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Chapter Four

Edward and Bella spent the rest of the day talking about everything; from their favorite color to their most embarrassing moments. He kept Bella's hand in his while they walked and talked. He would place his hand on hers if they were sitting. He couldn't stop touching her. It was as if she had a magnet that was attracting him. He couldn't resist her.

They didn't even realize how late it was until Esme found them lying on their backs staring at the setting sun. She simply cleared her throat and informed them that the evening meal was ready. Edward couldn't help but notice the smug grin that was on his mothers face as she turned to walk back into the house.

Before they could walk into the house Bella grabbed for Edwards hand to stop him. "I've really had a nice time today, Edward. I don't think I have ever found it so easy to speak with someone without insulting their intelligence."

Edward couldn't help the small laugh that bubbled inside. "Well, I'm glad you approve of my intelligence."

Bella blushed a beautiful crimson and Edward just couldn't resist placing his hand on her cheek. Bella closed her eyes and leaned into his touch placing her hand over his.

"Bella, why have you been wearing gloves all day? It is quite warm for the season."

Bella could feel her face flush even brighter than before. "It's to help keep the cuts cleaned. Carlisle did such a wonderful job cleaning them I wanted to make sure they stayed that way."

"What happened?" Edward was worried. What could have happened in such a short time since she has been here that could have caused her harm?

"I simply fell. I am completely clumsy." Edward could tell that she was lying. She looked away from him and towards the ground and stumbled over her words a little. He pulled her close, took her hand is his and slowly as to not hurt her, pulled off one of her gloves.

Edward unwound the bandages to look at the wounds himself. He wanted to make sure they were thoroughly cleaned. He trusted his father completely, but this was his love. He needed to make sure.

Bella hissed a little as the cool air hit her still opened wounds. "They need to be cleaned again. I will do it after the evening meal and then I'll wrap them for you."

"Edward, really it's no big deal. I can clean them and wrap them. You don't need to fuss."

"Bella, don't you get it. I will always fuss over you. I will always take care of you."

At his words Bella knew without a doubt that Edward was truly deeply in love with her and she felt guilty she couldn't return the feelings. She did like him very much, but she simply did not love him.

Much of the evening meal was spent going over wedding plans and finalizing the few things that were not prepared. Bella was thrilled that she didn't have to put much effort into planning this wedding. She simply didn't even know where to begin.

"Oh Bella," Alice clapped happily. "We will be having a small get together on your birthday. It will only be close friends and family, but we wanted to do something for your birthday."

"Oh, Alice," Bella said staring wide eyed. "You really didn't need to go through the trouble. I don't really do birthdays."

"What do you mean? You have to celebrate your birthday."

"It's just never done. I don't really like the attention."

Alice huffed and crossed her arms glaring at Bella. "Well, you will simply have to get used to it and endure it because it's already in place."

"Alice," Esme chided. "If she really doesn't want it, we can cancel. We didn't take into consideration of what Bella may have wanted."

"No, Esme it's fine really. I simply wasn't expecting it."

"Bella, you are a brave woman," Carlisle stated. "I know you will fit in with this family just fine."

Bella blushed and looked towards Edward who was looking at Bella in awe. He was simply amazed that this woman came into their family a complete stranger and fit so perfectly. He knew that Bella did not love him, yet, but he would spend forever proving that he was a good husband and provider. He would spend the rest of his life trying to make her happy and hoped that one day she might love him in return.

Edward awake the next morning dreading the day. He didn't want to have to go into the hospital, but he simply had no choice. He only had two more turns of the clock until he was freed from his duties for nearly two months.

He quickly made his way down stairs to find Bella already up and ready for her day.

"Good morning, Edward," she greeted as he entered the dining room sitting next to her.

"Good morning, Bella," Edward greeted in return. "I have to go into the hospital today. Do you have any plans?"

"I believe your mother and sister will be taking me into town; something about the perfect dress and not to fuss."

Edward chuckled and nodded his head. "Well, if they give you too much trouble just run to the hospital I will hide you out until I finish my shift."

Bella couldn't hide the giggle that bubbled up within her. "I just might take you up on that offer, however, I do not know where the hospital is and I'm afraid I would find myself completely lost in a city I do not know."

Edward laughed and nodded his head. "That would be a terrible situation. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time with mother and Alice."

Bella nodded. "Edward, do you think tomorrow you would like to go for a walk around the gardens again or perhaps a ride?"

Edward sighed. "Unfortunately I cannot. I have to work tomorrow, but I will be off for nearly two months after and we can take as many walks or rides as you please."

Bella nodded. "I look forward to it. I really enjoyed yesterday."

Edward couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. He always wanted to make Bella happy and it seemed he was on the right track.

"No, it's simply too much," Bella complained looking at the dress that Alice insisted was perfect for her wedding day.

"Nonsense," Alice said. "It's perfect and you know it."

"Alice, it's beautiful, but it's simply too much. I cannot afford such a dress."

Alice's draw dropped in a very un-lady like fashion. "You expected us to have you pay?"

"Alice I refuse to allow you to pay for this. It is too much. Let's just find something…not so much. Please."

"Mama!" Alice screeched. "Will you please tell Bella this dress is perfect and not to worry about money."

"Bella, if you like the dress, please get it. Money is of no matter; however, if you do not like the dress then we will keep looking. It's your wedding day, you chose what you like."

Bella was biting on her bottom lip looking between the dress and Alice. She didn't want to insult Alice, but she just wanted something simple, like her.

"I will keep this dress in mind Alice, but it simply isn't me."

Alice pouted, but nodded her head and put the dress back.

Bella couldn't believe how many dress shops there were in such a small section of city. It seemed that every other they went into sold dresses. Bella was getting tired and a bit hungry when they entered the last store. Alice was completely frustrated by Bella's lack of enthusiasm. That is until Bella stopped dead in her track, a beautiful smile lighting up her face.

"That's the one," Bella said walking towards the perfect dress. It was simple, but elegant. It was everything Bella had ever dreamed of. It had a simple off the shoulder sleeve with a squared neckline. It had a beautiful white satin underlay with an ivory lace overlay. It fitted tastefully around the bust and slightly flared to the floor. It couldn't be more perfect.

"Bella," Esme said sniffling a little. "I simply will not let you walk out of here without that gown. It is perfect."

Bella couldn't agree more.

"Excuse me," Alice called the clerk. "Is there some place we can try this on?"

Bella was led to changing room and quickly slipped the dress on. It was made for her. Not one adjustment would need to be made. She walked out of the room with a huge smile on her face to be met with a squealing Alice and a teary eyed Esme.

Edward had had a long day. It was abnormally busy and he was happy to finally be free to head home to his love. He would hopefully be in time for the evening meal. Before he left he was please to find out that he would not be needed the following day and that he was free to start his leave as of that evening. Edward couldn't be happier than he was.

He arrived home just as everyone was sitting down for their meal and couldn't keep the smile off his face.

"Edward, you seem happy son," Carlisle commented.

"I have just been informed that I am free to start my leave from the hospital as of this evening. I will not be required to be back for two months."

"Well, I would say that's a reason to smile."

"It really is father."

Edward looked over at Bella who looked like she was ready to fall asleep right at the table.

"Are you feeling alright," Edward asked bringing the attention of the others to her.

"I'm fine. Just a bit tired. I had no idea how many shops there were in such a small portion of the city."

Edward laughed. "I take it you had a long day then."

"I'm sure it was not nearly as long as yours. How was the hospital today? I hope nothing too terrible occurred while on shift."

"It was a busy day today, but nothing horrible my dear."

The rest of the meal was spent in silent conversation while Bella simply pushed her food around her plate too tired to eat.

The following morning Bella rose earlier than the rest of the house. She quickly got ready and headed downstairs looking for Angela, the cook.

"Angela, I am going to go for a morning stroll. Would you please inform Mrs. Cullen or anyone looking for me? I will be back in time for our morning meal. I just want to get some air for a little bit."

"Of course Miss," Angela replied with a curtsy. "Please call me Bella and you don't need to curtsy. "Of course Bella," She replied with a small smile.

Bella walked out the mud room towards the patch of trees at the back of the garden. She missed her walks in the woods and hoped to find some peace this beautiful morning. It was a bit chilly, but the sun was out and Bella couldn't ask for anything better. She often would walk in the rain when living in Forks and return covered in mud, much to her parent's dismay.

Bella had lost all track of time and soon found herself in a beautiful meadow covered in wild flowers. She could hear a small stream at the far end and could hear the sounds of nature all around her. It was the most peaceful place she had ever been. She knew that this would become her new sanctuary. It was perfect.

Bella sat down weaving a few pieces of grass together trying to figure out her feelings towards Edward. She was truly trying to love him. She knew that given time she possibly could, but at this moment she didn't know what she felt. She very much so enjoyed his company and their talks, she often got a fluttery feeling when he would hold her hand. He was beautiful and smart and everything she had ever imagined in a man she would marry, so why was it so hard for her to love him? Perhaps it was because she felt she was being forced into the marriage. She simply did not know.

"What's a pretty young thing like you doing out here all alone," she heard come from behind her.

Bella startled and stood up too fast falling back into the arms of an unknown man.

"I'm sorry," she said pulling away. "I didn't know this meadow belonged to anyone."

"It belongs to the Cullen's actually. I just come out here to hunt from time to time."

Bella nodded at the man before backing away. Something about him did not sit well with her. He didn't look like a man with good intensions.

"What's your name?" he asked grabbing her hand and pulling her to him.

"Please sir, I must be going now."

"Aww come on sweetheart, tell me your name."

"It's Bella sir. Now please if you will I really need to return."

"I've never seen you around here before. Where are you staying?"

"The Cullen's sir. I'm to wed Edward Cullen in just five days time. Please I must return before they worry."

"You're not going anywhere, but with me sweaty."

Bella's heart began to beat faster than it ever had. She had never been so scared in her entire life. This man was no good and she just knew that he was going to try something. Bella tried to pull her arm away, tears streaming down her face.

"Please let me go. I do not wish to go with you. I wish to get back to my fiancé. He is expecting me."

Bella felt a sharp pain across her face. "Didn't anyone tell you that a man's word is law? I am a man and you will obey me women."

"You are not my betrothed, nor my husband. I do not need to listen to you nor any other man for that matter. I have a mind of my own and I know how to use it. Release me now before I scream."

Another pain shot across Bella's face this time knocking her to the ground. The man crawled on top of Bella holding her face in his hands. "Now you listen to me women. You are mine now and you will do as I say or so help me I will punish you."

Bella's breathing was becoming erratic. This man was going to take her as his. He was going to take her virtue and possibly her life. She let out a blood curdling scream that rang through the woods. It was the last thing she did before her world went dark.