After lunch, I was left to my own devices, while Elizabeth cleaned the kitchen before disappearing into one of the rooms of the house, I made my way to the back of the house where I had seen the large porch swing, and a few comfortable-looking patio furniture.

Edward had gone to make a few calls, as did Rose.

I sat there staring at the view. My head reeling at everything that's happened.

I felt the need to run and hide, even though I knew I couldn't. For one, I couldn't just drop everything and leave my company, especially just after taking over those companies. Two, I know that if I do, Rose will hunt me down and demand an explanation. So, I will grin and bear it like I always do.

Though I was still annoyed at Rose, I knew she was right about overdoing it. I could feel how exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically I was, especially after everything that happened in the last two weeks.

I had been neglecting myself for a long time, only ever focusing on my physical health, every now and then. That my mental health could probably be compared to an overstretched rubber band, losing the elasticity slowly.

My emotional health was by comparison it would be like a glass full of water placed under a leaky faucet, each drop may be the on that causes the glass to overflow.

All of this is a constant in my mind, even now as I sat there swinging myself slowly back and forth as I stare out to the horizon.

Thoughts spinning in my head, as I tried to do what Rose told me. To relax.

In all honesty, I hadn't allowed myself to take a real vacation since I started my company. For many reasons, one of them being that I was scared to relax. Every time that I do, something happens. It scares me to even think about it.

Even now as I sat here, staring at the reflection of the lake, and the wind blowing softly in the trees. I know Rose wanted me to disconnect for a while but I had to make sure that there were no problems. So, I still had my phone, worried that something would come up, like it always does.

Fortunately for me, everything seemed to be going well as far as I knew. The papers have been signed by Cambridge. I had sent a check of half a million to him, and would be sending another one as soon as the papers were in my hands.

The deal with Lawson Pharma was also in play, which is why I couldn't relax. Rose knew that this was big. Which is why I placed her and Sasha to spearhead the meeting. Rose was cutthroat if she needed to be, which is why I loved her so much.

Everyone seemed to want me to relax, yet all of this wouldn't allow me to, even if I sat here for the next forty days.

"What's on your mind, monkey butt?" I heard Emmett suddenly ask.

I looked over at him, snorting as he made his way over to me with a coffee in his hand. "Rose said you like these drinks." He says offering it to me.

I raise a brow as I take it, and bring it up to my mouth to take a long sip.

Peppermint.

"You got me a Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino! I love you so much!" I squeal, as I move to hug him.

He laughs and hugs me back, "Rose called me as I was on my way home, and told me you needed a pick-me-up, she also got you an apple croissant but Edward wolfed that down. Sorry." He says.

I snicker, "The Mocha is exactly what I need right now, thank you so much, Em." I tell him.

He nods, "I'm glad I could help you brighten your day." He says as he leans back, and takes a drink from his.

"Yeah, your wife is something else." I offhandedly tell him.

He nods, "I know. It's why I love her. Ballbuster, sharp tongue, quick wit, and attitude to boot. Love all of it. She keeps me on my toes." He says.

I nod, "I am still mad that you two got married so quickly, and that I wasn't able to attend because I was in London." I told him.

He shrugs, "It's fine, boo. You can make it up to us by spending some time with us this week. We all live in Seattle, dinner's on me whenever you're ready." He tells me.

I scoff, "Didn't you hear? Your brother and wife already cleared my schedule for this week. I've got nothing but time." I tell him, with an eye roll, as I take a gulp of coffee.

"Well, from what I know, you are quite the success, and very focused, but I can tell you from experience that work isn't everything. Your relationships are. I also know that you mainly work because you've been on your own for so long, but you aren't anymore, Bee. You've got the Cullens behind you now. You don't have to work so hard for something you already have." He responds with a smile.

I sigh, "You would know, wouldn't you?" I retort, with a head shake.

He nods, "I do. Rose threatened with divorce if I didn't cut back my hours a few months ago. It's why I understand what you're feeling. Being a CEO of a company isn't easy, but we have to remember that there are things more important than doing business." He answers.

I sigh, "You're right… I know you are. But old habits die hard."

He nods, "Which is why you should make an effort to keep in contact with your friends. They'll help you." He points out.

"Did Rose put you up to this?" I asked her, suspiciously.

He snorts, "If she finds out I am talking to you about this, she'll kick my ass." He informs.

I snort, "I won't let her." I respond as the door opens and Rose and Edward walk out.

Their expressions are full of annoyance as Rose moves to sit next to Emmett, grabbing his drink and taking a sip of it.

"What's wrong, Mooshi?" I asked.

She sighs, "I got a call from Sea P.D." She says as Emmett wraps his arms around her, and places his chin on her shoulder.

I raise a brow as Edward folds himself into the chair next to us, and I offer him my drink, which he grabs before he takes a sip before licking his lips.

I stare at him, entranced, looking at his lips as he drinks again, before looking at me, "Is it good?" I ask, amused.

He nods, as he hands it over to me, "Yeah, we need to go out on a coffee date or something. That shit is pretty good." He says as Rose clears her throat to get our attention.

I sigh and look over at her. "Yes, Rose?"

She sighs, "Alice got arrested, with my brother trying to go into your house. They thought you were there and ignoring them, and since you blocked everyone but very few. They had no way of knowing… Anyway, I sent Ethan to go bail them out. I didn't tell them you are here. Or that I can call you, just told them to leave you alone. Also… she asked me to remind you about the photoshoot thing that you promised her. It's on Wednesday…" She said giving me a look.

I stiffened, "Oh shit. I completely forgot about that!" I squeal.

Edward raises a brow at me, "Wait, you know Alice Brandon?" He asks.

I nod, "Yeah, she's one of my best friends. Rose, her, and I grew up in Forks." I told him.

Edward hums, "She's my cousin." He informs me.

I blinked, as the photoshoot was put on the back burner. "Wait, so... All of us have somehow been in each other's lives or otherwise involved all this time?" I ask.

Rose shakes her head, "Not really, I mean, I met Emmett in New York two New Year's Eve ago, and Edward has only been here for eight months…" She says.

I hum, thoughtfully. "So it would seem," I say as I look over at Emmett. "Did your family ever live in Forks?" I asked.

Emmett's brow furrowed, lost in thought for a second before he sighed, "Yeah, we did. Until I was about five years old." He said,.

I nodded, before looking at Edward, "I need to bring those files and USB to you so you can look it over. I have a feeling we all know what happened all those years ago." I told him.

He nods, "I thought you'd be angry that I was accusing your father." He told me.

Rose and I share a look before snorting. "Nah." We say simultaneously, causing us to laugh.

"No, but in all seriousness, Rose, Alice, and I are all aware of my dad's crooked ways. So, it's not a surprise that he was somehow involved in what happened to you. I just didn't fully connect it until Emmett was talking to me earlier." I told him.

Edward raised a brow and motioned for me to continue.

I sighed, as the backdoor opened, and Edwin stepped out.

"While I am happy to see you all enjoying the company, and the view, I need a word with all of you." He says, as he gives Edward and Emmett a look.

I immediately look to Edward, who extends his hand to me, helping me get to my feet before leading me inside.

We make our way to the sitting room, watching as Edwin paces for a moment before he turns to us, "Sit down." He says before moving to pace again.

Edward leads me to an armchair, sitting down, before he pulls me onto his lap.

"What are you doing?" I asked him quietly, as he placed his chin on my shoulder.

"Calming myself." He replies in the same quiet tone.

I snort, and intertwined my fingers with his, "It'll be okay, Pookie." I tell him.

"Pookie?" Emmett snorts.

Rose smacks the back of his head, and glares at him, "Why are you laughing? Why don't we have cute pet names like they do?" She asks.

He sputters, "I didn't know you wanted one, my little cupcake." He replies, nervously.

She scoffs, "I don't like that one choose a better one." She says as she moves away from his grasp, causing us to laugh as Emmett sighs in exasperation and drops his hand into his lap.

"Alright, you four, shut it. What's going on, caro?" Elizabeth asks as she walks in, and sits down on the overstuffed loveseat.

Edwin sighs, " How did you two meet?" He finally asks, as he lowers himself next to Elizabeth.

I look at Edward who I feel squeeze my hand, before he straightens up, before he looks over at them.

"Two weeks ago. I was on my way to see you when I nearly ran her off the road." He answers.

Elizabeth gasps in disbelief as Edwin gets a thoughtful expression on his face.

"So you two didn't know each other before then?" He asks.

Both of us shake our heads in response as I feel Edward shift under me again, causing me to flex my thighs and swallow hard, as his arms wrap around my waist.

"No, why does everyone keep assuming that we knew each other before then?" Edward asks, in disbelief.

Edwin gives us a serious look, "Because earlier today I was called by Mateo Cromwell, who informed me that you were engaged. Do you two have something to tell us?" He finally asks.

I stiffen in Edward's lap as Edward's grip tightens around my waist.

"That asshole was trying to overstep Isabella's personal boundaries, that is why we said that. I even caught him putting something in her drink." Edward all but growled, before explaining the rest of what happened.

Edwin's expression changed from curious to thunderous as he heard Edward's explanation.

As soon as he was done, Edwin looked at Emmett who nodded, "Looks like I am going to have to speak to Mateo sooner rather than later." He says, moves to stand and leave. "Well, thank you for clearing that up for me. I need to go handle some business… oh, Isabella?" He calls.

"Y-yes, Mr. Cullen?" I asked.

"The deal with Mateo Cromwell. Don't do it. Come Monday morning, that business will be bankrupt." He says.

I blink, "I know it's bankrupt. I am buying him out because I want his software." I respond.

He hums, "I'll tell you what. Come see me once this little vacation of yours is over, and I'll have a better deal for you." He tells me.

I blink in surprise, "Do you happen to know a security company which offers security of assets, web info, along with personal security?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

He nods, "I believe it does. Fairly new. I'll get the information to you and Rose." He promises.

I nod, "What will you be doing to Cromwell?" I asked.

I see a familiar smirk form on the older man's face, "Don't worry about him. I am simply going to remind him that nobody is allowed to touch my family and get away with it. You are now a part of that, and I protect my own. I'll see you in a week." He says before walking out.

I blink as I stand up, and turn to look at Edward, "What was that?" I asked.

Edward gives me the same smirk his father just did as he stands too, adjusting his slacks, before looking down at me, "I believe my father has just declared you a member of this family." He informs me.

I blink before turning to look at Rose, who shrugs, "Is that good or bad?" I ask.

"Good, mostly." Rose replies as she pulls out her phone. "I need to call Sasha. She needs to know what just happened. So do Jason and Marcus." She says as she walks out, leaving me staring after her with my jaw on the floor.