I own nothing related to Twilight except for the books and DVDs. Stephenie Meyer created the characters, I'm just borrowing them for my story. No copyright infringement intended.

How Can I Help You?

Chapter 15

BPOV

I tossed and turned for a couple of hours in bed that night. Riley went off to sleep just fine after playing with Charlie, but all I could think about was how Jake and Chelsea had manipulated a young girl into helping them keep me from Edward. I wasn't sure how I would confront Jacob, but it was going to happen. The guilt that I had felt for keeping the secret about Riley from him, only to find out he already knew about it. Aghhh! I would not be able to function in the morning unless I got some sleep.

0~0~0

I was up before Riley even stirred. I think I managed to get at least a couple of hours sleep. I made coffee and an egg sandwich for Charlie and sent him on his way. "Don't forget to tell Edward I want to speak with him soon, Bella. There are a few things I want to say to him." Oh Daddy…I'll have to warn Edward to expect the inquisition from the Chief.

I got Riley's breakfast ready and went up to get him at 7:30.

"There's my sweet boy!" He was standing up giving me a great big smile.

"Mammaamama!" He held his arms up for me to get him, and after a quick diaper change we were back in the kitchen. I had my cell phone at the table, knowing Edward was supposed to be calling this morning. I was beginning to wonder if something had come up when I saw that it was already past 8 o'clock and he still hadn't called.

I wiped Riley's face clean then took him upstairs to get ready for the day. I had just dressed him and was pulling on a pair of jeans when the doorbell rang. I quickly pulled on a t-shirt, picked up Riley and rushed to the door. Edward was standing outside, running his fingers through his hair.

"Hey. I was waiting for your call." He looked so stressed this morning. "What's wrong, Edward?"

He smiled as he took in the sight of a happy Riley reaching for him. "I've been calling you for the last hour. Have you not turned your phone on? You wouldn't believe the scenarios that have been going through my mind."

"Edward, I've had my phone with me all morning. It didn't ring once. What's going on?" We walked into the living room, I motioned for him to sit with me on the sofa, and Edward took Riley in his arms. "I've been calling you since I woke up this morning. Rini told me late last night that I needed to reprogram my phone because she had blocked your numbers from my cell phone. Apparently Jake gave her the idea, but Chelsea is the one that told her how to do it. I'm beginning to think your cell phone is blocked like mine is. The last time I spoke to you on the cell phone was when I was in LA, a week or so before Jake called me. Did you try my cell after that?"

I nodded. "Yes but it always went to your voicemail. I called the house too, but either the answering machine or Kate or Irina answered and you were never home. You called me though right? Did you try my house?"

Edward shook his head. "I never got that number from you. I had your cell number, but your house number was unlisted. I should have just flown down there."

Riley was completely oblivious to our conversation. He was tugging on Edward's collar and babbling away.

"I was planning to get a new phone today anyway, complete with a new number. I won't be calling Jake from it; he's going to be lucky I don't fly down there with Dad's shotgun. Let me finish getting ready and take me to breakfast. We still have so much to go over, and it's not something we should do on empty stomachs."

I left Edward and Riley downstairs as I headed up to finish getting ready for the day. I was back downstairs with a bag for Riley and my purse in less than ten minutes.

"Bella, let's take my car. I know you wanted to do some shopping later today and I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I came along. There are some things I need to get for the house to prepare Riley's room, so he'll have a place to nap when Shel is watching him."

"You talked to her already? She really won't mind? Thanks, that's one less thing I need to worry about. I don't mind the company shopping and you'll be able to help keep him entertained. I warn you though I need to buy furniture so it won't be a fun shopping trip. "

Edward handed Riley to me and we walked over to my car to get the car seat.

"Can you also grab the stroller from the back? I think it will fit in your trunk."

He grabbed the stroller and I locked up the car and walked back to his Volvo. "Have you ever owned a car that wasn't a Volvo, Edward?"

He just laughed at me. "It's a safe car, anyway this is the XC60, not technically a car it's an SUV, just smaller than your behemoth is."

"Don't hate my Navigator. I love it, sure it's a bit of a gas guzzler, but I love driving it. I also needed it to fit all the daily things I need for going out with the baby."

We got everything settled in Edward's car, fastened Riley into his seat and then Edward drove us over to the Forks Diner.

"Are you ready for this, Bella? People are going to start talking about us as soon as we walk in there."

I took his hand and squeezed it. "They've been talking about me since I crossed the town limits. I'm not ashamed of Riley and everyone is going to know soon. Which reminds me, we really need to speak to your parents, and soon. Do you want me to wait for you to tell them or should we do it together and introduce their grandson?"

He parked the car and walked around to my door before answering. "I can call Mom and ask them to come over one day this week. When are you free?" He helped me out of the car and then opened the back door to get Riley.

"I've got to go into the Weekly for an hour or so tomorrow, just to fill out paperwork and get my assignments and schedule for next week. I'm free tomorrow evening and the rest of the week will just be waiting for whatever deliveries I arrange today for the furniture. My clothes are all at Charlie's and Jake is shipping Riley's nursery furniture. Talk to Esme and just let me know."

As soon as we entered the door the room got eerily quiet. Edward carried Riley over to a booth at the far end of the diner and asked one of the servers for a highchair.

As the waitress returned she greeted him, "Hey Edward, who is the cutie you have there?" I held my breath waiting for him to answer. "Hi Brandi, this is Riley, he's ready for his first taste of Forks very own greasy spoon." Edward got him seated in the highchair as I sat down in the booth.

"Do you need a minute or are you ready to order?" She wasn't paying any attention to me, her eyes were glued on Edward, or more aptly his lap. Some things never change.

Edward however wasn't paying her any attention; his attention was centered on Riley and me.

"Bella are you ready? I always get the same thing so whenever you're ready we'll order."

I looked over the menu, "I'll just have the pancakes and bacon, extra crispy on the bacon, please."

"Ok so two pancakes and bacon, anything for the baby?"

I just shook my head, "No, I'll give him some of mine."

Brandi, still not looking at me left to place the order.

"I see you still have women drooling all over you. Why haven't you met someone else Edward? You thought the worst of me, thought I used you and went back to Jake, why not move on?"

Edward just stared at me. I didn't know if he would answer the question or completely clam up.

EPOV

Why was she asking me this, this is not really how I wanted to start our day together. "I told you before, Bella, after I pushed you away I just shut myself off. I was trying to be a good father to the girls so I didn't want a parade of women going through my house. I had lost two loves and didn't want to put myself out there again. I occasionally met a woman that interested me when I was working out of town, but no one ever touched my heart or my soul the way you had. After Seattle, it was more shock than anything else. I do owe your ex-husband a little face time. After you speak with him, I want my turn. I expect you'll want the same with Chelsea. Maybe we should set them up? Don't you think they deserve each other?"

Bella laughed so hard at what I said that she snorted. It was so great to hear her laugh again. A light giggle joined her and I looked down to see my son laughing at his mom. Riley was hitting his tray with a spoon Bella had placed there, laughing louder with each hit.

"Oh, he's going to break hearts one day, Bella." I couldn't seem to keep from touching him. I ran my hand over his hair, played with his hand, teaching him to give me five.

"I really hope not, Edward, but he's his father's son, after all." That cut much worse than I expected it to. I knew we each had things to deal with, Bella was still dealing with my decision to push her away, even after we talked it through in Seattle, it still must get to her. I know I felt anger about missing so much of Riley's life, though I really cannot blame Bella for all of that. She did try to reach me.

"What are we going to do about the blocked call situation? Should we confront Chelsea and Jake with what we know or trick them into confessing? Should we just get new numbers and forget about it all?"

Bella turned a deep red and her nostrils flared. "Oh Jake and I are going to have a 'Come to Jesus' talk. He fed all this BS to me after I told him about us and that I knew Riley was yours, after Riley was born. He acted so hurt that I wouldn't just tell him, but he knew all along. I know I should have told him the truth, but I was freaked and scared to be alone, he took advantage of that. He played on my fears after I told him. Saying you could take Riley from me if you were mad enough. It was enough to delay my move by 6 months. I knew he loved me, but I never would have done this. He knew you were trying to get in touch with me and gives the idea to an impressionable 12 year old to block my number. I really hate how Irina got twisted into an adult's game. I want to make both Jake and Chelsea hurt for hurting Irina."

Our food arrived and we ate silently for a while. Bella was feeding bites of pancake to Riley when I broke the silence. "I really wish I could kill her without being arrested and taken away from my family. There is a special place in Hell for the likes of Chelsea. She actually put the idea that you wanted Tanya out of the way so badly, that you convinced me to turn off her life support. Kate was never close to Chelsea so she knew not to believe her, not only that but Kate knew you, the real you. Irina was hurt from you leaving and confused about us, Chelsea just moved in for the kill. Believe me when I say she's going to pay, perhaps you can help me come up with a suitable payback."

Bella reached over the table and took my hand in hers. "We'll handle them together. For now, let's concentrate on finishing our breakfast and take our son shopping." I don't think I will ever get used to hearing 'our son' come out of her mouth.

The bell on the diner door rang and I looked up. Charlie Swan walked in and zeroed in on our table. "Um, Bella, did you tell your dad we were coming here?"

She shook her head, "No. I told him we were going for breakfast, and I guess this is the logical place to go in Forks. Why?"

I didn't even have to tell her she heard her name being called before he walked over. "Bella, I didn't think I'd see you here this morning." He turned to me and held out his hand. "Morning Edward, how's your family?"

"Good morning Chief, I think we're all doing fine now. We're almost finished here, but would you care to join us?"

"If you don't mind, I'll join you for a minute."

I gestured to the open seat beside Bella, but Charlie sat beside me. I knew that everyone heard the gulp I took. It's embarrassing to be so intimidated by another man at my age, but damn it all, this is a father that carries a gun and I'm the man that knocked his baby girl up.

Bella looked at her dad like she was trying to tell him something. I only hope it was in my defense. "Dad, what are you doing in here already? You had breakfast at home and its not lunchtime yet."

Charlie squirmed in his seat, he actually squirmed. I was starting to relax at the thought of Chief Swan being uncertain around his daughter.

"I was just going to get a coffee, and maybe a muffin. I'm glad to see you out and about though, Bells. What are your plans for the day?"

Something tells me he really just wanted to check out how I was treating his baby.

"I told you already, Dad. Edward and I are going shopping for furniture for the cottage, and he needs some things for Riley's room at his house."

Charlie's head snapped in my direction. "You are setting up a room for Riley? Why? You aren't taking him from my girl, I won't let you."

I was shaking my head at him, "No, Charlie, I just want to have a place for him at my house, it'll make it easier for us when he stays with Mrs. Cope on the days Bella has to be in the office. I've got to get the essentials at least. That way Bella isn't carting the play pen around all the time."

"Sorry for jumping down your throat, it's just that this is all still settling in and I won't let Bells get hurt again."

I pat him on the shoulder, saying, "I really understand. I'm the same way about my kids, all of them. I promise if I ever hurt her I will present myself to you for disposal. I never wanted to hurt her at all."

My cell phone rang and I saw it was my mother. "Will you please excuse me, I need to take this." I leaned into Bella, whispering into her ear, "It's my mother. I'm going to invite them over tomorrow night to meet someone."

I hurried outside of the diner answering the phone just before it would've rolled to voicemail. "Hey, Mom, how are you and Dad this morning?"

"Morning, Darling. How are my grandchildren doing? When are you going to come into the city for a visit?"

I laughed at her, she had just been here a week ago, and she's already laying on the guilt about not visiting enough. "Actually Mom I was hoping you and Dad would drive over tomorrow for dinner and stay the night with us. There is someone I want you to meet."

I had to pull my phone away from my ear from the sound of the squeal my mother let out.

"Who is she? Oh honey, I never thought you'd get passed the whole Bella situation. Agh, sorry, forget I said that last part. I'm just happy for my son. So tell me all about her."

Laughing at her I said, "Who said it was a woman? Can you come tomorrow? I'll have Mrs. Cope cook since we both know I'm next to hopeless in the kitchen."

"Sure Darling, we'll be there by 4:00. I love you sweet boy."

"Love you too, Mom."

I walked back in to our table just as Brandi brought over the check. Charlie was getting up to leave and after paying for our breakfast, Bella and I walked out with him.

"Have you heard anything circulating around, Chief? Bella and I warned the girls last night about how fast the rumors would spread."

Charlie just shook his head. "No, and I'm just going to say this, I'm glad you two already talked about it, you'll need the support of each other because once it becomes known that Riley is yours Edward, people may get nasty."

"I hope not, Daddy and I hope it will blow over soon. Did you invite your Mom, Edward?"

"Yes, Mom and Dad are coming for dinner tomorrow night. Charlie would you like to come to dinner at my house tomorrow? We're going to tell my parents about Riley."

His eyes grew really wide. "Edward, I'm not sure that's a good idea. Maybe after the news sets in we can have a big family dinner with everyone, but Esme and Carlisle are in for a shock, and that's something just the four of you should be a part of."

After Bella said goodbye to her father, and he gave Riley a kiss, we got back into my car to drive to Port Angeles.

"Ok, so are we furniture shopping first, or do you want to hit Babies R Us first?"

"Do you mind if we look at the furniture? I'm not sure what I'm going to be able to find here that I like and I want to get it delivered as soon as possible. I love my dad, but I'm ready to have my own space again."

We had just entered Port Angeles when I passed my cellular provider's store. I made a quick U-turn and parked in front of the store. "Come on, no time like the present to change your phone." I told Bella to go ahead in and look for a phone she liked, that I would bring the baby in. Riley had passed out on the drive up. Bella said that if he was in a car longer than 15 minutes he was gone. I remember a couple of car rides where Bella had done the same thing. I gingerly picked him up, hoping he'd stay asleep a little longer. There was nothing as sweet as a sleeping baby, and my son was no different. I put my nose to the area right behind his ear, I just loved the way babies smelled and it was always concentrated in that spot. Bella had the diaper bag so I locked the car and went into the store. I waved away the associate that was immediately in my face. Bella was looking over the displays at a BlackBerry. "You want a BlackBerry?"

"I have one now, but its time for a newer model and I'm going to get the Bold. I'll need all of my information ported over to the new phone. Do you think I should give Jacob a taste of his own medicine and block his calls?"

I had to chuckle at her a little. It would serve the dog right to have her do it. My chuckling disturbed Riley, but a few pats to the diaper and he snuggled into my neck and went back to sleep. The associate helping Bella took the model she wanted and her current phone and told her it would only be a few moments. Bella looked so happy standing there watching everything around her. "I'm so glad you came home, Bella. I don't think you realize just how happy I am to be with you and Riley." I couldn't stay away from her any longer, so I wrapped my free arm around her, pulling her tightly into my chest. "I don't want to let go, ever." She wrapped her arms around my waist and kissed my heart. "I don't want to either, Edward."

Once Bella had her new phone, we put Riley back into his seat and got into the car. She was sending a mass text to her contacts alerting them to her number change. "I sent a text to everyone but Jake. I'll call Dad with the number, and ask that he not give it to Billy or Jacob." I drove us to a furniture store my mother goes to when she's here.

Bella and I spent over three hours pushing Riley in his stroller looking at sofas, living room sets, dining rooms, and a personal favorite of mine, the bedroom sets. Riley was actually staying pretty calm so Bella was able to concentrate. She picked out a simple wood and ironwork queen bed and matching dresser and nightstand. I helped her select the mission style dining room and we both fell in love with a chocolate leather L-shaped sectional that would fit the cottage living room well.

Luckily it was all in stock and would be delivered in four days, on Friday. We had just left the store when Riley let out a wail. "Uh oh, it's passed his lunch time." Bella had his baby food, we just needed a place to eat. We were right around the corner from that Italian restaurant I had taken her to so long ago. "Do you feel like Italian? Bella Italia is just over there. You can feed him while we wait for our lunch."

"Sure, I need to change him, but I can do that in the ladies room."

We walked over to the restaurant and while Bella was changing Riley I got the server to set up a chair for Riley and bring our drinks.

BPOV

Ry was in a rare mood. As I changed him, he let everyone in the restroom know he was not a happy baby. He cried for 'Dada', he cried for Grandpa, I gave him a bottle and hoped that would help appease him until I could get his food out at the table.

Edward had been so helpful all day. It was nice spending time together again. I was able to get my new phone, order the furniture for the cottage and after my meetings with Eric and his team tomorrow I would be an official resident of the town of Forks, Washington, all over again. I know I've always been a resident, but having a home of my own and a job just makes it all so much more permanent.

Now I just have to get passed telling Esme and Carlisle. I honestly had no clue about how they will take the news. I know Esme will love Riley, but as Dad said earlier, it will be quite the shock. I am really hoping it goes over at least as well as Dad took the news.

I made my way over to where Edward was sitting; he stood and took Mr. Crankypants, trying to calm him down. I hurried to get his lunch of strained peas, carrots and bananas out, I was so glad I wasn't a baby. Edward had him situated in the high chair and Riley greedily ate as fast as I could get the spoon in his mouth. Thankfully this was one of the rare times the food didn't go everywhere. The server came over to take our order and I had not even looked at the menu.

"Bella, do you want that mushroom ravioli dish you ate before?" The man remembers what I ate years ago? "Sure, Edward, that will be fine."

He placed our orders as I continued feeding Riley. Once he was done, I cleaned his face, wiped the tray and put a few cheerios out for him to play with.

Edward looked at me and laughed. "He was really hungry, reminds me of Emmett. He's always cranky when he hasn't eaten. My poor little guy here just wanted his lunch, Momma, cut him some slack." He pouted out his lip just the way Riley would before he started to cry. I had always seen a lot of Edward in Riley, but the more I see them together the more similarities I see .

When our food arrived, we ate and just talked more about our time apart. I told Edward about the deterioration of my marriage to Jake and how after I decided to remain in California with Jake during my pregnancy we had become more roommates than anything else. Jake knew how I felt and never pushed me for anything. I'd go to sleep early and Jake would come in sometime later. Our physical relationship ended before I left for Seattle. I knew Jake had to have found someone to be with because after the 'Riley revelation' he spent more and more nights away from home. He'd spend time with the baby, and helped me with the house, but we just existed in the same space. I felt guilty for hurting him, which kept me there along with my insecurities of what I would do if I left.

Edward told me how he immersed himself in work. He accepted project after project and focused on the girls. He spent time with his family, but he also just existed in that space.

We talked about how to tell the rest of his family, Alice and Jasper, Emmett and Rose.

Alice troubled me a little; she could go either way with her reaction, it could be one of absolute happiness or she could completely shut me out. She didn't want us to be together in the first place and now that Edward and I are forever tied together through Riley, I did not know how she would react.

"Bella, don't worry about Alice. She's going to be happy for us, she may want to have first dibs at Chelsea, but she won't be angry." He could always read me so well. The past two days have been pretty wonderful. I was so prepared for him to hate me and I had been scared that he'd do what Jake said he would. I should have had more faith in the Edward I knew. I was hopeful that we'd make it back together, but if in the end we don't make it, at least Edward will be involved in Riley's life.

Edward paid for lunch, refusing to let me do it. "Let's go to the baby store, ok? I'm sure there's a lot in there to keep Ry occupied."

Edward drove straight to the Babies R Us. "How are you so familiar with the baby store, Edward?" I laughed at the blush rising on his cheeks.

"It's not like I know a lot of pregnant women, Bella. I came over here with Alice to pick out things for Rosalie. I think the whole family is going a little overboard with her pregnancy." Sadness fell across his face again. "It should have been that way for you. We should have been celebrating his life. I can guarantee he's going to have the best first birthday imaginable, if Mom and Alice have anything to say about it."

I pushed Riley in the shopping cart while Edward was checking out different cribs and dressers. Every time Riley's attention was caught by a toy Edward added it to the cart. He found a stroller for his house, a highchair, and picked up a duplicate of the car seat.

"Edward how are you planning to get all of this back to your house, there is no way more than a few things will fit in the car."

He waved that off. "I'm having most of it delivered tomorrow. I'll take the highchair, the seat for my car and the toys, everything else will be delivered."

Before we left the store he had the same pack 'n play I did, he picked out several new outfits and two boxes of diapers, not to mention a complete nursery suite picked out. In less than an hour he'd spent more than $2000 outfitting his house for Riley. Edward was back to carrying Riley as the cart was overflowing, but after he paid he passed Riley to me so he could get everything arranged in the car. Riley was safe in his seat surrounded by boxes. I made sure anything plastic was well out of his reach. He didn't pay any attention to the other things around him as he was busy playing with a stuffed lion that Edward had gotten him.

"Would you like to eat dinner with the girls and I tonight? I'm sure they'd enjoy seeing you and Riley. Katie kept going on and on about him last night. Irina was even talking about him."

I shook my head. "Not tonight. It's been a long day for him, so he'll probably go down early tonight. Besides, we're having dinner tomorrow with your parents, so I should be with Dad tonight."

It was after 5 o'clock when Edward pulled up to Charlie's house. Edward walked us in and spent a few more minutes with Riley. "I hate leaving you, Buddy, but I'll see you tomorrow when you and your Momma come to meet your Grandma Esme and Grandpa Carlisle." He gave Ry a kiss on his head and then put him in the playpen. I hadn't wanted to intrude on their time, so I was busy in the kitchen starting dinner. I felt him wrap his arms around my waist. "Thanks for today, Bella. It felt like old times." He kissed my hair before stepping back. I walked him out to the porch. "So what time should Ry and I get there tomorrow?"

"Mom and Dad will probably be here around 4 o'clock so whenever you want to come over is fine. You're just going in to the office for a little while, right? Do you need me to watch Riley?"

I shook my head, "No, Dad is going to watch him for me. I only have a few forms to fill out and then Eric is going to go over what my duties will be, I'll get my schedule and pick up the assignments. I should be out of there in an hour or so. We'll come over around 5 o'clock then."

He pulled me to him, "Don't worry about tomorrow. I think overall it will go well, and like I told you yesterday, we're in this together."

I really wanted it to be true, and looking at Edward I almost believed it. He was staring into my eyes and I could feel our connection flaring. Edward slowly lowered his head and gently pressed his lips to mine. "Goodnight, love. I'll talk to you in the morning, ok? Give Riley an extra kiss from me."

As he drove away that night, I actually believed he might be right that everything would turn out alright for us.

OoOoO

This chapter was a large pain in my backside. It's transitional we got a little more bonding time with Edward and Riley, Bella has her furniture and can move into her new home by the weekend, and it's time to tell the Cullens.

The next update will be in a week. Let me know what you think, please leave a review.