"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

-Albert Einstein-

Chapter 9

"The Police Encounter"

The ride to Edward's apartment was silent, except for the occasion snore from Hannah, which I was thankful for. It gave me time to think about what I was doing. Sure, I trusted Edward, but spending the night at his place when I don't even know what type of relationship we have, was unlike me.

The rational side of my brain kept telling me that doing this was for my daughter's safety. I was in no condition to drive the hour and half drive to Forks and Edward gave us the perfect alternative. I just needed to calm down and not think about what I'm going to do.

Edward must have notice my distress because he grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently.

"You can trust me," he whispered still staring intently at the road. He started rubbing soothing circles with his thumb instantly relaxing me.

"I know I can trust you, it's just," I paused not knowing how to put my feelings into words.

"I understand, but just remember that I want you and Hannah safe," he said as he glanced over to me, giving me a crooked grin that made my heart flutter. And when he says it like that, how can I not trust him?

Edward didn't let go of my hand the rest of the way. We pulled into the parking garage, and Edward quickly parked. He gave my hand one last squeeze before letting go and getting Hannah out of the backseat. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, silently giving myself a pep talk. Chanting over and over that not everyone was like Mike and some people can be trusted. Edward has done nothing for me to deem him deceitful.

I looked down at my hands in my lap noticing the slight sparkle coming from my ring finger. I quickly slipped it off shoving it in my jean pocket. Taking one more deep breath I got out of the car walking around to meet Edward on the other side of the car. I noticed him smirking, probably because I was still wobbly with the boot.

"I can take the bag," I suggested as I extended my hand out to grab the bag. Edward was already holding Hannah, who looked very comfortable as she tightly wrapped her arms around Edward's neck.

"I got it," he said grabbing my hand with his free hand. He gently tugged my hand making me follow him.

"Edward, really this is too much. You are already taking care of me and Hannah so much, at least let me hold my bag," I said.

"Bella, no," he replied looking at me grinning. I just rolled my eyes and let him lead the way.

The walk to his apartment was quiet. He gave me a reassuring smile as he unlocked the door; he pushed open the door and let me in first, always being the perfect gentleman. His apartment was exactly like I pictured it, clean and decorated wonderfully.

"You have a beautiful place," I said as I walked over to the baby grand piano in the corner.

"Thank you," he replied as I ran my hand over the glossy black piano. I looked at him and smiled. As apprehensive as I had been about staying the night, I was surprising at ease and comfortable.

"I should probably get Hannah into bed," I mumbled as I looked at Hannah. He simply nodded, grabbed my hand, walking down the hall. He stopped in front of the first door.

"Here's the guestroom. My room is just down the hall, so if you need anything," he said opening the door. He walked over to the bed and gently set Hannah down. She whined in her sleep and tried to reach out to grab the front of his shirt. He just chuckled and put her arms to her side. He kissed her head as he tucked her under the covers.

I watched from the door with a smile on my face. It just looked so natural for him to take care of Hannah. He was smiling as he walked toward me.

"Goodnight, Bella," he whispered as he tenderly cradled my face. He leaned closer and I found myself shorting the distance between our bodies. He gently pressed his lips to mine and I couldn't help but wrap my arms around his neck, pulling myself even closer to him. The way our lips moved in perfect harmony was the best pleasure I have ever felt.

I pulled away and looked as a smirk came across his face.

"Goodnight, Edward," I mumbled as he walked out the door. I took a deep breath before quietly locking the door. I wanted to trust him, I really did, but baby steps were just the right way to go.

I woke up the next morning to the smell of something burning, so I quickly left the bedroom. I wandered around until I found the kitchen. And what a kitchen he had. Marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a very sexy man without a shirt on cooking breakfast was my definition of the perfect kitchen.

"Edward, what are you doing?" I asked. His head whipped around and he smiled sheepishly at me.

"I thought it was obvious, but I'm making you and Hannah breakfast," he said waving the spatula around. I just laughed as I walked closer to him.

"It looks like you are burning breakfast, actually. I thought pancakes were supposed to be a brownish color not black," I clarified. His eyes narrowed and he gently threw the spatula on the counter.

"I don't really like pancakes anyways, so how about waffles?" He suggested as he went to get his waffle maker.

"Or I could make the pancakes," I proposed.

"No, I am making breakfast. You are not allowed to help," he declared. He walked over to me and put his hands on my waist. He kissed me and then pulled back.

"The pancakes are still burning," I whispered with a smile.

"Shit," was all he said as he ran back to the pancakes. I chuckled and went to sit at the table.

"Mommy!" I heard Hannah scream her voice full of terror. Edward dropped the spatula and snapped his head to meet mine. We both sprinted toward the room, Edward beat me there and threw the door open. My heart was pounding as I thought of the scenarios that would leave my baby hurt.

"Hannah," I whispered as I ran to her sweeping her into my arms, cuddling her close. She clutched on my shirt as I felt her tears trench my shirt.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?" I asked softly while rubbing her back soothingly.

"You weren't here and I didn't know where I was," she explained burying her face into my shoulder.

"I am so sorry, baby, I was in the kitchen with Edward, which is whose house we are in," I said kissing the top of her head. She pulled away and looked into my eyes.

"Really?"

"I'm right here," Edward said. Her head snapped and once she saw him, she smiled. She wiggled out of my arms and launched herself into Edward's arms. He easily caught her and held her close. I smiled as Edward's eyes captured mine.

"Breakfast," he realized suddenly. He ran, still holding Hannah, toward the kitchen. I followed behind, but stood back to watch the scene unfold.

"Um, I don't think it's supposed to look like that," Hannah said with a look of disgust.

Edward turned off the skillet and focused his attention on Hannah.

"Thank you so much Hannah," he remarked sarcastically. She giggled and he smirked.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"A little after 9, leaving us plenty of time to get ready to go to the police station," Edward replied.

"Us?" I picked up on the fact that he implied he would be coming along.

"Well, you don't have a car," he stated simply.

"We can just stop on the way to get some breakfast."

"You two ladies should start getting ready," Edward said as he tickled Hannah.

"Eddie, stop it," she whined. I saw the slight grimace that came across his face from the use of his new nickname. He put her down and she raced back into the guestroom.

"I get the feeling that you don't like being called Eddie," I laughed.

"Not my favorite nickname, but I guess I can put up with it," he said frowning.

I quickly helped Hannah get ready before taking the quickest shower possible, while Hannah played with Edward. I walked into his living room and Hannah wrapped herself around my leg.

"Mommy, help me. He's going to get me," she squealed as Edward ran across the room trying to grab her. I hurried to pick her up, playing along.

"Well, it looks like I have to get Mommy then too," he responded devilishly. Hannah squealed louder and wrapped her arms around me tightly.

"Oh, no, Edward, that's not okay," I said seriously. His grin got wider as he stalked across the room. "Edward, we need to leave."

"I know, but we still have plenty of time," he whispered.

"Edward's going to get you, Mommy," Hannah giggled into my shoulder. She quickly wiggled out of my arms and ran by Edward.

"Traitor," I mumbled under my breath.

"Ready, Hannah?"

"Let's get her," she stated as they both sprinted toward me. Edward lifted me and put me on the couch as Hannah began her tickling assault.

"I surrender, you win," I called out laughing so hard it was getting difficult to breathe.

"I told you Mommy is really giggly," Hannah said as she looked at Edward. He smiled and nodded his head.

"We should get going," Edward said lightly throwing Hannah over his shoulder.

About fifteen minutes later, Edward was helping Hannah out of the car and I was trying to hide the panic that was rising in my chest. Hannah grabbed my hand; she was already holding Edward's hand. We walked to the front desk and I asked for Officer Uley. The officer led us to the back right away. We were brought to a desk near the back of the building. She told us to sit while she went to get Officer Uley.

I pulled Hannah into my lap although she still held onto Edward's hand.

"Hello, Isabella," a deep voice said from behind. I smiled gently as he went to sit behind his desk. "And this is obviously Hannah."

"Yes," I responded looking at Hannah as she looked up at me. She looked scared, and it just reminded me of how she should be acting around Edward, how she would normally be acting around a stranger.

"Hannah, I'm a police officer and I'm going to be asking you a few questions about what happened last night," he said softly trying to calm her nerves.

"Do you know who came into your room?"

She looked at me and I nodded my head. "Honey, you can tell him. He won't be mad. I promise."

She slowly looked back at the officer. "I saw Daddy," she finally replied in a quiet voice.

"Did he say anything to you?"

"He told me to close my eyes and not to tell Mommy, but if I did something bad would happen. I'm sorry Mommy," she cried into my shirt. I cuddled her and gently rocked her. I stroked her hair as Edward rubbed soothing circles in her back.

"Sweetie, you don't need to be sorry," I whispered into her hair placing a gently kiss there. It broke my heart to see my baby crying and not knowing what to say to make her feel better. "Hay-Bay, do you want Edward to hold you?" I asked knowing she would calm down with him holding her. She nodded her head and Edward pulled her into his lap. After a few minutes, her crying stopped. Whatever Edward was whispering into her ear seemed to be working. I looked at the officer and he just smiled at me, letting me know he understood this was hard on Hannah. Hannah looked up to the officer and he gave her a gentle smile.

"Do you remember anything else?"

She paused for a moment trying to think. "He just said Mommy made a big mistake and she would pay."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying not to think too hard about what she just said. Edward grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it. I looked over at him and he gave me a timid smile.

"That's all we needed," the officer said standing up. We followed suit and followed him to the exit. Hannah reached over for me to hold her once we stepped outside. Edward leaned over and kissed me tenderly on the forehead, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I rested my head against his chest as we walked to his car. Despite everything that was happening, I felt a smile form on my face. With Edward around everything felt right.

"Let's go to the park," Edward suggested.

She must want me to hurt her. I zeroed in on her left hand and saw it was bare. How could she? If she had a brain she would put her ring back on and come back to me.

My warning still stands, my Isabella. Watch your precious back.

Thank you to everyone that has reviewed. Sorry it took so long to update, but my fiance got me a dog and told me he wanted to see how I could handle a puppy before we try for kids...

Thanks to my beta kakabel!

Please review, I know this chapter was mostly fluff, but who doesn't like a little fluff in their life.

~Scarlet :)