A/N: Hey guys! Don't worry this isn't a dream, I am actually updating . Sorry I took so long, I've had a lot happen so I haven't really felt like writing. Now I am 100% back so expect updates every week and if I don't update often enough feel free to hound me.

Thanks to everyone who has hung around.

Hope you enjoy!

Note: This chapter has now replaced chapter 3 because it made more sense in the story. The chapter 3 has now become chapter 4

Disclaimer: I don't own twilight or the characters

Oh and there is a bit of language in this chapter, sorry if it offends anyone.

BPOV

When we arrived in Forks I could barely contain my excitement. This was it, my home town, the place where I spent most of my childhood was about to become the place I tied myself to Mike forever. The past 6 months had passed in a blur. All the planning, all the sleepless nights, all the stress and tears were finally worth it. My big day was just 3 days away.

As I stared out the cab window the familiar scenery flashed past me in a blur and I bounced in my seat. Everyone else in the cab, including the driver, chuckled and Mike, who sat in the seat beside me, grabbed my hand. I pulled my eyes from the window and looked around.

"What?" I questioned. Alice who sat on the other side of Mike leaned forward to look at me.

"Right now you're making me look calm," she giggled. The car broke in to laughter again and Jasper who was sitting in the front seat turned to look at me, as my cheeks burned bright red. This caused the laughter to increase and I buried my head in Mike's shoulder, hiding my face. Mike wrapped his arm around my shoulder and leaned his lips down to my ear.

"Don't worry babe," he whispered. "I think it's cute that you're so excited." I raised my head to place a small kiss on his lips. When we pulled apart I could feel my body begging for more. One look in his eyes and I could tell Mike was experiencing the same burning desire as I was. We had promised each other three months ago that we wouldn't be "together" until after the wedding. Mike placed his lips to my ear again. "I'm excited to get you alone," he crooned, his voice dripping with desire. He placed a kiss just under my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. I giggled, pushing him playfully in the chest. He smirked at me and Alice who had apparently seen our interaction made a gagging noise, causing the car to break into laughter again. I joined in this time. The rest of the car ride passed rather quickly, with comfortable conversation filling in the time.

We reached our destination about 20 minutes later. Just as the sun faded and night began we turned into the familiar driveway. My excitement came surging back and I began bouncing again, but this time no-one made fun of me. They were all too concerned with their own anticipation and excitement. When the beautiful white house came into view, illuminated by the lights that surrounded it, I couldn't hold back the sound of awe that escaped my lips. Over the past five years I had forgotten how beautiful the Cullen house truly was. Growing up the white house was like a second home to me, I'd forged so many memories there and it made sense that my wedding would be added to those. I was so glad that it was the place I would give myself to Mike forever.

The cab came to a halt just 10 metres from the door and we all jumped out hurriedly. The door to the house opened and two people emerged. As they approached I couldn't help but stare in wonder. Alice's parents, Carlisle and Esme Cullen were inhumanely beautiful. Carlisle was fairly tall, with lean muscles covering his entire body. He had dark blonde hair, a breathtaking smile and deep emerald green eyes that could make any girl swoon. Pretty much the whole female population of Forks had had a crush on Carlisle at one time or another. In fact, in high school several girls faked being sick just so they could admire Carlisle, who was a doctor at Forks hospital. Any normal woman would be jealous of all that attention but Esme wasn't normal. She was extremely beautiful also. She had silky bronze hair that framed her heart shaped face and eyes that were so golden it appeared they glowed. Her smile was so infectious that it was hard not to smile back. She could light up a room. I finally tore my eyes away from Carlisle and Esme when Alice pushed pass me sprinting towards her parents. Alice embraced both of them, talking hurriedly before sprinting inside.

"Yeah no problem Alice we'll get the luggage," I yelled after her as I closed the distance that separated me from Esme and Carlisle.

"Bella," Carlisle said, holding his arms open to me. I stepped into his embrace, staring into his eyes. This action caused a stab of pain and I had to tear my eyes away. Those eyes were too familiar. Carlisle sensing my stress, kissed me on the forehead and the pain dispersed. "I'm not sure that it's possible but you seem even more beautiful," he added as I stepped away from him. A pink blush rose on my cheeks, causing both Carlisle and Esme to laugh. However when Esme grabbed my hand the embarrassment faded instantly. She could comfort you with a single touch. I beamed as I wrapped my arms around her neck.

"It's good to see you again Bella," Esme sung, kissing me on the cheek. "And this," she said walking toward Mike, who was standing a few feet from us, "must be Mike." I nodded and rushed to Mike grabbing his hand. Mike relaxed at my touch.

"Yes this is Mike Newton," I smiled. "Mike this is Esme and Carlisle Cullen," I added gesturing towards them.

"It's nice to meet you Mike," Esmes' voice chimed as she placed a kiss on his cheek.

"You too," Mike replied, beaming at her. He turned to Carlisle who took his hand and shook it firmly.

"So you're Bella's fiancée" Carlisle asked his eyes searching. It appeared he was checking if Mike was good enough for me. I couldn't help but smile, he was like my third father. Mike however seemed uncomfortable in his presence. I couldn't tell if it was Carlisles good looks or his searching eyes that caused this.

"Uh yes sir." Carlisle seemed to approve of Mike and his smile returned.

"Please call me Carlisle," he said patting Mike on the shoulder. "Now, how about we get that luggage inside?" Mike nodded and he and Carlisle joined Jasper and the pile of luggage that surrounded him. I offered to help but they all refused, insisting I go inside and relax. Before I could argue Esme grabbed my hand and dragged me up the porch and inside.

When I stepped though the doors a familiar face met me. "Hey Rose," I smiled approaching the couch, where she sat with Alice and her four year old daughter Lexie. Rosalie or Rose as she preferred was my sister in law. She was a tall, stunning blonde who belonged on the runway or in the pages of magazines. When she stepped in to a room every girl's self esteem dropped instantly. Rose and my brother Emmett had been together since freshman year of high school, and she was another one of my closest friends. "When does Em get in?" I questioned hugging her. I couldn't keep the excitement off my face, I was ecstatic to finally be seeing my brother again. It had been months since I'd seen Emmett. He was always really busy with his football and I completely understood but I still missed him. Rose frowned as she sat back down.

"He can't get here until Saturday," she mumbled. When Rose glanced at the TV, her frown faded and was replaced by an award winning smile. Almost as if he had heard us talking about him Emmett appeared on the screen. It was an ad for the Cowboys vs Giants game.

"I forgot that was on today," I said as mixed emotions flooded through me. I was happy that I'd get to see Emmett, but that meant…. Before I could dwell on that thought someone pulled on my hand. I looked down to see my niece Lexie staring up at me, grinning. Despite my conflicting emotions I beamed down at her.

"Hey sweetie," I said kneeling down to hug her. She placed her tiny arms around my neck, squeezing tightly and laughed.

"Aunty Bella," she whispered unlocking her arms so she could look into my eyes. "Will you sit with me to watch the game?" Her face lit up and I couldn't tell if it was the fact that she got to sit with me or if it was just the fact she got to watch the football. When I looked down at her shirt and realised she was wearing a Giants jersey I reasoned it was a bit of both.

"Of course I will Lex," I answered and she dragged me over to sit on the floor beside her. Although I wasn't a huge football fan, actually I wasn't a football fan at all, I had to admit Lexie looked really cute in the jersey; she even had a number on the back. I assumed it was Emmett's number 48, but when I looked down I saw the number 18. I turned to Rosalie and it was apparent her and Alice had been watching me.

"I'm surprised Emmett let her have someone else's number," I chuckled. "Who's number 18 and why hasn't Em got rid of him yet?" Rose smiled awkwardly but it was Lexie that answered me.

"Daddy said as long as I keep it in the family it's alright. I wear Daddy's number as well, sometimes," she explained. Confusion crossed over me and I turned to Rose and Alice again. They avoided my gaze.

"Lex," I said turning back to her smiling face. "What do you mean keep it in the family? Who is number 18?" Almost as the question left my lips the answer dawned on me.

"It's Uncle Eddy," Lexie said shaking her head. I gulped and the thoughts that had been pushed away came surging back, causing a wave of emotion to pulse through me. All the feelings I'd denied -anger, sadness, resentment, despair, hurt, jealousy, betrayal, inadequacy- crashed down on me simultaneously making it hard to breathe. Edward Cullen was Alice's brother and he and I had had a thing in high school. Once upon a time I'd thought he was the one, I thought we would be together forever but apparently he didn't. In this very house Edward had ripped my heart from my chest and torn it into a million little pieces. It took me years to get over him and I wasn't entirely sure that my heart had healed completely but I had finally moved on. That's why at that moment I pushed all the hurt and anger away and forced a smile. Alice and Rose both let out a sigh of relief and returned to the easy conversation from earlier.

"So," I said to Lexie. "Uncle Eddie is your favourite?" Lexie turned to check her mum wasn't looking before nodding her head vigorously.

"Yeah," she admitted. "Don't tell Daddy though, it might hurt his feelings." I laughed and patted her on the back. "I do like daddy too but uncle Eddy is the quarterback," she added by way of explanation. I shook my head. How on earth did a four+ year old know what a quarterback was?

"Don't worry Lex, it'll be our little secret." I winked, causing her to burst into a fit of giggles. Just then all conversation and emotion regarding Edward seemed to leave as Mike, Carlisle and Jasper joined us. Jasper sat on the couch between Rosalie and Alice. He kissed Rose on the cheek and then placed his arm around Alice pulling her close to him, before turning his attention to the TV. Mike sat down next to me on the floor and I placed a chaste kiss on his lips as we linked hands. He waved hello to Rose and said hi to Lexie, who'd he met a couple times before.

Lexie apparently had a new favourite or didn't like Mike because when he sat down she crawled toward Jasper, sitting on his lap. Luckily Mike didn't seem to notice this. Carlisle who had left the room for a moment returned, holding Esme's hand. They sat down at the table just behind the couch. When the game began my nerves got the better of me. Every cell clenched and my breathing hitched slightly as dread and anticipation washed over me. I hated watching football at the best of times, the fact that it would be the first time I would see Edward in years, only seemed to amplify this. When he appeared on the screen my body went in to shock, causing a dull ache in my chest. Lexie clapped her hands behind me.

"Yay, go Uncle Eddy," she cheered loudly causing everyone to laugh, that was everyone but Mike who stiffened beside me. I glanced at him and could see anger and jealousy burning in his eyes as he stared at the screen. Mike was aware that I had dated a boy named Edward in high school and that he had broken my heart. But until that moment he had not realised that Edward was the Edward Cullen. A detail I had avoided, to keep from any awkward conversations. A conversation that was certain to follow the game. I cuddled close to him, resting my chin on his shoulder.

"Are you ok?" I asked in a whisper. He softened slightly at my touch but the tension still remained.

"I'm fine," he whispered between clenched teeth. A small sigh escaped my lips.

"I love you," I mumbled, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. He relaxed further, removing his hand from mine and placing it around my shoulder. I watched the TV but nothing seemed to register, I couldn't even tell you the score. I was too aware of Mike and the way the muscles in his jaw clenched whenever Edward was on the screen. Focusing on the game was impossible. When half time arrived, I sighed in relief.

"Do you want to go to our room?" I questioned. He nodded tersely in reply.

"I'm going to give Mike a tour of the house and then we'll probably go to bed. We're a bit tired from the trip," I told the rest of them jumping up from the floor. I pulled Mike up with me and we held hands as we walked towards the stairs. "Um where are we sleeping?" I asked turning back. Everyone smirked at us, apparently not buying our story. Fortunately they didn't think it was related to Edward at all. They assumed we wanted to be alone.

"The first room on the left," Esme replied, apparently more insightful then the others. She knew that Mike was uncomfortable and didn't want to exacerbate the situation by saying whose room it was.

"Um, are you sure?" I asked. The first room on the left was Edwards's room and I wasn't sure about the norm for those types of situations. Was it ok to sleep in your ex's bed with your fiancée? Apparently it was.

"Of course," Esme said smiling kindly, "it's the only free room with a king size bed." I nodded and Mike and I made our way up the stairs to the room. When the door opened Mike dropped my hand. I closed it softly behind us before turning towards him. Anger and jealously almost dripped form his skin. He was beyond furious.

"What the hell Bella?" he snarled. "How could you not tell me that your ex was Edward Cullen?" I shied away from his gaze.

"I…didn't think it was important," I replied, playing with my fingers. He let out a humourless laugh.

"You didn't think it was important?" he hissed, stepping towards me. "He's a bloody superstar. He's not only best friends with your brother but he's related in some way to everyone you care about. We're getting married in his house for fuck sake. How is it not important?" he seethed breathing heavily.

"I don't know, I… I just, I don't know, ok," I shrugged, looking anywhere but at Mike.

"You don't know?" he mocked and I could feel myself becoming frustrated. I understood he was upset but I didn't appreciate being made fun of. Why couldn't he understand? "Bella you're supposed to trust me, we're supposed to tell each other everything."

"Look I didn't see the point of bringing it up," I snapped, my frustration exploding. "It just… it…." I couldn't finish the sentence.

"What," Mike groaned, stepping towards me again so we were almost touching. "It, what?" I didn't answer him. He groaned again. "Fuck Bella, talk to me," he added desperately. He reached his hand across to lift my chin so he was staring into my eyes. The moment became too intense and I had to look away. My eyes fell on a picture that sat on the bedside table and I groaned internally. It was a picture of Edward and me on his 18th birthday. Mike followed my gaze and he exploded again.

"This is his fucken room?" he almost growled. "We're sleeping in his room?" He paced away from me. .

"Are you still in love with him Bella," he questioned his jaw clenched. I shook my head.

"I can't believe you'd even ask that. I love you." I whispered emphatically, hurt by the accusation. "It was the only free room, it's nothing more," I explained. This didn't comfort Mike at all. He began pacing back and forth.

"Right, nothing more. How am I supposed to sleep in that?" he spat gesturing towards the bed. His eyes glistened with anger. "Did you two fuck in this bed?" he stopped pacing and we stared at each other. Anger began to pulse through me. He had no right to ask that.

"I'm not going to dignify that with a response," I replied trying hard to keep calm.

"That's a yes," he snorted, waving his arms in the air. "And why doesn't it surprise me." That was it, my anger exploded and I stormed toward him, pointing my finger.

"No it's not a yes," I screamed my eyes cold. "It means you're being a dick and I'm not going to answer that question. And what the hell do you mean it doesn't surprise you?" If I hadn't heard it, I wouldn't have believed the venom my voice contained at that moment.

"It means that you were just another notch on Cullen's belt," he answered. "I've seen the bimbo's he parades around, you were just the first of many." This comment felt like a dagger to my heart. I couldn't believe that the man I loved was comparing me to a football bimbo. Mike knowing he'd gone too far reached out to me but I stepped from his grasp. I bit my lip to keep the tears from falling as I stumbled towards the door. The words seemed to weigh down on me, making it hard to breathe.

"Bella," Mike sighed "Baby I'm sorry, you know," I stopped in front of the door interrupting him before he could finish.

"I can't talk to you right now, not when you're like this," I mumbled, my voice quivering. "I'm going to watch the end of the game, come find me when you become the man I love again."

"Babe," Mike pleaded he didn't continue because I exited the room and closed the door, creating a barrier between us. He groaned in frustration and kicked what I assumed was the bed. "Damn it," he added. I inhaled deeply, composing myself before going downstairs. When I joined the rest of them I couldn't tell if they heard the commotion or not. None of them looked at me; they just watched the game shouting excitedly. It seemed natural enough. I glanced at the TV and watched a replay of Emmett catching the ball in front of some Cowboy's player. Despite my bad mood I couldn't help but cheer Emmett on with the rest of the family. I may not like the sport, but I was a proud sister. There was thirty seconds left and the Giants were 3 points down. I knew what had to happen and I knew that Edward was the man to do it. He had thrown several match winning touchdown passes before. He could almost do it in his sleep. As he stepped on the field the familiar ache in my heart returned. Just as I predicted Edward won the match for them and everyone around me celebrated. I joined in, hugging everyone before heading outside. No one joined me; they could sense that I wanted to be alone.

Leaning against the railing of the porch I stared up at the night sky. It didn't comfort me, but the cool night air and the light shining down from the moon seemed to help me relax. After about 10 minutes I heard the door open and footsteps approached. Familiar arms wrapped around my waist and a chin rested lightly on my shoulder.

"I'm so sorry babe," Mike whispered softly, his voice was so pained it almost hurt me to listen to it. He placed a small kiss on the back of my neck. "You know I didn't mean any of it." He turned my body so I was facing him. He placed one hand on my hip and moved the other to my face, cupping my cheek. "You're right I was being a dick. I was just so jealous," he added gazing into my eyes.

"So I'm not just another bimbo? I'm not just another notch on Edward's belt?" I asked folding my arms across my chest. I knew it was petty but I wasn't quite ready to forgive him. Mike sighed.

"Bella, of course not," he crooned removing his hand from my cheek and hip, grasping both my hands. He leaned his forehead against mine and I could feel my resolve faltering. "You are the most gorgeous girl I have ever met, you know I could never think that of you, right?" he asked, I averted my eyes. "Bella you are my whole world, you mean everything to me. I'm so sorry." My eyes locked on his again and I nodded, finally willing to accept what he was saying. He smiled at me and brought his lips to mine.

"I love you," Mike whispered as we pulled apart.

"I love you too," I replied as he pulled me against his chest. We stayed like that for several moments before I spoke again. "And babe I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Edward I just," Mike stopped me from speaking, tilting my head so I was looking at him once again.

"Bella it doesn't matter. You don't have to explain it to me," he said. I shook my head stepping out from the comfort of his arms.

"No I want to tell you. You were right we are supposed to share everything," I reasoned, inhaling deeply before continuing. Mike didn't speak but he grabbed one of my hands urging me to continue. "It's just, it hurts so much. Seeing him, talking about him it causes an ache in my heart that almost kills me," I mumbled so softly I was surprised Mike could hear it. "I'm not in love with him anymore but he has scarred me badly." A tear fell down my cheek and Mike raised his other hand to wipe away the tear.

"Oh babe, I'm so sorry. I wish I could take away all the pain he's caused you," he murmured. Realisation dawned on him. "That's why you don't watch any of Emmett's games, isn't it?" he asked, I nodded and he kissed me softly on the forehead. We shared one last kiss and then went inside, all the drama finally over. After saying goodnight to everyone, for real this time, Mike and I finally went to bed. I smiled to myself as I lay next Mike. Despite everything we seemed stronger than ever. However it was not Mike I dreamed of when I finally slipped into unconsciousness.

Let me know what you think

MrCullen 6 xo