Chapter 2

Edward looked down at the floor not really knowing what to say. Not wanting to give up on their marriage, but at the same time, not wanting to cause Bella any more pain. They definitely made mistakes, probably got married way to young, but was he strong enough to just give up on their love? Could he just walk away from the only woman he's ever loved so completely, a woman who meant the world to him? On the other hand, he couldn't take the fighting anymore. Every time they argued it was a shot straight to his heart. The angry words like venom flowing through his blood stream and slowly killing him. He could also see what it was doing to Bella. Her usual bright, beautiful brown eyes were slowly dying as well, almost making her seem zombie like.

"Baby, I don't want to fight with you anymore and lately it seems that's all we do. I can't stand causing you pain and I feel like that's the only thing I'm doing." Edward sounded defeated and exhausted.

Bella, sounding as exhausted and as exasperated as he did, spoke quietly, "Maybe we should go to counseling and figure out what's going on. I don't want to lose you Edward, I can't lose you, you're everything to me, and I love you more than life itself." She was crying now, almost sobbing.

Edward grabbed her and hugged her as if he were a drowning man holding on to a life preserver. Bella held on to him for dear life as well, not ever wanting to let go. In their minds they were both thinking that there was a chance, some how they would recover from this and live the fairy tale ending they knew they were destined to live.

Edward spoke softly into Bella's ear, "Why don't we go away for the weekend, let's go to the cottage in Forks, no family, no interruptions, just the two of us. What do you say? Better yet, tomorrow's Thursday, let's take the rest of the week off and leave first thing in the morning."

Bella sighed, that sounded wonderful, getting away, just the two of them. Some of the best times they've had were spent at the cottage. "I don't know Edward; I have a deadline on the book and do you really think going away is going to fix anything? You also have the Seattle City Counsel meeting on Friday, you can't miss that."

Damn, he'd forgotten about that meeting. At times he really hated being a city attorney. "I'll come back Friday morning for the meeting and as soon as it's over, I'll head right back up there. While I'm gone you could work on the cookbook, just bring your laptop. Please Bella, I know it's not going to fix anything, but it can't hurt, can it? Edward was almost begging.

Bella looked up at him and would have held her ground on not going, but she saw tears in his eyes and there was no way she could say no. She nodded and whispered yes, then leaned forward and softly kissed his lips. The kiss started out soft and innocent, but quickly grew with passion and unsaid emotion. Her tongue demanded entrance into his mouth.

Edward's right hand sought the edge of her shirt and was about to come in contact with her soft skin when his cell phone rang. With a sigh, he broke the kiss, leaned his forehead against hers and reached into his suit coat pocket to grab the offensive, noisy device. He looked that the screen and cursed under his breath. "I'm sorry baby I have to get this, it's important".

"I know, aren't they all?" She said as she turned to the refrigerator.

"Hey Tanya, what's up?" Edward said answering the call.

Bella turned immediately, stunned to hear who the call was from, and stormed out of the room.