I don't own Twilight. all Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter Six

There's a first time for Everything

For the first time in six years I slept all through the night. My dreams weren't exactly pleasant, but I was able to actually get some rest. I was taken from restful sleep by a rapping noise, which I soon realized was coming from my door. I checked my clock and it said 8:00. Groaning, I wrapped my blanket around me and went to answer the door.

It was Edward with breakfast. "Good morning, Bella. I come baring treats."

"Morning," I managed to mutter.

"You're not a morning person I see." He was dressed a little more relaxed today in a Dartmouth shirt that seemed to hug his body in all the right places and some comfortable looking jeans. His bronze hair was its own style of mess, but endearing all the same. No one could ever expect to copy it and achieve the same effect that just came naturally for him.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?" I left the door open for him and threw myself on the couch, still very sleepy.

The door closed and I heard him making his way across the room. "It's time for breakfast," he chuckled.

I groaned at how awake he sounded. "No, it's time for sleep. It's Saturday and that means you get to sleep in. No work to get up for or places to go." I sat up, opening one eye to see him. "I'm surprised you didn't already know that, Dr. Cullen," I smirked and closed my eyes again.

He chuckled from the kitchen. "Well, Miss Swan, this is my first weekend off in years. That means we get to spend the day together. I'm surprised you didn't know that." Oh he was good. He was really good.

"Really?" I sat up on my elbows, wide awake now.

"Of course." He came over to me and handed a to-go cup of coffee to me. "So I figured after you showered we could go visit my parents in Forks. I haven't really seen them since I got back and I know my dad would love to see you again."

Panic rose within me quickly. "Your parents? Are you sure that's such a good idea? I know I already know them, but…" I lowered my eyes, embarrassed at my fear. "I haven't even been to Forks since I graduated." What if Carlisle detested the fact that Edward and I were together? I've spent more than my fair share of time being treated by him for stupid accidents and the majority of my spare time in high school at his house.

"Bella, look at me." Edward lifted my chin gently so I was forced to meet his eyes and smiled that knee weakening crooked grin of his. "My parents already love you. I actually have a feeling that they'll like you better than me once they hear we're together. As for being in Forks, I'll be with you the whole time. I promise nothing bad will happen to you while I'm around." He reassured me, his words making me feel incredibly safe.

My cheeks flushed. "Okay, we can go. But I can't be held responsible for anything crazy that might come up. I'm not good with people."

Edward burst out laughing and pressed his lips to my forehead. "You'll be amazing. Now go get ready, we'll have breakfast in the car."

"So are we going to stay with your parents?" I asked.

"Yes. If that's okay with you?" Nothing ever seemed to rattle him.

"Oh, that's fine." I took a few more sips of coffee and gave him the cup before running off to my room. "This has been an incredible week." I bit my lip, feeling happier than I had in a long time.

"Yes it has. Shower, now." He stood in the doorway of my room and pointed to the bathroom.

As quickly as I could I picked out an outfit, making sure it matched, and climbed into the shower. I washed my hair and showered quickly. I grabbed a towel when I got out, making sure to towel dry my hair when I was dressed.

In my closet I had found a shirt from one of the last concerts that I went to. I put that on with a comfortable pair of faded jeans and some black Converse shoes. My hair was pulled back in a high bun. I quickly packed a bag and zipped it up.

When I walked into the living room Edward was flipping through the stations on my TV. He looked up and grinned when he saw me. "You look beautiful."

I blushed. "Thank you."

He shut the television off and stood up. "Are you ready?"

My hands shook and I tried to hide them by getting my coffee back. "Sure." I grabbed my purse and cell phone as I lead him out.

Once out by the Volvo Edward put our bags in the trunk and opened my door for me. He shut the door once I was safely inside and jogged to the other and got in. "For you," he pulled a cheese Danish out of the bag and handed it to me.

I took it gratefully. "You are the perfect man. Coffee, breakfast, if you hadn't woken me up so early I might have considered giving you a good morning kiss."

"If only I would have waited just a couple more hours," he berated himself jokingly.

Giggling, I leaned over and kissed his cheek lightly. "You'll just have to settle for that, Mr. Cullen."

He glanced at me for a second before turning his attention back to the road. "I can only make that promise if you kiss me again."

I happily obliged. There was some slight stubble on his cheek and it tickled me as I let my lips linger against his skin for a few seconds. I blushed when I pulled away. It felt good to be so ligh hearted. I hadn't felt this way in years.

Last time I was in the car with him I feared for my life so I found it a lot easier to just not pay attention to the road. I finished my Danish and then took Edward's free hand into mine, twining our fingers together. It was a very simple gesture, but one I had never really been comfortable enough to make until now.

Edward grinned that crooked grin when I rested our hands in my lap.

We arrived at his parents' house in record time since he drives like a man with a death wish. I smiled when he opened my door for me and waited while he got our bags out of the car. He took my hand in his and led me up the porch.

He opened the front door and we stepped inside. It was the most amazing house I'd ever seen; everything was light and open. I had been to their house so many times over the years; it felt good to be back. The décor seem to have the same flair as what was in Edward's apartment. His mom must be responsible for that. "Hello! Is anyone home?" he called.

A beautiful woman stepped into the hall. Her hair was a light coppery color and soft features. "Oh Edward." She ran up to us and hugged him tightly. "It's so good to see you, sweetheart."

"You too, Mom." His cheeks were slightly rosy when he pulled back from her. "I believe you already know Bella," he introduced us.

She pulled me into a hug. "Of course, Bella, it is so nice to see you again, dear."

I let out an internal sigh when she released me. "It's been a long time."

"Too long. You look wonderful." It's impossible not to feel loved in Esme's presence. She's so warm and caring.

"Where's Dad?" He ignored her pointed words.

"In the living room with the others." She took my hand. "Go bring those upstairs," she pointed to our bags still in Edward's hands, "and meet us in there." And with that she brought me to the living room with her. "Carlisle, look at who came to visit us."

Carlisle glanced over as we entered the room and his jaw dropped. "Bella? Two times in a week, I feel so lucky." He came over and hugged me quickly. "What brings my favorite patient over?"

"Eddie boy I'd assume," Emmett's voice boomed.

Not only was Emmett lounging on one of the couches, but I also saw Rosalie and Alice and Jasper as well. They all greeted me. "What are you guys doing here?" I grinned.

"Our weekly visit," Alice explained, beaming. She came over to me. "We always come to visit them on the weekends. So, I'm going to assume Edward is responsible for this?" She whispered the last part.

I blushed and nodded. Of course. I had completely forgotten that they all came down to Forks on the weekends. I've been invited along, but have tried to avoid coming down. Besides, I was in my own little bubble with Edward and it was hard to come out. I had almost forgotten where we were headed.

She squealed, nearly bursting my ear drums, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Could you be any louder, Alice?" Edward joked as he came in. He greeted Carlisle and Emmett and nodded to Jasper and Rosalie.

"Do you really want me to answer that question?" She narrowed her eyes at him.

Edward pulled me next to him on the other couch. "Perhaps not." He winked at me, sending a pleasant shiver through me.

"So, son, care to explain why Bella came home with you?" Carlisle broke through our reverie.

All eyes turned to us, watching us expectantly.

He looked at me for a second and I nodded. "Well Dad, Mom, Bella and I are together."

Everyone's jaws dropped. If a pin dropped on the carpet, you could probably hear it.

Before anymore could be said Rosalie, Alice, and Esme rushed me into the kitchen. We all sat around the breakfast table and they stared at me.

"Please, I don't want to talk about it," I begged, avoiding their eyes.

"Bella, it's just a shock. I've never really seen you like this before," Alice admitted.

I looked up at them. "Come on, this can't be that big of a shock. I invited him to dinner last night." I rolled my eyes.

"Not just you, it's Edward too." She looked to her aunt and sister-in-law for help.

"She's right. Edward has always been very closed off," Rosalie interjected.

"You guys are crazy." I blew them off. "Please, can we please, please not talk about this anymore?" I pleaded with them.

"For now," Alice warned. As my best friend she required full disclosure.

That was easier than I thought. We all stood up and were headed back to the living room when Esme stopped me.

She hugged me again. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm thrilled my son found you, Bella. We've always loved you and now our son has the chance to be truly happy." She pressed her cheek to mine. "Thank you, Bella."

I nodded, feeling self-conscious. "Can I ask you something, Esme?"

"Of course, dear," she nodded.

"Has he really changed?" I wasn't really sure if something like that could be noticeable so soon.

Esme looked like she was going to burst with happiness. "Oh yes. You haven't been around him like we have, but there definitely is a change in him."

After our big talk last night, I knew how difficult being at home was for Edward and how unhappy he had been. He shared how depressed he had become and didn't know how to change it. But hearing it from Esme seemed to really drive it home for me. Edward really did need me just as much as I needed him.

We were both wounded and scarred. The pains from our pasts wouldn't go away as quickly as we'd like them to, but hopefully we could help heal each other and open each other up.

My little epiphany made me feel suddenly shy when I took my seat next to him on the couch. I leaned over and kissed his cheek after he took my hand in his and twined our fingers together.

The majority of the day was spent talking and laughing with the Cullen's. Later in the afternoon, before dinner, Edward and I went out back to the stream and sat. Neither of us spoke, we just enjoyed each other's company. It was interesting how we felt so comfortable with one another.

When the sun started going down we went back inside and helped out with dinner. I managed to almost make contact with the floor a couple of times before we sat down to eat, but Edward was always there to catch me.

Alice insisted that Rosalie and I go with her in the morning to look at floral arrangements and I had to give her a firm no. Dinner was finished and we were all gathered in the living room again. "Come on, Bella. This is the perfect time." Carlisle and Esme had already gone to bed.

"No, Ali." I shook my head. "You and Rose can go, but we both know what would happen if I come along. It'll start out as floral arrangement designs and then somewhere along the way it'll turn into Bella Barbie time."

"Please," she pouted her lower lip at me.

I held strong. "Next weekend."

"Fine," Alice gave in and crossed her arms over her chest. A mischievous grin spread across her face.

"What is that look for? Oh no, you're planning something." I let go of Edward's hand for the first time all evening. "Ali… I swear…"

She stood up, pulling Jasper with her. "I don't know what you're talking about. We're off to bed, good night all." She completely ignored me.

I glared after her. "If you do what I think you're going to do I will retaliate! You know I will!"

Edward was chuckling next to me and got to his feet as well. "Are you ready for bed?" He held his hand out for me.

I nodded and allowed him to pull me up.

His room was on the third floor. That's where both of our bags were. My jaw literally dropped when he opened the door and I saw how spacious it was. There was a king size bed in the middle of the room with a gold colored comforter and on the other side, near the bathroom, was a large black leather sofa.

I changed in the bathroom into a comfy tank top and some sweat pants.

When I came out Edward was setting up the couch with a couple of blankets and a pillow. He was just in a pair of pajama bottoms, revealing his naked torso to me for the first time. His chest was perfect hardened muscles that led down to some well proportioned abs. The muscles in his arms and back flexed as he finished up.

I was frozen for a moment when I stepped out.

Edward finally looked up and noticed that I had come out. "I'm going to take the couch. Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine." I hesitated for a moment and finally hugged him.

He kissed my hair before we let go. "Good night, Bella."

I blushed and went over to the bed. "Good night, Edward."

He turned the light out and we settled in.

Sleep came slowly and then I was trapped with James again. I was paralyzed with fear until I finally managed to force myself to wake up. I was in the bed trembling and panting from the nightmare.

After much internal debate I wrapped a blanket around me and went over to the couch. Edward was on his side so I snuggled in next to him and adjusted his arm so it was wrapped around me. I snuggled against his chest and felt his arms wrap a little tighter around me.

I quickly drifted off to sleep, inhaling his amazing scent.

In the morning I was woken up by a gentle pressure on my forehead. I slowly opened my eyes and realized it was Edward kissing me there; we were still on the couch.

"Good morning," he whispered into my ear.

My entire face blushed. "Good morning." I bit my lower lip nervously. "Sorry about this, if it made you uncomfortable… I just couldn't sleep last night."

He seemed amused by my rambling, his crooked grin appearing. "Bella, you don't have to apologize. If we can't comfort each other when something is wrong and be there for each other, then what's the point of us being together in the first place?"

I smiled. "Good. That was the best nights' sleep I've had in years."

"Me, too." He held me close to him, burying his face in my hair. "You are so warm."

I giggled. "What time do we need to head back?"

"After breakfast I think," he replied, nuzzling my neck with his nose. "Stay here with me for a few more minutes."

I snuggled against him again, enjoying his nearness and the safety that it brought. "I'm going to take a shower." I reluctantly got up from our comfortable position and went to get my bag.

"No," he growled.

"Ten minutes and I'll be right out. I promise." I kissed his cheek and waited for him to release me. I showered quickly and dressed.

"Okay, I'm decent." I called before I came out. When I stepped out of the bathroom I lost my footing and tripped. Just before I fell Edward's strong arms wrapped around me, steadying me.

He groaned when he caught site of me. "Oh, Bella. You are completely indecent." He pressed his forehead to mine, running his fingers lightly along my spine. "You look too incredible for words." He leaned back a little, gauging my reaction before finally pressing his lips to mine.

My arms automatically wound around his neck. My mind was screaming to slow down.

Edward started to part my lips, the kiss heating up. But, sensing my hesitancy he pulled back. We were both slightly out of breath. "Slowly," he whispered to me.

I blushed and smiled shyly up at him. "Thank you." And with that I pressed my lips lightly to his for a second. My lips tingled when he parted, making me tremble. This was already turning out to be the perfect day.

Thank youto the fabulous stavanger1 for going through this and correcting my grammar. I appreciate it so much!