A/N... I know that you guys don't want this story to end, though you want Lilith gone. Like DEAD, gone. Again, I say... PATIENCE.
I know most of you have asked for another sequel in the Gravity Series, because you're just not ready to let Mercward go. Believe me, I understand. However, I'm not making any promises on that. At all. And for those of you that really know me, then you know a plot bunny could strike at any time, and that goes for the Angel Series, as well. So as of right now, the answer to the question that you've all been asking... "What's next?" No freakin' idea, but don't write me off.
Now, this chapter was another one of those that kind of wrote itself. It took off in a direction I wasn't prepared for, so it actually pushed my outline out a chapter. Like I said...25 chapters plus the epi.
Time has moved on a bit. This is two weeks home from Aunt Kate's, a little bit before Halloween, and another doctor's appointment, not to mention you'll see what Carlisle and Bella are working on together.
Enjoy it. I'll see you at the bottom.
CHAPTER 23
BELLA
"You know, I didn't sign up for all this heavy labor," Alec growled, rolling his eyes and hammering a nail into the board. "I'm a special ops soldier, capesce? Not a construction worker...not a farm hand," he continued to bitch, but Jasper's and Edward's unstoppable laughter just made him smile.
"Hmm, but they look so freakin' good doing those things," Alice muttered from the deck chair beside me, and we snorted into shameless giggles, because it was so fucking true.
It was just me and Alice on the porch at the moment. Rose and Emmett were spending some time with their parents, showing off baby Caleb now that they could. Makenna and Wes probably hadn't seen the light of day since we got back to Washington, and Carlisle had gone back to Twi Towers with Esme.
We'd been home for about two weeks. Edward had immediately gotten to work on the baby's new room. Instead of hiring a crew, he wanted to work on it himself, only bringing in outside resources when it was something he couldn't do himself, like pouring the concrete foundation, the wiring, and he'd most likely get someone to do the roof, as well. Everything else, he insisted that he try. I was proud of him, because he was treating it as a rehabilitation thing for his leg, but he was willing to admit when he couldn't do it alone, like today. Today, they were building the frames for the outer walls...in just jeans, on a rare sunny day, sweating and flexing.
I brought my mug of warm tea to my lips, trying to tamper down my horny hormones. They were out of control.
"And he's so working the fact that Abby's mother is just inside the house," I added in a mutter. "Alec's been salivating since she stepped onto the damn property." I chuckled, rubbing my hand over my now just barely there baby bump. It was just big enough to make all my clothes not fit, and just small enough that Edward's hand could still spread over it – though his hand wasn't the only thing he put there, because just under my shirt was a love bite that would make a hooker blush.
"No shit, the sly dog," Alice laughed softly, her eyes flickering from the computer screen on her lap, to the boys, and then back to me. "That's some thick-ass charm he's workin'."
I smirked, but it was true. "Five bucks says he invites her to Preacher's Halloween Fundraiser."
"Oh yeah," she agreed, going back to her computer, where she was still looking for Lilith.
Carlisle had finally agreed to my suggestion. Once he met Preacher, saw the neighborhood, and witnessed what a wonderful thing the rec center was, he latched on to my idea with a tenacity that only he could pull off. The two of us got together with Hannah in the charities department of Twi Tech, and she was right on board. Carlisle sought out Walter Bridges Sr., bought the big ass warehouse that was abandoned – not to mention a few other buildings – and it was now being turned into housing for the homeless. Not only would it help that rundown community, it would give them jobs, stability, and something to take care of, because he was basically giving it to them.
He also was putting in a few businesses – a small grocery store, a gas station, and a storage facility for Twi Tech. All of it meant more jobs closer to home, easier shopping, and more security, because when Carlisle Cullen wanted to build something, the city of Seattle protected it.
The shelter would be finished first, but it needed funds, so Hannah had set up a Halloween party, turning the warehouse, the rec center, and the space in between into a small festival for the local kids and their families.
Gravity would be working alongside Twi Tech's security people to make sure everyone stayed safe and no one decided to "act the fool," as Preacher worried.
"Is Edward going to let you work it?" Alice whispered.
"Uh...no, not really," I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm going, but only because my name is on this whole thing – Carlisle insisted – and because Preacher fell in love with Bethy and invited her. So she's determined to dress up, get candy, and see 'the big pweacher guy' again." I grinned at Alice's laugh. "You should've seen them. It was hilarious, because she's so small and he's so damn big. She comes to his kneecap!"
"So it's a family thing for you two?"
I shook my head after taking a sip of tea. "We'll be armed, we'll patrol, but anything major is all on him. He made me swear it. In fact, he really wants me and Bethy with Preacher, Carlisle, Alec, or himself the whole time."
We both looked up when two little brunettes darted back into the yard, a colorful blur of squeals and laughter. Sarah Carmichael walked out right behind them, wearing a wry smile and shaking her head. She'd offered to take the girls inside when the said they had to potty and wanted something to drink. She took her seat next to me as the girls resumed their playing.
For everything that she'd been through, with the kidnapping of Bethy and Abby, I had been afraid that she would hate us, but that simply wasn't the case. Yes, she'd been frantic, but the story that little Abby had told her, plus the fact that we'd returned her daughter to her unharmed, had given her a little perspective. Once she'd heard the whole story from Wes and Benny, she'd understood completely and without anger, because apparently, her now deceased husband had been a cop in Olympia. She was well aware of the hazards of what a dangerous career could bring down on a family.
Nathan Carmichael had been interviewing witnesses for a murder case, had finished up for the day, and was meeting his wife and daughter for dinner. He'd been followed and had been shot down in the parking lot of the restaurant just as they were about to head home. Abby had been less than a year old; she didn't remember a thing, but Sarah did. All of it. In fact, it was the reason she'd moved to a small town after he'd died.
As soon as Sarah had heard we were back in Forks, she'd called me, wanting to get the girls together. She'd stopped mine and Edward's profuse apologies, because she said we'd more than made up for it by risking our lives to get Abby and Bethy back. She wouldn't hear another word of it.
Looking at her right then, I truly felt for her, due to my own close call with Edward. She was alone, raising a beautiful little girl, struggling just to get through. She was still young, very pretty, with long, dark hair and hazel eyes. From what I could gather from just our casual conversations, she didn't make friends easily and she seemed fairly lonely. Again, my heart went out to her, because as I glanced across the porch, Edward's green gaze locked with mine, causing my whole body to shake with the gratefulness that consumed me.
My hand rubbed my little bump softly as I fought running to him.
"How far along are you?" Sarah asked, eying my hand knowingly.
I smiled, looking down, and then back to her. "Almost three months."
She grinned and nodded. "During all this, you get good news," she chuckled, shaking her head, because Alice and I had caught her up to speed on what was really going on with Abby's kidnappers. "Congratulations," she said, and I thanked her.
Alice giggled, looking up from her computer. "It was a shock, that's for sure, though I think Edward was just about to explode from pride."
We all chuckled, glancing over at the three working men. Alec and Jasper were holding the first wall frame so Edward could secure it in place. Muscles flexed, sweat dripped, smiles of pride flashed across handsome faces, and I was pretty sure that I was way too hormonal to be sitting there for much longer.
"Oh, he's really trying to kill me today," I muttered, shaking my head, which only caused Alice's head to fall back with her laughter. "Shut it, pixie," I snorted, rolling my eyes as she only laughed harder.
"When I was pregnant with Abby," Sarah said with a wry smile, chuckling at our exchange, "Nate had to change clothes at the precinct." She grinned over at me. "There was something about the uniform that sent my hormones into overdrive. I made him late just about every day."
We all snorted into loud laughter, causing all the boys to look our way, as well as the girls to pause their pretend tea party from under the tree house.
I wiped tears away from my eyes, saying, "Yeah, but this one..." I pointed toward the construction, keeping my voice low. "He's been through this before, and he knows exactly what he's doing to drive me crazy."
Sarah giggled. "I bet."
"Hey, Bellissima?" Alec called sweetly, and I had to fight to keep from rolling my eyes. When I looked over at him, he asked, "Would you check my sauce? It should be just about done."
"Stop it," Sarah snorted. "He cooks?"
"They all do," Alice and I muttered wryly.
"Sure, but you're in charge, Uncle Alec," I yelled back, raising an eyebrow at him and pointing to the two girls.
He grinned and nodded.
The three of us went inside the kitchen. Alice and Sarah sat down on stools, while I checked the slow, simmering, yummy goodness that was Alec's spaghetti sauce. He made that shit from scratch, using his grandmother's old recipe, but he swore it had to cook all damn day. Really, I think he just liked to drive the whole house into a frenzy with just how good it smelled.
"What's his story?" Sarah asked, and Alice's head snapped around.
I smiled, pulling a pot out to start the water for the pasta. "He's obviously Italian, former Air Force, been working with Edward's dad for years, but he now works for me in security. He's amazing with Bethy," I said, turning around to look at Sarah. "Amazing," I reiterated. "He's a ridiculous flirt, outrageously handsome, but one of the most loyal people I know. I don't know what we would have done without him these last few years. Honestly."
That was the fucking truth. I'd met Alec just after Edward and Carlisle had pulled me out of Miller's basement. He'd been semi-retired from working for Carlisle, but had come back and been with us ever since. He treated me with the utmost respect, adored Bethy beyond belief, and loved Edward like a younger brother.
Alice nodded silently, looking over at Sarah. "He's just shy of forty, owns his grandmother's old house in Brooklyn, an apartment in Seattle, and drives a fixed up, street racing RX8...sexiest car I've ever seen, though right now, he's driving a rental SUV. No wife, no kids, not even a dog. He's staying here right now to help with security."
"Not even an ex?" she gasped, glancing out the window and back.
"No," Alice and I both sighed sadly, because that very topic had come up with me and my girls more than once.
We adored Alec, thinking his sweet, flirty ways were adorable. I was pretty sure he'd left his fair share of broken hearts along the way, but I got the feeling there were less than he bragged about in front of the guys.
"I won't lie to you," I told her, pulling out a pan to start the garlic bread, simply because I was fucking starving. "Alec...he has a way with women."
"I'm not blind, Bella," Sarah chuckled. "And I haven't exactly been alone for three years – just...picky as to who my daughter sees."
I smirked over at her, laying the bread out and sticking the tray in the oven. I glanced out the window, motioning her to look.
"But then there's this," I snickered, watching her face take in the front yard. I cracked the window so she could hear them.
"Unca Alec!" Bethy laughed, her face turning pink as he, Edward, and Jasper sat with the girls on their picnic blanket. "You hafta put it on!" she told him, holding out the big floppy hat.
"Hey, I've worn it...you can, too," Jasper scolded him, wearing a shit-eating grin.
We all chuckled as we watched, because Edward took the big pink feather boa and tied it around his head like a headband, and Jasper slapped the hat onto Alec's head before donning a flowery apron. The two little girls were in hysterics, their little hands covering their faces. My boys lived to hear that sound – especially Edward.
"Shit, I just love it when Bethy makes them do that!" Alice giggled, going back to her stool.
I looked over at Sarah. "He's not a saint, but he's a damn good guy," I stated, shrugging one shoulder, because that pretty much summed up every man in my life – from Carlisle and Edward, to Jasper, Alec, and Emmett. They were my family. "And he's just about to trip over himself to flirt with you."
She smiled, blushing a bit, but nodded that she'd heard me.
Just before I closed the window, I yelled, "Come on, ladies, take a break and eat something!"
Edward's head fell back with his laugh, but he stood up, tugging the boa off his head. He shot a glance toward the house, telling the two girls to wash up. Tiny feet pounded through my house and down the hall, but three sets of heavy boots thumped into the kitchen. Suddenly, the kitchen was overwhelmingly full of tall, handsome men, all smelling like sun and grass and lumber, tugging their t-shirts on over their heads.
"It's good, Bellissima, yeah?" Alec asked, washing his hands and picking up the lid of the pot.
"I'm starving, Alec. It could be a buffalo, and I'd be okay with it," I teased him. "I think you let it cook so long that I eat like three plates before it's all over."
"That's my girl," Edward chuckled, wrapping arms around me from behind, his hand immediately seeking out its place on my stomach for just a moment. "I want him strong, love," he growled huskily in my ear so that no one else heard him, placing a sweet, but over too soon kiss to my neck.
"You want me huge," I countered with a laugh as he picked me up and set me on a stool.
"That, too," he said with a sexy ass grin and a wink. "Sit, baby. I'll make yours."
Him. I smirked, shaking my head at that. Ever since we'd told Bethy that I was pregnant, our little bean had suddenly become a him. Edward was building his room, his crib. However, discussions for names were mutually put on hold until we knew for sure. I'd teased Edward once over it, telling him that he could be offending another girl, but he'd only smiled sweetly and shrugged, saying that was fine, it was just more girls for him to love.
"Mommy!" Bethy gushed, rushing into the kitchen. "I w-want... I w-want to g-go as a c-cat for Halloween," she sputtered excitedly. "When we go see Pweacher again."
I smiled down at her, pulling her to my lap. "A cat, huh?" I verified, and she nodded vehemently. "Well, I think we can do that."
"I'm going as a ballerina," Abby said softly, and we all looked at her. She was still so very shy, but she was finally comfortable around us enough to speak up.
"She's coming wif us, wight, Mommy?" Bethy asked, looking around the room at all the adults, and finally landing on her dad.
"If she wants to, little sweetness," he chuckled, setting two plates full of pasta and garlic bread in front of me and Bethy. "I think that's up to her mom."
"Trick or Treating?" Sarah asked, but just like I'd thought he would, Alec answered.
"No, there's a Halloween block party that Carlisle's throwing as a fundraiser in Seattle. We'll be heading up security, but there'll be games, food, and I think...a haunted house." He growled the last words to Bethy, who grinned at him as she twirled her noodles just like he'd taught her. "If you'd like to go, I'd personally see to it that no ghosts, ghouls, or goblins bother you," he vowed smoothly, placing a hand over his heart. "Sarebbe il mio onore, signore... It would be my honor, ladies..."
Edward smirked, popping a piece of garlic bread into his mouth and chewing it slowly while he watched them, as he sat down next to me and Bethy. Jasper grinned, shaking his head as he stared down at his plate. I wanted to laugh, because Alec was turning the Italian charm on thick, but one look at Sarah, and I knew she was done for.
Abby giggled at him, and I was sure that was all it took, because Sarah glanced down at her, and then back to him. Sarah spoke to her daughter first. "You want to go with Bethy?" she asked, and Abby nodded happily, causing Bethy to look up at Sarah with a pleading face. Sarah smiled shyly, but nodded at Alec. "Okay, that'd be great. Thank you."
Alec's smile could have lit the entire city of Seattle, and I had to take an enormous bite of pasta to hide my amusement, but Edward caught it, leaning to my ear.
"Oh, he's smooth. Just wait until that night..." he whispered in a soft chuckle as the girls squealed in happiness, drowning him out a bit. I grinned, giggling and leaning into him. He kissed my temple, smiling against my skin as he said, "She won't know what hit her."
When dinner was over, Alec walked Sarah and Abby to their car, making sure the security that Wes had set up let them out okay. Once he was back inside the house, I folded my arms across my chest, leaning a hip against my counter as Edward and Jasper finally let out their laughter at his antics, but as funny as it was at the moment, I wasn't so sure what his intentions were. Alec caught my stare, sobering up quickly.
"Don't just use her, Alec," I warned him, raising an eyebrow. "She's been through some...not so nice things. She's not a toy. She's a single mother... That's two lives you're messing with." He started to say something as he shook his head, but I went on, and he snapped his mouth closed. "It's all fun and games with adults, but Abby isn't along for the ride. Got me?"
Edward and Jasper sobered up quickly at the change in conversation, looking between us.
"Bellissima, it's not like that," he countered, holding up his hands in a surrendering gesture. "I would have already asked her out, but the timing was off, amore." He frowned, shoving his hands into his front pockets. "It was during all the kidnapping stuff. I would have been an ass, asking her the day that Benny returned Abby back to her. And I couldn't hurt the little one any more than I could my Bambina."
Edward's eyebrows shot up when Alec jerked his chin toward the living room where Bethy was watching a movie.
I huffed, shaking my head. "I know your reputation, Alec. I'm just thinking that's not what Sarah's all about, okay?"
"I consider myself completely warned, Bella," he chuckled, his smile creeping back up on his face. "This isn't like that," he said again. "I want...more."
My eyes flashed to Edward. "I've heard that before, Alec," I murmured, rolling my eyes at Edward's chuckle. "Watch out, you'll be married soon..." I teased him, narrowing my eyes at my amused husband. "And then...it's all over, buddy!"
Alec smirked, shaking his head at me. "I'll be on my best behavior, Bellissima. I promise."
I shook my head, waving him off, not knowing if that was a good thing or not. After what I'd just witnessed, I was pretty sure that Alec's idea of behaving was somewhat similar to Edward's. They were both shamelessly charming, and I could well imagine just what they were capable of together back in the day.
"He was a bad influence on you," I playfully growled at Edward.
He grinned, shooting a look to Alec. "Yes, ma'am. He was."
As I left the room, I heard Edward mutter, "It's best to just nod and smile, man. Seriously."
~oOo~
EDWARD
"While we're in town, I need to make a stop at some point," I told Bella, glancing over at her as I drove through the streets of Seattle.
"Sure," she sighed, but chuckled. "It seems we'll be busy all day."
I smiled at her chuckle, because it was true. We had a meeting with Preacher to go over the last minute guidelines for his security before the party tomorrow night. Bella had a check up at her doctor's office, and we had to pick Bethy up from my dad's apartment, because Esme was taking her to find the perfect cat costume for the fundraiser – thankfully, only the kids had to dress up. But I needed to do one more thing before we went back home.
I pulled into the parking lot of the doctor's office, shutting off the engine. I held my hand out to Bella. "Gun," I said wryly, which caused her to burst into sweet laughter.
"No," she grumped dramatically. "It'll be justifiable homicide, baby."
I grinned, shaking my head. "Gun, sweetness. I'm not having you arrested while pregnant with my child. Mindy isn't worth the hell I'd bring down on the county jail should something happen to you."
Bella scoffed at me, rolling her eyes, all while fighting her smile, and handed over her nine mil. "Fine...whatever."
I kissed her temple and got out of the car, stowing her gun in my inside jacket pocket as I walked around the SUV to help her out of the car. "Come on, love. This will be the best part of the day."
Mindy wasn't even at the front desk when we checked in, but we did see her on our way back to the examination room. Her eyes wouldn't meet mine, and that was just fine with me, because I wasn't sure what my wife would do to her if she stared like she had the last time. I knew Bella. It wasn't the fact that the girl had crushed on me later in high school, or maybe even found me attractive now; it was the cruelty in which she treated me over my stutter, my being the new kid in school and being different. Bella had zero patience for that bullshit at twelve years old, so it only was exacerbated as an adult. According to my wife, people were allowed – and should be encouraged – to be different. It made us interesting; it made us...us. Stutters, scars, quirky personality traits, shocking intelligence, fierce and almost blind loyalty...Bella surrounded herself with people with these traits. She loved us all without trying to change us.
I kissed her forehead at that last thought, just as the doctor walked in.
"You know, that's what got you here," Dr. Sandler snarked, giving us a wry smile.
Bella and I chuckled, but I sat back, linking our fingers together. Dr. Sandler was a calm, sarcastic woman. She'd delivered Bethy, so Bella wouldn't hear of going to anyone else.
"You missed your last appointment, Isabella," she stated, flipping through the chart and tsking at the same time.
"Sorry, family emergency," Bella mumbled, and I squeezed her hand a bit.
"Well, then, this should be interesting, because there'll be huge differences this time."
The doctor lifted Bella's shirt and proceeded to smear the chilly goo over her belly. A heavy whirring met my ears, and I knew enough, remembered enough from Bella being pregnant with Bethy to know that what we were listening to was a strong heartbeat.
I grinned, shaking my head, because right then, it was all too real.
"Sounds good, Dad," Dr. Sandler teased, most likely due to the shit-eating grin I was wearing, but we all turned our attention to the small screen in front of us. "Not a bean anymore, guys," she chuckled, glancing at us. "I'm seeing arms, legs, toes, fingers, a strong little heart...but not quite everything. It seems you've got a shy one."
Bella and I both chuckled, but it was true. The baby seemed to be curled up, hiding his or her face. We knew it was possible to find out this early what we were having, but it was rare. And I wasn't disappointed by any means, because seeing the tiny version of my new little one was just about my favorite thing.
"Looks perfect," the doctor sighed contentedly, giving us a warm smile. "I still want to check a few things, but I see no problems at this stage. You're heading into the second trimester just brilliantly."
Bella smiled and nodded, and as soon as her stomach was cleaned up and the picture was printed, the doctor "poked and prodded," as my wife liked to say. And again, we got a thumbs up and an all clear.
Once we were back in the car, I handed Bella her gun back, which made her laugh again, but in all reality, she would need to have it on her when we got to Preacher's. I chuckled against her temple as she stowed it away, but I couldn't resist her stomach.
"He looked good, love... Strong," I teased her. Honestly, we didn't care whether it was a boy or a girl, but everyone seemed to be pulling for a boy, which was what had started the whole he thing in the first place.
She giggled, leaning her head back to the headrest. "Drive, Edward. That names list is still on hold, pal."
I laughed, kissing her cheek and rubbing her belly one more time.
~oOo~
"I don't think we'll have any problem covering every section," Alec said, pointing to the two main buildings and where the games and some small rides were currently being put together. "We'll put a few men at each entrance, a few in the game area, and scatter the rest of us throughout the place."
This was what Alec was really good at. He'd been working security for years before he joined back up with me and my dad, so we let him lead.
"I think we should look like security," Emmett stated, his face serious. "I think that we should pose as a visual deterrent, as well as a physical one."
"I agree with that," Bella added, giving the entire area a long, slow glance. "Shoulder harnesses, name badges, and everyone dress the same..." she murmured, her eyes dragging over each section. "The only one I don't think that needs to do that is Carlisle, because he'll be a public figure here."
"Now, we'll have local police working with us," Alec said. "They'll patrol the streets surrounding the neighborhood, and they are who we'll be calling should something happen." He looked around at the twenty or so men and women that were listening to him. "You have the right to escort anyone causing a problem out of the function. You have the right to suggest arrest once they are outside the party. Understood?"
There were murmurs of consent, but one guy spoke up.
"Do you think there will be a lot of trouble?" he asked.
It was Preacher who answered. "Yes and no," he sighed, stepping forward. "There is a part of this community that is extremely excited about these next few things. They need the work, a place to live, a chance to get back on their feet. There are more of them than the troublemakers that are out there."
"How's Reggie feel?" Bella asked, turning to him.
"Oh, he's fine with it. His...um, clientele range all over the city anyway," Preacher scoffed, rolling his eyes. "He's actually got a young cousin that wants to work in the shelter, so he can't really complain. However, he was very interested with that last bit of news you had me pass on to Sharky."
Bella grinned, patting his big arm. "I bet he was. Lilith owes him how much?"
"A hundred grand, if not more," he chuckled. "You really think she'll come back here?"
"I'm surprised Sharky hasn't heard from her yet," she stated with a shrug. "He was always her connection, so I think it's just a waiting game for us. She'll show up eventually."
I sighed, shaking my head, because the mere thought of that crazy bitch still roaming around the streets made me angry. I looked to Preacher. "Her target would be Bella. Period." I turned to the security crew, as well as Emmett, Jasper, and Alec. "Keep your eyes peeled, your heads clear. I'm not kidding. This is the perfect type of situation that she'd approach, because she could hide in the numbers."
I wasn't fucking stupid. I knew Bella was hoping this whole function would draw Lilith in, like a fly to honey. It wasn't that the community help wasn't a brilliant idea, because it was, but the fact that it was Lilith's old neighborhood didn't help my nerves.
"Well," Jasper drawled, eying me, and then Bella. "She's kinda on this committee, too, right?" he asked, and we all nodded, but he turned to me. "So let's keep her with Carlisle and Esme. We'll post you with them, too. Stick to the main areas." He pointed to Bella. "Nowhere alone, Bells. In fact, if you stayed in the rec center all night, I wouldn't bitch about it."
She chuckled, nodding. "I hadn't planned on a nighttime stroll through the back streets, Jazz," she snarked at him. "The only reason I'm coming is because we're all here, and it's something that's needed here. Wes is Carlisle's personal guard on this. I'll be surrounded every step, and it's only a few hours."
Preacher studied my face, because I was shaking my head. "You're worried?"
"Yeah," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "If it were up to me, she and my daughter would be home...if not locked in a room," I growled at her, rolling my eyes at her scoff.
Preacher chuckled. "Is it the neighborhood? Or Lilith?"
"The neighborhood is fine," I said, because as many times as we'd been there, we were always welcomed. "I really don't like that we haven't heard from Lilith. Nothing's showing up on any searches, she hasn't popped up on any radar, and they haven't found her dead anywhere. Until I get my hands on her, even a trip to the store makes me nervous."
Alec chuckled, squeezing my shoulder. "Easy, kid. We've got some media coverage making this pretty out in the open, we've got more than enough security, including the police, and we've got a local drug gang out for Lilith's head. What more do we need?"
That caused a round of laughter, even from me, because all of that was true. We really couldn't be safer. Still...
I turned to Preacher. "Reggie... Is he coming?" I asked him.
"Probably not the way you mean," Preacher snickered. "He'll be controlling the streets around us, though. He already said it. He's getting the same vibe you are, son. He thinks this will draw Lilith in."
"Okay," I sighed, thinking if I couldn't catch her, at least someone could, and somehow, I couldn't find it in me to give a shit whether it was a gang or not. "Then I guess we'll see you back here tomorrow night." I stuck out my hand, and he took it firmly.
"Miss Isabella!" we heard behind us, and I couldn't help but smile. Miss Geneva was waddling her way quickly toward my wife. "Look at you, child!"
"Hi, Miss Geneva," Bella said, wrapping her up in a hug. "Green Bay Packers today, I see."
The old woman shrugged, grinning from ear to ear. "I likes my football players, girl. They're big, strong...handsome," she whispered with a wink, giving Preacher a side glance. "Don't care what color they are, neither. Could just about eat a quarterback up with a spoon."
Bella giggled, as did some of the other women on the security team. "How are you?"
"I've got me a job!" she said, beaming. "Gonna run the kitchen at the shelter. Just wait until you taste my meatloaf."
I chuckled, shaking my head, because she was a fantastic character. She was spunky, full of life, even though she had to be well into her late seventies and had been living on the streets for who knew how long. She never wore anything other than oversized football jerseys from every team, it seemed. She didn't have a tooth in her head, but her smile was so fucking infectious that you couldn't help but like her.
"I see you brought my handsome thing, Isabella," she said, catching sight of me. She cupped my face. "You doin' okay there, gorgeous?"
I laughed. "Yes, ma'am. Just fine."
"Good." She beamed, her eyes flickering back to Bella. "And I can see why..." she gasped, eying Bella's hand as she placed a hand on her stomach. "Mmm, mmm, makin' pretty babies," she crooned, grinning at Bella's laugh. "Let me see you," she ordered, cupping my wife's face, giving her stomach the lightest of touches. "I'm thinking girl, but it's too soon to tell. Come back to me in a few months..."
"Don't believe her," Preacher chuckled in my ear. "She called my first son a girl, and that was after we'd already seen the sonogram."
I laughed, but hid it behind my hand. "Got it. Thanks."
"Lord, Miss Geneva, what do you need?" Preacher sighed, but gave her a placating smile. Even he couldn't get upset with her when she flitted from one subject to the next at lightning speed.
"They need you over at the rec center to tell them where you want something or other. I don't know," she huffed, folding her arms across her chest like a pouting child. "And Sharky's here to see you."
That got our attention, but we looked to Preacher. "They probably want to know where the DJ is going, so tell them anywhere out of the way," he said to the old woman.
"Yeah, that's it," she grumped, shaking her head and waving at all of us as she waddled back across the parking lot.
Alec dismissed everyone, but Jasper, Emmett, Alec, Bella, and I all followed Preacher toward the rec center, finding Sharky, who was pacing nervously – that is, until he saw Bella.
A smile lit his features. "Ah, Miss Bella," he crooned, bowing to her. "You look a lot better than the last time I saw you."
She chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I'm pretty sure I do, but I owe you a thank you, I think. You pulled her away from me."
His tongue clucked, and he shook his head. "Crazy cow," he scoffed. "Never did like the bi..." He stopped, giving Preacher a side glance. "My bad, Preach."
The large man smirked, waving him off. "What'choo got for me, Terrance?"
Sharky flinched at the sound of his real name, but I'd be willing to bet he'd never correct Preacher on it. Ever. "Reggie said to tell you he's been getting some strange reports back. There's a woman looking to buy, but no money. Not just powder, either. She wants a weapon."
"Lilith?" Bella asked, her eyebrows raising high.
"Maybe. He's not sure," Sharky replied, shrugging a shoulder. "He don't know her, but I do. I haven't heard nothin' from her."
"With what happened the last time, she may avoid you," Bella told him, and he nodded at her.
"Anyway," Sharky said, turning back to Preacher, "she's approaching the new guys. The last one tried to call me and Reggie, but she ran off before he could get us." He grimaced before he said the next thing. "He said to tell you that he's taking her, whether you like it or not."
Preacher snorted, looking to me, and then back to Reggie. "Those are the things I don't want to know, Terrance."
"But I do," Alec added, stepping forward. "You tell him that if he wants to take her, that's fine, but we need to know about it. We need proof."
"He figured that much," Sharky stated. "He'll have boys in their cars driving these streets all day, all night...not to mention that party you're throwin'."
"I thought you were getting out of this life, Sharky," Bella said shrewdly, her eyes narrowing on him.
"Yeah, well... I've recently found myself a freakin' middle man," he huffed, shifting on his feet like an admonished child. "We got you, Miss Bella. Don't you sweat it. Some of us remember what she did to her little girl, you know. Killin' babies don't fly around here."
My eyebrows shot up, and I looked to Preacher. His face was grim, letting me know that Sharky was telling the truth. I'd completely forgotten that it was in this very neighborhood where all this shit started, where Lilith had killed her youngest little girl and kidnapped her oldest from her foster parents. It all came back to this very neighborhood. These people had seen her fucked up bullshit for a long time.
"What'choo do to your own body is your thing...what'choo do to a kid... Well, that's a whole 'nother story here," Sharky finished. "See, Reggie's mom worked at that hotel Lilith was livin' in. He knows all about her."
"Oh," Bella said, frowning a bit. "It all comes full circle, doesn't it?" she muttered to herself, and I couldn't help but pull her closer.
Preacher huffed a heavy exhale. "It can, Bella. It certainly can."
~oOo~
BELLA
Edward and I were quiet as he drove through the crowded city streets. I knew he was worried. I knew that placing us all in one spot was making him nervous, but I'd taken what Carlisle had said to heart. We were stronger, smarter, and quicker than Lilith had ever thought about being. We were more experienced, calmer, and in control. It was these things that I focused on, put my faith in, because I knew I'd be surrounded by the best.
In all reality, I wished that we didn't have to go to this function at all, but Hannah had convinced Carlisle that a holiday would bring in more money. It wouldn't just be the neighborhood people at the fundraiser; people with pull and large bank accounts had been invited, too. The whole thing was to encourage the restructure of worn down areas of the city.
"You're mad," I stated in a whisper, looking up at him when he stopped at a red light.
"Not at all, sweetness," he sighed, picking up my hand and kissing the back of it. "I'm worried, love. But I'm not sure that would change no matter what we were doing – even if we just took Bethy trick-or-treating in Forks."
I smiled and nodded. "To be honest... I don't want you far from us tomorrow night, Edward."
He turned to me, his eyes darkening just a bit. "I wasn't planning on it. Our main crew will pretty much be around the entire time, Bella. And it wouldn't surprise me if Wes hasn't added a few undercovers in there."
"Yeah, Makenna is pretty damn sure he's working something out."
He pulled into a parking lot, turning off the car and shifting my direction. "Here's what I want, baby. I want you and Bethy in my sights at all times. We'll wear radios, go in armed, and work this function for the shortest time we can get away with. Got me?"
"Perfectly," I answered him, leaning over and kissing his lips.
"In fact, I want two guns on you. Just in case," he added, cupping my face and rubbing a thumb along my cheekbone. "Take your nine, but take the forty-five, too. Stash it in a purse or something, but take it."
"Okay," I agreed. "Do you think we're nervous over nothing?"
"No." He gave me almost a scathing look, because mine and Bethy's safety was his top priority. "No, Bella. I don't. I'd rather go in with a tank and not need anything."
I giggled at the thought, which softened his features. "Fine, a tank, it is," I said, and he laughed, pulling the keys from the ignition of the Volvo. "Where are we?" I asked, but stopped when I realized what we were doing. "Oh," I sighed sadly. "I didn't even think..."
"I-It's s-something I-I n-need t-to d-do," he sputtered, giving the building in front of us a dark look. "I-It's o-only r-right, Bella."
"Okay," I soothed, running my fingers through his hair. "Do you want me there? Or to wait out here?"
"N-No, c-come," he said, suddenly sounding like the young boy I'd first met.
I smiled, kissing his cheek softly. "Is this where you got the others?"
"Yes." He looked to me, his eyes holding an old sadness. "I got them all here."
I nodded, not saying anything, because there wasn't anything to say. This was all Edward. It was something that meant something to him, and I wouldn't take it away from him for all the money in the world. It was his way of giving thanks, of paying homage, of showing respect.
Without a word, he led me into the tattoo shop. It was dark, but clean, with only one person sitting at a table along the side. Heavy music played from a small set of speakers on the table, but it was the man behind the desk that my eyes fell to, because he smiled widely at the sight of my husband.
"Cullen!" he said with a grin, standing up and making his way toward us. "You swore to me no more tats, bro. You finally getting that crest on your back we talked about?"
The guy was about Edward's age, completely bald, and seemed to be covered in a rainbow of colorful ink – including his bald head. He had piercings in his eyebrows, his ears, his lips, and his chin. But his smile was warm and friendly as he took my husband's hand firmly while slapping his shoulder.
"No," Edward laughed, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Barry, I'd like you to meet my wife, Bella. Bella, this is Barry Godwin. He and I were stationed overseas together. His uncle owned the shop at that time."
I smiled, shaking the man's hand. "It's nice to meet you."
"Holy hell, me, too!" he gushed with a big ass grin. "Oh, I always knew someone would tie him down one day. How'd you do it?" he asked in a exaggerated whisper.
I giggled, more at Edward's pink cheeks and eye roll than at Barry's amusement.
"Pure talent," I told him, which caused Edward to bark out a laugh.
"Thatta girl," Barry said, winking at me, but he turned back to Edward. "What can I do for you, bro?"
"I need another star, Barry," he said, his voice low, subdued, and his friend seemed to understand, his jovial face sobering just a bit.
"Gotcha. Well, off with the shirt, Ed," he ordered, gesturing to the closest chair. "I'm sure I can match Uncle Howard's work..." he muttered.
Edward shirked off his jacket, unbuttoned his shirt, and draped them both across an empty chair. Barry walked to a file cabinet and tugged it open, pulling out a manila folder.
"Same shit, Ed. You gotta sign my papers first," Barry muttered, leaving the file open.
"Yeah, no problem," Edward said from the chair he was now sitting in.
Once all the paperwork was signed, Barry leaned Edward back just a bit, and they talked about where they were going to put the next star in honor of Sam. A heavy sadness fell over me, and I just couldn't watch. Turning to face the walls that were covered in examples, I tried to drown out the noise of the needle by losing myself in the artwork. I didn't like Edward in pain, and the reason he was doing it made it all a little worse for me. Sam may have saved Edward's life, but in Edward's heart, he'd lost another man under his command.
My eyes fell to the counter, to a file folder with Cullen written on the tab. Barry had left its contents spread out along the top. There were permission forms and sketches of Edward's current tattoo, but there was also another sketch that caught my eye. I picked it up, and my eyebrows shot up.
I thought right away that it must have been the crest that Barry had asked about when we first walked in. It was beautiful work; it was the Cullen crest, but it was more. The scroll work around the actual crest itself was gorgeous. The center had the pawing lion, a ribbon with the name written on it, and the three shamrocks that represented the Irish heritage that Carlisle had descended from.
"Pretty, huh?" Barry asked from across the room as he changed the ink in the needle. "Tell him he should get it. I worked damn hard on that sketch."
I huffed a laugh, looking at the drawing again, and then back up to Edward's amused face. "You don't want this?" I asked, holding it up as I walked to them.
"I just never got it," Edward chuckled, clearly a touch embarrassed. "I'd brought him the crest years ago, but just decided that I didn't really need it."
I narrowed my eyes at my husband, and I could tell that there was more to that answer than he was saying in front of his friend.
I wasn't a huge fan of what Barry looked like. Covering every inch of skin wasn't all that appealing to me, but to each their own. I liked Edward's tattoo, because...well, it was Edward; it meant something. However, the drawing in my hand had me intrigued.
"Where?" I asked, holding it up again and eying Edward's beautiful skin warily, because it shouldn't be allowed to cover up some of my favorite parts.
"I said his shoulder blade," Barry said, sitting Edward up straight as he pressed gauze to my husband's new star.
"Let me see," I said softly, and Barry lifted the gauze gently.
It was positioned at the bottom, the Air Force ribbon now surrounded by four stars. In a weird way, it balanced the whole thing out. I wanted to kiss Edward, make this better, but I knew nothing would, so I simply touched his fingers with my own, letting him squeeze me for support.
"You're done, Ed," Barry said, taking the cash Edward handed him once he was standing.
I looked at the sketch again, and then my husband's glorious back as he turned to pick up his shirt. Broad shoulders narrowed to his waist; muscles rolled beautifully under smooth skin, and if I wasn't mistaken, a couple of light nail scratches from the night before, which caused me to smirk. There wasn't a chance in hell ink was going to cover that pure, natural piece of art. Nope. No way.
"No...not the shoulder blade," I stated firmly, which caused both men to turn to me, both highly amused. I handed Barry his sketch back, but Edward stopped me.
"Where, love?" he asked, setting his shirt back down.
"Do you want it?" I countered, because I didn't really have an answer, but he only shrugged at my question. "You must have at some point, baby."
"I did," he sighed, taking the picture from Barry, who was quiet as he waited. "I'd thought about it when I started working for my dad." He looked to Barry. "You did add to it. Looks good."
"Told you," Barry chuckled, slapping his arm.
Edward looked conflicted, but he looked to me. "If you want me to..."
I grinned, shaking my head. "It's not my skin, Edward."
He chuckled, nodding, and handed the paper back to Barry before turning back to me. "Yeah, but if I did it... Where?" he asked.
I smirked at him, but studied his body – not that I didn't have the damn thing memorized. "Here," I said softly, placing a hand on his upper arm on the same side of his body as the other tattoo.
"Ooh, she's right, because the scroll work would wrap around your bicep like a cuff," Barry said, smiling and holding the paper to Edward's arm. "Nice, Bella," he muttered.
We both looked to Edward, who seemed to be mulling it over. His brow was furrowed, and he swallowed thickly.
"Not today," Edward stated with a finality to his voice, and I knew what that meant. He was giving the day and the added star just to Sam. Something fun or just something Edward wanted could wait.
Once he was dressed, we waved goodbye to Barry and got back in the car.
I turned to Edward, stopping him before he cranked the engine. "Why that picture?" I asked, knowing he didn't do much without meaning. "And why not get it?"
Edward smiled a bit, though I noted it was a touch sad. "My mother loved that crest, used to tease my dad that it was the reason she wanted to become a Cullen – something about the proud lion, she always told me. My dad's parents were proud of their lineage, so it was everywhere in their house when I was young." His voice was soft, the tone it usually took on when he spoke of his mother. "I thought she'd love the idea of me and my dad working together, that we were protecting each other. I got the first one just before I went overseas. I thought that one would represent a new start after my injury and dismissal from the Air Force."
"But you didn't do it... Why?" I urged, because Edward very rarely set his mind to something and didn't follow through with it.
"Time, really," he sighed, reaching up to brush a stray hair from my face. "I was working for him, out of the country, or simply relaxing at my house. I just never did it. Before I knew it, it just wasn't a priority." He sighed, shrugged, but went on. "And then I couldn't decide where," he chuckled, giving me a wink when I giggled.
I studied his handsome face and reached up to drag my fingertips lightly over his stubbly chin. "If you still want it, get it."
"Not today," he said again with a shake of his head. "But thank you. You really don't mind?"
I giggled, because in all honesty, the damn thing would be amazingly sexy wrapped around his strong bicep. "No, Edward," I said with a smile. "I don't mind. Just not on your back," I growled, pointing a finger at him.
He chuckled, kissing me quickly and cranking the car. "Yes, ma'am."
~oOo~
"That tickles, Mommy," Bethy giggled, wriggling her nose as I finished up her kitty nose and whiskers.
I laughed, kissing her forehead. "Yeah, but you're so cute," I told her. "Hold still for one more minute, my little wiggle worm." Once her little black nose and whiskers were in place, I picked up the headband and slipped in onto her head, using it to keep her hair away from her face. The little ears on top just finished off her costume perfectly. "Oh, your dad may just kiss you to death, pretty girl," I giggled, setting her down. "Go show him."
"Okay," she laughed, tearing out of my bathroom and down the hall, calling for Edward.
I grabbed my jacket, and my nine mil, stowing it in the leg holster around my thigh and over my leggings – the only thing that really fit anymore thanks to my little bump – and then picked up the forty-five that Edward had insisted I carry. I tucked it into my coat, feeling slightly weighted down, but secure, nonetheless.
I walked into the kitchen to see both my loves in all black – my little cat, and my personal bodyguard. He'd picked her up and set her on the kitchen counter, smiling at her like he wanted to just smooch her to pieces. He was wearing black dress pants, a tight, black, long sleeve shirt, and his gun was already strapped in his shoulder holster. He was going for large and intimidating, but at the moment, he just looked too cute, tugging on his daughter's tail.
"Gamma did awesome, little sweetness," he chuckled, kissing her forehead.
"Mommy did my whiskers," she told him, playing with the name badge hanging from his belt. "But I like my ears," she giggled.
"Me, too," he told her, running a hand down her hair and patting her leotard clad legs. He looked up when I walked into the room. "Oh, too much," he chuckled, shaking his head, his brow furrowing adorably.
"I know, right?" I laughed. "Esme ended up making most of her costume, because she didn't like the store ones."
He gave his daughter one last look, another kiss to her forehead, and then set her down on the floor. "We'd better get going. Alec said he'd meet us there at the front," he stated, picking up the keys from the counter.
"Emmett and Jasper are already there?" I asked, smiling when Edward tugged me closer.
"Yeah," he sighed, dropping a sweet, but rather deep kiss to my mouth. "The girls, too," he whispered, kissing me again; this time, his hand covered my stomach. "This outfit actually shows him off," he murmured sexily in my ear, before opening his mouth to the soft spot just below it.
I grinned at the him again, shaking my head and pulling away from him just a little. "God, if it's a girl, she's going to be so pissed at you."
He laughed. "I'm sure she'll forgive me. I can be very persuasive." He bent down, placing a kiss over my dress, and then asked, "Isn't that right, little one?"
"Ain't that the truth," I muttered wryly, leaning in to his chuckling kiss to my head once he stood back up.
The drive to the fundraiser was full of Bethy's excitable chatter. She knew all her uncles, her grandparents, and even baby Caleb would be there, not to mention how happy it made her that Abby would be going, as well. By the time we arrived and caught sight of the small welcoming committee that was waiting for us, she was about to jump clean out of her skin.
I grinned at the sight of Preacher kneeling down to her and Abby's level to hug them and welcome them sweetly, because he still dwarfed them with his huge shoulders. Edward leaned into whatever Alec was telling him, nodding once before addressing me, Sarah, Emmett, Jasper, Alice, and Rose, who was holding baby Caleb, who was dressed in the cutest of teddy bear costumes.
"My dad's inside," Edward started. "He wants to speak to the press and give the media their pictures. After that, we'll walk the festival with him." We all nodded in agreement, but then he knelt down to Bethy and Abby. "I have some rules, ladies. Okay?" he said, his voice so very sweet when talking to them.
Bethy nodded, used to his mannerisms, but Abby blinked up at him, wide-eyed. She was too cute, dressed in all pink with a frilly tutu. Her usual dark hair was twisted up into a tight bun. She made an absolutely adorable ballerina.
"Girls, I don't want you going anywhere without a grownup, okay?" he asked, and waited until they nodded. "We'll play all the games, do all the things you want, but you have to wait for one of us to be with you. All right?"
"Yes, Mr. Edward," Abby whispered, nodding slowly.
"Okay, Daddy," Bethy chirped, grabbing his hand.
"Let's go see Poppy, and then we'll play." He stood up, keeping Bethy's hand in his and reaching for mine.
Just before we walked inside the fair, I caught sight of Sharky leaning casually against a light pole across the street. He tipped up his chin in greeting, his eyes flickering to a car that was slowly driving by – a car filled to capacity with very large men. Sharky smirked, giving me a wink and silently telling me that the place was completely surrounded by both good and bad guys – though this time, we were all on the same page should something happen.
We passed by witches, ghosts, and superheroes as we made our way to the front of the warehouse about to be turned homeless shelter. Just before we joined the small crowd of media and business people standing around Carlisle, Emmett stopped us, holding out his hand.
"Take these," he said, giving each of us a small earpiece.
"Good," Edward praised, immediately putting his in. "Who are we patched into?"
"Benny," Wes said, walking up with Makenna on his arm. "He'll be listening in for me. We've got three extra men roaming around already."
"Even better," Alec stated, tucking his into his ear.
I put mine in, chuckling, "Hey, Benny."
"Ah, Bella. Try to stay out of trouble for me, huh?" he said softly in my ear.
"What? And ruin everyone's fun?" I laughed. "Never!"
They all chuckled – even Edward, who wrapped an arm around my shoulders. A noise from the podium drew our attention to Carlisle.
Edward scooped Bethy up so she could see her Poppy, but gave the first of what I was sure would be many commands before the night was over.
"Okay, everyone...on me. Eyes sharp. Spread out. Stay safe."
A/N... Oh, I'm well aware of what you're thinking. There's no need to panic, get upset, or yell about it. ;) It all boils down to the next chapter, really.
Edward got another star in honor of Sam added to his tattoo, but if you want to see what the sketch looks like that Bella found, you can find it and a picture of Alec's sexy ass car on my blog.
www(dot)drotuno(dot)blogspot(dot)com
Alec's fallen for Sarah (Abby's mother)...and Bella's pregnancy is looking good.
Big thanks to JenRar for the help with how big the baby bump would be at 3 months and for beta'ing this for me. HUGE thanks to GooberLou for pre-reading and finding me Alec's car. And MedusaInNY gets big hugs and smooches for taking the Cullen crest I sent her and giving me that sexy ass tattoo. Gah! Not to mention all the on the fly blogish things she does.
The next chapter is done...the outcome is set. It'll be a helluva ride, though. It will post Wednesday, so let me hear from you guys, okay? We're getting closer to the end of this, so I love hearing all your thoughts, worries, and yelling. ;) Until Wednesday... Later! :)