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 wouldn't exist. Well, it would but it wouldn't be fit for reading.

A/N: I just want to put this out there because I know it's something that annoys not only me but just about every other writer out there – if you feel the need to leave a review telling me how un-original my story is and continue to degrade my work and me in turn – at least have the balls to log in and do it. Leaving a "guest" review is so cowardly. It's obvious that these "guest" reviewers aren't writers – my writing comes from a lot of events in my own life and that much is definitely true regarding this story. Fiction is based off of a compelling idea and other elements are woven into it. If you can't understand that, the solution is – stop reading. It's that simple.

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Thirty-One

Music to my Ears

Edward loves me.

It was all consuming and more than I dared to hope for. His soothing words and tender touch had me shaking with need as he hovered above me. Edward explained that he wanted to go slow – to worship me. He wanted me to know how much he loved and adored me.

Light kisses were pressed into my skin, each one growing in intensity and anticipation. The emotion that he poured onto me was overwhelming. I squeezed my eyes closed relishing in the feeling of his kisses and his love – never wanting either feeling to go away.

When Edward finally pushed into me, I felt so full and … complete. The love and affection Edward had for me radiated from his body filling in the gaps where it was missing and made me whole again.

Best of all – he loved Kaden and I couldn't ask for more.

Warm and sated, I drifted to sleep in Edward's protective arms. My dreams were peaceful and full of hope.

Edward's alarm went off at six a.m. – his deep groan vibrating in my ear. He tightened his grip on me for a moment before trying to move me enough so he could slip out of bed.

"I'm awake, Edward," I giggled as I moved away from him grudgingly.

"Sorry, beautiful. I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't … the alarm did."

Edward sighed.

"What's wrong, Edward?"

"I hate leaving you. I wish I could stay here today and be with you and Kaden."

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and kissed his pouty lips.

"I know you do, baby, but we knew you'd be working when we made the arrangements to come visit. We'll be here when you get back."

His bottom lip seemed to jut out a little further and I couldn't help but laugh at how adorable he was.

"Go shower, Edward. I'll make you breakfast while you're getting ready."

"You don't have to do that, Bella. It's early … you should sleep a bit more before Kaden wakes up."

"Hush … I want to make you breakfast, Edward. It'll give me a few more minutes with you."

Reluctantly, Edward made his way to the bathroom to get ready for his day. I slipped out of bed, my body aching in all the right places and I couldn't help but remember the night before and all the wonderful things Edward did to my body.

I hummed to myself as I made a batch of chocolate chip muffins and pushed them into the oven.

"You're rather chipper this morning," Jasper grinned as he sat down at the breakfast bar.

I knew my blush would give me away, but I couldn't help it.

Jasper chuckled.

"I guess you and Ed had a good night, eh?"

"It was the best night I've ever had." I grinned.

"Yeah? I guess you're happy then?"

"Oh, Jazz – immensely so."

"Good. I'm happy for you, Bells. You deserve to be happy and so does that little boy in there."

"Thanks, Jazz, that means a lot."

Jazz and I chatted back and forth for a few minutes as I made a pan of eggs. It wasn't too much longer until Edward came out, fully dressed and ready for the day ahead of him. He immediately came into the kitchen and left a searing kiss on my lips.

"Morning, beautiful," he grinned.

"Morning, handsome."

Jasper chuckled in the background behind us.

"What?" Edward asked turning to Jasper.

"Nothing, man." Jasper grinned, shaking his head.

"Spit it out, Jazz."

"You guys look happy that's all."

"We are," Edward confirmed, looking at me.

"Good. So what's on the agenda for today other than you going to the set?"

I watched Edward carefully as he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head.

"I wish like hell I didn't have to be on set today. I want to spend the day with Bella and Kaden."

"You know you can't do that, Ed. But … they can always come and hang out in your trailer … I bet we could even let them sit on the sidelines … you're working in the studio today. It's a bit cloudy out today and they need sunshine to do those location shots."

Edward's face brightened a bit at Jasper's suggestion and he turned to face me.

"Is that something you want to do? I'd love for you to come and hang out while I'm filming. Y-you don't have to, but it would be cool to have you there."

His face looked so hopeful – as if Jasper's suggestion was the perfect solution and really – it was.

"I'd love that, Edward. I just don't want Kaden and me to be in the way."

"You guys could never be in the way. You can hang out in my trailer – there's a couch and a TV in there and there's plenty of drinks and snacks."

"Okay." I smiled.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

The smile on Edward's face was blinding as he pulled me into his arms and kissed me silly.

"Hey, hey you two … break it up! I want some decent breakfast before we have to leave," Jasper whined.

As we ate, we decided that the car would come back to pick us up when I called for it. We'd allow Kaden to sleep in and get some breakfast before we'd head to the set. It would give Edward a bit of time to focus on the scenes they were filming that day as well.

"Emmett's going to come with you guys … he'll either stay with you guys or he'll be with Doug," Jasper explained as Edward replied to a couple emails.

"It might be helpful if he stayed with us … he and Kaden seem to keep each other entertained." I giggled.

"Sometimes I wonder if Emmett's not three also." Edward chuckled.

I kissed Edward sweetly as he headed out the door and I promised we'd see him soon. I cleaned up the kitchen before heading back to bed. As I crawled between the cool sheets, I inhaled the sweet, masculine scent that was pure Edward. I snuggled into his pillow with a smile on my face and drifted off to sleep.

"Mommy … are we rweally going to see Ewward?" Kaden asked as he watched the scenery pass by the passenger window of the car.

"Yes, Little Bear. We're going to hang out in his trailer while he's working. If he's got a few minutes between shots he'll come and see us."

"Are they takin' pittures of him?" Kaden asked, his brow furrowed.

"Sort of, Little Bear. Edward's kind of like Mater … he's playing a character in a movie like Cars. Does that make sense?"

"I tink so …."

I turned my attention away from my curious son to Emmett.

"Does Jazz go to the set with Edward every day?"

"Not always. Edward doesn't really need him to hang out all day while he's working. Jazz usually goes for a while first thing in the morning so he can work his way through emails and keep up with other stuff that Ed's going to be working on in the future. Since Jazz has taken on the position of Ed's manager he's got twice the work I guess."

"Jazz never complains though. He takes it all in stride."

"He does and he's very good at his job. That's why Ed asked him to step up as manager."

I nodded.

The car came to a stop at a gate and the driver rolled down his window and showed his credentials before entering the compound where the warehouses were they were filming at. Jasper approached the car and opened the door for us, welcoming us to the set.

"I'm sure we can arrange for a little tour when they break for lunch around one." Jasper grinned.

"Where's Ewward, Unca Jazz?"

"Edward's working, buddy. You'll get to see him in a little while, okay? In the meantime, I'm gonna get you guys settled in Edward's trailer and Emmett is going to go see Doug."

Jasper talked in hushed tones to Emmett before pointing him to where Doug was sitting, apparently waiting for Edward. Jasper led Kaden and I into Edward's trailer and it was every bit as comfy as he promised. I had brought my Nook and a video game for Kaden to keep us entertained while we waited.

"Bells … Ed said to tell you his mom is going to email you directions and stuff for when you go up for the Fourth. Are you guys driving up?"

"I was thinking about it. It should be a nice drive. Kaden and I really haven't driven anywhere except from Tacoma to L.A. – I thought we could use it as a nice little vacation together."

"You're not going to be gone too long though are you?" Jasper asked worriedly.

"No, Jazz," I laughed.

I knew he was worried about leaving Alice alone too much as she got closer to her due date. She was due in mid-August and I hoped that Jasper and Edward would be back by then. Kaden's birthday was August seventeenth and I wanted them to be able to celebrate with us.

"I won't be so worried as long as she takes it easy and does what the doctor tells her. It helps knowing that you're there for her if she needs something, Bells."

The more I talked to Jasper the more I realized that Alice wasn't telling him everything the doctor was advising her to do. Things like working less and resting; keeping her feet elevated, and drinking lots of water. I spent time with her every day and went to all her doctor's appointments with her in Jasper's absence, so I knew what his instructions were. I encouraged her to follow them but I didn't want to be her nagging friend. Alice had slowed down at work – cutting down to four days a week at work instead of five but I didn't feel like that was much of a concession.

"Bella? You're awfully quiet … do you know something I don't?"

I snorted.

"I feel like I'm a little kid tattling on her. My opinion – for what it's worth?" I asked and Jasper nodded.

"She needs to slow down before the doctor orders her on bed rest."

"Is that something the doctor has mentioned?"

"Bed rest?"

Jasper nodded.

"No. But she will if Alice doesn't listen to her."

"Hmm … well it sounds like I need to call and have a chat with my fiancée."

Jasper excused himself and stepped out of Edward's trailer leaving Kaden and me by our self. I went back to reading my book and Kaden continued to color in his little notebook Edward had given him. I'm not sure how much time had passed since Jasper stepped out, because I got lost in my book – I was startled by a knock on the trailer door.

A woman with light brown hair and baby blue eyes stepped into the space as I took in her low cut top and short skirt.

"Oh … I'm sorry … I was under the impression this was Edward's trailer."

"Oh, umm, this is Edward's trailer, but he's working. Can I help you?"

"I'm Lauren, his girlfriend. I came to surprise him. Who are you?"

Who was I? What was I to Edward? I didn't know what to say to the woman standing in front of me. Part of me wanted to say that I was his girlfriend but I didn't want a confrontation in front of Kaden. I knew Edward and I trusted him. Lauren was most certainly not a part of Edward's life – only Lauren seemed to be under the assumption she was.

"I'm Isabella, we're," I pointed to Kaden, "guests of Edward's."

"Really?" Lauren asked, raising her brow. "That's interesting … Edward never invites guests to his sets. He says it's too distracting."

"Sorry, Bella," Jasper apologized walking in, "that took longer than I thought."

He looked up and saw Lauren standing in front of me.

"Ms. Welch … is there something I can help you with?" Jasper asked.

"Who are you? Where's Eric?" Lauren asked perplexed.

"I'm Jasper Whitlock, I'm Edward's Manager. What I'd like to know is how you managed to end up here."

"I wanted to see Edward, so I called Nick and he pulled a couple strings to get me on set, so here I am."

"Edward won't be happy to see you."

"Yes, he will. He just doesn't know it yet."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"What's so funny?" Lauren snapped, her gaze returning to me.

What she didn't see was Edward stepping in the door behind Jasper.

"What's funny is that you actually believe that, Lauren," Edward seethed.

"Ewward!" Kaden cried, jumping up from his spot on the floor and running into Edward's open arms.

Edward scooped him up and kissed my giggling son on his chubby cheek.

"Hey, buddy. We're gonna have lunch together here in a few minutes okay?"

Kaden nodded.

"Jazz … can you take Kaden out to see Emmett? I think we need a few minutes here."

Edward looked over to me to make sure that I was okay with Jasper taking Kaden but he needn't have worried. Lauren's head bounced back and forth between Kaden and me like she was watching a tennis match.

Jasper took Kaden and disappeared out of the trailer door as Edward brushed past Lauren and pulled me into his side.

"Are you okay?" He whispered at my temple before kissing me softly.

I nodded.

Edward turned his attention to Lauren.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

Lauren gaped at us like a fish before she finally answered.

"I came to see you, Edward. I wanted to talk to you. I miss you."

"Lauren," Edward sighed. "I said everything I needed to say to you over the phone months ago. I've moved on – obviously, and I'm extremely happy. Happier than I ever was with you – there is nothing else to discuss."

"I love you, Edward," Lauren sobbed.

I felt slightly bad for the troubled woman standing in front of us. I'd felt heartache more than once in my life and I could certainly empathize with her. I also knew Edward and he'd been nothing but honest with her, so how she could ever think that he'd want to reconcile with her, I had no idea.

"I'm sorry, Lauren. I don't know what you were thinking showing up like this. We haven't talked since that last phone call. I know you've tried to get in touch, texting me and emailing but obviously I wasn't ready to talk to you. I told you that cheating was a hard limit for me."

"Can't you just forgive me and we can move on?" Lauren begged.

"I have moved on, Lauren," Edward huffed. "Forgiveness is earned and you're not there yet. I don't know how you managed to get inside my trailer let alone on the set but you need to leave."

Edward picked his phone up off the table and dialed Doug's number while Lauren stood there numbly twisting her fingers.

"Please, Edward … can't I talk to you alone? Without her here?"

"Hey, Doug … we have an issue – can you come to my trailer please?"

No sooner had Edward ended the call than Doug walked through the door.

"Ms. Welch … you need to come with me," Doug said firmly, stepping between Lauren and Edward and me.

"Edward, pleeease," Lauren cried.

Edward stepped in front of me slightly – protectively.

"Damn it, Lauren! NO! Do you even see this woman standing here beside me? She's the only woman I want in my life. She's everything to me – and you – you're nothing."

I ran my hand up and down Edward's arm soothingly. I wanted to kiss him silly and tell him that he was everything to me too, but the timing was awful.

"Get her out of here, Doug. Send Jazz back in here if you see him will you?"

"Yes, Sir."

As Doug escorted a hysterical Lauren out of Edward's trailer, Edward turned to me and pulled me into his arms.

"I'm so sorry you had to see that, baby."

"You don't have to apologize, Edward." I whispered, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and kissing his cheek, make-up be damned.

"What did she say before I got here?"

"That she was your girlfriend. She said she came to surprise you. And she wanted to know who I was."

"What did you tell her?" Edward asked looking down through thick lashes.

I launched into what little I had told Lauren. I also explained that I wasn't sure how to answer her and to be honest; I was a little scared of how to answer her considering she'd announced she was his girlfriend.

Edward's arms tightened around me as he held me to him.

"Girlfriend seems like such a simple word for what you are to me, Bella. I meant it when I said you're everything – you and Kaden both mean the world to me. If girlfriend is the best thing that we can come up with for now, I can settle for that. Can you?"

I nodded and laid my head on his chest. His heart was thumping wildly and I don't know if it was adrenaline from his stand-off with Lauren or worry at what my response would be.

"I want to be done for the day. I want to take you and Kaden and go back to the hotel and curl up on the couch with both of you."

"Kaden would love that," I giggled.

Edward sat down on the couch behind us and pulled me into his lap.

"Y-you didn't t-think that I was talking to Lauren b-behind your b-back did you?" Edward sputtered.

"Oh, God, Edward, no! I didn't think that at all. I trust you, and above all, I know how you feel about her, Edward. You wouldn't spend so much time getting me to agree with a relationship with you if you were still interested in her."

"I wouldn't," Edward said, shaking his head.

I could hear Kaden's peals of laughter coming from just outside the door and I turned to see Jasper returning with Kaden in his arms.

"Mommy! Ewward! Mister Emmett showed me da horsies! He said Ewward gets to ride em!" Kaden said excitedly as he ran toward us.

I pulled him up onto my lap as Edward chuckled at his excitement.

"Maybe I'll take you over there after lunch and you can sit on one, how would that be, buddy?" Edward asked as Kaden looked at him wide eyed.

"Yay!"

Edward kept his word, and after we finished lunch, he took Kaden to see the horses again and let him sit up on one that the handler saddled up for the occasion.

"Look at me, Mommy!"

"I see you, Little Bear! You're quite a big boy sitting up there on that horse." I smiled.

Edward stood next to Kaden – his arms extended should something happen. He was naturally so protective and incredibly loving toward Kaden. It warmed my heart to see it and I found myself hoping that Kaden might get his wish.

"What are you thinking about?" Edward murmured as we walked back to his trailer.

"Something Kaden asked me about." I grinned.

"Do I dare ask?" Edward chuckled.

"You might, but that doesn't mean I'll give you an answer."

Mercifully, Edward was given the afternoon off. He promised it was only a couple hours work but the other cast members insisted that we join them for dinner to celebrate Edward's birthday. Jasper urged us to go and have a good time and he promised that he'd watch Kaden while we were out.

Dinner was lively and filled with chatter. Edward's co-stars were charming and funny. They seemed to genuinely like him and they teased him relentlessly because apparently he wasn't shy about the fact that he missed me something fierce.

"One night, we went out for drinks … it was after a long day of filming and after Edward knocked back a few he started whining about how much he missed you and he missed your cooking and how much he wished that you had come with him."

Naomi, Edward's tall, Australian co-star was all too happy to dish on how unhappy Edward had been prior to my arrival. Edward took it all in stride of course, with a blush and a smile.

"It's a shame that you can't stay for the duration of the filming, Bella. It would certainly make Edward more tolerable." Naomi giggled.

"I'm sure it would," I laughed. "Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of being able to stay. I have a friend at home who is expecting and she doesn't have anyone else to be there for her."

"Don't you have a little boy of your own?" She asked.

"I do. Kaden is three and my friend is his Godmother. She was there for me when I was pregnant, so I want to be there for her."

I didn't want them to know that the reason Alice was alone was because her husband worked for Edward. That would give them another reason to razz him and I thought I was reason enough.

"Thank you for going to dinner with me tonight," Edward said softly as we rode back to the villa.

"You're welcome, Edward. It was fun."

"It was nice to share that part of my life with you, Bella. I hope that I can do it more often."

I could see how sincere he was – it was written all over his face. It meant so much to him to have me there with him. He was able to show me off to the people he worked with and I realized that it didn't bother me. I sat and enjoyed a meal with a group of people whose films I'd admired. When they asked what my profession was, I answered that I was a professional chef and they felt sheepish because they'd never been to the restaurant before and hoped that it was up to scratch. I assured them that the food was excellent and they needn't have worried.

When we walked in the door of our villa, we found Jasper sound asleep on the couch with Kaden sleeping on his chest. It reminded me of Mike – he used to sleep the same way with our son sound asleep on top of him. I turned to Edward a little teary eyed because I knew it was something that Kaden probably missed without realizing it.

"What's wrong, beautiful?" Edward whispered, wrapping his arms around me.

"Kaden … he's missed that closeness with a father figure." I sniffled.

"I'm sure he has," Edward nodded. "Bella … he's not lacking a father figure – he's got Jazz, Em, your dad and me. We all love him. Between the four of us, Kaden will never want for anything."

I nodded slightly and suggested that we take Kaden to bed. Jazz had managed to get him into his pajamas so all we had to do was carry him to bed and tuck him in. Edward gently pulled him from Jasper's chest and curled Kaden into his arms.

"You're so good with him," I whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," I smiled.

"I've never spent a lot of time around kids. It's not because I don't want to – I've never had the opportunity. With Kaden … it's so easy," Edward explained quietly.

I pulled the blankets back on the bed and helped Edward tuck my baby boy in. I kissed Kaden's forehead and went to turn on the nightlight leaving Edward sitting on the bed. I turned to see if he was following me and watched as he sat beside my baby. Edward was quiet for several minutes, seemingly lost in thought before leaning over and kissing Kaden, whispering that he loved him.

"Love you, too, Ewward." Kaden mumbled before turning over and curling around Mater.

A/N: So life isn't always smooth sailing for these two, but they seem to make the best of what they're given or at least they try to …. I'm proud of Bella … she handled herself pretty well when Lauren came around. ;)

As always, thank you so much for your lovely reviews. I'm so glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Their first time together needed to be sweet and tender and I'm so glad y'all thought so too!

The teaser for next week's chapter should be up sometime today at the Fictionators. =) See you next week!