Author's Note:

I am trying to update as quickly as I can. Unfortunately life happens. I'm trying hard to do the one a week but you and I both know that hasn't happened yet. I hope everyone is still on board. Thanks for reading!

Chapter Three

Bella began her job with the Cullen family the following Monday after she had accepted it. The first thing she did when she arrived at the house was to make sure everyone was awake. She used the key and the security code that Carlisle had given her. She made noises in the kitchen to let them know of her arrival. Next she hurried to make the children's lunches before she moved to her next item on her agenda, making breakfast. She made egg sandwiches for everyone to eat on the go.

"Before you all leave what do you want for dinner?" Bella asked as she handed them all their bagged lunches.

"Tacos!" Peter suggested.

"A big salad with fruits and vegetables," Charlotte spoke softly.

Carlisle smiled as he grabbed for his breakfast. "Whatever you make I am sure is fine. Surprise us. It's been a really long time since we have had a home cooked meal. Thank you again Bella for doing this for me, well, for us. I left you a list of the rooms and what needs to be organized in each. I'm not expecting you to finish it all today or tomorrow. It's just something to work on over time." He turned to leave and looked at her. "Edward said your car was having some issues and in the shop?"

"Yes it is. I'm borrowing Tanya's car. I'm looking at cars this weekend with Edward. I don't think it is fixable any more."

"Well, tonight you will take the spare car. It's a SUV. I actually insist you use since you will be toting around the kids and running errands for me. It has never been used. I bought it for the winter. You can use it for your personal use too. I'll write it into your contract."

"Carlisle, I can't take it. You've done so much for me all ready. First the job then the apartment and now a car too? It's too much."

"As I said before I have a feeling you'll be helping us much more than us helping you. I would rather have you use it than for it just sit there some more so take it, it's nothing," he told her as he turned and looked at his children. "Are you guys ready?"

"Sure, let's go," Charlotte said as she lifted her backpack off the ground.

Peter followed suit but stopped in front of Bella. "I can't wait for dinner! I know whatever you make it'll rock! Have a good day Bella," Peter said picking up his bag. He walked to the garage.

Carlisle grabbed his briefcase." I should be home about six. Call me if you have any questions. The kids should be home between two thirty and three fifteen, depending on their buses. If they happen to miss their bus, they will call. Please stay for dinner tonight too. It'll be a nice time for all of us to reconnect. Have a good day Bella and thanks again!" Carlisle smiled as he walked out to the garage. Bella quickly heard the door open and just as quickly it closed and she was alone.

She looked over the list that Carlisle gave her. It seemed pretty basic and easy. She figured she wouldn't start with the bedrooms yet, so she started with the kitchen. Bella looked through the freezer and saw very little in there. There were some veggies, some chicken breasts, frozen yogurt and a bottle of vodka. There was also an unidentified container, which she threw out. It was next to four pounds of butter. Next came the fridge where she found a gallon of milk, bunches of veggies, fruits and a bunch of condiments. There were also some take out containers, which she got rid of. She also noticed a whole chicken that was still good. There was no lettuce but there were cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and carrots. She also found eggs, tons of different cheeses and olives. She took her time scrubbing out the fridge and freezer before moving onto the pantry.

The pantry was filled with a lot of expired foods. Bella was able to salvage some fresh potatoes, broth, rice, pasta and sauce. A few canned veggies also lingered about as well as some cereal and crackers. She noticed a lot of baking supplies too. She took everything out, threw away the bad items and scrubbed the pantry and organized it using vinegar and baking soda. She also began to make a list for food staples to fill the now organized closet.

Bella continued her day with cleaning and organizing in the kitchen. She rearranged some shelves. She looked over at the clock and realized she had spent all day cleaning. Charlotte would be home any time. She finished putting the dishes away and started on dinner. She began by making a lemon roasted chicken with cheese and pea risotto and a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. Next she defrosted the chicken breasts and used the broth to make a chicken vegetable stew. She was making biscuits to go with the soup, which would be tomorrow's dinner. As she finished up, the front door opened.

"Charlotte, is that you?" Bella asked. "I'm in the kitchen."

Charlotte placed her bag by the front door and walked into the kitchen. "Hi. It smells like vinegar."

"I've been cleaning. I used that to clean the shelves in the refrigerator. How was school?" Bella inquired trying to keep conversation going.

"It was fine. I have a bunch of homework to do. I'm going to go to my room to do it."

"Do you need any help?"

"Nope, I'm good," Charlotte said as she began going upstairs.

"Wait, do you want a drink or a snack?"

"No thank you. If you'll excuse me please," she said as she left the room.

Bella didn't have time to speak back because the phone rang. "Hello, Cullen residence."

"Bella, its Carlisle. How is everything going?"

"Really great. Charlotte just came home and is all ready starting on her homework. I have dinner made for today and tomorrow and-"

"You found food to eat in the house? Was it edible?"

Bella laughed. "I promise all of the food is still good. I started the list in the kitchen, which was good because I got to see what you had for staples and well, you are low."

"I called because, well, I'm embarrassed by what you probably found. I've told you that we eat out a lot, and I guess you saw the proof of that. I was going to tell you that I would pick up something to eat but, you made something?" He asked surprised.

"Yes. You had a roasted chicken and I found a lemon to put on it with some seasonings in the rack as well as risotto made from the white wine on the counter and cheese. I threw together some tomatoes, cukes and onions in vinegar and they are in the fridge. I want to make chocolate chip cookies but I thought I'd wait for Peter to come home. Oh, and I made a chicken stew for dinner tomorrow with biscuits."

The line went silent for a few second before Carlisle laughed. "Are you serious? You are indeed a miracle worker Bella. Tomorrow I will leave the credit card so you can do grocery shopping. We'll sit together before you leave tonight and go over it. Well, I guess you have everything under control. See you tonight."

"Bye," she laughed as she hung up the phone. She looked around the kitchen and smiled. She did have everything under control. Not bad for day one.

"My mom used to let us bake with her and I loved it. We had a lot of fun together," Peter spoke softly as he mixed the dry ingredients together.

Bella offered a sad grin. "You sound like you miss your mom very much."

"I do even though I was young when she died. I was only six," Peter answered honestly. "Are you close with your mom?"

"Well," Bella began. "I was but like your mom, both my mom and dad died when I was younger."

"Both of them died? What happened to them? If you were little who took care of you?" Peter asked as he sat on the stool and dropped the spoon.

Bella thought before she spoke. "My dad was a police officer. He pulled someone over for speeding and the person tried to take off. They hit him in the process and sped away. He died at the hospital. My mom, just like yours, died in a car accident. My brother Jasper and I had no family we were close to. My mom had a sister Renee but she lived in Florida and we didn't know her too well. Your Uncle Edward is like my brother. His parents were best friends with mine and took Jasper and I in. His parents always treated us like we were their kids. We are still really close to them, but they aren't my parents."

Peter looked at Bella. "How old were you?"

"When my dad died I was eight and Jasper was eleven. When mom died I was eleven and Jasper was fourteen."

"So, you know how I feel?"

"Unfortunately I do."

Peter hugged Bella and smiled at her. "I'm really glad you are here with us."

"You know, I am too," Bella honestly told him as she let go of him. "Now, let's make some chocolate chip cookies. Hey I have to go food shopping tomorrow."

"I love the grocery store!"

"I thought you might. Would you want to come with me? I can pick you and Charlotte up from school and we can head over after."

"You would wait for me?" Peter asked excitedly.

"Well, yea, it's only food shopping."

"Kate never does anything with us. She never takes us places. This is going to be so much fun!"

Peter and Bella finished making their cookies. He also made a deal with Charlotte that if he sat the table she would clean it up dinner. Just as Peter was helping Bella put dinner on the table, the garage door opened.

"Hey dad, you're home," Peter said as he ran over to his father. "Bella and I made cookies and she let me help her finish up dinner. Also, she said I could go food shopping with her tomorrow. I love her!"

Carlisle sat his briefcase down on the kitchen island. "Well good evening Peter, it is good to see you too son!" He smiled as he ruffled his son's hair. "Bella, it smells amazing in here. I'm starving so let's eat!"

The four of them sat together and ate. They shared stories of their day. The atmosphere felt so normal. Charlotte was quiet but still laughed and joined in the conversation. After dinner, Peter brought out the homemade cookies he made. When desert was finished, the children cleared the table as Carlisle walked Bella to the door.

"Thank you for everything. Dinner was amazing and Peter couldn't stop talking about baking with you."

"It was fun. We found out we actually have some things in common. When he finished with his homework he sat on the stool and we just talked. He's a great kid."

"Thank you." He paused for a moment and looked at her. "I understand if you say no and please feel no obligation to say yes but I was wondering if you could watch the kids next weekend? I usually wouldn't ask this of you; however, the babysitter that I usually use is away. I have theater tickets in Seattle and was going to take Kate away."

As Carlisle asked, Bella couldn't help but notice Peter's long face. "Yes, of course I could watch the kids. No problem," she smiled.

"So how is it going?" Edward asked Bella as she sat across from him at lunch.

"It's been only two weeks but good. Peter is really fun and Charlotte hasn't really spoken to me yet, but that's what I was expecting."

"I told you they were good kids. Charlotte just needs some encouragement. She'll come around," Edward encouraged her.

Bella nodded as she took a sip of her lemonade. She then looked up at Edward. "What's the deal with Kate? She isn't there for dinners and Carlisle asked if I could watch the kids this weekend because he is going away with her and Peter made this face like he was disgusted. She can't really be that bad, can she?"

Edward thought for a moment as he gathered what he wanted to say. "I have no other way of saying this than she is a bitch. She is cold as ice and doesn't seem like she really likes the children. She's told Tanya that she wants to send the kids to boarding school after they are married; of course it's for the education. She of course has said nothing to Carlisle about this idea. She just seems like she is using him and wants to become some desperate house wife. I can't stand her. She comes into the hospital to visit him sometimes. She lives and works in Seattle. I swear I think she is taking advantage of Carlisle I just don't have the proof or know the reason." He paused and then started again. "Peter hates her, he's told me that. I think Charlotte is afraid of her. After Carlisle got serious with Kate, Charlotte began to have issues with her self esteem. I wish Carlisle realized that but he hasn't yet."

"Charlotte is a great kid."

"I agree. I've overheard Kate at the hospital talk about how heavy Charlotte is and how she is concerned about her weight."

"That is insane! That's why she is so careful about what she eats? There is nothing wrong with Charlotte. Doesn't Carlisle see what is happening?"

"I think he is blinded. Kate was the first woman he got involved with after Elizabeth and I think he is in love with the idea of being with someone and I think he is settling. She is such a bitch, Bella, really she is."

"I can see that."

"Charlotte told me that Kate makes her feel bad about herself and she tried to talk to her dad about it and he assured her that she is misinterpreting things."

"He needs to wake up and see that Kate maybe isn't the best match for him or his family."

"She wants to send Charlotte to a finishing school."

"Finishing school? Are we living in the 1940's? There is nothing wrong with that girl!"

Edward let out a humorless chuckle. "I had to look up what it was. I'm surprised they still exist. I don't think that is what she needs."

Bella studied Edward's face. His expression showed love and concern. "You really love them, don't you?"

He nodded. "I was so lucky that Carlisle and I clicked immediately. He doesn't have any family. I've known the kids since they were little. When I was in med school Elizabeth actually invited me over for dinner a lot, with Tanya. You know I was an overworked med student with a fiancée. Elizabeth felt bad for us. She was such a great woman. We just became friends after that. I was with him when Elizabeth passed away. I was actually doing rounds when she was brought in. I was still a student so I couldn't do anything to really help her, but I stayed with him. It was very tough on him. I helped him with whatever he needed and was there for the kids. That was when we became closer. We became good friends."

Again, after taking a sip of her drink, Bella looked at Edward. "Those kids really are great. I'm starting to love them." She stopped and thought of her words carefully. "Carlisle is nothing but kind and deserves more than Kate."

"What are your feelings on them?" Edward honestly asked.

"Well," Bella paused. "As I said I think the kids are wonderful. I'm hoping that Charlotte comes around. I really do."

"And Carlisle?" Edward asked.

"He's a nice guy. I think we are becoming friends. He's really easy to talk with and he is funny," she answered as she looked away.

Edward couldn't help laugh. "And you are crushing on him."

"What? No I'm not! Masen, you're insane."

"No I'm not! Your tone changed and you sounded different. You got totally defensive when we were talking about Kate." He paused before smiling at Bella. "Well Ms. Swan, you totally like him!"

Shaking her head repeatedly, Bella spoke up again. "You're delusional. I enjoy being with the children and I have enjoyed getting to know him. He seems like a very nice man. I-I have thought if Jacob would have been as hands on as he is if we had children and stayed together."

Silence filled them. Edward looked at Bella. "I am not buying that. You feel attracted to him."

"Edward-"

"I know you almost better than you know yourself Bells and I know that look. You like him." Before Bella could speak, Edward began again. "It's the look you had when you talked or thought about him."

"Edward, that is different. Jacob was my first everything, well, my only everything."

"Still, it's a very similar look. Have you spoken to him?"

Bella shook her head. "You can say his name you know. I won't break. He keeps calling me and I don't know why. I texted him and told him to do any talking through Tanya."

Laughing, Edward looked at his friend. "Good for you!" He stopped as the waitress brought the check. He reached into his pocket and took out his credit card before handing it back to the waitress. As she walked away, he began to speak again. "While I am happy you are allowing yourself to feel again, he's too old for you Bella and in a relationship all ready, although it would be great if they did break up."

"I'm not even thinking about anything like that, so no worries."

Ignoring her, Edward continued. "Plus he's your boss. You don't want to complicate things, do you?"

"Again I have to say no worries, and you are a nut case." Bella thought she'd turn the tables on her friend. "So you Tan have been married for a while now. Are you ever going to give me a little niece or nephew to spoil?"

"You're talking to the wrong Masen. I would do it tomorrow if we could, but Tanya just got a promotion at the firm and we are going to wait another year. She seems okay with that, it's me who has baby fever. I want one so badly."

"Baby fever hu? Well, it's better than Bieber fever."

"You caught me singing one song and now you're never going to let me forget it?"

"I'm afraid not. It is my duty as your friend to remind you of it. Perhaps you will serenade me some more with one of Justin's greatest hits?"

"Don't push your luck Swan."

"All right all ready. Hey, don't you get your fill of kids everyday? You're a pedi doctor."

"They aren't my own. I want my own."

Sadly, Bella smiled. "And it will happen one day." She stopped and thought about her baby.

Feeling guilty, Edward immediately grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

Shaking her head, Bella looked at him. "No worries buddy." She paused and looked at him. "He would have been two Edward."

"Bells-"

Again, she shook her head. "No, don't. I'm fine. It's not like I was the first, only or last woman this happened to."

"No but you still got the shit end of the stick." He was hesitant about continuing. "Do you know that Emmett told me he couldn't be friends with Jacob because of what he did to you? He told Jacob too. They aren't friends any more. Jacob was upset but Emmett was more upset by the way you were treated."

"No, that isn't right. I don't want to get in the middle of any friendships."

Edward waved his hand. "Bells, he has it coming to him. Jasper told me he isn't speaking to Jacob either. It's probably a good thing that Jacob isn't anywhere close because Jasper would no doubt kill him."

"So you've spoken to my brother? How is he?" Bella inquired. Since the separation, he hadn't been calling Bella liked he used to. He wanted her to have space. He was better friends with Jacob before he and Bella ever dated. It hurt him that one of his closest friends could hurt his sister the way Jacob had. He wanted to give Bella her space before he talked to her. Bella was irritated with him. She needed her big brother and he was nowhere to be found.

Edward nodded. "I did speak to him. He is just giving you space now Bells. Anyway, you haven't started anything. It was Jacob's choice. He chose to stray. No marriage is perfect and everyone has their faults. Both people need to work on their marriage and not sleep with your wife's best friend."

"Edwa-"

"No Bella," Edward began. "When I went to get you in Arizona, it took everything in me not to wait and hurt him. I wanted to kill him. Emmett and Jazz both said they would help me."

"Well thank you for not doing that. I think your too pretty to go to prison."

After taking the last sip of his lemonade, Edward began again. "Someone like Carlisle would be perfect for you. He's a good guy, probably the best that they come. You can't go after him though because he is taken and is way too old for you."

"As you have all ready stated Edward."

"You know, I know some good guys. They are doctors I could call a few and maybe you'd like to go out with them."

Smiling, Bella nodded. "Thank you Edward, but I'm not ready yet. I'm still nursing a broken heart."

"I understand." Edward paused as he looked at Bella. "If Carlisle was just a little younger you could break him and Kate up."

"I'm not a home wrecker."

"I know but Bella, I want to see you with a good guy. Carlisle deserves a good person too."

"Well, just remember I'm on the mend. I'm so not ready for any of that stuff."

"I fully understand but I'll still keep my eyes open for you."

Laughing, Bella looked again at Edward. "Thanks, I didn't realize I was talking to Esme."

"Hey," Edward yelled. "I love my mom."

"I love her too but you sound just like her." As Bella stood up to leave, she looked at Edward. "I'm so glad I have you in my life. I really do love you. Thank you for being there."

Edward reached for Bella's hand. "I am glad I can be there for you. And I love you too."