I'd like to own the rights to Twilight. I'd like a car, too.

Chapter 43

Edward hardly slept thinking that Bella may have left him because of his letter. He tried to remember how he described Alice. He simply could not recall if he had written that she was to be his nurse, his friend or a teacher for the children. He castigated himself over and over.

What had he said that made her leave? Where would she go? Where were the children? These were just a few of the questions running through his mind. It was one of the longest nights he had ever spent.

With the sunrise, Edward ran out of his room and down the stairs. He positioned himself on the porch and waited for Emmett and Rosalie to arrive. Two and a half hours later, a freezing cold Edward spotted Emmett's wagon on the horizon. He opened the door to the house and shouted, much to his mothers displeasure, their arrival.

Edward could barely stand watching the wagon's slow progress towards the house. He peppered Emmett with questions the moment the wagon was close to the house.

Emmett knew nothing. When he last saw Bella, three days ago, she made no mention of leaving. He was able to give them a brief and highly edited accounting of the past few months, leaving most of Rosalie's troubles out of the conversation. Emmett was very happy to announce his engagement and proudly showed everyone Rosalie's ring.

While everyone gave their congratulations and Alice was introduced, Edward sulked. He was happy for his friend, or rather he would be happy for his friend as soon as he had word regarding Bella and his children.

The carriage that was to take them back to the family home finally arrived. Edward all but stuffed his mother and Alice into the seat to get them away for wedding plan making and dress discussions. Emmett and Rosalie followed them in the wagon as they had plans at the bank to discuss the selling of Rosalie's farm.

The constant bouncing of Edward's knee all but drove Esme to distraction. She looked hard into his eyes and clamped on hand down on his leg. After he gave her a sheepish look she removed her hand and continued her conversation with Alice. Carlisle just ignored the lot of them, content to watch the scenery go by.

Edward remembered his manners and gentlemanly upbringing by helping his mother and Alice out of the carriage. He did not, however, wait for his father to exit the vehicle or to help with the baggage. He walked, incredibly quickly, into the house and was greeted by the sound of his daughters laughing. For the sound of that, he breathed a sigh of relief. He turned back to his parents and smiled.

As a group, they made their way down to the kitchen hoping to surprise the household with their arrival. The laughter slowly stopped and happy chatter replaced it. Esme walked into the room first with Carlisle escorting Alice. Edward was the last to arrive.

In the kitchen they found the usual folk, Mrs. Cope, Jenny and Maggie. Katie and Beth were the center of attention sitting in their chairs holding court.

However there was no Bella.

Edward's newly found calm quickly left him. His daughters were here, Bella should be here too. Had he really sent her off by talking about Alice?

After all the hugs and kisses and introductions, Esme asked Mrs. Cope about Bella.

"She came the other day, quite a surprise for us, and asked if we could look after the girls. You know we were only too happy to help, such lovely little things they are. We have been having the grandest time, haven't we. Two days of pure delight. We've had walks and cuddles, bath-times and they have grown so much. Right little ladies they are now."

"Did Bella say where she was going or when she'd be back?" Edward tried very hard to be soft and gentle with Mrs. Cope, but he was going to lose his mind if she didn't tell him soon.

"I must admit I missed most of what she said, I had my mind on the girls, however, I'm fairly certain she said she was going back to the orphanage." Mrs. Cope turned back to Esme and cooed over Beth.

Edward sighed. He didn't want to ask again. Perhaps his father would accompany him to the orphanage to find Bella. Carlisle would be a much better travelling companion than his mother, she would just lecture. If they set off after lunch they could arrive before nightfall. That would give Edward enough time to decide what to say to Bella.

The whole group, minus one, thought that lunch in the kitchen was the best idea for today and all sat around the large prep table.

Just as the plates were filled, Bella walked through the door.

AN: You may now resume breathing.