I'm a bit worried about posting this story as the idea for it is not mine! The idea was a starter for a collaboration story for which I wrote the first few chapters. The content of this version is entirely my own however, so I hope I'm not breaking any rules in posting it here. If I am, I'm sure someone somewhere will swiftly delete it! Okay - Many thanks to Elaine for the original plot: Set post Breaking Dawn and a few cracks are beginning to appear in Edward and Bella's marriage. She never tidies up and is incapable of returning a CD to the correct place in his collection. She still hasn't gotten control of her newborn strength and has very nearly broken parts of him (ahem) on several occasions. The original collaboration story has now headed in a very different direction than this, and you can read it (and contribute to it) on the UKTwilight website forum.

Carlisle recognised the soft patter of his first son's footsteps long before they reached his study door and smiled to himself. He was surprised however, when Edward hesitated in the hallway.

Son? Did you wish to talk?

A resigned sigh was the only response before the door opened cautiously. Carlisle carefully masked his thoughts by reciting the elements in the periodic table, first by atomic weight and then alphabetically. Over ninety years of experience had taught him that Edward would open up when he was good and ready.

He watched as Edward studied the various paintings and portraits hanging on the walls, and wondered what was troubling him, as he paused by a scene from their first home in Ashland. Gently, almost reverently, Edward traced the shapes in the painting; trees, fields, distant hills, home.

"Am I selfish?"

Carlisle was taken aback by the abruptness of Edward's question. In truth he wasn't surprised at the content. Edward had always struggled with recognition of his own desires and wishes, and constantly questioned his motives. Carlisle knew that his self-doubt stemmed from those dreadful dark years when Edward had chosen his own path, before destiny returned him to the forgiving embrace of Esme and Carlisle.

Why do you question yourself, son? Has something happened between you and Bella?

The fleeting glance from Edward's eyes told him he'd hit the nail on the head.

Edward, you knew from very early on that Bella was determined to become one of us. She is the only one in this family who entered our life fully aware of what she was choosing. And from what I've seen she's truly happy with her new-found abilities.

Edward's lips pressed together tightly and his frown deepened.

"Oh yes," he said, "She is very happy."

I must confess I'm rather confused, Edward. Her happiness bothers you?

Edward scowled down at his shoes.

"Yes, I am the epitomy of selfishness. After everything she's suffered because of me – James, Victoria, the Volturi," he snarled. "She has quite literally given her life for me and …"

He broke off suddenly from his tirade and stared towards the window.

"Fuck!"

Carlisle was about to admonish Edward for his choice of words when he heard what had caught his son's attention. Something was coming through the trees - quite literally!

Bella.

Father and son stood side by side watching as Bella thundered in a direct line from the cottage to the house. Centuries old trees cringed and fell as she gracelessly swept them out of her way. Carlisle watched in horror as one of the tall cedars landed halfway across the lawn, making pot pourri of Esme's carefully tended flower beds.

"Emmett!"

Esme appeared on the porch, hands on hips, ready to deal with an over-zealous Emmett when she realised who it was.

"Oh, Bella, it's you dear," she said, wondering for the umpteenth time when her daughter-in-law would learn to control her newborn strength.

Bella pounded up to Esme and grabbed her in a rib crunching hug. Fortunately Esme anticipated this and braced herself just in time.

"Is Edward here, I want to go hunting again. I'm so thirsty."

She heard the curtains swish as Edward attempted to duck behind them and called up to him. Reluctantly Edward turned to leave the study. Carlisle was beginning to see the problem.

x x x x x

They were deep in the heart of the mountains when Edward caught the scent of mountain lion. His predatory instincts took him down wind of the beast – a large female who was occupied in licking the remains of her own kill from her whiskers. Edward crouched low and prepared to attack when there was a sudden blur in front of him. The lion roared in hopeless fury as Bella sank her teeth into the warm flesh. Edward's eyes turned to deepest ebony as he watched his wife drain his meal. After a few minutes she looked up at him.

"Thanks, Edward, now be a darling and find another one for me – you know I can't stand the taste of deer."

It was a full thirty seconds before he realised his nails were slicing into his own palms.

I made her into this, he thought. I must make allowances; I have to keep calm; she's done so much for me; given up everything…

Chanting his litany he stalked away.

From high up in a pine tree Jasper and Emmett watched the scene unfold. As Bella sped off after Edward, Jasper turned to Emmett.

"That boy is seriously whipped," he laughed.

Emmett sniggered. "Yeah, looks like we're gonna have to teach Eddie how to wear the pants in his house."

x x x x x

Several hours later a very full Bella lay in the meadow, gently caressing Edward's hair. The air was warm and still, and the only sound was the distant trickling of a far off stream. The sun peeked out from the clouds, and a rather surprised bumble bee was momentarily blinded by the diamond like sparkles emanating from the people lying next to his flower.

Edward closed his eyes and wriggled his bare toes with pleasure. This is what eternity should be about – a full stomach (albeit with the blood of a deer and three squirrels), and the love of his life curled next to him. He was just being silly before; of course marriage and living together would take some adjustment. He'd been used to his independence for over a hundred years; he and Bella would settle into routines and adapt to each other's foibles. Yes, he thought as he breathed in Bella's heavenly scent, things would work out just fine.

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