"Edward." Forty-four-year-old Lauren from four houses up stops in front of me. "I'm happy you two are here."

She attempts to touch Masie, but I shift. "You know we always enjoy these parties."

"I heard about Bella." Her eyes rake down my body, even with Mase strapped to my chest. "You must be so lonely."

I am.

But not the way she thinks.

"That's not your concern," I tell her firmly, lifting a brow. "And I know our neighbors wouldn't gossip behind our backs?"

Behind her, Bella is walking this way.

Glaring.

Oh shit.

That's unexpected.

Interesting.

And fucking hot.