A/N: Not gonna say much about this one, we all know what it is. The Trial. Hope you enjoy and get as much out of it as I did.

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Disclaimer: SM owns all things Twilight. I own the ticket stubs from both times that I have seen New Moon.

Chapter 27: Sentenced to Life

BPOV

Today is James' trial. The day we've been waiting for to finally put this all behind us and move on.

It was a little over seven weeks ago that he took my heart from me. From us. He left me alive but took the one thing I didn't think I could ever have.

My baby. Our baby.

Edward wanted to be a father. I seen the way he looked at Rose's protruding belly and remembered the gleam in his eyes when she announced that she was pregnant at Christmas.

I just hoped I would be able to get the chance to give him a child someday. The child he always wanted.

I knew Edward was pretty frustrated with me the first few weeks after we got home from the hospital, but this is what I do. I suppress my feelings and push them down. After years at a therapist, I knew it wasn't healthy to do, but I couldn't help it, I didn't want too. I needed to have some control over what was happening to me. My life felt like it was a never ending roller coaster, and I never new which way was up or down.

I haven't pushed Edward away, and that was what we both worried about happening, but in some sense, not talking to him about what happened was almost worse. I knew that, but was being selfish. I knew Edward was hurting just as much as me, but I needed to deal with my own feelings and emotions before trying to figure us out.

I made a promise to myself to be a more supportive partner in this relationship. I couldn't ask for a better partner than Edward. He has done anything and everything to help me heal since my return from the hospital both physically and emotionally. I knew it killed him to tell our family to keep their distance, but he did it, for me, without letting on how much he was hurting not having them in his life on a daily basis. I was starting to think that Edward would do anything for me, and it was a constant reminder of the amazing person I was able to call mine.

The last week has been amazing, we went to the park and the shop and bought groceries, and went to the mall, the usual things we would do if none of this happened. Edward was trying so hard to give me what I needed, what I wanted. And what I wanted was for us to go back to the way things were.

I'm not sure if we'll ever get back to that place again, but I was hoping that we would be better in the long run. Losing our baby was on my mind every second of every day, but I knew that we had grown stronger as a team over these past two months and our relationship would only flourish if I actually manned up and laid my feelings out on the table for us to work through together.

We were slowly getting there. At a snails pace, but it was happening. Ever since that day at the park, I felt alive again. Alive or land of the living as some liked to call it, was not something I felt when I first returned home. I felt dead, lifeless, and as much as I didn't want Edward to know that, I knew I needed to tell him everything so that he could fully understand what I was going through and why I was acting the way I was.

Edward has taken me to the shop with him several times in the last few days, only for a few hours here and there as I tolerated so that he could work on a few regulars. I didn't mind going after that first time. He set me up on the couch in the office if I got to tired otherwise I would just sit and watch as he worked. When we first started dating, it was one of my favorite things to do, to watch him work. Watching him now made me feel closer to him, knowing that he was doing something he truly loved and held compassion for. I also know that tattooing also took his mind off of his own thoughts making him smile more.

I missed those smiles.

Edward never left me alone. Since my return home from the hospital, he's been very protective. Even more than usual. All for good reason of course. I knew why he felt so protective and it didn't bother me. I didn't want him to leave me and panicked when he was more than a few feet from me. I knew this was something I needed to work through, but for now my overprotective man was greatly appreciated. He was my rock, and without him I felt empty and alone.

I knew eventually we would need to separate, but it was to soon to even fathom the idea. Give me a few months and I might be a bit more comfortable with the prospects of that happening. But not now. I needed him, and he needed me.

I realized that we couldn't be in the same room without touching somehow. It was either me sitting in his lap or leaning against him in some fashion. We were like magnets that were drawn together. If he went out for a smoke or finished with a client, he would pull me to him as soon as he was done and I calmed instantly as did he. It wasn't until Jazz brought this revelation to my attention did I notice, because all those weeks of just the two of us at the apartment, spending every second of the day together just felt normal, right in all senses of the word.

Although I was feeling better emotionally, physically I yearned for his touches; sex wasn't something we had yet to attempt. He was so patient, and I knew I wanted him, but just wasn't ready. I felt like it was when we first started dating, sexual frustration was so strong in the air you could taste it. Edward tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible with his touches and never gave up on me when I would shy away from his advances.

I knew it would be soon. My body was healing and yearned to be intimate with him. And at least two or three times a day Edward would rub into me with his painfully hard erection. He never did it on purpose, I don't think. Well, maybe he did, but I liked it. It was just a big plunge for us to get there. But it would be soon as my inner nymph was trying to break through the hard shell I had created.

I knew that the trial today was going to be emotionally trying. My body had physically healed. My ribs were the only thing that hurt, and it was only if I did too much. The bruises were all but gone, my nipple was healed just a little soar if to much pressure was added. And the bone under my left eye was days away from being permanently healed. So now it was just the inside stuff that needed to get back to the usual.

I didn't talk about the attack after those first few days. I didn't talk about the baby at all. From the look in Edward's eyes, I knew it was killing him to not talk about it. I knew when I was ready to stop being so selfish we would talk about everything. It was miserable keeping these emotions to myself. Edward was my fiancé and I wanted him to know where I was at with my emotions. And I wanted to know where he was at and be there for him, like he was for me.

I looked over at the bedside clock and found that it was 9:00 am. We needed to be there in two hours for the trial.

I was snuggled against Edward's back, enjoying his semi naked body. I ran my hand down his side and back as he grabbed my hand bringing it to his mouth to kiss.

Edward rolled so he was facing me, placing a long kiss on my lips. I opened my eyes to find his piercing green ones staring back at me. A smile played along his crooked lips.

"Hey gorgeous. How did you sleep?" Edward wrapped his arms around my waist and brought me in close to his chest letting his nose nuzzle into my hair.

"I've been up for a while, but good before that." I was being honest. No good comes from lying if you are as shitty of a liar as I am. And I was up just staring at Edward so it's not like was a bad thing.

"B? Are you ready for today? I mean you really don't have to go. Jasper can stay with you but I have to go." I knew his reasoning behind not wanting me to go, but this was something I needed to do for us to move on.

"Yes I do need to go. And you know why I need to be there. I need to put some closure on all of this. I'm not willing to allow him to ruin everything good that's in our lives. I'm ready to move on."

I thought saying those last few words would bring a smile to Edward's face, but instead he looked angry. Hurt.

"How can we move on when we haven't talked about any of this yet?" He looked mad as his hands tightened on my waist. I pulled back slightly so that he would know that his hold was too tight on me. "Sorry. I'm sorry."

I cupped his cheek in my hand and kissed his lips. "It's ok, you're not hurting me, I just got scared for a minute. And I know we haven't talked about anything. I know. It's...just that...I needed time. I didn't push you away; on the contrary, I think we are closer now than we ever have been. After the trial is over we will talk ok? Lets just get through today in one piece before we try to fix the rest of the wrongs in our lives."

He nodded in agreement before cuddling me into his chest. So patient was my man. His erection was rubbing up against my stomach as it does so often, and I felt him buck his hips into our embrace. Poor guy.

I reached down and gave him a good pull, then stroked his hardness up and down. I needed to give him something, and I had honestly missed our interactions.

Edward froze. This was the first contact I had tried to make and probably shocked him that he was getting any kind of movement in that vicinity of his body.

I'm sure he was just getting used to letting his problem go or dealing with it himself.

"B. You don't have to do that. I'm fine." He tried to tell me, but the continued bucking of his hips into my hand told me he wanted it.

I kissed his lips once more and continued with my hand. "I know you. And I know he needs some help. I haven't been fair to him lately, I know this all to well. And if there is any way of you getting through this day without punching someone, most likely James and getting thrown in jail, I'd say you need a little release of your own."

He laughed and kissed my head knowing that I had already thought this all out. "I suppose you're right. I want nothing more to fuck that asshat up once more, but I suppose that would mean you and I being apart, and neither of us would want that. But...only if you're sure. I don't want you moving to fast. I can wait. He has a mind of his own, but I control what happens for the two of us." Edward looked down at his tent like crotch and was giving himself a little pep talk smiling the entire time.

I laughed at his little rant and kissed his chest. "I wouldn't be doing it if I wasn't sure. You know me by now. And even though I might not be ready for sex, I do have needs and I know you have needs too."

Edward's eyes looked as if they were going to pop right out of his head. Yes we had been very cuddly and lots of kisses and caresses since my return home, but I didn't talk about my needs and neither did he. I figured there was no time like the present to get it all out on the table.

"You have needs? Mind sharing?" His eyes were alive and black with lust and the tingly sensation that I hadn't felt in two months made itself known in the bottom of my stomach.

"I think you are pretty aware of my needs Cullen. Just.... be gentle." He kissed my head and nodded, the smile never leaving his angelic face.

I continued on with my hand job as he thrust himself into my hand. I knew it felt nothing like what I could be doing, but it was something more than he was getting. Which was lefty and the bottle of Jergens. I stroked him for several minutes before he came hard in my hand, his dick continuing to twitch for several seconds after he was done. The moans that were elicited from his mouth only made my own arousal more apparent and I only prayed that this wasn't the time that he was going to tell me to wait as I was to fragile or something. With everything that we were about to face in just a few hours, I needed to feel that our connection was as strong as ever. I needed to feel him.

I cleaned off my hand with a tissue and threw it in the garbage as he laid me on my back ever so gently. As time moved forward, I could only hope that he would do something to my body, the need for some friction between my thighs growing unbearable.

"You're turn. What do you think you can handle my Love?" His eyes showed every sign of just having an amazing release, but were so thoughtful and concerned, wanting to make sure that the favor was returned and that I would get my needed release as well. Did I say that this man was amazing?

"What do you want to do?" I said in my best sexy voice that I hadn't used in a long time and probably needed some practice.

Edward lifted the shirt I wearing and gingerly kissed my nipples. He was extra gentle over the left one, before taking the right in his mouth, twirling his tongue around it making me feel like I haven't in so long. He was gentle, but it made my body feel like it was on fire. I arched my back into the bed and was amazed at what that little bit of contact could do to my body.

"Is this ok B?" He looked up from my chest with hooded eyes as he darted his tongue at to swirl around my left nipple.

"More than ok." I ran my hands through his hair as he trailed down my body, placing wet kisses as he went.

He kissed over my ribs, belly button and hips before stopping above my clit. He looked up at me for the silent ok as I nodded and he proceeded to kiss my pierced clit. I couldn't help but buck my hips into his face. Again, the smallest touches made my body feel like a livewire and I was loving every minute of it. Edward growled at the contact, and I realized in that moment how much I had missed those noises.

His tongue darted out and licked around my clit in circles as he brought a finger up to brush along my slit. I jumped at the initial contact and he pulled away.

"I'm sorry. I went to far." He bowed his head as he sat back on his heels looking sad and upset with himself. I needed to put an end to those looks.

"No. It's not that. I just have to adjust. I haven't felt you like this in so long; I just need to reacquaint my body with yours. Please, keep going. It feels amazing." I pulled him to me once again as he watched me for a moment before nodding and placing his fingers across my entrance once again.

I didn't jump this time and he took that as a sign to continue. He slowly inserted one finger and I moaned out his name as the rush of heat ran over my body. His touches became more familiar and I wanted more. I didn't want him to stop. I wanted to stay like this forever.

He picked up the pace and slid his finger in deeper each time as my hips continued to move on their own accord and thrust into his hand.

"That feels so good E. I missed you so much, I missed you making me feel like this." I moaned as he brought himself back up my body, kissing as he went until he landed on my lips.

I tasted myself on his kiss and moaned again at how much it turned me on.

"That's all I wanted B. I want to make you feel so fucking good. Tell me what you want. What you need." He kissed along my neck and behind my ear as he continued pumping in and out of me.

"More. Harder. Please." My voice was barely more than a whisper as I felt my stomach tightening.

He kissed me hard on the lips as he added a second finger and pumped me harder, deeper moving to all the places he knew and loved. Edward knew my body like a map, and I never needed to worry about telling him how to make me feel good. He would always know.

"Oh God! Ungh! E! God I missed this!" I screamed out as my orgasm hit hard. He continued to pump his fingers in and out of me as I rode out the wave of pleasure.

"I've missed you B. I've missed that face, and I've missed this." He said as he emptied me and wrapped me in a tight hug rocking us both back and forth and we reveled in the post coital feeling.

"I know. Thank you E. I can't say it enough. I don't know what I would have done without you these past couple of weeks. And I know you're frustrated with me, but please know that we will get back to where we were. We will." My cheeks were wet with tears that I knew were trying to make themselves present, but what I wasn't expecting was to look up and see those same tears falling from my Love, Edward's sullen face.

"I'm not frustrated with you Angel. It's the situation. That's all. And yes, I wish you would talk to me, but I understand. And I know that we're making progress. I can see it every day. Lets just keep taking it day by day and we will be ok. We have to stick together now more so than ever." He whispered the last part as I nuzzled my way into the crook of his neck.

I nodded in agreement against his chest as he wiped the tears from my cheeks.

We held each other a little longer before reluctantly getting up and taking a shower together. Edward washed my body in the most sensual way, caressing every inch of my flesh, letting our bodies get more acquainted with one another little by little. We eventually had to get out knowing we needed to get ready and get this day over with.

Emmett and Jasper were coming with for the trial, but Alice and Rose were going to stay at home. With Rose's due date fast approaching, she didn't need the added stress and all three guys strongly put there foot down letting her know that she wasn't going to be in that court room, but that we would give her a play by play of everything later. And that's when Alice decided that she would stay home as well, so that Rose didn't feel left out.

I dressed in a pair of gray pin striped dress pants, a long sleeved white collared shirt that Alice felt the need to get me last week, as if I didn't have enough clothes in my closet. I paired it with a pair of black boots with a short heal and wore my hair up in a clip. I went easy on the makeup knowing that at some point or another I would probably be crying it off.

Edward looked handsome as ever in a pair of black dress pants and a blue and white checked dress shirt. If we weren't going to the trial, I would think we were going on a date or getting pictures done or something.

We met up with Jasper and Emmett who were dressed similar to Edward and made our way down to the parking garage. Emmett was driving and Edward lifted me up in the back seat so I wouldn't feel the pull in my ribs.

We all smoked like chimneys the entire way to the courthouse, knowing that James would be in the same room with us in a matter of minutes. The tension was high and no words were spoken during the drive there.

I was surprised to find reporters lining the steps when we pulled up. I was bombarded from every angel with questions about the attack, but was fortunate to not have just one bodyguard but three. Edward wrapped me tightly into his chest trying to shield me from all of the attention as Jasper and Emmett cleared a path.

We made our way in and found the courtroom taking our seats. My fingers were all scabbed over from chewing at them for the last few days, and Edward had my hands wrapped in his so I wouldn't continue. We sat in the front of the room and waited for the trial to begin. Jasper sat on the other side of me with his arm around my shoulders while Edward continued to hold my hands in his, and rub my thigh with his free hand trying to sooth me, when I could tell he needed some soothing of his own.

At 11:15 am, the judge entered, followed by James who was handcuffed and in an orange jump suit and the courtroom was called to order. James glared at me as he entered almost as if he wanted me to feel bad about the current position he was in, and I felt my face turn into a scowl. I would not allow him to make me feel like he was the victim in all of this. I kept my face emotionless as I stared him back in his dead eyes, letting him know that the old Bella was gone, and I would not take the fault for his actions ever again. When James finally took his stance and was turned away from me, I allowed my emotions to take over a bit. I would stay strong for what I needed too, but I couldn't help the way I was feeling either. I felt Jasper and Edward tense on either side of me as I tried to hold in the tears. Even though there was no way in hell he could hurt me here, I was scared shitless. This last attack was so much worse than anything he had previously done, and my mind started playing that night over and over in my head as if it was on replay.

After the judge read the opening statements, James took his seat followed by his lawyer. My body began to shake as tears fell over my cheeks. Edwards grip tightened on my hands and Jaspers on my shoulders. I silently chastised myself for not staying strong like I wanted too.

The hearing was called to order moments later, and then began.

I was sworn in, and gave my testimony, all the while never making direct eye contact with James. I kept my eyes on Edward, as I had to re-call the night's events. I was asked questions about previous encounters and explained the past 9 years as I swallowed the knot in my throat.

Drudging up all the past encounters was enough to do me in, but I stayed strong, focused on my rock and got through it.

As soon as I was done, Edward cuddled me to his chest as I took in his scent and tried to calm myself. I tried to keep the tears at bay, knowing when we got home I could let the floodgates go.

Jasper also testified to previous incidents and what he saw that night when they found me. Unlike me, he stared James down the entire time. Jasper held it together and when he came back to sit down I grabbed his hands and held them in my lap.

Emmett and Edward testified as well, but theirs were much shorter than Jasper's or mine, but like Jasper, both guys glared at James the entire time letting him know exactly how they felt about the piece of shit. Edward's voice was laced with anger and unspoken threats towards James that gave me goose bumps at his intensity.

We braked for an hour lunch around 1pm, and were told that we would have his sentencing when we returned.

We walked a block down to a cafe to eat slipping out a back exit so that we would get bombarded with reporters again. We ordered our food and tried to relax for the time being, as everyone was on edge, knowing that we were so close to hearing the decision that would allow us to move on finally. I was seated next to Edward and leaning into his chest as his hand was draped over my shoulder rubbing my neck.

"That feels so good baby." He looked over at me, a small smile played on his lips as his eyes lit up like a little kid. "What?"

"It's nothing B. But you called me baby. You haven't done that in a long time." He kissed my head and continued. "It's just nice to hear. Thank you." Edward seriously looked like he was going to cry and had to clear his throat several times to get his voice back.

I had called him baby. I hadn't used the word at all since the hospital. I hadn't even allowed myself to think that word until today. I took this as a good sign that things were starting to get better, moving in the right direction, slowly.

Our food came a few minutes later and I dug into my pasta as Emmett barked out a signature laugh.

"What's so funny fucker?" I said with my mouth full of chicken parmesano. I had taken to eating more on a regular basis in the past week or two and hadn't eaten breakfast, my stomach in knots, so I was starving.

"It's just nice to see you eating again Bella Barbie." He eyed my body up and down which made me blush. "Looks like your getting back to your old self. A few more pounds and you'll be good as new." He leaned across the table and patted my stomach.

Was he for real? Patting my belly?

"Thanks. I think? I don't know if telling a girl that she's gaining weight should be taken as a compliment, but ok..." I knew where my brother bear was going with his comment as soon as I seen his eyes about to pop out of his head, but wanted to play with him a bit.

His jaw dropped and he was fishing for something to say mumbling like an idiot.

"It was a compliment. It's just that you obviously lost a little weight," Edward grunted in agreement with his big brother's remarks. "ok a lot of weight, and it's just nice to see you eating normally."

I looked over at Edward who was trying to stare at his sandwich to avoid eye contact knowing that he was busted for talking about my weight with his brother.

"And I don't suppose you have anything to do with why Emmett knows about my eating habits do you?" I raised my eyebrow at him, giving a half serious stink eye.

Edward didn't say anything, just continued to eat his lunch, so I did something that would get his attention. I slapped him on the back and he choked slightly on his full mouth of food. I didn't really mean for the last part to happen.

"What? I was just being honest." He looked like a kid who just got caught looking at porn. Then he kissed my cheek and gave me the crooked smile that he knew melted me every time. "And it is good to see you eating again, my Love." His eyes lowered to my chest. "Its nice to see some of your curves coming back too." He had the audacity to wink at me, which I knew he was only doing to lighten the mood, but really, was this time to be talking about that?

"Pig." I rolled my eyes and gave him a half smile then continued eating.

Jasper had been texting Alice with updates and had missed most of the conversation.

.

"How you doing Bell?" He asked as he dug into his lunch, clueless to the playful banter that had taken place while he was in lala land with his fiancé.

"I'm doing ok. I mean, it makes me physically sick to be in the same room as the fucker, but...I know that the outcome is what's important and we are so close to getting it. But, I'm thinking a drink is in order after all is said and done."

Emmett held up his water glass. "I second that."

With that, the rest of us joined in, clinking our water glasses. We finished up with lunch and made our way back to the courthouse. There were several reporters outside again, but there was nothing to tell them. No decision had been made.

The Judge called the room to order moments later and I found myself sandwiched in between Edward and Jasper once more, while Emmett hovered. Edward had his arm around my shoulders and me nuzzled in to his chest, while Jazz had his hand on my thigh rubbing a soothing pattern. Edward glared at his hand for only a minute before nodding in understanding.

James was brought back in and was seated with his lawyer. The judge went over the case and the evidence, and then the decision was read. James was asked to stand and the knot in my throat took over, making it hard to breathe.

Edward's and Jasper's hold tightened on me as the Judges words were spoken.

James was sentenced to life in a maximum-security prison without a chance for parole.

This was his last offense and with my own ears, I heard those three words, sentenced to life. James was charged with three counts; assault on me, escaping his work release program, and manslaughter for our unborn baby. The judge went into detail about each one and the prison arrangements, but that was all just a jumble of words in my head. All I heard was sentenced to life. That's all I needed to hear, the guys would fill me in on the rest later.

I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks as I was pulled almost into Edward's lap as he held me, kissing my cheeks and the top of my head whispering over and over in my ear 'It's over baby, it's over." Emmett and Jasper's hands were on my back comforting me as I took a moment to compose myself. I tried to reign in the tears knowing that we were still in the courtroom and that James was probably watching this, getting off my vulnerability.

I would have a chance to cry later. Right now I wanted to get the hell out of this courtroom and never see James again.

James stood with an officer and was about to be taken away when I got up the courage to stand and make my way towards him. I'm not sure where this courage came from, but this was my one and only chance to let James know exactly what I was feeling. Deep down I must have known that I would never get this chance again, and it was now or never. I faintly heard Edward trying to stop me, pulling me towards the exit, but I wasn't giving in. Edward realized that I had my mind set, wrapped his arm around my waist and walked with me towards James. The guys followed behind us, with menacing looks on their faces.

There I stood in front of my attacker, my past as a smirk played across his lips. He eyed me up and down like he always did, and the nauseous feeling that I had earlier came over me once more remembering the way he looked at me. This would be the last time he would get the pleasure of doing that.

My tears were dried, no longer would he see me cry.

I was not his victim any longer.

I was going to have my final words with him weather he acted like he was listening or not.

I was livid.

I was angry.

I stood with my body only inches from his as an officer held his handcuffed arms behind him.

I slapped him with all my strength across the face as he winced in pain. I felt a smile play across my lips as Edward's arms slid tighter around my waist comforting me at the same time, holding me so that I didn't do anything I would regret.

My hand stung with the force I had used.

It was the best kind of pain that I had ever felt.

"Hope you enjoy the rest of your life in Hell James. I know I will, knowing where you will be spending that time and whose company you will keep."

James' face was clear of any emotion but I knew that I was having an affect on him, even if it was a small effect. I felt Edward laugh into my hair, and heard Emmett and Jasper. They were enjoying my sarcasm and the little show I was putting on.

"I'm not gonna let you see me cry James. You are a sick fuck that deserves what's coming to you. I am done with you, and you will no longer affect my life. Never again will you hurt me. Never again will you think that I am yours, or was ever yours to begin with. You never had me James. You never did. You will never get the satisfaction of having another woman in your life because of the sadistic shit you pulled although I am sure there are a few men that would enjoy your bed. Unfortunately for you, I have heard that assault on a woman is frowned upon in the prison life, so good luck with that one. You are dead to me James. You took from me what I never thought I could have and I won't ever forgive you for what you've done, but in return you will never see one ounce of emotion from me either. Rot in hell you sick piece of shit." I glared at him in the eyes to find that his were blank. That's fine. I knew James well, and he would deal with his emotions later, probably while his selly named Bubba was selling him off for a pack of cigarettes.

I continued to smile at my bravery, knowing that I must have looked delusional. Edward was pulling me back by the waist as I backed away giving the fucker one last look. Edward was mumbling under his breath, but from what I could make out, he was saying something along the lines of 'that's my girl'.

I kept it together as we made our way out of the courtroom. But as soon as the doors closed and I felt the weight of what I had just accomplished, my stomach betrayed me and I knew I was going to be sick.

I let go of Edward and ran looking for a bathroom. I heard him and the guys follow me as I ran into the ladies restroom and let the door slam behind me.

I found the nearest stall, fell to my knees and emptied my stomach, purging myself of James and everything I had gone through over the last 9 years.

The tears began to fall as I continued to vomit, releasing everything that had been in my stomach until I was dry heaving. I could hear the guys outside pacing, knowing that they were worried and all I really wanted to tell them was that I was fine. I was finally fine.

This is what I needed. I was getting James out of me the only way I knew how. And it felt amazing. It felt good to know that I had the courage to stand up to him like that, and to know that he would never come for me again. I was proud of myself, having the strength and courage to stand up to him like I did. Looking back on the little 17 year old girl that took beating after beating from that monster, I would never in a million years thought that I would be able to do something like that. But once and for all, I realized that I wasn't that little girl anymore and I had grown over the years into a woman who wouldn't allow a guy to treat her like that.

I flushed the toilet and went to the sink to rinse my mouth and splash some water on my face. I looked in the mirror to find my tear-streaked face and see how bad the damage was. But it wasn't the face that I was used to seeing over the last two months. That face had no life to it, no color. It was lost and dead. No hope was seen in those brown eyes, just dread.

This face, my face that was looking back at me in the mirror was alive and full of life. The blotches and tearstains were over looked when I seen the rest of the facial features that were so phenomenal. My brown eyes almost sparkled. I had hope for happiness and knew it wasn't far away. My lips were curved upward into a smile. A smile that I thought was lost and forgotten. It was there, looking back at me, telling me that things were going to be all right.

I rubbed at my make up and watched as my left hand made its way across my face. I watched my ring; Edwards ring as it clung to my finger. This ring signified my future, our future, and I realized in that moment that I was ready to move on.

I was ready to talk to Edward about the attack and the baby. We were going to get through this together and it was going to start now.

I found myself smiling at the woman in the mirror. She looked confident and happy.

It was me.

I found myself.

I was back.

I touched up my makeup and fixed my hair as I continued to sort through my revelations then stepped out of the bathroom to find Edward pacing, and Emmett and Jasper on their phones, most likely talking to the girls, and giving them updates.

As I opened the door Edward's eyes met mine. His hair was disheveled as usual sticking up in several places from being pulled, as I am sure he had been running his hands through it more while I had been gone. I stopped to take him in for just a minute. His hair looked like he had just had sex, his top few buttons were undone on his dress shirt showing just a little of his chest hair and his perfectly tattooed body was slumped forward slightly waiting for my reaction. He was beautiful, handsome, the most attractive man I had ever met, and he was mine.

His face was worried not knowing what state he would find me in and his lips moved as if he wanted to say something.

I smiled at him. The most genuine smile I had since this all started.

I found myself running towards him and as soon as I was close enough he picked me up while I wrapped my legs around his waist holding him to me. I kissed his lips long and hard with as much passion as I had, while he rubbed his hands up and down my back. I didn't care that my ribs were complaining from the tightness. I didn't care that we were in a public place. Nothing mattered in that moment. I needed this. We needed this.

We held each other like that for a few minutes not saying a word to each other. I looked into his beautiful green eyes staring back at me and wiped a tear that had fallen to his cheek.

"Don't cry baby. The last thing I want is to make you cry." I said as I kissed another tear that fell down his cheek.

Edward gave me one of his crooked smiles that melted my heart. "Good tears I promise baby. Good tears. I wish you could see what I was seeing right now B. Your face. You're back. I haven't seen anything more Angelic in all my life." He kissed me hard again as I tangled my hands in his hair reveling in the feeling of our reunion. In every sense of the word, this was our reunion that we had waited two months for.

"I'm sorry I left. Until just a few minutes ago, I hadn't realized how much I had checked out. But you're right. I'm back. And I promise to never leave you again. I love you so fucking much E. Thank you for sticking it out with me and waiting for me."

We held each other in a tight hug until I heard Jasper clear his throat and Emmett make a cat call.

I realized that I was still lifted around his waist and I slowly released my death grip my legs had given him as he lowered me to the floor. Nothing had mattered when I seen my Edward, but coming back into reality, I notice we were still in the middle of the courthouse. There were many people in the hallway. We were definitely not alone.

Edward released the death grip he had on me, but kept my hand. The smile he wore couldn't be wiped of his face if he tried as he kissed my neck. I reveled in his touch and couldn't get enough of it. We were like two love struck teenagers instead of two adults in their mid twenties who had been in a committed relationship and engaged to be married.

"Can I please hug you Bella Barbie?" Poor Emmett had to be so careful with me lately that he hadn't been able to give his famous bear hugs that I enjoyed just as much as he did. The guy was huge, but really he was just a big teddy bear deep down.

"I've been waiting for it brother bear!" I opened my arms for him as he barreled towards me. Edward pulled me back slightly fearing for my health, but I needed this just as much as Emmett.

Emmett wrapped me into a condensed version of his bear hug lifting me off the ground and twirling me in circles. He kissed my cheek before setting me down.

"Edward was right, you are back. It's so good to have you back sis." He hugged me once more before kissing my cheek and backing away.

Jasper was next and hugged me tightly for several minutes. "Congratulations Bell. It's over. It's over for good." He whispered in my ear. "I finally made good on my promise. This time I can say for certain that for certain, unless Edward fucks up." Jasper gave Edward a look to which he just rolled his eyes at and we all had a good laugh. My tears flowed down my cheeks as I listened to my brother poor his heart out to me. "I promised Mama I would take care of you"

"And you have. Mama would be so proud of you Jazz. I'm so proud of you. We made it." I kissed his cheek as he rubbed my back. "We made it and it's time to finally move forward with our lives." I looked at Jasper and then at Edward to make sure that he got the meaning of those few words.

Jasper nodded as he slowly pulled away.

"How about that drink?" Edward said as he pulled me into his side again. I listened as he cleared his throat as it sounded very thick and I'm sure I made him cry more today that he was comfortable with.

"Lets go get Alice and Rose to so we can celebrate as a family." Jasper said as he pulled out his phone again to alert the girls.

"I think that's a great idea. How about Eclipse? I could really go for a stiff one." I looked at Edward hoping he caught on to my double meaning. Enough with the emotional stuff, we needed to lighten the mood and truly celebrate our victory.

He kissed my cheek as he wiped a stray hair away from my face.

"All you have to do is ask B. You're stiff one is awaiting." He whispered in my ear as we made our way to the door.

"Not this shit again!" Emmett mumbled to himself while shaking his head.

I laughed at my soon to be brother in law as Edward pulled the door open for me. Emmett ran ahead to start the jeep seeing all of the reporters.

Edward wrapped me into his chest as Jasper took my other side and we made it to the jeep. I answered a few questions here and there, but figured they could get their story from the lawyers.

Edward lifted me into the back seat with him and we made our way back to the apartment to pick up Rose and Alice.

An hour later we were sitting at Eclipse working on our second round of drinks. Emmett had gotten a round of tequila shots for us and was toasting.

"This is to Bella Barbie and Edwardo. Finally, things are going to work out in your favor. And I just wanted to say how much I love you both and am so fucking happy to see you back the way you were. I'll take all of the kinky sex talk and all and will try not to complain. And congratulations on your major victory today. It was a long time coming."

We all raised our shot glasses and clinked them as we pulled them back.

Rose opted for water obviously. She was due very soon and rubbed her bulging belly caressing it, and telling Emma Rose how much she was loved.

Sometime during the night, conversation fell on why Ben wasn't here, and the boys rehashed how Ben had gotten his information wrong the first time and that if it wasn't for him, none of this would have happened. I knew Ben, he was a great guy. No he didn't have his information right and I knew he felt guilty as all fuck and that was the reason why he didn't make it to the trial. I made sure that the guys knew damn well that this wasn't his fault and not to even think of him in a bad light, even though I knew I held no power on their thoughts. The subject was dropped and we moved onto happier subjects.

Edward kissed my cheek telling me he would be right back as I slipped into conversation with Rose and Alice about the baby.

A few minutes later I heard the familiar sound of the piano and looked up towards the stage to see Edward sitting behind the piano adjusting the microphone.

His eyes bored into mine as a small smile fell on his crooked lips. Alice and Rose grabbed each of my hands and squeezed gently as I prepared myself for my Edward.

"Hi. I'm Edward and I wanted to play a song for my girl B. She has had a rough couple of weeks and came back to me today." He ran his hand through his hair as he continued to stare at me. "This ones for you love, thank you for coming home."

My eyes filled with tears as I relaxed back in my chair.

He began to play as I was memorized by his voice that I had heard so many times before. But it was as if I was really able to hear him now.

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry You don't know how lovely you are. I had to find you, tell you I need you, Tell you I set you apart. Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions, Oh lets go back to the start. Running in circles, Comin' in tails Heads on a science apart. Nobody said it was easy, It's such a shame for us to part. Nobody said it was easy, No one ever said it would be this hard. Oh take me back to the start. I was just guessin' at numbers and figures, Pulling the puzzles apart. Questions of science, science and progress Do not speak as loud as my heart. And tell me you love me, come back and haunt me Oh and I rush to the start. Runnin' in circles, Chasin' tails Comin' back as we are Nobody said it was easy, Oh it's such a shame for us to part. Nobody said it was easy, No one ever said it would be so hard. I'm goin' back to the start.

His song came to a close and I wiped the tears away from my eyes. I looked to find his glossy eyes staring back at me.

"I love you B. Thank you." He finished and jumped down from the stage as he made his way over to me. I saw Emmett and Jasper give him pats on the back, but his attention was solely on me.

He pulled me out of my seat gently and into a tight hug lifting my feet off the ground. He held me like that for a long time, kissing my cheeks and whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

Emmett cleared his throat and I felt a bit of deja vu taking place. Edward set me back down on my feet as he sat pulling me onto his lap.

"Seriously E, you just made every other guy in this room look like total douche compared to that little performance you gave to our girl." Jasper laughed as he took a drink.

"Yeah totally fucker. Thanks a lot. Now that means I gotta find something bigger and better to do to get me laid tonight." Emmett put his arm around Rose as she smacked him the chest.

"Damn right fucker. You should take some pointers from your brother over there. You could learn a thing or two from him. Oh, and 9 months pregnant, sorry to say you aren't getting laid tonight buddy." Rose playfully spat at her husband.

We made our way through another round of drinks as I leaned into Edward's chest listening to the humming as he spoke and laughed with everyone.

We had accomplished so much today and I knew the one last thing we needed to do. One more thing that would complete this day and let us move forward together.

I leaned over to kiss Edward as he wrapped his arm around my stomach pulling me closer.

"Can we go home?" I asked. He nodded and started to stand us up. "I'm ready to talk."

A/N: Wow. The trial is over. I know that many of you said that James should be hung from his balls and all and as much as that interested me, I couldn't do it. This was the most realistic thing to do.

But, I did have a suggestion from a few people that they would be interested in a James POV about the trial and seeing Bella. If I have enough of a response, I might consider doing an outtake for that. Might be kind of interesting.

I did make a little diddy about Ben, hoping that would bring some closure to his character in this story. MANY people thought that Ben was in on things with James, and I just wanted to make that clear that he wasn't. He just had some bad information the first time around and didn't really keep a close eye on things like Bella and the gang thought. He's a good guy. No hating on Ben.

So, there was a small taste of lemonade in this chapter, and there is more to come. They had to start slowly, seeing that she was brutally attacked only two months prior. And if some of you think it was to soon for Edward to touch her like that, just remember that in previous chapters, Edward has been working with her little by little to get her comfortable again, and this is fiction and I had a time line that I wanted to stay with.

I hope that answers some of the questions in advance.

Now, we aren't done yet. We still have more chapters to go. I am not going to tell you how many exactly. It has all been written out, but I think I have a few more to add in. Maybe 5-7? We'll see.

Hope you all enjoyed and realized that I got this out a few days earlier than usual. Yay Pattsylove! Ok, yeah I just patted myself on the back.

I don't want to be a review whore or anything, but really unless you write yourself, you don't know how much the reviews mean to the writer. Even if you want to say hi. That means you took the time to do something in appreciation for the chapter. More and more lurkers have come out of the woodworks, and you can vow that I don't bite. Hard at least.

Reviews get teasers. Up next is 'The Talk'.

Until next time! Wow that was the longest A/N ever! Anyone still reading?