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 lovely ladies this would be complete rubbish.

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Thirty-Three

Wine Country

It felt so good to be back in our own house. The flight home was long and tiring. Kaden started to throw a tantrum the minute we stepped onto the plane, eating at the last of my already frayed nerves.

"Hey, hey, buddy. Give Mommy a break," Emmett said, pulling Kaden into his lap.

"But … I want Ewward," Kaden sobbed.

"I know you do, Little Bear. I miss him too, but we'll see him soon."

Kaden climbed from Emmett's lap into mine.

"Will we see him when we get home?" He asked hopefully.

"No," I chuckled. "It'll be a few weeks, Little Bear, but we can still talk to him on the phone."

"I wanna be with Ewward, Mommy."

His sad little face and broken voice nearly broke my heart. I wanted to be with Edward too but I'd made a promise and I couldn't break it – not to Alice.

"I do too, Little Bear but we need to go home and take care of Auntie Alice. She needs us and we promised Uncle Jazz."

"Is da baby comin'?"

"Not yet, but it will be soon."

Thankfully, he settled down enough that I could buckle him into his seat beside me. It was early the next morning when we arrived in L.A. and I was so glad to see the familiar face of Edward's driver.

We'd been gone less than a week but it was just enough time that we needed to go and pick up a few things at the store. We also needed to pick Koda up from my dad.

"Papa!" Kaden cried as my dad stood on his front steps.

"Hey, Little Man! How's my boy?"

Kaden giggled as my dad scooped him up and tickled him, kissing him all over.

"How was your trip, kiddo?"

"It was great. I wish we didn't have to leave."

"Hmmph." Dad grunted. "You must like this guy a lot to travel so far and drag my little buddy across the world."

"Dad …" I whined.

"Don't start with the 'Dad' stuff, Isabella Marie. I've never even met this character. How am I to know if he's good enough for my daughter and grandson?"

"I promise he's a really good person, Dad. Kaden loves him and Edward is so good with Kaden."

"So … Edward. This is the guy you were working for?"

"Yes." I nodded.

"Isn't it a little awkward getting involved with your boss?"

"Technically, we got involved when I was working for that other couple – the Chaubert's. When I gave them my notice, I went back to working for Edward – but since he's filming right now, he doesn't need me to cook for him. When he gets home, I want to explore other options."

I followed my Dad through the house to the back yard, where Koda was waiting for us. She began to yip when she saw Kaden and me. Kaden was so happy to see her.

"Bella … just tell me this guy isn't like Mike. Kaden doesn't need to get caught in the middle of a relationship that won't last. He needs someone who's willing to be a strong father figure, someone who will love him in a way that his own father never will."

"I know that, Dad. Edward is the complete opposite of Mike. He cares about Kaden – he loves him. Believe me, Dad … I've had this conversation with Edward and I've struggled with letting Edward into our life but he really is a good guy."

"Do you love him?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

He pulled me into his arms and hugged me tight.

"Just be careful, Bells. You and that little guy deserve the world – don't accept anything less."

It wasn't an easy conversation to have but I suppose it had to be done. Matters of the heart were always taken to Alice, especially after my mom died. I understood my dad's concern and I certainly appreciated it. The only thing I could really do to ease his mind was to let him meet Edward and see for himself how good Edward was to Kaden and me.

"When Edward's got time, you bring him 'round so I can meet him – officially."

"I will, Daddy. He won't be home until the end of July or early August though. Can you wait until then?" I asked, raising my brow at him.

"I suppose I'll have to."

I spent the next week getting ready for our trip to Napa Valley to spend a long weekend with Edward's parents. Esme had extended an invitation for Alice to join us and I'd managed to talk her into it. We had planned to leave on Wednesday and come home on Sunday. Since our trip to Morocco, I had spoken with Esme on the phone nearly every day. She was so excited to have us visit and she was looking forward to spending time with Kaden.

"Oh, Bella. Carlisle and I are so happy that you and Kaden are coming to see us. I wasn't sure if you'd accept our invitation but I'm glad you did. It'll be quite a change seeing you well, and I'll get to see that adorable little boy of yours. Edward speaks so highly of him."

"Thank you for inviting us. I'm excited at the prospect of a road trip although I'm sure we'll have to make several stops along the way because of Alice, but that's all right."

Esme giggled.

"That's fine, dear. It will give you a chance to get out of the car and stretch your legs."

"Esme … are you sure we won't be any trouble? I know Edward is insisting that Emmett come with us – which is fine with me but I don't want to put you out and make extra work for you."

"Nonsense, Bella! We have plenty of room, and I understand my son wanting you to be safe. He loves you, Bella, and if he can't be with you … well Emmett is the next best thing."

The following Wednesday, Emmett helped me load our things into the back of my SUV. Alice slipped into the front seat, leaving Emmett to sit in the back with Kaden. I sent off a quick text to Edward to let him know that we were on our way and we headed up the 101.

June gloom was hanging on as hard as it could as we made our way north. It wasn't until we reached Buellton that we started to see the sunshine. We were all getting hungry and the snacks we'd brought with us weren't cutting it, so we decided to stop in Solvang for breakfast. Paula's Pancake House was where Emmett insisted we stop. Alice didn't argue because she wanted to get out of the car as soon as possible to run to the bathroom. Pancakes suited Kaden just fine so it worked for me.

After a delicious breakfast of apple cinnamon pancakes, I was ready to get on the road. Alice wanted to stop at Solvang Bakery to get some more snacks and we hit the road again. Stopping briefly in Paso Robles for a bathroom break and gas, Salinas was our destination for lunch and stretching our legs.

We caught traffic just outside of San Jose, but we managed to make it to Napa shortly before dinner. Carlisle and Esme's home was a sprawling estate set at the end of a long lane of trees. An emerald green lawn framed the entire house and Carlisle and Esme greeted us warmly as we pulled into the drive.

"Bella," Esme cooed. "You made it. I hope you had a nice drive."

"We did," I confirmed. "I will admit that it was nice being able to share the driving responsibilities."

I quickly introduced Alice to Carlisle and Esme before unbuckling a very squirmy Kaden from his car seat.

"Ahh! Here's the infamous Kaden we've heard so much about." Carlisle grinned.

Kaden hid behind my legs as Carlisle bent down to his level.

"Little Bear, this is Dr. Cullen. He's Edward's daddy."

"Ewward?"

"Yes, honey."

"Please, Bella … call me Carlisle. No one's formal around here."

Carlisle's smile was warm and bright – just like Edward's. His eyes were similar to my own hazel but with a touch more green in them. Looking at him made me miss Edward terribly.

Emmett and Carlisle carried our things into the house as Esme insisted in giving us the grand tour.

"Bella, you'll be staying in Edward's room. He doesn't use it much – except when he comes to visit. There's plenty of room in there if Kaden would be more comfortable staying with you or he can have a room of his own."

"Stay wif Mommy!"

"Well, I guess that clears that up," Esme giggled.

She opened the door to Edward's room and I stepped in. Pale gray walls; trimmed in white, flanked black, cottage style furniture. A king sized bed was the centerpiece of the fairly large room. Crisp, white bedding lay underneath a textured gray duvet. The only feminine touch in the room was the large, bold brocade throw pillows that sat on the bed.

"The chair and a half pulls out into a twin sized bed. It's already made up in case Kaden wanted to sleep here … or with you. There are extra blankets in the closet if you need them. I can't urge you enough, Bella. Please make yourself at home and let us know if you need anything."

"Thank you, Esme."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Oh, and Bella, one more thing. Call my son and let him know you're here safe. He's been calling to check in every hour or so."

I smiled shaking my head. Esme closed the door behind her, leaving Kaden and I to freshen up after our long drive. I waited to call Edward until we walked back downstairs. I found Carlisle and Esme chatting with Emmett out on the back deck. Kaden squealed when he saw the swimming pool and Carlisle immediately promised that he'd take him swimming the next day.

Before I could steal away a moment to call Edward, my phone rang.

Edward.

"Hey, handsome," I cooed.

"Hi, beautiful. Did you make it to my mom's yet?"

"Yes. We've been here for about twenty minutes. I was just getting ready to call you. I hope you weren't worried."

"I was as a matter of fact. Did you have a good drive up?"

I recounted our drive to Edward as I walked across the Cullen's back lawn. Kaden was running ahead of me – happy to stretch his legs after being cooped up in the car all day.

"Your parent's house is beautiful, Edward."

"It's nice because it's quiet there. I'm sure you'll have a big barbeque tomorrow and then Mom will take you to a couple of the wineries and maybe even take you to her favorite shops while you're there."

"Yes … she did mention the barbeque. I guess a couple of your dad's colleagues are coming over as well."

"My sisters will be there too, you know."

"Should I be worried?" I asked nervously.

"No. I've talked to both of them and they're well aware how we feel about each other. However, Carlie will be an easier sell than Rosalie. Rose is the overprotective one but once she gets to know you – she'll love you. Of course they'll both fall in love with Kaden the moment they see him."

I sighed.

"Bella … don't worry about it. Everything will be fine. You've got Alice there as backup – she won't let them bite you and neither will my mom and dad, so relax, okay?"

We talked for a few more minutes until Edward couldn't hold back his yawns any longer. It was well after three a.m. in Morocco and he had to be up in a few hours for work.

"I'll call you later, baby," Edward promised with a yawn.

"'Kay. I love you, Edward."

"I love you too, beautiful. Give Kaden a kiss for me and tell him I love him too."

By the time I corralled Kaden and we made it back to the deck, Alice was sitting talking animatedly to Esme about the baby and Emmett and Carlisle were throwing steaks on the grill.

"I hope you're hungry, Bella. Esme's made enough food to feed an army." Carlisle winked as I sat down.

The next morning, true to his word – Edward called. Kaden was still asleep and I was able to quietly slip out to the back deck with a cup of coffee to chat. Rarely did a day go by that I didn't talk to him. Even if it was only for a couple minutes, it made my day infinitely better. More often than not, Edward even spent a couple minutes talking to Kaden who missed him fiercely.

"I can't wait to get home to you," Edward admitted quietly.

"How long will you have between films?"

"I start filming the next one right after Labor Day. But it's at least filming at Paramount Studios so it's not like I won't be home on weekends. Jasper requested a schedule from the studio but he's yet to hear back from them."

Thankfully, Paramount Studios was only a twenty to twenty five minute drive from Edward's house – in traffic. He'd be able to come home every night and spend his weekends at home instead of in a lonely hotel room. But I still wasn't sure about my job situation – I wanted to be there in the mornings to make him breakfast because I was his girlfriend and that's the type of thing that a girlfriend would do – not because I was being paid to be there.

"Oh, Bella, before I forget … Rob Pattinson called me the other day. He had a business proposition for me – he wants to open a little bar of sorts. He wants it to be kind of like the Hotel Café – an intimate venue for musicians to come and play."

"Okay … that sounds great, Edward but what does that have to do with me?"

"Patience, baby," Edward chuckled. "You gotta let me finish. Anyway, Rob wants to serve a light menu too, but he wants it to be classy – not a peanut shells and sawdust on the floor kind of place. I told him that he should give you a call and see if you had a few ideas for him. He was excited when I explained that you're a chef."

"Wow, Edward … I don't know what to say."

"I don't know if anything will come of it, baby. Rob's a busy guy but if he wants this – which I think he does – it might be something you want to do."

"Maybe," I agreed. "I guess we'll see if he calls."

I couldn't allow myself to think about Edward's conversation. I had other worries …. Not long after I ended my conversation with Edward, Esme came out, carrying a carafe of coffee, fresh fruit and a plate of muffins.

"My daughters, Rosalie and Carlie will be here shortly, along with Carlie's fiancé, Jared."

"How long have they been engaged?"

"Carlie and Jared? Oh goodness … about a year, I'd guess. They wanted to be stable in their careers before they got married so they've been happy to be engaged, although I expect them to announce a date any day now. Carlie will have to coordinate her date book with Edward – because he wouldn't miss her wedding for the world."

"No, I don't expect he would."

"Bella, don't be nervous, sweetheart. My girls will love you just like my son. Edward told me that you were anxious about meeting them but you really shouldn't be. They may seem a little harsh at first but that's because they don't know you and it will be easier for them to get acquainted with you without Edward here. If he were here, he'd watch you like a hawk," Esme giggled.

"It's just … this is important to me, Esme. I know Edward loves his sisters and he needs their approval and acceptance – even if he won't admit it. Their opinion means a lot to him. I'm well aware that Rosalie and Carlie didn't care for Lauren – at all."

"Yes, well, Lauren was a difficult person to like, Bella. I know you've probably only met her the one time, but I've had several interactions with her over the years and she wasn't the right person for Edward. I knew she wasn't right for him from the moment that I met her. There was something about Lauren that I didn't like and my girls felt the same way.

"On the other hand, I think you are sweet and lovely, Bella. I think you are good for my son. You've been an incredible friend to him since you've come into his life. Edward's been so isolated – it's not easy for him to trust people in the business that he's in and he encounters a lot of fake people. You've been real to him – you've been a good listener without being judgmental and he needed that. You came into his life when he needed you the most and honestly, it's been a godsend. I worried about him so much, and then he started telling me about you. The fact that he felt he could trust you right from the beginning set my mind at ease, Bella."

I loved the fact that Esme was nothing but honest with me and I told her as much.

"I've never been one to mince words, Bella. I love my son and I want to see him happy. He loves you and he loves Kaden – so very much."

"We love him too, Esme. When he gets back from Morocco we'll get a real taste as to how we're going to work."

Esme nodded.

"Edward mentioned that a friend of his was interested in opening up a club and wants to include a restaurant. He said that he recommended you to give his friend an opinion."

"Yeah, Edward mentioned that. He hasn't called me yet so we'll have to wait and see what happens."

"Hey, B?" Emmett asked, sticking his head out the French doors. "I think this belongs to you."

Emmett held out a giggling Kaden who he was holding by his ankles.

"Yep," I giggled. "That's definitely mine."

Emmett carried Kaden over to me, gently pulling him up and setting him in my lap.

"Hey, Little Bear." I smiled, kissing him on the cheek.

Kaden nuzzled into my embrace just as a beautiful, petite blonde stepped out onto the deck.

"Hey, Mom," She greeted Esme warmly.

Esme rose from her chair to hug who I could only assume was her oldest daughter.

"Rose, sweetheart. This is Bella, Edward's girlfriend and her son, Kaden."

"Hi, Bella." Rose smiled weakly as she shook my outstretched hand.

"Where are Carlie and Jared?" Esme asked, taking her seat next to me.

"They'll be here in a little while. Jared worked late last night so Carlie said she was going to let him sleep in."

"Ahh, well, I guess that's not a big surprise."

Esme explained that Jared was a lawyer and he was working his way up the ranks at a prestigious firm in San Francisco. He was hoping to make partner one day. Carlie worked in fashion merchandising and spent a good deal of time travelling. It was rare for them to get a long weekend, but they were excited to spend it at their parent's home.

"What do you do, Rose?" I asked, curiously.

"I appraise antique automobiles."

"I'm afraid that's my fault," Carlisle chuckled, coming out to join us. "I've always had an appreciation for antique cars and I'm afraid I got my oldest daughter hooked."

"That's okay, Daddy. I love my job. I get to travel and see some pretty cool stuff. Bella, I heard you've done some traveling recently yourself. How was Morocco?"

"What little of it we saw was beautiful. We were only there a few days and we stayed pretty close to Edward's villa."

I told them how we visited the Medina a couple times and drove around the city to take in a few of the touristy places the day before we left.

"I bet Edward appreciated you being there for his birthday. He speaks very highly of you, Bella."

Kaden chose that moment to look up at me.

"Ewward?" He whispered.

"I talked to him a little while ago, Little Bear. He said to tell you he loves you," I said softly.

"I wanna talk to Ewward." Kaden pouted.

"I know you do, baby, but he's working right now."

As I spoke to my son, Esme, Rose and Carlisle watched me – all with very different expressions on their faces. Esme's was full of love and understanding, I'm sure she told her children the same thing on more than one occasion. Rose's expression was skeptical and hesitant. I think her first impression was that I wasn't good enough for her baby brother because she looked at me like I was merely the help instead of a guest while Carlisle had a warm smile on his face as his eyes darted between me and his wife.

"Well, I think I'm going to get breakfast started. Rose, why don't you come help me." Esme smiled, rising from her seat and walking into the house.

Kaden laughed happily when he spotted a butterfly perched on one of Esme's flowers. He clambered down from my lap and went to inspect it further.

I watched him as he carefully made his way down the steps of the deck and out into the yard. Carlisle's soft, warm voice broke me from my thoughts.

"He's a wonderful little boy, Bella. I can see why my son is so taken with him – and you."

"Thank you. It's hard not to love him."

Carlisle chuckled lightly beside me.

"Bella, I'm not one to give advice when I'm not asked or speak when I'm not spoken to, but I want to say something if I may."

I nodded and he continued.

"I know first-hand how Edward is feeling. I've been the single guy falling for the single mom. I think Esme told you the story of how we first met, but you only got her side of the story. She was so panicked when she brought Rosalie in – her daughter was all she could focus on. In came this beautiful wisp of a woman who looked much older than her years because of the weight she carried on her back. She struggled to care for Rosalie on her own. I took extra care examining Rosalie that day – if only to be in their presence for a little longer. It killed me that I had to let them walk out of the office.

"When I bumped into them a couple weeks later, both of them looked like they were feeling much better and the change in them was impossible to miss. Rosalie's hair was the same color as Kaden's when she was little. God, she was adorable but a tough cookie – even back then. My daughter hasn't changed much. Anyway, I hated the thought of walking away from them knowing that there was something that I could do about it. So I asked Esme if she and Rosalie would join me for ice cream. Rosalie was ecstatic but Esme argued that they hadn't eaten dinner yet – so I offered to remedy that problem too. I walked away from dessert that evening with a full heart and a promise I'd see them again.

"Esme took a chance and allowed me in to hers and Rosalie's life that evening and it changed mine forever. If it wasn't for that one night – I'd never have Carlie or Edward, and Bella, I thank my lucky stars every day for my family. Our life hasn't been the easiest – I'm away at work for long hours and early in our relationship, I was still doing my residency; Esme was going to school. I did what I could to help her when I could while we were dating and eventually I got to a point where I wanted to be there when Rosalie came home from school – I wanted to be there for them. Those two women stole my heart away and I didn't have a chance in hell.

"What I'm trying to say is that I know how much my son loves you. He hasn't been shy about his feelings. To other people he might have been but never to Esme and me – we're very close to our children. I know his career is demanding and takes him away from you and Kaden, but know that there isn't any place that he'd rather be than with you. He worries that the hype of Hollywood will be too much for you – so be prepared for his attempts to shelter you from it."

I stayed quiet as he spoke, trying to absorb everything he was telling me. His story about his first meeting with Esme was adorable and it was much better from Carlisle's side. I smirked when he called Rosalie a tough cookie – that was an understatement. I understood why he was telling me everything he did. He wanted to remind me that I wasn't the only one who struggled – Esme did too. He wanted to reassure me that while things were never easy, Edward wanted to be there for me and Kaden at the end of the day.

"I love him too, Carlisle. He's been so wonderful – more than I could have ever hoped for. He's patient, kind and loving with both Kaden and me. When most men would have pushed for what they wanted, Edward waited with quiet patience and understanding." I laughed quietly. "Most of that was probably due to you, but I'm thankful for it nonetheless. Kaden loves him with a fierceness and longing. When they're together, they're so adorable and I feel like my heart will burst because I can't contain all the love I have for them."

"Do you think you could handle the Hollywood thing?"

"I haven't been exposed to it really, so I have no idea how I'd handle it. The one thing I do know is that I don't want Kaden exposed to it."

No sooner had I finished what I was saying than my phone rang in my pocket. Checking to see who it was, I realized it was Edward calling again.

"It's Edward. That's weird. Excuse me, Carlisle."

He nodded and I accepted Edward's call.

"Bella?"

"Hey," I giggled. "Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"I'm finished for the day. Jazz and I are heading back to the villa now with Doug. Where are you?" Edward asked, sounding exhausted.

"I'm standing on the deck, talking to your dad and watching Kaden chase butterflies, why?"

Edward sighed.

"What is it, Edward?"

"Apparently there were some paps following us the afternoon that we went to the medina. There are several pictures of you and I, and they're all over, Bella. They released them yesterday and I'm afraid they're in this morning's paper."

Before I could say anything, Carlisle slipped the mornings paper into my lap and front and center on the entertainment page was a picture of Edward and me, dancing in each other's embrace in the courtyard of the medina. Honestly, it was a lovely picture even in grainy black and white. The sides of our faces were visible and we were clearly smiling and enjoying each other's company. I remembered that moment clearly in my mind and it was devastating to find out that someone had so publicly intruded on such an intimate moment.

Actor/Heartthrob Edward Cullen spotted in the Marketplace in Marrakech but is seemingly off the Market.

Edward Cullen who is currently in Morocco filming, has been flying low on the radar after his very publicized break up with actress Lauren Welch. Cullen was seen strolling the passages of the marketplace in Marrakech – hand in hand with a petite brunette. Sources say that the un-identified woman has been seen several times at Cullen's home in Los Angeles, California. So far, Cullen's reps have declined to comment.

I felt relieved that Kaden hadn't been mentioned, although when Edward and I were dancing, Jasper had taken him off in search of something for the baby so maybe he hadn't been seen at all.

"Jesus, Bella … say something … please," Edward begged.

I hadn't realized that I'd been quiet for a beat too long.

"I-I … don't know what to say, Edward. This particular paper doesn't say anything about Kaden, but surely if they followed us around the marketplace they saw him with you at some point."

"Jasper received all the photos as a courtesy, baby. There are no photos of Kaden. Are you mad at me?"

Edward sounded defeated as he uttered the last few words.

"No, Edward, I'm not mad at you. I'm sad actually."

I told him how vividly I remembered our afternoon in the marketplace and how I thought it would be one of my favorite memories, but somehow, after seeing our picture in the paper, it seemed tainted. The paparazzi had taken something that was ours – something sweet and intimate and made a spectacle out of it.

At some point during my conversation with Edward, Carlisle slipped back into the house. I think part of our conversation was a ruse to soften the blow of the picture in the paper but I couldn't be angry with him. I talked to Edward for quite a while until he promised me that he was going to take care of a few things and he'd call before he went to bed.

I stood leaning against the railing of the deck, watching as Kaden ran through the grass, happy to be outside playing in the warm, morning sunshine.

"You know, Bella, if you choose a life with Edward, your life will always be a spectacle. He's a highly sought after actor and it is Hollywood after all. My brother may play a hero in his films, but he's only human and he won't be able to protect you from everything."

Rosalie's voice was cold and accusatory as she spoke from behind me.

"It's a good thing I don't need him to protect me then, isn't it?" I bit back.

"Then what is it exactly that you want from my brother, Bella? What do you have to offer him in return?"

"Contrary to your beliefs, Rosalie, I only want Edward for Edward. Not for money, not for fame and certainly not for all the Hollywood hype. As far as what I can offer him? Edward knows that I'll always be honest with him. Kaden and I offer him peace in the midst of his busy life. I'll be the first to admit that I shied away from Edward because of his celebrity and everything that came with it but as I got to know him – the real him, I fell completely in love with him.

"Rosalie, I'm sorry if you disapprove of me for whatever reason, but I love your brother and I'd do anything for him. By some miracle, he loves me too, and he loves my son. I can't ask for more than that. I'm content with that and I hope that someday you will be too."

"Ooh! I like her!"

I could only guess that the woman stepping out onto the deck was Carlie. She had the same color hair and eyes as Carlisle but she looked exactly like Esme. She quickly hugged Rosalie who had taken a seat at the table.

"You must be Bella! I'm Carlie. It's so nice to meet you. Edward has told me so much about you." Carlie smiled as she hugged me gently.

"Nice to meet you, too."

Carlie gasped as her eyes found my son playing in the yard.

"Oh my God. He's every bit as adorable as Edward described him."

I thanked her and called Kaden to join us on the deck. He wrapped his little arms around my legs and smiled shyly at Carlie.

"Who you?" Kaden asked.

Carlie kneeled down until she was eye level with him and smiled.

"I'm your Aunt Carlie, Edward's sister."

"Ewward's sistaw?" Kaden asked and pointed at Rosalie. "But she's Ewward's sistaw."

"Yup," Carlie agreed. "We're both Edward's sisters."

"I miss Ewward," Kaden whispered.

"We miss him too, pal. But he'll be back soon. Want to come inside and get some breakfast? Nana Esme's got a big bowl of strawberries with your name on it."

Kaden allowed Carlie to scoop him up and take him inside, leaving me in an awkward silence with Rosalie.

"I can see that you love my brother," she spoke softly. "I just don't want to see him hurt again. After what he went through last summer - which was fucking awful, by the way, he … Edward loves you more than he ever thought he loved Lauren. If you were to change your mind and walk away from him – it would break him completely."

I turned to look into her serious face; tears were on the brink of falling from her eyes but Rosalie was battling to keep up her stone-faced façade.

"Rosalie, as long as Edward is sure that Kaden and I are what he wants, I'm not going anywhere. I walked away from a man who didn't love me or my son and I know now that it was for a reason. If my ex hadn't moved on, I wouldn't have left and then I wouldn't have Edward in my life. I would have missed out on the best thing to happen to me since my son was born. I'm sad my son doesn't have his father, but I'm fucking grateful he's got Edward in his life because Edward loves him and he deserves to be loved."

"So does Edward. Remember that … and we'll get along just fine." Rosalie grinned.

True to his word, Carlisle spent the afternoon splashing in the pool with Kaden. Jared and Emmett even hopped in, teaching Kaden how to play Marco Polo, which Kaden got a huge kick out of.

Alice and I lounged by the pool, sipping on lemonade and chatting with Rosalie, Esme and Carlie. Carlie and I actually got along great. Rosalie and I weren't there yet, but had a better understanding of each other after our heated conversation that morning.

"I've forgotten how tiring it can be to have a little one running around," Carlisle chuckled as he carried a sleeping Kaden upstairs for his nap.

"Welcome to my world," I giggled.

A/N: Indeed! My beta's loved this chappie and I hope y'all did as well. I love the interaction between Bella and the family – and of course, Kaden is always a showstopper.

Thank you for all the lovely reviews, they are greatly appreciated!

The teaser for Chapter 34 should be up on the Fictionators later today.

See you next week!