Happy Monday everyone. Hope you enjoy this chapter, see you on Wednesday with the next update.
Special thanks to all you ladies who keep us readable.
******EDITED FOR CONTENT, UNEDITED VERSIONS CAN BE FOUND AT TWCS AND FICPAD******
Chapter 17
It's a little after nine in the morning and Bella and I have just arrived at the restaurant. We're starting to get everything ready for tonight. All the companies accepted Bella's offer of a meal and get together. The head count is at sixty-eight people, not counting Bella, Caius, my family or myself. Everyone is due to arrive at six.
Just to show how sorry she is about what had happened, Bella has chosen to make everything herself. We've already gone shopping, and everything we need is the best quality and freshest we could get.
"The appetizer is vegetable soup, with beer bread and a shrimp cocktail. Both of those can be started at three," Bella reads off her list out loud.
I nod at her, so she knows I'm listening.
"Our main course is beef wellington or roasted pork tenderloin, with twice baked potatoes, green beans with slivered almonds, dinner salad and fresh clover rolls. Do you think on the beef wellington, we should do some rare, some medium and some well done, or just do them all medium?" Bella looks at me tilting her head.
"For us, it would be easier if we keep them all the same."
Bella bobs her head yes and sighs a little. "Giving them a choice would be nicer, right? I mean, I'm trying to show them I want to make all this hassle they've had to deal with better. I still feel bad for, essentially, what my company put them through."
I kiss her head. "Little Chef, it was not you or your mistake. Remember that," I say to her again. This is something I've been repeating to her often, and since the trial started, it has become a daily thing.
"Okay, how about doing five pounds rare, five pounds well done, and the remaining ten pounds medium? Since we have twenty pounds of pork tenderloin, that should be enough meat, shouldn't it?" I smile and nod at her.
"Main course foods will take two to three hours in all, so we need to be starting those around three, but no later than four."
I nod at her again, smiling at how well thought out the menu and timeline is, she has prepared for all of this so far.
"So, we could do the breads, rolls, desserts and salads now."
"Sounds like a plan," I say hugging her close to me. She kisses me quick, before washing her hands.
By eleven, Bella has all four desserts finished and all the bread and rolls are on cooling racks. I have made and plastic-covered eighty-five serving size bowls of dinner salad.
"We need to head to the courthouse now," Bella says softly, and I know that deep down she doesn't want to go, but she is. Caius and I are the faces of the Denali Corporation now, so we must be there to show our support of the prosecution process.
"It will be okay," I tell her, knowing she's anxious about the sentencing. Bella gives me a weak smile, but I'm hoping it will be a strong smile later. I hope that after Tanya and the former board members are sentenced, she will stop being so stressed over it. I hold out my hand for her to take as we walk out, closing up behind us.
Thankfully, we no longer need the bodyguards, because the judge kept his promise and released a statement to the media. He gave a heartwarming speech about how impressed he was with Bella and how our nation would be in better shape if there were more people like her around. When he finished his statement and answered many questions, the press started to finally back off of Bella.
Within a few hours many more people stood up for Bella and her father, Eleazar, as well. Mike, however, is still singing the same tune. I know that after we come back from our weekend away, I'll be paying him a visit. I get the feeling that Emmett and Jasper will be coming along with me.
We arrive at the courthouse and are greeted by my family.
"Hi," my mom says hugging Bella tightly to her. "I'll come and help with the cooking and prep work once we're done here, darling."
"Esme, this meal is for you and your family, too. It's bad enough that Edward's helping me."
My mom chuckles, shaking her head at Bella. "My dear girl, I really don't think my son would be much help. All he seems to do is stare at you, when you're in the same room as he is. Besides, I want to come and help."
I turn my head and glare at my mom, who raises her brow at me as if to dare me to deny the truth in what she said.
"That may be so, Esme," Bella says.
I can hear the smile in her voice, so I turn to look back at her. I know that my mom's right, all I do when Bella is in the room is look at her. I can't help it. I love this girl with my whole heart, and soul. "Maybe I do, but I still have some making up to do."
"Edward, we're good. Esme, you don't have to help me, really. I have so much more to make up to you and all of the others that were troubled by the past events."
Rose decided to jump into the conversation and set Bella straight. "Bella, there is nothing for you to make up. You did nothing wrong. We—well, Edward and I—have to make things up to you for our own personal reasons. So, I'll be helping, too, and ask anyone, I'm a bitch and do what I want. Edward was, well, a douche, and don't even get me going on that again. Just know that Edward is there because he wants to be, and as for Esme and I, we'll be there, too. So, suck it up and deal with it. In our family's eyes, you're a Cullen now and we Cullens help each other, no matter what."
I smile and give Rose a small nod once she's done speaking.
"Rose, I'm not sure what you think you've done to me, but you really haven't done a thing."
"I judged you, just going by what the doofus here said about you. I didn't know you, but I did know him," Rose says pointing at me like that was a big enough reason for her to know better. "When I'm wrong about someone, I say I am, and I was more than wrong about you. Unlike him, I'm able to control myself when I'm in a room with someone. However, at the end of the day it was me, because I encouraged him to treat you like shit those first months. Therefore, I'm just as much to blame as he is; for that, I'm sorry." Rose moves to Bella and opens her arms to hug her and Bella does.
"You're my sister now," Rose says.
Bella goes to open her mouth, but Rose speaks again cutting her off. "He loves you, I've known him for years, and he's never looked at anyone the way he looks at you. You may not be married yet, but you will be soon and that makes you a Cullen and my sister."
"Thank you, Rose," Bella whispers, but I hear it.
"Okay, enough of the lovey dovey stuff," Rose says wiping her tears, "we've got a Viper bitch to send down the river." This is the reason I love Rose like a sister, under the tough, hard front she puts on, she's just a softy at heart and fiercely loyal to the family.
"It's settled, after we are done here, we'll help you get everything done for tonight," my mom says with a cheery voice, but I can tell that she's upset, too, over what happened between Rose and Bella.
~*FB*~
"We have been called in," Phil says in a hushed voice, once he reaches us.
We all walk in and take our seats behind the prosecution's table. Tanya, James, Angela, Harry and Ben are all led into the courtroom and are seated next to their attorneys, on the defense's side.
Tanya looks around the courtroom, stopping when she sees Bella and glares at her. "You stupid little girl, I can't believe you gave him the COO position. He's using you; his whole fucking family is using you. They don't give a flying fuck about you. Ask yourself, what they do for you?"
"They treat me like family, and they're here for me. For the record, I knew Edward Masen for years, he was a part of my family," Bella says softly.
I look around and see most people are looking at Bella and Tanya.
"And that's why you went to his funeral?"
"I would've been there if I had known, if… but my father was sick..." Bella's voice drops a little. I clasp her hand in mine and kiss the side of her head.
"She's just trying to get to you," I whisper softly to her, "ignore her."
"Whatever – when he takes you for everything you've got, I'll be right there to tell you I told you so. I'm really going to enjoy rubbing it in. Hell, I'll be sure to share with you all of the filthy details of how hard and fast he fucked me. He came time and time again screaming my name, not yours. We even did it in your daddy's office. I even took him to your home and fucked him in every room there."
I gasp shaking my head, but Bella jumps up.
"Tanya, that's a load of shit; he never and would never sleep with you. I don't even need to ask him. Why don't you shut up and save this bullshit for the girl you'll be sharing a room with for the next several years. Maybe she'll be interested in your tales, because that's all they are."
My mouth drops open as Bella replies in a harsh tone to Tanya, and I stand up beside her.
"Oh, fuck me sideways, she's got a bitch streak to her! Thank God, now there's something I can work with. Put it here, doll," Rose says standing and holding her hand up for Bella to high five.
Bella slaps her hand with a big smile, and I look at Tanya, who looks mad as hell. Before she can say another word, the bailiff tells everyone to rise and the judge walks in.
"Everyone may be seated. This is the sentencing hearing. Normally, the court asks if there are any victims who wish to give a statement. However, the court asked for written statements, because there are so many victims in this case. I will be sentencing each individual separately. Angela Weber, please stand."
Angela stands up slowly and sobs, as her attorney stands beside her.
"For your part in this case, and the charges against you, you are hereby sentenced to ten years in Washington State minimum security prison; you will have to serve six full years, before you will be eligible for parole. You will have to pay one hundred thousand dollars in fines and restitution to the court and the Denali Corporation. You will have to serve five thousand hours of community service, with five years of probation after parole. You may sit down."
Angela falls back to her seat sobbing, as her attorney pats her back.
"Benjamin Cheney, please rise."
Ben and his attorney rise from their chairs very stoically.
"For your part in this case, and the charges against you, you are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in Washington State minimum security prison; you will have to serve ten full years, before you will be eligible for parole. You will have to pay one million dollars in fines and restitution to the court and the Denali Corporation. You will have to serve seven thousand hours of community service, with seven years of probation after parole. You may sit down."
Ben sits, as the judge calls Harry to stand. Harry is given the same sentence that Ben was given and he, too, sits, showing no emotion.
"James Hunter, please stand."
I smile; glad the judge is making fast work of this.
"For your part in this case, and the charges against you, you are hereby sentenced to twenty-five years in Washington State maximum security prison; you will have to serve no less than twenty years, before you will be eligible for parole. You will have to pay five million dollars in fines and restitution to the Denali Corporation. You will have to serve fifty thousand hours of community service, with no less than ten years of probation after parole. You may sit down," the judge says harshly.
"Now, Tanya Denali, please stand."
Tanya makes a big show of standing primping and has the gall to wink at us before turning to the judge.
"Ms. Tanya Denali, you have caused me one big problem after another. You see, I could not understand why you made the name change. So I did a little digging."
I frown looking at Tanya, who has gone pale instantly.
"I found out why. You are a wanted woman in Russia. Your information has been passed on to immigration and where I'm sentencing you to fifty years in Washington State maximum security prison, with no eligibility for parole, that is nothing on the death penalty in Russia that awaits you. Your property has all been seized and will be liquidated, and if there is any above and beyond the amount of thirty-five million dollars, in fines and restitution to the courts and the Denali Corporation you owe, it's yours. Keep in mind there are pending civil suits against you as well, but your debts to the State and the Denali Corporation will be paid first. You are not being sentenced to any community service or probation, because once you've served your debt to the State of Washington, you'll be released to the custody of the Russian government. You may sit down."
"You can't send me back," Tanya yells, "I'm a US citizen."
The judge just raises his brow at her. "It was your crimes there that led to that and also led you here today. According to the US Department of Immigration, your citizenship has been revoked. One could ask you if it was worth it, but I doubt you could truthfully answer any question you're asked. Bailiff take them all away; I'm done with this, case closed." The judge slams the gavel down hard on the bench, before standing and walking away.
Tanya is led away screaming for someone to help her. The men are all led away. The only one who has shown any remorse is Angela Weber, who is still sobbing when she is lead away.
"What? What the hell did she do in Russia to get the death plenty?" Bella asks shocked. I shrug, having no idea.
The courtroom slowly empties and I'm hit with the guilt again of what I did to Bella. Where Jasper and Peter are both helping me, I still get that overwhelming feeling from time to time. I turn to Bella and I look her in the eye. "I never slept with her, I swear I didn't," I say unable to stop myself.
"I know," Bella says hugging me.
"How do you know?" I ask, not understanding why she believes me so easily.
"I just do; I feel it here," she says putting her hand on her heart.
"Just so we're clear, before you, and I am talking about the very first time we met, when you ran into me as I mopped the floor. The last person I slept with was two years ago, just after my twenty-fourth birthday." I swallow a little hoping she can see that I'm being open and honest with her.
"I thought men, you know, liked sex?"
I smile kissing her forehead. "I can't talk for all men, but I do like sex. Hell, I fucking love sex with you and it will only be you, for the rest of my life. But to answer why it had been two years, well, I was kind of drifting along with my workload. Time just passed me by."
"Well, for me, it was just before my dad passed away." Bella frowns a little, if I'm reading her right, she feels guilty. We're certainly quite a pair. "I've only been with Tyler, Mike and now you. But just so we're clear, you're it for me, too."
I kiss the side of her head this time, while holding her close to me.
"It's okay, Little Chef, and you have no idea how much it pleases me that it'll be only you and me – forever. Come on, we've got some cooking to get done."
We arrive back at the restaurant shortly after one. It's nice to see my mom, dad and Rose all waiting for us. With their help, we're all set and ready to go when the serving staff and kitchen crew arrive at five. My mom and Bella spend ten minutes going through what is left to be done with them, and then Bella and I head upstairs to get ready for dinner. We just get back downstairs when people start to arrive.
Bella and I sit down with our family after checking on how things are going in the kitchen. The servers take the drink orders and then start serving the appetizers. Everyone seems to be happy with the them.
"This is amazing, Little Chef," I say with a hum as I eat some more of the bread and soup.
"You really like it?"
"No, I love it," I say looking in her eyes.
Bella gives me a smile and looks around the room. I watch her looking at everyone that's here. It took a day of planning to seat the companies that could help each other at the same tables. It was a great idea and I'm proud to say it seems to be working, as most everyone seems to be talking about helping the other. Bella is very smart to have pointed out that we should do this.
"Miss Denali-Swan?"
Bella and I turn to see an older man standing behind us and we both stand.
"You can call me Bella. Is everything okay, Mr. Banner?"
"Oh, yes, dear, everything is fine. I was just wondering ..." Mr. Banner stops and shakes his head. "Never mind, dear, it's nothing; I'll let you get back to your meal."
I frown a little, knowing that he seemed like he wanted to ask something, but feels he can't.
"Mr. Banner," Bella speaks up, "I was meaning to talk to you about the golf tournament you did each year."
Mr. Banner's whole face lights up and I smile, remembering this was something my grandfather did each year. Judging by the look on Mr. Banner's face, this was what he was going to ask about.
"I'm very sorry – I know I kind of dropped the ball last year, and I still have no idea about it, but Caius is a keen golfer. Do you think you could speak with him, so we can get back on track for this year? Do you think the others in the tournament would mind if we got some of the other local businesses involved as well?"
"Oh no, they wouldn't mind at all, dear. The more the merrier I say, and I'll make sure I speak to Caius. Thank you, Bella; your father would be so proud of you." Mr. Banner goes to leave, but stops and looks back at Bella. "He often spoke of you, and I know he loved you very much. I meant it when I said he would be so proud of you. You're an amazing young woman, and I see you have gained the heart of a very good young man, as well. Edward, I'm not sure if you remember me, but your grandfather was a good friend of mine. Take care of this girl, she's very special."
"I do remember and I will take care of her, she's my whole world."
With a little nod Mr. Banner leaves to go back to his seat. I know he was not meaning to, but his words have upset Bella.
"Do you need some time out, baby?" I whisper softly into her ear and she shakes her head.
"I just wish he was still here."
I sigh and kiss her head, pulling her to me a little. "He is here," I say. "He's right here where he belongs and will always be." I place my hand over her heart."
"You are, too."
"I know and I'm planning on staying right here, beside you forever." I kiss her again, pulling away as the servers start to bring out the main course. I smile at Bella, as everyone seems to be very happy with the meal so far.
The night goes by with everyone mingling and talking to each other. Several people take the time to come and speak with Bella and she's genuinely happy that no one seems to hold her responsible. I know it's a weight off her shoulders, to not have anyone hating her. Once everyone leaves, Bella sends home the kitchen and cleaning staff. All there's left to do are a few dishes and some pans.
"Come on, Little Chef, it's time to get you home to bed," I say as Bella yawns, putting the clean dishes away.
"We're almost done; this is the last load," Bella says pointing at the dishwasher.
"I'll get Mom or someone to come over tomorrow."
Bella just looks at me, but I can clearly see that she's tired and we've got a long journey ahead of us tomorrow.
"Bella, it's okay to get help from time to time. It's a load of clean wet pans that still have to dry. It will take them ten minutes do it tomorrow and they are already going to be here, so the rental company can pick up the tables and chairs. Besides, you're dead on your feet."
I pick up our jackets and look to Bella, who still looks unsure. I smile as I walk over to her and pick her up. I throw her over my shoulder and she yelps and begins to giggle. I chuckle a little at her response. "Time for us to go home," I say as I turn off the lights and close the door behind me. I turn to lock it, before carrying her to the car.
By the time we get home, Bella is curled up asleep in the front seat. I walk around the car and gently pick her up. I walk all the way to her apartment with her asleep in my arms. I place her on her bed, stripping her down to her underwear. I remove my wife beater and put in on her. I've done this so often now, that I'm able to do it without waking her.
I brush her hair out of her face and spend a few minutes just looking at her. For the first time in a long time, she seems relaxed, calm and happy. I kiss her softly and remove everything but my boxers, before climbing into bed next to her. I pull her body to mine and I relax, feeling at peace.
~*FB*~
I take hold of Bella's waist, helping her into the speedboat that I'm going to drive to the island.
"You're sure you know what you're doing?" Bella asks as she sits on her seat.
"Just like driving a car, love," I say putting on my hat. Bella laughs as the boat comes to life and we speed off.
"Fuck, this almost beats riding a motorcycle," I say.
I take us on a little detour around the Island. It really is amazing, and you can't see any signs of a home or the fact that anyone lives here.
"We need to take the boat up to that part of the dock there," Bella says pointing it out. I slow down and edge slowly up, while Bella pushes the button on the dash. Within a few seconds the dock lifts and a passageway opens. Once we are through, Bella presses the button and the dock closes. I pull up to the end of the dock and jump off to tie the boat down. I get back on and place our bags out on the dock, before helping Bella off the boat.
"Are you ready to see our holiday home?" Bella asks with a small hint of worry.
"I am, and shush it, okay," I say with a wink, knowing she's back to worrying that I may assume she's throwing her money in my face. That is the one thing I have learned about Bella, money doesn't mean a thing to her. The most important thing to her is family. I start picking up the bags, but before I can get them all, Bella has two, one in each hand.
"Bella, I've told you I can get the bags."
Bella rolls her eyes and walks forward still carrying them. "Edward, this way it's one trip, and I really want to show you something." Bella wiggles her eyes at me and I grin.
"It was the captain's hat, right?" I ask cheekily, but Bella nods and there's also a small hint of a blush there.
"Yeah, maybe you could wear it more?" Bella bites her lip and I chuckle leaning over to kiss her.
"I'll wear anything you ask me, if you look at me like that."
Bella and I walk side by side and soon my mouth drops open.
"Oh my God, this is just…wow," I say as the most amazing house comes into view. It's two stories and the whole wall facing us is windows. As we walk in, I'm amazed. The ceilings are all vaulted, and the floor plan is very open and spacious. The whole thing is centered on the window-wall. Bella moves around and I follow her, taking in the rooms.
"Why is there a second floor; this first floor is huge?" I ask confused.
"You'll see why tonight," Bella says with a smile. "The second floor is where my room— well, our room now—is located."
I follow her all the way up the mountain of stairs.
When we get to her room, I'm awed by the size alone. It's three times the size of an average master bedroom. The en suite bathroom is also large and has a small pool, in place of a bathtub. The walk-in shower is so big; I think the whole bathroom in my apartment could fit in it. The toilet has its own small room, and there's a very large double sink vanity along the one wall. A large dressing room is where we leave the bags.
We walk back into the bedroom and I zone in on the sheer curtains surrounding the bed. It reminds me of one of those fancy princess beds you see in fairy tales. I move to the bed and sit on the side, where the sheer curtains are pulled back. Lying back, I let out a groan at how comfortable it feels.
"You're not sleepy, are you?" Bella asks as she straddles my lap.
I grin at her, shaking my head. "Not anymore," I manage to get out as our lips meet. I roll us to our sides and kiss her face softly as we lay there with silly smiles on our faces.
"Want to go for a walk before dinner?" Bella says softly.
"Yeah, but it should be noted that I'd go anywhere with you."
We throw on some light clothes and walk out hand in hand.
"Is it always this warm?" I ask feeling the heat.
"Pretty much, but there are strong storms in October. Dad normally comes and closes the panels around the full house, from my birthday until at least December. For the past two years Aro has paid someone to come over and do it for me. I wasn't really ready to come back here, until you mentioned us getting away."
I kiss her head lightly, allowing her to process her feelings.
"You know, I think your family should use this place, too. I'm not sure if we could get Rose to leave once she's been here, but it would be a nice vacation for them, too," Bella says chuckling gently.
"Yeah, I think she'd be happy here, and only leave to have the babies. I'm not sure if she would allow Emmett to stay with her though."
"Alice would hate it because there're no place close to shop."
I nod in agreement with her. We walk back to the house hand in hand, and make a light meal. Once we're done, Bella shows me around the parts of the house I didn't see earlier, before leading us to our room. As soon as we enter our room, I'm a little shocked, not only at what I see, but also the fact that I didn't work it out earlier.
The whole room is lightly lit up by the stars in the sky. It truly looks amazing. "My dad could always picture things in his head. He would run through different ideas. He had special ways of looking at things. He was brilliant; he designed this for me, because he said it was his way to give me the moon and the stars."
"He was amazing."
"He was, but he was also so good at business. He had a mind like a steel trap, he always said your best commodity was in here," Bella says tapping her temple. "I think that's why he was so good at business and knew how to help others. He would always tell me never to put someone's dreams down, even if they seemed improbable. He used to tell me, 'you should always allow someone to push for their dreams and allow them the chance to see where it takes them.'"
"He sounds like an amazing man. I know my grandfather always spoke highly of him. I think that's one of the reasons I was so angry about what happened, until you showed me that there must have been more to it."
Bella lays her head on my chest.
"I am sorry, I know I said it before, but I just didn't want the media to see my dad the way he was. That's why we weren't there."
I release a small sigh and kiss her again. "I know, and I understand. It wasn't your fault, it wasn't his fault. I just meant that if I had really looked at what was going on, I could have been there for you, through all the heartache you went though."
"I love you," Bella says, looking at me and I smile back at her.
"I love you, too. Come on, let's get some sleep. We've got a lot of hiking to do tomorrow."
The days pass too quickly, but Bella and I manage to relax. We also sorted some stuff out.
Bella told me that the orphanage that Charlie made his monthly donations to was badly in need of renovation and repairs. We discussed the possibility of donating the mansion and costs of running the place, to the orphanage.
Then there's the restaurant. She's gutting and remodeling the whole thing. She's expanding a bit to make the party room a part of the restaurant as a whole. She plans to buy new tables, chairs, worktops, cabinets, the bar-top, back shelving and stools, and she wants Masen Furniture to make it all. She plans to put in new state-of-the-art kitchen appliances and replace the old walk-in cooler and freezer. As for the menu, she plans to use items from some of the local growers and butcher shops her father was helping out. To top it all off, she plans to donate all profits to the local school districts, to use to fund school trips, learning equipment and to help under privileged children. Her plans are to do this all in honor of Marcus and Debbie, because helping kids was always their passion in life. Like always, I'm in awe of this girl and how special her heart is and how she loves so unconditionally.
The last thing we talk about is living together. We sleep so much better wrapped in each others' arms. We decided that when we get home, I'll be putting in my notice and moving in with the love of my life. It has been a wonderful and relaxing vacation, even though we worked out so much.
A/N: Well what are your thoughts now?