A/N

Disclaimer: Twilight and the characters are the property of Stephenie Meyer.

I only own the plot.

The locations mentioned in this chapter are all from Forks mentioned in Twilight.

Thanks for all the comments I really appreciate getting feedback.

Chapter 9 Nine of Cups

Characters: Edward, Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, Jasper, Carlisle, Esme, Bella, and Kitty

Edward POV

It's been a week since I last saw Bella. Work's been hectic and I couldn't make time. I've kept in touch over the phone and we texted each other often. It has been really frustrating that I haven't been able to see her after how we left things off. I really felt like we made a connection. It wasn't just a hug to me. I felt a pull to her that I have never felt before. I made a promise to her that I am going to be there for her and I meant all of it. I can't put a name to what I feel for her. What I do know is that I am going to be there for her whether I end up just being friends or more. I feel the need to be with her. This isn't just for her, it's for me too.

Emmett has been harassing me for days that he needed to see me. I've been brushing him off as I can't even make time for Kitty and Bella but he just won't give up so I finally gave in and he's coming to my place tonight. I've never seen Emmett so persistent in wanting to see me. What could be so important?

At least he's coming over with some food. For that I'm thankful. I don't know what he wants to talk about. I don't see him wanting to talk about Rosalie to me. He usually goes to Jasper or Alice if he wants relationship advice. I really wonder what's up with him.

I hear the doorbell and I let Emmett in. I'm surprised to see him looking serious. This must be bad. I don't think I've ever seen Emmett so serious before.

"I brought some Chinese take-out," he said and sat down.

"Wanna eat first or get down to whatever you wanna talk about?" I asked.

"Let's talk while we eat. No need to let good food go cold." he said and started to dig into the food.

I felt myself running my fingers through my hair nervously. I didn't feel like eating until I heard what Emmett had to say.

"So what do you want to say to me Emmett?" I asked.

He sighed and started talking, "Lil bro you are good looking, successful, and actually have a great personality. You can get any woman you want. I don't mean to be callous. I really love Bella like my sister but do you really want to get tied down to a woman with a 3 year old daughter and on top of that she's expecting another child that isn't even yours?" he asked and I was stunned.

The carefree child like brother of mine was actually attempting to care about my well being. Shocked wouldn't describe what I was feeling.

"Umm Emmett I really don't know what to say. I'm at loss for words. I didn't anticipate you bringing something like this up." I said truthfully.

"Look lil bro. I know what your relationships were like. It was either love 'em and leave 'em or you got burnt. You never really had a descent relationship before. We all love you and Bella. A single mom isn't someone you fool around with unless you really want to be with them. Are you ready to take on the responsibility? I know Mom, Dad, Jasper, and Alice, are all excited about you two getting together. Heck I was even excited in the beginning too but since I heard from Rosie last week that Bella was expecting again I'm having doubts. I'm sorry that I'm meddling in your business but I don't want the two of you getting hurt," he said and I felt myself tensing.

"You're wrong about my previous relationships Emmett. I didn't love them and leave them like you so eloquently put it." I know he said what he said because he cared about Bella and I but what he said about my previous relationships rubbed me the wrong way.

"Well then what would you call the relationship you had with Tanya?" He asked in a irritated tone.

"She wanted to pursue her career in Opera in New York and I wanted to pursue my career here. We're both ambitious and it just wasn't going to work." I was starting to feel very frustrated with him.

"That's not what I heard Edward. Rosie still keeps in touch with Tanya you know, she became friends with her after we met her when we visited you in Chicago. Tanya called Rosie in tears when you turned her down when she begged you to let her come to LA with you. You blamed the reason for you two breaking up on career and distance. Was it really? Wasn't it because you didn't love her? You never really loved her Edward. I saw that in your eyes when I saw you two in Chicago. Admit it Edward," he said and his words cut me like a knife. It was true. He saw right through me. I didn't love Tanya and I did string her along even after I had realised that I wasn't in love with her..

"I admit that I did not treat Tanya the way I should have. You're right I didn't love her but I did care about her. She just wasn't someone I wanted to be spend the rest of my life with. She was ambitious and her career came first just like me. I hid from the truth like a coward. It was easier for me to just tell her that I didn't think it was going to work between us because of the distance rather than telling her I didn't love her nor feel that she was someone I wanted for my wife. My feelings towards Bella are genuine. I really care about Bella and Kitty. My priorities are different now. Don't you see that? I want to make them my priority. Work doesn't have the appeal like it used to. It's not the most important thing to me anymore. I have this overwhelming desire to want to protect them and to be there for them." I said to Emmett and instantly felt embarrassed that I poured my heart out to him.

Then I saw Emmett's posture relax and he nodded. "I'm glad I had this conversation with you lil bro. I was wrong about you. I had thought that Jessica broke you and that you were no longer the sweet and caring brother I used to know. You seemed so cold and distant when I saw you in Chicago. I guess Mom and Alice saw that you were back to your old self again. I understand that your feelings towards Bella and Kitty are very strong but don't unleash all those feelings you have for them all at once. Tread light and slow lil bro." Emmett said and patted my shoulder. "And also just know that I will kick your ass to the moon and back if you hurt Bella and Kitty. If you mess up it's going to put a crack in the relationship our whole family have with Bella and Kitty," he said with a serious but caring look on his face. I nodded to him and squeezed his shoulder to let him know I understood him."If you and Bella can work through all the crap surrounding you two, then I really think you two were meant for each other. Damn shame you didn't meet her before Stephen did," he said.

"Thanks Emmett. I really do feel like I have made a connection with Bella. I promised her that I will be with her and take care of her," I said and Emmett looked confused so I explained to him about the hug Bella and I shared last week. I'm not really one to believe in fate but for some reason I felt that it was fate that brought Bella and me together.

Bella POV

I was packed and ready for Alice to ring me as the four of us were flying to Seattle to spend a few days in Forks for Thanksgiving with Esme and Carlisle. Rosalie, Emmett, and Edward were taking a later flight as Alice mentioned something about not wanting Esme and Carlisle to lose all of their children at once in case there was an accident. Just hearing her reason for precaution was freaking me out.

Kitty was excited that she gets to fly again. Unlike me she enjoyed flying. It probably had to have something to do with getting crayons and toys on the plane. We had a lot of suitcases and Jasper's equipment for the photo shoot to take with us. The suitcases contained many outfits Alice designed to be worn at the photo shoot at the Cullen's for Alice's catalogue. Rosalie and Emmett were also bringing some more suitcases that we couldn't take with us.

The flight wasn't too bad. It wasn't that long either but being pregnant I felt really bloated and my feet looked like they belonged on an elephant. Alice was smart and brought a pair of comfortable UGG boots for me just in case my feet do not fit back in the shoes I was wearing. She didn't like the UGG boots very much but considering the fact that I was pregnant she said it was excusable. It was cable knit and almost looked like I was just wearing a pair of socks. It was warm and comfortable so I wasn't going to complain especially since Alice wasn't complaining.

Both Esme and Carlisle came to pick us up in separate cars. Kitty and I rode with Carlisle and Alice and Jasper rode with Esme.

It was nice to be back this time around. Last time I was here Kitty was still too young to remember much. I'm planning to stop by my old house this time around. It still belonged to me, and my Dad's best friend Billy Black and his son Jacob took care of it for me. I was nervous about going there since I haven't stepped foot in there since after my Dad's funeral and that I might feel overwhelmed with memories of my Dad but I wanted Kitty to see the house.

Kitty and I were in Carlisle's car so that Alice could catch up with Esme. On the drive to the Cullen's Carlisle asked if I wanted him to drive past my old house. I know he knew I never returned to the house since Charlie died and only stayed at the Cullen's after that. "I'd like that Carlisle." I smiled to Carlisle.

Carlisle stopped the car in front of the house and I pointed to Kitty that this was the house that belonged to her granddaddy. Kitty scrunched up her nose. "So small and ugly," she said. I couldn't help but laugh. That was the first reaction I actually had when I saw it when I came back to live with my Dad my junior year in high school. I could see that Carlisle was trying to hold his laugh so that he wouldn't look rude. I chuckled. I quickly thanked Carlisle and we headed to the Cullen's house.

I had forgotten how beautiful the ride to the Cullen's was. It was in a secluded forested area. When we got to the house Kitty gasped. "So pretty," she said in awe. I smiled and nodded. Carlisle picked her up and led us into the house. He told us to just relax in the living room while he brought the suitcases in. The living room was beautifully decorated just like Alice had requested. It felt odd that we were here for Thanksgiving when the living room had a Christmas tree and was fully decorated as if it was Christmas.

"You should try and relax Bella. Tomorrow is going to be a long day with the photo shoot. I heard from Alice she finally bullied you into posing for the maternity designs." Carlisle chuckled.

"I can never win against Alice." I said to Carlisle.

I heard the door open and heard Esme's voice. "Where's my granddaughter?"

"Grammie!" Kitty squealed and ran towards Esme and she picked her up and carried her into the living room.

"Carlisle will you please go help Jasper with the suitcases?" Esme asked Carlisle.

"Well I'm going to go and make some snack for everyone. By the time I'm done the others should arrive. Would you care to help me Bella?" Esme asked.

"Sure Esme. Kitty, you stay here and watch TV okay?" I said to Kitty so that she doesn't get in anyone's way.

Alice came bouncing into the kitchen. "Oh guess what Bella. Angela's coming in to assist Jasper tomorrow. You know she's also a photographer right?"

"Angela? Like Angela from Forks High? Wow I haven't seen her in years. I'm surprised you stayed in touch with her." I said as I never saw Alice as the type who'd be in touch with Angela. I was good friends with Angela in high school but lost touch after I moved to Seattle.

"Well I didn't exactly keep in touch. Mom ran into Mrs. Webber and told her about Jasper's and my business and that we were taking pictures for my catalogue over Thanksgiving so Angela called my Mom and got my number and she offered me her service. That's how I found out that she was a photographer." Alice said excitedly.

"Well that's awesome. It would've been challenging if Jasper had to do everything and adjusting lighting while he was taking pictures would have been tough if he had to do it alone. The photo shoot would probably take less time with Angela assisting him."

While Esme, Alice, and I chatted and helped Esme make some snacks Rosalie, Emmett, and Edward arrived. Kitty heard Edward's voice and went running toward the door and jumped into his arms.

"Kids go freshen up. Bella I've set you and Kitty up in the room beside Edward's. It has an attached bathroom with a bigger bathtub and dual removable shower head so it should be easier when you bathe Kitty," Esme said.

"Thank you Esme." I had a sneaking suspicion that Esme probably renovated the bathroom for us.

I knew where the room was so I carried Kitty up the stairs and went into the room next to Edward's bedroom. Carlisle had already brought our luggage into the room so I quickly pulled out some fresh clothes and laid it out on the bed. While I was looking around the room I realised that this room was connected to Edward's bedroom. I took Kitty's hand and walked into the bathroom. When I got into the bathroom it suddenly dawned on me that this bathroom was probably the one Edward uses when he's back home. We were probably inconveniencing Edward by taking over his bathroom. I quickly wet the washcloth and wiped Kitty's face and hands and took her back to the bedroom and changed her clothes. I took out some toys from the suitcase and set her down on the carpet and told her to play with her toys. I really felt bad about the bathroom and decided to talk to Edward about it.

I knocked on the door that connected our room. I heard Edward unlock the door. "Hi Bella can I help you with something?" He smiled and asked.

"Well actually I wanted to discuss with you the bathroom situation," I said to him and he gave me a very confused look.

"I didn't realise that this room was connected and that the bathroom we're using was yours." I said to him.

"Don't worry about it Bella. There's another bathroom at the end of the hall," he smiled said to me.

"This is your house and your bathroom. Kitty and I'll just move to another room. If you could just show me where it is, I don't want to inconvenience Esme." I said.

"Bella, I'm really fine using the other bathroom. Don't worry about it," he said trying to assure me.

"Okay I'll give you 2 options to choose from. I'll keep this door unlocked and we share the bathroom or you help me move to another room." I told him.

He looked very uneasy and said, "Bella, Mom really wants you to use this bathroom. You're putting me in a rock and a hard place."

Hmmm so my suspicion was right that Esme renovated this bathroom for Kitty and I but why did she renovate this bathroom and not one in another room? Then a thought crossed my mind. Maybe Esme knows I was attracted to Edward and somehow thought maybe we'd want to shower together? No it can't be… I felt myself blushing when images of Edward showering with me flashed through my mind.

"You're blushing Bella. What's going on in your head? Imagining me showering are you?" he winked at me.

I felt myself blush even harder and I could see that I was blushing down to my chest. "So which is it? Share the bathroom or help us move?" I said hoping that I won't blush any more than I already have.

He sighed. "All right. You're so stubborn Bella. I'll agree to share the bathroom. I'll just quickly shower now so that you can take your time," he said and went towards his closet. He then returned holding a toiletry bag and a terry robe and went into the bathroom. I noticed that the toiletry kit was from Ermenegildo Zegna. Either Edward has incredible taste or Alice must have gotten it for him. But then again he's a Cullen of course he owns the finer things.

Edward POV

When Mom told me she wanted to renovate my bathroom and that she was moving the things in my connecting room back to my room I thought nothing of it. I was surprised when Mom told Bella to take the room beside my bedroom until I saw Alice smirking. That evil conniving pixie had done it again. She must have schemed with Mom. I should be upset at them but I was actually feeling giddy about that I would be sharing the bathroom with Bella and in order to do that I would get to go through her room.

I quickly showered, shaved, and got out of the shower. When I was going to tell Bella that I was done using the bathroom I noticed that Kitty was tucked in bed and Bella asleep on top of the bedspread. I wanted to let Bella take a nap for a while but I was sure Mom would be calling us downstairs soon for dinner so I decided to wake Bella up. I softly nudged Bella and she moaned a little. She sounded so sexy she took my breath away. I quickly shook off the improper images of Bella that just crossed my mind. I nudged her again and she finally woke up.

"Oh I must have fallen asleep. Thank you for waking me up," she said and smiled at me.

"No problem. I felt bad waking you up but I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable if you didn't get to freshen up before Mom called us back downstairs," I said and smiled. As I was leaving her room I noticed Bella staring at my chest that was exposed from the bathrobe and she blushed again. I felt like teasing her but I stopped myself just in case I would be pushing it too far.

I quickly changed and went down to the living room. Emmett was spread out on the couch and Jasper was busy setting up the equipment for tomorrow. Then I heard Alice come down the stairs. I quickly went to her and pinned her against the wall. I raised one of my eyebrows and asked, "You and Mom had something to do with putting Bella and Kitty in the room next to me didn't you?" I glared at Alice.

"I did you a favor, thank me!" she said without denying even for a second.

I shook my head, she slipped out of my hold, and went bouncing into the kitchen.

I didn't want to get in Jasper's way in the living room so I followed after her into the kitchen and sat on the stool at the breakfast bar.

"Did Bella and Kitty settle in all right?" Mom asked me smirking. I still couldn't get over the fact that my own mother would team up with Alice.

"Oh by the way thanks Mom. Bella and I are now sharing the bathroom," I said in a sarcastic tone and even though Mom was looking down I swear I saw the corner of Mom's lips lift up like she was grinning.

"Would you help me and go set the table?" Mom ignored my comment and asked so I got up and went to the dining room. While I was walking out of the kitchen I saw the evil pixie whisper something into Mom's ear and giggle together. As I was setting the table I noticed that we now had a black children's high chair in the dining room. I would've thought Mom would have gotten a cute white one for Kitty. This high chair was just black and plain. As I was staring at it Alice came pirouetting into the dining room.

"You like it? It's an Ineke Hans design. It's called Black beauty supperman chair." She said proudly. I didn't really have any comment so I just snorted.

"Hey it's not my fault you don't appreciate the beauty of it. It is a thousand dollar high chair you know," she said and left the dining room.

When dinner was just about ready Bella came down carrying a very sleepy Kitty in her arms. I quickly went to Bella help Bella, took Kitty from her and carried her to the dining room, and sat her into the high chair.

We all gathered and sat to eat dinner. "So Bella what are you planning to do tomorrow morning ?" Mom asked her.

"I'm thinking of taking Kitty to my old house," she said smiling.

"Are you sure you want to go with just Kitty?" Alice asked worriedly.

I didn't understand why Alice looked so worried when Bella was just taking Kitty to her old house but I decided to offer her my service. "Would you like me to take you Bella? They are saying it might rain hard in the morning. I'd be more than happy to drive," I said.

"You really wouldn't mind? There's really nothing much to see but I just want Kitty to see inside the house. I'm not planning to sell it any time soon but just in case I want Kitty to see it and I haven't set foot in that house since my Dad's funeral," she said. Oh so that's why Alice looked worried. She must be afraid that Bella might break down seeing memories of her father there.

"I'd love to Bella," I said and smiled at her.

After dinner we all went to lounge in the living room but Kitty started to fuss probably from being tired from the trip so Bella said goodnight to everyone and headed to the bedroom.

I stayed with my family for a few hours watching T.V. and we all shared what was up currently in our lives with Mom and Dad. I started to struggle to stay awake so I excused myself and headed to my bedroom. Even though I agreed to share the bathroom with Bella and Kitty I assumed Kitty must already be asleep so I quickly used the bathroom in the other guestroom first and went to my bedroom. Then I noticed that Bella didn't just unlock the door connecting our rooms she had it wide open and when I went to the door I saw the lights were on and Bella was reading a story book to Kitty.

I stood by the door and watched her read while Kitty listened. Then Bella noticed me watching them. "She's tired but too excited to fall asleep," Bella said frowning.

"Edward!," Kitty said and she patted the covers to tell me to come over. I looked at Bella to ask if it was okay and she nodded. As I was walking around the bed to go to the other side Kitty lifted the covers for me to get under the covers. I wasn't sure if Bella would appreciate that but when I looked at her she smiled so I slipped under the covers beside Kitty. Kitty scooted over and snuggled into me so I slid further down the bed and rested my head on the pillow while I held her and Bella kept reading.

Bella's voice was so soft and melodic it almost sounded like a lullaby and I instantly felt myself relax. Kitty's warmth was also really comforting and I started to struggle to stay awake and felt myself nodding off.

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A/N

Do you guys want another chapter in Forks starting with Bella POV from the point that Edward fell asleep on bed and Edward going to Charlie's house with Bella and Kitty? And possibly some of the photo shoot? If not I'll just start the next chapter back in LA. Please review and let me know. Thanks!