Disclaimer: I don't own them...

Thanks so much to SunflowerFran3759 for making this pretty.

Edward

I slowly walked through the empty rooms of my apartment, running my hands over countertops, and door frames, before stopping in front of the window. I looked out at the city spread out in front of me.

Manhattan was bustling with movement. I had been so excited to live here, to work in this magnificent city. But after Kate left, it wasn't excitement that filled me. It was fear and sadness. Fear that Kate was one of the people inside the ambulances that passed by every five minutes, sadness that our happy home had been shattered.

Sighing, I touched the window before turning around and making my way to the front door. I took one last look around the apartment before saying a silent goodbye and walking out.

It was a short flight from New York to North Carolina. I was going to stay with my parents for a little while. I just needed enough time to situate myself, find an apartment close to the office.

My father was ecstatic that I had agreed to work at Cullen & Associates. It had always been my plan, to eventually work at the family firm, but I wanted to earn my place, FIRST. I didn't want to feel like I was entitled, or given preferential treatment. I wanted to earn the position on my own merit. I wanted to make my family proud of me.

My mother was incredibly sad that I'd chosen to go to New York rather than work at a firm close to home. But I felt like I would be betraying my father if I chose to work for a 'competitor'. My father, was understanding, and told me he was proud of me.

Even now, it makes me smile. My family is very important to me and I hate disappointing them. I think that is why I stayed in New York for so long. I felt like I'd let everyone down after what happened to Kate. Of course, I know it was not my fault; my brain knows this. But it's my heart that is having the trouble. I will always wonder; did I not love her enough? Did I not share my feelings with her? Did I not do enough to help her overcome her depression?

I blow out a deep breath, because I may never know the answers to those questions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Local time is 7:43 pm and the temperature is 63 degrees.

On behalf of Twilight Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us today and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. For those of you local to the area, Welcome Home! If you are here on business or pleasure, we hope you enjoy your stay."

The speaker system clicked off, Welcome home, Edward.

My family was waiting for me when I reached baggage claim. My mother was already crying, my father had a wide smile on his face, and my sister was waving at me.

I walked over and picked up my mother, hugging her tightly. "Hi, Mom."

"Edward," she sobbed. I put her back on her feet and she took my face in her hands, "Hi, honey. I'm so glad you're home."

I couldn't help but smile, I'm home. "Me, too Mom."

"Rosalie," I said, squeezing my Mom's hand and then reaching out to my sister. "You're beautiful."

She hugged me tightly, "I'm so glad you're back, Eddo. I've missed you."

I laughed, "Eddo?"

She shrugged. "I'm working on it."

I turned to my Dad, "Hey, Pops," I reached a hand out to him.

He laughed and took my hand, pulling me into a hug. "Welcome home, son."

"All right, let's get your bags. I hope you're hungry, son. Your mother and sister have outdone themselves. There is a feast to be had."

"Thank you," I smiled, looking at the most important women in my life. "Will Grandfather be there?"

"Of course," my mother scoffed. "You know he loves you more than the rest of us."

I laughed, "I doubt that. All he talks about when he sees me is his lovely, bright-eyed, Rosalie," I mimicked his southern drawl perfectly.

"He has good taste, what can I say," Rosalie did a little dip and batted her lashes, making us laugh.

The next few weeks were beyond busy. My mother insisted that I put off apartment hunting until I was 'settled'. I wasn't sure that would ever happen, but I agreed, just to make her happy. I had been away for two years and it was the least I could do, considering everything she has done for me.

And I'm not going to lie, the home cooked meals and the attention she gave me made me happy. It made me feel like a little boy, all over again. I was absorbing as much as I could. I had been alone for far too long.

"Edward, you're grandfather has decided to hire a contractor to restore The Masen Estate."

I raised an eyebrow, "Really? That's great. Grandma Lizzie must be ecstatic."

"Yes, I can imagine she is. He wants you to help him with it, if you're up to it."

My mother tilted her head, her green eyes boring into mine. I nodded, but frowned. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"No, I just have a feeling, nothing bad, but I can't put my finger on it," she sighed, and rubbed the locket around her neck, before turning back toward the stove.

My mother's feelings were never something to ignore. My grandmother was a special soul. I never understood it, but she had this sixth sense that had saved our family many times over. And it seemed my mother had inherited a muted version of it.

In fact, my grandmother was very concerned when Katherine Dailey and I started dating in high school. She always told me, Edward darling, that Dailey girl is going to break your heart. I'd always thought she'd said that because she didn't like Kate. But in hindsight, I should have taken her words more seriously.

My mother has often told me that my grandmother is not resting. There is unfinished business that needs to be settled before she can go. And my grandfather always says strange things that make it seem like he is still in communication with her. It's not uncommon to hear my grandfather say, my Elizabeth is worried about you, son.

Our family was everything to Grandma Lizzie, and I can honestly believe that she won't rest until she is certain we are all happy and loved.

"Okay, so has he chosen a contractor yet?" I asked, shoveling food in my mouth. Man, I have missed my mother's cooking.

"Hmmm, he was meeting with someone today, Whitlock something or other. Apparently, they have firms in Texas and California, and they have just recently opened an office in Charleston."

"Charleston? That's a long way from here."

She nodded, "It is, but he seemed to be...excited? I'm not sure that is the right sentiment, but he had a good feeling about this one. He kept talking about bells and swans. I'm not sure what that meant. I hope he isn't planning on buying swans for the pond. Can you imagine?"

I laughed, "That is something Grandfather would do to make you crazy."

"Don't I know it."

I had just walked out of the office after an extremely long day. My client, James Hollingsworth III, was arrested on drug charges earlier this week.

It seems that this is a regular occurrence, and his lawyers always seem to get him off on technicalities. The attorney that was originally handling this case had to leave the state due to a family emergency, and my 'new' status gave me the honor of representing this clown.

I intend to talk to my father about this tomorrow. He is guilty. The arresting office found cocaine and marijuana in his car and on his person. I'm not sure exactly how this guy expects me to have the charges dropped.

My cell phone chimed, and I answered it brusquely. "Edward Cullen."

"Edward, son," my Grandfather answered.

"Hello, Grandfather. My apologies, I am just leaving the office after a very difficult day."

"Anything you want to talk about?"

"No, sir. I intend to talk to my father about it tomorrow. The case just feels like we are inviting bad business into our lives."

"I see," he said quietly. "Well, let me know if I can help."

"I will. Was there something you needed, Grandfather? Mom mentioned you were interviewing contractors."

"Oh, yes, as a matter of fact, and I'd like to take a trip to Charleston this weekend. I had a meeting with a firm called Whitlock Design today, and they have an office in Charleston. I'd like to see the operation, before I make a decision. Are you available this weekend? I'd like to get your opinion and I'd like you to look over the contracts."

"Of course, are we flying or driving?"

"Driving, definitely driving. Is six o'clock too early?"

"Not at all, I'll see you then."

I walked downstairs on Saturday morning to find Rosalie dressed and ready to go. She had three travel cups of coffee and a small canvas bag next to her.

"Hey, Rosie. You coming?"

"Is that okay? I don't want to intrude, but I haven't spent much time with you."

I walked over and hugged her, "I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I should have invited you along."

"It's okay. I know you are trying to get sorted, and after having been away it must be hard to adjust to checking in all of the time."

I smiled, "It is, but in a good way. Ready?"

She smiled brightly. "I made sandwiches and packed the blueberry muffins Mom last night."

The back door opened and my grandfather made his way over to us. "Rosalie, sweetheart, I'm so happy you are joining us."

She kissed his cheek and handed him one of the travel cups. "Hmmm, this is why she's my favorite."

I laughed, "Shall we go?"

The drive was...great. We joked, and laughed, and my grandfather told us stories from when he was young. Rosalie caught us up on her course load at UNC at Chapel Hill. She didn't want to move away from home for college, and it seems that UNC suits her perfectly.

Hearing her happily talk about her schooling and her friends makes me feel incredibly bad that I have been so caught up in my own drama this past year.

Grandfather had gotten quiet about halfway through the ride, and would nod his head randomly. But his excitement seemed to grow the closer we got, and by the time we reached Charleston, he was practically vibrating. I kept giving him funny looks, and he finally smacked the back of my head telling me to watch the road.

I parked the car just off of Broad Street. The Whitlock office was located just off of Queen and Logan. It was a busy area, full of historically marked homes. There was a house on Tradd Street that I always liked to walk by when I was a child.

"Ooh, can we go to that pub that Daddy used to take us to? Edward, remember when Daddy would take us and we thought we were so cool and grown up, sitting in the dining room near the bar," she laughed.

I joined her laughter. "Good idea, Rosie. We should walk through the market, pick up something for Mom. We used to do that too, remember?"

Rosalie had a lovely smile on her face. We had a great childhood. She linked her arm through mine, and our grandfather watched us with a smile.

"It's good to have you home, son."

I tipped my head to him, embarrassed.

"Here we are," my grandfather said, looking at the card in his hand. The door was glass, with a white wood frame. The name Whitlock Design was painted in black on a piece of whitewashed wood that hung from the inside of the door. Metal hanging wire secured the piece of wood from multiple angles; top, side, bottom. It looked very cool, like a piece of art.

I opened the door allowing Rosalie and my grandfather to enter before me.

"Mr. Masen, what a surprise," a lovely voice rang through the room.

"Isabelle, my dear," he answered, moving toward her. "I hope you don't mind us stopping by. I've made a decision and wanted to speak with you in person."

"Of course, you're welcome to stop by anytime, business or otherwise," she answered. Her voice was mesmerizing.

"You my dear are too kind to an old man." Was he flirting?

She snorted, and then laughed.

I was having a difficult time focusing. What is wrong with me?

"Isabelle, I'd like you to meet my grandchildren." Grandfather moved out of the way and gestured toward us, Rosalie still had her arm wrapped in mine.

"Edward and Rosalie Cullen, please meet Isabelle Swan-Whitlock," he said, with a smile. His blue eyes were on mine.

Rosalie loosened her hold and walked toward Isabelle, "Hello, it's very nice to meet you."

"Likewise, thank you." Then she turned to me.

I broke eye contact with my grandfather, and cleared my throat. "Hello, it's nice to make your acquaintance, Ms. Swan-Whitlock."

She took my hand, and a shock snapped between us.

"Oh!" she gasped, pulling her hand away. "It's nice to meet you," she was quiet, her eyes glued to mine.

"Edward, are you okay?" Rosalie asked.

"What? Yes, yes. I'm fine," she frowned, and I felt my face getting warm.

"Please have a seat," Isabelle gestured toward an area decorated with plush sofas, a coffee table and a child's area filled with Legos and coloring books.

"This is nice," I said, taking in the rest of the office. The reception area looked like a living room. The calming colors, comfortable furniture, throw rugs over dark colored hardwood floors, made it inviting.

She smiled brightly, "Thank you. I like for people to feel comfortable when they come in. I just moved here from Los Angeles, and the atmosphere is so refreshing."

I was lost in her eyes again.

"Isabelle," my grandfather's voice rang out, and my eyes snapped over to him. "I have decided to give your firm my business. Edward and Rosalie will be helping with the overall project, which is why I brought them with me today. I was hoping you might have time to discuss a few details, create a tentative schedule."

Isabelle's face lit up, "Mr. Masen, thank you so much." She reached out and squeezed his hand. When her hand connected with his, she closed her eyes and her face became serene. She blushed, and her smile was just...breathtaking. "Thank you," she whispered.

My grandfather looked like the cat that caught the canary. I looked at Rosalie who looked just as confused as I did.

The door opened, causing a little bell to ring. We all turned toward the door to find a tall, dark-haired man walking toward us. He was smiling brightly, "Mr. Masen, how nice to see you. How are you?"

Wow, these people are very welcoming.

"Emmett, hello. I've just come to inform you that we've decided to hire your firm for the restoration project."

He whooped and threw a fist up in the air, causing me to laugh. He was like a little boy in his excitement.

My grandfather was laughing, he genuinely liked these people. I couldn't help but smile, and nod in agreement. I had just met them, and I found myself wanting to be in their company.

"Emmett McCarty," the man said reaching his hand out to me.

"Edward Cullen, nice to meet you."

He nodded with a smile and then turned to Rosalie. His cheeks blushed and his smile softened, "Hello."

"Hello, I'm Rosalie," my sister was also blushing. Is this what I looked like when I met Isabelle earlier?

I chanced a look over at her, and she had a soft smile on her face. She nodded slightly, and then met my eyes. Her blush deepened and she looked at her feet. After a heartbeat, she glanced up at me through her lashes.

Dear Lord.

My grandfather laughed, and we all turned to look at him. "What do you say we all go out to lunch? Discuss the project a little and get to know one another? I have a feeling we are all going to be great friends."

A/N: Hello! Happy Saturday :). I hope you are all having a great weekend so far.
Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed last chapter, I have not had much free time to respond this week. But I appreciated everyone of them. I hope this chapter answered some of the questions you had.

So I am thinking I will give out a teaser for every review I receive for this chapter...what do you think? See you next week :)