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

No copyright infringement is intended.

I apologize for the delay in posting – better late than never right?

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Interruptions

Kaden's birthday party was going really well. I had everything finished – the cake and the food. All the gifts I bought were wrapped and sitting on the floor in the living room. Edward's parents had come down from Napa, and Jasper and Alice were coming over – bringing Jackson out for the very first time. Most importantly, my dad was coming over and he'd be seeing the house and meeting Edward.

I talked to my dad every day – usually in the morning when I was up before everyone else and the house was sleepy and quiet. Our morning chats over coffee were now over the phone instead of at his kitchen table.

I knew Edward was anxious about meeting him, but he really didn't need to be. My dad was completely harmless, and after I explained to dad who Edward was, he was a little bit anxious himself. At first, my dad had a lot of reservations about me dating an actor – never mind that said actor was Edward Cullen, the most sought after actor in Hollywood.

"Bells, are you sure you want to get involved with someone like that? I know you said he's a good guy, but you have to watch out for the good ones too. He spends a lot of time away from home, and you have no way of knowing what's going on with him while he's gone."

"Dad, I know Edward. I also know how hard he's fought for me since I met him. He would never be unfaithful – he doesn't have it in him. He's not wired that way. I trust him to tell me if his heart doesn't belong with me anymore."

Dad nodded.

"How is he with Little Man?"

"God, Dad … Edward loves Kaden so much. He's wonderful with him. He's attentive, loving, strong and very protective. He's good for Kaden."

"That's what I want to hear, Bells. I want him to take good care of you and my Little Man because that's something that Mike was never capable of."

"I know he wasn't, Dad, but I promise you that Edward is."

It was hard reassuring my dad about Edward because we really hadn't had an in depth discussion about where we stood. Edward wanted to take Kaden and me away on a vacation to relax – just the three of us. Of course, Emmett and Doug wouldn't be far behind, but Edward promised that we'd only see them if it was absolutely necessary.

After our discussion in the kitchen the morning of Kaden's birthday party, I was never surer of my relationship with Edward. He wanted Kaden and me, and we wanted him – that was all that mattered.

Edward introduced himself, a nervous smile gracing his handsome face. My dad smiled back and complemented him on how nice the house was. It warmed my heart when Edward told him it wouldn't be nearly as homey without me and Kaden there. Clearly, he didn't know it wasn't homey without him there.

I greeted dad quickly with a hug and a smile, and after a little small talk, I walked him outside to meet Carlisle, taking a little bit of pressure off of Edward.

Esme, Carlisle, Jasper, Alice, and the baby were all sitting outside on the patio, enjoying a lovely, warm sunny afternoon. Kaden was playing on the ground with his trucks as Esme chatted with him softly. Dad fell into easy conversation with Carlisle and Jasper, and I was about to go into the house to check on Edward when he came out to join us.

"Your phone was ringing, baby," Edward said as he handed it to me.

I looked at the number on the screen, unable to place the number. The only thing familiar about it was the area code – it was a Tacoma prefix. Was Mike trying to contact me? Surely, since he'd given up his rights to Kaden, he wouldn't dare to call him on his birthday.

Edward must have noticed the look on my face and quietly asked who it was. I quickly explained that I didn't recognize the number but that it was a Tacoma area code. I excused myself and walked to a quiet corner of the house to answer the call.

"Hello?"

"Isabella?"

"Yes. Who is this?"

"This is your Mother-in-law."

Her tone was clipped, and she didn't seem happy to talk to me.

"Karen, how are you?"

"I'm all right, the better question is how are you?"

"I'm good."

"Good. How is my grandson? Today is his birthday, is it not?"

"Yes. Kaden's good."

"Good. When can I see him?"

"Karen … err, Mrs. Newton, I don't think that's a good idea. Are you aware of the situation with Mike?"

Why was she asking to see Kaden? She hadn't been involved with him for well over a year – much like her son, so why was she contacting me now?

"I'm aware that you're no longer married to him if that's what you're asking," She snipped.

"Oh."

"Isabella, let's cut the shit. I want to know when my son is going to have visitation with his son because I want to see my grandson."

Holy shit. Mike didn't have the balls to tell his own mother that he'd given up his parental rights. Here he was leaving me to be the bad guy and tell her that he'd given Kaden up. Before I gave up that information, I wanted to know why – why did it take her over a year to want to see him?

"We left Tacoma a year ago. Why has it taken you a year to decide that you wanted to see him?"

"I'm well aware when you left my son, Isabella. You left him with no note, no nothing. You cleared out the house and left. My son was crushed. Crushed! It's taken me this long to track you down. You've been hiding from my son, Isabella, and that's not a game you want to play with me."

My anger raged within me. Mike was feeding his mother lies. Did she know anything about her son? About his assistant turned girlfriend? About the baby that she was pregnant with and had surely delivered by now? Did she not know she had another grandchild that she could dote on?

"Let's get a few things straight," I seethed. "I did not leave your son. Mike left us. Your son had an affair with his assistant. He's happy playing house with her and their new baby now. Mike gave me no choice but to leave. I did what I had to do to take care of my son. If it makes me a bitch because I filed for divorce because of Mike's instability and infidelity – so be it. But know this – your son signed those papers uncontested and he's the one who gave up his parental rights – not me. If you were so concerned about seeing Kaden, you could have contacted me through my lawyer. Mike was aware of that, so I suggest that you talk to your son before you call me and accuse me of wrong doing."

It felt so good to get all of that out. Karen Newton had no right to talk to me like that and I wasn't about to let her walk all over me and I sure as hell wasn't going to willingly let her see Kaden.

"Jessica?" She whispered.

"Yes. Now if you don't mind, I have guests to attend to."

"Isabella, I really want to see my grandson."

I wanted to tell her to wish in one hand and shit in the other and see which one filled up faster but I held my tongue.

"I can't help you, Karen."

"Isabella, please. You're being unreasonable."

"Am I? I don't think so. Kaden doesn't even remember you because your presence in his life was so fleeting. He deserves better than that."

"I was working, Isabella. I'm retired now and I have time that I didn't have before. I want to spend that time with my grandson."

"I'll think about it and let you know."

I ended the call and briskly walked into the house. I was still so very angry and upset. I hated that I had to have that conversation. It was something I'd been dreading since I left Tacoma. My former mother-in-law had never been one of my favorite people. She wasn't the warm, loving mom that I had for thirteen years, nor was she the warm grandmotherly type who offered love unconditionally paired with comforting hugs – like Esme. Karen wasn't around often even though she lived about five miles away.

I hated the fact that I needed to step away from my son's party and our guests to compose myself. Before I realized where I was heading, I had already opened the door to Edward's music room. It was a calming room for him, maybe it would be for me as well. I stood in front of the window, watching the activity on the patio. Every person there was family, whether it was by blood or choice, and I felt so thankful for each and every one of them. If it came down to a fight for my son, I knew they'd all support me. A mixture of tears flowed from my eyes. Tears of happiness, sadness, heartbreak, frustration, and overwhelming love.

I never heard Edward enter the room. I felt warm hands upon my shoulders and tensed up, but when I realized that it was Edward, I relaxed. He said my name softly – hesitantly, as if he knew what expression I'd be wearing when I turned to face him. I hated for him to see me this way but I knew that Edward of all people would understand better than anyone the reason for my tears.

Before I could say a word, Edward pulled me into his comforting arms and held me tightly to his chest. I wrapped my arms around him in return and buried my head in his chest. I could feel his hot breath against my neck as he pressed soft kisses against my salty skin. He asked what was wrong and my words were merely a whisper on my lips.

"That was Mike's mom on the phone. She wants Kaden."

Edward pulled away from me slightly and pulled my chin up so my eyes met his. The look on his face was a mixture between anger and concern.

"What? What does that mean?"

"Mike seemed to have omitted quite a few important facts when he told his mother what happened between us, because he didn't tell her that he gave up his parental rights to Kaden."

"Are you serious?"

I nodded and slowly relayed the entire conversation I'd had with Karen Newton to Edward. By the time I was finished, I was still standing in Edward's embrace, but his shoulders were stiff and tense and his teeth were clenched.

"Baby, I will do everything I can to make sure that she doesn't get him. Let her try and take you to court – she won't get him."

Edward's words were firm, honest and true and I took comfort in his reassurance that I wasn't alone in fighting for my son.

"We should get back down to the party," I murmured against his chest.

"Yeah, I suppose we should. Bella, I don't want you to worry about Karen Newton, okay? We can call Jared and see what we can do later, but for now let's just enjoy having our family and friends here, all right?"

"Yeah." I nodded, wiping my residual tears away.

Every eye was on us as we passed through the french doors and out onto the patio. My dad's expression just about broke my heart, and I knew that he was the one who'd given Karen Newton my cell phone number.

I sat down on the outdoor sofa between Esme and my dad.

"Was that Mike's mom you were talking to on the phone?" Dad asked.

"Yeah. Can we talk about it later, Dad? I really want to enjoy the rest of the party and not think about that phone conversation."

"Sure, Bells. When she called and asked for your number, I didn't think she'd pick today of all days to call and talk to you."

"You don't have to apologize, Dad. You didn't give it to her maliciously, but don't think for one minute that she didn't calculate the timing of her phone call. She knew that she'd rattle me today by calling. Her mission was accomplished but I refuse to let her rain on Kaden's parade."

I felt Esme take my hand into hers and she squeezed gently.

"Bella, sweetheart … I think Kaden's ready for some presents."

I looked at Esme and smiled.

"Yes, Esme, I believe he is."

Edward leaned down from behind me and kissed the top of my head.

"I'll get our boy," he whispered against my hair.

I watched as Edward walked to the lower part of the yard to collect Kaden who was playing happily in what was once their mud pile. Esme encouraged everyone to move into the house for the opening of presents. I couldn't hear what Edward was saying to Kaden, but whatever it was, made him smile so big his sweet little face could barely contain it. My son threw his arms around Edward's neck as Edward scooped him up and walked toward us.

"What did you say to him that made him smile like that?" I asked.

"I'll tell you about it later." Edward grinned.

We sat in the living room, gathered around Kaden who sat in the center of the rug on the floor with a landslide of presents surrounding him. How a little boy could possibly need so many presents, I didn't know. As Kaden opened his second present, there was a knock on the front door.

"I'll get it." Carlisle smiled.

Moments later, Rosalie and Emmett walked through the doorway with big grins on their faces. I was shocked to see them, let alone see them together. I had invited Emmett, but he called me the day before the party and told me that he wouldn't be able to make it because something had come up. Obviously, it was because someone came down.

"Rosalie! Sweetheart, I thought you weren't going to be able to make it!" Esme smiled, standing to greet her oldest child.

"I didn't think I could. I finished up a bit early and I was able to manage a flight out. I called Emmett yesterday to see if he could pick me up from the airport if I was able to pull it off. I did and here we are."

"Thank you for coming, Rose," I murmured, giving Rosalie a small smile.

"You're welcome, Bella. I didn't want to miss Little Man's birthday party, nor did I want to pass up a chance to see my little brother for the first time in ages."

"Hey, Sis." Edward smiled, pulling Rosalie into a hug.

"Hey, Eddie."

Rosalie's smile was sweet and genuine as she returned Edward's hug and I saw for the first time, just how close Edward and Rosalie truly were. When Rosalie broke their embrace, Edward pulled her over to the breakfast bar where they sat down to talk and watch from afar.

When the mountain of presents had dwindled down to nothing more than a pile of paper and discarded packaging, I declared that it was time for cake.

"That's what I'M talking 'bout!" Emmett boomed, laughter erupting all around him.

"Emmett, I'm offended … you only came for the food?" I asked, feigning hurt.

Emmett chuckled.

"No, B, although the food is a perk. I hated calling to tell you that I couldn't make it yesterday. I know how hard you worked on everything."

"It's all right, Emmett. You and Rosalie are both here now and that's what counts."

Edward followed closely behind me as I pulled a chair up behind the cake for Kaden to sit on as we sang him happy birthday. Edward lifted him up and helped situate him before lighting the four red candles. I snapped picture after picture as everyone around the table sang along with Edward who began the familiar tune. My little bear closed his eyes as tight as they would go and blew out the small flames with all his might.

"Make a wish, Kaden!" Alice sing-songed.

A few moments passed before he opened his eyes again and he beamed up at Edward and me. I looked down at his sweet little face and I knew he'd had enough of waiting. He'd made his wish and was ready for his cake.

"Hey, Buddy … just be patient for a few seconds longer," Edward crooned.

I quickly cut into the cake and served up a piece for my impatient son. Esme took over cutting and serving everyone else so I could pour Kaden a glass of milk. Once he was taken care of, I stood next to Edward leaning against the breakfast bar. We were enjoying our cake and watching our family and friends once again. Everyone was either sitting at the table or standing around it – what was once an empty house was now over flowing with life, love and laughter.

"What do you think he wished for?" I whispered to Edward as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"I think I have an idea." Edward grinned.

"Okay … care to clue me in?" I asked.

"Remember earlier, I said I'd tell you later what I said to make Kaden smile?"

I nodded.

"I told him it was time for presents, but I told him that one of my presents for him wasn't the kind that could be wrapped. I told him if he wants to call me 'daddy' – you and me are both okay with it. I told him I'd give him all the love in the world because I want to be his daddy."

I looked up at the wonderful, handsome man beside me who completely owned my heart. I'd never loved him more than I did in that moment. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him sweetly.

"Edward Cullen, you are one of the best men I've ever known. I love you so much. Thank you for making this such a wonderful birthday for him. I can't imagine a better dad for him."

"You don't have to thank me, baby. I'm the one who feels like I'm getting a gift. I get you and Kaden, I think that's infinitely better."

I reached up to kiss his soft lips once again.

"Just when I think you can't be any more perfect, you shock the hell out of me and do it again," I murmured against his lips.

"I could say the same thing about you, beautiful."

"Mmm," I hummed, as I snuggled into his side and returned to watching everyone around us.

"Who are the others?"

"What others?"

"The best men you know."

"Are you jealous, Edward Cullen?" I grinned.

"No, but tell me who they are." Edward whispered seriously.

"My dad, Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett. You're second only to my dad, baby."

"Good. I guess now I'll have to work hard to keep it that way."

Esme, Rosalie, and I cleaned up the house after the majority of our guests left. My dad lingered because he wanted to know about the phone call. Emmett and Rosalie stayed behind because Edward wanted Emmett aware of what was going on. Jasper was planning on returning after he took Alice and Jackson home, and Carlisle and Esme were staying in our guest room.

"Edward," I said softly, peeking into our bedroom as he settled a very sleepy Kaden into our bed.

"Everything okay?"

"Everything is fine. I wanted to tell you that I think we should include your parents in our discussion. They should know what's going on too. I don't think they should be left to find out from your sister."

"I agree. I was going to ask you about it."

I pushed the hair from my son's forehead and kissed it sweetly.

"Sweet dreams, Little Bear."

"What do you mean she wants him?" Charlie asked angrily.

"Dad, calm down. I don't want you to have another heart attack," I pleaded. "Mike didn't tell his mom the truth about his leaving. She was under the impression that I left him and took Kaden away from Mike without another word."

"Are you serious?" Rosalie asked.

"Yes. That's how Mike always was when his mother was concerned. I was always the bad person in the relationship. If we got into a fight and the two of them talked while we were fighting, he'd tell her it was my fault we were fighting. I was always the one who got thrown under the bus. This time, I won't let him convince anyone that it was my fault as to why Kaden and I left Tacoma."

"It wasn't your fault, Bells. I know I wasn't there, but it's not like you to up and leave. It might have killed you, but if Mike had stuck around, you'd have stayed as long as you needed to for Kaden's sake."

I nodded, tears threatening to overflow.

Edward pulled me close to him and whispered softly in my ear.

"I'm glad you didn't stay, baby. Everything happens for a reason and I can't imagine my life without you."

I mouthed 'I love you' to him before touching my forehead to his.

"Edward … I think the best thing to do would be to call Jared," Carlisle spoke softly from across the room.

"I agree, Dad. I told Bella earlier that we need to get in contact with him. I'm obviously not a lawyer but I would guess that Ms. Newton doesn't have any legal rights to Kaden since Mike gave up his. She can't demand visitation with him, but if she takes it to a lawyer and it goes to court, a judge may rule to give her visitation."

"I don't trust her," Bella murmured. "I don't trust her any more than I trusted Mike toward the end of our relationship. She's too unstable and scatterbrained. She can be a sweet woman when she wants to be, but she's got issues. She's bi-polar schizophrenic and she doesn't always take her meds. I'm not so sure that her meds work when she does take them."

"Do you know what she takes Bella?" Carlisle asked.

"No. I had to help her with her scripts a few years ago, but I don't remember what she was taking."

"Make sure that you give Jared that information. If it comes down to it, he can request her medical records if only to prove her medical condition."

"What do you mean you're not sure if her meds work when she's taking them?" Edward asked, his brow furrowed.

"She's been on the same meds for years. Karen Newton is a hypochondriac. Mike had to tend to her a lot throughout our marriage and he told me that the doctor finally gave her scripts and he calls and renews them every six months without a checkup, so he doesn't have to see her."

"That's negligence!" Carlisle shouted.

"Carlisle, sweetheart, calm down," Esme said softly. "Shouting isn't going to solve the problem."

"Bells, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have given her your number. I thought I was doing the right thing. I know if I was in her shoes, I know I'd want to see Little Man too."

"But, Dad … you've always been a part of his life. You came to Tacoma to visit as often as you could, and we Skyped nearly every day. Kaden knows you and he knows that you've been around since he was little. He has no idea who Karen Newton is. Sending him a Christmas card with a check in it for five dollars doesn't make her Grandmother of the Year. Especially when she lives in the same goddamn town!"

I could feel Edward jump in his seat next to me at my outburst, but I couldn't help it. My anger was getting the best of me, and I had to let it out somehow. I hung my head in my hands as my chest continued to heave, my breaths coming faster as the angry tears dripped down my face.

"I think we've done all we can do for the evening," Esme said quietly. "We can talk to Jared in the morning and go from there. For now I think we all need to relax and get some rest. It's been a busy day and I'm sure Bella is exhausted."

Voices murmured in agreement all around us as everyone wished us goodnight. I felt Edward's warm hand drawing circles on my back.

"Tired?" He whispered in my ear.

I shook my head.

"It's beautiful out tonight. How about if I build a fire outside and we can sit on the patio with a glass of wine?"

I looked up through my tears to find a hopeful expression on his face.

"That sounds amazing."

I moved into the kitchen to find a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses. Through the windows I could see Edward flicking the lighter under the kindling and as it caught, he replaced the screen over the top of the pit. He took the wine from me as I approached him, and filled our glasses as I held them.

We snuggled together on the sofa, warm breezes blowing around us, the glow of the fire illuminating our faces, and a blanket of stars tucking us in.

A/N: Ever been so angry that you cried, unable to stop the tears? Yeah … that's me when I get really pissed so I get how Bella feels here. ;)

Thank you for the overwhelming amount of reviews on the last chapter … Karen Newton is definitely NOT your favorite person, LOL. (She's not mine either, but she doesn't carry asshole status like Mike does) Your words make my day. TYSFM. =)

My kiddo and I went to Disneyland with darcysmom (my beta) yesterday and we didn't get back until after midnight and on the way home, an owl with a death wish hit my windshield, so I've been trying to get that sorted this morning. I promise I will be on time for next week's chapter and I will be sure to have the teaser up on Fictionators.

I will send out the teaser for next week's chapter to those who review and I will also post it on my facebook – I'm there as Kare Masen.

We are *so* close to the end! Two more chapters and then the epi ….

FYI – After the Epi posts, I have several outtakes to post that should (in theory) wrap up anything I may have missed. Keep a lookout for those … I'll probably post them with the regular chapters but they will be marked outtakes.

Thanks again for reading! *mwah*