DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)

Authors Notes:

***What will happen from Edward's POV now?

CHAPTER #28: Altruistic Endeavor

EPOV

"STOP LAUGHING AT ME!" My only response to that was to laugh harder. "You are the worst brother on the planet."

"Whatever you say, little bro." I just smirked at Emmett as he pouted.

"Seriously dude what do I do? I'm doing everything the books say? I love her... I'm always there for her. What am I doing wrong?"

"By the sounds of things, that," I gestured at pretty much all of him. ", is LITERALLY exactly what you're doing wrong." If he'd been doing all of this stuff ever since finding out about Rose's pregnancy it's a wonder she hadn't killed him yet.

"Now you sound like Rosie. What the fuck does that even mean?" I just laughed harder at my giant brute of a brother crossing his arms like a petulant child.

"Do you want my advice?"

"Obviously, you condescending ass-hat." He was still pouting and I laughed at the title.

"Stop."

"What?"

"S-T-O-P." I said the one word slowly for emphasis, like he was slow in the head.

"W-H-A-T?" He spoke just as slowly to me and I rolled my eyes.

"Emmett, did Rose ask you to follow her to the bathroom?"

"No, but..." I cut him off before he said something ridiculously stupid.

"Did she ask you to bring her every meal, that she didn't even get to pick out, in bed?"

"Well I read that certain foods are healthier..."

"Did she ask you to talk to her employees on her behalf?"

"I didn't want her to stress out more, on top of everything with the DA and..."

"Dude," I held my hands up while sporting a serious face, trying to emphasize the importance of what I'm about to say. "You, right now, with how you're acting with her, are the MAIN THING stressing her out."

"How?" He looked so oblivious making me want to both face palm and lightly smack him.

"Emmett, she's pregnant not made of glass."

"But..."

"I know you are just trying to help but do you even realize how you're treating her? What you're making her feel like?"

"And how am I treating her that's so wrong? What does she feel like?" He was starting to get angry but oh well.

"Like she's an incubator."

He gave me a deeply confused face.

"Despite whatever nutrition and pregnancy books you've read you are kind-of forgetting something important." He waited for me to explain. "She is more then just pregnant. She's still Rose, a person and your wife. Essentially you are treating her like her only identity right now is the mother of your unborn child." He opened his mouth but no words came out.

"Have you offered to take her out on a date?"

"She's on bed rest. She's supposed to be limiting activity."

"You do realize that limited doesn't mean zero right?"

"Ummm."

"And that a date doesn't have to be crazy. It could be a movie night at home."

"Ummm."

"Well given your dumbstruck face I take it to mean the answer is no, you didn't realize." I chuckled while again he just gaped like a fish out of water so I pressed on. "Have you offered to take her to her shop so she could at least get out of the house a bit and do some of the administrative stuff, even if she cant do the physical things? Or hell, bring the paperwork to her so she can do it at home in bed?"

...No response...

"Have you offered to stay in bed with her, the entire day, so she doesn't feel so alone in this?"

"I'm always getting her things and doing all the chores and errands, and..."

"All she probably wants is for you to be there. You don't have to solve the worlds problems Emmett." I tried to convey softly that despite him being attentive to all her physical needs he'd basically been neglecting her emotionally. "Just be WITH her, FOR HER not just for her CONDITION. And stop assuming you know what she wants, let her tell you, okay? And you need to realize that she might even need space from you sometimes as well." That last statement seemed to hurt him so I tried to be gentler. "Pregnancy is terrifying for a first time mom and I imagine its so much worse for her given the situation."

He thought about it for a few minutes as we continued to eat breakfast at the restaurant near my office. He had practically begged me to take the time with him so he could vent about 'how much Rose seems to hate his guts lately'.

"How is it you listen to me for a few minutes and immediately decipher exactly what's wrong while I've apparently been an idiot this whole time?" He still seemed upset so I tried to cheer him up.

"Awww, you've always been an idiot, but a lovable one." He rolled his eyes but gave a small laugh.

"Okay, so wise lawyer. What should I do? Leave her alone for awhile? She practically kicked me out of the house this morning."

I just laughed at that. "Well now we're trending into the deep emotional stuff. That's more mom territory. Get advice from her or better yet from Dad. You know how good he is at romantic gestures." I internally shuddered at the MANY, MANY, MANY times I'd witnessed my dad charm the hell out of my tough as nails mother, rendering her powerless to him. The man had skills, that's for damn certain.

"I guess."

Shortly after that my phone rang and I answered just to be told by Jenks that a meeting was available to get things out in the open with Tanya and her attorney. "What's the latest dirt on the ex-wife? You look pretty smug at the idea of seeing her." I just shrugged while probably still sporting said smug expression.

"All this bullshit should be laid to rest soon. The fact that she's trying to initiate the meeting for once is a good sign."

"How so?"

"Well either she is realizing she doesn't have a foot to stand on to stop me getting more custody, or she is trying to be more aggressive and combative with me. Either way I win."

"How does her picking a fight make you win?"

"Cool heads triumph in front of a judge."

"Don't be so cocky. Tanya's nothing if not a..."

"Major pain in the ass?"

He laughed out right and it was the first one I'd heard from him today. The Rosalie stuff had clearly been upsetting him. "Took the words right out of my mouth bro. Just be prepared. For all her faults, you can't claim the woman isn't a fighter."

"Oh trust me. I'm well aware."

…...

"Are you fucking insane?"

"Mr. Cullen, I'll thank you not to address my client in such a manner."

Oh I had some choice words ready for that fucker if he patronized me again. "If you aren't willing to stand up to your client over her unfounded accusations then do not pretend to have a backbone with me when I defend myself."

"Edward..." Jenks quietly tried to reel me in and I swear I was having a terrible case of DeJaVu. This entire circus of a meeting reminded me so much of the Bull Shit we'd gone through during our divorce. I had honestly thought I would have the upper hand today but Tanya had come out swinging. When Jenks had told me that Tanya and her attorney had QUOTE... 'Found an opening to discuss the custody inconsistencies' but that it would have to be today at noon I just knew they were expecting me to say no to such a last minute invitation. Well no way in hell was I passing up the chance to get all of this done.

However Tanya came armed this time, not with facts or evidence to support her claims, but instead with plenty of venom to spew at me. "Oh please Edward. Stop throwing a tantrum."

"A tantrum? You're questioning me as a parent."

"As you are me, correct?"

I couldn't help it when I laughed, and I laughed hard. "Am I questioning you as a mother? You're God Damn right I am. I've been doing nothing but questioning it since Lizzie was a baby."

"Go to Hell Edward. You have far more inane accusations against me then I do about you."

"I don't have accusations. I have facts, well documented facts. You have slander."

"So you aren't dating some barely legal woman that you have around my daughter without having even told me you were dating someone to begin with?"

"First of all who I see is none of your business."

"Our custody agreement implies..."

"Seriously?" I had to laugh again. "I wrote the fucking agreement Tanya. I know exactly what it does and does not imply"

"What my client, Mr. Cullen, is trying to say is that nowhere in the filings does it say that he has to get Ms. Denali's permission to bring a girlfriend around Lizzie."

"Nor does it state that her age, or anything else about her has to undergo your personal approval." I threw that out and she sneered at me.

"Which works for you as I would never approve of such a ridiculous little girl being around my daughter."

"Then that's one of the biggest points in Bella's favor now isn't it? She's the exact fucking opposite of you." I REALLY hope that stung.

"I wont put up with this abuse from you."

"You bluntly called my girlfriend a whore, myself a cradle robbing womanizing pig, and a bad father. All I've stated is actual truths. The only abuses today have been from you."

"I don't want that woman around our child. Plain and simple."

"Under what grounds?"

"I have it on good authority..."

"I'm going to stop you now before you embarrass yourself further. The only person you know that also knows Bella is Lizzie and I know she would never speak ill of Bella. Lizzie absolutely loves her." I saw a flash of hurt in Tanya's eyes but it passed instantly leaving her usual cold shell in it's place.

"What grounds do you have to call into question this woman's abilities to be around Elizabeth?"

The judge had sat back practically this whole meeting as we bickered like children and I actually felt a little bad for her. I imagine dealing with the pettiness of family law cases was an aggravating thing, but I suppose someone has to do it.

"For one her age."

"You don't even know her age." I was getting really fucking sick of this.

"The fact that you wont tell me speaks volumes. She's only what 25, 26?

"She's 21, not that it matters." Hell the judge was probably about to ask me anyway so I may as well get it out there.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Tanya gave me a disgusted expression and my only response was to roll my eyes.

"Ms. Denali, I've allowed this language long enough. Stop now or you wont like the consequences." Tanya grew silent as her lawyer shook his head silently.

"Mr. Cullen, is there anything about this woman..." She paused to look for Bella's name in the paperwork but I was to impatient to wait.

"Bella." The judge nodded

"Is there anything about her that Ms. Denali has the right to know about?"

"Absolutely not. Bella is amazing with children and absolutely loves Lizzie."

"She's to young and I don't want some borderline teenager being entrusted with my daughter's safety."

"Jesus Christ." I rolled my eyes at Tanya but the judge gave me a pointed look so I held back any more language.

"My client and I have provided additional copies of all the certification and history Bella has with regards to children including first aid, CPR, BA in childhood education, CDA,..." Jenks, ever the ultra organized professional, laid out each paper as he voiced it. There were quite a few as Bella may be young but she did not lack for qualifications.

"I'm sorry but how does a 21 year old have a BA?" Tanya's attorney spoke up now with clear criticism in his voice.

"She's able to because she graduated high-school at the age of 16 due to exactly how intelligent she is and she took additional classes in college to graduate even sooner. She has also had some of the certifications since she was a kid because she used to help her mother operate a day care in her home town. Truthfully and in all actuality Bella is probably more qualified and has more experience with children then just about anybody in this room, myself and Ms. Denali included." It felt so good to see the look that now monopolized Tanya's face. It wasn't defeat exactly but more a look that screamed just how lost she knew she was in this whole stupid charade she'd started. She was nothing more then a caged lion with nowhere to go.

"Impressive." The judge began reading through the paperwork when I saw confusion cross her features. "These look familiar."

"Yes, these are just additional copies. They had already been included in the file my client put together for Ms. Denali when they were deciding on schools for Elizabeth to enroll in, since the responsibility had fallen on Mr. Cullen to make the decision." It was true that even though I hadn't been required to do so I had made a file with all the information on why I chose Evenfall Elementary, including the qualifications of Lizzie's, at the time, soon to be teacher. Back then Bella had just been black and white facts on paper. Such a strange thought that the woman who had captivated me in every way used to be nothing more then a name among many.

"So this Bella is also Elizabeth's teacher, Ms. Isabella Swan?"

"Yes..." I was confused on why that seemed to be news.

"As you can see Evenfall is a well established school with a flawless screening process for it's teachers. Ms. Swan is fully qualified to care for Elizabeth both inside and outside of the school." Just when I thought Tanya and her attorney had looked hilariously dumbfounded before Jenks words seeped into their brains almost in slow motion.

"And this woman is also Elizabeth's art instructor in her extra-curricular class?" The judge seemed to be putting something together in her head.

"Yes, Bella minored in art in college and brought the entire art program to the school. They never had one before hiring her."

"Very impressive." The judge nodded approvingly and I admittedly felt a bit smug. I'd of course known how amazing Bella was from day one but truthfully I enjoyed bragging about her. She is so fucking incredible and I love her more everyday for it.

"That's why you've been so adamant about keeping Lizzie in that class despite everything. You wanted a teacher you can bribe and control to say anything you want against me."

"I swear to..." Jenks shook his head to stop me saying something rash but before anyone could say anything the judge spun the folder she had been looking at so intently and pointed to something on it but she had it facing Tanya and her lawyer so I had no idea what she was showing them. All I did know was she didn't look happy with either of them.

"I'm looking at the dates here and Mr. Cullen is correct. He did send all of this paperwork to you, before the school year even started. You even responded with an email, also included with a time stamp, approving the school and teacher choice after being given her qualifications. You showed no concern for her being in charge of your daughter then and yet you now have a problem with this fully qualified teacher being around your child, but only now that she is seeing your ex-husband. Am I correct?

"I didn't fully realize that..."

"What exactly? What didn't you realize? That I would be able to check simple dates in a file? The same file you yourself were given months ago? You didn't realize that Mr. Cullen literally found probably one of the few women on the entire planet; to get involved with, that absolutely no ex-wife, lawyer, or judge for that matter would be able to find a single fault in to justify your actions against her or him?

I had to work so incredibly hard not to smirk at the dumbfounded look on their faces as the judge stared them both down.

I think I may have just found my new best friend.

…...

"You look happy." Lizzie was still running around us gathering all her Thanksgiving drawings and assignments she'd been working on.

"You have no idea Beautiful" My entire day had been completely amazing since the judge ripped apart Tanya so I had already been on cloud nine before walking into the classroom... where I saw Bella. I swear to God this woman got more beautiful every single God damn time I saw her. It just wasn't fucking fair. How the hell is a red blooded man supposed to control himself when she looks the way she does? She was wearing skin tight dark denim jeans, knee high black boots, a soft gray shirt, and a royal blue colored sweater. She looked amazing. After I took in that smile of hers I noticed another little detail about her outfit.

"Tell me."

"Later. Right now I have other focuses."

"Such as?"

"My beautiful girlfriend finally being mine tonight." I closed the distance between us and shamelessly grabbed her around her waist before leaning in to kiss her lips.

She laughed and I loved hearing it. "You have to share me with Lizzie, remember?"

"So I get both my girls, even better." She gave me her perfect smile resulting in me kissing her again. "I believe I recognize that necklace baby."

She immediately flushed dark red before gripping the jewel gently while watching me with her coy eyes. God how I've missed that blush. I kissed her yet again, feeling ravenous for her touch but still managing to keep things PG. I felt her light fingers caress my face as she smiled into our kiss and the most ridiculous thought invaded my mind.

Home, this felt like home.

"I missed you." The blush grew but her arms wrapped around my neck despite her timidness.

"I missed you too baby." I watched the gem again, loving how it sparkled against her skin. I was extremely grateful in this moment that I'd never told her the price of that necklace because if I had there was no way she'd be wearing it right now. She would have locked it up in a jewelry box or something, trying to 'keep it safe'. It looked so beautiful on her though, it would have been a complete shame never to get to see it on her. "You know you could have come straight over as soon as you reached Seattle."

"It would have been really late. I don't think I got home until almost 9" She began rubbing my arms as we pulled apart a bit, still unwilling to stop touching one another.

"So?" I was incapable of staying away from her so I leaned in to kiss her even more making her giggle before giving me a quick peck and pulling back from me. Obviously she was trying to control the lust of our reunion, not that I was helping her attempts. At least I would have her to myself tonight...

"I didn't want to keep you up. You had to work today."

"Baby I would sacrifice sleep any day so long as it meant having you in my arms all night."

"You would have been really tired all day." There's my timid girl. She smiled so cutely while looking up at me. "I know you're an early riser."

"And I'd have yawned all day long with a big stupid grin on my face."

She giggled again and I just wanted it to be bedtime already "Well maybe next time I'll just walk into your house at all hours of the night like I own the place."

Now there's an idea...

"Hmm, that's an intriguing thought Beautiful." She laughed once again not realizing I was actually quite serious. Jesus Christ what the hell is wrong with me today? Yes I miss Bella when she's not with me but I certainly don't think we're ready for THAT talk just yet.

Right?

"Daddy look."

"Wow." I leaned down to hug my princess as she showed me her turkey drawing. God I was gonna miss her this weekend. I felt like the worst father in the world that I wouldn't have Lizzie for both Thanksgiving and her birthday, since its on Black Friday this year, so she will still be with her mom. Lizzie hadn't minded when I told her the bad news, at least not after I promised her a fun family birthday the following weekend. Logically I knew I'd had Lizzie last year for her birthday so it was Tanya's turn but emotionally I was pretty pissed about the whole thing.

"Daddy, is Bella really sleeping over?" I laughed while shrugging.

"I guess it depends." I looked over to Bella and winked at the puzzled look on her face.

"On what daddy?" Lizzie looked so intent as she waited for my answer, obviously ready to tackle whatever obstacle would prevent the visit.

"Well you know how I asked you to clean your room yesterday?" I gave her a narrowed eyed look and Lizzie pursed her lips while trying to fight back a naughty smile.

She is so my child...

"Maybe I do..." Yeah, definitely my daughter.

"Well you know there's not much of a point in Bella visiting if you'll be grounded in your room the whole time."

"I'll clean up daddy." Certainly not the same attitude she had last night when I told her to clean up.

"Hmm, I don't know if I believe you baby girl." I noticed Bella shaking her head at me while trying not to laugh.

"I promise daddy."

"What do you think Ms. Swan?" I turned to her and unleashed my naughty eyes on her. I knew what the title did when I used it on her.

"Please Ms. Swan. I promise." Lizzie charged for Bella and hugged her legs while pleading with her. Now I was fighting laughter. Bella leaned down and hugged Lizzie before looking to me.

"I trust Lizzie to get her room perfect. Right sweetie?"

"Yep."

Lizzie quietly gathered her stuff and I held Bella's hand as we all walked to the parking lot.

"Oh sure when YOU want Lizzie to clean her room the request is instantly granted, but when Daddy asks..."

"Don't be jealous Mr. Cullen." I playfully growled before wrapping my arms around Bella from behind and whispering in her ear as we continued walking.

"Beautiful you haven't seen me jealous yet." She laughed and we made it to my car so I could strap Lizzie in. "Are you coming right over?"

"I wanted to take your car to get washed first." I tried not to roll my eyes at the comment. The plan was for her to return my car tonight, then for me to take her to work tomorrow since I drove Lizzie anyway. The garage would then drop off her finished car at the school.

"Not necessary gorgeous."

"There's some mud on it from Forks."

"This is Seattle you know. It'll rain in 5 minutes and rinse it clean."

"Edward the agreement was that I would clean it after borrowing it." I chuckled at the slight indignation in her voice as I strapped Lizzie in.

"Technically I agreed to no such thing." I closed Lizzie's door and leaned against the car, blocking us from Lizzie's sight. "You stated it along with other ramblings to which I responded with the command of 'shut up' and then I kissed you. Remember? It went like this." Before she could object I kissed her, much deeper then the time in question but Hell I couldn't resist. She responded as she usual does, immediately. Her hands rubbed my chest as we kissed for a few moments.

"I hate the power you have over me." She whispered after we pulled away. I smiled arrogantly before giving a wink and kissing her temple.

"Liar." She tried to look irritated but instead was fighting laughing. I leaned in one last time to kiss her below her ear. "Don't be late beautiful." As soon as I got situated in the car Lizzie leaned forward and waved to Bella, making her smile. We pulled out of the school with Bella right behind us in the SUV. I made a right turn, knowing if she went left she was heading towards her place or the car wash. I smirked when she pulled out right behind us.

Good girl.

...

"Alright Elizabeth Macy Cullen. Get your cute butt upstairs and clean that room."

"But Bella said I could help with dinner." And there's that pout I hate so much, and of course it's working on me. Dammit

Manipulative little cutie pie...

"Lizzie..."

"Please. I'll clean after dinner."

Uh-huh...sure she will

"Fine, but right after dinner you are cleaning your entire room, by yourself."

"Thanks daddy." I recognize that victorious smile as she runs off to put her back-pack away, yet here I am falling for her scam regardless.

"You are such a sucker."

"Hmmm." I grab Bella as she laughs at my expense. "Only with certain irresistible women."

"So I can get anything I want if I pout and smile at you like that?" She was mocking me with her own version of Lizzie's sweet grin.

"Baby you can have anything you want at any given time." I couldn't resist whispering the words as I began kissing her neck.

"Why do you torture me like this?" Her voice matched mine in volume as she wrapped her arms around me and kept me close, enabling me to continue my assault on her neck.

"Because I can."

"That's a horrible reason." She was trying to put up some resistance but her body was bending to my will. I shifted to the other side of her neck to keep her right where I wanted her.

"I also owe you some torture beautiful."

"What?" That dazed catch in her voice was getting me more then a little aroused.

"I seem to recall telling you I would get you back for your words on Friday. Something about wanting to see what I would do about your rude behavior directed at me."

"You have way to good of a memory."

"Only because I finally have an answer beautiful. I know exactly what I'm going to do about your naughty behavior."

"Which is?"

"Oh you'll see soon enough." And with that I pulled away from her causing her to turn around and stare at me with a lost and confused expression. I gave a wink before leaving the room just as Lizzie reappeared to help. I gave her head a quick tussle and she laughed before running up to help Bella.

...

I still had some work to do today since I'd left early so I would be confined to my office for a little bit. Bella had said dinner would only take about an hour so I had to hurry. I'd just booted up my computer and started reading the first draft of the first form when my phone rang.

"Fuck." I picked it up without looking at the caller idea. It was my house phone which I only use to connect through work when I work from home. "Cullen"

"Hey Boss."

"Carmen, what's up?"

"I thought you should know that there was a bit of an altercation here after you left."

"Great." Fantastic

"Apparently your ex decided to drop by for a visit and well..."

"What the hell did Tanya do now?"

"Well technically it wasn't just her."

"Okay?"

"Well her and I have never gotten along and lets just say she still has some assumptions about my part in your divorce."

"What did she say to you?"

"Same old BS, just a different day."

"Jesus Christ."

"That's not the altercation though."

"Fucking seriously."

"Sorry."

"I'll stop interrupting. Just tell me the whole story."

"Well after I ignored her veiled accusations and explained that you were out of office the rest of the day, a certain OTHER EX showed up."

"What?"

"I thought you were gonna stop interrupting." I could hear the humor in her voice. How on earth can she be laughing right now?

"Fine."

"You remember your newest case right?" Her voice dripped with innocence.

"Heidi?"

"The one and only. She was dressed to impress, as usual. Seriously where does the woman find such professional meets slutty attire?"

"Carmen..." I closed my eyes as I rubbed the incoming migraine away.

"I think she might buy the stuff off a porn sight or something. It looks like something straight out of an adult film."

"What happened?"

"Well Tanya took one look at Heidi, who had asked me if you were in, and that's when the fireworks exploded."

"One of the many women Tanya accused me of leaving her for, fucking fantastic."

"Well in Heidi's defense she took the attack like a fucking champ. She actually smiled

at Tanya calling her names, completely unprovoked I might ad, and just laughed while ignoring her.

"Heidi has never been one to lower herself, Tanya however is an attack dog."

"Speaking of lowering ones self..."

"What do you know?" I heavy sighed before pushing through and continuing to work while listening to her.

"Just that I'm a little surprised you would have had a thing with Heidi, she's so, so..."

"Not Bella?"

"Well I was gonna say 'not your type' but..." She laughed and I groaned.

"Unfortunately I've dated many just like her so technically she was my type, at some point at least."

"I can't believe you did. Eww, Edward, ewww."

"First of all I never dated her, we just... never-mind. Secondly didn't you go on a date with JAMES fucking HUNTER at some point."

"Touche... Touche."

"Glass houses."

"One date only though and it was years ago." She sounded proud of that and truthfully that is better then what I'd put up with. Not that I would let Carmen know that.

"What happens at the law firm stays at the law firm."

"Ha ha. Anyway I politely kicked Tanya out and told Heidi you'd be in tomorrow. So fair warning, your ex-wife is out for your blood and Heidi, your ex-whatever, is out for something else of yours."

"Thanks for that." My dry sarcasm earned me a laugh from her.

"You're so very welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with Sir." I could practically see her batting her eyes innocently as she enjoyed my misery.

"Not at all. Have a wonderful evening. Oh and Carmen?"

"Yes?"

"I will be needing you in 3 hours early tomorrow so don't be late." I smirked as I envisioned her narrowed eyes.

"What the hell for?" Oh she's pissed.

"Whatever the hell I want. I'll send you a list."

"You fucking suck."

"Pardon?" I used my most professional tone of voice.

"Nothing."

"I thought so. Have a nice night. And do fuck off Carmen." With that I hung up, chuckling as I powered through my work, knowing Carmen would be on a war path with me tomorrow.

WORTH IT!

...

"You miserable son of a bitch!"

And this will teach me not to check my caller ID...

"So pleasant to hear from you Tanya."

"I can't believe what you did to me today." It was extremely unfortunate that my bluetooth was currently missing, because it forced me to listen to Tanya over speaker, where her shrill voice was edging me on even worse then usual.

"Really? What did I do?"

"You are trying to take my daughter from me!"

"Tanya anything you have to say involving our custody situation you can take up with our attorneys or the judge."

"You are a sick excuse for a father."

"Watch what you say." I had been fairly resigned this whole conversation,m as I usually am with her, but she was getting into dangerous territory.

"What sort of man takes a child from her mother?"

"What sort of so-called 'mother' leaves her child at school for hours while remaining 'unreachable' the entire time?"

"That was an accident but at least Lizzie was somewhere safe!"

"If she had been put in temporary state care how safe would she have been exactly!"

"What the fuck do you mean by that?"

"The school has laws to follow Tanya. If they hadn't been able to get a hold of me, or God forbid I'd been unable to get to Lizzie she would have had to be taken by child services. Do you even realize what that would have done to Lizzie emotionally? Psychologically?

"That wouldn't have happened Edward. You're just being dramatic as usual."

The woman had no clue just how close IT DID COME to happening.

"You have no clue do you? No fucking idea how you behavior affects our daughter?" My resignation was back, along with complete disgust.

"And what about your behavior? Playing house with a teenager right in front of Lizzie. Such a great role model for her you are."

"Bella isn't a teenager and I'm not talking about her with you."

"Just what Lizzie needs to think men require, girls half their age. When she ends up some 19 year old naive girl with a 40 year old man it will be on you."

"And yet you call me dramatic."

"You know how much Lizzie idolizes you."

"What the hell is your point?"

"That you should be setting a good example not scratching an itch with a woman far to young for you. The whole thing makes me sick."

"Am I supposed to care about your opinions of the woman I'm seeing?"

"The woman you're seeing?" Her laugh was full of condescension. "Is that what you call what you're doing with an impressionable girl like that? Stop playing innocent with me Edward. Your intentions are far from honorable."

"I'll decide what my intentions are or aren't with Bella. Worry about your own shit and leave me the fuck alone."

"What future can you possibly have with a young girl like her."

"A future that is none of your fucking concern."

"My concern is for Lizzie."

"Well that would be a first. I thought the sun rose and set for you and you alone, while Lizzie is just an accessory for you to pick up and store away as you wish."

"Go to Hell Edward."

"Lead the way."

"I still don't want your little toy around our daughter alone."

"And I don't want you to come to my office again, however unlike your request I actually can get what I want. I will be informing the board about your behavior today, including insulting a client and accusing a fellow associate of sexual impropriety."

"You wouldn't dare."

"And when I say I WILL BE informing them what I actually mean is I already sent emails and have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow."

"You son of a bitch."

"Good night Tanya, and in the future please keep all our communication through text and email only."

I hung up without another word and rubbed my hands over my face while leaning back in my chair trying to calm my nerves. Considering how much of my ex-wives bullshit I've endured today I may actually qualify for sainthood. I mean Jesus Christ the woman becomes more deranged with every interaction. What the hell is her problem? Attacking me is normal but my PA? One of my clients? My girlfriend...relentlessly? This has to be about more then Bella's age, right? But what is it?

"Ummm, dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes." I looked over to the door and Bella stood looking more uncomfortable then I'd ever seen her.

"How much of that did you hear?" The strain in my voice revved up realizing Bella heard at least some of Tanya's poison.

"A little bit." That means she heard a lot.

"FUCK." I rubbed my eyes one last time while taking a deep breath. I looked over to her while still leaning back in my chair and she looked defeated. "Baby come here." I held my hand out and she slowly walked over to me, to slowly. As soon as she was within reach I grabbed both her hands in mine and steered her in front of me. I ran my hands up her sides before resting them on her hips. "What did you hear?" I kept my eyes on her's because of how she looked. Beautiful as always, but so sad.

"I walked in when she said you were a sick excuse for a father." I heavy sighed before pulling her onto my lap, helping her into position to straddle me so I could keep her close.

My fingertips went to her temples as I lightly caressed her hair down to her neck. "Beautiful I'm sorry for everything she said. Please don't take it personally." Her only response was to shake her head and look down. "Please don't cry baby." I know Bella enough to know that her sensitive and beautiful soul can only take so much.

"Why did she call you that?" Of course she's more upset over what Tanya called me then herself.

"Because she's my ex-wife baby, and we're in a custody battle, yet again. She's going to lash out and she's going to do it a lot."

"How can she call you an awful father though?"

"Because in her view I'm trying to take Lizzie away from her, when in fact if that was true I could be pressing for a lot more then I am."

"Is being..." She took a deep breath before wiping her eyes with her palms.

I steered her face up to look at me. "Is being what?"

"Is being with me making things worse for you?"

"Jesus fucking Christ Bella!" That came out much louder and angrier then intended but at this point I was beyond frustrated. To Bella's credit she didn't flinch at my tone or volume but she looked down again while continuing to wipe her eyes. "Look at me baby." It wasn't a gentle request but a firm statement, one that luckily she obeyed because I needed her to look at me as I spoke next. "Tanya is my ex-wife and Lizzie's mother."

"I know that but am I causing..."

"STOP." I didn't yell but I spoke loud enough to cut her off. "Do not, I repeat do NOT take anything she says onto your shoulders. You are not to blame for anything."

"I don't want to make your life harder because I make Tanya uncomfortable."

"Bella it wouldn't matter if I had you in my life or not. I guarantee Tanya would be fighting me just the same."

"But she's angry because of me."

"Who gives a fuck?" She just watched my eyes for a moment in response to my frustration, and it was devastating to see how much sadness was in her eyes.

"I do." She sniffled quietly before speaking again. "I don't want things to be harder for you because of me."

"You could never make things harder for me." I pulled her body flush to me, chest to chest so I could feel her heartbeat. I guided her face to me and kissed her sweetly. Thank God she kissed me back because I could feel the tension fade the instant I was able to touch her the way I wanted. I held the back of her head to me as I explored her mouth gently for a few moments before pulling back just enough to look at her but still close enough to feel her heat on my face. "I love you, you know. Do you understand that?"

"I do."

"Do you have any idea how happy you make me? How incredible I feel when I have you with me? How powerful I feel when I get you to smile? How free I feel when I can touch you just like this?" I stroked her hair and kissed her forehead before watching her eyes again.

"I love you too I just don't want to be a problem with you and Tanya."

I laughed humorlessly before kissing her temple. "Well I've got bad news for you baby. You are and will continue to be a huge problem for Tanya."

"Why?" She sounded so upset by that and I couldn't fathom why.

"Sweetheart nobody likes to feel 'replaced', for lack of a better word."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you really expect Tanya to like anyone I date?" She shrugged and I sighed. "Baby this isn't about you. This is about her, her problem."

"I just want her to be okay with me around you, and around Lizzie."

"Not gonna happen beautiful. Would you be okay with it if you were her?"

Bless her heart as she honestly thought about my rhetorical question. "I think I would be. I'd want you to be happy."

"God you are to sweet for words." I kissed her again as I chuckled.

"So you think it's jealousy?"

"Well not in the sense that she wants ME but more in the sense that she doesn't want me with someone else. Like I said she doesn't like to feel replaceable."

"Would you be okay with her dating?"

At that I laughed genuinely. "Tanya started dating within just a few weeks of our separation sweetheart."

"Seriously?"

"Yep. Truthfully I think she did it to try and get me jealous so that I'd want her back."

"Oh." Bella brushed her hair behind her ears before looking at me hesitantly. "Did it work?" I just starred at her for a moment before smiling and rubbing her face swith the back of my fingers.

"No baby. Truthfully I was relieved."

"Really?"

"Yes. I mean the breakup was 100% my idea and despite it being on paper as a separation I knew without a doubt that it was a divorce while she probably still had some level of hope that we could reconcile."

"So you were happy she was dating?"

"It took away some of the guilt I had. Despite how much I knew we didn't work anymore she was still my partner for a long time, and we'd shared a lot not to mention having a child together."

"I guess I can understand that. I felt the same when I found out Jacob stated dating after us. It was like a weight lifted off my chest."

I chuckled before bringing her face to me so we could kiss some more. "Here we are again with the awkward ex conversation." She laughed remembering our first date conversation.

"God I love your laugh." I tangled my fingers into her hair again and guided her mouth where I wanted.

"I love you." She wrapped her arms around my neck and I stroked her sides so that I could touch her but not go to far.

"I love you too even if you are a giant tease sent to torture me."

"What do you mean?" She pulled back to look at me in honest to God confusion.

"Baby look at you." I gestured to the absolute perfection that is Bella in all her glory. She cutely looked down at herself before looking back at me just as confused. "You're gorgeous and you're straddling me. You know what that does to me."

"You put me here." She spoke through wide eyes making me laugh.

"What's your point beautiful?"

"Why put me on your lap if it tortures you?"

"Where the hell else would you sit?" She smiled as I again pulled her face to me and ghosted my lips over hers.

"Across from you?" She smiled playfully as my eyes narrowed.

"Way to far away beautiful."

"Next to you?"

"NEVER. You're right where you belong."

"Am I?"

"Yes. This is always where you are to sit, understand?"

"Yes Sir, Mr. Cullen."

"Uggg, you are so gonna pay dearly for that later."

...

"Daddy do you like the potatoes?" My little girl was bouncing in her seat next to me as she waited eagerly for my response.

"Is this my mothers recipe?" I'm pretty sure I looked beyond shocked as I tried my first bite of the perfect food. Bella blushed from her seat across from me at whatever expression I was sporting, and I knew the answer immediately.

"I asked your mom for it after you told me how much you liked them." I somewhat remember mentioning, at the family dinner I'd taken Bella to, that she would have to come over some time when my mother was making potatoes because they were the best in the whole world. I can't believe she remembered that and somehow was able to ask my mother for the recipe afterwards. I had to smile genuinely at Bella for that statement. Leave it to my girl to conquer her own shyness in asking my mother for something like that, just so she could make me happy.

"I helped daddy."
"You did huh?" I grabbed my princess and kissed her face making her giggle and wiggle away from me tickling her.

After we ate I insisted on cleaning since my girls cooked but Lizzie wanted to help so the two of us did the dirty work while Bella relaxed in the living room at my insistence.

"Can Bella stay over every night daddy?"

"What about her own apartment princess?"

"She can move in here." Say what now?

"You want Bella to live with us?" To say her casual statement was shocking would be putting it mildly.

'Out of the mouths of babes' I suppose.

"Yep." She smiled up at me widely while trying to dry dishes.

"Why?"

"Because I love her."

"That simple huh?" I had to laugh as she gave me a 'duh' expression.

"Do you love Ms. Swan?"

"Of course I do."

"Then she should live with us right?"

"We'll see."

What the hell else could I say?

...

"It is way to late for a work call." I rolled my eyes as I answered my cell, Jenks this time. Bella and I were in my room getting ready for bed, or rather trying to before my phone interrupted.

"Unfortunately its personal and I forwarded the email to you."

"What email?" I gestured to Bella, indicating that I would be just a minute as I headed to the door so I could take care of this in my office. She nodded before grabbing her clothes and heading to the bathroom, presumably to change.

DAMN YOU JENKS

"I swear to God this better be worth it." I practically ran to my office and booted up my computer as quick as possible.

"I'm sorry to disturb you Edward. I'm sure you're tired."

Tired, sure...

In actuality my impatience had absolutely nothing to do with exhaustion but rather with the beautiful woman who is most likely half naked in my bedroom right now.

"Hmmm, so what am I looking at?"

"It seems Tanya's attorney was more prepared that we thought. He already has a few counter claims and issues for me to sift through. I thought you should know." As I read through the legal bullshit listed in the email I found myself deeply annoyed, and probably for the first time, with how good the attorneys are at our firm. Damn Tanya for recruiting one of the best lawyers to fuck with me.

"Thanks for telling me. I'll forward it all to Carmen and she'll help me look it over tomorrow."

"Of course. Have a nice night."

"You too." I cut him off quickly, glad to have my phone off. I took one last look at the email before shutting off my computer directly, no patience to even find the shut down command. As I stood up I looked at my phone before deciding fuck it and leaving it on my desk where it can't bother me or Bella again tonight. I've spent way to much time away from her as it is and I'm done with it.

I took the opportunity to double check that I had the house locked up tight before heading back upstairs. As soon as I walk into the bedroom boy do I get the surprise of my life.

"Fuck me."

Bella, who had been standing at the foot of the bed, spins around with a wide eyed expression, complete with her signature flushed face. Dear god, she's wearing that blue lingerie...the exact same lingerie that has been torturing my every thought since she sent me that picture.

"I thought you'd be on the phone longer." Her blush darkens as she fumbles with whatever the hell clothing she's holding in her hands. I would have found her shyness cute as hell if not for my absolute laser focus on her body in this moment.

"Jesus Christ." Outside of closing the door behind me, which I seemed to have done on auto pilot, my whole body was frozen in place as I starred at her. The royal blue color made her skin look creamy and made me burn with desire to touch every inch of her. The sexy revealing top and practically non existent bottoms had my blood boiling but then I took in those tiny little bows that were just so fucking her and I had to smile.

God I love how she throws me.

"Do you like it?" She was still holding something in her hands awkwardly which I now had the attention span to notice was a robe.

"Do I like it?" I gestured with my pointer finger downward and she seemed to get my meaning as she lightly dropped the garment so that nothing was obscuring my view.

"I didn't know if I should wear it or not and..." She was getting redder and I was torn between wanting to worship the angel in front of me, punish the temptress, or laugh at the awkward beauty. She brushed her hair behind her ears in that sweet way that I loved. "What are you thinking? Why are you looking at me like that?"

I had no idea what exact expression I wore in order to explain that to her however I've never been one to hide my thoughts if someone asks me for them. "I'm thinking about how much you make me want to worship and punish you at the exact same fucking time."

She didn't respond past smiling gently and watching me with those beautiful big eyes of hers.

Worship it is.

"Come here." Despite my own command I walked towards her just as much as she did towards me. We were like magnets and I was caught in her pull. As soon as she was within reach I reached out to her hips and kissed her with all the love I have for this incredible woman. "You are way to beautiful to be real."

"You always say things like that."

"And I will continue to as well. Jesus Christ baby, look at you."

"So you like it then?" She smiled up at me as I continued to guide my eyes up and down her as I held her close.

I ignored her question since it obviously didn't require an answer. "I think I need a new rule in place beautiful."

"What's that?"

I leaned in and took her lips in a searing kiss, my hands cradling her jaw to hold her face up to me as I explored her. After a moment I pulled back and her breathing turned ragged making me smile internally.

"From now on whenever you're in my bed you can only wear sexy clothing."

She laughed at me before wrapping her arms around me. "That's my only choice huh?" She smiled in an almost challenge, making me so proud of the strength she was showing over her usual shy demeanor.

"Well you always have a choice."

"What's my other option then?"

I leaned in to brush my lips over hers again. "You can either wear something sexy for me to unwrap..." She blushed at my words, "...or you can skip the pretense and wear nothing at all."

Her breathing got slightly more ragged as her eyes watched mine. "What if I don't like my choices?" She was still smiling widely as her hands stroked my neck and shoulders.

"Tough." With that I kissed her harder and without much restraint. I backed her up to my bed quickly, beyond eager to explore her. She giggled when I practically threw her onto the damn thing before laying myself over her so I could start the worship she deserved.

"What if I get cold and want to wear 3 layers of sweats?" She was toying with me and God help me I loved it. I pinned her arms above her head and she put up no fight as she smiled at me mischievously.

"My bed, my rules."

"What about when we're in my bed?"

"A discussion for a later date." She laughed again as our mouths met again in heat and humor.

My lips moved down her jaw to her neck, spending my usual long amount of time there, making her squirm against my hold over her. As slow as I could possibly manage to go without driving myself crazy, I moved my lips to the center of her breasts. How can such a small bow drive me so wild. I kissed her breasts over the thin lacy fabric and her breathing sped up. I glided my hands down her arms as I sat up to watch her. After getting a good view I pulled my shirt off and caught a glint in her eyes as I tossed it aside.

"What was that look?" I smirked at her reddened face.

"What look?"

"The look you gave me when I took my shirt off."

"Nothing."

"Hmmm." I leaned back down to be flush against her. "Nothing at all huh?" She shook her head very unconvincingly. "I don't believe you beautiful."

"That sounds like your problem."

"Oh really." I was more then a little surprised by her snark, and VERY turned on by it. "I can make it your problem baby."

"How?" There's that challenge in her voice again.

"I can give you a slow agonizing torture tonight baby. Is that what you want?"

She smiled through the red face before sighing in defeat. "I like the way you take your shirt off."

"What?" What the hell does that mean? How do I take my shirt off?

"You always pull the back of it from your neck first, before you pull it off."

"So..."

"It's sexy." I smiled at her embarrassment.

"You find that sexy do you?" I had to play with her in response to the confession. I honestly never would have thought she found something so simple to be sexy.

"Yes."

"What else do I do that you like?"

"Lots of things."

"Such as?" My lips went back to ghosting her, this time all down the material covering her breasts and stomach.

"I like how you roll up your sleeves when you're about to do something." She was really blushing now and I smiled widely before moving up to look in her eyes.

"Anything else?"

"How you take off your belt." Damn she is actually able to get redder still. Now I'm really intrigued.

"Details gorgeous."

"When you unfasten it, you always wrap it around one hand as you pull it through your belt loops." I raised my eyebrows at the specifics she's apparently been noticing.

She looked up at me in sheer vulnerable perfection and I swore that if it wasn't for the fact that I was already in love with her this would be the moment I fell.

"I'm sensing a pattern baby."

"What?"

"You seem to take a lot of notice and liking to how I undress myself." I smirked as she tried to hide a smile behind clinched lips.

"Maybe."

I glided my hands back down her body as I raised my body up to loom over her. One hand held me up while the other explored her with just 1 fingertip. I guided it down in between her breasts, past her hips and down her leg to her knee.

"I love you." My eyes went back to her and my lustful gaze softened at her quiet voice.

"I love you too." She took a deep breath as I sat back on my knees and brought both hands down to her hips. "Now tell me something." She looked at me in question and I squeezed her hips before giving a quick forceful tug on her to pull her body down just a couple inches more to me. She gasped in shock and I winked. "How the hell do I untie this thing."

END NOTES:

- Can't blame Edward using Bella's visit to extort best behavior from Lizzie. LOL. I do the same thing with my girls before their uncle (their favorite person in the whole world) comes over. I swear nothing makes them clean faster...

-I enjoyed writing this chapter as an almost 'day in the life' type of event to show what life would be like if Edward and Bella actually lived together... wink, wink***

-SURVEY READERS-

*I had more ideas for their 'intimate time' *wink wink* but this flowed so well that I ened it here for the chapter.

*Do you guys want me to continue the scene from BPOV or move on? Either way is there anymore details everyone wants to see in the story/scene. Let me know in your comments. :-)