A/N: I don't own Twilight, no surprises there.

Thanks to my beta gooseonline and thanks so much to my lovely readers and reviewers… I am so honoured by your support.

Chapter 26 - famous chicken pie

"Eh-wed!"

I was just at the door talking to Leah when Lil Bit came barrelling down the hallway towards me her beautiful brown curls bouncing around her face. I squatted down and opened my arms to her. When she jumped into my arms I stood holding her up. She planted a big wet kiss on my cheek and I laughed.

"Good morning, little love. Have you had a nice time?"

"Yes, Eh-wed. I coloured wif Sef and unca Ja-coob made hot choklet wif marsh-allows."

"That sounds wonderful. Let's go pack your bag, say goodbye to Seth and then we'll head off okay. I want you to see the new car seat Tyler bought for you so you ride in my car."

"O-kay Eh-wed." She spun in my arms and wriggled to get down. I put her down on the floor and she trotted off down the hallway calling for Seth and telling him about her new car seat. So fucking cute.

"Come along Edward. Your little love is waiting for you." Leah was laughing as she led me down the hallway to follow after Lil Bit. It was a nice home, modest but warm and welcoming. I could definitely enjoy spending time here and I really liked Leah she was very forgiving of me. She seemed to be amused by me.

"I can't help it Leah. She has me wrapped around her tiny finger."

"I think she loves you too, Edward. Last night when Jacob was saying their good night prayers with them, Lil insisted she include you in her God bless list."

Fuck. I stopped in the hallway and cleared my throat. I blew out a heavy breath trying to get my emotions under control. The thought of that little angel including me in her good night prayers. Fuck.

"Edward? Are you okay?"

I looked at her, still unable to move. I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

Leah reached out and put her hand on my upper arm. "Welcome to parenthood, Daddy."

A laugh burst from me and I honestly don't think I've have ever been this happy. I wiped my eyes, took a deep breath and smiled. I know the smile must've been huge because Leah laughed when she saw it.

"Thank you Leah. Thank you for supporting me. You've accepted me into Bella's and Lil Bit's life so graciously. I really appreciate it."

We could hear Lil Bit and Seth laughing and we turned to walk towards them. "You know Edward, my nickname used to be QB which stood for Queen Bitch. I was a very angry person and held people at a distance. I lived by a sort of reject before you're rejected philosophy."

Queen Bitch! I can't even imagine Leah like that. I mean she's a straight talker but she so kind and she's been nothing but generous to me.

"Jacob was always in my life but he was just a friend. Before he and I got together thought I was in love with someone else but they fell in love with my cousin."

Was she talking about Sam and Emily?

"The feeling of unrequited love made me even worse. I judged everyone harshly. I held people to impossible standards and found fault with everyone."

"What changed? Because you are nothing like that now."

"Thanks. It wasn't anything very dramatic but it was one of those moments - an epiphany I suppose Jacob would call it. I was hanging out with my younger brother Seth. He's a cop like Sam now. He still lives on the Res at La Push. Anyway, we were at a bonfire, sort of a tribal event. We were all sitting around and listening to the old stories and I was being my usual bitchy self keeping everyone at a distance. When Seth leaned over to me and said 'You're a beautiful person, sis and I want you to know that I love you. Everyone around this fire loves you.' His words shocked me at first."

"I don't know why it affected me the way it did. Seth is a kind lovely person who sees the good in everyone. He gets along with people so easily but he is unwavering in his desire to the do the right thing. Even if it is an unpopular thing. He never lies. So when he leaned over and said that I was a beautiful person and that people loved me. I felt unworthy, ungrateful and so ashamed of my behaviour."

Leah paused again and I could see that she was remembering what was obviously a very significant moment in her life.

"That night, after Seth said that to me, I looked around the bonfire and everyone just seemed different. Instead of seeing people's flaws, I saw their strengths. I saw our tribal leaders, whom I had previously seen as embarrassing, as dignified men and women who were trying to keep our ancient traditions alive and I was suddenly grateful to them. I saw my mother coping so well after my father's death, taking his place on the elders council. I saw the young ones all shiny and bright listening to the tribal stories with excitement and awe."

She chuckled then, "And I saw Jacob. He wasn't listening to the elders or joking with his friends. He was looking at me. He looked at me the way you look at Isabella. He smiled at me as I looked at him with new eyes. I smiled back."

She sighed, "We've been together ever since. Seth saw me for who I could be. That's what I see when I see you, Edward. I see the man you can be, a loving husband and a wonderful father. Love is trying to burst from you and I am happy to see that you are letting it."

I looked at this wonderful quiet natured woman. "Your brother was right Leah. You are a beautiful person. Thank you for sharing your story with me." I reached over and pulled her in for a tight hug. She hugged me back and I knew we would be friends for a very long time.

"Put my woman down. You've got your own from what I can understand."

Stepping away from each other Leah and I chuckled, "Hey Jacob. Good to see you." I extended my hand and he shook it readily. I hoped he would come to accept me soon. These were good people and I wanted to spend more time with them.

"Edward. You look well. Thanks to you I had quite the tangle with Lil Bit last night but I think we sorted things out eventually."

"Yeah, I heard something about that. Sorry man."

"You might want to try and explain things to Lil Bit when you can. She seems to be okay with your … sleeping arrangements … She is very young but she is also very bright and quite observant. She's happy and she loves you so I'm sure she'll understand as you explain things to her."

"Thanks Jacob. She and I are going to have a day by ourselves so I'll try and talk with her today.

"Where momma?" I looked down to see Elizabeth smiling and looking up at me with her sparkling blue eyes.

I squatted down to get closer to her eye level. "Momma has a friend visiting today, little love. I thought you might like to come and visit Nonna Esme with me. Would you like to do that Lil Bit?"

"Yay, I wov Nonna!" She jumped up and down clapping her hands.

"Okay, then. Let's go get your things and say our goodbyes."

"What's Bella up to, Edward? I didn't think you'd let her out of your sight. You two seemed to be joined at the hip."

Leah was leading the way again following Elizabeth as she ran to get her things.

"Vicky is over visiting. Victoria is my cousin's soon to be ex-wife. She and Bella hit it off at Alice's fashion frenzy last night, so Bella invited her over for lunch today. I told her I'd take Lil Bit and leave them to it."

"Soon to be ex?"

"You do not want to know. I will only say that I am gaining a friend and losing a cousin."

"Sounds like an interesting story. Maybe another time. For now let's get Elizabeth sorted."

I went into Seth's bedroom and found Lil Bit telling Seth all about visiting her Nonna. The room looked like a whirlwind had been through it, with blocks, colour markers, and toys all over the floor.

"Lil Bit, bring me all your sleep over things and I will put them in the bag. Then I think we should clean up Seth's room so we don't leave it in a mess."

"That's okay Edward, we'll clean up after you leave."

"No, I think Elizabeth should help. Don't you Lil Bit?"

"I help, Eh-wed. Sef is my speshal fwend, I wov him."

Seth smiled and quietly started picking up his room. He did most things quietly.

"Thanks for looking after Lil Bit for me last night Seth."

He beamed at me, "Liz-a-beth is my best friend. She can play in my room and make a mess too. I don't mind."

"I know you don't little man, but if she makes the mess she should help clean it up don't you think? We don't want her to grow up expecting everyone to clean up after her all the time, do we?"

He shook his head. "I don't want Liz-a-beth to be like mean girls."

"That's right Seth we don't want any mean boys or mean girls."

He nodded his understanding and while I packed Lil Bit's things into her bag, both children set about putting everything away. I looked up and saw Jacob in the doorway watching me.

"I think I may have been wrong about you Edward… I hope so."

I chuckled and shook my head. "Only time will tell I suppose. I'll have to prove myself but believe me when I tell you Jacob, I am going to be around for a long time."

I helped the children pack up the books, colour markers and other toys. Leah then took Lil Bit to the bathroom and I thanked them both for caring for her overnight. I offered to return the favour when they felt like a night out. Leah seemed very excited by that idea. I was glad.

"Okay, let's go Elizabeth. Tyler is waiting."

"Don't you drive Edward?"

"Actually Jacob, I loooove to drive. But I also like to drive really fast. I mean scary fast. I have had quite a few speeding tickets in my day." I leaned in so Lil Bit couldn't hear me, "Given my parents died in a car accident because they were careless and my own addiction to speed, I just think it is safer for me and … those important to me... " I nodded my head towards Elizabeth, "It is just better if I leave the driving to the professionals most of the time."

"Good decision."

"Thanks again for looking after her last night."

Lil Bit ran to Tyler who wrapped his arms around her, lifted her and then showed her the seat he'd chosen for her. It was pink with purple love hearts on it and across the top in cursive embroidery was 'Lil Bit'. She giggled and kissed Tyler's cheek as he sat her in her new car seat. He kissed the top of her head and then waited for me to get in the car.

"Looks like she likes the car seat, Tyler. Thanks man."

"It is the safest one on the market."

"Good deal. Let's go via the car yard and we'll let Lil Bit pick the colour of Bella's car."

Tyler nodded and shut the door after me.

I settled into the car next to Elizabeth. Do you like your new seat Lil Bit?"

"Gots my name on it, Eh-wed. Is my seat!"

"Yes, little love. It is your seat. Elizabeth I want to buy momma a car so Tyler can drive you and your momma wherever you want to go and you don't get the bus anymore. Will you help me pick a car for your momma?"

"Yay. I has a seat in momma's car, too?"

"Of course. You must always have a special seat to keep you safe in the car."

She clapped her hands and then looked out the window as we drove. She was humming to herself as we drove. So fucking cute.

We arrived at the Volvo dealership and I carried Lil Bit inside to the showroom.

I'd already picked out the model and all the safety features I wanted, I just wanted Lil Bit to choose the colour.

"Wed. I like the wed car, Eh-wed."

"Red it is." I nodded to the sales agent. He completed the forms which I signed. I handed over my credit card and closed the deal.

"The car has to be specially ordered due to the extra safety features you've requested but we should be able to deliver it to you in a little over a week, Mr Cullen."

"That'll be fine." I took Lil Bit's hand and we slowly made our way back to Tyler. Once she was happily back in her seat we headed off to my parents.

"Elizabeth!" Esme burst out of her front door as we were getting out of the car and before I could say a word Lil Bit was out of my arms and disappearing into the house with my mother both of them chirping away at each other. Huh. I think I just became invisible.

"Hi ma, good to see you too." I whined at her.

"Oh dumpling, you know I love you. I am just so excited to have you and Elizabeth here to visit with me while your father is away."

Dad had gone to a medical seminar in Los Angeles and flew out early this morning.

"How long is Dad away?"

"He's not gone long. He'll be back on Monday night. I would've gone with him only I am still working on this celeb wedding." She rolled her eyes, "Honestly, it is like bridezilla meets Liberace. Sooo over the top. We've got Bella's catering team working on it with us… you know Zafrina? She's wonderful, so creative and so helpful."

"Nonna? I go potty?"

"Of course petal. Let's go."

They headed off down the hallway and I made my way to the kitchen. I pulled out my phone to text Bella.

'At Esme's and lost Lil Bit to my mother *sad face*…. E'

My phone pinged with a message almost immediately.

'So lovely for Lil Bit to have a nonna to spoil her *tears* … B'

'Are you having fun? How is Vicky doing?…. E'

'We've had some tears and some laughs. I've made us some lunch and now we're talking business…. B'

Lunch is a good idea, I didn't realise before but I am quite hungry and Ma's kitchen smells great. Wait, what business?

'Business?…E'

'Vicky's got some great ideas for my 'Sweet Temptations' idea…. B'

Oh, of course Vicky's fortune came from her father's business which included food distribution services using their trucking business. Interesting.

'Can't wait to hear all about it… E'

'I've invited Vicky to meet with Angela from your firm when I meet with her next week. Is that okay baby?... B'

Fuck it kills me when she calls me that.

'Of course, love, it is your meeting…E'

I could hear Lil Bit and Esme heading back down the hallway.

'The girls are back, got to go. See you later, love…E'

'Love you…B'

"Nonna maked pie for us, Eh-wed."

"I thought I could smell your famous chicken pie, Ma." I leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"Eh-wed kisses momma all the time. Eh-wed sweeps wif momma too, Nonna."

Esme looked at me and I must've turned beet red.

"Does he now? Is that okay with you Elizabeth?"

"Wes. But Unca Ja-coob say I no sweep with Sef. Eh-wed is momma's gwowd up speshal fwend so he can sweep in momma's bed."

I pressed my lips together to stop myself from laughing because Lil Bit was being very serious. I looked at my mother as she laughed quietly.

"Well, Uncle Jacob is right petal. Edward and your momma are grown up special friends. Now let's get some lunch. Are you hungry?" She walked past me and nudged my ribs with her elbow. I chuckled.

"Wes Nonna, I is vewy hungee."

I sat Lil Bit at the table and strapped her into a freshly bought booster seat. "Nice booster seat, Ma. You've been shopping I see."

"Of course I have. I want Elizabeth to have what she needs when she comes to visit me and Poppa Carlisle."

I lay our plates on the table with cutlery and then sat with Lil Bit. I reached down and placed a small kiss on her cheek. Her soft round little cheeks are irresistable.

"Would you like to play in the sand pit after lunch Elizabeth?"

"Sand pit?" I stood up to look out the back window and saw a play set, a sand pit and cubby house under the big tree in the back garden. "You've been busy, Ma."

"It was Carlisle's idea. He wanted to have a place for Elizabeth to play when she comes over. He says this is the beginning of our grandparent phase of life and that soon we'll have lots of grandchildren visiting. he's very excited about it."

I forget sometimes that Carlisle and Esme had no children of their own. Having babies in the house would indeed be very exciting for them. I wondered how Esme would react to Bella being pregnant whenever that may happen. Now experiencing this bond with Lil Bit and Bella I had a sudden wave of sadness for Esme. Her first husband was an abuser and thanks to his abuse she lost her baby and the ability to have another. How could any man do such a dreadful thing? I couldn't help it, I stood up and hugged Esme close to me.

"I love you Ma. I am so grateful to you and Dad. Thank you for loving me."

Esme eyes were wet with tears, "Oh, dumpling. How could I not love you? Your mother was my very best friend and you are so like her."

"Oo sad, Nonna?" Lil Bit was watching us with intelligent, concerned eyes.

"I am very happy Elizabeth. Let's eat lunch and then we can go play."

Esme served up our lunch. I cut Lil Bit's food for her, poured her a cup of juice and we all three tucked in to our delicious lunch. We all laughed and chatted happily as we ate. After lunch I offered to clean up and sent Esme outside to play with Lil Bit.

After washing up I made some coffee. I sat by the window, sipping coffee watching my mother and my daughter play together. Daughter? Hmm. I shook my head thinking about how Isabella had changed my life some completely.

I wasn't going to wait for her to tell me she was pregnant. I wanted to put a ring on her finger now. I wanted her to know that I wanted to marry her. I also wanted to adopt Lil Bit. Watching her with her 'Nonna Esme', I realised I wanted her to be a Cullen too. I had an idea of how I was going to ask but I really wanted Lil Bit's help.

"Eh-wed, oo pay too pwease?" Lil Bit was standing in the middle of the sandpit with a bucket on her head. I had to get a photo of that. I grabbed my phone and snapped the photo to send to Bella.

'Esme has set up a play area outside and as you can see Lil Bit is really enjoying it. Picture to follow…. E'

I waved to Lil Bit, "On my way little love." I jogged out to join them. Esme looked up to me with the happiest face. "Edward, I love this little girl. You had better make an honest woman of her mother, make this little one my granddaughter and give me lots of lots of grandbabies. Soon."

I chuckled thinking how Esme and I were definitely on the same page. Just then my phone rang with Bella's ring tone, "Hello sweet one."

"…hello … ba… baby." She was crying, what the hell had happened. I moved away from Lil Bit so I could talk with Bella without worrying the little one.

"Isabella are you alright, are you crying? What has happened love?"

"Can … I talk… with… Esme… " She sobbed between every other word.

"Ma, Bella wants to talk with you."

Esme walked over and took the phone, she had a concerned look on her face.

"Bella, honey are you okay?"

I sat with Lil Bit and tried to figure out what was wrong, listening to Esme's responses.

"Oh, sweetheart. You're welcome."

She listened again.

"We love her and we love you too sweetheart."

I could hear Bella's little sobs. What the fuck was going on?

"Here sweetie, let me put dumpling back on." She handed me the phone and patted my arm.

"Sweet one, are you okay? What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, Edward. Just the sight of Lil Bit playing with a grandmother made me realise how much you've brought into my life. Thank you baby."

I laughed. "That's funny, I was watching Esme playing with Lil Bit and was thinking how much you've brought into our lives. Thank you love."

She laughed. "Vicky left a little while ago but she'll be back this week for the meeting with Angela. I really like Vicky, Edward. She's really smart - she had some great advice."

"What are you doing now?"

"I've just made a Cassoulet for dinner and crepes for dessert. When are you coming home?"

"Stop teasing me with your food porn, sweet one. Lil Bit and Esme are having a lovely time so I don't want to cut that short. Not to mention that Lil Bit will need a bath before we can head home." I chuckled as I saw how dirty Lil Bit was already. She looked so cute with her dirty little clothes. I looked over to see her and Esme making a sandcastle together. "Yeah, she's going to need a bubble bath I think."

Bella was laughing too. "I might have a bubble bath and then have a nap. I'm feeling very tired today."

Hmm, nineteen year old healthy woman, feeling tired in the middle of the afternoon. I really need to get that ring on her finger. Soon. Man I hope she's pregnant.

"You're tired my love? A bath and a nap sounds like a good idea then, while you have peace and quiet. I love you."

"Love you too, baby."

I went back over to Esme and Lil Bit and sat on the grass watching them.

"Everything okay dumpling?"

"Perfect, Ma…. perfect."

A/N: I hope you liked it. A little Edward / Lil Bit time... Thank you all for your reviews, comments and questions. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Next chapter we have a surprise visitor… See you then.