Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I'm just having some fun with her characters.

Many thanks to radar1230 for prereading this for me and being my cheerleader and also to LJ Summers, my superbly fast beta who wields her colorful pens with style and accuracy. :)

Extra super early update again. More info at the bottom, see you there!

"Bella, go home. I don't want you here."

I sniffed futilely. "Gee, thanks, Jasper. You really know how to talk to a girl," I said, my nasal voice sounding foggy through my plugged ears.

He laughed but didn't back down. "Get out."

My sinuses were killing me. My face hurt and my mind was fuzzy. The only reason I had gone into work was to take care of a report that needed to be done for an important deadline. "Fine. Say hi to Alice for me."

I sighed in relief as I took my purse and walked out to my truck to drive home. It was a nice sunny day and it was a shame I had to spend it being sick.

When I pulled into my driveway and opened the door to step out, I heard the muffled rumbling of a small engine. I paused, frowning. The sound seemed to be coming from the back yard. I walked around the side of the house and could see the lawn mower tracks in the grass.

Someone was mowing my lawn. Someone with bronze hair, glinting in the sunlight, worn jeans slung low on his hips and a fitted t-shirt clinging to his broad shoulders and strong arms.

His back was to me as he pushed the lawn mower toward the edge of the woods. My mouth gaped. What the hell?

I walked out to the edge of the lawn, putting my hands on my hips. What is with this man?

He rounded the corner and headed back my direction. Oblivious to my presence, he continued plodding across the grass. I could see the perspiration seeping through his shirt in the middle of his chest.

He was so…masculine.

About halfway down his path, he lifted his arm and wiped his brow, then, placing his gloved hand back on the handle, he looked up and our eyes met. He stumbled a bit, then stopped, shutting off the motor. Standing back, he removed the gloves from his hands and ran his fingers through his hair, just watching me.

"I… Edward… What?" I stuttered, shaking my head and frowning.

He ambled over to me, his eyes on the grass beneath his feet. "Hey."

I looked at him incredulously. "Hey? Edward, what are you doing?"

He shrugged one shoulder. "Mowing your lawn."

"I see that, but…why?"

"Hey, are you sick?" he asked, looking at me, his forehead wrinkled, eyebrows pinched.

"Yeah, I have a cold," I said, then, shaking my head, I demanded, "Edward, why are you mowing my lawn?"

"I just wanted to help you out," he said simply.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I can mow my own lawn."

He chuckled. "Bella, I know you can. This is not a statement about your abilities." His eyes were gentle and a little pleading. Then he continued softly, "This is just one friend…helping out another."

I closed my eyes, breathing in and out, feeling a bit dizzy from my stuffy head and the presence of Edward. "Is that what we are?"

His eyes dropped to the ground again and he shoved his thumbs in his pockets. "I'd like to be."

I pressed my palm to my forehead and screwed up my face. He was infuriatingly confusing. "Edward, I don't have the energy for this right now. I have to go to bed," I said, unable to stand there and chase down his hidden thoughts and agendas. I let my hand drop as I turned and shuffled back to my house. Only then did I notice that, on the far side of the driveway, his car was parked under a tree. As I walked in the door, I dropped my purse on the floor, kicked off my shoes and plodded up the stairs to my room. I barely got my pants off before collapsing on my bed.

I groaned when I heard the lawnmower start up again. But I just couldn't think about Edward right then. I couldn't. So I slept.

When I woke, a dull ache gnawed at my stomach, letting me know that, despite the pressure in my head, I needed food. I shuffled around the kitchen, looking for something to eat. There were some stale crackers in the cabinet that I nibbled on and I put some water on to boil for tea. I sighed in frustration, thinking about Edward mowing my lawn. What in the world was in his head?

I went over to the back window and looked out at the yard. It was all done perfectly. It irritated me a little. I could do it and I didn't know why he wanted to help me. Did he feel guilty for ditching me? If so, it was awfully strange. What guy ditches a girl only to hang around later?

I got my tea and decided to head back to bed. Just this small foraging trip that had turned up empty had exhausted me. I would have to go to the store later.

But as I passed the front door, I saw something bright in the corner of my eye, through the front window, sitting on the front porch. When I looked, I saw that it was a cooler. I frowned as suspicions filled my mind. The door creaked open and I shuffled onto the porch, opening the lid of the bright box. When I saw the contents, I sighed. Inside sat a container of deli chicken soup, a half gallon of orange juice, and an assortment of cold medicines. A note lay on top of the soup.

From your concerned friend, it said in Edward's scratchy scrawl.

My lips pressed together tightly as I hauled the cooler into my kitchen. I dropped my head to the counter, pressing my forehead against the cool tile. What is his angle? It was so frustrating. I couldn't figure him out. He was constantly shifting and just as I began adjusting to his actions, he would change.

Regardless of how frustrated I was with him, I was hungry and the chicken soup looked really good. I heated a bowl and curled up on the couch, eating it slowly, stubbornly putting him out of my mind and resting my brain.

But it wasn't long before I begrudgingly felt the need to acknowledge his kindness. Reluctantly, I pulled out my phone and sent him a text.

Thank you for the soup, juice, and meds. They really came in handy.

I received a text a few minutes later.

My pleasure.

TOML ~ TOML ~ TOML

Several days later, my cold was better and I was walking in my door after my date with Riley. He had called and invited me to dinner.

He took me out to a brand new sophisticated French restaurant in town. He was the perfect gentleman, pulling out my chair, opening doors. He was attentive, he was kind, he was witty, and he was legitimately interested in me. His eyes sparkled in the soft light and his smile was easy.

He dropped me off at home with an easy and non-threatening, "Thank you for a lovely evening. May I call you again?"

I agreed.

I pulled the pins out of my hair, letting it fall to my back in thick waves and, raking my fingers through it, massaging my tight scalp. Pouring a glass of the orange juice Edward had brought and drinking it down, I heard a knock at my door. My brows pulled together and I wiped my mouth, wondering who could be there at the late hour.

When I walked over to the door and peered out the window, Jacob's dark eyes smiled at me in the light from the porch. I pulled the door open. "Hey!" I said, genuinely happy to see him.

"Hey," he said, then taking in my black dress, a crease formed in his forehead. "Wow, you look really nice."

I dropped my eyes with a slight smile. "Thanks."

He walked in, eyeing me. He knew. "Hot date?"

I took in a deep breath. I could lie, but what would be the point in that? "Something like that."

Nodding, he said, "Well, I was on this side of town. Thought I'd drop by to say hi."

I smiled at him. "I'm glad you did, come on in," I said motioning to the living room. We sat and I flipped on the TV, finding a Mariners game. "Do you want anything?" I asked.

"Nahh." He shook his head and quietly watched as the pitch was thrown and the batter swung and missed. We sat in silence for several minutes before he cleared his throat and asked, "Did you go out with Edward?" sounding strangled.

When I looked over at him, his eyes were glued to the game and he was unnaturally rigid. "Uhh, no, it was someone else."

"Oh?"

"Yeah."

"You like him?"

I shrugged, knowing he was disappointed that I had given yet another guy a chance before him.

We sat for a few more minutes before he stood up quickly, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Well, I'd better get going," he said, heading for the door. I followed behind and when he grasped the doorknob, he turned around and scratched his head. "So, I probably shouldn't keep hoping, should I?" I looked up at him sadly. "I mean. You and I," he said, motioning between us, "aren't…going to happen, are we?"

My eyes welled with tears. This was Jacob, my oldest and dearest friend. I loved him, so I had to release him. I shook my head softly. He sighed, dropping his head. I closed the gap between us and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my face in his chest. His arms encircled me and his head dropped to mine. I'm not sure how long we stood that way before he leaned back, raised my chin and touched his warm lips to my forehead for a long moment. Tears pushed through my closed eyes.

"Bye, Bells," he whispered hoarsely, then walked out the door, shutting it softly behind him.

I stood, staring at the closed door for a long time. Tears streamed down my face and my lungs ached. I really, really needed someone to hold me. For the last two years, that someone had been Jake.

Had he hoped all that time? Every time he comforted me. Every friendly hug. Every time he gave a listening ear. Never asking anything in return. Had he hoped?

I curled into a ball on the floor and muffled my cries into my knees. Though there was no one to hear.

TOML ~ TOML ~ TOML

The next few weeks were odd. Church was a field of landmines of awkwardness. If I wasn't running into Jacob then I was bumping into Riley. And if I wasn't bumping into Riley, then I was stumbling upon Edward. It was particularly uncomfortable when fielding two of them at a time. Despite my arguments, Jacob had insisted that I remain a part of the youth group. I hadn't wanted to cause difficulty for him or unnecessary discomfort with my presence. But he had insisted that I should stay because the kids loved me and that he would be fine. I wasn't so sure that the kids were all that fond of me and I was still a bit uncomfortable hanging around, but I decided I would stick it out through the retreat since I'd already committed to it. And after that, if it didn't feel right, I'd quit.

I went out on a couple more dates with Riley. He was always so thoughtful and kind. I enjoyed spending time with him.

In other news of the bizarre, Edward continued mowing my lawn, which was nice, but really messed with my mind. And he ignored all my phone calls and texts telling him that while I was grateful, it was completely unnecessary.

One morning, I awoke to the sound of the lawn mower in the back yard. I groaned, rolling over and rubbing my face, looking at the clock. It was 9:30.

I tumbled out of bed and shuffled over to the window to see that yes, indeed, Edward was mowing my lawn. Again.

I descended the stairs, my bare feet thudding as I went. Running a hand through my mess of hair, I opened the door. A gust of cool morning air hit me and I realized I was only wearing a small cotton tank top and yoga pants. I crossed my arms over my chest and looked up to see Edward, stopped in his tracks, looking at me with the lawnmower running. Though I was adequately covered, I felt incredibly exposed. After a moment, he shut off the engine and smiled hesitantly.

I walked out a little closer to him. "Really, how long are you planning on doing this? You don't need to mow my lawn."

He shrugged. "I like to."

I frowned, pulling my arms tighter around my chest as the breeze raised goose bumps on my shoulders. "Edward, this is really weird."

His expression looked pained and I felt guilty for essentially throwing his help back in his face.

But really! It's weird!

"Well, I'm not going to stop. So maybe if you're really not comfortable with it, you could pay me back."

I regarded him suspiciously.

He tilted his head a little and shrugged. "Make me dinner sometime." Then he quickly rushed on. "I mean, not like a date. Just…as friends." His voice cracked on the last part of his request and his eyes were pleading. He looked…desperate.

I stood there staring at him in bewilderment as the wind rustled the tree branches and the smell of cut grass wafted around me. He utterly confounded me. I sighed in frustration. "Fine. Friday at seven."

His eyes widened and he stood a little taller as I turned and strode back into the house.

TOML ~ TOML ~ TOML

I sat across the table from Edward in silence. The sound of forks and knives scraping plates and the occasional creak of a chair was all that could be heard over dinner.

He cleared his throat, then spoke up. "This is really good, Bella. You are an amazing cook," he said looking at me hesitantly.

"Thank you." I had made pot roast and herbed potatoes. It was one of my favorite comfort food meals.

We were quiet, just eating, for a few more minutes.

"So, tell me more about yourself," I said to break the silence but also because I was still trying to figure him out. "Maybe more about growing up," I suggested.

He smiled stiffly. "Well, you already know that I was a nerdy little kid. I didn't have many friends. I got beat up a lot," he said, laughing a little. "I was kind of the white version of Urkel, big glasses and all."

When I tried to imagine him that way, I smiled. I just couldn't picture it.

"That didn't really change till junior high when I got contacts and tried out for basketball. Turns out I was really good at it," he said with a shrug.

"So then you had the ladies falling at your feet?" I asked.

"No, not quite," he said with a laugh. "But it did give me more confidence." Sighing, he continued. "And then when I heard about the Coast Guard Academy and the possibility of being a pilot… I was intrigued."

I still felt like I was missing so much about who he was. His actions were so conflicting to me. I wondered how his faith played into it all. "Hmm. Did you grow up attending church?"

His green eyes met mine. "No. I started going in high school off and on to a youth group at a church near where we lived. But I didn't start attending regularly till after the Academy."

"What changed?"

His eyes dropped to his plate and he raked a hand through his hair. "I realized there was more to life than what we see. I knew I needed someone bigger than myself…because I am a screw-up."

I narrowed my eyes in thought. I wanted to press him about why he felt that way but I didn't feel I had the right to do so. Tearing a piece off my roll, I asked, "Why are you helping out with the youth group?"

He shrugged. "I just know what it's like to feel like you don't belong," he said taking a deep breath and letting it out. "And I think most kids that age are trying to figure out their place, just wanting someone to accept them."

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, watching him. I wished I could dismiss him altogether. I wanted to reject him for rejecting me. But the mystery of Edward was too great of an allure for me. And then there was also the fact that he couldn't seem to leave me alone either. He just kept turning up.

Through the rest of the meal, Edward seemed cautiously friendly, glancing over at me almost shyly, giving me sincere compliments, and asking interested questions about my life.

When we had finished eating, he rose from the table. "Thank you for the meal, Bella."

I stood and followed as he began walking out of the kitchen, heading toward the front door. He opened the door and turned back to me. He lifted his hand and it hovered near my cheek before he dropped it back to his side. His eyes looked so conflicted.

"Thank you again for dinner. It was really good," he said. I nodded and he smiled tightly. "Take care."

TOML ~ TOML ~ TOML

August fourth was Coast Guard Day: the day that commemorates the founding of the institution. Esme had again asked me to help out with the festivities and I'd agreed. She seemed to be coming to me a lot for assistance. Perhaps she knew I needed a sense of purpose. This was my first time attending the event since Emmett had died and, naturally, I was filled with trepidation.

When we arrived at the Coast Guard Station on Ediz Hook, Esme got me right to work. I was setting up carnival game booths and laying out stuffed animal prizes. I saw some people unloading horses from trailers and getting them ready to give rides to children.

I watched as a Dolphin helicopter came in to land, the rotor blades a blur of motion, then slowly decelerating as the chopper sat on the cement. The doors opened and two men in olive drab flight suits exited the cockpit. One of them removed his helmet, a riot of hair sticking every which way, and I immediately recognized Edward. Seeing him in his flight suit did funny things to me. My eyes traveled down the lean lines of his body to his black boots as he seemed to strut around the helicopter, checking various equipment.

Lord above in the heavens, he was sexy.

Suddenly I realized that my ping-pong-ball-holding-hand had been hovering unmoving over a small fish bowl as my teeth pressed painfully into my bottom lip. I shook myself out of my lust induced trance and took a cleansing breath. I quickly snapped my attention back to my task and finished laying out the game booths.

Families began to arrive, spreading out blankets and eating their picnic lunches. Children played on the large craggy rocks that lined the beach and others played games like croquet. Horses walked a track, giving kids rides, and shrieks of excitement and groans of frustration could be heard from people playing the carnival games. I spent a lot of time retrieving balls and handing out stuffed animals. I even got to do some face painting, which I really enjoyed. The little kids were sweet and so happy with the pictures on their cheeks of whales and unicorns and soccer balls.

After a couple hours, I took a break. I saw Edward standing in front of the Dolphin, talking to some kids. He was crouched down, eye level with them, and his hands were moving animatedly as he spoke. The kids listened attentively, with wide eyes and clasped hands. A couple bounced on their tiptoes, stretching to see inside the helicopter. I found myself being drawn closer to him as I wandered the airstrip. Suddenly, he stood up and clapped his hands together. Then he swung a little girl up in his arms and climbed into the cockpit. I saw him put headphones on her ears and place her hands on the control stick. His smile was brilliant, only eclipsed by the grin on the little girl's face. Then I saw him speaking into his microphone and making silly expressions. Her face erupted in fits of giggles as all the other kids crowded around the door, begging to be next.

It was such a sweet scene that I smiled as tears blurred my vision. Just then, Edward looked up and his eyes caught mine. He beamed at me and I couldn't help the swelling of my heart. I blinked back the tears and returned his smile, then dropping my head I walked back over to the games. I was trying desperately to keep my heart in check. He had made it very clear that for whatever reason, he was only interested in a friendship with me.

At the end of the day, I was tired and probably a bit sunburned. Esme thanked me and I walked back to my car, feeling surprisingly happy. I passed the helicopter where Edward was working to clean things up and get it ready to go back in the hangar. He turned and saw that I was leaving, then gave me a small wave. I nodded and waved back.

When I was almost back to my car, I saw the stone monument that bore the plaque honoring the men killed in the accident two years before. Approaching it slowly, I crossed my arms and read the names. It was surprising that, mingled with my sadness, the thought of him gave me a sense of fondness and almost happiness. I dropped to my knees and ran my fingers across the etched name. Emmett McCarty. I was happy remembering our life together. I was happy remembering our love. Looking out at the water, I wiped the tears from my cheeks and left.

By the time I reached my home, I was feeling kind of melancholy. Changing into some comfortable clothes and putting my hair in a messy bun, I poured a glass of wine, turned on the television and curled up on the couch. My head rested comfortably on a pillow.

I flipped through the channels, sipping my wine, feeling its warm comfort relax my muscles and ease my mind. When I pushed the channel change button again, Chunk appeared on my screen, standing behind a picket fence, pleading to be let in, pinwheel blowing in the breeze. I started giggling in anticipation.

"First you gotta do the truffle shuffle," Mouth insisted.

"Come on!" whined Chunk.

"Do it!"

The Goonies was my favorite movie when I was a kid. It never failed to make me laugh. As Chunk lifted his shirt and shook his belly making the most ridiculous growling and gurgling noises, I couldn't help but to laugh at the poor kid. Tears streamed down my face and my sides ached. Just then the doorbell rang and my laughter slowed to a stop as I frowned. I wasn't expecting anyone.

I muted the television, put my wine down and wiped the tears from my eyes, walking over and opening the door. Edward stood on my porch, looking concerned. My tears of mirth had made my nose run so I sniffed a little.

"Are you all right?" he asked, taking a step closer to me, examining my face. I was sure my cheeks were flushed and my eyes a bit watery.

"What? Oh yeah, I was just… I was just watching a movie."

His brows were furrowed and his eyes bored into mine. "Oh, I just… I saw you looking at the plaque."

I dropped my eyes. "Oh, yeah."

"May I come in?"

I smiled, "Umm, okay?"

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and stepped inside the door. I closed it behind him and then we just stood there, awkwardly, looking at each other.

"Do you…want something to drink?"

His eyes drifted over to my coffee table, probably noticing my wine. "No, thank you." He rocked on his heels a bit. "So, what were you watching?"

"Oh, um." I ran my hand through my hair. "It's silly. I was just watching…Goonies."

His eyes lit up and he smiled. "Really? I love Goonies."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

We stood there staring at each other again. "Oh!" I said. "Um, did you want…to watch it…with me?"

His eyes were warm as they crinkled at the edges. "That'd be fun."

We sat on the couch. Stiffly. With at least a foot of space between us as I turned the sound back on.

My eyes were trained on the television screen, my head didn't turn even a fraction of an inch. I was hyper aware of my breathing and every minuscule movement he made. I took another drink of my wine, finishing off the glass, feeling the warmth go through my body.

Before long, his deep laugh rumbled out from him, combining with the wine to wear down my discomfort. I leaned back into the couch cushion and worked to relax.

But I didn't stand a chance against the familiar and endearing story. I forgot the barriers between us and lost myself to the laughter and adventure. It felt so nice and after a long day of working out in the sun, I relaxed and just enjoyed the shared moment.

Some time later, I woke to movement under my head and a soft but masculine voice whispering my name.

"Bella, wake up."

As I came to, I realized that I had slouched on the couch, curling up, my head falling on Edward's shoulder. I jolted upright. "I'm sorry," I rushed to say, my cheeks heating. "How long ago did I fall asleep?" I asked as I ran my hands through my hair.

He smiled gently. "A while ago," he said as he put the remote on the table.

I looked over at the television, which had been turned off.

"Wow, sorry about that."

He stood up and stretched his shoulders and I found myself gawking. "Don't worry about it," he said turning around and smiling down at me. "Well, I should probably be going. It's getting late."

"Did you…come over for any reason in particular? Do you need something?"

He smiled warmly. "No. See you later, Bella."

I went to bed that night with numerous conflicting thoughts and emotions swirling through my head.

TOML ~ TOML ~ TOML

I bolted upright in bed, sweating and panting. It was dark except for the moonlight streaming through my open window along with the gently billowing curtains. My legs were tangled in the twisted sheets as I stared wide eyed into the cool night. Dropping back on my pillow, I put my palm to my forehead. I swallowed hard, images from the dream that had so powerfully awoken me from my slumber replaying in my mind.

It had started off like so many dreams I'd had in the months that followed Emmett's death. We were in bed. My husband was making love to me, tender and gentle and loving. Suddenly, it became more intense, incredibly visceral, our kisses searingly passionate, our limbs gripping, tugging, and twining. My hands wove through his hair. It felt different: soft, wild hair. His face dropped to my neck, sucking, licking, sending lightning through my body.

He moaned. But his voice was changed. My brow furrowed in my passion and when he pulled back to look darkly in my eyes, I gasped.

Fiery green eyes blazed into mine.

"God, Bella. I love you," Edward rasped.

Then I woke up, scorched and smoldering and hopelessly unable to go back to sleep.

So, the good news is that you got a really early update. The bad news (well bad news for this story) is that I have a friend coming to visit for a few days that I haven't seen in 4 years (yay for me!) So, the next update may be a little longer coming. We'll just have to see how it goes. BUT I didn't want to leave you guys hanging where I left it at the last chapter any longer, so you got this now. ;)

So... What did you think of the chapter?

Reviewers will get a little teaser that will not be posted anywhere else (I also post teasers on ADF and Fictionators) - provided you haven't disabled your pm's. :) But if you don't want to be spoiled, just let me know!