"I wanted the attention he gave me, I was young and foolish and had no connection to any male figure in my life. My own father... I was like him, convinced that attention was love. You and Bella proved me otherwise. Love isn't lust, it isn't..."

"She is, which is why I know that if your brother doesn't leave me be then I will either have to leave her in your care or ask mom and dad, or even Brea and Hawken to adopt her. I know I can't cope with him trying to force himself on me, and when I asked him to call you to help us find Bella. All he wanted to do was follow me around and try to make me kiss him back." He fell silent for a moment, "I had this idea, I was going to get that house near mom and dad you and I talked about, I was going to a great dad and have Bella live with me and... and I was hoping you'd come and see her there, or take her out if that's what you wanted. But with him around I can't, we both know she's happiest when there is no fighting and with Eothian around there would be nothing but fighting."

Albert wanted to reach out and take his hand, "And I hoped that you'd realize that everything you want is in that house with Bella and I and..." He fell silent then, tired and emotionally exhausted. "I can't believe how big she's gotten..."