A/N: Still don't own twilight, just this little story. I loved writing this chapter — I hope you enjoy it too.

Chapter 54 - Risotto boscaiola

It had been a busy morning but a satisfying one as I had worked through a large amount of reports and financials. I was reading through some portfolio reports when my intercom buzzed, "Yes Jessica?"

"Hey Boss, Caius Volturi is here to see you."

"Send him in, Jess." I blew out a breath and walked to the door to greet my errant cousin. I was more than a little curious about seeing him again. Marcus, and then separately Aro, had begged me to give Caius a chance. Marcus told me that he couldn't betray his son's trust by sharing with me all the details but that apparently they were working through his 'issues' together. So there I was waiting for my obnoxious cousin not really knowing what to expect but trying my best to keep an open mind.

Jess walked him in and I was a little taken aback by the way he looked. He had lost a little weight and he wasn't in his usual sharp expensive suit but instead he was wearing camel coloured chinos and a long-sleeved navy polo. Fucking chinos! His hair was longer and he was smiling. Hell, I thought he was born with a scowl fixed on his face!

Jess gestured for him to take a seat. He shook her hand, smiled and thanked her. Huh! I don't think I'd ever seen Caius pay attention to a 'lowly' assistant before.

This was a little weird but I reminded myself of my promise to my Uncle to keep an open mind.

I pulled myself together to reach forward to shake his hand, "Good Morning Caius, I was surprised to get your expression of interest for investment with CMV. After everything that has happened between us."

Not satisfied with a handshake, he pulled me in for a hug and not a man hug with a polite pat on the back either, this was a full on hug.

This was a little creepy but I promised my Uncle so as soon as it was polite to do so I extricated myself from the hug and stood back a little to create a little distance between us.

Caius spoke quietly, "So good of you to see me cousin. I know you must still be furious with me but I am so grateful you agreed to see me."

Caius was 'grateful'... I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone.

I went back to my seat behind my desk where I could watch my cousin from a safe distance while Jessica offered to bring us coffee. Again, Caius thanked for her kindness.

"You seem... relaxed?... cousin." I was having trouble reconciling his present demeanour with his usual behaviour.

He chuckled. Fuck me ... Caius chuckled? Was this really my cousin Caius?

"Yes, you could say that I am more 'relaxed'," he said smiling and using air quotes around the word relaxed. "I have been spending a good deal of time with my father."

"After my disappointing behaviour trying to steal from your company cousin, my father encouraged me to seek counselling and we've even been to many of my sessions together."

Wow. Marcus never mentioned counselling but of course he wouldn't break his son's confidence like that.

"I am happy to hear that Caius."

"Not as happy as I am to hear of your news, cousin. Your wedding. Your son and I believe you have adopted your wife's child also."

"Yes, Isabella has brought a great deal of joy to my life. I am a changed man Caius."

He nodded with understanding.

Jessica brought in a tray of coffee and some sweet pastries from Bella's Bakery. I was surprised when Caius jumped up to help Jess with the tray.

"Thank you my dear. The coffee smells delicious and these pastries look very tempting."

He had no idea just how tempting they were but he would as soon as he took a bite. My Bella's pastries are intoxicating.

"Help yourself Caius, these are from my wife's bakery. I think you'll ..."

I was interrupted by Caius' loud moan, "Oh god, Edward. This is ... it is so... oh, my... sinful."

I laughed and took a croissant from the plate, "Her cooking is definitely sinful. I have to run an extra few miles on my daily run to compensate for my addiction to her cooking."

We were silent for a few moments while we both enjoyed the pleasure of eating our sweet treats. Once we were done and Caius had finished licking his fingers to enjoy every last taste of Bella's pastries, we looked at each other and laughed. It felt good to be so comfortable with my cousin. I'd never felt that way before. Ever.

But we were here to talk business and I wanted to get back on track, "So, down to business. Perhaps we could start with you telling me why you want CMV to look after your investment portfolio?"

He reached into his satchel, pulled out his compendium and opened it up to a page with a long list of dot points.

"First of all Edward, I want my money with CMV because I know you will grow my investments and even though I have behaved foolishly in the past, I am not a fool. You are good at this business Edward. You enjoy it. I know that you will bring me a good return from my investments."

I smiled at him because he was right. I was very good at my business and I loved it.

"Another reason I wish for you to handle my investments cousin is that I want to take a new direction in my life. I don't want to be tempted back into a life of competition and self-loathing. I can't compete in this business space and I don't want to. I want to pursue other interests ... be true to myself ... and I know you will take care of my investments wisely and profitably.

"The business pages reported of your collaboration and merger with Artemis investments. I am intrigued by their philosophy and I would like a significant portion of my portfolio to be invested in the work of this group. I think I need some good karma and helping small business to grow in this economy sounds like the perfect fit for me to make amends for my previously callous business tactics."

I nodded. I was a little surprised that Marcus had not already shared with his son that my sweet Isabella was the brains behind that particular part of our business but that information could wait.

Caius took a sip from his coffee, took a deep breath looking down to his list and then continued.

"Edward, I am Volturi and so are you. I am sorry that I have not respected your rightful place as part of our family when we were growing up. I was spiteful and hateful towards you, I know that and I am sorry. I was jealous of your easy manner and natural intelligence. I was furious when my father and Aro fought with the Cullens to try for custody of you."

He dropped almost to a whisper for the rest, "I secretly feared that my father saw in you the son I could never be. I had to work hard to get my father's admiration and I always felt I needed to 'trick' my way to success."

He sighed deeply, met my gaze with direct eye contact and spoke with a tone of determination, "So I am also here today to apologise to you for a lifetime of vindictive jealousy."

He was always a mean little shit to me when we were young but I had no idea why. I was shocked by his admission. I had the sense that this was very much a man unburdening himself of a lifetime's remorse. I settled in to listen patiently and was glad that I had decided not to invite anyone to this meeting. This was revealing itself as a very private matter between my cousin and myself.

He paused and collected himself again. "That said, my final reason for wanting my investments handled by CMV is because the V is for Volturi ... thank you for keeping that by the way... and I want the family name to continue to be successful.

"I couldn't do it. I couldn't do what my father and Uncle had done with growing the business. I certainly couldn't do what you have done with building your own business. So I did what I have felt compelled to do all my life, I tried to 'trick' my way to success. I tried to steal your success from you and I am deeply mortified by my behaviour."

I was speechless at this confession.

"I should never have tried. My counsellor has helped me to see that I wanted to please my father by trying to emulate his success in business, by trying to follow his path but instead I should follow my own path... be what I want to be... be who I a really am... but that is another story for another day.

"You have no reason to trust me cousin but I hope that today can be the first step towards a new relationship for us. I don't expect you to forgive me. Ever. But perhaps we can start over. I am willing to sign over the investment responsibilities for my portfolio. I need only receive quarterly reports through my lawyer and we can review our contract each year. I will be completely hands off."

He looked a little nervous, "I would also like to ... if you are willing ... to meet your wife and children. My father admires your young wife very much and tells me that you are also expecting a child ... please accept my congratulations."

He sat back and the relief he felt at unburdening himself was clear across his face.

I was blown away.

We sat in silence for a good while. I saw only sincerity and humility in his demeanour. I thought about Marcus and I thought about what Caius had said. I realised that I also hoped this would be the start of a new relationship between us. If only a business relationship at first.

I made the decision to accept on trust that his remorse was genuine and that he truly wanted to start afresh, "Caius, why don't we go for lunch and talk?"

He gave me a small smile and nodded, "I'd like that."

I buzzed the intercom, "Jess, my cousin and I are going to grab some lunch can you push my appointments back an hour?"

"Sure boss. I was about to let you know that Bella just called, she's on line two and needs to speak with you."

"Thanks Jess. Excuse me Caius, I need to take this."

I pressed for the other line, "Bella. How are you love?"

"Edward, Emily has gone into labour and I want to head to Forks as soon as possible. Can you get away?"

"Sure love but I've given Tyler the day off since our cars are in for a service, so I'll have to ask Jess to book us a car and driver. As soon as that's done I'll head home to pick you up. Are the kids still with Ma?"

"Yes, I called her already and she's very happy to keep them with them overnight. I'll pack us some bags for us."

I chuckled at the thought of Esme being over the moon to keep the babies overnight, "Okay, I'll be home soon."

I hung up and looked at my cousin. "Sorry Caius, I will have to postpone our lunch. One of Isabella's dearest friends has just gone into labour and we need to head to Forks. I have to organise another driver and car since Tyler's got the day off and my cars are in for servicing. Damn."

I was about to go and ask Jess to organise a car and driver for us when Caius surprised me again, "I can drive you both Edward."

"It's a three and half hour drive each way cousin."

"I don't mind and it would give me a chance to talk with you and to meet your Isabella."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. I would really like to Edward."

I nodded. I called Bella back and asked her to pack some extra clothes for my cousin who would be driving us, he was a similar size to me. He was a little shorter and a little thinner than me but my clothes would be fine for one day.

Jessica cleared my diary, "Boss I've booked you into the Kalaloch Lodge and a suite for your cousin too. Let me know if you need anything else, not sure how you'll go with phone coverage and internet though."

"Good deal. Text all the details to both Isabella's and my phones, Cheers Jess."

Caius and I headed down to the carpark to his car. Of course he would drive a Mercedes C-class! Well at least I knew Isabella would be safe and comfortable for the drive.

I directed Caius to Bella's Bakery and we headed inside.

"You're living above a bakery cousin?"

"Don't sweat it Caius, just like my Isabella it is best not to judge a book by its cover. Anyway we're moving to my parents house soon, we're just waiting on a few renovations to be completed. Bella's kitchen needs to be perfect as it is where she spends most of her time."

His skeptical look about the apartment above the bakery soon changed to surprise as we went upstairs and he experienced the warm, comfort that we all enjoy in this space. I was going to really miss this apartment but then again the house was going to give us so much more room.

"Isabella? We're here sweet one," I called out but then I realised I could hear her talking to someone up the hall. "Come on through Caius." I led him towards their voices and he took his time poking his head in each room as we passed down the hallway.

As we made our way into the kitchen I found Isabella and Mrs Cope chirping away and I grinned when I saw them. The table was set for lunch because of course my girl wouldn't let us get going until we ate something.

"Here you are love. Isabella, Mrs Cope I'd like you to meet my cousin Caius Volturi. Caius this is my sweet one, Isabella Cullen and our dear friend Mrs Cope."

Caius and Mrs Cope shook hands while Bella stood back a little shy.

Caius stretched his hand to her, "My dear Isabella. My father speaks very highly of you. I believe he is quite enamoured with you and I can see why, you are quite the vision." He took her hand and kissed her cheek.

Bella blushed, of course, "It is lovely to meet you Caius. Marcus ... and Edward... have told me a great deal about you."

He smiled at her, "Oh dear. Well, I have a lot to live down then, don't I? Don't worry my dear, I promise you I am working hard to turn over a new leaf and am quite the reformed villain."

She laughed, "I'm glad to hear it. I will hold you to that promise ... cousin. Now I've made us some lunch to enjoy before we leave. Can't have you driving on an empty stomach. It is very kind of you to drive us all the way to Forks, Caius."

"Don't be silly. It will give me a chance to hear all about you and Edward and your new life together. But I must say something smells quite delicious. What have you prepared for us?"

I smiled because Bella always won people over with her cooking. I fear Caius was about to become a true Isabella convert.

"Your father always enjoys it when I cook Italian dishes and since you spend so much time in Italy you might enjoy my Italian also, so I cooked Risotto Boscaiola with Mushroom and Bacon and a Torta di Cioccolata for dessert. Rose has promised to supply you with some of her special coffee from the bakery downstairs before we leave."

Caius eyes widened with her description of the food and turned to me slowly, "Edward? How do you ever leave the house with such a beautiful wife who cooks you such magnificent food?"

"It's not without difficulty," I laughed.

The four of us sat and enjoyed the delicious food. Isabella told Mrs Cope and to Caius why Emily and Sam were so special to her, explaining how they had been Lil Bit's parents for six months while Bella was recovering from the car accident. Her telling this story reminded me that we would be driving along the very same road where the accident happened and I grew concerned about how Bella might feel about that. In that moment though she seemed completely focussed on Emily and their soon to be born baby.

Leah called just as we were finishing lunch to let us know that she and Jacob had dropped little Seth with Leah's mother, Sue, and had now arrived at the Hospital. Emily was doing well but it looked likely that she would probably need to have a caesarian after all. Bella became more worried so we decided to head off as soon as possible.

Rose brought Caius and I flasks of coffee for the trip with a flask of herbal tea for Bella. Rose asked us to give her love to Emily and to let her know that she'd be along in a few days to visit, then we headed off.

Caius drove for the first leg of the journey and my sleepy pregnant baker fell asleep in the back seat within minutes on getting on the highway. I hoped she'd sleep for most of the journey so she wouldn't be upset when we approached the crash site but unfortunately that didn't happen.

When we were half way there my sweet one woke and told me we were very near the site of the crash. We decided to stop when we got there and she guided us to the spot. It was easy to find as there was a small shrine by the side of the road. Two crosses with Renee's and Phil Dwyer's names on them were firmly planted in the ground near the tree line. I stood there with Bella and held her in my arms. She didn't cry but she was very quiet. "I miss them so much Edward," she said simply.

"I know love. I know." There was nothing more I could say really. I had lost my parents in a car accident as well and really there was just nothing more to say. They were gone and we missed them but life went on.

"Would you take me to visit their graves in the forks cemetery while we are there?" I asked.

She nodded slowly.

"Are you ready to go love?"

She just nodded and we went back to the car. I took over driving from my cousin and we were on the move again.

"I am so sorry for your loss Isabella," Caius told her in a quiet, sincere voice.

While Bella had been sleeping I had told him about the accident, the loss of her parents, her fight for emancipation and all that she had achieved already for someone just so young. To say he was shocked and impressed would be an understatement. He was excited to hear that she was one who had developed the Artemis investment group and the philosophy behind it. He was also amazed to hear of the part his own father had in inspiring Isabella on her journey.

"Her resilience is impressive cousin, she outshines us both. I see now why my father is so enamoured."

Bella was quiet for a short while after our stop at the site of the accident but as we approached closer to Forks she became more and more animated sharing memories with us of her childhood. It was a delight to listen to her giggle and excitedly point out favourite locations to us.

When we finally arrived at the hospital we introduced Caius to Rev J and Leah's brother Seth who was in uniform apparently on his break from work. Jacob told us that Leah was inside the birthing suite with Emily, Sam and many of the women from their extended tribal family. Sam was the only man with them.

"The doctor said that they're hoping to avoid a c-section but they are keeping a close eye on Emily and the baby's progress. No one wants them to take unnecessary risks, but Emily is pretty keen to try for a natural birth," Jacob explained.

"Can I join them Jacob?" Bella looked desperate to get inside that room. I was greatly relieved to be told that the men folk weren't permitted with the only exception being the child's father. Fine with me, I was not ready to witness childbirth!

"Sure Bells. Just knock and they'll let you in. Leah said to send you in as soon as you arrived. The women are in a healing circle so I'm sure they'll be glad of another strong woman to bring her energy to help Emily through this."

I gave Bella a soft, chaste kiss and then she disappeared into the room. As the door opened I was able to see that the Emily was sitting on the bed with Sam sitting behind her rubbing her back. Leah and the other women were all sitting on the floor around the bed softly singing or chanting but then the door closed and I couldn't see or hear any more.

"Come on Ed man, join the men. We'll be keeping watch out here," Jacob led me over to a circle of men who were also talking quietly.

I turned to Caius, "We're probably going to be here a while cousin. Why don't you go get settled in to the Lodge and enjoy a nice meal there?"

Seth offered to drive Caius so he could leave the car here for Bella and I when it was time to head off. Surprisingly, Caius agreed, handed me his keys and left chatting away with Seth asking him all sorts of questions about their tribal traditions.

Jacob took me to the circle and introduced me to all the men in the extended family group. There were some older men but quite a few around my age who were obviously good friends and family of Sam and Emily. Jacob explained that I was married to Isabella and had adopted Elizabeth. With this news I was warmly welcomed into the group. I removed my shoes and sat down with the men in the circle.

Jacob's father was a tribal elder and he shared stories of warriors of old who had been born into the Quileute nation. Each of the men shared stories of their ancestors who had qualities they hoped would be reborn into the tribe through the sons of their sons. Each story was different, some were inspiring stories of courage and heroic deeds, some were stories of humorous characters of the past. After each story, we all talked about what made the story important. It was fascinating.

When it was Jacob's turn, he spoke with admiration of his father who was sat at his side. He spoke of his father's struggles after the death of J's mother, of his slow physical deterioration which now had him in a wheelchair and then he spoke of his father's qualities as a loving father and inspiring elder of the tribe helping to keep their traditions alive.

Eventually it was my turn. I shared with them that I had been blessed with the love of many strong men in my life. I spoke of my father Edward Masen, his intelligence and his all-consuming love for my mother. I spoke of Carlisle's devotion to Esme and his gentle fatherly guidance for me and my adopted siblings. Then I spoke of my brother Emmett who never ceased to amazed me with his resilience to rise above his harsh and cruel early childhood to grow to be a man who seized every opportunity to feel the love he never had as a child. I spoke of his fierce loyalty to his adopted family, his seeming childlike innocence and his firm belief that not only could he have it all despite his early bleak life but that I could have it all too.

The men in the circle agreed that I was blessed with the example and influence of strong men in my life and they hoped the next generation of tribal sons could be blessed with these qualities too.

When we'd made our way around the circle and heard from all the men, we broke the circle moving into smaller conversations. Rev J and I decided to head to the cafeteria to get supplies for everyone.

We were almost at the lift when Bella burst from the room with tears streaming down her face. She searched the group for me and when she found me she ran into my arms, a beautiful smile beaming from her face.

"It's a boy," she cried.

We all laughed. I held her face and wiped the tears from her face. "We know, love. We've known that for a while."

"Oh but Edward he's so beautiful. So strong and healthy. Emily is fine and Sam is speechless he's so happy."

All the men burst into laughter and celebration, excitedly congratulating each other on a new healthy member of their family.

I held my sweet one close letting her cry with happiness and relief that Sam and Emily finally have their own child. The child they had tried for so many times. He would also be their only child, as Sam had told me months ago that he would never allow Emily to risk her health like this again.

"Do they have a name picked out yet, Bella?" Jacob asked, his face splitting with happiness.

"Thomas, after Sam's father," she said quietly.

The men nodded and quietly spoke of how right that was and what a good man Thomas Uley had been. Apparently they were very satisfied with this choice. Just then the women started to leave the birth suite and happily joined the celebration. I was introduced to all the women who were the wives, partners, friends and daughters of the men I'd spent that last few hours with. They were friendly and happy to meet Isabella's Edward but mostly they were all tired. There was an overwhelming sense of relief amongst the group that all had finally gone well for Sam and Emily.

Leah was the last of the women to join us. She also looked exhausted but again mostly she looked relieved and satisfied. She walked into Jacob's waiting arms and they stood quietly holding each other. I could hear Jacob saying a very quiet prayer and saw a few happy tears fall quietly down Leah's face.

Finally she turned and greeted me warmly, "It is good to see you Edward. Thank you for bringing Bella and for being here for Sam and Emily." Then she turned to the whole group, "Thomas is beautiful and we'll all get to see them tomorrow. But now it's time to leave the new family alone."

I nodded as Bella and I followed behind Leah, Jacob and the others to the lifts to exit the floor. I couldn't help but think of when it would be our turn. I couldn't wait for the time to come when my sweet one and I would spend our first night with our little junior.

Bella texted Rose with the good news as we rode down to the ground level in silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. We left our friends with promises to get together the next day and then we drove to the Lodge in a bubble of satisfied silence.

When we arrived at the Lodge, we popped our heads in to quickly let Caius know we'd returned and that we were going to go straight to bed as we were exhausted from the excitement of the day. When we knocked he called out to come in and when we entered the warm, welcoming room we found Caius sitting with Seth who'd apparently come back to the Lodge after finishing his shift to visit with Caius. They were sitting in front of a roaring fire, having a beer and laughing together like old friends. I was once again shocked by the sight of my cousin looking so relaxed and dare I say human.

We gave them the good news about Thomas' birth and told them we'd catch up tomorrow. I led my tired little wife back to our room and ran her a hot bath. Once I had her settled in to soak, I lit the fire and lay out a rug and piled up a mass of cushions on the floor. I ordered a light supper and then changed into sleep pants and t-shirt. By the time the food arrived Bella was out of the bath, warm and dry wearing a sexy little nightie and wrap.

We sat together in front of the fire, eating our supper and shared our different versions of the events of the evening. She was so full of awe and wonder over the birth of the baby. She spoke of the baby so reverently it made me smile.

She ran her fingers through my hair, "That's a nice smile, baby. You look happy."

I couldn't deny it and I didn't want to, "I am happy love. It was strange and wonderful to sit and share with those men tonight. I was honoured by the experience. It made me think of the Men's Shed project I am working on with Jacob." I shrugged my shoulders, "I just feel... happy."

She gave me one of her gloriously uninhibited smiles.

"It's nice here in front of the fire, isn't it Edward?" Her eyes were sparkling with mischief as her toes were moving along my legs teasingly.

"Hmmm... is my baby momma feeling a little frisky here in front of the fire?" I crawled over to her pushing our empty plates away. She reached her hands up around my neck and playfully twisted my hair in her fingers.

"Maybe I am feeling... frisky," she giggled and then licked from my earlobe down to my collarbone.

I moaned and lowered myself down to my luscious wife.

Damn, I love pregnancy hormones!

A/N: Thanks so much for reading and for your lovely reviews I read all of them.

Great news for Emily and Sam! So I can't wait to hear what y'all think is going on with Caius.

I hope you all are well and doing things that make you happy! See you next time, lovelies!