Thank you to 2brown-eyes, ceceprincess1217, gabby1017, and DICATAKADD for pre-reading, and to SunflowerFran for editing. Any remaining mistakes are my own.

The song for this chapter, You're Making a Mistake, by The Platters.

Please see the A/N at the end!

Chapter 4

Bella

"So that's it?" I ask, staring down at my feet.

"Yes, ma'am. He was found behind Jerry's over in the Hill District." Officer one is a stout man, probably close to retirement.

"And what happened to him?" I ask from my seat on our sofa. I wipe my sniffling nose with my linen handkerchief, the tears tracking down my cheeks. Edward stands behind me with his hands gently holding my shoulders, offering me comfort. The contact makes my skin prickle. Until I can find out if my husband had anything to do with Daddy's death, I don't think I can trust him—not yet.

No, Charlie Swan wasn't the best father, his drinking and gambling destroyed our family, and I was neglected most of my life, but he was the only father I had. To know I'll never have a chance to make amends with him breaks the small piece of my heart that he held.

"Well, now, I don't think it's necessary to go over the specifics, Mrs. Cullen. Just be assured it was quick." The officers standing in my living room look uncomfortable. They're trying their best to be polite; not sharing the gory details with me about how he died.

"Please tell me something," I beg as I get to my feet, my fingers wringing the fabric in my grasp.

"Seems like robbery was the motive. Far as we can tell, it was a .22. More than likely a handgun," the younger, more forthcoming officer two tells me.

"So, he was shot then?"

"Yes, ma'am. But that's all we can tell you," says officer one, scowling at his partner. "The coroner will be in touch with you regarding final arrangements since your older siblings couldn't be reached."

"I understand," I say with a nod. "Thank you for coming by."

Edward leaves my side to show them out, and I collapse back onto the sofa, my legs feeling weak and wobbly. Thoughts and memories assault my mind; all the things Daddy never did for me or any of my siblings, the times he spent all his money at Jerry's or gambled it away in some card game. No, he wasn't a good father, but I never wished him dead.

I don't hear the front door close as the officers are shown out, or even my husband's footsteps as he walks back into the room. It isn't until he wraps his arm around me, pulling me into a hug that I realize I'm not alone.

"You okay, baby?" he asks.

"I'm not sure," I whisper as I wipe away at the traces of tears on my cheeks. I suddenly remember I'm the one who needs to inform my brothers and sisters, and I sit up quickly, surprising my husband. "I need to call Jessie and Angie. Oh! And Eric is all the way out in California. There's no way he'll make it back for the funeral. And I can't even begin to guess where Tyler is." My frantic, pleading eyes meet his, and there's concern, sadness, and maybe regret reflected back at me.

His thumb brushes along my cheek, wiping away remnants of my tears, as his fingers cradle my face. "Don't worry about any of it, okay? I'll make all the calls."

I nod. "Thank you," I whisper.

He's silent for a moment before replying. "It's the least I can do."

When darkness falls, and we crawl into bed, I roll to my side, my back to him, unsure what to say as my unasked questions mount. His touch, usually so gentle and soothing, makes my skin crawl, and finally, I can't hold it in any longer.

"I found your note," I rasp into the darkness.

His fingers pause, his breathing stops. The alarm clock ticking on my bedside table might as well be a chiming bell tower for as loud as it is in the ensuing silence.

"What note?" he asks in a whisper as his fingers begin to move again, tracing a path on my skin, from my neck to my shoulder, down to my elbow and back again.

"The one with my father's name on it ... an address." I pause, taking a deep breath to fortify myself to ask the question that's been eating at me for days. "You wrote down an amount of money, too. Enough that if it was an unpaid debt, it might make someone want him dead." I speak softly, unsure how he might react if I outright accuse him of anything.

"I think," he begins, withdrawing his hand and flopping onto his back, his forearm crossing over his eyes as he huffs a breath. "Maybe you shouldn't be snooping in my office."

I turn from my side onto my back and eye him incredulously. "I found it on our bedroom floor, Edward. I wasn't snooping. And even if I had been, are you going to tell me what the note meant?"

His eyes meet mine, and I can see his thoughts are weighing heavily on his mind. His hand reaches up to brush a few stray hairs from my face, all the while avoiding my eyes. "It meant nothing, Bella. It was just a note." He kisses my forehead and rolls back to his side of the bed.

"That's it?" I ask, angry about being dismissed.

"Yes, that's it." He turns to look at me. "You're not going to let this go, are you?" he asks with a huff.

"No, I need to know the truth," I insist.

His eyes narrow. "Well, I hope you enjoy disappointment, because there's nothing else to say." He turns to his side, facing away from me, thus ending the discussion.

The two days of visitation and service were small, pitifully so. In fact, only a few more than showed up for our wedding reception. Edward stood by me the entire time, helping with Eddie Jr. when it became too much for me to handle, even though the mere sight of him angered me. His refusal to talk about the note I found, and what it meant, caused not only an emotional distance between us, but a physical one as well.

My sisters, Jessica and Angela, fared a bit better than me with their husbands by their sides. Though Mike looked like he couldn't be bothered with any of it and made sure we all knew he had better things to do. Jessie and Angie's emotions where our father was concerned were not as strong as mine were. They'd made their peace long ago with their missed opportunities to have a relationship with him, so they stood by stoically as he was laid to rest. Eric wasn't able to make it home from California, and Tyler never made an appearance, which didn't surprise me in the least.

So on that cold and rainy, early December morning, Charlie Swan was lowered into the ground, with only his daughters and their husbands, along with my in-laws, looking on.

If only I could say my doubts about my husband were as easy to bury.

"What do you mean you can't answer my questions?" I yell. We're locked in a battle of wills at this point, neither of us willing to back down; me from my questions, and him from his refusal to answer them.

"I said"—he growls lowly as he stalks closer to me—"I can't. I have no idea what happened to your old man, Bella. He was found behind a bar, in an alley for Christ's sake, so I can only imagine what kind of lowlife scum he was spending his time with. And I'm sick and tired of you asking me about it every damn day!"

The slamming of the door after he storms out wakes Junior from his afternoon nap, and I rush to his side to calm him. "Shh, shh," I say as I pick him up and hold him close. "I'm so sorry we woke you, baby boy."

His tears slow as mine begin to fall. The stress of the last several weeks is getting to me. Edward's been gone more and more, leaving me alone more often than not, and the time we do spend together, we spend fighting.

Even ringing in 1960 we spent separately. Instead of staying home, dancing along to Guy Lombardo's big band on CBS as the clock struck midnight, I was in my slippers and housecoat, alone on the sofa, while my husband was off doing God knows what until three in the morning.

Not only do I feel like I'm losing him to whatever it is he's doing, I have no one to talk to about it. I adore Alice, but she's outside of town, and her parents won't allow her to come here without them. Besides, she's seventeen and a carefree high school student. Her biggest worries are what skirt to wear with which bow in her hair and if she should wear her Mary Janes or saddle shoes that day. She has better things to worry about than her lonely sister-in-law.

The neighborhood we've settled in is beautiful, but most of our neighbors are older, and I've yet to find anyone to spend time with who's close to my age. What I really miss is the loving arms of Mrs. Cullen. I long to escape from the city to the only place that feels like home to me these days.

The few times a week Edward walks to wherever it is he goes, or he's picked up, the car is left here. But since I can't drive, it does me no good. Unwilling to face yet another argument when he returns, I pack enough of our things for Junior and me to stay the night, maybe even a couple of days, in the crowded Cullen house. I may not be able to drive myself, but I do the next best thing.

I step into Edward's office and pick up the phone. Our neighborhood recently upgraded to private lines, so we have our own phone, but calling the Cullen's house means waiting for their party line to be free. Thankfully, when I dial, Mrs. Cullen is quick to pick up, not the nosy Mrs. Miller next door.

"Hello," she says in greeting.

"Ma?" I ask my voice shaky.

"Bella? What's wrong? Is EJ okay? Is Edward?" Her voice is growing increasingly panicked, and I regret letting my emotions get away from me.

"No, no, we're all fine," I quickly say, trying to settle her fears. "I was just hoping we could come for a visit." I try to keep my voice even, going so far as to speak with a smile on my face, the tears welling in my eyes all the while.

"Of course, Bella. You know you never have to ask." There's a pause before she speaks again. "Is there some reason Edward can't bring you?"

"He's, um ..." I clear my throat. "He's working today, and I was hoping I could come out to see everyone." I lower my voice. "I miss all of you."

She's quiet before speaking softly. "And we miss you too, Bella." There is some shuffling and whispering in the background then she's back on the line. "I'll send Emmett that way to pick you up. So, maybe an hour?"

"I'll be ready. And ... thank you, Ma."

"You know you never have to thank me."

Emmett drops me off and helps me unload our things and carry them to the room I'll share with Alice before taking off to pick up Rose for their date. Stepping inside, I'm reminded of why I needed to come visit. The Cullen home is chaotic as always, but the hustle and bustle is just what I need. It's a striking contrast to how quiet our own house has been in recent days. Other than the baby's cries, the silence at home is sometimes deafening.

"Bella!" Alice is a blur as she runs, crashing into me, the force of her hug nearly knocking me over.

"Alice," I say with a chuckle. "It's good to see you, too." My cheeks lift into a smile, and the feeling is foreign.

"I can't believe you're here. I've got a fella coming over for supper tonight, and I can't wait for you to meet him! Can you believe it? Ma and Pop are letting him court me!"

The excitement in her eyes and voice isn't enough to chase away the melancholy I'm feeling, but I find myself offering a small smile, so happy for my best friend.

"Alice, let the poor girl hang up her coat," Ma scolds. "It's so good to see you, Bella," she says as she wraps me in her arms. The warmth and love I feel in her embrace make the dam burst, and I'm crying into her shoulder before I can stop myself.

"Alice, why don't you take EJ up to your room and get him settled? Emmett already took their things up," she says to her daughter as she continues to hold me close, her hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.

"Sure, Ma."

Moments pass, the sounds of the younger children now in the other room. "Do you want to talk about it," she asks in a whisper.

"Not really." My words are muffled into her shoulder.

"Well, I'll be here if you do."

"I know." I pull away enough to look into her concerned eyes. "Thank you."

"Oh, sweetie," she says, smoothing my hair from my face, love and worry in her eyes. "That's what a mother is for."

Her sentiment causes a fresh wave of sobbing to wash over me. She continues to hold me as I cry, holding together my splintering emotions in the warmth of her kitchen. Riley and Garrett run through the room with their toy airplanes in hand, chasing one another, and I have to remember that even if it feels as if my world is beginning to crumble, life goes on.

"So, Jasper, Alice tells us you work with, is it your uncle?" Mr. Cullen asks from his spot at the head of the table.

"Yes, sir. I've been working in his shop since I graduated last year." He smiles at Alice who is grinning at his side.

"So you're working full time, then?"

"Yes, sir. Sometimes six days a week if he needs me."

"And you plan to stay in the area?"

All of Mr. Cullen's questions bring a smile to my face. His concern and love for his daughter is obvious. Wanting to know she'll be taken care of and provided for show how much he cares. My smile falls when I think of how little my own father cared about my well-being. All the years of neglect we all suffered, my siblings and I, while he was off doing heaven knows what are a grim reminder of the man he was after Momma left. The only response I got from him when I told him I was in the family way and marrying Edward was him wanting to know if we were asking for money. And now he's gone, no longer any part of my life, no matter how small it might have been before.

And my gut tells me, my husband, at the very least, was there when he died.

I sit quietly for the rest of the meal, watching and listening to those around me, my appetite gone. After plates are cleared, and the men disappear onto the porch, I help Mrs. Cullen bathe and settle all the children for the night, EJ and little Jacob being the last to be put to bed.

That night, I lie in my borrowed bed and listen to Alice ramble on and on about Jasper, their plans for the future, and I cry silent tears with a smile on my face. Because no matter how unhappy I am with my current situation, I am truly happy for my friend. I only wish someone had told me how difficult life with my Edward would be.

The phone calls start the next morning. And judging by the looks Mrs. Miller gave me from her window this morning when I walked out to get the newspaper, I'd say she's already been eavesdropping on the party line when my husband called. I've refused to speak to Edward when he calls, but he's persistent; calling every hour, on the hour. And while I know she won't say it, I know Mrs. Cullen would rather I go home to my husband.

Her huff of breath can be heard from across the room when the shrill ring sounds again, I know she's had enough.

"Bella," she says, turning to me. "Why don't you go down to the beauty parlor? Irene takes walk-in appointments on Wednesdays, and I know how good I feel after I have my hair done."

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" I ask, only half kidding.

She sighs and walks over and sits next to me on the sofa, taking my hand. "You know that's not true. I just ..." She stares at the offending telephone across the room. "I don't like lying to my son, and I'd like just a few hours of peace ... which I'll get if I tell him you're not here." Her eyes meet mine. "But I do wish you would tell me what was going on with you two."

I focus on our clasped hands. "We're just going through a few things," I whisper.

"What kind of things, Bella?"

I hesitate. "I guess marriage just isn't everything I thought it would be."

She laughs a quiet laugh. "Well, I would think it's not what most of us thought it would be." She smiles gently. "But what has you here instead of home with your husband, where you belong?" she asks, gently.

"We had a ... disagreement."

"Well, if that's all, I suggest you go get your hair washed and set, wear your prettiest dress with a smile on your face, and go home and apologize to your husband. I'm sure Edward can be reasonable and will be more than willing to put this behind you."

I nod, willing away the tears. I manage to choke out a thank you before dressing for my trip to the beauty parlor. Even if I feel like I'm dying on the inside, there's no reason for me to look that way on the outside.

The Boy

"Don't you ever go home?" Felix asks with a laugh as he slaps a meaty hand down on my shoulder.

"And why would I do that?" I ask before downing the rest of my Iron City beer. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but I felt the need to come back to where I iced my own father-in-law, back to Jerry's. Maybe it's to pay some penance. I don't know.

He sits on the stool to my right. "Because you got a wife and kid at home. Beats the hell outta spending the whole day in this dump." He studies me for a moment. "We ain't been working the last couple days, so what's the problem, kid?"

I stare straight ahead, embarrassed about the truth. "She took off for my parents' place yesterday, and she won't take my calls," I mumble.

His barking laugh gets the attention of one too many patrons, and I narrow my eyes at him.

"Oh, come on kid," he says, standing. "I'll deal you in." He motions to the back room, and I follow ... like I always do.

"Hey, boys, it's Eddie!" His enthusiasm makes me smile as he introduces me to the group of men seated at the table. Someone offers to deal me into the game, but I decline. A few of the old-timers are here, the air thick with smoke, so I keep quiet from my spot in the corner.

"What's the matter wit'chu, kid," one of them asks. "You look like someone killed your puppy." His comment gets a laugh from everyone.

"Just some trouble with the wife," I mumble, almost embarrassed to admit.

"The wife? You're too young to be having trouble with the Missus already! You're what? Nineteen, twenty?" one of them asks.

"Twenty, sir."

"And she's your age?" another one asks, a grin on his face.

"Just turned eighteen in September."

"Then youse two should be fuckin' like rabbits, not fighting. Though I will say, me and my Maria, God rest her soul," he says, doing the sign of the cross. "She was a spitfire who needed a firm hand every once in a while. But, by God, the sex? Forget about it! It was fantastic."

They all laugh, and I even chuckle, but his comment makes me think. I must have a serious look on my face, because one of them gets my attention.

"You look awfully down in the dumps, kid. So, what's the problem? If you don't mind a few old men givin' you some advice."

I mull over what the real crux of the matter is between Bella and me; she wants to know the truth about her father, and there's absolutely no way I can tell her. She may suspect, but I'll take to my grave what actually happened.

I meet Felix's eyes from his spot at the table. While he's been great at showing me the ropes, his loyalty lies with the organization, not me or my family. Telling him Bella's been asking questions wouldn't bode well for me. "We had an argument, that's all."

"And ..." Felix prompts.

I meet his eyes and scowl, not liking being called out. "And she took our son and took off to my parents' yesterday morning."

They all laugh, and I sink back in my seat feeling like a chump. All these guys, they're all associated with Uncle Tony and Mr. LaRocca in one way or another, so their opinion of me means a lot.

While most of them are still laughing, one of them just studies me.

"You need to remind the little lady who's in charge. You know that right?" he finally says.

I nod.

"A man is king of his castle, and if he can't keep order in his home, keep his woman at home, he's no good to anyone"—he lowers his voice and points the finger of his cigar-holding hand in my direction—"especially the organization. So when she finally comes crawling back, if you don't go get her first, you need to remind her who's in charge."

A/N: Okay, are you all still with me? What do we think of the advice Bella got from Esme? What about the advice Edward got from the old-timers? Will he act on it? Remember, things were quite different back in the day, so it's not a stretch to think they'd both receive advice we wouldn't agree with today. I'd love to hear what you think.

Come chat about it in my Facebook group, Sunshine Fics, too. :)

Thanks for all the love and support you guys are showing this one. It always blows me away. I can't tell you how much it means to me.

I'm pretty sure I got to all the reviews from last chapter. Fingers crossed I'll get to reply to this week's.

See you all next week!

Lots of love,

Sunshine