Author's Note: Damn, it's been a while. Sorry about that. Seems like we write soooo much better when we sit next to each other. And of course, RL is always a bitch and interferes a lot with the creative process. TwilightMomofTwo would like to thank her husband for keeping the kids out of the writing room today. Confettirainfall thanks her husband for watching the dogs.

As before, we don't own Twilight. We do each own a copy of the books and the movies. And the plot to this story is ours, too.

On with it. See you at the bottom.

4. The Edges Dissolve

Oh fuck!

My son's voice brought me up short, and I dropped Edward's hand like a hot potato. I slowly turned around and found James at the bottom of the stairs, rubbing his eyes. As always, his thick mess of dark hair stuck out in all directions, and one of the legs of his pajama bottoms had ridden up to his knee.

"Hey, sweetie," I said with forced cheerfulness. "Did you sleep well?"

My mind was racing, wondering what I should say to my son and how I could possibly explain Edward's presence.

"Mmm hmm," James mumbled as he looked again at the partially opened door and Edward.

"Hey, buddy," Edward said lightheartedly. "Wanna practice this morning?"

James yawned, but I could see the excitement wash over his face as he nodded.

"Yeah!"

I looked between my son and Edward, smiling and feeling a bit optimistic for the first time in years. Perhaps today would be a good day after all.

"You go get dressed, I'll fix breakfast, and then afterward we can all go to the fields."

"Okay, Mom," James shouted over his shoulder as he turned on his heels and sprinted up the stairs.

"Well, it looks like we dodged that bullet," Edward said, chuckling.

"For now," I murmured as my mind began to wander.

"Bella," Edward called to me, yanking me from my musings as he quickly pulled me against his chest. "It's fine. He's fine. We're –" he stopped.

I had a feeling he was going to say 'fine' but we were far from fine. However, we were communicating so I decided to interject.

"We're working on it," I replied with a shy smile.

"Yes, we are," Edward grinned and his eyes sparkled. He leaned down to kiss me before letting me go.

"Did you want to head home first and change?" I asked.

"No, I'm okay. I'll just get all hot and sweaty anyway. I'll shower and change later."

I nodded, reaching for his hand and rubbing my thumb over the back of it. Hot and sweaty Edward sounded rather good to me. Before I could veer off too far into Fantasyland, I sighed as reality set in. I thought about what I'd say to my son and if it would truly be possible for Edward and I to merge our lives together.

We started walking toward the kitchen where I pulled eggs, bacon, milk and butter from the fridge, setting everything on the counter next to the bread.

"You gonna help?" I asked, smiling while he stood there, looking lost and awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. I pointed to the counter half-jokingly.

"You can whisk the eggs and milk together."

Rolling his eyes at me, he walked over, picking up the carton of eggs and jug of milk, along with the bowl I had pulled out of the cabinet and began mixing them. I couldn't help but smile as I reached for the frying pan. Of all the things we needed to work on, this – being together, all domestic in my kitchen – felt just right.

After a few minutes, James came bounding down the stairs.

"I'm ready!" he shouted, sounding more like a herd of elephants than one little boy. I looked at him, attempting to convey some sort of calm, but the happiness that he exuded was contagious. Glancing over at Edward, I was surprised that instead of the annoyance I expected, he was actually smiling.

"Hey, if your mom has me working, I suspect you're next," Edward snickered as I returned my gaze to my son, laughing quietly as James frowned.

"I know...set the table," he mumbled under his breath. I was going to say something, but Edward whispered my name, shaking his head and winked at me. I loved the interaction, the normalcy of the moment and hoped it would continue.

Before long, we were all sitting down, eating and talking happily as if this was just any other morning – until the phone rang. It was still fairly early which meant it could only be one person.

Jumping up from the table, nearly knocking over my chair in the process, I sprinted toward the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Bells. Is James ready for me to pick him up?"

I closed my eyes, rubbing forehead.

Shit!

I had totally forgotten that Seth was supposed to take James to the park this morning.

"Bells, you there?"

I needed to answer him, find a reason he shouldn't come by.

"Uh, yeah. I'm here. You know, it's okay. You don't have to stop by this morning. We're in the middle of breakfast and I'm not sure he's –"

"Is that Uncle Seth?" James asked loudly.

I cringed as I completed my sentence, "ready."

"He sounds plenty ready to me," Seth said, sounding suspicious. "Bella, what's going on?"

"Uh, I sorta forgot you were coming over," I muttered quietly.

Looking over at Edward I was surprised at the annoyance that seemed to spread across his face. Suddenly, it occurred to me that perhaps Edward thought I was ditching him or worse, keeping something from him. I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks, and nearly dropped the phone. My eyes pleaded with Edward.

"Seth, hold on a sec, would ya?"

I placed the receiver against my chest, hoping to muffle the sound of my voice.

"You okay?" I whispered as my eyes implored him to trust me. I knew I hadn't given him much reason to do that, but this was nothing. Seth was important but not in any way other than my friend. He had been a support to me after Jake had died. Nothing more, nothing less and Edward needed to know that.

He peered at me over his cup of coffee, an empty look in his eyes, not saying a word.

"It's only Seth," I said, speaking a bit louder.

When I was met with yet another blank stare, I knew I needed to be clearer.

"My, uh, brother-in-law?"

After a moment, his expression changed. He still seemed uptight, but no longer annoyed.

I quickly returned to my phone conversation.

"Seth, where are you?"

"Coming around the corner. I'll be there in a minute."

Well, it's now or never.

"Um, okay, I'll see you in a sec." I hung up, sighed and walked back toward the table. By this time, James had finished eating, so I glanced over at him.

"Honey, would you please go upstairs – slowly – and get a pair of my socks and sneakers?"

He nodded, jumping up from the table and taking off like a bullet.

"I said slowly," I called out after him before quickly turning to Edward and reaching my arm across the table, running a finger along the back of his hand – the one still tightly gripping the coffee cup.

"Seth will be here in a minute. I forgot he was taking James this morning. If you don't want to meet him, you can go into the bathroom," I blurted out, not sure what else to say.

"Do you not want me to meet him?" Edward asked, his voice cold, distant.

"No, no – that's not it at all. I just didn't want you to feel...pressured. I want this." I was motioning back and forth between us. "You know that, right?"

Edward huffed.

"Yeah, sure," he muttered, heading toward the bathroom.

"Wait. Please," I said. "Do you want to stay?"

"Do you want me to? I mean, you seemed...shit, Bella. I don't know..." Edward seemed conflicted.

We still had so many things to overcome – so many conversations that still needed to be had, but right now there wasn't any time. James would be back down any second, followed by Seth who would be arriving momentarily.

Before either of us made a conscious decision, there was a knock on the door. The handle turned just as James came flying down the stairs.

"Uncle Seth!" James yelled in excitement as Seth walked into the house.

"Hey there, sport! Ready to go to the park?" Seth looked from James to me and then glanced at Edward, a surprised expression on his face.

James looked at me, trying not to appear disappointed. I had a feeling he wanted to go with Edward – after all, he was James' coach – but he didn't want to hurt Seth's feelings.

It was clear from the expression on Seth's face that he must have been feeling slightly disgruntled, but he spoke quickly so James probably never noticed.

"It's okay, buddy...we can go another time."

"Uh, can't we all go together?" James asked.

I wasn't actually surprised by my son. He had always been such a peacemaker. He hated it when his friends fought with each other, always wanting everyone to be as happy as he was. Even when Jacob died, James had tried to make me smile and ease my suffering.

Those thoughts brought pain to my chest. It should have been my responsibility to ease his suffering. I should have helped my baby more with the loss of his father. From there, my mind immediately turned to Jake. He had been a good father; I would never take that away from him. A good husband however was a completely different matter.

I didn't realize I hadn't answered James' question until I heard his voice again and suspected there was a slight grimace on my face.

"Mommy, you okay?"

I nodded, attempting to smile. "Yes, baby. I'm fine."

James folded his arms across his chest. "I'm not a baby."

He frowned, and I couldn't stop myself from chuckling.

"No, you're not, big guy," Seth answered. "You're the man of the house."

Seth looked directly at Edward, and it almost sounded like a warning. My anger rose instantly. I shot a glare at him, but he only glanced in my direction for a second before he continued to sneer at Edward.

Edward noticed my discomfort.

"Perhaps it's time for me to leave."

My heart began to race. I needed to say something. Edward wanting to leave of his own volition was one thing, but I would not allow Seth to push him away. Just as I was about to lay into Seth, James spoke.

"Don't you want to come with us, Coach? I thought we were going to practice together."

My child's guileless question made me smile. I looked at Edward who seemed to relax a little.

"Sure, sure, kid. If that's what you'd like."

Seth didn't seem too happy with that solution, but he wasn't about to upset James.

And I honestly didn't care how Seth felt about the situation. Or his opinion, for that matter.

Seth drove to the park in his car while James and I rode with Edward. I had been afraid that Edward would insist we take separate cars so he could leave whenever he was ready, but maybe with Seth being with us, perhaps Edward figured if he got bored that Seth would take us home.

I sighed. Why did I torment myself with questions I had no answers to?

After arriving at the park and a few moments of awkwardness, the boys fell into an easy rhythm of throwing, catching and running. I had watched Seth and James interact many times over the years, both with and without Jacob. I had also seen Edward practice football during the course of our high school years, but there was something about observing the three of them, interacting and all coming together that sent shivers down my spine.

Could such a possibility truly exist? Would it be this easy to integrate my past and present into a future I never thought possible? And did I even dare to dream?

"Hey, mom! Watch this!"

I looked up in time to see Edward bring back his arm, slamming hundreds of memories from high school into my mind. I watched as the football flew through the air, spiraling in a perfect arc, until it landed easily in the arms of my son.

I clapped excitedly; the smile on James' face was unmistakable. Edward was beaming as if he'd just thrown the game winning touchdown – even Seth looked pleased. James ran over to me, and I bent down, hugging him as he quickly gave me a peck on the cheek and then pushed back.

"Not here, mom." He suddenly looked so grown up as he rolled his eyes at me, causing me to laugh.

"You were great!"

"I know, right?" he laughed.

I looked from Edward to Seth and back again, smiling. I hoped my expression would convey all the happiness and joy I felt in that moment.

EPOV

Well, fucking busted.

Or maybe not.

The kid suddenly showing up at the top of the stairs had been a real downer. He made me nervous. My future with Bella depended on his approval, I knew that, so his catching me sneaking out the door was just a bit nerve-wracking. Bella handled it like a pro, and it seemed as if the boy had no idea that I'd been trying to leave instead of just coming by, especially when I casually threw in that I was there to invite him for an impromptu practice session.

He bought it, running off happily to get dressed.

I didn't realize that Bella was such a good liar.

I made a note to myself to ask her about that later. It certainly explained why I had bought her story fourteen years ago without even questioning it.

Preparing breakfast with her in her little kitchen was an experience. It felt natural, as if I was supposed to be there, watching her fry the bacon – even watching the little guy set the table held a certain degree of familiarity – like I belonged. As was always the case, my mind wandered to the dark side.

You could have had this all along. This should have been your life. See what she stole from you?

Refusing to let my inner demons get the better of me, I shoved that voice to the back of my mind, concentrating hard on just being here with her, enjoying this moment, hoping we could have more of them.

It seemed like possible disaster had been avoided and I rather enjoyed sitting at the table with Bella and her son, eating a breakfast we had prepared together – well, at least until her brother-in-law called. At first, I didn't know who it was, and I was irrationally seething with jealousy at the thought that there was someone else with whom she had made plans.

When she told me it was Seth, I was only marginally mollified. Was he still her brother-in-law? What was their relationship exactly? How much influence would he have over her decisions?

It was easy to figure things out when people were alive, but when someone died – well, that was a whole other story. For a brief moment I was reminded of my mother's passing. I had never really thought of the state of limbo my father had been in for years.

I must have zoned out because initially I didn't realize Bella was talking to me.

"... be here in a minute. I forgot he was taking James this morning. If you don't want to meet him, you can go into the bathroom."

Her big, brown eyes were searching mine carefully. As her words sank in, the anger flared again.

What the fuck? Why would I want to hide from him...unless there is something else going on? Did she replace one brother with another?

"Do you not want me to meet him?"

I hadn't meant to sound so angry, but my jealousy was getting the better of me. I saw her lips moving, but I was too enraged to really hear her. I thought she'd said something about wanting us to work out, but I wasn't sure. I huffed and just decided to agree with whatever it was she'd said.

"Yeah, sure," I mumbled before turning to toward the bathroom.

"Wait. Please. Do you want to stay?"

My mind and heart were warring with each other, one telling me to stay and the other saying 'get the hell outta here', and I was tired on top of it all.

"Do you want me to? I mean you seemed...shit, Bella. I don't know..."

She never had a chance to say anything else because just at that moment someone knocked on the door as her son flew down the stairs.

A man walked through the door – I assumed he was her brother-in-law or whatever the fuck he was – and as he looked at her, I could have sworn I saw something more than familial love coming from his eyes.

You're just tired and you're being a jealous ass. Stop this shit now.

Maybe I really did need some sleep. I wasn't focusing on what was happening around me, but then again I didn't really want to know the precise relationship between them. I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard Seth snidely say, "No, you're not, big guy. You're the man of the house."

It didn't go unnoticed that he looked directly at me when he spoke, a silent warning in his eyes. What the hell? His brother was dead. Did he want her now that her husband, his own brother, was out of the picture?

I wasn't in a mood for this shit so I decided to go.

"Perhaps it's time for me to leave."

Bella had a bewildered expression on her face, but I almost didn't care. I was beginning to think that my doubts were justified – that this thing between Bella and me wasn't going to work out, no matter how hard I tried. There seemed to be too many things standing between us. It was better if I cut the cord now and just disappeared.

One heartbreak was enough.

"Don't you want to come with us, Coach? I thought we were going to practice together." He looked disappointed.

And just like that, I knew I was a goner. Not only did Bella own my heart, but there was something about the kid that I just couldn't shake. Maybe it was that he was so much like her; not only in looks but also in mannerism. He didn't seem to look much like his uncle.

His innocent question solidified that as long as the kid wanted me around, I'd be there. He'd already lost his father and I wouldn't let him down just because of my insecurities.

"Sure, sure, kid. If that's what you'd like."

Seth didn't seem to like me, but I didn't give a shit. Unless and until Bella and the kid told me to leave, I was staying. As we walked out to the cars, I got the immediate impression that he wanted them to ride with him.

Over my dead body.

I quickly opened the passenger door for Bella and James. She looked a little hesitant, but there was no way she was riding with him. James looked thrilled to be driving in my car – what kid wouldn't be? My Mustang was a great ride even if you didn't know anything about cars.

Thoughts of teaching James how to drive flooded my mind.

What the hell was that?

I am obviously growing a vagina after all these years.

This might be a good thing.

Or not. If I'm growing attached to this kid and things don't work out with Bella...

I blinked a few times, trying to clear those images out of my head as we drove to the park. James chattered excitedly in the backseat, while Bella sat next to me in relative silence, only giving perfunctory answers to her son.

I was doing pretty much the same, but James didn't notice, happily talking our ears off the entire time.

I wasn't sure how much fun it would actually be, but the kid was good and Seth chilled out after a bit. I threw, James caught – most of the time – and Seth did his best to block my passes. I couldn't help but smirk – it seemed I still had the arm after all these years.

Get over yourself.

Every now and then I'd glance over at Bella and remembered the days back in high school when she'd sit in the bleachers, watching a game. Then I was reminded of our extracurricular activities. I smiled, thinking of the hot sex we used to have after a game, when I was knocked backward on my ass as a ball clocked me in the head.

"Are you okay, Coach?" I heard a voice shout from the distance.

I opened my eyes to find myself flat on my back as a few faces were staring down at me.

Rubbing my head, I answered, "Uh, yeah...I think so. You've got some arm, kid."

"Really?" he asked excitedly.

"Um, yup...sure do."

I sat up slowly, feeling a little dizzy. "Edward, are you okay?"

I started to stand up, but was still a bit cockeyed. I was a bit wobbly on my feet when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Dude, come sit over here. James, why don't you run to your mom for a minute. Get something to drink."

I nodded to whoever was speaking, assuming it was Seth.

"I heard you played back in the day." I heard him snicker. "Thought you'd be a bit tougher."

"I played wide receiver – faster than most – and I usually caught the ball," I snorted, rubbing my head.

"More focused, too, maybe," he replied. "Don't think I didn't see you looking at Bella."

"Yeah, well...," I said a little sheepishly. "Just remembering, I guess."

"Remembering what?"

"We dated all through high school – didn't Bella tell you?"

"No, she just said you guys were old friends." He looked at me curiously.

"Huh. Yeah, not sure I would classify it that way." I couldn't help the pain that flashed through me, twisting my mouth into a grimace.

"It sure looked like you are more than that this morning..." His look became calculating.

I didn't know how to respond to that – unsure how much Bella wanted him to know and slightly miffed that she had hidden our history from him.

"I suppose I can guess why she wouldn't want you to know," I muttered mostly to myself.

"What do you mean?" There was an edge to his voice.

"Let's just say it didn't end well."

"What did you do?" he accused.

I bristled at the insinuation. "What makes you assume it was me?"

"So what are you saying – she broke your heart?" I guess he meant it jokingly but the words just hit home. The familiar pain burned in my stomach.

"I guess you could say that." I looked away, towards Bella who sat on the bleachers

"What happened?"

"It's a long story, and I really don't want to get into that right now. I also think you should hear it from Bella, not me."

"Okay..."

"Look, we just reconnected a few days ago...gimme a chance, okay?"

"Let me put it to you straight, man. Bella's like an older sister to me. I'm a little protective of her and James, and I guess I just want to know what your intentions are. She hasn't let anyone get close to her or James since my brother died, and I just wanna make sure you're not gonna hurt her. Know what I mean? If she's just a piece of ass to you or some kind of revenge fuck – well, I'd hate to see you get your pretty face hurt, got it?"

His eyebrow rose as he challenged me. I wiped my hand across my face before I answered.

"It's not like that, alright? Look – I'm still in love with her, okay? So no, revenge has nothing to do with it."

He snorted.

"I'm supposed to believe that you've been...what...like pining away for her all this time? Seriously? Sell stupid somewhere else, dude."

"Well, believe what you want – I don't care. I just want another chance with her."

I got up and picked up the ball. "Let's just get back to playing, alright?"

He looked at me dubiously for a bit longer. I returned his stare until he looked away.

"Yeah, okay," he finally said.

James ran back over which effectively ended the conversation, and we resumed playing. Seth seemed to warm up to me a bit more after our little chat.

I looked over at Bella who was smiling like I hadn't seen in so many years. Her guard seemed to be down as I talked and horsed around with James and Seth. It was great to see her like that again and I thought, just for a moment, how it might be.

"Mom, I'm hungry!"

James sounded a little whiny, but I could understand the feeling. I was starving myself, not realizing how much time had passed.

"I guess we should get you home," Bella replied, sounding a bit disappointed.

"Why don't I take him?"

I glanced over at Seth – was he really doing what I thought he was doing?

"Um, that's not necessary, Seth."

"Please, Mom?" It was obvious from James' pleading voice that he enjoyed spending time with his uncle. It was also clear that Bella had a hard time saying no to James.

"Are you sure, Seth?" Bella seemed conflicted, although it wasn't clear to me why she wouldn't jump at the chance to spend some time alone with me. There was still a lot of things we needed to talk about.

Right – talking. That whole communication thing is what caused this clusterfuck.

"Yup – positive." Seth smiled and winked at me. I couldn't hold in my grin. It looked like he was giving me the benefit of the doubt.

"Okay..."

"Thanks, Mom!" Before I could say 'bye' James ran off toward the parking lot and Seth's car.

Seth laughed, but before he left he turned to me.

"Nice meeting you, man."

"Likewise," I replied, feeling a bit relieved as I shook his hand.

"Thanks, Seth," Bella said with a smile. "Call me later?"

"Sure thing."

Once they left I turned back to Bella.

"Would you like some lunch?" I asked with a smile.

"I am hungry, but I'm not sure it's food I want."

Bella stared at me with the sexiest, hottest, come-fuck-me look I had ever seen on her face. My dick was instantly hard and I nearly couldn't restrain the urge to just throw her to the ground and have my way with her.

I had just enough good sense left to grab her hand and drag her towards the car.

"Right. Food can wait. My place or yours?"

We both began laughing so hard we nearly fell over. I felt sixteen again, no cares in the world, happy and in love. I scooped Bella up in my arms and ran with her to my car.

I put her down on the passenger side and kissed her. The taste of her lips on mine and her scent were overwhelming as I placed kisses down her neck. She nibbled on my ear, groaning as I sucked on the soft skin, pushing her harder against the door and grinding my groin into hers. I moved my mouth back to hers, flicking my tongue across her lower lip.

"I think we should get in the car," she whispered.

"Mmm hmm." My tongue delved into her mouth, stroking and rolling around hers. Her hands gripped my hair and pulled, and my hips automatically jerked against her.

"I need to be inside you," I groaned. "Fuck, Bella, tell me I can."

Bella pulled back a little.

"Right here?" she teased.

I put my hands on her ass, lifting her as her legs wrapped around my waist, grinding her pussy against my now painful erection. I grunted. The thin material of the shorts I wore didn't hide my arousal. My fingers dug into her flesh, sliding towards the promised land underneath the hem of her shorts. I could feel the wetness that had already seeped out of her on my fingertips.

"Fuck!"

Letting go with one hand, I fumbled blindly for the door handle and ripped the door open, then dropped Bella unceremoniously onto the seat.

She giggled.

I ran around the car, hopped in and peeled out of the parking lot.

"In a bit of a hurry?" Bella asked seductively.

"What ever gave you that idea?" I replied innocently.

She giggled again, and my heart soared at the sound. This was the Bella I remembered – the carefree girl I fell in love with so long ago, the woman who still owned me heart and soul.

And the sooner I could be buried balls-deep inside her, the better.

Pulling into the driveway, I looked over at Bella. She still had a gleam in her eye so I knew she was thinking what I was thinking. I smiled, reaching for her hand as I brought it to my lips.

Before I had a chance to react, Bella snatched her hand away and pushed open the car door. As she quickly jumped out she teased, "If you want it, you gotta catch me first!"

Hopping out of the car, I saw there was really nowhere for her to go. Whichever way she went, she'd have to get past me.

"You can't run from me now, Bella," I grinned menacingly.

She froze at my words and I realized what I'd said. My grin faltered and was replaced with contrition.

"Shit, honey – that's not what I meant."

Apparently my freaked out distraction was just what she needed as she ran around behind the back of the car and toward the backyard.

"I know..."

Damn...I let her get away again...but it won't take fourteen years to get her back this time.

I chased after her, catching her just as she reached the gate.

"Gotcha!"

She laughed, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Now that you got me, what are you gonna do with me?"

I waggled my eyebrows suggestively.

"I can think of a few things."

Bella smiled.

"Take me to bed, Edward."

Yes, ma'am.

Endnote:

That's all she wrote. At least for now. Please leave a review. Until next time.