I know I've majorly failed on keeping this updated in a timely manner so I'll leave the excuses in my head. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that 2012 has been off to an amazing start for everyone.

I want to thank Tersi and Teddy for being the best Beta, pre-reader, and just all around supporters a girl could ask for.

Thank you to everyone who has read this and taken the time to review. I really appreciate all of the support.

I only own the story idea. The characters belong to Stephenie. Any and all other nouns (i.e.-persons, places, or things) belong to their respective owners and I just am admiring them.

***PLEASE READ THE SPECIAL NOTE AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER***

*Re-posted for additional beta work!* Thank you, Brie.

Chapter Seven-I Knew I Loved You

Ugh, what in the hell did I drink last night? And what in the hell is that God-awful noise? I thought as hid my head under the covers, trying to drown out the insistent screeching that was making my head pound even more. I was startled fully awake as my pillow started to shake with silent laughter for a few seconds before the full on laughter erupted. Once the room was quiet again, I removed the sheet from over us and relaxed in Edward's arms.

"Good Morning, honey bee," he said before kissing the top of my head.

"Morning it is, but so far the only thing good about it is you," I said with a scratchy voice before snuggling tightly into his side. "My head is pounding and I have horrible cotton mouth going on. What in the hell was that noise?"

"That was the alarm you requested I set on my phone last night. You mumbled something along the lines of, 'That little sprite better appreciate the fact that I'm losing beauty sleep to give her a pretty party.'So I figured it was important and set it so you could do what you needed," he said while rubbing circles on my shoulder.

I thought about what he had said for a second before jumping out of bed. "Fuck! Why did I drink so much?" I shouted as I tried to throw on the clothes I wore yesterday. I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, mentally checking through the lists about what I needed to complete with Esme. I was so overwhelmed and not paying full attention to what I was doing that I tripped over one of my boots and fell face first into the thankfully plush carpet.

Edward leapt out of bed to make sure I wasn't really hurt, but tears were streaming down my face from laughing so hard. As he helped me up from the floor I notice what little he had on—or should I say, what was barely hiding the full view of heaven I wanted to see so badly. The black boxer briefs did absolutely nothing to hide his morning excitement. I cursed at the fact that I didn't have time to show him the same pleasure he gave to me last night.

Why does that stupid cock-blocking sprite's party have to ruin my fun? Look, it's all hard and ready for me to worship. Oh, how I want to see how pretty it looks; it has to be pretty, just look at the rest of him. I have to touch. I just have to!

I shook my head and dropped the hand that was already reaching out toward him and tried to clear the naughty thoughts. I had shit to do to make sure Ali's party went off without a hitch. Plus, I needed to make sure she was feeling better after yesterday's migraine.

With one last look at his gorgeous body, I sighed, and then said, "Come on, big boy, get dressed. You can help me get everything set up before you boys disappear for the rest of the day."

After a quick rotation in bathroom, we set off downstairs to get the party set up.

The table and chairs were already being set up on the lawn by Carlisle, so I sent Edward off to help him with one last lingering kiss and greeted Carlisle with a hug. I thanked them for all of their help and directed them to what I still needed help with while I was working with Esme. I was so pleasantly surprised that the sun was shining brightly. It was a rarity in the normally gloomy Seattle sky that made me smile and radiate with joy at how well everything was coming together.

I sought out Esme, who was just laying down the last grey, crepe, diamond pattern tablecloth on the buffet table, to see what still needed to be done. She told me what was already completed and what still needed to be accomplished. Since the florist was set to arrive in an hour, I began to open the boxes that contained the sugary confections.

I had pre-ordered various glass canisters of candies, cookies, and other sweet treats. They had all been delivered yesterday, and I prayed nothing had been broken. Since lavender and fuchsia were Alice's favorite colors, they were the main focus of my design. Not being a party planner by trade, I was pleasantly surprised with how well everything was coming together.

Once all of the treats were set up, I went into the kitchen to help Esme finish preparing the two large drink dispensers, one with strawberry and cucumber infused sparkling water that she had just prepared and the other with a red wine sangria that just needed a few more citrus slices added before it was complete. I also had sparkling wine, orange juice, and lemonade available. Edward had just finishing filling the plexi-glass box I was using to hold the bottled beverage options with ice when Esme led the florist over to me.

I let them have total control over the table so they could set up the multiple black and white boxes that were filled with fuchsia orchids, lilacs, violets, plum colored tulips, verbena, sweet peas, and the hyacinth I ordered for the occasion. The bright, vibrant colors brightened the tables dramatically. I had two tall glass vases filled with black glass stones and a single stem of fuchsia orchids floating in water placed on each of the three tables that housed the beverages, sweets, and buffet. I randomly placed loose orchids around everything.

Carlisle and Edward carried the water and sangria dispensers out to the drink table while I set the napkins and thank you gifts at each place setting.

I ordered the food platters from a local shop that Esme had suggested, and they had just arrived. The sweet and sour turkey meatballs and the petit crab cakes were placed in the warming dishes. They set the fruit kabob and veggie platters up and the tomato and cucumber salad finished off the sides. The main dish was the turkey bacon ranch wraps. Everything looked delicious, and I couldn't wait to taste once everyone was here.

I finally was able to take a deep breath once everything was in its place—even my surprise guest had arrived, according to Esme.

"Thank you so much for all of your help, Esme. I know I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this without you," I said as I hugged her before turning to Carlisle and hugged him as well. "And you too, Carlisle. I really appreciate your help with all the heavy lifting. There's nothing like having a strong man around to help out. Right, Esme?" I said as I squeezed his biceps, and he stifled his laugh.

"Hey! I helped too, you know," pouted Edward, seeing his father get all the accolades.

I giggled before heading over to him. He didn't seem to miss the gleam in my eye as I said, "I really appreciate all of your help, too, my strong man. I hope you boys have fun on the golf course today." I hugged him in thanks, and then whispered in his ear, "Don't worry, I'll thank you good and proper tonight, bigboy." A shiver ran through him as I licked his earlobe before releasing my hug.

I said my thanks one more time and goodbyes to the men before I went up to my room to get cleaned up for the party. Natural curls and a light makeup completed my sweet and innocent look—not that I was sweet and innocent, but I didn't personally know all of the guests yet so they didn't need to know all of my secrets. The pink lace tank top paired with a white, knee-length, ruffled skirt fully captured the naïve look, and Ali would be thoroughly impressed.

I took the gift I had brought with me and headed downstairs just as the doorbell rang. I let Esme know I would take care of the welcomes so that she could enjoy the party, as she was a guest, too. It was Rose.

"Hey, Rose. How are you feeling this morning?" I asked as I gave her a hug.

"Right as rain, my innocent little hussy," she said, taking in my outfit. "Nothing a Bloody Mary this morning couldn't fix."

I led her to the gift table, where we set down our gifts and then showed her where everything else was.

"Sweet baby bee, this is beautiful! Alice will piss herself when she sees all that you've done," she said, taking in the ambience. "She was nervous that you'd kill her for wanting you to do this, knowing that party planning isn't your forte. She's going to be shocked when she sees how wonderful you did. She'll love it."

"She better," I mumbled, thinking back on everything I'd done to make sure this would be a party she would never forget. It wasn't like I expected anything for it; I was just trying to make it as special as she did with so many events in my life. But I was exhausted and already missing Edward.

"What was that BB?" Rose asked, obviously not having heard me.

She made me smile. I thought it was cute that she had given me a nickname, too. As the youngest in our circle, she chose to call me 'baby bee,' or BB for short.

"Nothing of importance," I said, shaking off the goose bumps that arose from just thinking about Edward before noticing Tanya, Irina, and Heidi making their way across the yard toward us.

I went to answer the door again while Rose showed them where to leave their gifts. The woman in front of me had to be one of the most gorgeous women in the world.

"Bella, sí?" she said as I nodded my head in the affirmative. She continued speaking in a heavy accent. "I am Maria, Alice's assistant. It is muy bueno to meet you, finally."

She kissed both my cheeks. While I was still stunned by her classic Spanish beauty, I was endeared by her excitement and broken English as she greeted me.

"It's nice to finally meet you too, Maria. You are beautiful. If I ever decide to venture away from landscape photography, I'd want you to model for me. I mean, between you and Rose, I'd make a killing," I replied, still staring into her liquid mocha eyes.

"Gracias. You are muy linda tambien. I'm sorry for my Spanglish; it comes out when I am muy emocionada," she said.

"No problem. I speak a little Spanish. Either way, welcome. Some of the other guests have already arrived. Let me show you where they are and let's get you something to drink," I said, making her giggle as we walked toward the others.

Sue arrived with Charlotte Whitlock, Jasper's mother, whom I was also meeting for the first time. I was just grateful that she picked them up from the airport for me—it was one less thing for me to worry about today.

"Hi, Mom. Thank you for picking up the sprite's in-laws and dropping Peter off with the guys at the club," I said while giving her a big hug. I had really missed her.

"Oh, my little bumble bee," she said, holding me tightly. "Look at you, getting more beautiful every day. Charlie's going to shit a brick when he sees you on Monday. He'll be pulling out the shotgun to keep the boys away."

Too late,I thought as I blushed, giving away the not-so-secret news.

"Who is he?" she asked, already seeing the change in my skin.

"It's Esme's son, Edward." I smiled, wanting to tell her everything, but I knew it wasn't the time. "Oh, Mom, it was love at first sight, but this is Ali's party and we can talk about him when we're back in Forks."

We walked out where everyone was gathered so she could meet them all.

About fifteen minutes later, Alice waltzed into the party. The look of complete awe on her face told me I had surprised her with the elegance and beauty of the décor. It was really fun to actually be able to shock Alice. I'd never seen her so quiet, and I knew then that I'd done my job well. Once Alice had come back to the land of the living, she gave me a big, watery smile, and I nodded to her. We'd talk after everyone left.

The party was a roaring success. Food was eaten, laughs were had, and games were played. My favorite was Pre-Newlywed Game. I had emailed Jasper last week a questionnaire and asked him to answer each question honestly. I laughed when I read his answers and couldn't wait to see Alice blush. It wasn't something that happened often, but I knew this would do it to her. I was right, and we all laughed as the answers were read.

While Alice opened her presents, I took note of who gave her what for her to send thank you cards. She got a crystal vase from Esme, the china she and Jasper picked out from Charlotte, and Mom had gotten her a new set of luggage for the honeymoon. Maria gave her a crystal picture frame, Tanya and Irina gave her a complete travel size set of her favorite spa products, as well as a full spa day for when she returned from her honeymoon, and Heidi gave her his and her plush robes. Rose chose to veer away from the family friendly gift and got her an assortment of lingerie for her honeymoon. It was surprisingly tasteful, though.

While I knew she would like my gift, the ear-piercing shriek she let out was not something I was expecting.

"Oh my God, Oh my God, OH MY GOD!" she chanted over and over for a full five minutes. "Are these really what I think these are?"

"I don't know what you think, but shouldn't you actually open the box?" I asked before jokingly continuing, "I mean, you may not even like them."

She slowly opened the box that contained the Christian Louboutin bridal shoes that I had gotten as a surprise for her while in Paris three months ago. I had to call in a favor and made a trade to get them for her, and it was not easy. I knew for a fact if Alice knew that the man himself handed them to me in his Parisian apartment after I'd taken pictures for him and his partner, she'd shit herself. That was information she didn't need to know and I was not going to share. I was just glad I didn't have to pay for them and that she loved them.

"How did you get these? They aren't even available until next September!" she asked, still staring at the shoes in her hand.

"I called in a few favors and thought you would love to have them for your wedding," I said, not giving anything away.

"You are seriously not going to tell me how you were able to get a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes FOUR months before they are available to the public?"

"Other than the fact that I have had those shoes in my possession for the past three months, there is nothing else you need to know. So just say thank you and enjoy," I said before placing the list on the table and asking if anyone needed anything while I was up and getting a drink for myself. It was the only sure way to ensure the subject was dropped, at least for now.

Once the festivities ended and before everyone left, Alice gave a little speech as a token of her appreciation, along with a thank you gift. Mine was a pearl necklace and earrings to wear at the wedding, and for all of the support we provided her during these special moments leading up to her big day. After that, everyone started parting ways and Sue, Charlotte, and I helped Esme clean up as Rose helped Ali put her gifts in the car.

All the glassware from the party that was not Esme's was packed for Alice and added to the gifts already in her car. She was surprised that I had put so much thought into this party and embraced all of the changes that had happened to me since I moved to California. I was glad she was starting to really see the new me and not just her shadow or dress-up doll.

'The Moms,' as I decided to call them, decided to sit out on the veranda drinking tea while the sprite and I went venturing out to find a wedding gift for Jasper after Rose said her goodbyes.

We took my rental since her car was packed with her gifts. She shared her thoughts on what she wanted to get him. Something with meaning that he'd love. Knowing what I knew about Jasper, he was just a good ol' southern boy in a nice suit, and I suggested a pocket watch. Alice lit up at the idea and directed me to an area with antique shops.

It was at the third shop that she found what she was looking for: an antique bronze pocket watch that had Jasper written all over it. The front cover had intricate scroll work and three horses on it. Knowing Jasper's love of horses, it really was perfect. She decided to have it engraved so it would be ready for pick up in a week. It would be my job to pick it up, as Alice would be neck deep in work after getting back from Forks. I didn't mind, as it would give me a chance to check out the shops in more detail once I was on my own.

Edward had texted me saying our date he has planned is casual and that I should be able to relax in whatever I chose to wear. While I usually was comfortable dressing to the nines, jeans and tee-shirts were my go-to staples. So that was the way I decided go—at least with the jeans.

Alice and I said our goodbyes and made plans for pictures in the morning before we headed to Forks. We'd be following Mom and Dad after we had an early lunch. I went up to get ready for my date with Edward.

While I was getting ready, I thought about how fast my feelings for Edward were developing. I wasn't one of those naïve girls who fell for everyone she met. These may be newly developed feelings, but I knew they were genuine and flowed deeply through me already. I knew this was one of those life altering moments. I was truly blessed that Edward had come into my life and was changing me for the better. I took a breath and was pleased with my look. I finished early and went downstairs to have a drink with Esme before we left for our date.

I was almost to the kitchen when I overheard Edward talking to Esme. I didn't want to interrupt, but I also knew I shouldn't eavesdrop either but what I heard caused me to.

"She's the one, Mom. I felt her even in the mall when I didn't know her. The second Jazz and I set foot in there in my skin started to sizzle," he said.

I was holding my breath, waiting for the rest of this information.

"Oh, my boy. While no mother ever wants to part with her baby, I couldn't ask for anyone more lovely then Isabella for you. I'm so happy you found her."

"I'm going to marry her, Mom. It's just…I know it sounds crazy, but I knew I loved her before I had even met her."

I let out the breath I had been holding. I trembled at the words and my eyes shone with tears; just knowing that he felt the same incandescent love had my heart soaring. I decided to make myself known.

"You know," I said as I walked in while dabbing at the corner of my eyes. "I knew it, too."

I walked right up to Edward and stopped in front of him; before I could chicken out, I kept talking.

"And I love you, too," I continued, "When I saw you in the mall, I thought you were undeniably the most handsome man I'd ever seen. I questioned if I was losing my mind, so I ran, trying to figure out why my heart was beating uncontrollably from just looking at you. Then, as if it was a miracle or someone was watching out for me, you appeared again at Alice and Jasper's house, and I thanked every god in the world for bringing you to me. You're my swan."

With all the sparks flying around us, Edward pulled me into his arms and said, "I will love you forever and a day." He planted the most soul-searing kiss on me that I felt all the way down to my toes.

In the car, we talked about the activities that I had planned for tomorrow before Ali Cat and I left for Forks. I knew I was going to miss him when we were away, so I asked Edward to keep me company while taking the pictures of the happy couple tomorrow before we left.

I was excited when we pulled up to the venue. Edward was full of surprises and this was a really good one. 88 Keys Piano Bar was not what I was expecting when he said our date would be causal fun. It wasn't just a piano bar, but a sports bar as well. We were seated in a booth to the right of the stage. I was excited to see the show.

Although Edward and I weren't able to talk much, the fact that we were together and enjoying ourselves was enough. We were thoroughly entertained. The crowd was rowdy and singing along with the two pianists, and I found myself singing along as well.

Edward leaned into me and said into my ear, "You have a really great voice, honey bee. I'd love to hear you sing more."

I turned to him, my lips brushing his ear as I replied, "I'll give you a private show later." I placed a kiss just behind his ear.

He pulled me closer to him and we snuggled as we watched the rest of the acts on stage before we left for the night.

Once we were back at the manor, I got ready for bed in my room, choosing a soft cotton and lace chemise to wear before using the balcony to get into Edward's room.

Edward was in the shower when I arrived. I climbed into his bed to wait for him, but the long day was catching up with me. Soon I was lulled off to sleep by the sound of the shower water and Edward's humming.

My dreams were quiet for the first time since meeting my swan.

I hope you all enjoyed that. Some have asked if I would ever do an Edward POV and I really never gave it much thought until I was asked to donate something for the FANDOM AGAINST JUVENILE DIABETES. So after a lot of thought I decided to find my Edward's voice and have written and outtake for it. For only five bucks you can get it in March along with some other amazing works from some incredible authors. Please consider donating to such a worthy cause.

For information go to- fandomajuvdiabetes. blogspot (just remove the spaces)