A/N: So I won't take up to much time. But I wanted to say that I have the most wonderful beta Lola! I truly hope those of you who are reading this story are enjoying yourselves. This story is so personal and means so much to me. I am so thankful to be able to share some of these experiences with you. That being said…..on with the chapter!

Chapter 10 – Another step forward

The rest of the week passed without much incident. Everyone went about their business at their assigned worksites each day, all of them having grown together like one big family. Both Bella and Edward returned to their respective jobs without the other for the rest of the week, but every night, without fail, gathered together in their favorite spot until it was time to go to bed.

Neither of them brought up the talk they'd had earlier in the week where they had each confessed to feeling more than just friendship towards one another. While Alice and Jaspers relationship seemed to had erupted quickly like a volcano, Edward and Bella appeared to be more like a slow-burn, growing in intensity more each day as they learned more about one another.

Just because they had not verbally approached the subject of their feelings for one another since that evening did not mean that there was no physical evidence of the change in their….un-labeled relationship. They continued with subtle touches, hugging, Edward tucking a strand of hair behind Bella's ear, or brushing hands whenever possible.

Everyone could sense that something had shifted, and would soon tip one way or the other, but no one dared mention their thoughts aloud for fear of tipping one of the two off the perfectly balanced dance they had going on around one another.

The rest of the week flew by, and Saturday morning approached. Bella had learned to easily sleep through the rooster that must have been on crack, because it crowed all night long. She was really hoping to be able to sleep in a little on the day that they didn't have to go shopping, when she was startled awake by a much-to-excited-for-this-time-of-the-day-when-no-sane-soul-should-be-awake Alice, who bounded on her bed singing "Bella….it's time to get uuuuuuuup. We are going SHOPPING today!"

Bella tried to cover her head with her pillow while simultaneously mumbling "Alice, I can go to the market any day of the week, please let me sleep."

"Not to the market silly, we are going to the Valle de Angeles today, or Valley of the Angels, where there is supposed to be TONS of shopping opportunities, and it is going to take us at least a few hours to get there. Now hurry and get up before someone else buys up all my merchandise."

"Any how come I didn't know anything about this trip before now?" Bella questioned.

Alice chuckled before responding "Well, that would be because you and Lover Boy, I mean Edward, are always off…talking, while most of us hang out in the kitchen area playing cards and the such in the evening, so if Alberto has an announcement he usually just comes to the kitchen to make it. Plus, we don't want to…interrupt you guys. It seems whatever you two have going on out there is pretty personal. So anyway, rise and shine Sunshine! I have the serious need to spend some money!"

Bella groaned once more before deciding to roll out of bed saying "There better be some coffee ready for having to get up at such a ridiculous hour on a Saturday."

Bella hurried through her morning routine, barely having time to brush her teeth and throw her hair into a bun on top of her head, running out of the bathroom noticing everyone heading towards a big yellow bus that resembled the one that they rode into town on that first day.

Realizing she was not going to have time to eat breakfast she stopped by her bunk grabbing a granola bar. Those things had been a saving grace on the days she hadn't had time to eat before heading to the worksite…though that had not happened very often since she and Edward had become close. For some reason, knowing she would get to see him, even for just a few minutes in the morning, motivated her to get out of bed just a little bit earlier.

She hurried out of the girls' room, practically barreling into Edward on the pathway. He reached out to steady her with one arm, chuckling "Whoa there, hold you horses."

"Sorry," Bella replied, "I just noticed everyone was getting on the bus so I was trying to hurry. Since I didn't get my coffee this morning I figured I should at least grab something to eat."

They turned to walk towards the van when Edward handed Bella a cup with a lid on it.

"Is this what I think it is?" Bella asked while moving to cup to her nose to smell the sweet aroma.

"If you mean delicious coffee goodness, then yes it is," Edward answered, smiling because he loved that the smallest things could make her so happy.

"My hero." Bella replied jokingly, as they loaded onto the bus, scooting into a row together, before Bella was jerked away by her arm by a little pixie who stated "Oh no, you don't. I'm stealing you for the ride down."

"But Alice, who am I going to sit with if you steal Bella from me?" Edward started to but in, trying to give Alice his saddest puppy dog look.

"No way big brother. That pout isn't going to work on me. You can sit with Jasper….far away from us. This is girl time."

"Fine," Edward said looking like someone had just kicked his puppy, as he turned to find where Jasper was sitting.

"Goodness. He is such a big baby. C'mon Bella, we are sitting over here," Alice said as she dragged Bella a couple rows over.

"So Bella, what are you planning to buy? I can't wait. I am going to buy hand carved jewelry boxes, and some hammocks, and clothes…let me just say I am so glad we brought the big bus because I am going to need lots of room for my bags by the time this day is over. I cannot remember the last time I went this long without a shopping trip so I can't wait to spend some money!" Alice looks like a kid on her way to a candy store; she was so excited over the prospect of shopping.

"Umm…well, I had not really thought about it. I guess I will just look around and see if there is anything I really need." Bella said.

As the bus pulled off Alice looked at Bella and said "Oh Bella, I have so much to teach you. Shopping isn't about needing something. It's about excitement and the thrill of getting something new; the high of getting a good bargain. Don't worry young grasshopper, I will have you well schooled in the art of shopping before we arrive."

"Can't wait…" Bella mumbled, but could not help but smile at her friend who had so much zest for life. Even though she was crazy and way too hyper, Bella had learned to not only tolerate but also embrace her friends' crazy over the past few weeks, thankful she was lucky to have made such a good friend.

"Looks like you're stuck with me for the ride bro," Edward said as he plopped down next to Jasper in the back of the bus.

"Don't look so excited," Jasper chuckled at his friend.

"Sorry, it's not you, it's just…" Edward trailed off, not sure how much to say.

"No worries man, I get it." Jasper replied.

Edward breathed a sigh of relief; thankful Jasper wasn't getting ready to grill him about his feelings for Bella.

They fell into a comfortable silence for a while before Jasper broke the silence. "So I just wanted to say thanks, for being so cool about me being with your sister. I know it was fast, but I am so crazy about her. I am going to do whatever it takes to make it work. Just so you know, I am planning to move to Washington sometime after we get back. It may take me a little while to find a job, but I won't be away from her for long. I won't break her heart. I've…fallen in love with her." Jasper took a deep breath, waiting for whatever Edward was planning to send his way.

"You know man, if you had told me that even a week ago, I probably would have said you were crazy, but…I don't know, things have changed now. Bella has changed everything I ever thought I knew about women, and relationships. She has been this whirlwind that came into my life, and it's like I'm seeing everything differently. I used to approach everything with a negative attitude, but she doesn't. She sees the good in everything and everyone. Heck, she gave me another chance after I was such a jerk. So if you promise me you are going to be good to Alice, I believe you." Edward finished. It was like he was admitting most of that to himself as much as he was to Jasper as he said it out loud.

"You love her too," Jasper replied simply.

"I…do," Edward said, feeling like he was experiencing a revelation, but knowing without a doubt those words were true.

Jasper patted Edward on the shoulder as he said "Who would have thought man, two guys finding love in Honduras."

"Most definitely not me seeing as I didn't believe in love at all," Edward answered.

"Well, just don't hurt her and we will be all good." Jasper said, effectively ending that conversation.

Edward leaned his head back against the seat closing his eyes, thoughts racing through his head. He had admitted to himself that he was in love with Bella. Suddenly the thought that he only had a few weeks left with her before they both went back to the States parting ways, terrified him. He knew that Bella had undeniably and irrevocably changed him, and he could only hope that she felt the same way.

They arrived in the Valley, Alberto pointing out the direction for a few different "hot spots" for shopping and eating. He asked them all to be back on the bus by eight o'clock to head back to the campsite.

"C'mon Bella," Alice said and she practically yanked Bella off the bus "So much shopping to do, so little time".

"Okay Alice. I promise we will get to shopping but can we at least wait for the boys to get off the bus?"

"Yes, but they better hurry up. Why did they have to sit in the back of the bus?" Alice asked as she bounced from foot to foot.

The second the boys stepped off the bus Alice grabbed them. "C'mon let's go!"

Both men laughed while Edward learned over to Bella asking "Is this what you want to do? You can say no to her and we can do something else if you want."

Bella felt her heart warm that he cared about her wants and needs. "I'm okay to look around for a few hours if that is okay with you?"

"I'm happy as long as I'm with you." Edward said, having decided on the bus that he was not going to beat around the bush with Bella anymore. If he felt like saying something, he was going to say it. He did not want to waste anymore time.

Bella struggled not to blush and before she had a chance to respond Alice popped their bubble saying "Okay, okay, let's get a move on!" as they walked toward their shopping destinations.

For the next few hours they were in and out of various shops. Alice managed to find something to buy in almost all the shops, and as a result, poor Jasper had his arms full carrying numerous bags.

Edward and Bella mostly just wandered through the shops. They would separate some while inside the store, browsing the different items, and then head to the next store once Alice had made her purchases inside each one.

Both Edward and Bella enjoyed looking at the pottery that was made from the soul indigenous to the area and they laughed when they saw a shirt that said something about 'I went to Honduras and survived the crazy drivers' but so far neither of them had purchased anything.

In one store Edward caught Bella looking intently at some of the hand-carved jewelry boxes. She eyed them closely, before seeming to simply sigh then walking away.

"See anything you like yet?" Edward asked as they waited for Alice to finish checking out.

Bella looked at Edward, wondering if she should tell him about the jewelry boxes, but not wanting him to feel bad for her for not feeling like she should spend the money on herself, so she just tried to shrug it off saying "Well yeah, but nothing I can't live without you know? What about you?"

"Actually, now you mention it, I think I did see something in that store I wanted to get. I'll catch up with you guys in the next store in just a few." Edward replied before jogging back into the store.

Bella was a little surprised at his response but just chalked it up to his quirkiness before walking into the next store with Alice and Jasper.

Edward joined them all again a few minutes later, a bag in hand.

"So, what did you decide on?" Bella asked, trying to peek inside his bag.

"Oh, just a little something for my house. Are you hungry? I'm starving!" Edward announced, hoping his diversion would work.

"Thank goodness. I was beginning to wonder if we would stop at all or shop straight through dinner. I am sooo hungry." Bella exclaimed, her stomach rumbling in agreement.

Edward laughed saying "Well, we better feed you before you get grumpy. I'll go let Alice and Jasper know that we will meet them in the main plaza for dinner if we don't see them before."

They continued down one of the streets, enjoying an easy camaraderie and just being with each other.

"Whew, I love your sister, but she has so much energy. I get worn out just watching her." Bella said.

"You don't have to tell me twice. I grew up with her and I still haven't figured out where she gets it from. She could give the Energizer Bunny a run for his money." Edward concurred.

As they walked along they stopped at a few restaurants but did not see anything they really wanted to eat. They both agreed that they did not want a big meal since it would not be too much longer before they were to eat dinner.

"Oh! Look Edward! It's a stand where they are selling papusa! I have been wanting to try some ever since we got here but have not been able to find it anywhere. Let's go check it out," Bella said as she grabbed Edward by the arm and dragged him towards the little stand where a local woman was making the fresh papusa out in the open on a hot surface.

"Ummm…Bella, it looks good and all but I'm pretty sure that stuff isn't made with purified water and I'm not sure I want to risk having to run to the bathroom all night long, if you know what I mean."

Bella took a moment to consider what Edward said before deciding "You know what? You only live once and plus, surely any chemicals are cooked out right? Who knows when I will be back here again, though I sure hope I will be. I'm going for it. So, I'm going to get an order." she finished as she informed the woman what she wanted.

A few minutes later they were standing on the corner of the street with hot papusa in hand. Bella took a bite and let out a little moan of pleasure.

"Oh my gosh Edward this is so good, you have to try it!" Bella said as she held it out to Edward to take a bite.

It took Edward a minute to shake out of stupor as he had been staring at Bella's lips, before collecting himself and responding "I'm sure it's good, but it can't be moaning good." as he took a bite, which resulted in a little moan slipping out while Bella laughed. "Or maybe it can be, give me another bite, he laughed and she joined him saying "told you it was delicious!"

Once they had finished their snack they walked around a few more hours before heading back to find Alice and Jasper over in the main square.

When they found them, they also found Emmett, Rosalie, Carlisle and Esme, who were quite the sight to see as all the men were up to their ears in shopping bags.

"Wow Emmett, Dad, I didn't realize you men had such a shopping addiction." Edward joked, earning him a jab in the shoulder from Emmett who responded with "Well, at least we are gentleman. Where's your girls bags?"

Bells tried to control a blush at being referred to as Edward's "girl", while he responded, "Not all women have a shopping problem, that being the need to buy everything they see."

"Okay boys, cut it out," Esme interjected, "I'm starving so let's go find a place to eat, because you don't want to face my wrath if we have to get back on that bus before I'm full and happy."

Everyone laughed along with mama bear while they headed to find a place to eat.

Once they had finished dinner, all of them with stuffed bellies, they headed back to the bus for the ride home.

When they got back to the bus Edward grabbed Bella, shooting Alice a look saying "Can I steal you for the ride home?"

"Sure," Bella responded while yawning "though I might not be much fun because I feel like I'm going to pass out."

"Me too," Edward said as they ambled onto the bus plopping down in the first open seat, "I just like having you near me."

Bella laughed as she grabbed his arm, her eyes already drooping "Good, because I think your shoulder will make a fine pillow."

Edward wrapped his arm around her saying "Sleep Bella." before leaning his head back against the chair and joining her in sleep.

They arrived back at camp; both rubbing their eyes and trying to wiggle out the kinks in their necks as they had slept the whole ride home.

As they started to get off the bus, Edward leaned into Bella asking "I know it's really late, but after you finish getting ready for bed, could you please meet me at our spot, just for a few minutes?"

"Of course." Bella nodded as she excited the bus, knowing she could never deny him and wondering why he looked so serious. Although perhaps it was just her eyes playing tricks on her from sleep.

They hurried their way through their evening routine before heading out to the hammocks. When Bella arrived Edward was already waiting for her.

She started to make her way over to her usual hammock when Edward interrupted her "I was wondering, could you, maybe lay over here-with me? It is a double hammock so I promise I won't squish you."

Bella was a little shocked but quickly recovered making her way over to Edward at his hammock. She attempted to crawl in smoothly and gracefully but it just wasn't possible bringing them to laughter as they finally got situated.

They lay in contented silence for a minute, enjoying the feeling of being close to each other, before Edward broke the silence, handing Bella a lumpy bag.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Just open it, silly girl." Edward smiled, while holding his breath waiting for her reaction.

Bella couldn't help but tear up a little as she looked as her gift, stumbling through her words as she looked over at Edward "Edward, how did you know..? It's so beautiful. Exactly the one I wanted…"

Edward felt his heart fill up with happiness that she liked it, responding "I saw you looking at it in the store and I noticed you touched this one. I really wanted to do something nice for you." He looked her straight in the eyes before continuing, "Bella, I wish I could put into words what you have come to mean to me. I want to spend every moment with you. I want to be the one who puts a smile on your face. I want to be the one who comforts you when you cry. I want to hear every little detail about your day and know everything about you. I want….you."

As he finished his eyes flickered from her eyes to her lips, as her breathing hitched and she questioned "Edward…?"

"Bella…" he said as his eyes asked her a silent question. She nodded minutely which must have been the answer he was looking for, as he leaned in slowly, before their lips met, soft and perfect.

Edward pulled back for a moment to read her reaction, making sure he hadn't misunderstood what she had been nodding about. He did not have much chance to ponder this before her lips met his again, a little more fervently this time. Their lips parted as they breathed one another in, feeling the flame that had been building over the last few weeks finally igniting.

Edward reached his hand to her hip turning her to face him and to bring her closer while Bella's hand reached up and into his hair, pulling slightly at the hair just at the nape of his neck, eliciting a moan of pleasure from Edward.

They continued for a while, drinking each other in, neither one wanting to be the one to end this perfect moment, before they both had to pull apart, lips swollen and breathing heavy.

"Wow, that was…" Bella began.

"…perfect." Edward finished.

Once their breathing had returned to normal, Bella once again thanked Edward for being so thoughtful in buying her the jewelry box. She did not want the moment to end but knew they both needed to try and get some sleep.

As if reading her mind Edward said "I know we both need get to sleep but I just want you to know…this isn't a fling for me. YOU are not just a fling for me. I know we have a lot to talk about but I just want you to know, I will do whatever it takes to make this work. I care about you…so much and I really hope you want to make this work too."

Edward waited with baited breath, hoping he wasn't about to get his heart broken; wondering to himself if his understanding of what they had was more than what she thought it was. But before the panic set it, she eased his anxiety as she brought her hand to caress his cheek.

She lightly kissed his lips whispering against them "I care about you too…and I would like nothing more than to figure this out. Goodnight Edward," she finished pushing herself out of the hammock as they made their way to bed, knowing they would both sleep well tonight.

Please take the time to review! What do you think will happen? What would you like to see happen? Thank you so much for all your support!