Disclaimer; twilight doesn't belong to me - if it did Carlisle would have been single and naked throughout the entire book.

A/N Thank you for your reviews saying you want me to continue the story - it makes me feel loved and loving = writing, so thanks a lot people x

Previous evening

Okay Bella I told myself - don't be nervous, just think of this like any other board meeting that you've been to and everything will be fine. I took a deep breath as Edward and I stood arm in arm outside his parents house - a rather attractive three story on the outskirts of port Angelise which is located in the outskirts of Seattle. "Are you sure that the bell is working?" I asked him. He chuckled "Yes I'm sure it is" he said "Just relax, you know that they love you and tonight will be no different." He squeezed my hand reassuringly "Yes but it's not every night that you tell your parents that your getting married to someone that you've only known six months" I told him. "Shhh" he replied "Calm down, I promise okay - everything will be fine." I took another deep breath when the front door opened and we were greeted by Edwards mother Elizabeth.

"Darlings, you made it" she said rushing forward to embrace Edward and then me. "Bella" she said as she hugged me tightly "It's so good to see you again." I smiled at her "It's very nice to see you again too Elizabeth" I replied. "Bella" she tutted as she led us into the house "How many times do I have to tell you, call me Liz." I heard Edward chuckle from behind me and say "Every time Mom." She led us through into the living room with me behind so I could keep a check on my feet as not to embarrass myself by tripping and said "Look who's here." Once I was safely past any obvious dangers - most of which were the multiple rugs Elizabeth seemed to own I looked up expecting to see Edwards father - who was a professor of history at a college Seattle. He was very much the quiet, slightly rumpled individual you would expect to see as a history professor.

However instead of Edward Mason Sr (Please call me Anthony) I was greeted by one of the most remarkable looking men I had ever come across. He was tall, very well dressed, slim, had wheat coloured blond hair and striking blue eyes. And I was staring. I gave myself a mental shake when Edward brushed past me with a shout of "Carlisle" and rushed forward to embrace the man I had not two seconds ago been staring at in a less than appropriate manner. "He's cute isn't he" Elizabeth murmured as she came to stand by me "He's an old friend of Anthony's from years ago" she added. "You mean there the same age" I whispered shocked. She giggled "No, Carlisle's a good ten years or so younger than Anthony" she told me.

"Just what are you girls whispering about?" the Mason Sr asked as he walked over to us "Or need I ask" he said with a chuckle. Elizabeth giggled and I felt the blood start to rush to my face. "You've done it again Carlisle" the older man shouted "Only this time it's not only my wife but my son's girlfriend you've enthralled" he said with a smile. Edward and Carlisle turned to look at us as Elizabeth linked her arm with mine and said "We're thinking of forming a club." I glanced at Edward as he said "Its fine, I don't mind if Bella looks - because she wouldn't be female if she didn't" and then he laughed. I couldn't help but feel slightly aggravated by his comment, the way he said it was as if it was ok… but only because I had his permission. Edward was like that sometimes - he placed to much importance on his own opinion and less on everyone else's - and I was trying to get used to it… but sometimes it got to me. I let out a sigh as Elizabeth looked to me questioningly but I just shook my head slightly and gave her a small smile.

"So this is the famous Bella I've been hearing all about" Carlisle said coming across to stand in front of me "Well I thought Edward was exaggerating when he said how beautiful you are but clearly I was mistaken" he said with a smile as he took my hand in his and brought it to his lips "It's such a pleasure to meet you" he added. I felt the burn of the blood in my cheeks increase and I'm pretty sure my face must have been purple by now. "It's very nice to meet you too Carlisle, I've heard a lot about you - however I must say that the picture doesn't quite match up to the words" I told him. "And she bites" he said laughing "No doubt you imagined some fifty something doctor chap with a receding hairline, a widening waist and a tweed jacket" he said and then added "No offence Anthony." We all laughed as he replied "I'll have you know I'm not in my fifty's…..just late forties." Elisabeth smiled, patted her husband on the arm and said "Anthony dear, you're 49 now and you'll be fifty next month, you can't really class yourself as late forties now can you?" "Yes I can" he said indignantly. We all laughed again. "Anyway" Elizabeth said unhooking her arm from mine "I think dinner should be ready now and the tables all set - so why don't you all make your way through and I'll join you in a few minutes."

Dinner was a relaxed affair with minimal input from myself as I was far more interested in watching the interaction between the somewhat infamous Carlisle and the rest of the Mason family. It was clear that Anthony Mason was very fond of his friend and indeed the two seemed to have a bond that was at times more of a mentor and student relationship. Elizabeth clearly adored Carlisle… but in a more of a surrogate son way. Then there was Edward who clearly had a serious case of hero worship. Now that I have met Carlisle in person I can see how Edward has tried to adapt his personality not to mention appearance to that of Carlisle's. However if I was honest I would say that Just by what I know now, I would have to say that Edward still falls short of him. The reason being that where Edward is swarve Carlisle is elegant, and where he is charming and somewhat alluring Edward is mealy pleasant. I was beginning to relise that this relationship with Edward was very likely a foolish endeavour on my part and perhaps agreeing to marry him so soon was in itself a huge mistake. I was snapped out of my thoughts when I felt my being shaken and I glanced up to find the rest of the table looking in concern. "Bella dear, are you alright" Elizabeth asked. I gave her my best smile and replied "Yes, sorry just lost in my thoughts." I glanced at Edward beside me as I felt him pat my arm. "Isn't that wonderful Bella" he said smiling at me. "Sorry" I asked him, "Isn't what wonderful?" He frowned slightly "Carlisle" he said "He's just agreed to be my best man." Best what! I thought while nodding my head slightly and muttering "Great." Then after a few curious glances were exchanged the conversation turned to the wedding and what our plans were until I couldn't stand it anymore. I stood up from my seat at the table and excused myself to the facilities. It was only after I locked the bathroom door behind and braced my arms over the sink to look at my pale reflection in the small mirror on the basin that I allowed myself to say out loud the question that had been spinning around in my head all evening "What have I gotten myself into?"

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