Fanfiction based on characters from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Series

Rated M for Mature.

Edible Delectables

By Chrystelle Belle

Summary: Bella is a baker. Edward is a doctor. Their worlds collide when Bella ends

up in the hospital for appendicitis.

Chapter – 1

“Excuse me please.” Bella could feel the light sheen of sweat forming on her brow as she
backed her chair away from the table and quickly made her way to the bathroom, with

anxiety and embarrassment rising.

It was December and the city was in full holiday swing. Rosalie, Bella‟s best friend, had
driven out to the Winterfest in Seattle, with her husband Emmett and his family. While Bella
adored the McCartys, she gave the excuse that she wasn‟t feeling all that well and was just
going to go visit with Jasper, Bella‟s other close friend and honorary brother. In reality, she
felt fine and was looking forward to just hanging out and drinking margaritas, while catching

up with a good friend she hadn‟t seen in forever.

Edible Delectables, Bella‟s bakery, had slowly been gaining in popularity since opening its
doors the year before. A booming business was what she was striving for, but the bakery
had yet to earn enough extra revenue for extra help. The result was limited time outside of

work for friends or anything else.

Bella was determined this weekend would be different, so of course, when she finally got
around to calling Jasper, it turned out it was his mother‟s birthday. Jasper, being the doting
son he was, had plans to take her to dinner. Marla Whitlock was a widow and Jasper made
every attempt he could to keep her from being lonely. He invited Bella along, and while it
wouldn‟t be the same as hanging out at Jasper‟s apartment getting drunk and hearing about
his latest conquests, it was better than awkward conversations with the McCartys, or
staying home alone.

But then Karma always gets you, even for the smallest of little white lies.

While getting ready to go to dinner Bella began to feel a little off. Her side ached a little but
she didn‟t think much of it, she was probably ovulating. Her side always ached a little during
that time of the month. She made a mental note to call her gynecologist for her yearly
appointment. She‟d let the time slip past her and subsequently her birth control prescription
had lapsed. Of course the lack of gentlemanly company of late didn‟t help to make that

doctor‟s visit a priority.

Now, here she was in the bathroom of Daniel‟s Broiler, sweating and emptying her bowels
into the toilet of a public restroom, while Jasper and his mom ate their steak dinners and
hers cooled at the table untouched. The pain in her side had increased into a radiating pain
which intensified when she walked. She was miserable enough that she didn‟t even care
about her very public bowel movement, and taking a crap in public was something Bella

never did.

She had been in the bathroom a while, and Jasper and his mother were sure to begin
worrying soon. Bella pulled herself to her feet, however, buttoning her jeans was out of the
question. She simply un-tucked her shirt, not caring it was wrinkled and left her jeans
undone. Shuffling over to the sink, she washed her hands, then grabbed a paper towel, wet
it, and wiped down her face. She looked into the mirror, and cringed at her reflection. Bella
had never really considered herself stunning or beautiful, but she knew she wasn‟t
completely unattractive either. Her body was shapely and toned and her hair, while not all
that exciting, was a long, healthy and shiny dark brown. Her skin normally held a rosy tone
to her cheeks, but the image reflecting at her in the mirror looked gaunt and pale. Bella
swore she could actually see a green tint to her skin. She closed her eyes and willed her

body to return to the dinner table.

The aroma of food hit her hard as she exited the bathroom. Ugh. Walking over to where
Jasper and his mom were sitting, she quietly scooted back into their booth. Jasper looked
up, raising his eyebrows with a questioning look.

“I‟m really sorry, I‟m suddenly not feeling so hot,” she looked down at her cold steak dinner
and slowly pushed her plate away. She was going to need a box, there was no way she
could eat it tonight, even waiting for Jasper and his mom to finish their meal was pure
torture. Her regret at not driving herself to the restaurant grew as the seconds passed. She
couldn‟t ask them to hurry; after all, it was Mrs. Whitlock‟s birthday dinner, but good grief!
Could the woman please chew a little faster?! Bella momentarily considered reaching over to
cut the steak for her in hopes of speeding things along. Instead, time crawled by while the
pain in her side grew. The waiter, concerned over Bella not touching her food, asked if
everything was ok. She assured him the food was fine, and she would just need to pack it
up and take it with her. Dutifully, the waiter obliged and quickly returned with a Styrofoam

to go container.

As Bella finished boxing her meal to go, Jasper paid the bill and finally, they were ready to
leave. Soon, they were dropping Mrs. Whitlock off, and after ensuring his mother was safely
inside her house, Jasper backed out of the driveway and began heading back toward with
Bella toward his apartment. He turned and gave Bella a concerned look. “You look like hell
B,” he joked, while subtly leaning further away from her. For all he knew it was catching,
and that was the last thing he wanted. He idly wondered if she‟d be offended at his opening

the window to air out the truck, just in case.

“Ever the gentleman Jasper,” Bella glared at him from the corner of her eye, as her head

dropped to the headrest. He chuckled at her reply.

“Guess gossip and margaritas are out, huh?” Jasper understood, but it didn‟t make it any

less disappointing.

“Sorry,” she nodded apologetically. “I think I may actually look better than I feel right now.”
She let out a sigh, “I hope I don‟t get you and your mom sick.” She‟d feel terrible if Mrs.

Whitlock ended up coming down with whatever this was from Bella crashing her birthday

dinner. Some birthday gift, she thought.

Jasper pulled his SUV into the apartment complex and parked in his reserved spot. As Bella
leaned forward to open the door, she let out a small groan. Jasper watched her closely, not
missing her obvious discomfort as she climbed out of his SUV to slowly make her way over
to her van. He couldn‟t help but smile remembering when Bella bought the mini-van. He
had asked her what unmarried twenty-five year old needs a mini-van? Her reply: One that
owns a bakery and has to cart tiered cakes around. Jasper had to admit, she had a point,
that and damn if it wasn‟t a smooth ride. Of course you‟d have to pull his eye teeth to get

him to admit that to anyone else.

“You sure you‟ll be ok? Maybe you should stay here?” He offered it as a question, wanting to
be polite but secretly hoped she‟d turn him down; he had a date Saturday and didn‟t want
to be sick.

Bella smirked; she knew what he was really thinking. “Yeah, I‟ll be OK, I‟m just going to
head home and die in peace.” She unlocked her Odyssey and gently slid behind the wheel,
groaning as she buckled her seat belt. She was beginning to feel nauseous and really
wanted to make it home before she hurled. However, minutes into her drive she realized
that wasn‟t going to happen. Leaning over and digging into her purse she felt around until
her fingers grasped her cell phone. Hitting the number three, which was preprogrammed for
her best friend, Bella prayed Rose would pick up. Since it was that kind of day, she got
Rose‟s voicemail instead.

“Hey, it‟s Bella, I think I‟m dying. I went to dinner with Jasper and his mom and I think I‟m
getting sick. Ok, I know I‟m getting sick. Seriously, I feel like shitake on a shoe. I was
thinking maybe I could come hang at your place tonight? Please? Risk contamination for
me?” She pleaded, “Call me back.” Bella hung up the phone. She tried Emmett‟s number
next, with the same result.

There was no way she‟d make it back to her own apartment in her condition and with Rose
and Emmett not answering, Bella decided to head for Emmett‟s parent‟s house. It was
getting late; surely they‟d be back from the Winterfest by now. Their house was just a few
miles away and Bella hoped Rose and Emmett would still be there visiting. If not, maybe
Bella could lay down for awhile and wait for Rose to call her back. As she pulled into the
drive Bella almost cried with relief when she spotted the McCarty‟s black Cadillac. Cringing,
she pulled herself from the car and hobbled up to the front door to ring the bell. Emmett‟s
mom, Victoria, answered the door, surprised to see Bella, and instantly concerned at the
sight of her daughter-in-law‟s best friend.

“Hey Vic,” Bella said giving her a quick hug as she entered the house and then launched
into her reason for visiting. “I was hoping Rose and Emmett were back from the Winterfest.
I tried calling but got voicemail.” Bella could feel her face flush, but instead of
embarrassment, she was pretty sure it was a fever causing the heat in her cheeks.

“Are you ok Bella?” Vicki asked looking concerned.

“Not really, no,” Bella answered, breathing heavily in an attempt to squelch the urge to
heave that was slowly overtaking her.

“I think Rosie and Emmett were stopping at the store, but they shouldn‟t be too long. Do

you want to lie down and wait for them?”

“You have no idea how badly I want to do just that.” Bella gave a weak smile, “Seriously,

thank you so much, I hate to impose on you like this.”

“Don‟t be silly Bella!” Vicki replied the concern still in her voice. Emmett‟s parents really
were very nice; Bella began to feel bad about not wanting to spend the afternoon with them
earlier. She would have to try and make it up to them some other day, maybe bake them
something in a rich chocolate. She‟d have to think on it later though, right now the pain in
her stomach was consuming her thoughts. Bella made her way upstairs to the guest room
and eased herself onto the bed. She wasn‟t sure how long she had been lying there, shifting
every few minutes trying to find a comfortable position, when Vic popped her head in to

check on her.

“Hey honey, how are you feeling?” Vicki asked; her apprehension clear. Bella hated being
the focus of attention, and she hated burdening her best friend‟s parents even more.

“Do you need anything?” Vicki reached over to rub Bella‟s arm as Bella‟s cell phone began to
ring out with Cartman‟s Best Friends song. Rose! Vicki smiled and patted Bella‟s arm as she

picked up her phone, then quietly left the room, shutting the door behind her.

“Bitch where are you?! I need you!” Bella answered the phone in a hushed breath.

“Emmett and I are headed over to his parent‟s house. Why? What‟s wrong?” Rosalie asked

concerned, and Bella could hear the ding as Rose opened the car door.

“I‟m currently lying in the McCarty‟s spare bedroom dying, and waiting for you,” Bella

whimpered in reply.

“You‟re at Vic and James‟?” Rosalie asked, confused.

“Yeah, I was having dinner with Jasper and his mom for her birthday and I started getting
really sick. I couldn‟t make it home. My side is killing me; I think I need to go to the ER.”
Bella voice trailed off with the last part and Rose could hear the tears in her friend‟s voice. If

Bella was willingly preparing for a trip to the emergency room, something had to be wrong.

“We‟ll be there in ten babe, just sit tight,” Rose said.

“Thanks Rose.” Bella hung up the phone and moaned into the pillow as she gently tried to

roll herself off the bed. The pain in her side flared.

Chapter – 2

The ER was busy, as was the norm for a Friday night. Only this Friday, they were down two
residents and an attending due to the recent flu outbreak. Tonight it would be all hands on

deck night, regardless of department.

Edward‟s shift started at eight that morning and it was now closing in on ten o‟clock at
night. Most of the patients had the flu, or some complication resulting from having had the
flu, but there were also the typical Friday night cases. Edward knew the later it got, the
more they‟d see of those; the drunks making bad decisions and hurting themselves or
somebody else. Working in pediatrics spared Edward for the most part, but on nights like
tonight, it didn‟t matter your department or specialty, you hit the floor running and didn‟t
stop until there was another doctor there to cover you. Of course when a child came in
Edward handled the case. Thankfully, there weren‟t many minors in the ER tonight, for as
much as he loved his specialty, Edward hated to see children suffering, especially during the

flu season and this close to Christmas.

~*~

Bella grunted as Emmett helped her out of the car. The ER appeared busy. Rosalie and
Emmett shared a concerned look and crossed their fingers they wouldn‟t have to wait too

long to get called.

“Have you called Charlie yet?” Rosalie asked as they made their way inside the building.
Emmett‟s arm was around Bella‟s midsection, trying to help ease her discomfort at walking.
Charlie was Bella‟s father. Her mother had passed away while Bella was in high school, and
her father had raised her alone since. He‟d done a fine job and Bella had grown up happy,

but he tended to overreact where Bella‟s health and well being were concerned.

“Hell no, you know how he worries. It‟ll probably end up being…” Bella waved her hands in

an offhanded gesture.

“Gas?” Emmett snickered. Bella groaned and swatted at Emmett‟s arm as they helped

ease her into the waiting room chair.

“I‟ll go check you in.” Rosalie walked to the window at the front of the room where a
receptionist sat behind the glass. Turning back, she watched as Bella shifted in her chair,
sitting down was not working for her. Bella continued to try and find a comfortable position,
sitting up straight, slouching, then stretching out her legs but nothing alleviated the pained
look in her face. Finally, she pulled herself from the chair and leaned with her back against
the wall in obvious discomfort.

Her pain had intensified over the last hour, and Bella‟s nausea returned. Rosalie returned
with a clipboard of forms and began asking her questions. They were still working on the

forms when Rosalie‟s cell phone rang.

“Hi Vic,” Rosalie answered, handing the clipboard of forms to Emmett to complete then
walking outside to take the call. Emmett took over asking questions but when they got to
the section asking about her last menstrual cycle and whether or not she could be pregnant,
he got flustered and Bella yanked the clipboard from his hands, with a huff, to finish by

herself.

After completing the papers, Emmett returned them to the receptionist and asked if he
could get an estimate on their wait time. He was given the standard clipped reply, “This is a
triage, and the most critical patients are seen first.” Nodding his head in understanding,

Emmett returned to Bella, concerned that she was obviously getting worse.

After an hour of shifting, leaning and groaning Bella could take no more. Slightly hunched,

she made her way to the receptionist.

“Excuse me,” Bella spoke quietly, trying to get the woman‟s attention. The brown haired
receptionist, whose name tag read Jessica, glanced up looking slightly annoyed.

“Can I help you?” She asked, the disdain in her voice showing. Bella couldn‟t help but think
perhaps Jessica was in the wrong job position. Surely, there was a small dark file room

someplace in the hospital where her professionalism would be more suited.

“I was just wondering if there were some place I could lay down? I‟m really nauseous and
the pain in my side is getting worse.” Ugh, Bella could hear how pathetic her voice
sounded, but at this point, hunched over in front of the surly front desk attendant, she

didn‟t care. If Jessica was affected by Bella‟s evident discomfort, it did not show.

“I‟m sorry,” Jessica answered, although her tone portrayed differently, “this is a triage, the
critical patients are seen first. You‟ll have to take a seat in the waiting area.” She waived
toward the chairs and turned back to her computer, once again ignoring everyone and
everything around her and leaving Bella standing at the window, mouth hanging open.

“Jessica,” a tall nurse with strawberry blonde hair pulled back in a severe bun spoke with
authority as she walked up to see what was going on. “We have a gurney in the triage bay
she can lay down on.” Turning to Bella and pointing to the doors to the right of the

reception area, she continued, “Come around to the doors and I‟ll hit the button for you.”

Bella slowly shuffled over to the automatic doors as they began to slowly open. Emmett
and Rosalie hurried to her side as they made their way back to the triage area, where
thankfully Bella was finally able to lay down. The relief did not last long, however, as Bella
could not find a comfortable position and laying flat seemed to make the nausea worse.

The nurse, whose name appeared to be Tanya, helped Bella back into a sitting position.

Tanya motioned to the reception area, “I‟m going to go get your chart from the front desk
and then we‟ll get your medical history and vitals, ok?” She quickly hurried to get the file.
Returning, she pulled out a pen and began asking the regular preliminary questions of a
typical ER visit and making notes, all the while taking Bella‟s blood pressure and
temperature. Once Tanya was finished, she handed Bella a specimen cup for a urine
sample and showed her to the bathroom. When Bella emerged from the bathroom, Tanya
took the urine sample and labeled it for the lab, then led her down the hall to the trauma
room they would be setting up. As Bella settled onto the bed, she watched as her nurse
began pulling different items from the drawers, prepping her for an IV.

~*~

Edward walked to the front desk and picked up his next chart, flipping through the quick
history. He read the patient's name, preparing to enter the room but stopping short. Bella

Swan? Edward knew that name, but from where? School, he was sure of it. College? He
entered the room, drawing the curtain back, still looking at her chart. She was twenty four,
for all he knew, they went to high school together. With great effort, he controlled the shock

on his face when he saw her.

Bella Swan, from Forks. From Forks High School.

He'd been a senior and she a junior when they were in high school, but he knew her, or
rather knew of her, as they‟d never actually spoken. She was quiet and kept to herself and
a small group of close friends. He'd seen her in the library during lunch on more than one
occasion. Edward spent a great deal of time in the library studying. His parents had moved
from Chicago to Seattle his senior year. He'd begged them to let him stay to finish school,
but his parents wouldn't hear of it. They were a family and they were moving together.
They were convinced he'd make new friends and everything would be fine. They thought
maybe he would let go of his determination to head back to Chicago for college. They had

underestimated just how determined Edward had been.

While he had made a few new friends, Edward kept to himself and continued with his plans
to return to Chicago for college along with his old friends. Instead of sports, Edward did
homework in the library and maintained an A average. Edward was a good looking guy and
while he was a little modest, he knew girls found him attractive. They flirted, and at times
he even flirted back, but in the end they really held little interest for him. The girls were
just distractions. Besides, he had a girlfriend in Chicago, Kate, who he promised to remain
faithful to, with the knowledge they'd be reunited the following fall.

Edward was faithful, never once being with another girl. It helped that nobody had really
captured his interest; that was until she started at the end of the fall semester. A transplant
from Arizona, she had moved after her mother died to live with her father, the chief of
police in Forks. He had managed four months without temptation in his new school, but now
Edward was intrigued by Bella; nevertheless, kept his promise to Kate. Instead, he watched
Bella from afar, during lunch in the library, and in between classes in the halls. Every now
and then he'd catch her eye, while walking to class, and give a small smile, as if out of
courtesy, which she always returned before shifting her eyes to the ground and walking past
him. He readily admitted he found her beautiful, with her long dark hair cut to frame her
delicate face, and quiet demeanor, not to mention she was smart. It had not escaped his
notice the books she would read, or the classes she took. Edward found intelligence
extremely attractive. The fact that many of the girls in school didn‟t seem to care about
their classes had made them less attractive and easier to reject. Bella was in the advanced
program. Had he ever given himself the opportunity to get to know her, he was sure he
would not have been able to stay committed to Kate, and Edward had Kate waiting for him
in Chicago where they would be going to college together soon so he kept his distance. Bella

would remain his fascination; his unrequited high school crush, and that was OK.

Only now here she was, in the emergency room of Harborview Medical Center, with what

looked like probable appendicitis, as his patient. The moment was surreal.

~*~

"Bella? Bella Swan?” A gorgeous man, in a doctor‟s lab coat, looked up from her chart as
he entered the room, a hint of recognition in his eyes. He did look familiar, where had she
seen him before? He had dark, short hair with reddish highlights that curled a little at the

ends and looked slightly messy; as if he‟d been running his hands through it all night.

“I'm Doctor Edward Cullen." The young doctor reached out and Bella shook his outstretched
hand. His grasp was warm and firm, yet gentle and soft at the same time. Their hands
lingered for a second longer, before he blinked his eyes and looked away breaking the
connection. He had beautiful eyes, Bella noticed, a very soft green, or were they hazel?
They were the kind of eyes that seemed as if they could change with the color of his

clothes, or even his mood.

"Hello." Bella gave a shy smile then looked away quickly. Her cheeks flaring with heat over
her situation. This was too much. Here she was in pain, half naked in a hospital gown, with

vomit breath to boot, and this is time she gets the hot young doctor?

"So what brings you here today?" Hot young doc seemed to be asking more to himself
rather than to her, as he looked down and perused Bella's chart. "Ah, stomach pain, lower
right quadrant." He nodded while continuing to read. "Ok, let‟s have a look." The beautiful
man placed Bella‟s chart on the end of her bed and approached her side to gently help her

stretch her legs out.

Edward noticed Bella‟s reluctance to keep her right leg flat on the mattress. Typical
symptom, and one more indication this was a simple case of appendicitis. After he helped
get her legs straight and relaxed, he gently lifted her gown while pulling the sheet up to
keep her lower half covered. Working in pediatrics he quickly learned to warm up his hands
before an examination; babies don‟t like being startled by cold hands. As was his practice,
he quickly rubbed his hands together, to warm them slightly, then pressed down gently but
firmly on the left side of Bella's lower abdomen. He was careful to watch her expression
and noticed a slight unease, but she did not mention pain. Slowly he moved his hands
around her abdomen, pressing carefully in several places; finally reaching the lower right
side of Bella's stomach. Her reaction was instantaneous; her right leg came up as she
flinched away and let out a howl of pain.

Edward glanced back at the nurse and quietly saying "guarding with pain in lower right
quadrant." Turning back to Bella, he looked at her intently and asked, "Rating the pain on a

scale of one to ten, what would you give the pain in your side?"

Bella paused seeming to think his question over. She obviously didn't want to look weak
but by her reaction, but he could tell the number would be high. "Um, a seven maybe?" It
came out as more of a question, and surprised him.

Edward couldn't help but smile, his dimples coming out in full force. He could see by her
expression she wanted to use a higher number. "Just a seven?” he questioned, eyebrows
raised, then added, “You don‟t have to be brave here, we‟re going to try and make you

comfortable as soon as possible.”

"OK, maybe an eight," Bella amended. Edward just grinned in return, his dimples showing,
and slightly shook his head. He gently placed his hands back over the area and as tenderly
as he could, pressed again, releasing quickly. "Does it hurt more when I press in, or when I

let go?"

"In, definitely IN!" She answered as tears sprung to her eyes and she tried to curl up away
from his touch. Bella closed her eyes and took shallow breaths, her nausea returning full
force. Why did somebody so beautiful have to be sent to torture her?

"Sorry about that,” Edward apologized, his eyes sincere. He pulled the gown back down
over Bella's exposed stomach and swept her hair off her shoulder tenderly, while leaning
over her slightly, and continued, “Your blood work came back with a high white blood count
and ketones in your urine. Something is definitely going on in there. It looks like a pretty
clear case of appendicitis. The direct pressure pain was more intense than rebound, so I
think the odds are good that it hasn‟t burst. Now, we just have to rule a few other things
out first, to be sure. We'll want a CT scan and possibly an ultrasound, and a pelvic.” He
explained everything clearly, watching for any sign she might be confused and saw none.

He turned to the nurse, “Tanya can you call in the CT and prep for the pelvic?"

Edward‟s words seemed to finally register with Bella, "Wait, what? A pelvic? I'm sure I

don't need a pelvic!" Her face flushed hot with embarrassment.

Edward shifted his weight uncomfortably from foot to foot for just a moment, but then
cleared his throat and taking a calm but authoritative tone, said, "It‟s important to rule out
everything, Ms. Swan. Cysts, for example, can present as appendicitis; I won't go cutting

you up unnecessarily. You'll need a full exam to be certain sure everything is clear."

His words, intended to inspire confidence in his abilities as a doctor, were wasted on Bella;
she was far too distracted by the words she'd noticed embroidered on his left breast pocket.
Dr. Cullen, Pediatrics. "You're a pediatrician?!"

She watched as he tilted his head slightly and nodded, his eyes flashing with amusement.
"Yes, I'm a resident in the peds department, but I assure you, I'm fully qualified to treat
adults, too. The anatomy is all the same.” He added in a hushed tone, as if he were telling
her a secret. “You never know what specialty you're going to get in an ER rotation.” He
continued, “This is a teaching hospital -- just be glad you didn't get stuck with an intern!"

he teased in mock horror.

Bella groaned and nodded her head. Well, this was it, the epitome of her life; she was
about to be spread eagle in front of Adonis himself. Did she shave? She breathed a sigh of
relief realizing she had. Good thing she lived by the golden rule: always have on clean
underwear, and keep the downstairs tidy, just in case you're in an accident and sent to the

hospital. She wasn't in an accident, but she was definitely in the hospital.

The nurse was speaking and brought Bella back out of her thoughts. "I'm sorry, what was

that?"

"We're going to have to move you to another room with an exam table." The nurse pulled
the curtain to Bella's hospital bay and walked into the hall to retrieve a wheelchair. Then
braced Bella's back and helped lift her off the bed, and slowly down into the wheelchair.
Tanya smiled and set the equipment they would need for the pelvic on the metal tray and

pulled out the stirrups.

“OK, you know the drill, scoot down to the bottom of the table, and put your legs in the
stirrups.” Tanya patted the end of the table and Bella did as instructed, grunting with the
movement. Her insides felt as thought they were being squished. That feeling alone
caused her nausea to kick back in and she had to take deep breaths to avoid vomiting on

the floor.

Nurse Tanya tugged on Bella's gown, pulling it up above her pubic bone while securing the
drape across her stomach for modesty. Bella pushed the sheet a little further up her thighs,
giving her a greater sense of coverage, even though she knew it really covered nothing.
Tanya placed the exam instruments on the metal tray and prepped the area, preparing for
Bella's pelvic. Just as she was finishing up Doctor Cullen entered the room and Bella's let
out an internal groan. There would be no end to her humiliation today. "We're ready."
Tanya looked up at Edward and stepped to the side of the exam table, patting Bella on the
arm for support. Edward sat down in the chair and talked his way through the exam. Being
in pediatrics he didn't do many pelvic exams anymore but he'd done his fair share in the
past. "I'm going to put in the speculum, it'll be a little cold and you'll feel pressure." Bella
just nodded her head, her cheeks flaming red. Doctor Cullen took the samples he needed,

set the specimens aside and removed the speculum.

And now for the ultimate embarrassment: feeling the ovaries.

Edward stood up between Bella's legs and grabbed the lubricant.

He carefully squeezed a small amount from the tube and rubbed it on his fingers, then
gingerly inserted two fingers while pressing down on Bella's abdomen as she stared at the
ceiling and imagined she was anywhere else but where she was, and that it was an elderly
doctor with gray hair and bottle top glasses between her legs.

"Left ovary...Right ovary..." Edward pulled his hand out and peeled the gloves off, tossing
them in the trash, then looked over at Bella. He reached over and placed his hand on her
arm. "Everything looks fine, we're sending the samples off, just as a procedure but I'm
pretty sure this is a clear case of appendicitis. We'll get you down to CT as soon as possible,
and after we get those results back, we'll call surgery down for a consult." He then turned to
the nurse, "go ahead and give her seventy-five ml Demerol for pain.” Looking at Bella he

gave her a small, understanding smile, “we'll try to get you a little more comfortable."

"Thanks Doctor Cullen." Bella gave a small smile in return as she slowly sat up on the table,
preparing to get in the wheelchair for the ride back to her trauma bay room.

And that's when it dawned on her who he was. Dr. Edward Cullen MD in pediatrics was the
Edward Cullen from Forks High. Just when Bella thought she couldn't be more embarrassed.
The light of her junior year had just minutes before had his hands all up in her business.
The very hands she'd fantasized about while watching him write on an assignment or read a
book in the library. The slow way his fingers would linger on a page before smoothly turning

to the next.

~*~

Bella had noticed Edward immediately upon arrival at her new school. He was gorgeous,
with his unruly hair and sharp features. Time had not changed him much that's for sure.
Bella remembered he didn't date, everyone made sure to point that out immediately if his
name was ever brought up. Like it mattered, she knew he'd never notice her anyway, why

should she care if he turned all the desperate girls in their school down?

She knew she'd never be with him, but it didn't stop her fascination and every now and then
she would see him in the hallway walking to class and just as they would pass each other,

he'd smile. It was the highlight of her day when that happened.

Now here he was, back in her life in the most absurd way. So why did she feel like maybe

this was a new chance?

~*~

"Dr. Cullen?" Tanya called out walking up to him in the hallway. "Ms. Swan's results are

back."

"Thank you." Edward glanced up in acknowledgement and gave her a polite smile. He
retrieved the CT and ultrasound results and quickly looked them over. After checking
everything out he placed the call to surgery for a consult and returned to Bella's room to

give her the news.

She was resting when he walked in, the pain meds he had prescribed having finally taken
affect. A tall blonde was leaning on the shoulder of a large man in the chairs against the
wall; they too appeared to be asleep. Edward softly cleared his throat to get everyone's

attention, but nobody seemed to notice.

"Bella," Edward said quietly, gently shaking her arm to wake her.

She slowly opened her eyes but they remained droopy from the effects of the Demerol.

"The tests are back. Looks like it is appendicitis. I've called surgery down for a consult;
they should be here in the next thirty minutes. After they take a quick look they'll probably

take you on back."

Bella nodded her head slowly, a small smile forming. "Thank you, Edward." Her eyes
closed and she turned her head away, falling back asleep.

Edward. Not Doctor Cullen. Did she remember him too?

Chapter – 3

Bella woke up to the rhythmic beating of the heart monitor and turned her head to look
around. She spotted Rosalie sitting in the visitors‟ chair next to the bed flipping through a

magazine.

"Hey," Bella croaked.

"Hey, sweetie how are you feeling?" Rose put the magazine down and grabbed Bella's

hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I've been better," Bella answered, attempting a slight stretch of her cramped muscles and
immediately flinching in pain. Just then Emmett walked through the door with a bag that

looked and smelled like two coffees.

"You're awake!" He handed off a cup to Rose and set the bag down on the bedside table.

Carefully he leaned in for an awkward one-armed half hug and kissed Bella's cheek.

"Aww, you brought me breakfast." Bella smiled and tried to reach for a cup.

"Forget it Bella, it's not happening." He laughed at her pout and swatted her hand away

from his coffee.

"I believe water and juice are available to you, as well as ice cream, popsicles, and broth.
Maybe tea, I'm not really sure." He looked over at the menu by her bedside, which
proclaimed liquid diet in red pen. Coffee is liquid, she thought. Bella stuck her tongue out

and immediately grimaced at the taste in her mouth.

"Ugh, somebody hand me a toothbrush. Please." Rose laughed as she grabbed the
overnight bag she had sent Emmett for last night as soon as they had confirmation Bella
was being admitted. Digging inside she found the toiletries bag, pulled it out and handed it
to Bella, then got up and grabbed the small plastic wash basin. She put a small amount of
water in it and then held it up in front of her friend, as Bella eased the bed into a semi-

upright position, wincing slightly at the change.

Bella brushed her teeth, then considered brushing them again but put the toothbrush away.

"Much better," she mumbled, leaning her head back, the small effort of brushing her teeth
having exhausted her somewhat. It was then a blond male nurse came into the room to
take her vitals and explain the medication pump for pain. He explained how to keep on top
of it, not letting the pain get too bad before medicating, then asked if she would like

anything for breakfast.

"What are my options?" Bella asked carefully.

The nurse, whose name was Mike, chuckled, "You get to choose, green or red Jell-O?"

Bella grunted and made a face but relented, "Red."

"I'll be right back." Mike winked and turned to leave the room to quickly track down the

food cart.

"He's cute," Rosalie stated, her eyebrow raised; she was relentless with trying to fix Bella‟s
single status. Bella just rolled her eyes, while Emmett just laughed and shook his head.
Mike returned with Bella‟s Jell-O and a juice box, along with a reminder for her to keep

ahead of the pain, then left the room.

Later that afternoon Bella's surgeon came by to check on her. As long as everything looked
ok and she didn't get an infection in her incision, she could go home in two days. He gave
strict orders for her to be up and moving to the bathroom as soon as possible and he
wanted her getting up and around the room by the following morning. Bella nodded in

understanding and thanked the doctor for taking care of her.

Soon after her surgeon left, Rose and Emmett decided it was time to head out themselves
and said their goodnights to Bella, with a reminder about what both Mike and her surgeon
had said, keep ahead of the pain, especially while getting up and around so they could

break her out of this joint as soon as possible.

Bella chuckled and agreed to do as she was told. As soon as they left Bella felt the urge to
use the restroom, of course as soon as Rosalie leaves. She lowered the bedrail and
carefully eased her legs over the side. Just this small amount of movement had her slightly
light headed and winded. She was just working up the strength to stand when somebody

walked into the room.

"Edw..Dr. Cullen." Bella saw Edward's smile at her being flustered to see him. He looked

tired, and had a set of scrubs on instead of his lab coat and tie.

"You look about as bad as I'm sure I do right now. Long night?" He grinned her favorite
slanted smile and softly agreed.

"We were pretty busy," he said, and then motioned to his outfit, "I got puked on."

"Well that sounds,” Bella shook her head at the thought, “um, gross?" She couldn't help but
laugh, which only made her flinch at the movement. Her legs were over the side of the bed,
and she tried to scoot forward to rest them on the floor. Edward immediately walked over

to assist.

"Thanks," Bella glanced at him shyly then looked at the floor.

"What are you trying to do?" Edward kept his hand securely on her elbow.

"I'm supposed to get up and move around, and, you know, use the restroom." She trailed

off the last part quietly while motioning toward the bathroom.

"Here, let me help." Together they walked very slowly to the bathroom. Bella grabbed the
rail on the wall for support and turned to stop him when Edward began to enter the

bathroom with her.

"I can take it from here." Edward flushed, embarrassed at his mistake, and let go of her

arm.

"I'll just wait right here, outside." They both gave a small laugh and Bella nodded her head
in agreement, and then shut the door. After washing her hands, Bella opened the door and
Edward resumed his position at her elbow.

"Thanks," Bella said as she began easing herself back into bed. Edward reached out and
helped slide her back under the covers and then pulled them up to just above her lap. She
felt as if she was being tucked in, and to be honest, it didn't feel entirely weird. There was

something about Edward's beside manner. Or maybe it's just something about Edward?

"What brings you by? I thought after I was declared a surgical patient I'd be out of your
hair." Bella smiled to show she was teasing him. Edward gave a small quick nod and

looked away, then turned back, the most breathtaking crooked smile gracing his face.

Bella briefly wondered if licking Dr. Cullen's face would be in line with her liquid only diet
restrictions. As soon as the thought occurred to her, she internally rolled her eyes at

herself.

"It's true, you are no longer an ER patient, but you were by far my most enjoyable patient
of the night, with the no puking on me, and no sharing of viral germs. I have to admit, I
was sad to move on to the next patient once they took you away."

"Aww, you say such sweet things."

Were they flirting? Was she really flirting with Edward Cullen? The Edward Cullen from
high school? The Edward Cullen who happened to have performed a very personal exam on

Bella's lower extremities just twelve hours before?

And with that thought, Bella was brought back to reality; he was a doctor, she was a

patient. He was obviously a very good doctor and was just checking up on her.

"Well I'm glad I could help ease some of your suffering. The Demerol you prescribed me did

wonders for mine." They both laughed, and then were quiet.

Edward glanced at his watch, running his hands through his hair. "Well I should probably let
you get some rest; I just wanted to make sure everything went ok."

"Thanks, my prognosis is good, I think I'll live." An awkward silence hung, neither of them

really knowing what else to say.

"OK, well, I'm heading out," he paused. "My shift‟s over," he explained.

Bella nodded her head. "Well, thanks again. I mean, for stopping by."

It was Edward's turn to nod.

"Do you want this light on?" He picked up the string connected to the light over her bed.

"Actually, I was thinking I'd probably get some sleep, so you can turn it off." Bella looked
up at him through her lashes and smiled. Edward did as she asked and placed his hand

softly on her shoulder.

"Goodnight Bella." Not really having anything else to say, Bella watched as he turned and

left the room, shutting the door gently behind him.

After he was gone, Bella hit the button for her IV pain meds and as she drifted off, her last
thought was that Edward had called her Bella. Did he remember her too?

"Do you remember Bella Swan?" Edward stopped chopping the onion and turned to his twin
sister, Alice. They were making their regular Thursday night enchiladas, something that
was important to both of them. The only time they missed it was when Edward was called

into work.

"No, should I?" Alice continued rolling the tortillas and motioned for Edward to get back to
chopping.

"She went to Forks High." Edward explained. Both he and Alice had been a grade ahead of

Bella, but the school just wasn't that big.

Alice reached over and grabbed the green enchilada sauce she made from the Anaheim

peppers and prepared to pour it on the enchiladas. "What did she look like?"

"Petite, long brown hair, brown eyes..." Edward gave a quick description.

"Nope, not ringing a bell; that's pretty vague Edward," Alice laughed. She had been pretty
active in high school and considering most of the times Edward saw Bella were in the
library, it wasn't a complete surprise she didn't remember. "Why?"

"She was a patient in the ER last night-appendicitis," he replied.

"Oh. You remembered her?" Alice stopped what she was doing and turned toward Edward

to give him her full attention.

Edward immediately knew what Alice was getting at, she was well of Edward's agreement
with Kate to not date anybody their senior year. Edward had never mentioned any girls
from school before, he knew she couldn't help but be intrigued by their current
conversation.

"She studied in the library a lot," Edward answered offhandedly.

"With you?" Alice could be persistent, like a shark smelling blood.

"No, not with me. I just saw her in there a lot." Edward finished with the onions and
spread them out over the enchiladas.

"Oh." Alice smirked and grabbed the shredded cheese and began pouring it over the top.

"What?" Edward grabbed the casserole dish and put it in the oven.

"Nothing. You've just never mentioned her before. You've never mentioned any girls from

your year of chastity before." Alice giggled.

"Shut it, Alice." Edward gave her a sideways glance and set the timer on the oven.

"I didn't say anything bad!" Alice demanded.

"Oh please, you were getting in a dig about Kate." Edward shook his head and sat down on

a bar stool at the counter.

"Well, she was a whore." Alice loved to remind Edward about Kate's indiscretions while they

were apart.

At first they didn't talk about what had happened with Kate. Alice, being Edward's twin,
knew when he was sensitive. It had taken about a year before she could start getting
snarky about the situation without him getting pissed and storming off.

To say Alice was against Edward's plan to return to Chicago for Kate and school was an
understatement. Alice had never really liked Kate, and it was the first and last time Edward

would disregard her intuitions toward a girl he was dating.

He hadn't found out about Kate until after he had moved back to Chicago. When he found

out, he had been crushed.

Edward had spent their year apart constantly fighting his teenage urges, and the girls in
school had not made it easy on him. Then to find out Kate had pretty much said yes to
anybody who asked, and then said yes to anything they asked her to do, well, it pretty

much destroyed his faith in women for a couple of years.

The two years that followed the discovery of Kate‟s deception were called “Edward's making
up for lost time” years. He readily admitted they were not his best, and he's ashamed of
the way he handled things. Those years were followed by the "Edward stops dating, or
rather, fucking around, and got serious about school" years. AKA, his family- (everyone but
Alice that was) questioned his sexuality no matter how many times he said he liked chicks

but just didn‟t have time to deal with a relationship, years. Almost two years to be exact.

As he entered med school Edward began to date again. He even had a somewhat lengthy
relationship with another med student in his class, Michelle. Michelle and he were perfect
on paper, both were aggressive in their studies, both aiming to be in pediatrics, and both
realized school came before their relationship at this time, romance could come after
graduation. Dating Michelle had been easy, but in the end they agreed they were better off
as friends. Six months after they broke up, Michelle was engaged to one of their professors

from the previous year.

Edward shook himself out of his nostalgia. "Yeah, she was." Alice snickered.

"So, what brought Bella Swan up?" Alice was back on the scent.

"I told you, she was a patient in the ER," Edward replied. He got up from his chair and
pulled a bottle opener from the drawer by the sink. Alice handed him the bottle of red wine

he had brought with him for dinner and he popped the cork.

"Yes, but you said you remembered her from high school," Alice persisted, handing him two
wine glasses.

"I do," he agreed.

"Edward." Alice took a sip of her wine. She hated it when he was difficult.

"Alice." Edward was beginning to regret bringing Bella up. He wasn't even sure why he had
done it. It was like dangling a bone in front of a dog and begging it to come take it.

"Tell me about Bella," Alice said pointedly. Edward sighed, definitely regretting bringing the

topic up.

"There's nothing to tell. I was just wondering if you remembered her or not. She went to
high school with us and happened to be a patient of mine last night." Edward finished his

glass of wine and poured another.

"Edward." Alice stared at him until he looked her in the eyes. Her face brightening, and
jaw dropping at what she saw. "You like her!" She yelled.

"Wha..?" Edward looked stunned, his head shaking in an immediate denial.

"Don't deny it; you know I can tell when you're lying. Did you like her in school? Oh my
God, did you pass up an opportunity with her while being faithful to The Whore of Chicago?"

Alice was practically screaming the last part. Yes, he was definitely regretting this topic.

"Alice!" Edward rolled his eyes and snapped.

"Tell me about her Edward!" She demanded. Just then the oven timer signaled dinner was
ready. Saved by the bell...

"I'll get that, you start talking." Or not. It's like she could read his mind.

"There's nothing to tell," Edward started, but the look from Alice clearly showed she wasn't
having it. "I didn't know her in high school. I knew her name; we studied in the library at
the same time. Sometimes we smiled at each other in the hallway. I thought she

was...interesting. Pretty," he finished.

"You thought she was pretty?" Alice's eyes softened and her voice went all girly.

"Yes." Edward couldn't help but laugh at his sister‟s expression. You would have thought
he had told her he proposed to somebody.

"So what happened?" Alice began dishing out their enchiladas and they took a seat at the
table to eat.

"I kept my promise to Kate." They were both quiet for a moment, his dejection still hanging

in the air.

"So...appendicitis? That sounds miserable. Did everything go OK?" Alice asked, knowing

her brother would have followed up on Bella's surgery.

"She's fine. I stopped by her room on my way out after my shift," he smirked.

"Good," was all she said as she winked at him, then the conversation was over. “Did you
get the email mom sent? I swear if she gives me one more „forward this email‟ I‟m signing
her up to every porn site on the net and losing the password.” Edward busted out a laugh
and almost choked on his enchilada. The subject was officially changed and they finished

their dinner, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn‟t stop thinking about Bella Swan.

Chapter – 4

Bella woke up around seven the following morning. Her pain was more intensive, but she
knew the only way she would be discharged the following day would be if she were up and
walking around. Taking a deep calming breath, she hit the button on her pain meds, then
set her bed in an upright position and prepared for her journey to the bathroom.

It was a slow progress, but Bella made it to and from the bathroom without incident. Sitting

back in bed she flipped on the TV and surfed through the basic cable channels, settling on
The Mythbusters. The aide from the cafeteria brought in breakfast; she had been upgraded
from liquids to soft foods. Bella had scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs that tasted a little like
cardboard. Rose returned around mid-morning and helped Bella get in the shower.

"Rosalie?" Bella called from the bathroom.

"Yeah?" came her muffled reply.

"Um, I need our help," Bella's voice was hesitant.

Rosalie opened the door and peeked her head inside, seeing Bella's head just around the
shower curtain. "What do ya need?"

"I, uh, can't reach."

"Reach what...?" Rosalie asked skeptically.

"Look, let‟s just get this out there. This is as awkward for me as it is for you; probably more
so for me as it's my body,” Bella blurted out quickly. Then taking a deep breath she
continued, “I'm having trouble cleaning my...feet. And other stuff. My butt, I need help
cleaning my butt, it hurts when I try to twist, even just a little.” Bella closed her eyes in
humiliation.

"Whoa, your feet? OK. Your ass? No way, that's what you have a nurse for," Rosalie
laughed, pointing toward Bella‟s closed room door and the nurse‟s station beyond it.

"I'm not calling the nurse, Rose. It's Mike again. I can't ask him to help me in the shower,
it's uncomfortable. Come on, I'd do it for you!" Bella pleaded. She saw Rosalie‟s eyes light
up at the mention of her nurse Mike. “No,” Bella reiterated.

"Fine. But just so you know, you owe me. Like...big. We're taking our friendship to a new
level here; I fully expect my payback to represent that." Rosalie relented and held out her
hand for the washcloth.

"Duly noted," Bella sighed.

After her shower, Bella dressed in the soft pajamas Rosalie had brought for her and
prepared for her first attempt around the nurses station. It was slow going, and as soon as
she was back in bed she had to re-medicate, but she was successful and proud of herself.
Mike congratulated her and informed her they would be removing the pain med pump that
afternoon and switching her over to a regular prescription of Vicodin pills. Bella thanked him
and let her eyes drift close for a well deserved nap.

Edward arrived at the hospital for his shift early. Entering the lobby, his feet took over and
as if on autopilot he walked to the elevators and hit the up button.

"What am I doing?" he muttered to himself. He was about to turn around and walk away
just as the doors opened, and without another thought he walked in and hit the button for
the third floor.

Edward didn't have a plan on what he would say when he got to Bella's room, even though
he had spent hours the night before thinking about her after Alice had left for the evening.
The thoughts of her had made falling asleep difficult and he was in dire need of a caffeine
hit.

He turned the corner and headed toward her room. The door was closed and Edward
hesitated, what if she was sleeping. Or worse, what if she wasn't? He still did not have a
plan on what to say. He raised his hand and hesitated, then gently knocked twice. There
was a good chance it wasn't loud enough for anybody in the room to hear, and Edward
rolled his eyes at his actions.

"Come in," came her soft reply.

Edward slowly opened the door and peeked his head in the room. Bella was awake, and the
blonde, who had been in the ER with her, had returned. Edward's mouth went dry and
anxiety hit him in the gut. Now not only did he not know what to say to Bella, but he'd have
to do it in front of her friend.

He quickly swallowed his panic and entered her room.

"Hi." Edward dropped his head down and looked up at Bella sideways with a shy smile.

"Hi Dr. Cullen." Bella's return smile was warm and inviting. He opened his mouth to say
something but before he could get it out, the blonde stood up and shoved her hand in his
face.

"Rosalie," she announced as he took her hand and shook it. Her grip was firm and Edward
couldn't help but smirk.

"Edward Cullen,” he replied pointing at his chest with his other hand.

"Dr. Cullen was my ER doctor," Bella supplied helpfully.

"ER doctor?" Rosalie's eyebrow rose. Her question obvious, even with out being further
voiced.

"Pediatrics actually, I'm in my ER rotation now," Edward corrected. The silence that followed
was slightly uncomfortable. Rosalie walked to Bella's bed and sat in the chair beside it; both
women now looking at him and waiting.

Edward's heart began to race as he shifted from foot to foot, unsure of what to really say,

when Bella spoke up as if sensing his unease.

"I have to admit, I've had excellent care here. My doctors have been amazing and very
attentive. I may even have to go online and rave. Five stars for sure." Edward chuckled at
her rambling and the blush that quickly followed.

Beautiful.

Again an awkward silence settled on the room. Edward glanced at the door and as he was
about to say he needed to head back down for his shift, Rosalie stood and announced she
was going to the cafeteria for a drink. As she turned to grab her purse, Edward swore she
winked at him. She leaned down to kiss Bella's cheek and then swiftly left the room.

They were alone now and Edward's heart was pounding. Bella smiled and looked down at
her lap.

"I know this is weird, and I'm sorry," he started, and Bella looked up quickly, shaking her
head slightly and opening her mouth to say something, as he paused for a second, trying to
find the words. "Did you go to Forks High School?" he blurted out, already knowing the
answer but hoping to confirm nonetheless.

Bella's face registered the shock at his question and her blush returned. Slowly she nodded
her head, "Yeah" she answered quietly, her eyes never leaving his.

"Me too." Edward pointed at his chest, glancing around the room nervously.

Bella smiled widely, "I know."

His eyes popped back to hers and he grinned back.

He was just about to say something about seeing her around school when his pager went off
startling him. He pulled it from his pocket and looked at it quickly, letting out a frustrated
sigh.

"There's a trauma coming in,” Edward's eyebrows furrowed as he frowned, “I need to get
back downstairs." Edward continued to look at his pager, and then shoved it back in his
pocket frustrated.

"Thanks for coming by," Bella said softly. He smiled and looked down nodding his head.

Edward turned and headed for the door, looking back over his shoulder as he opened the
door, "You get discharged tomorrow?"

Bella nodded yes, and Edward did the same, and then gave her another wide smile as he
walked out of the room.

As he entered the hallway, he couldn't help but breathe out a huge frustrated breath as he
looked up at the ceiling. “I‟m a tool,” he laughed humorlessly. He was off tomorrow and she
would be leaving. He wasn't sure what to do about that.

"Damn B!" Rosalie practically yelled as she exploded through the door. Bella noticed the
white container in Rose's hand. So she did go to the cafeteria. Bella wouldn't have put it
past her to listen at the door. She had seen the look in her eyes as Rosalie had kissed her
cheek. Rose would be a woman on a mission now. Bella couldn't help but think maybe that
wouldn't be a bad thing...

Rosalie looked at her friend expectantly. "Well?"

"What?"

"Do NOT be coy Bella. Who was he, and Oh. My. God. He was hot!" Rosalie plopped back
down into the chair next to Bella's bed, opening the salad she had purchased for lunch. "And
don't even think of giving me 'he was my ER doctor', we've established that," she said
pointing her fork at Bella and stopping her friend just as she began to open her mouth.

Bella couldn't help but smile, Rose knew her well. "OK, but before the Spanish Inquisition,
help me out of bed, I need to use the bathroom." Bella began adjusting the bed while Rose
sat her salad down and lowered the bed rail.

"Just don't ask me to wipe your ass for you, because I have limits." Bella glared daggers at
her friend. Obviously, Rose was never going to let the shower incident go. Bella would have
to bake her a bribe cake, her very own version of hush money; something rich and
chocolaty to keep Rose‟s silence.

"I just have to pee, your limits won't be breached. Yet," Bella gritted out, giving Rose a
pointed look. If she needed somebody to wipe her butt, Rose would do it and they both
knew it. However, Bella had limits too, and that was a line she wasn't crossing either.

Rosalie helped Bella stand and hovered next to her as they walked to the bathroom, then
stood outside until she was finished. When she emerged Rose began to guide her back to
the bed but Bella opted to take a walk around the floor, doing as her surgeon had requested
and walking as much as she could. The care at the hospital may have been exceptional, but
Bella had no intentions on staying any longer than she needed to.

"So...tell me about the DILF," Rosalie began as they made their way slowly from Bella‟s
hospital room.

"DILF?"

"Just substitute 'doctor'," Rose explained. Bella laughed and shook her head at her friend.

"Well, he was my ER doctor,” Bella began, earning her a disapproving look from Rosalie.

"But we actually went to high school together. Sort of."

"Sort of?"

"He was a senior, I was a junior," Bella continued. "We didn't actually 'know' each other. I
saw him around campus and in the library a lot. He didn't date. Apparently, he had a
girlfriend in Chicago he was planning on returning to after graduation."

"Wow, committed at seventeen." Rose was a little impressed.

"Yeah, drove the girls in school insane. Everyone wanted to land him and took it as a
personal challenge." Bella laughed at the memory.

"Everyone?" Rose challenged with a smirk, pinching Bella gently on the arm.

"I was not trying to land him; I was way too shy and boring in high school." Bella swatted
her friend's hand away.

"Well, if you ask me, from the looks of things today I'd say he might have been game for a
little landing on your part." They stopped by the window in the hall and looked out at the
small park built for patients to relax in.

Bella didn't respond; she was too busy wondering what exactly was going on. Edward Cullen
remembered her from school. Would that be enough to keep bringing him back by to see
her? Would he stop by again? He had mentioned a trauma coming in; he would probably be
busy for most of the day. Would she see him again before she was discharged?

"Bella?" Rosalie brought her back to the present.

"Huh?"

"Whatcha thinking about?" Rose asked slowly, drawing out the question.

"I'm thinking about baking thank you cupcakes." Bella smiled at her friend and Rosalie
smiled back, nodding her head knowingly.

"I think that's a fantastic idea." They turned around and headed back to Bella's room.

Bella turned to her friend, “So what flavor do you bake as a thank you for the hot doctor
who‟s felt your ovaries?” Rosalie stopped walking, her mouth dropping open and to gape at
her friend. Bella giggled and continued on back to her room.

Chapter – 5

The ER had been insane today and Edward was exhausted. Things would be a lot better
once some of the staff started feeling better and the remaining employees weren't so
overworked. This season's Flu was hitting the area hard.

Edward looked at his watch and realized just how late it was. He had wanted to visit with
Bella again before his day off, knowing she was leaving in the morning. That had turned out
to be a bust with the level of patients that had infiltrated the hospital that day.

Edward ran his hand through his hair in frustration and slammed his locker closed. He didn't
really know exactly what was bothering him, but something about Bella being discharged in
the morning and not being able to see her again was stressing him out.

He headed out to his car waving to people as he went that bid him goodnight. Despite his
frustration, he really was looking forward to having the day off. Things had been so hectic
and he was stretched beyond his limits lately. Edward planned to sleep in, hit the gym and
check in with his parents for an early dinner. He briefly mulled over swinging by the hospital
before going to the gym and immediately disregarded the thought. Frowning, he started the
car and shifted to reverse, heading out of the hospital parking lot.

Can you say stalker?

The drive home was short, as soon as he‟d gotten his residency established Edward had
found an apartment close by, knowing there would be days when every minute he could
spare for sleep would count, and a long drive would work against him. Minutes later,
Edward pulled into his apartment complex and parked. He loved his apartment, or rather
townhouse. When he first graduated Edward had considered buying a house, not really
liking the idea of living up or downstairs from possibly noisy neighbors. However, he also
knew there would be times when he wouldn‟t be able to keep up maintenance on a house,
and being a resident he didn‟t earn enough to hire people to take care of those things for
him. Instead he settled on a townhouse, which he purchased as an investment. He only had
one attached neighbor, an elderly woman named Emma, who loved to cook for him in
return for the occasional check up or prescription for her arthritis, along with minor handy
man work when he had the time.

As he walked up to his door he saw a Tupperware container with a note attached, from
Emma, thanking him for fixing the clogged drain in her kitchen sink. Edward smiled to
himself and unlocked the door, taking the container inside with him. He opened it and found
a pasta dinner ready to be heated in the microwave. Thank you Emma!

The following morning, after a brief visit from her surgeon, Bella was discharged from the
hospital. She had been hoping to see Edward again, thinking he might stop by, and
beginning to think she had made up what appeared to be mutual attraction between them.
Then she felt a little foolish for getting worked up either way. For one thing, it was still
pretty early in the day and from what she had seen he worked afternoons or evenings. For

another, she had no business getting stressed or thinking about mutual anything with
Edward. He was her doctor. Her extremely attractive doctor, who happened to remember
her from high school, and had come to visit her. Twice. Ugh, this is why Bella hated dating.

Dating, now I'm considering this dating? Rose's right, I'm completely socially inept.

Speaking of Rose, Bella had called Rosalie to come spring her from her sterilized jail an hour
earlier and she couldn't help but start to get slightly annoyed at how long it was taking her.
Just as she was picking up her cell to call again, Rosalie and Emmett walked in followed by
Bella's favorite nurse, Mike pushing a wheelchair.

"Your chariot milady," Mike motioned to the chair.

"Why thank you, kind sir!" Bella played along and carefully made her way over to the chair
while Emmett and Rose loaded a cart up with Bella's personal items.

"You know, I'm sad to see you go, you were my favorite patient," Mike winked at her, and
Bella lowered her head blushing.

"Well, thank you, you were a fantastic nurse," Bella smiled politely, slightly worried Mike
might get the wrong idea and try to ask her out. That would be awkward. Of course he
didn‟t, and then Bella felt ridiculous for having been anxious about the whole thing. Emmett
went for the car while Mike parked Bella‟s wheelchair curbside and set the breaks. Minutes
later Emmett‟s Audi pulled up, and Bella got in the backseat while Rose and Emmett loaded
her things in the back. She glanced back at the hospital and waved at Mike, who was still
standing next to the wheelchair, and wondered if Edward was somewhere inside.

It had been a week since Bella's surgery and she was finally getting back into the groove of
her regular routine. She had closed her bakery down for the first four days, with a note
posted on the door about a medical emergency in the family. For her current clients, she
gave references to other local bakeries, knowing it was risky, but also knowing she couldn't
leave her clients high and dry. However, by the fifth day, she couldn't sit at home any
longer and headed in to the shop just to get out of the house.

She checked her messages first and found fifteen calls for specialty orders. She immediately
set to calling each back. By noon Bella had returned all her calls and had a full schedule set
through the following week. She even agreed to a simple cake request for a little girl‟s third
birthday, which was needed by the end of the day. Bella smiled as she grabbed her apron,
turned the oven on to preheat and began collecting the ingredients she would need. She
was back in her zone. While mixing up the cake batter, Bella decided to follow through on
her plans to bake thank you cupcakes for Dr. Cullen.

She mixed up a marble swirl, prepped the pan, and baked the cupcakes while the ordered
birthday cake cooled. After the cake was finished and her client called, Bella went back to
the cupcakes. At first she was going to do a simple frosting with sprinkles, but then decided
to be creative and made little stethoscope designs on top. It was six o'clock by the time she

had cleaned up everything and closed up shop.

She hesitated momentarily, in her car, then finally made the decision to head toward the
hospital. Bella had no idea if Edward was working, but thought an offhanded approach
would come off less awkward if she had misinterpreted his actions.

After parking her car in the visitor lot of the hospital, she was proud of herself for only
taking five minutes to pull her nerves together. She quickly chastised herself and got out of
the car.

At first Bella wasn't sure which entrance to go through, she could of course go through the
ER, as he had said he was on rotation there. Or, she could go to the main help desk and
have him paged. She quickly decided to head for the main desk, mostly hoping to avoid
Jessica, the wonderful ER front desk attendant from her last visit.

Those hopes were quickly dashed as she realized it was inching close to seven in the
evening and the main desk was vacant. With a sigh, Bella followed the signs leading back to
the emergency room.

Of course Jessica was manning the desk and when Bella asked if Dr. Cullen was working,
she was given a scrutinizing once over. "Do you have an appointment?" her voice was
patronizing.
"No," Bella answered simply. Did she really ask if I had an appointment? For the ER? Bella
couldn't help but slightly roll her eyes.

There was an uncomfortable silence as Jessica seemed to be waiting for Bella to say
something. "Is he available?" she asked again.

"Just a moment," Jessica snipped. Unbelievably it took another five minutes before she
finally had Edward paged over the intercom. What. The. Hell?

Another five minutes passed before Bella saw Edward walk up to reception. He looked tired
and was once again wearing scrubs. She wondered if he'd had another unfortunate vomiting
episode. Bella felt her stomach drop when the nurse standing behind the counter pointed
back toward the waiting room and Edward looked over and catching her eyes. At first he
looked shocked, but then he slowly smiled until he let out a small laugh, then pointed to the
doors and walked to open them.

"Hi." He looked genuinely pleased to see her and it made Bella blush.

"Hi." They stood not really knowing what to say to each other.

"Oh, I brought you these, as a thank you, you know, for taking such great care of me."
Bella held up the cupcake carrier, her face was flaming now, and she was beginning to feel
stupid about the whole thing.

"Really?" He looked surprised, taking the carrier over to the reception desk and opening it.
His mouth dropped at the sight of six cupcakes with the delicate and detailed medical
decorations. "Thank you," he breathed out. He looked up at her, surprise and awe in his
eyes.
Bella looked over and noticed the small audience of front desk workers currently watching
her talk to Edward. Could her face get redder? She wouldn't have thought so, but with
Edward looking at her so intently, and the woman at the front desk scrutinizing her every
move, it felt as though she would reach new blazing levels.

Edward looked up at the same time and frowned at the nosy women until they looked away.
He closed up the cupcakes and waved for Bella to follow him. He made his way to the
doctors‟ lounge and held the door open for her. As soon as he set the carrier down he re-
opened it and grabbed a cupcake. Peeling back the paper cup, he took a large bite, moaning
in delight.

"Thank you, really...Thank you," he said again, closing his eyes and enjoying the swirled
treasure in his mouth.

"You're welcome," Bella laughed, glad he was enjoying her offering.

"You didn't have to you know, I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm glad you did," he laughed,
“but as a doctor I was sort of required to treat you," he teased.

Bella grinned and nodded her head. "I know. And I'm glad you like them."

"I do."

They stood looking at each other for a minute, when suddenly Edward's pager began to
beep. Sighing in frustration, he grabbed it off his hip and read the message. "I'm sorry,
there's a peds patient coming in..." he trailed off.

"Oh, no I understand, I'll let you get back to work." Bella looked around the room and
spotted a paper plate, "do you mind if I unload these and take the carrier back?" She felt a
little bad about having to do that, but she used the carrier a lot.

"Oh, of course." Edward helped her place the cupcakes onto the plate and then stood up,
unsure of what to do next.

"Well it was good.."

"I'm really glad you came by," they both started at the same time and laughed.

Edward swallowed and began again, "I'm glad you came by, I was wondering how you were
doing."

Bella looked up shyly through her eyelashes and smiled. "I'm ok. A little sore today, I need

to head home and get some rest."

"Yes, take care of yourself," he agreed and then again they stood, not knowing what else to
say and yet neither wanting to leave.

"I really have to go," he frowned and pointed with his thumb over his shoulder at the door.
Bella nodded again and grabbed the cupcake carrier, turning to head out.

"Can...can I get your number?" Edward asked hesitantly.

"Yeah," Bella grinned, "can I see your cell phone?" She held out her hand expectantly.

"Uh, sure." Edward reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone, then handed it to her.
She quickly dialed her own, letting it ring once before disconnecting and saving the number
to his address book. She handed him his phone back, smiling, a little smugly, that she now
had his number also.

"Thanks." His eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement. As they left the lounge, Bella could
feel the heat of his palm on her lower back, as he gently guided her from the room.

There was something about the way he did it, so offhanded and gentlemanly and familiar,
that surprised her. But what surprised her more was that it felt so right.

He watched as Bella left the building, then turned to the front desk and began looking
through the charts.

"Dating a patient Edward?" Jessica asked, turning toward him in her chair and crossing her
legs, allowing her skirt to rise slightly up her thighs.

"Jessica, I don't know what you talking about," he said trying to hide his annoyance by the
interruption. Jessica was always snooping into Edward's private life. She'd made no secret
of her desires for him, which he had politely declined since his first day. He tried to be
subtle, not wanting to hurt her feelings but Jessica didn‟t seem to notice; she was
persistent.

"The sickly looking one with dark hair, the one who brought you the baked goods; she was
a patient here, wasn't she?" Jessica persisted, slowly turning back and forth in her chair,
watching him.

Edward sighed in irritation. "Yes, she was, and no, I'm not dating a patient." He hoped the
lack of pronoun wouldn't be obvious. Of course it was semantics, it could, in fact, be
construed that he was dating a patient. Edward didn't agree; it's not as though he could
control who came through the doors of the hospital and he wasn't currently treating Bella.
He decided to keep it vague, go with a denial and hope that Jessica dropped the whole
thing. He was sure legally he was doing nothing wrong, but scrutiny at work was a hassle he
did not need. He was a professional and didn't need that challenged by some hormonally

driven coworker with boundary issues.

"You know, any time you want to get out, or,” she smirked and raised her eyebrows,
“relieve stress, I'm here. We could go for drinks." Jessica pressed.

Edward gave a fake smile, "Thanks, but that's probably not a good idea. I'm not dating a
patient and it would be a bad idea to date a coworker," he tried to be polite.

"Well, let me know if you change your mind." She was trying for seductive but mostly came
off as desperate as she ran her finger down his arm from his bicep to his hand. He fought
the urge to cringe at the contact.

"I will," he replied, nodding his head and grabbing the file he needed and leaving the
reception area.

Chapter – 6

Edward finished his shift in the best mood he'd had in, weeks? Months? Hell, in the best
mood he'd ever had. He couldn't remember the last time he was this giddy over a girl. Bella
had brought him cupcakes. Delicious, adorable, doctor themed cupcakes. And then she gave
him her phone number. Not only did she give him her number, but by using his own cell to
do it, she now had his too. Would she call him? No, he would make sure to call her first. He
wanted to be clear with his intentions. He glanced at his watch checking the time. It was
after eleven, he briefly considered calling her but decided against it. Surely it was too late,
or was it? Edward let out an exasperated sigh; he was so bad at this. He didn't want to look
desperate by calling too soon, but he also didn't want to play games.

He looked at his watch again and determined it was too late, calling was out. Instead, he
decided on sending her a text message. He quickly typed out another thank you for the
cupcakes, letting her know his co-workers had been extremely jealous, and he finally
relented and generously given two away. But only two. He hit send and then briefly
wondered if she would reply in the morning, and whether she would call or text him back.

Less than two minutes later his phone chimed with a message.

Then I'll bake you more. ;)

Bella replied. That means she's awake...

Edward immediately dialed her number without hesitation, not really knowing what he
would say when or even if she answered.

"Hello?" Bella's voice softly answered, sending tingles throughout his body. Edward
wondered briefly if she had been asleep, and if his text had woken her up.

"Hi, did I wake you?"

"No, I was actually just settling down for the night," she giggled as a huge yawn escaped
and she tried to stifle it.

Edward laughed when he yawned in return. "I was just about to turn in myself."

"Long day?"

"Yes and no." Edward pulled his shirt off and grabbed pajama pants from his dresser
drawer. "This Flu season is kicking our asses, but some of the residents who've been out
sick are back, so at least the shifts are beginning to ease up a little. Plus, somebody brought
me these delectable cupcakes today, so right there my day today ranks higher than any of
the others I‟ve had lately."

“I‟m glad you liked them. I‟ll be honest, I wasn‟t sure if it would be inappropriate,” Bella‟s
voice trailed off and Edward had to strain to hear her. They were both quiet for a minute. It
was now or never, he had to take a chance.

“Not at all,” he answered, almost in a whisper. “I‟m glad you came by. I..I wanted to see
you, but I wasn‟t sure if you‟d think that was inappropriate, considering the doctor, patient
thing. To be honest, I wasn‟t really sure what to do.” Edward chuckled nervously, stopping
as he realized he was pacing in his living room. She didn‟t say anything but he could hear
her breathing.

“Bella?” He was almost afraid she had fallen asleep. As nervous as he was feeling,
considering his strong desire to ask her out, he wondered if maybe her falling asleep
wouldn‟t be a good thing, postponing his anxiety a little longer.

“I‟m here,” she replied softly.

Edward sighed, “Honestly, I‟m glad you came by tonight. And the cupcakes were really
good, in fact good is not the right word, fantastic, delicious, when I ate them I‟m pretty sure
I saw God.” He heard her chuckle, followed by another yawn on the other end, and he
smiled.

“You should get some sleep; your body needs it to heal.” He immediately wanted to take
back his words, fearing she‟d see him as a doctor, or worse, her doctor. That was the last
thing he wanted. As far as he was concerned that aspect of their relationship ended as soon
as she left the emergency room.

“Yes Sir, Doctor Cullen.” Edward grimaced slightly at his correct assumption, but hearing
her quiet laugh and the smile in her voice he relaxed, silence once again settling between
them.

“Can I call you tomorrow?” he asked, hesitantly.

“I‟d like that.”

“Goodnight, Bella.”

“Goodnight, Edward.” He waited a few seconds until he heard her disconnect, then looked at
the display. They‟d been talking for ten minutes. He smiled and put the phone down, then
practically skipped to the bathroom for a quick shower before bed.


The following day at work was pretty much the same as usual lately. While the staff
members were slowly coming back, things were still intense and the patients continued in a
never ending stream. Before he knew it, Edward had skipped lunch and his stomach was
voicing its complaint. Loudly. After discharging his last patient, with directions to rest and
stay hydrated, he made his way to the cafeteria. Grabbing a sandwich and a Coke, he found
a quiet corner and enjoyed the few minutes of peace he would get until the end of his shift.
Thinking of Bella and his promise to call today, he began going over ideas on how to ask her
out. She had already said she didn‟t feel their current relationship, for lack of a better word,
was inappropriate, and he felt confident she would agree to dinner with him. So confident in
fact, he decided to go ahead and call for reservations; he could always cancel if she said no.
Please don‟t let her say no. After securing a table for two at a nice restaurant, he scrolled
his phone book to Bella‟s number, pausing briefly before hitting the call button.

He listened anxiously as the phone rang, beginning to worry over what he should say if he
had to leave a message. Should he ask her out over voicemail? Thankfully, she answered
before he had the chance to over think the entire scenario.

“Hello?” Bella‟s soft voice drifted through Edward, calming him immediately.

“Hi, Bella, it‟s Edward.”

“Hey, how are you? Busy today?”

“Terribly. I can‟t wait for my ER rotation to be over, this place is insane,” Edward chuckled.

“Maybe you should have gone into podiatry,” Bella giggled.

“No way, I‟d still have an ER rotation, only then, afterward, I‟d be stuck looking at feet all
day.” He could hear Bella laugh harder on the other end. Now was the time, he cleared his
throat, “Would you like to go to dinner with me?” he asked. “Tonight?” he amended.

There was a pause before she answered, “I‟d love to. What time?”

“I‟ll pick you up at seven thirty.” Edward couldn‟t stop the enormous grin that spread across
his face.

“Sounds good. Um, I‟ll text you directions, is that OK?” she asked.

“Perfect.”


Edward stood in front of his closet, showered and anxious. He skimmed through the shirts in
front of him, touching each one and pulling another out only to replace it moments later. He
was taking Bella to dinner and had no idea what to wear. He was officially a woman. He
walked to his bedside table and grabbed his cell phone, pausing for just a moment to take
in the ramifications of what he was about to do, then quickly pressing the number three
pre-set.

"What's up little brother?" Alice answered on the second ring.

Edward paused for a second, squinting his eyes and blowing out a deep breath. "I need your
help." He ignored the younger brother statement. She was seven minutes older than him,
which didn't exactly qualify him as younger in his book.

"With?" He could hear her chewing in the background and looked at his watch. It was six
forty five, he had exactly forty five minutes to get dressed and drive over to Bella's or he
would be late.

"I have a date. And… I don't know what to wear," he struggled to get the last part out.

He could hear her snort through the phone and the subsequent choking of whatever she
was eating as it went down the wrong pipe. Serves her right. He smiled.

"Seriously?"

"Yes, Alice, I'm serious."

"Wear the navy blue Henley with black jeans and your Docs. You look hot in those and less
like an uptight, pretentious, doctor."

"I'm not uptight, or pretentious," he defended himself.

"That's why I told you to wear the Henley I got you for your birthday with the black jeans
and Docs. I know you're not, but when you dress like a middle-aged pediatrician in pressed
khakis and a tie, you come off as slightly pretentious. On a date that is. Go, get dressed,"
Alice ordered, then continued, "and call me later, I want details."

"Yeah," Edward sighed and hung up.

He grabbed the shirt out of his closet, then pulled boxers and his jeans from his dresser and
quickly got dressed. He looked in the mirror and had to concede his sister was right, he
looked good. Staring at himself he tried to tame his hair, it was always a little unruly,

especially when he was due for a haircut. He grabbed some styling goo and messed with it,
still not having much luck but deciding he didn't have enough time to keep messing with it.
He nodded at his reflection and left the bathroom, shutting off the light behind him and
heading out to the living room to grab his keys off the kitchen bar. A quick look at his watch
told him he had thirty minutes left and he breathed a sigh of relief. He had plenty of time to
get to Bella's and not be late. He knew in the future there would be plenty of instances
when he'd be late, or even have to cancel altogether, but not tonight. Not on their first
date. He was determined to make a good impression. He was determined to get to know the
woman, the woman who the girl he'd watched in high school had turned out to be.

The drive to Bella's was only about fifteen minutes, and he walked up to her door at exactly
seven thirty, on the dot, and knocked twice without hesitation. A minute later Bella opened
the door. She was a vision, and almost took his breath away. She was dressed casually in
soft jeans that fit her curves perfectly, with a soft hunter-green button down v-neck
sweater.

Edward couldn't help the smile that split his face upon seeing her. She really was beautiful.
Even back in high school she had been pretty, but now, now she was...perfect? His mind
raced with a whirlwind of emotions. Shit, this was happening so fast. All he wanted was to
take her in his arms and kiss her. Did he really have to wait until after their date? Couldn't a
first kiss happen at the beginning? Who made those rules anyway?! Bella stood in front of
him holding the door, seeming to be in the same immobile state he was, as she looked him
over. The attraction was definitely mutual and that thought widened his grin, bringing out
the cutest crinkles in the corners of his eyes. He watched as she realized she was staring
and blushed, opening the door wider and motioning him in.

He crossed the threshold and looked around briefly.

"Are you ready?" he asked turning to her as she closed the door.

"Yeah, let me just grab my jacket," she smiled, almost shyly, while tucking her hair behind
her ear and easing past him so close he could feel her body heat.

He watched as she grabbed her coat and purse and walked back over to him. "OK, I'm
ready." She smiled at him as he opened her door for her and followed her back outside. He
stood to the side as she locked the door and then guided her back to his car with his hand
on the small of her back.

Edward noticed she seemed as nervous as he as they made their way to the restaurant, and
the drive was relatively quiet. He had the radio on with his iPod on the dock. "Do you mind
if I look?" she asked motioning to it.

"No, not at all, be my guest," he replied then smiled and motioned to the iPod in response.
Bella lifted it out and scrolled through his music. Edward's taste in music varied and he
believed he had a fairly good collection. He couldn't help but glace at her out of the corner
of his eye as they drove, watching her look through it.

"You've got a lot of stuff on here," she commented, then she busted out laughing. "TLC?
Really?"

Edward blushed and laughed in response. "That was their best album!" Bella just nodded,
smiling and returned to his iPod. She selected a Jack Johnson song and put it back on the
docking station. Edward looked over at her and smiled in approval.

It took about twenty minutes to get to the restaurant, Edward was taking Bella to a place on
Green Lake, they had missed the sunset, but the moon was full and the sky was clear, with
the heaters the restaurant would supply it would be lovely outside and quite romantic. Or at
least he hoped she would think it was.

"I've always wanted to come here!" Bella was surprised and excited by their destination and
Edward was pleased.

He parked the car, then got out and walked around, ready to open her door but she had
already begun to get out. Instead he held out his hand, which although she seemed
surprised, she took graciously. He closed the door behind her and once again placed his
hand on her lower back as they made their way to the front door.

He was perfect; absolutely perfect. Seriously, if she could make a list of everything she
found attractive in a guy, Edward would pop up on the page as the personification. How in
the hell did this happen? Bella wasn't this lucky. Hell, she hardly ever dated; how was it that
the first date she has in over four months was with her perfect guy?

First of all, when she opened the door? Holy Mother Mary, is fuckhot a word? Because that's
what popped into her head at the sight of him. Edward was, gah. She had no words other
than fuckhot. There he stood in front of her, dressed casually and yet still looking
fashionable. He could pass for a freaking GQ model. His cotton shirt fit just snug enough to
give the hint of the toned body underneath, and those jeans!! They looked tailored to his
body. The man had to work out daily. And then there was the Doc Martins. He looked more
like the boy she knew in high school than the doctor she had seen. She couldn't help but
stare in shock, with memory overload. Bella was glad her mouth didn't unhinge and drop
open on its own accord and embarrass her.

When they walked to the car, actually when the walked anywhere, he always had his hand
on her, guiding her gently in a protective manor; it made her heart beat pick up and her
skin warm. She wasn't used to guys treating her this way; apparently she needed to raise
her expectations. After tonight, Bella was sure she would be spoiled by Edward's
gentlemanly attention.

There was something about his touch, something warm and comfortable. He felt like home.
Get a grip B, you are getting ahead of yourself. She tried to distract herself from those
thoughts in the car with his iPod. He didn't seem to mind her perusing his selections, and
she couldn't help but laugh when she got to TLC. Wasn't he in elementary school when that

came out? For the most part they had surprisingly similar taste in music. He had quite the
eclectic selection, there was some stuff he had on there she didn't recognize but from the
rest she could only imagine she would like it herself. She settled on Jack Johnson, as it
seemed the perfect tone for a first date, comfortable but not too romantic and not too loud.

He smiled in approval of her song pick and they finished the ride to the restaurant
comfortably. When they arrived she opened the door and began to get out, then he reached
down and held out his hand to help her. It was probably the single most romantic thing any
man had ever done. When her hand slipped into his and their eyes met, each giving small
smiles, she felt the warmth all over. It was like a blanket covered her in his presence. A
warm, soft, delicious, snuggly blanket Bella was quickly becoming attached to.

GET. A. GRIP. B! Seriously, she was going to end up scaring him off with the vibrations of
her mental wanting.

It was then she noticed where they were, Beau Lac. She had always wanted to come here,
but had never had the opportunity, or the excuse to spend the money. She had heard the
prices were expensive and was a little nervous having Edward bring her here. She worried
he was spending too much on her. As they made their way to the front door, he once again
walked close to her and while she liked having his hand on her lower back, she imagined his
arm around her shoulder with her snuggled into his side, and shivered at the idea.

Edward gave his name to the hostess and after just a few moments they were being led to a
table for two outside. The air was cool, but there was a space heater placed near by that
made their arrangement comfortable. Edward pulled Bella's chair out, surprising her slightly
as they both smiled at one another.

After he was seated he took the wine list and looked it over. "Anything you'd prefer?"

"I actually don't drink wine. There was an unfortunate incident when I was twelve," Bella
said mischievously.

"I think I'm going to need to hear this," Edward laughed.

Their waiter came to the table and asked if he could get them anything from the bar,
knowing they wouldn't be ordering a bottle of wine, he looked up at Bella questioningly.
"Anything else you'd like?"

"A Bloody Mary?" Bella looked to Edward, her answer coming out more like a question.

"We‟d like a Bloody Mary and a Margarita, frozen, no salt please," Edward answered the
waiter.

"Oh wait, that actually sounds better, I'll have the same, frozen, no salt," Bella amended
smiling at the waiter.

"So you like Bloody Marys and Margaritas, but not wine," Edward pointed out
conversationally, "what happened with the wine?"

Bella gave a small embarrassed laugh. "Well, as I said, I was twelve. I had a friend come
over to stay the night, while my parents were gone for the evening,"

"Boy or girl?" Edward interrupted.

Bella looked at him questioning.

"Your friend, was it a boyfriend?" Edward inquired, staring intently. Bella felt a slight blush
grow.

"It was a girl Edward, I was twelve." Bella punctuated the twelve laughing.
"Hey, the details are important in these things!" he chuckled. Bella had the distinct
impression he was flirting, and she liked it. "I'm sorry, please continue." He waived his
hand.

"So my friend was staying the night, and my parents were out. There was a bottle of wine in
the refrigerator. The cork was still in it of course. I believe we poked it through with a
knife,” Bella looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully, “we drank the bottle, threw up and
passed out. I'm not really sure about the order on the last part," she admitted. "The hang
over the next day was horrible, and while my parents didn‟t notice, or at least didn‟t
mention anything, my friend was never allowed to stay again. And ever since I can barely
even tolerate the smell," she giggled.

Edward grinned, "Well that's too bad, sometimes there's not much that can rival an evening
by the fire with a glass of chardonnay. But then I suppose hot cocoa with Bailey's would be
a wonderful substitute."

Bella smiled and looked up at him shyly, agreeing, "I imagine that would be lovely."

They were quiet for a minute, neither of them talking, both looking out at the water. The
moon was full and the reflection on the water was mesmerizing.

"So," he started. Bella turned back giving him her attention. "The elephant," he finished
laughing. Bella looked at him questioning, although he thought he could see in her eyes
understanding as her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Forks High School," Bella paused for a moment, then nodded, and Edward gave her a slight
smirk nodding his head.

"I remember you," he continued quietly, looking down at his hands in his lap. "You went to
the library a lot, I saw you..." he trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

"I remember you too," she replied. She opened her mouth to continue as their drinks

arrived.

Edward quietly thanked their server, taking a drink and then turned his attention back to
Bella.

"You were a senior," she began again. "I don't know if you knew this, but all the girls had a
huge crush on you," Bella smirked.

"Yeah? All of them?" he flirted in return.

"Oh, definitely," Bella replied nodding her head enthusiastically. Edward laughed and took
another sip of his drink. "Of course it was well known you didn't date," Bella pointed out, as
she ran her finger down the ice on her glass and picked it up for a sip.

Edward frowned and looked up, his eyebrows furrowed. "I had a girlfriend back in Chicago,"
he explained. Bella gave him an understanding smile. "We agreed to a long distance
relationship. I was going to go to college back in Chicago, along with her and our friends,"
he continued, "so I remained faithful, while she toured the State of Illinois," he finished
sarcastically.

Bella's mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes wide, "She cheated?"

Edward gave a humorless chuckle, "That would be putting it lightly." He took another drink
of his margarita, enjoying the feel of the frozen liquor on his tongue.

"That...that's...I don't know what to say," Bella finished lamely. She shrugged, bewildered
by the thought. Edward just laughed.

"It sucked," he agreed laughing again, this time with more feeling.

"So was she your first?" Bella asked boldly, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth. She
couldn't bring herself to look at him with her question.

He coughed, choking on his drink slightly.

"Love, I mean!" Bella elaborated, completely embarrassed.

Still coughing, Edward grabbed his napkin and wiped his mouth and then began to laugh.
"She was," he admitted. "Both," he added smirking.

Bella shook her head, covering her face with her hands as they both laughed at their
conversation.

"What about you?" Edward asked.

"First love?" Bella quirked her eyebrow.

Edward nodded.

"First year of college, Mason Winters," Bella answered, as Edward's head snapped up in
recognition. Bella looked at him questioningly, "Did you know him?"

"Yeah," Edward replied, a looked crossed his face and Bella wasn't sure what it was,
surprise maybe? She felt a little uncomfortable.

"Sorry," he said quickly, waiving his hands, "I guess I'm a little surprised, he was..." Edward
searched for the right word, then finally settling on, "Popular."

Bella busted out laughing. "He was. I was actually surprised he had any interest in me, but
everyone kept saying college was different; people who didn't talk to you in high school
would suddenly be your best friend, etc. So, I went with it. I was...quiet in high school. I
wanted to be different, and he liked me, and I thought why not?"

A silence settled over them.

"So something you said is bothering me a little." Bella looked at him questioningly, subtly
prodding Edward to continue. "You said you were surprised he wanted you. Why where you
surprised?" he asked, honestly curious. Why would Mason be any different from any of the
other guys at school who he was sure were lined up to ask her out.

"Well, I was a wallflower, and shy, not to mention pretty ordinary looking. I guess I just
thought he was out of my league?"

"You're kidding right?"

"I was eighteen! I mean I know, now, that all my self depreciation back then was crap, but,
back then..." she shrugged.

Edward sighed, "Yes, school was hard," he relented.

"Indeed," Bella said, raising her glass for a toast. Edward picked up his and tapped his glass
to hers. "To growing up."

"And reconnecting," Edward added with a wink.

Chapter – 7

Dinner was everything Bella had expected it would be; Beau Lac was amazing and the food
exquisite. Being on a date with Edward was surreal. He was a complete gentleman- opening
doors, pulling out her chair, ordering their drinks and food, after making sure to ask what
she wanted. He even offered to share his entrée with her, and Bella agreed, offering him

some of hers in return. Both dishes were mouthwatering. When it came time for dessert,
the waiter offered to show them the dessert tray, but Bella declined stating she couldn't eat
another bite. The truth was she had made a raspberry trifle and was hoping Edward would
come inside, after dropping her off at home, and share some with her.

After paying for dinner, Edward asked Bella if she would be up for listening to some music.
There was a bluesy jazz band playing at Ego's and he was hoping she'd be willing to spend
more time with him. Bella excitedly agreed.

Ego's was a small bar; some might consider it a dive bar, nestled in the bottom floor of an
office building. It didn‟t seem a typical spot for such a place but Edward loved the
atmosphere. They kept the lights dim, and the music was generally mellow. It made a great
place to sit and hear good music while still holding conversation. The high booths afforded
privacy and the candles on the tables gave the hint of romance. On Saturday‟s they hosted
karaoke night and Edward wondered if Bella would enjoy going some time. Alice loved
karaoke night and dragged Edward as often as she could.

Bella slid into the booth first and Edward took the seat across from her. Immediately a
waitress sidled up to their table, asking if they wanted to order any drinks. Bella noticed
how the waitress stood closer to Edward, leaning over in what looked to be an alluring
attempt. She smirked to herself as Edward remained oblivious and ordered a Heineken,
then she ordered the same. They sat quietly for a while, enjoying the band and drinking
their beers.

“So tell me about yourself Bella Swan.” Edward leaned forward across the table, closer to
her.

“What, like from birth to age twenty-four?” Bella smiled.

“I was thinking more of likes and dislikes, but the story of your life sounds good too.”
Edward winked and laughed at her blush.

“It‟s a very boring story,” Bella waived him off, shaking her head, “is there anything in
particular you‟d like to know about?”

“Well I know you don‟t drink wine, due to unfortunate pre-teen trauma. What else don‟t you
like?” he asked, tipping the beer back and taking a long drink.

“Mushrooms,” she replied quickly, “what about you?”

“How can you not like mushrooms?” he asked incredulously, instead of answering her
question.

“They‟re gross. And slimy. And they smell funny. I mean I‟ll eat them if a dish has cream of
mushroom soup in it, or if they‟re cut up so small it‟s pointless to try and pick them out, but
my preference is to not eat them,” Bella explained.

“Fair enough I guess. Completely insane, but fair.” Bella swatted at him and they both
laughed.

“Now what about you?” Bella asked again.

“I‟m pretty neutral on most things; I‟ll try anything once. To be honest, I‟m not sure there‟s
really anything I won‟t eat or drink,” he answered. Then, after a moment‟s thought
continued, “Oh wait, I won‟t eat tapioca pudding.”

“Why?” Bella chuckled at the face he made when saying that.

“The texture; it drives me crazy. I spend forever with a mouth full of the pudding trying to
chew every little bubbly rice thing.” Bella let out a loud laugh at this, imagining Edward‟s
determination while eating the textured dessert. When she finally settled down, she took in
Edward‟s posture and the look of desire on his face and flushed again for a whole different
reason.

“It‟s getting late,” he mumbled, almost in a whisper. Bella nodded her head in agreement
and watched as Edward pulled a few bills from his wallet and laid them on the table. He
stood and held out his hand to her to help her from her seat. Taking it, she felt the warm
tingling sensation she always felt when he was near. Once she was upright, he did not let go
of her hand, instead holding it as they walked to his car, only letting go when he opened her
car door for her.

When they reached her apartment, Bella became nervous. She‟d made something sweet for
them for dessert but was nervous about asking him in.

"Would you like to come in for dessert?" she finally blurted the question out. She realized it
sounded innocent enough in her head but now that it was out of her mouth, she could hear
the suggestiveness of it and it made her cringe. Edward couldn't help but laugh at the look
on her face.

"I'd like that," he answered truthfully.

Bella giggled, shaking her head as she unlocked the door. She walked in then motioned for
Edward to follow and shut the door.

"Keys," she asked simply, holding out her hand, although it came out as a demand. Edward
smiled and dropped his keys into her waiting palm, then watched as Bella walked over to a
key hook and hung her key ring, along with his by the door.

"I have a tendency to lose them. So this makes my life easier," she smiled answering his
unasked question. Edward watched as Bella made her way to the kitchen, following her
silently. There was something so appealing in the way she moved, like she glided through
the room. Lovely. Bella walked to the refrigerator and grabbed her raspberry trifle and a

container of whip cream, then spooned out two portions on to plates, topping with the whip
cream. Edward walked over to the kitchenette table and sat down and Bella placed his plate
in front of him.

"This looks amazing," he complimented, taking a bite. He rolled his eyes back in his head
and let out a moan. "Unbelievable. I could get used to this," he said in mock seriousness.

Bella just laughed and winked, “Thank you. I really do enjoy baking, and it‟s nice when my
creations turn out to be a success. The raspberries are from the Farmer‟s Market, I try to
buy organic when I can. I think it makes a difference in the flavors. Ugh, just tell me to shut
up,” Bella laughed at herself. “I get carried away when I start talking about cooking.”

“No, please, continue,” Edward was adamant, “I like hearing you talk about it. It‟s a nice
change from the same old routine at the hospital.”

“I don‟t know how you do it, everyday dealing with grumpy, ornery women with
appendicitises,” Bella teased. She got up from the table to put her dish in the sink; Edward
followed.

“Well, usually my patients are easier to handle, and don‟t fluster me quite so easily. That
could be because a fair amount are still in diapers though,” he joked, his smile slowly
slipping as they again stared intently at one another.

He leaned in hesitantly, unsure if the signals he was reading were correct. First kisses were
always torture. His fears were waylaid as Bella met him half way, their lips brushing lightly
at first, then with more pressure. Edward's lips parted slightly, taking Bella's bottom lip
between his own and gently sucking ever so slightly. He slowly pulled back gently, only to
return with slightly more fervor. Bending his head slightly to the right, his mouth met hers
more assuredly. Bella's hands slowly made their way up his chest, to cup his face in her
hands, while his slipped from her neck to her back, bringing her in closer, pressing his body
against hers. After a moment they broke apart, both breathing heavier from the weight of
their attraction to each other. Bella looked up, searching Edward's eyes, seemingly satisfied
with what she found, stood on her tip toes and pulled him back for another searing kiss.
Edward returned it enthusiastically, their mouths parting. His tongue slipped hesitantly
along hers for a second; the tips grazing each other, tasting, testing. The fire between them
ignited and Bella slipped her right hand into Edward's hair, holding him in place as her left
caressed his cheek and neck. All the while, Edward's hands smoothed over Bella's back,
occasionally slipping to her sides, running up and down over her ribs, his thumbs whispering
along the sides of her breasts, only to return around to her back to hold her securely in his
arms. Was it hours later they broke apart? Bella couldn‟t tell. They stood, still holding tightly
to each other, breathing heavily.

"I want you to stay," Bella surprised herself with her boldness.

"I want to stay." He held her gaze, his eyes on fire. Slowly Bella detached herself from
Edward's grasp and trailed her hand down his arm, to his hand, intertwining their fingers.

She looked up at his face through her lashes and saw her own wanting reflected. It made
her gasp. She stepped past him, gently tugging on his hand for him to follow, which he did
willingly. Bella led him down the hall toward her bedroom, stopping at the threshold and
pushing the door open, and paused. Edward looked at her intently and walked into the
room, now leading instead of following. He squeezed her hand gently then released it and
crossed the room to the nightstand by her bed to switch on the lamp. They stood apart,
looking at one another. Bella finally made a move and walked toward him. Edward slowly
met her half way.

They stopped in front of each other, nearly touching. Edward's six-foot frame, seemed to
tower over Bella. Her eyes traveled his body uninhibited and eager. She carefully placed her
hands on his abdomen, slowly running them up his chest and over his broad shoulders,
feeling him flinch from the sensation.

She looked into his eyes and he leaned in to reclaim her lips. "I've never done this," she
whispered. He looked at her questioningly, his eyes drilling into hers, willing her to
elaborate. "I mean, I've never had somebody stay with me after a first date. It just feels
different with you."

"I know what you mean," he said quietly. "I've never done this either, but I want to. I want
this. Badly." With that, he closed the distance between them and captured her lips. Their
kissing intensified, as their need for each other grew. Bella could feel Edward's hands
everywhere. Her hair to her shoulders, down her back to her hips, across her ass and back
up her back. Each pass, his grip getting firmer and more insistent while their tongues fought
for dominance. He pulled back, only to swoop down and begin kissing from her ear down
her neck. Licking and biting and kissing the entire way, then back to her ear.

"So beautiful," his voice was heavy with need. He took her earlobe between his teeth,
licking it and sucking gently, breathing his hot breath into her ear slightly and down her
neck, causing her to shiver in response and let out a breathy moan of pleasure.

He couldn't take it anymore, his hands drifted to the front of Bella's chest gently cupping
her breasts and giving a tender squeeze, rubbing his thumbs across her hardening nipples.

"Oh God..." Bella gasped in pleasure. Edward chuckled and moved his hands down to the
hem of her sweater. Pausing, silently asking permission. Bella pulled her hands from his hair
and held her arms above her head, giving it willingly. He lifted her sweater off in one quick
motion, watching as her hair flowed back down in sexy disarray.

"Fuck, Bella," Edward whimpered as the sight of her in her black bra overwhelmed him. She
smiled a sexy grin in return, her hands moving back down his chest to the hem of his shirt
as Edward duplicated her movements, his arms up in silent answer to her unanswered
questions. His hands returned to her back gently caressing, then stalling at the clasp to her
bra and deftly unlatching it.

"Talented fingers," Bella giggled, blushing.

"You haven't seen anything yet," he promised, smirking in return as her blush intensified
and her obvious lust increased.

As Edward inched her bra straps off Bella's shoulders he leaned in and followed their paths
with his lips, kissing both shoulders and trailing his nose across her collarbones, teasing
with his tongue along the way. As her bra dropped to the ground Edward took a tiny step
back to gaze at her bare breasts, his face showing the awe he felt in her presence.
Swallowing hard, he reached out to touch her breasts with nothing in between them. He
enjoyed the way she moaned as he plumped and gently massaged them, then leaned in and
took a nipple into his mouth.

"Ahhh..." She could barely make out words at this point, the feel of his hot wet mouth
surrounding her, his tongue teasing, his teeth nipping and a slow delicious torture. He
traveled from one nipple to the other, taking her breath away and causing her knees to
weaken. Edward tightened his hold around her waist and carefully lowered her onto her bed,
settling himself between her legs.

Bella could finally feel the full weight of his body covering hers, and the magnitude of his
arousal pressed against her heat. Edward returned his lips to hers in a searing kiss, his
hand running down the center of her chest, fingertips trailing, tickling their way down to her
belly button where it circled as she laughed grabbing his hand.

"Don't tease," She scolded him.

"It's not teasing if I plan to follow through." Edward's eyes smoldered as Bella's mouth
dropped open and her hand released its grip around his wrist.

He kissed her again, not able to get enough of her taste. He felt a slight push as she gently
signaled for him to return his hand to his original destination. When he got to the button of
her jeans, he adeptly popped it open with one hand. Those hands really were amazing.
Tugging the zipper down, he slipped his hand through the opening and rubbed his warm
hand across her lower abdomen, his forefinger dipping just inside her panty line. Bella was
lost in the sensations, his kiss and touch causing her mind to cloud. Her hands gripped his
biceps, feeling the taut muscles underneath as his arms moved. Slowly coming out of her
haze she moved her hands to his jeans unfastening them and hastily pushing them slightly
off his hips. Edward pulled back, standing and kicked his pants off, followed quickly by his
boxer briefs. Bella nearly stopped breathing at the sight in front of her. His body was
glorious, so hard and yet still soft to touch, firm and lean. She licked her lips at him, her
eyes gazing at him, hooded and weighted with need for him. Edward leaned over her and
placed his hands on her hips, tugging slightly until she raised her bottom off the bed,
allowing him to remove her pants and underwear.

Edward stopped moving and looked at Bella, lying on the bed in front of him, her legs bent
and slightly open. His heart was pounding and his breathing nearly uncontrollable. He
climbed back onto the bed and slid up along side her lying on his side facing her. Bella

turned to face him and for a minute they just looked at each other. The kiss that followed
was almost frantic with desire. Edward rolled them over, hovering over her, Bella's legs
coming up on either side, her feet caressing his calves as he positioned himself. He was so
lost in the moment he almost forgot they needed protection. The realization he was not
prepared crashed down on him.

"Bella," he ground out, "shit…” He took a deep breath, “I don't have any condoms." He
clenched his eyes with restraint.

Bella looked at him blankly at first, as if the words he was saying were incomprehensible.
"Uh, I don't either," she said shaking her head in frustration. If she took a moment she
would have been appalled at the implications of what they were about to do without
thinking of consequences. They continued to hold each other in their precarious position,
neither wanting to let go.

“I‟m on the pill,” she said, hoping as a doctor he had practiced safe sex in the past and
would maybe be willing to accept that form of birth control. The rational side of her brain
began to scream at her willingness to be so careless, the less rational side willing to risk just
about anything to feel him inside of her.

Edward looked thoughtful for a minute, thinking over her declaration. “I‟m clean,” he
acknowledged, “I mean, I‟ve been tested and I haven‟t really been all that promiscuous,”
then admitted hesitantly, “at least not since early college. I always wear a condom.” Then
he laughed at the situation, resting his head on her shoulder and groaning. “I‟m sure that‟s
hard to believe considering our current situation.” He peeked up at her, one eye squinting
closed, afraid of what she was thinking and pleased to find her smiling. She gripped his
shoulders tighter and kissed him slowly.

“I‟m good too. I haven‟t been with very many guys. Four actually, and we were always
careful.” Edward looked at her in amazement, accepting her words and kissing her
passionately.
Then a realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She wasn‟t on the pill, she‟d let her
prescription lapse! Why had she not made her gyno appointment?!

“Wait, Edward,” Bella gently pushed on his chest. He looked at her through a lust filled
haze. This was going to kill the mood.

“Um, I‟m actually not on the pill,” Bella stammered out, squeezing her eyes shut in
frustration.

“Huh?” Not his most eloquent, but Edward tried to clear his head and understand what she
was saying.

“I didn‟t make the appointment to get my refill, and then the appendicitis and all that, it just
wasn‟t on my mind. I‟m soooo sorry.” She felt close to tears at this point.

“Hey, don‟t get upset,” he touched her cheek softly, “I can run to the store.” Then not
wanting to presume anything he added, “If you want me to that is.”

“The moment‟s not ruined?” she asked quietly, embarrassed at the entire situation.

Edward chuckled, looking down at their naked bodies pressed together, “The moment‟s
definitely not ruined, just postponed.” He gave her a quick chaste kiss on the lips then
hopped up from the bed and grabbed his clothes, hastily putting them back on as Bella
watched from the bed.

“Don‟t get dressed,” he commanded pointing at her, then, kneeled on the bed kissing her
again, this time more intensely. “I mean it.” Bella smiled and ran her hand through her hair,
nodding in agreement.

When she heard the door close behind him, Bella couldn‟t help the squeal that slipped out.
She was currently lying naked in her bed, while the most gorgeous guy she had ever known
went to the store to buy condoms. Condoms that would be used to have sex. Sex with her!
She let out another squeal at the thought. It didn‟t take Edward long, maybe ten minutes to
run to the corner store and back. He announced his return as he opened the door, and Bella
heard him turn the lock before coming back to her room, where she dutifully complied with
his orders to remain naked in bed.

Edward beamed when he realized she had done what he asked, and he quickly stripped off
his own clothes without hesitation or embarrassment, and climbed back in bed beside her.
Bella reached her hand behind his head and pulled him to her for a kiss and they picked
back up where they had left off.

They were going to do this. This was big. Edward realized he was about to take her without
having given her pleasure or making sure she was truly ready for him. He pulled away
carefully, not wanting to give her the wrong impression of his desires. He trailed his hand
across her belly and dipped it lower, teasing her before plunging his long finger inside. He
quickly followed with another and guided them in and out, increasing his speed as her
breathing picked up and pressing his palm firmly against her mound. Edward wasn‟t sure he
had ever seen anything more amazing than Bella coming apart from his touch. Knowing she
was ready for him now, he quickly donned the condom and rolled back on top, covering her
body with his own while he entered her with one thrust. This coupling would not be slow; it
was fast and almost frantic. The only sounds being their joining and heavy breathing
punctuated by moans of pleasure. As he got closer Edward reached back and grabbed
Bella‟s knee slipping his forearm under it, then, doing the same on the other side, forced
her knees further up, closer to her chest. He pushed himself up on his hands, delving
deeper until he hit the perfect spot for both of them; and finally, together coming undone.

He collapsed on top of her in exhaustion, quickly pulling out and rolling over to his back. He
grabbed a tissue from the box by her bed and disposed of the condom and closed his eyes.
Bella remained on her back, gulping air and running her hand through her tousled hair.
Their bodies covered in sweat and flushed with exertion. Edward opened his eyes and rolled

his head over to look at her. She did the same, both of them smiling, completely sated. He
reached over and grasped her hand, lifting it up in his and entwining their fingers, then
bringing them to his mouth for a gentle kiss. Bella rolled to her left side, still holding his
hand with her left. She caressed his chest with her right, tracing little designs through the
small covering of chest hair. Inching closer, she rested her head on his chest, listening to
his heart pound and he slowly came down from his high.

"That was..." There really were no words. Edward just snickered in response, pulling his
right hand from hers and slipping it under her neck, pulling her body closer. Bella obliged by
snuggling as close as she could get. After a few minutes cuddling, she reached up above
them and pulled the covers down, both of them climbing underneath and returning to their
cuddle position. Edward hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head, then reached over
and turned out the bedside lamp.

"Goodnight," she whispered.

"Goodnight Bella." She snuggled under his chin, slipping her right leg between his as they
both fell asleep.

Chapter – 8

The sound of his cell phone woke Edward around four in the morning. At first he was
disoriented, but quickly took in his surroundings and flashes of the night before came back
to him. He looked over and Bella was sound asleep, the covers pulled up to her chin
covering her chest, but drooping down on her back, giving Edward ample view of her
luscious, soft skin. The need to touch her was overwhelming. However, before he could
reach out his phone rang again. He got out of bed quickly reaching for his pants, finding his
cell phone in the pocket.
Checking the caller ID he recognized the number from the hospital. He walked from Bella's
bedroom into the kitchen, putting on his jeans before answering the phone, "This is Doctor
Cullen."

The on call service replied, informing Edward that a patient of his from pediatrics had been
admitted to the hospital and he would be needed as soon as possible.

"Thank you," Edward replied, hanging up the phone.

He walked back into Bella's bedroom and found his shirt and shoes, quietly putting them on.
Once dressed, he was unsure what to do, did he wake her up and tell her he had to go into
work or leave her a note? She looked so peaceful asleep. Edward crouched down in front of
her and gently nudged her shoulder, "Bella," he whispered.

"Hmm.." she mumbled without opening her eyes.

"I have to go to the hospital; one of my patients was admitted this evening," he explained,

his hand stroking the hair at her neck.

"Mmm.." she replied. Edward laughed softly.

"Sleep beautiful." He kissed her nose, and left the room. Finding his keys on the key hook,
he quietly left her apartment, locking the door behind him.

Bella woke a few hours later. She stretched and rolled over, immediately opening her eyes
and seeing Edward's side of the bed empty.

She looked around startled, clenching the sheet to her chest. "Edward?" There was no reply,
the apartment was eerily quiet. Quickly she got up and grabbed the bathrobe hanging on
the bathroom door and tied it firmly. A fast tour of her apartment proved she was correct;
Edward was not there.

She stood in the middle of the living room, not really knowing what to do. Did she really
just have a one night stand? Holy fuck, what time did he leave? She began to feel nauseous
with the realization of her current situation. Taking a deep cleansing breath she looked
around, hoping to find a note of some kind. Some sort of explanation as to why he would
have left without saying goodbye. She checked the kitchen and then returned to her
bedroom, looking around by the bed and on the floor but came up empty handed.

She wasn't sure how long she sat there in stunned silence before she got up and turned on
the shower as hot as she could stand it. She climbed in, scrubbing her body clean, trying to
scrub the memories along with it and not succeeding. Edward was everything she had been
waiting for, successful, charming, and attractive. Their connection in high school only
seemed to enhance the connection she thought they had now.

When the water began to run cold, Bella climbed out of the shower and dried off. Throwing
on jeans and a sweatshirt, she brushed her hair back into a simple pony tail then walked
assuredly into the bedroom and stripped the bed sheets from the bed. Not even thinking
twice she pulled a trash bag out and threw the sheets into it. She grabbed the bag and her
keys from the key hook, then slammed her door on the way out. Dropping the bag of sheets
into the dumpster, she climbed into her van and went to the bakery.

Her phone rang five times that afternoon before Rosalie finally showed up in person.
"Bella..." she started, leaning over the counter watching her friend as she decorated a
princess birthday cake.

"Rosalie," Bella replied shortly.

"What's wrong?" Rose was suddenly worried, she had been expecting to dish on Bella's date
with Edward, but was finding her friend in a less than euphoric state.

"Nothing," Bella gritted out as she started piping small pearl drops along the ridge of the
cake.

Rosalie was quiet for a minute taking in her best friend's demeanor. "So then the date was a
bust?" she questioned cautiously.

Bella closed her eyes, her hand stilling over the cake, then suddenly she hurled the
dispenser on the counter and let out a guttural growl. When Bella opened her eyes, Rosalie
could see they were red and were slowly filling with unshed tears.

"Bells! What is it?" Rose came around the counter and pulled her friend in to a tight hug.

"I'm a slut!" Bella bawled into Rose's shoulder.

"What?" Rosalie was completely confused by Bella's admission.

"I slept with him!"

"B, you've been with like two and a half guys, I'm pretty sure having sex with the hot doctor
did not make you a slut," Rosalie said soothingly. "Oh, wait...unless he talked you into anal.
Oh my God, Bella did you let him in the back door?!" Rosalie was joking of course. Mostly.

Bella pulled back and glared at her friend, then reached over to pick back up the icing
dispenser and went back to work on the birthday cake, completely ignoring Rosalie. Rose
reached her finger into the mixing bowl containing the rest of the pink icing for the cake and
dipped it in, tasting the sugary concoction.

She gave Bella a few more minutes of silence before starting again. "OK, seriously, why do
you think you're a slut?"

Bella sighed and put the icing dispenser down once again. "He left," she answered quietly.

"He left?"

Bella nodded her head, looking down. "You're killing me here Bella, I need the deets if we're
going to go Goodbye Earl on this guy." Bella looked up suddenly, laughing at her best
friend.
Shaking her head, she resigned herself to telling Rosalie about her night. "We had dinner at
Beau Lac. It was amazing. Romantic. We talked about high school and how we both had
noticed each other, sort of,” she tossed her hands around in the air, “fate like. He told me
why he didn't date; apparently he had some cheating girlfriend in Chicago." Bella walked
into the back of the bakery to her sub zero refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of chilled
tequila and two shot glasses. She poured the shots and then returned to the front of the
store and handed one to Rosalie.

"Thanks. Salt?"

Bella shook her head no, "Suck it up and drink it." She then tossed the shot back, wincing

slightly at the burn and urging Rosalie to take hers.

Bella continued, "So we have this amazing connection and I tell him I have dessert at my
place, we go back, eat, and..." she trailed off, pouring two more shots.

"And..." Rose pressed.

"We kissed. It was...amazing."

Rosalie gave out a snort at her friend‟s over use of the word. Bella just gave her a side eye
and finished, "I told him I didn't want him to leave. He said he didn't want to leave. So he
didn't. Only he did. He just did it after I was asleep."

Rose's mouth dropped open. "Oh he's dead," she said flatly. Bella sniffled. “No note?” Rose
had to ask already knowing the answer. Bella just looked at her and rolled her eyes.

They sat in silence for awhile, each taking another shot, then Bella went back to finishing
the cake on the counter. Rose was in complete awe of her friend's ability to make such
beautiful cakes.

"Soooo..." Rosalie started again, "how was it?" she asked, drawing out the question. Bella
looked up in shock.

"Rose!" Bella shook her head in disgust. Finally done with the piping, Bella stood back and
turned the cake slowly in a circle so she could see all sides. Pleased with how it turned out,
she opened the cooler beneath the counter and carefully put the cake inside.

"Come on Bella, it's been forever since you had any. It's a valid question that in no way
reduces his doucheness, or the fact that if I see him again, I'm gonna catch and release his
ass back in to the wild without his testicles. But he was seriously hot, so you gotta spill, was
it good?" Rosalie shrugged, staring at her friend.

Bella huffed in irritation but gave in. "He was..."

"Amazing?" Rosalie finished and they both laughed.

"Yeah," Bella snickered and nodded her head. "His hands. Wow. He's very skilled." She set
up their shot glasses one more time.

"Nice." Rose slammed hers and Bella did the same. They both shuddered, "Are you going to
call him?" she finally asked, pretty sure she already knew the answer.

Bella just shook her head, "I can't call him." She walked back into the kitchen and grabbed
two glasses and filled them with water, handing one to Rosalie.

"Why not? I mean, at the very least, the guy deserves one good, angry, drunk dial." Bella

snorted, accidentally inhaling her water as she took a sip; launching her into a coughing fit.

"You know, I just need to forget the whole thing. I mean he's obviously not the kind of guy
I thought he was. And now I need to hit the mall and get new sheets," Bella admitted
sheepishly.

Rose cocked her eyebrow at her friend. "I know you tend to shy away from modern
technology, seeing as how it usually tries to blow shit up on you, but really, you shouldn't
fear the washing machine Bella. It's your friend." She paused a beat then asked, "what did
you do with them?" Rosalie envisioned Bella with a pile of sheets and lighter fluid.

Bella smiled and then admitted with embarrassment she had tossed them in the dumpster.
"They were the Pottery Barn ones too." Bella was actually beginning to get more pissed off
about her sheets than she was about the one night stand.

Rosalie walked over and smacked her friend on the back of the head. “Ow, what was that
for?” Bella rubbed her head.

“For throwing away two hundred dollar, six hundred thread count, sheets!” Rose stared at
her friend for a moment, then grabbed Bella‟s arm and began pulling her to the door.
“Come on, we‟re leaving.”

“Where are we going?” Bella asked struggling against Rose‟s pull, as she tried to grab her
purse and keys.

“You, are going dumpster diving.”

Chapter – 9

"Gross!" Bella shouted from inside the dumpster. Rosalie had no desire to know what was
gross. She decided to file this under one of those situations where Bella could keep that shit
to herself.

"Ugh!"

"Find the sheets Bella," Rosalie replied, leaning against the dumpster looking over her
cuticles.

"They aren't worth it," Bella yelled.

"They cost over two hundred dollars Bella! Find the sheets!" There was no way Rose would
let Bella out of the dumpster without them. As Bella continued to look, her cell phone rang
and Rosalie glanced at the caller ID. Oh, this was going to feel good.

"You have a lot of nerve calling her. What? Do you have a guilty conscience now? You know

what, don't answer that, she doesn't want to talk to you, and quite frankly you're lucky I
don't have the time to hunt you down right now." She hit end and went back to inspecting
her nails.

"Was that him?" Bella popped her head over the side of the dumpster.

"No, it was Ed McMahon." Rose turned to face her, and backed away from the dumpster.
"Oh damn girl, you stink."

"Fuck you Rose," Bella replied.

"Did you find them?"

Bella sighed, "Not yet." Her head disappeared once more into the bin.

Fifteen minutes later she emerged from the dumpster with the bag of sheets. As they made
their way back to Bella's apartment a car pulled into the complex and parked near them.
Rosalie dug through Bella's purse to find her keys so they could go inside, just as Edward
got out of the car and hurried toward them.

"Bella?" Edward called out, he looked distraught.

Bella looked to her friend to hurry up. Rosalie grimaced and dug around furiously.

"Bella," he said again, walking up to them and stopping short at the sight of Bella covered in
unmentionable things. "What happened?" He looked her over, honestly worried and
confused.

Bella squared her shoulders and turned to face him, holding her head high and chin out. "I
lost something in the trash, but I've got it now," she replied, holding the bag of sheets up.
"I really don't think we have anything more to say to each other." Turning around she
yanked her purse from Rosalie's grasp and emptied it on the porch in search of the keys,
finally remembering they were in her front pocket. "Fucking figures," she grumbled, pulling
the keys out and unlocking the door.

"Bella, I have no idea what's going on," Edward sounded irritated, as his hands pulled at his
hair. Bella opened the door and motioned for Rose to go inside, then turned around facing
off with him. She closed in on him and poked him in the chest.

"You. Fucking. Left." Each poke emphasizing her words. "You didn't even leave a note," she
ground out, "and I'm sorry Edward, I don't know what kind of girls you're used to dating,
but for most people, that is considered a major fucking dating faux pas!" she finished
yelling.

Edward stood there, mouth open, in shock. Bella turned and started back to her apartment.

“Wait!” He reached for her, then pulled back and ran his hands through his hair, again,
trying to make sense of everything, “I woke you up to say goodbye!” Bella stopped short,
her breath catching in her chest. Edward walked up and turned her around by her shoulder
to face him. “A patient was admitted to the hospital, I got called by the service and had to
go in, but I woke you up Bella.”

Bella looked at him hesitantly, unsure of what to believe.

“We had only been asleep a few hours, I told you I had to go, but I would call you later,
your eyes were closed but you said „mmhmm‟. I thought you were awake! I never would
have left without saying anything,” he yelled out frustrated. “Shit.” He dropped his hands
from her shoulders and clenched his fists. “I was going to leave a note but I thought you
might take that wrong, so I decided to wake you and tell you instead.” He stared into her
eyes, imploring her to believe him. Bella was speechless, her hand flying to cover her open
mouth, immediately she recoiled from the filth and started spitting from the contact.
Edward just watched his eyebrows furrowed but slightly entertained.

“I‟m an idiot. I‟m an overly emotional idiot,” Bella said. “I told you, I‟m not good at this. I
never ask guys to stay over and I panicked,” she shrugged defeated. Looking down at her
feet she whispered, “I‟m sorry.”

She looked up to see Edward smirking. “I need a shower,” she stated.

Edward just laughed, nodding in agreement and looked her over, “What did you do?”

She pointed at herself and repeated, “Overly emotional, romantically inept idiot. Seriously,
let‟s just leave it at that.” Edward nodded his head and followed Bella into her apartment.

Rosalie eyed her friend, her eyebrow raised, as Bella entered the apartment followed by
Edward.

Bella stopped in front of Rosalie, hanging her head in shame. "Yeah, so, he tried to wake
me up." Rosalie snorted out a laugh, and then looked to Edward, waiting for him to speak.
He just shrugged, nodding his head in affirmation.

"Then your balls are safe. For now. Don't fuck this up. I own Ginsu knives." Rose then
turned to Bella, hooking her thumb over her shoulder at the door, "I'm gonna get out of
here, and I'd give you a hug, but," she looked Bella over, "I'm not going to." Bella laughed.
"Call me," Rosalie demanded, pointing at Bella as she headed for the door, Bella agreed.
Rose walked out the door, leaving Bella and Edward alone.

Bella glanced up at Edward shyly, "I'm going to go take a shower," she said quietly.

Edward just chuckled, "Good idea."

"Make yourself at home." She motioned toward the living room, then turned and went to

clean up.

Now alone, standing in Bella's entry way, looking around her living room, Edward let out a
deep breath, shaking his head to clear it. He was suddenly acutely aware his life was going
to be drastically changed by this woman and he couldn't be more excited about it.

Once again under the hot spray of her shower, Bella took a moment to reflect on her
incredible asshattery. She washed her hair and scrubbed every inch of her body, once
again, only this time trying desperately to remove the filth from the dumpster. She couldn't
help but shake her head at the absurdity of it all. Edward was currently sitting in her living
room instead of burning rubber to get the hell away from the crazy girl he slept with the
night before. This was going to take more than cupcakes to make up for. Oral was definitely
in her future.

Drying off, she reached for her robe and put it on, twisting her hair into the towel on top of
her head to dry. She opened the door and peeked her head out looking for Edward. She
gasped in surprise when she found him sitting on her bed, his elbows resting on his knees.

"Hey," she stuttered out.

"Hey," he softly replied.

She walked over to stand in front of him and he reached for her hand. "I'd never leave
without saying something," he said earnestly, staring into her eyes, willing her to believe
him with everything he had.

"Oh God Edward, I'm so sorry I overreacted." Bella sat down on the bed next to him, her
head hanging slightly in shame. “I guess I was insecure,” she admitted sheepishly.

Edward reached over and rubbed her back softly, “You have no reason to be insecure Bella.
I want whatever this is going on between us to continue.” He sat up straight and turned to
look at her bed. "What happened to the sheets?"

Bella blushed and hung her head lower. "I… may have… stripped the bed and thrown them
away," she finished so quietly he could almost not hear what she had said.

"Bella," Edward said, looking at her, but she refused to look up. It was quiet for a minute
and then Edward started laughing. Bella's head popped up to look at him.

"Is that what you were doing in the dumpster?" His eyes were glowing with amusement.

"Rose was offended at my disregard for fine linens," Bella offered. Edward smirked, and let
out a small chuckle.

Watching him, Bella remembered she was sitting next to him, mostly naked. She hesitated
for a moment before reaching over and placing her hand on Edward's shoulder. He looked

up at her expectantly.

"I'm really sorry for freaking out. You're a great guy. I know that." Edward began to
interrupt but Bella continued, "How's your patient? The one you were called in for." Edward
smiled softly, surprised she asked.

"He's fine. He's got pneumonia, but we've got it under control and he'll be alright," Edward
answered, reaching up to stroke her cheek with the back of his fingers. Her skin was in
flames wherever he touched her. She grasped his face in her hands and leaned in to kiss
him gently, and he responded immediately, encircling her with his arms, and opening his
mouth to hers. He met her hot tongue with fervor, he pulled the damp towel from her hair
and his hands gripped her waist, preparing to lay her down.

He was startled when Bella let go of his face and pulled away, immediately concerned he
had done something wrong until she moved to kneel between his legs. She trailed her
hands down his chest, looking up at him through hooded and smoldering eyes. Edward
licked his lips, watching her hands as they moved to the button of his pants.

Swiftly she popped his jeans open and pulled the zipper down, reaching her hand into his
pants to find his erection ready for her. He swallowed hard, watching her intently.

Bella pulled him free, lowering her mouth and taking him inside, licking the tip back and
forth, then released him gently nibbling her way down his length and licking her way back
up. She once again engulfed him and took him all the way in down to his base as her hand
came up to grip where her mouth couldn't reach. Her other hand lightly touched his balls,
cupping them and very gently massaging them.

Edward groaned, dropping his head back, then snapped it forward again, opening his eyes
needing to see Bella as she continued her ministrations. She worked him up and down,
moving her hands in tandem with her mouth, occasionally stopping to flick the tip, then
returning to his length immediately. It didn't take him long to feel the stirrings of his
orgasm coming on. He held her head and let out a loud moan, his breath catching as she
sped up and he got closer to his release.

"Fuck Bella, I'm going to cum," he said desperately. She didn't stop, but instead increased
her suction and with the hand cupping his balls, she used her middle finger to press hard on
his taint. His reaction was instantaneous as he released into her mouth. Swallowing wasn't
something Bella enjoyed, but in this case she was willing to suck it up. Literally.

“That was…amazing.” Edward dropped back on the bed breathing heavily. Out of nowhere
Bella began to giggle, which then morphed into full on laughing. He popped his head back
up, shocked and stared at her, slightly uncomfortable to be so exposed while the woman
who gave him a spectacular blow job laughed at him.

“I‟m sorry…” Bella gasped, then snorted and bowled over laughing until she dropped to the
floor. Not really knowing what else to do, Edward sat up and tucked himself back in his

pants, watching Bella, confused and slightly concerned with her reaction.

“Uh, Bella?” Edward watched as she sat up, wiping her eyes, and waving him off.

“I‟m sorry.” Bella giggled and covered her mouth, trying desperately to regain some control.
“Ah! Edward, I‟m sorry, it‟s just one of those days and what you said, it was… I had a
conversation earlier with Rose, and…” She giggled again, “I was sort of lacking for words
and… It was amazing. All of it. Last night, now… ugh! It was one of those you had to be
there moments, and the stress of the day triggered it…” Would the word vomit ever stop?
“Gah! I can‟t shut up!” Bella clasped her hands over her mouth. Edward couldn‟t help but
laugh as he reached over to pull her hands away.

He pulled her back into his arms and then fell backward onto the bed. Bella tumbled on top
of him as he held her firmly in place. He leaned forward and pecked her lips as they stared
at one another. He brushed her hair behind her ear with his right hand, then cupped her
cheek and leaned in for a deeper kiss. Bella responded eagerly. His hand slid from her face
down the front of her chest, nudging her robe open and caressing her breast. She sat up
straddling his legs and quickly discarded his shirt, then shimmied down his legs pulling his
pants with her. She was about to toss his pants to the side of the bed when she stopped
and reached into his pocket. Pulling out his cell phone she placed it on her side of the bed,
and dropped his pants on the floor. Edward gave her a questioning look.

“If you get called into work tonight, I want to make sure I know.” Bella smiled as Edward
chucked and agreed. He reached out and tugged on the belt of her robe, letting it fall open,
then slipped it off her shoulders and pulled her back down on top of him.

Thankfully, he didn‟t get called back into work that night.

Chapter – 10

Waking up next to Edward the following morning was everything Bella had wanted it to be
the day before. He was absolutely adorable in his sleep, the morning light giving his hair a
soft glow. Every now and then he would mumble something, then his lips would quirk into a
small hint of his adorable crooked smile. Bella watched him for awhile, wishing she could
take a picture. When she couldn't hold back any more, she reached out and swept the hair
from his forehead, causing him to stir. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking away the sleep.
Finally waking up, he focused on Bella, giving her a sexy morning after smirk that made
Bella wish she could call in sick to work. Unfortunately when you own your own business,
there's nobody to call in to. And again, unfortunately, Bella had orders to fill and couldn't lie
in bed all day sexing her new hot doctor boyfriend. Even if she really wanted to. And she
did, really, really want to.

"Good morning," his voice was husky.

"Mmmhmm," Bella agreed, and he chuckled. "I have to go to the bakery," she frowned and

gave him a small pout which Edward just smiled at as he reached out to touch her face.

"OK," he replied.

"Do you work today?"

Edward shook his head no, "I go in tomorrow from two to ten."

Bella brightened at his words, "Would you like to have dinner tonight? I'll cook." Bella hoped
maybe he would stay again; she had never slept as well as she did last night next to him.

"I'd like that," he answered as she leaned in and gave him a kiss, then reached down to the
floor to for her robe and slipped it on.

"I'm going to take a shower, and then I will make you pancakes," she announced, leaning in
to kiss him once again, this time his arms snaked around her waist and held her there. Fuck
it, she owned the bakery, she could be a little late...


The day went by rather quickly, as Bella remained busy finishing projects for different
clients. The princess cake was done, and a complete success, and today she had secured a
wedding cake account. Then there was the fortieth birthday „over the hill‟ themed cake that
was almost finished, and in between that she had smaller orders for cupcakes and other
delicious pastries.

Rose had called earlier to check in, wanting to know how Bella's evening had gone and had
begged to have lunch to get all the details, however, Bella was far too busy and said she
would call Rose the following day. Of course she didn't mention she would be calling Rosalie
after Edward began his shift, and therefore he would be unavailable to spend time with her.
She didn't need everyone knowing how fast she was falling for him. Because she was.
Falling for him.

Sometime during the afternoon rush, Edward also called, just to check in. He was heading
to the gym and wondered if there was anything he could bring for dinner tonight. With his
call, Bella realized the time and was suddenly aware of how late she would need to be at the
bakery. Regretfully, she postponed their dinner, which Edward agreed to graciously,
although a little disappointed at not being able to see her that evening.


Slightly frustrated at Bella‟s unavoidable cancellation, Edward headed to the gym to work
out. The last two days had been both stress inducing and stress reducing, and a good hard
work out would hopefully balance it all out. The day before, when Rose had told him off on
the phone, had sent Edward into a panic. He never dreamed Bella wouldn't remember him
waking her before he left. He instantly regretted not leaving a note, or at least sending her
a text on her phone at some point to let her know what was going on.

There was a small part of him that almost felt panicked over this new relationship. He
wasn't sure how to assimilate all these new feelings. Not when they so closely intertwined
with old feelings. Bella had been somebody who throughout the years Edward had thought
about. Random thoughts of a girl he barely knew in high school. Yet those random thoughts
caused something in his chest to stir. He couldn‟t help but feel there were years wasted,
time he could have known her better, maybe even have had a relationship with her. They‟d
practically admitted to one another there was attraction between them, even back then.
They were now on the precipice of something, and he wasn‟t sure what.

At the gym, Edward hit the treadmill first deciding to run a few miles before lifting weights.
He plugged in his earphones, found a good work out mix, and let his mind clear as he ran.
An hour later as he finished his run, he looked up to see somebody standing next to his
machine. Startled, he grabbed the handrails before falling off the machine just before he
realized it was Alice.

“Hey,” he panted, hitting the power down button on the treadmill, “what are you doing
here?” He grabbed his towel and wiped down his face.

“I thought I‟d start with a facial and then get my nails done,” Alice answered sarcastically.

Edward rolled his eyes.

“I‟m actually meeting somebody,” Alice admitted.

“Who?” Edward asked, turning to the treadmill and spraying it down with cleanser and
wiping it off with a paper towel. He started walking to the weights and Alice followed.

“A guy I‟ve been seeing,” Alice answered offhand. Edward quirked his eyebrow and
motioned for more information.

“Just a guy, nobody to really mention yet,” Alice insisted. “How was your date?” she said
attempting to switch the focus onto Edward. He sat down on a bench and began doing curls,
not answering her question.

“That bad?” she asked when he didn‟t say anything right away.

Edward let out a short laugh, “No, it was really good actually.” Alice sat down on the bench
next to him and started lifting lighter weights, mimicking his motions.

“That‟s all you‟re going to give me?” she pressed. “I did help you dress, I deserve
something in return.” Edward again rolled his eyes, and switched the weight to his other
hand.

“Alright, well that depends,” he started, “give me a little more on Mr. Unmentionable and
you get a little more on Bella.”

Alice sighed and put her weights down, “Alright, fine, but first you have to promise not to be
all overprotective. No background checks!”

“It was one time Alice! And he was shady!” Edward defended himself and Alice huffed in
response.

“His name is Jasper. He‟s a computer programmer and he‟s twenty-five,” she gave in.

“Jasper what?” Edward smirked and Alice threatened to throw a weight at his head.

“Your turn. Spill.” Edward put the weights down and wiped down his forehead again, then
looked his sister in the eyes.

“Well, we went to dinner, had dessert at her place, had a misunderstanding, made up, and
we‟re having dinner again tonight,” Edward summarized his last two days.

Alice just stared at him with wide eyes. Her mouth dropped open as the realization hit, “You
slept with her!” she practically yelled.

“Alice, Jesus Christ, keep your voice down!” Edward looked around to see if anybody had
heard his sister‟s outburst.

“Let me get this straight,” Alice held up her finger in thought, “you had sex with the girl
you‟ve been crushing on since high school, on your first date, and then you managed to
fuck up enough to have to „make up‟ with her? What did you do?!”

Edward sighed exasperated, “I got called into work.” He shrugged.

Alice stared at her brother in silence, knowing there was more to it than that.

“You left?” she asked with a dangerous amount of calm, as she began to understand what
happened. “Oh. My. God. Edward, did you not tell her you were leaving?” she asked
incredulously, her voice steadily rising once again.

“I did! I told her the service called and a patient of mine was being admitted, I needed to go
in,” he defended himself, glancing around the room again. While his sister had no problem
with public displays, they generally made Edward uneasy.

Alice‟s eyes narrowed at her brother, “Was she awake?”

“I thought she was,” Edward said bleakly.

Alice continued to stare down her brother without saying a word. Then, finally, she calmly
asked, “Were her eyes open? Because usually that‟s a pretty good indicator that somebody
is awake.”

Edward didn‟t reply and Alice had her answer. After a moment of silence she busted out
laughing.

“You..are…hopeless…” she gasped between guffaws.

“Thanks,” Edward muttered.

Finally catching her breath, Alice composed herself, “Ahh, Edward, I can always count on
you.” He didn‟t reply but rubbed his forehead with his middle finger.

Just then Alice straightened up with a serious look as a though a thought occurred to her,
“Did you tell her about the fellowship?” she asked.

“I don‟t know about the fellowship.”

“Semantics Edward, did you tell her there‟s a possibility you‟re moving back to Chicago?
Again,” Alice pressed.

Edward pursed his lips and shook his head. His sister looked at him incredulously then
sighed and patted his arm.

“You should talk to her. Tonight.” Alice looked up and saw her date entering the gym, “My
date‟s here, I‟m gonna go. Keep your distance and don‟t embarrass me,” she said sternly.
Edward nodded his head in acknowledgement, and watched as his twin practically skipped
up to a guy near the door. From what he could see the guy looked OK, but you really never
could tell. Edward was going to need to get his last name.

After working out and showering, he decided to surprise Bella at the bakery, hoping to
spend some time with her since their evening didn‟t pan out. They hadn‟t been dating long
and Edward was amazed at how he couldn't get enough of her. She consumed his thoughts,
and he found himself thinking of things to plan to do with her; places to take her. He was
falling fast for this woman and it scared him. It wasn't love. Not yet. But he was surely
infatuated with her. The more he thought about Bella and high school, the more irritated he
became with his past. Why had he closed himself off? And if he hadn't, would they have
even been interested in one another? Bella was pretty back then, but the woman she was
now was indescribable.

Stopping by the store, he picked up a bouquet of roses in a lovely vase. He looked up
directions to her bakery on his cell phone and headed that direction.

There as nobody behind the counter, but there was a bell and a cute sign with elegant
calligraphy that said "ring bell for service." Edward tapped the bell gently, listening to the
ding echo. A moment later Bella came out and Edward couldn't help the grin that spread
across his face. She stood there, hair in a pony tail, flour and icing covering her apron and a
smudge of blue across her brow, where a wisp of hair had fallen and she had tucked it

behind her hair, leaving the tell tale icing behind.

"Hi," he said as he held out the vase of flowers and placed them on the counter in front of
him.

"Hi!" Bella was surprised to see him, and was slightly self conscious of her appearance. She
looked at the vase and gasped in shock, walking over to touch the tip of a rose and lean in
to breathe in the scent.

"They're beautiful!"

"They're for you," Edward smirked.

Bella looked at Edward, her mouth hanging open as she began to giggle like a school girl.
"Edward, they are lovely." Her mouth was still open, as if she had more to say, but instead
she walked to him and pulled him down to her for a passionate kiss.

"I can't believe you brought me flowers!" She was still giddy from his presence.

Edward laughed, "Why?"

"Nobody has ever brought me flowers before," Bella admitted, still stunned.

"Seriously?" The thought was inconceivable to him.

Bella just nodded and smelled the roses again.

"Well, then I've got a lot of making up to do for the idiocy of the male sex!" Bella laughed
and hugged him hard.

Edward took a moment to walk around the small shop. “So, Bella Swan owns a bakery.”

Bella chuckled, “Yeah I guess it was destiny, my dad couldn‟t cook for shit so I learned
quick and ended up enjoying it.”

“Well if those cupcakes are any indication of your skills, I‟m not surprised you‟re so busy.”
He grinned. "What time do you think you'll finish up here?" He was thinking over plans for
the evening, hoping they could spend it together, one way or another.

"Ugh, I don't know, I've got two orders that need to be done; it might be kind of late
actually." Bella's disappointment was obvious, as well as Edward's.

He looked deep in thought for a second, then said, "Want some help?"

Bella smiled up at him, "Really?"

"Well, you just tell me what to do and I'll do it, and don't be afraid to shove me out of the
way if you need me too. I'd like to stay and keep you company if that's alright."

"I'd like that."

They spent the evening laughing and baking and Bella even taught Edward a few tricks, but
for the most part he did as he said, he stayed out of the way and kept her company.

It was official; he was too perfect to be real.

Chapter – 11

Edward was scheduled to work the following day and Bella was going to be busy at the
bakery as well, so they made plans to get together over the weekend. When Rosalie heard
this she declared the evening „girl‟s night‟ after work. Bella agreed to plans to visit her
friend, preparing herself for the inquisition that was sure to come. After closing up shop, she
headed to Rose‟s, picking up dinner on the way. If she knew Rose, there would be
margaritas already in the blender and Rosie‟s Ritas, on an empty stomach, always ended
badly.

“In the living room!” Rose called to her friend as Bella walked into the house. Rosalie was
sitting on the couch, two iced glasses of frozen margaritas in front of her, already waiting.
Bella laughed and shook her head when she saw her friend; Rose was so predictable. Bella
sat down and picked up the glass in front of her and took a sip. It was strong, also
predictable.

“I brought food.” Bella held the bag of take out by her fingers and dangled it in front of
Rosalie, who grabbed it eagerly.

“What did you get?”

“We‟re having margaritas right?” Bella said pointing at the frosted glasses filled to the brim,
“What else would I get?”

Rosalie rolled her eyes, and set the bag down, turning it to read Tres Hermanos, and
emptying the contents onto the coffee table. She immediately popped open the container of
queso and grabbed a chip. Bella settled herself next to Rose and reached for a chip herself.

“Spill,” Rose demanded, pulling her legs up Indian style, and looking at her friend
expectantly.

Bella smirked and laid her head back against the couch cushion. "I don't kiss and tell." She
grabbed the container holding her cheese enchiladas and opened the plastic utensil bag,
pulling her fork out and taking a bite.

Rose snorted and threw one of the couch pillows at her, almost causing Bella to drop her
food. "Please bitch, I have no interest in the kissing..." Bella swallowed, trying not to choke
from laughing and stuffed the pillow behind her back.

"I need stats. Size, skill level, special talents..." Rose motioned for Bella to proceed.

"I'm so not telling you size." Bella looked at Rose pointedly.

"Small then? Because really, he didn‟t look small."

"NO! He's not small," Bella replied emphatically. "I just know you, if we talk about it, you'll
be eying his junk the next time you see him. Obviously, you already have been."

"Like that wouldn't happen anyway," Rose snorted and took a drink of her margarita.

Bella looked at her friend sideways, "You do remember you're married right?"

"Hey, my man is packing," Rose bragged. "Besides, I'm going to say Edward's about a
seven and a half," she said nodding to herself.

Bella just stared at her wide eyed.

"What? It's a gift."

Bella just shook her head and went back to her dinner.

"Fine, moving on, skill level?"

"Mastery," Bella said without hesitation, wiping the salt from the rim of her glass and taking
a rather large gulp of her drink. “You know I hate salt,” she mumbled, flicking some from
her fingers in Rose‟s direction.

"Master level?” Rose sat up straighter on the couch; her interest peaked, “Seriously?"

Bella nodded her head vigorously.

"Good for you! So what events did he medal in?" Rosalie asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Are you kidding me with this Rose?" Bella asked exasperated.

"Oh come on! We never have girl time like this! All the other guys you dated were way too
boring,” Rose practically scolded. “So, oral?"

Bella rolled her eyes.

"That's a yes. You or him?"

"Both," Bella replied, her eyes straight ahead.

"Sixty nine?!" Rose gasped.

"No, Rose." She couldn‟t help but snort at her friend‟s obvious disappointment. She popped
her friend over the head with another couch pillow.

"Alright, next, special skills?" Rosalie continued her inquisition.

"What exactly would constitute a special skill?" Bella asked, considering the question.

Rose thought for a moment, her forefinger on her chin, "Um, clitorific fingers?"

"Did you just make that up?" Bella replied incredulously.

"No, it's real. You can totally look it up in Urban Dictionary."

Bella was silent for a minute, pondering her answer. "I would have to say, any man who
works at the mastery level, would probably qualify for clitorific fingers."

Rosalie was silent for a minute, digesting her friend‟s words. "That's so hot."

"It is," Bella agreed, nodding her head.

Turning toward the television, Rosalie began to flip through the channels in search of
something to watch, the cross-examination seemingly over.


“OH! I want that mascara!” Rose announced pointing to the commercial playing on the
television. It was no secret Rosalie loved all things As Seen On TV, it was also just one of
the many things Bella and she had in common. They were both suckers.

“Don‟t bother, it does absolutely nothing,” Bella sneered.

“Really?” Rose asked disappointed.

Bella turned to her friend and fluttered her lashes. “Do my eyes look enhanced? Can you
see greener highlights? Do they sparkle?” she asked sarcastically.

“No. No they don‟t,” Rosalie replied, shaking her head. “Damn, and it had such potential
too,” she sighed.

“I know,” Bella frowned, dejected.

By the time they finished off the margaritas it was late and Bella was too drunk to drive

home. Rose pulled a pillow and blanket out of the closet for her friend and then bid her
goodnight.

As she lay down, Bella pulled out her cell phone and typed up a text for Edward.

Rose got me drunk, staying here tonight. I hope you had a good day at work, and, um, I
miss you. Goodnight. –B

Moments later, as Bella was slipping into the sleep of the inebriated, her phone chirped with
a new message.

Wish I could see that. The day was OK, Flu season seems to be winding down finally.
Nobody puked on me today. I miss you too, I’ll see you tomorrow? Sleep well, I’ll call you
tomorrow afternoon. – E

Bella smiled and pulled the blanket up to her chin, curling up to fall asleep.

********************************

The following week was Christmas and once again Edward and Bella found they had
something in common. They were both last minute shoppers. Bella still needed to get
Rosalie her gift, and Edward still had things to pick up for Alice and his parents so he offered
to go shopping with her, which of course she graciously accepted.

Edward opened the car door for her and waited as she settled in before closing it.

“Where to first, ma‟am?” Edward asked as he climbed into the driver‟s seat.

“Target,” Bella answered with a smile.

Bella had a list, and she and Edward perused the isles of Target, grabbing their last minute
items. As they walked back toward the bedding section, Bella looked through the shelves,
finally finding what she was looking for.

“A Snuggie?” Edward asked, quirking his eyebrow at Bella‟s selection.

“Edward, the Snuggie keeps you warm while keeping your hands free,” Bella explained
seriously, quoting the terrible commercial. She reached out and grabbed the leopard print
and threw it in the cart.

Edward couldn‟t help but laugh, shaking his head at his girlfriend. Wait, girlfriend? He‟d
have to think that over later. They hadn‟t been dating that long, would Bella be interested in
an exclusive relationship? Edward‟s mind began to wander thinking about their situation.
They had jumped rather quickly into a physical relationship and so far everything he had
learned about her kept him intrigued. He felt they had a solid chance at something real. Did
she feel the same? They were going to have to talk soon, before he became too involved.

He wasn‟t sure how he would handle it if she weren‟t as invested as he was. As Bella began
to walk further down the isle, Edward snapped his attention back to the present.

“You‟re serious about this? Rose‟s Christmas present is a Snuggie?” Edward asked
incredulously, pointing to the large blanket in their cart.

“Well it‟s not her only present,” Bella answered as if that were obvious. “She‟s also getting a
Ped Egg.”

Edward stopped in the isle, “What the hell is a Ped Egg?”

“It‟s a heel shaver; it keeps your feet smooth between pedicures,” Bella answered as if it
were obvious.

Edward stared slack-jawed, “Do you guys buy everything you see on TV?”

Bella blushed and he had his answer. As ridiculous as it was to him, he couldn‟t help but find
her even more irresistible. He also realized, suddenly, he now had a great gift idea for Alice.
He could put the tickets to the show he got her inside the box for the Ped Egg. The look on
her face would be priceless! He couldn‟t help but whistle as they walked toward the register.

After getting the last of their gifts, Edward took Bella to dinner and then invited her over to
his townhouse. He wasn‟t sure why, but he was eager for her to see where he lived. He also
wanted to get an idea of what kind of gift he should get her for Christmas. Not to mention,
he was suddenly nervous thinking about bringing up “The Talk.”


Bella was impressed when they pulled up to Edward‟s townhouse. He was clearly
responsible and successful, both a far cry from her past relationships. Edward opened the
door and motioned for Bella to enter. He flipped on the light in the living room and Bella
walked the room slowly, taking in her surroundings.

“Your home is beautiful, Edward.” She stopped to look at the pictures on his mantel.

“Thank you. Would you like a fire?” Bella nodded, and Edward put fresh wood in the hearth,
managing to light it immediately.

“Way to go Boy Scout!” Bella teased, impressed. She turned back to the pictures above the
fireplace.

“Who‟s this?” she asked, pointing to a picture of Alice and Edward together. The girl was
beautiful and Bella couldn‟t help but worry she was important to him, maybe an ex-
girlfriend.

Edward looked at the picture and smiled, “Alice, my sister.”

“Oh that‟s right, you have a twin right?” Edward nodded. Bella had forgotten he had a
sister. They were both seniors and other than knowing Alice was related to Edward, Bella
knew nothing else about her.

“She‟s very pretty,” Bella commented.

“She is,” Edward agreed, “we have dinner every Thursday. I‟d like you to meet her, if you
want to come to dinner next week?” He reached for Bella‟s hand and intertwined their
fingers.

“I‟d love to.” Edward tugged her hand and walked Bella to the couch, settling down and
draping his arm around her shoulder. They were quiet for a while, both enjoying the peace
of being in each other‟s arms, and the heat of the fire.



“I want to get to know you better,” Edward blurted out after a while, breaking the silence.

“What would you like to know?” Bella asked. “I‟ll tell you anything.” Edward smiled.

“Favorite color?” He reached his hand up to stroke his fingers through her hair. Bella
hummed in appreciation.

“Green. You?” Edward thought for a moment, “Probably dark blue,” he answered. Bella
looked amazing in that color.

“My turn,” Bella said, “favorite restaurant?”

“I don‟t really have one, but I love Mexican food,” he answered.

“Mmm, me too.” Bella looked up and kissed him gently on the lips.

“What else do you want to know?” Bella asked with what Edward was sure a seductive
voice.

“We never really talked about…dating,” Edward hesitated, and Bella looked up at him
expectantly. “I mean,” Edward paused and blushed, while Bella just continued to watch him.
“I‟m not seeing anybody…else,” he finished and watched as Bella‟s face broke into a huge
smile.

“I‟m not either, Edward.” She couldn‟t help but laugh at him. “I guess I sort of assumed we
were exclusive, which now I feel a little stupid about, but I‟m glad you brought it up.”
Edward smiled in return.

“I‟d like to be. Exclusive that is,” he stammered.

“Edward, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” Bella couldn‟t help but tease him.

He turned to her, his face growing serious, “Yes, I am.” Bella‟s breath caught as she looked
at him.

“My boyfriend‟s a doctor! Mom would have been so proud.” Bella giggled and Edward had to
laugh with her for a moment and then he grew serious.

“What happened to your mom?” he asked quietly.

“Breast cancer.” Bella frowned, momentarily deep in thought.

“I‟m sorry.” He kissed her forehead and smoothed her hair back, trailing his fingers once
again.

“It was a long time ago, the holidays are still hard though,” she admitted. Bella turned in his
arms and started kissing Edward‟s neck. “Enough of that depressing topic, let‟s talk about
something more appealing.”

“Like what?” Edward could feel his arousal as Bella continued to nibble along his jaw.

“What‟s your favorite position?” she asked seductively. Edward flushed at her openness and
his mouth dropped open.

“I guess maybe from behind, I have the most control that way?” he answered hesitantly.

Bella worked her way up his jaw to his ear and whispered, “Nice, that‟s one of mine too.”
Edward‟s eyes drooped and his breathing became heavy with the heat of her breath on him.

Chapter – 12

The next few days continued on the same way, when they weren‟t working they spent their
spare time together. Thursday night Bella cleared the shop early, agreeing to meet at
Edward‟s house for dinner by seven. Tonight she would meet Alice, and she was very
nervous. After all, Alice was Edward‟s twin sister; she would hold a great deal of influence
over him.

Just a few minutes after seven, Bella pulled up to Edward‟s townhouse, next to a sleek black
Passat. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand to knock on the door. Before she made
contact the door flung open and a petite woman with dark hair and green eyes stood before
her.

“Bella?” The woman smiled warmly, opening the door wider.

“Yes.” Bella smiled in return and entered.

“I‟m Alice, Edward‟s sister,” she held out her hand, and Bella shook it in greeting.

“It‟s nice to meet you,” Bella said warmly.

“Do you want anything to drink? We have wine,” Alice asked as they made their way back to
the kitchen.

“I‟ll just have water,” Bella answered politely. Edward turned from the stove, where he was
making spaghetti and gave Bella a hug and a kiss on the top of her head.

“Hi,” he murmured.

“Hi,” she replied quietly as she looked up at him. They took a moment to watch each other,
before Alice cleared her throat, reminding them they were not alone.

Bella and Edward looked over to see Alice watching them with a huge grin.

“This is so great.” She practically bounced as she clapped her hands lightly while Bella
blushed.

“It smells delicious.” Bella leaned in to see what Edward had on the stove. He turned back
and stirred the pot of sauce, reaching over to turn the burner under the noodles off. Alice
grabbed the boiling pot and emptied the spaghetti into a strainer in the sink.

Dinner was perfect and Bella really liked Edward‟s sister. Alice was a lot like Rosalie and
Bella felt at ease with her immediately. She enjoyed the stories of Alice and Edward growing
up and even laughed when Alice went off on a tangent about „cutting that bitch‟ Kate if she
ever crossed her path again. When she looked up she caught Edward watching her and
winked. She could see the happiness in his eyes at how well she was getting along with his
sister.

After dinner Bella presented a small cheesecake she had prepared at the bakery and her
ears almost burst from Alice‟s squeal of delight.

“I swear to God Edward, I‟m keeping her. We‟re BFF‟s now,” she informed Bella, diving into
her slice of cheesecake.

Bella chuckled at Alice‟s enthusiasm.

“Sorry Al, she already has a BFF, Rosalie. They buy everything they see on television
together; it‟s a strong, impenetrable bond,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Alice turned to Bella, “Have you tried the Covergirl mascara?”

Bella nodded, “Totally doesn‟t work.”

“Damn.”

Edward looked at them incredulously, and shook his head.

“Rosalie‟s going to love you,” Bella smiled and Alice giggled.


They cleared the plates and Alice began loading Edward‟s dishwasher. “So, Edward when do
you find out about the fellowship?” she asked.

Edward looked up startled; he still hadn‟t mentioned the fellowship opportunity to Bella.

“What fellowship?” Bella asked, looking at Edward.

Alice glanced at her brother and muttered, “Unbelievable.”

Bella looked between Alice and Edward, sensing their discomfort.

“Edward?” She hoped he would fill her in on what was so obviously passing between him
and his sister.

Alice made a show of looking at her watch, “Oh, I had no idea it was getting this late. I‟ve
got to get going.” She walked into the living room and grabbed her purse, tossing it over
her shoulder; Bella followed. “Bella it was so great to meet you, I hope I‟ll see you again for
the holiday?” Bella half shrugged not really knowing how to answer, she and Edward had
not talked about their individual plans for Christmas. Alice leaned in and gave her a hug,
“I‟m sure we will; my parents are going to love you!” She turned to her brother and Bella
didn‟t miss the look that passed between them. “Love you, and I‟ll see you on Christmas.
Don‟t forget to bring something. Mom‟s threatening to withhold pie this year.”

Edward laughed, “I was planning on mashed potatoes. They‟re hard to mess up.”

Alice smirked at her brother, “You say that, but I‟ve seen you burn water.” Edward stuck his
tongue out at his sister, and pushed her toward the door.

“I didn‟t burn water; I boiled it all out and burned the hard boiled eggs that were in it.”
Edward clarified. Alice just giggled and nodded her head.

As they approached the door, Alice leaned in and whispered, “Sorry.”

“Not your fault, it‟s mine,” Edward replied just as quietly. He opened the door and they
stood in the doorway.

“It‟ll be ok. It has to be. I like her. If she dumps you, I‟m keeping her,” Alice reminded him.

“I‟ll call you,” Edward said louder, giving Alice one last hug. “Drive carefully,” he called out
before closing the door behind her.


Edward stood at the closed door and slowly turned around. Bella was sitting in his living
room waiting patiently for him to return. He sat down beside her and took her hand, playing
with her fingers and bringing them to his mouth. He gave each finger a little kiss then
intertwined their fingers and dropped their hands to his lap.

“What‟s going on?” Bella asked, she wasn‟t accusing and Edward felt bad about not telling
her about the fellowship sooner.

“It‟s nothing. Well, no, it is something; it‟s just not something that is decided so I didn‟t
think to bring it up. I‟m realizing I should have and I don‟t want you to get upset,” Edward
answered softly and honestly.

“What‟s a fellowship? I‟m assuming it has something to do with your job?”

Edward nodded his head, “It‟s an opportunity to specialize in my field. I was thinking I
wanted to do Emergency Pediatrics. My rotation in the ER has been interesting and I‟ve
gotten a pretty wide scope of my field. I think I might want to go that direction,” he
explained.

“That‟s great Edward! When do you find out?” Bella was honestly proud of him.

“Spring. March maybe,” Edward shrugged. “Sometimes you find out sooner, but I don‟t
expect to.”

Bella smiled at him but he could see the slight confusion in her eyes. She was too smart;
she would know there was more.

“It‟s in Chicago,” Edward admitted.

Bella‟s mouth dropped open in shock. “Chicago?” She wasn‟t sure she heard him right.

Edward nodded and looked at his lap, keeping his focus on how her hand fit in his, and the
feel of her warmth next to him.

Bella wasn‟t sure what to say. The thought of him moving away from Seattle made her
heart ache, but they had just started dating. Could she reasonably ask him not to take such
an important opportunity? And he had just said he didn‟t even know if he would get it, was
there any point in allowing this to become an issue if in the end he wasn‟t offered the
fellowship? She tried to swallow, but her throat was dry.

“I‟m not sure what to say,” she admitted to him. They were both quiet for awhile.

“Can we not worry about it for now?” he asked. She could see the fears she felt reflected
back at her through his eyes.

She pulled her hand from his and reached up to cup his cheeks gently. Leaning in she kissed
his lips softly, slowly. He responded immediately and soon Bella was lying on her back,
Edward perched over her, kissing her with all the passion he could muster. Their tongues
fought for dominance as their hands clutched at one another, grasping only to release and
roam. Pulling and pushing. Edward sat up and pulled his shirt off quickly, pulling Bella up to
do the same with hers. In the blink of an eye they were naked together. Needful. He had
never wanted any other woman the way he wanted her, and she had never been with a
man so passionate. His hands claimed her body, followed by his mouth and then he was
inside her, staking his ultimate claim.

Spring would come and they would have to face their future then, but for now, they were
more than happy to live in the present.


Lying on the couch, in Edward‟s arms, Bella felt completely at peace. She loved his
townhouse, she loved the way she felt surrounded by him when she was here. She looked
around the room, and kissed his chest over his heart.

“You don‟t have a Christmas tree,” she announced out of nowhere.

Edward‟s eyes were closed and he opened them at her statement.

“Would you like me to get one?” he asked, slipping his fingers through her hair and tickling
her neck.

Bella laughed and set her chin on his chest to look up at him. “You don‟t have to, I was just
realizing Christmas is almost here and neither of us has gotten a tree.”

“I‟m usually working too much to bother,” Edward admitted. “I think we should remedy
this,” he announced, pushing Bella up so they could sit up.

“Now?” she asked surprised.

“Well, not only do we need a tree, but we need everything that goes on it,” Edward pointed
out, standing up and grabbing their discarded clothes. He handed Bella hers and they
hurriedly dressed, both giggling the entire time. Edward grabbed his keys and wallet and
took Bella‟s hand as they walked to the door; before he opened it he pulled Bella to him for
a kiss. “Lets go get a tree!”

Chapter – 13

“Edward, that‟s not going to fit in your living room.” Bella was pointing at the monstrosity in
front of her in disbelief.

“Sure it will.” Edward scrutinized the tree. “We‟ll have to trim some off the bottom anyway.”
He shrugged, as if it were obvious.

Well, considering he was buying it for his house, who was Bella to tell him not to?
“Yeah…OK.” There was no way that tree was going to fit.

They made a quick stop by the store on the way to get a tree, and picked up decorations
along with lights and a tree stand. Bella bent over to check out the trunk of the tree, then
stood back up and tried to keep from smirking. Good luck with that one. Edward flagged
down a sales guy and had him cut the bottom of the tree, trimming some of the lower
branches, then they wrapped it up tight and helped tie it to the top of Bella‟s van. When he
first found out Bella drove a mini-van, he teased her quite a bit, but once he rode in it he
took it all back. Edward had to admit the damn thing drove pretty nice. Not as nice as his
Volvo, but for a mom mobile, the van was a nice ride.

Now, with the tree secured, Bella and Edward returned home to his townhouse and
unloaded their treasures, bringing in the tree last. They kept it wrapped, making it easier to
transport between the two of them. Once inside, Edward placed the trunk of the tree into
the stand, screwing down the base, then clipped the wrapping and let the branches fall free.

Which, as Bella had suspected would happen, immediately caused the tree to fall over.

“Oh shit.” Edward stood surprised, grabbing at the tree, trying to right it.

Bella stayed out of the way, her internal „I told you so‟, itching to jump out. The tree was
ten feet tall! And then there was the girth, it took up the entire corner by the fireplace. Oh,
that has to be a fire hazard. Edward grabbed the tree by the middle and began lifting it back
up and Bella jumped in to help. Once the tree was upright, Edward had Bella keep hold of it
while he took a step back to analyze the situation. He ran to the kitchen and was back
quickly with what looked like string and sheet rock hooks; he then set out to secure the
tree.

“Cheater,” Bella muttered.

Edward laughed and continued on his task.

Once the screws were in the wall, he took the twine and wrapped it around the middle of
the tree, securing it upright. When he was finished they stepped back and admired his
handy work.

“Perfect.” Edward smirked.

“The top of the tree is scratching the ceiling. You won‟t be able to get a topper on it,” Bella
pointed out.

“Ah, but that‟s what you think!” Edward grabbed one of the bags and dug around until he
pulled out a large red bow, then held it out in front of Bella‟s nose.

“Well done, Cullen,” she relented.

They spent the rest of the evening drinking the egg nog Bella had insisted on buying, which
Edward improved with a „dash‟ of brandy, and garnishing the tree. When they were finally
done, they turned off the lights and admired their hard work.

“It‟s perfect Edward,” Bella admitted in an astonished whisper. And the tree was; it was big,
and full, and when it was decorated, it was a perfect Christmas tree.

Edward wrapped his arms around Bella from behind and squeezed. He loved the tree, he
loved having Bella help him pick it out, and he loved having her here to decorate it. This
was by far the best Christmas he‟d had in years, and he owed it all to the woman wrapped
in his arms.

“Let‟s make a fire,” he whispered in her ear.

“Go for it Boy Scout.” Bella whispered back.

Edward chuckled as he let go of her to go start the fire. When he had the logs burning, he
grabbed a blanket and some pillows from his room and made a cozy pallet on the floor in
front of the fire and their newly decorated tree. He laid down on their make shift bed and
wiggled his eyebrows at Bella, holding out his hand to her. Giggling she took his hand and
laid down beside him. He immediately rolled on top of her, ensconcing her in his arms, and
kissed her firmly.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” she asked, wrapping her arms around his back and leaning up to kiss his neck.

“For reminding me there‟s more to life than work.” He captured her lips for a softer kiss,
this time taking her bottom lip between his and gently tugging. Licking it lightly, softly
asking permission to deepen their kiss; Bella obliged. What started out as something soft
and sweet, was soon heated and passionate.

As their make out intensified, Bella couldn‟t help but begin rubbing against Edward‟s thigh
for friction to appease the ache that was building inside her. Knowing what she needed, he
ran his hand down her stomach to press between her legs. She surely would have jumped
from the feeling, had he not been securing her down with his body. Her moans told him she
was getting closer and he stopped momentarily earning him a groan. He chuckled and

unbuttoned her pants, pulling the zipper down slowly, almost teasing, then slipped his
fingers inside and pressed firmly against her. Her head fell back and her breath caught and
she felt her climax building again, only to have Edward once again take his hand away.

She looked at him incredulously. “W.T.F. Edward?” she growled. Of course she was
breathless, which took most of the bite out of her question. Edward couldn‟t help but laugh
and shake his head at her. Saying nothing, he sat up and grabbed her by the hips, hooking
his fingers into the waist band of her pants and pulled them down, getting to her ankles, he
pulled her socks off with her pants. She lay before him naked from the waist down but he
needed more, he pulled her arms, getting her to sit up and pulled her shirt up and off,
quickly followed by her bra, then sat back to admire his handy work.

Bella flushed at his scrutiny and felt the urge to cover herself, but Edward quickly had her
laying back down, once again covering her with his body. He kissed her mouth, then her
neck, her breasts, the middle of her chest over her heart, down her stomach, stopping to
dip his tongue in her belly button, to finally stop hovering over her heated sex. He gently
placed his hands on her inner thighs and spread them, diving in and lapping up her
wetness. This time he didn‟t stop until she yelled his name.

He quickly undressed himself and positioned himself above her; pausing for a moment,
looking at her intently.

“I‟ve never made love in front of a Christmas tree before.” He admitted, unsure of why he
felt the need to tell her that. Something in him wanted her to know this was all for her, and
only her.

“Me neither,” Bella said quietly. He leaned in to kiss her as his body took over and he
brought her climax once again, quickly following her over the edge.


For Christmas Eve, Bella was going with Edward to his parent‟s home. She baked a pumpkin
cake to bring for dessert, and stopped by the store for a nice bottle of wine as a gift.
Knowing Alice would be there, she pondered what to get her. At first she considered just
grabbing a gift card, but then decided to take a chance on an actual gift and hoped Alice
would like it.

Edward picked her up at six thirty and they headed across town toward the lake. As they
pulled up the drive, Bella‟s mouth fell open in shock. His family was loaded! The house, or
more aptly the mansion, was two stories from the front, but was built into the hillside,
adding another level down from the back. Edward held Bella‟s hand as they entered, not
bothering to knock. “Mom!” He called from the empty foyer. Bella could hear Christmas
music playing lightly throughout the house from a speaker system. Edward pulled her hand
lightly and headed further into the house, finally locating his mom in the kitchen, checking
on the baked turkey in the oven.

“Hey,” Edward announced their presence, slightly startling his mother.

“Oh honey!” She pushed the turkey back in and closed the oven door. Pulling off her oven
mitts she reached for Edward to give him a hug. “Merry Christmas!”

“Mom, this is my girlfriend, Bella…Swan,” he added as an afterthought.

“Welcome Bella Swan,” his mom laughed as she pulled Bella into a warm hug.

“Thank you, it‟s nice to meet you Mrs. Cullen.” Bella returned the hug, momentarily feeling
the loss of her own mother.

“Esme, please.” Edward‟s mom insisted.

Bella smiled and nodded. “Merry Christmas,” she said, remembering the wine and cake and
handing them to Esme.

“Thank you!” Esme took the wine and put it down on the counter. “We can have this with
dinner,” she said motioning to the wine, then to the cake, “and this for dessert!”

They continued with mild pleasantries, Esme was asking about Bella‟s bakery when
Edward‟s father walked in and embraced Edward in a one-armed man hug with back pat.

“Good to see you, Son.” Bella noticed immediately how handsome Edward‟s father was and
could envision Edward in twenty years. Her heart rate increased at the thought of knowing
him then. Edward‟s father was probably in his late forties, but could pass easily for his late
thirties as he had kept himself in shape. His deep blue eyes popped from behind the black-
framed glasses he wore and Bella could easily see Edward in the same pair as he grew
older.

“Likewise, Dad, I‟d like you to meet my girlfriend, Bella.” Bella held out her hand but instead
Edward‟s dad did just as his mother had and pulled Bella into a warm embrace.

“It‟s very nice to meet you Bella, we‟ve heard a lot about you.” Edward‟s dad winked at him
and Bella could see Edward blush slightly.

“Alice,” Edward muttered, and his dad grinned showing the same beautiful smile Edward
had. Could a man in his mid-forties be considered adorable? Because this man, he was.

Bella flushed along with Edward and smiled, “Thank you Mr. Cullen, I‟ve been looking
forward to meeting the rest of Edward‟s family.”

“Please call me Carlisle, Mr. Cullen reminds me I‟m old enough to have a doctor for a son,
and then I start planning out my mid-life crisis.”

“Oh please, sweetheart you passed planning five years ago, I‟m just waiting to come home
to find the sports car in the drive,” Esme piped up.

“Well, now that I know you‟re expecting it, and apparently alright with it, I‟ll get right on it
after the holiday.” Carlisle retorted in good humor.

“Do it and you‟ll be sleeping in it.”

“So, then that‟s a no on the two seater I had my eye on…” Bella couldn‟t help but laugh at
their banter. They had obviously been together a long time and were still very happy with
one another.

The car-slash-mid life crisis discussion was interrupted when Alice walked in towing her date
behind her. Bella was the only one surprised to see him, but when she did she couldn‟t help
letting out a squeal of excitement.

“Jasper!” Bella skipped over to him and gave him a huge bear hug.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Jasper asked returning the hug and swinging her slightly
back and forth. His question brought her back to their current situation and Bella pulled
back, grabbing Jasper‟s hand and dragging him over to Edward.

“Jasper, this is Edward, my boyfriend.” She couldn‟t help the blush that occurred when she
introduced Edward that way. Alice walked over with a surprised look still on her face, and
Bella gasped and apologized.

“I‟m so sorry for attacking him like that!” She started explaining, “I‟ve just known Jasper
since right after high school.” Alice smiled and waved her off, and gave her a hug hello.

Jasper held out his hand and Edward shook it.

“It‟s nice to meet you man,” Jasper said.

“Same,” Edward replied.

“So how did you guys meet?” Bella asked to nobody specific while looking back and forth
between Jasper and Alice.

“Her accounting firm needed a programmer. They wanted to try out some new software.”
Jasper smiled over at Alice and she returned it flirtatiously.

Edward‟s dad held out his hand to Jasper, “Nice to meet you, I‟m her father, Dr. Cullen.” He
enunciated the father part.

“Carlisle!” Esme chastised him. “He‟s Carlisle,” she said giving her husband a pointed look,
“and I‟m Esme, and we‟re very happy to meet you, Jasper.” Esme swatted Carlisle with a
dish towel. Everyone laughed, except Jasper, who gave a small unsure smile, glancing
between Alice and her father.

“Good job Dad, freak out my date on Christmas Eve.” Alice lightly punched her dad in the
arm.

“I was kidding,” Carlisle chuckled. Then when Alice turned around he motioned to his eyes
and pointed to Jasper. Jasper looked to Edward, who just shrugged and nodded in
agreement with his father, while Bella was almost in tears from laughing so hard.

“Dinner‟s ready,” Esme announced, as the timer on the oven sounded. Edward took Bella‟s
hand and led her to the dining room, followed by Jasper and Alice. The table was set with
beautiful china and Bella couldn‟t help but think the room belonged in a Martha Stewart
catalog. It was the perfect holiday set up.

Walking around the table to the far side, Edward pulled out Bella‟s chair for her, earning a
nod of approval from his father. Jasper noticed the exchange and went to help Alice but she
had already pulled out her chair and sat down. He chanced a quick look her father‟s way
and saw him shake his head slightly. In his head he could see the strike against him.
Sighing quietly, he sat down.

Esme brought the turkey to the table, placing it in front of Carlisle to carve. He grabbed the
knife and fork and sliced into the turkey.

“Now, what does everyone want? Jasper? Breast or thigh?” Carlisle looked pointedly at
Jasper, who was sitting next to his daughter and raised his eyebrows.

Jasper sat; a deer in the headlights. He could feel his balls actually ascending inside of
himself under the stare of Alice‟s father. “Neither, sir?” It came out as more of a question.

“You don‟t like turkey?” Carlisle asked incredulously.

“Uh, I…I‟m a vegetarian.” Jasper swallowed hard, grasping for an excuse to avoid the breast
or thigh question from the father of the girl he was currently sleeping with.

Bella and Alice both turned to Jasper, “Since when?” Bella asked. Jasper looked to both of
them in a panic. Alice sensed the imminent point where the sweetest guy she had ever met
would flee the table and she‟d never see him again. Suddenly her anger flared and she
glared at her father and then her brother. At this point, she would rather they had done
another background check, like they did on the last guy she brought home.

“I‟m a vegetarian too.” Alice announced. “It‟s just something we‟re trying. Together,” she
said pointedly as she reached over and held Jasper‟s hand on the table.

At Alice‟s declaration, Edward could no longer hold it in, and he busted out laughing. He
could see the sweat on Jasper‟s brow, and nobody missed the lasers shooting from Alice‟s
eyes. Edward covered his face and tried to stifle his chuckles. Finally getting them under
control he looked at Jasper, who now appeared slightly less nauseous by the save of

Edward‟s sister, and leaned in to whisper, “He was fucking with you.”

Jasper simply nodded his head and squeezed Alice‟s hand.

“OK then,” Esme said handing her plate to her husband, “I‟ll take dark meat, dear, it‟s
always juicier.” From the look she gave him, Carlisle knew he was anything but a dear, and
he was in for a tongue lashing later, but damn if that wasn‟t the funniest thing he‟d ever
seen. Looking over at his son, Carlisle internally high fived him. Edward knew exactly what
his father was saying with that look and winked back.

Esme opened the bottle of wine Bella brought, and walked around the table filling glasses.
Bella declined, asking only for water, which Edward immediately got for her.

After passing around the rest of the food, Carlisle stood up for a toast, “Here‟s to a long life
and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A glass of
wine and another one!” They all raised their glasses in cheers, and Edward leaned in to kiss
Bella on the cheek. “Merry Christmas,” he whispered in her ear.


When dinner was over they gathered in the living room to open presents. Edward‟s parents
had given Bella a gift certificate for a spa day downtown, and she was floored by their
generosity. She felt bad, momentarily, about the gift card for dinner she had gotten them in
return, but Edward insisted his family was always like this, and they didn‟t expect anything
other than his and Alice‟s happiness. Bella couldn‟t stop the internal Snoopy dance at the
implication she was gift enough to their son. She was pulled from her thoughts by Alice‟s
squeal of delight. Edward had given her tickets to Wicked, inside the box for a Ped Egg.
Bella couldn‟t help the snort that escaped when she saw the box. Edward just shrugged and
smiled.

To make up for the earlier harassment, Carlisle pulled Jasper aside and apologized for
messing with him, then handed him an envelope with a gift card inside. “We didn‟t know
anything about you, so it‟s pretty generic,” he half apologized gruffly, but Jasper waved him
off and thanked him profusely for the gift. Carlisle smiled and gave him the same type of
one-armed man hug, he‟d given Edward earlier, before returning to his wife‟s side.

Bella‟s attention turned back to Alice when she once again clapped for joy after opening
Bella‟s gift. Inside was a deluxe microfleece Snuggie. Bella smiled proudly and Esme
declared she wanted one, too.

“Christmas Eve‟s a little late to be adding to your list, don‟t you think?” Carlisle asked.

Esme just bumped his shoulder and shushed him, then told him it would be fine if he
ordered it after the holiday. Carlisle rolled his eyes at his wife and gave her a chaste kiss.

The evening wound down and Alice announced she and Jasper were leaving, giving Edward
an exit, too. He pulled Bella up from the couch to say their goodbyes and soon they were

back in his car headed for his townhouse.

“Your family is wonderful.” Bella turned from looking out the window, watching Edward‟s
profile as he drove.

“Thank you, they like you too.” He reached over and grabbed her hand, settling it in his lap
giving Bella an idea.

Slowly she reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt, turning to face Edward as she pulled
her hand free from his. He glanced at her, unsure of what she was doing.

“It‟s past midnight,” she said in a sultry voice, “want one of your gifts?” Edward continued
to glance back and forth between her lustful gaze and the road. He swallowed hard and
nodded, unsure his voice would work.

Bella gingerly reached over and unbuttoned Edward‟s pants, slowly slipping the zipper
down, licking her lips as she did so. Edward was sure now that spontaneous combustion was
real, and it was going to happen to him any minute now. When she had his zipper down,
she eased her hand into his boxers and pulled out his now fully aroused dick, gently
stroking it up and down. Edward‟s breathing became heavy as he switched on the cruise
control for the car, not trusting his multitasking skills that far, he‟d be lucky if he could
brake and steer at this point. When she lowered her mouth to him and his eyes rolled back,
he quickly signaled to pull into a vacant shopping strip parking lot.

This was the Best. Christmas. Ever.

The following morning Bella woke up at seven, still exhausted and completely sated from
the night before. Today they were headed to her father‟s house, and for the first time in
their Christmas history, she and her father both had dates. Rose and Emmett were going to
be joining them for dinner and Bella couldn‟t wait to introduce Edward to everyone. Rose
had already met Edward, but that was before they had declared themselves and somehow it
felt different now.

Chapter – 14

Waking up Christmas morning, Bella couldn‟t imagine a better Christmas gift than lying next
to Edward naked. His warmth surrounded her as his arms held her close and his legs
entwined with hers. Bella had never been one for snuggling that much, preferring her space
while she slept, but with Edward it was different. His heartbeat relaxed her; his steady
breathing and warm embrace a constant reminder of his presence. His affections, which
appeared to be growing daily alongside hers, reminded her she was no longer alone.

She was in love.

Of course she couldn‟t say that out loud. She refused to look like one of those women who

declared they were in love with every man they dated. She herself had never said those
words, but she had only been dating Edward a few weeks—she could only imagine what
he‟d think if she admitted her feelings now.

Bella gently slipped out of Edward‟s arms and tiptoed to the bathroom, not wanting to wake
him. Quietly she took care of business and washed her hands, then tiptoed back to the bed.
Just as she was settling in beside him, Edward reached out and pulled her to him, snuggling
her back to his chest.

“Good morning,” his voice was gruff with sleep. He gently kissed her jaw and nuzzled his
nose to her ear.

“Merry Christmas,” Bella replied softly, her arms covering his as they wrapped around her
stomach as she looked back at him over her shoulder.

“Mmm…Merry Christmas.” Edward gazed at her through his half open eyelids and smiled,
leaning forward and kissing her nose.

“Would you like breakfast?”

Bella could hear his soft chuckle, “Maybe…”

“What would you like?”

“You,” he answered, as he rolled her over and climbed on top of her, settling himself
between her legs.

Bella swatted his arm. “Seriously, are you hungry?”

“Very.” Edward gave her a mischievous grin, and then slowly began kissing his way down
her body.

“Edward,” Bella tried to admonish him but couldn‟t stop the giggle that slipped out as his
tongue tickled her navel. He kissed his way over to her surgery scar, which was still rather
red looking, and pressed his lips to it softly. Bella ran her hands through his soft hair,
earning her a moan as he looked back up at her with a lazy smile before returning his lips to
the path they were on. Edward inched his way down excruciatingly slowly. Bella could feel
her excitement burning her alive as he finally hit his destination. Her hands returned to his
hair as her knees came up on either side of his head, opening herself up as wide as
possible.

“Edward,” she breathed his name again, this time merely a whisper as her head rocked back
and forth. He didn‟t respond with words, instead using his hands and tongue to
communicate. He slipped his left hand under her leg, wrapping it around her thigh up near
her hip and anchored himself to her. His right hand caressed her other thigh as he moved to
slip it inside her. She immediately clenched around him releasing a loud moan of pleasure.

He began working her, slipping another finger inside and moving them around as her
breathing increased. Edward could feel Bella getting closer. Her hands tightened in his hair
and her breathing became erratic as he sped up his ministrations with his tongue, flicking it
back and forth, up and down, over and over while his hand pumped her as deeply as it
could. Finally, his efforts were awarded with her orgasm as she came hard, pulling his hair
roughly and yelling out profanities.

“Fuck Edward,” Bella said breathlessly, her eyes still closed as she came down from her
high.

“OK,” Edward snickered as climbed back up her body, grabbing at the sheet and quickly
wiping down his face before flipping her over onto her stomach, causing her to laugh in
surprise. He reached over to the bedside table grabbing a condom.

“Last one,” he said, ripping it open and rolling it down his length.

“I made an appointment to get back on the pill.” Bella‟s voice was muffled, her head in the
pillow. Edward couldn‟t help the grin that spread across his face at the thought of being with
her, nothing in between them. He had never been opposed to condoms, in fact he‟d always
worn one, following the old adage „better safe than sorry‟, but he knew with Bella it was
different. She wasn‟t just some girl, she was his girl. More than once he‟d been tempted to
forego wrapping it up, the thought of her getting pregnant didn‟t cause automatic panic
down in his bones, but neither of them was ready for that. He was glad she was going to
take birth control, it would add more spontaneity, but just as he was grateful, he also felt
certain one day they would go without any prevention. One day. That thought alone made
his heart pound.

Bella squirmed beneath him, bringing him from his thoughts. He grasped her hips and
pulled her up onto her knees leaving her head down as he entered her in one move while
emitting a deep groan. He rubbed her back and hips as he thrust into her over and over
before reaching around and teasing her with his fingers. It didn‟t take long before he heard
her whimpers turn into full-on moans followed by her calling his name.

Fuck, he would never get tired of hearing that. He followed her over the edge and they both
collapsed back on the bed, Edward falling to her side so as not to crush her with his weight.
Their movement caused him to pull out and he quickly disposed of the used condom before
snuggling back up against her.

“OK, now I‟m hungry,” he chuckled.


Throwing on clothes, Edward followed Bella into the kitchen for breakfast, smiling at her
small four foot tree in the corner on top of a table, and noticing a rather large looking gift
underneath it. She clapped her hands loudly twice and the tree lit up, causing Edward burst
out laughing. Only Bella, and probably Rosalie, would have the Clapper plugged into a
Christmas tree. Thinking it over for a minute, he realized it was a pretty damn good idea.

Bella whipped up pancakes and bacon for breakfast and Edward made fresh orange juice
with the juicer on the counter, and they settled in at the breakfast counter to eat in
comfortable silence.

While eating, Edward‟s eyes continued to be drawn to the large box under Bella‟s rather
small tree. He couldn‟t help but wonder if it was for him. He knew that the other presents
Bella had purchased were wrapped and in bags ready for the trip to Forks, to her father‟s
house. Bella noticed Edward‟s gaze and smirked.

After they finished eating and cleaning up Bella grabbed Edward‟s hand and pulled him
toward the tree to sit in front of it. She grabbed the box and handed it to him, plopping it in
his lap.

“Merry Christmas,” she smiled as his eyes lit up at the gift. He was about to tear into it
when he realized he hadn‟t given Bella her gift. Jumping up, he grabbed his keys and ran
out to the car, returning momentarily jumping up and down shivering from the cold, as he
had neglected to put a shirt on. He sat back down beside her and handed her the small gift.
He glanced from his gift to the one in her lap and chuckled, hanging his head.

“In this situation, size means very little,” he assured her. Bella just bumped his shoulder
and leaned over to kiss him.

“I never worry about size with you.”

They both began to rip into their gifts at the same time. Edward was blown away by what
Bella had gotten him. He‟d often complained about not having time to make a good cup of
coffee in the morning, and the crude oil they passed off as coffee at the hospital was thick
enough to hold a spoon up. Now, unwrapped in front of him was a Krups Ten Cup
Programmable Grind 'n' Brew Coffeemaker. It came with water filtration and five grind
levels, and three coffee-strength settings. It had a brew and pause function, and auto shut
off. It did just about everything but wake you up with a blow job in the morning. This was
quite possibly the perfect gift for him and he couldn‟t believe she‟d gotten it for him.

Bella was equally as shocked to find a brand new, green, iPod Nano in her hands. It
recorded video, played live radio, and had sixteen gigs of storage. Bella gasped as she
pulled it from the box and turned it around in her hands. She‟d mentioned in passing how
she was thinking of buying a new iPod, thinking it would be nice to listen to books on tapes
as she worked.

“Edward! It‟s too much!” Bella sat stunned.

Edward gaped at her, “Bella…” he pointed to the gift in his lap, his mouth still hanging open.
They both stared at one another, then cracked up and hugged.

“I love it,” she murmured, and Edward nodded.

“Thank you, it‟s perfect,” he replied, speaking of her gift to him. She pulled back and tilted
her head up, giving him a deep kiss.


They made their way to the shower, which took longer than Bella was anticipating since
Edward had plans for them. . .other than showering. Of course she wasn‟t complaining, but
it did put them behind schedule. They hurriedly packed up the car with the gifts and hit the
road, heading to Forks.


The drive to Forks normally took three hours; Edward made it in two and a half. Bella knew
Edward liked to drive fast; just driving around town his standard was ten miles over the
limit at all times. But this, this was different. Get him out on the open road and he had no
boundaries.

“Good grief, Edward!” Bella exclaimed, watching as the speedometer inched toward ninety.
“You know you‟re speeding toward my dad right? And you‟d better slow down when you hit
the city limits, if you get a ticket in Forks you‟ll make his shit list,” Bella huffed, scolding.

The mention of Charlie immediately got Edward‟s attention and Bella smirked as she
watched the speed drop infinitesimally. At least it was something. She shrugged her
shoulders and looked back out the window. He‟ll learn the hard way.

When they finally hit the outskirts of Forks, Edward heeded her advice and slowed down,
winking at Bella as he did so.

“Good boy,” she patted his head and he grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand to his mouth
and kissing it.

Bella directed Edward to her father‟s house and before he knew it, they were sitting in Chief
Charlie Swan‟s driveway. Up until that point Edward had been full of confidence, but now,
he felt he was standing on a precipice. Please don‟t let me fuck this up. He hit the lever to
pop the trunk open and he and Bella grabbed the gifts then walked to the front door.
Edward shifted the packages and knocked on the door. Bella laughed as she walked up
behind him, instructing him to just go in.

Carefully, he balanced his load and opened the door. The house was small and old, but tidy.
Edward could smell cedar and something faintly metallic. It was obvious the house was
missing a woman‟s touch. There was a recliner in the living room, facing a flat screen TV,
and an old floral print couch, that looked as if it were an afterthought for the room. Off in
the corner of the room, there was a small Christmas tree, smaller than Bella‟s even.

“Just put them down here,” Bella instructed, as she set her pile of gifts down on the coffee
table in front of the couch. Edward did as he was told, then walked to the tree for a closer
look. The ornaments were all handmade, and most appeared to be from Bella‟s childhood.

Edward smiled as he reached out to touch the small heart, with Bella‟s handprint in the
middle. As he took inventory of the room, he noticed almost all the pictures were of Bella
alone. Most were school pictures and Edward loved watching Bella grow up through the
timeline in front of him. There were a few multi-print frames, collages of her and her father
fishing, or snapshots of Bella making silly faces for the camera. Edward‟s heart sped up as
he made his way toward Bella‟s high school pictures. He was standing in front of her junior
year photo when Bella walked up behind him.

“Ugh, I really wish he‟d put these in a photo album, stored on a shelf, preferably in the
basement.” Bella reached out and covered the picture of her smiling face with her hand.
Edward chuckled, pulling her hand away.

“You were an adorable kid, Bella,” he said, motioning to the walls.

“You have to say that when bombarded with pictures of your girlfriend amidst her prime
adolescent period. However, I know the truth. I was gangly, I tripped a lot, and I wore
braces until I was fifteen.”

“Is that why you were smiling funny over there?” Edward began to walk back toward the
picture where Bella was giving an awkward closed smile, but Bella pulled his arm and began
to lead him from the room. Edward chuckled and allowed her to lead him to the kitchen.

On the table sat the source of the metallic smell in the air. Charlie was cleaning his gun, and
it lay in pieces on the table, minus one Charlie.

“Dad?” Bella called out, when she didn‟t find him in the kitchen. She walked to the back
door and opened it, spying her father grabbing wood for the fire place.

“Hey Bells!” Charlie dropped the few pieces he had in his arms into the carrier and brought
it into the house. He dropped it on the ground and swooped Bella up into his arms for a
fierce hug. “How are ya, kid?”

“Can‟t. Breathe.” Bella gasped, as her dad swung her back and forth.

Charlie set her back on the ground, still with his arms around her.

“Uh, Dad, I‟d like you to meet Edward Cullen. My boyfriend.” Bella motioned to Edward, her
eyes downcast. Edward smiled and held out his hand.

“I‟m glad to meet you, Chief Swan.” Charlie released Bella and shook Edward‟s hand.

“Uh huh,” Charlie grunted and Bella pinched her dad‟s side. “Please, call me Charlie.” He
winced and rubbed the sore spot. Bella swatted her dad‟s shoulder and pulled away.

“Merry Christmas Dad.” Bella reached up and kissed her father‟s cheek.

“Merry Christmas Bells. Can I get either of you something to drink?” Charlie opened the
fridge and grabbed a beer, offering one to Edward, who gladly accepted. Bella shook her
head no, and set about grabbing things from the refrigerator to prepare Christmas dinner.
Thankfully, her father had remembered to thaw the ham she had stuck in his freezer the
month before.

Charlie sat down at the table, motioning for Edward to take a chair.

“Where‟s Sue?” Charlie had been so excited about having a date this year for Christmas
dinner, especially with the addition of Edward to their gathering.

“Leah changed her plans at the last minute and decided to come home for the holiday. Her
mom and I…dating…is still sensitive for her.” Bella could see the irritation on her father‟s
face, but knew he was too polite to complain out right. Harry Clearwater had been gone
three years now, it was time for Sue‟s daughter to let her move on. Bella sighed and kissed
her father on the head, patting his back in comfort. Charlie shrugged and drank his beer,
turning his attention back to Edward.

“You own any firearms, Edward?” Charlie wasn‟t one for small talk, but he was going to
make an effort for Bella, as he began reassembling his gun.

“No sir,” Edward answered.

“Do you not agree with people owning guns?”

“Dad…” Bella murmured a warning to her father.

“I do, when they are properly trained, such as yourself, and when the guns are taken care
of, but I‟ve seen too many victims of negligence to own one myself,” Edward answered.
Charlie nodded his head at Edward‟s honesty.

They drank their beers as Charlie finished up, and Bella flitted about the kitchen preparing
their dinner. Edward was just beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable at the lack of
conversation, when somebody knocked on the door then immediately opened it.

“Knock, knock,” Rosalie called out, stepping into the house, followed by Emmett who had
his arms full of presents.

Rosalie made her way to the kitchen as Emmett deposited their gifts in the living room.

“Hey Edward,” Rosalie patted his shoulder, and leaned in to give Charlie a hug. “Merry
Christmas, Daddy.” Rose had taken to calling Charlie Daddy years ago, as he had
proclaimed her his adopted daughter, and even told her he was looking into claiming her on
his taxes—so often she was over at his house. Rosalie preferred the Swan residence to her
own, as her alcoholic parents tended to ignore her, and if they weren‟t ignoring her, they
were verbally abusive. When she and Bella had started college and moved in together, Rose

stopped visiting her parents altogether, keeping their contact to occasional phone calls or
the annual in person visit if she happened to be in town.

Charlie stood up and gave Rosalie a proper hug, then shook Emmett‟s hand hello, offering
more holiday greetings.

Rosalie walked to Bella and gave her a big hug, asking if she needed in help and not waiting
for an answer as she donned an apron.

“Edward, how‟s it going?” Emmett held out his hand and Edward stood up and shook it.

“Good, how about you guys?” Edward and Charlie sat back in their seats, as Emmett made
his way to hug Bella, earning a squeal as he picked her up.

“That drive is a bitch,” Emmett replied, “but it‟s good to be here. When‟s the game, Papa
Swan?” Emmett put Bella back on the ground and opened the refrigerator, grabbing a beer.

Charlie glanced at his watch, startled to see time had slipped away from him. “We‟d better
get in there; it‟s just about to start.” He motioned to the living room, and Emmett led the
way. “Edward, you coming?”

“Sure thing,” Edward answered, although truthfully he would rather stay in the kitchen and
help Bella with dinner. Football had never really held his interest.

They settled in the living room, Charlie in the recliner and Edward next to Emmett on the
couch.

“So Edward, who‟s your team?” Charlie asked opening his beer.

Edward had never wished more that he had paid attention to sports.

“I don‟t really have one, sir.” Emmett turned to look at him, the beer in his hand half way to
his mouth.

“You don‟t like football?” Charlie asked, surprised by Edward‟s answer. Emmett took a gulp
of his beer and turned his focus to Edward.

Edward blew out a breath, and decided to go for honesty. “Not really, no. I‟m not really into
sports in general.”

“What are you into?” Emmett asked dumbfounded.

Edward couldn‟t help but laugh internally at the direction of their conversation. “Well, I‟m a
doctor, so I don‟t have a whole lot of free time, but when I do, I guess I like to read, do
crossword puzzles, visit with family, listen to music, play the piano…” Edward trailed off,
unsure of when exactly he‟d turned into a woman, and hung his head, “Please don‟t take my

man card away.”

Emmett cracked up, whacking Edward on the back while Charlie snickered into his beer.
“Drink up Edward, the game‟s starting.”

By half time the boys had finished off a twelve pack and Edward felt no pain. He was
actually beginning to enjoy the game, but more importantly, he was enjoying Emmett and
Charlie‟s company. He made a mental note to make more of an effort to get to know
Emmett better once they were all back in Seattle.

During a commercial break, Edward made his way into the kitchen to check on Bella and
dinner. The smells floating throughout the house were divine and he was getting very
hungry. Rosalie had come into the living room a half hour ago, and had taken up residence
on Emmett‟s lap; Edward felt guilty Bella was in the kitchen by herself. He found her by the
stove, shaking her butt to a song playing low on the radio. Sneaking up behind her, he
wrapped his arms around her stomach as she jumped in surprise flinging fresh cranberry
sauce across the room.

“Shit Edward!” She turned around in his embrace to see the silly smile plastered on his face.
“You‟re drunk!” Bella couldn‟t help the giggle that erupted at this discovery.

Edward just nodded and leaned in for a kiss, which Bella happily obliged. She reached back
and put the spoon in the pot of cranberry sauce, then ran her hands through the hair at the
back of his neck, pulling him closer. In his inebriated state, she easily switched their
positions and had him against the counter, pressing into him and slipping her hand teasingly
down to the growing bulge in his pants.

“Bella,” Edward muttered around their kisses, “your dad is in the living room.”

“Exactly, and we‟re in the kitchen. Alone.” Bella ground into him, causing him to whimper.
“He has a gun, Bella; he was cleaning it when we got here.”

“Oh sweetie, he has more than one!” Bella reached up and pinched Edward‟s cheek, then
swatted his butt and turned back to the stove. Edward blanched at the thought of Charlie‟s
munitions. He refocused and began helping Bella finish dinner preparations, stealing bites
here and there, causing Bella to take a protective stance over the food and shoo him from
the room.

When dinner was finished Bella called everyone into the dining room, asking her father
politely to turn off the television, which he grudgingly did. Bella smiled at Edward‟s flushed
appearance and perma-grin, knowing she would be the one driving them home that night.

Dinner was pleasant, everyone enjoying Bella‟s cooking and each other‟s company. When it
came time to open presents, Rosalie and Bella screeched in excitement as they both opened
up Snuggies, and Charlie got Emmett a Home Brew Starter Kit. Emmett and Rosalie bought
Charlie a leather beer holster that resembled a six shooter holster on his thigh, which he

proudly donned. Charlie, on Bella‟s advice, bought Edward a nice wood-carved chess set,
and Bella and Edward went in on a TiVo for her father.

“You‟ll never miss another game,” Bella said, kissing his cheek.

Charlie gave her a hug and then, to the surprise of everyone, also hugged Edward.

“Love you, Bells,” Charlie‟s voice was gruff with emotion.

“Love you too, Dad.”

After loading the cars, everyone said their goodbyes.

“Drive carefully, Bella,” her father instructed.

“Always Chief.” Bella winked at her dad.

Edward made it to the interstate before falling asleep. The man really wasn‟t a big drinker.

Chapter – 15

The week between Christmas and New Years dragged by for Bella. The bakery wasn‟t busy
and Edward was working long shifts. In fact, he was scheduled to work New Year‟s Eve,
much to Bella‟s chagrin. Not really wanting to do anything without him, Bella decided to
invite Rose and Emmett over, and even sent out an invitation to Alice and Jasper. She
thought they could all get together for a quiet evening, then, when Edward got off work he
could come to her place and join them.

After settling the details she even decided to stop by the party store to get a few
decorations. Mostly just silly party hats and noise makers. She left the champagne to
Rosalie, since the most she would have would be a few sips, maybe a glass, and she knew a
bottle of Andre wasn‟t going to go over well, even if it was nice and cheap. Rosalie had
standards, or so she told Bella. Bella was pretty sure it was more the fact that Rosalie drank
an entire bottle of the pink bubbly at a wedding and proceeded to puke the rest of the night.
As for Alice and Jasper, they had to go to a work party at Jasper‟s colleague‟s house, but
were sure they could sneak out before midnight if they got there early enough and mingled.

On New Year‟s Eve day Bella prepared a few trays of finger foods for snacks. She knew
Emmett loved it when she made pinwheels, so she made extra of those. She also made sure
to pick up a bottle of Centenario tequila and limes for Rosalie. The last thing she wanted
was an evening of Rose complaining about the lack of fucking limes; Bella had already
learned that lesson the hard way.

By six o‟clock the hors d‟oeuvres were done, the tequila was chilled, and Bella was already
missing Edward. She picked up her cell to text him four times before finally giving in. She
always felt guilty texting him while he was at work, knowing the likelihood he was busy was
high.

Hey, ER busy?

Her phone chirped minutes later.

Not too bad yet. They had an OD earlier, somebody starting the party before the party.
*sigh* When are R & E coming over?

Bella frowned, she hated Edward was alone tonight, and surrounded by sickness and pain
too.

Pretty soon, wish you could be here.

Bella hoped that her reply didn‟t come off as a guilt trip. She understood he couldn‟t be
there, but wanted him to know she missed him all the same.

Me too, we‟ll do something tomorrow, I promise.

Bella smiled to herself thinking of starting off the New Year with Edward. If only they could
share their midnight kiss…

~*~

Edward smiled as he slipped his phone back into his coat pocket and headed back to the
nurses station for the next patient‟s chart. He was looking it over when he felt a hand rub
up his back.

“Hey Edward,” Jessica‟s voice was low as she dragged her hand across his back, “looks like
we‟re ringing in the New Year together!”

Edward tried not to cringe at her touch and carefully pulled away. “Looks like it. Uh… Happy
New Year,” Edward said politely as he tucked the chart under his arm and started to walk
away. He saw a look cross her face that he couldn‟t quite understand, but she quickly
covered it with a smile.

“You too, Edward, maybe I‟ll see you at midnight.” Jessica winked and walked back to the
reception desk.

Edward closed his eyes and shook his head. He turned around, not paying attention to
where he was going, and ran into somebody, dropping the chart under his arm.

“I‟m so sorry, Tanya.” Edward reached out to keep Tanya from falling over.

“And just where are you running off to in such a hurry, Doctor Cullen?” Tanya asked
teasing, and giving Edward a knowing smile.

Edward chuckled uncomfortably, looking at the ground.

“Edward, just tell her to back off. Firmly.” Tanya gave Edward‟s shoulder a friendly light
punch. “Kind of like you did me.”

Edward looked up sharply, “I never…” he began, shaking his head.

“I just wasn‟t as obtuse as she is. You‟re not interested; it‟s ok to make that clear. You have

to do that, or watch your ass near the supply closets, because I hear she‟s freakishly
strong,” Tanya giggled at the thought of Edward being strong-armed by the determined
young woman, and walked off.

Edward sighed in frustration and pinched the bridge of his nose. Standing up straight he
shook it off and went back to work.
~*

By ten thirty Rosalie and Bella had drunk over half the bottle of tequila while competing
against each other in a rousing game of Sing Star, Queen‟s Edition. Alice and Jasper showed
up around eleven, as soon as they could get away from Jasper‟s work obligation. Bella made
quick introductions, and as she had suspected, Alice and Rosalie became fast friends, with
Rose demanding Alice catch up with tequila shots. Alice simply shrugged and slammed the
shots back, pointing at Jasper and declaring him in charge of getting her to the bathroom
when it was time for her to puke. Jasper laughed and agreed, taking a beer from Emmett,
and listening to him as he detailed the girls singing exploits. Deciding the opportunity was
too good to pass up, he hit the replay so everyone could hear Bella and Rosalie‟s last song.
Declaring a competition, Emmett grabbed Jasper for a Bohemian Rhapsody duet, which
Rose discreetly recorded with Bella‟s new iPod.

“Please tell me you got all that,” Bella sidled up to Rosalie, nodding at the boys.

“What do you take me for, a rookie?” Rose flashed the Nano she had palmed at Bella,
showing the six minute video. “This one‟s going on YouTube.” Bella laughed and nodded in
agreement. The boys may have gotten a higher score, but girls had so much more.

“To the victors go the spoils!” Emmett yelled, startling the girls as he grabbed Rose and
dipped her for a deep kiss. Following Emmett‟s lead, Jasper pulled Alice to him and kissed
her with abandon.

Watching her friends coupled up, Bella made a decision. She grabbed her keys and headed
for the door.

“Whoa there Bells, where are you off to?” Jasper pulled away from Alice to see his friend
heading out of the apartment.

“I‟m ringing in the New Year with my boyfriend. I want my midnight kiss!” Bella‟s smile was
contagious, and Alice and Jasper agreed enthusiastically.

“But you‟re not driving,” Jasper announced, grabbing the keys from Bella‟s hand. “I‟ve had a
handful of drinks in as many hours; you on the other hand drank your weight in liquid gold.”
Bella released the keys without a fight, wanting only to make it to the hospital before
midnight.

“You guys coming?” Bella asked, looking at Emmett and Rosalie.

“I think we‟ll stay here,” Rose replied, smirking at Emmett. Something about the look in her
eye made Bella hesitate, but she didn‟t have time to think over why.

The drive to the hospital didn‟t take long, and Jasper had them there by eleven forty. He
dropped Bella off at the emergency room exit, and told her they would park the car and wait
there for her. Bella jumped out of the car and stopped inside the doors, trying to decide
whether to text Edward she was here, or try and find him to surprise him. Bella looked at

her phone, it was eleven forty-five. She didn‟t have much time, and as she entered the
emergency room, she noticed the petite receptionist with the curly brown hair working the
admitting desk. Bella couldn‟t help the eye roll as she remembered the last time she asked
the receptionist to page Edward for her. Walking back out the front doors, she decided to
try a different way into the emergency room.
~*~

“Hey, I‟m going to take a break for a few minutes, I won‟t be gone long.” Jessica looked
over at Lauren, the other receptionist for the ER and smiled. Lauren snickered at her friend,
knowing Jessica‟s plan to try and find the hot young Doctor Cullen.

“Just remember when Tyler gets here, I‟m going on break.” Lauren gave her friend a
knowing look and then went back to the paper work in front of her. Jessica agreed and took
off in a determined search of her midnight kiss.

~*~

Bella walked into the main hospital entrance and looked around. She noticed the hallway
marked with an arrow leading back to the ER and hoped it wouldn‟t take her to the waiting
room. As she was walking down the hall there was another corridor with an arrow pointing
to the lab. Taking a chance Bella turned, glancing at her phone again, if all else failed, she
would just turn back to the waiting room and text Edward to come to her.

~*~

“Have you seen Edward?” Jessica asked the dark haired nurse Megan, as she passed her in
the hallway. Megan glanced up at Jessica and shook her head no before ducking behind the
curtain into a trauma bay room. Jessica groaned in annoyance, where was he? She thought
over her plan, it was brilliant. Neither of them were married, Jessica preferred to ignore the
gossip around the hospital that he had a girlfriend, and they were both attractive people.
She knew if she could just get him alone, get him to kiss her, he would see how perfect
they were for each other. She would even sweeten the deal for him if he wanted, knowing
plenty of small hiding spots for them to take care of things, for each other. Jessica‟s smile
returned at the thought of being on her knees in front of him, his hands in her hair, begging
her for release.

~*~

As Bella passed the lab she saw a set of double doors with a sign reading „Emergency

Room.‟ Hitting the button on the wall, the doors swung open and Bella found herself back in

the trauma bay. She felt slightly guilty being back here, there was always the possibility

Edward was with a patient. She would wait for him, however long it took she decided.

~*~

Edward had just finished setting a broken arm when he emerged from behind a curtain. He
pulled his cell phone from his pocket, checking the time. If he couldn‟t see Bella, he would
at least call her at midnight. He could hear the reception area doing a subdued countdown,
acknowledging the coming New Year. He scrolled to her phone number and as he hit the dial
button a pair of arms circled him from behind, turning him around quickly, and pulling him
down into a kiss.

“Edward!” He heard somebody call his name sharply and the sound of a cell phone ringing
nearby, and pulled back from the embrace, startled. He turned around to see Jessica as she

rounded the corner looking for him, shocked at her calling his name. Bella poked her head
around Edward‟s chest and Jessica pulled up short, the smile on her face disappearing as
Bella blushed and hid her face in Edward‟s arms.

“Jessica, do you need something?” Edward asked politely but with an edge. He turned and
slipped his arm around Bella‟s shoulder.

“Oh, um, no,” Jessica stammered, “I mean there‟s another chart for you up at admitting,”
Jessica stumbled over her words and quickly retreated back in the direction she came.

Bella giggled and Edward smirked down at her. “And just what are you doing here?” he
asked, his smile showing her how happy he was about her presence.

“Happy New Year,” Bella gave him wide smile, which he returned before kissing her again.

“We‟re minutes in and so far so good,” he whispered in her ear. He pulled away as he heard
his name paged over the intercom. He frowned, annoyed at the interruption, but knew he
had to let go of Bella and get back to work.

“I should go.” Bella gazed up at Edward, wanting to do anything but leave.

“You just got here,” Edward pouted.

“You‟re busy,” Bella tapped his nose with her finger and pointed to the ceiling, referring to
his last page, “and I just wanted to see you, and wish you a Happy New Year. Now I should
go. Alice and Jasper are out in the car waiting for me.”

“I was wondering how you got here,” Edward gave her a teasing look, looking into her eyes
and knowing full well she was well past the legal limit. He leaned down and kissed her
again, giving her a tight squeeze before letting go. “I‟ll see you in a couple of hours.”

Bella pulled back and stuffed her hand in the pocket of her jeans, pulling out a key and
handing it to him. Edward‟s eyebrows shot up at the object in his hand.

“In case I fall asleep,” Bella explained, shyly. “It‟s a spare, so you can keep it,” she finished,
looking up at him through her lashes seductively.

Edward gave her his crooked grin - the one that made her swoon, and Bella blushed. He
didn‟t say anything as he put the key in his pocket and pulled her back in for another hug.
“I‟ll see you soon,” he whispered in her ear, earning him a shiver as his breath tickled her
ear. He kissed her cheek and released her.

Bella began to walk away, letting her hand trail down his arm all the way to his hand, and
holding on briefly before letting go. She may have fought the urge to skip out of the
hospital, but couldn‟t resist a small wave to the curly headed brunette seething at the
admitting desk, as she passed by on her way out the doors.

~*~

What the hell does she have that I don‟t? Jessica starred after the woman leaving the
hospital; the woman who had just undermined all her plans for the evening with a certain
young doctor. Bitch. Jessica pouted and glared at the emergency room doors as they closed
behind Bella.

~*~

Alice, Jasper and Bella were back at Bella‟s apartment by twelve thirty, ready to continue
their small party. Walking in the door, they found Rosalie and Emmett sitting on the couch
together smiling like fools.

“Happy New Year!” they called to their friends. Emmett pulled out a noise maker and blew
into it loudly.

Bella stopped short, starring at her friends, “You had sex!” she cried out, pointing at Rose
with an accusing finger.

Rosalie‟s and Emmett‟s mouths dropped instantly. Emmett looked at Rose and started
laughing, seeing her shirt on inside out. “Way to blow our cover babe!” he said, pulling on
her inseam.

“Rose…tell me it wasn‟t in my bed,” Bella pleaded.

“OK, it wasn‟t in your bed,” Rosalie smirked at her friend.

“OH, COME ON! Really? Did you really screw in my bed?”

“I told you no,” Rosalie laughed, “we did it on your bathroom counter.”

Bella shook her head at her friends, then, walked to the kitchen, returning with a container
of clean up wipes. She tossed it at Emmett and pointed to the bathroom. He just laughed
harder and got up to go wipe down everything in the bathroom.

“Did you get your midnight kiss?” Rosalie changed the subject, walking over to grab Bella
who was still glaring at her, pulling her into a hug and swinging her back and forth until she
laughed.

“Hell yeah,” Bella continued to laugh at her friend. “I see you did too,” she joked as she
lightly poked Rose in the ribs with her elbow, and wiggled out of her grasp.

Rosalie laughed out loud, nodding, and gave her a high five then walked into the kitchen to
pour everyone another round of drinks.

~*~

When Edward arrived at Bella‟s apartment a few hours later, all was quiet inside. He made
his way to her bedroom, quickly took his clothes off and slipped in beside her to gather her
up in his arms.

“Mmm, missed you,” Bella mumbled.

“I missed you too, go back to sleep,” Edward whispered. He smiled as he nuzzled his nose
down into her neck, feeling her warm body pressed against him. He almost laughed out loud
at the memory of Jessica, stumbling upon them in the hallway at midnight. After Bella had
left, Edward took Tanya‟s advice and made it very clear to everyone that his girlfriend had
come to see him at work. He couldn‟t help but go on and on about how amazing his
girlfriend was, and how happy he was to be with her, giving a pointed look to Jessica as he
did so. He didn‟t miss the eye roll Jessica gave at each mention of Bella, but Edward felt the

point was made. If she didn‟t take the hint this time, he‟d just face palm her next time she
approached him to keep her out of his personal space.

~*~

Mid January found Bella waiting in her gynecologist‟s office for her yearly appointment and
birth control refill. It wasn‟t her favorite thing to do, but was a necessary evil in life. As she
climbed onto the table and situated herself, the all too recent memory of being in this
position when she was sick, caused her face to flush. Thinking of Edward as her doctor, in
between her legs, touching her, even in the utmost professional capacity caused her heart
to pound and her breathing to pick up. How had she survived that encounter? Of course it
helped she was in pain at the time. The contrast between how he was with her that night,
and how he touched her now was stark. She was lost in the thought of Edward her lover, vs.
Edward the doctor, and the idea of possibly enjoying some role play, when her doctor
entered the room. After exchanging polite hellos, Bella shut her eyes and chastised herself
for her perverted thoughts. The appointment went quickly as expected, and soon Bella was
out the door, new birth control pill prescription in hand. She smiled to herself, thinking
about feeling Edward, all of Edward, in just seven days. She went to the pharmacy
immediately after her appointment to get her prescription filled.

~*~

Seven days, it had been seven days since Bella‟s doctor appointment. Seven very long days.
Bella had been busy at the bakery and Edward at the hospital, coupled with Bella‟s period
and it had been a very torturous week. Being a doctor, Edward had no problem with having
sex while Bella was bleeding, but he was having trouble getting her to agree to it. Now,
here he was, making dinner for them and waiting for Bella to arrive at his townhouse. He
couldn‟t wait to see her, to hold her, and most of all, get her into his bed and ravish her
good and proper. He scoffed at how ridiculous he was being, he‟d gone a lot longer than
seven days in the past, but that was before he began dating the most incredible woman
he‟d ever met. Edward set the table and finished up dinner; he glanced at the clock every
few minutes anxiously waiting to see her. He was just pulling the pork chops out of the oven
when he heard a soft knock on his door. Shit, he had meant to give her a key. After Bella
had given him a key to her apartment on New Year‟s, Edward had gone out and made a key
for her to his townhouse. Just the thought of having her here, waiting for him after work
made him smile and his stomach drop. He placed the pork chops on the stove top and took
off the oven mitts, then answered the door, hugging Bella tightly as she entered his home.

“Hey,” Bella hugged him back hard.

Edward leaned in and kissed her chastely, but Bella had other intentions, pulling him back
down for a deeper, longer kiss.

Edward pulled back smiling, “Perfect timing, dinner‟s ready.”

Bella gazed at him, her eyes slightly hooded, “Good, I‟m starving,” her innuendo clear as
she pulled him in for another deep kiss.

“Bella,” Edward started, motioning to the kitchen and the food that awaited them.

“Edward,” Bella replied, as she pushed him slightly back and kicked the door, which had
remained open on her arrival, shut with her foot.

“The food will get cold,” Edward‟s voice had dropped low and husky.

“You have a microwave.” She maneuvered him to the couch and pushed him down,
straddling his lap and attacking his mouth.

The woman had a good point. Edward gave in and responded eagerly as Bella began lifting
his shirt up. He quickly discarded it, doing the same with Bella‟s as their hands tangled
together trying to get the rest of their clothes off. Edward had never felt such a dire need in
his whole life.

“I need you. Fuck, Edward, I need you,” Bella whimpered. Edward picked her up off his lap
and flipped her over onto the couch, pulling her pants and underwear off in one motion,
then dropping his own just as fast. Without hesitation he crawled on top of her as she lay
spread and waiting for him. He slipped into her easily, both of them gasping at the
sensation. Bella clenched around him, pulling him deeper as he braced himself on top of
her. The feel of her surrounding him had his eyes rolling back in his head and his body took
over. He began to thrust breathlessly, his longing for her apparent in every move he made.
He lowered himself down on his elbows, encasing her in his arms and changing the direction
of his motions. He felt and heard her gasp and hold him tighter. This wasn‟t going to last
long, this was pure need incarnate. He dove his nose into her hair, and then began kissing
her neck fervently, gently nipping and sucking; marking her lightly as his need increased.

“Edward,” Bella whimpered, grasping at his back and clawing his shoulders lightly.

Edward pulled out swiftly and turned her over, re-entering her from behind and groaning as
he completely sheathed himself once again. Bella began to cry out as he picked up his pace
and pounded her over and over. He reached between her legs, putting pressure where she
needed it as she clenched her legs together and she began to shake.

“Yes!” she cried out, pounding her fist on the couch cushion above her head. Feeling her fall
apart, Edward lost all control and thrust with abandon, losing himself quickly inside her. He
collapsed on top of her back, sweaty and spent, gasping for air. After a few moments of
coming down from their high, Edward gently pulled himself away and stood up next to the
couch. Without a word, he extended his hand to Bella, helping her off the couch as well.

They watched each other dress, both feeling their ridiculous smiles plastered on their faces.

“Now, you said something about dinner?” Bella smirked and grabbed his hand, pulling
Edward into the kitchen, immediately filling up plates and placing them in the microwave to
reheat.

~*~

And so went the rest of January. After their dinner Edward had given Bella a key to his
place, telling her to use it as often as she liked; she was always welcome in his home. She
made use of it several times, as he had done with the key she had given him on New Years.
They seemed to settle into a routine, spending almost every night together and moving
forward toward something neither of them really could comprehend.

It was February when the white envelope arrived in his mailbox. The envelope that would
change everything; the envelope nobody had expected, at least not for a while longer.

Chapter – 16

It was February twelfth, two days before Valentine‟s Day, when Edward received acceptance
into the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship of Children‟s Memorial Hospital of Chicago.

Edward sat on his couch with the large white envelope, which contained the enrollment
forms, sitting on the table now open in front of him. He stared at the contents unsure of the
feelings that overwhelmed him.

“Shit,” he said to the empty room.

~*~

Valentine‟s Day was a particularly busy day for Bella‟s bakery. Mostly it was customers
coming in to pick up orders they had placed, but there were always a few panicked people
coming in last minute to see if they could arrange some sort of “surprise.” Bella was always
gracious and in the past had accommodated more of the last minute patrons, but this year
she had to decline them. This year, Bella had a date on Valentine‟s Day - her first
Valentine‟s date in a long time.

She was so excited, for a week before the fourteenth, Bella had a sign on the door stating
when the bakery would close for the day. Thankfully, by six o‟clock, all the cakes which
were ordered had been picked up, and knowing about last minute orders, Bella had
prepared a few more generic cakes in advance. At six o‟clock she closed up the shop and
headed to Edward‟s for the evening.



“Hey, Beautiful,” Edward greeted her as Bella walked into the townhouse.

“Hi,” Bella replied. She tossed her purse onto the couch and met Edward halfway as he
approached her for a hug.

“Happy Valentine‟s Day,” Edward murmured, leaning in for a kiss. “How was your day?”

“Much better now,” Bella kissed him again, pulling his full lower lip between hers and
sucking lightly, and then releasing it with a loud smack. “Honestly, if I see one more pink
cupcake I may hurl.”

Edward snickered and kissed her forehead. “This is a baked goods free zone, I promise.”

They had discussed going out for the evening, but decided to stay in and rent a movie
instead of dealing with crowded restaurants. They prepared dinner together in the kitchen,
then, once it was in the oven, settled down in the living room.

“What movie did you get?” Bella kicked off her shoes and tucked her legs up under her on
the couch.

Edward walked to the entertainment center and pulled the movie from a bag, holding it and
showing it to her proudly.

Bella looked at the movie, then at Edward and back to the movie.

“Valentine?”

“Yeah, you know, for Valentine‟s Day,” he answered, the smile on his face begging her for
approval.

“Isn‟t that a horror movie?”

Edward‟s smile started to fade, “It has that guy from Buffy in it. You like that show.”

Seeing the look of excitement begin to fade from his eyes, Bella got up from the couch and
slipped her arms around his neck. “I do like that show. David Boreanaz is hot.” She lifted up
on her toes and kissed his chin, reaching out and grabbing the movie from his hands.
Flipping it over she read the back and couldn‟t stop the laugh that escaped. “Put it in,” she
said smiling as she handed it back to him.

She never would have expected it, but sitting on Edward‟s couch, watching a campy horror
flick and eating baked chicken turned out to be the best Valentine‟s Day she ever had.

~*~

Two days after Valentine‟s Day Edward was still ignoring the admission papers he‟d stacked
on his desk. He was supposed to be excited about the acceptance, but he wasn‟t. He was
anxious. Not knowing what to do, he called his father and asked if they could meet for
lunch, hoping his father could help him sort out his thoughts.

Edward got to the restaurant first and was seated at a table, head in his hands, deep in
thought, when his father arrived.

“Edward,” Carlisle greeted him as he pulled out a chair.

Edward looked up and smiled at his dad, “Hey, thanks for coming.”

“And to what do I owe the pleasure?” Carlisle picked up his menu and began to look it over.

“I got in,” Edward said quietly. “They usually don‟t do selections until spring but I got the
paperwork this week. I got into the fellowship program.”

“That‟s fantastic Edward, congratulations!” Carlisle put his menu down and stood up to hug
his son. Edward complied but Carlisle could see his reluctance. “You‟re not happy about
this?” He was surprised by Edward‟s reaction; the Fellowship in pediatrics was a wonderful
opportunity for Edward‟s career.

“It‟s in Chicago,” Edward stated, shocked Carlisle didn‟t understand.

His father looked at him questioningly, and nodded his head acknowledging the location and
still not getting why Edward wasn‟t happy about the situation.

“Bella,” Edward stated. There was no need for more clarification.

Carlisle took a surprised breath. He knew Edward cared for Bella, but had no idea it had

progressed this far in such a short amount of time.

They were still sitting in silence when the waitress approached to take their order. Carlisle
sat with his hands clasped, under his chin watching his son pensively. Edward played with
his water glass, slowly shaking it, swirling the water around.

“Are you going to take it?” Carlisle asked after a few minutes of silence. Edward closed his
eyes and sighed, then slowly opened them to look up at his father. Carlisle had never seen
his son look so lost. Edward looked back down without replying.

“Do you love her?” Carlisle asked concerned.

“Yes,” Edward answered, then, shook his head, knowing what his father would say. “Her life
is here. Her family is here. Hell, she owns her own company. If I take this, if I leave, I‟m
going alone.”

Carlisle frowned and opened his mouth to say something just as their lunch arrived. They
ate in silence for awhile before Carlisle spoke again. “You‟ve only known each other a few
months.” Edward looked up sharply and started to respond before his father held up his
hand for Edward to give him a minute. “Let me finish. I know you love her, I can see that.
But this relationship is new Edward, and the fellowship is something that will affect your
entire career. A lifetime. Are you ready to give that opportunity up?”

Edward slumped down in his seat. His father was right. He wasn‟t ready to give it up. And it
was that thought that caused his stomach twist, because if he wasn‟t ready to give up the
fellowship, did it mean he was ready to give up Bella? What he‟d said to his father was true,
Bella‟s life was in Seattle and he couldn‟t ask to take her away from that.

After eating lunch with his father, and thanking him for his council, Edward drove around
aimlessly, with a heavy heart, lost in thought. It was his phone ringing that pulled him out
of it, the caller ID displaying Bella‟s name.

For a minute he considered letting it go to voicemail, then hit receive and answered the call.
“Hey,” he tried to keep his voice as normal as possible.

“Hey, you will not believe the cake order I just got. It‟s for a bachelor party. They want a
boob cake. When I hesitated, they altered it to a lingerie boob cake. I figure it‟s ok if the
boobs have a bra on, you know, so it‟s not like I‟m baking porn or anything.” Edward
chucked, but Bella could sense something was wrong. “You OK?”

“Yeah,” Edward sighed, “I had lunch with my dad today, we talked about some stuff,” he
finished; Bella could hear him holding back.

“Want to talk about it?”

“Can we do it tonight? My place?” he asked quietly.

“Of course, I‟ll come over after work,” Bella answered. “I should get going now so I can
finish up and then I‟ll close up.”

“I‟ll see you in a little bit,” Edward did his best to keep the pain from his voice and hung up
the phone.

~*~

Two hours later Bella walked into Edward‟s townhouse to find him sitting in the quiet living
room.

Concerned, she put her purse down and sat next to him, rubbing her hand up his arm.
“Hey, are you OK? What is it Edward?” she asked softly.

At that moment he knew he couldn‟t postpone it, he had to tell her now and the pain in his
chest magnified.

“I got the fellowship,” he said quietly.

Bella pulled back slightly, shocked by his words; they were the last she had expected to
hear. “Wow, I didn‟t see that coming,” she gave a small humorless laugh and rubbed her
hands on her thighs, as they were suddenly clammy. “I knew you would. Get it, I mean,”
she looked down, her breathing picking up as panic began to flow through her body making
it tingle with anxiety. “It‟s earlier though, than I expected.” She couldn‟t look at him; her
blood rushing in her ears was all she heard. Bella felt the tears welling up and took a deep
breath, hoping to keep them at bay. She was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions. The
timing was a surprise, but the outcome was not. How had she fooled herself into denying
this possibility? Of course Edward got into the fellowship program! She knew he would, and
yet here she sat, completely unprepared.

Edward watched her closely, her pain was palpable and he knew he was the cause. And with
that knowledge he still couldn‟t stop the words from coming out, “Come with me,” he
whispered, feeling ready to beg. He couldn‟t stop from asking, even though he knew what
her answer would be. It was why he made the decision he made; he knew the outcome of
this scenario: He would go, she would stay. And in the end, he could only hope she wouldn‟t
forget him and someday he could come back to her.

Bella‟s heart ached at his request; she shook her head saying the words he expected, “I
can‟t Edward. My dad is here, my friends, my bakery.” He simply nodded in return.
Impasse. His dreams or hers? He wouldn‟t allow either of them to have to choose. Perhaps
if he had a clearer mind, he might have realized it was no longer about his dreams or hers,
but had become about their dreams. The dreams they had begun to build together; whether
spoken out loud or not, those dreams were there. Only Edward‟s head wasn‟t clear, and he
was a stubborn man.

Not really knowing what else to say he offered up a cliché, “It‟s not forever, just for a couple
of years.” His words were hollow and he knew he sounded as if he were trying to convince
himself. His voice sounded flat even to his own ears.

Bella nodded, the pit in her stomach growing, the pain radiating throughout her body. She
closed her eyes against the tunnel vision. Bracing herself, she didn‟t want to, but she had to
ask, “What about us?” her voice so low he could hardly hear her. Bella knew his history, and
understandably his hesitation at any long distance relationship. How ironic he would now be
the one in Chicago. Bella took a deep breath, swallowing the bile that had risen in her
throat.

Edward didn‟t reply and Bella couldn‟t help the tears that slipped out. She quickly brushed
them away.

“I‟d like to keep in touch.” He couldn‟t look her in the eyes. Bella was thankful for this, as he
had essentially given her the „let‟s be friends‟ spiel. She closed her eyes and simply nodded
her head.

Acquiescing, she finally looked at him, “You know where to find me.” It was all she could
take. Bella launched herself up from the couch and headed for the front door.

“Bella, wait,” Edward called after her, but she was determined to leave before she groveled
at his feet and begged him not to leave her, to give them a chance.

As she grabbed for the door handle Edward came up behind her, planting his palm firmly
against the door, keeping it closed.

“Please don‟t go,” he begged. Bella continued to hold onto the door knob, not looking back
at him.

“I think that‟s my line,” she whispered, leaning her head onto the door, feeling the fight
drain from her body.

Edward grabbed her shoulders and turned her around; still she could not look at him,
instead looking at the floor as her tears flowed freely now. He wanted to tell her, he wanted
to say he loved her, but the words wouldn‟t come out. It would be selfish of him to say it
now, regardless of its truth. Instead he pulled her to him, crushing her to his chest, his own
tears beginning to fall. His heart faltered as he felt her pull away from him, turning her back
to reach for the door. He watched as this time she got it open and crossed to the outside,
and stood frozen as the woman he loved got in her van and pulled away from him. He
wasn‟t sure how long he stood there after her taillights faded, but he was pulled from his
stupor by the violent urge to throw up. He ran outside and emptied the contents of his
stomach into the shrubs.

~*~

“It‟s been two days, Edward. You called in sick; you won‟t answer your cell. And seriously,
have you even showered? Because, damn, you really smell,” Alice launched right in as she
opened his bedroom door. He began to plot out things he would do to her with her key to
his house. She wouldn‟t like any of them, but it would teach her a lesson on what happened
when she came over uninvited. Especially in his current state. She was his twin, how could
she not understand?

“What happened?” Alice demanded. Edward pulled the covers up over his head and rolled
over, but Alice reached over and yanked them back down.

“What. Happened,” she said again, firmly.

“I fucked up,” Edward mumbled.

“Yeah, that‟s a given,” she motioned to his cocooned body. “What exactly did you do, that
was so bad you stopped bathing? Because really, that doesn‟t just hurt you, it hurts us all.”

Edward rolled his eyes and tried to pull the covers back up but Alice held firm with her grip
which just incensed him more. “Let. Go.” he demanded.

Alice stopped pulling and loosened her grip. He immediately pulled the covers up to his chin
and turned his back to her hoping she would get the hint and leave. Instead, she kicked off
her shoes and climbed into bed with him under the covers. They lay quietly for awhile and
Edward began to wonder if his sister had fallen asleep. He rolled over to check and found
her staring at the ceiling. She glanced down at him, then back up, and after a minute, rolled
toward him on her side so they were facing each other.

“Tell me,” she said quietly.

“I got the Fellowship.”

“I thought you wanted the Fellowship,” Alice stated gently.

“I did. I do. It‟s an opportunity I can‟t pass up.” Why did it feel as though he had to
convince her, or was he trying to convince himself?

“So you got the Fellowship. How did you „fuck up‟?” Alice pushed.

Edward shook his head; the tears he thought were all dried up threatening to reappear. “We
talked. She can‟t leave. She‟s got too much going for her here - family, friends, her bakery.”
He turned his face into his pillow and took a deep breath, holding back his grief.

Alice sighed and stroked his hair, “That‟s not you fucking up Edward, that‟s you guys
realizing you‟re both adults, and that you have responsibilities. Of course she can‟t just up
and move with you.”

“I told her I wanted to keep in touch,” he interrupted her.

Alice stared at him blankly for a minute and he continued, “She asked „what about us,‟ and I
told her I wanted to keep in touch.” He could see the realization of what he had said
dawning on Alice‟s face.

Alice opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. She rolled onto her back
away from her brother and returned to looking at the ceiling.

“I swear to God, I‟m going to find Kate and neuter her. Or whatever it is they do to women
to take away their sex drive. Spay? No, that‟s not right, that‟s what you do so pets don‟t
breed. You‟re a doctor, what would you do to take away a woman‟s desire for sex? Because
that‟s what I‟m going to do. She needs to watch her back. Bitch is gonna get it, she has it
coming,” Alice continued to rant, trailing off as Edward started to chuckle at her outburst.

“Well, from what I hear, marriage does the trick. You going to marry her?”

Alice turned back to her brother, glad to see him smiling. She reached out and stroked his
cheek, feeling the dampness from his tears.

“You love her?” Alice already knew the answer.

“No. You can neuter, spay or marry Kate if you want,” Edward answered.

Alice just looked at her brother. He chewed on his lip and felt his eyes well up slightly, and
nodded yes, then rolled onto his back and rubbed the heels of his palms into his eyes.

“God, I‟m such a pussy.”

“Yeah, but I already knew that. You can‟t keep shit like that from a twin.” Alice reached over
and bumped her brother‟s shoulder. She waited for a minute, then got up and walked to his
bathroom to turn on the shower for him.

“Come down when you‟re done, I‟ll make you lunch.” Alice figured it was best not to give
him options at this point. While he was showering, she would try to figure out damage
control, if that was even possible.

Twenty minutes later Edward came downstairs smelling better, even if he didn‟t look it.

Alice had made coffee and handed him a cup, along with a sandwich she had put together.

“Thanks.” He took a sip of the coffee and stared at the sandwich in front of him.

“Eat it, Edward.”

He rolled his eyes and put down the mug of coffee to pick up the sandwich and take a bite.
It was as if it had no taste and Edward choked it down, setting the rest back on the plate in
front of him.

“So what are you going to do?” Alice finally asked. She would help her brother in any way
she could, but first she had to know if he even wanted help. Did he want to fix this? If it
were anybody else, the mere fact that he said he loved Bella would be her answer, but this
was Edward, and he was motivated. This fellowship was important. And he was damaged,
Kate had seen to that. Was there a point in making a plan to win Bella back, or was it best
to let the wound heal in time and allow him to let Bella go altogether?

Edward sat, staring into his cup of coffee. “I‟m going to Chicago,” he finally answered.

Chapter – 17

After making his decision, Edward quickly dealt with his position at the hospital. He had
informed them of the fellowship when he applied. They were sad to see him go and made it
clear if he were to return, they would have a position waiting for him. Next, Edward
contacted a realtor to rent his townhouse for the two years he would be away. He couldn‟t

bring himself to sell it outright, even though there was always the possibility he may not
return. Part of him felt like he needed the door still open, a link to her, or at least this place.
Edward hadn‟t spoken to Bella since she‟d left his townhouse and every time he even
thought her name, he felt a sharp jab of pain to his heart. Through Alice, Edward learned
Bella wasn‟t fairing any better than he was, if anything, Alice seemed to think she was
worse. He hated himself for doing this to her, to them both; it was the reason he couldn‟t
bring himself to call her. Edward wanted so badly to go to her, tell her the words he had yet
to say. He yearned to tell her he loved her, to convince her they would be alright, but he
couldn‟t. He had experienced first hand the anguish of a long distance relationship not
working out.

And still he felt the selfish side of him trying to convince himself that he could have it all; he
could take the fellowship, advance his career, and in the end marry the girl. But in the end
reality was what it was, he was leaving Seattle to live in Chicago for an as of yet truly
undetermined amount of time. In reality, the boy didn‟t get the girl. The weight of that pain
nearly crushed him each time he thought about it.


The realtor Edward had contacted knocked on the door, bringing him out of his thoughts.
Straightening up and squaring his shoulders, he answered the door. The realtor had all the
contracts drawn and informed him there were tenants already waitlisted for his townhouse.
Edward signed where was needed and the realtor left. As he shut the door, the pain in his
chest returned and he slammed his fist against the door. After giving into his grief for a few
minutes, Edward finally stepped back and turned around, leaning up against the door,
letting himself slide slowly to the ground until his arms rested on his knees and he hung his
head. He wasn‟t sure how long he sat like that, staring at nothing, before his cell phone
rang. He stood up and walked over to where it sat on the counter and checked the display.
Alice was calling. He was expecting her at his place with boxes soon, and he hoped she
wasn‟t calling to tell him she was delayed; he needed to get this over with and get his
things packed and shipped as soon as possible.

“Hey,” he answered the phone.

“Hey, sorry, I‟m running late,” Alice launched in, he could hear road noise in the
background.

Edward sighed in irritation, “How late?”

Alice was quiet for a minute, then answered, “I‟ll be there in about an hour.”

Edward rolled his eyes, not caring if she couldn‟t see him, “Fine.”

The silence on the phone made Edward think perhaps Alice had hung up on him, he
wouldn‟t have blamed her, his attitude had been horrible lately. But when he checked the
display it showed the call still connected. He put the phone back to his ear and after a
moment Alice spoke up.

“Edward, are you sure?” she didn‟t have to expound on the question she was asking.

“No,” he sighed heavily and paused, “but it‟s done anyway. I signed the leasing papers
today,” he stated quietly.

He could hear Alice‟s intake of breath and slow exhale. “OK, well I‟ll be there in about an

hour. I have the boxes.”

“Thanks.” Edward didn‟t say goodbye, he just hit end on his phone and put it back on the
counter.

True to her word, Alice arrived within the hour, struggling with the folded boxes under her
arm and a bag full of boxing tape and dispensers. Edward opened the door and immediately
grabbed the boxes from her, earning him a grateful „thank you.‟ She tossed the bag inside
his house and headed back to her car for another load and Edward followed. He grabbed
more boxes from her trunk while she grabbed a case of beer from the backseat of her car.

Once back inside, Edward set the rest of the boxes down and Alice walked to his kitchen for
a bottle opener. Handing Edward a Heineken, they set to work, each taking a roll of boxing
tape and a box.

“Are you going to call her before you leave?” Alice asked, after working in silence for awhile.

“I shouldn‟t.”

“You should,” Alice responded.

“It won‟t change anything.”

Alice finished filling her current box and closed it, securing it with tape and writing which
room it went in on top with a Sharpie marker.

She went back to the kitchen and grabbed two more beers, opening them and once again
handing one to her brother. Edward took the beer and went back to packing, but Alice
remained standing next to him, staring at him until he looked up.

“Alright, I‟m just going to say this once, and then I‟m going to back off,” Alice started.
Edward stopped packing and turned to look at her. “This fellowship is important, and as
your sister, I‟m really proud of you. You earned it.” Alice nodded her head for emphasis, “I
think you should go to Chicago, because you would regret it if you didn‟t.” She paused, then
started again, “The problem is, you‟re in love with the girl of your dreams, who it turns out,
you‟ve probably actually been in love with since high school.” Edward pinched the bridge of
his nose, and squinted his eyes as his sister continued, “So here‟s the thing, you have
try…not to lose her. You have to… shit Edward, I don‟t know, you have to tell her how you
feel. You never told her; you never said the words. You‟re going to leave things the way
they are and she‟ll never know!” Alice was practically yelling at this point, “You‟re making
decisions for both of you, without giving her all the facts!” Alice was breathing heavy now,
feeling frantic over the situation.

Edward looked at her sharply, “Alice, don‟t you think I want to do that?!” he yelled back.
“Don‟t you think I want to get in my car, drive to her apartment and profess my undying
love?! I do! But I can‟t do that, because if I do that and she feels the same way I do, one of
us has to give up everything for the other, and I‟m taking the position in Chicago, I have to.
So that leaves it all up to her, she gives up everything for me, and I won‟t do that to her. If
I go to Chicago for this fellowship and take Bella with me, she gives up everything; she
leaves her family, her friends and her life behind. I can‟t expect that from her. I can‟t do
that to her! Because I love her. And because I love her, I can‟t expect her to wait for me, to
put her life on hold and give up the opportunity at finding somebody here who will give her
what she deserves.” He clenched his fists and growled in physical pain at the thought of

Bella with another man. Alice flinched at her brother‟s pain launching herself at him, and
gripping him in a tight hug. After a minute, Edward wrapped his arms around her shoulders
and hugged her back. They stood there, together for awhile, until Alice pulled back and
looked up at her brother.

“OK.” It was as all she said before turning back to grab another box to continue packing his
things.

~*~

One month. It had been one month since Bella had seen or heard from Edward. He had
gotten the fellowship and the next thing she knew, their relationship was over. Bella still
couldn‟t believe the way it ended. One day they were happy, the next it was over and her
heart was gone. Not broken, gone. There was an empty pit of despair in its place; a black
hole of anger and grief that sucked everything into it, including well-meaning friends.

Even her business suffered, it didn‟t bode well when she continued to try and persuade a
client to let her decorate their daughter‟s sweet sixteen cake black.

It had been one month, and instead of things getting easier, they seemed to be getting
worse. Bella knew she needed to snap out of it, Edward had moved on, she had to also, but
that thought alone continued to be a fresh sucker punch to her gut each and every time she
had it.

Bella was standing in front of a wedding cake, attempting pearl drops, when Alice walked
into her shop. She had been dodging Alice‟s calls, unable to deal with speaking to anyone,
let alone Edward‟s family, well meaning or not. Bella looked up surprised at Alice‟s entrance,
her hand accidentally colliding with the cake, ruining it beyond repair. Alice stared in horror
at what she had caused by her arrival.

“Oh God, Bella, I‟m so, so sorry,” Alice rushed to her friend‟s side, apologizing profusely.
Bella just stared at the cake, then turned and grabbed the trash can bringing it back to the
table. Using one hand, and without a word, she swept the cake into the trash and closed the
lid.

“The icing was shit anyway,” Bella shrugged off what happened, walking to the refrigerator
and pulling out ingredients for another tiered cake. She was slightly irritated with herself for
not trying to salvage the actual cake, but the professional in her knew for it to be right,
she‟d have to start over from the beginning. After all, this was somebody‟s wedding cake. It
would be the happiest day of their lives. That thought alone made Bella want to kick the shit
out of something. She decided to take it out on the refrigerator door, kicking it closed with
more force than necessary, causing Alice to jump at the noise.

Bella looked at her expectantly, waiting for Alice to say something; it looked as though she
was struggling with what.

“He misses you,” Alice blurted out. Bella stared at her without response. “I‟m sorry, I know
you‟re hurting, but he is too, and he‟s my brother. I want you guys to be happy, and that‟s
not going to happen with the way things are right now.”

This brought Bella out of her silent stupor. “Are you fucking kidding me with this Alice?” She
could feel the volcano of anger building up, ready to release the energy it had been storing.
“He. Left. Me.” Bella enunciated each word carefully. “Then he didn‟t call. He hasn‟t called in

over a month, even after telling me he‟d like to „keep in touch,‟” Bella said using air quotes.
“He packed up, moved away, and left me for a new life in Chicago.” Bella‟s face was flushed
red with anger, “And now you come here to tell me he „misses me?‟” her voice had risen an
octave and her arms flailed. Alice watched, eyes wide as Bella looked about to go feral on
her. “I don‟t fucking care what he...”

“He loves you, he told me!” Alice blurted out, interrupting Bella‟s tirade. “He‟s miserable.
He‟s been miserable since he got that fucking acceptance. He didn‟t want to leave you, he
loves you,” Alice said, lowering her voice. She moved closer to her friend, slowly as if afraid
to spook her, “Bella, the fellowship, it‟s important to him, it‟s like this bakery is to you,”
Alice tried to explain, motioning to the walls around them. “He doesn‟t know I‟m here, he‟d
be mad if he did. He doesn‟t want you to give up your dream, and he couldn‟t give up his,
but he‟s so unhappy. He‟s like a shell of who he was when he was with you. He‟s empty.”
Alice looked to her friend, beseeching, pleading with her to understand; to hear what she
was really saying. Bella had yet to respond so Alice continued, “He loves you Bella,” Alice
said more gently.

Bella couldn‟t speak; she just looked at Alice and blinked. Until the rage hit. She felt outside
herself as she began throwing things and smashing dishes until she collapsed in a sobbing
heap.

“He left,” she whimpered. “You say he loves me, but he never did, instead he packed up his
things and moved away. I can‟t even be angry with him for it. He deserved it; he worked
hard for the opportunity. But damn it, Alice, I haven‟t heard from him for weeks!” Bella
continued to cry, curling up into a ball on the ground. “He left, and I wasn‟t worth the effort
to make us work,” her voice was barely a whisper.

Alice kneeled down next to her, pulling Bella from the floor, and wrapped her arms around
Bella‟s shoulders. “Do you love him?” she asked her friend gently. Bella looked up sharply,
anger blazing in her eyes.

“Does it matter?” she snapped.

“Of course it does, Bella,” Alice sighed and dropped her arms from Bella‟s shoulders.
“Edward‟s an idiot, my whole family will attest to it, but he‟s an idiot that‟s never really been
in love before you. He has no idea what he‟s doing, so he‟s fucking it all up in the process,”
Alice tried to explain. “If you love him, we can fix this. You can be happy; he can be happy!”

Bella wiped her face with her hands and let them drop to her lap.

“I do love him,” she whispered. “I love him, and I miss him so much it feels like it‟s killing
me.” She sniffed back more tears, wiping her eyes again.

Alice hugged her again, squeezing Bella‟s shoulders tighter, “Good. Then we‟ll fix this,” she
promised.

Bella looked into Alice‟s eyes and saw determination there. Slowly they got up off the floor
and Bella looked around the room, taking in the destruction she had released on her
kitchen. “Shit.”

Alice let out a soft laugh as she surveyed the room along with her friend, “Don‟t worry, we‟ll
fix this too.” Bella looked at her skeptically, but Alice just nodded her head. “We just need
some back up.” She reached for her phone and dialed, walking away from Bella to speak for

a minute, then hanging up and dialing again.

Thirty minutes later Rosalie, Emmett and Jasper arrived. Without saying a word, the boys
got to work cleaning up the mess Bella had made, while Rose took Bella into her arms and
they discussed the ruined cake and what needed to be done to complete the order.

Once the replacement cake was in the oven and the kitchen was cleaned, Alice approached
Bella with the idea she had.

“Bella, how successful is this place?” The question caught Bella off guard and she wasn‟t
sure what to say.

“Um, it‟s…” Bella started, but Alice interrupted.

“Can you afford to hire somebody to run it?” Alice‟s eyes twinkled and Bella could feel the
excitement coming off her.

“Yeah, I guess so, I mean, I hadn‟t hired anybody because I was recouping the start up
costs, but now I‟m about even, I think. Maybe in the black?” Bella wasn‟t sure exactly what
Alice had in mind, but hiring additional help had been something Bella was thinking about,
until recently when she pretty much stopped caring all together.

“Can I take a look at your books? I don‟t want to be rude, but I could look at the numbers
and we could work on a business plan,” Alice clarified.

“A business plan?” Bella was completely confused.

“Well, Chicago has an abundance of coffee houses, but is sorely lacking in Edible
Delectables,” Alice grinned and Rose nodded her head in approval.

Bella sat down on a stool, stunned at the thought. She shook her head to clear it. “This is
crazy; I can‟t open up a bakery in Chicago! I haven‟t even spoken to Edward in over a
month! You told me he loves me,” Bella said, pointing at Alice, “but he has not.” She shook
her head again, “I can‟t do this, I‟m sorry, you guys are amazing, and I love you, but I have
to get out of here.” Bella jumped up, pushing the stool over in her haste and raced for the
door.


Alice glanced at everyone around the room, apologized, and ran after Bella, with Rose
following.

“This is my fault.” Alice moaned. “I pushed too hard too fast.”

Rose shook her head, “You didn‟t do anything wrong. Bella‟s stubborn. And Edward‟s an
ass,” she added, glancing sideways at Alice.

“Where do you think she went?” Alice wondered. Rose shook her head, trying to think.

“Edward‟s really not an ass,” Alice said quietly, “not intentionally anyway. He really is in
love with Bella. It killed him to leave her; he just didn‟t see any other way,” she tried to
explain.

“Yeah? Talking about it would have been a good place to start,” Rosalie said flatly. Alice

looked away, simply nodding in agreement. They stood silent together on the street, both
trying to think of where Bella would go when she was this upset, when Rosalie‟s phone
rang.

“Hey, are you OK? Where are you?” she launched in, answering her phone. Alice watched
Rosalie closely, anxious to hear Bella‟s response. “Oh fuck, Bella, we‟re on our way.” Rose
shoved her phone back in her pocket and grabbed Alice‟s arm, pulling her back in the
direction of Edible Delectables.

“What‟s going on?” Alice asked worried, trying to keep up with Rosalie‟s longer legs.

“Charlie was in an accident. Bella got the call and is already headed to Forks.”

Chapter – 18

Edward walked, exhausted, into his apartment and collapsed onto his couch. His current
schedule, along with the lack of sleep left him completely drained. He grabbed the remote
from the coffee table and turned on the television. He quickly flipped through the channels,
not really paying attention to what was on any of them, finally settling on some banal
sitcom. He closed his eyes and stretched out along the couch, hoping he might actually fall
asleep at some point, instead of spending the night thinking about her.

It had been one month, one month of picking up his phone and scrolling to her name, only
to clear the screen and put the phone back down. She had to hate him. He had said they
would keep in touch and then purposely avoided calling her. He managed to completely self
destruct any happiness in his life, and for what? The fellowship? Had he really deluded
himself into believing a pediatric ER fellowship was his dream? No, his dream was twenty
four hundred miles away from him, cursing his name. What he would give to go back and
realize all of this before his monumental fuck up of leaving. Now he was stuck here
advancing his career and all alone, all alone surrounded by women practically throwing
themselves at him, but who he could not even see. Edward was used to having attention
from the opposite sex, he was an attractive man and he knew it, but only one woman held
his interest and he wasn‟t sure if that would ever change. It had been one month. How long
until the void in him began to fade? Did he want it to?

The sound of his cell phone snapped his attention back to the present. Edward reached over
and grabbed it off the table, not needing to see the caller ID to know who it was he hit
decline. He wasn‟t in the mood to talk to Alice, he would answer his phone for one person,
and her ring tone hadn‟t rung from his phone in over a month. He grabbed his iPod off the
coffee table and stuffed the earbuds in his ears, then scrolled to the playlist he had been
listening to for weeks now and closed his eyes again, trying to sleep.

~*~

“Damn it, Edward!” Alice closed her phone and stuffed it into her pocket. Rose was with
Bella now, and Alice was frantically trying to reach her brother before heading to Forks
herself. Of course she wasn‟t surprised he didn‟t answer the phone, they had barely spoken
since he moved away. If on a random occasion she did manage to get a hold of him, she
typically got around ten minutes of conversation before Edward begged off and muttered
something about being busy. With a heavy and frustrated sigh, Alice left him a message

asking him to call her informing him it was important. After hanging up, she decided to text
him and to continue to text him until she got a response.
~*~

Forks Community Hospital was small by most standards. It maintained a Level IV trauma
center, but all life threatening emergencies, once stabilized, were flown to different locations
depending on the severity of the patients injury.

Charlie Swan‟s cruiser had flipped, totaling the vehicle. His internal injuries required
immediate transport to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, for possible surgery.
Charlie‟s deputy, Sam, called Bella to notify her of the change in hospital.

Bella was able to get some more information from Sam regarding the accident. Charlie was
awake when the paramedics arrived and was able to talk to them. The relief that flowed
through her at this news was so great it made her lightheaded, and she almost had to pull
over in order to gather herself back together. Bella asked Sam what caused the accident
and he told her Charlie had swerved to avoid hitting a large russet-colored wolf in the road
but was too late - hitting both the wolf and a tree. The air bag in the cruiser deployed,
breaking Charlie‟s nose but ultimately saving his life as it provided more protection to his
head as the side of his car hit the tree. The collision caused ribs on his left side to break and
one had made a small puncture in his lung. They were going to go in surgically to repair the
rib and get a visual of the damage it caused. He was stable, and awake, but would most
likely be in the OR when Bella arrived.

Bella thanked Sam for the information and hung up. She called Rosalie to give her the
update, knowing she and Emmett were somewhere on the road only a half hour behind her.

~*~

Edward had finally fallen asleep on his couch, the music still playing in his ears. When he
slept, it was always a double-edged sword. He needed it desperately, yet most of the time
his anxiety level was too high for him to relax, then on the rare occasion he did, he dreamt
of Bella. She had a starring roll this night, too. She and Edward were lying on his couch and
she was on top of him, sucking on his neck, marking him while intermittently whispering
naughty things in his ear. Her hands were in his pants, working him up while his hands were
undoing the buttons on the shirt she was wearing. His shirt. Fuck he loved it when she wore
his dress shirts. He now had the buttons undone, and was parting the shirt, pushing it off
her shoulders when she pulled away and began kissing down his chest. She was going to
use her mouth. He fucking loved it when she used her mouth; so hot and wet…

“Oompa Loompa doompadee doo
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa doompadah dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me.”

Alice. She was such a fucking cockblocker, even in his dreams. Edward opened his eyes and
snatched his cell phone up, this time planning to let her have it. He yanked the earbuds out
of his ears, the music having ended long ago and answered his phone.

“Alice,” Edward spit out her name, “this had better be good, I was sleeping, and that
doesn‟t happen very often.” He knew he was being rude, but hey, she interrupted dream
Bella‟s blow job!

“It‟s about fucking time, Edward!” Alice yelled, causing Edward to pull the phone away from
his ear and flinch. “Is it so much to ask that you at least check your fucking messages?!”
she was still yelling, as he slowly brought the phone back to his ear.

“Jesus, Alice! What the fuck?!”

“Charlie was in an accident! You would have known that two hours ago had you answered
the damn phone, or looked at one of the ten fucking texts I‟ve sent you!”

Edward immediately sat up, launching himself off the couch. “What happened?” he asked,
looking around his apartment for his keys, feeling his panic rise as he realized he couldn‟t
go anywhere.

“He hit a tree in his car. He‟s stable right now, but Bella‟s a mess,” Alice‟s voice softened.

Edward‟s breath caught at the mention of Bella‟s name.

“What hospital?”

Edward grabbed his laptop and turned it on. Pulling up a travel site, he began booking a
flight to Seattle, with a hop to William R. Fairchild International Airport, in Port Angeles.
Edward grimaced as he booked the flight; he really hated flying on propeller planes, but
doing so would get him to Bella in under six hours if he left in the next twenty minutes. He
barely glanced at the total before typing in his credit card information and made a silent
prayer that he had read it wrong but shook it off quickly. He ran to his room and grabbed a
duffle bag quickly throwing in a few pairs of boxer briefs and socks. He pulled out some
jeans and grabbed the first two shirts in front of him and threw them in the bag. He didn‟t
bother packing his normal travel case of necessities and instead grabbed the toothbrush off
the counter, toothpaste and deodorant and zipped up the bag. He found his wallet on the
counter next to his keys and was out the door in under ten minutes.

When he got to the airport, Edward briefly considered leaving his car in the drop off lane
and letting them tow it, but quickly realized that would probably just end up getting him
arrested delaying him further. Instead he went with short term parking and their
outrageous over-priced fees. He ran to the terminal, nearly taking out an old lady on his
way, calling a sincere apology over his shoulder, to which he thought she flipped him off but
shook his head hoping it was just his imagination. An eighty year old surely wouldn‟t have
given him the finger… Edward raced to check in, opting for the electronic check in over the
long line in front of him, as he had no luggage to check.

It wasn‟t until he was seated on the plane that he realized he hadn‟t even called the hospital
to inform them of the situation. Pulling out his Blackberry he typed up a quick email
explaining he was needed urgently in Seattle for a family emergency and would return in a
couple of days. He almost hoped they would fire him for the short notice, although he knew
they wouldn‟t.
~*~

Charlie‟s surgery went well and he was in recovery soon after Bella arrived at the hospital.
The receptionist at the front desk gave her directions to the surgery waiting room where
Bella collapsed into a chair to wait. She hadn‟t been there long before Rose and Emmett
showed up, flanking her in chairs on each side. Rosalie put her arm around Bella as Bella
rested her head on Rose‟s shoulder.

“He‟s in recovery,” Bella said quietly.

“That‟s good. They said everything went alright?” Rose asked.

“Yeah. We can see him in about an hour. They want him to wake up first and monitor him a
little before they move him to a room.”

Rose turned her face to kiss Bella on the forehead, and leaned her head against Bella‟s.

“Alice called,” Rose said after a few minutes of silence. “She was checking in. She asked for
an update as soon as possible. Do you want me to call her now?”

Bella nodded her head, and Rosalie pulled her phone from her purse and dialed Alice‟s
number.

“Hey, we‟re here, Charlie‟s in recovery now,” Rose began to give the update then got quiet.
“When?” Rose glanced at Bella and began to get up from her chair, but Bella stopped her,
grabbing her wrist. “I‟ll call you back,” Rose replied ending the call.

“What?” Bella asked, looking at her friend.

Rosalie pursed her lips in thought, ignoring Bella‟s inquiry.

“What, Rose?” Bella demanded.

Rosalie sighed and relented, “Edward‟s on his way,” she answered, looking Bella in the eyes.

Bella sat dumbstruck at Rosalie‟s announcement. “When?”

“Tonight. He took the first flight out.”

“What?! Why? Why now? I can‟t deal with this now!” Bella began to yell. “Why did Alice call
him?”

“Jesus, Bella! She called him because your dad was in a serious accident. Of course she
would call him! Of course he would want to know! And if Charlie hadn‟t been in an accident,
I would hope she would have called him soon anyway because whatever little emo virus you
and Edward contracted, apparently it needs a fucking bio-level four antiviral serum and the
rest of us are fresh the fuck out!” Rose‟s frustration exploded.

Bella gaped at her friend, unsure what to say.

“Seriously, Bella! We‟re tired of being on suicide watch. I love you, you‟re my best friend,
I‟d help you hide a body even, but Jesus Christ, woman! You love the guy, you‟re „in love‟
and all that sappy crap that goes with it, and according to Alice, he feels the same, and yet
the two of you are so God damn ridiculously hopeless that you can‟t see past this shit and
get over yourselves.” Rose‟s arms flailed radically, “So, yes, Alice called Edward so he could
come and comfort you.” Rosalie‟s indignant wrath left Bella speechless.

“Shit! I‟m sorry!” Rose continued to yell as she grabbed Bella and pulled her into a tight
embrace. “I‟m such a bitch. I don‟t want to yell at you, I love you.” Bella slowly raised her
arms to hug Rose back. She began to realize she deserved Rosalie‟s outrage, and so much
more, even if it was horrible timing on Rose‟s part.

Emmett stood up and gently pulled on his wife‟s shoulder, “Babe, why don‟t you go see if
there are any updates.” Rosalie pulled back and looked at Emmett and then at Bella guiltily
and nodded her head, looking at the ground as she walked away.

“You know she didn‟t mean to lash out at you, right?” Emmett circled his arm around Bella‟s
shoulder and pulled her into his side. Bella didn‟t respond, still in shock over what went
down. “She‟s stressed out. Charlie‟s a second father to her.”

“What the fuck does Charlie have to do with me and Edward?” Bella snapped coming back
around.

“Nothing. And if we weren‟t here in this situation she would have approached that whole
thing from another angle.”

“What do you mean another angle?”

“I mean we would have done some sort of After School Special intervention, probably with
some sort of Power Point presentation from Alice. I‟m pretty sure you had days left, if not
hours before that was going to happen.” Emmett smirked, pulling on Bella‟s shoulder.

Bella sighed, as they took their seats again. “Have I been that bad?” she asked.

Emmett guffawed loudly and patted Bella on the head like a dog, and in return she elbowed
him in the ribs.

“Bells, we love you, but we seriously considered slipping anti-depressants into your food.”

Bella rolled her eyes and leaned against him, not replying.

“This is a good thing. Edward coming. And shit, first flight out? That means something
Bella,” Emmett said seriously.

Rosalie returned and took her seat next to Bella, “They said he woke up for a minute, and
his vitals look good. They‟ll be moving him soon and then we can see him,” she said quietly,
sitting stiffly in her chair, her hands folded in her lap. Bella pulled away from Emmett and
hugged Rosalie, letting Rose know she wasn‟t angry at her outburst.

~*~

“Hi, can you tell me what room number Charlie Swan is in?” Edward asked the lady at the
front desk.

He watched as she clicked her keyboard and then looked up at him, “He‟s post-op room
four-oh-two,” she answered.

“Thanks,” Edward said, giving a weak smile and darting to the elevators. He punched the
button and waited impatiently for the doors to open, hurrying on as they did. He selected
the fourth floor and once again waited impatiently as the elevator car took its time to get to
the right floor. As soon as the doors opened, Edward jumped out and looked at the signs
directing him to the right room number. It took everything he had not to run down the

hallway, and instead walked at a brisk pace, hurrying to Charlie‟s room.

The door to four-oh-two was closed and Edward hesitated a moment before knocking.
Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and gently tapped on the door. He heard
somebody give a faint reply on the other side, telling him to enter the room.

He slowly pushed the door open and immediately saw Bella, Rose and Emmett surrounding
Chief Swan‟s bed. He entered quietly and closed the door behind him, dropping his duffle
bag in the corner before approaching the group.

He walked straight to Bella‟s side, slipping his hand beneath the hair on her neck, and
caressed it lightly.

“How is he?” Edward asked, searching Bella‟s eyes for acceptance of his presence.

She gave him a small smile and he could see her fatigue, but no anger. “He‟s stable,” she
answered him softly. Edward glanced around but didn‟t find any other chairs. Bella was
holding Charlie‟s hand, so Edward squatted down next to her, his arm moving to her
shoulders as he nuzzled his nose to her temple and squeezed his eyes closed.

“We‟re going to head out,” Emmett announced, standing up and pulling Rose up beside him.
Edward stood up as Emmett walked to his side and held out his hand. Edward shook it and
Emmett pulled him into a hug, patting Edward‟s back. “Thanks for coming man. We‟re
getting a room at the Riviera Inn, want us to reserve one for you?”

Edward breathed out a sigh of relief, grateful for Emmett‟s quick forgiveness. “That would
be great, thanks,” he answered. Emmett nodded his head and began to pull Rosalie away
but she pulled against him. Taking a deep breath she reached up and hugged Edward too.

“Just fix it, OK?” she whispered into his ear.

Edward squeezed her tight for a second then whispered, “I will.”

Chapter – 19

Emmett and Rose left, closing the door quietly behind them. The room was suddenly quiet,
with only the sounds of the hospital and Charlie‟s vital monitor in the background. Edward
continued to stand quietly by Bella‟s side.

“You didn‟t have to come,” Bella said quietly, not looking up as she spoke to him.

“I wanted to be here for you,” Edward replied, reaching his hand out to touch her, but
pulling it back before he made contact.

Bella just nodded her head, letting him know she had heard what he said.

“I‟d like to look over his chart if that‟s alright with you?” Edward wanted to read the doctor‟s
notes and look everything over for his own peace of mind.

Bella‟s head snapped up at his inquiry, surprise apparent on her face. “OK,” she said
nodding after a moment. Edward reached out and touched her shoulder this time, then
couldn‟t resist stroking her cheek gently before turning to head out to the nurses‟ station for
the chart.

He had no credentials at Olympic Medical, but still retained his Seattle license and medical
identification. That, along with a flirtatious smile, got him the chart as long as he looked it
over at the station. Edward agreed and began to read.

When he returned to the room Charlie was awake and talking quietly to Bella. He looked
surprised to see Edward and looked back and forth between Edward and Bella several times
before silently questioning his daughter about the situation.

Bella just gave a small smile in return. Charlie gave her the same and the subject was
dropped before anything was ever said out loud.

“You need sleep Bells,” Charlie‟s voice was gruff and barely above a whisper.

“I‟m not leaving,” Bella answered.

“I‟m not going anywhere kid,” Charlie tried to joke, but grimaced when Bella blanched at his
statement.

“I‟m going to be alright, Isabella,” Charlie said as sternly as he could.

“I know,” Bella sniffled as the emotional day caught up with her.

“Then go with Rose and Emmett to the hotel and get some rest, baby. You can come back
and see me tomorrow.” Charlie looked up at Edward who was still standing near the door.
“Can you see that she gets to the hotel safely?”

“Yes, sir,” Edward replied, nodding his head.
“Go, Bella, get some rest, and I‟ll do the same.” Charlie pulled his hand from under Bella‟s
and covered hers, patting it gently.

Bella stood slowly, silently agreeing to Charlie‟s request. She leaned in and kissed his cheek,
whispering she loved him in his ear.

“Love you too, kid,” Charlie whispered back.

~*~

Edward walked quietly beside Bella out of the hospital to his rental car; she had pointed out
her van was with her, but didn‟t put up a fight when Edward insisted he drive her to the
hotel. The ride to the hotel was silent, both lost in thought. They arrived at the hotel only
minutes later and parked the car. Neither of them made a move to get out of the car.
Edward watched Bella for a few minutes before she finally looked over at him. Staring at
one another, they seemed to want to memorize each other once again.

“You‟re here.” It wasn‟t a question.

“I‟m here.”

“Thank you, Edward. Thank you for coming…” her voice trailed off as a tear slipped down
her cheek.

“I‟ll always be here, Bella,” Edward whispered, his voice full of pain.

Anger flashed in Bella‟s eyes as she turned to him sharply. “Always?” Edward didn‟t miss the
insinuation in her tone.

“I left.” Edward‟s head dropped. They sat quietly for a minute before he finally spoke again,
“I‟m sorry. God, Bella, I‟m so sorry.” He looked at her, pleading for her to believe his words.
“I thought I was doing the right thing, sacrificing my happiness so that your life wouldn‟t
change.” Edward shook his head and the car was quiet again.

“Do you remember what you said to me the day after our first night together?” he asked,
turning to Bella, willing her to look at him and understand. Bella looked at him
questioningly, shaking her head, unsure of what he was referring to. “You said you were
romantically inept,” Edward chuckled, remembering the moment. Bella had been covered in
trash from the dumpster and he had been frantic trying to figure out what he had done to
make her angry with him. He looked at Bella, his eyes pleading with her to understand what
he was saying. He knew the exact moment when she did. Her mouth dropped open and a
slight gasp escaped her lips.

“We‟re a lot alike, Bella. I never meant to hurt you. I should never have made you think I
wanted you any less than I did,” he paused, “than I do.”

“Edward,” Bella began, but Edward interrupted.

“I‟m sorry,” he said again. Bella‟s hands covered her face and she began to cry.

“Hey,” Edward began reaching out for her but was hindered by the console between them.
Instead he pulled the keys from the ignition and climbed out of the car, rounding to her side
and opening her door quickly. He reached in and grabbed her hands, practically lifting her
from the car and into his arms.

“I love you.” He swore to himself if he ever had the chance to say the words to her, he
wouldn‟t pass the opportunity by again.

Bella gasped, her hand flying to her lips as new tears sprung to her eyes.

“I do, Bella, I love you. I need you to know that,” Edward said again, holding her tightly to
him.

Bella sighed, “I know.” She pulled back slightly to look up at his shocked face, “You flew five
hours to be here for me,” Bella elaborated, “and Alice mentioned it.” She gave him a small
smile and chuckled before looking away, “I love you, too. I should have told you before. I‟m
sorry.”

Edward shook his head, ridding it of the surprise from her reply. “No, don‟t say that. There‟s
nothing for you to be sorry for. Bella, fuck…” he struggled, “I just love you, and nothing else
matters. I don‟t want to lose you. Ever. I‟ll move back to Seattle if you‟ll have me. I‟m

miserable in Chicago without you.”

Bella pulled his face down to hers and kissed him. She slowly began to cover what she could
reach of his face with kisses, finally settling back on his lips where they locked passionately.
Edward held her firmly against him, his hands running up and down her back, tangling in
her hair, tickling her neck, then running down again to cup her ass and pull her tightly
against him. After a moment he remembered where they were and pulled back slightly. He
took her hand and led her from the parking lot to the front desk of the hotel to get a key to
the room Emmett had reserved for him; then guided her to their room. He wasn‟t letting go
again.

As soon as the door closed Bella was back in his arms kissing him again. His hands found
the bottom of her shirt and slipped underneath, now trailing along the bare skin of her back
and around to the front of her belly. So soft.

“I missed you,” he whispered into her ear, his hot breath causing a shudder to run through
her.

Bella moaned and nodded her head, lost in the feelings of Edward surrounding her. He
recaptured her lips in a searing kiss, while his hands slipped up her sides pushing her shirt
up as he went. Once it was off he tossed it across the room away from them. The sight of
her in her bra in front of him took his breath away. He began to worry he was dreaming
again, but realized quickly that Dream Bella was never as good as the real thing, and this
was absolutely perfect. His hands cupped her breasts over her bra; fingers dipping under
the soft silky material to run along the tops of her breasts, just barely teasing her nipples
into erection. He pulled his mouth from hers and began nipping and licking his way back
down her jaw to her ear once again, needing to feel her shudder once more. He nudged her
ear with his nose, capturing her lobe between his teeth only to release it and kiss the
sensitive spot behind her ear.

“I love you,” he whispered again, his breath teasing her once more gave him the result he
was hoping for.

“Oh, Edward.” Bella grabbed his head and pulled it to her, kissing him hard. She pushed him
back down on the bed, taking charge of their situation. Immediately she yanked his shirt off
of him, tossing his to the side not caring where it landed. She didn‟t stop there; she was
done with the teasing. Once his shirt was off she moved to his pants and discarded them
quickly, pulling his boxers along with them. Edward was naked in front of her, panting, as
Bella‟s eyes worked over him in the most intense eye fuck of his life. She grabbed his
erection and began working him up and down, slowly at first and then faster as his
breathing picked up. She dropped to her knees when her need for him reached a peak, and
took him in her mouth. She licked up his shaft with the tip of her tongue, keeping her eyes
on his the entire time, until his head dropped back against the bed. Bella ran her hands up
his thighs; she gripped his base and took his length into her mouth in one plunge. Edward
startled at the sensation, releasing a loud moan and weaving his hands into the hair at the
back of her head as he felt himself begin to thrust into her mouth. After only minutes of her
warm ministrations, he was on the brink.

“Bella, stop,” he gasped, trying to pull her mouth from him. She released him immediately,
and jumped up, to stand before him. She quickly unclasped her bra, yanking it from her
body and tossing it aside. Her pants were undone immediately, and she was naked before
him in the blink of an eye. Edward grabbed her hands and pulled her down onto his lap.
Bella situated herself, rubbing against him coating him with her wetness, then, in one quick

move she took him inside and began to move. Their rhythm was fast and needful. Edward
thrust as Bella ground, the slapping of their skin and heavy breathing the only sounds in the
room. Too soon Edward was groaning with restraint, trying desperately to stave off his
release. He wanted, no, he needed Bella to find hers first. His hand slipped to where they
met and his fingers began to tease her gently at first, only a whisper of movement, then
increasing gradually as Bella began to unwind.

Shaking her head no, Bella begged to prolong it but Edward would not relent. He continued
working her until he felt her begin to clench and shudder. Watching her lose herself in him
was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Her head fell back, shaking back and forth
while she moaned his name over and over. Just as she came down he let go and spilled
himself into her. He caught her as she collapsed against him, wrapping her in his arms and
keeping her flush against him while he remained inside of her as their breathing slowed
down.

He wasn‟t sure how long they sat there like this, but after awhile Bella sat up, slowly, and
eased herself off his lap. He missed her immediately and followed after her, laying them
both down on the bed and curling up together. They spent a while touching each other,
tracing with fingers and kisses in between. Every now and then one of them would declare
their love and follow it with a hot and needy kiss.

“Thank you.” Edward settled his forehead against Bella‟s and stared into her eyes. “Thank
you for forgiving me, for taking me back after I made a mess of things. Thank you for loving
me.”

Bella traced his mouth with her finger tips then leaned in and kissed his lips. “You‟re
welcome. Thank you for not moving on.”

“Never,” he stated firmly, shaking his head. “Only you.”

They held each other awhile, enjoying the feel of each other without speaking.

Bella broke the silence first, “I don‟t want you to leave the fellowship.” Edward snapped his
head to look at her in shock. His mouth opened as he tried to find words.

“Bella, I need you, I don‟t want to be without you anymore…” Bella put her finger against
his lips.

“Shhh,” Bella removed her finger and kissed his lips gently. “I‟m not going anywhere,” she
stated quietly. “I love you. But I want this for you and I‟ll do whatever I need to, to help
you achieve it. We don‟t have to be apart.”

Edward looked at her confused, not sure what she was saying. “But how?”

“I‟ll come to Chicago,” she answered, chuckling as Edward‟s eyebrows shot up.

“I‟ll hire a manager for the shop and I‟ll take a leave to be with you,” Bella nodded her
head, accentuating the point. “Neither of us gives up our dream,” she looked at him
pointedly. Edward sighed knowing Bella had spoken with Alice, but he couldn‟t find it in
himself to be angry with his sister.

Edward sighed and snuggled his head into the crook of her neck. “I don‟t even know if it‟s
my dream anymore.” Bella ran her hands through his hair waiting for him to continue. “I

don‟t know if I want to do emergency pediatrics. I mean, this fellowship is important and it
does add to my credentials, I‟m just not sure I want to actually use it, if that makes sense.”
Edward closed his eyes then opened them and looked at Bella longingly, “I‟ve been thinking
I‟d like to open a practice, get to know my patients, watch them grow up,” he finished.

“You‟d be a great primary care doctor,” Bella said, still running her hands through his hair.
“But you‟ve got time to decide that. Stay in Chicago, finish your fellowship, then you can
decide. I‟ll be with you for as long as you want me,” she finished quietly.

“Forever. I‟ll want you forever,” he replied, looking into her eyes and seeing his love
reflected at him.

“Then I‟ll be here forever,” she answered simply.

Edward kissed her deeply, and before he knew it the words were out of his mouth, “Marry
me?”

Bella‟s eyes looked like they were going to pop from her head as she gaped at him. “What?”
She shook her head and blinked rapidly trying to clear her mind. She had to be hallucinating
now. She pressed her hands to his chest and tried to sit up but he held her firmly to him.

“I asked you to marry me, Bella.” His hand held her face as their eyes locked.

Now it was Bella‟s turn to be speechless.

“You‟re serious,” she stated - it wasn‟t a question.

Edward laughed, “Yes, I am.”

“You want to get married? To me?” she asked, pointing at herself.

“Very much so,” he nodded.

“We haven‟t even been together a year,” she stated and he could hear how unsure she was.

“Bella, I‟ve had feelings for you over eight years. I regret not having made a move in high
school; I regret all the years I could have known you,” he paused then added, “I could have
loved you. I don‟t want any more regrets.”

“What if I say yes, and then you regret asking?” she wondered sadly.

“That‟s not possible,” he said adamantly, shaking his head. “It was love at first sight, and
getting to know you has only made me love you more.” He kissed her and gave her a knee
weakening, crooked smile. “I love you and I‟ll never regret that.”

Bella was speechless for a moment, then rolled him over and settled herself on top of him,
“Then, yes, I‟ll marry you,” she said softly.

“Thank you.” They didn‟t need any more words; they would show each other their love.
They made love until the neither of them could move anymore and both passed out into
blissed oblivion.

~*~

Morning came quickly and Bella immediately felt guilty for spending such an amazing night
with Edward while her father was in the hospital.

Edward, sensing her mood, told her once again he loved her and that Charlie loved her and
wanted her happy. Bella smiled at Edward, knowing his words were true. He pulled her to
him and kissed her softly. He couldn‟t fathom how he had allowed himself to go a month
without her taste on his lips.

His phone rang, interrupting their moment and he pulled it out of his pocket to answer.

“Hey Alice,” he smiled and winked at Bella before turning away from her. Bella heard
Edward give his sister the update on Charlie as she finished getting ready to head to the
hospital. Rosalie and Emmett had left earlier, hoping to get some time to visit without
overwhelming Charlie, both knowing once Bella and Edward got there, the room might feel
crowded for him, and also knowing once Bella was there she would be unlikely to leave any
time soon.

Bella and Edward arrived at the hospital to find Charlie had just fallen asleep, but before
doing so had given strict instructions for Rose and Em to make sure Bella ate breakfast.
Bella‟s eyes narrowed at her sleeping father as she grumbled something about him being
overprotective before giving in and following everyone to the hospital cafeteria.

“So everything worked out?” Rosalie asked Bella, as they finished selecting their items and
made their way to the cashier.

“Yes.” Bella glanced quickly at Edward, as he walked up behind them with the shit eating
grin on his face he had since arriving at the hospital.

Rose eyed them closely as she waited for Bella to finish paying, then she led the way to a
table in a less crowded area of the cafeteria. She took her seat and looked between the two
of them, “Spill. What‟s going on?” Rosalie put her fork down and stared at them. She didn‟t
miss the look that passed between them.

Edward lifted the hand that he was holding at the table and kissed Bella‟s knuckles, asking
her a silent question. She gave a slight nod of her head in assent.

Edward turned back to their friends, the wide grin he‟d had all morning returning. “We‟re
getting married,” he announced. And that‟s when the mouthful of tea in Rose‟s mouth
sprayed across the table straight into his face. Edward flinched back in shock as Emmett
pounded on Rosalie‟s back trying to help stop her coughing fit, and Bella began to gather
napkins to wipe him down, startled by what had happened.

“Damn baby, say it don‟t spray it!” Emmett laughed loudly while alternating between patting
Rosalie‟s back and raising her arms above her head like a two year old.

Rosalie had expected a reconciliation between Bella and Edward, she was even prepared to
hear Bella say she was moving to Chicago, or maybe Edward was moving back, but she had
not expected this.

Rosalie yanked her arms from Emmett‟s hold. “Married?” she coughed out.

Edward looked between Rose and Emmett unsure if he should confirm the news he just
announced for fear of what might happen next. Sitting back slightly he nodded. Bella looked
down at her plate, then glanced at Edward and back to Rose. Edward may have been
oblivious to the reactions they would get but Bella was prepared for them.

“It‟s fast,” she nodded, “but we‟re sure.” She looked at Rosalie, her eyes begging her best
friend to understand and accept their decision.

“Fast is an understatement,” Rosalie sputtered.

Edward and Bella looked longingly at each other. “For everyone else maybe, not for us. This
has been hiding in the corner of our minds for years,” Edward tried to explain.

“Hot damn! Then get the fuck up and get us some champagne!” Emmett yelled as Rosalie‟s
eyes bugged from her head at his enthusiasm. “Congratulations!” he continued, rounding
the table and grabbing Bella in a bear hug and swaying her back and forth for a minute.

Bella laughed and hugged him back just as tightly. Emmett released her and sat back down,
pulling Rose to his side, “This is soul mate shit, baby, you can‟t mess with that.” Rosalie
gaped at him in return; then she turned back to Edward and Bella, her mouth opening and
closing but making no sound.

“Bella…” she finally managed to get out.

“Rose, I know OK? But Edward knows me; he knows me better than anybody else, except
maybe you. It‟s like I‟ve known him for years, and in some ways I have. I want you to be
happy for me, for us. Can you?”

“Oh Bella, I am happy for you! I‟m just surprised. I mean I won‟t lie and say it never
crossed my mind you guys would end up married, I just thought you‟d go to Chicago and
spend more time together first.” Rosalie took Bella‟s hand and squeezed it.

“Well,” Bella began, looking at Edward and then back between Rose and Emmett, “I am
going to Chicago. I‟m going with Edward until he finishes the fellowship.”

Rosalie nodded her head but said nothing. Bella knew this was a lot for her best friend to
take in. She wouldn‟t push Rose for now. In the end Bella knew Rosalie would support her.

Both Rosalie and Emmett were quiet and the table settled into a somewhat uncomfortable
silence. Finally Rose spoke up. “Yeah, OK, but you get to tell your dad,” she said pointing at

Bella seriously. Bella blanched then tried to compose herself.

Edward smirked and kissed her cheek. “I‟ll be beside you the whole time,” he whispered.

“Very sweet of you,” Bella said patting his leg, “but he could very well still try to shoot you.”
Edward just laughed, and secretly hoped she was joking.

“So when are you going to announce the news to everyone else?” Rosalie asked.

Bella and Edward looked at each other once again, “I‟ll probably call my parents later
today,” he gave Bella a questioning look, as if to ask if that was ok. She nodded her head
yes, then he continued, “And I‟d like to get Bella a ring as soon as possible. After Charlie‟s
home of course.”

“What? No, Edward, that‟s not necessary, I don‟t need a ring,” Bella protested, but Edward
gave her a look that said there would be no arguing this.

“You‟re getting a ring, Bella. I want every guy out there to know you‟re mine.”

Bella chuckled and bumped his shoulder with her own, “You‟re ridiculous.”

“And completely serious. I‟d go today but I know that‟s not possible, plus the selection in
Port Angeles probably isn‟t as good as in Seattle or Chicago.” Bella rolled her eyes.

“That‟s not very romantic, Edward,” Emmett pointed out, “don‟t you want to surprise her?”

“Dude, when did you turn into a chick?” Edward laughed, oh how the tides had turned.

“No, it‟s better this way,” Bella jumped in, “so I can make sure he doesn‟t spend a fortune
on it.”

“Bella, you‟re getting a nice ring,” Edward interjected. “Maybe you‟re right,” he said to
Emmett, “I should just buy it and surprise her.” Emmett nodded his head and Bella smacked
Edward‟s arm.

“Don‟t you dare! I‟m going with you and we‟ll pick out something reasonable, no three
months salary crap. I‟m not even sure I want a diamond, I mean they torture people in
Africa for those.” Bella looked deep in thought over her new concern. Edward just sighed
and shook his head, getting up to get another cup of coffee.

Returning, he sat back down and draped his arm across Bella‟s shoulders. “Whatever you
want, Bella, but don‟t worry about the cost. Please.”

They let the subject drop as the group made their way back to Charlie‟s room. Bella had
decided to hold off telling him their news for a couple of days, wanting her father to get
stronger first. Charlie was still sleeping when they arrived back at his room, so Bella turned

the television on, with the volume low, and everyone took a seat. Bella sat closest to
Charlie‟s bed, resuming her position from the night before, holding his hand. Charlie woke
up intermittently throughout the day, each time more coherent and the doctor came by
later in the afternoon to tell them Charlie‟s prognosis was excellent. They expected him to
be released in a few days and were removing his chest tube in the morning.

All things said, Charlie had been extremely lucky.

Bella knew he would be happy for her. He might not show it at first, but he‟d be happy.

Chapter – 20

Charlie‟s prognosis was good, and he was more alert the day following his surgery. Emmett
and Rosalie discussed heading back to Seattle, and after talking with Edward, who had
looked over Charlie‟s chart and spoke with his doctor, they decided to leave that evening.
Bella had pressing orders placed at the bakery and Alice, who was a life saver, had taken
the day off to rearrange the bakery‟s schedule and deal with Bella‟s clients. Edward spoke
with his supervisor at work and agreed to return in two days. Unfortunately, it meant he

would have to leave Bella the following day, and return to Chicago.

Bella met with Charlie‟s doctor and discussed extended care for her father once he was
released from the hospital. His care would be moderate but not intensive. Charlie would
need general support such as getting up into a standing position, and back down again.
With his ribs and lung having the most damage, he would be unable to lift anything for a
while, but personal care shouldn‟t be a problem, and of course moving around was always
recommended in any recovery.

Bella was re-entering her father‟s room when she heard him on the phone. He looked up,

startled at the interruption, his cheeks coloring slightly.

“Bella‟s here, can I call you later?” he asked, keeping his voice low. Bella watched a small
smile play across her father‟s face and her curiosity was piqued.

“Who was that?” Bella asked, eyeing Charlie‟s cell phone as he placed it on the bedside
table.

“Sue,” Charlie answered, his small smile still present. Bella smirked.

“I was talking to Doctor Stanton,” Bella motioned toward the door to Charlie‟s hospital
room, “and he says he doesn‟t think we‟ll need to hire Home Health Care. I should be able
to handle everything, and he wants you up and around as much as possible.” Charlie

grimaced at this. “Within reason, Dad.” Bella patted his hand.

Charlie was quiet for a minute, looking deep in thought. “You know, Bells, you don‟t have
to take care of me.” Charlie looked down at his lap and Bella waited for him to elaborate

and finally responded when he didn‟t.

“Dad, Doctor Stanton said HHC was unnecessary, but you‟ll still need help. You‟ll need
somebody to cook and keep house, not to mention helping you get around for at least a
week or so...”

“That‟s not what I meant, Bella,” Charlie interrupted. “I know I‟ll need somebody staying
with me, but you don‟t have to do it. You‟ve got responsibilities in Seattle.”

“Don‟t be ridiculous! Of course I‟m going to stay here and help you!” There was no other

option, how could he even consider not having her stay with him?

“Bella, Sue‟s offered to stay with me and help me around the house.” Charlie glanced up at

his daughter sideways, judging her reaction. She didn‟t disappoint.

“Oh.”

If he could have laughed without being in incredible pain, Charlie would have. Bella looked

dazed.

“I, uh, didn‟t…” Bella trailed off, unsure what she was saying. Shaking her head to clear her
thoughts she tried again, “I didn‟t know you guys were, um, that close.”

Charlie smirked. “We‟ve been,” he searched for the right word and finally settled on,

“dating.”

Bella once again stared at her father dumbfounded. And then his enunciation of „dating‟ hit
her and her face distorted with her horror. Oh God, Charlie just eluded to sex. Run away!

Run away! She quickly recovered and schooled her features.

There was an awkward pause and Bella cleared her throat. “Well, that‟s…great Dad. So,
uh, OK, Sue will…” Bella rolled her hand in the air toward Charlie, “help you out.” Bella
nodded her head, affirming her own words. Charlie chucked, and then grimaced and took a
shallow breath and Bella leaned forward, concerned. Charlie reached over and patted her

hand, letting her know he was alright.

“Sue‟s going to come out today. I‟d like for you guys to spend some time together.
She‟s…important.”

Bella smiled, truly excited to see her father so happy talking about a woman. “I‟ll be here.”

Charlie wasn‟t sure what else to say, but looking at Bella, he could see there was something
on her mind. “You OK, Bells?” He worried about announcing the depth of his relationship to

Sue this way.

“Yeah, I‟m OK,” Bella reassured him. “But since we‟re on the topic of important people, I
need to tell you something.” Bella chewed on her lower lip lightly, she had never intended
to have this conversation with Charlie while he was in the hospital, or without Edward by

her side for that matter, but the moment just felt right.

Taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, she looked Charlie in the eyes. “Edward
asked me to marry him.” Bella held her breath and awaited her father‟s response. Much to

her surprise, he remained calm, if not quiet. Well, at least he’s not trying to climb out of

the bed to find his gun.

After a moment or two, Charlie nodded his head, as if coming to terms with the situation his
own way. “I‟m happy for you, Bella.” He reached out and grasped her hand, squeezing it.
“I really am. I have to ask though, as your father, are you sure? You guys, well, you had
that rough patch and all.” Charlie didn‟t want Bella to think he was judging her or that he

disapproved of her decision.

“I am. I really am,” Bella assured him and paused before continuing, “There‟s more. I‟m
going to Chicago with him.”

Charlie looked at Bella surprised. “When?”

Bella shrugged her shoulders. “We haven‟t really gotten everything settled, but as soon as
I‟m back in Seattle I‟ll look for somebody to run Edible Delectables for me while I‟m gone.”
Bella rubbed her father‟s arm soothingly. “I didn‟t want to bring all this up while you were

in here, but it felt wrong not telling you.”

“Where is Edward?” Charlie asked, seeming to notice for the first time Edward was not at

the hospital.

“He had to go into Seattle, but is coming back this evening for the night. Then he‟ll turn
back around and drive back to Seattle to fly out of SeaTac.” Bella chuckled, remembering
the conversation she had had with Edward about all his driving. She had told him it was
unnecessary to return to Port Angeles for the night but Edward wouldn‟t hear of it. He
insisted on being with Bella, regardless of the hardships that might entail.

“I have no plans on being away from you any time soon,” he had said, and Bella snuggled
into his chest with a smile of satisfaction.

“Damn straight.”

“He‟s a good guy,” Charlie stated.

“He is,” Bella agreed softly.

Charlie smiled at his daughter, thankful she had found a man who would love and take care
of her. He sighed a little sadly, thinking about handing his daughter over to another man,
to a man she would call her husband and begin her own family with. It was a bittersweet
moment to take in, but one he was grateful to have survived to see. He realized he had
many things to be grateful for, and would make sure he appreciated them all to the fullest.

~*~

When Edward had booked his flight to Port Angeles, he had not intended to spend even a
minute away from Bella‟s side. Of course, once he was in Washington, he realized there
were some loose ends he really needed to tie up at Harborview. With Charlie in good
condition, Edward was able to relax and spend the day taking care of things, while Bella
visited with her dad. When he made the decision to head to Seattle for the day, Bella had
tried to insist he not drive all the way back to Port Angeles, but Edward quickly shut that

down. There was no way he was going to spend the night in Seattle, when they had only
one night left to be together before he was on the plane back to Chicago alone. Thankfully,
it wouldn‟t be forever, and Bella would follow as soon as she could. He hadn‟t wasted any
time telling his family their news, and was pleased to find them supportive. Not once did
anybody try to persuade him to „think things over‟ or tell him it was too soon to make such
a commitment. Alice had immediately launched into Wedding Planner mode and Edward
had made quick work of hanging up the phone.

While he was going to be in Seattle, Edward called Alice again, and was shocked to find her
at Bella‟s bakery. Alice looked relaxed as she met with customers and interviewed possible

shop managers for Bella‟s leave of absence.

Edward smirked at his twin as he stood in front of the counter, watching as she escorted the
last possible future employee from the shop and thanking them and letting them know she
would be in touch.

“You look at home here,” he noted.

Alice grinned in return. “If only I could bake something that didn‟t taste like cardboard.”

Edward laughed, agreeing with her.

“Thank you for doing this Alice,” he said, suddenly serious. Alice looked at him in surprise.

“You don‟t have to thank me Edward; I want you guys to be happy.”

“We are,” Edward assured his sister. “Very happy,” Edward continued, his eyes sparkling.

“See, now you‟re just making me sick. But I really am happy for you.” Alice hugged her
brother.

“Thanks.” Edward pulled back but didn‟t release his sister. “Seriously Alice, thank you. I
don‟t know what I was thinking letting her go. I feel like I need her like I need air.”

“You were thinking like a typical guy, doing what you thought was best for everyone. One
of these days your gender will learn.” Edward smirked, releasing his sister and giving her a
slight shove. Alice just giggled and began to walk away, gathering her things to close up
the bakery for the day.

“Hey,” Edward called after her.

“Yeah?” Alice looked back over her shoulder at her brother, standing in the doorway to the
shop.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, little brother.” Edward rolled his eyes at her, then pointed his thumb over

his shoulder.

“I‟m going to head back to Port Angeles.” The phone rang then and Alice waved goodbye as

she reached over to answer it.

The drive back to Port Angeles felt twice as long as the drive to Seattle. Edward was
anxious to return to Bella; the thought of leaving her the following day was causing his
stomach to twist. As he reached the city limits Bella texted him, informing him she was

back at the hotel and for him to meet her there.

Inside their room he found Bella sitting on the small loveseat in the corner reading a book.
He settled down next to her, draping his arm across her shoulders and leaned his head
against hers. Bella sat her book down and snuggled into his side.

After sitting quietly for awhile, Bella spoke up, “This is nice. I missed this.” She reached
across his lap and took his hand, the one not around her shoulders, between hers, playing

with his fingertips.

“I missed you,” he said solemnly. Bella looked up at him through her lashes and gave him

a soft smile.

“I told Charlie today,” Bella announced. Edward looked at her surprised. “We were making
his after care arrangements and he confessed to being in a relationship with Sue
Clearwater. I mean I knew they were sort of dating, or wanted to date around Christmas,
but I hadn‟t realized it had evolved into anything. She‟s going to stay with him. I spent the
afternoon getting to know her, she seems really nice and it‟s obvious she adores my dad.”
Edward hugged Bella closer, kissing the top of her head.

“Are you OK with that?”

“With my dad‟s girlfriend taking care of him instead of me?” Bella thought it over for a
minute, “Yeah, I am. I‟m glad he‟s found somebody, it makes it easier for me to leave

Washington to be with you.” Bella reached up and kissed Edward softly.

“What‟s wrong?” she asked, noticing he looked sad.

Edward shrugged his shoulders and sighed. “I‟m already getting depressed over when I

have to leave.” He gave a half-hearted chuckle.

Bella sat up straight and grabbed his face, forcing him to face her. “But this time, you know

I‟m following. I‟m only going to get things settled here, and then I‟m coming to Chicago.”

“I feel guilty about that,” Edward admitted hesitantly.

“Why?”

“You‟re giving up everything for me.”

“I‟m not giving anything up, I‟m…delegating. Being a small business owner, I can do that.”

She nodded her head, to make her point. “I want to be where you are.”

“I want that, too.” There was still doubt in his eyes, “It‟s just...this fellowship is two years,
Bella. I want you to be sure.”

“I‟m positive. I‟ve thought this through. My bakery isn‟t going anywhere. I have Alice
looking over the books, and she‟s helping me hire a manager and also probably an extra
employee, because I‟m sure nobody will be stupid enough to try and do it all like I did.”
Edward could see her conviction. “Truth is, I should have done this a long time ago. In the

end I‟ll probably be more successful taking a step back from it all.”

“I want to marry you, Bella Swan.”

“That‟s a good thing since we‟re engaged.”

Edward stood up, pulling Bella with him. “No, I mean I want to marry you right now.”

Bella‟s mouth dropped open in shock.

“Uh…” She couldn‟t find the words and wasn‟t sure how to reply to him.

“Let‟s do it. Let‟s go to Vegas.” The light in his eyes was shining bright and he began to

get excited. Bella stood still in front of him, stunned by his outburst and excitement.

“You‟re serious.” It wasn‟t a question.

“Absolutely.”

“You want to fly to Vegas and elope.”

“Yes, I do.”

“What about work? You‟ve only been there a month; you‟re due back tomorrow from the
emergency leave you took. I can‟t imagine they‟ll be throwing time off at you to run off and
get married. Unless in the time we were apart you perfected some under the table suck up

skills you haven‟t told me about.”

“I think I can get a few more days without the need to perform any oral favors for

anybody.”

“A few days? You‟re sweeping me off my feet here.”

“I‟m determined to get you legally bound to me as soon as possible.”

“And there‟s the romance I was looking for.”

“Bella, I‟m serious.”

Her snarky reply died on her lips when she saw just how serious he was.

“Can we stay at the Bellagio?” she asked.

“We can stay anywhere you want,” he answered instantly, holding her gaze without

blinking.

“Then call your boss, you‟ve got a trip to plan.”

He pulled his cell phone from his pocket, still staring into her eyes, and without looking
away, hit the speed dial for work. He spoke to whoever answered, finally looking away from
Bella, and had a quick conversation which resulted in his getting the next four days off of
work. When he turned back, Bella was once again standing in a stunned stupor. The next
four days. She had imagined it would be a month or two, maybe even longer before he‟d
get any kind of extended leave. Not that four days was a really long time, but she imagined
whoever was going to be covering his hospital shifts wouldn‟t be too happy. He was going
to owe a lot of favors for this last minute request. After he hung up the phone he pulled
Bella back down onto the sofa with him, and fired up his laptop. Bella just watched him,
amazed by his determination. A slow smile spread across her face as she watched him do a
few quick searches to find the best Vegas package deal.

“Should we call anyone? Invite them?” Bella was worried their haste would piss off their
friends and family. Edward had told her about Alice‟s enthusiasm for planning. Then there
was her father, Charlie was never one for big ceremonies. Bella felt confident he would be
fine with her plan to not make a big fuss out of this, but she felt guilty he wouldn‟t be able

to come with them even if he wanted to.

He pondered her question for a minute before answering. “I say we call, inform them of our
plans and allow them to come if they want, but we don‟t deviate from what we‟re doing for
anybody. I know my mom and Alice will try to guilt us into waiting for a big wedding with
all the major hoopla. I don‟t want that; I just want you.” He gave her a quick kiss and

turned back to the online trip registration and booking.

“If we call Alice now, she may be able to extend her leave as well; I know she was taking
this week off already.” Edward grinned at his fiancé, pulling his phone back out and dialing
his sister‟s number. When Alice answered, Edward filled her in on their new plans, to which
his sister screeched into the phone that he was insane. Then she informed him he was
buying Jasper a ticket as her date, as well as reminding him he‟d better cough it up for Rose
and Emmett as well. Edward pinched the bridge of his nose, nodding his head, and then
finally agreeing out loud to Alice‟s demands. He closed his eyes and visualized the nest egg
he had been building as it began to dwindle. Sighing, he hung up the phone and finalized

their travel confirmation.

Noticing the look of strain on Edward‟s face, Bella couldn‟t help but be concerned. “We can

wait Edward, we don‟t have to do this now,” she said softly, scooting in closer to him.

He simply kissed her in reply and told her to call Rose and let them know he‟d buy their
tickets if they wanted to come. He then told her she should also call her father, he may
want to be there also. He kissed her once more, then got up from the couch and dialed his

parent‟s number.

In the end, after several long phone calls filled with reassurances that they were not moving
too fast, and that this really was what they both wanted, Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rose
would be going with them, while their parents decided to stay home. They agreed to a
larger reception to be planned and hosted by Edward‟s mother at a later date back in

Seattle.

Bella asked Rose to go by her apartment and pick up a nice dress, which Rose scoffed at,
telling Bella they would be shopping for something as soon as they arrived. Bella didn‟t
bother to argue.

When the planning was done and their calls made, Edward and Bella reconvened on the bed

of their hotel room.

“I guess that‟s everything.” They were booked on a flight leaving Seattle at eight thirty the
following morning, arriving in Las Vegas at ten thirty Vegas time with two nights at the
Bellagio. They had considered staying another night but chose to come home and spend
the night together in Seattle, with Edward leaving the following day on a flight back to

Chicago, while Bella packed up her apartment and gave notice to the leasing office.

~*~

After a quickie in the bed, and then another in the shower, they finally got around to
packing up and checking out of the hotel. They would stay at Bella‟s for the night and leave
for the airport early in the morning. When they returned they would be married!

Chapter – 21

The following morning came way too quickly and when the alarm blared at six, Edward
rolled over and shut it off, snuggling back up to Bella. The early morning light woke Bella
an hour later.

“Shit! It‟s seven! Edward, wake up!” Bella jumped from the bed and ran into the
bathroom, turning on the shower and jumping in before the water had time to warm up.

“GAAAHHH! Cold! Cold!” She grabbed the shampoo and did a cursory run through her
hair, rinsing and following with conditioner. By the time Edward had stretched, and

clamored into the bathroom, Bella was finished scrubbing her body and ready to get out.

“So that‟s a no on the shower sex?”

Bella simply glared at him as he stripped down.

Being a man, Edward was used to quick showers and was in and out in five minutes and
they both dressed quickly. They had to race to the airport in order to not miss their flight,
but made it through security and up to the gate as the attendants began the boarding
process. With the last minute flight, Edward was unable to get first class seats, but he

made sure to get them on their way home.

As they settled in, Edward took Bella‟s hand and kissed it, “Is there anything you need, Mrs.

Soon to be Cullen?”

Bella looked at him blankly. Cullen?

“What‟s wrong?” he asked, seeing her worried look.

“I never thought about changing my name.”

“You‟re not taking my name?” Edward was surprised. He always imagined the woman he

would marry would take his name.

“I just never thought about it,” Bella admitted.

Edward paused for a minute in thought. “Huh. Well, I guess you don‟t have to take my
name,” he said the words, but Bella could see he was hurt by this, even if he didn‟t admit
it.

“You could take mine,” Bella offered. The look on Edward‟s face was priceless. It was a

cross between surprised and horrified. Swan’s not that bad.

“You could hyphenate.”

“You could hyphenate,” Bella countered.

Edward huffed and rested his head against the head rest. He could see this was going to
take some work, but goddamn it, he wanted his wife to take his last name! As soon as the
thought went through his mind, the guilt quickly followed. He sounded like a chauvinist -
even to himself.

Bella chewed her bottom lip, glancing at him periodically.

“Is it important to you?” she finally asked.

“Kind of,” Edward admitted sheepishly.

“Why?”

“I guess it sort of sets my definition of family. I want us to have the same name, as well as
our children. And I guess I‟m a little old-fashioned about the name being used being the

man‟s. Mine.” Edward shrugged, and furrowed his brow in thought.

“Huh.” Bella looked out the window for a minute, then turned back to him, “I like that it‟s
important to you. It makes me feel…I don‟t know how to describe it. It‟s like you really

want me, us. That probably doesn‟t make sense.”

“It does, actually. It‟s like I said, it feels like we‟re coming together and creating our
family.”

“I like that.” Bella reached out and cupped his jaw with her hand. “Our family,” Bella
whispered, stroking his cheek. “I‟ll take your name,” she decided. Edward‟s eyes lit up,
“But, I want to remain Bella Swan as far as the bakery is concerned. I guess you could say

I‟m keeping my name professionally.”

Edward smiled his adorable crooked grin, “I think we just made our first, almost married,
compromise.

“I‟m not sure that counts. The almost married part.”

“Oh, it counts.”

“Edward?”

“Yeah?”

“Have you ever had sex on a plane?”

“No. I hear logistically it‟s near impossible, you have to be very creative.”

“I can be creative.”

“Are you saying you want to join the mile high club?”

“I‟m saying I suddenly feel the urge to go into that bathroom right there,” Bella said

pointing to the door to the lavatory. “If you suddenly feel the urge to follow, go with it.”

“What if people see us? Can we get arrested for that?”

Bella couldn‟t stop the laugh that erupted. “I don‟t know.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and
walked down the aisle toward the bathrooms. Glancing back over her shoulder at Edward,

she opened the door and stepped inside.

Before Edward could get out of his seat, Bella was back.

“Never mind, it‟s disgusting in there. And really, people need to learn the concept of a
courtesy flush. That‟s all I‟m saying.” Edward started to laugh, but the look of
disappointment on her face stopped him. Instead he lifted the arm rest and pulled her to

his side to snuggle.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

~*~

The rest of the flight was uneventful, both drifting off to sleep. They were soon awakened

by the flight crew preparing for landing.

The stress of the last month, along with the overwhelming emotions from their
reconciliation, and now their elopement, not to mention the extreme late night they had the
night before was gaining on them fast. They literally dragged themselves to the counter of
the hotel to check in, Edward struggling to keep his eyes open to sign the credit card slip.
They were given their keys and instructions to their room and Edward muttered a thank you

while he and Bella shuffled their way to the elevator.

Their room was on the fifteenth floor with a view of the strip. They took a quick peek out
the curtain then secured it closed - blocking out the daylight, put the do not disturb sign out

and climbed into bed naked.

“I just want you to know, under normal circumstances you being naked next to me would
result in many hours of your pleasure. That being said, I don‟t have the energy. I hope
you don‟t see that as a failure on my manhood.

“I‟m so tired I can‟t even come up with a reply to that.” Bella patted Edward‟s chest and
promptly fell asleep.

The ringing of the hotel phone woke them later that afternoon. Edward reached over and
grabbed the receiver, momentarily considering dropping it back on the cradle, but deciding

to see who was calling.

“Hello,” he answered gruffly, rubbing his face with his free hand, trying to clear the sleepy

fog from his mind.

“It‟s one o‟clock little brother, send your wench to me.” Alice‟s voice was far too chipper.
Edward wondered if by chance she had already begun drinking.

“I‟m not sure she would approve of your term of endearment."

“We‟re killing time here, Edward. We have to find her a dress, then we have spa
appointments, not to mention hair and makeup. Don‟t make me send Rose,” Alice

threatened.

Edward‟s head flopped back down on the pillow.

“Baby. Bella babe, you have to wake up.” Edward nudged Bella until her head lifted up and
she looked at him with bleary eyes. “My evil half wants to talk to you.” He held the phone
out to her.

Bella reached out and took the phone from his hand, then stretched across him and did
what he had considered first; she hung up the phone. As she began to retreat off of him,

Edward grabbed her and held her to him.

“Mmmm, this is nice.” He kissed her and began nibbling her neck.

Giving up her struggle, Bella simply laid down on top of him. He ran his hands up her back

and she could feel his excitement begin to stir on her thigh.

“Still sleepy...” she whined into his neck.

Edward chuckled lightly. “You know they‟re going to be banging on the door soon to take

you from me.”

Bella snorted, “Make sure the deadbolt is set.”

She rolled off him as he released his grip on her, but he was right, she couldn‟t go back to
sleep. She watched as the sheets fell to his lap as he sat up in bed. Her eyes traveled his
well-defined muscles as he stretched. She could see his half erect penis poking up slightly

from the covers and she reached out to stroke him, causing him to jolt in surprise.

“Well, hello there,” Bella whispered seductively.

Edward chuckled and spread out beside her, moving his leg to settle between hers as his
hand began to tease her skin lightly as he attacked her mouth with his own. His hand
moved lower, dipping down between her thighs, tracing her warmth and diving in. She was
ready for him instantly. As he began to move over her, Bella pushed her hands on his
chest, softly sending him to lie on his back. She settled herself over him and began to
move, teasing at first, slowly, but picking up her pace as they both flushed and their heart
rates increased. Soon they were panting. Bella gripped the headboard and slammed
herself down on him, over and over, as Edward met her half way, rising off the bed with his
thrusts. He gripped her waist, plunging in deeper each time. He could feel a growl growing

in his chest, with his release looming.

“Fuck Bella, I‟m close.” He shook his head, trying to keep from going over the edge until he
could bring her with him.

“Me too…Oh God, Edward!” She landed back down on him, grinding hard as her orgasm hit,
the waves taking over as she clenched and swayed, grinding harder and harder, the
pressure on her clit intensifying her climax. Edward struggled to hold still as his love came
apart. When she began to collapse on top of him he flipped her and slammed back into
her. It took only a few thrusts into her heat before he followed her in ecstasy.

When he stopped pulsing, he slowly pulled out, both of them groaning at the loss of contact.

“That was…” Edward‟s loss of words, followed by his heaving for air, caused Bella to giggle.

“Yep.”

The phone rang then again Edward reached over to answer it, not even bothering to say
hello before handing it over to Bella.

Bella took the phone from him with a smirk and said hello.

“I really hope you‟re finished because we‟ve got a schedule to keep, and you need a

shower. Now.” Rose hung up the phone and Bella laughed doing the same.

“I‟ve been given instructions to shower. „Now‟,” Bella said, lifting up off the bed. “Want to
join me?” She gave him a sexy look and dragged her body from the bed, trailing her fingers

along Edward‟s leg as she went.

“Hell, yes!” Edward jumped up off the bed and chased after her, causing her to giggle and
run. “Get ready for round two, baby!”

After their long, hot, satisfying shower together, Bella got ready to meet Rose and Alice in
the lobby. She was about to walk out the door when she realized they hadn‟t talked about

rings since the engagement ring discussion.

“What are we going to do about rings?” she asked, concerned.

Edward circled his arms around her waist and gave her a short kiss. “I can pick some up.”

Bella looked at him skeptically, and Edward rolled his eyes.

“No huge diamonds, I promise.” Bella continued her skepticism but relented as her cell

phone rang, signaling her waiting friends in the lobby.

“OK, I trust you,” she said giving him another kiss. “I guess the next time I see you, you

will be at the end of the aisle,” she speculated about their upcoming nuptials.

“I can‟t wait. But luckily I don‟t have to, we still need to get the license.” Edward smirked
and this time Edward‟s kiss was not fast or short.

When Bella‟s cell beeped with a new text message, she pulled away from Edward‟s arms

and headed out the door of their hotel room to meet Alice and Rose.

~*~

The harassing words Bella‟s friends had planned died on their lips as Bella emerged from the
elevator. Her glow was obvious and the perma-grin attached to her face let them know

their words would fall on deaf and uncaring ears. They couldn‟t help but smile in return.

“First we need to get you a dress.” Rosalie put her arm across Bella‟s shoulders and began
to lead her to the doors of the hotel. Once outside Alice took over. She had researched
boutiques and printed directions for several. After hailing a cab, they settled in and began
discussing dress styles. Bella didn‟t want big or fancy, and she really didn‟t care if the dress
was an official wedding dress or not. She wanted it white, just for tradition, but the rest
was pretty much open. She figured she‟d know the dress when she saw it.

The first shop they entered they didn‟t stay long. The dresses were more along the lines of
showgirl dresses, and as much as Edward may have enjoyed that, Bella was not interested.

After two hours of hunting around and trying on different styles, Bella found the perfect
dress. It was a halter style gown with a beaded and embroidered lace overlay that split in
the front down from the empire waist. The A-line skirt was floor length and Bella was
thinking she wanted a shorter dress, more of a sundress style until she put it on. The top of
the dress also had an overlay, again splitting from the waistline in a v, with a scalloped inlay
beneath the lace. It was beautiful. When Alice sat a jeweled tiara on top of her head to
finish the look, Bella felt like a princess.

“That‟s the one,” Rose said slowly walking around Bella to see every angle. Bella nodded

her head in agreement, her eyes filling slightly with overwhelmed tears.

Alice turned to the shop keep and announced their intentions, “We‟ll take it, the tiara too,”

she added with a smile and a wink toward Bella.

“Now, we go to the spa.” Rose hugged Bella then turned her around and began undoing the

buttons at the back of her dress to help her out of it.

~*~

While Edward hadn‟t known Jasper and Emmett very long, or very well, he had gotten to
know them both better since dating Bella, and he was glad they were able to come to Las
Vegas with them. With the time they had spent together recently, Edward considered them
friends of his as well. He called them both when he was ready, and they set out to find
wedding rings. Emmett and Jasper both knew Bella so well; Edward was looking forward to

their input into what she would like for a ring.

Edward had been thinking over an idea that had popped into his head ever since Bella
insisted he not buy her a large diamond engagement ring. He knew she loved

emeralds and had seen a claddagh engagement ring with an emerald heart once. He did
some research and found a Celtic jewelry shop just outside of town. He would need to rent
a car for the afternoon but that would not be a problem. After calling the concierge to set
up a rental to be delivered to the hotel, he then called Jasper and Emmett to let them know
the plan for the afternoon.

Once their car arrived, the guys hit the road. It took about an hour to get to the shop, but
in the end it was worth it; Edward found just what he was looking for. Bella‟s ring was
mostly platinum but had two gold bands at the wrists of the claddagh design. The heart in
the center was an emerald stone and the rest of the ring was decorated with diamond chips
not even totaling a quarter karat. He was sure Bella would be pleased with this. The
„engagement‟ ring came with a matching band that fit snugly against the stone. He showed
the ring to Jasper and Emmett who both approved, stating Edward knew Bella after all, and
hadn‟t really needed them. Edward just laughed and said he appreciated the confidence but
he was glad to have them there anyway. The ring he picked for himself was a simple
platinum band with the claddagh design in the middle, with diamond and emerald chips on
either side. It was small and unassuming and accented Bella‟s ring perfectly. He paid for
the purchase and the guys headed back to the car, ready to head back into the city.

~*~

Once back at the hotel, Jasper and Emmett settled themselves and Edward in at a blackjack
table and worked to keep Edward‟s nerves in check. The wedding was scheduled for seven
that evening at the Graceland Wedding Chapel on the strip. Edward picked it because they
had a web broadcast service for their friends and family who were unable to make it. Bella
was due back by four thirty so they could go get their marriage license, followed by a
couple‟s massage Edward had scheduled. Afterward, Bella would once again be whisked

away to finish getting ready with the girls.

Edward couldn‟t wait to see Bella in her dress walking toward him. He had chosen to wear
his black suit with a white shirt, and while they were out he had picked up an emerald
colored tie. He even stopped by a flower shop and had them create a bouquet for Bella.
The mix of flowers included green carnations, echeveria succulents, roses and green
chrysanthemums. It was accented with bupleurum and eucalyptus, tied off with a deep,
dark chocolate colored satin bow, which closely matched Bella‟s hair color. When he
mentioned those details to Emmett and Jasper they couldn‟t contain their laughter. Emmett
said he was surely getting kicked from the man‟s club now. Emmett and Jasper can suck it;

I’m romantic.

Emmett nudged Edward out of his thoughts as the game in front of them began.

~*~

After purchasing her dress, Bella was fitted for alterations on the spot, although luckily few
had to be made. The dress only needed to be shortened a little and the lace shoulder straps
taken in slightly. Otherwise, the dress was perfect and the girls were quickly on their way
back to the hotel to enjoy as much spa time as possible before Bella and Edward had to go

to the courthouse.

First up for the girls, manicures and pedicures. Bella was never one for long nails, gunk
tended to get underneath while baking, but since it was her wedding day, she decided to
splurge for tips with a French manicure finish. Her toes she had painted a deep red and

embellished with a flower design on her big toes.

What she had not been planning on was the wax Rose had scheduled. Bella kept herself
well groomed, but apparently that was not enough. Today she would be waxing. At first,
the technician said they would be doing a Brazilian, but Bella nixed that quickly. She had
no intentions of being sore on her wedding night from a sadist waxing. Instead she asked

for a bikini wax, leaving more of a landing strip of hair.

It still hurt like a bitch and Bella made Rosalie get her an ice pack, then without shame she
stuffed it in her underwear to cool down her swollen and achy lady bits. By the time she
needed to head out to meet Edward, things were feeling better and Bella stopped promising
to maim Rose in her sleep.

~*~

When it was time to meet back up with Bella, Edward was up five hundred dollars on
blackjack. Emmett had stopped playing in fear of his wife dismembering certain parts of his
anatomy if he lost too much money, and Jasper was breaking even. The dealer was a cute
blonde who shamelessly flirted with all three of them, earning her decent tips in the
process. When it was time to leave the table, the dealer asked the pit boss if she could go
on break, then sidled up to Edward and asked if she could get his room number for later,
after her shift. Edward blushed furiously, while Emmett stared in stunned silence and
Jasper laughed uncontrollably.

“Sorry. I‟m actually meeting my fiancé to go to the courthouse and get our marriage
license,” Edward answered uncomfortably as he looked to the boys for help but received

none.

“Oh! Well…congratulations,” the dealer stuttered, then reached out and hugged Edward a
little longer than was appropriate. Edward patted her back stiffly then pulled away and
dragged the silent and laughing unhelpful friends along with him.

~*~

Getting the license took about an hour, the lines weren‟t terribly long and things were
progressing right on time. Edward‟s previous nerves ceased as soon as he was with Bella
again, and he had a constant need to touch her. He started kissing her as soon as they
were situated in the cab, headed for the courthouse, and didn‟t stop until the driver
announced their arrival. They held hands in line, only letting go to give their identification
to the lady at the window and sign their names on the certificate. With the license in hand
they left the courthouse and returned to the hotel just in time for their couple‟s massage.
They were escorted to a room with two tables side by side, dimly lit, with soft Zen music

playing from the speakers overhead. After disrobing and getting settled under the sheet on
the tables, two masseuses entered the room and began their relaxing ministrations. Bella
thought it was a little erotic, lying naked beside Edward while being rubbed down with
sensual oils. Bella made a plan to get a book on massage and buy some oils for when they

returned home.

The massage lasted an hour and as soon as it was over, Bella kissed Edward goodbye and
was once again ushered away by Rosalie to get ready for their wedding. Alice headed off to
help Edward, and to get herself ready to stand beside him as his best man. She was
jumping with excitement over the opportunity to stand up for her twin. She had purchased
the same dress as Rose, only in black to match her brother‟s suit. Once Bella‟s hair and
make-up were complete, Rosalie pulled the gown from the protective bag and helped Bella
slip it on, trying desperately not to cry and ruin her own make-up. Bella had asked Rose to
find something simple to wear, and she had chosen a very light weight silky red slip dress
with black heels. Any other time Bella would have considered Rose the most beautiful
woman in the room, but today was her day, and in her dress with her hair piled on top of
her head, with tendrils falling down and her tiara on, she knew she looked gorgeous.

They made their way down to the lobby where Jasper was waiting to escort them to the
chapel. Along the way, people congratulated Bella and commented on how beautiful she
looked. She was indeed a blushing bride. Jasper‟s mouth dropped open when he saw the
ladies approaching. He had never seen his friend look so amazing and he filled with pride to
be here with her. He was even more honored when she asked him to walk her down the
isle. Jasper led the women to a waiting limousine and allowed them to enter before

climbing in beside them.

As the limo made its way up the strip to the chapel, Jasper opened up a bottle of

champagne and poured them each a glass, toasting to friends, love and happiness.

Chapter – 22

The chapel was small and quaint and as soon as they arrived it was time to begin. Alice
walked up to Bella and handed her the bouquet of flowers that left Bella in awe with their
beauty. When it was time, Rose began walking down the aisle to the traditional Pachelbel
Canon in D, but when it was time for Bella to walk down the aisle, the music switched to “In
My Life” by the Beatles.

There are places I'll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more

Bella didn‟t try to stop the tears that fell; she could only hope her make-up wouldn‟t smear
too badly. Rose had the forethought to use water-proof mascara, so at least there was that.
Bella‟s eyes locked with Edward‟s and held them the entire walk down the aisle. He looked
beautiful in his suit, his eyes slightly red from the overwhelming emotions of the moment.
His smile was wide and his eyes sparkling as Bella got closer. He held out his hand to her as
she approached. When asked who was giving her away, Jasper announced he was standing
in for her father Charlie, and giving them his blessing. He placed Bella‟s hand in Edward‟s,
then took a seat in the front row next to Emmett, and the ceremony continued.

When it was time to place the ring on Bella‟s finger, Edward slipped both her rings on and
Bella gasped. The ring was everything she would have asked for had she known what she
wanted. As he said his vows, Edward described the symbolism of the ring relating to his
feelings for Bella. She was his friend, his heart, and would have his loyalty forever. With his
declaration, Rosalie and Alice let loose the tears they had been holding back and when she
glanced in their direction, even saw Emmett and Jasper wipe their eyes. Edward had
planned the most beautiful, perfect wedding for them in a day; her awe was indescribable.
He was perfect for her, her perfect mate, and she would cherish him forever. Fate had
brought them together in high school and separated them just long enough for them to
grow up and be ready for the commitment they were now making to one another. It was
their destiny.

When the officiant announced he could kiss the bride, Edward paused. He carefully took
Bella‟s face gently in his hands, then leaned in slowly and kissed her mouth so softly. As
soon as their lips touched, his hands moved from her face to embrace her with his arms as
hers circled under his, around his waist, and up his back to grip his shoulders. He twisted
her into a dip that caused her leg to lift and everyone to begin whistling and clapping. Once
they were righted they separated but continued to stare into each other‟s eyes. Edward
mouthed „I love you,‟ and Bella responded in kind. Pictures came next and the whirlwind
excitement continued. Instead of throwing her bouquet, Bella handed it to Alice and winked
at Jasper, who blanched and tugged on his tie. When they finished at the chapel, the
limousine took them back to their hotel, where Edward guided Bella around all night, his
hand always touching her; claiming her, bragging to anyone looking that he was her
husband.

When they walked past the blackjack tables Edward spotted the dealer who had hit on him
earlier and caught her eye. He smiled and looked at his beautiful bride beside him, then
mouthed „my wife.‟ The dealer gave a small smile and nod in return and went back to
dealing the cards for her table.

Everyone played a few games, trying their hand at craps and roulette, along with some slot
machines; even winning more than they lost. However, as much fun as it was, Bella and
Edward were both eager to go back to their room and be alone together as husband and
wife for the first time.

Edward took the bucket of coins from his bride‟s hands and handed it to Rosalie, telling her
to have a good time, then grabbed Bella‟s hand and tugged her along with him toward the
elevators. Bella giggled, trailing slightly behind him while waving to their friends and
blowing kisses as they left. Once in the elevator Edward attacked Bella‟s mouth, holding her
firmly to him and pushing her into the wall, grinding himself against her.

“Finally,” he whispered. “I‟ve been dying to get you alone, Mrs. Cullen.”

“All you had to do was ask, Mr. Cullen,” Bella replied seductively.

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Do you know how stunning you are?
Have you any comprehension of my love and desire for you?”

Bella whimpered and he reclaimed her lips in another searing kiss of desire.

When the bell dinged the arrival to their floor, they pulled apart. Edward scooped her into
his arms as she gasped in surprise, and carried her to their room. He had pulled the key
card from his pocket before lifting her, so he balanced her and quickly swiped the card to
unlock the door. Once inside, he carried her all the way to the bed before setting her down.
He walked back and slipped the do not disturb card on the outside door knob, then set the
locks and turned back to look at Bella on the bed. He walked to her slowly, tugging his tie
loose and pulling it from his neck in one swift move. He licked his lips and smiled as Bella
stopped breathing. She watched as he pulled his shirt slowly from his pants, toeing his
shoes off at the same time. He stood by the edge of the bed staring down at her as he
unbuttoned his shirt.

Bella stood up then and helped by pushing the shirt off his shoulders and reaching for the
hem of his undershirt, lifting it up over his head. Once it was off and tossed aside, they
kissed long and slow. Edward‟s hands returned to his belt, unfastening it and pulling it from
his pants as easily as he had his tie. Bella took over then, undoing his pants and slipping
her hands inside over his butt, pulling him firmly against her and biting her lip. He reached
up and pulled her lip free, then leaned in and licked it with the tip of his tongue. She
swallowed hard, her breathing heavily in anticipation. Edward kicked his pants off and then
turned Bella around, his fingers drifting up and down her back a few times before beginning
to undo the buttons along her spine. When he was done, he slipped both hand up along her
shoulders and pushed the dress down, watching as it fell easily to pool on the floor at her
feet. He gasped when he saw what she was wearing underneath.

After finding her wedding dress, Alice and Rose had taken Bella to a lingerie shop for her
wedding night attire. They tried to convince her to get a silky negligee but Bella insisted it
was pointless; she would only wear it a few minutes for show. Instead, she picked out a
garter belt corset ensemble, with silk stockings and white lace. While she wasn‟t normally a
huge fan of g-string underwear, this pair was so skimpy and lightweight she could barely
even feel it on. It wouldn‟t have mattered even if she had been uncomfortable; the look on
Edward‟s face when she dropped her dress would have made it worth it.

Edward took her by the shoulders and guided her back on the bed then kneeled in front of
her. He unfastened the garter belt and carefully slipped his fingers under the edge of her
stocking, pulling it down slowly, relishing the feeling of her smooth leg against his fingers.
He leaned in and kissed her thigh, running his lips all the way down her leg to her foot, then
kissed the top of it and put it down to move onto the other leg, repeating the process. He
then slipped his hands behind her back and unhooked the garter belt, tossing it aside once

it was off. He moved his hands up her back and unhooked her strapless bra, letting it fall to
her lap. Bella groaned at the hunger in his eyes and he eased her backward until she was
lying down. His eyes roamed her body and he could no longer contain his lust. He slipped
his fingers under the sliver of material holding her underwear on her hips, and gave a tug,
ripping them easily. Bella gasped in shock and in the blink of an eye, Edward was between
her legs, spreading her and tasting her. His long fingers slipping inside and pumping her
into a frenzy. Her orgasm hit hard when he curved his fingers up into her g-spot and
pressed.

“My wife tastes incredible,” he licked his lips as he slipped his body up hers, having
discarded his boxers and settled himself between her thighs.

Bella shivered from the feeling of him as he covered her body with his. He didn‟t hesitate to
enter her, having almost let go himself, watching her writhe from his tongue and hand.

He held still once inside, wanting to take his time and bring her over the edge again with
him this time. When he regained control he slowly eased in and out, feeling her slick heat
glide around him. Knowing they were tied together now, in love and life; husband and wife.
He nudged her ear with his nose then kissed it, capturing the lobe gently between his teeth
and sucking softly. Letting it go he began whispering his words of love and loyalty.

Bella began to moan and shake, gripping him tighter and urging him to move harder,
faster; begging him to come inside her, to claim her as his wife; as his partner. She told
him how good he felt, how he fit her perfectly, how only he could make her feel this way.
She was his alone. Edward grunted and his movements became erratic as his emotions took
over and he could feel himself come apart at the seams. He reached between them and
rubbed along where they were joined, teasing her and begging her to join him. She did.

They continued to worship one another well into the early hours of the morning, finally
falling asleep sated and happy.

~*~

The following day was spent enjoying the strip with their friends and enjoying each other
alone. Before they knew it, their time was up and they were back at the airport checking in
as husband and wife. This time they were flying first class; Bella had never flown first class.

“I‟ve never flown first class.”

“I think you‟ll like it.”

Bella took her seat and settled in. She waived as their friends passed them on their way
back to their seats in coach.

“This is really nice!”

Edward chuckled and opened up the laptop he had brought for them to watch a movie.

It wasn‟t long before the plane was in the air and the flight attendants began lunch service.
Bella ordered the chicken salad and her mouth dropped open when the attendant returned
with an actual chicken salad. She had fully expected some sort of chicken salad sandwich,
but what currently sat in front of her was a chef salad with actual chicken strips. And real
utensils. Bella enjoyed her lunch, moaning her pleasure and repeating over and over how

awesome first class was.

Edward shook his head, completely entertained with Bella‟s enthusiasm. They ordered a few
drinks and snuggled in to watch a movie. When the plane landed they were both buzzed and
giddy when they met up with their friends at baggage claim.

“Rosalie, I‟m never flying coach again!” Bella exclaimed loudly. “Seriously.”

Rose looked at her friend and gave her a small smile. “That‟s nice,” she said patting Bella‟s
head.

“No, really. It was awesome! I had chicken salad, Rose, with REAL chicken!”

“Bella, I was stuck next to the toilet and somebody must have eaten Taco Bell before take
off. Now‟s not the time to expand on the wonders of your flight experience,” Rosalie
grumbled.

Bella looked stunned for a moment before busting out laughing, pointing at her friend.

“Shut it.”

Bella tried to stop but instead began to snort which made her laugh harder, and Edward
joined in. Before long they were all laughing and Bella grabbed Rose in a hug.

“I‟m sorry. Next time I‟ll make sure we all fly first class,” Bella whispered conspiratorially.

Rose smacked Bella on the butt and kissed her cheek. “I‟m glad you had a good trip.
Congratulations,” she said hugging her friend back.

Finally their luggage slid down the ramp and the men began to grab the suitcases and
distribute them.

“Well, I guess we‟ll see you guys later,” Alice said her arm slipping around Jasper‟s waist.
Rosalie leaned in and hugged them both, followed by Emmett.

“We‟ll get together soon,” Rose said as she hugged Alice goodbye.

They all turned to Bella and Edward.

“I guess we‟re not going to see you again before Bella moves,” Rosalie said to Edward and
Bella could hear the sadness in her voice when she mentioned Bella‟s upcoming move to
Chicago.

Edward shook his head and wrapped his arms around his wife‟s best friend, embracing her.

“Take care of her.”

“I will.” They both smiled at the similarity of the conversation they were having, to the one
they had had in Charlie‟s hospital room.

The men shook hands and the women hugged again before they all tearfully parted.

“Well Mrs. Cullen, I guess we should head to your place and get you started packing.”

Bella smiled and pulled herself closer to Edward‟s side as they walked.

“I love you,” she said looking up at him.

“I love you, too.” They made their way to the car and headed to Bella‟s apartment. Edward
had to leave the next day and Bella would follow as soon as she had her business finalized.
They made a plan to put her furniture in storage and to box and ship the majority of her
clothes to Chicago, so Bella could take a plane without a whole lot of luggage.

~*~

Bella cried the following day at the airport as she clung to Edward near the security gate. He
kissed her over and over, promising her forever. She watched him as he passed through the
security gate and kept her eyes on him until he turned the corner and was gone. Sighing
heavily, she began walking back to her van. The sooner she finished up here in Seattle, the
sooner they would be together again.

Chapter – 23

Two years later…

“Is that everything?” Bella asked looking around the small house they had rented together.

“Everything that‟s going in the moving truck,” Edward replied. Bella watched him, a small
smile crossing her face as he rotated his neck around, trying to stretch it out. They had
spent the last week packing up all their belongings. Chicago was nice, but it wasn‟t home.

The winters were hard here, and they were both more than ready to move back to Seattle.

Bella moved to Edward‟s side and wrapped her arms around his waist. His immediately

went around her shoulders.

“I love you,” she murmured. Edward smiled and leaned his forehead to hers.

“I love you, too. Are you ready to get back to work, slacker?” Bella rolled her eyes at his

referral to her impending return to Edible Delectables.

“More than ready; I miss it.” She had managed to keep busy, advertising in the paper and
online for baking services, but it wasn‟t the same as being in her shop. Bella had even tried
going to work at another bakery in town, but quickly found being a lackey without creative
privileges just didn‟t work for her. Instead she spent her time working with a web designer
for Edible Delectables and exploring how to expand her shop beyond Seattle. It wasn‟t long
before Bella was working remotely with her store manager, CJ, and gearing the bakery up
to begin taking online orders. And, when she wasn‟t doing that, she was in the kitchen
experimenting. Edward had to increase his exercise regimen to keep the pounds off, as he

was a very willing guinea pig most of the time.

For Edward the fellowship had been very educational. Spending two years treating children
in emergency situations allowed him to experience a varying range of issues, but in the end,

as he had suspected, he chose to become a primary care physician. He had been
corresponding with several different clinics in Seattle and one in particular sounded
appealing. Edward hoped Dr. Mayberry was as amiable in person as he had been on the
phone and in emails; he would find out soon enough though, as they had a lunch date the

following week.

Edward slipped his arm around Bella‟s waist and led her back into the house. They were
leaving for Seattle in the morning and still needed to do a move out cleaning before they
headed to the hotel they would be staying at over night.

“Do we really have to clean it?” Edward looked around the house. It really wasn‟t in bad
shape, but he knew when Bella said clean, she meant shit like base boards and fans. After
packing for two weeks he could think of other activities to save his energy for. Activities
involving a king-sized hotel bed. Or shower. Or elevator for that matter… Edward sighed
dreamily thinking of hot, hotel elevator sex with his wife and smiled to himself. My wife.

God I love that.

“Yes. If we don‟t clean it, we‟ll lose part of the deposit,” Bella answered, pulling Edward

from his sexual fantasies and wiping the goofy smile off his face instantly.

“Cockblocker,” he mumbled under his breath. Of course he wasn‟t quiet enough and Bella
responded by handing him the cleaning gloves and toilet brush. He held them in his hands
and looked at her like she grew a third head.

“Mess with the bull, you get the horns, bitch. Bathroom duty,” she said pointedly. Edward
grimaced and looked at the offending brush with disdain. His shoulders slumped as he

turned toward the bathroom in resignation.

“I love you!” she called out to his retreating form.

He waived to her without turning around. “Love you, too,” he muttered. Bella chuckled and

turned toward the kitchen and the first item on her list to clean - the refrigerator.

~*~

“I‟m too tired for sex. Damn you, woman,” Edward grumbled as Bella snuggled into his side
that night. She giggled as she nuzzled her nose into the crook of his neck. “Seriously,
Bella. Too. Tired. For. Sex. That‟s what happens when you make me clean toilets.” Bella

giggled again. Pouty Edward was just so damn cute.

“I‟m sorry baby; it was a fifteen hundred dollar deposit, I didn‟t want to give them any
excuse not to return it.” She began kissing his jaw as she scooted impossibly closer him.
Her hand drifted down his chest, lightly tickling his side and lower abs and she could see his
body‟s response to her actions. She could also tell Edward was trying to resist. His silly

attempt at punishment she was sure. Resistance is futile, my love.

Bella continued her mild seduction, kissing his neck and playfully licking his Adam‟s apple as
she worked her body to settle on top of his. She ground herself down on him and nipped
his chin with her teeth, watching as his eyes rolled back in his head and he finally gave in

and gripped her hips.

“You‟ll be the death of me,” he grunted, pulling her down for a deep kiss.

“I‟ll do all the work,” Bella whispered in his ear, earning her a hearty laugh.

“It‟s OK, I‟ve got my second wind,” he replied as he gripped her waist and flipped them
over, and they both began to disrobe quickly. This was going to be fast and hard, and
undoubtedly awesome. As soon as their clothes were off Edward dove in, gripping Bella‟s
hip and pulling it up high, almost around his mid-chest. He worked furiously, pushing up on
his arms to change the angle, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and sounds of moans and
grunts. Bella peaked quickly, calling his name and following it with declarations of unending
love as he worked to bring her to her sexual apex once more.

Fifteen minutes later they were a spent pile of sweaty limbs and racing hearts as they
collapsed and quickly fell asleep.

Tomorrow they would fly out of Chicago and back to Seattle where they would pick up the
lives they had left on hold two years earlier; only this time, they would do it together,

always together.

~*~

They were finally here. It took forever to plan this vacation-honeymoon. Edward's
schedule as a new doctor in his practice was just too changeable. But, here they were,
down in the Keys for three weeks of nothing but sun, beach, and love.

And, apparently, Bella's period.

Bella made her way out to the veranda where she found her husband enjoying the sun from
a lounge chair. "Edward, I started,” she announced, standing in the way of the sunlight and

causing a shadow to fall over his face.

"Started what, babe?" Edward squinted up at her.

"My period. I started my period."

Edward paused for a moment, unsure of how to respond. "That's a good thing right?" he
questioned. They had barely broached the topic of children, although it was a conversation
he had been turning in his mind for some time now.

"Well, I wasn't afraid I was pregnant, so no, it's actually not a good thing."

"Oh.” He was once again confused by her demeanor. Did she want to be pregnant? Or did
she think he wouldn‟t have sex with her? Because he would. “You know I don't care about

that." He reached out and gripped her thigh trying to pull her down on top of him.

"I'm not talking about sex!” she squealed as she toppled on top of him, swatting his chest.
“We're supposed to start the beginner‟s scuba today." Bella frowned and Edward couldn‟t

resist kissing her.

"So?"

"So?! So, what if a shark attacks?" Her eyes were wide with fear.

"You're not going to be attacked by a shark, Bella."

"Sharks are attracted to blood, Edward,” she insisted, sitting up.

He sighed. "Do you want to cancel?"

"Will you go ask the guy at the front desk if it's safe?" She looked up at him through her

lashes, working the biggest doe eyes she could muster.

"No way.” Edward shook his head to make his point. “No. Hell no,” he said as he

continued to shake his head.

Bella stood up and glowered down at him, her hands on her hips, "Please?!"

"I'm not the one that's going to be eaten by a shark, why do I have to ask?"

"Because if you don't, and we go scuba diving, and a shark does attack, I will stab you in

the leg so you bleed more."

Edward stared at his wife and blinked his eyes a few times. "Fine, I'll ask." He stood up
from the lounge chair and walked back into the hotel room.

"Thank you!" she called after him as she took his seat and reclined.

Edward approached the front desk, waiting until nobody else was around before he asked
his question. He talked to a nice looking gentleman for about a minute and then walked

back to their room where Bella was hiding.

Bella looked up at him expectantly.

"He said that was the first time anybody had ever asked him that, and that he thought it

was probably OK." Edward shrugged, relaying the brief conversation.

"Probably? You want to risk our lives on a probably?"

Edward sighed again, "So no scuba?"

"Not this week."

~*~

Later that night, while lying in bed cuddling, Edward was compelled to bring up the topic of

kids.

“What would you think about not starting up a new pill pack this month?” he questioned as

he lazily drew circles on her arm with his fingers.

Bella pulled back slightly to look at him.

“You want to try for kids now?” She was surprised, but not completely. She had been

having the same thoughts for awhile now.

Edward shrugged slightly, “I don‟t know if I want to „try,‟ but I was thinking maybe we could

stop preventing and see what happens.”

“You want to have unprotected sex?!” she exclaimed mockingly.

“It‟s hard to get pregnant otherwise,” he informed her, using his doctor voice. Bella giggled
and snuggled back down into his arms.

“Are we ready for that?” she asked honestly. Edward was quiet for a minute.

“Is anybody ever really ready for it?” he answered quietly. They lay in contemplative

silence for awhile before Bella spoke again.

“We‟re ready.”

And they were. They turned the page on the story of their life together and began the new

chapter.

The End