CHAPTER 6

EPOV

I just dropped off Isabella around the corner before meeting Jasper at the café. I had to put my cap and sunglasses on just to be safe from unwanted attention. I entered the cafe and immediately saw Jasper in the furthest seat.

"Hey bro, what are you doing out here? Where's Al?"

"Oh, she's with her business partner, she needed to get the decorations for the anniversary dinner this weekend. Where have you been?"

"Back at Sequim, went to church"

Japer gave a small smile before speaking "Ah. Beauty and The Beast went to church. You're not planning to elope are you?"

"Nah! We've only known each other for a month and we're still in the process of getting to know more about each other. I actually invited her to come over this weekend, you know so you could meet her. But she had to arrange a family dinner but she promised to come the next day. Have lunch with us."

"That's really cool. I told you you'd see her again. Maybe you would see ugly duckling again sometime, who knows" he breathe out a heartily laugh

"Yeah, maybe. Would you believe? I got my first kiss from a stranger, at the age of what? Seven?"

"I'm pretty sure we got her name but I really can't recall, neither Emmet but we thought it was very funny and we started calling her ugly duckling."

"Actually before she left, I remember her mother calling her Izzy. But that's it. Izzy."

We chatted for a while talking about his preparations for his proposal for Alice. He also reminded me about my photo shoot next month. I was glad that he was able to get me out of filming for a while. A little later Alice came barging in the cafeteria. She bought a box of pastries before we all head home.

The following days were a little hectic. Alice and Rosalie were busy tending and decorating and preparing for the meals for the upcoming dinner. Emmet and I would take turns in taking care of Lia and Roe. Jasper on the other hand is also busy preparing with Alice' partner for his proposal. Isabella and I didn't have much time to communicate as she was busy with her book and had to keep in touch with her publisher. Saturday came and the family had breakfast together. I couldn't help but notice how love radiates from my parents. 30 years of marriage is not an easy task but they manage to rise above the storms. With Emmet and Rose being together for 5 years already and have been blessed with two adorable children and with my little sister, soon to be engaged I can't help but wonder when will I ever have my own happy ending. After breakfast we all went to Port Angeles for a spa day which was supposedly just for mom and dad but Alice insisted that we all go leaving the twins with the rest of the helpers.

"Assembly time everyone! Meet me downstairs in 10!" Alice wailed in the corridor.

"Alice darling, you need not shout." Carlisle reprimanded her.

I tried my best to tame my wild hair but it won't. I really don't know why we have to dress up since it's only a family affair. I tried calling Isabella but she didn't pick up her phone so I just sent her a quick message telling her that I miss her. I was about to go out of my room when my phone rang and I immediately answered it.

"Hey, sorry I wasn't able to answer your call. I'm actually driving."

"Oh, I didn't know, I'm sorry, go on. I don't want you to get caught in any accident."

"I'm just about to pull over. Remember, the family dinner thing. I'll try to sneak out later and call you."

"Ok beautiful. Talk to you later."

"Ok, uh, by the way I missed you too." Then just as she ended the call, Emmet knocked on my door.

"Hey, Eddie, I swear, Alice is fuming. We've been waiting for you."

When we reached the living room area everybody else's apparently are in their position for the family portrait. Jasper has set up the tripod and put the camera on timer. Mom and Dad are seated on the couch with Lia and Roe by their side. Emmet stood with Rosalie on my left, while Alice and Jasper are on my right. The camera clicked and Jasper went over it to set the timer again. This time the grand children sat on dad and mom's lap. Rose and Alice sat on either side of the armrest of the couch while we boys stood at the back. After the flash, we decided to have a less serious shot. Jasper was about to walk over the camera when a vision I wasn't prepared for walk in on us.

"Sorry, I'm late. Want me to take the shot for you guys?" the beauty said while I was rendered speechless.

"Bella! You made it!" Esme stood up followed by Alice squeeling.

Emmet nudge me "Hey, how did Alice knew your lady knight?

"I have no idea." Carlisle has just finished giving her a hug when Alice drag her to the couch to introduce us.

"C'mon Bells, I'd like you to meet the rest of the Cullens"

When they reach us, her eyes widened in surprise and all I could give her was my crooked smile. Alice and the others are apparently oblivious to the fact that we knew each other.

"So, this is the love of my life Jasper, my older brother Emmet and his wife Rosalie and my other brother. . ."

"Anthony." She said in a whisper

"Oh of course you would know who Anthony is, but in the confines of the Cullen residence we call him Edward. Anthony is his middle name and Masen is mom's maiden name. So guys this is my best friend . . ."

I cut her as I made my way to my princess "Isabella"

I could sense Alice surprise as well as the others but I didn't care. I reach out for her hands and held it. "Ah, I really don't know how to explain this but I guess it's just fate. Mom, Dad, may I introduce Isabella. She's the girl that I've been seeing these past few weeks."

"Wait! Wait! Wait! How in the world did this happen? Bella when did you meet my brother?" Alice is really confused right now.

"Why don't we talk about it over dinner, the food is already served." It was Carlisle who spoke.

We then went on with dinner, trying to explain how we met back in LA. Apparently the 'friend' that called Isabella, well Bella while we were speaking back then was Alice reminding her that she was late for dinner. She then went on in telling her encounter with us first in the airport valet then in the restaurant. I could see Jasper is trying to look like she didn't know Bella yet even though they have seen each other for the sake of keeping the proposal a secret. We were all enamored on how we have all obliviously known or met Bella all this time.

"Are you sure that your recent fall didn't brought this multiple identity that you have?" Jasper joked.

Bella choked on her drink and I patted her back "How did you know about that?" she asked.

"Edward, uh, Anthony? What do I call you now Eddie?" Then everyone laughed

"Whatever suits you Jazz"

"As I was saying, Bella, Edward and I met Carlisle one afternoon, then he received a call about the police chief's daughter tackling the ground. All the while Edward and I thought that you were a kid not until Carlisle said that your 25 or something." Another round of laughter fills the table and Bella started turning red.

"I really hope that I didn't get any multiple identity disorder from that as I have been bumping my head pretty much into anything in the past 25 years of my existence." Bella responded.

"Well at least now we all know that, Edward's Isabella, the Belle I met at the bookstore and Alice's best friend Bella are one and the same." Emmet teased.

"That's where you are wrong brother. She has a secret that I've been dreading to find out. You see Bella here is a writer but won't tell me what her pen name is" Alice gave a playful glare over her best friend. I remember during one of our email conversations that she writes but she avoided my prying on what books she has written.

"Perhaps we could ask Rose if she knew her. She by the way is working with Meyers Publishing. Maybe you could dig something up Rose" I teased wrapping my arms around Bella's shoulders. At first I thought she tensed because of my gesture but then I notice that she exchanged glances with my mother then with Rosalie who seems surprised with my question as well.

"Ugh, maybe." Rose shrugged giving an apologetic smile to Bella.

"I don't think you have to bother Rose. We'll know sooner. How about dessert?" Esme broke the silence

###

BPOV

I was grateful for Esme for saving my ass. It'll only be a few weeks before I reveal my true identity. Not that I didn't want to share it with the Cullens since they have been a family to me, well, at least Alice. But now that I've learned about Anthony, well, Edward I am even more compelled to tell them now. I am not sure if anyone caught my exchange of "help"and "please don't tell them yet"from Esme and Rosalie.

While savoring Esme's blueberry cheese cake, I had the time to just think over how much of a revelation happened tonight. All this time, I have interacted with each of the other Cullens, well you could add Whitlock to that as well. At first I was nervous as hell about meeting 'Anthony's' family, well in fact, I already have. After dinner we moved back to the living room, again in humor of the different circumstances were I met each one of them. Alice and Esme has been generous enough to fill in my high school mishaps to Edward in which Emmet feasted with a laugh like I was some sort of his source of entertainment. Carlisle on the other hand, outed some of Edward's personal demise especially when it is something that came from Emmet's wonderful rack of ideas. We shared a good laugh or two but I could sense Rose and Jasper's distance. Rose is just trying to be discreet about the fact that we know each other, well she knew who I really am now and Jasper, of course, we are trying to be discreet as there will be some proposing that'll be happening any moment from now.

"So, how about we start giving our gifts to mom and dad then we'll finish it off with a toast?" Alice beamed.

"Sounds good! Well, here, since I'm the eldest. From Rose and I." Esme tore the wrapper and almost cried before turning it to us. It is a painting of her and Carlisle, most likely on their wedding day. Her radiance and Carlisle's charm never faded even after thirty years. But apart from that what is clearly evident in the portrait is the love they have for each other. The way they looked at each other in the painting seems to have been intensified through the years.

"Emmet, Rose, thank you." Carlisle said before giving Esme a quick kiss on her forehead.

Alice then stood up asking Jasper's help and went outside. After a few minutes of being entertained by Roe and Lia's performance, Jasper came in pushing a clothes rack.

"Ugh, Mary Alice what is this? Your father and I have enough clothing dear"

"I know, don't worry, you'll only have three pairs of each." Everyone was confused.

"I actually bought a spread in Elle for my recent collection." pointing at the hanging clothes. "I got my inspiration from you actually, see? This one is very mom, and this is very dad." She said while taking two sets from the rack "And uhm, it would really mean a lot to me if you agree to model the clothes. Please? Mom? Dad?"

"Don't you think mom and dad is a little too old for some photo shoots sissy?" Emmet teased which earned him a resounding smack at the back from Rosalie.

"Oh wow honey, thank you so much for this. But I don't know with the photo shoot, I'm not sure if I am happy that other ladies will drool over my husband's handsomeness." Esme said as she embraced Alice. "Look who's talking my beautiful wife. I'm sure every man on earth will be jealous that I've got you for myself. Of course Al, we'll do it, it's a once in a lifetime experience and an honor to wear our daughter's creations."

"Really?" Alice practically jump like a little child and embraced her parents.

Next was Edward. He stood up and held out a legal size white envelope to his parents. Esme again, opened it and her face lit up like a child on Christmas Eve.

"I know you guys have been busy with work and all and I know that you have always wanted to take mom to Greece so." Edward said

"Just don't get mom knocked up dad. It would be weird if we suddenly have to have a baby sister or brother." a loud laughter followed Emmet's comment. Rose just rolled her eyes.

"Why not son, I think I can still keep up. Right darling?" Carlisle said while Esme blushed. It is such a really sweet thing to watch them.

I've known Carlisle and Esme for years and they have as well considered me family. So I got up and handed my gift to Esme. A couple of months ago I decided to write a story about them. As much as I wanted to write about my parents, their relationship didn't last. Ever since I have met Carlisle and Esme I have always looked up to the love and passion and sacrifice they have to offer each other. And someday I would like to have that too. Of course, they both knew that I would write about them but they didn't know when it will be published. I requested a special copy just for them. Instead of using fictional names, I asked the publishing company to put Carlisle and Esme's names. I also have a special dedication just for them especially for this event. And as always, I sign the last page not by Helen Marie, but by IMSwan.

"Esme, Carlisle, I know you have an idea what this is but I just wanted you to know that it inspired me a lot and I just hope that I could have the kind of relationship that you have someday. Happy Anniversary. You deserve this." I handed Esme my present as I sat back beside Edward.

"Oh my God Bella when did you?" Esme almost squealed. This made Alice curious and grab the book from her. I'm dead!

"You got them a book?" She looked covering her mouth "You got them a Helen Marie book?! Rosalie is working with her! Right Rose?"

Rose eyed my before speaking "Yeah. I do. And you will work for her too right?" I totally forgot about the movie.

"Mhm." Was all her response. She started flipping the pages and I just prayed that she won't turn it till the last page. Her head was still bent down focused on whatever she is reading. Edward felt my queasiness. "Bella, are you ok?"

"Yes, I'm fine" until Alice snap the book. I am doomed!

"Oh well, I guess I just have to wait to meet her then I could have all my books autographed. I could take yours too mom."

"She'll have her first appearance in Seattle. I could try and get you VIP passes." Rose added. I looked at her and mouthed That was close!

"Everybody seemed to have given their gifts, now it's my turn." Jasper said after letting out a shaky breath.

Edward leaned close to my ear sending shivers down my spine. "Have you seen the ring?"

"Uhm, there's no ring actually. But we do have a shoe." He quirked an eyebrow at me and I gave him a smile.

"Honestly, I have no idea what to give you. You've considered me as your son and now you have my sister as your daughter in law. Truly, through the years that I have been with you, all I saw is how much of a loving, caring, understanding and compassionate partner you are with each other. You'd do anything and be anything just to make each other happy, but most of all, your children happy. And so I think, that is one gift that I would like to give you Carlisle. Esme. Making your children happy. Particularly your little princess. Alice?"

Jasper crouched down in front of Alice who is sitting beside Esme. He then handed her the Jimmy Choo box. She looked at me questioningly since she saw it at my place. He opened the box for Alice and I knew from the look of her face that she loved it. Jasper pulled out the right shoe and presented it to Alice.

"Yes! Yes! Oh my Jasper, Of course Yes!" She barely whispered with tears streaming down her face.

"Wait, did I miss you asking my sister? And where's the ring?" Emmet asked

"Bella help me to request that the tag be replaced with "Marry Me" instead of the shoe brand. And Emmet, I haven't bought a ring yet I wanted Alice to pick it." Jasper explained.

"Oh Bells, thank you so much! This is so me! Jasper, thank you honey! I'm engaged! You and Angela are gonna be busy now!"

Everyone gave their congratulations to both Alice and Jasper. I am very happy that Alice liked my idea; after all we promised that we'll help each other with our dream love stories. The night went by fast and now I am headed home. I kissed each one of them goodbye. Edward gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek. I felt a blush crept up since everybody's there at the doorstep. I quickly made my way through my car before Alice called me

"Bella. Thank you again for helping Jasper. I wouldn't want it any other way. And don't worry, Angela and I will be keeping our promises. I think we'll be busy planning a wedding soon after mine." She said as she gave Edward a nudge.

You'll find it soon. Trust me.And I think I did.