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, I'd still be just a reader. Darcysmom is still trying to bounce back after having the icky crud so she is still trying to catch up with all her beta duties. I will be re-posting chapters 26 & 27 after I make her edits whenever she gets to them.

A/N: Just so you know … there's a little announcement at the bottom ;)

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Twenty- Seven

Departures

EPOV

I hated to waste the few precious hours I had left with Bella on sleep. I curled my long, sturdy frame around her soft, petite form and it didn't take long before her chest was rising and falling softly yet steadily. She was warm and comfortable in my arms and I hated the thought of having to let her go.

I watched Bella for the longest time – her smooth skin illuminated by the moonlight filtering in through her thin curtains. The air outside had been warm and we'd opted to leave the window open a bit as we slept, eliminating the need to turn on the air conditioning.

After finding a photo of her and Kaden that they'd had taken at Christmas, Bella changed into her pajamas while I tucked the photo carefully into my carry-on bag. When she was done, I brushed my teeth and stripped down to my boxers before climbing into bed next to her.

We talked for a while about nothing and everything. I would be in Morocco for my birthday and I desperately wanted to spend it with Bella and Kaden. I had hoped that I'd be able to talk Bella into letting me fly them in for my birthday because it was the only thing I truly wanted.

Bella worried about Alice's well-being, of course, and I promised her that I'd only keep them gone for a few days and she'd be back to Alice in no time. Granted, I could probably fly Alice over too if her doctor thought it would be okay. I found myself making a mental note to ask Jazz about it.

Bella agreed with a nod and I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face. Having Bella and Kaden with me for a few days would make the distance and time away seem like it wasn't so bad.

Once I finally managed to fall asleep, I slept well but it wasn't nearly long enough. Before I knew it my alarm was going off on the nightstand next to me and I hurried to silence it because I didn't want it to wake the beautiful creature in my arms. Not that I thought I'd be able to slip out without waking her but I did want to take a quick shower and dress – giving her a little more time to sleep before she walked me out.

"Where are you going?" She asked sleepily as I tried to slip from the bed.

"Shh … I'm just going to take a shower, Bella. Go back to sleep for a few minutes. I'll wake you when I finish."

"Are you sure you can't lay here and snuggle with me for a few more minutes?"

Bella's pout was completely adorable as she jutted out her bottom lip in defiance. Her sleepy eyes gazed up at me and I knew there was no way I could tell her no. I lay down beside her once again and pulled her to my chest, basking in the warmth and soft curves of her body. I had to admit, I couldn't wait until I got back from Morocco to see what those curves looked like without the cover of her clothing. I foolishly thought I'd get a glimpse of them the day before when we'd gone to the beach, but Bella stealthily slid a sundress over her swimsuit and happily wore it for the remainder of the afternoon.

The room was silent as we cuddled in the early morning light and all too soon I knew my snuggle time was up.

"I'm sorry, beautiful, but if I don't get up, I'll miss my flight."

Bella sighed beside me and relinquished her slight grasp on me.

I kissed her forehead gently and rubbed my hand gently against her arm.

"I know, Bella. I don't want to leave, but I have to."

She didn't have to say the words for me to know what she was thinking. That one soft sigh told me everything.

I rose from the bed and trudged to the bathroom. When I made my way out, the room was dark and empty. Bella's bed had been abandoned and I realized when I sat down to put on my socks that it had been empty for a while because the sheets were cold. The smell of fresh coffee assaulted my nose and I immediately knew where Bella was.

I followed the heavenly scent into the kitchen, where I found Bella, sitting at the table, penning a letter.

"Hey," She smiled up at me.

"Hey," I said, kissing her cheek.

"I left a mug out for you or there's a throw away cup if you'd rather have that to take it with you."

"I better take it to go – Emmett should be here shortly."

Bella signed her letter with a flourish and quickly folded it before tucking it in the envelope.

"This needs to go in your bag. I don't want you to open it until you get there and get checked in to your hotel."

"Okay … any specific reason why?"

She gave me a look as if to tell me not to question her. It was adorable and I could only chuckle at her cuteness.

"Okay, I'll put it in my bag."

"Do you want some breakfast before you head out? I have muffins and cereal."

"Nah … I'll grab something at the airport. I hope that you'll be able to go back to bed and sleep for a bit longer."

Bella shook her head.

"I don't think I'll be able to do that."

I quickly pulled her into my arms.

"Bella," I breathed. "I'm going to miss you so much, beautiful. But I need you to take care of yourself. I need to know that you're going to be okay. We don't need a replay of the illness you had earlier this year … if that happens, I'll fly home myself and make sure that you're taken care of. I can't stand being that far away …."

Bella interrupted my mumbling with a kiss. She knew because she hated me being away too. She'd never said it outright but she did.

"Send me a post card will ya?"

It was an ill attempt at trying to lighten the mood but it did make me crack a smile. I knew if I did send a post card that Kaden would get a huge kick out of it and I hoped that maybe if I did so, Bella would record it and send me the video so I could see his reaction.

"As often as I can," I promised.

There was a gentle knock on the front door and I knew it was time for me to go. Koda let out a soft 'woof'and Bella seemed to deflate in my arms.

"That's probably Emmett."

I followed closely behind Bella as she moved to open the door.

"Morning, Boss. Morning Bella."

"Morning, Emmett," Bella and I murmured in unison.

"Well don't sound so excited to see me." Emmett grinned. "I got your bags, Ed. We're ready to roll."

"All right, give me a couple minutes and I'll be right there."

Emmett nodded and bid his goodbye to Bella.

"Take care of him for me, Emmett," Bella said as she hugged his huge form.

"I will, Bella. Don't you worry about that. You take care of yourself and that little boy of yours. Ed would like to come back to his two favorite people in perfect health."

Emmett waved one last time before turning toward the waiting car.

"I can't do it, Edward." Bella sniffled.

"Do what, beautiful?" I asked, pulling her into my arms once again.

"I can't tell you goodbye."

"We don't have to say goodbye, Bella. This is only temporary … I'll see you in a few weeks and then I'll be home a few weeks after that. We'll talk, text or email every day because I can't go without talking to you. You're too important to me."

"Yeah?" She asked, looking up at me through her wet lashes.

"Absolutely and I hope to hear from Kaden too. I'm going to miss both of you."

She laid her head on my chest as if she were snuggling in to me. I could feel her take a deep breath and I squeezed her gently before caressing her back, hoping it would help her to relax a little bit.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Edward," Bella murmured into my shirt.

I held her for a few moments longer – until I saw Emmett roll down the window and tap at his watch.

"I have to get going, beautiful. I'll call you when I get to New York, okay?"

"'Kay."

I leaned down to kiss her and as our lips and tongues met, a soft whimper slipped from both of us. Three little words were on the tip of my tongue but I didn't know if I was quite ready to say them or if she was ready to hear them. I settled for one quick peck to her forehead as I slipped from her embrace but I knew if I didn't make the first move that I'd never make it anywhere.

Once in the car, I rolled down the window to wave once more and I watched as she waved from her front step, tears pouring down her beautiful face.

Don't cry, sweet Bella. I can't stand to see you that way knowing there isn't anything I can do to make it better except be there which I can't. We'll see each other again before you know it. – E

I hoped that my text would convey everything I needed it to and quell her tears. Her response made my heart ache.

I miss you already. XX – B

Me too, beautiful. Me too. XX – E

I settled into my seat in first class with Jasper sitting next to me and Doug sitting across from us. Emmett would stay in L.A. to work on another project but he would be free to escort Bella and Kaden to Morocco in mid-June. It made me feel a bit better knowing that Bella wouldn't be alone with Kaden on such a long flight and they'd be well protected.

"Nick is going to fly out sometime next week," Jasper advised. "He's got some things he wants to go over with you that he says need immediate attention."

I raised my brow.

"Immediate attention? Why didn't he mention it when I talked to him yesterday?"

"I've no idea. I only know because he sent me an email about an hour ago. I'll reply and see if I can't get a heads up as to what this is all about."

I had no idea what Nick wanted to talk to me about that required immediate attention. Surely, if it was that important he could have talked to me about it over the phone the previous morning.

"Nah … don't worry about it. I'll call him when we get to New York."

Jasper nodded.

"How was your evening with Bella?"

"Which one?" I asked with a grin.

"Which one? What do you mean which one? I'm talking about the night that Ali and I took Kaden so that you guys could have a little downtime together."

I chuckled.

"I know that's what you were talking about. We actually spent last night together too. Charlie wanted Kaden for the night, so after we dropped him off, Bella helped me pack and then we went back to her place for the night."

"And?"

"And? We spent some time together, Jazz. We talked and enjoyed being with each other – that's all."

"Ed … I don't care what you and Bella do behind closed doors. I only want to know that things aren't going to turn out like the last time you left the country. She freaked out because she needed reassurance. Everything was so fresh then and I think even now what you guys have together is very fragile. I just don't want either of you to get hurt and I certainly don't want to see that little boy get hurt. There's too much at stake this time around."

"Jazz … I know you care about them but please … let me do this on my own and know that the last thing I want is for anyone to end up hurt – especially Bella and Kaden."

It was late afternoon by the time we landed in New York and we had a couple hours to kill before our next flight departed.

"I need to call and check in on Alice," Jazz murmured as we made our way down the jet way.

Doug directed us over to a row of empty chairs at our departure gate and I sat down heavily and pulled out my phone to call Bella. Her soft voice was music to my ears as I closed my eyes and relished the sound.

"Hey, handsome."

"Hi, beautiful. How's your day going?"

"It's been quiet. Kaden was worn out when he got home from school and he fell asleep a few minutes ago. He asked about you on our way home. He misses you."

"I miss him too. Give him a kiss for me and tell him to give you one for me."

"I will. You're in New York now?"

"Yeah. Waiting on my connecting flight to London."

"Will you call me when you get there?"

"Absolutely. If all I get of you is your voice and your words for the next several weeks, I'll take it any chance I can get."

Bella sighed.

"It seems so silly to miss you already but I do. I missed you the minute you got into that damn car."

"I miss you too, beautiful. I better go. I need to call Nick. Talk to you soon, okay?"

"Okay."

We ended our call and I dialed my manager. He wasn't available so I left him a message and told him that I'd try again when I got to London.

"Hey, Ed. How was your flight?" Nick asked.

I tried again to reach Nick when we landed in London but had no better luck than I did in New York. Thankfully there wasn't a difference in time-zones between Marrakech and London so I was able to try again. Third time is a charm right?

"It was long. I'm glad to be out of that plane and back on solid ground."

"I bet," Nick chuckled.

"Jazz said that you're flying out next week because you wanted to talk to me about something that required my immediate attention?"

"Yeah … it's not overly important – it can wait until I get there to discuss it with you but I think it's something that if we don't keep a tight thumb on it – it could be an issue."

"Nick … man, you're talking in circles. Either we need to discuss it right away because it needs my attention or it's not important and can wait. Is it really necessary for you to fly here to talk to me about it?"

"Well, yeah … it's not a conversation I want to have over the phone."

"What's it about? I mean if it was that serious you could have talked to me about it before we left."

Nick's tone was sending up red flags everywhere so I knew something was up.

He sighed heavily before speaking again.

"It's an issue with the paps."

"Don't I pay you to take care of that?" I asked jokingly.

"Yeah."

"So what's the problem?"

"It's complicated, Edward."

"What's complicated about it?"

"They got pics of your chef friend."

"Bella?" I asked, panic beginning to take over.

"Yeah, Isabella. Ed, they've been poking around trying to find out who she is. They've seen her at the house and if we're not careful …."

My body was thrumming with anger … at the paps for being nosey little fuckers and at myself for not being more careful. I needed to be more careful where Bella and Kaden were concerned. The last thing she needed was a pap following her home.

"Nick … I have to do everything I can to protect her - to protect them."

"Ed … I know you don't want to hear this but the only way you can truly protect her is to cut ties with her. Let her go. Besides, she's got a lot of baggage and that's not something you need with your career. You're on fire right now … you've got three more projects lined up and you're the most sought after actor in Hollywood. Do you want to throw all that away because you have the hots for your personal chef?"

I shook my head wondering if I'd heard Nick correctly.

"Nick … Bella is more than my personal chef and I have more than the hots for her. I actually like this woman. She gets me. There is no way in hell that I'm going to let her go. In fact, I'm pissed that you even suggested it. Bella means too much to me to let her go especially when I'm trying like hell to hold on to her. I'm not going to lose her over some fucking photographers."

"Don't you want what's best for your career?"

"What about doing what's best for me?" I asked – my anger not ebbing in the least.

"And what's best for you, man? You know as well as I do that your personal life affects your professional life."

That I did know. My two worlds collided in the worst way possible the previous summer. I knew what Bella and I had was different. Bella was different. Personally – she's all I wanted and I hoped beyond all hope that we'd be able to mesh our lives together and be happy.

"Bella's not going anywhere, Nick. Get that thought out of your head right now," I said firmly.

"Edward," he sighed heavily. "Is that what you really want?"

"I love her, Nick. I won't leave her – if you want me to fight to keep her … trust me it's a battle you'll lose."

"All right, Ed. I guess there's nothing I can say to change your mind."

"You're right, Nick, there's not and this discussion is over. You do whatever you have to do to keep Bella's identity away from those sharks and consider your job done."

I was so angry. I ended the call abruptly and immediately left the privacy of my hotel room to find Jasper. He welcomed me into his room even though he was clearly on the phone with Alice. I hated interrupting his conversation but this was important. Once I'd explained my conversation with Nick to Jasper, I could see the anger on his face.

"What gives him the right to mess with people's lives like that? I thought he was supposed to be on your side and work for you not against you."

"That's what I thought too. He's worked with me for the past four years and we've never butted heads like this before. I just … I just can't lose Bella or willingly give her up."

Jasper nodded.

"Have you talked to her yet?"

"No. I will – but I'm dreading it. I just got here – I don't want her to run away now because of this."

"You can't keep it from her, Ed. Otherwise, she will run. Bells is made of stronger stuff than you think."

"Damn it!" I cursed, tugging at my hair. "It's not my intention to keep it from her but if I can soften the blow – I will."

Jasper and I talked for a while longer and came up with a game plan before I returned to my room and called Bella. I told her all about the conversation with Nick and then the subsequent conversation with Jasper. Just as I expected, the situation with the paparazzi was in the forefront of her mind.

"Edward, you don't think they know where I live do you?"

"I don't know, Bella. Nick didn't elaborate. He only said they were asking questions."

"Who were they asking?"

"I'm assuming they're calling Nick's office and snooping around."

Bella sighed.

"I was afraid of that."

"Bella … if you ever feel like you're unsafe, you call me. Emmett isn't far away and I can have him there with you and Kaden in a matter of minutes."

"I'd hate to call him and take him away from other things."

"Don't worry about that Bella … your and Kaden's safety is paramount."

Because I was so worried about her, I emailed Emmett and alerted him as to the situation and made Doug aware of it as well. I felt it was important to keep my security guys on top of things. I got an immediate email back from Emmett saying that he'd keep a close eye on Bella and Kaden and that he'd be sure to go over and check in on them from time to time if it made Bella feel better.

Part of our game plan was for Bella to be a little more vigilant – not necessarily to look over her shoulder where ever she went but to be more aware of the people around her. She also promised to call Emmett if she felt unsafe or threatened.

A couple of weeks went by – days began to fade into each other. I was busy filming and when I wasn't filming, I was sleeping. Jasper had taken over the position as my manager soon after I called the agency and formally let Nick go. It might have been a rash decision but I wholeheartedly felt it was the right one for me. Thankfully, Jasper didn't mind taking on the role as my manager in addition to his role as my assistant.

"Jazz … if it gets to be too much for you to handle, I understand. I don't want you to take on more than you can chew."

"Nah, man, it's cool. It'll work better this way anyway. I'm too organized for my own good and other people messing up my system – well, it just doesn't work for me."

I could only chuckle at Jasper's enthusiasm to take on his new role.

"How's Bella?" He asked one day as we rode back to the hotel from the set after several long hours of filming.

Jasper probably knew how she was as well as I did because Bella and Alice spent a lot of time together with the both of us away. It was a way for Bella to keep an eye on Alice for Jazz and Alice could keep Bella out of her own head for me.

"She's good, I think. She's been helping out at Kaden's school for the past couple days. School's winding down ya know and Kaden will be out for the summer soon."

"Yeah … I think he gets out on Friday."

I nodded. Bella had been sending me pictures the last few days. Each day Kaden's teacher planned a different theme. On superhero day, Kaden dressed like Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates. I guess kids and pirates can be superheroes too. The very sight of Kaden's happy little face warmed my heart and I felt the pang in my chest. I missed him and Bella so much.

My birthday was two weeks away and I had already made plans for Bella and Kaden to join me for a few days. Emmett would be escorting them and I was anxious for the day of their arrival to come. Bella had managed to get Kaden's passport expedited and hoped that it would be ready in time for their trip. I mentioned to Jazz that I would be more than happy to fly Alice out along with Bella and Kaden, but Alice talked to her doctor and he didn't recommend international travel.

A few days before Bella and Kaden were supposed to arrive, I was woken in the middle of the night by the shrill ringing of my cell phone. Half asleep, I leaned over and grabbed my phone off the table next to the bed.

"Hello?"

"Edward?"

"Bella? What's wrong?"

A/N: Eeep! Sorry about the cliffie but it really was the best place for me to end the chapter. Just know that Bella's not freaking out because someone is hurt or because Mike suddenly reappeared. Y'all wondered when the flashy monsters would rear their ugly heads.

**This chapter has been re-posted with beta edits**

Okay … as for the announcement: This story has had an overwhelming response and I can't thank YOU – my readers enough. As many of you might know, I try to write ahead so that I don't fall behind in posting – either because I'm lost reading another fic that I can't put down or because I can't find it in me to write. ANYWAY – because I do write ahead, I wish that I could post it all for you to read right away but I can't because that's not fair to my beta's whom I love DEARLY. Soo … just to give you a little more – I'll be posting teasers on the Fictionators every Monday. So in theory, if you check out the Fictionators later today – there should be a teaser there for Chapter 28. =) Just a warning though – the teasers are un-beta'd so any mistakes are all mine ;)

Thank you all again for reading. See you next week!