So sorry this is late on Thursday, but it's still Thursday. (where I am) Big, BIG thanks to everyone who took the time to review the last chapter. I think the general consensus was....IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME.

I would love to be able to list everyone who has favorited, put this story on alert, but there are too many now, YAY! So you know who you are, thanks!

A Rob note.....anyone else lose a large chunk of time staring at the outtakes that didn't get into US or Rolling Stone this week? I needed an oxygen tank, Damn!

Usual disclaimer, I do not own the characters of Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does.

I do own two horses you have met already, Gunner and Sparty. They are low level dressage horses. I also own a miracle pug that was suddenly paralyzed Sunday night, and woke up Monday walking again. Even for a vet student, that's freaking weird.

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Chapter 10

BPOV

I headed to my apartment with a stupid grin on my face. I had to call Alice as soon as possible. The moment I walked in the door I dialed her on my cell. She picked up before the phone even rang.

"Hi Bella, what's up?"

"Jesus Alice, how do you do that?" Sometimes I wondered if Alice had been a ninja in a former life.

"Do what?" She sounded amused.

"Answer the phone before it even rings. Sometimes I swear you are psychic or something." I pried off my boots and crashed on my couch.

Alice giggled, "Well if I was psychic I would know why you are calling, which I don't, so what's up?"

My grin returned to my face as I got ready to fill Alice in on the latest developments. "You are not going to believe this Alice. Edward, your brother, asked me to be his date to the hospital charity ball?"

Alice shrieked on the other end of the line. "Really? Oh my god, that is so exciting. I didn't see that one coming at all. How did he ask you? What did he say?" I was beginning to feel like I was at an eighth grade slumber party.

"Well, I don't think I have ever seen him that nervous or at a loss for words. He asked if I knew about the charity ball coming up soon. I thought he wanted me to watch the barn and asked if that was what he needed. He stammered a little and finally said that what he wanted was for me to be his date and asked if I would go with him." I shook my head to myself, still somewhat in disbelief.

"Oooh, Bella, he likes you I know it, I know it, I know it!" I had a feeling Alice was dancing around wherever she was.

"Don't jump to conclusions Alice. I don't know about that." Actually I hoped there was a chance Edward did like me, but I wasn't going to tell Alice that. It still didn't seem possible to me that someone as god like as Edward Cullen would be interested in me.

"Bella Swan, I know my brother. He likes you, why is that so hard for you to believe?" I could picture Alice standing with her hands planted on her hips.

"Well, because I'm just me, and he's well, he's him." I didn't know how else to put it.

"What in the hell are you talking about? You are gorgeous, and I'm sure Edward has noticed that. I know I see it. The only one who doesn't is you!"

"Well, he did say something about that." I blushed remembering how his one finger under my chin sent my heart pounding.

There was a moment of silence before Alice blurted out, "Said what? Are you going to fill me in or leave me in suspense?"

I waited a second longer, I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep what Edward had said to myself. Now that I had opened that box though, Alice would hound me until she found out the details. "Well, I may have mentioned to him that there were more beautiful girls than me that he could go with." Alice growled into the phone. "He told me that I was the only beautiful girl he was hoping was interested in going with him." I whispered the last statement, but Alice heard me loud and clear.

"See! I told you!! When will you start believing me when I tell you these things? Ooh and we already have a dress for you; we just need to get you some shoes. I'll take care of that. We can all get ready at my parents house. I'll do your hair and makeup, Rose can help too. Oh I'm so excited."

Here comes Hurricane Alice. "Alice, please, no stilettos. I want to be able to walk without looking like a complete tool, please. I'll let you do my makeup and hair however you like, just no stilettos." I knew the best way to get what you wanted from Alice was to barter.

Alice sighed, "Fine, no stilettos."

"You promise?" I wanted to make sure we were clear.

"Yes Bella I promise. When Edward sees you he is not going to know what hit him!" I could hear Alice giggling. Evil, plotting, Tinkerbelle. It was almost like she had been planning for this. We said goodbye with plans to talk in a few days.

The two weeks until the ball passed so quickly. Working with Edward was better then ever. We smiled a lot at each other, usually for no good reason. I had some really good lessons on Mimosa. I was finally feeling like my riding was coming together. The time just flew by. Before I knew it Alice was driving me and my dress to the Cullen's house. As we pulled into the circular driveway I gasped. House my ass, it was a mansion. I shook my head and stared at the white stately columns and neatly manicured gardens in the front.

Alice dragged me in the house. Esme and Carlisle were in the living room with Edward, Emmett, and Jasper. Guys had it so easy, shave, put on their tux and they were good to go. Edward gave me a smile from the couch. Esme looked at Alice and sighed. "Alice, go easy on Bella. We have three hours until it's time to leave."

Alice was impatiently tugging on my hand. I smiled at Esme and said, "Its okay Esme, after four years being Alice's roommate, I'm used to the Alice beauty bonanza. I just stay quiet and try not to get hit by flying makeup brushes." I giggled to myself when Alice let out an exasperated sigh next to me.

"Come on Bella, we have a lot to do to get you ready." She started to drag me up the stairs. Edward's voice called after us.

"Alice, I think she is beautiful the way she is, don't make it so I can't find Bella under the ton of makeup you put on her."

I blushed and Alice looked at me with a 'told you so', and winked. She yelled back at Edward from the top of the stairs, "Edward I don't ever do makeup by the 'ton'! I don't tell you how to ride your horses do I?" He didn't respond to that. "Then hush up and stop trying to be the next Mary Kay! Send Rose up when she gets here."

Alice situated me in her bathroom and started putting my hair in curlers. Then she decided a manicure and pedicure were in order. I sat there with my eyes closed while she prattled on about the ball, my dress, her dress, and who would be there. I opened my eyes to find she had painted my nails a delicate shimmery lavender, which would go perfectly with my dress. I had to admit, Alice knew what she was doing. She was freeing my hair from curlers as Rose walked in the door carrying a garment bag.

Rosalie smiled "Hi girls! This should be a fun night. But any night I get Emmett into formal wear is a good night!"

Alice laughed, "And any night you get Emmett out of formal wear is a good night too!"

I cringed, "Ew. Ew. Ew. I love you both, but please save my ears from hearing about my brother's sex life."

They both laughed. Before sex could become the topic du jour, I changed the subject. "Rose how is life in the NICU nursery? Are you still enjoying being a nurse there?"

Anytime Rose was allowed to talk about babies, she glowed. I knew that she would end up with at least four kids someday. Good thing Emmett liked kids, since I suspected they would end up married eventually.

"It's fabulous! Granted most of the cases are emotionally hard sometimes to deal with. It amazes me how tough some of the babies are, and how hard they fight. I'm glad I can be there for the parents too, it's so rough on them." Rose had truly found her place in the world, and she excelled in it.

Alice looked over my head, "Let's see your dress Rose!" Rose unzipped the garment bag and pulled out a long dark pink gown. It was taffeta, with gathered layers of fabric the length of the dress, and looked like it would follow her figure beautifully. Alice and I both let out appreciative sighs.

After she put her dress away, Rose joined in helping Alice by finishing my hair. Alice went to work on my makeup. I sat and watched in my bathrobe while they did their own hair and makeup. I hadn't really looked in the mirror yet, I figured I'd wait until my dress was on.

We could hear the guys laughing in Edward's room as we traipsed to Alice's room to get dressed. Alice was dressed first and she looked amazing. Her gown was black, and the skirt had contrasting stripes of two different black materials running down its length. It made her look taller then she really was, plus the fact that she was wearing the stilettos I despised. Rose looked statuesque in her gown. The dark pink color really made her skin glow. She had put her hair up in a French twist, which made her look even more elegant. I didn't see how I could ever be in the same class of beauty as they were.

They helped me into my dress. Fortunately Alice did listen to my shoe request and had purchased me modest silver strappy heels that wouldn't kill me. Alice grabbed me by the shoulders and steered me into the bathroom, while muttering in my ear "Let's see if you argue with me now about how gorgeous you are."

She turned me around to face the full length mirror and my jaw dropped. That wasn't me in the reflection. Alice had made me up before, but clearly she had been hiding her talents. My hair was partially swept up so that curls cascaded down from the crown of my head over my shoulders. My makeup was subtle, but she had made my face luminous. I smiled looking at myself, and could see Rose and Alice grinning behind me.

"Alice, you are amazing. You have outdone yourself. I can't believe that is me." I felt like I might actually belong on Edward's arm tonight.

Alice made a small curtsy. "Of course I am, but I only improved what was marvelous to begin with. Alright, let's head downstairs and watch their jaws drop. You ready Bella? I know I can't wait to see the look on Edward's face. Wait until I'm at the bottom of the stairs before you come down, okay?" I nodded at her, Alice and her love for the dramatic entry wins again.

Alice descended down the stairs and silently grabbed Jasper's arm. She motioned at him not to say anything. Edward and Emmett were chatting nearby; Edward's back was to me. I could see how from the stairs how well the tuxedo accented Edward's physique. My breath came a little faster at the sight. Alice waited, making sure she wouldn't miss the full impact of her work. I slowly went down the stairs holding up one side of my skirt so I wouldn't trip. I was almost to the bottom when Emmett blurted out "Holy Shit! That is not my little sister!"

Edward spun around, his eyes grew huge, and his mouth dropped open a little, then he quickly shut it. I walked across the floor to him enjoying the look on his face. Finally he found his voice. "Wow Bella, you look stunning."

I gave him a smile, not blushing for once in my life. "Thank you Edward, you look very handsome yourself. You clean up well." I lightly brushed my fingers over his lapel. He gave me his crooked smile and my heart rate tripled.

Everyone paired up and we headed for our respective vehicles. Edward had gently taken my hand in his as we walked out the door. He opened the car door for me and as I went to get in I whispered to him, "I hope seeing me in a dress has met your expectations."

Edward smiled, squeezed my hand, and whispered back. "You have no idea."

We drove in silence for awhile. I kept looking at Edward out of the corner of my eye. He looked unbelievably sexy in his tuxedo. The jacket showed off his broad shoulders. The pants were tailored enough that his thigh muscles were just visible. Not to mention how good he looked in black. The third time I looked he met my gaze and chuckled a little. I gazed down into my lap; he always seemed to catch me staring at him.

"Where is the ball being held Edward? I just know it's in Seattle." I looked at him for an answer; at least that way I could ogle him openly now.

"I think I should keep that as a surprise, since you don't know." He looked at me when I groaned.

"I hate surprises. Will you please tell me?" Edward shook his head, I sighed.

Edward grinned at me, "Why do you hate surprises?"

I pondered that question for a moment. "It's hard to put in words. I guess I like to be in control of my world and surprises make me feel out of control."

Edward's green eyes grew thoughtful and he nodded, "Well maybe it's good for you to practice being out of control a little. You would agree that riding is somewhat of an out of control activity wouldn't you?"

I hadn't thought about it that way, but he was right, and I told him so. He definitely had given me something to think about. Maybe riding was my way of pushing my control limits.

We crossed Lake Washington and headed into Seattle. I always enjoyed looking at the Seattle skyline. After exiting the freeway we ended up at Seattle Center. Edward pulled into a valet at the Seattle Center. Everyone had been following behind us and they drove in after us. Edward came around and opened the car door for me and offered me his hand. I got out and looked up at the Space Needle. All of a sudden it dawned on me and I gasped. "Edward, it's not at the Space Needle is it?" He nodded and grinned. I was so excited. "I've never been up in there before, this is so amazing."

Edward looked at me incredulously. "You have never been up in the Space Needle? How have you managed to live in Washington and not go up there? I think it's a requirement before you can get your Washington state drivers license."

"Oh ha, ha, ha, very funny. Forks is not exactly right next to Seattle you know. I didn't make many trips in the big city." I gave him a smile as he took my hand and we followed everyone towards the party.

"Well it's a very special occasion then. First time I see you in a dress, and first time you get to go to the top of the Space Needle."

"Don't forget first time I get to see you in a tuxedo." I gave him the same sidelong glance I had in the car and he smiled.

We arrived at the Space Needle and our group rode up in the elevator together. Everyone was chatting excitedly. I watched the view as the elevator climbed higher. I had to stop myself before I actually pressed my nose to the glass. Edward told everyone I had never been up here before. Emmett laughed out loud and said "Wow Bella, you are a Space Needle virgin, and we all get to watch you lose your cherry." I turned bright red, I couldn't help it, but I wasn't going to let Emmett get away with it either.

"That's okay Emmett. At least it's less people then the group that watched you when you lost yours." The innuendo was not lost on anyone and hysterical laughing broke out.

Emmett protested, "Supercalibellalicious, you know I was with my football team."

The laughter grew louder as the elevator came to a stop. "Emmett, you didn't make it sound any better by saying that you know, you just dug a deeper hole." I shook my finger at him and giggled.

As we exited the elevator Edward leaned down and said in my ear, "Nicely done Bella."

I replied, "Years of practice."

The room glowed with candlelight. On each table there were place cards, and more silverware then I had ever seen for one person. Our group was seated at a large round table with a beautiful arrangement of roses in the center. Edward pulled my chair out for me and then sat down to my left. Alice was sitting across from us and I knew she was going to be watching us like a hawk all evening. A few speakers talked briefly during dinner about how the funds raised from the event would benefit the hospital and its programs.

During dessert music began to play. There was a small string quartet in the center of the room at the edge of a dance floor. Seeing the dance floor worried me. I really hoped Edward wouldn't want to dance. Then I saw movement out of the corner of my left eye. Edward was standing up. I didn't think I could be so lucky that he was going to the restroom, and I wasn't

Edward leaned down so only I could hear. "Bella, would you like to dance?"

"I can't Edward." I whispered back.

He looked confused. "You can't or you don't want to?"

"No I would love to, but I can't dance. I'm sure I will break some of your toes and maybe my ankle." I shook my head.

Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me gently out of my chair. "Bella, if you can ride a horse you can dance. It's the same type of partnership, instead of listening to the cues the horse's body gives you, you pay attention to mine. Besides, I won't let you get hurt, I promise." His green eyes burned into mine. "Okay?"

I couldn't find my voice right away with him looking at me like that, so I just nodded and smiled. He led me to the dance floor to join the other couples out there. Alice smiled and gave me a thumbs up behind Edward's back.

On the dance floor I hesitated just slightly. Edward held my right hand and grasped my left and placed it on his chest. Then he gently put his right hand on the small of my back and brought me in closer to him. I felt the same heat emanating from him as that day he helped me bridle Mimosa. My body had the same reaction. My heart rate increased and I felt like my skin was on fire. I couldn't look up at him, I was afraid I might melt under his gaze.

"Bella, look at me." His velvet voice was huskier than usual. I took a deep breath and looked up at him. My knees wavered a little when I realized how close his face was to mine.

Edward held me a tiny bit closer. "I promise I won't let you go."

EPOV

"I promise I won't let you go." I meant it too. I could see my Mom smiling at me as I pulled Bella a little closer to me. I remembered what she had told me back at the house earlier. We were waiting for the girls to emerge still, and my mom had already appeared.

"Are they close to done yet Mom?" One never knew with Alice how long these things would go.

"Patience, Edward. I just saw the three of them and they will be down soon. Believe me, it is worth the wait. Can I give you a bit of advice?" She placed her hand on my arm.

"Sure Mom, when have I turned down advice from you?" Mom always spoke from the heart, and I had yet to find a time when she was wrong.

"Don't let this one go. Trust me." I looked at her wondering how she knew my feelings for Bella, but then I remembered Mom saw through everyone, me especially. She smiled as she patted my arm and then walked over to join Dad. I watched the loving gaze they exchanged with a smile. That was what I was looking for, and I wanted it with Bella. Emmett and I stood and chatted about football while we waited. He caught me off guard when he suddenly swore. I turned and found Bella at the bottom of the stairs headed my way.

Seeing Bella walk across the living room towards me was almost unreal. Her gown was a light blue purple color that I'm sure had a fancy name. It flowed over her body, emphasizing the shape of her breasts and her small waist. The creamy white skin of one shoulder was completely bare, except for a few dark curls that fell across her collarbone. I was pretty sure my eyes almost popped out of my head. Bella had noticed my expression, because a slightly cocky smile came over her face.

However her confidence vanished the moment I pulled her on the dance floor. I laughed to myself when Bella said she couldn't dance, remembering watching her in her kitchen. I tried to reassure her as I placed my hand on the small of her back. I realized as we moved closer how right it felt to be holding Bella. It felt like something we had been doing for years. Her slim body radiated warmth and I could smell the scent of some kind of flower in her hair. I fought the instinct to place my nose into her hair and inhale deeply.

I slowly began guiding Bella into a slow dance. After our first few passes she relaxed when she realized all she had to do was follow me. I whispered in her ear, "See, you can dance Bella."

She smiled up at me. "I can't believe it myself. It must be because I have such a good partner teaching me."

We shared several dances, Bella growing more confident as the moments passed. I didn't want to stop, but the room was becoming really warm. Bella's cheeks were fairly pink.

"Do you want to get some fresh air Bella? You haven't been out on the deck yet. The city lights are really amazing from up here."

Bella stepped back and looped her arm through mine. I was grateful we were still touching in some way. "Lead the way Mr. Cullen."

The night air was pleasant. It had cooled off and the sky was cloudless. The stars weren't really visible due to the lights, but the moon was casting a glow on our surroundings. We wandered to the railing and Bella took her arm from mine so she could hold the railing and push herself up a little. I stood next to her and watched her look out at the city. Neither of us said anything, but it wasn't uncomfortable at all. The moonlight made her skin almost take on an ethereal glow. The breeze blew her curls gently. I had told her she was stunning earlier, but somehow that word didn't seem strong enough. My brain failed in my attempt to find a better one though.

"A penny for your thoughts Bella." I couldn't wait anymore to hear what she was thinking.

Bella smiled as she looked out on the water, watching the ferry traffic. "I'm just really enjoying the moment. I have you to thank for it Edward. Thank you again for asking me to come. It's just been a really wonderful evening."

I put my hand over hers on the railing. "I'm so glad you said yes. I'm having a wonderful time too." The evening had just solidified for me that what I felt for Bella was very real, and very intense. I couldn't pretend that this didn't have the potential to make things really complicated. But the thought of not pursuing what I was feeling made my heart ache.

We were quiet again for a few moments. Bella spoke quietly as she turned to look at me. "A penny for your thoughts now Edward."

It was time to lay it on the line. I couldn't keep this from Bella anymore. I turned to face her and took both her hands in mine. "Bella, I'm about to tell you something that isn't easy for me to say. It's something I have been wrestling with, well, since I met you to be honest. I just didn't admit it to myself until recently. But once I tell you this, things may become more complicated. That makes me hesitant to tell you." I looked down at Bella and watched the shift of emotions in her face, hope, fear, uncertainty. I was petrified what emotion would show up after I told her.

"Edward, whatever it is just say it. If we talk about whatever is on your mind I'm sure we can figure things out." She gave me a nervous smile.

I took a deep breath, "Bella, I have feelings for you. Not just friendship feelings. I have no idea what you feel towards me and if it's just friendship that's okay. I just couldn't keep this to myself any longer. If I'm falling for you I should just come out and…" Bella put her finger on my lips and I stopped speaking.

"You are falling for me?" she whispered. She took her finger off my lips and I nodded. Bella looked away for a moment and I was positive she was going to tell me she didn't feel the same. She turned back and the same emotion that had crossed her face when I asked her to the ball was there again, joy. But a lone tear streamed down her cheek. Unable to stop myself I reached up and wiped it away with my thumb, cupping my hand around her face.

"What is it Bella? I'm sorry if what I said upset you." She shook her head.

"You didn't upset me Edward. It just that in my wildest dreams I never thought I would hear any of those words cross your lips, and be spoken to me. You have no idea how I have wanted to hear you say that, but I was sure that what I felt towards you, you would never feel towards me. That there was no way you would ever see me the way I see you."

I wrapped arms around Bella and drew her into my chest. "You are very mistaken Bella. When I'm around you, the intensity of the emotion you bring out in me, well it is startling."

She gazed up at me from my chest. "Just promise me something Edward. We take this slow."

I brushed a stray curl from her face. "I promise. One step at a time. There is something that I have wanted to do for a while though, if you will permit me?" Bella raised an eyebrow at me, but nodded.

I gently put both my hands on either side of her face. I stroked one hand down her cheek and ran my fingers back to the nape of her neck. She closed her eyes and I could see her breathing increase. Slowly I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers.

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Oooohhhh and I stop it there? I am evil! I promise not to do it often though, because I know cliffies drive me nuts. Next chapter will go up Sunday morning, not night, I promise.

So to all of you who asked if he would kiss her, you have your answer. I have also had some questions about was I going to screw this up for them at some point. I cannot promise they won't encounter some difficulties maybe. But I am big on happy endings.

I will put links for Rose and Alice's dresses on my author page. I didn't pick one out for Esme....oops, so imagine what you want. I also have a link to what I picture Aston to look like, and a youtube video of the level of riding Edward would've done with him.

Oh, and two other questions from last chapter that others may have wondered about......a cooler is a wool or fleece blanket we use on horses who are sweaty or wet to help them dry without chilling. And giving Aston the muffin did not cause his colic. My horse Gunner's personal favorite is McDonalds biscuits.

PLEASE, review! Leave me some love!!