A/N: I do not own Twilight, SM does and that is grand. I am just having fun with my own ideas for these characters. Thanks to my lovely Beta Gooseonline. Mistakes are my own cos I like to reread and tinker. Thanks again to Neyvada and Consuela23 for helping me with the french. Thank you for the follows and favourites. A huge thank you for the reviews, it is such a treat to hear your thoughts. This chapter was a lot of fun to write so I hope you have fun reading it. Let's go shall we!

Chapter 9 - cherry surprise

I was in the back of the car as Tyler drove me over to my parents house for our family dinner. With everyone's busy schedules we moved family dinner to tonight. We didn't really have a set night we just tried to get together for a meal at least once a week.

I was grateful for the distraction. I wouldn't see Bella until tomorrow night and I was dying to know if she liked the flowers and book I'd sent. The florist texted me as I had requested to confirm their delivery direct to Isabella and no one else but that was an hour ago. I was nervous that I hadn't heard from her, was the gift too much? Or was it too little? I really didn't know what the fuck I was doing.

At that moment my phone pinged with a text, I hurriedly grabbed my phone out of my pocket but the message wasn't from Bella it was from Jess, she must've received her flowers too.

'You big smoothie, thanks for the flowers boss … Jess.'

I smiled. Jess isn't one for big shows of affection or sentiment but she secretly loves it.

My phone pinged again, at last, but again it wasn't Bella.

'Edward, are you trying to make me look bad by sending flowers to my girl. Jess is grinning like she won lottery, btw. Nice one :) …. Lauren'

I laughed out loud at that one. I was about to shoot her a text back when my phone started playing Katie Noonan's song Sweet One "come here sweet one, lay down here with me and sing me your tale" … it was Bella's ringtone.

"Hello Isabella?" I answered quickly, I was a little nervous. Then I was worried because there was a muffled sound but no answer.

"Um … hello?… Isabella? ... Is that you? Are you alright?" I was starting to panic.

"Ed.. Edward…. Hi… yes, it's me Bella."

Thank god she's alright, but her voice sounded like she was crying.

"I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful flowers and the wonderful book. You have no idea how much I love that book and the flowers are so beautiful. I wanted to call you right away but I was crying and then I had to google the french words you wrote in the book … I really should learn to speak french… and your words were so beautiful and the flowers. Oh, Edward…" She was rambling on and on until she finally took a deep breath. I think she was crying again.

So fucking adorable.

"Sweet one," I spoke softly. "Please don't cry."

She took one of those shaky, deep breaths through her nose you take when you try and breathe after crying or running or whatever. Fuck this was no good I didn't want to make her sad.

"I am just so happy," she said as if she'd read my mind. "You are so sweet Edward."

No I'm really not but I am trying.

"How did you know?" She asked sounding much happier.

"How did I know what?" I asked.

"About the author. Ginette Mathiot is a kitchen goddess. She's written over thirty of the best cookbooks every written on French cooking. She was even honoured by the French government, they gave her a medal. She's one of my heroes Edward."

Fuck me. I did good.

"Oh and the flowers Edward. Flowers have always been sad for me. Funerals and hospitals," she said sounding like she was going to cry again.

What was this? Whose funeral? Who was in hospital? Had she been ill?

"But these Edward, they're so beautiful, you've made me so happy." Her voice was very soft, sultry and sexy as hell.

There was silence for a moment because quite frankly the sexiness of her voice had gone straight to my groin and I was now the one taking a shaky breath through my nose.

"You are very welcome my sweet one. I am just glad that you like them. I wasn't sure about what kind of flowers to get you but the florist assured me of their meaning and it seemed right - faith and hope. That's what I feel about you and me, Isabella."

She gasped lightly. "Edward," was all she said and hearing her whisper my name just made me think of her lips and our delicious good night kiss when I took her home after our date.

My voice also became very low and husky. "I can't wait to see you tomorrow night, sweet one." I really was struggling with myself. I wanted to tell Tyler to turn around and head to the bakery but I knew I couldn't, my family was waiting and I had to keep control of myself or I'd scare her away.

"I want you too Edward," she said, so low I almost didn't hear her. I was shocked. What did she say?

"Oh," she giggled. "I mean I want to SEE you too, Edward. I am so embarrassed."

We were both laughing now. Well if that was a freudian slip and she actually does want me that is just about the best news I have ever heard.

"Well I guess we'll both have to wait until tomorrow night. I am heading over to have dinner with my family just now." I was smiling like an idiot.

"Say hello to Esme and Alice for me won't you. Oh and enjoy dessert. Alice picked it up about half an hour ago." Oh god that's right, my mother and Alice have met Bella.

"Gotta go Bella, I've arrived. See you tomorrow night. We'll have some fun at the club." I didn't really want to leave our conversation but the car had arrived at family's house.

"Ok, well thank you again so much Edward. I'm going to curl up in bed early tonight with my new book, good night." She almost sang her good night before ending the call.

I groaned at the thought of her curled up in bed with the book I'd given her. I bet she'd be wearing some cute shortie pyjamas and her beautiful hair would be strewn all over the pillow. Damn, now I was hard and about to walk into my mother's house. Fuck.

I had to think of something else…. Emmett dancing naked and singing… yup, that did it. Bye bye erection. My poor dick, sorry my boy but you can't come out to play yet. For once in my life I want to take things slow.

Tyler held the door open for me and I jumped out now that my not so little problem was no longer a problem. "Ok, Tyler, I'll catch a lift home from Emmett or Alice. I'll see you tomorrow evening before we pick up Bella. Good night."

"Good night, Mr Cullen. See you tomorrow evening." One of these days he'll call me Edward but not today apparently.

Dinner with the family was fun. Carlisle was excited about some new procedure I didn't have a clue about but it was great to see him so excited about his work. He was a great doctor, so passionate and dedicated. Apparently some of the interns he'd been mercilessly taunting just last week were turning out to have some real potential as emergency room doctors.

"It takes a certain toughness to work in the ER," Carlisle said. "That's why I give the newbies such a hard time. Those that can't handle the pressure don't belong in the ER. They might suit other departments better but not the ER. But this year we've got a few really good interns. It is gratifying."

"I've said it before Dad," I smirked at him, "but I wouldn't cut it in your department. I love pressure at work, it's exhilarating but I wouldn't want a boss like you breathing down my neck. You are too tough for me!" I was teasing him, but I meant it too.

"Oh you would've done just fine with me Edward," Carlisle said with just a tinge of sadness there.

Once upon a time Carlisle really hoped I'd follow his footsteps into medicine but it turns out I had more of my dear old Dad in me than I thought and just like him I thrived in the business world. But Carlisle is proud of me and respects my choices.

"Now tell me Edward, what are you doing about your cousin James? Have you spoken to Aro yet?" Carlisle asked. The rest of the family quieted their conversations then and listened. I know they wanted to know what was going on.

"Yes, I have a meeting with Uncle Aro next week. I want to find out if he was involved."

"I hope not, dumpling. Uncle Aro is a lot of things but he does love you. I'm sure he wouldn't do anything to hurt you." Esme said.

I smiled at her. "I hope not too Ma, but we'll see."

I turned back to Carlisle then after shooting a look at Emmett.

"James and Tanya were working with my cousin Caius," I told him, but again everyone was listening.

"Damn it," shouted Emmett. "I knew that prick would be involved. James isn't smart enough and don't even get me started on that vapid idiot Tanya."

He was mad.

"I'm sorry, Edward," Alice's voice was soft as she touched my arm. She was sad to see my birth family causing me trouble.

Alley always felt I was lucky to still have family who had wanted me enough to fight Esme and Carlisle for guardianship of me after my parents died.

Fuck, I shiver at the thought of growing up with either of my cousins James or Caius as my adopted brother. I look at my brother bear Emmett then at my sister Alley cat and I count my blessings.

"Yes, he set up the fake investment group with Tanya as titular head. She wasn't even getting much out of it, such an idiot she could've had it all and never realised it.

"Aro and I will meet. Then I'll need to call Marcus in Italy to find out if he knows what his son's been up to.

"Marcus and Aro owned fifty per cent each of Volturi Inc. When Marcus retired he signed over two-thirds of his share of Volturi Inc. to Caius giving him thirty-three per cent of the company. While Marcus retained control of seventeen per cent.

"Of course Aro still owns fifty per cent and thank goodness so far he hasn't shown any signs of signing over any control of the company to James who is just too easily manipulated by Caius.

"One thing for sure if Aro and Marcus weren't involved in this very risky and let me say borderline illegal activity they're going to be pissed. Because they're still legally liable for any legal infractions or debt incurred by the business given their ownership. Caius has been a very naughty boy."

Everyone was quiet as they reflected on what I'd told them.

"Do you have a plan?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes, I have several Dad." Although what I'd really like to do is just kick Caius arse.

"It all depends on whether Aro and Marcus turn out to be friends or foes. I have contingencies for either event but I won't play my hand too soon. Right now I am grateful that Alec has checked into our legal liability and we are not in any way at risk. Emmett here has done a great job cleaning up James' mess within the company. On top of that Angela is doing a great job taking over the reins of James' team. So all in all, we're okay." I tipped my wine glass to Emmett and he tipped his back to me. Always my wingman!

"Well let us know how things go with your Uncles and if we can help in any way," Carlisle said this but everyone else nodded and smiled in agreement.

"Well, now for the really serious business of the evening," Esme hit the table lightly. We all turned to her. "Dessert," she exclaimed.

Emmett and I cleared the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher while Alice laid out the dessert plates and brought out the coffee.

"I called Bella and told her what we were having for dinner and asked her to choose a dessert for us, which Alice picked up on her way tonight," Esme said while carrying a warm dish.

I knew it was going to be something delicious because my mouth started watering at the smell coming from the dish.

"What the fuck is that? The smell is divine," I moaned.

"Oh here he goes again. Edward settle down for heavens sake. No sex noises at the table, I am warning you." Esme admonished pointing her finger at me.

Everyone was laughing and Carlisle was shaking his head. "What is going on with you Edward?"

"Dad, Bella has him tied up in knots. He goes to the bakery every morning and brings us delicious morsels to share with coffee at our morning Exec team briefings. It's awesome but we've all had to up our exercise regimen to cope with all the buttery goodness," Emmett told him.

Alice starting reading off the card. "Dear Edward and Cullen family..." That got my attention.

"What have you got there Alley Cat?" I reached over to try and grab the card from her. But she hit my hand and leaned away.

"Stop it," she said. "It's from Bella to tell us what we're eating for dessert."

"If you don't behave I won't read what she says." Alice was mimicking Esme's mom tone while giving me serious bitch brow. Fuck that, if this is from my Bella I want to hear it, so I waved for her to continue.

"Dear Edward and Cullen family," she repeated then went on, "I've made you a Cherry Clafoutis for your dessert tonight. It should complement your dinner as Esme described it. The Clafoutis is a rustic country-style dessert from the Limousin region in South Western France. It can be made with unpitted cherries but I have pitted them for you as it is easier to eat. I have adapted the recipe to substitute in some almond flour as I think it gives it a richer flavour and aroma.

"Esme you'll need to warm this before serving and sprinkle it with icing sugar before serving. I have also included a container of organic crème fraîche. Please add a dollop of this to each person's serving. I hope you enjoy it.

"Please give Edward a generous serving as he is a very sweet man who sent me flowers and a wonderful book. He must come from a lovely family to be such a gentleman. Have a lovely evening. de la part de ta douce." (from your sweet one)

The room was silent and I could feel all eyes on me. I couldn't help it, I blushed. I fucking blushed… again. Carlisle was shaking his head while grinning. Emmett started chuckling at me for fucking blushing while Esme and Alice got that seriously evil look women get when they're mapping out the rest of your life for you.

"ta douce?" Esme said. "Well I must say she is lovely Edward, very sweet indeed. She is so accomplished for someone so young. I was astounded that she's only nineteen."

"She's only nineteen? Edward?" Carlisle looked concerned.

Before I could answer him, Esme spoke up. "But Car she's very mature and does amazing work. I've booked her to make the wedding cake for my hush-hush celebrity wedding and you know I wouldn't take any chances with that event."

"I've booked her to do the catering for our next fashion evening. I am still working on the theme for that one but once I do Bella is going to make food to match. It's going to be awesome."

"Edward, I hope you're taking it slow with this girl, if she's so young," Carlisle said quietly.

"He gave her a huge vase full of Blue Irises Dad and some french cookbook," Alice told him to show that I was being a gentleman.

"Blue Irises, hmmmm, they mean faith and hope don't they Alice?" Esme turned to Alice who was nodding.

What, do all women know this shit? Thank god I checked with the florist or I would've fucked it up for sure. I might have to put that guy on a retainer.

"Oh dumpling," Esme smiled at me, "that is so adorable."

I fucking blushed like a sixteen year old virgin again and that was the straw that broke the camel's back. All at once the whole family laughed hysterically at the thought of me being adorable and my blushing.

I just shrugged them all off and held out my dessert dish to Esme, "Ma, can I please have the promised generous serving from ma douce's delicious smelling dessert?"

Everyone was given some Cherry Clafoutis, which I think is my new favourite Bella dessert, and we all ate enthusiastically.

I tried very, very hard not to make any kind of noise while eating but it was just so rich and delicious. The cherries burst their sweetness into my mouth and the smell of the cherries combined with the aroma of the almond flour was too much. I closed my mouth over the spoon and released a loud, long moan of pleasure. I opened my eyes and gave an apologetic look to Esme which was so pathetic the entire family fell about laughing hysterically… again.

"That's it, Edward, I warned you about sex noises at the table," Esme shouted trying to keep a straight face. "Someone take that dessert off him."

Emmett immediately leapt up and started chasing me around the house, with me guarding my dessert, sticking spoonfuls in my mouth and groaning each time.

When I had eaten the last spoonful, I stopped and turned to show the empty bowl to Emmett.

"No seconds for you Edward," Alice shouted.

Emmett and I looked at each other and then both rushed back into the dining room. "There's more?" we asked in unison.

I knelt next to Ma with my empty bowl held up and begged, "Please Ma may I have some more?"

"No, Oliver Twist you may not. You are cut off," Esme declared and kissed me on the forehead.

We all settled down after that, finished our coffee and cleaned up the dishes. After dinner was all done I caught a lift home with Alice.

She spent most of the trip telling me more about her next event, which unfortunately I would have to attend. Then the thought struck me that if Bella was doing the catering maybe she would be there too? That thought made me smile. Alice gave me a quizzical look and then went on with her chattering. I tried very hard to pay attention.

When I got home I stripped off, had a long hot shower, pulled on some sleep pants and crashed into bed. I went to the hamper digging into my trouser pockets to find the card Bella had included with the dessert and which I had slipped into my trouser pocket while no one was looking. I read it again " de la part de ta douce".

I grabbed my phone off the charger beside my bed and texted to Bella:

'Merci pour le délicieux dessert. Dormez bien, ma douce'

(Thank you for the delicious dessert. Sleep well, my sweet one)

I put the phone back on the charger, I knew there'd be no reply tonight. She kept baker's hours and had to be up at the crack of dawn each morning except Sunday.

I lay back in bed reliving the taste of the plump cherries with the hint of almond of our dessert and I tried hard not to think about Bella's plump lips or kissing her long and deep.

I tried but it was very, very hard… again.

I slept a long time and my morning wood, well afternoon wood given the hour, was proof that I was excited about my date with Isabella. I took a long shower and handled the situation myself.

I enjoyed a light brunch while reading the weekend newspapers which I loved to spread out all over the kitchen table to read. I wanted to take a long run to clear my head so I changed into running gear, warmed up and then headed out. I loved to run it was a great way to think things through or to just think nothing at all. As I ran I thought about my meeting with Aro this week and ran through all the possible plans for handling things but I still remained hopeful that neither of my uncles were involved.

Caius has always been a selfish, jealous prick. He was Uncle Marcus' and Aunt Didyme's only son. Marcus values family relationships above all else. He was the one who fought hardest for custody of me after my parents died. He felt strongly that I should be with family instead of my mother's best friend and her husband.

Fortunately the law recognised my parents' wishes which were clearly stated in their wills but Marcus still insisted I spend time with his family whenever possible. I loved both Uncle Marcus and Aunt Didyme. She was so beautiful, she had this way of just making you feel better, happier whenever you were around her. Sadly she died of cancer about five years ago and Marcus seemed to lose his interest in life after that.

Two years ago he signed over most of his interest in the company he'd built up with Aro and then retired to Tuscany. I should visit him next time I am in Europe. That is of course if he didn't have anything to do with this mess, but honestly, I just couldn't imagine it.

But Caius, I could definitely see him trying to take advantage. Always wanting more of everything and always wanting what others had. He was never satisfied. You would call it ambitious if he wasn't such a prick about it. Even when we were young he was the type of kid who always had to have the biggest piece of cake and even then wanted yours as well.

James wasn't much better. He wasn't cruel like Caius but he was easily led. I could easily see James doing whatever Caius told him to. Idiot. James' father, my Uncle Aro was smart though and he and his wife Sulpicia always treated me with love. James was their only child, more's the pity.

When I had completed my degree in business and then finished my MBA, Aro asked me to join Volturi Inc. However, I knew with Caius about to take over Marcus' part of the business that I couldn't work there. I also had this dream to follow in my birth father's footsteps and go out on my own. I like owning my own company and I'm doing very well thank you very much.

Aro wants to retire and enjoy his money taking his wife around the world. But even Aro knows his son isn't up to the job and he was hoping that if I joined the company that he could hand over control of his share of the business to me.

When I made it clear that was not going to happen and when Cullen & Masen started to excel Aro asked me to take James under my wing and help him learn the right way to do business. Well James fucked that up didn't he. I'll find out Aro's part in all this next week and then I'll deal with Caius and James. Fuckers.

By the time I was back home after my five-mile run I was sure of my plans. I was also feeling calmer and more in control for my date with Isabella.

I warmed down with some weights and then took another very long hot shower.

Still wrapped in my towel, I checked my phone for messages. There was a text from Alice telling me to have fun with Bella and another from Emmett telling me to have A LOT of fun with Bella. Fucker!

There was another text and this one was from Isabella from a few hours ago, I hoped she wasn't cancelling on me.

'I did sleep well thank you Edward. The shop was busy today but I've been smiling all day thinking of dancing with you tonight… B.'

Oh yes, dancing … dancing means holding. I get to hold her tonight while we're dancing. I like that idea. I think we'll do a lot of dancing tonight. I sent her a text back .

'Looking forward to dancing with you in my arms tonight, my sweet one. See you soon… E.'

I grabbed a sandwich and then went to my wardrobe to decide what to wear.

Thanks to Alley's fashion connections I am blessed with a pretty nice collection of the latest Armani, Gucci, Burberry and whatever the fuck, without having to actually shop, which I loathe.

I wanted to keep my look a little more casual for clubbing but we were going to dinner first so I matched a simple black jersey v-neck Armani shirt with my favourite Armani black straight leg jeans, these things were soft as butter. I pulled on a new black Calvin Klein slim fit blazer and I was done. Yeah, that worked.

I shot off a text to Alley thanking her for the blazer and she sent me back a comforting 'nice choice' text.

Almost immediately she sent me another text begging me to send a photo of Bella and me while on our date. I laughed but sent a text back promising I would.

Tyler picked me up and we headed to the bakery. I stood to get out of the car and was about to step over to front door to collect Bella when she burst out of the front door with a huge smile on her face.

My god, she looked so gorgeous. I'm sure my mouth was hanging open as I stood there watching her walking towards me.

She was all legs and tits and free flowing hair. It was like she was walking in slow motion in a music video. My eyes must've been bugging out of my head.

The dress was black in a soft textured material, it had long sleeves and the design made it look like a suit coat without the pants or shirt. It was split down the front past her beautiful, perfectly sized tits and it had small ruffles all the way down to the hemline.

It snugly hugged her hips the way I wanted to and the length stopped at her upper thigh, not slutty high but teasingly high.

On her feet were beautiful sexy black high heels which added several inches to her tiny size but also made her legs look edible.

Her hair was out and it was all silky and shiny. I wanted to grab it as I threw her down on the back seat of the car to ravage her. Jesus. Ravage? What the fuck? I think all the blood rushed from my brain and into my pants.

She'd nearly reached me and I still wasn't breathing. Oh god. I took a huge breath as she smiled up to greet Tyler.

"Good evening Tyler, it is lovely to see you again."

"Good evening to you Ms Swan. You look lovely this evening." I felt a growl in my chest at his words before I could stop myself.

My possessiveness kicked in and I reached out to her, "Good evening sweet one. You look … miraculous," I said as I drew her close to me.

She smiled shyly but reached her hand up to cup my cheek. "You look quite miraculous as well Edward."

She reached up to kiss me but even in these fan-fucking-tastic shoes she was wearing she was still too short to reach me, so I leaned down to meet her lips with mine.

We shared a soft and tender kiss.

"You look stunning Isabella," I whispered to her. "Oh before I forget I promised Alice a photo of us on our date, would you mind terribly if Tyler took a photo with my phone?"

She laughed, "Only if you send the photos to me too."

Tyler put his hand out for my phone.

"Take a few please then send them to Alice and to Bella's numbers. Be sure to get a full body shot or Alice will be nagging me about what shoes Bella's wearing and I don't have a clue."

Tyler chuckled and Isabella giggled, fucking loved that sound.

I took Isabella into my arms and held her close both of us standing next to the car while Tyler took photos.

"Done and sent," said Tyler.

"Miss Cullen has replied already, sir. She says," and chuckling he used a ridiculous girly voice to read her message, "OMG that's a Balmain mini-dress from this year's collection and those are Jimmy Choos shoes. I love her Edward."

We broke up laughing at Tyler's 'Alice' voice and at Alice's enthusiasm for Bella's outfit.

Tyler handed me back my phone then went around to the driver's side and I turned to help Isabella into the car.

I looked her up and down slowly. "I don't know who any of those people Alice named are but I do know you look fuck hot." I kissed her shoulder and breathed her in.

Isabella turned in my arms with her beautiful face smiling up at me. "I never went to a Prom but I imagine this is what is was like."

"Oh this is much better than Prom," I promised. "The food will be better, the music will be better, the company will be infinitely better." I kissed the tip of her nose. "And I promise not to try drag you off to a hotel room to steal your virginity at the end of the night." I teased and waggled my eyebrows at her.

Bella's eyes snapped up to mine as she blushed more than I had ever seen her blush before.

"How did you know I was a virgin?"

"I … didn't… what… you… you're a…. oh," was my brilliant reply.

A/N: Surprise Edward! Well he said he wanted to take things slow…. I hope you enjoyed it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. More soon.