AN: Huge thanks for all of you that voted this story as one of the fics of the week on the last poll at The Lemonade Stand. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate all the readers and reviews! It's been really fun hearing your thoughts on Bella, Edward, and their decisions.

Thanks to Nicffwhisperer, Kikki7, Vampshavelaws, Julie, KittyVuitton, Stephanie, Perry, Jaime, Nolebucgrl, and Sydney Alice for all of their help pre-reading/betaing and supporting my crazy ass. Special thanks to SusanQ who helps me out with my last-minute changes. I'm always tinkering until right before posting and any mistakes are mine.

The Cullens

Have you ever had sex for a week straight?

Well, I have.

It became clear three days in that I could have picked a shack in the hills of Kentucky rather than Fiji, and our honeymoon wouldn't have been much different.

Smugs Jr. and I were now BFFs.

I was also somewhat fond of Mr. Smugs himself.

Our wedding in Vegas had been quick and relatively painless. It wasn't cheesy, nor were we married by Elvis...thankfully. It was actually quite beautiful in the Bellagio courtyard, even if we had to grab an unsuspecting couple of strangers to witness for us. Edward made it worth their while by taking care of their expenses for the duration of their stay.

Money tended to make things happen fast, and Edward threw a lot of it around. He hired a wedding consultant who quickly had me fitted for an exquisite white gown, arranged beautiful flowers, and arrived with an elaborate cake for our rushed "reception". I noted even the pictures of Edward and I were professionally done when I glanced over the digital copies that were made for us.

A day and half in Vegas was all it took for our vows of eternal devotion to be completed, and I got back on the plane toward Fiji with a new name.

Edward kept insisting if I wanted another ceremony—some kind of grand fanfare in New York—that it was mine. But it wasn't really important to me, nor did it seem necessary to replicate a ceremony which would result in the same consequences.

I was married to Edward Cullen, and it didn't matter to me much how it happened.

He was over-the-moon ecstatic and treated me like a princess during our honeymoon. Always attentive. Always ensuring I was comfortable and happy. Sure, we didn't get out much, but he made me deliriously happy during our week in a luxurious private condo right on the beach.

I had never felt as needed, or as powerful, as I did when when we were alone together. When he was aroused by me.

I knew how rough his voice sounded when he was desperate to be inside me. I knew the smell of his skin as our bodies moved together. I knew what his face looked like when he came. I knew the soft kisses and touches he liked as we relaxed from our highs. I knew the way he held me close as he slept.

We may not have seen much of the beaches, but I regretted nothing from the last week. It had been the most intimate week of my life, even if neither of us ever said 'I love you'.

On arriving back in New York, and turning on our cell phones—which had remained off during our time away—reality started to settle in.

We were married and had a lot of explaining to do.

The first order of business was meeting his family.

I groaned and stretched as the morning light flooded in through the window. The space next to me was cold, and I frowned remembering Edward had left to go to his office today. I reached for his pillow to breathe in his now familiar smell—a mixture of soap, sandalwood, and warmth—and noticed a piece of paper fall to the bed.

Good morning Bella,

I hate leaving your warm body all alone in bed this morning, but I'll be thinking of you all day.

Please remember that your personal shopper will be here at noon. Do try to have fun today…and spend lots of money!

I will be home by seven and dinner with my family is at eight. Call me if you need anything.

Yours,
Edward

I sighed at his note. He'd been aghast at my wardrobe—or lack of wardrobe—when we'd gotten back and my things were added to his closet. A closet bigger than my whole house in Forks. I had to admit, the sight of my meager amount of items next to his was pitiful.

He helped me dig through the boxes he'd had shipped from Forks while we were away, and he harped all night on my only having books. He didn't seem to understand that my books were more important to me than a designer dress. He made an emergency call to his personal assistant, Jane, who recommended someone to help me get my clothing in shape.

And that's how I met Rosalie Hale.

The doorbell rang exactly at noon, and I followed right behind Hannah to answer it. The woman on the other side was breathtaking…from her shiny, blonde hair down to her stiletto heels.

She held out her hand.

"Hello, Bella. I'm Rose." Her violet eyes took in my cotton t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. "I can see we have a lot of work to do."

I didn't take her criticism personally, since she delivered it with a smile and a wink. I quickly hugged Hannah and grabbed my purse before walking out with Rose to another chauffeured car. The driver was Edward's regular guy, who I'd come to find out was named Felix.

"I could get used to this," she said, as we got settled in the seat. "Mr. Cullen had them pick me up at my place earlier. Do you always travel like this?"

"Um…yeah, I guess."

If always meant since meeting Edward.

Before she could ask me another question, Felix interrupted.

"Where to, Mrs. Cullen?"

I sat there silently for a moment, until I realized he was talking to me. It was going to take awhile to get used to my new name.

"Uh…" I stared at Rose.

"430 W. 14th St.," she answered, before turning to me. "I figure we can at least get some basics and find you a dress for tonight."

I bit my lip. "Edward wanted me to get a lot."

She laughed. "Don't worry. We'll get you squared away. It's going to take longer than one day though."

I didn't hold back my groan.

Her sly grin didn't escape my attention. "I was told you weren't the most enthusiastic shopper, but we're going to have a good time."

"Do you have a lot of clients?"

"Nope, you're it." She scowled down at her phone for a minute before turning back toward me. "This is actually the first time I've done anything like this. I graduated with a business degree from Harvard, but was unfortunately a victim of downsizing at my last marketing firm. My aunt Jane hooked me up with this."

I liked the idea that she was new to this situation like I was. It seemed more laid back that way.

Her eyebrows knit together when I didn't answer back immediately.

"I promise we'll get you a perfect wardrobe. I didn't mean to cut myself off at the knees by telling you I was new at this. I just wanted to be honest."

She was worried I would be upset.

I shook my head. "Rose, please. I think it's great that you're a rookie. It actually makes me feel better. In fact, I would rather we just consider this shopping with friends instead of some professional label. That seems too formal to me."

She blew out a gust of air and smiled. "I was scared you were going to call up Mr. Cullen and fire me before I really started."

My mouth dropped open. "No way. As long as we can have a half-way decent time, I'll get you a raise."

Edward could spare the money.

We both laughed and relaxed.

"So where are you taking me?"

"Soho…best shopping in the world."

I settled back in my seat, watching the city pass by out the window.

"Can I ask you a question?"

I turned back toward Rose and nodded.

"How old are you?"

I gulped. "Almost nineteen."

In another four months.

"Hey, I meant no offense. Shit, I'm only twenty-four. I was just curious." She leaned over conspiratorially. "I think Edward's terrific. I don't know him very well, but Jane's been working with him for like ten years now. He has a reputation for being a tyrant, but I don't believe it. He's always been nice to me whenever we've crossed paths, and Jane just adores him. I'm hoping you two will be very happy together. The whirlwind marriage is really romantic."

I didn't really know what to say. Of course people would think it was romantic. I supposed it was, except for the whole contract thing.

"Besides," she continued on with a wink, "shopping can be considered therapeutic. So anything you tell me in confidence will never leave my lips again, and I hope the same for you. We can be each other's therapists."

I joined in with her giggles and settled back in my seat. I had a feeling today was going to be more fun than I thought.

~~~*~~~NOP~~~*~~~

Three things I was sure of after my day with Rose…

Shopping was a lot more fun when you had unlimited funds.

Walking by her side garnered more male attention than I'd ever had in my whole life combined.

I had made my first friend in New York.

We had kept up a constant stream of discussion as we loaded ourselves down with bags and bags of purchases. I told her the revised version of how Edward and I had met, and she gave me a crash course on New York survival. I filled her in on the courses I had registered for at NYU in the fall, and she detailed her college experience for me. I was really happy Rose had fallen into my life and wanted to send Jane a thank you basket or something.

With my first New York shopping trip under my belt and a bolstered sense of confidence absorbed from Rose's company, I felt ready to conquer the meeting of the family. I was back at the house by five, so I had plenty of time to get myself beautiful.

As I dressed in my little black Versace dress and Loubouton heels, I tried not to hyperventilate at the fact my outfit cost almost seven grand. I pulled my straightened hair back, pinning it into a low ponytail with a jeweled clip at the nape of my neck. I kept my makeup light, only darkening my eyes and applying some gloss.

Once I finished, I snapped a couple pictures of myself and sent them off to Alice. She was jealous she wasn't here yet to go on the shopping trips, but I promised her we'd go everywhere as soon as she arrived in a couple days.

I got an almost instantaneous reply.

You look hot! Knock 'em dead!

I grinned at her message, filling my new clutch with essentials and trying not to kill myself on the way down the stairs in heels. I was waiting at the bottom of the stairs when Edward came rushing in a little after seven.

When his gaze landed on me, he stopped in his tracks. His mouth opened as his eyes traveled down and back up, taking me in completely.

"Fuck me."

I giggled at his stunned tone, hoping it meant he approved.

"Well, what do you think?"

I spun around, making sure he got an eyeful of the backless dress, and wasn't surprised by his growl or the fact he was by my side in a flash. His hands found my hips, pulling my body to his before I could even turn back around.

"I think I should call my parents and take a rain check. I don't want to share you." His breath was hot as it passed over my exposed neck. My knees weakened with every word he murmured in my ear. "I'd rather take you back upstairs and fuck you all night."

Hmm, that idea held some merit. But I wouldn't give in.

"Hands off, Mr. Cullen. I'm not wasting this dress just on your perviness." I pushed his roaming hands away and distanced myself a few steps.

His lips lifted in a smirk, but his eyes smoldered. He took one step forward, I took one step back. It reminded me of an animal stalking his prey. Each time he moved toward me, I would move away.

Until I hit the wall.

My heart pounded as he inched closer, putting his hands on the wall on each side of my head. I'd never admit it aloud, but the chase excited me.

"Nowhere to go, my Bella. I've got you now." He leaned in but didn't touch.

"You should go change."

My plea didn't sound very convincing. I bit back my moan as his lips hovered over my neck and his breath hit my skin.

"You shouldn't look this good. I'm going to be hard all night thinking about getting you out of this dress when we get home," he whispered in my ear.

My fingers itched to reach out and see if Smugs Jr. was as up for playing as Edward insinuated.

But I knew if I did, we would never leave.

"If you want to see what's under this dress, you better hurry up and go change for dinner."

He pulled back, looking at me with a grin.

"Only if you're sure…"

I nodded. Although it may have been more fun to stay home, I wanted to get the meeting of the family over with.

With that, Edward gave me a small kiss before winking and jogging up the stairs. I laughed and shook my head at his retreating form, wondering where he got all his energy.

Before long, we were both in the back of the car being driven to the restaurant. Edward smelled and looked so good, freshly showered and dressed in his dark suit. I wanted to crawl right into his lap.

Somehow I restrained myself.

"How was your shopping trip today?"

I smiled when he slid closer on the seat, not satisfied until our thighs were in contact. He twirled my ponytail through his fingers, waiting for me to answer.

"It was fun. I really like Rose."

"That's great. I'm glad you two get along."

"Did you know she graduated from Harvard? It's a shame that she can't find any jobs in what she's been educated and trained for."

His forehead creased, and I wondered why his mouth turned down in a slight frown.

"Jane told me she was excited to do this."

I patted his hand, which had made its way to my knee. "Yes, she's grateful and completely fantastic. It just seems like a waste to use her talents for something beneath her."

"So you want me to get someone else?"

I shook my head and turned his face to look at me. "No, I'm not saying that at all. I really enjoy Rose. She's great. I'm saying maybe you should think about hiring her in another capacity. You have a huge company where I'm sure you could use her skills for something more than shopping with me."

His fingers tightened their grip on my knee.

"Did she ask you to inquire about a position at CWI on her behalf?"

I sighed at the anger and suspicion in his voice. I should never have said anything.

"No. Jesus, Edward. Do you always believe the worst in people? I can't believe you took me in so easily when you think everyone else is out to get you somehow."

His frown disappeared as he leaned in closer, his nose skirting along my jawline before he kissed my neck.

"That's because you're my Bella. You're different than everyone else."

I pushed him away gently and stopped his hand, which was inching up my thigh.

His frown was back, and I chuckled a little before tracing his lips with my finger.

"I only asked about a position for Rose because I like her and I want her to be successful. I consider her a friend."

He held my hand in place when I started to pull it away, playfully nibbling on my finger. I laughed at his antics and loved the way his face lit up with a grin.

"Well, I'll look into it if it will make you happy."

My other hand slipped around his neck, and I pulled his face to mine, giving him a steamy kiss. This time I didn't remove the roaming fingers he'd placed back on my thigh.

"Thank you," I told him in between kisses.

He groaned into my mouth when the car stopped. I pulled away from him with a snicker, straightening out my dress and smoothing my hair back down.

Edward helped me out of the car, and I took his arm as we walked into Le Cirque. The hostess shamelessly flirted with him as we were led to our table, and I wanted to wave my wedding ring in her face. The spurt of jealousy I felt took me by surprise.

Where did that come from?

Edward didn't even seem to notice her or why I was glaring her way.

I forgot all about the hostess as we approached our table, noticing the others already seated and waiting for our arrival. I swallowed down my nervousness and took a deep breath. Edward let go of my arm, moving to rub my lower back lightly with his thumb. His touch was comforting, allowing the smile I offered his family to be genuine instead of forced.

Two men, who I assumed were his father and brother, stood as we approached.

"Father, I'd like you to meet Bella. Bella, this is my father, Carlisle."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella." He shook my hand gently.

He was tall like Edward, his silvery blond hair and blue eyes the only differences from his son's lean build. I blushed thinking that I hoped Edward would age so handsomely.

"It's nice to meet you, too."

Before I could say another word, I was pulled into an embrace by Edward's mother. She was stunning in her beauty, and she was either not as old as I had assumed, or she must have had some amazing beauty rituals.

Her hair was the same rich brown and bronze mixture as Edward's, and she also had his sparkling green eyes. I took a deep breath in relief that she seemed so excited to meet me.

"Oh, Bella, you are simply lovely." She pulled back and smiled as she looked me over. "Please call me Esme…or mom. I have so much to talk with you about, the first of which is a party in your honor."

My eyes widened at her words, and I looked over at Edward. He chuckled, placed a kiss on her cheek, and pulled me away from her gently.

"Don't overwhelm her already, Mother."

He guided me over to his brother, who held out his hand for mine. Instead of shaking it, he kissed it lightly and winked. I laughed at Edward's mumbled threats of bodily harm to his brother.

"Hello, beautiful Bella. I'm Emmett."

Emmett was as handsome as his brother, although slightly shorter and stockier. The Cullen gene pool was definitely blessed. I'd been warned he was quite the troublemaker, and I could imagine he liked to stir the pot by the mischievous gleam in his blue eyes.

Eventually we all took our seats, mine being between Edward and his mother, as champagne was poured around the table.

"To Edward and Bella. Congratulations on getting hitched!"

I bit my lip to keep my giggles in at Emmett's toast, and we all clinked our glasses before taking sips of our champagne.

"So tell me everything. How did you two meet? Edward has been so cryptic."

I swallowed at Esme's question, and Edward placed his hand on my knee under the table to keep me calm. I happily relinquished the reins on this topic to him.

"Bella is actually from Forks."

Eyebrows shot up around the table, and I took another sip of champagne.

"You remember the scholarship I set up there about five years ago? Well there was a mix-up regarding Bella being awarded it this year, and we met to straighten out the details. Needless to say, she took my breath away from the moment I saw her, and it was love at first sight."

He squeezed my knee gently, and I nodded my head in agreement.

Carlisle looked from Edward to me, his face paling right before our eyes. "You just graduated from high school?"

I bit my lip and turned my head to glare at Emmett who had broken out in laughter. Edward addressed his father again.

"Yes, she did, and she will be starting at NYU this fall. Is there a problem with that?"

I was a little shocked at the harshness of Edward's voice and watched Esme rub Carlisle's arm and whisper something in his ear. There seemed to be a bit of tension between Edward and his dad.

"Like father, like son," Emmett chimed in between his chuckles.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I couldn't help being somewhat irritated.

Esme sighed and shook her head before leaning toward me. "Please forgive the behavior of my sons and husband. That's the downside of being surrounded by males." She smiled warmly, and I immediately relaxed. "What Emmett was so rudely referring to was that I also married Carlisle when I was young."

"Jailbait," Emmett said with a pretend cough.

Carlisle's cheeks reddened slightly, and Esme gave Emmett a hard look. Edward leaned in close to whisper in my ear.

"Dad was twenty-eight, Mom was seventeen, and I was the little bundle of joy that hurried their wedding along."

I tried to hide the surprise in my expression, but I was not very successful. Carlisle grimaced, Esme smirked, and Emmett just kept laughing.

"Well, I think it sounds wonderful and romantic. I'm happy to see my baby settling down." Esme looked at Edward with such love, and I had to smile even though we were misleading them about our true relationship. She turned toward me again. "Also, I can't wait for grandbabies."

I chuckled nervously and took another drink.

"We're working on it." Edward put his arm around me and kissed my temple.

My mouth dropped open in shock, and I kicked him under the table. Aside from my embarrassment, his joke seemed to ease the awkwardness at the table since both Carlisle and Emmett laughed and Esme beamed.

"I'm sure you are," Emmett added.

I wanted to crawl under the table.

Luckily, mostly small talk was exchanged as we ate our appetizers. The heavy talk started again once our dinners were served.

"So Bella, what did your family think of your sudden elopement?" Carlisle asked me.

I looked down at my plate, pushing my roasted lobster and artichokes around. Edward's fingers brushed lightly down my arm, and I glanced over to find him watching me, his eyes full of worry. I smiled to let him know it was okay.

"I actually don't have any family. Both my parents have passed, and their parents are also either gone or not a part of my life." I kept going, not wanting to see the awkwardness and pity that always followed the telling of my family life. "My best friend, Alice, is like my sister. I guess I could say she was quite shocked."

Edward snorted and I joined in with my own chuckles. The rest of the table was eerily silent.

Carlisle and Emmett both looked somewhat uncomfortable when I glanced in their direction again, but Esme grasped my hand and leaned over from her chair next to mine.

"Well, you have family now," she said, her eyes watery.

I squeezed her hand, appreciating the sentiment. It was rather sweet of her, and I understood why Edward adored his mother.

The rest of the dinner flowed smoothly...for the most part. Edward and his father were stubbornly silent to each other, even more so after Carlisle asked about my family, and I bit my tongue to keep myself from asking what the reason was behind the hostility.

Despite the tension between those two, everyone treated me kindly. The trepidation I had felt in thinking they might not accept me was proven to be completely unfounded. Esme was positively gleeful when I agreed to have lunch with her in a few days to further discuss the post-nuptial party she wanted to throw for Edward and me. She insisted it was necessary that we formally announce our marriage since we did not have a traditional ceremony.

Edward was no help at all when I wanted to initially decline, but Emmett's claim that we would be heaped with presents helped sway my decision. Gifts were never a bad thing in my eyes.

By the time Edward and I got home, I was feeling much more secure with my last name now being Cullen. Even though my entry into his world was unconventional, I truly felt like I was a legitimate part of his family.

"I like seeing you smile so much." He stopped me as we started to climb the stairs to our room.

I turned and faced him, my eyes almost level with him on the step below me. I couldn't resist snaking my arms around his neck and giving him a big kiss.

"It's because I'm happy."

His fingers trailed along the back of my knees and slowly up my legs. I bit my lip, encouraging his low growl.

"I love when you're happy. And now it's time to keep your promise and let me see what's under this dress."

I leaned closer, nipping his lobe before whispering in his ear.

"I'll give you a clue. I'm not wearing any panties."

His fingers gripped my legs as he took in a sharp breath.

"This whole time…you weren't wearing anything under this?"

I pulled away and rose another step while shaking my head.

"Nope."

His eyes flashed, and my stomach flipped at the desire written all over his face.

"I'll give you a ten second head start."

My heart was pounding as he stood there looking ready to pounce.

"Wha..."

He cut me off. "One."

I giggled and started climbing the stairs before he could get to two. I lost my heels somewhere around his shouted five, and ran up the steps as fast as I could. He still caught me before I got to the bedroom.

Too bad my brand new dress didn't live to see another day.

What do you think about the new characters making their appearance in this chapter? Any theories on the back story of Edward and his father?

I've had several requests for outtakes and I wanted to let you know I am working on an Alec POV from his visit to Forks and also Edward POV. I probably won't post any of those until you learn more about Edward's past. Keep the requests coming though. I'd love to hear what scenes you want from a different POV.

Fic recs:

The Princess and the E by CLWN

Moments by SydneyAlice

Penal Code by BellaFlan and FictionFreak95

Shamrocks and Shenanigans by mathisson

Also, please go vote for the lovely stephk0525's fic over at The Lemonade Stand. She's up for Fic of the Week, and totally deserves it! And if you're not reading it... Then I ask why not? Hello. Spinward.

www. tehlemonadestand. blogspot. com