Blockbuster Teaser

 I was spacing out, standing in the kitchen. My son was at school. It was the last day before winter break and over those two weeks off, Seth and I were packing up what we weren’t using in the house, preparing it to be put on the market. It was still decorated for the holidays, with Bear taking his usual spot underneath the Christmas tree, snoring loudly. Our dog definitely thought he was a present, but it made for some adorable pictures on my phone.

Today, I knew that Edward was giving our victim impact statement today and Jacob would be sentenced. I was trying not to think about it. Jacob needed to be placed firmly in my past and with Edward’s statement made on our behalf would hopefully do that. So, I was working in the kitchen to focus my attention on anything other than the monster who’d made my life hell for years.

“Knock, knock,” came the deep voice of Emmett.

“In the kitchen,” I replied. Bear woofed lowly, wiggling his butt when he saw my friend and adoptive older brother. Emmett tossed him a treat from his pocket, sauntering inside. “Shouldn’t you be with your wife, babyproofing your house?”

“Rose and Jasper’s parents are over and well, we don’t get along,” Emmett shuddered. “Too judgmental and all that shit. So, Jasper is there playing referee and babysitting his sister because if I’d stayed, I’d send Rosie into early labor or would have knocked my father-in-law into next Tuesday.”

“Yeah, don’t do that,” I snickered.

“I also wanted to check on you. How are you doing? Jacob is being sentenced today,” Emmett murmured, putting the full box into the living room. “Are you okay?”

I wrapped up my mugs, just to give my hands something to do. “For the most part, I’m okay. I’ve been talking a lot to my Edward and Caius, trying to come to grips with all that he did to me, to all of us. Yes, I’ve struggled, but I landed on my feet. Leah? Emily? They’re going … my heart breaks for them.”

“But, Jacob is getting his just desserts. He’s more than likely not going to have another day of freedom,” Emmett smirked evilly. “I wonder if he …”

“Jacob was an animal, but no one, no one, should have their choice taken away,” I snapped, glowering at him. “I know what it’s like and it’s a nightmare.” Tears welled in my eyes as I sat down heavily on the stool. I could feel the beginnings of a panic attack. Emmett crouched in front of me, taking my hands. He talked me through my calming techniques until I was able to breathe normally and the panicky feeling dissipated. I was grateful that I didn’t have to resort to taking my anti-anxiety medication. “Sorry about that. I … I’m still struggling with how to feel about Jacob’s conviction and eventual sentencing.”

“You should be overjoyed! Your abuser is getting what’s due to him!” Emmett exclaimed, dragging me into the family room. Bear hopped up onto the couch, curling to my side, recognizing my distress. I buried my fingers into his soft fur. “But, it makes sense that you’re struggling.”

“I’ve had several sessions with my therapist and I’m on the phone, nightly, with Caius,” I shrugged.

“You’ve become close to him,” Emmett smiled.

“My father, who died when I was in high school was irreplaceable, but Caius has stepped up to become a father-figure for me and adoptive grandfather to Seth,” I said, smiling gently. “He was so lonely before, but with us, he found a family.”

“We’ll happily take him. He’s an amazing man, with so much love to give,” Emmett agreed. “He even stepped up, taking a few shifts with Rose when I had to be at the café and Jasper was out with clients. The kids love Uncle Chaz.”

“Uncle Chaz?” I asked, arching a brow as I scrubbed behind Bear’s ears.

“Liam couldn’t say Caius,” Emmett snickered. “So, Chaz was adopted as Caius’s nickname. Caius said it made him feel ‘cool’. But, when we have the baby … it’ll be more of a gurgle or cry.” He gave me a wry smirk.

Picking up the Pieces Teaser

Labor Day weekend came, and Edward had to work most of it. He was pissed, to say the least. He was originally scheduled to be off, but one of the newer deputies broke his leg in a surfing accident and was riding a desk for the foreseeable future, leaving them a man short. My dad was willing to step up, but he was also battling an injury in the form of a strained back muscle. The most he could do was monitor the communication channels and act like a dispatcher.

Thankfully, he was off on Monday and we’d planned to go First Beach for a picnic with the kids. We would have the conversation that was plaguing Edward since I agreed to marry him.

The dreaded name change.

Not for me … for the kids … I would become Isabella Marie Swan Black Cullen. That’s a lot of freaking names, but they were all a part of me. I was born Isabella Marie Swan. I bore that name for almost twenty-three years. I became Isabella Marie Black and still wore that name, honoring my deceased husband. I would continue to do so when I became Edward’s wife, adding his last name into the mix, which I would remain until I died.

“Mom, can we bring our swim suits?” Grace asked. “We’re going to a beach!”

“It’s not that kind of beach, Grace,” I said as I packed the picnic basket. “The water’s cold and choppy. Perfect for surfing … not for swimming.”

“There are tide pools on First Beach,” Edward said. “But, swimming isn’t on tap, pretty girl.” Grace scowled, going upstairs to change since she’d had on her purple swimsuit on. “And it’s not perfect for surfing either, sweetness. It’s how Joe broke his damn leg. He crashed into a sandbar, shattering his leg.”

“How long is he out?” I asked.

“Until after the first of the year,” Edward grumbled, his nose wrinkled. “I need to see if I have enough budget to hire someone part-time. A swing officer or something. I can’t pull these hours until January. I’ll never see you or my family.” He slid his arms around my waist, holding me tightly. “All of that on top of campaigning for your dad’s job. I’m overwhelmed.”

“What can I do to help, Edward?” I whispered, turning around in his arms and brushing his hair back from his forehead. “You’re getting shaggy, baby.”

“I’ll add it to my to-do list,” he snorted. “But, you can’t really do anything. Just be understanding when I’ve got to pull long hours. It’s not that I don’t want to be around you or the kids …”

“Edward, don’t even worry,” I said, hugging him tightly. He buried his nose in my neck, holding me to his muscular body. I could feel the tension in his back. I rubbed my hands along his body and he melted into me. “You can talk to me any time. You know that, right?”

“I know, sweetness. And I appreciate it,” he murmured, brushing his lips over mine. Our kiss deepened, and we broke apart when one of the kids cleared their throat. I blushed and glowered at my children. “Do we need to put bells on you?” Edward asked, arching a brow.

“You were kissing Mommy,” Grace giggled. “Really kissing Mommy.”

“As opposed to fake kissing?” Edward quipped, arching a brow. His arm was draped around my waist and he smirked at the kids. I elbowed him. He just pulled me closer to his body, nuzzling my hair. He pressed his lips to my temple. “Let’s load up the car.” He picked up the basket from the kitchen counter. John followed him to the car while I got the bags with blankets and a few toys. I checked my phone, slinging the bag over my shoulder and guiding Grace outside. She got into Edward’s backseat with John. Edward helped me into the front seat, kissing my nose. “Real kissing?” he asked.

“With Jake, we were pretty chaste. Closed-mouth kisses, maybe,” I whispered, running my hands along his shoulders. “Jake was affectionate, but not as demonstrative as you are.”

“I can stop,” he said, his brows pulling together.

“No, don’t. I like it,” I giggled. “You’re never disrespectful. I feel loved. Cherished.”

“I do love you.  I cherish you with my whole heart, sweetness,” Edward said, his face smoothing out. “And I’ll do that from now until the end of time.” He kissed me again, closing the door with a goofy grin on his face.

Mechanics and Mistletoe Teaser

After sitting with Renee as she showed me baby pictures of Bella for an hour, the woman in question came into the living room. She sat down and snuggled close to me, her hand finding mine and twining our fingers together. She was quiet, listening to her mother tell me about Bella’s penchant for falling on a flat surface prior to puberty. There were so many pictures of her in casts, sporting bruises and scrapes and she laughed through all of it. As the pictures changed from adorable photos of her as a child, I saw her as a gangly pre-pubescent girl to a teenaged girl, looking very similar to the woman who was snuggled to my side. The only difference in the teenager to the woman now, was the eyes. My Bella as a teenager was free, fun and lively. Now?  She was more reserved, guarded and life has taken its toll on her.

When Renee started showing me pictures from Bella’s college years, Charlie called us to the dinner table. It was a large table, filled with more food than I’d seen in months. It a smelled delicious and my stomach snarled angrily. Bella chuckled, tugging me to the chair next to her and pouring us both a glass of wine. I didn’t drink it because of the pain medication I was taking for my injuries, but I did dig into the food: prime rib, creamed spinach, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole and a small ham. Renee kept piling more food onto my plate, harping that I was too thin, which was true. But, food wasn’t high on the list of priorities in my world. I ate what I could, but was stuffed. Bella got up after we finished eating and she began clearing the plates. I went to help. “Nonsense, Edward. You’re a guest,” Renee said, stopping me with a motherly glare. “Why don’t you have a nightcap with Charlie in the living room? I’ll help Bella.”

“Don’t push it too hard, Rennie,” Charlie said, twisting his wedding band.

“I’m feeling good, Charlie,” she retorted. “Today was a good day. I want to spend time with my baby girl and dish about her handsome boyfriend.”

“Mom!” Bella gasped.

“What? Edward’s a sweetie and those eyes,” Renee giggled, following Bella into the kitchen.

“My wife, she’s never been one to hold back,” Charlie chuckled anxiously. “She’s clearly taken with you and my daughter adores you.”

“The feeling is mutual, sir,” I said.

“Come on, Edward. You can’t be comfortable. You’ve been shifting in that chair for the past half hour,” Charlie said, getting up and leading me back to the living room. He stoked the fire, adding some more logs. “Do you want something to drink? Scotch? Bourbon?”

“I’m on some pretty hefty pain killers for my ribs,” I answered. “Water or a soda would be great.”

“I’m sorry. I’m an idiot,” he grumbled. “Proof of your injuries is plain as day on your jaw and … Coke or Pepsi?”

“Whatever is fine, sir,” I shrugged, settling back onto the comfy, overstuffed couch. I tugged at the sweater and frowned, seeing the quality of the fabric. Bella had spent too much money on me, but it’s not like I had much of a choice when it came to the situation. My garage was still a crime scene. Emmett went there earlier today and said that it had been dusted and pictures were taken. In addition to the damage to the building, all of the petty cash had been taken from the safe, which had been torn to shreds by whoever attacked me. Charlie walked back, handing me glass filled with soda. “Thank you, Mr. Swan.”

“Call me Charlie,” he said, sitting down across from me with a glass of scotch. “How are you feeling, son?”

“I’m sore, but I’ll be okay,” I said, sipping my drink. “They were trying to prove a point, which they obviously didn’t do since I’m here.”

“I’m glad you are here,” he whispered, his voice quiet. I arched a brow. “I see something in my little girl that I haven’t seen in a long time. A genuine, happy smile. Yes, she’s grieving the impending loss of her mother, but she’s happy with you. I know she was lonely in Chicago, working herself to an early grave. She got that ambition and work ethic from me, but she has her mother’s heart, all goodness and kindness wrapped up in a feisty brunette shell.”

I snickered, groaning as my ribs pressed against my bindings. “Ouch.”

“Sorry, Edward,” Charlie said, smirking as he held up his drink. “I’ll try to refrain from making you laugh.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve actually laughed, Charlie,” I shrugged. “I kind of turned off my emotions after my dad died. I didn’t have the luxury of falling apart.”