LTWYL-Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Edward

I lay awake long after Bella fell asleep, thinking back over the day and wondering if I had done the right thing after all. Based on her reaction to me being home, I guessed not. It never occurred to me that she would need time to adjust. I had spent a lot of time thinking about my changes but our relationship wasn't one of those worries. That's not to say that I didn't believe Bella when she said that it was a worry for her this afternoon. I did. Her statement made total sense to me, I just never thought of it before today. It hurt my heart that she was once again hurting because of me. My only goal was to make sure that she and Eavan never hurt again because of me. Ever.

The dawn drew close, and I could see the sky lighten as I lay there shifting my focus, and thinking about the plans that I needed to make in order to secure my future. I needed to put the money I made while in jail in the bank. It's funny but I almost can't make myself say the words. Like after twenty four hours out I am no longer the same person that went in there. In fact I know that is the truth, I know that I am not the same person. The question is now, what do I do with the person that I am? I make this life work that is what I do. So I go back to planning what for the future, I need to see Irina on Monday, I need to work out a job and I need to begin the healing process with Bella.

Just as I thought her name she whimpered and fisted the shirt that I still wore. Her sad voice called out three things, No, don't go…I need you…I still love you. I knew she was having a bad dream and from the words she said it involved me. I tightened my arms around her and kissed her forehead.

"Shh, Bella I'm right here, baby. I promise, I'm never leaving you again unless you ask me to. It's okay."

Her body turned toward mine and she burrowed into my chest. She looked sexy, beautiful, yet scared and little all at the same time.

It's funny how they always say things like you've served your time and you're a free man now. Well, I got news for them, I will never be a free man and I will never stop serving my time. Each and every time I see Bella's face filled with disappointment, I will serve my time all over again. Each time Jane has trouble in her life; I will serve my time all over again. I will never be free from my mistakes, never. And while it doesn't bother me that I will suffer for this, it does bother me when the ones that I love suffer over and over for it. That is the one thing that I wish I could change about all of it. Their suffering.

I heard a small noise coming from across the hall and wondered if Eavan was okay. I glanced at the clock and sew that it's only five fifteen in the morning. Surely, she doesn't get up this early every morning. Just as I began to untangle myself from Bella to go and check she walked, sleeply into the room. Her little face lit up when our eyes met and when I waved her over with the arm that was free from Bella, she broke out into a run across the room. I curled her into my other side and her hands began to talk to me as soon as she was settled.

Daddy, you're still here.

Yes, princess, I'm still here. I will always be here for you now.

I was scared.

Oh, sweetie, don't be afraid, Daddy is here to protect you and mommy.

You promise?

Yes, I promise.

Maybe it was wrong to make a promise like this to her, things could always happen that would force me to break that promise but what the hell was I supposed to do, tell her the truth? Hell no, she wouldn't suffer through the worry if I didn't have to make her. I didn't think that a little white lie like this would hurt her for the time being.

She yawned and rubbed her beautiful eyes. Her eyes that showed me that she was a perfect blend of Bella and myself. Nothing in life would ever make me more proud than knowing this sweet child I held in my arms belonged to Bella and I. She and Bella were my entire world. I squeezed them both and snuggled back down in the covers with them.

Let's sleep a little longer, then we'll get up and have some breakfast, okay?

Okay, but only a little longer, I want to see SpongeBob.

Okay, SpongeBob and breakfast, I promise.

When I woke later Eavan and I were turned towards each other and her face was tucked under my chin. My arms were wrapped around her and she was probably being held too tightly but I guess she didn't care since she didn't push me away. I was aware of Bella's absence in the now half empty bed but knew she was here in the apartment, I just felt her closeness to me somehow. When I heard the pots clang in the kitchen, I received my answer. I was torn, half of me wanted to go to the kitchen and the other half wanted to stay and hold my baby girl. My baby girl won for now.

I pulled away far enough that I could see her face and study it. Her long dark lashes lay against her cheeks as her chest rose and fell with each breath she took. God doesn't make any mistakes, especially when it comes to children so I prayed that whatever the reason for Eavan's hearing impairment brought her some joy as well. That she would be able to balance the difficulty with the happiness at the same time. Tears welled in my eyes as I stroked her hair and kissed her face.

The tears became a full cry when I realized that the emotion that I felt for her, my parents felt for me as well. All those years of kicking their love in the face and dismissing them. The pain they must have suffered when I burned that house to the ground and they had to sit and watch their child suffer without being able to help. It all came full circle to me, I felt it all. I held Eavan in my arms and cried. I purged the pain and tears, so I could begin to make amends with everyone.

"Edward, are you okay?" Bella's sweet voice asked as she stroked the hair off of my forehead.

I cleared my throat wiped my eyes.

"I was laying here with her," I gestured towards our child, "and realized how much love I felt for her. Then it occurred to me that my parents felt that for me and I let them down. I pushed them away, I spit on their love."

I sat up and ran my hands through my hair. I wanted to hit something, to get angry but I knew that wouldn't solve anything. I took a few deep breaths as Bella stood by my side and continued to stroke my hair.

"They had to watch me suffer and they couldn't do anything about it. Just like we felt when we found out she had trouble with her hearing. It just all sort of hit me hard for a few minutes, I'm good now. Thanks."

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me. I buried my face against her stomach and she wrapped her arms around my neck. I let it all go, the anger, the hurt, the feelings of wrong, all of it. I knew that I would get a chance to talk these things out later and make amends for them so there was no point in letting the anger get to me and ruin what I had right this minute. Bella's stomach grumbled and we both began to laugh.

"Come on, let's get you some food."

She led me into the kitchen where I saw the reason for the pots banging earlier. She had made breakfast, French Toast and bacon. My mouth fell open and I did several quick glances from the food back to Bella and back to the food again.

"Don't look so shocked, Edward, I can cook. You don't need to make a big deal about it. I do feed your child, you know."

"I just, sorry…It's a shock that's all. I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

I rushed to cover when I saw the pout on her mouth.

Her smile broke through and she laughed at me. I grabbed a plate and began to fill it with the great smelling food. I took more than my share but it just smelled so good that I couldn't help myself. Bella laughed when I grabbed one more piece of bacon as I walked away from the counter. She had juice, silverware and syrup on the table. She clicked on the TV to a music channel. The words filled the screen and the singer's voice rang through the speakers. I raised an eyebrow to her and she shrugged as she sat down.

"I love music but Eavan can't tell what it is; so I put the close captioning on so she could at least see the words going across. Sometimes she makes me sign them for her, sometimes she just plays while I listen. I guess when she can read she'll understand it better."

I shrugged and began to eat.

"She likes it when you hold her against you and she can feel your chest vibrate when you sing to her. She has always liked that, even when she was a newborn. That would soothe her quickly, to put her against your bare chest and sing. She could feel your warmth and the vibrations all at the same time."

I sat in awe of Bella and all she knew about our daughter. I hoped that the learning curve would be kind to me and allow me to catch up quickly. I didn't have time to worry as I heard her feet hit the floor and come running down the hall towards us.

Daddy!

Eavan!

I grabbed her up and kissed her all over her face. She giggled and pushed me away.

Daddy you have syrup on your face.

So do you now.

Bella cut us off and asked if Eavan would like some food. She nodded, so Bella went to get her a plate. I put Eavan in her seat and poured her some orange juice.

Can we watch TV when we're done with breakfast?

For a little while, we have to go back to Nanny and Poppy's house today while mommy shops, okay?

Can Uncle Em come with us?

Sure, if you want.

He's your brother right?

Yes, he's my older brother.

When can I have a brother?

I almost choked to death on the bite of French Toast. Thankfully, Bella saved me.

I told you, Eavan, that it will happen when it is supposed to and not before then so stop asking. Besides maybe Auntie Alice will give you a little brother, now eat.

I looked at Bella and wondered why she was so hesitant to talk about this with Eavan. So I whispered to her,

"Do you not want any more kids?"

She looked up and just shook her head no. My heart started to sink.

"No, that's not it. I just didn't know when or if we would make that decision so I just gave vague answers to her. I guess we can cross that bridge when we get there, now that you're here to help me decide."

She pointed her fork towards the food and took the bite that she had on the end of hers. I did as she asked but couldn't help but smile at the smile that she tried to cover up.

Eavan and I sat and watched SpongeBob while Bella cleaned up the kitchen and then announced that she was going to take a shower. Eavan barely noticed her and waved her out of the way of the TV but I perked up at this thought.

Bella…

Naked…

Soapy…

Oh hell yeah.

As soon as the thought was there I pushed it away. She wasn't ready for that step yet so I had to control thoughts like that. I tried to concentrate on SpongeBob with all that I had in me but it just wouldn't happen. I told Eavan that I would be right back and made my way down the hall to Bella's bathroom. I peeked in and saw glimpses of her behind the opaque doors. Her full breasts, her slim hips, her long sexy leg, each body part shown to me made me want her more; so I cataloged her and saved it away in my mind for later use. I left the room when the shower shut off.

Eavan insisted that I help her get dressed and that I call Uncle Em right then so we could ask if he would come over to Nanny's with us.

I panicked for a minute because I didn't know Emmett's phone number and had no idea where to find it but Eavan just pushed and held the number three button on Bella's cell phone. Soon it was ringing and she was pushing it towards me.

"Hey, Bella, things okay?" Emmett's voice sounded concerned but relaxed.

"Well, it's not Bella, it's me, Edward." I fumbled for words.

"Hey, sorry, I just saw her name on the caller ID and figured it was her calling. What's up?"

He sounded genuine and happy to hear from me.

"Well nothing, aside from the fact that I had my daughter ask that I call you to ask you if you planned on coming over to mom and dad's so we can hang out, or more specifically so Eavan can hang out with you."

"I don't have any plans since Rosalie will be shopping with your woman, yeah that's cool. What time?"

I know it is wrong to feel the sense of pride and cave-man-ness that swelled within me when Emmett called Bella my woman but I couldn't help it. It was nice to know that people still thought of us as a couple.

"I…uh…well I have no idea. Can I call you when we leave here and head that way?"

I rubbed my neck as I felt the embarrassment take over, I was so helpless right now, I had no control over anything and I didn't like that feeling. I wanted to know my routine and schedule so I would work on those first thing Monday morning, for now I would just enjoy being with my family.

"Sure thing. Talk to you then."

"Bye."

Bella emerged from her room completely dressed but all my eyes saw were the glimpses of flesh that I peeked at earlier. I dropped the phone and pushed by her. I needed out of this room with her and I needed out now.

"Hey, I'll be in the shower, okay?"

I called over my shoulder as I quickly left.

"Okay."

Bella started some music and began to hum along. Eavan only smiled at me as I made my way past her. I felt like such a pervert thinking such dirty thoughts about her momma with her in the room.

I adjusted the water temperature much hotter than I liked it but I did it because I could. My showers for the last few years were one temperature and it was not the one I wanted. So today I made it what I wanted…I only wanted one thing…different from the ones I had in the past. I grabbed Bella's body wash and soaped up with it, thankfully it was not too girlie smelling. I would have Emmett take me today to buy some of the things I would need.

Once my hand touched my cock all the images of Bella flooded back. All the times I fucked her, the times I kissed her, touched her, and especially today's innocent images of her body. I was hard in a second. Rubbing one out is not as easy as it seemed in jail, there was always someone around., and I for one don't enjoy that sort of thing with an audience, not with that type of audience anyway. So the solitude of the shower, with Bella's scent surrounding me, seemed like the perfect time to take care of the matter in my hand.

I reached down and cupped my balls as I continued with the slow, steady strokes up and down. At the tip I gave a twist and tightened my grip as I descended the shaft. Bella's moans and grunts of pleasure from last night replayed through my ears as I climbed towards my peak. I knew it wouldn't take long since it was a rare occurrence but with the Bella porn it happened much faster than I thought. Just as I moaned her name I heard a responding moan as well, a moan that happened outside the walls of my shower, a moan that did not belong to me. I stopped all actions, rinsed my body and opened the door to see a startled Bella standing in the bathroom with me. Her eyes were wide and dark. Her breathing was faster than normal and her chest heaved with the effort each breath took to happen.

"I…I wasn't prying, I swear, I just needed my brush, I'm sorry."

She turned to leave the room. I grabbed her wrist.

"It's okay, it was you I was thinking about anyway."

I smiled at her, I wasn't really sure what the protocol was for two people that loved each other but weren't ready for a physical relationship yet one was caught jacking off to the other's images. I mean what do I say or do.

"Being around you is hard, it makes me hard and I needed to relieve some of the built up tension or else I was going to attack you, beautiful."

I rubbed the back of my fingers across her cheek while trying to not sound like a sick, dirty, horny pervert.

"I came in here knowing you were in the shower, knowing I would see you. I couldn't help myself. I swear I want you so damn bad, I can't think straight but I'm so scared that we're rushing and that would be bad as well. I just…want you."

She was out of breath by the time she finished her rant and her panting was even more pronounced now, this meant that her chest heaved with the greater effort of her labored breathing, which suited me just fine.

"I know, baby, I know. You drive me so insane. All the things you do and the funny things are the most innocent ones work me up the fastest. We just have to find our median here, where we are together but yet we are taking our time with things."

I pulled her close but not so close that my towel-encased cock would rub up against her.

She pulled back to look me up and down while she licked her lips.

"You know I never paid you back for last night. I guess I at least owe you that much. Don't you think?"

She twirled her hair around her finger and looked up at me from beneath her lashes, I almost came right then and there!

"If you want, I mean, you know you don't have to right?"

I wrapped my hands around her face and turned it up to look at me. I wanted to see the intentions in her eyes. If she planned this just because she thought she had to-I would put a stop to it- but if she had other intentions in her eyes, well…

She licked her lips and smiled a devious smile to let me know that her offer was not because she had to but because she wanted to. Bella always seemed to get pleasure from providing me with pleasure. And let me tell you what pleasure she can provide. Her small hands came up and pushed the center of my chest as she guided me back to her bed. She indicated that she wanted me in the middle against the headboard. I quickly complied as she moved towards the door to close and lock it. I knew with Eavan in the living room we didn't have much time but I was certain that this would not take long at all.

Bella joined me on the bed but kept all of her clothes on when she sidled up beside me. Her lips made contact with mine and her tongue slid into my mouth immediately while her hand wrapped around my cock. I know you hear of the jolt of electricity when two people touched and I swear I never believed those motherfuckers… until now. I felt alive, rejuvenated, redeemed, hell I don't know what I felt other than immeasurable pleasure.

She dropped her head and engulfed my cock in her mouth, lubricating it herself. Her hand came back around me as she threw her leg over one of mine and came to rest on my thigh. Her other hand held her steady right beside my ear. I leaned up and kissed her mouth again while I pulled the front of her low cut blouse out of the way, I wanted her nipples exposed so I could see and touch them. Bella threw her head back and rode my leg while she pumped my cock when my mouth came to rest on her nipple. She was beautiful. I wanted her, I wanted her to consume me. I needed her.

When her head snapped back up to look into my eyes she was consumed. She was on fire for me. I loved every second of it and I guess she saw the challenge in my eyes. Her head dropped down beside my ear so she could talk to me while she stroked me.

"Look how hard you are."

She tightened her grip on my cock as I pushed up into her formed hand.

"Don't say shit like that, baby, I won't last long. God!"

She took me to new heights so damn fast. I wrapped my hands into her hair and held her against me as I pushed up into her hand harder.

"That's it, fuck my hand. Oh God, I can't wait to feel you slide into me. I know we were fucked up then, but you never let me down when you touched me. Never, you were perfect every time. That's it baby, feel it."

She panted, our foreheads pressed together, our eyes locked together. The spark shooting from one to the other, the tension was thick and I wanted her. I wanted to beg her to just remove her clothes and drop herself down on me. But that wasn't the way I wanted our first time to be like so I reigned it in. I kissed her temple and she smiled.

Her hand waivered slightly in her rhythm and she moved a few inches away. I was prepared to pull her back when she returned on her own. I heard the snap of something and looked to see her free hand flicking open a bottle.

"What's that?" I asked her.

"Lube." She stated simply. My mind reeled with the possibilities of what she had that bottle for and all of them ended with wanting to drive into her as deep as I could.

"So tell me what you do with this lube." I licked the side of her face.

"Think of you."

She tightened her grip again and if it wasn't for the fact that I was so hard for her it probably would hurt like hell but for me right now it was the greatest kind of torture.

"What do you think about?"

My hands fisted her shirt at her hips and guided her to slide back and forth along my thigh again. In the heat of our making out, if that's what you call this, she faltered and never resumed so I helped her out.

"You and how good you felt each and every time you pushed into me, how full I feel and how you know each and every spot to hit."

She closed her eyes and increased her pace on my cock. My hands moved from her hips now that she had the momentum again and dropped down to rub across her ass. I pushed my hands lower down across the bottom of her ass and lightly rubbed the seam of her tight jeans that separated me from the place I wanted most.

Her lips touched mine but they didn't join in a kiss we simply touched. Our noses rubbed along side of each other's and her eyes had joined into one large eye we were so close to each other. Bella's hand slowed and her movements became exaggerated.

"We'll have that again, we'll have each other, I promise. Just be patient with me."

Her face came back into correct focus and all her features returned to normal as her words washed over me. She lowered her eyes as she whispered,

"Please."

"I'll wait forever on you, baby, you're everything to me, everything."

Her eyes joined mine again as she kissed me. The swirling of her hand matched the same actions of her tongue and it was too much. The emotions floating between us, the tension of not being together and the thrill of knowing that we wanted each other all combined.

"Fuck, Bella."

Her other hand came down and cupped my balls again as she pushed closer to me so that I could feel her hard nipples against my chest.

I came.

I fucking came all over her and me. I saw stars, comets, hell even planets.

I realized that I ruined her clothes and that she would have to get dressed again.

"Shit, sorry Bella. I didn't mean to, I was going to give you some warning but I just didn't have time."

I sat up and began to search for the towel that I used to have wrapped around me to clean her up. She stopped my actions when she lightly pressed her lips to mine.

"It's all good, I swear. I'll just change and we can get going."

I nodded against her mouth still and we both hopped up from the bed. Bella disappeared into her closet while I dug out the clothes from my bag. We both pushed our feet into our shoes at the same time and turned towards the door. I grabbed her hand and stopped her.

"I meant what I said, Bella. I'll wait for you as long as it takes. I love you and only you."

She rose up on her tip toes and kissed me again.

"I know, Edward, I love you too."

"So, I take from that shit eating grin that you're wearing that your lucky ass got laid last night, am I right?"

Emmett bellowed across the yard where we all sat watching Eavan play. I glanced around to make sure that none of the neighbors heard. I swear sometimes that boy's filter was just not there. My glance landed on my dad and Pops as well. I wasn't sure that I could talk about this with them but the hopeful look in each of their eyes told me that they would be devastated if I held out on them.

"Well not exactly but sort of." I tried to be vague.

"Sort of? What the fuck is sort of?"

Emmett had two levels of volume, loud and way too fucking loud. He used both of them today.

"We decided that we weren't ready for actual sex but I made sure that my girl was taken care of and she reciprocated this morning, so sort of."

I ended my sentence with a punch to Emmett's arm. I also glanced over to Eavan to make sure she was fine and not bothered by our adult conversation that was taking place right in front of her.

"Good thing you took care of that girl 'cause she has waited three years for you boy. Not once during that time did she go out with a guy or bring one home."

Pops punctuated the next sentence with a pointed finger in my direction.

"She has waited for you. She's a keeper Edward, I know I don't have to tell you that but she is."

Pops took a sip of his beer and I just sat silently thinking about this fact.

Bella waited the three years. It made me feel good that she wasn't with anyone else during that time, I never asked because I was afraid of her answer. I wouldn't blame her if she was but I was sure as hell glad that she wasn't.

The gate swung open at the side of the yard and our women sauntered through the opening. I sat my coke down and almost ran to Bella. I picked her up and swung her around in a circle while I kissed her face.

"I love you." I whispered against her ear.

"I love you too." She kissed me back.

Eavan ran up and jumped up into our arms so we all twirled in a circle with each other. The rest of the family just watched us, happy that we seemed to be back on track.

The following Monday, I met with Irina and liked her right away. She was a no bullshit type of person, almost exactly like Eleazar. I knew without a doubt that we would get along just fine. I checked in with her and we talked for a while about how things were going for me. We discussed Bella and how our relationship had changed. She gave me some female insight and advice on how to handle things. I couldn't wait to try out a few things she suggested. I really wanted to prove to Bella that this was a lifelong change for me, I never wanted to go back to the way I was before. Nothing about that life appealed to me any longer. I wanted what I had now more than anything.

I also made an appointment to talk with Peter. He ran a counseling agency that helped at risk teens. It was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to give back and make sure that no teen suffers through the years that I did just because he had no one else to talk to about their problems. I couldn't wait to tell Bella about all of this.

Our life settled into a routine, which I craved. I needed a routine to feel in control. I stayed with my mom and dad through the week and with Bella and Eavan during the weekend. I went to the center with Peter and worked each day with the kids. I was so happy with my choice, each day I felt rewarded by that choice. I got an old beater car to drive so I could pick Eavan up for school and so I could get back and forth to see them without feeling like a teenager on his first date being shuttled around all the time. I could take some of the pressure off of Bella and spend time with my princess so we both were happy.

Each evening I picked Eavan up and took her back to Bella's house. We ate dinner together as a family and when Eavan was in bed we were able to spend our nights talking. We talked about our dreams, our hopes, and our fears. We laid it all out for each other. Once a week we also went on a date night, just Bella and me. I dressed up and took her out, I showed her all the fun we should have had the first time around. I felt like a teenager falling in love for the first time. We talked for hours on end, about everything. I knew without a doubt that I loved her mind, her heart, her soul, her body, I loved all of her.

It was hard to not take the next step in our physical relationship. I wanted to, more than words but I wanted Bella to lead us in this step. She was the one that had things to get straight in her mind about us so I didn't want to push her. We made out a few times but nothing like that first two times after I got home. I guess those could be chalked up to out and out hormones on both of our parts.

A couple of weeks later I found myself I praying that tonight would be the night for us. Mom had asked for Eavan to stay with her and dad tonight and since it was Friday night neither of us had to get up early for work the next day. I planned to take Bella out to eat then we would either go dancing or head back home, whichever Bella wanted.

When I picked Bella up she looked amazing, words couldn't describe her at all, she took my breath away. She wore a short blue and white dress with these strappy heels. Her face was so pretty with her hair pulled away so that I could see her beautiful eyes. She took my breath away to say the least. I couldn't wait to show her off and be proud of her.

We drove away from the house and headed off to dinner, I couldn't wait to take her to Bella Italia. I knew she loved Italian food and I was so proud that I found that fact out by myself. The closest spot to park meant we had to walk for a few blocks. I wanted to drop Bella off but she wanted to walk with me. So we walked together, hand in hand, laughing with each other, until we turned the corner and saw two people from my past there…James and Lauren. They were making out in an alley, actually making out is an understatement. They were almost fucking each other. I was sick immediately. Was this what Bella and I had, that little? So little that I'd fuck her in an alley for anyone to walk around the corner and see us? Thank God I was forced to change.

"Well, well, well. Look at who we have here. You two disappeared off the face of the earth. Glad to know you're still alive."

James held out his hand and tried for the half hand shake- half hug thing that guys do. I leaned in and reciprocated his gesture. I really didn't feel it but I didn't want to piss him off for something stupid like a handshake. Lauren looked me up and down, popping her gum and twirling her over processed hair around her finger. I think she thought all the gestures were sexy but in fact they were all a huge turn off to me.

"Yeah, we're still here, we just had to take a time out. How are things?" I fake the concern that James would like.

"Not the same without you man, all the other guys flaked on me and fuck up at every step. Man, no one held down the fort like you did. So, who are you working for now?" He tossed his head back in a gesture that was supposed to be welcoming but it turned me off completely.

"I have a job working with teens now, so thanks for the offer but I'm good. You still in the old neighborhood?"

I hoped that my attempt to change the subject would slide right past James and again not piss him off. I wasn't afraid of him by any means but I didn't want to ruin Bella's night with a fight nor did I want any trouble because of him.

"Yeah man, I'm still there. I didn't pussy out and leave the ones that were counting on me, I stayed and took care of the ones that matter."

He pulled a cigarette out and lit it, then blew smoke into my face.

"Look, James, I didn't want to leave. I got sent to prison, okay? Now, though, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I don't regret a single moment of it. We'll see you all later."

I grabbed Bella's hand and pulled her around the two low lives in the alley and moved towards our destination.

James came up behind me and attempted to grab my hand.

"Hey man, we need to talk. I want you back with me, you know you want back so let's just put this behind us and I'll let your slight to me go. We'll be all good again, okay?"

I stepped back in shock. He'd let my slight go? Had he lost his fucking mind? I didn't slight him at all, I was fucking locked up.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down before I caused some trouble for me and Bella.

"James;" I let go of Bella's hand and stepped right into his face, "let's get one thing straight. I didn't slight you at all."

I put my hands on his collar and pulled him closer to my face. I was almost a good foot taller than James and I planned to use all of my height to my advantage.

"I was fucking locked up. I spent three years in jail. So, no, I have no plans to join you again. I never want to live another day in my old life. It's all behind me and quite frankly, beneath me. I have more, I'm worth more."

I let him go and he stepped back a foot or two.

"I'm taking Bella to dinner so if you'll excuse us."

I grabbed her hand again and stepped away from them. James laid a hand on my arm and I turned and swung at the same time. I punched him directly in the nose. I heard the bones crack and saw the blood. It wasn't what I wanted to happen but guys like James always needed to be reminded that they couldn't push you around.

He grabbed something out of his pocket and held it up to his nose to stop the bleeding. He held his other hand up in a sign of defeat and backed away. His body didn't turn away from me until he was at the street and far enough away that I couldn't surprise him if I decided to come after him.

Lauren stood stone still and still perused my body with her eyes.

"Hey, Edward. How are you? Jail was good for you."

I felt Bella lean forward but I stopped that shit. I didn't want my beautiful girl fighting for me in her pretty dress. I wanted her to remember this night as a good night, not as one she got into a fight.

"Lauren, I'm still surprised to see you still alive. The rate you were fucking people back then I expected you to get some strange disease and waste away. I guess that didn't happen, huh?"

Bella smirked at her. Lauren gasped.

"Edward, don't say that to me, I thought we had something special back then."

She threw a look of contempt at Bella as she said the words.

I stepped closer to Lauren because I wanted both girls to hear what I had to say.

"Lauren, what we had was a drunken mistake. Nothing more. And even if it were more then, it isn't now. Bella and I are together, we have a child together. You will never be half the woman on your best day as Bella is on her worst. So no, to answer your question, we didn't have shit and we will never have it again. You are trash."

I tugged Bella away from the alley and towards our dinner reservations.

When we entered the restaurant Bella's smile matched mine. It felt good to have my first test with my past and to know that I passed it with flying colors. I reached down and kissed Bella in celebration. She must have felt the same because her kiss in return was certainly celebratory.