Rating: LeMon

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns it all, I don't,

I just wish I owned Edward.

A/N…Again Lovinrob and amandac3 rocks my socks.

Cosmopolis Rules!

Thank you to all you Twilight readers out there in cyber space. You are so fun to write for because you see so much into the story that I had only in my head but you know…and you ask…and you let me know. I love that.

CHAPTER 42

EPOV

"Hey, Billy, can you meet me in my home office?" I say over the radio.

"Sure thing, boss. Be there in a shake."

While I wait for Billy to arrive, I pull up my plans on the computer screen.

"What's up, boss?" He asks as he enters my office.

"I have a project." I begin. "Follow me." We walk down the hall from my office and into the room that is currently the library but was never used as such.

"I want to turn this into a study for Bella." I say, turning to Billy to see his reaction. "I want to gut that bathroom and remodel it for her too. What do you think? Is it something you can handle or do we need to bring in help?" I ask, hoping it won't be too much for him.

"I can do some of it. Most of it actually, but let's see what you have planned." He says and we return to my office to review the plans I have designed myself.

"I want to take this wall of bookshelves out but leave this wall of shelves intact. I want to put this woven carpet on the perimeter of the room with the matching print on the inside. I have chosen this paint to match the carpet because the experts say it's a calming color. I want it wired for everything under the sun so consult an expert to see what she might need. What I mean by that Billy, is what she might need in her immediate future as well as distant future. I want Skype, I want video conferencing, I want TV, I want it all. I want her to have the best." I say as he just stares at me as if I'm nuts.

"I have ordered furniture for this sitting area over here and it should arrive in a couple weeks so we can store it somewhere until the study is finished. I want this particular crown moulding and this base around the office."

Billy and I spend close to two hours going over the design and the details I want and determine it should be complete in about three weeks with work starting tomorrow. I'm just glad there are French doors leading out to the veranda so Billy's comings and goings will go undetected for the most part.

Once I am finished going over the plans with Billy, I open my computer to my personal email account to prepare an email for Bella. I notice that I have an email from Leah.

"Shit." I say out loud.

To: Edward

From: Your Tigre

Edward, I hope this finds you well. I heard through the social grapevine that you and Bella have broken up and I hope it wasn't from anything stemming from our lunch that day.

I am fully ensconced in London now and, I must admit, I miss you terribly. I was laying here thinking of you and having a moment of sadness at my stupidity of losing you and wish with all the world that I could turn back time. I was a foolish girl then and regret ever hurting you when you were nothing but good and loyal and dedicated to me and our relationship. I would give anything to have that back again.

If you would just give me the word, I would return to you at a moment's notice.

Please, Edward, give me the word. You loved me once, could you love me again?

Give me the word….. Yes!

My hands are shaking. My heart is racing. I can't believe the audacity of her sending me an email like this. And for her to use the pet name I had for her. Tigre. Italian for tiger. She ruined us. And she nearly ruined Bella and me. Now she wants me to take her back?

To: Leah

From: Edward

I will give you this word…. No!

I hit send and then delete her email.

Now, on to Jacob.

"Jenks, tell me what you know right now about Black." I wait for his response. I know what Bella has told me and I need to see what he knows.

"Let me pull up my file." He says as I hear him tap on his keyboard. "He was fired from his most recent employer for complaints of sexual harassment by a few of the firm's secretaries. He attempted employment at another larger firm and was promised a position but was suddenly tossed out of the running after several references didn't pan out. That's all I have on him right now, but I am waiting to receive a report from one of my investigators on a rumor."

"What rumor?" I ask.

"That he has received employment locally, in Napa, at one of the wineries." Jenks answered.

"And why didn't you tell me? You didn't think I would want to know this? I should be hearing this type of information from you, not Bella." I demand.

"Because I wanted to make sure it wasn't just a rumor before I cried wolf. I have kept an eye on both of them and they haven't gone to the bathroom without my knowledge. I told you it wouldn't happen again and it won't, Edward. I want to check this out first and I expect to hear from my agent any time now. In fact, I expect it this afternoon and I will let you know if it is a rumor or not as soon as I know." I can tell he is getting pissed off at me for not trusting him but too damned bad. Jacob was too close to Bella and I can't have that happen again.

"Where is your "agent" looking? Did you start at Denali's?" I had to ask.

"Yes. That is where I think he is, but he hasn't left his apartment. Wait, here's an email now." I wait in silence until he reads it.

"It is confirmed. He is in fact working for Denali Wineries. However, he is working out of his home office. This boy is keeping it clean. Outside of what's in the reports I've been sending you, Tanya and Jacob do not step outside of those locations. She goes to his place but he doesn't go to hers. They eat in by way of takeout delivery."

"Let's talk about his criminal history." I ask.

"He doesn't have one. He's clean. He was clean when he dated Bella. They had a very solid relationship. They saw each other nearly every day. They were the golden couple until the secretary, Jessica, stepped in. She usurped Bella intentionally. Bella walked in on Jacob having anal sex with Jessica. It ended both relationships permanently for Bella although Jessica and Jacob continued their affair for another year before Jacob moved on to another conquest. It wasn't until recently that Jacob determined that he wanted, or wants, Bella back and is determined to achieve that goal."

"Anything else?" I ask.

"Tanya. Tanya is the one wearing the pants in the relationship between Jacob and her. She behaves quite violently toward Jacob. This is all determined by eyewitness accounts only and not by the interview process. Tanya is very close to her father and her father rules. It is believed that Jackson tends to get violent toward Tanya and that could possibly be where her tendencies come into play. Considering the relationship between those two is relatively new, I don't have much to report. You have all this in my written report already, but I thought it would be prudent to review it should you have any questions."

"How did you come by the information on Jacob and Jessica?" I ask him.

"Now, Mr. Cullen, do you expect me to divulge my sources? But let's just say a lot of expensive dinners and lingerie was purchased to get to the bottom of the subject." He snickers at that last comment. Oh my God, did he fuck Jessica for the information? I don't even want to know.

"What about the District Attorney's Office's charges against Jacob?" I ask.

"It has been determined that the DA's office is reviewing Bella's complaint and it is on the desk of the District Attorney. There are issues with the fact that she failed to file a report after the incident happened; however, with the photo proof you provided it should help. But be prepared for the fact that he could possibly get away with this should he continue to keep his nose clean, especially since no report was filed timely. The least that could happen would be that he will get a smack on the wrist and be charged with a misdemeanor. That's probation. I am not sure how that will affect the California Bar and whether he will lose his license. It is probable that they will place his license on suspension but he can get it back after he jumps through the required hoops. He will get in some trouble but it will not be devastating to him. Now, if he continues to pursue Bella or violates the TRO he can get in a lot of trouble. Like when he stopped in front of the restaurant to kiss. He could tell the court that as soon as he saw Bella sitting there he immediately went across the street, which he did. He just rubbed your nose in it first but technically he didn't break the TRO if he says he didn't know you two were there."

"Bella will be upset to hear that he could possibly get away with this, but I think it is more important to her that he leaves her alone." I say, thinking about her reaction to this and if I should tell her.

"What about the shadows she has seen next to the gate of Rosalie Hale's place? Any news on that?"

"I reviewed the recording and there are in fact three incidents of movement. These were not detected until Bella moved onto the property, which was after her return from Seattle. I have had experts review the recording and it can't be determined who it is or if it is male or female, just that there was someone there on those three incidents."

"How is it going with the transportation issue with Bella? Is she cooperating? Have there been any incidents to speak of?" I ask.

"She has been cooperating and has been complaint free. There was one minor incident when someone pulled in front of her car but it was determined to be a minor traffic incident and not related to anything personal against Ms. Swan."

"Very good, Jenks. This is the kind of reporting I like and it pleases me knowing that you have done your homework to the extent of having to purchase lingerie. Hopefully you were able to have it modeled for you as well."

"Yes, sir. I did in fact get to see the purchase, which by the way is on your next bill." Jenks laughs before he hangs up the phone.

~BD~

It doesn't take long for before Bella's classes start. I have enjoyed being with her and showing her around the vineyard, watching as she absorbs everything I tell her and it amazes me how she retains everything I say. She will do well in school, that's for sure. She will make an even better attorney. Now that her study is finished, I need to find a way to show it to her and fill her in on my plans. I hope she doesn't go running for the hills when I propose them to her.

It's been nearly three weeks since I showed Billy my plans for Bella's study and now that it is fully finished, I can't wait to show her. Now that I have her in my cart and she is talking to me about how much she is excited about becoming an attorney, I feel like a kid at Christmas and decide today is the day.

"Come, I want to show you something." I say to her and drive as quickly as possible to the house.

Phase One.

"I've had Billy working on this for a while now and he is finally finished and I want to show it to you." I say to her. I am so excited to show her and I pray she loves it as much as I do.

I take her hand and we walk in the back of the house, down the hall past my office and to the door on the right. I stand there looking at her and open the door. I watch her face as she takes in the room and she looks at me curiously.

"This is your new study." I say to her. "I want you to feel comfortable coming here and focusing on your school work. To be able to complete your homework undisturbed." I say to her.

I continue to watch her as I show her the room. The drop down screen and all it does, the newly refurbished bathroom just for her. The refrigerator, the soft leather couch and then she starts crying.

Oh, shit. Is this bad?

"This room is wonderful, Edward. I love it. I love you. Thank you so, so much."

She loves it! Thank, God.

Whew! On to phase two.

"Bella, I have a plan." I say, looking at her.

"You do? And what is this plan?" She asks, resting her forehead against my chest.

I take a chance and tell her something very confidential and trust that she will be with me on it and tell her my thoughts about the Denali Winery. I tell her how I think it is going to go into bankruptcy by the end of this year and how I intend to buy it.

She is shocked about the Denali's and excited that I am going to expand but in what capacity yet, I haven't decided. One step at a time I say to myself. And I catch myself smiling.

Now, phase three.

I ask her to work for me and be my in-house counsel for Volturi Winery. I explain to her how I will need an attorney full time now that I intend to buy Denali and I would rather pay her than Eric Hale.

Again, I watch her go through the thought process and listen to her come up with a thousand reasons why she needs to work for Eric Hale and most of it is out of obligation. I do a pretty good job at swaying her but she asks for time to decide on this and promises to give me an answer later on in the year after she takes her finals. That is fine with me because that's when Mr. Denali will find out he has shit for wine and it will be the beginning of the end for him.

And finally, phase four.

I ask her to move in with me.

"But… what… but I…when… but…"

I have to grin at how she stumbles through her thought process again and I wait for her to think about what I have said. I enjoy watching her face change a thousand different ways and she has at least that many questions and reasons why she shouldn't.

I tell her that the thought of her returning to live in the city and not sharing my bed every night turns my stomach. I have grown to love having her in my arms when I go to sleep and having her here when I wake up. I love coming home to her. I love having dinner with her every night. I love hanging out watching TV or just reading in the same room with her. And I love taking her to the tree whenever I want.

Again I enjoy seeing her face go through a myriad of changes when she finally says the word "Yes". I nearly crush her to me when I spin her around the room.

Jesus, if I'm this excited with her saying yes to moving in, what am I going to do when she says yes to marrying me!

We decide to go to my parent's house to share the news about us living together when Emmett one-upped me and asked Rosalie to marry him.

We all gather around the newly engaged couple with love and support and I watch as my parents wrap an arm around each other and stand back watching their family grow.

Soon there will be babies running around. I can't wait to see my brother's sons and daughters running amok through our homes. How things have changed in just 4 short months.

Once everything settles down, we finally sit down for lunch and listen to talk of wedding plans, of houses being built, and of honeymoons. I just sit back and know that I have already made my own plans with my girl and she has agreed to move in with me and hopefully become an addition to our executive board at Volturi Winery.

~BD~

"Knock, knock." I look up to see Jasper enter my office.

"Jazz, brother, friend." I say getting up to shake his hand. "I haven't seen you around in a while. That little sprite been keeping you busy?" I ask, knowing very well that's the case.

"Yes, she has. I'm exhausted, Edward. She is nothing but piss and vinegar and a huge fireball. But I love it and I love her." He smiles before he sits across from my desk.

"She's the reason I'm here, Edward."

"Is everything alright?" I look at his face and see that he is preoccupied about something.

"Well, I have been considering asking Alice to marry me." He says, looking at his hands then directly at me.

"This is not news, brother. I know how you feel about her. Everyone does. We all know it's just a matter of time."

"Well, with Emmett proposing to Rosalie the other night, I am wondering if it is too soon now for me to pop the question to Alice."

"I see. No, I don't think so. Maybe in another week or so. How were you planning on doing it?" I ask hoping he has a plan.

"Well, she liked the idea that the entire family was involved. She is all for family and she loves that our family discusses issues as a family unit and how we all help each other out during times of crises and times of joy. So I thought I would stick with that theme and propose to her with everyone present."

"Do you have the ring?" I ask.

"Not yet. I am having it designed and it should be ready by the end of the week. I was thinking of maybe having a dinner party or going into the city for dinner and doing it then. What do you think?"

"Well, what about the wine train? We could all do the dinner train and you could rent it out for the night, just for us and turn it into a family engagement party." I suggest and when I look at him his eyes light up and I can tell he likes the idea.

"Edward, that is freaking perfect." He says loudly. "I am going to get to work on this right now. I knew if I talked it out with you, you would help me figure it out. Thanks big brother."

"You are most welcome." I return.

"Hey, what about you and Bella, hmm?" He asks.

"Well, with two weddings already on the stove, I can hardly add to mom's party planning. Besides, Bella has her plate full right now with her classes and she is fast tracking those. I will be lucky to see her at all over the next few months as it is, let alone plan a wedding. I will just have to get my wedding bliss from the two of you. Congratulations, Jasper. You really found the perfect girl for you. I am very happy for you." I say, getting up from behind my desk and bring him in for a brotherly hug.

"I'd say all three of us have. It still boggles my mind that you meeting Bella brought all six of us together like that. That two of us are planning on marrying." He says in wonderment. "Anyway, I'm going to go back to my office to see what I can do to make these arrangements. I will let you know as soon as possible so you and Bella can keep your schedule's open. Thanks again for the idea, brother."

I smile at him as he leaves my office. I am happy for both of my brothers. I would never have thought in a million years that they would be engaged this time last year. Never.

I wonder if Bella would marry me if I asked her. I mean, hell, I just asked her to move in with me and that scared her to death. I saw it on her face. She is changing. Even in the few months that I've known her she has changed so much. I see how she trusts me more and believes in us. She knows I love her and doesn't question it any longer.

I will ask her to marry me. Soon, but not right now. My brothers are happy and they have weddings to plan. Bella has school to finish and I have a business to expand. I have her with me and that is what's important to me at the moment. I will ask her. When she's ready.

I look up and see my dad standing in the doorway, watching me.

"Such a serious face. What is it, son?" He asks.

"We need to talk, dad." I say finally. "I have wanted to tell you about this but I needed to get all my ducks in a row first."

"What?" He says before pouring us both a Chivas from the bar.

He sits and I tell him about the Denali's and how Tanya has infiltrated our computers and stole the recipe.

"That's espionage, Edward. Have you contacted the authorities?" He asks, his eyes huge with anger.

"No. And I'm not going to. I had Ben instill a code just for this very reason. The files that Tanya was able to access were the false files and come crush time, they will be cooking a very bad batch of wine."

"Oh, Edward, that is priceless. See, this is why you are our managing partner." He says, laughing at my story.

"There's more." I say getting his attention again.

"I know Jackson is in trouble financially. I think this is why he was so anxious for Tanya and me to hook up and get married." I cringe at the thought.

"Son, I think I would have said something to you if that ever came about." He shudders and takes a sip of his drink.

"It wouldn't have happened so don't even think about it." I laugh. "When it comes time, he will want to buy overstock and I don't think there is a vintner in the valley that will sell to him. I expect him to file bankruptcy by the end of the year." I say, standing up and walking to the window where I see Bella in Pinkie heading for home. I smile at the thought of home, our home.

"When he does go under, dad, I want to buy it." I wait for this information to sink in before I speak again.

"I don't know if I want to expand Volturi or if I want to open my own winery." Dad stands up and walks over to me putting his hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

"Son, whatever you decide to do, I will support you. But consider this will you? If you make it a part of Volturi, you will be the majority stockholder of the corporation. I would rather have all my sons under the same roof if you will. If you decide to go off on your own it would be like losing you. Even though I know I wouldn't be, but I hope you know what I am saying. Please consider the option to have Volturi purchase a portion of the property with you and then if you open under another label, we can still keep it in the family."

I look at him and see his strong family ties working here and know that he wants to keep us all together. It's what our family is about and what keeps us strong. One solid unit.

"I will think about it, dad. I know you are right. We are growing as a family with three new additions soon. And then there will be little Cullen's running about." I smile at the thought of children playing on the property soon. I look at my dad and he likes that thought as well.

"I hate to think how Jackson and Tanya will loathe you when you buy up that property." Dad says looking at the ground. "They are angry people to begin with."

"Yes, I know. I fear Tanya might have it out for Bella because of me and that's a little concerning." I say, looking out the window, seeing the vines beginning to bud out.

"You have her well protected, Edward. She is safe."

I repeat my father's words but can't get my recurring dream out of my head.

"I'll get you my pretty….."

"… and your little dog too."

A/N: So there is a lot of answers to a lot of your questions. Many of you kept asking but I knew the answers were coming up so this is a few of them. I hope you enjoyed Edward's point of view so let me know what you all think. How many of you saw Cosmopolis? I am flying to Phoenix tomorrow (Saturday) to see it, I truly can not wait! By time you read this chapter, it will be Sunday and I will have seen it about 3 times…hopefully.