Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer created the characters; I'm just inserting them into my story. No copyright infringement intended.

How Can I Help You?

Chapter 16

Meet the Grandparents

EPOV

If I said that I wasn't nervous about telling my parents about Bella and Riley, I'd be lying. It's not that I think they are going to be mad in anyway, but telling your mother no matter how old you may be, that you have a child is a nerve wracking experience. I was more worried about how Bella would be received than anything else. My parents always loved her, but they were worried about our age difference years ago more than anything else. Mom had chastised me for the way I ended things with Bella before she went to college. I think that's why she insisted on keeping contact open between Bella and the girls.

After leaving Bella at Charlie's I went home and spent the evening listening to my teenage daughters talking about boys in their class. These were the times I missed Tanya the most. These are the years when girls need their moms to explain things. Thankfully we have Shelly and Mom, Alice and Rose all try to help when they can, but it's not the same. Perhaps Bella will make the difference.

I really am trying not to get ahead of myself, but I can't help what I want. I feel like I finally have everything I ever wanted at my fingertips and I have to hold myself back from grabbing it and never letting go. I can't rush things this time around, but maybe we can speed up a tad.

Katie and Rini were happy to hear that their grandparents were coming for dinner and couldn't wait to tell them about Riley. I reminded them that Grandma and Grandpa didn't know, but that Bella and I were going to tell them before dinner. Irina had surprised me with her acceptance of Riley especially after being so cold to Bella about him at first. When I asked her about that, she told me that she had assumed that Bella was bringing Jake's baby into their lives, but learning he was her brother made the difference to her. She was no longer the baby and as a big sister she had to take care of him.

After kissing the girls goodnight I went into my room to get ready for bed. I wanted to call Bella and say goodnight, but settled for texting her. She needed her time with Charlie, too.

O~O~O

I was up early the next morning and had already spent a few hours in the studio working on something for Riley before the girls were up and ready for school. After I dropped them off, I stopped into SPARKLE to speak with Alice. I was going to have to say something to her before Mom or Rose got to her. I wanted to invite Ali and Jas over to the house, but knew more than likely it would be better to meet up with them in a public setting to lessen the chance Ali would blow her top.

I got to the store just as Alice was pulling up. "Hey, big brother. What are you doing here and so early, too?"

I gave the pixie a hug, "Can't a brother just come see his little sister?"

She just looked at me with the glare my mother wields with finesse, the one that makes you spill your gut whether you want to or not.

"Actually I need to talk to you Alice. Can you spare me twenty minutes right now?" Her eyes widened, "What's up Ed?"

Alice let us into the store then locked the door behind us and led the way to the office. The store has changes so much from the first year, but it still felt like just yesterday Tanya had opened the store and Isabella Swan stepped into our lives.

"Ali, you know Bella has come home, right?" She nodded her head at me. "Have you seen her yet?" she asked.

"Yes, I ran into her at Rose's office. She's leased the cottage next door to Rose and Emmett. It was surprising to see her, really surprising, but we talked a lot. We have some things to deal with, but the feelings we had are still there Alice. She's getting divorced and we just found out that her ex and Chelsea used Irina to drive us apart."

Alice's jaw dropped. "You're getting back together? Do you really think that's such a good idea? She's just coming out of a bad marriage, and you... you've just seen her again after almost two years. Doesn't Bella have a baby? Do you really want to tie yourself to that?"

With each question I felt my temper rise. Does she really think I need her approval for relationships? She thinks I'm the type of man that couldn't love another man's son? If Riley really were Jacob's I'm pretty sure I'd love him anyway. He's just so amazing to be around.

"Alice, what Bella and I do or don't do is none of your concern. I just wanted to let you know where we were. She used to be a friend of yours. And we would have been back together after her mother passed if not for other people interfering. I want all of us to get together for dinner tomorrow, you and Jas, Em and Rose, Bella and I. We need to discuss something with you guys, so I thought we could meet at the Blue Moon. We can talk, play pool, and drink if we need to. Will you and Jasper be there?"

She had the decency to look like she was sorry for butting into my business. "I'll ask him, but I don't see why not. Look Edward, I'm your sister and I'm always going to worry, but you're right, you and Bella are both adults, so if this is something you really want, I say go for it. I just want you to be happy." I pulled her into a bear hug. She pushed me away squealing because I messed up her hair. "Get out of here, jerk. Tell Bella I'm looking forward to seeing you both tomorrow."

I walked out of the door laughing. Alice may like to poke her nose where it doesn't belong, but she doesn't have a malicious bone in her body. With the meeting set up with Alice and Jasper, I dialed Emmett from my cell while driving back to the house.

"Well if it isn't DaddyWard-bucks. What are you up to cuz?"

"Hey Em, are you and Rose free tomorrow night? Bella and I are going into Port Angeles to meet up with Alice and Jasper at Blue Moon."

"I really hope you're inviting us because you're planning on telling the news. You are telling us about Little Dude, right?" I coughed, suddenly feeling like my throat had closed.

"Ed, man, don't freak ok. You do remember that Rose was in that office, she saw Bella's baby. My Rosie may be a lot of things but stupid isn't one of them. The only reason I wasn't all over you yesterday was because Rose told me you'd come to us about it. How are you holding up, man? Finding out you have a kid like that... it would've messed with my head."

I smiled because Emmett may be an overgrown goofball, but he loved his family fiercely and would do anything to help if possible. "Honestly, I'm great. We've talked, discovered some things about our separation, but I want to sit down with you all tomorrow night and discuss everything with you. Bella and I are talking to Mom and Dad tonight. Mom is going to flip, but once she gets her hands on Riley…she'll be on cloud nine. You've got to see him, Em. He's just amazing. He knew me…it's like he knew I was his dad just by looking at me. The girls are crazy about the idea of a little brother…and Bella, oh God Em, we're getting another chance."

"I'm happy for you, Ed. Rose was going on and on about Riley. I'm glad they are moving in next door. I'll keep an eye on them for you, don't worry."

"I'm not worried about that. I wish she'd just move into the house, but we are going to try taking this slowly, so she's going to furnish the cottage and I'll probably drive you all crazy with as much as I'll be next door."

"You know you're always welcome at our house, man, I mean it. With the baby coming in a couple of months, we're going to need you seasoned parents and all the advice you can give. I think that's one of the main reasons Rose showed Bella the house, she knows that Bella is right there if we have questions about the baby."

By the time I finished my conversation with Emmett, I was home. I helped Shelly straighten the house, handled a few business calls then finally gave into the urge to call Bella- I was proud of myself, I held off for at least 3 hours longer than I really wanted to.

BPOV

I had just gotten Riley settled on the floor with some blocks to stack when my phone rang. "Hello?"

"Hey, love, how are you and Riley doing today?" I warmed hearing Edward calling me love again. "We're good, Edward. He's playing with blocks while I pick out what to wear today. I've got to get ready in a little while so I'm letting Ry play on the floor while he can. What's going on with you?"

There was a long pause, one so long I checked my phone to make sure the call was still active.

"I saw Alice this morning." Oh God.

"Really? What for?" Please say it was nothing, please say it was nothing.

"Actually I wanted to invite her to join us tomorrow night with Em, Rose and Jasper, at the Blue Moon. I told her we had talked and that we were trying to figure out where we stood, I didn't say anything about Riley. Em however, knows about Ry. When I called him he was all excited about it. Rose did know and told him. He just wants us happy, well that and to know we'll help if they panic after the baby is born."

"Emmett won't say anything to Alice, right? I just want to get through tonight with your parents, then I'll worry about Alice."

"Bella, I told you not to worry about her, she already tried to butt in and I told her to butt out of our business, ok? I want you to only worry about your new job today. Is Charlie already there to watch Riley? I could come over and take care of him, you know." He sounded so hopeful that I would need him. I hated to disappoint him, but he had to be home when his parents arrived and I definitely didn't want them to meet Riley before I was there. "Dad is coming home for lunch any minute now and will be staying with him until I get back. How casual are we going tonight? If I wear a sundress will that be too dressy or should I wear jeans?"

Edward was laughing. It was so good to hear it. "As long as you don't show up naked, we're good. I take that back, I'd prefer naked, but not with my parents here."

The smirk he must have on his face, I could hear in his voice. "Good to know. So, since naked is out, I'm going to wear my blue sundress and sandals. Should I bring anything, or do you and Mrs. Cope have it handled?"

"We've got it. Shelly is making the lasagna recipe that was your grandmother's. I've got the bread ready to put garlic and butter on before putting it in the oven and we have a salad as well. The girls are looking forward to you and Riley getting here."

"Well I better get ready, or I won't be going anywhere. We'll be over before 5, ok?"

Dad walked in as I was ending the call. "Hey Dad, I really want thank you for watching Ry today."

He walked over to where Riley was stacking his blocks, crouching down to get a better look at him. "It's not a problem, Bells. Riley and I will enjoy our 'Man Time'." He was a little slower coming up from the crouch than getting into it. "Ooof, I think I'm starting to show my age, kid. It's harder getting off the ground than it used to be. You go get ready Bells, you've only got about 30 minutes before you need to get out of here."

I rushed up to my room and pulled out the simple dress I was going to wear to the office, and providing that I don't get it dirty I'll wear it tonight. I pulled my hair into a clip and added just a small amount of makeup to finish off my look. I got everything I would need to take into the Weekly offices and headed downstairs to say goodbye to my baby.

"I shouldn't be more than an hour, Dad. If he gets hungry give him some cheerios to snack on and there is a bottle with apple juice in the refrigerator." I gave them both a kiss, Riley immediately pouting out his lip and whining. "I'll be back soon honey, I promise. Then we're going to see your daddy and meet your other grandparents."

I hurried out to my car and drove over to the paper's office. I had gone to high school with the Editor of the paper, Eric Yorkie. He was always a nice enough guy, but I was never interested. He was waiting for me as I walked in. "Bella, so great to see you. Have you gotten settled back into the Forks lifestyle yet?" I gave him a friendly squeeze, following him back into his office.

"Its great being back, Eric, I never realized just how much I missed it until I arrived back home. I'm slowly settling back in." He just smiled. "Todd," Eric said, pointed to a picture of him with a blond man, "told me he saw you out with Edward Cullen and your little boy the yesterday. What's the story there, Bella?" He was wiggling his eyebrows up and down at me, so I knew he was teasing. "You aren't planning an exposé on Forks' newest resident are you? Because you know the grapevine is faster than the printing press. Edward and I have been…reconnecting. That is all you are getting and nothing fit to print."

"No, I wouldn't dream of writing about you, are you crazy. We just hired you, I'd hate for you to quit already. I was just being curious and yes I know it killed the cat. It's just that you got into town and within a few days you're out with the town's Most Eligible Bachelor and from what Todd said it looks like he's off the market."

I had to shake my head at Eric, so much about him in high school made sense now that apparently he's out and open with his lifestyle. "Edward and I go way- way back. You remember I worked for his wife at their store our senior year. We're just…" I trailed off because really I didn't know how to describe what we were doing. "You might as well know now, but I am asking you to keep it to yourself, Edward and I have a son and we're working things out. It's going to be out soon enough, just don't print anything, ok. You were always a great friend, Er, and I'm really looking forward to working with you. So what do I need to fill out?"

Eric didn't even look surprised by my admission, he just handed me a stack of forms. "You do realize you are signing away your life?" He laughed and showed me where I was to initial pages, explained that I would be looking over submissions by the freelance journalists in the area, as well as editing the sports column. "Um, Bella, did you know Mike was our sports reporter?"

"Newton? I thought he was running his parents' store now?" Eric nodded, "He is, but volunteered to write up a column for the paper, summarizing the latest games and what was going on around here. He married Jessica a few years back, but was really interested to hear you were going to be working here.

"Eric, you are so lucky you didn't tell me this before I came home. He's one reason to stay away!" We laughed for a while about Mike and his puppy dog ways. After getting everything signed and taking the tour of the offices, including mine that I would use 3 times a week, I told Eric goodbye and that I wanted to meet his partner, Todd.

"Maybe we can all get together next week for a drink?" Eric offered. I readily agreed. This was going to be a great place for me, and would also give me time to work on my children's stories.

I drove back to Dad's, excited about another piece of the puzzle falling into place. My life was really starting again. After Edward and I tell his family and get through that, then taking care of the crazy-cousin from hell Chelsea and Jake the jealous, I hope everything will settle down into a nice normal pace.

I walked into the house and had to run upstairs to grab my camera. Dad was lying on his back along the sofa sound asleep with a sleeping Riley on his chest drooling. I had just captured the image when Dad woke up.

"Hey Dad, did you two have fun? Looks like your wore each other out."

"He's a ball of energy until he's ready to crash. How did things go at the paper?" I slowly picked Riley up off of Charlie and rocked him to wake him up gradually. "Eric's great, Dad. Why didn't you ever tell me that he's gay?"

He just gave me this look, "You mean you didn't know it back in school? Bella, I think everyone else in town knew about Eric, but you. Todd's really nice, he's a doctor in Port Angeles. They've been together since you married Jake I think. So everything is set for your first day?"

I just nodded. "I am going to have to put up with Mike Newton, though. I swear that boy/man has always been the bane of my existence. I'm going to go up and change Riley. I told Edward we would be over before 5 and it's already after 4."

"Bells, Carlisle and Esme Cullen aren't going to attack you. I promise after you and Edward explain everything, they'll just be happy you are working things out." I gave Dad a kiss and took Riley upstairs. He was really just beginning to stir and when he saw me he got excited.

"Hey, Sweetie, we've got to get you ready to meet your Grandma Esme. She's just going to love you." I washed his face, changed his diaper and dressed him in jeans, a t-shirt with a plaid over shirt and tiny baby converse. All he needed were sunglasses to complete his outfit; he looked like a little man. I got his bag together, packing extra clothes, pjs, diapers, formula and food. I wondered if everything had been delivered from Babies R Us yet. I could just see Esme's reaction if the truck arrived this late. I'm sure she'd assume he'd knocked up a girl, she'd be right, just over 10 months late.

I put the bag over my shoulder, looped a sweater through the handle and carried Riley down the steps. "Ok, we're out of here. Wish me luck, Daddy." He walked over and gave me a much needed hug. "Don't forget I'm here if you want me to rescue you. Love you Bells, and you Mr. Riley, take care of your momma."

I fastened Riley into his seat, putting the bag on the floor in front of his seat and then got into the driver's seat. I grabbed my phone, dialing Edward's cell phone.

"Hello?" It was a female voice. "Hello… Bella? It's Irina." I sighed with relief that it wasn't Esme. "Hey Rini, I was just calling your dad to let him know we were on our way. Are your grandparents there yet?"

"Yes, they got here about 20 minutes ago. Dad is dodging Grandma's questions right now. Do you want me to get him?" I giggled, picturing Edward trying not to give anything away. "No, just let him know I called and will be there in a few minutes."

Riley was playing with his lion, talking up a storm. "You excited, baby? I hope it's a good night." I had just pulled up to the house when Edward walked out. He opened my door, helping me out then opened the back door, handing me the diaper bag, before unfastening Riley and picking him up.

"How's my boy? Have you been good for Mom and Grandpa Charlie?" Edward kissed Ry's head, then checking to see that the coast was clear, he kissed me. It was just a quick peck on the lips, but enough to start the blush on my cheeks. "Mom is in the kitchen warming dinner. She shooed Shelly out as soon as they got here. Are you ready to go in?"

I nodded, "Let's do this."

Edward wrapped his free arm around my waist, guiding me up the stairs towards the front door. We walked into the house, Riley squealing when the girls came down the stairs, obviously waiting for us. "Mom, Dad, would you come into the den?" The noise level in the house rose as Kate and Irina cooed over Riley. They both gave me a quick greeting before turning back to Ry. "Girls, can you guys give us a few minutes with Grandma and Grandpa? I'll call you back down soon, I promise, and then you can play with Riley."

Kate and Irina were walking towards the stairs when Esme and Carlisle walked into the room.

She gasped, "Bella?" Carlisle was wearing a huge grin on his face. "Look at you, all grown up now." He pulled me into his arms, "It's so good to see you sweetheart." Esme was smiling, but looking at Edward with Riley.

"Mom, you ok?" When she nodded, he said, "Let's sit down, ok? Bella and I have something to tell you." We all sat and I noticed that now both Carlisle and Esme were watching Riley. Edward looked at me, then turning Riley in his arms and sitting him on his lap he said, "Mom and Dad I want you to meet my son, Riley Masen Swan."

EPOV

I thought just saying it would be better than drawing it out. Maybe I should have thought of a better way.

"What?" My mother shrieked, causing Riley to cry, which in turn set Bella on edge as she tried to calm him down. My father ended up being the voice of calm for us all.

"Es, dear, it seems we have a new grandchild. Bella, may I hold him?" Bella wiped Riley's tears and passed him to my father.

"He's beautiful. Hey there, champ. I'm your Grandpa Carlisle. I bet you have a lot of fun with your Grandpa Charlie, don't you? We'll have to take you fishing once you are old enough. Esme isn't he beautiful? He's a perfect blend of Bella and Edward."

Mom just looked at Riley and nodded. She reached out to touch his cheek before looking up at me and Bella.

"How? I mean why didn't we know of this?"

Over the next twenty minutes Bella and I gave my parents the PG version of events. We explained our reconnection in Seattle when Renee was dying, our plans for her return to Forks at that time, as well as what we know of Jake and Chelsea's involvement in keeping us apart.

As we explained, I saw my mom getting angrier and angrier. "That little witch. What gave her the right to mess with your lives? You two have never had an easy path, have you?"

I was holding Bella's hand in my lap, watching my parents fawning over Riley and remembered we needed to call Kate and Irina back down. I left Bella on the sofa and walked to the base of the stairs. "Katie, Rini, come down please, dinner will be ready soon."

Bella was speaking with Mom as I walked back in. "I really do Esme, but after all of this I need to be careful." She smiled at me as I took my seat beside her, taking her hand back into mine.

"You do what, Bella?" She blushed, "I was just telling your mom how we're taking everything slowly and that we have to be careful because of the kids. You know I have to find a family attorney here. I need to find out what has to be done to amend Riley's birth certificate."

"We'll get it sorted out. I'll talk to my attorney and see who he recommends." Bella and I sat back on the sofa watching my parents and daughters interacting with our son. It felt so good to even think those words. Bella was smiling and laughing as Riley pulled up on Dad's lap and was bouncing. I had to laugh when he jumped and landed just right on his Grandpa, causing Dad to groan. I think it was all he could do not to grab himself. Mom was giggling like Kate and Irina were. Bella jabbed me in the stomach with her elbow. "Ooof, what was that for?" She just shook her head, "You shouldn't laugh at your father, one day Riley will get you like that, and then who'll be laughing." I leaned into her, whispering, "You'll take care of me though, right? Nurse me back to health."

Goosebumps formed on Bella's arms. She could try to keep her distance, but I knew she was affected as much as I was by our proximity. "Sure. I wouldn't want you to have to explain certain unusual swelling to your doctor…I'll take care of you." She was bright red. I glanced up seeing my mother watching us closely. She couldn't hear our whispered conversation, but she certainly saw Bella's blush.

"I think the lasagna should be ready by now. Girls, take Riley and get him set up in the highchair. Mom, you and Dad go sit with them, Bella and I will bring dinner to the table." I led Bella into the kitchen and once out of everyone's eyesight, I gathered her into my arms, pulling her tight against me. "You are a very naughty woman, Ms Swan." I kissed her forehead and then pressed mine to hers. "See that went well. Kate and Irina are doing great, Mom and Dad are just nuts over Riley, and nothing about dinner is ruined." I took the lasagna and a trivet to the table, while Bella got the bread from the oven and plated it, and brought the salad. "Do you need to get Riley's food?" She nodded and went to get his dinner from the bag while I got everyone's drinks and a bottle for Ry.

Once we were all settled at the table with Riley at one end with Bella on one side and me on the other, Mom started in on her questions. "Have you told your sister yet?"

I shook my head, "No, but we are meeting Ali and Jas, Em and Rose tomorrow to tell them. Rose already figured it out and told Emmett, so Alice will be mad about being the last to know, but I'm just hoping she takes it as well as you two have." Bella was slowly relaxing as the conversation flowed around her. Riley was eating well and only got fussy as he got full. Bella was going to take him out of his seat, but I asked her to let me. I wanted to take every opportunity to hold him that I could.

"You seem very content, Edward. It's been a whirlwind few days hasn't it?"

"You don't know the half of it, Mom. It's nice to just be right now. Bella is moving into the cottage on Friday, we were shopping yesterday for furniture for her house as well as nursery furniture for the former playroom. Kate and Irina were setting up the crib earlier, getting it ready for Riley, after it was delivered and assembled."

Bella looked at me, "It's all here?" I nodded. "It was delivered after I got off the phone with you earlier. They set up the crib and the girls put the bedding on it. Now we'll just have to arrange a sleepover." I saw the way her eyes flashed. She wasn't nervous, she was wary and worried.

"What is it, Bella?"

"I've never been away from him for more than a few hours, Edward. I don't know how he'll do spending a night away from me or truthfully how I'll handle it either."

I guess I should have phrased that better. "No, Bella, I didn't mean it like that. I meant for both of you to sleep over. Maybe next weekend we can make plans." That didn't necessarily come out any better. I don't want her thinking I wanted to get her into bed… shit, even my internal monologue doesn't make sense. I heard a low giggle coming from the direction of my mother.

"Edward dear, just spit it out. Tell her you want her to stay over. The guest rooms are still set up."

I looked at Bella. "Could you stay tonight? Mom and Dad will be here and I can loan you something to sleep in."

Bella was bent over from the force of the laugh coming out of her. "Y-yes, I have enough clothes for Riley, and I can just go home to change in the morning, or Dad could drop off clothes for me. I know you hate saying goodbye to him each night, so let's give it a try."

We spent another hour just talking. Kate and Irina had homework to finish, so they headed up early to take care of that. I told them I would be up later to tell them goodnight. Bella got Riley ready for bed, changing him into his pjs and giving him his nighttime bottle.

Once he was down for the night and Bella had double checked everything in the room, we took the receiver to the baby monitor and went down stairs to sit with my parents. We found them out on the back deck.

"He's out for the night, I hope." Bella told my parents.

"So, are you two going to give being together another go?" Leave it to my mother to start the inquisition.

"Mom, please, we are trying to find our way here. There was a lot standing between us, and we still have to confront a couple of people about that." Bella nodded. "Esme you know how I felt about Edward all those years ago. It never went away, as much as I might have wished it to at times, and when we met again in Seattle when Mom was hospitalized, those feelings were in full effect. What we have to do now is remember there are three children that will be affected by this if it goes bad, not that I think it will, but we have to put that consideration there. Taking our time is not a bad thing. I'm moving this weekend, I start a new job Monday, Edward has only known about Riley for a few days…There really is no rush." She stood up then looked at me, "Please excuse me for a minute. I need to phone Dad and tell him Riley and I are sleeping over, otherwise the Chief may show up in the middle of the night with his shotgun." Bella walked back into the house and I turned to my mom.

"We're taking this slow, Mom. Bella is worried about Riley getting hurt. We have all this crap from Jake and Chelsea to deal with, not to mention we'll be the talk of the town for a while. Irina is trying, but she was so awful towards Bella in the beginning and I know she still has issues with that. Honestly, I want nothing more than to move her in here permanently, but she isn't ready for that, and we've become different people than we were 8 years ago. We have a lot to learn about each other."

My mother moved to sit beside me. Dad was looking over at us and decided to give his opinion on our situation. "Edward, you know I've always liked Bella. She was good for you and the girls after Tanya died. While I was worried that the age gap would be too much, the love you two felt was undeniable. I had hoped you could find a way to work it out while she was away at school, but when that didn't happen you got an even better chance when Renee died. It seems like Fate keeps giving you the option of Bella forever, maybe now is the time to make sure it happens. Take your time, learn all the new things about each other and see what has changed. You two deserve to find your happiness."

Mom nodded her head in agreement with my father. "There was something special years ago that got cut short. These are different circumstances now and you have greater responsibilities, but of anyone, I believe if this is what you and Bella want you will make it happen. My only advice would be to keep the lines of communication open between you. You can see what lack of communication has done in the past."

Bella came back through the door at that moment. "I checked on Riley, he's still sleeping soundly. I spoke to Charlie and he will drop off a change of clothes for me in the morning. You may want to prepare yourself Edward; Dad wants a few minutes with you for the obligatory 'You hurt my daughter and I'll make you disappear' talk I'm sure."

I just laughed, trying not to show how nervous that thought made me. "Good he can give me pointers for when the girls start bring home boys."

Bella sat down in the spot my mother quickly vacated. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to me. She stiffened at first and then relaxed against me. "I'm happy to talk to him Bella. I want him to understand what happened, and what my feelings for you are."

We spent the rest of the evening outside speaking with my parents. Bella started yawning, so I glanced at my watch and couldn't believe it was already past 11 o'clock. "I think it's time to turn in. I'll get you something to sleep in Bella." We walked inside and I went into my room to get her a t-shirt and shorts that had a drawstring. "These should work for you. I'll walk you up, I want to check on Kate and Irina, and take a look at Riley as well."

Kate was just getting into bed when we stopped in to say goodnight. "Night Daddy, Night Bella, I'm happy you'll be here in the morning." Bella walked over and gave Kate a hug.

"I've missed you Katie-bug. Get some sleep; you have school in the morning."

Irina wasn't in her room so we walked over to the playroom. The sight we were met with warmed my heart. Irina was sitting in the rocking chair holding Riley and they were both sound asleep.

Bella took Riley gently from Irina's arms, trying not to wake him. I picked Irina up, and carried her into her room. Bella rushed in after me and pulled the covers back. I got her tucked in, kissing her forehead. I hadn't had to tuck her into bed in several years. It's amazing how fast time flies and how quickly your children grow.

I wandered back over to the nursery to look in on Riley, he was just laying there looking so peaceful. He slept in the same position Bella did on his back with his arms thrown over his head. I wondered if we'd ever get back to that point, the one where I could watch her sleep, if not I would survive because at least I would see her and be able to have time with Ry. In just a few days he had me completely wrapped around his fingers.

"If he sees you, he'll never go back to sleep. Come on, walk me up." Bella placed her hand on top of mine, removing it from the crib. She led me out of the room and up the stairs, not letting go of my hand. "He likes it here, Edward. And seeing him with your parents and the girls earlier, it was just wonderful. It's everything I hoped it would be after I found out I was pregnant." We stopped at the guestroom door. "I want you to know that this is what I want. I want us all to be together. I want Riley to grow up with both of his parents loving each other, living together, with his sisters and maybe more siblings. That is what I see as a future for us, and I hope you aren't upset that I want us to do this the right way.

I stopped her from continuing on by kissing her. This was no tease of a kiss. I poured everything I was feeling into it. I felt it when her knees gave out and pulled her against me, keeping her up.

When she started to whimper, I gentled the kiss, finally with a few pecks I pulled myself back.

I couldn't help but feel smug at the look on her face.

"Wow" was all she said.

"Yeah, we still have it I see." She laughed at that.

"Bella, that's exactly what I want. I don't care if it takes us years…well maybe I'll care if it is years, but I don't mind taking time for this. What is between us is important enough to do it right, and for the children."

She wrapped her arms around my waist and gave me a hug. "Thank you, Edward, for everything. Goodnight." I kissed her forehead keeping my hands to myself for fear of losing control.

"Goodnight, sweet Bella, pleasant dreams."

"Edward, don't forget that my father is coming over to talk to you in the morning." She was smiling at the look that must have passed over my face.

Chief of Police, Charlie Swan was coming over to my house in the morning. The house where his daughter lived briefly when she was a teenager, the same house that she's spending the night in…with her baby and , gulp, me the 'baby daddy'. I hope he leaves his guns at home.

Oh boy….

OoOoO

So the Senior Cullens took it well, Edward also saw Alice and was quick to tell her to butt out of his business, and ahem, Charlie is coming to talk to Edward. That should be fun.

Up next Swan v. Cullen with the 'talk' and Bella and Edward tell the rest of the gang, well really Alice and Jasper as Em and Rose already know.

Let me know what you thought about it. Leave a review.

The next update will be within a week.