A/N: Sorry this update has taken so long! I just kept changing my mind while I was writing it! Anyways just 1 or 2 more chapters left! I hope you like it!


"Bella love, I have to run out for a bit. Why don't you shower and get something to eat, and maybe work on a little homework? It shouldn't take me terribly long, then we can do whatever you wish." I spoke to her softly, pressing a kiss to the crook of her neck. I stood behind her in her little bedroom, my arms around her waist; she had just gotten back from her human moment.

Her lips formed a small pout at my words. I chuckled, moving my hand up to brush a finger over her plump bottom lip.

"What do you have to do? Are you going for a quick Hunt?" Try as she might she couldn't quite keep the disappointment from her voice.

"No," I hesitated for a split second, moving my hand along the curve of her neck and down her arm. "I actually have to get something for Esme and stop by the house to deliver it."

"Oh." Bella's chocolate pools widened a bit in surprise; she wasn't expecting that answer. She grabbed my wandering hand in hers, lacing our fingers together. She moved her eyes down to focus on our linked hands; idly rubbing light circles on my skin with her thumb. "Is there a special occasion?"

I sighed, moving to bury my face in her neck, breathing in her scent deeply. "No... It's more for an apology of sorts." I hedged.

She wiggled a bit, turning around in my arms so she could look up at me. She placed her hands on my chest, her fingers fidgeting a little with the buttons on my shirt.

"What are you apologizing for?"

I didn't respond, leaning down to place a lingering kiss to her lips instead, hoping to distract her from the conversation.

This was one of the few times it didn't work.

"Edward…" She mumbled against my lips. "As much as I love your distraction…." She trailed off suggestively. I sighed, reluctantly pulling away from her soft kiss, but not before gently rubbing my nose against hers. She smiled.

"Emmett and I got into a bit of a scuffle… and some of the living room furniture may have been casualties."

I watched as surprise flitted across her face before she nodded solemnly. "I'm sure Esme was upset."

"She certainly wasn't pleased, no," I responded. "Neither was Carlisle when he walked in on us fighting." I grimaced at the thought of Carlisle's anger, and also of the hard spanking that resulted. My backside was still tender this morning.

As she took in my expression, Bella's eyes widened a bit as she realized what must have occurred as a result. She reached up and ran her fingers through my hair gently. "Poor baby." She whispered. I was thankful she didn't push the topic any further.

I nodded, putting on a small pout. She giggled, and getting on her tip-toes, gave me a chaste kiss on my pouting lips. "Then I guess you better go. Try not to be gone too long… I'll miss you."

I smiled warmly and returned her kiss with one of my own. "I'll miss you too." I murmured, after I pulled my lips away.

The errand into town didn't take very long. I first stopped in one of the small artsy shops in town. There was one in particular, where an artist sold a variety of her works, including blown glass. She didn't live here full time, but rather came up to a small summer home for inspiration. Why she would ever choose forks is beyond me.

I found just what I was looking for in her shop… a large vase of hand blown glass, with blues and greens swirling in it. It was perfect.

At the town's little flower shop, I picked out a large bouquet of colorful wild flowers that just screamed Esme. When I got into the car, I placed the bouquet in the vase and quickly drove home, calling Emmett to let him know I was on my way.

When I reached the house, Emmett was waiting for me. He was leaning against the outer wall of the garage, one leg bent at the knee to rest his foot on the siding. He looked up at my arrival and gave me a grin. From his thoughts, however, I could tell he was a bit nervous about Esme.

I was too.

I stepped out of the car with the vase of flowers in my hands. Emmett smiled broadly and nodded in approval, as he looked them over.

That's perfect Edward, definitely Esme.

"I hope so." I whispered to him as we made our way slowly into the house.

Carlisle was in the entryway as we came in, on his way out to the hospital. He looked at us thoughtfully, nodding at the sight of the large bouquet in my hands.

Your mother's upstairs, looking through her interior decorating sources.

I nodded and headed towards the steps only to be stopped by Carlisle's gentle grip on my upper arm. I stopped short, turning my head to meet his eyes.

I'd like us to sit and talk about what we discussed yesterday after I get home. I'm sure we can work out a suitable solution for you and Bella both.

I nodded. "Sure... thanks dad… have a good day at the hospital." He smiled in response, giving Emmett and I each a shoulder squeeze before making his way out the door.

Emmett looked at me, raising a brow. I just shook my head and gestured toward the stairs. He didn't push it, instead began making his way up.

We walked up together silently. When we reached their bedroom door I hesitated, suddenly very nervous. Esme knew we were home, but kept her thoughts to herself, and it was making me uneasy.

Emmett on the other hand, just wanted to get this over with. He quickly reached out and knocked on the door.

Esme didn't speak, instead told me silently we could come in. Swallowing hard I gave Emmett a nod before slowly opening the door.

Esme was standing in front of their bedroom desk, which was littered with magazines, books, and fabric and color swatches. Emmett thrust his hands into his pockets as we stood nervously inside the door. She turned after a minute to look at us.

I saw her eyes light up briefly at the sight of the vase of flowers. But she was trying to stay firm, so she steeled her expression and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Yes boys?"

Emmett and I exchanged a quick glance. I cleared my throat.

"Esme… mom… We just wanted to apologize again for our behavior."

"Yeah, ma, we're really sorry." Emmett broke in.

"Please don't be angry." I pled softly. "We brought you some flowers, and a new vase. It's hand blown glass." I looked into her eyes, trying to give her a look that expressed my remorse.

She looked at us for a moment longer, her expression still one of disappointment. But it didn't last long. Our sorrowful faces and the flowers did her in, and her façade cracked. She couldn't stay angry with us for long.

In a second she was at our sides, taking the vase in her hands. "They're beautiful." She whispered.

She walked over and placed them on her vanity, before returning to stand in front of us. I fidgeted slightly under her gaze, my hands behind my back.

She sighed, and shook her head, then hugged us both around our torsos. "You boys," She sighed, as she felt us relax and return her embrace. "Why can't I ever stay angry with you?"

"It's because of our stellar looks." Emmett teased.

"And our dazzling charm." I put in.

Esme laughed, and giving us another squeeze, reached up to give us each a kiss on the cheek before pulling away.

"Oh you two." She laughed again before giving us a somewhat stern look.

"No more fighting!" She scolded, poking a finger lightly into my chest.

"Sure thing ma."

"Yes Ma'am."

She smiled then. "Thank you for the flowers and that gorgeous vase. I almost have the furniture picked out, I will let you know when you will need to pick it up and when YOUR bill comes through."

I chuckled, somehow I had a feeling she wouldn't have it delivered this time to add to our punishment, and Emmett nudged me with his shoulder.

"Eddie here's got it covered."

"Uh-huh." I responded with a laugh.

"Alright boys, I still have some work to do. So shoo!" She giggled, shooing us out the door.

As we made our way downstairs, Emmett let out a sigh of relief.

That went better than I expected.

I nodded, smiling broadly. "Me too. I guess Carlisle calmed her down pretty well last night."

Emmett looked over at me and wriggled his eyebrows.

I chuckled, shaking my head and pulling a face. "Emmett, that's not a picture I need in my head."

He barked out a booming laugh. "You say that like it's something new!"

He laughed harder as I let out an involuntary shudder. I pushed his shoulder playfully.

You up for a game bro? Toss a ball around or something? Alice dragged Rose out to shop. Women.

He rolled his eyes.

I chuckled and shook my head. "I promised Bella I'd return soon. But I have to be back later to talk with Carlisle, so maybe after that."

"Sweet. You gonna bring the queen of clumsy over?"

"Lay off Emmett." I shot him a glare, but the corners of my mouth twitched as I fought a smile. "I may bring her by."

"Cool. See ya on the flip side bro!" And he was gone, his booming laugh still lingering in the entryway. I smiled to myself as I walked out of the house and made my way back to Bella's. I felt much better, now that Esme was no longer angry.

I thought about the conversation I would be having with Carlisle later. I really hoped he was right and that we found something that would make both Bella and I happier over this whole Jake situation.

But then again, it is Carlisle… he's pretty much always right.


A/N: Well there you go! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! I put a lot of work into this one... and I'm pretty happy with the results! Anyways, see that button just there? That link underneath this little note? Click it please and let me know what you thought! Did Esme react how you imagined? What did you like about the chapter? Let me know! :o)