Disclaimer: Although I do own a bottle of Pepto-Bismol and a love of Little Debbie cakes, I sadly do not own the rights to them, or any of the Twilight characters featured. Also, no Emmett's or Edward's were harmed in the making of this chapter.

A/N: The response from last chapter was so awesome and overwhelming! We passed 225 reviews! You all loved the Little Debbies *sorry for the mass cravings I invoked* so here they are again! (longer note at bottom)

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[ Bella ]

My stomach felt like it was flying on a rollercoaster as Edward went to answer the door. Married! I was going to get married!

I looked down at the ring and smiled before I pulled it off and went upstairs to the bedroom. I looked around for a second before stuffing it in Edward's underwear drawer—no one, not even Alice, would be willing to go looking in there. I ran my hand through my hair and headed back downstairs.

I walked into the living room to find Carlisle and Esme. Esme smiled warmly when she saw me, and Carlisle nodded in my direction.

"Bella, thank you for having us over—I feel like it's been a while since we've gotten everyone together," Esme remarked as she hugged me gently.

I swayed from foot to foot. "Well, everyone's been so busy lately, and then I was gone, and Edward was gone and all…"

She nodded. I saw Edward and Carlisle go out in the backyard and begin talking. I was concerned what was happening, but decided not to worry. Edward promised we would be okay.

"So how are things with you and Edward?" Esme asked.

I sighed some. "Things are…okay. Lately they've been a little more hectic but I think we'll be able to work through some things eventually."

"Is there anything I might be able to help with?" She was being so nice.

I sighed. "I'm not sure. Can I ask a question?"

"Always."

"What do you do when Carlisle really upsets you? And I mean really upsets you?"

She chuckled. "Did you and Edward have a fight?"

I nodded. "And it got me real worked up."

"Well, when Carlisle and I get in a fight, he usually picks up extra shifts at the hospital. He's an avoider. He'll give us a day or so to cool down and then we'll talk about it. But you should know—Edward is a pusher. He never wants anyone to be mad at him and when they are mad at him, he'll do whatever it takes to win them back. I'm sure you know that by now. I'm not saying you should always forgive him the moment you are fighting, because he's not always right. And you need to stick to your guns. But after a little while, at least let him know that you're upset and why. He's such a sweet boy, Bella. He'd never hurt you intentionally, and he'd spend forever and all the money he has to make it up to you."

My heart melted slightly. "Well, that helps a lot, actually. Thank you."

She patted my arm. "Anytime, dear. I brought a bottle of wine—perhaps we should open it now instead of when the others get here," she joked.

"Not such a bad idea," I smiled, as she followed me into the kitchen. I pulled two wine glasses down, popped the cork, and poured the wine. I handed her a glass just as Edward and his dad walked back inside.

"What—none for us?" Carlisle teased.

I pulled down two more glasses and filled them, handing them to Edward and Carlisle.

"Let's toast," Carlisle suggested.

"What to?" Esme asked.

A small grin grew on Edward's face.

"To love and family," Carlisle said, raising his glass.

"Well, I can toast to that," Esme said, tapping his glass.

Edward and I toasted and sipped the wine. Edward leaned over, kissing my cheek. "I told my Dad our wonderful news."

I smiled slightly and looked down at the ground. I glanced up at Carlisle and he winked, causing me to blush.

Another knock at the door caused me to jump out of my skin. "I'll get it," I said as I scurried to the door. I opened it to find Jasper and Alice with a bouquet of flowers.

"Hi, Bella!" Alice said excitedly, hugging me as she came in and removed her jacket.

Jasper nodded and kissed my cheek softly before handing me the flowers.

I took them and smiled appreciatively. "These aren't from Lucy, are they?" I raised an eyebrow.

Jasper frowned. "Please don't compare me to Emmett, Bella."

Alice rolled her eyes and grabbed my elbow. "Ignore him, he's being moody," she sighed dramatically.

We walked into the living room, where Alice greeted her parents and then looked up at Edward, her hand on her hip. "Hello, brother."

He stared her down. "Mary Alice."

She huffed and pointed a finger at him. "Don't think this is over just because Mom and Dad are here. Sleep with one eye open, Edward."

Jasper walked over to Edward and Alice and touched her shoulder softly, calling her back to her 'happy place.' She smiled gratefully at him, locking her hand with his.

"Dad, how's the hospital? Do you have an open bed for an incoming injury?" she asked slyly.

Edward's eyebrows narrowed and I wanted to comfort him, but I reminded myself I had to stick to the plan.

"Alice," Esme started, the mother in her never letting her guard down.

"Sorry, Mom," she muttered.

Carlisle chuckled. "Come on now, kids, can't we all just get along?"

I laughed. "Not likely," I said. "I'm going to go to the kitchen and finish up the last few things."

"I'll help!" Alice screamed, following behind me.

I took out the sour cream, cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa and guacamole. I set up a chopping station with a knife and cutting board.

"Alice, can you put the cheese in a bowl and get the chips for the salsa?"

She nodded, opening the cupboard and jumping up to grab a bowl. "So, how are things with you and Edward?"

I sighed. "I'm so tired of all this fighting. It's starting to wear me down."

"Hang tough, Bella. I think the boys are wearing down, too. Emmett was begging Rosalie to take him back yesterday, and Jasper said he thinks Edward's ready to get hair extensions he's so desperate for your forgiveness."

I giggled at the thought of Edward with hair extensions. "Jasper's still on good terms with you?"

She nodded. "Definitely. He knows better than to mess with me."

We worked quietly until I heard Emmett and Rosalie come in.

She groaned as she walked into the kitchen. "That man will drive me to drink! Please tell me you have some booze around here!"

I laughed. "In the fridge, Rose."

She opened the door and smiled. "Praise the Lord—tequila!"

Alice squealed. "Oh, let's make margaritas!"

Rose began to work on the drinks while we finished up dinner preparations.

"So how did things with Emmett go? He didn't come back here last night," I mentioned, trying not to stir things up too much.

Rose groaned again. "He begged for a really long time. After a while I just wanted him to shut up so I let him back in—but he has to sleep in the guest bedroom. I might have forgiven him for being stupid, but I haven't forgiven him about the flower lady just yet. I'll make him stew for a little while longer."

I shook my head. "Well thank God he's not staying here any longer. He only egged Edward on."

Rose laughed. "Those two are idiots when you combine them. But, I don't know who's worse—Emmett for his scheming, or Edward for going along with him!"

"At least Jasper's smart enough to stay out of it," Alice added.

"It's because he's not a Cullen," I joked, and the girls laughed.

Edward walked in. "Hello, Rosalie," he said nicely.

She rolled her eyes and handed him a tray of margaritas. "Pass these out, Edward."

He smiled at her, before replying sarcastically. "Of course, I live to serve."

I pulled out plates and silverware and began to set the table. The girls helped me out and we were done in no time. Alice called everyone in to the dining room and took a seat.

Carlisle smiled—the true patriarch of the clan. "Well, I'm glad we could all get together tonight. It really means a lot to your Mother and me."

"Let's dig in!" Emmett announced, reaching for the rice.

Rosalie slapped his hand. "Now I know your mom taught you better than that."

I looked over at Esme who was trying to hold back a laugh. She looked at Emmett and nodded.

He pouted, putting his hands in his lap. "Sorry," he mumbled.

Carlisle bit back a smile, raising his hands and announcing, "Let's eat!"

I kept my hands in my lap, in fear of a free-for-all as the boys reached across the table to grab what they wanted the most. Esme coughed lightly and they stopped, dropping the serving utensils and reaching for the bowls.

Edward passed me the plate of tortilla shells. I smiled politely at him and took one, passing it down the table. I filled the tortilla with some steak and grilled vegetables, and was about to add some salsa when I felt a small squeeze on my thigh. I looked down and Edward's hand was waiting patiently, palm up. I gave him a "knock it off" look, but squeezed his hand quickly before returning to my fajita. I smiled at him from the corner of my eye and he winked.

"Oh this is real good, Bella," Jasper commented, scooping another large pile of rice on his plate.

Esme nodded in agreement.

"Thank you," I said, blushing slightly.

I chanced a look over at Emmett and caught sight of him stuffing a fajita in his mouth. Rosalie cringed, trying to pull it away from his mouth.

I giggled, rice spilling out of my fajita and into my lap. I looked down and went to pick it up when I saw Edwards hand skirt across my lap and brush the rice crumbs onto the floor. His index finger ran across the top of my hand, stroking gently at my ring finger, where only a little while earlier my engagement ring had been.

I looked up at him and couldn't help but smile. This plan is so fucked it's not even funny, I thought to myself.

"So, Edward, how was your business trip? Where did you go again?" Carlisle asked, always the family "historian" trying to keep up with the kids.

Edward wiped his face with a napkin. "I went to Austin, Texas. There were some executives that wanted to meet to discuss the company's future—and as financial planner, they wanted some input from me."

Carlisle nodded proudly.

Rosalie groaned. "Emmett, why couldn't you go into financial planning?"

He shrugged. "Owning an e-business is just as awesome."

She pushed her food around on her plate. "Maybe you should look into flowers or something."

He looked over at her with narrowed eyes, but then softened. "It's a possibility."

Alice looked over at me and smiled encouragingly. "Esme, how's the remodel coming along?"

Her eyes glittered with excitement. "Oh it's just wonderful! You girls have got to come over and take a look at the progress! It's unbelievable! It seems like one day I was just starting, and now it's almost finished!"

My jaw dropped slightly. "With the entire guest house?"

"Yes! They are coming to do the hardwood floors tomorrow and just finished up painting two days ago. The banana yellow color you helped pick out was absolutely beautiful, Alice."

"Well I can't wait to see it, Esme," I said softly.

"I brought some pictures to show you after dinner, if you'd like to see them."

I nodded and Alice squealed in excitement.

The rest of dinner went by peacefully, and the guys cleared the dishes while Esme showed up pictures of the renovations. We ohh'd and aah'd appropriately, talking about what kinds of furniture and paintings should go in which room.

"AHA!" we heard loudly from the kitchen.

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Oh, here we go again."

"Do I even want to know?" I asked, rubbing my face with the heels of my hands.

Esme patted my leg gently. "Don't worry dear, I'm sure Carlisle has everything under control."

I heard arguing mixed with Carlisle's interjections of "boys, settle down" and "behave like men" which obviously was not happening.

Emmett came busting out of the kitchen, a box of Ding-Dongs in his hand. "Ladies, the Cullen Brothers Eating Contest has been called for re-match!"

"Oh why me?" I asked, leaning forward to put my head between my knees. "Why can't my boyfriend be normal?"

Alice chuckled. "Come on, Bella, this is fun! Wait till you see the faces they make when they try to catch their second wind."

Esme clicked her tongue. "Well, it has been a while since they've last competed—I wonder if Edward can still hold his own."

I looked up at her, shocked. "You condone this?!"

"Well, as a mother you have to understand, it was either condone this or condone illegal drinking, drug use, wild sex…this was the safest option for me."

I groaned. "I cannot even believe this was true. I thought Edward was making up some wild story to legitimize his rash purchase of Little Debbies."

"Oh, no, Bella. Just you wait for the theatrics that are about to occur," Rosalie said, walking over to the dining room table.

Edward came waltzing out of the kitchen, his arms loaded down with boxes of Twinkies, Ding-Dongs, Zebra Cakes, and Chocolate Cupcakes. He dropped them on the table, divvying up two piles: one of Twinkies and Chocolate Cupcakes, the other with Ding-Dongs and Zebra Cakes.

I walked over, grabbing onto a chair back for support. Carlisle walked in, shining his watch with his shirt sleeve. Emmett was cracking his knuckles and stretching his arms, bouncing around like Rocky Balboa.

"For someone who's never won one of these, you sure act pretty confidant," Jasper said as he came in with two pitchers of water and two glasses.

Emmett glared at Jasper. "I had a stomach virus the last time we did this—I cannot be faulted!"

"You keep telling yourself that," Edward said smugly, taking off his belt and unbuttoning his khaki pants. He pulled out a chair and sat down, hands resting clasped together on the table.

Emmett took a deep breath before taking his own seat at the table across from Edward. They eyed each other warily.

"Alright, let's review the rules. No punching, kicking, knocking over waters. No name-calling, food-spitting, or other forms of harassment. If you vomit, you forfeit. The first Cullen Brother to finish his pile of Little Debbies will be declared the winner. I want a fair, clean fight. Can we agree?" Carlisle asked, a hint of excitement on his face.

He looked to both boys, who nodded.

"Wow, I didn't realize it was this intense," I whispered to Alice.

She giggled. "Those rules have been amended many times, adding things as they get older."

"Are we allowed to cheer?"

"Oh, yes! But watch out for Mom—she loves Emmett and wants him to win, but Edward is the baby, and she always roots for the baby."

"Have you ever participated?" I asked her.

She laughed. "I tried to once, but think about it—could you go head-to-head with Emmett in a snack cake eating contest?"

I shook my head. "No way, he is a beast! But how does Edward always win?"

She leaned in close to whisper. "Edward focuses—he lets Emmett think he's winning, and Emmett gets cocky; when he gets close to being full, Edward blows him out of the water. The boy's got some serious talent."

"C'mon, Edward! Keep your title!" Esme cheered, and Edward winked at his mom.

"Alright on the count of three," Carlisle started. "One, two...three! Go! Go! Go!"

And just like that, the Cullen Brothers eating contest had begun. Emmett attacked the box of Ding-Dongs, ripping the cardboard to shreds, busting a wrapper open and shoving a Ding-Dong in his mouth. Edward opened his box of Chocolate Cupcakes, popping them out of the plastic holder and biting into the first one, chewing slowly.

"That's it, Emmett! Keep it up!" Rosalie cheered.

"Edward, go faster, man!" Jasper called, his hands clenching and unclenching in anticipation.

But Edward just took his time, and Emmett kept shoveling, already having destroyed three Ding-Dongs by the time Edward had finished one and a half cupcakes.

"Edward likes to tease Emmett," Alice reminded me, holding my hand tightly.

I nodded. "Why don't they let Jasper play?"

"Oh, he doesn't like the stomach ache afterwards. He tried once after we were married but, it wasn't pretty."

"How did I not know about this? Edward and I have been together for years now!"

"Well, you see…"

"Edward, get a move on! Finish that cupcake and stop teasing Emmett!" Jasper was all riled up now, his face starting to turn colors. Everyone was really getting into it.

Alice squeezed Jasper's arm, bringing him down a notch, before turning back to me. "Well, it doesn't happen all the time—usually the guys get into some kind of tiff and they think they can settle it with Ho-Ho's and Yodels; my guess is that Edward's had enough of Emmett's shenanigans about winning the fight that he's trying to shut him up with the contest."

I looked over at the boys again. Emmett was almost through his first box of Ding-Dongs and had moved on to a box of Zebra Cakes. Edward was almost through his box of Chocolate Cupcakes, but had stopped to take a drink of water and a breather.

"Edward, really? Are you going to go about this leisurely?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow at him.

He winked at me before peeling off the plastic wrapper on his chocolate cupcakes, pulling one out and licking the icing with his tongue. Alice looked over at me and giggled.

"Tease," she whispered. "See? He will do anything to win you back."

After his little show with the cupcake, Edward began to pick up speed, biting and chewing faster than he had before. He was half-way through his second box of cupcakes while Emmett was pausing, his chest heaving, a sign he was getting tired.

"Emmett Cullen don't you dare stop now!" Rosalie barked, rubbing his shoulders.

Carlisle remained neutral throughout the whole thing, a great referee. Esme, however, had gotten even worse, egging them both on.

"Emmett, I have seen you eat more than that on many a Thanksgiving so suck it up and eat those cakes!" She was pumping her fist in the air.

I looked over at Alice and we both erupted into giggles.

"You don't get as involved in it?"

She shrugged. "It's not as funny as it was when we were kids. They can eat more now, and Emmett always pukes and it's not really a pleasant experience."

I cringed. "Well I hope he knows when to stop."

"Oh, he doesn't," Alice giggled. "That's what still makes it enjoyable—watching Edward defeat him…plus Rosalie gets pissed. It's just funny."

I looked back at the table to see Edward had moved on to his favorite—the Twinkies. Emmett was pushing through his second box of Ding-Dongs, gaining some speed. Jasper, Rosalie, and Esme were all cheering, and I could see Alice trying to predict a winner in her head.

"Edward, come on, you can do it!" I encouraged. I figured at least in this scenario, even if everyone thought we were fighting, it would still be acceptable to cheer for him.

"That's it, Edward! Keep moving! You're gaining on him!" Jasper was shouting, shifting from foot to foot in excitement.

"Aw, what the hell, come on Emmett! At least put up a good fight!" Alice cheered.

My heart was racing in anticipation of who would win. Emmett was getting frantic, ripping through the plastic with his teeth and almost sucking down the cakes whole. He stopped to chug a glass of water, which Rosalie refilled for him afterwards. I felt bad for not being a doting girl-friend/secret fiancé, but I was slightly disgusted with the fact that Edward had already eating almost two dozen cupcakes and about eight Twinkies.

Esme had taken over my duties as head cheerleader and was pouring a glass for Edward, offering him a napkin and being a doting mother. I smiled at her participation and excitement in the whole ordeal—Edward's parents were actually really "cool" considering other parents that were out there. I felt that both boys were really lucky to have a great set of parents.

Edward had finished his first box of Twinkies and was on to the last box. Emmett had caught up and was on his last box of Zebra Cakes as well. He was breathing heavy and I think he was sweating. Edward looked a little worse for wear at this point, elbows now on the table and leaning forward towards the box.

"Emmett if you win, I promise that you won't have to sleep in the guest room anymore," Rosalie bribed, wiping his forehead with a napkin. "You'd like that, wouldn't you baby? Just win this shit and get it over with."

I laughed at her. Jasper was rounding the table, trying to get a better look at the situation. I saw him conversing with Carlisle but couldn't hear what they were saying.

"They are so scientific about all this," Alice mumbled. "I bet you Jasper and Dad are talking about the size of the cakes, trying to make sure the contest is evenly matched, since Edward bought the cakes and not Dad this time."

I rolled my eyes. "It's a sad, sad day when a man is judged not by his character, but by his ability to buy snack cakes."

"Good thing Edward's not sleeping in your bed tonight, Bells, because he's going to be whining and moaning all night long. You might wanna send him home with Mom."

I chuckled. "He better not get sick anywhere in this house or I will lose my cool. Get it, Edward! Attack that Twinkie!" I encouraged as he bit off half a Twinkie and shoved it into his mouth.

Emmett had found renewed strength, shoving cakes into his mouth without even chewing. Rosalie was cooing in his ear, most likely promising him dirty things if he won.

It came close—Edward was down to his last two Twinkies and Emmett had 3 Zebra Cakes left. They were both slowing, stopping to take small sips of water. As Edward started his second to last Twinkie, Emmett shoved an entire cake in his mouth, coughing as some of it went down the wrong hole. This gave Edward the advantage he needed, and he polished off the one and a half Twinkies, slamming his fists down on the table when he was done.

Jasper and Esme erupted into cheers, Carlisle raising Edward's arm in victory. Emmett slumped forward on the table and Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest, glaring over at Edward.

Alice and I both clapped, congratulating Edward. Alice walked over to Emmett and slapped him softly on his shoulder. "That will teach you for messing with Edward and Bella's problems."

I laughed at Alice. If only she knew that her lesson was coming up as well.

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[ Edward ]

Most of the contest was a blur to me as I tried to focus on the cakes alone. I could hear people cheering, but I wasn't quite sure who they were cheering for. My stomach was bloated and painfully stretched, my khakis about to explode like Violet in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. My mom gave me a hug and I groaned.

"Oh, sorry, sweetheart, I forgot you're probably full."

"Yeah, it's okay, Mom. Thanks for cheering me on. You're the best."

She beamed at me. "Well, you remain undefeated."

Jasper clapped me on the shoulder. "Well done, man. Well played."

I nodded and looked over at Bella. She looked like a mixture of grossed out and proud. She walked over to me and hugged me quickly, trying to make it look like we weren't back together. My lips brushed gently across the side of her cheek and she swatted me. I smirked, wiping some cake crumbs off her cheek with my thumb that must have been on my face.

"Oops, sorry, love."

She shook her head before walking into the kitchen and coming back out with a bucket, slamming it down next to Emmett. "Don't get a mess on my carpet."

Rosalie rubbed his back. "I told you not to eat too much at dinner. But you never listen to me, do you? Let's go home, Emmett. We'll get you some Pepto-Bismol and you can sleep it off in the guest room."

Emmett stood up, holding his stomach. "Rosie," he whined.

She held up a finger. "End of discussion."

I started feeling woozy as I stood up, and had to grab the chair for support. "Oh, shit."

"Edward, are you okay?" my mom asked. "You don't look so great."

"I don't feel so great," I moaned, closing my eyes.

"Sit back down, honey. Drink some water. I'll get you some medicine."

Bella came and sat down next to me. "Are you going to be sick?"

"I don't know," I whined sadly. Esme returned, handing me some medicine and I swallowed it down, grimacing at the sour taste. I laid my head down on the table.

"We're going home man. Good round," Emmett called. I sat up, shook his hand, and immediately laid my head back down.

"Edward, you should go home with your mom and let her take care of you," Bella said quietly next to me.

"What? Are you out of your mind?" I asked her.

"Excuse me?" she retorted.

"I just want to lie down and go to bed, not ride over to my parents' house."

"Edward, calm down. I just know your mom could take better care of you then I could."

I looked at her like she had five heads. "So you're saying you don't want to take care of me?"

"That's not what I am saying at all. I just think…"

"What? What do you think Bella?"

She stood up. "I think you need to not stay here tonight. I'll go pack you a bag." She walked off towards our room and I groaned against the table. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

"Edward, stop swearing," my mom chided.

Did I say that out loud?

"You're coming home with us and tomorrow you and Bella can talk and work everything out."

Bella came back down, dropping a small duffle bag at the foot of the stairs. "I packed you enough clothes for a few days. I can't be around you right now. Go."

I heard Alice gasp, and Jasper coughed. "Let's go, Alice." I heard them say goodnight to my parents and Bella before leaving. The door shut behind them and I heard my father exhale loudly.

"Well son, you about ready to hit the road?"

Esme sighed. "Carlisle, don't you think we should give Edward and Bella a moment alone to talk?"

"Oh, right. Let's go wait in the car. Edward, come out when you're ready."

I nodded, my head still on the table, surrounded by a graveyard of plastic wrappers. I heard them walk out and shut the door as well before I lifted my head and looked over at Bella.

She flung herself across the room at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. "I'm sorry, I am so, so sorry. I didn't mean it—any of it. I was just sticking with the plan, Edward you have to know—"

I looked up at her and gave her a smile. "I know, baby. I'm not going to hold it against you. We knew it would have to be like this in order to get Alice back."

She nodded before kissing my temple. "I love you."

"I love you, too," I whispered softly before kissing her. "You don't know how hard it was for me tonight."

"I think I have some idea," she said.

I shook my head. "Bella, I've wanted to marry you since the moment I practically met you. Not being able to touch you and kiss you, knowing that you've agreed to be my wife? It was terrible."

"What did Carlisle say when you told him?" She asked.

I grinned. "He was so excited. I think he might have been more excited than me, and that's saying something."

She smiled. "Good—but you should probably go rest now. I'll see you tomorrow. Come over early if you're up to it and we can have breakfast."

"Please, don't mention food around me right now," I moaned.

"I'm very sorry, I hope you can forgive me," she teased.

"Oh I think I can figure something out. I'll see you early in the morning, baby."

She walked me to the door and handed me the overnight bag. "I left you a surprise. Good night, Edward."

I kissed her softly before opening the door. "Good night, love."

********

A/N: Ok, one housekeeping note to mention: Some of you have seen, others have not: I have posted an outtake from this story under "The Wrong Side of Right" and will continue to post some more outtakes/extras, especially ones that you guys said you wanted. So let me know what you're interested in and from who's POV and I will see what I can work out, okay?

Secondly, the Indie Awards and the Bellies are coming up—be a good reader/reviewer and vote for the fics you love.

Thirdly, thanks to the beta, Little Miss Masen, and the MoW gals.

Fourthly, what was Bella's surprise? Tons of reviews might make me write faster *waggles eyebrows*