think I would do that?"

"Because I know you want me to leave Bella alone."

"Do you plan on harassing her?"

"No, but I plan on making her mine."

"Edward." His voice carried a hint of warning.

"On her terms, Nonno. The afternoon you left us alone at her house something happened

that changed everything."

"What happened?"

"We kissed."

"Edward, did you force yourself upon her?"

"Nonno! I would never!"

"I know, son, I know. I'm sorry, I just can't believe that occurred after everything that's happened."

"Well, we did. I kissed her, and she kissed me."

"How did she react?"

"Like her typical stubborn self, but she did finally admit to feeling the connection."

"She did?"

"Yes, and that's why I'm not giving up without a fight. I can't, especially now, after experiencing the sense of completeness I felt when my lips met hers."

"And what does your father think about this move?"

"He doesn't know, but I'll take care of it."

"He's going to go ballistic. If you need me to intervene—"

"Thanks, Nonno, but it's time for me to stand up to him myself."

-IT-

Nonno POV

After ending my call with Edward, I stared at the phone in disbelief.

They had kissed. Bella and Edward had actually kissed. Now, Bella's strange behavior the past week finally made sense. Ever since Austin's visit, she had seemed lost in her thoughts. Gianna had noticed it as well and had tried to get her to talk, but Bella had brushed off all of those attempts.

When I walked back into the living room where the family was all gathered, I noticed Bella stood alone at the window quietly gazing out into the yard. I watched her twist a long strand of her hair around her finger as she chewed her bottom lip. As I wondered if she was thinking about my grandson, I got my answer. She lifted her hand and slowly traced the outline of her mouth with her fingertips. When a small sigh escaped her lips, a renewed sense of hope filled me; Edward and Bella still had a chance.

After sharing my newly discovered knowledge with Gianna, we decided not to interfere, but let fate take its course.

-IT-

Edward arrived the following week. He phoned soon after arriving in town to give me the address of his new place. When I drove over to see him, I was surprised to find his rental was a modest, brick ranch. The only indicator that my grandson lived there was the shiny, silver Volvo A90, which sat parked in the driveway.

Edward answered the door wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. I couldn't recall how long it had been since I had seen him dressed so casually, even his expression was relaxed.

"Hey, Nonno. Come in." He stepped aside as he opened the door.

Once inside, I greeted him with a hug. "You're looking well."

"I'm doing better than yesterday," he replied with a small grimace.

"Oh, what happened yesterday?"

"Let's have a seat, and I'll tell you all about it."

We entered the living room and sat on a soft, leather sofa. I noted the room's comfortable, homey decor. "The place looks great."

Edward smiled. "Cora. She's a miracle worker."

I nodded before asking, "So what happened? I'm assuming it had something to do with your father."

A scowl formed between his brows. "I went to the house yesterday morning to see him, and let's just say, he wasn't too thrilled with my news."

"I can imagine."

He stood and walked to a window that overlooked the front lawn. "I have everything covered, Nonno. It's not like I'm not taking care of my duties. Jasper and Emmett are running the day-to-day operations in Chicago, and I'll be overseeing the rest from here."

I joined him where he stood. After placing my hand on his shoulder, I said, "I trust you have thought this through. Your brother and cousin are more than capable of handling the office. Anyhow, technology has completely changed the landscape of our business. The majority of operations is done via computer."

"Pops doesn't see it that way. He said if I leave to expect consequences."

"Consequences? What did he mean by that?"

"He's always threatening to take over, so I'm assuming that's what he meant."

I shook my head in disgust. "Carlisle is just looking for a reason to try to come back. He didn't want to retire in the first place, but your ma wouldn't relent."

"I keep waiting for Em to call and tell me Pops is at the office."

"I'm proud of you for standing your ground, Edward. Carlisle's my son, and I love him, but I don't always love his actions. He has your grandfather's mean streak." I coughed to cover the emotion bubbling in my throat. "And I owe you an apology. I should have realized it a long time ago, but I suppose I didn't want to see the truth — that I raised a man capable of hurting his children the way he's hurt you and your brother."

"Nonno—"

"No, Edward, it's not right. I blame myself for this mess you've gotten yourself into with Bella — for your addiction. If I had intervened, none of this would have ever happened."

"No, Nonno. I was a grown man when I started using drugs — when I cheated on Bella. The blame lies solely with me. If it wasn't for you, I would probably be dead. You and Nonna were the only ones who cared enough to get me help. You were also the ones to show me what a healthy, loving relationship looks like. Never blame yourself for my sins. They're mine alone, and I am the one who must atone for them."

As I stared into the eyes of my grandson, I knew without a doubt he had changed. After everything he had been through, he had fought to become the man standing before me. A man worthy of happiness. A man worthy of love.

A man worthy of Bella.

Now I prayed she, too, would see the man he had become and give him a chance.

AN:

Thanks to those who voted A Snack Cake Kind of Love into TwiFanfictionRecs November Top Ten. What an honor!

A special shout out to Fran, K, Gail and Kay for helping me with this chapter.

Also, I'm taking a brief respite from FB at the moment but should return soon. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.

Have a great week.

Until next time,

HE