All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.
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When You Least Expect It
Chapter Forty
Aloha 'Oe
'Attention passengers of flight 432 to Honolulu, we will begin boarding our first class passengers and those who need a little extra time getting down the jet way momentarily.'
"Little Bear, pick up your backpack, okay? It's almost time for us to get on the plane."
"Okay, Mama."
I looked over to Edward as he slipped the book he'd been reading back into his carry on. He stood up, pulled his bag across his shoulder, and reached his hand out to take my coffee so I could grab my own bag.
Our first class seats were plush and comfortable. Once we settled in, I closed my eyes and thought back to when Kaden and I traveled to Morocco to visit Edward. I remembered feeling incredibly spoiled and I didn't know what to do with myself when they came by with heated towels to wipe our travel weary skin with. I smiled at the memory and found myself thankful that this time around we were traveling with Edward instead of to him.
"Excited?" Edward whispered into my ear.
"Very. I've never been to Hawaii before."
"You'll love it. The house that I've rented is right on the beach. It's private, and it's entirely ours for a week. We can lie on the sand or play in the water. We have a car at our disposal – everything we need is at our fingertips."
Little did Edward know that everything I could ever need was sitting on either side of me.
Edward promised me a week of relaxation – away from the paps and bullshit of our everyday life. That included the anxiety and stress that came with the phone call from Karen Newton. Edward's future brother-in-law, Jared, was looking into the matter for me. His initial once over of the paperwork gave us hope. Mike had given up custody – willingly. He had no rights to Kaden whatsoever and he was to have no contact with Kaden until his eighteenth birthday unless Kaden initiated it. Since Karen Newton was only Kaden's paternal grandmother, and she had no type of custody over him, Jared believed that any type of custody petition would be ignored. At best, visitation would be all Karen Newton could get and that would be entirely up to me.
When we stepped off the plane in Kahului, I felt like I couldn't breathe the humidity was so high. It had been humid in Tacoma, but nothing like this. Edward guided us to the baggage carousel and we collected our things. He had hired a private car to take us to the beach house we were renting for the week.
The house was beautiful and set back from the main road. The house and outlying property was completely fenced in so we didn't have to worry about curious tourists. Doug accompanied us quietly, staying a short distance behind us but close enough if we needed him. Edward didn't want us to feel smothered by security while we were on vacation, and Doug promised he'd do his best to do his job while blending in with the scenery.
Edward led us into the house, which was light and airy. There was a comfortable looking living room, complete with a flat screen TV and a wall of movies. The kitchen was spacious and a chef's dream – only I found myself wanting to stay as far away from it as possible – for the moment.
Edward and Kaden went upstairs to explore the bedrooms while I stared out the patio door. The ocean was a clear, turquoise blue and the sand was a dark gray – almost black.
I felt Edward behind me before I heard him.
"I rented this house because the beaches are supposed to be incredible on this side of Maui. The black sand beaches came highly recommended," He whispered against my shoulder as he circled my waist with his arms.
"Mmm," I hummed, covering his arms with mine. "I can't wait to get out on the beach."
Thirty minutes later, we were all dressed to hit the sand. By the time I came down the stairs, Edward was slathering Kaden in sunscreen and helping him to gather up his sand toys.
"I've got beach chairs, a huge blanket, an umbrella, towels, sunscreen and my book – am I missing anything?" Edward asked sweetly.
"Me?" I grinned.
"I'd never forget you, baby." Edward grinned back, his smile honest and sweet.
"I'll grab some drinks and help you carry that stuff out, baby."
Sitting on the beach was heavenly. I wasn't kidding when I told Edward that Kaden would be happy playing in the sand and I'd be happy to sit and listen to the ocean. Though the humidity wasn't my favorite thing, the breeze off the ocean and the sun on my skin felt wonderful. I'd sit and relax or play in the sand with my boys. Since Edward came home from Morocco, he and Kaden had become inseparable. They were adorable really. Even our first night in Maui, when we had to drag Kaden from his spot in the sand to take a bath and eat some dinner; he'd thrown a fit of epic proportions but Edward and I knew how tired he was – the flight was taxing and he'd spent the majority of the afternoon in the sun. My boys had played hard all afternoon and we were exhausted.
"Bella, can I handle this?" Edward said softly as I stared down my son.
"If you really want to." I sighed.
Kaden had been screaming for a good ten minutes already, and I hoped that Edward didn't think that he had to prove to me or himself that he could handle Kaden when he threw temper tantrums like this. I knew he could, but part of me was interested to see him in action. Edward had never asked me to relinquish the role of disciplinarian to him before and honestly, I was more than relieved to finally have someone to share that role with.
"Kaden, buddy … it's time to get a bath and get cleaned up for dinner. Mommy asked you nicely but we're not giving you a choice. The beach will still be there tomorrow and we have an entire week to play in the sand."
"But I wanna play still! The sun isn't down yet!" Kaden cried.
"It's gonna go down soon, buddy. By the time you're done with your bath and feed the angry bears in your tummy the sun will be gone."
"No fair!"
"Sorry, buddy, that's the way it goes. We all have to do things we don't like."
"We do?"
Edward nodded.
"Like what?" Kaden asked curiously.
"I have to be away from home a lot when I'm working sometimes. I don't necessarily like to be away from home, but I enjoy my job."
"I don't like it when you go 'way to your job eithaw, Daddy. I like you home with me and Mommy."
I was amazed at how quickly Edward was able to calm Kaden down. Kaden's face was still red – a combination of the heat and his tantrum and his chest was still heaving with sobs but at least he wasn't screaming. Tantrums like this were rare and only happened when he was extremely tired but that didn't mean they were easier to take. I hated for him to be so upset – it was completely opposite of his usually calm and sweet demeanor.
Edward was handling it wonderfully. He was calm and spoke softly and soothingly to Kaden. When I tried to do the same thing, it seemed to only make him scream louder as if to drown out my words. Edward managed to take Kaden's focus off the tantrum and focus on something else. When Kaden told him that he didn't like him going away either, that he liked him home with us, my heart melted completely. How quickly this man had become the center of our world, I'd never understand but I'd remain thankful for him every day. Edward was such a blessing in our lives.
A couple nights later, Edward and I sat on the porch swing listening to the ocean. The evening breeze that swept over our skin was balmy and we sat as the last remnants of light slipped into darkness. Edward nuzzled my shoulder before lightly kissing my warm skin.
"I want you and Kaden to stay – to live with me."
Edward's voice was quiet and seemingly unsure. I met his eyes in the waning light, and the sincerity I found there was unmistakable. Kaden and I living with him was something that he wanted –badly. But did I? Did I want to change what Edward and I had by moving in with him?
"What? Edward ….."
I started to argue with him but he cut me off by asking me to think about it and telling me it made the most sense. When I thought about it – it did make the most sense. Kaden loved being at Edward's house. There was plenty of room for him to run and play in a safe environment. There was room for Koda, and Edward seemed to like having her there. I loved the kitchen; it was a dream to cook in. When Edward was there – it felt like home. When he was gone, it was just a house – the silence echoing in my heart. In all – moving in with Edward would be the perfect solution. I needed him to reassure me that it was what he really wanted and that he knew what he was getting into. There was also one other thing ….
"Edward, I'd love nothing more than to tell you we'll stay, but I feel like we're encroaching on something is solely yours. I mean, you have to look at it objectively. You have this massive, beautiful home but it's really not kid friendly. Kaden's staying in your guest room. I can't ask you to give up the room that your parents sleep in just so Kaden can have a bedroom."
Edward looked at me incredulously and asked if the sleeping arrangements were my only hang up. They weren't – and the true crux of the situation was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't push it past my lips.
Edward proceeded to tell me how thoroughly he'd thought it out. From remodeling his guest house to looking for a new house together. He wanted us to make a decision together – as a family.
I could feel the moisture in my eyes as I reaffirmed his wishes – only it came out as a question.
Edward pulled me into his lap and wrapped his arms around me. The warmth and comfort I found in his arms grounded me almost as much as his words that followed. Edward wanted a family and he wanted it with me and Kaden. The very thought had my heart beating out of my chest – so full of love for the man cradling me in his arms. I asked him if I could think about it; telling him I needed time to process. I closed my eyes and laid my head on his shoulder.
I turned things over and over in my mind. I murmured his name and told him that I loved his kitchen. A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. He knew I loved his kitchen, I'd told him so on more than one occasion. The thought that Edward would remodel the kitchen to my liking was too much. When I told him that he was the easiest boss I'd ever had the privilege of working for – the most mischievous smile crossed his face.
"The easiest huh? I'll show you easy."
Moments later, I was being swept up in his arms and carried to our bedroom.
Standing before him in nothing but my skimpy lace bra and panties, I felt exposed. It wasn't that I felt shy under Edward's scrutinizing gaze but overwhelmed from the conversation we'd just had and the expression on his face. Edward had a glint in his eyes that I couldn't place. It was different than the want and need I usually found in them. I smiled at the thought of what that look could have meant and Edward pulled me toward him – his touch a mere whisper on my skin as he touched my entire body. My already sensitive flesh lit on fire at the feel of his hands on me.
"Edward, why do you look at me like that?"
His brow furrowed and his fingers paused on my hips.
"Like what?"
"Like I'm the most beautiful thing in the world and then you touch me like that – like I'll break."
His response was so very him. Sweet and loving; tender and true. It was a side that he didn't share with many people. I wanted to be greedy – I wanted him to reserve it only for me.
We made love slowly and tenderly. Edward worshipped me and my body, his kisses soft and reverent. For hours we expressed our love and adoration for each other until the sky began to lighten over the Eastern horizon. It felt like we'd only been asleep for a few minutes when Kaden came creeping into our room. Thankfully, Edward rose from the bed briefly after our lovemaking to unlock the door.
Kaden crawled into our warm bed and snuggled in on Edward's other side. I could almost hear the gears in his little head – little fingers were itching to reach out and tickle Edward. My son was looking for payback and I grinned against Edward's chest before reprimanding him and offering breakfast. Warm hands held us tighter to Edward's chest and I knew he was awake. I kissed him softly, unable to leave the bed without doing so.
"Where do you think you're going?" Edward asked sleepily.
I explained I was going to feed Kaden and make some breakfast. I knew we'd need the energy after the night we'd had.
"Mmm … is that so?"
I whispered my confirmation against his cheek.
"I could get used to waking up snuggled up next to both of you."
I smiled widely.
"You might be in luck. I have the power to make that happen."
Edward's eyes were lit with hope as he gazed at me.
Less than an hour later, the three of us sat in bed eating breakfast. Rich, Kona coffee filled our cups and woke us up as Kaden happily sipped on his juice. We were a picture of the perfect family enjoying a lazy morning together. I could certainly see the appeal of a repeat.
The day before we left Maui, we lay out on the beach – not unlike how we'd spent every other day. Edward lounged in a beach chair, his book in hand. He had caught some sun over the past week, and his hair was a bit lighter. Edward was gloriously handsome in his low-slung board shorts and his sunglasses sitting just so on his nose. He smiled crookedly when he looked up from his book and noticed my unabashed ogling.
"C'mon, Mommy!" Kaden shouted, calling my attention back to him.
We'd built half-dozen sandcastles and had abandoned them to seek some relief from the cool water. Kaden splashed and laughed as the waves hit his legs. I took his hands and spun him around in the ankle deep water. Too dizzy to continue, I set him down, keeping a hold on his hand. Warm arms wrapped around my waist and soft lips pressed against my sticky skin.
"Were you getting lonesome over there by yourself?"
"Yes," Edward murmured against my skin. "I missed you."
I leaned into his embrace while Kaden continued to kick the water at our feet. I played with his long fingers that lay against my stomach.
"I'm right here."
"Mmm … too far away."
"What are you going to do when we get home?" I asked.
Being together every day for a week had spoiled us. There were no distractions or meetings to attend. We had our cell phones, but they remained on the bedside table – they served us only as an alarm clock if we deemed it necessary.
"I'm going to work, you're going to work, and Kaden's going to school …."
"I know, but …."
"I'll be home every night and I'll be home every weekend. We'll make it work, Bella."
I nodded knowing that we'd work it out somehow.
"How long will it take to remodel the guest house?"
Edward turned me in his arms, his brows raised in question.
"I've been thinking," I began, biting my lip. "Moving into another house would be great, but with everything we have going on – it would be easier to renovate the guest house for guests as opposed to moving. I love the idea of picking out something together but I love the kitchen you have now."
"So … you're going to stay?"
Edward looked so hopeful and I nodded.
"There isn't any place we'd rather be than with you."
"He's exhausted," Edward whispered as he tucked Kaden into bed.
Our flight arrived in Los Angeles late in the evening, and the day of travel had taken a toll on my baby boy. Edward and I were tired too, but we'd only have a couple days to rest before we headed up to Edward's parents for the Labor Day weekend. Fortunately, Edward had booked a small charter plane for the trip so we didn't have to spend so much time driving.
"Thanks for bringing my son home for a visit," Carlisle whispered as he hugged me.
I smiled at his content expression.
Jared had sent Edward an email letting him know he had news for us and that he was eager to share it with us over the weekend.
"Carlie and Jared will be here in the morning." Esme smiled as she set the dinner table.
"I'm nervous to hear what he has to say," I admitted.
"I know you are, sweetheart. I'm nervous myself. I don't want you and Edward to have to fight for that little boy. You two have struggled enough in the past year – it's time for things to settle down for the two of you. Are you looking forward to starting your new job in a few weeks?"
"I am. I'm excited about Rob's plans, and I can't wait to see what he's done to the place. He basically found this really cool old building and gutted it. Edward caved and became a silent partner, and I think he did it so I'd have a state of the art kitchen to work in." I giggled. "Rob showed me the plans before you guys came down for Kaden's birthday and work had already started on the place, so I'm anxious to see what's been done so far. He's hoping for a November opening, but we'll see."
"That's so exciting, Bella. I knew Edward would eventually give in – he's interested in that kind of thing but I don't think he'd ever perform outside of his home."
I nodded in agreement.
Dinner was nice – it was quiet with just the five of us, but it was relaxing. It was different, seeing Edward in this environment. He was almost as relaxed as he had been in Hawaii. Since Esme cooked, I insisted on doing the dishes. Carlisle announced that he was happy to help me and sent Esme, Edward Kaden out to the deck. We worked side by side, rinsing and loading things into the dishwasher – much like Edward and I did at home.
"Edward seems happier." Carlisle smiled.
"Was he unhappy?" I asked, not understanding his statement.
"No, not at all, but he seems happier if that's even possible – since you've been home from Hawaii."
Edward has been different – not in a bad way, but ever since I told him we'd stay, he'd been lighter – more settled.
We watched from the window as Edward and Esme settled into chairs on the deck. Kaden crawled onto Edward's lap and nuzzled into his chest. Edward kissed the top of Kaden's head and rubbed his back. Esme watched the exchange next to her with loving eyes. I couldn't hear their conversation, but Edward nodded and smiled at his mother. Edward's happiness was written all over his face.
"That look is because of you and the little boy in his arms."
"I love him," I said softly.
"I know you do, Bella. You're happier too. Maybe you don't see it, but we do."
I nodded and took a deep breath.
"Kaden and I are going to stay with Edward. He asked us to stay and I said yes."
My words were merely a whisper, but Carlisle heard every word.
"Good. That's what he wanted. Edward doesn't want to be away from the two of you anymore than he has to be."
"Edward and Kaden are inseparable these days. Kaden's needed someone like Edward for so long." I sniffled.
"I think you needed him too, Bella. The two of you will make a good team. Love each other and take care of one another. Communicate and be honest – there won't be anything that the two of you can't handle – including this thing with your ex mother-in-law."
We finished the dishes just as Edward was bringing Kaden into the house.
"He fell asleep." Edward shrugged apologetically.
"He's tired – it's been a long day and he's still getting used to the time change."
I followed Edward up the stairs and into his bedroom where Esme had made up the pull out bed for Kaden. I pulled back the blankets and Edward laid him down. Carefully, I pulled off his shoes and pants while Edward wiggled him out of his shirt.
"I love this," Edward murmured.
"What?"
"This – putting him to bed together. It's my favorite time of day with him. I finally understand why it's your favorite time of day too."
"He's always snuggly when he's tired. Bedtime and first thing in the morning – it's that sleepy look on his face, and when he's warm and fresh from the bath …."
"I love when you read to him – he's tired but he hangs on every word."
We finished dressing Kaden in his pajamas and pulled his blankets up over him, making sure that he had Mater. Edward checked the night light and plugged in the baby monitor I'd brought along just to keep an ear on him.
We joined Esme and Carlisle on the deck. While we tucked Kaden in, Carlisle had built a fire in the outdoor fireplace and Esme was pouring us glasses of wine. Edward sat down on the wicker loveseat and pulled me down next to him, wrapping his arms around me. We chatted and laughed until late in the evening. Carlisle and Esme retired, leaving Edward and I alone with the wine and the stars above.
"It's so beautiful here," I murmured. "I can see why your parents like it so much."
"Yeah, it's definitely a lot quieter than L.A. It's more laid back here."
"Mmm," I hummed. "I could get used to being here … the wine is fantastic."
Edward's chest rumbled beneath me with his chuckle.
"The company is better though." I grinned, turning to kiss him.
"Mmm, the company is fantastic … not the wine."
We kissed like teenagers in the firelight. The air was cool but the wine was keeping us warm. We stayed on the patio kissing and talking until the fire was nothing but embers. We crept into our room and changed for bed as quietly as we could before crawling into bed and wrapping ourselves around each other once more, falling into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
The next morning, I woke with warm arms around me; the soft rise and fall of Edward's bare chest beneath me. I blinked and looked over to find Kaden's bed abandoned. Peals of laughter rose from the lawn just outside the windows. Tickling fingers traced up my spine and disappeared beneath my tank top, and I knew that Edward was awake. I left a trail of wet kisses up his chest as I worked my way up to his mouth, finally kissing his soft, warm lips.
"Good morning, baby." He grinned.
"'Morning."
"Mmm … Kaden's outside with Emmett, Rosalie and my dad."
"So I hear," I whispered, kissing his jaw.
"Mmm … I think you should get up and lock the door."
I kissed him quickly and hopped out of bed.
"I think you should lock the door, I'll be right back," I smiled, walking quickly toward the bathroom.
Edward was sitting against the pillows when I stepped out of the bathroom. His hair was askew on his head; he looked sleepy and completely adorable.
"C'mere."
Edward opened his arms to me, and I crawled on the bed toward him without any hesitation. Our lips met, warm and wanting.
"Love me, Edward," I whimpered, as Edward pulled my tank top and panties from my body.
"Always," He whispered.
Gently, Edward pushed into me. My entire being hummed at the feel of his skin on mine – the feel of him moving inside me, his body telling mine what words couldn't say.
"I love you so much, Bella."
Bright green eyes bore into mine and in them I found overwhelming love and adoration. I closed my eyes, trying to sear the vision into my memory – a little piece of Edward I could keep forever.
"I'm not going anywhere, Bella," Edward whispered before kissing my forehead.
"I know and I love you too, Edward."
Our bodies moved against each other, the rhythmic pushing and pulling an incredible feeling as we brought each other to the edge – if only to slow down and start all over again. I could taste the salt on Edward's skin as I pressed my lips to his neck. I smiled into his soft flesh, knowing that I was the reason for the dampness of his skin.
"Jesus, Bella. You feel so good. Every time … better and better."
I knew exactly what he meant. Edward seemed to struggle for words but I understood because I felt the same way. He moved languidly and when he was buried so deeply inside me, I felt so full – of him, of love – it was all consuming. I could feel the tightening deep in my belly – like a storm rolling in over the horizon.
"Ugh, Edward … I'm … coming," I whispered breathlessly.
Bliss washed over me as I held Edward to me. I needed his weight to ground me as wave after wave overtook my frame. Just when I thought it was over, it started again when Edward thrust his hips into me once more and spilled deep inside me. I whimpered and whispered his name over and over again, hoping that he'd know I needed him to hold on to me.
Edward didn't disappoint me. He cradled me in his arms as he rode out his own orgasm, my name flowing from his lips as well.
"You're shaking, baby. Are you okay?" Edward asked against my temple.
"Uh huh," I muttered, completely incoherent.
Edward moved as if he was going to pull out of me and I held on to him.
"No! Please, I'm fine. You feel so good, baby."
After a several minutes, I finally allowed Edward to shift off of me and he pulled me into his arms once again, covering us with the blankets.
"I'm sure that everyone will be wondering what happened to us, but I don't care."
I couldn't bring myself to care either, especially if I got to wake up to that every morning.
Two hours later, we sat down to brunch with Edward's family. Carlie and Jared had arrived just after Edward and I made our appearance downstairs. Jared had to have known how anxious we were and he pulled us into Carlisle's study to tell us his news.
"I called and spoke to Karen Newton. She wasn't aware that her son left you, Bella. Apparently, after she spoke with you she called and had a talk with her son and he confirmed your story. She doesn't seem too happy about it, but she understands that it is legal and binding. I explained to her again that Mike signed away his parental rights and effectively any desire for visitation with Kaden until he turns eighteen."
"I bet she didn't like that," I said, rolling my eyes.
"She didn't, but she seems to understand that she has no claim on your son. However, she did mention that she would like to see him and work out a visitation schedule. I told her that I would ask you about it and get back with her. Bella, you aren't obligated to allow her to visit Kaden. If you think it's more detrimental to allow her to be a part of his life, tell her no. My advice to you is this; if you allow her visitation it should be supervised and she should come to you. No out of state visits and no visits where Kaden is alone with her – that would leave her too much freedom to take off with him. That's my personal advice – for what it's worth."
"I agree, baby. If you want to allow the visitation, it occurs when one of us is around, whether it's you or me, my parents, Emmett, Doug or even Alice and Jasper. But that's your choice. Personally, I'd think about Kaden – maybe Jared's right. Will it be detrimental to allow her into his life? How well does he even know her?"
I looked up into Edward's worried face – he was just as concerned for Kaden as I was. How could he not be? He did consider Kaden to be his son ….
"He doesn't know her – not really. Like I said before, she didn't come around very often; only when it was convenient for her."
"Do you think her presence would confuse him?" Jared asked.
"Yes and no. He wouldn't know her but if we told him she was his grandmother, he would understand that. It's when I'd have to explain that she's his father's mother that would confuse him. He considers Edward his daddy and he knows that Esme is Edward's mom – he calls her Nana for crying out loud. He loves her and she is who he associates the title of grandma with. Kaden has seen more of Esme in the last few months than he's seen of Karen Newton his entire life."
"Then I think you have your answer, baby," Edward murmured beside me.
"What do you think?" I asked.
"I think that right now, Kaden is happy – content with the way things are. He's surrounded by people that love him. He's got the best mom a kid could ask for, a set of pseudo grandparents who think he hung the moon, a grandfather who loves him more than life itself, an uncle and aunt who adore him and he's got me. I love him so fucking much, Bella. More than I ever thought I could, and you know what? I want to be greedy … I don't want to share him with Karen Newton. I want to be his dad; I want to take care of him with you. But, I don't want to be so greedy that we completely erase him from her life. She didn't ask for a shitty son, she didn't give up her rights to Kaden – Mike did. Yeah, maybe she was a shitty grandma but that doesn't mean that she won't learn from her past mistakes."
"So what are you saying, Edward? You want me to allow her visitation?"
"No. Give Kaden the option. Obviously, don't give it to him now but when he's older – we should let him decide. It's his choice whether or not he contacts Mike when he gets older so why not give him the same option with Mike's mother? In the meantime, we can send her photos a few times a year and keep her updated on how he's doing."
I thought about Edward's words and they made a lot of sense. After all, if we sent her photos and kept her updated on his activities, it would equal the amount of time she'd spent with him before, so it wouldn't be any different – she just wouldn't see him in person.
"I think that's a good idea," I nodded. "But what happens if she turns that down?"
"Well, that's up to her," Jared explained. "I've made it clear to her that if she decides to argue against your decision, she'll have a fight on her hands. She'll have to petition the court and depending on the outcome of that, it could end up becoming a rather lengthy and expensive process - a process in which she doesn't seem to have the money to cover."
A thousand thoughts seemed to swirl in my head as I tried to process what Jared was saying. I couldn't make heads or tails of it and I knew I wouldn't be able to until I'd talked everything out with Edward and our family.
"Okay, we don't need to make a decision this minute. Let's sit down and have some breakfast and maybe we can talk about it as a family and go from there."
I nodded at Edward and let him lead me from the room.
After breakfast, we called and spoke to Jasper. Edward's family was in full support of us denying Karen Newton visitation, but our current worry was whether or not she would find out about Edward and use his celebrity to drag me through the mud.
"I don't care what she does to me; I don't want it to affect Edward."
"Bella, if she does anything to you, of course it will affect me. You are everything to me – you and Kaden both are. What happens to you affects every facet of my life. If she tries to use me to drag you through the mud, I'll hang her ass out to dry. When we're done with her she'll have learned to cling to the bottom of the rock she lives under. I won't let her hurt my family."
Just when I thought I couldn't love Edward more, he fiercely defended me. It was a test of wills, to see who was more protective, and in the end, I had to concede. Jasper and Alice fully supported whatever decision we made and in the end, it was all too easy.
Jared promised he'd personally make the phone call to Karen Newton when the long weekend was over. He'd let her know that we would send her photos and keep her updated with Kaden's life, but until he was older and could make a decision for himself, we couldn't allow her to visit him.
The days we spent in Napa were wonderful. Being with family was very satisfying. Edward surprised me by flying my dad up to spend the weekend as well and it was nice to see him fit right in. One day the men and Kaden took off to do a little fishing while the girls and I went to the spa and did a little shopping in the boutiques around town.
Rosalie was finally warming up to me after seeing how Edward and I were together. The couple days that she'd visited for Kaden's birthday was only a "sample" as she called it.
"I can see that you really care for him, Bella. It's nice to see. Edward's happy – genuinely happy. He deserves it and so do you. If you can be happy together, I think it's wonderful."
"Thanks, Rosalie. That means a lot to me."
"So … Bella, does that mean that you and my little brother will be strolling down the aisle sometime soon?" Carlie asked with a grin.
"Carlie! Don't give the poor girl a heart attack," Esme chastised. "Don't rush them or put added stress on them. If they want to get married, let them figure it out on their own."
"Sorry, mom, but you know how Edward is. He was ready to propose to that bitch and he didn't feel nearly the same way about her as he feels for Bella."
"Carlie! Enough!"
"Esme, please, it's fine. It was a perfectly legitimate question and as his family you all have a right to ask. The truth is … I don't know. Will it be soon? Probably not, because I don't think that I'm quite ready for that yet. We have a lot on our plate right now – Edward and I both have big projects coming up and I'm not really sure where those projects are going to take us. Know that I love Edward with all my heart, and I'm not going anywhere."
"Oh, sweetheart. I appreciate your honesty, but like I said, you and Edward will figure it out. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my grandson and spoil my youngest daughter."
Our time in Napa ended all too soon and before we knew it we were on the plane home and back to reality. Kaden started school the following week, and Edward and I both took him to school on the first day.
"I don't care who sees me. I want to walk my son into class even if it's not his first rodeo."
I giggled.
"Edward … it's only pre-school. It'll be a bigger deal next year when he starts Kindergarten."
"Bella, it's a big deal now … it's my first day of pre-school as his dad. Please tell me you understand that."
Edward gazed at me with wide, pleading eyes. His lip was stretched out in a pout and there was no way I could tell him no when he looked like that. The fact that he was right had absolutely nothing to do with it.
"Of course I understand, handsome." I smiled sweetly.
"Baby, we have to hurry. That damn magazine is coming over for the interview today. Why did we have to have them come over on the first day of school?"
Edward was stressing out. People magazine was coming over to do the interview that Jasper had promised them. We were going to drop Kaden off at school and then return to the house to do the interview. Edward had rehearsed everything he wanted to say to the interviewer. He was nervous and excited all at the same time. He was going to announce to the world that he had a girlfriend. I had given him permission to be completely honest about Kaden, but Edward was adamant about making his intentions clear. He considered Kaden his.
"Because you are starting a new project tomorrow and this is your last opportunity, that's why." I grinned, grabbing Kaden's backpack. "C'mon Little Bear, we have to get you to school or you'll be late and we don't want to be late on the first day."
"I love you, baby," Edward whispered in the privacy of our kitchen.
He was getting ready to give his interview to People magazine. Jasper was sitting at the breakfast bar typing away on his laptop, while Emmett sat next to him with a shit eating grin on his face.
"Did you ever think you'd find yourself here again, Bella?"
I looked at everything around me. From Jasper sitting at the counter instead of Eric, to Edward sitting on the couch quietly laughing at the interviewer – he certainly wasn't the same brooding man I'd met nearly a year ago. He was happier, more settled and completely in love. Emmett was the only thing that remained constant – because even I had changed. Little did I know that Edward's love would change Kaden's and my life so profoundly – when I least expected it.
A/N: And there you have it folks. There will be an Epilogue which will post next week. However … there will NOT be a teaser for the Epi up on the Fictionators. If I did a teaser, it would spoil the entire thing and we can't have that, can we?
Not to sound like a broken record, but THANK YOU to everyone who has read, rec'd, tweeted, facebooked and more importantly – reviewed this story. I love reading them as much as y'all love reading the updates and I can't thank you enough.
OUTTAKES – I'm thinking there will be 5 outtakes to "When You Least Expect It" – I've finished a Mike Outtake and it's off to the beta and will be going to the compilation for Fandom4Oklahoma. I'm still working on a Kaden and a Charlie outtake, and I think Lauren and Nick will pop up as well. I'm hoping I can get them done and post them after the Epi like updates.
A little note on "Never Let Go" the next fic I'll be posting – I still don't have a date as to when I'll be posting that one – I have 23 chapters written so far and I've been going back and doing a bit of re-writing it, which means I've sent it back to my lovely beta for reassurance that it doesn't completely suck. I'm hoping that I can get it posted for y'all who are interested SOON. Make sure you've got me on Author Alert if you're interested ;)
Have a great week – I'll see you Monday with the Epi!