A Single Step Teaser

“And these are the bars where you’re going to, hopefully, take your first steps,” Edward said, following Bella in chair.  She’d been distant and barely paid attention throughout her appointment. She also seemed unbearably sad. “Bella?”

“First steps, right,” she said, her voice flat and her gaze looking out the window.

He stopped her, crouching in front of her. “What’s going on, Bella? You’ve been distracted and so sad.”

Bella’s eyes swirled in tears and she buried her face in her hands. Edward maneuvered behind her and rolled her back to the room where he’d worked on her leg muscles. Closing the door, he picked her up and held her in his lap. Her tears soaked his polo shirt as he cradled her to his chest. He wasn’t sure how long he held her, but her tears slowed and she pulled back. “I’m sorry, Edward. I should have just canceled my appointment today. I’m worthless, to be honest.”

“I disagree, Bella,” Edward said, wiping an errant tear away beneath her eye.

“Today, I mean,” she said, looking around and seeing that she wasn’t in her chair. “Did you … how did I … I’m in your lap?”

“Hugging you in the wheelchair hurts the knees,” Edward said. “And with your tears, I think you need more than just a simple hug.” He looked at her, he gave her a tender smile. “What happened? You can talk to me, Bella.”

“I had a court date yesterday,” Bella sighed, idly tracing the symbols on Edward’s forearm. “My ex-husband had been missing visitations with my son, Seth. He, apparently, was playing daddy to his girlfriend’s son, who also happened to be in Seth’s class. The boy showed Seth photos of Riley with him and those photos shattered Seth’s heart. James and Riley snuggling and playing soccer together. Riley promised Seth that he’d sign him up for soccer, but obviously that didn’t happen. My son got into a fight and suspended for five days. I called my ex.”

“What did he say?” Edward asked, anger coursing through his veins.

“I honestly don’t remember, but suffice it to say that I told him that his time with his kids was done,” Bella sneered. Her hands were in fists, but Edward relaxed her, threading his fingers with hers. Bella calmed down and tried not to enjoy Edward holding her hand too much. Blowing out a breath, she continued. “We had our court date and Riley lost all visitation rights. He still needs to pay child support and alimony, including extra money for therapy appointments because of his level of assholery.”

“Assholery? I like it,” Edward snorted. “Did he fight it?”

“He tried, but the judge got in his face regarding his actions toward his children,” Bella said. “Suffice it to say, I got some bonus money because the judge hated my ex and his choices. I’m angry at Riley, but my heart is shattered for my sons.”

Picking up the Pieces Teaser

“I’m going to check on the kids,” I said.

“Can I check on them? I want to tell them about Mom,” Edward whispered. He took my hand, his thumb caressing over my knuckles. “You being here, or rather there with my mom, it meant everything to me and to her, too.”

“There’s nowhere I wanted to be, Edward,” I said, brushing his hair back. “Do you want back up with the kids?”

“No, I think I’ll be okay. Charlie sent a text that they’re both in Grace’s room. He’s reading to them,” Edward muttered. He rubbed his face, looking ten years older and so weary. “I love you, sweetness.”

“Edward, I love you more,” I breathed, kissing his lips. He hugged me tightly before heading upstairs, going into Grace’s bedroom. I pulled out my cell phone and sat down on the couch. I dialed Alice.

“How is she?” Alice asked when she picked up the phone.

“She’s gone, Alice,” I cried, tears leaking onto my cheeks. “She went peacefully and she was not in any pain.” I curled up on the couch, clutching a pillow. “I think it goes without saying that I’m going to be out for a few days, maybe a week. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t even apologize, Hells Bells,” Alice snapped. “Seriously, you just lost your mother-in-law. You take all the time you need. I’ll speak to the district office and get you some emergency time off. I’m sorry for your loss. Send my love to Edward, will you?”

“I will, Alice. I’m sorry about putting you in a lurch and leaving you with the Carters and dealing with Micah’s mom,” I said, the guilt building up inside. “I …” A sob burst through my lips and I buried my face into the pillow.

“Bella, no. It’s alright. Don’t cry, sweetie,” Alice sniffled. “You take care of you. Take care of your family. I’ll handle everything else. Call me anytime.”

“Okay, Ali-cat,” I cried. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, Hells Bells,” she murmured, hanging up the phone.

I leaned my cheek against the couch cushion. My dad came down, sitting down next to me. “Edward’s talking to the kiddos. Grace is in shock. John is angry, trying not to cry but when he saw Edward cry, the dam flew open. The three of them are curled up on Grace’s bed, crying.”

“He’s taking this hard, Dad,” I sighed. “I am, too. This was the first death I’ve experienced since Jake. I feel lost, Dad. I don’t know how to handle this. I don’t know how to make it easier for Edward, for the kids … I know I have to be strong …”

“Bella, you don’t have to be strong. You’ve been strong for so many years after you lost Jacob. You grieve how you see fit, sweetheart,” Dad said, hugging me close. “And we’ll be here for you and for Edward. Your mother actually went over to see how Carlisle was doing after you called. She was concerned he wasn’t eating.”

“He did look really skinny, but he was so worried about Esme,” I sighed. “We all were. Her illness was stubborn.”

“It wasn’t the cancer, Bells. It was her. She wanted to make sure that her children were happy,” Dad explained. “Esme was a strong woman, filled with spit and vinegar, but for so much love for her family. You were included in that. I know that she loved you.”

Just to let you know, the update for this chapter will be delayed. I don't know when it'll be up, but at least a week from today. This chapter is tough for me, for some pretty obvious reasons. Thanks for your patience. I appreciate more than words can say. 

Mechanics and Mistletoe Update

Mechanics and Mistletoe Chapter 5 on FicPad

Mechanics and Mistletoe Chapter 5 on Stars

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We spent the night in Chicago, ringing in the New Year with orgasms. We’d made love several more times and it was more magical than the first time. Feeling him without any sort of barriers was nothing short of amazing. He was big, but gentle when he made love to me. I knew he was hurting from his injuries and his bruises along his torso were a stark reminder of what he was dealing with. So, I pampered him the following morning in my shower and massaged his back, which was still riddled with knots.

After our shower, I emptied the fridge and turned off all the appliances. Edward was lugging my suitcases to the car. I wanted to do it, but he said he was not completely incapable. He kissed my nose and brought my shit down to the garage. When he came back, I locked up my condo and we went down to the office, informing the building manager of my extended absence.

We drove back to Lake Geneva, arriving back at my parents’ house just after the sun had set. I went inside, wanting to check on Mom, but she was napping. I went to her room and saw her resting, curled against my father. He smiled sadly at me, holding her tightly.

After the new year, Edward went back to the garage. He worked with Emmett, cleaning up the damages in the garage from his attack. Rosalie, as far I knew, was making herself scarce because of her mouth. She felt guilty for what she’d said to me and was working at the trade school full time. Edward used the money from the creditors to completely overhaul the garage, plus pay back some of his debts. He was still struggling, but it wasn’t as bad as before. I still offered to be an investor, but he declined, not wanting to mix up our relationship with his business.

Nicodemus

Bella's Christmas present (with pearls for berries)

Married to the Mob Update

MOTM Chapter 23 on FicPad

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MOTM Chapter 23 on Wattpad

We drove through the city, to a warehouse just outside of the city limits. Demetri and Felix were heading up a delivery of some new weaponry and technology. However, there was an ambush. At least, that’s what Seth said as he drove to the warehouse. So, I was on my way to the scene of the crime, praying there were some of Royce and Stephan’s men who I could torture to get information.

This war between us had to fucking stop.

I don’t think that my sanity could take it anymore. I feared for my fiancée’s safety.

Nothing could happen to her. I refused to let anything happen to her or to anyone else in my family.

“Boss, here’s your weaponry,” Jasper said, handing me my gun and knife. I removed my suit coat and tugged off my tie. I checked the safeties of the gun and slid a clip into my pocket. “Are we going in guns blazing?”

“We need to be smart, Jasper,” I growled. “It’s a bright, sunny day. We can’t go in with guns blazing. If things are as bad Seth said, the place may be already crawling with cops. We can’t … I refuse to be arrested.”

“Me, too. Alice would kick my ass,” Jasper chortled. I smirked, shooting him a look. “It’s true. The last time I was arrested? Alice said she’d refuse to pay my bail!”

“You were arrested for indecent exposure, Jasper,” I retorted, giving him a wry smile. “And drunk and disorderly conduct. I understand your need to blend in while you were undercover, but really?”

“I was an idiot. I know,” Jasper sighed. “I learned my lesson. If we get arrested now, though? It won’t be for running around naked, drunk and disorderly. It could be a lot more serious. We really could … murder, illegal weapon sales … the list goes on, Edward.”

“I know, I know,” I murmured.

“Boss, we’re here,” Jacob said. “No police presence.”

“Good,” I nodded, releasing the safety to my weapon. We got out of the SUV, which was parked behind the large warehouse. I put on a bulletproof vest and made my way inside, Jasper and Jacob on my flanks. Inside the warehouse, we ran into Seth. He was crouched next to a fallen man. I didn’t recognize him. “Who is this?”

“One of Royce’s men,” Seth whispered. “There are fourteen other men that were killed, scattered inside. There’s one man still alive.”

“And our men?” I asked.

“We lost ten,” Seth hissed. “The two that are still alive are upstairs, holding the remaining attacker at bay. He’s of a great deal of importance, it would seem.”

I nodded, making my way through the warehouse. I saw the carnage of the attack. Men who trusted me, who followed me, were slaughtered by my enemy. Blood stained the floors. Eyes were caught in a death stare, looking at nothing. When I reached the stairs to the second level, I saw a familiar face. “No …” I gasped, crouching down in front of the crumpled, bloody body.