This is the last chapter for today. Whether you're planning turkey and stuffing, goose and figgy pudding, or really good Chinese food, I wish you the best of the season. See you in a few days.

I own nothing.

Chapter 21

Edward Cullen dropped to his knees and pressed his forehead to Bella's boot. He wanted to thrown his arms around the girl but knew it wasn't proper to touch her so.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." He begged at her feet. He raised his head to look at her, this tiny little girl whom he had wronged so badly.

In complete and utter surprise Bella looked into the face of the man at her feet. He was beautiful, perfectly formed like an artist's statue. His eyes were shimmering with unshed tears making them sparkle like stars at night. Their deep green the same shade as his mother's, pleading with her for understanding. A man this beautiful shouldn't be prostrate at her feet. She hadn't really done anything to deserve this petition from him.

"No, no, no, please get up Mr. Cullen. This isn't right." Bella backed away from him.

"The way I behaved towards you was unconscionable. I beg your pardon, please Miss Swan." He remained on his knees and planned to do so until he had her forgiveness.

"There is no need, Mr Cullen, there is nothing to forgive." Bella said, firm in her position.

"Nothing to forgive?" He argued with her. "I hurt you, injured you after yelling nonsense at you. I marked your cheek. I can see it there on your face. And for that I beg."

"Will you do it again?" She waited for his answer. Edward shook his head.

"Do you intend to consume vast quantities of unknown medications over a long period of time." Edward shook his head.

"This is why I forgive, Mr. Cullen. The intent, you were not of sound mind and, in a fashion, trying to protect your children and I was standing in your way. Do you remember what was said that night? I do, I have thought of it over the past months. You said there were demons in the house and we had to get the children out before they were harmed. I stood in front of you and refused to let you help the children. You lashed out then immediately regretted it and removed yourself from the situation. I know real contrition when I see it. I don't believe it will happen again."

Edward could not believe this girl. He had thought that upon seeing him she would run and cower, refusing to be in the same room as a monster. He did not understand her.

He stood, if she wouldn't let him beg at her feet, he would find another way to earn her regard.

Dr. Cullen decided to interject himself between the two, pleased with his son's penitence but not wanting his son to completely debase himself.

"Edward was aboard the same ship as Angela. She told him about the journal and the sweets. He secured a leave from his duties as soon as he could." Carlisle sat back in his armchair again hoping that tea would be served soon. A couple of good cakes would help relieve the tension in the room.

Edward sighed and sat on the settee. Bella cautiously took at seat at the other end.

"I had no idea how mad she was. I only spoke to her once or twice before she was found, um, in my bed. Then I was forced into marrying her and I only remember bits and pieces from there. Like snippets of a dream, but I don't really know what was real and what wasn't."

His mother reached over and placed her hand on his knee in a show of support.

"I had started to feel more like myself while at the cabin with Emmett but I was afraid still of being near the girls. I had felt as though I was going crazy and she planted the idea that I was evil and dangerous in my mind. I was afraid I would do something to harm the babies and that they would be better off without me."

He paused while Maggie brought in the tea service. After Maggie left the room he continued.

"I heard Em and my father talking about my going to live with the girls. I knew I had to leave. I knew my parents had hired a nanny but I had no idea you were at my house with the girls. You interrupted my packing. When I realized what I had done to you, I knew for certain I could not be anywhere near them, or you. Once I was aboard ship, free of all the drugs and drink, and finally thinking clearly again, I ran into Miss Angela."

"It all started to make sense then. The outbursts, the loss of time, and the odd behaviour. I am now back to the man I was years ago. And, with your permission, Miss Swan, I would like to meet my daughters."

Bella was taken aback, why would he need her permission. She was just the nanny, they were his children. When she said this to him, he smiled at her with an indulgent smile.

"As far as I'm concerned, you are the sole person in charge of those girls. I will dance to whatever tune you play, Miss Swan."

Bella was not quite sure if she liked this change of events. She did not like the idea of having power over this man, this man who had suffered so much at the hands of another.

AN: Thank you.