Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. I own Dodge and Burn.

Much love and thanks to Editor Azucena , Pre-readers BtwntheStacks and Lemonmartinis and Beta-MsKathy

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Dodge and Burn / Chapter Eight / Spark and Fire

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"You seem nervous," Bella observes as Edward darts in and out of traffic.

"I am," he agrees. "If you knew Rose, you'd be nervous too."

"Okay, now I'm nervous," she offers.

"She hates it when I'm late, but this damn 405 traffic. It's maddening!"

"You said that you haven't been to see them in a while."

"Yeah, too long. I didn't think the kids needed to see me in such a lousy state. Thanks for coming with me tonight, though. She'll be nicer since there's a witness."

"Sure, I'm excited to meet your sister…another Cullen."

She turns and looks out the window. Studying the landscape, she suddenly seems lost in thought. Edward wonders what could have distracted her so completely.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?"

"This drive reminds me of when we did that "Big Brother" thing for Jacob. His big brother, Davis, lived out this way. They got together a couple times a month for several years."

"You mentioned a while back that his dad hasn't been involved in his life. Do you mind me asking why? Did he move far away or something?"

Bella gets quiet.

"Isabella?"

"The truth is that he doesn't even know about Jacob."

"What?" Edward can't contain his surprise and her expression falls. He can tell she's embarrassed. He has to force himself to focus back on the road.

"It's a long story. He was my boyfriend at design school. We were in the same photography class and he was here for a year from Italy."

"So he's Italian?"

"Yes, his name is Leo, short for Leonardo. God, he was gorgeous…and so talented. I was madly in love with him."

Edward's chest tightens irrationally at the idea of his Isabella having such powerful feelings about another man.

"So what happened?"

"When we started to fall in love we both knew he was only there for a year. He had an Italian attitude… let's have fun while we can. He was very clear about things, everything was understood so I can't say I didn't know what I was getting into."

"How much do we ever really know when we start to fall in love?"

"So true, and like I could have controlled that passion anyway."

He doesn't imagine Isabella being one to ever control her passion.

"When he talked about the future he would excitedly go on about traveling around the world to shoot. He didn't want to get tied down with anyone or anything that would keep him from his dreams. And as the oldest coming from a large family, he grew up knowing he had no desire to have kids. He knew exactly what he wanted and was always very honest. I admired that about him."

Edward feels shame at her words, knowing he didn't offer those qualities to Isabella when they met. They may have gotten past his deception, but it still haunts him.

"So was completely surrendering to your passion worth it?"

"Yes! Oh, God, the way he loved me. He made me feel like I was the only woman on earth. You remember what it was like to be young and in love. We would make wild love, sleep, wake up and make morning love, then get up and go to class, shoot together, then come home and make love again."

"Yes," Edward says under his breath, imagining all too vividly beautiful Isabella as a young, insatiable woman.

"The night before he left he came to my room in the middle of the night. We cried while we made love the last time. Then right before he had to leave, he suddenly begged me to come with him and live in Italy."

"Were you surprised?"

"I was shocked and was already a wreck…it just confused me. I wanted to follow him, but I was so passionate about my work in school, and I knew he would never settle down. I'd have to give up so much. So I had to let him go. We were both desperate saying goodbye. And then later I found out I was pregnant. I had been so stressed with school and his departure that my cycle was off. I didn't even realize until I was almost three months along that I was pregnant."

"Why didn't you contact him then and tell him?"

"I knew he would feel trapped since he had such an aversion to babies and children. And even if he decided to be involved, he didn't want to live here, and I didn't want to live there isolated with a new baby. I knew I would need my mom's help."

"But you didn't even give him a chance to figure it out with you," he insists.

"I know," she says, the guilt heavy in her voice.

"So to this day he doesn't know about his son?"

"No, and I can't tell you how much I've agonized over that decision over the years. But I'm at the point in my life where I refuse to live with regrets. I've made up my mind to finally tell him. I know I'm strong enough now."

"Do you know how to find him?"

"I've tracked him down as far as knowing he lives in Lucca, a town in Tuscany. I've been saving my money and I'm going to go this fall and face him."

"By yourself?"

"Sure. And who knows…I may never come back."

His heart seizes and he can't hide the panic from seeping into his expression.

"Don't say that, even if you're just joking. Just don't," he says firmly.

"I'm sorry," she says sheepishly. "I didn't really mean it."

She looks over at him and notices that his knuckles are white from grabbing the steering wheel so tightly. She clears her throat and tries to explain.

"I just want him to know what an amazing young man Jacob is. He deserves to know. And you know what? At this point in his life he may be pleased to have a son."

"A child created from the love you had for each other. How could he not welcome him into his life?"

She smiles warmly at him as she imagines what it would have been like to have a child with Edward. She decides to ask him another time why he and Lauren never had kids.

"You're doing the right thing by letting him know. Give him a chance."

"Thank you for understanding."

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Minutes later they pull up to Rose and Emmett's house which is built right on the strand in Manhattan Beach. Despite its size, it's part of the complicated jigsaw puzzle of high-end homes fighting each other for spectacular ocean views.

A small boy wearing an oversized football helmet answers the door.

"Uncle Edward!" he yells out, tackling Edward's legs.

"Caleb!" Edward yells back, bending down and pulling him into a hug.

The little guy pushes his helmet back and looks up at Bella. "Is this the new Aunt Lauren?"

Edward lets out something between a cough and a choke, then pushes him back enough to gesture to Bella. "No Caleb, this is my friend, Ms. Isabella."

Caleb grins at her and she smiles back.

"Caleb, I told you not to answer the door by yourself!" Rose reprimands, as she approaches them with her hands on her hips.

Her face lights up at the sight of Edward. "Big brother has arrived!"

He laughs and hugs her. When they pull apart she turns toward Bella. "And you must be Bella." She gives Bella a warm hug, too. "Come in…come in."

The house is bright and contemporary but with a relaxed beach feel. There's evidence of kids everywhere and it makes Bella smile. She hands Rose the apple pie she baked for their meal. "I love your home. How wonderful to be right at the edge of the beach."

"Wonderful, yes," Rose agrees as the head towards the kitchen, "But harrowing at times, too. All kinds of creatures have been known to stroll past our view."

"Don't ask," Edward warns Bella as he sets down his guitar and bottle of wine they picked out together.

"You brought your guitar," Rose notices, grinning happily. "Eric will be so thrilled."

"I figured we could play something together. Where's my buddy anyway?"

"He and Sarah are in the hot tub. Emmett's out there with them, go say hello."

Edward takes Isabella by the elbow and leads her through the living room out to the deck.

Emmett sets his beer bottle down and jumps up when he sees them. "Kids, look who's here!"

A freckle-faced girl sporting green goggles pops her head up from the hot tub and a boy grins widely and waves as Edward and Bella approach.

"Hey guys," Edward says happily after greeting Emmett. "This is Isabella." He points towards the little girl. "Isabella, the sea monster in the goggles is Sarah and this is Eric, the musician."

"Hi there," Bella says, waving.

"Are you staying for dinner?" Sarah asks Bella without missing a beat. Her eyes look even wider from the goggles.

"Why yes, I am," Bella replies.

"Do you want to see my Pokemon trading card collection?"

"I'd love to," Bella replies.

"Really?" Sarah asks, surprised.

"Sure. You know my son Jacob collected Pokemon cards. He even had a Shadowless Charizard," Bella states, with just the right infusion of drama.

"Whoa!" Sarah and Eric say in unison.

Emmett nods towards Bella and gives Edward a look. "We have a win."

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Dinner is casual out on the deck. Edward and Emmett battle it out for barbecue rights while Bella helps Rose pull things together. The kids wear their swimsuits while they eat and they chat non-stop with Edward and Bella, updating them on all their latest adventures. All three of the kids play soccer, although Emmett insists that Caleb's tots group is more like a bunch of puppies running over each other trying to figure out where their ball is.

"My five-year-old keeps insisting that he wants to play football." Rose rolls her eyes, noticing that the helmet is back on Caleb now that he's done eating.

"Wonder where he got that idea?" Edward asks, nudging Emmett.

"Yeah, well…I may have handed him the ball, but he's taken it and run with it."

It's obvious Emmett is extremely pleased. He's a football fanatic, and there's every indication that Caleb is following in daddy's footsteps.

"And I get to take surf lessons this summer, Uncle Edward," Eric announces.

"Really?" Edward asks, impressed. "That is so cool, little dude. Will you show me how after you learn?"

"Sure!"

Bella loves watching Edward with his family. There's clearly so much love between all of them. She can't imagine how sad he must have been to stay away so long.

As they clear the table, Emmett offers to give Caleb his bath, and make sure the other kids take their showers while Rose and Bella take care of clean up. Edward goes with his brother to help manage the mayhem.

In the kitchen, Rose pulls open the dishwasher and then looks over at Bella.

"So how long have you and Edward been…?"

"Friends," Bella answers. "Not long. We met in April."

"Only April?" Rose asks. "You guys seem so comfortable with each other, like you've known each other for years."

"It feels that way. I'm so lucky to have made such an wonderful friend."

"Yes, well," Rose says carefully, as if she's thinking about what she wants to say. "I've never seen Edward quite like this, so relaxed and happy. What's funny is, now that I think about it, I've never known him to have a good female friend either."

"Never?" Bella asks, surprised. "Maybe that's just what he's needed."

"Must be," she agrees. "He tended to be a loner before he got married. He was always such a serious guy. Very intense."

"Really? We laugh all the time."

Rose sets the dishes down and rests her hands on the counter before turning toward Bella. "Well, whatever you've been doing, it's worked wonders and I'm so grateful. Will you please just keep doing it?"

"I'll do my best."

She smiles at Bella warmly and Bella can't imagine why Edward was worried his sister would be unpleasant…she couldn't be more welcoming.

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Upstairs, Emmett keeps dousing Caleb with water in between scrubs. Caleb is too busy playing with his Iron Man submarine to be bothered about it.

Emmett turns back toward Edward. "So I got a call from Lauren's lawyer. They want to meet on Tuesday. Are you ready for that?"

Edward looks down, trying to imagine the scenario…finally seeing his wife after all these months and it will be in a lawyer's conference room. The idea of it makes him sick.

He sighs and shakes his head. "She must be really anxious to get this done."

"Perhaps," Emmett agrees. "We have been sitting on it for a while."

Edward nods as Emmett watches the various expressions move across his face. He finally settles down.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Edward confirms.

"Does Bella know we're talking about this?"

"Yes, I told her. But she isn't pushing me with the divorce if that's what you're worried about. If anything it's the opposite. She told me that if I still wanted Lauren, it's not to late for fight for her."

"Is that so?" Emmett responds, surprised.

"That's the thing about Bella, Emmett. She just wants me to be happy."

"Wow," replies Emmett, shaking his head. "She's amazing. I like her, Edward."

Edward looks at him, surprised. He wasn't sure Emmett would take to Bella right away.

"Really," Emmett confirms.

Edward nods and smiles. "I really like her, too."

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With everything and everyone cleaned up, Edward sits down with Eric to hear what he's learned so far on the guitar. As he plays, Edward gives him pointers and teaches him some new chords. Finally, he teaches him a simple song that they can perform for the family as a duet.

When they go to gather everyone, they find Bella in Sarah's room getting the deluxe presentation of the Pokemon card collection. Caleb is curled up in Bella's lap while Sarah explains the strengths and values of each character card. Bella is acting like it's the most interesting thing she's ever heard. Rose is in the doorway looking on and she makes room for Edward to stand next to her and observe.

"I think your silver soul MewTwo is my very favorite of your collection," Bella says with authority, when the presentation is done.

"Really? Me too!" Sarah exclaims. From the look on her face, Bella is Sarah's new idol.

"Pikachu's the bestest!" Caleb insists.

Sarah rolls her eyes and gives Bella a knowing look. "He's such a baby."

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Rose claps her hands. "Okay troops, Edward and Bella are going to be leaving soon, but before they go, Eric and Edward have a performance for us. We all need to head down to the family room."

Everyone piles together on the sectional couch and Eric and Edward sit in the facing chairs, lift up their guitars, and get into position. Edward waits until Eric looks ready, and then with a quiet countdown they begin Mozart's Greensleeves.

Eric stumbles a bit in the beginning and makes a few errors, but Edward gives him reassuring looks and prompts him to continue. Before you know it, they've found their synchronicity and they mesh easily together. Bella's surprised to be so moved by their playing, but she understands that the joining of their simple chords has complex ramifications for everyone in the room.

She looks over to see tears streaming down Rose's face. Rose notices that she has Bella's attention and their eyes meet. She gently presses her hand over her heart as she gazes back at her son and her brother, and this small gesture tells her everything. So much that was lost now seems found again.

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Later in the car, Bella offers to drive because Edward seems overwhelmed from the time with his family. They're quiet at first until Bella gets an idea.

"Hey, would you mind if we stop at Hermosa Beach before we head home?"

"Sure, what's in Hermosa Beach?"

"You'll see," she replies as she turns the car around.

Driving a couple of miles south, she finally makes a sharp right onto a small side street. She parks next to a little mom and pop grocery store and jumps out.

"See, it's The Green Store!" Grinning, she points to the establishment evidently named for it's bright mint color. "This is where we'd always buy our munchies."

He smiles at her and watches as she crosses the wide walking path, slips off her shoes, and then runs out onto the sand, now a bumpy gray landscape in the moonlight. He walks slowly behind her, watching her every move.

She stops for a moment in the children's play area and scoots onto a swing. She pushes off and as she gains momentum she grazes her toes across the sand, sending the grains flying like midnight pixie dust. When the swing's at it's highest point, she flings herself off and flies through the air with a shriek. There's a dull thud when she hits the sand, landing cleanly on both feet.

As soon as she lands she takes off running toward the shore, slowly fading into the darkness.

"Where you going?" Edward calls out to her as he picks up speed to catch up.

His crazy Isabella, all spark and fire. Even the chilled evening sand and bracing grip of the ocean can't cool her down. He wonders haphazardly if asteroids collided the night she was born.

She turns back and laughs, waving him forward.

When he finally reaches her, she is ankle deep in the tide, her skirt hiked up high on her thighs.

"Come on, Edward! Take your shoes off and join me. It's wonderful!"

Despite his inclination to stay dry, he pulls off his shoes and rolls up his jeans before tentatively stepping into the surf to join her.

She takes his hand and they stand quietly for a minute, feeling the water and sea breeze move over them.

"Isabella? What is it about this place, this particular spot in sleepy Hermosa Beach, that's meaningful to you?"

"This was our place, Mom, Jacob, and me. It was always ours. We always found a parking space in front of The Green Store, and they always had that old-fashioned cream soda that Momma loved. This was Jacob's favorite playset, and the surf here was always just right for swimming."

"Your place, " he repeats.

"And one day when I'm done with my journey, I will come here, yes, I will, and I will walk into the ocean and swim towards the horizon, never to return."

"What will become of you? Will you transform into a mermaid?" he asks with just the softest teasing tone.

"Fish food." she answers simply. "I will become one with the ocean."

As unnerving as that image is to Edward, he can't deny that disappearing into the ocean seems like a befitting ending to the mythical, magical Isabella.

The tide pulls back and forth around their legs. She sighs deeply as she turns toward the vastness of the ocean, now barely visible in the dark sky. She closes her eyes and lifts her face to the moon.

"Thank you for sharing your family with me tonight, Edward, and for coming here with me. I'm so completely happy right now," she says softly.

He looks at her serene expression and the way her lips are gently pursed together. Little wisps of hair dance around her face as the moon bathes her in its silver light.

He's overwhelmed and almost falls back with the impact of his truth and how obvious it suddenly is.

He's falling in love with Isabella, this impulsive creature, this female anomaly, this force of life so much greater than his own.

He thinks of his family…Rose, Emmett, and the kids, and how everyone was more alive, happier around her, Jasper and Alice, too…but no one more than he. She's his Dorothy, oiling up his frozen tin man joints, and then easing him down the yellow brick road in search of his heart. Did she know that she held his heart all along?

He's breathless and in his excitement, he pulls her into his arms.

"What?" She laughs softly at his big gesture.

"I've just had the greatest idea!"

See, Isabella, I can be dramatic, too.

Her eyes get wide and she looks up at him eagerly.

"Let me take you to Italy. Let's just get on a plane and go. Why wait until fall? Let's just do it now!"

"What?" she asks, stunned. "You want to go?"

"Yes, I do. I want to help you. Don't worry about not having saved the money up yet-it'll be my treat. Besides, I can be your support, like you've been for me."

"Oh my God, do you really mean it?"

He nods enthusiastically and with each second passing, he knows he's never meant anything more.

"But still, I can't let you pay my way, Edward. You aren't even working now."

"You don't need worry about that. Let's just say that Carlisle provided extremely well for his kids. I know you have shoots scheduled, how soon do you think you can get away?"

"Well, what about you? Didn't you say that you've started up with the divorce stuff?"

"Yeah, we have our first meeting Tuesday, but the rest I can schedule around our plans. Why don't you start figuring out a good time for you, and I'll book the tickets."

She throws her arms around him. "Oh, Edward!"

He holds her tight and lets the wonder settle over him. He's drunk with it, possessed, and it lights up every nerve ending, echoes in every heartbeat…

Joy.

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Things will be picking up speed now. Are you ready?

Thanks so much for reading

xoxo

abbie

See you next Saturday!