Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns everything in the Twiverse.

Chapter 38: Loose Ends

Bella's POV

Jagged branches.

Howling winds.

Frantic heartbeat.

Ferocious snarls from a red-haired freak.

I had to be dreaming.

Not only because Victoria was dead, but because Edward was also there.

Snapping at me too.

His eyes were black and furious, and I could feel the distance widening between us. He looked every bit of the monster he always claimed to be, and I was scared for my life.

He smiled at Victoria as she prepared to pounce, and I pleaded with him to save me.

But as Victoria sprang into the air to attack, his velvet voice sneered, "Isn't this what you thought I would do?"

I woke up with a start, my legs tangled in the sheets, and expected to fall back against something cool and solid. But when I got my bearings, I realized I was in bed alone. Which never happened when Edward and I were in the same room.

I sat up and found Edward standing at the large window. His hands were folded against his bent brow, his eyes closed. And though the room was silent, his lips were moving. As I added all these clues together, I was stunned by my conclusion.

Edward was praying.

I stared in silence at this pious side of my mate, uncertain of how to respond. I never had any particular objection to religion, though I did believe it often caused more problems than it started. But as I studied my husband's appearance, I recalled a conversation we once had about Carlisle.

"So he's religious?" I'd asked.

Edward shook his head. "Religion is a faulty human system like all others. Carlisle seems to have something much more profound."

"What's that?"

Edward's eyes turned pensive. "A divine relationship."

At the time, we chalked this up to Carlisle's childhood connection to the Church, not thinking such a thing could benefit us at all.

But as I watched Edward's face, I couldn't help but notice its contentment. He looked as if he were truly communing with God.

And he didn't need his wife gawking at him while he did.

Noticing last night's wreckage had been replaced by an exact replica, I inched toward the edge of the bed closest to the door, trying not to make a sound.

"You don't have to sneak off, love."

My heart leapt despite the amusement in his voice. "I didn't want to disturb you."

"You weren't disturbing me. Besides, I have a rather keen sense of hearing."

I changed directions and scooted toward his side of the bed, slipping my arms around his waist when I reached the window. "Were you praying?"

"Yes." He chuckled at my tone. "You sound displeased by the concept."

"Not displeased," I amended. "Just… surprised. I didn't know you prayed."

"It's a fairly recent practice," he murmured, and his tone pricked my soul. After spending the night in his amorous arms, I knew we were past all of yesterday's negativity. But I also knew my husband well enough to know his mind had yet to fully recover.

I pressed myself into his back, squeezing his middle as hard as I could. "I am so sorry I doubted you. I don't know how you were able to forgive me so easily."

Edward didn't respond right away. And in the silence, I halfway expected him to admit he hadn't.

"Loving you means I must forgive you," he eventually replied. "But that doesn't mean I'll forget."

His words were a dagger to my soul, but I had no right to expect different. I doubted his love, his family, and their collective interest in saving my life, so I deserved whatever censure he gave me.

With a faint "oh" and a heavy heart, I unwound my arms from his waist and began my retreat. But before I took a single step, Edward whipped around and pulled me into his arms. "I apologize for my poor choice of words," he murmured into my hair. "I didn't mean that as it sounded."

He led me back to the bed and wrapped my naked form in a blanket before cradling me on his lap. "I will never forget last night's confrontation because it confirmed our love is as strong as I always believed."

He took my hand and rubbed my wedding band. "I was afraid to argue with you, to voice my anger or frustration, worried my words would be too harsh or my emotions too violent to rein in. But now I know we can be open and accepting with each other's feelings. And that gives me incredible comfort."

I shook my head, marveling at his immortal perspective. "I don't think I would have looked at it that way."

He kissed my nose. "Would you be offended if I said it's because you're only human?"

I opened my mouth to reply when I heard a faint buzzing sound from the other side of the room, followed by a too-cheerful ringtone signifying only one caller.

"Should I answer it?" I asked aloud.

"That depends." Edward glanced toward the desk where the phone continued its song. "Do you think you can talk to her without saying too much?"

"She'll probably do most of the talking," I sighed, knowing that I couldn't hold her off any longer. I reluctantly rose from Edward's lap and went to retrieve my phone.

He sped to my side and kissed my forehead. "I'll get an update on Charlie."

"Thanks." I appreciated his attempt to give me the illusion of privacy. "And I'm a little hungry. Could you get me an 'everything omelet'?"

"With pleasure."

The phone rang a fourth time, and I answered it before my voicemail picked up. "Hi, Mom."

"There you are!" Renee exclaimed. "I was thisclose to hightailing it to the airport and flying back to Forks."

I returned to the bed and lay across it. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I've been leaving you messages, and you haven't called me back. I was getting worried."

"Kinda on my honeymoon."

"Right!" she said with too much enthusiasm. "Then I take it all back. So how are things? Is he everything he's cracked up to be?"

I blamed myself for opening this door. "There is no possible way I'm going to answer that."

"Oh, come on. You can give me something—we're married women now! We can talk about these things."

I laughed. "Not on your life."

"Honestly, Bella, I never realized you were such a prude," Renee said with feeling. "I'm your mother, and you can tell me anything."

"Okay then. Mother, stay out of my marital bed."

"Ha-ha. Fine. I know when I've been outplayed, but I do hope your marriage is already everything you wanted it to be."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Hey now," she softened. "What's wrong? Are you and Edward having problems already?"

I sighed. "Not exactly."

"Then why do you sound so sad?"

I counted backwards from ten to give myself a chance to filter what I couldn't share. "I thought I knew Edward pretty well, but in the last week, I've realized I didn't know him at all."

"What happened?" I could almost see her sitting up straight. "Did he hurt you? Do I need to come out there?"

"No, it's nothing like that. What I mean is… I didn't realize how much he loved me until now. I thought I knew, you know? But in the past week, I've seen how deep and honest it is, and I'm honestly blown away."

"Oh, honey," she sniffled. "I knew Edward loved you when you came for Thanksgiving, and I'm glad you're seeing it as clearly as the rest of us do. And speaking of Florida, what do you say the two of you head down here this weekend?"

I was stunned by the subject change. "What?"

"I mean, you're technically still on your honeymoon, right?"

"Until Monday."

"Well, you could leave tonight!" she brightened. "I'm sure you'd prefer the Florida sun to those crummy clouds any day. Plus there's like a forty-degree temperature difference. You can show off that beautiful skin for your new groom. Maybe get a tan?"

"That's sweet, Mom, but I don't think we can."

"Why not? Oh." She lowered her voice. "Is it that you don't want to spend your honeymoon with your Mom? Hey, I'm hip to it! You and Edward can stay in your room, and we'll just leave the house or crank up the stereo if you feel the need to…"

"No!" What was with her and sex? "It has nothing to do with that."

"Then what?"

I sat up, crossing my legs beneath me. "It's Dad."

"Charlie?" she gasped. "Is he all right? Was Phil too rough on him at the reception? He was only teasing about how badly he dances."

"No, it's more me than him."

"You're not making sense," Renee said.

"It's my marriage." I was relieved to admit it out loud. "I've got a new family, a new address, and a whole new life awaiting me as a Cullen. And Charlie is just Charlie."

"But he's always been a loner. I mean, I know he loved me for a while, but solitude fits him."

"That's what he wants everyone to think," I scoffed. "And even though he might be okay with his loneliness, I've started to realize I'm not."

"I see." The long pause was so unlike her I figured she was scrambling for a milder topic of conversation.

"Isabella," she said gently. "The fact that you worry so much shows how compassionate you are. But no matter how unhappy he might be, Charlie wouldn't want you postponing your life for his sake. No parent wants that for their child."

I was stunned. Not only at the compliment, but more so by the sincerity in her last statement.

"Charlie wouldn't have given you to Edward if he didn't want you to enjoy your new life with him," she continued. "He would sooner have had him shot."

I laughed for several reasons.

"And so what you're married? You're still his daughter, so go over there once a week and make him something special. Invite him to dine with you and Edward every now and then. Just because you gained a husband doesn't mean Charlie has to lose his daughter."

My eyes began to sting with everything I couldn't say, but I wanted to end on a high note. "I really needed that, Mom. Thanks."

"Anytime, Cookie." She had helped me, and I could hear the pride in her voice. "Well, I'm going to let you get back to that amazing honeymoon you can't tell me anything about. Wait! Are you still in Forks?"

"Yeah. We took an extra week off from school, but we're staying put for now."

"That sounds boring," Renee frowned. "I would have thought you would go to Seattle at least."

"Edward and I did just fine right here," I said with more emphasis than I'd intended.

"Oh," she replied meaningfully. "I guess we don't need that talk after all. Maybe I should get some tips from you."

"Mom, please!" Her laughter was full and rich. "You are such a pain."

"But you love me anyway."

"Yes, I do. Lunacy and all."

"And I love you too. So you go enjoy that handsome husband of yours, and don't give Charlie another thought. I'm sure whatever ails him can be fixed with a Sonics win and a cold beer."

If only. "I'll remember that."

"Give my love to my new in-laws, especially that delicious Dr. Cullen." She made a noise I wish I hadn't heard. "Any chance that he and Esme are on the rocks?" I groaned. "Can't blame a girl for asking."

"Goodbye, Mother."

"Bye, Mrs. Cullen! Love you!"

I ended the call to find Edward at the foot of the bed. Smiling at the food and its deliverer, I scooted back toward the headboard.

"Chef Esme used Monterey Jack this time." Edward set the tray across my lap. "The new guy on Food Network said it's a better foil against the other flavors."

I took a good whiff, letting the peppers and bacon dance in my nose. "She still won't let you cook?"

"I was asked to save her this lone indulgence..." He looked away, trying to hide his embarrassed smile. "…as there are other, very special things I can do for you that she cannot."

My fork suspended in midair. "What is it with our mothers and sex today? Are they having a hormonal imbalance or something?"

"My mother doesn't have hormones." Edward pointed out.

"Well, something's going on," I mumbled around my eggs, "because Renee wanted to know how 'good' our honeymoon has been."

Edward seemed to pale before my eyes. "What did you say?"

"I told her to stay out of my marital affairs."

He laughed, and I omitted her inappropriateness about Carlisle as I popped a raspberry into my mouth. "What else did you talk about?"

"As if you didn't hear the whole conversation," I smirked.

"The silent house stereo is still on," he said. "I didn't hear a thing until I reached the third floor."

As he allowed me to chew on that in silence, I felt the morning's frivolity wearing off. It was amusing to joke and cringe about Renee's craziness, but I was hiding, and my husband well knew it. After surviving last night, I knew Edward would no longer avoid difficult conversations. In a total reversal of roles, he would want to expose and confront our issues early and often, and this topic would be no exception.

The fluffy perfection of Esme's omelet turned to dust in my mouth, and it took a hefty gulp of juice for me to get it down. Dabbing at the corners of my lips with a napkin, I kept my eyes down as my mind returned to the one subject about which it remained unsettled.

Edward removed the tray and set it on the floor. He returned to the bed and laid his cool hand on my knee where it was bent beneath the blanket. "Are you cold?"

I shook my head. "I'm fine."

He nodded, not believing me. "Other than her inappropriate interest in my father, how's Renee?"

"Wiser than I give her credit for."

"Parents are often guilty of that."

I toyed with the edges of the comforter. "She's thinks I'm too worried about Charlie."

"You have good reasons to worry, and she doesn't know that."

"No, but even without his current condition, I can't shake my concerns about him."

Edward's eyebrows shot up. "What concerns?"

"My life is about to take off in ways he can't even imagine," I sighed. "And when it does, he'll be alone again. And that doesn't sit right with me."

I pulled my knees to my chest. "I want the life we talked about a week ago. I want to spend an immortal eternity here with you on earth. But I hate the idea of leaving Charlie, knowing there won't be anyone around to take care of him."

"What about the Pack?" he asked. "From what I read in Billy's mind, he sees Charlie as his flesh and blood."

"That's not the same as his own special someone. Billy has Jacob, Sam has Emily, and Harry's got Sue. Charlie's got a six-pack and a box of tackles, and that hardly seems fair."

Edward took my hands and began tracing the lines in my palm. The unexpected gesture smoothed me, and I felt some tension fading from my shoulders. But as he attended me, I watched the worry lines forming in his smooth brow.

"Have you changed your mind?" he asked after a while.

"About what?"

His eyes shot to my right side and lingered there.

"I wouldn't blame you if you did," he continued. "Nor would I object. Becoming a vampire is a huge commitment, Bella. And if you think for one moment you might someday regret it, then I support your choice to stay human."

I squeezed his hand, causing him to look up. "I haven't changed my mind." I noted how his body relaxed at my admission. "Never even considered it. But I hate the idea of leaving Charlie behind, and I'm hoping to find a way around it."

"We will," Edward promised. "I can't say how, but I know we will."

I cupped his face and kissed him. "Thank you, love."

"That's why I'm here," he smiled, then his face fell. "But if it's all the same to you, I'd prefer not to kiss you until after you've finished your eggs."

"What?"

He rolled his eyes. "Of all the foods you eat, eggs undoubtedly smell the worst."

"Then why did you let Esme serve quiche at Charlie's dinner and our wedding?"

"Vegan eggs," he touched my nose, "are practically bionic."

"So why doesn't Esme buy those?"

"You prefer these," he shrugged. "And I will always see to it you get what you want."

"You sweet thing." I kissed him again, and he grimaced. "Sorry."

"You're forgiven." He kissed me again and went to retrieve my tray. "There's a lifetime supply of mouthwash in the bathroom."

"Whatever." I took the tray from him and started on the nine-grain toast. "Is everyone here?"

He nodded. "And our cousins as well."

"I'd like to see them after breakfast."

"Good." He made to rise off the bed. "I'll let you finish your food in peace."

"Stay. I want to hear about the other sacrifices you've made in the name of loving a human."

"As you wish." He leaned back on his arms and sighed dramatically. "Wherever should I begin?"

—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—

After breakfast and a full dental care regimen—Esme would have to switch to vegan—I dressed and headed downstairs to see the rest of the family. But as we reached the second floor landing, Edward steered me toward Carlisle's exam room, stopping five feet from the door. "I figured you'd like to see Charlie first."

"Thank you." His hesitation reminded me of my previous behavior, and I kissed his hand before he could release mine. "Come with me."

His eyes indicated their understanding, and I led him into the room where my father lay.

I noticed the changes immediately. Gone was the Mariner's sweatshirt, having been replaced by a dark blue hospital gown. There were more monitors around the bed and an IV sticking out of Charlie's left arm.

I groaned as my hands flew to my face. Things were worse than I thought.

"Don't be alarmed," Edward whispered as his hands went to my shoulders. "All of this happened while you were talking to Renee, and these are signs of progress."

"How?"

"Charlie had a number of physiological issues when they found him, but his borderline hypothermia was the most pressing. And the best treatment is with warm, dry layers of clothing and time."

My eyes dropped to Charlie's arm. "The IV?"

"Standard. Warm fluids would be best, but as Charlie is still unavailable"—he fumbled a bit on the word—"this was the next best thing."

I nodded, scanning Charlie's face for signs of life. Seeing none, I leaned back into Edward as his arms encircled my waist, my mind making a melody of the beeps and bleeps of the machines. As Edward planted a kiss to the top of my head, I asked, "Isn't there anything else we can do?"

"Continue to have faith," Carlisle said as he entered. "Am I interrupting?"

"Of course not. Thank you for everything you've done."

"Charlie is as much my family as you are." Carlisle checked one of the monitors and seemed pleased by whatever he read. "You never have to thank us for taking care of you."

I swallowed another "thank you" as he charted my father's progress. "Do you have any idea when he'll wake up?"

Carlisle folded his arms across his chest. "I usually shy away from guarantees, but I would be very surprised if Charlie wasn't awake by Sunday."

"Really?"

"Yes. His vitals are strong, and I see no other biological reason why he couldn't."

I paused. "Are there other possible reasons?"

"At this point, Charlie's mind is the lone obstacle inhibiting his recovery. His brain is processing whatever he heard and saw, trying to decide, in essence, if it is safe to return to the world where the trauma occurred. His body seems prepared to return, so it is only a matter of time until his mind catches up. In the meantime, there is something we should discuss."

"Anything!" I cried, as Edward applied gentle, calming pressure to my hand.

"As I mentioned," Carlisle began, "I anticipate a full recovery in the next few days. But in the event that it takes longer, we need a cover story for his absence."

"Right." I hadn't even considered that. "What would you suggest?"

"We haven't given it much thought," Carlisle admitted. I caught the look he gave my husband and realized Edward must have asked them not to discuss any plans without me. How could I have doubted his love and respect for me?

"As far as I know," I said aloud, "the only person expecting to see Charlie soon is Billy. And he would have questions if Charlie missed their fishing date." I bit my lip as I mulled this over. "Where is Charlie's phone?"

"Downstairs, charging," Edward replied. "Emmett retrieved it from the station late last night."

"Good. Carlisle, could you call my father, please? I left my phone upstairs."

"Of course." Carlisle pulled out a sleek black cellphone, and we waited. "His voicemail is full," he said as he hung up.

"That's perfect," I said with relief. "Charlie never deletes or archives his messages, so his mailbox has been full for six months. When he doesn't show up on Saturday, Billy will call, find his voicemail full as usual, and either call me or the station to find out where he is. Regardless, he'll learn Charlie took an impromptu vacation and be none the wiser."

"Makes sense," Carlisle agreed as Edward nodded above me.

"So where would Charlie get the memories for this so-called vacation?" I asked. "He's not the best liar, and I wouldn't want him to get tripped up."

Although their brains worked faster than mine, they were both silent for ten seconds before Edward spoke. "Why not tell some version of the truth?"

"What do you mean?" Carlisle asked.

"When pressed for details," Edward explained, "he can say he spent some time alone in nature. No phone or human company. Just a man and his thoughts."

"Okay," I said. "But where did he go? And why?"

"He doesn't know," Edward replied. "He needed time to adjust to some things, so he jumped in the car and drove. Made a left here, a right turn there, and stopped when he'd gone far enough."

"That's incredibly vague."

"That's how men think," Carlisle smiled. "The average man will hear enough to know he doesn't need to hear any more."

Edward chuckled his agreement, and I realized immortal men were still regular men underneath. "Well it would explain the suddenness of the trip," I said. "And Charlie has never been the most forthcoming anyway. Yeah, I think that could work."

"All right, then." Carlisle nodded. "When Charlie wakes up, you can explain it to him."

"Hold on," I grimaced. "How do we know what Charlie knows? He never said anything during his captivity and hasn't spoken since. Will he remember what happened?"

"That varies," Carlisle said, his voice changing color. "Charlie is just as likely to repress those memories as remember everything. We won't know until he wakes up."

"But it's good to be prepared." Edward rubbed my shoulders. "And your plan is flexible enough to account for several possibilities."

"Thank you both so much," I said. "I couldn't do any of this without you, any of you."

"And you'll never have to," Edward kissed my temple. "Would you like to sit with Charlie for a while?"

I glanced at my father, knowing I'd done all that I could for the moment. "Actually, I'd like to see the rest of the family if I could."

"Of course," Carlisle said. "They're downstairs, all eager to see you."

"Good." I smiled with more confidence than I felt. I caught a look between Edward and Carlisle as we left the room. "How angry is she?" I whispered, knowing she could hear me anyway.

"She's simmered some," Edward replied, but I didn't miss the emphasis on the last word.

I descended the stairs behind my husband, more nervous than on my first visit to the mansion. How much had changed since that Sunday afternoon…

They were in the living room: Alice and Jasper on the couch with their hands entwined; Esme standing near the threshold, looking toward the kitchen where our Alaskan cousins were assembled; Emmett was on the loveseat, his eyes full of unusual tension as he glanced at his wife who leaned against the window, glaring at me with the full force of her ire.

This was not going to be easy.

"How are you feeling, Bella?" Esme asked as Edward escorted me into the room.

"Fine, thank you." I tried to smile. "Breakfast was delicious."

"I'm glad," she beamed.

"Um, I'd like to talk to you all, please."

The boys turned toward me, and Alice jumped to her feet. Rosalie didn't budge, but her eyes darkened.

Edward rubbed the back of my hand, and I hoped to harness his strength. "Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, Rosalie, I'm sorry for doubting you, for thinking you abandoned me. I should have known by now how much you love me and that you consider me an equal part of this family. Forgive me for forgetting that."

"You were under a lot of stress," Esme smiled. "We understand."

"Yeah," Emmett boomed. "You're only human, after all." I could tell he was teasing, and I smiled at his unflappable good humor.

"There's nothing to forgive," Carlisle joined his wife. "It is all in the past."

My furious sister had released me from her hateful stare but yet to reply. "Rosalie?"

She growled and came to her feet, eyes trained on me again as she stalked my way. I didn't look away, blinking only when she stopped at the front edge of my socked feet. Her nostrils flared as she raised her hand, and with deliberate slowness, Rosalie once again did what I least expected.

She flicked me.

In the middle of my forehead with her middle finger.

My hand flew to my face, but I was too startled to reply as she leaned in.

"Enough!" she hissed as her eyes bore into mine, rebuking me again for doubting my place in this family and, more importantly, for questioning my place in her heart after she conceded me the spot.

And as I stood there under her chastisement, I heard in that one word everything she would never say and everything I needed to hear. "Okay."

Her eyes narrowed once more, and she laid a cool finger on the tender spot where she'd struck me. "That's gonna leave a mark," she frowned. "I'll get some ice."

Edward started to reprimand her, but as she looked his way, he calmed down. And I was glad, as Rose and I needed that moment. She could have poked a hole in my head without trying, but her use of restraint showed me the depth of her love. And that was more than worth a small blemish.

Rosalie passed the Denalis as they walked toward the living room, and I threw my arms around Tanya and Kate when they arrived.

"I am so sorry about your sister," I said after they released me. "She was as kind as she was beautiful, and my only comfort is that she is basking in the presence of your mother and brother."

They both gasped at my comment, and I feared I'd said the wrong thing.

But Tanya's eyes brightened in spite of their sadness. "Thank you, Bella. That was the most beautiful thing anyone could have said. I too take great comfort in that thought."

"And thank you, Tanya. If not for you, my father would be dead. I owe you a great debt."

"You owe me nothing," she said firmly. "We are a family, and we take care of each other, no matter the cost."

"And if I know Irina," Kate added, "she would have kicked Tanya's ass for doing any less."

Tanya barked a laugh. "You're right about that."

"So what's the plan?" Jasper asked as they came to sit on the sofa. "Are you going after Laurent now or waiting until he lets his guard down?"

Kate and Tanya looked at each other, and Kate sighed.

"Remember, Katia," Carmen said kindly. "We will support you no matter what you decide."

"We all will," Carlisle added as Esme nodded.

"Well," Kate said after a long exhale. "I think it would be best if we…"

"No!" Alice shouted as she stared into space. "No! Not now! Not now!"

"Are we making the wrong choice?" Tanya asked.

"I can't believe him!"

"Charlie?" I panted. "Is he going to die?"

Alice was still sightless as she turned toward Tanya and Kate. "You're too late."

"For what?" Kate asked.

"To capture Laurent in South America."

"Why?" Tanya asked.

"Because he's in Europe." Alice blinked out of her trance. "In Volterra."

"Bloody hell!" Jasper hissed as every vampire in the room either cursed or growled.

"What?" I was lost as Edward pulled me closer to his chest. "What does that mean?"

"That things just got a hell of a lot worse," Emmett groaned.

Oh, Laurent. What have you done now? Tune in next time, dear friends! xo