Disclaimer: All the Twilight stuff belongs to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing in her sandbox.

Chapter 9 Mom

EPOV

I was standing in my kitchen making coffee for the humans. It was just after daybreak and I had already been out for a hunt, my activities with Bella were causing me to need to feed more often than ever before. I had no idea that sex would increase my appetite, but I was beginning to understand why Emmett and Jasper always wanted to hunt more often than I did in the past. It just made it easier if I wasn't thirsty. Though I had my blood lust under control, that didn't mean my body didn't react to being so close to a human, that my throat didn't burn. She was still my singer, my own personal brand of heroin, as we had called it, and I needed to do everything I could to make her as safe as possible around me.

"Good morning Renee ! Would you like some coffee?", I greeted Bella's mom as she came into the kitchen. II thought I would do a very human thing and make coffee for our guests since I was up. We were going fishing again this morning, and I thought Charlie and Phil might need a cup!

Renee walked over and hugged me, taking no note of the coolness of my skin. Thankfully, I was drest in long sleeves and a fishing vest, so she really couldn't notice that much.

"I'm glad I caught you alone for a few minutes, Edward. I wanted to speak with you."

I tensed, naturally. Not only did I appear to be 18 years old and had no obvious job, this was my mother-in-law now and somehow that was something to tense over. She could be a very intuitive woman.

"I just wanted you to know that I am really happy that you two found you way back together. You are both very old souls and you each seem to be a part of the other. I saw what she was like without you Edward, and your mom told me some of what it had been like for you without her. I know you're young and God knows young people make mistakes and do rash things all the time, but I don't see you that way and I wanted you to know that", she told me as she sipped her coffee and I leaned against the counter, both palms bracing me on either side.

"Thank you, Renee. It means a lot to have your support."

"That being said, Edward, I would like to know how you two plan to support yourselves . . . and how all this (she gestured to the home around her) is possible? You can't expect your father to support the two of you. You are married and need to stand on your own as adults."

I heard her words and read nothing but sincerity in her mind. She wanted us to work and did not want us to have to rely on anyone for our well being and support. She was asking me if I was the type of man to stand on my own or to be supported by the work of others. I had to admire her, she was straightforward and deserved an answer and maybe even an explanation.

"Renee, you know that I was adopted by Carlisle and Esme. My parents were killed when I was very young", I told her. We had to maintain the human charade after all, so all things that we did and told them had to be adjusted, slightly, but I wanted to be as honest as I could with her.

"Yes, Bella told me about that, I'm sorry."

"Thank you but, no need, I barely remember them and I could not have asked for better parents than Carlisle and Esme. I was left with an inheritance from my parents estate. Carlisle has always had confidence in my abilities so when, a few years ago, I wanted to start investing in the stock market, he allowed it. Supported my efforts, actually."

I noticed her cock her heads to the side slightly, her mind was blank, she was actually just listening to me and taking in what I was saying. Fascinating. Humans did not usually do that. This must be part of why Bella's mind was closed to me, her mom's mind worked so differently from most humans.

"So you invested your own money in the stock market. And you did well?", she asked.

"Very well. I don't discuss this as a rule, but you have a right to know that your daughter will be cared for", I fidgeted, not really comfortable explaining finances to someone outside my vampire family. I had never done this before.

"Renee, I have been investing for quite a few years now, I guess they consider me something of a financial whiz kid, at least I think that is how my mom puts it. Anyway, Bella and I will never have to worry about money. Ever."

She looked at me like she didn't comprehend what I was saying. Her mind wasn't processing it either, she just kept thinking - no money worries . . . how can that be . . . he is only 18 . . ."

I looked her straight in the eye and said,

"Renee. I am worth several hundred million dollars and now, so is Bella."

I paused for a moment for her to let that sink in before I continued. Humans had a hard time grasping the concept of that much money. It was going to be even harder to accept that this was coming from someone that she knew as an 18 year old kid, not knowing that I was a 110 year old vampire who had been investing for 90 years!

"I have investment accounts and properties in several countries around the world, not subject to falling stock prices . . . monies that are stable. I built and paid for this house for Bella and I out of our joint account that I set up. It is paid for in full and in Bella's name. I bought her a sports car that is sitting in Charlie's driveway that cost more than most people make in a year. She has half a million in cash in her personal account in case she wants to buy anything and a credit card that has no limit. All of these purchases did not even make a dent in my account. I never even come close to spending the interest alone. I promise you, she will NEVER want for anything. I give you my word. I know I am only 18, but other than managing our investments, neither of us has to work . . . ever, unless we just want to. She can go to any college she desires, live anywhere she wants. I will support her in anything she wants to do, well, anything safe. The Harley riding scares the hell out of me."

Renee just stared at me, her eyes focused but unmoving, her thoughts beginning to take shape.

"Edward, I had no idea. You just don't seem like, I mean you don't act like you have all that, you seem like just a mature kid - like any other teenager, I mean you don't flaunt your money or anything. People just assume your dad being a doctor, that you kids have nice things."

"Carlisle has always provided well for us, Renee, and I invest his money as well. Because of these investments, he now works because he wants to - not because he has to", I kind of kicked at the floor and looked down at my feet fidgeting, " I have never told anyone . . . ever, except Bella . . . and then only after we were married. I don't want to be thought of because of money and I don't want the attention."

"Edward, you know that Bella doesn't care about that!", she said as she moved to stand beside me at the counter and refill her coffee cup.

"I do know that, Renee", I chuckled, "In fact, it kind of bothers her. She hasn't adjusted to not having to worry about finances yet, though she has copies of all out account statements and a black American Express card in her wallet! She knew my family didn't worry about money, but she never knew that I was behind it, not until last week actually. I waited till she had recovered somewhat from the accident to discuss finances with her because I knew it would be sort of a shock to her. I ask that you please keep this information to yourself, Renee",I said sternly as I crossed my arms and starred directly at her.

"Well, just remember I liked you before I knew, as well, Edward. You are family now, and I won't tell a soul. You love my daughter and she loves you. That is really the most important thing, isn't it! You are apparently wise beyond your years and I have always said she was born middle aged. I have every reason to believe you two will be just fine!", she grasped my shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.

"Is she coming down to join us for breakfast?"

I must have inadvertently smirked, because Renee's mind immediately went to the gutter, and she was right. Since we were all being honest, I confirmed her suspicions. "No, she only just got to sleep when I left to come downstairs. We were up most of the night."

Renee shook her head. "Newlyweds!", she said as she smirked as well and moved to sit at the counter. Her eyes met mine and her thoughts were kind, she was thinking that if she was 19 and her husband looked like I did and adored her, she would be up all night as well making love with him!

I'm sure I chuckled out loud at her thoughts. I had to be careful about that, it was easy to forget and answer thoughts instead of spoken words. She had no idea after all that her thoughts were not private around me, that I heard everything that she was thinking! I met her gaze and said, "I'm sorry to leave you alone, she will probably sleep for a few hours and she is still recuperating and needs her rest, it's just that it was her birthday and . . . :

"Edward! Stop! If I were her and married to you, I would damn sure have been up all night as well, so stop apologizing! "

If I had not been leaning against the counter, I would have fallen over. Wow! A human that actually said what they thought. I knew there was a reason I loved Bella so much, she must have gotten this trait from her mom. As of now, I fucking loved her mom! Esme and Carlisle walked in just as I was about to offer Renee some breakfast.

"Ready to go, son?", Carlisle asked.

"I was just about to make Renee here some breakfast and Phil and Charlie are not downstairs yet", Edward allowed.

"I'll make breakfast for everyone while you go get them, Edward", Esme remarked as she took eggs out of the refrigerator and grabbed a frying pan. She looked at me and gestured for me to scoot out of the kitchen.

I headed upstairs to get Phil and Charlie. Charlie was just coming out of his room as I approached him.

"Good morning, Charlie. Esme is making breakfast downstairs if you're hungry this morning!"

He continued walking right past me, only a nod in acknowledgment. Phil had been coming out of his door down the hall, and had observed the way Charlie treated me.

"He's a hard man, Edward. Don't get me wrong, he has no right to treat you like that when he is a guest in your home," he put his hand on my shoulder and patted it once, "He'll come around."

"I'm not so sure of that", I retorted.

"Edward", Phil said and stared straight at me, "He'll have no choice if he intends to keep in touch with his daughter. That girl is head over heels in love with you!"

"I feel the same way about her, Phil. I just wish I had never left her, then we wouldn't be dealing with all this."

"Edward, if you never left her, you might not be dealing with all this", he explained. "You two might not be together. Things happen for a reason, son. Because of the time apart, you both value every minute together! Think about it that way! Now, did I hear something about breakfast?"

"Downstairs, Mom and Renee are on it, I'm just going to go check on Bella before we leave", I paused and turned to him, "Thanks Phil."

~oooOooo~

"Since the boys are going fishing, I thought maybe we could spend some time together this morning, just the three of us. Where is Bella, is she not up yet?", Esme asked.

Renee smiled, "Apparently she was otherwise occupied last night, and only just went to sleep when your son came down here this morning. I think we should let her get a few hours sleep!"

Esme grinned widely and shook her head, "Newlyweds. I swear, we have barely seen them since they moved to the new house over a week ago. They never seem to even come up for air! Well, after breakfast, why don't you come up to the house and we can finish that tour that we started yesterday! I would love you to see the view of the mountains from the back porch!"

Esme fed everyone and got the guys out the door to go fishing! It seemed that Phil and Charlie were the only ones hungry this morning, so breakfast went quickly! I thought we would never get Edward out the door! He didn't like the idea of Bella being here alone and insisted on going back upstairs to make sure her cell phone was charged and within her reach, should she need anything and I assured him I wouldn't be at Esme's house long and I would look after her!

Esme and I walked up the path to her house. She showed me the living room with the massive stone fireplace, comfortable leather sofas and vaulted ceiling. The hearth and mantle were beautiful, but I just could not take my eyes off the TV. It seemed so out of place in this rustic setting! "That is the largest TV I think I have ever seen!", I remarked nodding to the flat screen on the wall!"

"Emmett", Esme said by way of answering, "Emmett is crazy over video games and insists on the largest TV he can find! He has Jasper and Edward and sometimes even the girls playing those video games with him! He is such a kid!"

We walked back towards the foyer and the other end of the house. Just off the foyer was a room that Esme described as Carlisles' study. There were books covering two walls from floor to ceiling with a desk and chair in the very center of the room and an oriental carpet covering the center part of the wood floor. "Your library is beautiful, Esme, is Carlisle the reason that Edward loves books so much?"

"Quite possibly. They read and argue over theology all the time! Carlisles' father was a Vicker in England and he enjoys those discussions very much. Edward enjoys his music more than anything else, of course, and Carlisle tends to lean towards a love of art", she gestured to the walls of the library where some beautiful oil paintings hung. I had noticed that there was a grand piano in Bellas living room that I assumed Edward played, but there was also one here.

"Has Edward been playing for long, Esme?", I asked.

"He has played for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories of him are of his playing", Esme spoke so lovingly of her son.

"Does he play well?", I asked.

"Has he never played for you? Hum. To answer your question, yes. He plays at a concert level and composes as well, he is quite talented", she beamed proudly.

"No, I have never heard him play. I play a little and I have always wanted to learn!"

"Well, I'll ask him to play something when we see him!"

Esme completed the downstairs tour by showing me her room and en suite bathroom. I had already seen the kitchen when I arrived yesterday, and we headed towards the stairs.

"This is the room we used as a bedroom for Edward and Bella while she recovered", Esme said pointing to the dining room, "It was just easier for her to be down here around everyone than stuck upstairs, since the cast wouldn't allow her to walk the stairs and she just hates it if someone carries her, well, other than Edward. The furniture that was in here is now in Edwards old room upstairs."

I loved the tour, Esme was wonderful with colors and designs and everything was picture perfect. We walked into Edwards room, and I sat down on the day bed.

"Esme, I know what Bella went through when Edward left, but I would like to know how Edward dealt with it. I don't understand why he told her he didn't love her anymore!", I looked at Esme questioningly.

"Well," she said sitting down by me, "It really scared me. I thought we were actually going to loose him at one point."

She hesitated, "I don't want you to think badly of him, Renee. He is normally quite logical and easy going, but after we left, after he left her that day - he wouldn't eat, he didn't sleep. When we got here, he sat in the closet of his room in the dark, speaking to no one for days at a time. When he would come out, if someone accidentally mentioned her name or something reminded him of her, he would fall to his knees and sob. It was heartbreaking! Carlisle almost resigned so that we could move back there, but Edward insisted that she would have moved on and it would not be fair to her to play with her emotions like that." She looked as if she were about to cry just from her memories of him like that.

"What finally changed" I mean, he went back to find her, right? Showed up at Charlie's house ?"

"Yes, he did. He finally realized he simply could not live without her and went back to beg her to take him back, hoping that she had not moved on as he has once suggested. Apparently he told her he didn't love her thinking that if she thought he moved on, it would be easier for her to get over him - a clean break if you will. Now he is eaten alive with guilt for ever having lied to her!"

"Esme, the way those kids feel about each other, neither could ever get over the other. It's written all over their faces, and its a joy to see them together", I tried to comfort her.

"Yes, I'm just so glad they forgave each other and worked it out! They seem so happy!

"They really do, Esme. My daughter is very lucky to have found a young man that loves her the way your son does. Speaking of which, he might very well have my head on a platter if I leave her alone for too much longer!"

"Why don't I prepare dinner here tonight and save her the trouble of feeling like she has to cook. She doesn't really need to be standing on that leg very much yet and I would love to have everyone up here to watch the sunset over the mountains anyway! Say around 6?"

"That sounds wonderful, and I'm sure that will be alright with Phil and Charlie. You know men, food is food to them, wherever they can get it!"

~oooOooo~

I headed down the path that Esme and I had come up. You could see Bella's house from the top of the hill, but not once you started down the path, though I knew that it wasn't far. The air was fresh and there was a light breeze blowing to cool the day off. It seemed to always be kind of hazy and cloudy here in the mountains, less than in Forks though. Only just a light rain in the afternoons, too, not that all day kind of grey rain that was so common where Charlie lived. Someone had taken care to place timbers across the trail to form steps down where needed and the path was well laid out and defined weaving pleasantly down the hill.

The house was a wonder to approach, perfectly nestled in the edge of the woods, a large meadow covering the small rolling land out in front of the house with a large lake at the other end of the meadow. I could see the new gazebo that the boys had built for her birthday in the distance beside the lake. Thoughtful gift, and they already had a path formed that led to it! This family really did move fast!

The house looked like something out of a fairytale, as though you would expect the seen dwarfs or Cinderella to come walking out the front door. It was just beautiful, perfect for my daughter. The door was unlocked and I called to her as I walked in, but there was no answer. The kitchen looked just as it had when Esme and I had finished cleaning up after breakfast, so I doubted that anyone had been downstairs.

I climbed the stairs and walked to the end of the hall where my daughters room was. The door was cracked and I knew Edward was not home, so I went in. I had not seen this room, what with all the party and celebrations last night. The canopied bed in the center of the vaulted ceiling room was fairy like and perfectly made with the throw pillows lined up just so in front of the pillow shams. I looked further and noticed candles were set out on most of the surfaces and there was a mass of blankets or comforters or something on the floor in front of the fireplace, and a photograph, no maybe it was a painting of Edward and Bella over the mantle. They looked so in love, I was so happy for my daughter!

"Bella!", I called out, "Bella baby, are you here?"