Chapter 13

BPOV

Glaring at Jasper and giving Edward a quick kiss on the cheek I stomped off to my bedroom to get dressed while Jasper had his talk with Edward.

I slammed the door to my room as I stalked to the bedside table and grabbed my phone angrily pushing buttons as I text Rose a message:

If u r home better make sure your brother behaves or else…

She texts back quickly:

Nope, not home, what's happenin?

J wanted to talk to Edward and made me leave the room so he could talk to him!

A few minutes later Rose sent a message:

Chill out Bell, he loves you; he's just making sure ur ok. What the hell is Edward still doing there? Spill. Now!

I'll explain everything later, gotta run. Make sure J behaves or else… B XOXO

You got it Bell, love ya! Lele

I flopped on the bed, and groaned as I mentally cringe at the thought of having that particular conversation with Rose. I am sure she will enjoy telling me what a dumbass I was for waiting so long to talk to Edward.

I lay in bed for a moment, rolling over and smiling as I smelled the pillow that he slept on. Oh god, I am not washing these sheets for days or at least until I can't smell him anymore. I wonder if I could get Edward to come over periodically and just roll around in my bed so that they always smell like this. Of course, I told myself, him staying with me wouldn't be so bad, either!

Last night was the best night's sleep I'd had in ages. As soon as I felt his arms wrap around me, protectively holding me close to him, I felt so safe. I recall mumbling something out loud as I drifted off to sleep, but I can't remember what I said…hopefully nothing embarrassing.

Sniffing the pillow one more time, I decided to jump in the shower and get ready for the rest of the day. I stopped and listen for a moment, assuming Edward is fine since I don't hear any yelling coming from the living room. I stopped short as I realize that's not necessarily a good thing since Jasper is likely to be the one doing most of the talking this morning.

I took a quick shower, forgoing washing my hair since I just did that last night, and after drying off I put on some panties and a bra. I grabbed my favorite well worn pair of jeans out of the closet and as I was trying to choose a shirt to wear, I glanced at the one Edward wore last night, draped over the chair in the corner of my room. I couldn't help but put it on; completely enthralled with the way it smells. I held the collar up to my nose and smiled as I put it on. After buttoning a few buttons, I tied the bottom since the thing was so long, rolled up the sleeves and walk back out to the living room.

I chuckled to myself as I walked out, smelling the shirt. Yeah, there's no way in hell Edward is getting this shirt back!

Hearing laughter coming from Edward as I got closer to the sofa I felt myself relax…laughing had to be a good thing, right?

Edward heard me move closer, his eyebrows all the way into his hair as he took in his shirt on my body. I smirked at him sassily, and raised my eyebrow in question. The look he gave back was enough to cause me to blush and it made my heart start beating frantically in my chest.

Yeah, like that man doesn't know that he could turn me to complete mush with just a look!

Ass.

I rolled my eyes at him and walked to the kitchen and got a bottle of water out of the fridge. I grabbed a glass out of the cabinet I pushed it to the ice dispenser to fill it. As I was doing this, I felt two strong arms drape around my waist.

I felt Edward's lips against my neck as I heard him say gruffly, "Beautiful, do you have any fucking idea what it does to me to see you in my clothes?" I felt his warm tongue on the pulse point of my neck.

I shook my head in a silent answer, carefully stepping back into him. I may have, accidentally on purpose, pressed into his middle, just maybe.

The man seriously turns me on, can't fucking lie about that.

We stood quietly for a moment, completely lost in the feel of being close, when I reached over and sat the glass on the counter, before I asked Edward, "So, how did your talk go with Jasper?"

I am really worried about what my over protective best friend may have said to him.

He chuckled softly before answering, "It was fine angel, really. Don't worry ok? Jasper said he would call you tonight or tomorrow sometime."

"Are you sure it was ok Edward? He didn't say anything mean to you or upsetting did he? I swear to God I will kick his ass when I see him in a few weeks if he did!" I huffed at Edward, turning to look at him.

Edward leaned forward to kiss me, trailing soft kisses across my forehead, cheeks and neck before finding his way back to my mouth, where he kissed me deeply.

Holy shit can the man ever kiss? I could honestly kiss him for days at a time and never get tired of the feeling.

We each had to breathe so we unfortunately and reluctantly broke apart.

Edward grabbed a hold of each of my hands and pulled me to him, he moved me between his legs as he leaned on the island. He looked into my eyes for a brief moment before he moved them voraciously over my body, all the way down to my toes.

He gently shook his head, and smirked at me as I gave him a pointed look, wondering what that was for as he said "Bella, sweetheart, when are you going to California to see Jasper?"

I sighed deeply wishing I could change my plans now, but I knew it really wasn't possible. I was not looking forward to being away from Edward for two weeks at all. Things still seemed extremely fragile with us right now and I couldn't bear the thought of doing anything to jeopardize what we had.

Steeling myself, because I had a feeling this wasn't going to go over well I said, "Edward, baby, I leave in 2 weeks on the 2nd of April, and then I'll be gone for two weeks. I get back in the afternoon of the 16th. I'm sorry Edward, I hope you understand. I have to go, I…"

He stopped me with a quick kiss, "Bella, enough. I know you have to go, its part of your job. Look, do I like the fact that you are going to be gone for 2 weeks, hell no I don't, but you have to go."

"Bella, Jasper talked to me a little about your job and I understand things a bit better now," he looked at me as he heard me snorted at that comment.

I knew I'd have to pry out of Jasper everything they talked about, but I am grateful to him for explaining some of the logistical aspects of what I do.

"Angel, look at me, we did decide to try and see where this relationship is going to go, didn't we?" he asked, somewhat warily, like he wasn't sure of the answer.

"Yes, of course we did, Edward, I mean if you still want to that is," I stammered out, hoping to God he did.

He laughed lightly and leaned forward to kiss me quickly on the lips, and I feel that electric shock that warms my whole body as they gently press down onto mine. Mmmm… the best feeling ever.

"Silly Bella, of course I do. I meant everything I told you last night angel, with all my heart I did. I want to see where this goes with us and I can't imagine ever being with anyone else. Things might get hard at times, but all relationships have their struggles. Baby, your job or the fact that you might have to be gone at times is not going to scare me away. I meant every word Bella; I will be here for you always, as long as you want me to be. Always," he whispered the last part as he crushed my body to his.

Edward placed a warm hand on the back of my neck, cradling my head as his mouth completely devoured mine, possessively taking control of the kiss, delving his tongue deep into my mouth.

I let myself get totally lost in the kiss, giving up complete control to Edward as he continued assaulting my mouth with his. I wrapped my arms around his back tightly, pressed my body as close to his as I possibly could, wishing I could crawl inside of him.

No one has ever made me feel as wanted as Edward did, with his kisses, touches or even the way he looked at me. I am completely his; I know this to the tips of my toes. I also know I want to be his in every way.

My body was screaming for him, desperately. But, I knew it was way too soon for anything like that. Slowly, Bella, I told myself. There is plenty of time. Now, is the time to get to know him, all of him, and it's time for me to open myself up to him as well.

Not really what I want to do, but knowing it is the right thing, I slowly start to pull back, giving us each a little space. Looking into his eyes, I realized Edward has had the same thought as me, and with one last brief kiss he moves a step back as well.

I sighed, not liking the feeling of his body away from mine one damn bit.

Edward gave me that crooked smile "I know beautiful, I didn't want to stop either. But, we have all the time in the world and I think the best thing right now would be to take things slowly. We still have so much to talk about and discover in one another. Let's not rush, ok baby?" he sweetly asks me.

I rolled my eyes at Edward, and cheekily tell him, "All right old man, I suppose you do know best. You know, since you're so much older and wiser than me and all," I laugh as he reached out to grab me by the waist.

He nuzzled into my hair, his nose slid gently across my neck and collar bone, "Little girl, you best watch that smart mouth of yours before I have to give you a spanking," he growls at me.

I giggled at Edward; he was just so much fun to tease! "Oohh…I'm scared! And who says I don't want a spanking?" I said to him as I turned to walk towards the sofa.

"Don't tempt me Bella," he warned me.

Ok, is it bad if that completely turns me on and makes me ache between my legs? Dominant Edward… I think I like!

I just laughed at him as I sat down on the sofa.

I looked at Edward, thinking he's going to follow me to the couch, but he's still standing. "Um, Bella, I really hate to say this but I should probably go. I don't want to baby, but its Sunday and the twins will be expecting to go out somewhere today and I need to see Em and Ali before they leave. I'm so sorry angel, I would love to stay here with you, but I need to run," he told me, sounding like I feel.

Shit, its painful thinking of him leaving; how am I supposed to say good bye and let him leave? But, he needs to go; Maddie and Masen come first for him, always.

I stood up and went to him, wincing as I glanced at the clock, fuck, it's after 11:00 already, "Of course you need to go, Edward. I'm sorry I kept you so long this morning. I hope they aren't going to be mad at me. Wait, do they know you are here?" I asked, genuinely wanting to know.

"Honestly Bella, I'm not sure. I did tell them I was seeing you last night, but I don't know what Ali told them this morning when I wasn't home for our traditional Sunday breakfast with the family and then Mass," he told me.

Jesus, I feel like a needy crybaby right now. I never should have asked him to stay with me. I can't believe I was so selfish!

Way to go Bella!

Edward reached up and grabbed my face in his large hands, making me look at him. "Hey, now, none of that. Staying with you last night was more important to me than missing one breakfast out of hundreds, baby. I needed to be here with you, just as much as you needed me to be. I wouldn't change a moment of it, I promise," he gently told me, as he rubbed his thumbs across my cheeks.

"I feel bad Edward," I said, "I shouldn't be keeping you from Maddie and Masen."

He chuckled as he told me, "Bella, knock it off. We're going to have to find a balance here sweetheart. We need time to be by ourselves, we can't always be with the Wonder Twins. Besides, they would never share you, and I am very jealous man, baby, you'd better get used to that right now. I don't like sharing…at all."

Ok, yep, that totally turned me on, too. Is it wrong of me to love the fact that Edward is that possessive of me? I sure as hell don't think so, and my lady parts agree with me.

He kissed me quickly and then turned to walk into my room. I went into the kitchen, trying to stay busy so I didn't drop down on my knees and beg him to spend the day with me. I was going to have to learn some patience, so not my strong suit, but I'm going to have to suck it up.

Edward had too many other responsibilities for me to be able to expect him to spend every waking moment with me, no matter how much I might wish for it. He's a doctor with patients, he has 2 kids at home that need him, and he has a family that he enjoys spending time with. It would be so unfair to make demands on his time when he has other things he has to attend to.

Walking out of my room, I noticed Edward has changed back into his jeans, but he kept the t-shirt on from last night. He didn't really have much choice, I am not about to give up the shirt I'm wearing – no fucking way!

Taking a deep breath to steel myself, I walked towards Edward, meeting him at the front door.

I couldn't help myself as the tears started to fall as I looked at him. Damn, I really hated saying good bye to people, but this is extraordinarily painful.

Edward reached for me before I even realized it and I wrapped my arms tightly around him, pressing my cheek right above his heart. I recognized with a start how soothing it is to listen to.

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself as I heard Edward say softly, "Bella, angel. Shh, it's ok. I don't want to go either," he kept murmuring to me, kissing the top of my head and running his hands up and down my back.

Squeezing him one more time, I steadied my breath and stepped back, sheepishly looking at him, "Sorry, baby, I don't mean to act like such a damn crybaby. It's ok now," I told him as I took his hand in mine, and lead him to the door.

Be strong Bella, I told myself, it's not forever you damn fool!

Edward entwined our fingers in his hand and brought it up to his mouth, kissing the back of my hand, "Let me get home angel and see what's going on there. If the kids still want to go out this afternoon, I'll give you a call and see if you can come meet us, how does that sound?" he asked, placing more kisses on my hand.

Exhaling a breath I didn't even realize I was holding, I told him, "Sounds good Edward, but you do what you need to with the kids, I'm fine, promise. Just trying to get used to all this…" I trailed off.

He squeezed my hand as he smirked at me, "Me too, baby. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you so much for last night Bella; it was incredible staying with you. I am happy Bella, so amazingly happy with the way things turned out. Thank you for giving me another chance," he quietly told me.

Neither one of us were eager to say good bye, but biting the bullet, I plunged ahead, "There's nothing to forgive Edward, and nothing to do now except to move forward. Now, get the hell out of here before I decide to keep you all to myself and ruin my image with the Wonder Twins as the best thing since sliced bread."

"Ok Beautiful, I'm out of here. I'll call you in a little bit and see what the plans are, ok?" Edward asked me as he pulled me out the door with him.

He dragged me to him, forcefully, and wrapped one arm around my waist, and leaned down to my ear "Bye my Bella, know that I will be thinking about you every moment we are apart. Thanks again for last night baby; I loved waking up next to you. Soon, my sweet girl, when we wake up together we will be naked and it will be because we've spent the entire night making love," he whispers as he gave me one long mouthwatering open mouthed kiss on my ear.

Ok, now I need to go change my panties! Damn sexy old man!

"Later, baby," I told him as I blew him a kiss.

I shut the door, leaned back against it, closed my eyes and tried to get my spiraling emotions under control. The man totally owns me, body, mind and soul. Not one doubt about it.

None.

~~~~O*O*O~~~~O*O*O~~~~

I spent the next few hours on the computer, going over emails and paying some bills online. I spent about 30 minutes typing a long email to Seth's mom Sue, letting her know all about the new puppy her son got for me and about some of the things coming up for me in the near future.

Not mentioning Edward by name or going into too many details, I told her a bit about him and Maddie and Masen. I also let her know how excited I was to be seeing her soon. She's coming to visit us when we are in California with Jasper and Rose. It's easier for her to get to California from Washington than it is for her to get here.

I missed Sue, immensely. She's really the only mother figure I've had my whole life, and she loves me like I was her own daughter. Honestly, I've considered her my mother for more than half my life. Renee was never a mother to me, not after that day at the barbeque. From that day on, Sue made a point to ensure that she was always there for me.

She was the one who took me to the store to buy feminine products when my period first started. I couldn't go to Charlie; the poor man would have died from mortification. I couldn't and wouldn't ask Renee so I turned to Sue. It was Sue that wrapped my sore ankles and fixed the cuts on my knees from my soccer games. Sue was the one to take me to the doctor when it was time to get on birth control pills in high school when my periods were so out of whack I could barely function. Sue took Rosalie and I to Seattle for a weekend shopping trip our senior year of high school to buy our prom dresses.

It was Sue I turned to when everything went to shit 5 years ago.

It's always been Sue.

Flashback:

After Harry passed away when we were thirteen, my dad took it upon himself to check on Sue daily, making sure nothing needed to be fixed at the house and making sure things were going ok for her and Seth. I noticed that that his visits increased in both frequency and length the older we got and the more distant and unpleasant Renee became. I have always felt like whatever was wrong between us was somehow my fault. I've never understood what drove Renee to act towards me the way she did, and now it's impossible to ever have that chance.

Before the four of us left for college, the summer after graduation, I remember Sue taking me aside one night when we were all hanging out at her house. Renee was wherever Renee usually went when she didn't want to be around Charlie or I, and Charlie was at the station on a shift. Sue took me outside to sit on the porch swing and tried to explain my mother to me.

"Bella, you have to understand Renee to be able to comprehend why she acts the way she does," Sue told me.

I recall rolling my eyes at Sue when she said that. Understand Renee? Not in a million fucking years would I ever be able to understand a mother who was completely absent for the majority of her only child's life.

"Come off it Sue, there is nothing to understand other than my mother is the most self centered person on the face of the fucking Earth and nothing I could ever do will be good enough for that woman. I got tired of trying and she got tired of pretending. It's just easier to stay out of each others way and go about our lives, interacting as little as possible," I resignedly told her.

I remember Sue taking a deep breath before going on, "Bella, sweetie, I am by no means trying to justify the reason Renee has acted the way she has to you. It's utterly incomprehensible to me, but, there are reasons, at least in her mind, to justify her actions. You need to talk to Charlie, Bella. Ask him to tell you, I'm sure he will," she implored me.

"Ask Charlie? For God's sake Sue, the man clams up at the first sign of tears from me. Why can't you tell me whatever the hell Renee has going on in her messed up mind? If you know what it is, why can't you tell me? I'd rather hear from you anyway," I huffed at her.

She sat closer to me on the swing, taking my hand in hers and started to talk, "Bella, I have known your mother for over 20 years now. Renee has never been an easy person to know and honestly the only person that tried to know her was your father. The rest of us, honestly, just tolerated her for Charlie's sake. I have never been a fan of Renee. She was a vain girl in high school who looked down on anyone and everything that wasn't Charlie. Renee wanted Charlie because every other girl in school wanted him. He was a star athlete, smart, charming, handsome and kind. Who wouldn't want him?"

Sue continued on, "As we got older, she closed herself off more and more, to everyone except for your dad. Her wedding day is the happiest I have ever seen either one of them, save for the day you were born for your father. She smiled and laughed and I really hoped she was turning a corner. Bell, I tried to be nice to Renee, for 20 years I have tried with that woman. I put a smile on my face for every birthday party, barbeque, and holiday for the sake of my friendship with Charlie and for Harry while he was alive. Next to my Harry and Seth, I love Charlie Swan more than any person on this Earth and there is nothing I wouldn't do for him," she told me, looking me straight in the eye.

"You still love Charlie," I remember telling Sue.

"With all my heart, Bella. He would never disrespect your mother by becoming involved with me as long as she is still married to him. She doesn't want him, but she refuses to let anyone else have the chance to make him happy. We have never acted in an inappropriate manner, never. Charlie is too good a man to do something as illicit as that. Renee is a selfish woman Bella; we all know this, especially your father."

"You have no idea what it has done to him to watch her treat you the way she has over the years. I remember that barbeque when you were eight like it was yesterday, Bell. The look in your eyes as she uttered those hateful words, I will never forget that. Charlie feels so guilty Bella, you have no idea." Sue finished saying.

"But why, Sue? Why does she hate me so much? For the last 10 years of my life, that woman has resented me to the point of not speaking to me unless absolutely necessary. What have I ever done to her to make her act that way?" I asked her, really trying to understand.

I had absolutely no desire whatsoever at that time to try to salvage any kind of relationship with Renee. She may have given birth to me, but that didn't make her my mother. That title I gave to Sue, with pleasure.

Charlie may have thought he was fooling me about Sue, but I knew. I knew he loved her, loved her deeply and in a way he had never loved my mother, at least not that I was aware of. I didn't know when their relationship changed; I guess I never knew a time when they were happy together. Oh, they faked it, and faked it well. I'm not sure anyone outside of Sue and I would ever be able to tell. By the time Sue talked to me, Peter and Charlotte Whitlock were gone and Renee had stopped trying to uphold an image as the doting wife of the much loved police chief.

Renee was always gone, supposedly working, but who ever knew? When she would be gone on business trips, Charlie would laugh and joke with Jasper, Seth, Rose and I. He would take us to our soccer games, out to eat, or to the movies when he had time. As we got older, towards the end of high school, when she would be gone, he would travel with me to games if I had matches that were out of town. We would go down to First Beach and have bonfires at night. He was happy and carefree when my mom was gone. It didn't go unnoticed.

I never really missed Renee. I guess like any girl, I missed having a mom around to do things with, but I had Sue for that and she happily filled the role. And for awhile, I also had Charlotte. There were numerous times while growing up that the boys would stay at Seth's with Sue and Harry, while Rose and I stayed at her house with Charlotte and Peter. Charlotte would take us shopping at the mall, and out to eat lunch, or to the movies and for ice cream. Like I said, I had others that happily filled the role that Renee abdicated without a second glance.

So, I looked at Sue and asked again, "Why Sue, what did I ever do to Renee to make her despise me?"

"Bella, when you were born, your mother had a difficult delivery. The both of you almost died and it was a very close call. Has Renee or Charlie ever explained to you what happened?" Sue had asked me.

I just shook my head, completely shocked at what she was telling me.

"When Renee found out she was pregnant, she was happy Bella. And Charlie, he was totally over the moon, consumed with the idea of being a father," she told me. "They were both so young; you know they married practically right after graduation, right?" She had asked me.

Of course I knew that, everyone did.

"The pregnancy progressed as it should, but she was getting bigger so quickly. They ran tests and did exams and low and behold if Renee wasn't pregnant with twins," Sue told me.

I was utterly speechless…a twin? What the fuck? My head was spinning, having trouble concentrating on what Sue had to finish saying.

"Yes, Bella, Renee was having twins. She was scared, but she seemed happy, especially since it was discovered she was carrying a boy and a girl. The pregnancy was difficult for her, but we all helped in any way we could. Charlie tried to work less, I came over every day to help cook and clean, and Harry did chores and went to the grocery store. We were all a family, and we helped, happily."

She kept going, "I am not sure of all the details Bella, but Renee began to hemorrhage when she was about 36 weeks along. Not too terribly early by today's standards but 18 years ago it was. She was rushed to the hospital and there was complication during the delivery and well, obviously you and Renee survived, your brother did not."

By this time I was a crying mess. I couldn't believe no one had ever told me this story before. Why didn't anyone think this was something I deserved to know? I was more than a little hurt after Sue's revelations and to be honest, I felt somewhat betrayed.

"Bella," Sue pleaded with me, "I know this is so much to hear at one time, but please don't be angry with Charlie. Renee wouldn't let him tell you, sweetie."

"Wouldn't let him tell me, what the hell Sue, did she have some kind of spell on him or some shit like that? Why couldn't he take me aside one day and say, 'Hey Bells. You know how your mom acts like she hates you all the time, well, it's because she wishes you had died when she was giving birth and your brother would have lived' I think I would have gotten the point from that, Sue!" I told her heatedly.

"Bella, I know this is hard for you to understand, but try to put yourself in Charlie's shoes. His wife and daughter almost die, and his son does. Renee didn't handle it well at all, going into severe depression. It was months before she could even feed you or change your diaper Bella. She blamed Charlie, for anything she could think of. I don't know what she was feeling, but I would imagine guilty for somehow causing the hemorrhage. From what other doctors have been able to tell me and from information I have gathered from the Internet, she misplaced that anger onto you. It just kept manifesting itself until she was convinced it was your fault the baby died, she blamed you for having her son taken away," she told me.

"Shortly after she got her depression under control, Renee went in for a check up and the doctors told her that she was developing endometriosis and that conceiving again would be extremely difficult. They assumed the endometriosis was a contributing factor to her losing the baby," Sue continued.

"Renee was devastated, but Charlie was thrilled with you Bella. He had a little girl to dote on and he couldn't be happier. He mourned the loss of the baby boy, sure, but he loved you so completely that it helped him move past his grief. Renee was so angry Bella, all the time. She was mad at everyone, constantly. She was angry at Charlie for leaving to go to work, leaving her home to take care of you. She was mad at me for having a boy. Every time Charlie would pick you up or play with you to the exclusion of her, she became more and more jealous of his love for you."

"Her anger and jealousy continued to grow and grow Bella until it spilled out at that barbeque 10 years ago. None of it has been your fault, Bella, none of it. What happened to Renee was tragic; I am not saying it wasn't. But she had a healthy daughter and husband that loved her and she could have used that to move her past her grief, but she chose to submit to it instead," Sue finished.

My head was reeling; trying to decide which emotion I felt most of all. I was heartbroken at the thought of almost having a twin brother. I was angry at my dad for not telling me himself, leaving it to his pseudo girlfriend to deal with. But most of all, I was livid with my mother. Not really for how she treated me, but for what she did to Charlie. She destroyed him, completely devastated him with her anger and her jealousy. I understood almost immediately what the root of the problem was. Renee didn't want to have to compete with me for Charlie's affection - that is why she wanted a boy so badly.

After Sue finished talking to me we sat on the porch swing together for hours, not really speaking as she let me absorb everything we had talked about in my own time. It took me months to be able to talk about Renee to Jasper, Seth and Rose and even then it was only briefly.

I was done, done with Renee and done with worrying about what I did to her and done letting what she thought about me affect the way I thought about myself.

I was done with her, period.

End of flashback

I finished my email to Sue, and checked the rest of my messages, sending a quick one to Angela letting her know I would see her tomorrow before the taping.

Edward called a little bit after 3:00 letting me know he was taking Maddie and Masen to the zoo and wanted to know if I wanted to meet them afterward for dinner. He wanted to spend a little time with them by himself since they were going to back to school tomorrow and he was going to be getting back to his schedule at the office.

We agreed to meet at 6:30 at the deli we went to last Sunday. I smiled thinking to myself how much changed in just seven short days.

I hung out with Seth for a little bit, playing with Rufus. He told me some of what he said to Edward last night and he told me some of what Edward said back to him. I was so grateful to Seth for keeping us both from messing up anymore than we did last night; with his help we were able to smooth things over this morning very quickly. And I told him so.

"Seth, I am meeting Edward and the kids at the same deli we went to last Sunday. Do you need to follow me there, or can I go by myself?" I asked him.

He rolled his eyes at me as he said, "It's cool Shortcake. Luckily for me and for you, your boyfriend is as protective about you as I am and I've already talked to him. You'll be fine on your own. Just don't get used to it Bella, seriously. Things are going to be getting more intense as we get through all your interviews and appearances. This is the last time you're going to be doing this by yourself, got it? I have Edward's cell number and pager information and he has mine, so I'll be able to keep in contact if I need to. Try to have fun and enjoy your time with Edward and the munchkins," he told me.

"Well, shit Seth. Are you and Edward going to be best friends now? Exchanging numbers and all already, huh?" I teased him.

"Laugh it up all you want tiny, you're lucky I like Edward and that he passed Jasper's test, too, or else you'd be sitting your happy little ass up here in this loft all night and we'd be getting take out for dinner. Don't push it Bella, I mean it. Your safety is important to all of us, I'm not messing around. You know me better than that," he told me seriously.

I hung my head, knowing I really can't be difficult about any of this. It's not fair to Seth or Jasper and it's really not fair to Edward. I asked him to be a part of this and I needed to make sure I did my part to make things easy on everyone involved.

I noticed the time and went into my room to grab my phone and put my shoes on. I sighed as I change out of Edward's shirt and into one of my own. But, I carefully folded his and put it under my pillow to take out later. My rhino was on my pillow and I smiled as I reflected back briefly on the last week and the man that has made all the difference in my life. Him and the two munchkins I can't wait to see.

I got to the deli in time to see Edward and the kids walking up together. He really is a wonderful man, so in love with both of his kids and so incredibly open with his affection for them.

Maddie and Masen hadn't seen me yet, but he had. With a huge smile just for me, he leaned down and whispered in the kids' ears then their heads snapped in my direction. Before I knew it, they had each flown into my waiting arms, hugging me tightly. I kissed them each on the cheek before standing up to look at Edward.

It's only been a few hours since I've seen him, but he really takes my breath away. He is so fucking gorgeous and that smirk he uses on me, yeah, I can't get enough of it!

He leaned forward to give me a chaste kiss on the cheek, whispering low so little ears couldn't hear he said, "Baby, you look fucking incredible. I missed you this afternoon," he finished as he dips his head lower to kiss me behind my ear.

He's so using that sweet spot to get me to melt, I just know it.

I squeezed his ass, trying to be sneaky so the kids couldn't see me.

Edward grinned happily at me and then took my hand as we walked into the deli to order our food. Maddie and Masen were telling me all about the sleepover last night with their Uncle Emmett and Aunt Alice and all about the trip to the zoo today. It's hard to keep up with them since more times than not they were finishing each others sentences, but I managed.

I couldn't help but think how different this time is from the one a week ago.

The same little old man was behind the counter and he walked around to greet Edward and the kids personally, even though there are quite a few people in the deli.

"Maddie and Masen, so good to see you," the man said as he leans down to hug each of them.

"Mr. Saul, Daddy took us to the zoo today, we had so much fun! We saw lions, and bears, and snakes," Maddie told him. "I didn't like the snakes but Masen did," she finished as Saul nods his head at her.

"Little Maddie, I don't like snakes either! Yuck," he happily told her.

"And Edward, who might this beautiful girl be?" he asked with a raise of his eyebrows.

Edward squeezed my hand and said, "Mr. Saul, this beautiful angel is my girlfriend Bella Swan. Bella, this busy body is Saul Detorio, owner of this fine establishment."

Girlfriend…holy shit! I was mentally doing the happiest of happy dances in my head. I didn't really think of naming what exactly this is between Edward and me. I am more than a little embarrassed to admit to myself just how happy being his girlfriend makes me.

Saul was beaming at Edward, "You have excellent taste in women my young friend," he laughed.

Saul walked towards me, and gave me a gentle hug and a light kiss on my cheek, "Beautiful Bella, it is so nice to meet you. If you ever get tired of him, you just come see old Saul my dear," he chuckled at Edward's angry growl that I am sure the entire restaurant could hear.

I giggled at the two of them, "Saul, it is nice to meet you two. I don't think I'll be getting tired of Edward any time soon, but I promise you'll be the first to know if I do."

I was trying so hard not to laugh at Edward; he looked ridiculous trying to be mad at Saul.

"You'd better get that scowl off your face old man before it stays that way permanently," I teased him.

"Oh, Edward, I like her!" I heard Saul say as he claps his hands and ushers us to the counter to order our food.

I let Edward order for me again, as I felt a hand tugging on my elbow. Turning I looked into Maddie's cute, but confused looking face as she said, "Bella,"

"What's up peanut butter cup?" came my customary response.

She giggled but then turned somewhat serious as she asked, "Um, are you really Daddy's girlfriend? I heard Daddy say you were to Mr. Saul," she finished quietly.

I leaned down and look her in the eyes as I asked, "Is it ok with you if am Maddie?"

Shit, I didn't think about this. What the hell will I do if me being with Edward upsets his kids? I won't be with Edward if Maddie and Masen are not ok with it. I would never be able to live with myself. After living through the selfishness of Renee, there was no way in hell I would ever do that to anyone else. They come first, not just for Edward but for me as well.

The smile on Maddie's face lets me know I didn't have anything to worry about as she was nodding her head up and down and jumping in place.

I leaned down to give her hug, "I'm glad you're ok with it peanut butter cup, I kinda like your Daddy a lot," I told her.

Maddie kissed me on the cheek and said, "We all like you too Bella. Lots. Aunt Ali said she can't wait to meet you and Uncle Em wants to play with Rufus."

Oh god, I'm going to have to meet his family one day. Shit. I haven't had to meet anyone's family…ever. Forks was so small that I already knew Will's parents and James, well meeting his parents was never going to happen.

I felt Edward's arm drape around my waist as he looked between us and asked, "Ok, you two, what are those smiles all about, hmm?"

I looked at him, the man really does take my breath away, as I giggled and told him, "Well, it seems someone used the word girlfriend before checking to see if said word was acceptable and little miss had a question so naturally I took care of it."

I couldn't help but laugh at the look on Edward's face right then. He looked scared, confused and ecstatic all at the same time.

He pulled me close to him and whispered in my ear, "Shit, baby, I didn't even think when I introduced you to Saul. Its ok I called you my girlfriend, isn't it? I mean, that's what you are, aren't you? And I didn't even think about the kids, damn it. Was she ok?" he asked me, question on top of question.

I pressed my finger over his mouth to get him to shut the hell up and told him, "Of course it's ok that you introduced me as your girlfriend, and though I feel a little old to be called someone's girlfriend, that is what I am and what I want to be. And, Maddie was just fine, but you get to tell Mase face," I finished as I moved my finger and replaced it with a quick kiss.

Mmmm, his lips are always so damn soft and warm.

He snorted adorably at me as he grabbed our trays of food and drinks, "Thanks angel, really. You know you got the easy one," he said with a smirk.

Yeah I know, not that I think Masen will be upset at all, but the little guy is a bit attached to me. I didn't want to upset him. I've never had to explain something like this to a seven year old, but I'm pretty sure he'll be fine.

We sat down to eat outside again and I groaned internally as I watched Edward scan over the other patrons and the street in front of us. Seth must have given him quite the lesson. I groaned out loud when I saw his fingers send a text message to I am assuming Seth, as well. Edward looked at me pointedly, and I just roll my eyes back at his silent question of "Yeah I texted Seth, what did you expect?"

Ok, I guess I am going to have to get used to this over protectiveness from Edward as well. Fuck!

Dinner was fun as the twins continued to tell me about their weekend. I loved listening to them talk and it was blatantly obvious how much they adored their father. I told myself that I was quickly going to give them a run for their money in seeing who adores him more, them or me. I couldn't help the internal sigh as I watched them together, laughing as they talked about something that happened at the zoo.

"Bella," Maddie asked me, breaking me out of my silent musings.

"What's up peanut butter cup?" I grinned at her.

She giggled as she asked me, "How is Rufus, is he all better now?"

"Yeah, sweetie, he's all better. We'll see if we can play at the park with him next weekend, ok?" I told her, and asking Edward at the same time.

He nodded his head yes and I motion towards Masen who had been pretty quiet throughout dinner.

"Hey, little man," Edward said to him, trying to get his attention. But Masen was looking at Maddie and me with the strangest expression on his face.

"Mase face, what's the matter?" I asked him, hoping he'd tell me.

He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders at me, not answering the question, but letting me know in no uncertain terms that something was indeed bothering him.

I glanced quickly at Edward who was looking at Masen intently then at me, shrugging his shoulders telling me didn't have a clue.

I got up from my chair and went to kneel in front of Masen. I said his name softly, waiting for him to finally lift his head up and look at me.

"Ok, Mase, what's up?" I asked him.

He shook his head at me, stubbornly refusing to answer. I sat back in my chair and scooted closer to him, putting my arm around him. "Masen, sweetie," I said to him, "You can tell me whatever it is. We're friends, you can tell me anything."

He crossed his arms and looked at me, he was really angry. He said, "You like Maddie more than me!"

I gasped quickly, trying to figure out where that came from, "Masen, you know that's not true. I like you both the same, honey."

"Yes you do, I can tell," he huffed at me.

"Masen, please tell me why you think that, and I'll try to explain why that's not true," I told him.

I was truly at a loss here, I had no idea what happened to upset him; I felt like bursting into tears at the thought of that precious boy being upset with me, no matter how justified it was or not.

"You'll laugh at me if I tell you," he said quietly, not looking up.

I picked his chin up with my finger and leaned in close to him, "Masen, I promise you I would never laugh at something that upsets you, never. Now please tell me, ok?" I begged him, promising myself that I would fix whatever it is.

"You gave Maddie a better nickname than you gave me!" he cried to me.

Oh, shit, fix this Bella, and fix it now!

"Masen, if you don't like what I call you, we can find something you do like, ok? Now, tell me, why do you like Maddie's so much?"

"Well," he said as he adorably tapped his chin with his finger, "I guess I like it cause it's something that she likes."

Ok, I thought to myself, I could work with that. "Ok, now, let's talk about what you like," I trailed off as I was thinking.

Crap, I hope he doesn't pick something like pickles or pizza or something like that.

I laughed as I heard an emphatic, "Candy!"

Why didn't I think of that?

"Ok, now what kind? And, don't tell me all kinds, because that won't work. Think about it and tell me your absolute favorite, the one you would eat every day if it was the only kind you could eat," I told him.

He squished his face adorably as he thought it over. You could practically see the wheels spinning in his little head he was thinking so hard.

Finally, Masen looked at me with a huge smile and I asked him, "Got it?"

"Yep," he proudly answered me.

“Lay it on me little man, what is it? I'm dying over here!" I laughed.

"Skittles," he told me definitively.

"You're sure about that, no changing your mind now Mase, once we go here, there's no going back you know. Maddie can't all of a sudden decide she likes Butterfinger's as her favorite and expect me to change her name. Same goes for you, ok?" I told him seriously.

I had no fucking clue what the hell I was doing; I hope this is ok with Edward. I finally looked at him and he was looking at me with the sweetest smile ever on his gorgeous face. Hmm, I'll have to ask him what that was all about.

Maddie stood up from her chair and came to stand next to me for a second before I grabbed her and pulled her on my lap asking her, "Isn't that right miss peanut butter cup, no changing once it's been decided?" she laughed as I tickle her.

"Bella, we should pick one out for you, too, don't cha think?" Masen asked as he laughed at his sister getting tickled.

"Well, I'm not sure Skittles," he fell over laughing at that, "Peanut Butter Cup is already taken by little miss here and well, don't tell your Daddy," I whispered, loud enough for Edward to laugh and raise his eyebrows at me while narrowing his eyes in silent warning, "but we'll be calling him Kit Kat since he's silly enough to like those over a Reese's and Skittles!"

Both twins were laughing hysterically now at the thought of calling Edward Kit Kat, but I kind of like it myself.

"Bella, angel," said my favorite voice, "now all we need to do is come up with one for you, isn't that right kids?" he asked Maddie and Masen.

"I'll stick with Bella, thanks," I told the three of them, knowing the inevitable is coming.

Edward laughed and the kids were shaking their heads, "No way baby, if I get Kit Kat you are definitely getting in this boat with me, now spill it, what else do you like besides Reese's?" he teased me.

Well, shit, I think to myself as I try to decide on what to say. I had a few options and after going over them in my head I sighed and looked at all three of them and said, "Fine, Jelly Beans."

So that is how we wound up with Kit Kat, Jelly Bean, Peanut Butter Cup, and Skittles.

Maddie and Masen were beside themselves, and really, that's all that mattered. If those two promise to laugh like that all the time, I'll gladly take being called Jelly Bean…and I have to say I love it when they called Edward Kit Kat!

Dinner was finished and I had to go. Telling the kids good bye was worse this time than on Wednesday. I promised them I would see them soon and maybe even talk to them during the week. I'll need to talk to Edward about that and see what he thinks. I'll be following his lead on this.

Edward looked worse now than he did this morning having to say good bye and I'm sure I looked just as bad. Was it absolutely ridiculous to feel this way already? I had no idea, but, what I did know was I'm not a fan of saying goodbye to them…not one fucking bit.

He pulled me towards him, hugging me tightly to his body. I felt his lips in my hair, and heard him as he said, "Beautiful, thank you for having dinner with us again. You are so fucking great with the kids. You have no idea what watching you with them does to me, Bella. I don't want to say good bye but I promised Seth you would be back before dark, so you need to go and the twins have school tomorrow," he finished softly, pushing me away from him a bit so he can move my hair behind my ear.

"I know Edward, I don't want to say bye either, but I better go before I get you in trouble with the warden," I said at him begrudgingly.

I hated being told what to do… fucking hated it, especially when it's something I didn't want to do.

"Bella cut it out. He's just doing his job, you know that and your safety isn't anything I'm going to fucking mess around with either. Cooperate, please?" he finished sweetly.

Damn it, now I feel guilty…again!

"Sorry Edward, I hear what you are saying. I'll be good, promise. Now, kiss me so I can get the hell out of here and get home before I get you or me in any more trouble," I told him.

"My pleasure, ma'am," he teased as he leaned down to kiss me, quickly but passionately.

I sighed saying a quiet, "Damn," as I heard Edward chuckle in approval at himself.

Yeah, the man is so totally aware of what he does to me.

"Knock it off Kit Kat," I growled at him before turning to the kids to say good bye one more time.

"Ok, you two have a good week at school and I'll see you as soon as I can, ok?" I asked the two kids that had come to mean so much to me in such a short amount of time.

I grabbed Edward's hand, squeezing it as I pull him towards me, and kissed him one more time quickly on the lips. "Bye baby, you will call me tonight before bed, won't you?" I asked, giving him a gentle smile, knowing there was no way I was going to sleep tonight without talking to him first.

"You know it beautiful; there is no way I could sleep without talking to you first. Now get out of here sweet girl, before I decide to take you home with me and tell Seth to fuck off!" he whispered to me.

I kissed my fingers before blowing him a kiss as I turned and walked home, texting Seth to let him know I was on my way.

I got home, checked my email and my schedule from Angela and looked at the rest of the week. Edward and I didn't get a chance to talk about seeing each other this week, I hoped we could. I would hate to have to wait until the weekend to see him again.

Edward called after the kids went to bed at about 9:30. We talked some more about our date, or lack there of I suppose. We also talked about his day today with the twins and dinner with the four of us. I reminded him again of my schedule for the week and he told me which days he'd be seeing patients at his office and what the rest of his week would entail.

He asked me to go to dinner with him on Friday night after I got done with the taping for the Jon Stewart Show.

I squealed, loudly, in my head and said a quick prayer of thanks that I only had to wait 5 days to see him again.

We talked for a few more minutes since he had to get up early with the twins for school. He told me he couldn't wait to see me on TV tomorrow night. I groaned at that, I was really nervous about it, and promised to send him a signal just for him.

With a soft and a lingering good night, I changed into his shirt, grabbed my rhino, and fell asleep. I couldn't help that the last thought I had was how much better it was last night to fall asleep with Edward in my bed.

~~~~O*O*O~~~~O*O*O~~~~

The rest of the week flew by. I did manage to get through my interview on David Letterman on Monday night. Edward was beside himself as I talked to him late Monday night after we watched the show together on the phone when he saw me give Dave a basket full of Kit Kats, Peanut Butter Cups, Skittles and Jelly Beans. I also managed to blow him a kiss in our special way as I was walking on the stage before the interview.

We decided to not tell Maddie and Masen too much about things as of yet and we also decided that he should wait a little bit before he tells his family. I just wanted to get through these first few weeks after the magazine has come out to make sure that things were going to go alright before we told them. He didn't really want to, but he agreed for me, to keep things kind of quiet for the time being. I did have to promise him he could talk to Tanya about us, though, especially since my three best friends knew everything.

Edward and I managed to talk frequently throughout the next day and send so many fucking texts my fingers were almost sore. I missed him and the twins terribly. I thought about them constantly, wondering what they are doing, wishing I could be with them wherever they were. It's completely crazy after such little time knowing the three of them, but it's nothing but the truth.

Edward had to go to the hospital Tuesday night because one of his patients was admitted to the hospital and he had to check on the little boy. We didn't get to talk on the phone at all that night but he did send me a text to say good night before I went to bed.

Yes, I'm still sleeping in his shirt and haven't washed the sheets yet, but unfortunately Edward's smell is almost gone from both. I was going to have to figure out a way to fix that and damn fast. I was so used to sleeping with his smell, I'm not sure I could ever go back now.

I got a text from Edward very early Wednesday morning wishing me luck for my appearance on Good Morning America. He has to be exhausted since it's 6:30 am and he hasn't been to bed yet, but, I was touched beyond belief that he would make the effort to wish me luck when he was so tired.

God, I wish Friday would hurry the fuck up and get here already!

The appearance on GMA went just fine; I couldn't believe that people are actually interested in me. I have such a hard time wrapping my mind around it, but, I smile and answered all the questions as vaguely as possible. Of course one of the main ones I got asked time and time again was if I had a boyfriend. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops that I did, but, I had always been really good about side stepping that question. In the past, there wasn't anyone to protect, but, that was all different now. There wasn't just Edward to think about either, but, Maddie and Masen as well. I did manage to get my secret signal across to Edward, I hope he was watching. Actually, I hope he's sleeping; I could just tell him about it later.

I made it home by late morning and decided to make cookies to bring to the shelter. I whip up a few dozen chocolate chip and a few dozen peanut butter and got them to Zaphrina right after lunch so the kids could have them for dessert after dinner. I finally catch a glimpse of one of the doctors here, a beautiful woman with strawberry blond hair who gives me the sweetest smile as I slipped out as quickly as I came.

Edward and I managed to talk for a few hours Wednesday night. He woke up from his long shift at the hospital in time to see the kids when they got home from school, helped with homework and ate dinner with his family. I loved hearing about his day and the goings on of Maddie and Masen. He also told me he TIVO'D Good Morning America this morning so he was able to watch the segment I was on. He laughed at my evading techniques about the boyfriend question and was very grateful for the secret signal I gave him. Of course I told him I can't wait to see him on Friday and get a kiss in person.

I'm pretty sure he was just as anxious as I was. We seemed to be connecting really well and talking so much on the phone has given us a lot of time to get to know one another. It's kind of strange though, as often as we talk, we don't talk about anything too deep. I know next to nothing of the twin's mother and I haven't found a good opportunity to bring up Renee or Charlie yet. I knew those conversations are coming; I just hoped it was not for a little while yet.

Avoidance, thy name is Bella!

Thursday comes and Edward and I made plans to have lunch together. I had a break in my schedule; he had a break in between his patients so we met at a small restaurant close to his office. I walked into the restaurant, receiving a few looks from people eating and waiting in line. As Edward and I were shown to our table, I felt Edward tense beside me. He was holding my hand and as we walked and he squeezed my hand so hard I almost had to tell him to let go.

He pulled my chair out for me and sat down, immediately picking up his menu.

"Edward, what's wrong?" I ask softly.

"Nothing Bella, do you know what you want to eat?" he asked me abruptly.

I sighed and put my menu down and looked at him, "Edward, what I want is for you to tell me what is bothering you, since you were perfectly fine until we walked in here."

He pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers and ran his hands through his hair. Of course this did nothing except make him look even sexier, but, this is so not the time for that.

"Beautiful, did you see the way those men at the table were looking at you," he asked as he discreetly points to a table full of businessmen who were all blatantly staring at me.

Taking a deep breath I said quietly, "We can leave if you want to Edward. I don't want you to be upset with me," I told him sadly.

I knew this would happen… I fucking knew it. Seth was sitting at the bar, watching this whole thing, never taking his eyes off the group of men at the table.

"Bella, fuck, no I don't want to leave and for God's sake, I am not mad at you baby. I just didn't expect this is all," he answered me.

"Edward, I told you this would happen, and it's only going to get worse the more I am out in public. Why don't we leave and we'll just see each other tomorrow night, if you still want to go," I told him, placing my napkin down on the table and started to stand up.

"Angel, don't take this the wrong way, but sit the fuck back down, now," he growled at me.

Huffing loudly, I did as he asks.

Edward reached across the table and held his hand out until I put mine in his. He said, "Bella, I am the one who is fucking sorry. I told you I don't like to share, I really wasn't kidding about that. I am just going to have to get used to being seen in public with the most beautiful woman in the world is all. Please just sit here and eat lunch with me and I promise to behave. Try to behave that is…" he smirked at me.

"It's ok, Edward. This is really the first time we've been out like this and so far it's not too bad. Let's just try to eat and enjoy the fact that we get to see one another today and tomorrow!" I giggled at him.

I really am thrilled about our date tomorrow night, I hope it goes ok!

"Sweet girl, you read my mind! Now, I'm starving, let's order ok?" he asked me.

He signaled for the waiter who tried, for the most part, not to stare at me. Edward's glare was doing a pretty good job of hurrying him along and I couldn't help but chuckle at him. Like he had anything to be jealous of? He's only the most gorgeous man in the room, let alone the city, state and country in my opinion and I was absolutely crazy about him, so he had not one thing to worry about.

Edward picked my hand up and kisses the back of it, numerous times as we talked about how our week has been and how Maddie and Masen's week at school has gone.

"Baby, you will die laughing when I tell you what Masen told his teacher at school yesterday," he told me as I took a drink of my iced tea.

"Oohh, what was it," I asked.

He laughed to himself before he started to tell me, "Well, he was doing a lesson in his math class and he had to turn it in for a grade when he was finished. He turned it in like he was supposed to when the teacher calls him back up to her desk to ask him to put his name on the paper so she can look it over and hand it back to him. Apparently Masen signed his paper Skittles Cullen and threw quite the fit when she told him he had to sign the correct name. Then, the teacher tried to call him that and he got mad at her and told her that only me, you and Maddie were allowed to call him that and it was his special name given to him by his best friend Bella," Edward finished, still laughing at picturing Masen throwing a fit in the middle of math class.

I have to say, I think Masen Cullen might be my favorite person in the whole world, except for maybe his sister…and daddy!

"Oh, Edward, he didn't get in trouble did he? I don't want to cause problems, we can stop the nick name thing if you think its best," I told him earnestly.

"Angel, it's ok. I actually thought it was kind of funny myself. Maddie told me about it last night at dinner. My mom tried to call him that, too, and was told the same thing as the teacher. No one is allowed to use that name except for the three of us, it's our special thing he told her," he chuckled at that.

I looked at Edward and said with honesty, "I hope it didn't upset your mom Edward, but I have to say I am kind of partial to it just being our thing, too."

"Me too, Bella. So much," Edward told me.

We finished our lunch in relative peace, only a few more stares from the table of obnoxious men and a waiter that tended to hover more than was completely necessary.

Edward paid the check and helped me from my chair, holding my hand as we made our way out. Seth had discreetly left as we were finishing eating so I could say good bye to Edward in relative privacy before Seth took us back to the loft.

As we walked back towards the front door, Edward pulled me behind him down a short hallway next to the foyer of the restaurant. Before I knew what was happening, he had pressed me into the wall, his entire body pushing against mine and his mouth was hungrily devouring mine in the most fantastic kiss I have ever had. His mouth seemed like it was everywhere, on my lips, my neck, behind my ear.

I was completely consumed by him, and there was nothing I wanted more than to give myself to him. I thrust my hands into his hair, grabbing his head and pressing him closer to me. I rolled my hips forward, and felt his erection thrusting deliciously into the growing ache between my legs; his hands were on my ass, gripping me tightly with his fingers.

Both of us completely lost in the kiss, forgetting about everything around us until I heard my cell phone go off in my purse.

"Motherfucker," I heard Edward growl softly as he kissed my neck a few more toe curling times before he breathed out heavily through his nose and stepped back, looking deeply into my eyes.

"Angel, I would tell you I am sorry for attacking you that way, but we both know it would be a fucking lie. I'm only sorry we have to stop. I know Seth is waiting for you, let me walk you out," he said as he grabbed my hand and headed towards the car in the parking lot.

"I am so glad we got to have lunch together, Edward," I told him.

"Me, too, Bella. Thank you for not getting upset with me back there, we're just going to have to get used to this, huh?" he asked me.

"We will, baby. But, as long as we talk about it, we'll be fine and be able to figure it out," I told him.

"For such a youngster, you sure are a pretty smart little girl," he teased me playfully as he slapped my ass.

I rolled my eyes at him as we approached the Suburban, "Whatever old man. I just hope you can keep up with me!" I giggled at him.

He pulled me to him and leaned down to whisper in my ear, "Sweetheart, I can not tell you how much I am looking forward to showing you just how much I am able to keep up with you. You have no idea how much my Bella," he whispered in that voice that turns my insides into complete mush.

Yep, not going to be able to walk now.

Looking at him through completely dazed eyes, I just told him, "I can't wait Edward," as I kissed him gently, letting my tongue swipe across his bottom lip.

"Ok, you two are about to make my lunch make a second appearance, Edward tell her good bye, Shortcake get your ass in the car, we gotta get the hell out of here, like now," Seth told us both.

"Bye beautiful, thanks for meeting me for lunch; I'll call you later, ok?" Edward asked as he opened the back door and helped me in the car.

"Ok, Edward, I'll talk to you later," I told him as I pulled him down to my mouth, kissing his ear as I softly said, "I need to go home baby and change my panties, you have no idea how wet that kiss got me," as I gently pushed him out the door and shut it.

I gave him our secret signal of fingers to lips and blow him a kiss as Seth pulled out of the parking lot.

Seth looked at me in the rearview mirror, a shit eating grin on his face.

"You want to tell me what that was all about, Swan?" he asked.

"Shut the fuck up Clearwater and just drive," I sassed back to him.