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Marcus had made arrangements for their party to be in a private party room. Everyone was settled in their seats, enjoying beer or wine if they were an adult while Nessie, Alice, Jasper and Marcus’s son, Alex, had pop. Bella was seated between Edward and Garrett. To the right of Garrett was a beautiful brunette with hazel eyes and a warm smile. She was younger than both Garrett and Edward, still going to college part-time. She was about twenty-three, but was paying her own way.

Bella liked her instantly.

She was everything that Garrett needed. A fellow smart-ass with the patience to deal with his snarky comments. Not to mention, brilliant, getting her degree in business/finance.

“Daddy, can I go play on the games with Alice?” Nessie asked, looking up at her dad with her large brown eyes.

Jacob hesitated, afraid to let his daughter go somewhere without him. The attempted abduction by his bitch ex-wife rattled him to the core. Even though Leah was going to be in jail for the weekend, he was still terrified that someone else would sweep her away.

“We’ll go with them,” Bella volunteered, wiping her lips. “Edward, shall we?”

Edward beamed, taking Bella’s hand and walking with Alice, Jasper and little Nessie. Alice and Nessie went directly to the Dance Dance Revolution game, swiping their cards. Jasper was taking pictures with his cell phone, laughing at how Nessie was kicking his girlfriend’s ass. Edward had his arm wrapped around Bella’s waist, kissing her temple every so often. Bella reveled in his sweet affections, adoring every moment of them.

“Miss Bella! Come do this with me!” Nessie laughed, bouncing on the game.

“I’ll try, Nessie,” Bella laughed, walking up to the spot that Alice had vacated. “I’m not a very good dancer.”

“She lies, Nessie,” Alice snickered. “Aunt Bella is a great dancer. Especially on the top of bars.”

Kate

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“In light of this new evidence, Mr. Volturi, it would seem that the custody dispute over the minor, Vanessa Black, needs to be amended,” the judge assigned to Jacob’s divorce proceeding droned on. Judge Snow usually sided with the mother, but the private detectives who worked for Volturi and Volturi discovered Leah Black’s deep, dark secret. “Any and all visitation between Leah Black and the minor, Vanessa Black, has been suspended until further notice.”

“WHAT?!” bellowed Leah. “That’s horse shit!”

“Ms. Black, that’s $500 fine for using such profanity in my courtroom. One more outburst and you will be held in contempt of court, spending the night in the lockup,” Judge Snow growled. Leah clamped her mouth shut, glaring at the judge. “Until corroboration of the new evidence brought forth today by Mr. Volturi and Ms. Swan regarding Ms. Black’s extracurricular activities, you will not be allowed to visit your daughter. However, in keeping things static for Vanessa, she will remain in the care of Doctor and Mrs. Cullen in Forks until my final ruling has been determined.”

“Your honor, what about Mr. Black’s visitation?” Marcus asked.

“His visitation status will not change,” Judge Snow said. “Court is adjourned. My office will contact you regarding reconvening to determine my final ruling.” He banged the gavel and got up, heading back into his chambers.

Marcus and Bella put their belongings into their bags. Jacob was confused as to why the judge hadn’t granted him full custody. Vanessa, sitting between Carlisle and Essie, was equally as confused. Across the aisle, Leah was screaming with her attorney, trying to get her fine removed and information as to why the judge removed her visitation rights. “Come on,” Marcus said, guiding Jacob away from his irate ex-wife. “I’ll discuss your case in a conference room. I’m sorry about the last minute change. Thank you for coming today.”

“Yeah, sure,” Jacob said, following Marcus and Bella into a small conference room. Nessie ran up to her dad, snuggling in his arms. He sat down, holding her onto his lap and running his fingers through her long, black hair. “The court date was scheduled for two weeks from now. I get this phone call from your paralegal, saying that the date has moved up due to new evidence. What’s the deal?”

“As you know, we’ve had our private detectives following your ex-wife,” Marcus began. 

Jacob Black

Nessie Black

Bella Swan

Marcus Volturi

Edward Masen

Garrett Keyes

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“We’re almost done with the restoration, Esme,” Garrett said. “I can’t believe how quickly we got this done.”

“We have the right impetus to get it done,” Essie smirked, waggling her brows. Garrett chuckled. “The furniture will be delivered tomorrow and that way, you’ll have the whole weekend to reunite with Bella. I’ve spoken with her and she hates deceiving Edward, but figured it would be the only way to make it work. They’ve been texting back and forth, but he’s hesitant to meet her and Bella is afraid that he’ll reject her.”

“Pfft,” Garrett snorted. “Once he sees her, he’ll crumble. He’ll swoop her into his arms and kiss her stupid. The fact that they’re talking says a lot. Okay, texting. Your conversation with him a couple of weeks ago really helped him understand what she was dealing with. And her conversation with Marcus helped her stop thinking so much. She’s following her heart. Speaking of Marcus, how’s that little girl you’re fostering?”

“She’s amazing. So sweet,” Essie smiled. “It’s so sad that she has to stay with us since her mom is an epic bitch.”

“Huh?”

“So, long story short, Nessie is the only child of this couple that is in the middle of this horrific custody battle. Nessie wanted to live with her Dad. Nessie’s mom said she’d rather drink hydrochloric acid than let her daughter stay with him. Nessie doesn’t feel safe with Mom since Mom’s boyfriend is a perv. Anyway, Bella came up with an alternative that both parties were agreeable to. Nessie is staying with us until the judge could make a decision about custody since mediation did not work. Hopefully by summer, Nessie will be back with her family, her dad. He wants full custody and for his ex-wife to have minimal supervised visitations,” Essie explained. “Marcus and Bella are working on finding Mom and boyfriend in the act of doing something stupid to make it happen. Their private detectives have been trailing them since the mediation.”

Jacob Black

Nessie Black

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Bella was in a meeting with Marcus, his client, Jacob Black and his daughter, Nessie. She felt her cell phone vibrate on the table. Picking it up, she recognized the number and the handsome face that went along with it. I miss you ~ E. She smiled softly, running her fingers down the picture of the most handsome man. “Is that your boyfriend?” asked Nessie.

“A friend,” Bella replied. “A very good friend.” She smiled at her young client, running her fingers through her dark, chocolate hair. Turning back to the phone, she responded. I miss you, too ~ B

“Bella, are we all set for our meeting with Mrs. Black with the mediators?” Marcus asked.

“Yes, Marcus. Nessie and I discussed at length what she wanted. I told her that she had three options. The first one was to stay with her grandparents in La Push while her parents figured out what was best,” Bella said. “But, their age and disabilities are significant challenges that can’t be ignored.”

“I don’t want to go there. It smells in their house,” Nessie grumbled. “Old and nasty.”

“The second option was to stay with her mother,” Bella said. Jacob growled at that. “Nessie said no to that, too. She told me about what happens at her mother’s house and I don’t feel like it would be an appropriate placement.”

“Mommy’s boyfriend looks at me funny,” Nessie shuddered. “Like he wants to kiss me.” Nessie was seven and clearly afraid of her mother’s boyfriend. Bella did not feel comfortable sending her into that environment.

“And the third option is to stay with you, Mr. Black,” Bella explained. “That’s what Nessie wanted, but I also prepared another option if your wife raises a ruckus. Nessie could stay with a friend of mine in Forks. It’s close to your parents in La Push and near your place of employment in Port Angeles. My friend, Esme Cullen and her husband, Carlisle, are upstanding members of the community. They have a teenaged daughter that just turned sixteen. They are registered foster parents with the state and have fostered children before.”

“I want to stay with you, Daddy,” Nessie pouted. “But, Miss Bella said that if Mommy is being mean, it could be a … What’s the word?”

“Compromise,” Bella laughed. 

Restoration Teaser

Bella was in a meeting with Marcus, his client, Jacob Black and his daughter, Nessie. She felt her cell phone vibrate on the table. Picking it up, she recognized the number and the handsome face that went along with it. I miss you ~ E. She smiled softly, running her fingers down the picture of the most handsome man. “Is that your boyfriend?” asked Nessie.

“A friend,” Bella replied. “A very good friend.” She smiled at her young client, running her fingers through her dark, chocolate hair. Turning back to the phone, she responded. I miss you, too ~ B

“Bella, are we all set for our meeting with Mrs. Black with the mediators?” Marcus asked.

“Yes, Marcus. Nessie and I discussed at length what she wanted. I told her that she had three options. The first one was to stay with her grandparents in La Push while her parents figured out what was best,” Bella said. “But, their age and disabilities are significant challenges that can’t be ignored.”

“I don’t want to go there. It smells in their house,” Nessie grumbled. “Old and nasty.”

“The second option was to stay with her mother,” Bella said. Jacob growled at that. “Nessie said no to that, too. She told me about what happens at her mother’s house and I don’t feel like it would be an appropriate placement.”

“Mommy’s boyfriend looks at me funny,” Nessie shuddered. “Like he wants to kiss me.” Nessie was seven and clearly afraid of her mother’s boyfriend. Bella did not feel comfortable sending her into that environment.

“And the third option is to stay with you, Mr. Black,” Bella explained. “That’s what Nessie wanted, but I also prepared another option if your wife raises a ruckus. Nessie could stay with a friend of mine in Forks. It’s close to your parents in La Push and near your place of employment in Port Angeles. My friend, Esme Cullen and her husband, Carlisle, are upstanding members of the community. They have a teenaged daughter that just turned sixteen. They are registered foster parents with the state and have fostered children before.”

“I want to stay with you, Daddy,” Nessie pouted. “But, Miss Bella said that if Mommy is being mean, it could be a … What’s the word?”

“Compromise,” Bella laughed. “We know that your wife is also spinning some sort of sordid tale to get Nessie back in her care. As Nessie’s lawyer, I think that this could be the best for all involved if that is thrown out there as a compromise. In regard to visitation, you can see her any time, no stipulations on when. For your wife, her boyfriend cannot come and the visitation will need to be supervised.”

Jacob

Nessie

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“Esme, what do you think about this countertop?” Edward asked, holding up a white quartz sample. “We can do a waterfall countertop, going down the sides of the island with a pearl back splash?”

Essie walked over to Edward, looking at his choices. “I like that. So will my clients,” she smiled.

“Who are these clients?” he asked.

Essie blushed, arching a brow at Edward. “Okay, there aren’t any clients. This condo that you’re restoring is for me, Carlisle and Alice. We’re still going to live in Forks full time, but we wanted a place in the city for when we visit Bella or we have family coming into town. When we’re not using it, we’ll rent it out.”

“And the story about the fire?”

“There was a fire and the former tenant moved out in a hurry, letting the bank take over the loan. It was a foreclosure. Carlisle and I got it for cheap. That’s nearly a two million dollar condo that we got for a half a mil,” she said. “With the renovations, it’ll easily be worth that.”

“So, this restoration is for you, Carlisle and Alice?” Edward pressed.

“Yep. I didn’t mean to deceive you, but I wasn’t sure if you’d actually come out to appraise the property since I was involved,” Essie frowned.

“Why wouldn’t I come out to the property?”

“Because of my relationship with Bella,” Essie answered. Edward inhaled sharply, his heart dropping to his feet when he heard her name. He leaned forward, gripping the countertop he’d just showed Esme. “Shit, I’m sorry, Edward. I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

Edward

Essie

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“Bella, I’m going to lunch and I was wondering if you would join me?” Marcus asked, leaning against the doorjamb of her office. “I’ve got a case that may need your tender loving care.”

“Sure, Marcus,” Bella said, saving her work on her laptop. She locked it and grabbed her coat, following her boss out to his sleek, black Jaguar.

She’d been back at her job for two weeks. Her body was still sore and in pain from the heartbreak she’d caused, but the distraction of work made it easier to forget, even if it was only during the day. At home, Bella drank heavily and cried herself to sleep at night. Seeing the house and the renovations that they did reminded her daily of how much they cared for her. On top of that, they still did nice things for her. Even though she’d been cold to them when they texted her, Edward and Garrett had taken down her Christmas decorations, leaving her a sweet little love note on the kitchen counter. She found that once she returned from New York, sending her into a tailspin of emotions. It made going over to the Banner’s home to end their relationship that much harder. Then, once she got back from Essie’s, she found another note in the lockbox in the garage along with her keys from Garrett.

We’re not giving up. I’m not giving up. What we had was too special … If you ever need either of us. Please call. We’ll always be there for you.
All my love,
Garrett

Thankfully, Essie was with her when she found that and kept her from doing something rash, like hurt herself or put her house on the market and moving to Antarctica with the penguins.

So, Bella was numb during the day and drunk at night, drowning her sorrows in scotch and other hard liquors. Anything to help her forget the safety and protection she received from Edward and Garrett. 

Marcus

Marcus's Jaguar

Bella's outfit

Il Terrazzo Carmine

Garrett

Restoration Teaser

“Bella, I’m going to lunch and I was wondering if you would join me?” Marcus asked, leaning against the doorjamb of her office. “I’ve got a case that may need your tender loving care.”

“Sure, Marcus,” Bella said, saving her work on her laptop. She locked it and grabbed her coat, following her boss out to his sleek, black Jaguar.

She’d been back at her job for two weeks. Her body was still sore and in pain from the heartbreak she’d caused, but the distraction of work made it easier to forget, even if it was only during the day. At home, Bella drank heavily and cried herself to sleep at night. Seeing the house and the renovations that they did reminded her daily of how much they cared for her. On top of that, they still did nice things for her. Even though she’d been cold to them when they texted her, Edward and Garrett had taken down her Christmas decorations, leaving her a sweet little love note on the kitchen counter. She found that once she returned from New York, sending her into a tailspin of emotions. It made going over to the Banner’s home to end their relationship that much harder. Then, once she got back from Essie’s, she found another note in the lockbox in the garage along with her keys from Garrett.

We’re not giving up. I’m not giving up. What we had was too special … If you ever need either of us. Please call. We’ll always be there for you.
All my love,
Garrett

Thankfully, Essie was with her when she found that and kept her from doing something rash, like hurt herself or put her house on the market and moving to Antarctica with the penguins.

So, Bella was numb during the day and drunk at night, drowning her sorrows in scotch and other hard liquors. Anything to help her forget the safety and protection she received from Edward and Garrett.

“You’re awfully quiet, Bella,” Marcus chided gently while he drove through the streets of Seattle. Bella sighed, twisting her watch around her wrist, missing the bracelet that Edward and Garrett gave her. “I know that you had a rough time in New York, but I’m worried. You can talk to me, Bella.”

Marcus Volturi

Marcus's Jaguar

Restoration Teaser

Bella scowled at her best friend, dragging her tired body out of bed. She was sore all over and her heart was weary. She felt empty and lost, like there was a part of her that was missing. All she wanted was to call Edward and Garrett, begging them for forgiveness. Anything to stop the ache and suffering she was enduring. It had been two weeks since she drove away from Edward and Garrett at the Banner’s renovation site. Essie, bless her heart, opened up her house to Bella when she showed up out of nowhere, to help her get over the best relationship she had ever had.

But, Bella didn’t think she’d ever get over this. She was destined to be alone and it terrified her.

Marcus had agreed to give her a couple of weeks off since Aro gave his youngest brother a head’s up about Bella’s state of mind upon her return to Seattle. Marcus did not know about the tapes, but he knew that Bella had a difficult time in New York, needing some vacation time to recuperate from her ordeal. Marcus readily agreed since Bella had a lot accrued time off since she never took a vacation, even when she was sick. She was dedicated to her job, but she was anxious to get back.

If anything, for the distraction. Something to keep her from remembering Edward and Garrett. Working herself to the bone, to the point of exhaustion, might be just the trick. 

Bella

Essie

Bella's guest bedroom in Carlisle and Essie's home in Forks

Carlisle and Essie's home

Under Construction Teaser

After celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square, they made love together until the sun came up, sleeping the day away. The following day, Bella rode with them to the airport, upset that their time in New York City had come to an end. But, she had a job to finish. After a tearful goodbye, Bella got back into the car and rode back to the city. Aro, however, sent her a text.

Come to my apartment, Isabella. There’s been a development ~ Aro

Bella frowned, telling her driver to go to Central Park West and not her corporate apartment. The driver gave Bella his phone number and he drove off. She walked into the lavish lobby, smiling at the security guard. He waved her up to the penthouse explaining that Aro was expecting her. Riding up the elevator, she arrived at the penthouse. Aro and Sofia were waiting for her, hugging her close. 

“How was your Christmas, Isabella?” Sofia asked, her Italian accent thick and beautiful.

“It was very nice. I enjoyed having some time off,” Bella smiled.

“Do you want something to drink? Some wine? Coffee?” Sofia asked.

“No, thank you,” Bella replied. Sofia nodded, kissing her husband and ducking into the kitchen. She turned to Aro, her brows furrowed. “Is everything okay?”

“Not really, Bella. Come with me to my office,” Aro said, guiding her to the opulent office overlooking Central Park. He closed the door and poured himself a glass of scotch. “I got a very disturbing phone call this morning, Bella. Carmen D’Amato was ranting and raving about you. She said that she didn’t want some deviant like you handling her son’s case and calling you every horrible name in the book.”

“What? Why would she say that?” Bella asked, her heart falling to her feet. “I don’t understand, Aro.”

Aro Volturi

Under Construction Teaser

“Okay, Carmen and Eleazar,” Bella said. “We have a court date for January seventh for the adoption. Alec’s birth parents had their parental rights revoked, thanks to the judge. With everything that you did for Alec, we’ll be all set.”

“You have no idea how much this means to us, Bella,” Carmen sniffled, looking at the paperwork that would make Alec officially their son. “Are you sure you can’t come over to celebrate Christmas with our family? You are an integral part of it since you have done so much.”

“I appreciate it, but no thank you. I have plans with my own family. They’re flying in today. I have a car picking them up as we speak,” Bella replied, a warm blush covering her face.

“Well, we don’t want to keep you from your family. If you do decide to come, bring them along,” Eleazar smiled. “Merry Christmas, Bella. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks.” He helped his wife to her feet, guiding her out of Bella’s office.

Once they were out of the office, Bella collapsed against the leather chair. She was ready for some time off and anxious to be with Edward and Garrett. The past five weeks had been torturous. The conversations, Skype calls and emails were great, but not the same as being with them. Her body yearned for theirs. She wanted their touch, their kisses, their love. It’s only a matter of an hour, Bella, she thought gleefully. She smiled happily, packing up her belongings and bundling up to go back to her apartment.

Fifteen minutes later, Bella was back at her corporate apartment. She walked to the security desk. “In a little bit, I will have two guests arriving from JFK. Edward Masen and Garrett Keyes. Please send them up once they arrive?”

Carmen D'Amato

Eleazar D'Amato

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James was angry. So angry. Everything he had worked for had disintegrated over the past three years. First, he met Victoria on a business trip to New York City. She worked for another advertising firm, trying to get a deal for her company. James, ever the charmer, got the deal and managed to land dinner with Victoria. They flirted, teased and eventually made out. In the back of his mind, he felt guilty about what he was doing to his wife, but Victoria’s red lips felt perfect against his mouth. That first trip, all they did was kiss.

The second trip, they fucked. James finally felt he’d met his match. Bella was a good wife, but she was too demure. Too perfect. And never home. When James slammed into Victoria, he was lost to her. Her pussy was tight, wet and willing. Each following trip to New York, James and Victoria fucked. He loved it.

That all changed, though, when Victoria called him at his Chicago office. She was hysterical, explaining that she was pregnant. Four months pregnant. With James’ baby. He knew that he couldn’t abandon his mistress. He loved Victoria.

With Bella, it never could be anything more. Yes, they were married, but their relationship was distant. It was James’ fault. He turned away from her when she told him of her medical issues and unlikely chance that they would ever get pregnant. He stayed faithful, until he met Victoria. Now? She was the mother of his child.

Under Construction Teaser

James was angry. So angry. Everything he had worked for had disintegrated over the past three years. First, he met Victoria on a business trip to New York City. She worked for another advertising firm, trying to get a deal for her company. James, ever the charmer, got the deal and managed to land dinner with Victoria. They flirted, teased and eventually made out. In the back of his mind, he felt guilty about what he was doing to his wife, but Victoria’s red lips felt perfect against his mouth. That first trip, all they did was kiss.

The second trip, they fucked. James finally felt he’d met his match. Bella was a good wife, but she was too demure. Too perfect. And never home. When James slammed into Victoria, he was lost to her. Her pussy was tight, wet and willing. Each following trip to New York, James and Victoria fucked. He loved it.

That all changed, though, when Victoria called him at his Chicago office. She was hysterical, explaining that she was pregnant. Four months pregnant. With James’ baby. He knew that he couldn’t abandon his mistress. He loved Victoria.

With Bella, it never could be anything more. Yes, they were married, but their relationship was distant. It was James’ fault. He turned away from her when she told him of her medical issues and unlikely chance that they would ever get pregnant. He stayed faithful, until he met Victoria. Now? She was the mother of his child. 

James

Victoria

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“Thank you, Ms. Swan,” Carmen D’Amato said, hugging Bella tightly. “I have no doubt that with your help, we can get Alec’s birth parents’ rights removed. They caused so much damage to my little boy. I hate seeing him so empty.”

Bella watched as the boy played robotically in the firm’s play room. He was still heavily medicated, but was recovering, slowly from his traumatic ordeal of meeting Felix. Upon seeing a picture of Felix and a photo of his birth father, Bella understood why the boy was upset. They were nearly identical in every way, except the eyes. Felix had dark brown eyes while Alec’s birth father, Sean, had bright green eyes. Sean, though, looked evil, dark and mean, a monster among men.

“With a mother like you, Mrs. D’Amato, Alec will grow and thrive to be the man he was supposed to be,” Bella whispered. “And call me Bella. We have a long journey and such formalities aren’t needed.”

“Only if you call me Carmen,” she replied, hugging her new attorney. “I’m sorry that my husband couldn’t make it back from his business trip. There was an awful snowstorm that canceled his flight.”

“It’s no problem. I wanted to make sure that Alec was okay with me helping him out. Our physical similarities worked in our favor,” Bella quipped. 

Alec

Carmen D'Amato

NYC

Volturi and Volturi Law Offices ~ New York Branch

Corporate Apartment