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

No copyright infringement is intended.

HUGE thanks to my beta's darcysmom and twimom817 as well as my pre-reader EdwardsMyObsession1971. Without their help and encouragement this story wouldn't be what it is.

A/N: Okay, y'all – here's where I earn that M rating I put on this baby. I'm posting a bit early because I'm off to the race today (literally! That's what I get for being a NASCAR fan ;) ) And Monday I am off to Disney with the kiddo for spring break. So without further ado …

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Thirty

Three Simple Words

EPOV

Birthdays weren't something I'd celebrated in a long, long time. My twenty-first was the last one I could really remember celebrating. My buddies had taken me out and we celebrated with a bang – literally. I'm not sure exactly what happened because we were drunk but I know there were fireworks involved. That night was a hell of a lot of fun.

Twenty-seven.

I've heard that age is just a number. To some extent it is – the same with all the other anecdotes I've ever heard. Wisdom comes with age – my dad used to say. If there is one thing that I know now at twenty-seven that I didn't know at twenty-one it's the fact that love can truly change you. It can change the way you see things and the way you see people.

Never in a million years did I imagine at twenty-one that I could find the person whom I wanted to spend my life with and accept her three-year-old son as my own. At twenty-seven, I couldn't imagine my life without them.

Best. Birthday. Ever.

Bella spent the afternoon making an incredible dinner for me. I listened intently as we devoured the delicious meal she'd made. Bella was so animated as she described the marketplace and as she told me she wanted to go back. Something had caught her eye and if she wanted it – I wanted to make sure she got it. I would be more than happy to take her back sometime over the weekend.

Later that evening, she surprised me with a chocolate cake. It was the most delicious cake I'd ever eaten and that was saying something because my mom makes a pretty amazing chocolate cake. Sitting there on the couch, eating the cake that Bella had so lovingly made, watching as Kaden took bigger bites than he probably should have; I knew that my day couldn't have been any better. I could have been off from work and spent the entire day with Bella and Kaden but that wasn't possible. Having them there – with me – that was the best gift.

I joked with Bella, saying that she shouldn't tell my mom that her chocolate cake is better than my mom's. She immediately worried that my parents had some type of residual anger toward her after our brief time apart before and after I returned from Australia. Bella had no idea how far from the truth that really was. Granted, my sisters were a little pissed about it but that was just them in bitchy big sister mode. They thought it was their job to protect me no matter what - even if I was an adult and could fend for myself.

My mom adored Bella and Kaden. She had spent more time with Bella than Kaden, but she had a soft spot for kids. She couldn't wait for some grandchildren of her own to spoil. My sisters were too caught up in their own careers to even think about starting a family, and with Carlie the only one in a stable relationship, it was for the best. My parents were eager to have Bella and Kaden up for the Fourth of July – they wanted to get to know them a little better because they knew how important they were to me.

I did my best to reassure Bella that my parents weren't upset with her in the least. They were, in fact eager to see her again, and I told her as much. As we sat on the couch, Bella wrapped in my arms, we realized how quiet it was and we looked over to see Kaden sound asleep on the floor. He was out cold and I wanted nothing more than to take advantage of the time I could be spending alone with Bella.

Together, Bella and I tucked Kaden into bed. Bella carefully checked to make sure that his nightlight was on and kissed him goodnight. Once we were out of his room and into the hall, I tugged on Bella's hand and pulled her to me. I all but begged her to stay with me.

Bella nodded shyly and allowed me to pull her into my bedroom. As soon as the door was closed, my lips were on hers. She whimpered as I backed her against the door.

"Edward," she whispered.

"Hmm?"

I could feel her tense slightly in my arms and I pulled back to look at her. Bella's eyes were wide and the panic I saw in them was unmistakable.

"Bella?" I asked softly, hoping my voice would help to relax her.

She wrapped her arms around my waist and nuzzled her face into my chest. I enveloped her in my arms and cradled her head in my hand.

"Hey … talk to me. What's wrong?"

A soft chuckle erupted from her chest as she clung to me.

"I think I'm letting my nerves get the best of me," She admitted.

"Why are you nervous?"

"I don't know. I mean … it's not like we haven't been alone together before."

"It's just me, Bella. There's no pressure here, but I can't help the fact that I want to kiss you silly right now because you've made this the best birthday ever."

"Yeah?" She asked, looking up at me from under her thick lashes.

"Yeah," I grinned.

"Even with my little freak out?"

"Even with your mini panic attack. However, I'm going to have one of my own if you don't let me kiss you."

Bella reached up on her toes and kissed me. The weight and softness of her lips on mine felt amazing, and I kissed her back ardently – hoping to convey the depth of my feelings for her and my appreciation for everything she'd done to make my birthday unforgettable.

I was the first to break the kiss, and I missed her lips immediately, but I needed to make sure that she was okay. The tension that I'd felt overtake her earlier was gone and I kissed her forehead gently.

"Want to go sit in the hot tub for a bit?"

"Sure." She smiled.

I watched as she pulled her swimsuit from the top of her suitcase and disappeared into the bathroom. I quickly pulled on my shorts and knocked on the door gently.

"Bella … I'll be outside."

"Okay. I'll be right there," She said through the door.

I turned on the jets and climbed into the hot tub. The evening air was balmy, but the warm water felt good on my tired body. I closed my eyes, relaxing as I leaned back.

"You look content," Bella said quietly as she dipped her toes into the water.

I looked up to find her wearing a cobalt blue bikini. Her hair was swept up on her head and there was no trace of what little makeup she'd been wearing earlier. She looked exquisite as she stepped carefully into the hot tub. I reached out to help her and pulled her over to sit next to me.

"You look beautiful."

I couldn't help but tell her – I never wanted her to feel like she was any less in my eyes. I was itching to touch her – she'd never shown so much skin before, and I felt like a kid in a candy store.

"Thanks," She breathed, shaking her head.

I took her right hand in mine and pulled it up to place a kiss on her knuckles. She turned and looked at me as I continued to hold her hand. She wore a thin gold band on her thumb and I tried to remember if I'd seen her wear it before.

"Is this new?" I asked, running my finger across the smooth band.

"No, I've had it for a long time. I don't wear it at work because I'm afraid I'll lose it or damage it."

"Does it have significant meaning?"

Bella nodded.

"My dad gave it to me. It was his wedding band. When I mentioned to Mike that I wanted a thumb ring, my dad didn't hesitate. He figured it would give me a little piece of my mom to carry with me always."

Tears sparkled in her eyes as she explained the huge significance of such a small piece of jewelry to me.

"Oh, Bella … I love the meaning behind it."

"Me too. I think of her every time I look at it. I miss her. I wish that she was here … she would love Kaden and … you. She would have hated Mike but she would have loved you."

I didn't know what to say to that. I knew that she missed her mom, but I had no idea how much until that moment. It was a subject that she lightly touched on and her reaction was probably the reason why.

"I wish I could have met her. I'm sure she was a special person – she'd have to be to raise an amazing daughter like you."

I pulled her closer to me and situated her on my lap. I needed to touch her – to soothe her, and I'm sure she was glad to have the contact too. She wrapped her arms around me and nuzzled against my neck. She did that a lot – it was comforting to her and I enjoyed the close, intimate nature of it.

I don't know how long we sat there without a word spoken between us. I thought for a moment that Bella had fallen asleep in my arms, but her fingers began to play with the hair at the nape of my neck, and I felt her lips press against my damp skin.

Bella raised her head and looked up at me before brushing her lips against mine. Eagerly, I returned her kiss, dragging my tongue across her lip. Her fingers tightened in my hair, and I instinctively pulled her closer as our tongues slid languidly against each other. I felt her shiver as I left nipping kisses down her neck and across her collar bone.

"Cold?" I asked.

"No … but I am getting a little pruney."

I chuckled.

"All right, beautiful. Let's get you inside."

Watching Bella step gracefully from the water as drops cascaded down her slender legs was a sight to behold – her porcelain skin aglow from the flame of the lanterns that surrounded our outdoor oasis.

"Would you mind if I showered really quick? I need to get the chlorine off of my skin."

"Not at all. In fact, I'd offer to help …."

Bella laughed.

"I bet you would. I won't be long."

While Bella showered, I pulled a t-shirt over my head and stepped back outside; taking a script that Jasper had asked me to look at with me. Not only were they looking for a lead actor, but they were looking for someone to produce it as well. I jotted down a few notes as I read, realizing how much potential the stack of papers in my hand had.

"Edward?" Bella asked from the doorway.

She was wearing soft cotton shorts and a tank top. Her hair tumbled down around her shoulders. Bella seemed completely relaxed as she smiled lazily at me.

"Hey. I was just looking at something for Jazz. Are you all done?"

She nodded.

I stood from my chair and stepped in front of her placing a kiss on her sweet lips.

"My turn." I grinned.

I grabbed the clothes I'd set on the bed and headed in to the bathroom to clean up. When I stepped out, Bella was sitting up in bed, reading on her Nook. She seemed content as she looked up from her task and smiled shyly at me.

"I'm going to check in on Kaden. Did you need anything?"

"No," she giggled. "I just peeked in on him and got us some water while I was at it."

I should have figured that she would have checked in on Kaden already but it didn't negate the fact that I wanted to check in on him too. I worried that maybe she'd think it was strange since he's not technically my responsibility. As always, Bella eased my troubled mind.

"Edward … it's okay if you want to check on him."

"Yeah?" I asked nervously, running my hands through my damp hair.

"Yes," She grinned. "Now go … so you can come back."

Bella didn't have to tell me twice. I stepped into the room next door to check on Kaden. He was sound asleep in the center of the huge bed; his little body curled around the stuffed tow truck he seemed to carry with him everywhere. I smiled knowing it was a toy that I'd sent him. I sat down on the bed next to him, taking care not to jostle him and watched him sleep. He slept so peacefully; an angelic expression on his face. How in the world Mike could deny this amazing little boy was beyond me. He'd only been in my life for a few short months and already he'd made a profound impact. Not only was I falling in love with Bella, I was falling in love with Kaden too. It was a feeling that grew every day by leaps and bounds.

I leaned over and pressed a kiss to Kaden's forehead – completely unable to stop myself.

"I love you, Buddy," I whispered softly.

No sooner had the words crossed my lips than I heard a sharp gasp behind me. I turned my head to see Bella standing in the doorway, quiet tears trailing down her face.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I didn't mean to intrude. When you didn't come right back, I worried something was wrong." Bella sniffled.

I crossed the room as quickly as possible and pulled her into my arms.

"Bella, you don't have to apologize. Let's talk in the other room so we don't wake him okay?"

As soon as we were back in the privacy of my room, Bella rounded on me.

"Did you mean what you said?"

I nodded.

"With all of my heart."

I couldn't pull my eyes away from her face and I watched as her brows furrowed and her lips parted as if she were going to say something only to close them again. Tears glistened in her eyes and I reached out to her once again.

"Bella … I want to love you too. Please let me," I begged.

She nodded eagerly, smashing her lips to mind. My tenuous grip on her tightened as she molded against my body.

"Please, Edward," She whimpered.

I picked her up and carried her to the bed. She felt so light in my arms but so right.

I set her gently on her feet, breaking our kiss and embrace. She looked down, fidgeting with her shirt. I lifted her chin to meet my eyes.

"Bella, what's wrong?"

She shook her head and mumbled.

"Nothing."

I sat down on the bed and held my arms out to her.

"C'mere."

Bella didn't hesitate to crawl into my lap, snuggling against me. I wasn't about to complain – I relished holding her in my arms.

I dropped several heavy kisses along Bella's freckled shoulder. As I did so, she cupped my face in her hand. Her expression was serious as she gazed at me but I couldn't quite read the look in her eyes. Her forehead met mine and she squeezed her eyes closed.

"Why are you so good to me?"

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Because … I'm so in love with you."

"I love you, too."

Her words were merely a breath ghosting from her lips, but her message was received loud and clear as she wrapped her arms around me and kissed me with abandon. Fingers tangled in my hair and I slid my hand up her back – the warmth of her skin radiated through the thin fabric covering her as I held Bella to me.

"Shirt … off …." Bella murmured, releasing her grasp on my hair.

I reached down to grab the hem, tugging the offending fabric over my head. I opened my eyes to find that during my struggle. Bella had shed her tank top as well. She was straddling my lap and looked so much like a scared kitten – her eyes wide and hopeful as she chewed on her lip. Bella was truly a vision – intricate baby blue lace set against porcelain skin. My breath caught in my throat as I fought to find the right words. In the end, I settled for the simple truth.

"So beautiful," I whispered.

Unable to refrain from touching her any longer, I ghosted my hands down her arms, stopping at her hands as I brought them to my lips, kissing them reverently. My eyes never left hers – I needed to make sure she knew that this was about her – and showing her how much I love and adored her.

"Edward … please … l-love m-me."

"I do, baby. So fucking much."

Carefully, I turned her in my arms so I was hovering over her and began to kiss down her body – worshipping her as I went. There wasn't an inch of skin on her lovely body that I skipped over except the parts that were still covered with lace and those I would uncover last. In my mind, I treated her like a present I was un-wrapping, taking my time to enjoy the gift I was being given. Cautious hands held me as long as I'd let them, but I soon realized that I needed her touch as much as she needed mine. All too happy to kiss my way back up her body from her small ankles to her strong calves, pausing for a moment at her right knee because there was a small scar there.

"What's this from?" I asked softly.

"Later, Edward. I need you," She whispered.

Kissing up her shapely thighs, I stopped at her apex, my eyes shifting between the lace covering her and her eyes. Bella watched me with rapt attention as I softly kissed each hip and traced the top of her panties with my finger. Her chest rose and fell in quick succession as she pulled at my shoulders. She leaned up to meet me and I reached behind her, caressing the soft skin at her back. With a quick flick of my fingers, I unclasped her bra and deftly pulled the straps from her shoulders.

Carefully laying her down again, I kissed her lips and tossed her bra aside.

"Please, Edward. Touch me."

She needn't beg but I was set on taking my time with her and I told her as much.

Cradled between the perfection of her long legs, I gently lowered my chest against hers, savoring the feel of skin on skin; her softness against the hard planes of my chest as I kissed her long and languidly. Small fingers brushed through my hair before gliding down to my shoulders and holding on to them firmly.

A faint sob emitted from Bella's lips as I kissed down her neck, leaving a wet kiss just behind her ear.

I pulled back a bit to look at her face and I could see a single tear falling from her eye.

"Bella …" I breathed. "Are you all right, beautiful?"

She nodded.

"I … I'm overwhelmed. No one has ever made me feel like this before, Edward."

"Like what, baby?"

"Completely adored and … and so very loved."

"You are, my precious, Bella," I whispered. "And I've only just begun."

I kissed her once more on the mouth before working my way down her chest, finally taking a good look at full, perfect breasts. Dark, rosy nipples peeked up at me as I caressed Bella's soft flesh. I continued my exploration, working my way down to her navel and her flat stomach. Bella moved her hands to cover the skin I was currently expressing my adoration for.

"Don't cover up, Bella."

"Edward … my stretch marks …."

"Are barely noticeable, baby. I mean it when I tell you that you are absolutely beautiful – inside and out. Please … relax and enjoy this, Bella."

She cupped my face in her hand and nodded minutely before I placed another open mouthed kiss just above the lace of her panties. I tugged gently on the lace situated on her hips and pulled it down just enough to kiss each hipbone once again. Bella didn't resist, so I continued to pull on the lace, revealing a pale pink scar about three inches long. I ghosted my finger across it, guessing it was a c-section scar. I kissed it reverently, thankful for both mother and son.

"Edward …"

"Hmm?" I hummed against her skin.

"I n-need y-you."

My girl was nearly vibrating with want under me. She was so desperate she began to stutter and it was a mixture of adorable and sexy in just the right amounts. I wanted to pull the minuscule lace panties from her body and bury myself so deeply within her I'd forget my own name but I couldn't do that to her. She deserved more than that.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded and I crawled back up her body, unable to keep from kissing her again.

"Yes, Edward. I want you to make love to me."

Little fingers pushed at the waistband of my boxers and I helped her to push them the rest of the way down before kicking them off. I grasped the lace at her hips and gently pulled off the offending lace. Bella was bare and absolutely gorgeous splayed out on my bed. She reached out for me and I willingly went to her as she wrapped her legs around my hips; Bella's arousal evident between us.

"Protection, baby. We need protection," I breathed against the sweet skin of her neck.

"I'm on the pill, Edward. I want to feel you, please …."

Reaching down, I aligned myself with her warm, wet center and gently pushed into her. I watched Bella's expressions for any sign of pain because I knew it had been well over a year since she'd last been intimate. She was incredibly tight and felt oh-so-good wrapped around my cock.

Bella exhaled deeply and brought her finger to my chin.

"I'm okay, Edward. It's been a while, but I'll be fine. You feel so good inside me."

With her go ahead, I began to move my hips, grinding against her – pushing myself further into her until I was completely buried within her only to pull out and repeat my actions all over again. I moved slowly and steadily. I knew if I didn't, it would be over much sooner than I wanted it to be. It had been nearly a year since I'd been intimate as well but I knew as I pushed and pulled against and with Bella that nothing – nothing had ever felt as good as her.

"Jesus, Bella … you feel so, so good."

"Yes," She hissed. "Edward … I want your mouth on me … please."

Bella certainly didn't have to ask twice and I certainly knew what she wanted as she arched her back up to me. I captured one pert nipple in my mouth, circling it over and over with my tongue.

"Oh, God … yes, Edward. That feels … incredible."

I smiled against the flesh of her breast, continuing to suckle on her puckered skin.

"Edward …." Bella whimpered. "I'm close. You feel too good."

"Me too," I breathed as I continued to rock against her.

Not wanting her to come without me, I quickened my pace. A thin sheen of sweat covered our chests as I kissed up to her soft lips.

I nuzzled my face into her neck, kissing her roughly as I spilled into her, my orgasm triggered by the fluttering and clenching of her muscles around my cock. Bella's grip around my shoulders tightened as she held on to me – both of us trying to catch our breath as our bliss washed over us.

"I love you, Bella."

"I love you too," She sniffled. "So much."

It was a long while before Bella released her tight hold on me. Not that I minded in the least. I was content – my arms wrapped around the precious woman in my arms. We'd taken our intimacy to a new level – it was perfect, beautiful, and completely us.

When my arm began to tingle, I reluctantly pulled out of Bella's warmth and cuddled up to her side. She immediately turned into me and we wrapped our arms around each other once again, falling into a sated, blissful sleep.

A/N: So … there you have it. I hope that it was well worth the wait. =)

Once again, I have to apologize for last week's mishap with the teaser. As soon as I realized my mistake, I submitted this weeks … so the teaser for Chapter 31 should be up at the Fictionators sometime on Monday ;)

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your reviews. They make me laugh and they make me laugh so hard I cry sometimes – but I'd rather have them do that than make me cringe. But seriously, thank you for each and EVERY one of them – they mean so much.

For those of you who celebrate – I hope you have a lovely Easter. I'll be helping out the Easter Bunny ;)

Until next week ….