Chapter 5
EPOV
I woke up next to my beautiful wife, who was still asleep.
I got up quietly and went to the bathroom and took care of business.
When I came back out, she was still asleep as I left the bedroom and went to grab us some breakfast.
I walked into the kitchen and toasted some bagels, cut up some fruit and grabbed two yogurts from the fridge as I waited for the coffee to finish brewing.
I already packed a bag for New York so we just had to pick up the kids at my parents and then head to the airport at one.
I could hear Bella coming downstairs as I poured her coffee.
"Morning, my love."
"Wow, you have breakfast ready already - thank you."
"You're welcome. I wanted to let you sleep a bit longer."
"I appreciated it," she said.
I led her to a chair and helped her sit as I placed her food in front of her along with her coffee.
"I'm gonna miss you so much," she told me.
"I'm going to miss you and our kids too."
"You will be careful, right?" she asked.
"Of course, love."
"I'll try not to worry too much."
"I'll be back before you know it, baby."
"Yeah. I'm thinking about taking Bailey and Grayson to the library, if you think that will be okay."
"Of course, baby, why wouldn't it?"
"I just don't want to do anything without you knowing it," she said softly.
"It's fine baby, just make sure you take Seth.
"I will. What time do we have to get the kids?"
"Half an hour."
She smiled over at me.
We finished eating and then we went to get dressed.
"Did you pack?" she asked.
"Yeah, I did this morning."
"I could've helped you with that."
"I know but I won't be able to help you with the kids the next couple of days."
She walked over to me and wrapped her arms around me.
"I love you and when you come home I'll show you how much I missed you."
"I can't wait, baby."
I kissed her soft lips as I held her to me.
I knew things were going to change but I wasn't sure in what ways.
"Are we ready to go pick up our kids?" I asked as I kissed the top of her head.
"Yes, I do miss them."
I took her hand and we walked down the stairs.
I helped her with her jacket and then I helped her into the car.
I drove to my parents house quickly and I parked the car.
I got out and then ran around to her door and helped her out.
"Let's go and get our kids," I said as I took her hand.
We walked right in the door and my parents were playing on the floor with the children.
"Ma-ma, da-da," Bailey said when she saw us.
"Hey baby, girl," I said as I got down to her level.
"Da-da," she said as she hugged my neck.
"How were they?" Bella asked.
"Angels as always," mom said.
Bella smiled over at me, as Bailey ran to her.
"Ma-ma, up-ee."
Bella picked her up and hugged her tightly.
"Son, can I speak with you a moment?" my father asked.
"Sure," I said as we walked towards his office.
Once in his office I sat on the couch, suddenly I felt like that teenager that got in trouble.
"I just want to make sure that you and Emmett are going to be safe," he said.
"Yeah dad, we will be safe. We have taken every precaution necessary and Santiago will be there as well as Felix."
"Okay, just don't let your brother talk you into anything stupid."
"I won't. You know I've always been the logical one, so I'll probably have to save his ass."
"I keep hoping some of your logic will rub on off on him."
"Nah, its not going to happen," I said with a laugh.
Dad laughed along with me.
We walked back out to the living room to see Bailey playing with her toys and Bella was holding Grayson.
Bella looked up at me with concerned eyes, I know she wants to know if everything is alright.
I smiled at her and asked if she was ready to go.
"Yep I'm ready."
"Thanks for watching them," Bella said softly.
"Anytime, sweetheart," mom said.
I picked up Bailey and grabbed their bags as Bella held Grayson in her arms.
"I'll see you when I get back," I told my parents.
"Be safe," they both said.
"What did dad say?" Bella asked once we were back in the car.
"He wanted to know if we were going to be safe."
"Oh," she said.
"He wanted to make sure that I don't let Emmett talk me into anything."
"You would never do anything stupid," she said.
"No, I wouldn't."
She smiled at me and I returned her smile.
"Am I taking you to the airport or is Emmett coming to our house?"
"Emmett is coming to the house."
"Okay," she said as she looked out the window.
"Do you want to stop for lunch?" I asked.
"Yeah that sounds nice."
"Do Wendy's or Taco Bell sound good?"
"Wendy's is good," she said.
I pulled into Wendy's and parked the car.
I got out and helped Bella out of the car as I got Bailey out as Bella took Grayson out of his seat.
We walked into the restaurant and I sat them at a table.
"What would you like, baby?" I asked.
"The taco salad and an iced tea," she said.
"What about Bailey?"
"Um.. the chicken nugget kids meal with chocolate milk and oranges."
"Okay, baby, I'll get the food and be right back."
I walked up to the counter and placed our order, as I waited I looked back over towards Bella.
She looked so beautiful sitting there with our children, listening to Bailey as she chattered happily.
I hated to leave them even for a few days.
Bella noticed me watching and smiled.
She was looked so amazing today, despite not getting a lot of sleep.
I made sure that her birthday was special, and I'm glad that seeing Alice went well.
I carried our food back to our table and sat next to Bella.
I gave Bailey her chicken nuggets after I cut them up for her and then I opened her milk for her.
"Yum, yum," she said
We both smiled at her and continued eating.
"How is your salad, love?" I asked as I squeezed her hand.
"Really good, thank you. How is yours?"
"My burger is really good, too."
We finished our lunch quickly, all of us hungry.
I gathered Bailey into my arms after I threw away our garbage as Bella picked up Grayson.
I drove home slower then normal - I wasn't looking forward to telling them all goodbye.
When we arrived home Emmett's car was already sitting in the driveway.
I wasn't ready for him to be here yet.
I got out of the car and helped Bella out and then I took Grayson out of his seat as she got Bailey from her seat.
Bailey grabbed Bella's hand and they walked towards the door.
As we passed Emmett, I gave him a look that said do not come in.
I wanted a private goodbye with my family, not interrupted by his stupid ass comments.
Emmett climbed back in the car - he got what I was trying to tell him.
Once inside I put Grayson on the playmat and Bailey sat on the couch.
I think she knew that I was getting ready to go.
I ran upstairs to grab my bag as Bella stood by the back windows.
"I really hate this part," I said as I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.
"Me too."
She turned in my arms and laid her head against my heart.
"I love you, be safe," she whispered.
"I love you too, baby. I'm always safe, besides I have so much to come home too. My sexy, beautiful wife, and two adorable kids. Nothing could keep me away."
"Make sure Emmett's mouth doesn't get you in any trouble, I'd hate to have to slap the shit out of him," she said as she pressed her lips to mine.
I reveled in the taste and feel of her tongue sliding against mine.
"Mmm...baby," I said as I pulled away. "I'd love to see you slap the shit out of Emmett. It would be such a turn on."
She couldn't contain the laugh that left her.
"Just be yourself and everything will go fine."
"True for me, but if Emmett is his normal self I may have to shoot his ass."
"Let's hope not, I'm sure Rose would miss his ass as much as I'd miss yours," she said as she pinched my ass and then kissed me again.
Bailey was laughing behind us.
"Crap," she said pulling away. "I forgot that she was so close to us."
"It's okay, love. I don't think she heard us," I said as I went to pick her up.
"What's funny, baby girl?" I asked her as I nuzzled her nose.
"Ma-,ma, pinchy you."
"Yeah she did, sweet girl. Be a good girl for mommy and help her with Grayson."
"Da-da... go gain?" she asked looking into my eyes.
"Yeah baby girl, daddy has to take a trip with Uncle Emmett."
"Otay," she said with an adorable pout.
"Ba-ee, get pwesent?"
"Of course, sweet girl," I said kissing her cheek.
"Gway, pwesent too?"
"Yes, and one for Grayson too."
"Ma-ma too?" she asked.
She was so much like Bella in the way she cared about everyone.
"Of course, I would never forget ma-ma."
She smiled as she hugged me and kissed my cheek.
"Wuv you, da-da."
"I love you, my Bailey girl."
I sat her down, and then I picked up Grayson and held him close.
"Be good for ma-ma, Grayson. I love you so much," I said kissing his cheek.
He just giggled and slobbered on me.
I sat him back down with Bailey as I turned to Bella, who was fighting back tears.
I opened my arms to her and she ran into them.
"It's okay, love. I'll be back before you know it."
She sniffled against me and I knew she was fighting for control.
I felt her fingers twining into my hair.
"I know you'll be fine. I'm o..kay," she said looking up at me with a small smile.
I leaned in and captured her lips in mine as I pushed my tongue passed her lips.
I savored her taste as I held her body close to mine.
"I love you so fucking much," I said breathlessly as I pulled my lips from hers.
"I love you more than I can say, Edward. Hurry back to me."
"I will, baby," I said as I let her go and picked up my bag. "I'll call you when we get there."
"Okay," she whispered.
I walked towards the door and stepped outside.
I turned around and looked at her, and smiled.
"Be safe," she whispered.
"Always, love," I said as I walked towards the car.
"Yo B," Emmett yelled.
I hated leaving her and the kids, but it was part of the job.
Emmett got in and started the car.
"It's not forever, Edward," he said.
"I know," I said shortly - he just doesn't get it.
Emmett jabbered on the way to the airport, but I really wasn't paying any attention as I thought about my wife at home.
I could almost see her pulling Bailey into her arms and hugging her tight as she let a few tears fall.
We made it to the airport and checked in, and then got settled on the plane.
Emmett was still talking as we got settled in our seats - I wondered if he would ever shut up.
"Edward, are you even listening to me?" he asked.
"Huh? Oh yeah man...I hear ya."
"You're a shitty liar dude."
"I'm sorry, my mind is just elsewhere."
"It's okay. I'm going to miss Rosie too. We have started to try again for a baby," he said with a smile. "I want what you have."
"You'll have it bro," I told him.
"I hope so. I want to see Rosie as happy as Bella is when she's holding her kids. Are you and B planning to have any more kids?" he asked.
"I think we will - we both want more."
"Are you trying?" he asked.
"Not yet - I think we'll try next year."
"I'm sure, you won't have to try hard, you seem to have super sperm."
"Dude - some things just shouldn't be said between guys and that is one of them."
He barked out a laugh and I couldn't help but laugh too.
The rest of the flight was pretty quiet - Emmett finally dozed for a while and the silence was a welcome relief.
I thought about the meeting the Marks family, they were another low level mafia family, they had the potential to pose a threat especially if they merged with the Volturi family, but I figured it would be best to contact them first and offer them a deal before Caius got to them.
I would still have to reign Emmett in, since he is a little gung ho on things, and leans towards violence rather than logic.
Once we landed Felix went to get our car while Santiago accompanied us to baggage claim.
I was anxious to get to the hotel so that I could call Bella.
I know I could call her from the car, but I'd rather just call her once I'm settled in my room.
"What are you rushing for bro?" Emmett said from several steps behind me.
"I just want to get settled in the hotel and call Bella."
"Can we go out to a club? Edward we are in freaking New York City. Let's go out and get a few drinks, cut loose a bit, bro."
"I don't want to hit a club, if you want to hit a club go right ahead."
"Bro, come on.. You are twenty-five, cut loose some," he said as he punched my shoulder as we got to the car.
"Not interested Emmett, this isn't fucking spring break - it's business."
"When the fuck did you turn into a stick in the mud?"
Emmett huffed as he got in the car.
"When I grew the fuck up, you should try it."
"Whatever! I'm going out, you can sit in your hotel room and call your wife and then go to bed as if you are seventy. I'm going to live life, its NYC bro."
I turned around and stared at him, "I run this family, it's a responsibility. I have facts to run, and things to look into before this meeting. If you would grow up and check into life, you would see what's going on around you."
"Still going out, boss. If there's nothing you need from me," he said as he stared at me.
"Nope, go feel free to act like the child you are, but if you get in any fight or get arrested I'm leaving your ass in jail - maybe it will wake your ass up."
"Whatever," he said as we pulled up to The Plaza and Santiago opened the door as I got out and followed behind him.
Emmett never ceases to infuriate me.
Why didn't I have Jasper come with me?
Right, Alice just got home.
Once we checked in I went up to my suite, I had the Penthouse and Emmett had the Penthouse on the other side of me.
Santiago was staying with me and Felix unfortunately was staying with Emmett.
I soon as I was in my room I threw my suitcase on the bed and threw myself on the bed too - I was feeling mentally exhausted.
I put my hands over my eyes and groaned.
I have to be the biggest idiot on the planet, why do I bring Emmett with me to these things? He's really no help.
I reached for my phone so that I could call Bella.
It rang several times before she picked up.
"Hey baby," I said.
"Hi Edward, are things okay? You sound kind of off."
"Emmett's just pissing off."
"What did he do?" she asked.
"Just being his normal idiot self - he wants to go clubbing like a child."
"So he got angry that you didn't want to go and then you argued."
"Yeah that pretty much nailed it."
"Don't stress about it, you have stuff to do for the meeting. Just ignore him and let him do whatever he needs to do."
"That's the plan - still annoying as hell."
"I wish I was there with you, I'd know how to make the stress go away."
"I know you would, baby."
"Bailey was looking for you as we ate dinner," she said.
"Tell her daddy misses her."
"I will. What are you doing now?"
"Getting ready to go over reports and numbers. You?"
"Just took the kids out of their bath."
"Are they all snuggled in their beds?" I asked.
"No, actually they are snuggled in our bed at the moment."
"Aww...baby, I wish I was snuggled with you guys."
"We do too."
"Da-da, homee.., Ba-ee want da-da," Bailey whined.
"I miss you too, Bailey."
"Wuv you, da-da," she said.
"I love you, baby."
"She drifted off to sleep with a smile," Bella said. "I think I am going to go to the library tomorrow."
"Okay, baby, sounds great, just make sure you take Seth with you."
"I will. Do you have a lot of meetings tomorrow?"
"Yeah, probably all day - Emmett better not be hung over."
"I hope not. He will no help to you at all then, not that he is helping you much now," she said.
"I seriously think Bailey might have been more help."
"Yeah, maybe."
We both laughed and it felt nice.
"I wish I was home with you," I said as I ran my hand through my hair.
"I wish you were too."
"A few days and I'll be home."
"I know. I love you, Edward. You should get some sleep, and I'll call you tomorrow night."
"I love you baby, be safe."
"You too," she said softly as she hung up.
I laid back on the bed and groaned.
I hated going to these meetings, Emmett wouldn't be a help to me tomorrow.
Basically he'll be a hindrance to me, with his guns blazing attitude.
I want to handle things peacefully and make allies, not enemies.
Maybe I should just order him to stay in his room.
I could just take Santiago and Felix with me and leave Emmett here.
I guess it will depend on his attitude and if he's hung over.
I stretched my hands over my head and snuggled into the pillows and turned the light off.
I wish Bella was here, she was my rock and my peaceful place.
I fell asleep quickly.
When I woke up in the morning my first thought was of Bella and how much I missed her beside me.
I didn't sleep as well as I do in my bed, with my wife wrapped around me.
I called down for some breakfast as I called down to Emmett's room.
"Hello," Felix said as he answered the phone.
"Where's my idiot brother?" I asked.
"Boss, he's passed still."
"Fuck - stupid moron, I knew this would happen."
"Sorry, boss. I tried to curb him, but he was just out of control."
I pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration, "Did he do anything to embarrass the family?"
"No, not really. Just his normal loudness, but he did spout off about being part of the west coast mafia"
At this point I'm debating just sending him home.
"Did anyone listen to him?"
Fuck. Is he stupid or what?
"No, most people were so drunk. So it's okay."
"Fine - when stupid ass gets up send him to me - if he's not up before the meeting take him to the airport and put him on a plane."
"Yes, boss. I'm sorry I couldn't control the situation," Felix said.
"Not your fault Emmett is a child."
I hung up the phone and went to take a quick shower.
I finished quickly and then I got dressed as I heard Santiago talking to someone, I guess breakfast was here.
As I entered the living the room, I saw that Santiago had my breakfast set up on the table as he had my notes for the meeting next to my coffee.
"Thank you," I said as I sat down.
"You're welcome, boss. Mrs. Cullen told me how you liked things set up."
"That sounds like her," I said with a smile.
Even apart Bella made sure that I was well taken care of, she was amazing.
"You and Felix may be going to the meeting with me. Emmett may be going home early."
"Yes boss," was all he said - I'm sure he can tell how pissed and disgusted I am.
I'm not opposed to going out and having a few drinks, but when you have a job to do, that should be your first priority.
I failed to see how I get that and he doesn't but he's always been a fucking clown.
My nerves were on edge as I tried to finish my breakfast.
I hated that I was contemplating sending my brother home, I looked at my watch and seen that I had ten minutes before I had to leave for the meeting and no Emmett yet.
I got up from the table and went to grab my suit coat and my gun along with my briefcase.
"Call the driver and have Emmett taken to the airport," I told Santiago and then we'll leave for the meeting."
"Yes, boss."
I went into the bedroom and grabbed my stuff.
I sent a text to Bella telling her that I'm sending Emmett home and that I'd explain what happened later.
Felix was standing with Santiago when I came back into the room.
"Emmett's on his way to the airport, sir," Felix said.
"Did he say anything?"
"He was super pissed, sir. He said that you are letting the power go to your head and that if you get a cap in your ass its your own damn fault. He said he's going to go tell Bella that you are a spoiled, pissy ass bitch," Felix said as he shook his head.
"Call Seth and direct him that he is not to let Emmett in my house - he's not dragging Bella into this mess. As a matter of fact have him taken to my parents house, mom was always good with making him see sense - if he wants to be a child then I will send him home to his mommy."
"Yes sir," Felix said.
I'm seriously rethinking the vacation to the Greek Isles, if he continues to act like a shit, I will take Bella on vacation without him, but I'd send Rose on her own vacation without the ass.
Once in the car, I felt a bit uneasy about the meeting, but I passed it off as just tiredness and the stuff with Emmett.
I was confident in what I had to say and if they wouldn't listen, then I'd deal with it my way.
We arrived at the hotel where the meeting will be held -I insisted on a public conference room to minimize the possibility of violence.
Santiago walked in front of me on our way in, Felix behind as we strode into the conference room.
When we walk in Mr. Marks is already seated at the conference table - his son on one side a bodyguard on the other.
When I settled at the table Mr. Marks cleared his throat to speak.
"Welcome to New York, Mr. Cullen."
"Thank you, Mr. Marks," I said.
"I was under the impression your brother would be joining us?" he asked.
"He had to return home unexpectedly," I informed him.
"That is unfortunate," he said as he motioned to his son.
"I assure you this will have no effect on our meeting today."
Mr. Marks nodded at me and I continued.
"I called for this meeting in the hopes of peaceful resolution. I understand you are looking to expand your holdings, am I correct?"
"Yes."
"Your power in this city is limited - how is it that you can be looking at expansion?"
"You are not the only one with friends, Mr. Cullen."
Mr. Marks read through it quickly, looking slightly upset.
"Numbers don't lie, Mr. Marks, I could easily squash you by force, but I would rather you come to me as a willing ally."
"What would I get in return, Mr. Cullen?"
"The support of a very powerful friend and an expansion of territory on this side of the country. I have a friend who is getting old and has no heir...your family could be that heir...for your loyalty."
Mr. Marks and his son start whispering to each other.
"Mr. Cullen, your plan intrigues me. How can you be sure that my family would be welcomed by your friend?"
"He would like his territory to go to a local family."
"What will be the cost to my family to be loyal to you?" the son asked.
"Absolutely no dealings with the Volturi Family."
"And if we do have dealings with them?" his son asked.
I flipped some pictures at him across the table from the last time a family had given us their word and broke it. My uncle had been ruthless and I wouldn't hesitate to follow in his footsteps.
"Mr. Cullen, after conferring with my son and viewing your families handiwork, we have decided to swear our loyalty to the Cullen family," Mr. Marks said.
"Excellent," I said reaching across the table and clasping his hand. "I will hold you to it."
"Would you like to go to dinner with us tomorrow evening?" Mr. Marks asked.
"Thank you, we gladly accept your kind offer."
"Good, we look forward to talking more with you, Mr. Cullen. I will have my son text you where we will be dining."
I nodded and stood up with Santiago and Felix flanking me.
We left the room and once in the hall I breathed a sigh of relief.
"That went well, don't you think?" I asked as we entered the parking garage.
"Yes sir," Santiago said and Felix nodded in agreement.
"Do you guys want to do a bit of shopping with me? I promised Bailey a present, and then we can grab some food."
"Whatever you want boss."
"Okay, drive to the nearest shopping plaza closest to Tiffany's. I'll need to get Bella something too.
"Yes sir."
I got in the car and sent a text to Bella that the meeting went fine and that I was going to do a bit of shopping.
Her response was immediate.
"I'm glad things went good. Shopping fun. Love you. B"
Santiago pulled up to Tiffany's first and we got out.
I don't think it would be hard to find Bella something, most women were easy to buy for.
Again Santiago walked in ahead of me and Felix behind me.
I had several sales reps immediate attention - I think my wealth and power were obvious.
"How many we help you, sir?" one sales rep followed after us.
"Purchasing for my wife - I don't need help, just be ready when I pick what I want." I was in no mood for simpering commission chasers.
I looked through the cases - seeing many magnificent pieces, including a stunning three million dollar sapphire necklace I would have loved to get Bella but she would freaking kill me if I did.
I found a delicate silver bracelet and a onyx necklace that I'm sure she would love.
I motioned for the sales rep and told him the items I wanted to purchase.
I opted against the sapphire necklace, I kind of liked my balls where they were.
"May I suggest the matching earrings to go along with the necklace, sir?" he said.
"No, thank you," I said as I looked over at Santiago.
I paid for my purchases and we walked out of there and into the toy store.
We walked around FAO Schwarz and I found this cute monkey with a blanket for Grayson and a pink doll for Bailey.
I made my way to the register to pay and then we were on our way to eat.
We went back the car and Santiago drove us back to the hotel, and we went into the Oak Room for dinner.
Once we were seated, we looked over the menu and I told Felix and Santiago to get whatever they wanted.
I was going to get the Tuna Melt with a side of fries.
Santiago went with the spaghetti and Felix went with the Reuben sandwich.
We talked about various things as we ate and then we went up to our floor.
I went into my suite and waited for Bella to call.
I got into my sweats and sat on the bed as my phone started to ring.
"Hello."
"How was your meeting?" she asked.
"It went well," I said.
"They agreed with you?"
"Yes, after I showed them the file I had and my conditions. It went very well. Did Emmett get home already?"
"I guess - last I heard he was still at mom's. I heard she's raking him over the coals."
"That's good, she'll straighten him out. How was your day?"
"It went well. I took the kids to the library and this woman invited me to a Mommy and me group, that meets at the library every other Thursday. She seemed really nice and friendly," she said.
"That's great baby."
"Her name is Victoria and she seemed really nice. She was there with her son, who is about the same age as Bailey. I don't know if I'll go or not."
"You should go, baby, might be nice for you to have some activities."
"I'm not great with people. I'm usually leery of people, but if you think it's a good idea I guess I can try it," she said quietly.
"I know baby, but I want you to have friends."
"Okay, I think she said the next meeting is next week."
"I'm not trying to pressure you baby but I want to do things and have fun."
"I know. When will you be home?"
"Day after tomorrow."
"Did you already buy the kids a present?" she asked.
"Of course."
"They will like that."
"I even bought their mommy something," I said with a smirk.
I'm still thinking about the three million dollar necklace.
"Edward," she reprimanded.
"What love? You should be happy that I didn't get the three million dollar sapphire necklace I saw. I'm still thinking about it," I said with a laugh.
"Don't you dare, mister."
"You would look so sexy with that on and nothing else. I think I'll have to get it for you."
"No way," she yelled into the phone.
"I'm just teasing, love. But I did buy you something."
"It better not be anywhere close to even one million," she said.
"It's not, love. Maybe a couple hundred," I said with a laugh.
"I suppose that's okay - still not necessary though."
"Always necessary to spoil the woman I love."
She just giggled.
"I love hearing you giggle. How are the kids?"
"They're good - they miss their daddy."
"I miss them too. Does their mommy miss me?"
"Always."
"Good, to know. I'll be home soon and I plan on making it up to you."
"I like the sound of that."
"I'm glad. Any plans for tomorrow?" I asked.
"I'm having lunch with Alice and then we're taking the kids to the park."
"That sounds good. I'm having dinner with Mr. Marks and his son and then I'll be flying home to be with my beautiful family."
"I can't wait - I really miss you."
"I miss you too. Are you going to call Victoria?" I asked.
"Maybe."
"Okay, love. I won't pressure you, but I do think its a good idea."
"Okay," she said.
"I guess I better let you go, its getting late here. I love you so much, Bella. Kiss the kids for me."
"We all love you and miss you terribly."
"I'll call you tomorrow, love."
"Okay, sleep well."
"You too."
After we hung up, I got comfortable in the bed, well as comfortable as I could without Bella next to me.
I couldn't get comfortable no matter what I did.
I was worried about Bella, and her being afraid to meet other people.
I wanted her to have friends outside of the family, but I do understand her being leery of people.
I just want what's best for her, whatever will make her happy.
I could have this Victoria checked out if that made her feel better.
I'll ask her if she wants me to do that next time I talk to her.
I could feel myself getting tired as my eyes slipped closed.