Ah, perhaps this is foreshadowing, "Nothing will separate us again if I have any say, save death, and even then I might be pressed to follow you."

I almost felt a "Monty Python-esque" quality to Edward's sarcasm, "I have injected her with my royal seed.  Our marriage is now consummated and you are dismissed."

Thinking about the Casey Anthony trial, I wonder if Mrs. Newton wouldn't be charged with not only lying to law enforcement officials, but also for perjury on the stand. I also wonder if Mr. Newton pressed domestic abuse or assault charges against her. She's clearly deranged. Perhaps she ran. The police should be looking for her.

I like that Bella has "issues" after the years of abuse (emotional, mental, and physical). I think it makes her character very realistic. No one could recover quickly after an ordeal like she suffered.

For some reason I feel like I can really identify with Bella's feelings. She's drowning and can't seem to find the strength to grab for a lifeline.

I worry that she's becoming suicidal. I know that "tough love" is all the rage, but I'm not sure that it's appropriate in this case. From Marcus, yes. From her family, it could push her over the edge. She's not a drug addict or an alcoholic. She's not chemically dependent. She's emotionally distraught on top of being a teenager!

I have no idea what might be the words, event, etc. that will empower her to find the strength to reach for her support system and hang on. I hope you have a better idea. I've got nothing. I do find it hard to believe that these people who love her would turn away from her at this juncture.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

What is up with Renee? I get she's "sad" that Bella and Jacob aren't "friends" anymore, but why is she taking Jacob's side? What crap is Renee hearing back there in Forks and from whom?

Jacob and Bella discuss getting engaged. THE NEXT DAY Bella catches Jacob in the act with her best friend Leah. And Renee somehow thinks that this scenario can honestly lead back to "friendship" between Bella and Jacob. Really? Friendship needs trust to flourish. Maybe Bella can forgive Jacob, but FRIENDSHIP? How is that even possible? Jacob cheated. With Bella's best friend. Case closed. Forgiveness, maybe. (I'd have a tough time with that.) But friendship, never.

What does Renee think Bella has to gain by this? She's her mother. Doesn't she have Bella's best interest at heart? Isn't she outraged for her daughter? So she's sad. So what? Imagine how Bella feels. I just don't get where Renee's coming from.

I LOVE this story. It's a great love/hate attraction story with a great twist of revenge.

I feel really bad for Bella in this story. I'm with Emmett. I hope she doesn't get crushed again. She may never recover. That hard shell may just grow shut over her heart and soul.

They way Bella ended things with Jacob was beyond perfect. LOVED IT!

Thanks for keeping the mystery going. Can't wait for more.

I love your Rosalie. She's have to have an iron will to stand up to Edward (both senior and junior). My only question is Elizabeth. She seems so lovely. Is she that naive? Does she not realize what her husband's like? How is that possible?

Well, I don't think Bella should get that worked up over 750K. Honestly, one beach house in southern CA and that trust fund is history (if it even pays for a "cottage".)

I liked this line--"I want to share your life, and mine with you. Together. Working together, learning together, succeeding and failing together. Taking care of each other."

The criticism of the TW books often dwells on the fact that Bella has to "change" for HIM. But honestly, I've always interpreted the text that it's more about your quote listed above. HE can't change. If they are going to achieve the above statement, then she has to change. It's all about compromise. I really liked that part of this chapter.

I was worried we were about to take a "melodramatic/soap opera-ish" turn, but I thought this was a great chapter.

Why would Jacob go after Emmett and the gang? I think this has something to do with Edward. Someone is trying to hurt Edward by hurting everyone around him, and I think the girl who had "her brother's" date tattooed on her is involved too. I'm looking forward to some more pieces of this puzzle!

You are creating a really interesting dynamic between Bella and each of her potential suitors. I wonder how Molly's presence might influence Bella's feelings. As a mother, naturally she would gravitate toward anyone who helped her daughter or who her daughter liked. I'm curious to see what's next for these characters.

I think Calisle was right. He truly showed himself to be a caring and honorable human being. He couldn't hurt his child. Kudos to him.

Rose is right. Bella needs to be honest with Edward, but I predict that Edward will act badly. He's been so hurt in the past that I can see  him jump to all sorts of conclusions.

The Lion King on Broadway is spectacular!

To this day I can't watch The Wizard of Oz.

I love your Jacob. He is awesome. He also makes some good points. Is Carlisle too good to be true? Everyone has flaws. Where are Carlisle's? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Molly is beyond adorable. I loved the "walking thesaurus" line.

Professor Platt reminded me a little of Lady Catherine in Pride and Prejudice. Arts and allurements indeed.

Loved the chapter. I absolutely adored when she went running after him in the rain and wrapped herself around him. Great scene.

I've got to say I love your Edward. He's so very vulnerable with a tough protective shell. Very "James Dean-ish." His interaction with Peyton is beautiful.

I love the setting of your story. You write it so well that it's like I'm there on the coast of Maine. I keep sensing bits of The Perfect Storm (of course that was Gloucester, MA).

Really enjoying it. Every chapter peels a little more away in a good way. There's a beauty and gentleness to it all even though you know that these two characters are somehow consumed by past tragedies. Thanks for sharing it.

Ah, finally some down time today to enjoy being in Savannah once again. It's like spending the afternoon with an old friend. The carriage tours, Mrs. Wilke's, etc. Just fantastic!

I forgot about all the 'beautiful prick' animosity that opens the story.

The setting is fantastic. I was hoping to get back to Savannah again this summer, but sadly it looks like it isn't going to work out. I'll have to relive all my happy Churchill moments with your story!

I love this spunky Bella. She's innocent and sweet but not naive.

I drug my husband to Club One too. The karaoke in the basement bar was a scream.

I had a really crappy day and my little interlude in Savannah was just what the doctor ordered!

I love this line--

"What Barbie am I?" I teased.

"Mine."

Nice chapter. Bella feelings of jealousy are totally understandable considering what she heard, and Edward seems to know he wouldn't cheat; however, it's good to have it all out in the open. Afterall, some people have no adversion to lying or framing. As long as Bella and Edward are "wise" to the agendas of those around them and understand each other's feelings, they'll be fine. It's when those things are disregarded or blown off that trouble can arise.

"I've always liked that, you know; when you call me Bell. I don't know why."

I suppose I have to chalk it up to my fondness for Beauty and the Beast, but I like the nickname Bell. Now "Bells" drives me crazy. I totally HATE it. Why would someone with a beautiful name like Isabella or Bella want to be called "Bells," but Bell, yeah, that's ok. Funny how much of a difference one "s" can make.

I loved this last chapter. It's somehow the perfect ending for the two of them.

I'm really enjoying your unique set-up to the plot and characters. I'm curious if there's "more" to Edward. He went in the Navy to be like the father he essentially never knew. He moved back to Forks to be near his family. He obviously could care less about his job as a teacher. What are his hopes, dreams, aspirations. As much as being near his family was his goal, is there more he wanted and how did he plan to find it in Forks? He doesn't seem like a big fan of Forks either.

Olympic shooters often have long careers. I feel bad for Bella that she only had that one Olympics.

Oh, you can't blame Jasper. If Bella's going to take him back, she should do it having ALL the facts.

Is Jacob somehow blackmailiing Edward? Edward says, "Jacob is really a decent guy." Seriously? Jacob is total slime. What boss swings that kind of sexual innuendo at a brand new employee? Not just this chapter, but others as well. I hope Bella slaps Jacob with a sexual harrassment lawsuit if it continues. Oh, but that's right. Poor girl is trying to start her career. And here we have it. The ultimate misuse of power by "the boss." Hardly a "decent" guy. Is Edward blind? Bella's better off taking care of herself than having some slimeball "take care of" her.

Isn't this chapter one?

"sexy black Camaro"

"one hand on the wheel,"

"the other arm resting casually on the open window,"

"totally dominating the road."

OK "hot" doesn't quite do it. Where's that thesaurus?

blistering, scorching, sizzling, fiery, sultry, sweltering, torrid

Your readers may self-combust!

The perp is escalating. Bella needs to be very careful. Scissors cutting off tulips is the step below boiling bunnies or horseheads under the covers. I have a feeling things are going to get ugly.

I can't wait for the gala. I'm with Alice. I want to see the Denali's reaction. 

Great chapter.

Spent the last two days reading your story through. It's fluff with just enough suspense and bada** Bella to be reallly intriguing. I can't wait to find out what Rose's deal is! Are she or Lauren druggies?

Looking forward to the next chapter!

I really enjoyed this story. What was particularly fun was to read your unique spins on all of the characters. Thank you.

Enjoying your story. Love Napa and I also have some fond memories of skiing Tahoe. Squaw Valley was most definitely our favorite too!

You can't write Tanya out of the story! She (and probably her father) obviously have a lot at stake. Tanya was obviously spying for monetary reasons and won't possibly give up that easy. Not to mention her daddy who won't want to lose.

Jacob is playing with fire and about to get burned. I can't imagine the American Bar Association wants an attorney on drugs and out of control. Who would want to hire a lawyer who has an order of protection sworn out against him?

Great story! Love the drama and corporate intrigue wrapped around a winery!

I can't help but wonder if that's the end of Leah's "I'm-going-to-get-my-man-back" campaign. She certainly seemed to do a complete about face quickly and without any reason. Was Leah being honest and sincere with Edward or was it an act? Is she plotting something nefarious? Is Edward just that naive to believe that it's solely about letting bygones be bygones and being "friends?" Perhaps I'm jaded, but how does someone with the morals of Leah turn-around that quickly? I just don't buy it.

For a successful businessman Edward seems to be overly trusting (Tanya, Leah) and to be honest quite gullible. Now he's demanding that Bella trust him. How can she when she's now seen two women take advantage of him? Edward needs to do some changing.

I've seen this story being posted, but I just hadn't had a chance to read it...before today. I devoured all 13 chapters in one sitting. I COULD NOT stop reading it. What a riveting, riveting story. Occasionally I have flashes of Jodie Foster in Nell, but your Wisp is somehow more endearing. Your story is funny, heartwrenching, poignant, and horrifying all wrapped up in one. I'm hooked! Totally and completely. I can't wait to read more! I'm thinking all sorts of horrible things. The white supremecists have peaked my interest. I can imagine how they might be involved. Wisp's reaction to that classical piece just broke my heart. I agree, I think she's smart. I'm dying to learn more. Wonderful, original story!

Absolutely riveting story. Heartbreaking, tender, sweet, horrific--all rolled into one. So original and unique. I can't wait for each new chapter.

You capture an incredible sensuality in the beginning of the chapter through the medium of food, moreso than I've ever read in any stories even those about the restaurant industry.

I'm eager to see what happens when Bella can't devote her full attention to satisfying her job description. It's easy to "say" but will it be enough?

Sometimes children have the best view of reality--Juliet really summed it all up.

Edward's epiphany--Well, it's about time. Pride--the deadliest of the seven deadly sins. Pride goeth before a fall. You can go on and on about pride. Bella was insecure and didn't have faith. Edward was prideful. 

Realization--step one. Hope they can now ADMIT it to each other. Then we'll see.

I love how Carlisle and Esme adore Bella. It's awesome.

Tanya--coming across as desperate and needy. Not all that attractive.

Great story!

Yup. I'm in love with CJ.

Wow. Kate was a real b*tch. Enjoying your story so far. Can't wait to see where Edward's new life leads him!

Nothing I love better than a gay Jake.

I was surprised that Bella didn't balk more at the deal. I took that to mean that she was really desperate. Plus, she believes her attraction to Edward won't matter since he obviously (to her) finds her repulsive. Ironically, Edward is thinking the same thing.

The story with Corrine surprised me too. Bella has experienced quite a bit of life's trials and tribulations. It looks like Edward has a few lessons to learn.

Looking forward to more.

Loved it. Great reveal.

What a wonderful "meet cute." I love that you have made their "notice" of one another in high school so realistic. It wasn't a burning desire, but more an attraction that wasn't all consuming, but most definitely a marked impression. These seem like real people. Strong and dealing with the curveballs that life throws them.

What's up with the delusional fathers?! Charlie obviously believes that Bella's exaggerating Jacob driving Carson to the hospital while hungover and under the influence of 2 beers. While Charlie's right that children have accidents, the drinking after Jacob begged to have Carson is unforgivable and downright dangerous.

Billy is obviously being lied to by Jacob. Somebody better set him straight. Chances are he'll never believe Bella. Maybe Seth or Leah or another member of the tribe can convince him of his son's worthlessness as a father.

I loved how Bella is handling her father. 

Wow. Jacob is becoming a serious danger to his son. It's so sad. He obviously doesn't care about Carson. He cares about what HE wants, not what's best for his son. It's so sad.

I love your Bella. What a great character.

Charlie is illogical, but parents can't help it sometimes. They have good intentions. I'm glad his eyes have been opened.

Bella was awesome with the overwhelming Cullens. It's wonderful that Carson has a mom who is grounded and logical. He's a lucky boy.

I've often thought that various incarnations of the "Alice" character depict her as a 2-year-old throwing a tantrum. Great parallel!

Bella needs to save that answering machine recording. There's some hard evidence.

It's sad when someone has an addiction and the family and friends live in denial. This is often why tragedies occur.

Well, something's up with Renee. Billy took a cheap shot as he was leaving. Did Renee hear him? If so, she didn't defend her daughter.

How is Billy this indignant? OK, he wants his grandson to know his heritage. I get that. But it's HALF his heritage, not ALL of it. So, in the meantime Bella has to support this child 100%. Neither the "tribe" nor Jacob is supporting Carson. Put up or shut up I say. If it matters that much, prove it. Choose it.

I'm surprised. I didn't expect Jacob to be so reasonable without drama. Well done you for the twist. I still wonder if it's a divertion, but I'm eager to see what's next.

Alice seems to be growing up. 

What? She won't be for much longer? What does that mean? Great suspense building!

Loving your story. Besides clueless Edward and sulky Bella there is the corporate intrigue to consider. What is Kate's problem? Is there more to Tanya's marriage desires than meets the eye? Who's behind the corporate takeover and might they "use" Bella as a means to their ends? Lots to contemplate.

I'm also enjoying the British setting. Great story!