Hello! I know it has been a really long time, but for those of you still with me, I hope you enjoy. I think there will be two more chaps coming, plus an epilogue. Thanks so much for sticking with this story.

Just an FYI on this chapter…I'm not a lawyer, nor do I claim to be. All of my knowledge of courts and trials comes from Law & Order. LOL. So please forgive any discrepancies from reality.

Major thanks to Jen and Bridgette for their help making my words look pretty!

Home Not So Sweet Home

EPOV

As the days crept closer to our departure for Washington I grew increasingly anxious. I had put aside the opening of my practice until everything involving the trial was over, so I could focus on Bella and the babies. Marcus kept assuring us that things should go smoothly, and even brought in another lawyer to do mock cross-examinations of Bella for practice.

Yet, I couldn't get rid of the bad feeling I had in the pit of my stomach.

"Edward," Bella said, shaking me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"Can you reach up and grab the lemon pepper?"

I moved behind her and stretched for the cupboard, finding the spice bottle she wanted. She was busy preparing dinner for the whole family on the night before we flew across the country. Despite my protests that she should be resting and not wearing herself out, she insisted on making the meal.

"Here you go, love," I said, handing it to her and giving her a kiss. My hand rubbed over her protruding belly, feeling one or both of the babies kicking at me.

"Don't get them all excited." Her words were broken up by a giggle against my lips.

I backed off and leaned against the counter so I could watch her work. She hummed along happily, sautéing chicken and vegetables before checking on the bread baking in the oven. Her cheeks were pink from the heat, and I'd never seen her look prettier.

"I love you."

She turned toward me, her eyes glittering from my blurted exclamation.

"I love you, too; but no sex in the kitchen. They'll be here any second."

I burst out laughing. She gave me a sexy smirk and turned back toward the food. She knew me too well. I wanted to wrap her up in my arms and make her re-think that decision, but the doorbell rang.

"Saved by the bell," I told her, hugging her briefly before jogging to the door.

Once everyone had arrived and was seated around the dining room table, I helped bring out the last of the food from the kitchen.

"Go sit down, baby. I'll get the rest," I told Bella, giving her a kiss.

"Careful with the chicken platter, it's hot."

I nodded and used the oven mitts to carry it out.

"Nice gloves, Betty Crocker," Jasper remarked as I set the plate down.

"Fuck off." I tossed the gloves aside before making sure Bella was comfortable and sitting down myself.

"Edward Anthony, language!"

Everyone chuckled at mom's indignation.

I sat back and watched the family serve themselves and chatter around the table. It was hard not to feel blessed as they enjoyed the food and conversation.

Bella squeezed my hand under the table, and I looked over to see her worried face. "Are you all right?" she asked.

I nodded and smiled, assuring her I was fine.

"This is so good, Bella," Alice said, shoving another forkful in her mouth. "I have been hooked on avocados, lox, and bagels for weeks, but this chicken is excellent."

"Avocados and lox? Your baby is going to be badass!" Emmett joked before turning toward his sister. "What are you feeding yours?"

"I've been eating packages of hot dogs," Bella pointed out sheepishly. "What does that mean for our babies?"

Emmett scratched his head and grinned. "Beavis and Butthead?"

"Emmett!" Bella screeched. "My babies are not going to be morons."

Rose thwacked Emmett on the back of the head as everyone tried to hold back their laughter and comfort Bella. I was actually happy to see Emmett joking around and happy. He'd been down since the Bears lost in the playoffs, and that was only compounded with him having to testify along with Bella.

Conversation flowed around the table throughout dinner, although everyone seemed to be dancing around the subject on everyone's minds.

The hardest part of the evening came when Alice and Jasper were saying their goodbyes. They weren't able to come with us to Washington due to Alice still being hampered by her broken leg and arm. I watched as she clung to Bella, sobbing her apologies for not going. Jasper's eyes met mine, and I shrugged, not knowing what to do to calm Alice down. I assumed it was just the hormones, and Bella assured her everything would be alright.

Eventually Bella and I were alone again, and we both wearily trudged the stairs for bed, knowing we had to be up early for the flight.

"Did I pack those black pants?"

I raised my eyebrow at her in the mirror, my mouth full of toothbrush and paste. Not only did I not know to which pants she was referring, but I would be damned if I was opening up our luggage again. Bella had packed and re-packed at least a dozen times in the last few days.

I spit and rinsed my mouth. "I think everything's in there."

She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. I knew that look … very well, in fact.

She was pouting.

Her nightshirt had ridden up when she raised her arms, and I tried to figure out the best way to put her back in a good mood while simultaneously checking out her fully-exposed legs … and maybe her ass too.

I was good at multi-tasking.

I moved behind her, wrapping her up in a tight embrace and resting my chin on her shoulder. She finally sighed and relaxed against me. As nervous as I was for the next few days, I couldn't imagine the level of her anxiety. Our eyes met in the mirror, and she gave me a small smile.

"Everything will work out," I told her.

"What if they believe his lies? What if he gets released?" Her voice started shaking, and she stopped to take a deep breath. I hated the fear emanating from her as she shivered in my arms.

"Hey," I said softly, rubbing her crossed arms. I moved around in front of her when she didn't respond, tipping her chin up so she would look at me. "No matter what happens at the trial, you don't need to be afraid of him. I would kill him before he ever came near you again."

I meant every word. My face was masked with the calm I wanted to show Bella, but inside I raged. I wished I could just get five minutes alone with James. My angel would never have to worry another second about him.

"You may have to stand in line. I want to kill him first."

I smoothed out the anger-induced crease on her forehead and kissed her pursed lips. As much as I hated this whole ordeal, I was proud my wife had the strength she did. She wanted to face her demons … and kick their asses.

When her fingers slid around my neck, I deepened our kiss, enjoying the way she moaned into my mouth. My hands moved under her nightgown, rubbing up and down her back before gripping her ass.

"Edward, I want you inside me," she panted in my ear, breaking our kiss.

It would be a cold day in hell before those words coming from her didn't make me throb. I groaned from my need for her. My fingers dipped into her panties, stroking her gently.

She was so wet for me.

"I'll be inside you soon, but there's something I need to do first," I whispered in her ear.

Her breath caught when I slid two fingers in. My cock was hard and ready, but I needed to taste her first. I kissed along her collarbone before kneeling down in front of her.

"Lean back against the counter." I removed my fingers from her and guided her hands to hold the edge so she wouldn't lose her balance. "Hold on, baby." I tugged her panties down before propping my knee up to rest her foot on.

She was pink, glistening, wet before me, and it was hard to tear my eyes away.

"You are so beautiful." I stroked her again, humming when my tongue finally met her flesh.

She tasted so fucking good. I dove in, a man on a mission to see how hard I could make her come.

"Oh … oh … Edward … oh."

Her cries spurred me on; it was too bad our babies blocked my view of her face.

I loved watching her face when she came.

When her thighs quivered and her moans intensified, I knew she was close. I curled my fingers inside her as I nibbled on her clit, and she came forcefully, one of her hands leaving the counter to grip my hair.

I flattened my tongue, savoring her as she came down. When she finally relaxed, her fingers loosened their grip and brushed through my hair. I put her foot back down on the floor and stood up, smiling at the happy grin on her face.

"Mmm, that was so good," she said, pulling me to her for a kiss. Her hand reached down to stroke my cock through my pajama pants. "What am I going to do about this, Dr. Cullen?"

I really hoped she wasn't too tired. I felt like I was going to explode.

"Anything you want, angel."

She tugged my pants down, and my eyes rolled back when she gripped my cock and licked the head.

"Fuck."

Her tongue felt so good. I was already panting when she took me in her mouth.

Suddenly her lips left me with a pop, and she stood up straight. My eyes flashed open, and I looked down at her to see if something was wrong.

"Come with me." She pulled on my hand, and I followed her into the bedroom. When we reached the bed, she turned to face me, lifting her nightshirt off. "I still want you inside me."

Fuck. That was hot!

I moaned when she bit her lip, and I wrapped my arms around her. She shook her head and stopped me before I could kiss her.

"This way." She shrugged off my embrace and turned to crawl on the bed. Her head turned to catch me with my tongue hanging out at the sight of her on all fours in front of me. She laughed and wiggled her ass. "Do you like what you see, Dr. Cullen?"

I growled and crawled up behind her, straddling her legs to align us. "I love what I see. I love how you feel."

I rubbed up and down her thighs before gripping her hips and pushing myself in slowly. She was so damn tight in this position, and we both moaned as I sunk further into her. When I filled her completely, I trailed my fingers along her spine, enjoying the way her back arched from my touch.

"Edward, please." Her ass shifted against me, and I stilled her movement with both hands back on her hips.

"Please, what?" I hoped she said the words quickly, because I didn't think I could hold off much longer.

"Fuck me."

Her wish was my command. Neither of us could form any more words as our bodies rocked together in a frantic rhythm. Concentrating on the way Bella felt against me, around me, allowed me to forget the problems we had to deal with tomorrow.

I got lost in the sensations of our movements. My body was so close to release, but I willed myself to hold back. Only when Bella clamped down around me and screamed out, did I allow myself to let go.

I leaned against her back, placing my hands on the bed around her to keep my weight off. We were both panting and sweaty. I kissed the back of her neck before she collapsed on the bed beneath me.

She was smiling as she got comfortable on her side, and I lay down behind her, curling my body around hers. I rubbed her belly, as she burrowed with her pregnancy pillow.

"That was amazing, Edward."

"Yes, it was. I love you."

"I love you, too."

I hummed her lullaby in her ear until she fell asleep, and I joined her soon after.

~~~*~~~FL~~~*~~~

"Time for another walk." I stood and pulled Bella to her feet.

We were on the flight bound for Washington, and I was trying to get Bella up and moving at least once every hour. The conditions for letting her fly during the third trimester were to keep her hydrated and watch her circulation.

"I'm too tired. Leave me alone." She tried to sit back down again, but I kept hold of her arms.

She did look exhausted. She'd been sleeping horribly for a couple weeks, and with only around ten weeks left of the pregnancy, I knew peaceful sleep wasn't coming for her anytime soon.

"Why don't we just walk to the back, and you can take a nap on the bed?"

"Okay." She leaned against me as I walked her back.

I smiled at my mother and grandparents as we passed them, and gave Marcus a nod. Bella had become quite emotional that morning when we boarded and she saw all of them there for her. She was crying and hugging each one of them, while they all assured her everything would be fine.

I got her situated on the bed, moving down to take off her shoes and rub her feet.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you go find my pillow? I don't think I can sleep without it."

"Sure, baby. I'll be right back." I leaned over and kissed her before getting up to look for the pillow.

Dad stopped me as I walked toward our seats. I was sure I put the pillow in the overhead storage, just in case. "How's she feeling?"

"She's exhausted. I hate that we have to do this." I flipped the compartment open angrily, grabbing her pillow.

"Calm down. The last thing she needs is to take on your stress too."

"That's why I'm venting to you out here instead of taking it in there with her," I snapped back.

I couldn't help my anger. It felt good to unleash some of the pressure that had been building up. I felt guilty for using my father as a target, but I knew he wouldn't take it personally.

I took a couple deep breaths, trying to keep myself from ripping the pillow into shreds. Dad just stood there watching me, letting me get myself together.

"Feel better?" he asked after a couple minutes.

I nodded. "Sorry about that. I'm fine. I just want to get this whole fiasco over with and get Bella back to Chicago."

He handed me a bottle of water. "Make sure she drinks this." He gave me a pat on the back before walking back to his seat next to my mother.

I made my way back to Bella, pausing in the doorway when I saw she was already asleep. She looked so beautiful, and I couldn't bear to disturb her. I placed the pillow next to her and put the water on the table.

I sat down in a chair next to the bed, letting my mind drift off while she slept.

The next thing I knew, a knock on the door roused me. I must have fallen asleep. I looked over to see Bella still out. I walked over and opened the door, finding Rose on the other side.

"We're landing soon, so you need to get her buckled in."

I nodded. "Thanks, Rose."

Without too much fuss, and a short bathroom break, I got Bella and I back into our seats for the landing. Her knee bounced with nervousness, and I placed my hand on it, trying to calm her down.

She turned her head toward me, giving me a tight smile. "I can't believe I'm back here."

I just hoped we could get through the next few days relatively unscathed.

BPOV

It was cloudy, overcast, and gloomy.

Just like always.

I had only been in Chicago for six and a half months, but it felt like a lifetime.

By the time the entire Cullen entourage had arrived at the hotel in Port Angeles, I was completely worn out again. Not that I was complaining about them all coming to support me. It was the sweetest gesture in the world.

I was just so tired.

My back hurt, my feet hurt, my head hurt.

My heart hurt.

I wished I could go straight to the courthouse, tell them all how much of a liar James was, and fly back home. Unfortunately, I wasn't due on the stand until tomorrow, and we were planning to stay until we heard the verdict of guilty.

"Baby, please lie down for a few hours. Try and get some rest."

My poor Edward was a frazzled mess, and I hated all the stress he was taking on trying to keep me relaxed and worrying about everyone else at the same time. I let him walk me over to the bed. Once I'd situated myself on the mattress, it didn't take me long at all to fall asleep. It seemed my body was calling the shots and exhaustion was overruling the thoughts swirling in my head.

~~~*~~~FL~~~*~~~

When I woke up, it was late afternoon, and Edward wasn't beside me in bed. I found him leaning against the railing of the balcony once I opened up the heavy draperies. I joined him outside, stepping up next to him.

"Hey."

He put his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his side. "How are you feeling?"

I shrugged. "Okay."

The air was heavy, it wasn't raining but it felt like it could at any moment. He turned his head back toward the green forest scenery.

"It's pretty here."

I snuggled in closer to him, trying to warm myself with his body heat. Looking at all the lush greenery only reminded me of a world where I never quite fit in. I supposed it was beautiful to someone who hadn't lived with it all their lives, but it only made me sad.

There was no homesickness, no fondness or nostalgia. My home was now with Edward, halfway across the country. As I stood there, one thing became clear to me.

This would be the last time I stepped foot in this area.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?"

"There is one thing I want to do before we leave. In fact, I'd like to go take care of it today so we can fly out as soon as we are able to."

I felt his eyes on me, but I didn't turn to look. I didn't want to cry.

"What is it, Bella?"

"I want to go say goodbye to my father."

He was silent for a few moments before squeezing his arm tighter around me. "Do you want to go now?"

I nodded, and he seemed to understand exactly what I needed. He pulled out his phone and made arrangements with the rest of the family to meet them for dinner in a few hours. I went back inside and changed into some warmer clothes. We were quiet as we both got ready to leave, his comfort coming in the touch of his hand or gentle kisses he gave as we made our way out of the hotel to a waiting rental car.

Edward allowed me silence on the drive from Port Angeles to Forks, only talking when he needed directions. I kept my hand in his as I watched the familiar landscape fly by out my window. My mind wandered to times I'd been on these roads before, how I'd always been embarrassed by having to ride next to my dad in his police cruiser.

I would have given anything to take back the childish insolence I'd displayed back then. I wondered if I'd shown my father enough how much I loved him and how much he meant to me.

When we arrived at the cemetery, Edward held my hand as we walked toward my father's grave. I appreciated him even more when he kissed me and gave me a few minutes to myself. I watched him walk toward the entrance before turning back to the gravestone.

"Hi, Dad. That was Edward, my husband." I wrung my hands, not sure why I was nervous. "Um…yeah. I got married. I think you would have loved Edward. He's wonderful, and he treats me like a princess."

I looked up at the sky, hoping the rain would hold off for just a few more minutes.

"I wish you were here, Dad. I'm going to be having twins soon." I sighed heavily; the pang of sadness in my heart was stifling. "They are healthy and are scheduled to be born in a couple months. It's nice having Emmett and Rose in Chicago with me." I walked to the headstone, brushing off a couple twigs that had landed on top. "I really wish you could have met the Cullens. They welcomed me into their family right from the start, Em and Rose too. They are all so amazing. I want you to know I'm happy."

I laid my hand on the stone, leaning over as my tears fell.

"I'm so sorry about this mess … this trial. I promise not to let anyone disparage your name and memory. I won't stop until the truth is out there for everyone to see." I didn't realize how hard my body was shaking from my sobs until Edward had his arms around me. "I will fix it, Daddy."

"Baby, please calm down." Edward turned me around, so I was clinging to the front of his shirt.

His hands rubbed up and down my back, and I took deep breaths until my tears stopped. After one last goodbye to my father, I allowed Edward to steer me back to the car. My head was pounding as I blew my nose and tried to fix my splotchy face, but I felt better for having gone. I twined my fingers with Edward's and fell asleep on the drive back to Port Angeles.

When I woke, we were parked at a restaurant.

I didn't know how long we'd been sitting in the lot, but Edward smiled at me when I looked over.

"The family is inside, but we don't need to go in if you don't feel up to it. We can just go back to the hotel and get room service," he told me.

I shook my head. "No, it's fine. I'm hungry, and we might as well go in since we're here."

He stopped me before I could open my door. "One more thing. Jacob's here."

I groaned. I hadn't talked to him since before Halloween when we fought, and I broke my phone. I knew I'd see him at some point while we were here but still wasn't quite prepared. Edward earned a stink eye from me when he started chuckling.

"Hey now, it wasn't my doing. He talked to Rose and Em. I think he wants to apologize to you."

I rolled my eyes and huffed. Room service was sounding better and better.

"Ugh! Let's just get this over with."

We both got out and walked into the restaurant. The hostess immediately took us back to a private dining area where we found the rest of the family. Two seats were open at one end, and I chose to sit next to Rose instead of Jake.

"Did you go see your dad?" Rose leaned over and whispered after I sat down.

I nodded and fiddled with my napkin. She didn't press for any more discussion, instead giving my knee a comforting squeeze under the table.

"Hey, Bells."

I glanced at Jake briefly before giving him a short hello and looking at the menu. I ignored his sigh and leaned into Edward when he put his arm around my shoulders.

Marcus got my attention from a few seats down. "I talked with the District Attorney, Ms. Ruiz, earlier. She wanted to meet you before the proceedings start in the morning. Can you be at the courthouse by eight tomorrow?"

"Yes, I want to do anything to make this process easier."

"She will probably just go through what has happened to this point and exactly when you might be expected to be on the stand. She thinks it will be sometime tomorrow, or perhaps Tuesday at the latest." Marcus turned toward Emmett. "That goes for you, too."

"Anything she needs to put that piece of shit away for good."

Rose thumped Em on the head for the language, but the rest of us laughed. It felt good to release some of the anger. In fact, when I realized how good it felt to smile at my brother, I decided to let go of my hurt feelings from Jacob.

He was happy when I let down my guard and talked with him during dinner. I had to admit I may have just been overreacting to his words all this time. He sounded genuine when he expressed his joy for Edward and me, along with my burgeoning belly. It was also nice to get caught up on news of his life, Leah, and his father.

I felt a hundred times better about everything as we finally got back to the hotel that night. I only hoped those feelings remained for the duration of my final stay in Washington.

~~~*~~~FL~~~*~~~

"It's good to meet you, Bella. Please call me Carmen."

I shook Carmen's hand as she sat down in a small conference room with me, Edward, Em, Rose, and Marcus.

"I want to make this as painless as possible for all of you. As you know, the trial is already in progress. We've given our opening statements, and I've already called the majority of my witnesses for the prosecution. We've presented all the forensic evidence along with what the police found following the shooting in Mr. Monroe's residence."

We all nodded in understanding before she continued on.

"To be honest, I'm surprised Mr. Cooper agreed to defend Mr. Monroe on these charges. Mr. Cooper is normally an excellent attorney, who judiciously takes on clients. But this is such a farce, it is almost comical. They will bring up some character witnesses after I close my side with you and Emmett, but really they have no case and Mr. Cooper knows it. Their only hope is trying to convince a jury member or two there is reasonable doubt as to the mental state of Mr. Monroe at the time of the shooting. I've already been very thorough in presenting a psychological examination of the defendant, which clearly shows he was and is of sound mind. At least in terms of his guilt."

Emmett cleared his throat. "Can we stop them from trying to slander my father?"

"I will do my best to prevent any false testimony. I will object and will bring rebuttal witnesses, if necessary. Judge Donner is very no-nonsense, which works in our favor. He will not put up with any circus stunts in his courtroom."

After giving us some procedural information, Carmen left to prepare for the court session to begin. The rest of us made small talk until it was time to move to our seats inside the courtroom.

Edward must have known how nervous I was as I kept a strong grip on his hand. He constantly murmured comforting words in my ear as we sat down, him on one side and Rose on my other. I was barely aware of what he was saying because my mind was buzzing as I looked around at all the people present around us. Even though I felt safe in my "Cullen bubble", when I saw the fiery red hair enter the room and met Victoria's hot gaze, my blood chilled.

"Bitch," Rosalie sneered.

Edward looked over to where our attention was targeted and squeezed my hand even tighter.

"Don't let her rattle you, baby. Everything is going to be fine."

I took a deep breath and turned away from Victoria's stare, instead trying to focus on the love of the people next to me. I didn't have much opportunity to calm down because the next moment, a door opened at the other end of the room and James was escorted to his seat.

I barely recognized him. His hair was longer and unkempt, and his face was lined, making him appear much older than his twenty-one years. My breath caught, and I felt Edward tense when his sharp blue eyes spotted me. I couldn't help the trembles shaking my body when he grinned evilly.

Esme turned around from her spot in the row in front of me, and I tore my gaze away from James to center on her.

"Don't pay him any attention, Bella. You are completely safe, and this will all be over soon."

I nodded at her words, trying to believe them. When I turned toward Edward, I noticed Carlisle talking lowly to him. Edward's jaw was clenched, and I was suddenly more worried about him shooting out of his seat and attacking James than anything else.

"Edward, look at me," I demanded.

His menacing expression softened when he leaned in toward me. I gave him a kiss and squeezed his hand again. Luckily for everyone, the judge appeared and called court in session.

We sat through a few people's testimony before Carmen glanced our way. She called Emmett up first. I was proud and a bit stunned at his calm and cool demeanor. He barely glanced at James while answering Carmen's round of questioning. I think all of us were surprised when the defense chose not to ask any questions of him at all.

As soon as Emmett left the stand, a recess for lunch was called. Carmen walked toward me, letting me know I would be called up when we came back.

The whole family walked a block away and ate at a small café. When we returned to the courthouse, I excused myself to use the restroom.

"I'm coming with you," Rose said.

The two of us went in while the family waited outside. I stopped in my tracks when I saw Victoria standing in front of one of the mirrors. Rose glared at her, while ushering me forward to one of the stalls. I'd never been happier about having company while taking a potty break.

I timed my exit until I was sure Rose was done and headed toward the sink next to hers, trying to ignore Victoria standing there watching us with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Is there something you need?" Rose asked viciously.

"You always were a bitch, Rosalie."

My mouth dropped open, and I hurried to finish washing my hands so I could restrain Rose if I had to.

"I'd rather be a bitch than a slutbag whore devoted to some fucking psychotic murderer." Despite Rose's heated words, they were delivered in an icy tone.

"James is innocent. It's all that tramp's fault."

I instinctively placed my hands over my stomach as Victoria glared at me.

"I hate you. If James goes back to prison, I'll find some way to hurt you as much as you've hurt him."

Rose moved to stand in front of me. "Is that a threat I just heard? I'll go out there right now and find a cop to report this to."

Victoria laughed darkly. "It's not a threat, it's a promise." With that, she turned on her heel and left.

Rose turned back to me. "Are you okay?"

I nodded.

"She's just as crazy as he is."

I had to agree.

Edward had me in his arms as soon as we walked out. "I saw her come out of there. Did she say anything?"

"She's spouting nonsense. Just forget about her, Bella," Rose said before I could speak a word.

Edward looked angry again but just kept me close to him as we all went back in to take our seats. Before I knew it, I was being called up to the stand.

"Remember just to keep your focus on Carmen," Edward whispered to me as I stood.

I slowly waddled my way to the front and was sworn in after I took my seat. I reminded myself to breathe, and Carmen gave me a reassuring smile as I tried to calm down. After a few introductory questions about whom I was and where I was from, she got to the harder ones.

"Mrs. Cullen, how do you know James Monroe?"

I tried to keep my eyes on her face, but I slipped and peeked over at the defense table. James was leering at me, and I shivered in repulsion. I decided to answer as quickly as I could and get as far away from him as possible.

"He transferred into my graduating class senior year at Forks High School. He and I were lab partners in biology class, but I didn't know him well otherwise."

"So, you would say you were more acquaintances than friends?"

"Yes."

"Did you ever talk to Mr. Monroe about any personal matters?"

"No."

"Do you recall ever talking about your father or about anything related to your family?"

"No."

"Did you know Mr. Monroe took pictures of you and kept them along with some of your belongings in his residence?"

"No, I didn't at the time. I only recently learned that information."

Out of the corner of my eye, I spied James leaning over his table, as if trying to get closer. I shuddered again, praying Carmen would hurry this up.

"Did you ever, at any point, tell Mr. Monroe your father harmed you?"

"Absolutely not. My father was a wonderful man. He never once hurt me." I looked over at the jury, hoping they understood my shaking voice was nerves and anger.

"One last question, Mrs. Cullen. Did you ever have any romantic interest in Mr. Monroe?"

"No."

I swallowed nervously when Carmen sat down and Mr. Cooper stood to cross-examine me. I wondered why he was going to ask me questions when he didn't do the same with Emmett.

I found Edward's face, taking any strength I could grasp from the love I saw in his smile.

"Mrs. Cullen, is it true you were somewhat lonely in high school?"

"Objection! Relevance?" Carmen spouted.

"Your honor, we are trying to determine the mindset of this witness and my client at the time," Mr. Cooper explained.

"I'll allow it, but get to the point. Objection overruled."

I blushed, not at all comfortable with the question. "I was selective in who I chose to surround myself with."

"Was that a yes?"

"I may have been a little lonely, yes." I bit my lip and held back the tears that wanted to fall.

Fuck him.

Mr. Cooper nodded his head like an arrogant ass and kept plowing on.

"And would you describe Mr. Monroe as having been popular?"

I refrained from rolling my eyes. "Yes."

"You two did talk outside of your biology class together, yes?"

"Not much."

"Yes or no, please."

"Yes."

"Did you find it flattering James talked to you?"

"Um, I really didn't think about it. Like I said, it wasn't anything special. A passing hello was usually the extent of our conversations."

I watched a brief flash of annoyance cross Mr. Cooper's face before his mask of placidness returned.

"I'll be presenting testimony that you had a fondness for and sought out attention from James. Did you?"

"No. Never."

He stared at me for a moment before turning back for his table. He picked up a piece of paper and presented it to the judge as evidence prior to giving to me. It was a piece of notebook paper, but I recognized my scrawling penmanship.

"Mrs. Cullen, do you recognize this?"

"It looks like something I wrote, but I don't remember it specifically."

"Can you please read the words for the court?"

"James, can you please meet me after school. I have something very important to discuss with you. Bella."

I gritted my teeth, trying to remember exactly what this note had been about. It had to have been something regarding class, but they were going to make it sound like it was something else.

"You just testified that you never sought James out, yet your note here clearly refutes that claim. What was it you needed to discuss with him that was so important?"

"I don't remember. It must have been something about biology."

He nodded and looked at the jury. I followed his gaze, and they were all watching him.

Did they not believe me? Did they think I wanted attention from James?

"But you're not sure?"

"No." I took a deep breath. "All I am sure of is there was never anything more between James and I than a casual friendship. I never consented to his stalking of me. I never discussed my family with him. And I never asked for him to shoot my father."

"That will be all, Mrs. Cullen. I have no further questions for this witness."

Once the judge excused me, I hurried back to my seat, letting a few tears escape as I huddled against Edward's side. He kissed my hair, held me tight, and whispered how much he loved me in my ear.

Carmen rested the prosecution following my testimony and court was adjourned until the next morning for the start of the defense's case. I ignored Victoria's glares while Carmen came by to let us know we did great and thank us for testifying.

I pulled Edward to the side as we were leaving. "Do you care if we just go back to the hotel? I'm exhausted and really want to sleep."

"Absolutely, baby."

They were all very understanding, everyone giving me a hug before Edward and I left. As soon as we were back in our room, I collapsed on the bed.

~~~*~~~FL~~~*~~~

"Are you serious?"

Edward's voice floated into my consciousness. The last thing I remembered was lying down on the bed, but as I felt around, I realized he must have taken my clothes off me. I glanced over at the clock on the nightstand, noticing it was about nine-thirty in the evening.

"It's really over? She doesn't have to go back at all?"

I sat up, turning toward Edward, who was sitting at the desk across the room. He looked over at me with a wide grin on his face.

"Thank you so much, Marcus. I'm going to let her know right now." He was still grinning. "Yes. I'll call you in the morning with the flight information. We should be able to take off before noon."

As soon as he said goodbye, he practically bounced over to me, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"What's going on?"

He kissed me hard and almost distracted me with his tongue in my mouth.

Almost.

I giggled and pushed him off. "Edward, spill it!"

"That was Marcus, who just got done speaking with Carmen. Apparently Mr. Cooper decided, following the prosecution's case, James didn't really have a chance. Carmen told them they would take away the death penalty if James would plead out." He hugged me close. "And that's what he's going to do. This is all over Bella."

"But he'll still get life in prison?"

"Yes."

It was like a thousand pounds was lifted from my shoulders. I never had to see James or Victoria ever again. The whole nightmare was over, and the only thing I had to concentrate on was my family.

My babies.

I placed my hands on Edward's cheeks, pulling him close again for another toe-curling kiss.

"I only have three words for you, Dr. Cullen."

"I love you?" he guessed with a smirk.

I shook my head. "Nope."

I laughed when he tickled my sides. "Tell me!"

After I caught my breath, I gave him one more kiss.

"Take me home."

Thanks again for sticking with this story! Let me know what you think.