Disclaimer: The wonderful and talented Stephenie Meyer created these characters, made them into vampires, shape shifters and quirky teenagers. I changed them up, aged them, made them all human and I like it when they get citrusy. The names of the characters are hers, but the story line, and location it takes place is all me.

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Sending out a special thanks and lots of praise to my wonderful Beta, Cullen Confection. Thanks out also to two of my favorite authors, who also pre-read for me: Jess2002, and butterflybetty, you two ladies rock and roll.

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Please read the Authors not at the end.

Chapter 17: The Crash Aftermath

BPOV

I have been comfortable throughout the day, but I have been in Edward's arms, most of the time. At the hospital, Edward comes running in almost immediately after my arrival. So many people have come to the hospital today. Esme and Carlisle, both are here. They arrive with Edward, but then they had been visiting Edward when he was called. Edward begs me to allow his father to look over my medical chart. I, of course agree. I trust Carlisle, completely. Carlisle, having privileges at Saint Luke's, demands that Peter and I both, have full CT scans. Charlotte and Peter both have Carlisle oversee Peter's care as well. Carlisle tells us he wants to do the scans to ease his own piece of mind, as well as Edward and Charlotte's. Carlisle even checks, and rechecks where the stitches are; to be sure they are up to par, since the on staff resident did the actual stitches. Edward has all but refused to leave my side. He did leave under duress, and only because both times I am left with someone he completely trusts to protect me. I ask him once to leave for a few minutes, and when they refuse to allow him in the room during the CT scan. Those are the only two times he actually left my side. Of course the first time he is okay, because I ask him if I could please speak with Esme privately. The second time, he allows it, because I will be under Carlisle's constant supervision.

Esme surprises me the most, with her protective behavior. She has always been so easy going and nice. Today, I see what most people consider the 'momma bear factor', or I have heard the term 'wolverine', as well. Either term works, well, to describe the way her claws come out today. Esme is bossing around the staff, like she is in charge. She demands that one of the nurses be removed from my room, because she is clearly inept, and to busy trying to get Edward's attention to care for me. It is really amusing to watch and hear her. I still can feel the warmth that passes through me, when I hear Esme tell the nurse, 'you clearly are more interested in trying to flirt with my son, who is beside himself with worry about his beloved laying on that bed, than you are about taking care of his beloved, who I consider my daughter. Take your trampy ass out of this room. I want your supervisor, now!' Esme then follows her out the door, with Carlisle hot on her trail. Needless to say, that nurse never comes back into my room. I have never felt so loved in all my adult life. I have tears streaming down my cheeks, and I try to quickly brush them away.

"Love, are you okay?" Edward asks.

"Yes, I…I have just nev…never had a…a mo…mom, and you…your m…mom…said she…con…siders m…me her…da…daughter," I sob out into his chest.

Edward holds me close, and lets me calm back down. After about ten minutes, Esme and Carlisle return with a new nurse. I take notice that the new nurse is closer in age to Esme. Esme smiles at me, and I grin back as she places her hand on my leg lovingly.

I did manage to get Esme alone for a few minutes to talk to her. I ask her for a huge favor, knowing I will need her help. I need her to go finish what I have started doing today. I need her to pick up a few of the things I still need. I also have a few things I have ordered that are ready to be picked up. I also use her cell phone and contact Jason. I tell him about what happened as he only knew Jessica is under arrest. I tell him what I need from the safe in my office. While speaking to Jason, and making arrangements for him to bring me the requested items, Esme suggests inviting him to supper tonight. Jason accepts the offer of dinner, and tells me he will bring my things to me then. With my plans all made, I give Esme back her phone. After she has all the info, she calls Victoria, and they go off to do my errands, and shop for the fantastic dinner she plans to cook for all of us tonight. Edward comes back into the room, and resumes his place, sitting right next to me. Edward makes sure as much of our bodies touch as he can, considering we are in a hospital room.

As the suns sets over the horizon, twilight takes the sky. I feel the cold December wind whip across the parking lot, as we leave Saint Luke's hospital. The disgusting smell wafting across the interstate, sounds of the cars driving through the rush hour traffic, and the bitter cold remind me I am lucky to be alive. This has been truly the day from hell. It is not how I planned to spend the rest of my day. I had big plans for this evening, but instead I will be resting and relaxing. After all the police reports, photographs, ambulance ride, doctors, lab techs, and nurses poking and prodding me, I am finally on my way back to our temporary home. Our…that word makes me smile, and I lean a little closer to Edward.

I am just glad that this day has finally come to a close. Edward and I have so much to be celebrating tonight. Edward and I can breathe more freely now. Mike and Jessica are both under arrest. The worry of them harassing, or stalking us, is over. Jessica is facing several charges, and in jail without a chance of release. Mike is under arrest, but not in jail, Mike is in his own hospital room. He really should have been smart enough to wear a seat belt, if he wants to drive into the back of another vehicle at full speed. The crappy part of Mike being hurt is, he will never see a day of actual prison. Mike will end up spending the rest of his life, in some type of state assisted living, under lock and key. The police estimate that he was traveling over sixty miles per hour, when he crashed into the back of our vehicle. Mike was not wearing a seat belt, and the air bag deploys when he crashed into us. Mike's neck is broken, and they say he is now a quadriplegic.

Peter and Charlotte are already home. I am so glad my friend is okay. Peter had to get stitches, and also had a CT scan; just like me. Both our scan results came back clear, but they would not allow me to leave until I am over the headache I had. Carlisle and Esme are going to stay with us at Peter and Charlotte's house tonight. Edward and Charlotte both prefer that Carlisle be around; there's nothing like having your own in-house doctor.

Other than the fact that we have a driver, we no longer need to have a bodyguard. It is a feeling of freedom, and I am happy to be free. I do not realize how deeply I have felt as if I was captive, until today. I am grateful for my friends, but without Edward, I would have been crazy by now. Edward really does ground me, and I realize earlier today that I never want to be away from him. I need him, as much as the air I breathe. I know that my reaction to his admission of wanting me to be his wife in the future scares him. I plan to show him, and tell him how I am not scared of that thought at all.

Esme has left the hospital hours ago with Peter and Charlotte. Esme is cooking us a huge supper. I am very hungry, now that my head is no longer throbbing. Peter only has to have twelve stitches; I however, have a rather lovely line of twenty-six. At least they do not have to shave my head; my stitches are right at the hairline. Peter wears his hair very closely trimmed, but still has to have a small area shaved.

Back at the house, I am happy, I have an hour before Jason arrives. Edward and I go to our room, hand in hand.

"Are you sure you are up for company tonight, my love?"

"Yes, Edward, I am really feeling okay right now. I really would like to shower and change my clothes. Shower with me?" I ask him. I see the twinkle of desire flash in his eyes.

As he nods his head, I pull him closer and graze the fingernails of my free hand across his chest. He softly moans out, and I bite my bottom lip, and look at him. Knowing he can see the desire in my eyes, I smile. Edward picks me and rushes the rest of the way to the bathroom. Turning on the water, he removes his clothes. He moves to me, and gently removes my clothing. We are both standing here looking into the other's eyes.

"I love you so much," he whispers, as he lowers his lips to mine.

I moan into his mouth, and wrap my arms around his neck. His hands drift lower, and he cups my ass. He lifts me, and my legs go around his waist right away. He walks us into the shower and under the spray of warm water. Our lips breaking only enough to get the air in we need to survive. The kissing turns into frantic need, and I feel the fingers of his right hand parting my folds. Touching the wetness, he groans into my mouth and sucks my tongue into his mouth. My back is against the wall, legs tightly around his middle. I scream out in pleasure as he thrusts two of his long fingers deep into my center.

"Oh baby, you're so wet. I'm going to fuck your tight pussy, are you ready for me?"

With my lips still hungrily biting and sucking the skin of his neck and collarbones, I moan out my agreement. His fingers leave me feeling empty, but that feeling does not last long. I feel so full as his cock stretches me and fills me completely.

"So tight, so wet, and all mine," Edward growls in my ear.

"Yes, yes, I am all yours," I pant out as he fucks me.

Hooking his right arm under my left leg, leaving my knee bent over his elbow, he is able to thrust deeper into me. I thread my fingers into his wet hair, and he hooks my right leg to match my left. With just my upper back resting on the tiled shower wall, he pistons his cock in and out of me with great force. I fall over the edge into a blissful land of pleasure, and I scream out in my climax. Edward continues to pump into me, until he releases his thick stream of cum into me. As we come down from our orgasm inducing high, our lips remain on each other.

We dress and go down to join our friends and family. The dining room table is set and the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen make my stomach growl. The doorbell chimes, and Peter lets Jason in the door. Everyone greets Jason kindly, and he hands me the briefcase he is carrying. I give him a hug, after setting the briefcase down. While everyone is talking to Jason, I motion to Peter to meet me in his office.

"Edward, I will be right back. I need to talk to Peter for a minute," I say.

"Okay, darling," Edward replies.

"Jason, what would you like to drink?" I hear Charlotte ask, as I follow Peter to his office.

"What do you need, Bella?"

"I have something that I need to place into your safe."

"Okay, I thought all of your safe contents were already here?" Peter says, questionably.

"Well, the things I had Jason get from my office safe were only there, because I had some work done on them."

"I see," Peter says. "What are we putting into the safe now, Isabella?" Peter asks, in his more authoritative voice.

"Peter, my dear friend, I have every intention of telling you what it is I am putting into the safe," I tell him. "But, make no mistake, I am telling you as a friend, not as a submissive to Master Peter!"

Peter chuckles, and says, "I wondered when that would lose its workability."

"It will always have its workability, just maybe not on me."

We both are chuckling, and I click open the briefcase.

I pull out all of the paperwork, including the deeds to my property. I also pull out the item I want most, and hand it to Peter.

"May I?" Peter asks me, holding the velvet covered jewelry box.

"Of course," I say.

Flipping open the lid, I can see the recognition cross his face when he realizes what he is looking at.

"Are these, what I think they are?"

"They belonged to my parents. I am not sure why, but I had them cleaned last month. They have been in my office safe since a few days after our return from Chicago."

"And, you are not sure what caused you to remove them from the bank security deposit box?"

"To be completely honest, I am not sure why I did it. I was not even thinking about it at all. I went to the bank three days before we left for Chicago to put some updated paperwork in the vault. I put the paperwork in, and saw the box. Opened it, and decided I wanted them to be cleaned."

"You know what you always told me about these, Isabella. I think if you look into your heart and mind enough, you will be able to answer that question."

"For tonight, I want them in the safe Peter. I have spent the day thinking. I fully intend to do more thinking, and maybe even some talking as well, very soon. Now, promise to not give me too much hassle," I tell him.

"Okay, I promise, on one condition."

"What is the one condition?" I ask him.

"I want you to make sure that you tell him. You need to make sure he knows what you want. If that day comes today or ten years from now, or even if it never comes, he needs to be aware of what you have always wanted."

"Yes, I promise to tell him. I will try to talk to him tonight."

"Good, now, shall we go see what those wonderful smells are?" Peter asks, as he puts out his arm for me to take.

"Yes, we shall. Esme is a really great cook," I say.

"Yes, yes, she is," Peter says.

EPOV

Bella and Peter walk into the room, and we all make our way to the table. Bella immediately moves to sit beside me, and places her hand on my leg. Everyone makes small talk, after my father says grace at Peter's request. Dishes are passing around the table, and everyone is enjoying the food my mother made.

"Esme, you are such a wonderful cook," Charlotte tells my mom.

"Yes, Esme, everything is so good," Bella adds.

"Are you sure you did not miss your true calling? I have seen your home, it is beautifully decorated, but this food is to die for," Peter says.

"Oh stop it now, all of you. You are only so enamored by my cooking today, because you spent the day eating that garbage the hospital serves," Esme says.

I can see that my mom is tickled pink, by the compliments.

"Mom, your meals are always this good," I tell her.

"I beg to differ, I remember a time…"

"Oh, shut it, you," my mom says, interrupting my father.

"Oh, I have to hear this," I say.

I swallow loudly, when my mom shifts her glare to me.

"Never mind," I say, as everyone at the table busts out laughing.

"I was only going to mention that as long as you were not grilling, it is always good," my father says.

"That is true. I can cook or bake anything in the house. Put me near an open fire or a grill, and it will be charbroiled alright."

We all laugh again, this time not at me.

After dinner my father and Peter, excuse themselves to the den. Charlotte and my mom insist that they will clean up. Jason, Bella, and I retire to the living room. Jason is again apologizing for Jessica's behavior.

"Jason, we have been business partners and friends for a long time. I do not hold you responsible for the actions of Jessica."

"Bella, you have always been very gracious of us. I know that you merely put up with Jessica, because of our friendship. I am sorry that she felt the need to mess in matters that were none of her business. Our marriage has been falling apart for years. I am actually relieved to have filed for divorce."

"I honestly never knew that her and Mike were related. I was beyond shocked," Bella says.

"Well, enough about the drama. What are your Christmas plans, Jason?" I ask, changing the subject.

"I fly out tomorrow morning. I am going to see my folks. I will not be returning until the third of January."

"Jason, can I speak to you about some business for a few minutes?" Bella asks.

"Of course, do we need to excuse ourselves, or can we talk in mixed company?"

"Well, it does involve some employees, but I trust Edward. Is that okay for you?"

"Yes, of course."

We all three sit on the sofa and Bella holds my hand.

"Jason, I spoke to Lauren last week and she said that Alec has been doing well. What do you think of making him a permanent employee?"

"Funny you should ask. I was going to ask you the same thing. What are you thinking?"

"I want him to take over my cases for January. I do not want to return to the firm until I have some major things settled in my life. Do you think that will be okay?"

"Of course, Bella. You worked the entire seven months I was off after my son died. You take all the time you need, and I will bring in that legal aid we have temping for us too."

"Lauren told me that Jane and Alec have worked well with each other. Lauren likes working with Alec too; she said he is very polite."

"I think that Alec works well with Jane, because she is his sister," Jason says with a laugh.

"She is?" Bella asks, in a shocked voice.

"Yeah, they do not make it common knowledge, and she has a different last name, because she has a different father. When I talked with Alec about the things he would be doing with the company until you returned, I mentioned hiring a legal aid temp too. He mentioned his sister, and asked if we had issues with family members working together. That is when he told me of her," Jason says.

"Then let's do it. Hire them both, I think a decent starting pay for Alec should be about $80,000. I checked the average salary for Cedar rapids; it is $85,000 right now. Make him the offer, if he wants more, let me know. Offer Jane $19,500, and when she finishes her night schooling, we will consider a raise. Make sure that Renita talks to them with, you and shows them the benefit packages we offer. If you want, I can actually come in for this and meet with them too. What do you think?"

"I think you have everything covered. Let me guess, Lauren has already typed everything up, and given copies to Renita and Bree regarding this?"

"Maybe," Bella says with a chuckle. Then nods her head, chuckling more.

"Bells, it is so good to see you smile and laugh. Take all the time off, you need. I am sure that both Alec and Jane will accept the offer of employment. I am sure we could offer Alec the starting wage of $60,000 and he would take it. I agree he is worth keeping, and I am glad you think so too."

"Well, I heard he is good, and you know Lauren. I hired her, because she flat out says what she thinks and doesn't mince words. Well, that and she types up really great contracts. She told me that Alec is the cat's meow."

"Well, I can see why you two have worked so well together for so many years. You both think alike," I tell them both.

Bella jumps a little, and then laughs.

"I am sorry, sweetheart, I just got into the conversation and forgot you were right here," Bella says.

"It is okay, my love. I enjoyed listening and watching you glow while talking."

I place a light kiss on her cheek, and she smiles again. Everyone chooses that moment to join us. Everyone sits down, mom and Charlotte have brought in a tray full of coffee and plates of cake.

"Is that lemon tower cake from Biaggi's?" Bella almost squeals.

"Yes, dear, it is indeed," Esme says.

"Oh, yummy," Bella exclaims.

"I get my piece first, or there might not be any for me," Peter jokes.

"Very funny, for that I should take yours," Bella says.

Charlotte hands each of us a plate, and mom pours our coffees. We all sit and enjoy the cake, it is very good. Everyone takes turns making small talk as we all enjoy the lovely night together. I glance at the clock and realize it is after nine.

"Well, folks, I have to go into the office long enough tomorrow to have a brief meeting with two potential new hires, and then I am jetting off to sunny warm Texas. Thank you so much for the wonderful cooking, Esme, it was nice to meet both you and Dr. Cullen. Peter, Charlotte, thanks for dinner, it is always a pleasure seeing you both."

Jason stands as he talks, shaking hands, and exchanging 'Merry Christmas' greetings. Bella and I walk him to the door, and I shake his hand and Bella kisses his cheek.

"Merry Christmas Jason, have a safe trip. Have Lauren or Renita call me and let me know if they accept."

"I will Bella, Merry Christmas. I hope that you and Edward both have a wonderful holiday," he says, smiling at us both.

With Jason out the door, I turn Bella around so she is facing me. I lean down enough to fully capture her lips with mine. After kissing her for several minutes, I pull back and look her in the eye. I can see the desire, and I am sure she can see the same in my eyes.

"I love you so much, Isabella, you make me so unconditionally happy."

"Edward, I love you the same. I need to do a few things before bed. I am going to steal away your mother and Charlotte. You and the guys can entertain yourselves for an hour, okay?"

"Don't overdo it, please?" I say questionably.

"I won't, honey, I just need to see a couple of things I had your mom pick up for me. I also need to make sure that a couple of other things made it here from the crash. Peter told me Charlotte had everything taken care of. Go play nice with the boys for a bit, I will help them clean up. Then I will get you, and we can go to our room."

"I love the sound of that," I whisper in her ear.

"The sound of what, my love?"

"Our room," I growl in her ear, and lightly bite her ear lobe.

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A/N: I know this chapter is a little smaller than normal, and I did not get everything in there that everyone wanted to see in this chapter. But once it was over 4000 word count, I wanted to separate it and put it out here like this. The next chapter will post sooner than normal, and will cover a whole lot of stuff. I may even have it ready by the beginning of next week. YAY! Things are really going to be coming to an end soon. Can you guess what it is that Bella put into Peter's safe? It sounds like Bella has made some major choices! There will be no more than three more chapters including the epilogue. Please let me know what you think!

Story Rec's:

ON TWCS: Check out the original fiction stories that Butterflybetty is writing. They are really great. I really love the story called "What Should Have Been" (Summary: Liz lived her life for her, having learned long ago that you can't let others have control. Cooper lived in the moment, knowing it could end in a heartbeat. Together they learn to love, trust, and depend on each other. In a moment, it's all destroyed, leaving nothing, but heartache and pain. Will they ever be able to find peace?)

Butterflybetty also has "Angel's Heart" (Summary: An age old prophecy, secret societies, and an enemy she never even knew she had, Sophie Crenshaw always thought of herself as just being average. A plain and simple woman, trying to get through life. Along with her two best friends, Deva and Tabitha, Sophie sets off on what she thinks is a normal vacation. What she doesn't know, is that everything she thought she knew about who she is, and what she can do, was about to change. With the help of people who she's never met, but know everything about her, will she be able to get control of the feelings steering up inside of her? Or will it be too much for her to handle? Henry Chang grew up knowing the stories of Sophie Crenshaw. In a divine moment, he's tied to her heart forever. Will their growing love give Sophie the strength and courage to face the greatest challenge of her young life?)

ON FF:

Check out all the wonderful stories written by Jess2002, her story of an older Edward and younger, but of age Bella is one hot story. Check out "Sugar Daddy Needed" it is well worth the read. There are only a few chapters left to that story.

My wonderful Beta is the writer of another favorite story of mine on FF. Be sure to check out "Boys of Fall" by: Cullen Confection. (Summary: "They didn't let just anybody in that club, To get to wear those game day jerseys down the hall, Kings of the school, We're the boys of fall." The guys are HS football players while Edward dreams of his future that includes more than football. AH Can OOC)

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Thanks to all the loyal readers and reviewers out there, as always if you review you will get a teaser from the next chapter... As always teasers are subject to change. Let me know what you think…Peace…TAT~