AN: So FFn has been having issues. This chapter is a little later than I intended for it to be. It's a bit transitional with a surprise at the end.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns it all. I'm just borrowing her characters for my story. No copyright infringement intended

How Can I Help You?

Chapter 21

Adjustments, Therapy, Boys and BBQ

BPOV

The next afternoon found me knee deep in laundry. I had been too busy during the week to get more than one load of laundry done, and with a baby that task was never ending.

"Bella, just wait until tomorrow and Shelly will help you." Edward was carrying Riley up the stairs for a bath. Riley had gotten under the sink in the kitchen and discovered the dish detergent and now he was covered in Dawn.

"It will drive me crazy if I don't get at least some of his clothes done." Edward had definitely gotten spoiled having Mrs. Cope here. He left most everything for her except the dishes. On the other hand, I have been responsible for keeping house most of my life. Growing up I helped my mother, and then I took care of first the apartment, then our house in California. This area was something Edward and I were definitely going to have to discuss because I enjoyed taking care of things. I knew I would get used to having Mrs. Cope do some things, but I wanted to cook and the girls needed to have responsibilities in the house as well.

I started another load of clothes and took the basket of Riley's pajamas and shirts up to his room. Edward was still bathing Riley and I could hear the laughter as I passed the door.

We had spent the morning hours setting up the cottage. I moved my clothing as well as Riley's to Edward's, but left the bed linens and kitchen supplies for use when we were there. It didn't take long to make the beds and set up the basement for the girls to sleep in the next weekend.

The barbeque was planned thanks to Alice, and everyone had been invited. I got an email from Eric stating that Alice had requested the entire staff's email addresses so she could invite them. I only hope one didn't go out to the Newton's. At least I didn't have to worry about anything to do with the party. Alice and Rose had decorations and supplies handled and Emmett and Edward would take care of the food.

I had just finished putting away the last of the clothing when my boys walked into the room. "We're all clean now Momma." Edward handed me a towel wrapped Riley and sat in the rocking chair while I diapered and changed him.

"I'll go get the latches for the cabinets in a bit, love. I didn't even think about him getting under the sink."

"Yeah, I think this is just the beginning. We'll need to put gates on the stairs, latch all the cabinet doors in the kitchen, bathrooms, and the entertainment center. Are you sure you're ready for all of this again, Edward? If you want to wait, I will understand."

He gave me such a hard look. "No way, you two are here and I'm not letting you go." He held out his hand pulling me into his lap. Riley laughed and jumped at Edward.

"I am definitely ready for this. We have a little adjusting to do around here, but it's worth any changes to have us all together, Bella." I leaned into his embrace as he rocked us.

"There are definitely some things that I will have to get used to, but this is right for all of us. Riley is so happy here. You look happy and the girls seem to be doing well…" My voice trailed off because it suddenly felt like it had all been a little too easy.

"What is it, love?"

"I wonder when the other shoe will drop. We've all blended seamlessly so far. Has it been too easy?"

Edward's voiced deepened and grew quiet as he said, "I think we should look at it as a blessing, Bella. We've been through so much for so long…maybe we are finally catching a break. We still have so much to deal with, like Jake. We are waiting for your divorce to be finalized and we've got to look into changing Riley's birth certificate. Don't forget the holidays are coming quickly, so it's going to get crazy here for a while."

"You're heading to California before Christmas, right? I heard you mention it to Chelsea." It had hurt to hear it that way, because he had not told me anything about it.

"I've been trying to change the dates, Bella. I wanted to wait to say anything until it was finalized, but I am going to have to go for the week leading up to Christmas. I will be home Christmas Eve in the afternoon. I want to sit down and talk to you later about this, so you know what my schedule will be like for the next few months."

"We have a lot to talk about, Edward. With all the excitement of the last few days…we forgot that we're blending a family together. I like things a certain way, you like things done your way…we're going to have to compromise a lot."

He nodded then kissed my temple and went to stand, taking me and Riley with him.

I laughed. "Put me down, you loon!"

"Let's go start dinner. I want to have an early evening tonight." He set me down and then leaned in to whisper, "I've got to make up for falling asleep on you last night, after all."

My face as well as my whole body heated at his words. Riley, thankfully broke the tension with his squeal, so we walked downstairs.

Dinner was proving to be a lively time in the Cullen house. After having quiet meals for so long, it was wonderful. Kate went on and on about Brady and how sweet he was to her at school. Edward was not happy about his daughter dating a boy. I reminded him their first date would not be until Friday night, but agreed that a talk would need to happen. She was definitely taken with this boy.

"What about you, Irina? Is there a boy you like in school?"

She blushed, but shook her head. "No, most of the guys my age are strange and are only after one thing." I thought poor Edward was going to stroke out when she said that.

"That's right, baby girl, just stay away from boys. You don't need to think about them for at least another 10, 12 years."

We all laughed at him. "They are going to grow up whether you want them to or not, Edward. Try not to worry too much. Kate and Irina are good girls."

Riley was enjoying the attention he was receiving from his sisters. Irina had decided to avoid the 'boys' talk by making silly faces, causing Riley to laugh.

I looked over at Edward and he was taking everything in. "This is what dinners should always be like."

Edward cleaned up the kitchen, since I cooked and both girls helped him. I took Riley up to clean his face and change him for the night, before taking a storybook and going back into the den to read it.

Edward got his wish a little later. Riley fell asleep so we put him in bed and then told the girls goodnight as they went up to their rooms, and then Edward more than made up for falling asleep the night before.

O~O~O~O

The next morning, Mrs. Cope was there by the time I was up with Riley. She prepared breakfast for us all and took Riley from me, so she could feed him while I got dressed.

It was going to be an adjustment, alright. Edward was still sleeping when I walked back into the room. I took a quick shower and dressed in slacks and a sweater, leaving my hair down, before sitting next to him and kissing his back.

"Edward, honey, the girls are about to leave for school and I need to leave soon." He rolled over and grabbed my waist. "You're leaving me today?" He had that bottom lip pouted out.

"I've got to go in for a staff meeting. I'll be back before you know it." I leaned down and kissed him, "You could always drop me off and pick me up later, for lunch with Ry."

"Hmmm, I could do that. I think I want to do that." He sat up saying, "I'll be ready in thirty minutes, love."

This was good. We would be able to talk about some of the things I wanted to address, during lunch. I left Edward to get ready and went back to the kitchen. Riley was happy with all the attention he was getting and didn't notice me come back.

I admit I felt a little jealous. I was so used to being his number one. I felt bad for leaving him, even if it was only for a few hours. He was fine in Shelly's care, giggling at his sisters and eating his breakfast.

"What's the matter, love?" Edward wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me back against his chest.

I shook my head. "Nothing, really, I'm just being silly."

"Bella?"

I took a steadying breath. "It's just that I've always been his caregiver, even in California. I took him to work with me. He seems to be just fine with me leaving him. I guess I'm jealous." I looked over my shoulder at Edward's face. "I told you it was silly."

He turned me around and lifted my chin so I was looking in his eyes. "It's not silly, love. Trust me, Riley knows when you aren't there and he asks for you. He's such a great little boy, Bella. He loves everyone and loves the attention, but he knows when you are gone and he lights up when you come back."

"Mammaa, Daddada"

I turned to see Irina carrying Riley into the kitchen. "We've got to go, and Ry wanted his Mommy." She handed me the baby and kissed her father goodbye. Kate called out a goodbye to us as she went out to Shelly's car.

It was getting late and I needed to get to work. "You ready to ride with Daddy, Ry? I've got to go to work for a while, but you'll get to spend the morning with Daddy and Shelly." Riley picked that moment to tear up. "Nooo, don't cry, baby. I love you, sweetheart. I'll be done soon, and you'll be coming with Daddy to pick me up." Edward walked back in with his keys and my computer bag.

"Ready?" I nodded and grabbed my purse. "Let's go."

The drive was quick, and soon we were outside the Weekly's office. "So Riley and I will be back at noon?"

"Yeah, I'll call if it's going to take longer, and definitely if I'm ready sooner. I love you."

I went to get out, but Edward told me to wait. He got out and walked around to my door, taking both of my bags from me. "Riley will be fine, don't worry. We'll keep each other distracted while you are gone." He placed the computer case's strap on my shoulder and handed me my purse. "There's a present in there for you, well for your office. Maybe it will help the separation anxiety. I love you, Bella." He quickly kissed me and sent me in the office.

I didn't see anyone until after I had gotten into my office and set up my laptop. Eric popped his head in as I pulled a box out of my messenger bag. "Morning Bella, getting settled in I see."

"Morning, Eric. I'm trying to get settled. It's a little strange to be at work with out Riley."

"You'll be home before you know it. Meeting is in the conference room in 10 minutes, ok?" I nodded, "I'll be right there."

After Eric left, I opened the box that Edward had put in my bag. Inside were two picture frames. In one was a picture of Riley in his highchair, covered in food and laughing. The second frame held a picture I recognized as one my father must have taken when he was at dinner with us on Friday. It was a photo of the family. Edward and I were seated on the sofa with Riley on my lap and Kate and Irina on either side of us. It was perfect, and just what I needed today. I set them up on my desk and grabbed a notebook and my pen and walked down to the conference room.

Two hours and a massive headache later I was back in my office waiting for Edward to come back. I had just taken something for the headache when the cause walked in my door without knocking.

"So, Bella, have you settled in to your house alright? Need help moving any boxes or making your bed?"

Mike Newton was leering at me and leaning over my desk. "Get out, Mike."

He held up his hands in supplication. "I was just offering my services, helping an old friend." I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation. "I'm fine, Mike. I've already gotten settled and I have all the help I could possibly need, from Edward."

"That's right, you and Cullen…" He noticed my pictures and picked them up for a better look. "Cute kid."

"Thanks." I wanted to rip them from his hands. Eric was definitely going to hear about this. There was no way I would be able to deal with Newton.

"I never would have pegged you as a cheater, Bella. You've got a ready made family and you aren't even divorced yet."

The anger that was building was just causing my head to pound harder. Instead of losing my temper with him, and I was very close to doing that, I buzzed Eric. "Eric, will you come down to my office for a minute? Mike Newton is here and I want to get some things straight."

Eric had to have heard my tone and he knew Mike was a thorn in my side. "I'll be right there."

Mike's eyes got wide. "I'll just leave so you can …"

"Don't, you're the reason behind this, so stay." I stood up and grabbed my pictures from his hands, placing them back onto the desk.

"Bella, what's going on?" Eric spoke to me but was looking at Mike.

"I'm not going to work with him, Eric. I don't need the irritation he causes just by existing."

"What happened? Mike?"

"Nothing, I just offered to help her unpack."

I scoffed, "He offered to help makeup my bed, and then was making comments about my family."

"What did he say?" Eric, Mike and I all turned to look at the doorway. Edward was standing there with Riley perched on his hip. Mike blanched.

"Mammaa!" Riley squealed. Edward walked over to me, kissing my head as he passed Ry to me.

"Edward, don't."

He looked back at me, "I want to hear this, love." He walked over to Mike, "What did you offer her?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to help out an old friend." Edward laughed. "I know what you wanted. It's what you wanted back when you were in high school. Aren't you married to the shrew we saw the other morning? Leave my family alone, Newton."

"Bella, I'll have a talk with Mike. I don't see any reason for there to be a problem for him to email his columns to you."

I nodded to Eric. "I'll call you later and we can talk about it."

"Mike, go to my office, I'll be there in a few minutes." Mike left, casting a worried glance at Edward.

"Good to see you, Eric." Edward greeted him. "You too Ed. Now I want to see this little guy." Eric asked if he could hold Riley, and Ry willingly went to him. While Eric "ooohed" and "ahhhed" over Riley I packed my computer and notebook along with the articles I had to edit and a list of those that would be emailed.

"He's adorable. You two did good work with all those great genes." I blushed and laughed. Edward just said, "You're right."

Eric handed Riley back to Edward and as we were leaving, he said, "Oh, thanks for the invite to the barbeque on Saturday. Todd and I are looking forward to it. Is there anything we can bring?"

I shook my head, "No, I think we've got it handled. I'll speak to you later today, Eric."

We walked out to Edward's car and as he fastened Riley into his seat I noticed the picnic basket. "A picnic?" I practically squealed.

Edward laughed. "Yes, I thought we could head over to the beach to have lunch and play with Ry."

The drive to First Beach passed quickly. After getting a blanket spread out and feeding Riley, Edward and I ate a superb lunch that Mrs. Cope prepared for us.

"I guess I could get used to eating Mrs. Cope's meals. She definitely knows her way around a kitchen."

"What's bothering you, love?" I set my plate down and shifted Riley so he was sitting in the middle of the blanket, before laying my head on Edward's lap.

"I'm just not used to having someone there picking up after me. I've always taken care of myself and my house. I like doing things around the house, like laundry. Yes it can get annoying, but I love taking care of my family and it makes me feel needed."

Edward brushed my hair away from my face and looked down at me. "Bella, just because Shelly is there to help doesn't mean we don't need you. She's been helping with the girls and the house for the last seven years, and I really needed her, but the girls are older now. I want you comfortable in our home, Bella. If you want things done a certain way, then we will do them."

I sat up, leaning into Edward. "I don't want you to fire her; she's a part of the family. I just … I don't know, I just like being needed. I know that she's going to watch Riley when you work and I need to be at the paper. She also picks up the girls from school, but I want some of that responsibility too. It's just going to be an adjustment to sharing the role that's all."

"You're what's important, Bella. I don't want it to be just my house, it's ours. Whatever you want to change, you have free rein to do so."

We spent another hour just enjoying the day. We took Riley down to the water and let him dip his feet in, walked along the shore and explored the tidal pools.

Tuesday morning, I left Edward in bed and pulled on yoga pants and a t-shirt so I could take Kate and Irina to school. Shelly and I sat down the previous afternoon and worked out a schedule that would benefit us both. I would drive the girls to school in the mornings while she fed Riley his breakfast. Shelly, would vacuum and dust downstairs while I cleaned our room and did the laundry. We both thought it was time Kate and Irina learned to take care of their clothing, so the girls would wash and put away their own clothes. As far as the kitchen went, we divided the duties. She would prepare breakfast during the week, while I took care of dinner. Edward would take care of himself for lunch and he would feed Riley as long as he was home during the day.

I was feeling more comfortable and settled now that we had defined the roles each of us played in the house. After dropping the girls off at the high school, I went by the bakery to pick up a cake for dessert as well as a few of Edward's favorite pastries for later.

"Have you been getting settled in at your house, Bella?" Mrs. Weber asked. She was boxing up the carrot cake and éclairs for me.

"Yes, Ma'am, Edward helped me get everything moved in. It's so nice being home."

"I imagine it is. You two seem awfully cozy. Is your father alright with it?"

"Dad is happy that I am finally happy. He's always liked Edward and we've become one large family unit now. Edward and I love each other, Mrs. Weber, and we deserve to be happy just like everyone else." She looked at me with such understanding, and love.

"Bella, sweetheart, I know you love each other. I'm also very happy that you are finally with the man you were always supposed to be with. I don't think Angela ever knew about you and Edward after high school, but I could tell something was there when you would bring those girls in. I just want to make sure he treats you right."

I gave her a hug before I left.

Driving home, I felt hopeful that the more we were out and about together and as a family, the more we'd be accepted.

Edward was playing with Riley in the family room as I walked into the house. I set the pastry boxes in the kitchen then walked over and sat down with the boys.

"Good morning, love. You were up early." He leaned over Riley, kissing me sweetly. "I missed you when you left."

I laughed, "I was only gone about thirty minutes, baby. You couldn't have had that much time to miss me." He just looked at me.

"Every minute you are away, I miss you."

"I miss you too, you sap." I kissed his chin and stood up. "I've got some laundry to finish, and then I need to get the living room set for Maggie."

I was not worried about the session tonight. Maggie had told Edward it would be informal and really just a way for all of us to speak openly about everything that had happened. She needed all the background information so her sessions with Irina would be more targeted to her needs.

Shelly picked up the girls and dropped them off at the house by 2:30. She was going home for the rest of the day, because Maggie was due by 4 o'clock. I had just put Riley down for his afternoon nap, when I heard the doorbell.

Edward was showing her into the living room when I walked back downstairs.

"Bella, it's so good to see you again." I shook her hand then stepped back, taking Edward's hand in mine. "Yes, it's good to see you. Thanks for coming today." Kate and Irina joined us on the sofa and we began our session.

Maggie asked us to start at the beginning and Edward told her about our first breakup and how he pushed me away. We discussed how we both felt at the time and then she asked Irina how she felt about everything that she had learned from us.

"I wish I had just said something to Dad about what Aunt Chelsea said to me. I don't know if I would have believed him, but maybe I would have. I had the hardest time after Mom died. I loved Bella, but felt so guilty about it. Chelsea made me believe that I couldn't care for Bella that it was wrong and I would be betraying my mother's memory. I hurt my father and Bella by helping Jake keep them apart. We also missed out on being there when Riley was born. I just feel guilty about it all." Edward held her close and told her there was no need for more apologies. She was not the one at fault.

We told Maggie about what we had learned about Chelsea and Jake as well as our meeting with Chelsea in Seattle. I was just starting to speak about the adjustments I had to moving in with Edward and the girls, when the baby monitor sounded. Riley was awake.

"Excuse me, I'll be right back."

I rushed upstairs and quickly changed Riley before grabbing a bottle of juice and going back to the living room to join everyone. Edward took him from me and Maggie turned her attention to the baby. "How has having a baby around changed things here?" She looked not only to the girls but to Edward as well.

"It's great having a baby brother. I loved him from the minute I saw him." Kate had had the easiest transition. Nothing seemed to faze her.

"I wasn't happy about Bella and the baby at first, but that was because I didn't know. Once Dad and Bella told me about Riley, who he really was to me, it's like this protectiveness came over me. I won't let anyone say or do anything to hurt him." Irina was almost as fiercely protective of Riley as I was.

We all looked at Edward as he began to speak. "When I first saw Bella in Rosalie's office, and I got a look at 'her' baby…I knew immediately that he was mine. He stared at me and I felt this connection to him. Bella mentioned that she thought I would be angry that she had kept him from me, but really I was just grateful that I had not missed more time with him. We've all made so many mistakes, I'm just grateful we are all here together."

Maggie spoke to us for another thirty minutes and then set up an appointment to speak to Irina the next Monday afternoon. Maggie said they would take it one appointment at a time, but didn't think weekly appointments would be necessary. She said we were handling things pretty well so far, but were welcome to call her whenever we needed to.

Dinner that night was a little more subdued than it had been before. I think we had just talked so much that there wasn't much to say. The only new thing that was brought up at dinner was when Kate asked permission to go out with Brady after the barbecue on Saturday.

"Katie, aren't you going to the dance with him Friday and isn't he coming to the party Saturday?"

"Yes, Dad, he is but there is a movie that we both want to see. Brady is hoping that after you get to know him a little better on Saturday, you'll let me go out with him."

Poor Edward wasn't ready for his little girls to grow up. He looked over to me.

"Kate, let him think about it, ok? I promise he'll give you an answer tomorrow."

That night after settling Riley into bed and saying goodnight to the girls, I told Edward to lie on his stomach so I could give him a massage.

"What's got you worried, Edward? Kate is a good girl and she knows not to go for the bad boys. You're going to be meeting Brady Friday before the dance, and he's going to be around our family all day Saturday. I'm sure between you, Em, Jasper and my father- you know- Chief Swan, you guys will make sure he knows to be respectful to Kate." I rubbed his tense muscles as we spoke. I think the bit about my dad also putting the fear of God into him relaxed him the most.

"Your dad Bella, he has this knack for intimidation. I've got to get him to teach me so I can be better prepared for when boys come around. Thank goodness Irina isn't interested in anyone yet."

Oh my sweet deluded man. Did he not realize it would only be a matter of time before boys would be coming here for Irina as well?

"Well maybe if we have more children, well be lucky to have only boys. That would give you less to worry about."

He rolled over pulling me down on top of his chest. "I'll worry no matter what. You know that, love. Whether or not we have girls or boys, I would love more children with you. Do you feel like practicing now, love?" He flashed a wicked smile at me and rolled us until he was settled between my thighs. "I love you."

"I love you, Edward."

EPOV

Life had settled into a nice groove for us. Bella was taking the girls each morning to school, then would come home and work on her laptop for a couple of hours while I worked upstairs in the studio. Shelly was enjoying spending sometime with the baby and there was a peacefulness that had settled over us all.

Friday night Bella and I were taking Riley to the Forks High football game with Kate and Irina, and then Bella would help them get dressed for the dance. We were dropping Jared and Irina off with Kate at the gymnasium and Brady was bringing them all back to the house once they left the dance.

Bella had been teasing me all week about the girls growing up. I knew they were teenagers, and they were at the age where dating was normal, but it's hard for a father to let his daughters grow up. I don't think I'm going to be worried about Riley when he's 15 or 16 and going out on a date. I will have to make sure he knows about safe sex and everything, but with boys it's different. I know what to expect from him, just like I know what 17 year old boys think about 16 year old girls. I used to be one, and that right there is the reason fathers have such a hard time letting their daughters grow up.

The temperatures had been dropping and we dressed warmly, making sure Riley was bundled up enough to be outside for a couple of hours. Everyone attended the Homecoming game and the stands were packed. Charlie was meeting us and had gotten there early enough to save a row along the bottom of the bleachers.

"Hey kids. I hope you have a blanket or two with you, it's supposed to get colder." Bella sat with Riley in her lap, between me and Charlie. Irina was sitting with Jared and their friends and Katie went to find Brady. She wanted me to meet him before the dance and decided the game was the best place because it would be too noisy for me to interrogate him. "We've got it covered, Charlie." I said, while unfolding the stadium blanket, covering Bella and the baby. He looked over and nodded his approval. "So how are you handling the fact that your daughters have dates tonight?"

Charlie had offered me his shotgun if I wanted to pretend to clean it while speaking to the boys.

"He's going to be fine, Dad. I'm sure you can sympathize with him. I seem to recall you getting all overprotective of me a few times."

Charlie's mustache twitched, "Yeah, I recall having a fit about you moving in with some guy… you were taking care of his kids… then you left the state and went to college, you grew up too fast for me, baby girl."

"See Edward, that's something you need to remember. I may have grown up, but I will always be my Daddy's little girl. Kate and Irina will always be your little girls, too."

Kate walked over to us. Standing beside her was a clean cut boy with no visible piercings. That was a good sign. "Dad, Bella, I'd like you to meet Brady Summers. Brady, this is my father, Edward Cullen and his uh…girlfriend, Bella Swan."

I guess it was a little weird to pinpoint what Bella and I were to each other. Girlfriend wasn't adequate, but she wasn't yet my fiancée or my wife and partner didn't seem enough either.

We were able to stay through Half-Time and watch the Homecoming Queen be crowned, but it was getting too cold to keep Riley out any longer so we told Charlie goodbye and took Kate and Irina back to the house to get ready.

Bella sent me up to Riley's room to get him ready for bed while she and the girls took over our bathroom. Riley passed out quickly, so I knew one of us would be staying home while the other took the girls to the dance.

When I walked downstairs I saw two beautiful young women standing where my babies had been moments before.

"Wow, you take my breath away, ladies. You both look more and more like your mother." Irina had grown more like her mother each year, but seeing both girls standing there dressed up, I was seeing more of Tanya in both of them, than I had before.

Bella was taking pictures of Kate and Irina in various positions. "Edward, go stand between them, I want to get a few shots of the three of you." I was so proud standing beside my girls. It was truly being driven home that the girls were no longer that, they were young ladies and I was going to have to start letting them spread their wings.

I moved over to Bella, taking the camera. "Let me get a few of all my girls together before I have to take you to the dance." I got one of them standing together, arms around each other's waists. The girls stood taller than Bella, in their heels. They looked so right standing together.

Bella spoke to each of them quietly so I couldn't hear, then with a kiss to their cheeks she told them to have fun and call if they needed anything.

I drove over to Jared's house to pick him up before making our way to the school.

"Don't worry, Mr. Cullen. I'll keep an eye on Rin and Katie for you. I won't let anything happen." I was once again thankful this boy was my daughter's friend. I may just make it through their adolescence after all.

"Alright girls, don't forget curfew is midnight. You must be home by then. We have a busy afternoon tomorrow, so you need to sleep tonight. Have fun and please be careful. If you need anything, or someone needs help- call me or Bella, ok?" They nodded, blowing me kisses. "We'll be fine, Dad, bye!"

I drove back to the house intending to enjoy my night alone with Bella. I thought she'd be in the living room or kitchen when I got back, but instead I found her in the bathroom soaking in the tub.

"Hey, beautiful." She smiled.

"Hi, handsome, did the girls get into the dance alright?" I nodded.

Bella sat forward in the tub and held out her hand. "Join me."

I stripped off my clothing and settled behind her in the tub. "This is nice," I said.

"I thought a bath might help you relax a bit. I knew you were worrying about tonight."

There was nothing as relaxing or as stimulating as the feel of Bella against me.

"I'm fine, love. I've just got to come to terms with the fact my babies are no longer babies, well except for Riley. Hmmm, maybe I just need to keep you pregnant…" Her head bumped mine as she turned around to look at me.

"Keep me pregnant? I don't think so, Edward. While I'd like to have another child, possibly two, I don't want to have more than that. Besides in another 10 years or so, Kate and Irina will be settling down and raising their own families."

"Bellllaa, I'm too young to be a grandfather. Please don't bring up that topic just yet." I pulled out the big guns and pouted my lip at her.

"I know, baby. We are much too young to be grandparents."

We played in the tub until the water cooled. After we dried off and dressed in our pajamas we just laid in bed kissing, touching and talking until my phone rang.

It was just after 11, so I hoped it would be Kate.

"Hey, Daddy, we're leaving the dance. Brady is driving us home before dropping Jared at home."

"Thanks for calling, sweetheart, I'll go wait to let you in."

Bella was smiling at me. "You are relieved, aren't you? Did she sound ok?" I kissed her briefly and got out of bed to let the girls in. "Yes, she sounded fine. He's dropping them here before taking Jared home."

Kate and Irina were laughing as they walked up the steps to the house. I waved goodnight to Brady and Jared and let the girls into the house.

"Did you have a good time?" They hugged me and kept laughing, though I did remind them to keep it quiet so not to wake Riley.

"It was great Dad. The music was ok, but we did have to avoid the punch because one of the seniors spiked it with vodka. Bella's dad ended up arresting a couple of the football players; they had a little too much to drink."

Irina looked at me, "It was fine, Daddy, honest. Brady and Jared decided to leave early before anything else happened, although I think Jared was meeting up with his boyfriend for a private party." I really didn't need to know that. "Ok girls, up to bed. There is a very busy day tomorrow. Don't forget to pack an overnight bag. We're staying at the cottage after the party."

"Did you make up your mind, Dad? May I go out with Brady tomorrow night?"

"He seems like a good guy, yes, you may go. The curfew is the same though, Kate. You have to be home by midnight." She wrapped her arms around my neck.

"Thank you, Daddy. I love you, goodnight."

I locked up and set the alarm before heading back to bed with Bella.

"Did they have fun?" She pulled the covers back for me to join her.

"Yes they did. Your father made an appearance and arrested a couple of guys that had too much of the spiked punch. High school never changes."

"No it doesn't and it never will. You just have to trust you've raised them the right way. No more worrying tonight, Edward. I know what will take your mind off of the girls." She trailed her hand down my chest, lower and lower, I moaned as she wrapped her little hand around me.

"Mmmm. I think you may be right, love."

BPOV

I was moving a little slower the next morning as I got our things together to take over to the cottage.

"Feeling ok, love?" Edward smirked as I gingerly moved around the room. We had been up late into the night and I was feeling all of our activities this morning.

"I'll be fine, but you get baby duty this morning, while I take a bath." He just laughed and rolled out of the bed, pulling on his pajama bottoms. Edward walked over to me and leaned down, brushing a kiss on my shoulder. "I'm sorry if I got too rough."

I turned to look at him, "Trust me, I'm not sorry, I think I just need to work out more."

Edward left me to soak in the tub and went to wake the girls and get Riley ready for the day.

Alice and Rose told me there should be close to fifty people at the party. I thought that was a little insane, but there would not only be my co-workers, but friends of everyone would also be there. Edward was looking forward to the announcement he planned about Riley. I was nervous about it. Dad had asked if I would be bothered by Billy coming up to the party. I told him it didn't bother me, but I wasn't sure Billy would want to come after everything that had happened with Jake and me.

'He just wants to see you, Bella. No matter what has happened with you and Jake, Billy loves you and Riley.'

Edward had not been thrilled with the invitation, but he couldn't say no. Billy was not at fault here and he had been a friend of Charlie's since they were kids. He did make me promise to let him know if it got uncomfortable.

By the time I joined everyone in the kitchen, breakfast was prepared and Riley was sitting in his highchair eating.

"Morning." Edward told me to sit as he brought me a plate with eggs, toast and fruit.

"I hear there was some excitement last night, so why was Dad there again?"

Irina laughed. "Someone decided to pour a bottle of vodka into the punch and a few football players got rough after drinking too much."

"Yeah, but we didn't stay long after that, Brady wants to stay in Dad's good graces so he brought us home early." Kate seemed really happy with how things were going with Brady. I just hope they took their time.

"You two are going out later tonight, right?"

She nodded, "Yes, we're just going to a movie and I know I have to be back before midnight. I won't be late."

"That's good, because your father is probably looking for an excuse to never let you date again." I smiled over at him as he looked to Kate and just nodded.

We drove over to the cottage before noon to help set everything up. Edward and Emmett were on grill duty and after leaving Kate and Irina in charge of watching Riley, I helped Alice and Jasper set up tables and chairs. We had just brought out all of the plates, cups and plasticware when the first cars started to arrive. Alice had invited everyone. The Webers were there, Eric and Todd, Dad several of his deputies and their families, Brady, Jared, several kids from the high school and their parents.

Edward and I mingled together, welcoming everyone. Irina brought Riley over to me once her friends had arrived, and Edward decided that it was time for him to make a speech.

I wanted to stay in the background, but he was having none of that. He guided me up to the back deck of the cottage and turned to face our guests. Riley was hiding his face in my hair until he heard his Daddy speak.

"I want to thank you all for coming today. This is a celebration for many things. First, it's to welcome home one of Forks finest, the lovely Isabella Swan. She was gone for far too long and her being here has brightened all of our lives." He kissed my temple and hugged me closer to his side.

"We are also here celebrating the most amazing news and I wanted to share it all with you. There is an extra special guest today he's adorable, sweet and I am so proud to call him mine. I'd like for you all to meet my son, Riley Masen Swan-Cullen." I looked at Edward. He leaned in and whispered, "We are going to be changing his birth certificate soon, might as well have everyone hear his true name."

He was just glowing with happiness. I felt bad about Edward missing the first several months of Riley's life, but Edward was determined to cherish what he had been given.

"I love you, Bella, so much." We were inundated with congratulations and well wishes from everyone. After a while everyone went back to their small groups talking, laughing and eating. I was speaking with Eric and Todd when Riley started to get fussy.

"Excuse me for a minute. I'm going to just put him down for a nap and I'll be right back."

I stopped over by the grill to let Edward know what I was doing. After changing him and putting him down in his crib, I took the receiver for the baby monitor and walked back outside. Edward was no longer with Emmett at the grill and as I scanned the crowd I spotted him walking quickly towards me. There was a wild look in his eye as well as something I never wanted to see, fear. I didn't understand what was going on, but as I went to call out to him, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"What…"

"Hello, Bells."

I turned and froze.

"Jake?"

O~O~O~O~O

This week has been a torture for me. Some of this was written and rewritten while I was taking pain medicine. The chapter is later than I though due to the meds but also ffn failings. I had to cut it there and will try to have the next chapter up quickly. I think Monday's are going to be a better posting day as lately ffn is screwy on the weekends.

Please let me know what you think.