All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.

No copyright infringement is intended.

HUGE thanks to my betas darcysmom and twimom817 as well as my pre-reader EdwardsMyObsession1971 – without these ladies this story would be a mess!

A/N: I've had a couple ask how long this story is going to be. I know I mentioned a LONG time ago that I thought it wouldn't be more than 25 chapters or so. That was a guess and a total fib. I'm not sure exactly now how long this is going to be because I'm working without an outline (SO unlike me!) but I can't see it being more than 40 chapters. Mmmkay? Just know that I'm not going to rush the ending of it for the sake of ending it. =) Also … hehe this one I HAD to address …. I had a "guest" reviewer mention that they found it funny that Edward could smell the scent of Bella's shampoo after she'd been working in a kitchen. I've been a Hair Stylist for 16 years … I'm well aware what you can and can't smell on hair. Yes, hair absorbs scents, but if it's thick and has been put up wet – you'll still be able to smell the shampoo hours later IF it's quality shampoo. JS. Enough of my angry rambling, hehe see you at the bottom.

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Twenty-Two

Favorites

Sitting in Edward's arms was quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the world. He had been so wonderful to me all afternoon – giving me space or comfort as I needed it. Lunch was amazing. He'd made my favorite roast beef sandwiches and a simple pasta salad. For dessert, he bought chocolate pastries from my favorite patisserie.

We'd spent an afternoon talking about some pretty heavy subjects before we ever went to the Huntington Gardens. I needed to know before I fell too far, too fast with Edward exactly how he felt. I needed to know if he could ever love my son the way his own father should. Maybe it was wrong, but I wanted a man who could love and treat Kaden as if he were his very own. I never wanted my son to feel unwanted – by anyone. That in itself was a deal breaker.

Our afternoon in the park … it was one of the nicest days I'd spent in a long, long time. Edward and I strolled hand in hand about the grounds. There weren't a lot of people around and it was easy for us to walk around without Doug or Emmett. Not that they were far away if we needed them, but they were more than ten feet behind us.

We sat down on a grassy knoll to eat our lunch. We had a great view of a little bridge and not far from it was a beautiful arbor that was completely covered in wisteria. The gardens offered a quiet serenity and I felt at peace for the first time in several days. My mind had been churning with thoughts of wanting to quit my job and the fear that came along with it. I hadn't mentioned anything about it to Edward but I knew he was curious about what was going on with me.

I explained to Edward that I wanted to quit my job. He was right – I wanted to be at home in the evenings with Kaden. I needed to be at home in the evenings with Kaden. Edward looked so hopeful when he asked me if I'd consider coming back to work for him and I wanted to yell yes, but there were so many things for me to think about.

What would happen if Edward didn't need a chef anymore? What if he moved? What if our 'relationship' didn't work out after all? There were so many things to factor into my decision and at the heart of it all was my little boy. Every decision I made affected him in some way or another and I had to keep in mind that he was the most important thing. I needed to be rational and smart with my decisions. I couldn't give in to my emotion and let my heart rule.

Edward fought the good fight – for every argument I offered he had a solution. Then he reminded me that he'd be leaving in a few short weeks.

"I forgot you're leaving …." I whispered sadly.

"Bella … I'll only be gone for eight weeks. Then I'll be back and I have some time off before I start the next project which will be here in L.A. Look at it this way, you can work for me for a few weeks and then enjoy some paid time off while I'm gone. Enjoy that time off with Kaden."

I nodded that I understood but I was still trying to grasp the fact that he was leaving. In the weeks that we'd been seeing each other, I'd grown quite fond of spending time with him or talking to him on the phone. Some days, he was the only other adult I was able to have more than a ten minute conversation with.

"Bella … I will keep in touch while I'm gone – it'll be just like Australia. We'll talk when we can and email in between. I can't not talk to you."

"I know … I just … I'm not ready for you to leave yet."

I needed to be truthful. I wanted him to know how much I'd miss him when he was gone.

"We've got a few weeks still, Bella," Edward reassured me.

I told Edward that I would give my two weeks-notice that evening but I was still worried about our situation. He told me not to worry that he would never leave Kaden and me 'out to dry'. I, of course, told him that I didn't want to be kept and it was the truth. I didn't want to be kept – I wanted to earn my keep. It was the way I was raised. Nothing was ever handed to me – I had to work for everything I had. When I told him that, I worried a bit about his reaction, but my fear was unfounded and he reassured me that he merely meant he'd help me to find other employment.

There was so much for me to think about and so many thoughts were swirling in my head that I felt dizzy. I stood up and had to walk away for a few minutes to give myself a break – otherwise it was entirely possible that I'd crawl into his arms and spend the rest of the afternoon there. When I walked back to him, Edward was lost in his own thoughts. Maybe it was the gardens or maybe it was just us caught up in the myriad of feelings we were sorting through.

I gently nudged Edward's foot and he looked up at me shyly through his thick lashes.

"You okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm good. How about you?"

Before walking back to him, I'd done my best to try and dry my eyes of my tears. The agony of making a decision had done a number on me and I knew that it would be impossible to hide the fact that I'd been crying from Edward. When he looked up at me I could see his concern written on his face.

"C'mere," Edward murmured, opening his arms to me.

I warred with myself for a moment before I gave in to him. The feeling of wanting to be wrapped up in his arms won out against anything else. I carefully knelt down before him and settled against him. He wrapped me up in his embrace and pulled me back against his chest. I felt like a puzzle with a missing piece for so long and sitting there with Edward … I felt whole for the first time in a long, long while.

"Why were you crying?" Edward asked quietly.

"I don't know what to do," I admitted with a sniffle. "My heart wants me to take you up on your offer, but my head wants me to be sensible and cautious. If I choose to work for you – I'd be throwing caution to the wind, and I have Kaden to think about."

Edward ghosted his hands up and down my arms – the warmth that radiated from them was soothing.

"Bella … I don't want you to stress out over this. If you don't honestly feel like it's the right thing to do then don't do it."

"That's just it …" I whispered, "I feel like you are the right thing."

The moment my admission crossed my lips, I knew it was absolutely true.

"I'm so glad you feel that way," Edward murmured against my skin, kissing me softly. "Thank you."

I sighed, feeling lighter than I had twenty minutes earlier. I felt happy with my decision and Edward's elation only made me feel better.

"For what?"

"For taking a chance."

"Please don't hurt me, Edward," I begged, the tears beginning to spill over again.

"Never," He promised.

I tucked my head under his chin and allowed him to comfort me. I don't know how long we sat there, but it was way too soon when he nudged me telling me we had to get going.

"Give your notice tonight and if you need me, all you have to do is call, okay?"

I nodded and allowed him to pull away. I folded up our blanket and carefully placed it back in the bag. We walked hand in hand back to the car. He helped me in and I heard him say something to Emmett who had been following us.

"Everything okay?" I asked as Edward climbed into the driver's seat.

"Yeah, I just told Emmett I'd see him tomorrow. I think I'll be okay this afternoon without him."

We pulled up in front of my condo and Edward turned toward me.

"Thank you for today, Bella."

The look on his face was breathtaking – he was so happy; his eyes were sparkling and the smile that graced his face made me melt.

"I didn't do a thing, Edward – it was all you. Thank you for lunch, it was wonderful and the gardens – they were beautiful, I'd love to go back there sometime."

"Whenever you want, we can go back."

Edward gently took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles.

"You know that today is not all I'm thankful for right?"

I nodded.

"Yes," I whispered.

I heard Kaden yell for me before I saw him and I knew it was time for me to bid Edward goodbye.

"Sorry," I apologized.

"No, you've nothing to be sorry for. I've monopolized your attention long enough this afternoon."

Edward was understanding when it came to sharing my attention with Kaden and for that I was grateful. I was almost to a point where I was ready to share Kaden with Edward; to give them a chance to get to know one another. I wished that I could have invited Edward in, but I didn't want my dad around to influence Kaden or intimidate Edward.

He came around and held open the car door for me, taking my hand to help me out. I looked up at him and smiled.

"Call you later?"

"You better," Edward grinned.

I was looking forward to spending a few hours with my son, but I was dreading the hours after that when I had to go to work.

My worry wasn't unfounded. When I arrived at work, the tension in the air was palpable - even more so than usual.

Maria, the sous chef, looked like she was about to cry. When I asked her what was wrong, she began to sob. I tried to ask her again and she shook her head. I went about my routine and got my main course in the oven. I saw that Maria had everything else under control and I set out to find my employers. Laurent Chaubert was a no-nonsense kind of man but he assured me when I interviewed that he took care of his employees as long as they took care of him.

"How can I help you, Isabella?"

"I'd like to turn in my letter of resignation, sir," I answered honestly.

"Isabella? Is something wrong? Are you not happy here?"

"No, sir. It's just that I'm a single mom and I miss spending my evening hours with my son. I'd prefer to work during the hours that he's at school so we can be at home together."

"I see. That's understandable and very commendable, Isabella. My wife, Vanessa and I will be very sad to see you go. You are an excellent chef. May we offer you a letter of recommendation?"

"That would be very kind of you, sir. I'd appreciate that very much."

"Consider it done. When is your last day?" He asked opening up the letter I'd set on his desk moments earlier.

"Two weeks from today."

"Very well. That will give us a little time to look for a replacement. Have a good evening, Isabella."

With that, I was effectively dismissed and I retreated to the kitchen.

Later, that evening, as I pulled up in front of my condo, I sat in the quiet of my car and debated as to whether I should call Edward. I wanted to see him – especially after the night I'd had. Apparently, my resignation had angered Mrs. Chaubert and she complained about every dish I set on the table that evening. I ended up having to remake everything which she still didn't like and then she demanded that I leave immediately and she insisted that her husband take her out to dinner.

Mr. Chaubert stayed behind and wrote me a check large enough to cover the next two weeks of pay and a little extra for my trouble. He apologized profusely for his wife's behavior and encouraged me to go home and spend some time with my son.

Never in my career as a chef have I had to remake something because it wasn't acceptable. I prided myself on the care I took with my creations. The bland food I set out for the Chauberts was no exception.

I pulled my cell phone out of my purse and took a deep breath before dialing Edward's number. He answered on the third ring.

"Bella?"

"Umm, hi."

"Hey … are you okay? How did it go at work?"

I explained to him what had happened at work that evening and he listened quietly until I was finished.

"Jesus, Bella. I'm sorry you had such a shitty night at work. Tell me what I can do."

"Could you … could you come over … maybe?"

"Of course I can. See you in twenty minutes?"

"Thank you," I whispered.

I climbed out of my car after ending the call and made my way into my condo. Dad was sitting on the couch watching the news with Koda asleep at his feet.

"Where's Kaden?" I asked quietly.

"Hey, kiddo. Little Man's playing in his room for a few minutes before bed. You're home early … everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine. I'll tell you all about it in the morning after I drop Kaden off at school, okay?"

"Sure, baby girl. You sure everything's okay? You look upset."

"Yeah, Dad. I'm good. I just want to put my pj's on, read Kaden a story and relax."

Dad looked at me warily as he grabbed his jacket.

"Okay, kiddo. See you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Dad. Thank you."

He quickly peeked in and said goodnight to Kaden and together, Kaden and I walked him to the door.

"Bye, Papa!" Kaden yelled.

"Bye, Little Man," Dad chuckled. "See you tomorrow."

Once we were back inside our little condo. I sent Kaden to pick up his toys while I changed into a pair of soft yoga pants and a ribbed tank top. I helped Kaden with the last of his toys before going through his nightly routine with him. Just as I shut off the bathroom light, I heard the doorbell ring. Koda immediately started barking and Kaden let out a shriek.

"Koda! Go to bed!" I commanded, picking up a frightened Kaden in my arms as I walked to the door.

I opened the door and Edward grinned at me sheepishly.

"Sorry about the doorbell," he apologized.

"Mister Ewward!" Kaden squealed as he wiggled out of my grasp.

"Hey, Buddy."

Edward pulled Kaden up in his arms and hugged him. Kaden hugged him back fiercely. The thing that took my breath away was the fact that it was so natural between the two of them. It was like they'd been interacting that way for a long time. I didn't realize there were tears falling from my eyes until Edward looked up at me with a frown and reached out to wipe the tears away.

"You okay?" Edward mouthed to me.

I nodded, wiping away any further evidence of my tears.

"Mister Ewward, can you read a stowy wif us?"

Edward nodded and minutes later we were sitting against Kaden's headboard with him in between us – Ferdinand spread out on our laps. When the story was finished, Edward and I both stood up carefully – we didn't want to disturb Kaden who had closed his tired little eyes only moments earlier. Edward carefully pulled the blankets back as I settled Kaden down on his pillow. Together we pulled the covers up over him and glanced shyly at each other as we did so.

"Goodnight, Little Bear, I love you," I whispered against his forehead.

"Love you too, Mama," Kaden murmured sleepily.

"Mister Ewward?" Kaden asked, his eyes still closed.

"Yeah buddy, I'm here," Edward answered softly.

"Can you come back 'again so we can pway?"

Edward looked at me wide-eyed – not sure what to say.

I nodded.

"Sure, Buddy. We'll do that soon."

Kaden smiled and snuggled down into his blankets with his Tow Mater. I shut off the light and left the door cracked open. Edward followed me down the hall into the living room.

"Can I get you something to drink?" I asked. "I've got Stella, Guinness, wine, iced tea, hot …."

I was interrupted by Edward pulling me into his embrace and holding me tightly to his strong, warm body. I looked up into his deep, green eyes and found him peering down at me through long, thick lashes.

"Bella … please tell me I can kiss you," he pleaded

"Yes," I whispered.

His lips descended on mine so softly and so tenderly that it left me quaking with emotion when we broke the kiss moments later. It was the sweetest kiss I'd ever experienced – the kind of kiss I'd seen in movies but had only imagined and I giggled at the thought of it.

"What's so funny?" Edward asked, his brows furrowing.

"Nothing," I said, continuing to giggle.

"Seriously, Bella … what is it?" Edward asked with a frown.

"Oh, Edward," I whispered, cupping his frowny face. "That was the sweetest kiss I've ever had and for some reason, it made me think of my favorite movies and how I'd only ever imagined being kissed like that. It made me laugh."

"Was it everything you imagined it would be?" He asked, his eyes full of mischief.

"Yes … maybe more."

"I'll show you more, beautiful Bella." Edward said, picking me up and carrying me into the living room.

I giggled again as he carried me to the couch. Edward sat me down gently and plopped down beside me, pulling me toward him.

"Edward … I didn't invite you over here to make out," I giggled.

"I know," he grinned sheepishly. "But it got your mind off of everything that happened at work for a few minutes didn't it?"

"It did," I agreed. "I can't worry about Vanessa Chaubert. I'm sure she was just upset because now they have to find a replacement for me. She was bitchy and insufferable anyway."

Edward chuckled.

"Tell me how you really feel, Bella."

I sighed and laid my head on Edward's shoulder.

"Thank you for coming over," I murmured softly.

"Stop thanking me, Bella. It's not a big deal. I'm happy to be here."

We sat in silence for a few minutes before I remembered that I had wanted to get us drinks. I asked Edward again if I could get him something.

"You sit here and relax, I'll get it."

I lay back against the pillows in the corner of the couch and stretched my legs out in front of me. I giggled as Edward struggled to find the light.

"It's on the right!" I hollered.

"Got it!" He hollered back, the light illuminating the room.

He came back a few minutes later after popping the tops off our Stella's.

"Well, don't you look comfy?" He grinned.

"Mmmhmm," I smiled sleepily.

He came closer to me and I moved my legs so he could sit down. He sat our beers on the coffee table and pulled my legs up into his lap. Edward gently massaged my calves and feet, his fingers light and soothing. I was glad I had the forethought to shave when I took a shower that morning.

"I had a really good time today," I whispered.

"Me too. It was one of the nicest days I've had in a long time, Bella. Thank you for sharing it with me."

"I feel the exact same way, Edward. And I'm glad you wouldn't mind taking me back there because I'd love to go."

Edward appeared to be deep in thought for a few moments and was so quiet when he finally spoke.

"Bella … I really hope that I didn't lie to Kaden earlier. I hope that you'll allow me to spend some time with him. I'd like to get to know him."

"I've been giving that a lot of thought, Edward. I think I'd like for that to happen. He seems to really like you. When you got here and he flew into your arms – he was so excited to see you. I haven't seen him that excited since we went to Disneyland for the first time."

"Is that why you were crying?" Edward asked softly.

I nodded.

"It was overwhelming a little to see him like that. When Mike … when he came home … Kaden would run for the door. Koda would be going nuts as usual and that's what gave it away every time. She'd bark and Kaden would squeal with happiness. He'd run to the door and jump into Mike's arms. I want that for him again, you know?"

"I completely understand. You know my dad's a doctor – he had some crazy hours when my sisters and I were growing up. He took a position at Cedar Sinai and was rarely home for dinner, but I remember when I'd hear his car pull in the driveway – my sisters and I would beeline for the front door. No matter how tired he was, he always had a smile and a hug for us."

It seemed like there was more he wanted to say, but he didn't. I hoped eventually he'd tell me what he was thinking.

"I met your dad briefly – he seemed like a really good person."

"He is. Good to the core – he was always there for Rosie, Carlie, and me. Mom too, of course. He worships the ground she walks on – still; even after thirty-two years of marriage and three kids."

I nodded.

"I could tell. He looked me in the eye when he spoke to me; otherwise his eyes were on your mom. It was very sweet actually."

"Bella … you deserve for someone to look at you that way. You know that right?"

I couldn't help the tears burning in my eyes.

"Bella …" Edward said softly as he reached over to cup my face. "Please don't cry … I didn't mean to make you cry."

He opened his arms to me and I immediately snuggled into his embrace.

"Is it wrong if I want you to look at me that way?" I asked quietly.

"I already do."

A/N: Thoughts? That last line had my betas swooning so I'm sure y'all will have something to say about it. I just wanna say that I can't WAIT for y'all to catch up to where I'm writing … I'm working on chapter 31 right now and OMG between Edward and Kaden I am a gooey mess! UGH those two are too cute for words! Poor Bella doesn't stand a chance! =D

Thanks for reading and leaving me such wonderful reviews! *mwah*

See you next week!