*Disclaimer - Sadly, I own nothing of Twilight with the exception of merchandise, bought and paid for. I do, however, own my love for borrowing the characters and playing with them however I choose to. I thank Stephenie Meyer for creating the TwiWorld and for allowing us to have our fun with it. She owns Twilight, the insanity it created in my mind is my own.

A/N ~ Props to sshg316 and msj2779 - fixers and hand-holders. :) Inspiration (and lyrics, 'pissing in the wind') come from Neil Young.

Whatever Works

Pissing in the Wind?

I couldn't believe my ears. Edward couldn't be saying that Esme knew about Evan all along. Grabbing onto his elbow, I stopped his stride and turned to him. "Edward, did she know about you and Maggie?"

He smirked. "You've met my sister. Does she strike you as the quiet type? One who could keep a row between us to herself? Yes, my parents knew about Maggie."

"So she knew Evan was yours when she went to visit," I stated, still unable to believe it. Knowing how Edward felt when he found out about his birth father, how could she do that to either of them?

He refrained from answering one way or the other. "It was a lot to fathom… me, having a kid. Maggie on her own, having my kid. Not saying a word about it. Alice wanted me to deal with it on my own – clean up my own mess, as it were. Once I laid eyes on Evan, I never thought of it as a mess, but it was a tenuous situation. Mike was scared shitless – me, having a kid would ruin my image. Alice was persistent with making me feel like an absolute shit over how I had treated Maggie. Mum and Dad thought I should take responsibility, but leave them be."

"Not see your own son?"

He nodded. "I'm not exactly the best influence for a child, and I bring havoc with me everywhere in the States. He could never come visit me."

"So you go to him," I nodded with a smile, finally understanding all the times Edward disappeared and why Esme was irritable about it.

"I talked to Maggie. I pretty much figured I'd messed her up enough, so it should all be up to her. She invited me for Evan's second birthday party. I was working, of course, but I flew out to meet him when I was done filming. I promised them a full month, to see if we could work something out. Mum and I had… words… before I left. Dad took me aside and promised he would get her to lay off and let me make my own choices. His very last words to me were along the lines of 'We've been wrong about this – our grandson could be the one person to make you into the man we know you can be. I'm proud of you for doing this, son.'"

His very last words… I squeezed my eyes shut. "The accident."

"I was away, meeting my two-year-old son when my dad died."

"Edward… I don't know what to say." I also did not know what to do. Hug him?

"There's definitely not a Hallmark for that." He attempted to smile, but it came off so heartbreakingly sad I wanted to cry for him. Impulsively, I hugged him.

"You're distracting me," he said with a hoarse voice after several moments. "I want to get this out. I want you to know everything."

"Sorry!" I released him reluctantly, but he grabbed for my hand and held it.

"Is this okay?" Smiling at my nod of confirmation, he laced his fingers through mine as we resumed our stroll. "Alice and Jasper got to LA after the accident before I did, and apparently there was a heated discussion about me. Seems my female relatives can't agree on how I should conduct my personal life." He snorted. "I vowed to leave Mum out of whatever I decided to do. I would cause more disappointment for her if I went against her and ended up messing up Evan and his parents' lives, as well as my own. She was dealing with her own trauma, and Evan is my responsibility. Alice told me I'm a selfish bastard – I shouldn't have Evan if I can't commit to his mother as well. Problem is – he is my son, and I love him. I don't ever want him to think that I don't. I don't want him showing up on my door one day and asking me why I never made an effort. If that's selfish, then I am. Pure and simple."

Leaning against his side, I gave his hand a squeeze. "Having seen you with him, you're not being selfish. He loves you, too."

A quiet, but guttural sound came from Edward, and he was silent for a few moments afterwards. "When Alice found out Maggie was marrying Ben, she broke her silent rage – she hadn't spoken to me since she returned to New York when Mum was still in the hospital. That was not too long after you came into our lives." He smirked, then continued. "My persistent little witch of a sister got me on a plane back to London where I was determined to do the right thing. I wanted my son. I want my son. Alice said all or nothing was the way to go, so I went for all, asking Maggie to reconsider and marry me instead of Ben."

In my attempt to swallow a scream, I squeaked instead, and Edward snickered at me. After clearing my throat, I tried actual words. "I take it she said no."

He snickered some more and tossed his head back. "Actually, she laughed. And then said 'fuck no!' Why the hell would she want me when she had a man who really loved her and Evan – one that would be a great husband and father? It would seem she got over her crush on me quite well after I devastated her." He chuckled some more. "I was feeling quite sorry for myself when you tore into me at the pool that time, but it got me moving forward. You reiterated what a childish ass I was being, and you barely knew me. I figured if every woman in my life felt the same way, it must be true."

"Oh my god." My cheeks flamed red. "I'm so sorry. I already felt like such a stooge for giving you a hard time when you'd just lost your dad. I would have sunk to the bottom of the pool and never surfaced if I'd known about Maggie too."

Edward released my hand and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, drawing me to his side. "It was the best thing you could have done – the talk that night at the pool, and the returned contract. That was when the unplanned proposal took place, by the way. Mike thought the party would perk me up. It's not like I was crushed when she turned me down – I care about Maggie, but we wouldn't have made it. I know that. It was more of a relief that I could be free to explore my feelings for you – of course, you set me straight on that, too. I needed the kick in the arse.

"I started calling Maggie daily after that, talking things through, speaking with Evan and letting him know I was around even if I wasn't actually there with him. It was good. It started us forming a real relationship and pushed me to be done with LA and everything that comes with it. I'm thrilled to know my son, and he's beginning to know who I am. He's not shy or nervous with me at all. I'm anxious to actually be a grown-up man. And I'm really excited about the possibility of a real relationship with a real woman who's not afraid to tell me I'm not all that." His hand dropped to my waist, and he leaned down to speak in my ear. "That's you."

~ 0 ~

As the birthday girl, I requested a take away dinner and a movie at home with Evan and Esme. Edward insisted on a cake as well, much to Evan's delight. He did have a mad love for all things chocolate. I was dubious when Edward allowed a second piece after all the 'biscuits' he'd eaten already, but he had to learn. Evan was climbing the walls on a sugar high as we tried to watch Cars with him. Esme gave up and left him to it halfway through, snickering knowingly as she went to her room.

"Is this normal?" Edward asked after she left. "This is like a whole other kid! I've only seen him during the day. Do they get like this later on?"

The expression on his face that hovered between horror and exasperation caused me to giggle-snort, and Evan giggled so much at me that he got the hiccups. He hiccupped really cute. "Well, I don't have much experience with kids, Edward. But I do know that you can't give them a dozen cookies and seconds on cake –"

"Biscuits!" Evan corrected me as he bounced against my legs.

"A dozen biscuits, sorry. This is your kid on sugar, Edward."

"My God…" He buried his head under his hands and Evan moved over to see what was going on.

"All right, Daddy?" He popped his head in to look at his dad's face and then squealed with delight when Edward yelled, "Boo!"

The TV went off, movie forgotten, and I kicked back to watch them at play. Edward chased Evan around the living room, helping him burn off some energy. They began incorporating a stop-over at me on their rounds – Edward initiated it, stopping to give me a sweet, light kiss. Evan giggled but then followed behind, kissing my cheek after shoving on his dad's butt to get him out of the way.

At one point, they had a mock argument over me when Evan declared me as his. "My Bella!"

"She is not! She's my Bella!" Edward countered with wide eyes.

"No, Daddy! My Bella first!" He sounded so indignant and proper with his accent. I squished him in a hug despite Edward's playful grumbles.

"She actually was my Bella first, if you must know. I simply loaned her to you to play with until I got here to reclaim her." The slightest bit of Evan's accent appeared in Edward's own voice as he sat beside us and wrapped his arms around me. I was floating.

Evan giggled and tried to pry his hands off me, managing to loosen them up enough to climb inside the embrace. Edward's eyes shimmered with something more than amusement, and he rested his head against mine, holding us both for as long as Evan would allow.

"I should try to get him into bed, shouldn't I?" Edward murmured softly when Evan started squirming. "No more playing?"

"I think you've got it now," I teased. "Which room is his? The one I took over for his train set-up?"

Edward shook his head. "I don't want him so far away to begin with. I've got a smaller bed for him in the room off mine. You didn't see it?"

"I didn't go in there."

Edward blinked in amazement. "You take this privacy way seriously, don't you?"

I swatted him and released myself from his grip to stop Evan on his tour around the room, backwards at high speed. "Let's go see your bed! I bet it's cool!"

He took my hand and let me lead him upstairs. Edward took my other hand and smiled down at him. "My Bella," he teased in a whisper.

His bed really was cool. It was a tiny cobalt frame with a quilt made of all things train-related – Esme's handy work, without a doubt. Unfortunately, it looked to Evan like an awesome place to play for the moment. Edward groaned and pulled me out into his own bedroom.

"Okay, I'll get him ready for bed and hopefully settled down. You should go check your email. Your other birthday gift is there." He gave me a push towards the door when I frowned in confusion. "Go check it out!"

I washed up and changed into my sleep clothes as my laptop booted up and then clicked on the new download he sent in an attachment. A song – 'Ambulance Blues' – but it wasn't Neil Young singing. It was Edward, doing the song Dad sang to me all those years ago, in his own way, changing 'Isabela' to 'Bella.' I listened several times, captivated by his voice and the soul he put into singing the words. It made me feel the same sense of security I'd felt as a little girl on my daddy's feet, dancing around the kitchen as he'd sing to me. He managed to capture a cherished memory of Dad that made me feel warm and loved, not alone. A perfect gift.

All was quiet when I snuck down the hall to check on the guys. Edward was reclined on his bed, and he waved me in. Evan was curled up at his side, sleeping soundly as Edward stroked his curls. His cheeks were rosy red and looked even more pinchable in this position.

"He just crashed," Edward told me softly. "He was chatting away and then boom! Out like a light. I hope he doesn't pee the bed." He chuckled as he admired his little boy.

"He's so beautiful, Edward. Truly. And smart! But I love that he can't say 'blue'. It's adorable."

Edward smiled at me and tugged on my hand to get me to sit beside him. "That's all the Mallorys' doing – and Ben. They talk to Evan constantly. Always teaching him this and that. I had nothing to do with how perfect this little guy is."

"You had everything to do with how perfect my birthday gifts were," I proclaimed.

"You liked the song then? I was a little worried it would only make you sad."

Shaking my head, I leaned in to kiss his cheek. "It's perfect. Thank you. The lemon tree too." I laughed softly. "That was such a ridiculous dream. I can't believe you remembered it! How did you know it was my birthday anyway?"

He waggled an eyebrow, snickering evilly. "I have my ways… But seriously, it was on your resume."

"You actually read it? And remembered it?"

"Bella, I wasn't about to have just anyone look after Mum. I read hundreds. Literally. You had the qualifications, but I told you I knew you were the one when you put that cow from the Rehab Association in her place during your interview. Sassy." He grinned at me and ran his fingers along my arm. "I reacquainted myself with your details because I knew you'd fit in with our strange clan. I think that's a compliment… it's meant to be, anyway."

I smiled shyly into his sleepy eyes. He had a lock of hair that had fallen onto his forehead, and I pushed it back, emulating the gentle strokes he was still giving his son.

"The tree… it wasn't really meant as a birthday gift, initially. The song was your gift. I intended to take you out and romance you, but Maggie got mixed up when I came back earlier than expected. She thought I was taking Evan straight away. Sorry about that." Color flooded into his cheeks as he grinned at me. "The lemon tree was an attempt to help you see I'm not messing around. This is more than just fun for me, and I hope you'll stay with your tree and watch it grow through the seasons – without a contract. If you think it's really corny, blame my dad. It's purely inspired by him."

"That's what I was hoping it meant," I whispered, finally admitting that it was more than just fun for me as well. I took the lead this time and kissed him – soft, gentle, loving. Evan stirred when Edward took his hand away from him to hold onto me. "I should go, let you guys get some sleep."

"Stay with us?" Edward whispered, stroking my cheek.

I shook my head and turned to kiss his palm. "This is your time. Enjoy it. Thanks for my song and… everything."

"Bella –" He grasped my hand as I stood to leave. "Am I… am I pissing in the wind?"

I giggle-snorted and cupped my hand over my mouth as Evan giggled in his sleep. "No," I whispered when I got my giggles under control. "Definitely not pissing in the wind. Goodnight, Edward. Sleep well."

In my own room, I drifted off to the sound of Edward crooning to me through my ear buds, and sweet memories. I loved the song. And the lemon tree, and its sentiment. The best gift he gave me, however, was his truth and knowing that he had absolute trust in me.

~ 0 ~

I had that fluffy morning-after glow when I woke the next day, the same I'd had the morning after Edward had made love to me. The sound of faint voices could be heard from down the hall. Evan was an early riser too. I dashed from my bed and into the shower, anxious to start the day and see both of them. When I turned the water off, there was shrieking replacing the quiet murmurs. Hurriedly, I threw on some jeans and a t-shirt, tied my wet hair back, and ran down the hall to their rooms.

"Okay in there?" I called through the open bedroom door. It sounded like they were in the bathroom.

"Bella!" Evan came streaking out, butt naked, and wrapped himself around my legs.

Edward appeared in the doorway, dripping wet and frustrated. He had on flannel pants and a t-shirt that clung to his body. "Apparently, he doesn't like bathing."

"Was he bathing, or you?" I quipped with a grin. "He's the dry one."

Edward chuckled, running his hands through his hair. "I'm about to give up on it. You care to give it a try?"

I scrunched down, sitting on my heels to talk to Evan. "What's the deal here, pal? Daddy's going to help you in the bath – you don't have to be scared."

"No bath!" Evan cried and threw his arms around my neck.

"Why not? I had a bath… well, a shower. See?" I tickled his cheek with the tips of my wet hair. "Daddy will too – though he's probably wet enough already." I giggled. "Baths are fun!"

"I want to play, Bella!" he said as his big tear-filled eyes implored me to take his side. "Not bedtime! I want to play with our trains!"

"Ohhhh! Ev, do you take your baths at bedtime?"

He nodded, his bottom lip stuck out insolently as he turned away from me to scold his father. "Bath time, and then bed, Daddy! You're all turned around!"

Edward banged his head off the door jamb and groaned. "That makes complete sense. Come here, buddy." He bent and scooped his son up as he ran back to him. "Okay. Daddy made a mistake. I didn't even think about a bath last night… so, we'll skip it altogether, all right? Can we wash your hands maybe? And clean your teeth?"

Evan nodded and hugged his dad, forgiving his ignorance on bathing schedules.

"He didn't come with instructions," Edward grumbled as he sat him down on the counter.

Evan pulled a face and squirmed. "Oh! My bum is cold!"

I clamped my hand over my mouth to hide the giggles, and I saw Edward struggling to keep his own laugh in as he stood him up. "Sorry, pal. Yeah, that would be cold on the bum." He kept one hand on him while he reached for a bath towel, and Evan pulled away at the sight of it. "No, no, no. This isn't for your bath. I'm just going to wrap you up so you won't be cold, all right?"

Business taken care of, Edward set him on the floor and removed the towel as he whispered something in his ear. Evan giggled and scooted off to his room, calling out, "Bella saw my willy!"

"Yeah, well she saw mine first," Edward teased under his breath, pulling me into a hug as I buried my face in his chest in hysterics.

"Oh my god, the things he says with that cute little accent! So adorable!"

Edward hummed against my hair as he swayed me in his arms. "He's your favorite, isn't he?"

"Well, you'll have to work really hard to outshine him, I have to say. He's got the accent going on, and he's sooooo sweet! Cute little bum too," I taunted.

"That," Edward smirked, "he totally gets from me."

A/N ~ If you've forgotten, 'Ambulance Blues' was the song Bella rec'd to Edward. He turned it around and regifted, in his special way. Somehow, I feel it ties Charlie to them - the lyrics to the song do fit into their lives, as if he was preparing his baby girl for this romance. You can Google it. ;) A million thanks for reading. I appreciate you all. XX ~ SR