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 would be a mess!

A/N: So many of you were proud of the way both Bella and Edward handled Lauren and her neurotic self! Lauren did say that her getting on Edward's set was Nick's doing – I didn't go into it but that was payback for being let go ;) At that point, Nick was still working for the agency but I'm sure that Jasper talked to someone and Nick is employed no more ;) The whole thing was a little tacky and a whole lot unprofessional. See you at the bottom!

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Thirty-Two

Leaving

I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again

Oh baby, I need to go

So kiss me and smile for me – tell me you'll never let me go

-John Denver, 1966-

EPOV

My weekend with Bella and Kaden was amazing. Friday, the director had given us the afternoon off, citing that we'd worked so hard all week and were a little ahead of schedule and that we deserved a bit of a break. Some of the cast and crew insisted on taking me out for my birthday and I tried to get out of it telling them that I had flown in my girlfriend, and all I wanted was to spend the weekend with her.

They understood, of course, but were relentless and encouraged me to bring Bella along. My co-star, Naomi was especially eager to meet Bella after having heard so much about her. It seemed whenever I got drunk I was completely inconsolable because that's when I missed Bella the most.

I loved being able to take her out and show her off. It meant a lot to me to have her there with me and to see her chatting with my peers and fitting into my crazy life so easily. Bella was beautiful, charming, witty and extremely intelligent, but her caring, loving heart was my favorite part of her. When she excused herself from the table after dessert to use the ladies room, Naomi leaned over to me and whispered in my ear.

"She's lovely, Edward. I can see why you care about her so much. When she looks at you – she sees you, not your career and it's obvious that she cares deeply about you as well."

It felt good knowing that my affection wasn't one-sided.

My smile couldn't be contained as I watched Bella return from the restroom. She wore a deep plum colored dress that hugged every curve. On her feet she wore black suede pumps that allowed her toes to peek out. Small diamond studs adorned her ears and a simple silver chain with a small circle pendant graced her shapely neck. Bella's long brown hair was pulled back from her face, leaving the rest to cascade down her back. She was classically beautiful.

"She'd look gorgeous in a designer gown on the red carpet, Edward."

I smiled, shaking my head. Bella looked gorgeous dressed up or wearing nothing at all. Only I had the pleasure of knowing that and I stood as Bella approached the table, holding out her chair for her.

"Thank you, Edward." she smiled shyly.

"You're welcome, beautiful," I whispered, kissing her bare shoulder softly.

Not too much later, we were in the car on the way back to the villa. I wanted nothing more than to get out of the stuffy clothes I was wearing and relax with Bella. The director had given me a bottle of wine as a birthday gift and Bella was far more eager than I was to try it but if it made her happy – I'd gladly pop the cork and pour.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight, Bella?" I asked, unable to take my lips away from her warm skin.

"Only about a hundred times." She giggled.

"Well, that's not nearly enough," I murmured, pulling her closer to me.

"Thank you for going to dinner with me tonight."

I hoped that she understood the sincerity of those words. I had flown her and Kaden to Morocco to share my birthday with me – not my castmates. Bella cupped my face in her hand and brushed her lips against mine.

"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."

More often as in every chance I could fucking get. I hated that I couldn't take her to the Oscars with me a few months prior – hell, I hated that she was completely scared of my lifestyle back then. Now, it seemed that she was easing into it with a style and grace that only Bella could possess. She enraptured my mind, body, heart and soul – it was completely lost to her and I couldn't have cared less.

We quietly stepped inside the villa to find Jasper and Kaden sound asleep on the couch. It was odd to me to see Jazz who was normally so composed and business-like to be sprawled out on my couch with his wife beater and pajama pants on with Kaden spread-eagled on top of him. Both of them were softly snoring and for the briefest moment – I saw myself in Jasper's place. I knew then that it was something I wanted and I wanted it badly.

Bella turned to me, her eyes full of unshed tears. I reached out and pulled her into my arms. I knew what she was thinking before the words crossed her lips. The scene before us had played out many times before – only it was Mike in Jasper's place and it was a routine that Kaden subconsciously missed beyond our comprehension. Missing his dad was something I understood. I promised Bella that Kaden wasn't lacking a father figure and that he had Jasper, Emmett, her dad and me. I swore that between the four of us, Kaden would never want for anything.

Bella nodded.

"We should take him to bed, he looks exhausted."

Bella shrugged out of my arms and before she could do it herself, I scooped Kaden up off of Jazz's chest and nestled him in my arms. I let Bella lead the way as we walked back toward the bedroom. She carefully pulled back the blankets as I laid Kaden in the middle of the bed. I helped Bella pull the blankets up around him before sitting down and watching the gentle rise and fall of his little chest. Bella leaned in and kissed him goodnight, telling him that she loved him before she went to turn on his nightlight. I sat and continued to watch him. As I did so, I thought back to the previous summer and my discussions with Lauren about wanting to start a family. One of my best friends was expecting a child, and I suddenly felt like I wanted that too. I had just turned twenty-six and I felt like the world was at my feet. I had a beautiful girlfriend who I loved and adored, and an enormous house that would be a dream to grow up in. I felt ready to move on in my personal life – I wanted a family. Then my world came crashing to my feet.

I shook my head and realized that everything happened for a reason. Those reasons were right here with me. One was snuggled into bed, hopefully dreaming happy dreams and the other was the gorgeous creature waiting for me in the doorway. My mom said love would find me when I least expected it. The love I'd found was far beyond my expectations.

"Come to bed, handsome."

Gentle fingers caressed my shoulders and pulled me from my thoughts. I let Bella pull me up from the bed and I followed her to the room we shared. Once the door was firmly closed behind us, I pulled Bella into my arms and held her close, reveling in the feel of her.

"I love you so fucking much, Bella."

"I love you too, Edward. What's gotten you all worked up?" She asked quietly.

"I … I was thinking back to last summer and how there was a time that all I could think about was having my own family. I thought I was on top of the world with everything I could have ever asked for."

I told Bella everything I had thought about in those few minutes of silence I spent admiring her sleeping son.

"I don't regret those things happening, Bella, because they brought me you and Kaden. Y-you and that little boy have brought more love and joy into my life than I could have ever imagined."

Tears fell freely down Bella's beautiful face as I tried my damnedest to stop them.

"Edward … I don't know how you manage to do it but you always find the most perfect things to say. Somehow you know that it's exactly what I need to hear. I feel a little drunk on your honesty right now." Bella sniffled.

I chuckled knowing that she was perfectly sober.

"I don't know if there is any perfection in the things I say, Bella. What I do know is that they come from the bottom of my heart, driven with utter honesty. You deserve to hear words that are heartfelt and sincere not false and deceitful. I promise that I will always tell you what you deserve to hear."

Bella looked up at me through wet lashes, her eyes shining with love. I hoped that my openness would give her the courage she needed to tell me how she truly felt. Bella's wounds from Mike's betrayal were still fresh but starting to heal nicely.

"Edward … I'm so thankful that you never gave up on me. You push – but it's never too much. Your embrace is never too tight, and your love is all consuming and more that I could have asked for. You help me to be better, baby. Sometimes I feel like I need you like I need air, but if we are truly going to do this relationship thing out in the open when you come home – I need your guidance and patience, but most of all – I need your love."

"Oh, Bella … you have all that and more my sweet, beautiful girl."

Without really saying it, Bella was telling me she still needed time. She loved me and she wanted this – us – that's all I really cared about.

Quietly and tenderly we undressed each other until we were completely bare. Lips brushed against lips, fingers ghosted across flesh, only coming back to touch the places that made our breath catch. We tumbled onto the bed breathlessly as Bella hovered above me.

"Please, Bella. I need you," I whimpered.

My words were raw and true. I did need her – in every sense of the word.

My fingers reached down to her apex and through her lower lips to find her wet and ready for me. Carefully, I positioned myself at her entrance and Bella slid down my length, fully engulfing me in her warmth.

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

"Uhh," She whimpered. "You do too, Edward. I … I need to move."

With one hand on her hip and the other on her thigh, I resumed caressing her skin, urging her to move above me. Shifting herself upward, Bella began to work her hips before slowing sinking down over me. It was delicious torture; the feel of her wrapped around me and watching her full breasts as they bobbed in rhythm with the rest of her body. Watching Bella as she used my body to bring herself pleasure was a beautiful thing to behold. The push and pull of her sex as she rode my cock – being able to see where we were joined had me wanting to come harder than I ever had, but I needed to hold off for her. She was so close but not quite there yet.

I bucked my hips up into her and reached up to cup her face in my hand. Her mouth was open and her eyes were squeezed tightly shut as she continued to ride me with abandon. Lightly, I brushed my thumb across her lips and down the curve of her neck. My touch travelled down over her collarbone, caressing the roundness of her breast; my thumb circling her erect nipple.

"Uhh …" Bella moaned softly.

"Fuck, you're beautiful," I breathed.

Bella's hands rested on my stomach as her hips and thighs did all the work. The fact that she wasn't touching more of my skin was killing me and I was aching to kiss her. I slowly sat up a bit, using the hand holding her hip to pull myself toward her and I tangled my free hand in her hair, pulling her toward me.

Bella slid her hands up my chest and across my shoulders, finally cupping my neck and twisting into the hair at the nape of my neck. Our lips met in a series of nipping kisses between whispered words of love and our wanton moans of pleasure. Bella's tongue darted out to meet mine, each slowly exploring the other before moving on to sweeter flesh. I found the spot below her ear caused her to whimper unlike any other spot I'd found.

She licked up the shell of my ear and her warm breath made me shiver in the warmest way. My hand on her hip reached down to the swell of her bottom and squeezed.

"Oh … fuck," She cursed.

"That's it, baby," I crooned. "Let it go … I've got you."

Bella grasped the top of my hair in her hands and gave it a tug. When I opened my eyes, her breast was level with my mouth and I couldn't help swirling my tongue around her rosy nipple before pulling it into my mouth and suckling on it. Hard.

"Fuck! I'm gonna come, Edward …." Bella breathed, burying her face in my neck.

Had I known that her luscious breasts were the key, I would have started there earlier. I smiled to myself, but didn't break my suction as her muscles pulsated around me, quickly pushing me over the edge I'd been loosely hanging on to.

A string of curses floated from my lips as I spilled into Bella without shame. One last half-hearted thrust and I'd given her everything I had to give before crashing to the bed again. Our bodies were damp with sweat – the result of our lovemaking and tears. Bella looked up at me through wet lashes and our eyes for the briefest of moments before I was kissing her again, whispering that I loved her and wiping away her tears.

"Edward … I know why I have tears … but you? Did I hurt you? Did I pull your hair too hard?"

"Oh, God, Bella, no. Everything felt so … amazing. You didn't hurt me at all, baby. I just feel … overwhelmed."

Bella nodded in understanding. I could tell from the look in her eyes that she was feeling the same way. We laid in each other's embrace for an indeterminate amount of time. At one point one or another both of us dozed off for a bit and when I opened my eyes, I realized that we should move or things could get rather uncomfortable.

Bella whimpered when I shifted her slightly, trying my damnedest to keep her in my arms.

"Shh, beautiful. It's okay, I needed to move us before we got too uncomfortable."

The pout on Bella's face was adorable.

"But I was happy there …."

"I'm sorry, baby and I'm sorry I woke you. But since you're up, I need to umm …."

I needed to clean up in the worst way – not that I didn't enjoy making love to Bella but sticky sheets were kind of gross.

"Me too. So go, because there is no way I'm running down the hall," Bella giggled.

Minutes later, I lay in bed, waiting for Bella to come back. With her teeth freshly brushed, her hair knotted on top of her head, wearing only one of my t-shirts, Bella stepped back into the room and crawled into bed. I curled up around her and we fell into a blissful sleep.

The next morning, I awoke to a smiling, happy little boy who had crawled into bed with me and his mom.

"Shh, buddy. Mommy's still sleepin'."

I dragged myself out of bed, hating that I was leaving Bella's soft, warm body to rest without me. I had told Jazz and Em to relax that morning, but at some point I'd want them to accompany Bella, Kaden and me to the marketplace. The living room was quiet as Kaden and I walked toward the kitchen. I started a pot of coffee and prepared a bowl of cereal for Kaden.

"You made da bestest ceweal, Ewward."

"Thanks, buddy," I grinned, ruffling his hair. "Did you have a good time with Uncle Jazz last night?"

"Uh huh! We pwayed Jake and da piwates. Unca Jazz was Cap'n Hook! He stoled the duboons and I haddta get em back."

Kaden was so animated and serious about everything he was telling me. Although it was only the second time that I had the opportunity to wake up with him and have breakfast with him alone, I wished that I could do it more often. I remembered being in his shoes as a little boy – I wanted my dad to share every victory and every loss along with me, whether I was fighting imaginary villains or real-life peers for a major award. My dad was there for everything that counted. Kaden didn't have that – but if I could be that person for him – I wanted it with everything I had.

"Good morning, handsome." Bella smiled as she walked in to the kitchen. "Mmm … you made coffee. I think I love you a little more this morning."

"You think?"

"Mmmhmm," she smiled, pulling two mugs from the cabinet and pouring us both a cup.

She joined us at the table and immediately her hands went to brush Kaden's hair from his face. It was such a sweet gesture and so very Bella.

"Did you sleep good, Little Bear?"

"Uh huh!" he chirped, turning his attention to me.

"Ewward … did you cawwy me to bed last night?"

"I sure did, buddy. Your mom and I both tucked you in."

I wasn't sure why he wanted to know but I felt like I needed to tell him that Bella was right there with me. He shrugged and went back to his cereal. When he finished, Bella told him to go find some clothes to wear for the day.

"What's on the agenda for today, baby?" Bella asked as she rose from her chair and moved to stand behind me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders.

"What do you want to do today?"

"Don't care," she whispered. "As long as you're with us, I really don't care."

"Hmm … well, I think that we should get you and Kaden out of this villa for the day. Are you up for a trip to the marketplace?"

The Medina is the proper name for the older, historical part of Marrakech. It's made up of winding passageways filled to the brim with shops. I knew that Bella had been there a few days before with Jasper and Emmett, but she said that they didn't explore all of it.

Jasper and Emmett were only too eager to head out with us that afternoon. Jazz said something about wanting to pick up something for Alice, and Emmett was happy to entertain Kaden.

Bella and I walked along the tiled paths, our fingers intertwined. Sometimes Kaden would insist on walking between us and other times he was content with Jasper and Emmett. Bella found a lamp that she wanted when she was out before and she was excited to find it again. Kaden was disappointed that we didn't find anything Cars or Jake and the Neverland Pirates related but they were long forgotten as the day wore on and we came to the center of the medina where there were several tents of vendors selling food as well as live dancers and entertainment. A snake charmer caught Kaden's eye, and while he was scared at first, he ran into my arms but couldn't tear his eyes away.

We all grabbed a bite to eat and decided to sit and enjoy the ambiance the Medina had to offer. We hadn't been sitting long when someone came up to Bella offering her a henna tattoo.

"It's beautiful but no thank you," Bella murmured shyly.

"You should come to the salon … your hair would look gorgeous with henna highlights," the same girl that offered the tattoo offered.

"Oh, God. Alice would kill me," Bella snorted.

I raised a brow at her in question.

"You know Alice is a hair stylist. No one except Alice has touched my hair in years. She would have kittens if I let someone else touch my hair."

I looked over to Jasper who was in stitches over Bella's comment.

"Please … no kittens. Just a healthy baby," Jasper chuckled.

"Speaking of the baby, how is Alice doing, Jazz?" I asked.

"She seems to be okay but I'm hoping I'll have a better idea how she's doing when Bella gets home. Apparently she hasn't been doing everything the doctor tells her and it took Bella mentioning it to me to get her ass in gear to do what she's supposed to."

The night before at dinner, Naomi mentioned to Bella that she should stay until we finished filming and I hadn't realized how much I wanted it until she said it. But sitting there listening to Jasper made me realize that it wasn't fair of me to ask Bella and Kaden to stay. Bella was doing him a favor by watching out for Alice and keeping her company. The baby was due in a little over a month and I hoped like hell that Jazz would be home before it was born.

Later that evening, after we'd made it back to the villa, all we wanted to do was relax around the pool. The air was warm and there wasn't a breeze to be found. Bella figured splashing around in the water would wear Kaden out because he was completely wired by the time we got back. I helped Kaden get his swim trunks on while Bella changed. Mercifully, Jasper and Emmett went out in search of beer to bring back.

Bella was sitting on the edge of the pool when Kaden and I emerged from the villa. She slid in gracefully and held out her arms as Kaden jumped into them, soaking her in the process. I laid our towels down on one of the chairs before hopping down into the pool.

"Mommy! I wanna swim to Ewward!" Kaden squealed.

"Remember to kick your feet," Bella encouraged as she carefully guided him into my arms.

As much as Kaden liked to kick and splash, his favorite thing was jumping into the water. He thought that was great fun. I didn't care as long as it made him happy. Unfortunately, he fought like hell when Bella announced that it was time for him to get a bath and get ready for bed. I'd never seen him fight her like that before. He stood in the middle of the living room and screamed at the top of his lungs.

"Nooooo, Mommy! I wanna swim! Noooooo!"

"Kaden!" Bella said firmly. "I don't care what you want to do. You ARE going to take a bath and go to bed! It's past your bedtime and you didn't have a nap today."

"Noooo!"

Kaden screamed louder when Bella moved in to pick him up because he wouldn't go on his own accord. He flailed his arms and kicked his legs. He was strong and I worried that Bella would have bruises later as a reminder of her struggle. I felt awful because I had to stand back and watch. I'd never had to deal with Kaden being this out of sorts before. I didn't want to hover but I wanted to stay close in case Bella needed me. Kaden continued his tantrum all through his bath and Bella tugging on his pajamas.

He looked up at me with a quivering lip, his chest heaving and crocodile tears running down his face. Bella was patient through it all, never raising her voice once. Her words to Kaden were firm and filled with good intentions.

"Ewward," Kaden sniffled.

"I'm not going to save you, buddy. You gotta do what your mommy tells you and it is way past your bedtime."

"I want you to tuckted me in."

"I think I can handle that. You need to settle down," I cooed, pulling him into my arms and sitting down on the bed with him. "You were kicking and screaming at Mommy and that hurt her feelings. You need to tell her you're sorry and that you love her."

Kaden nodded, rubbing his eyes.

"He's so tired he can't see straight," Bella whispered, sitting down next to us.

"Hey, Little Man … I have an idea. I brought my guitar with me. Would you like me to play you a song to help you go to sleep?"

Kaden nodded, and I pulled the blankets back and helped him get under the covers. I kissed him on the forehead before going into the other room to get my guitar. When I came back into the room, Bella had Kaden in her arms and he was telling her that he loved her. She whispered that she loved him too. I sat at the end of the bed and played with the strings, making sure my guitar was in tune.

Bella sat back against the headboard with Kaden's little head in her lap. Her fingers absently played with his hair but both of their eyes were on me as I started to sing.

Dragon tails on the water is why

Pirates sail and lost boys fly

Fish bite moonbeams every night

And I love you ….

Godspeed, little man ….

Sweet dreams little man

Oh my love will fly to you each night

On Angel's wings

Godspeed

Sweet Dreams

I'd stumbled across that particular song when I was looking for a lullaby for Kaden. The band who recorded it did so at a time when they weren't appreciated by the public and because of the nature of the song, it probably wouldn't have been a huge hit anyway but the words struck a chord with me and I fell in love with it immediately, thinking it was perfect for Kaden and how I felt about him.

When I finished the last note, I looked up to find Kaden sound asleep and Bella was red nosed with tears falling down her beautiful face.

"That was incredible, Edward. Did you write that?"

"Sadly … no. But when I came across it, I thought it was fitting for Kaden."

Minutes later, as Bella and I were crawling into our own bed, we snuggled into each other and I held her to me.

"I wish we didn't have to leave," Bella whispered into the darkness. "I wish we could stay here with you until you're done filming."

"I know, baby, but you promised Jazz you'd be there for Alice."

"I know. Just because I made a promise doesn't make it any easier to leave you though."

Monday morning came way too soon. Thankfully, my director had allowed me to accompany Bella and Kaden to the airport to catch their morning flight. Kaden's eyes filled with tears as he told me goodbye, and I promised that I'd see him soon. I hugged him tight and handed him off to Emmett. Saying goodbye to Bella was killing me. After making love to her several times over the weekend and having her in my arms, I never wanted to let her go. My feelings only multiplied when I thought about Lauren and how she showed up out of nowhere claiming that Nick had arranged for her to come onto the set. That worried me to no end. If they could get to me that easily – it wouldn't be anything for them to get to Bella.

"I love you so fucking much, Bella. You be safe and call me the minute you arrive in New York, okay?"

"Okay," Bella sniffled. "I love you too, handsome."

My lips mashed against hers, a whimper escaping both of us. When we finally pulled away, Bella had tears running down her face.

"Don't cry, beautiful. I'll see you again soon. You take care of yourself and my little buddy, okay?"

"I will."

I glanced over at Emmett and gave him a nod. I'd already said my goodbye to him before we'd left the villa, and he promised he'd watch over Bella and Kaden until I got home.

One more quick hug and a gentle kiss and I sent them on their way home.

A/N: The song Edward sang is called Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) by Radney Foster. It was originally recorded in 1999, but then it was given by Radney's wife to Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks who recorded it and released it on their Home album in 2002. While I LOVE the Dixie Chicks version – I imagine the Radney Foster version is closer to what Edward would have played for Kaden.

Thanks for reading, for all the lovely reviews and the support y'all have given me, I greatly appreciate it!

Just a heads up for those of you interested – I finished up Chapter 39 Saturday night and I outlined Chapter 40. It looks like Chapter 40 will be the last regular chapter to this story unless I get wordy (which I totally have a tendency to do) or it may be a really long chapter – we'll see. But as outlined, it looks like this will be 40 chapters not including the Epi.

The teaser for 33 should be up on the Fictionators and I'll see y'all next week! =D