Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Rated M for future lemons (they will come!)

Chapter 10: The Court Date

I woke up the next morning, disoriented and confused. Why was my alarm going off so early? Oh right, first day of school. Blech. This summer went by too quickly. I got up and took a cursory shower. I threw on a Cherry Blossom t-shirt, a pair of jeans and sneakers. I searched fruitlessly to try and find one of my ankle braces. I'm thinking that they didn't survive the move. Eh.

I put my stuff into my bag and poured myself a cup of coffee in my travel mug. I grabbed my cell phone from my nightstand. I lugged my bag and coffee mug to the car and hopped in. I backed the car out and drove to school, much to my dismay. As I was driving, my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi, beautiful," Edward said groggily. "I wanted to wish you a good first day of school. I hope it goes well."

"If I don't drool during the meetings, it'll be a good day," I snorted. "You sound bushed."

"No sleep. I got no sleep last night. The ER was hopping. All kids. I think they are trying to avoid going back to school," he sighed. "Anyhow, I'm going to crash in my office for a few hours before I have to actually go INTO work today."

"That is not healthy. The lack of sleep, crazy hours and…I mean how do you do it?" I squeaked.

"It was easier when I was younger. Not that I'm old now, but I had a ton more energy when I was 25 as opposed to now at 32," Edward chuckled.

"I have a hard enough time staying awake during an eight hour day at school," I muttered.

"When it's slow, it's slow. That's when we usually crash. The one thing I've learned about being a doctor is I sleep anywhere, through anything. The flipside is that I can also wake up very easily too. Especially when I hear my last name," Edward explained. "When it's hopping, you can't focus on sleep. It's impossibility."

"Have you ever made mistakes because you were exhausted?"

"Remember that resident from our first lunch together?" Edward asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"That was an exhaustion mistake. They were so tired that their eyesight was bleary and they didn't see the proper dosage of the medication," Edward said quietly. "Thankfully, I never made a careless mistake like that. Though it is a fear."

"Understandably so," I said. I pulled into my school's parking lot and put the car into park. "I'm here. Don't want to be. However the bright side is that I get to leave a bit early because of my appearance in court this afternoon."

"Shit, that's right! I can try and be there for you, Bella. I am not scheduled to be in the ER, just meetings. I can rearrange my schedule if you want," Edward said hurriedly.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you, though," I said, tears stinging my eyes. A few dropped down my cheeks and I sniffled. "This is something I need to do on my own."

"Are you crying, beautiful girl?" he asked.

"A little."

"Why, Bella?"

"It's not fair to compare you to Mike, but if I had something like this, Mike wouldn't even care. You barely know me and you're ready to rearrange meetings to try and be at the courthouse. We're not even officially dating. We shared a few kisses and a bed on Saturday night," I laughed.

"Being in a situation like yours or mine, it's hard NOT to compare. However, I do want to clarify something with you. Even though we haven't really been out on a proper date, I do think of you as more than a friend. I'm friends with Rhonda, my charge nurse, and I would never kiss her like I kissed you. Well, that and her monster of a husband would kick my ass."

I giggled and then quickly sobered up. "I definitely think of you as more than a friend, too, Edward," I said, barely above a whisper.

"Would it to be premature to ask for exclusivity?" Edward asked nervously.

"Like, 'Will you be my girlfriend?'" I asked, raising my voice, imitating a child's voice.

"Um, well. Yeah," Edward chuckled. "Will you?"

"Let me think about it," I teased.

"Bella!" Edward whined. "I've been up since yesterday morning. My patience is wearing thin and I would love to go to sleep with a smile on my face. I'd like to dream about my girlfriend."

"Yes," I answered.

"Really?" Edward said.

"Yes, really," I giggled. "Boyfriend."

I heard a whoop and some shuffling. Then I heard a crash and muffled swearing. "Edward?"

"I'm okay. I just tripped over my own feet," he snorted. "I really do need to get some sleep if I'm going to be productive today. I'll text you later, beautiful girl."

"Okay. Have a good nap, Dr. Masen," I sighed.

"I will. I'll dream about you, Ms. Swan," he smiled. "Talk to you later, beautiful girl."

"Bye, handsome," I sighed as I ended the call. I got out of my car and grabbed my bag. I went into the office and said hello to the office staff and picked up my keys. I also swung by my mailbox and got the droves of mail that had accumulated over the summer. Most of it was junk and I pitched it. I walked to my classroom and deposited my bag. I grabbed my plan book that was provided by the school and a pencil, along with the agenda for the meetings today and cell phone and walked to the cafeteria for the meeting. I found Emmett and Rosalie sitting in the back of the room. They were friendly, but professional. Jacob, the new math teacher was sitting with them, but appeared to be very uncomfortable. I practically skipped to my seat and I sat down with my new team.

"Morning, kids," I said with a huge smile. "I see that you are all introduced."

"Yep," Rose said. "How are you doing this morning, Bella?"

"I'm fantastic," I said.

"Does this have something to do with a good looking head of emergency medicine?" Emmett asked, waggling his brows.

"Yes. Yes it does," I grinned. "We kind of decided to be 'official,' and all that."

"Good for you, Bella. He's mighty fine and you deserve happiness," Rose said. "And boy can he move! That dance he did for you on Saturday was hot."

"Not too hot," I clarified. I looked at Jacob and he was biting his fingernails, appearing to be very nervous. "How was the rest of your summer, Jacob?"

"It kind of sucked," he mumbled.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Well, I moved out here because I wanted to be closer to my partner, Quil. He lives in Nottingbrook. Well, he broke it off with me about a month ago," Jacob sighed. "However, I'm locked in a year-long lease and it would be too expensive to get out of it."

"I'm sorry, Jacob," I said, patting his hand. "Were you together long?"

"About two years," he sighed. "We met in college. He's an EMT. It turns out he met someone else; someone from the firehouse that he works at. His name is Embry. What kind of name is that? It's pathetic!"

"You'll find someone," I said reassuringly. "I was married last year and got divorced this spring. I was resigned to being single and alone. However, I met someone who I care for deeply and surprisingly enough, he feels the same."

"The good doctor?" Jacob asked.

"That would be affirmative," I smiled. "Let's just say I'm trading up."

"Damn right you are," Emmett boomed. "I still can't believe Mike. What an asshat. And Jessica, don't get me started on her, the slut."

"Emmett, they will get what's coming to them," I said quietly. "They made their bed. Now they need to lie in it. However, I think that Mike is finally seeing through Jessica. That's why he's having me tailed."

"Hold up. Who's Mike?" Jacob asked confusedly.

"My ex."

"Why is he having you tailed? That is a load a horse poop," Jacob growled.

"Horse poop?" Rose giggled.

"I have the worst potty mouth. I mean really. I got written up in my last district for my swearing. I've quickly changed my vocabulary," Jacob laughed. "Back to your ex, are you getting a restraining order or something?"

"Yeah. I'm going to the courthouse later today to meet with my attorney," I replied.

"Seth told me to give you this," Alice chirped as she sat down next to me. She handed me a folder and I looked inside. It was a draft of the order of protection. "Also, you will be fine. I just know it."

"Sure you do, Elf," I chortled. "Alice Cullen, soon-to-be Whitlock, this is the new math teacher on my team, Jacob Black."

"Nice to meet you, Jacob," Alice said as she held out her hand. "Welcome to our dysfunctional family."

As Alice said that, Mrs. Cope began our day of meetings. She started off with introducing the new staff and pointing out the team leaders. I was given that dubious honor for my team as I was the most 'senior' teacher in the team. I tried to get Emmett to step up, but he refused saying that he had to deal with football practice at Sherryville High School. Alice was on the phone or texting all morning. I was writing in dates in my plan book and adding the names of my students.

About 11:30, I got up and left. I needed to go back to the condo and change before going to court. Mrs. Cope stopped me before I left and wished me luck. I smiled and thanked her. I drove to my condo and changed into a pair of black dress pants that were way too big on me and a conservative sweater set. I slipped on a pair of black Birkenstock clogs and I was good to go. I walked into the courthouse and went through the metal detectors. I checked with the clerk and he told me what courtroom to go to for orders of protection. I took the elevator and got to the assigned courtroom. Seth was talking to someone and I couldn't tell who it was. As I got closer, I noticed it was Edward.

He showed up. Holy crow! He showed up!

Edward saw me and his face broke into a wide grin. I walked quickly toward them and he held out his arms. I fell into them and gratefully accepted the warm embrace. "Hi, beautiful," he whispered.

"You came. I can't believe it," I mumbled against his chest.

"You are a part of my life now, Bella. A very important part of my life. I want to be there for you," he said as he drew my chin up to look at his face. I could see the dark circles under his eyes and he had a fair amount of scruff on his cheeks. However, in his eyes, I saw nothing but sincerity and love. I smiled and stood on my tiptoes, eager to kiss him. He bent down and his soft lips brushed mine and he wound his arms around my waist. "I also couldn't wait until Wednesday to see you, beautiful girl," he murmured against my lips.

"Bella, we're up next," Seth said, interrupting my reverie. I pulled away from Edward and gave him an appreciative smile. We were called into the courtroom and Seth did all of the talking. He explained my concerns and fears of Mike. He also told the judge about the man following me. I stood behind Seth, in the gallery, with Edward's arm wrapped firmly around my waist. I gripped onto his shirt as if it was a life raft. He held me closer and rubbed my back with his large hand. After listening to Seth's argument, he granted the order of protection. He signed it and gave Seth three copies: one for him, one for me and one for the court. Court was adjourned and we left. "Keep this with you at all times, Bella. If you see Mike or anyone that you think is associated with him, call 911," Seth said sternly. "Also, inform your employer. He should not be allowed on school grounds."

"Okay, Seth. Thanks," I said as I reached into my purse and took out my checkbook.

"Don't worry about it, Bella. In the short time I've known you; I've come to think of you as a sister. No woman should have to go through this," Seth said as he laid a hand on my shoulder.

Tears pricked my eyes and I hugged Seth. "Thank you, Seth," I cried. He hugged me back and rubbed my shoulders. I pulled away and wiped my cheeks. He handed me my papers and gave me a smile. I returned it shyly and held the order of protection to my chest.

"Go home, Bella. Get some rest and be ready for tomorrow," Seth said.

I nodded and Edward laced his fingers with mine. I looked at him and he gave me a sleepy grin. We exited the courthouse and Edward walked me to my car. "Are you going back to the hospital?"

"No. I called in one of my attendings to fill in. I'm going to follow you back to your condo," Edward said as he brushed a wayward hair off my cheek. "While you have the order of protection, I'm still leery of what's going on. I need to protect my girlfriend."

"Edward, you're dead on your feet," I said as I traced the circles under his eyes. "Go home and go to bed."

"Bella," he warned. "Humor me. I can always crash on your couch if I'm too tired."

"I would never make you crash on my couch," I giggled. "Fine, you can follow me home. You're like a lost puppy."

"Can you keep me?" Edward asked adorably as he gave me the sad puppy dog look.

"Possibly," I teased. "Where are you parked?"

He pointed a few cars down the way and he kissed me before jogging to his Volvo. I eased out of the parking spot and pulled out of the garage. Edward was following me and I drove back to my condo. We got to my place. I tossed my keys on the kitchen table. "Do you want anything to eat?" I asked.

Edward shook his head and yawned. I grabbed his hand and tugged on it. I dragged him back to my bedroom and pushed him on the bed. "Bella, I'm fine," he mumbled.

"Your eyes are at half mast. You're barely coherent. You're one step up from blah," I said as I pushed onto my pillows. I reached his shoes and tugged them off. His eyes were closed and his breathing was deep and even. I removed his glasses. I untied his tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his dress shirt. I then pulled a blanket over his body and let him sleep.

I scampered into the bathroom and changed into some more comfortable clothes. I slipped on a pair of black yoga pants and a t-shirt. I grabbed my laptop from my office and went into the family room to check my work email. I had a few messages that need to attended to, but I handled those quickly. Afterward, I took out my plan book and completed the plans for the rest of the month of August.

Around five, I began making dinner. I didn't have much in terms of food, but I found something to make. I decided to make steak and potatoes with a salad. I set the broiler and put the steaks into the marinade. I walked back to my bedroom and crawled into bed with a very sleepy Edward. He was curled around my pillow, hugging it tightly to his chest. He was mumbling quietly in his sleep. "Hmmm…Bella…Love you," he murmured.

What?

I stiffened and looked at the peacefully sleeping man in my bed. His face broke into a grin and he held my pillow tighter. I gently caressed his cheek and I felt the spark that Edward described under my own fingers. He sighed and his eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times and then he sat up quickly. "Where am I?" he asked roughly.

"My bedroom," I said quietly, trying to soothe him.

"I fell asleep," he grumbled. "Shit."

"Edward, as soon as your head hit the pillow, you were drooling," I teased. "And talking. Apparently I'm not the only one with the sleeptalking affliction."

"What did I say?" Edward said as he stretched his body.

"Um, my name and some other incoherent mumblings," I blushed.

"My guess is that they weren't incoherent if you are blushing," Edward teased as he put on his glasses.

"No, they weren't. But…um…" I floundered. "I'm making steak. How do you like yours?"

"Um, abrupt conversation change," Edward chuckled.

"If you don't tell me how you like it, I'll just char it," I threatened.

"Medium, please. Do you have a toothbrush I can use?" Edward asked wrinkling his nose.

I nodded and got one from my linen closet. I pointed him to the bathroom and he got up gracefully and padded to the bathroom. I put the steaks into the broiler and potatoes in the convection oven. I quickly made the salad and set the table. Edward came out and sat down in the kitchen. "Better?"

"Yes. I feel human," he snorted. "I got to the hospital yesterday and worked all the way until I called you. Then last night was crazy. I called you and took my nap. I squeezed in a shower and then had meeting after meeting. I rearranged my afternoon schedule so I could be at the courthouse and I called in a favor, getting the rest of the day off. I never realized how tired I was."

"I'm glad that you got some rest and slept well," I said as I put the salad on the table. The potatoes were done and I put them into a small bowl. I got out the fixings for the potatoes and placed them on the table as well. I served up the steaks and Edward dug in. He moaned and his eyes rolled back in his head. "Good?"

"Better than good, excellent," Edward said as he took a sip of water. "So what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"More meetings. Team planning time," I answered. "Being bored out of my mind. I'll be happy when the kids come back. They make the job interesting. You?"

"I'm off until three tomorrow. Then I work until 11 at night," Edward said. "I have some meetings on Wednesday, but I'm not scheduled to work in the ER, unless I'm needed. Do you still want me to come over on Wednesday?"

"Can I amend my plans?" I asked. Edward nodded. "Come over on Wednesday, but I won't cook. That's my first day with kiddos and I'll be an exhausted mess. I can order something. I could make my lasagna some other time."

"That works for me. I'll pick up dinner then," he smiled.

"Okay, I have a question for you. Do you know an EMT named Quil?"

"Yeah. He's a douche," Edward growled. "He's a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy."

"Broken hearts all around the hospital?" I asked.

"Yeah, both men and women alike, for as long as I've been there. He's supposedly sleeping with a doctor from peds and another EMT from his firehouse. Total manwhore," Edward said. "Why?"

"One of the new teachers on my team moved out here to be closer to his partner, Quil. He dumped my teacher friend and he's heartbroken," I said.

"That sucks. Quil is a dog. He makes my skin crawl and he's put the moves on me," Edward shuddered. "I'm sorry, I've heard about his reputation and I don't think so. That and I like women. Very much."

"I'm glad you like women. This would be weird if you liked men," I giggled.

"Well, I more than just like you, Bella," Edward chided.

"Really?" I squeaked.

"Yes, really," he said as he pushed his finished plate away. "The depth of the feelings I have for you are beyond words. I know that we have just started 'dating,' and proclaimed to be each other's boyfriend/girlfriend. However, I think of you as more than that. However, the ball is in your court. We'll take this at the pace that you want."

"How do you know exactly what to say?" I squeaked.

"I'm much better when I'm coherent," he laughed. "And rested. But I just say what I'm feeling in my heart, my Bella."

I blushed and ducked my head, hiding behind my hair. "Don't hide, beautiful. Why are you blushing?"

"I like that," I whispered.

"Like what?" Edward asked as he traced the contour of my jaw.

"My Bella," I said, quietly like a prayer.

"That's what you are. My Bella," he said reverently. "I hope I'll be your Edward."

"My Edward," I breathed. He smiled and leaned across the table, kissing my lips. I moaned quietly and tangled my fingers into his soft, bronze mane. He cupped my face and traced my lips with his tongue. I opened my mouth and he slid his tongue into my mouth. I could taste the steak, mint and something that was inherently Edward. My phone shrilled from the counter and we jumped apart. "Sorry, Edward."

"You need to stop apologizing," Edward laughed. He reached behind him and grabbed my phone. "Why do you apologize so much?"

"I'll explain after I answer this," I said. "Hello?"

"Is this Bella?" came a husky voice.

"Speaking," I replied curtly.

"Bella, it's Jacob. I was wondering if we could meet tonight. I am overwhelmed with everything I need to do for the beginning of the year and I can't make heads or tails of it," he rambled.

"Not tonight, Jacob. I'm sorry. I have my boyfriend over and it's been an emotional, rough day. I'll be more than happy to help you tomorrow," I suggested. "We'll get you situated. I promise."

He huffed and sighed. "Okay. I'm sorry if I disturbed you," Jacob said.

"You didn't disturb me. I was just finishing dinner," I explained. "Relax, Jacob. You will be perfectly fine."

"Thanks, Bella," Jacob said quietly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Jacob," I said as I hung up the phone. "This is going to be an interesting year."

"Why do you say that?" Edward asked.

"Jacob is the guy I was telling you about with Quil," I responded. "He's lost. Completely lost."

"Hmmmm, who do I know that would be good for him? What does he look like?" Edward asked.

"Tall. Taller than you. Muscle-y, russet skin and black hair in a ponytail. He seems very sweet and smart. He teaches math," I said. "That's about all I know."

"Well, there's Ren who works in the emergency department. He's my chief resident. Funny as hell. About Jasper's height but a bit heavier. Has freaky red hair," Edward said.

"Freakier than yours?" I teased.

"Shut it. Not everyone can have bronze locks like me," he said, pretending to toss his hair over his shoulder. "You love my hair. Admit it."

"It's very soft, Edward," I said as I ran my fingers through his hair. "I do like it. Most women would kill for the natural highlights you have. Another way that men just suck. Also, what's up with guys having insanely long lashes? Your eyelashes are freakishly long. I mean really."

"Um, random," Edward snorted.

"Sorry, my ADHD is acting up," I shrugged.

"There's medication for that," Edward said, arching a brow. "Back to Ren. He's looking for someone and I know he's openly gay. When I came on, before my position was announced, he hit on me. He told me that I have a nice ass."

"You do, Edward," I said honestly.

"Thank you. I like yours better," Edward flirted. "I'll ask if he's interested in getting set up. Is Jacob ready for some kind of relationship?"

"I don't know. No harm in trying," I said truthfully. "What kind of name is Ren?"

"His full name is Renford. He hates it and demands that he is called Ren," Edward said. "Whatever."

"We'll see what Jacob has to say. I'll bring it up tomorrow."

"Back to the apologizing," Edward said. "Why do you apologize so much?"

"Mike blamed me for things. I just got used to saying that I was sorry. Even if I didn't do anything wrong," I said quietly. "It's habit."

"Bella, you have nothing to apologize for. You haven't done anything wrong," Edward said as he cupped my cheek. "That is a habit we'll have to break."

I smiled and picked up the plates. Edward arched a brow and took the plates from my hands. He pointed wordlessly to the family room. I gaped at him and he gave me his own teacher stare. I narrowed my eyes and skulked into the family room. I picked up my computer and logged onto Facebook. I had one new notification.

Edward Masen wants to confirm that you are in a relationship with him. Do you accept?

Hell yeah! I clicked the appropriate box and smiled. I spent some time tending to my 'farm' and then killed some mafia bad guys. Edward put the dishes into the dishwasher and he came into the family room. "Thanks for the notification, Edward."

"Ah, you saw my request on Facebook?" Edward chuckled. "That shit is addictive."

"Tell me about it. I spend more time tending my farm than I do grading," I giggled.

"I'm partial to the vampire game," Edward said as he put my laptop on the cocktail table. "I vant to suck your blood," he growled in a bad accent. He pinned me to the couch and attacked my neck with his lips. I squealed and wiggled on the couch. He pulled away and looked at me. "God, you're so beautiful."

I blushed and hid behind my hands. He tried to pull my hands away from my face, but I held strong. Edward's hands moved down my sides and he gently tickled my ribs. Won't work. He grumbled and moved his hands to my knees. Nope. He finally reached the bottoms of my feet and he attacked the balls of my feet. I shrieked and hopped off the couch. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. "So the feet are what's ticklish," Edward said as he sat up on his knees. "Good to know."

"You are evil," I sneered. "Keep those fingers away from my toes."

"Accept a compliment and these fingers," he said as he wiggled them, "will stay away from your toes."

"Edward, I have been in a marriage where I was never told when I was beautiful, smart or anything. It's ingrained in my mind that I'm not," I said as I sat in front of him.

"Bella, I know I've said this before, but your ex is fucktard. Pardon my language," Edward said ardently. "You are beautiful, compassionate, loving and intelligent. I will spend the rest of my days making sure that you know that."

I nodded and played with my fingers. "I'll try to accept a compliment when it's given. Though it will be challenging."

"I know, beautiful," he said as he kissed my forehead. "It's late. I know you have to work tomorrow. I'm pretty certain you don't want me hogging your bed."

"You can stay if you want," I said timidly. "You'll have to leave when I do, but I really missed sleeping in your arms last night."

"I just missed sleeping," Edward joked. "I have some scrubs in my car. I'll go run down and get them."

"Take my keys. I have to shower," I explained. I got up and handed Edward my keys and he kissed me as he darted out the door. I went into the bathroom and stripped off my clothes. I washed quickly and got ready for bed. Edward was in my bedroom, wearing a pair of scrub pants and t-shirt. His clothes were draped on the chest at the edge of my bed.

"I left your keys in the kitchen. I also made sure your car was locked and I double locked the door," Edward smiled.

"Thank you, Edward," I said quietly. I put some mousse in my hair and finger combed it. "I truly appreciate you being at the courthouse today. I was an unexpected, but welcomed surprise."

"I would do anything for you, Bella," he said. I smiled and crawled into the bed. He held me in his arms and he lightly scratched my back. I was growing tired and my eyes were drooping. Edward hummed quietly and he kept scratching my back. "Sleep well, my Bella."

I hummed in response and drifted off to sleep, safely enwrapped in Edward's strong arms. There was no better place to be than in his arms.