DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Stephenie Meyer owns it all.

BELLA POV

We were "up" early. We had to be if we wanted to make it to Walt Disney World before most of the crowds. According to Mapquest, it would take 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there from Jacksonville. Since Edward would be driving, we could shave off maybe a half hour. Since Renee would be in the car with us, Edward couldn't drive as fast as he normally would. Otherwise, we could make it in an hour. Phil was getting on a plane today for an away game in Ohio. After a few minutes of goodbyes, Edward, Renee, Nessie and I hopped into the car and hit the highway.

Nessie was just beside herself with excitement. In Florida, it seemed as though the Disney company ran commercials for the park non-stop. Every time a commercial came on TV, she just about squealed and everyday asked if that day would be the day we would be going to see Mickey Mouse.

On the way, we played games and sang songs. Well, they sang, I just sort of hummed along. Sadly, immortality did not bring a sense of rhythm or the ear for carrying a tune. However, Nessie had a lovely singing voice and was just beginning to learn to play the piano under Edward's tutelage. Apparently, Edward had the stronger genes when it came to our daughter. Aside from my brown eyes and Charlie's curls, it didn't seem as though she inherited anything from my side. Apparently, not only was she a Cullen, but she was also a Masen through and through. As Nessie got older, she began to bear a striking resemblance to a young Elizabeth Masen in her wedding photo. I knew very little about Edward's family as I knew it made him sad to speak about his human family. Maybe he thought that I didn't quite catch the way his breathing changed whenever he spoke about them, but I noticed. I wanted Nessie to know more about where she came from. Hopefully, after all this Jacob nonsense died down, we could plan a trip to Chicago. I had never been and I would like to know more about the city that produced my husband. Without him knowing, I had read up on Chicago and about World War I. Books had often brought me to places I had never been like Jane Austen's England and Edith Wharton's New York. But it was Edward Masen's Chicago that I was most interested in and I had an actual "living," breathing tour guide for that. Right now, I was reading The Devil in the White City about the World's Fair in Chicago that had taken place just before Edward was born.

"We're here!" Edward exclaimed for Nessie's benefit.

We weren't quite the first ones there, but we had been early enough to be able to find a parking spot right away. Renee unstrapped Nessie from the car seat while Edward got a backpack out of the trunk. Inside was a change of clothes for Nessie in case of emergency and a few other emergency items like packets of human blood that had been sent from one of Jasper's connections. It had arrived via messenger late yesterday afternoon while Renee and Phil took Nessie to the park. It was just a precaution since we would be packed in with humans all day long. Even though it was overcast, it was still hot and humid. We had the air conditioning on in the car for both Renee and Nessie which didn't bother me at all. However, it would be nice to feel the warm Florida air.

"Wait," said a perplexed Renee. "Don't you have a stroller for Nessie? It's going to be a long day. I don't mind carrying her when she gets tired for a little while, but like I said, it's a long day at a theme park especially with a small child."

It had never occurred to us to buy a stroller. Neither of us would ever tire of carrying her so there didn't seem to be any point. However, appearances were appearances were appearances.

Edward quickly spoke up. "We had one that folded up, but the airlines lost it on our way down here. We haven't needed one since we've been here so it slipped our minds to buy one. I'm sure we can rent one in the park if we end up needing it."

"Guys, I know you're both new to this parenting thing, but having a stroller is kind of Raising Kids 101. Don't worry, when we get back to Jacksonville, I'll buy one for you. I mean, you seem to be doing well so far, but maybe you should read some books or something so you're better prepared." Who was this woman and what had she done with my "Really, chocolate and pizza are fine for breakfast" mother? Was she kidding me?

"You're right, Mom. That's a generous offer, but we can afford to buy one on our own."

Edward was trying to stifle his laughter. A huge help that husband of mine.

We made our way to the park entrance and Edward plunked down a credit card to pay for our tickets. It did not escape Renee's notice that it was in fact, the elusive black American Express card offered solely to those who charge at least $100,000 a year. In fact, I'm pretty sure the American Express employees offered a special toast to the Cullen family each year at their Christmas party. It wouldn't surprise me if there was a large photograph of Alice in the CEO's office.

With tickets in hand, we proceeded through the main entrance which was on Main Street. Everywhere you looked, Americana stared back at you. Everything was meticulously manicured and utterly perfect. From the greenery to the architecture to the park employees walking around in costume. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this human or not.

I looked down at Nessie who was holding Edward's hand. She was standing still with her mouth open just staring at everything around her in wonderment. I looked at Edward who was absolutely beaming as he looked at our daughter. It was the perfect moment. He bent down to Nessie's height and pointed straight ahead. He whispered, "Darling, look!"

Nessie just about lost it. Her eyes grew wide as Cinderella's Castle came into view. It was the first of many moments that took Nessie's breath away. We walked over to the castle and Edward immediately got out his camera to get some video and some still pictures. I posed for a few, but I really just looked at him in amazement. Had I not known the circumstances behind this visit to Disney World, I would have thought that he was a just another young father (albeit an indescribably handsome young father) enjoying his child just like anyone else. I didn't say it out loud, but I know that thought would have made him happy.

The castle was only the first of many stops during this adventure-filled day. We rode the teacups, went on the Dumbo ride, wandered through Mickey's Country House and spent many rounds going through It's a Small World at both Nessie and Renee's request. We rode the Jungle Cruise and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We walked all the way through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and took the railroad all throughout the park. During Snow White's Scary Adventure, Nessie commented to me that the Evil Queen looked a lot like Leah Clearwater. Edward burst out laughing and Renee just looked at us clearly not understanding the humor. We capped off our time there with a ride on Splash Mountain. Wisely, we steered clear of the Animal Kingdom. We did, however, make sure to get Mouse Ears for everyone in the family with their names embroidered on them. We even wore ours through the park as we walked around laden with bags full of souvenirs. Renting a stroller wasn't necessarily a bad idea.

We strode on over to Epcot and had lunch at the French Pavilion. Amazingly, me and Edward were just not that hungry, but Nessie and Renee filled up on Croques Monsieurs and Nutella-filled crepes. We visited all the other internationally-themed pavilions: Germany, Mexico, Italy, Canada, China, Japan, Morocco and England. We even rode the log floom when we reached Norway.

While Edward had been upbeat and excited all day, I noticed some cracks beginning to appear. He had been happy to come to Epcot because it was both entertaining and educational for Nessie, but something was off. Again, only I noticed it because I knew his temperament and habits so well. I walked over to him as Renee took Nessie over to look at a display.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong."

"Edward, I know you. Something is up. All day, you've been fine and now you seem… I don't know…distracted."

"Really, I'm okay."

"Okay, but not great. You can tell me anything. Maybe it will help you to talk about it."

"But will it help you?"

"What? I'm not following you."

"I'm just concerned about what is happening back home. Today has been a dream, but Forks and Jacob are always in the back of my mind. Seeing Nessie today act her age and having the chance to be a little girl, I am more determined than ever to finish this business with Jake once and for all letting our daughter have a life. I just don't know how to do it."

"Edward, we'll think of something."

"We will, but we need to do it fast. We don't have much time."

"Why? What happened?"

He took a minute staring off into the distance and repositioned himself.

"Well, there's the obvious, we cannot stay here much longer as Nessie grows. One week is fine, but Renee is going to notice."

"And the not so obvious that you're not telling me?"

"Please, please keep in mind that I only did this for your protection and happiness as well as the fact that I made a promise to your father…"

"Edward, please?"

"Yesterday, I got a call from Alice. There was a minor car accident involving the Quileutes and Charlie?"

"WHAT?" He took my hands in his as I stared back at him incredulously.

"Your father is fine overall, but he broke one arm and slightly injured the other. He has some minor cuts and bruises. They ran his car off the road as they were taunting him and trying to get our location out of him."

"Minor cuts and bruises…" I shook my head. I could not believe Edward kept this from me. "How could you not tell me this? This is just like when you took me to Florida when Victoria came back to Forks."

"Love, your father made me promise not to tell you. He wanted you to have this time with your mother. I understand where you get it from now."

"Get what?"

"Putting the needs of others before your own. Please don't be angry. He did not want to upset you. He and I both agree that with everything going on, you did not need to worry about him."

"Hmph. It's easy for you to say that because he's not your father."

"I admit it…Charlie and I…well, we've had our ups and downs, but we do love and value each other in our own way. And with everything that's happened, we've both been reminded just how important family is. You may find this hard to believe, but last night when we spoke, Charlie told me I was a good son. And what you might find even more difficult to believe is that I look upon him as my father just as much as Carlisle is. I don't know how it happened, but somehow we've managed to cobble together this semblance of family that is more real than most people can ever dream of having. Even with Renee…the woman does not so much as flinch when myself or my family is around. She has accepted us whole-heartedly. Even with Nessie. Nessie, who she believes is my imaginary brother's daughter. Sheloves her as if she is her own grand-daughter. Renee could have easily been kind to her, but kept her at arm's length. But she didn't. She sees Nessie as an extension of me and loves her because of that. She sees me as her own son. I know. I can see it in her head. So please don't ever say that again. I think of Charlie and Renee as being my natural family. As much a part of me as you and Nessie. And especially since they gave me you."

I stood there speechless. I knew he liked Charlie and Renee, but I had never known just how much they meant to him. I felt horrible for saying that he didn't care. I looked down at the ground feeling the imaginary tears that I could picture flowing down my face.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I didn't mean to doubt you."

"You're overwhelmed. We all are." He hugged me close to him and breathed in my scent. "I love you Isabella Swan."

"Isabella Swan Masen Cullen." I held on to him with all of my might.

Just then Renee walked over carrying Nessie."

"Kids, this one is getting sleepy. Why don't we catch a few minutes of the parade and then head home?"

Nessie became alert. "But, Grandma, I'm not tired! I don't want to go home!"

Edward took her into his arms and kissed her cheek. "Darling, Mickey and Minnie have to go to bed just like you after the parade. You will not be missing a thing."

We took the monorail back to the Magic Kingdom and found a good place to watch the parade. As we stood together, I thanked God for blessing me with this moment. It was indeed magical. From these horrible circumstances came this week with my mother. I knew it wouldn't always be like this since we had yet to come up with a story as to why Nessie was growing at an exponential rate. Renee had noticed when I bought several shirts for Nessie in different sizes. This magic wouldn't last forever, but at least Renee had met Nessie and Nessie got to meet her grandmother. Tomorrow, this would be but a memory since I knew what must be done. We must get on a plane to Forks to finish this Jacob business once and for all. But…it would be one of my most cherished memories for all of eternity.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. You have been overwhelmingly kind to me with your reviews. Constructive criticism is always appreciated. If you do add me as a favorite or as an alert, please take a moment to review. Everything helps.

Oh! If you are looking for a good book to read, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is phenomenal. It's the true story of the Chicago World's Fair mixed in with true crime.