Disclaimer: I've asked Santa for Edward Cullen in a stocking…and only a stocking. Until he grants my wish, I own nothing.

A/N—Thank you everyone for reviewing the last chapter so quickly and for the encouraging words. They were greatly appreciated and I'm glad everyone is still liking the story. I have a lot more ideas for it and I'm really glad I'll get a chance to put them into this story. So for now, I'm going to keep writing! Here's a pretty long chapter to make up for the short one.

Chapter 10

EPOV

The moments away from Bella the rest of the night were horrendous. After sharing such intimate moments, I knew she'd be nervous and embarrassed at seeing me the next day. I wish I could have stayed with her through the night and reassured her that the events of the previous night had been the most erotic experiences of my life or rather, after-life I guess, so far.

Alice's vision this morning, of Bella at our house for dinner, was particularly exciting for me though. That had to mean that she would make some progress with Charlie. I wondered how she would react.

I didn't have to wonder long because I heard the familiar clanking of her truck as it popped and sputtered into the parking lot. Bella hopped out of the car, with a huge smile on her face, and started running towards me. I saw her foot snag the pothole and was catching her before she had the chance to fall. "Bella, you need to be careful, what if I wasn't here to catch you?" I questioned jokingly. "Edward, you're always there to catch me if I fall. I just couldn't wait to get to you to tell you the good news! Charlie is going to ease up a bit! We talked things out and he agreed that we can see each other as long as Carlisle, Esme, or he is there to supervise. I know it's not the way it was, but at least he's made a little progress! What do you think?"

Her face looked so hopeful at this new development. I kissed her forehead softly, still holding her close in my arms from where I'd caught her. "I'm extremely happy my darling. So you're coming to dinner tonight then? You must be brave to try Esme's cooking."

"I'd do anything for more time with you. Plus your house won't be nearly as strict as mine will," she leaned up kissing me softly on the lips.

The rest of the day went by quickly. I was excited at the idea of Bella joining my family for a meal. During Calculus, Bella go a text message from Charlie giving her the go-ahead for supper, meaning that he must have spoken with Esme. I have to admit, I wasn't as confident as Bella in how this little arrangement was going to work.

After school, my siblings, Bella, and I gathered in the parking lot. Alice was excitedly spinning around; glad to have her friend back after my forced separation and then Charlie's lockdown.

"Bella, you should ride with me. We can have girl-talk!" The little pixie was trying to steal my sweetheart. I growled protectively at Alice.

"Pish-posh Edward! You can be without her for a few moments while I catch up! It's your fault we have so much to catch up on anyways!" Alice could be downright stubborn when she wanted to be. I pulled Bella towards me before Alice could cart her away. I moved us behind a nearby van, away from the vision of my sometimes too close siblings. I pushed her against the side of the van and took her face in mine and claimed her lips softly. I was pleasantly surprised when she immediately deepened the kiss and started grabbing at my shoulders. Obviously the events of the previous evening were having a lasting effect on her just like they had on me, all day long. I couldn't wait to get her home and hopefully alone and in less clothes.

The tapping of Alice's Jimmy Choo'ed toe on the pavement interrupted our intimate moment. Bella blushed fiercely as she was dragged to Alice's car. "Edward, don't you dare listen in to me while we're driving! I need to discuss woman things with Bella. I swear Edward if you peek and I find out—you will regret it."

We drove home and I did my best to keep myself from looking into Alice's head. I don't know what she wanted to discuss so privately with my Bella, but from the looks of Bella's pink face when she got out of the car at our house, I can only imagine that it would have been a very interesting conversation to listen in on.

"What was that about? " I questioned Bella as I guided her out of the car after arriving home.

"It was really weird actually. She just wanted to tell me to remember that the restroom needs a hand towel and that the lock is tricky. She refused to say anything more about it."

If I know Alice, this is some kind of clue. I didn't have time to ponder it much more because as soon as we were in the house Emmett barreled down the stairs to greet Bella. "How's my favorite human doing today?" He boomed as he grabbed her into a bear hug.

"Emmett, be careful. I don't think she's breathing." Bella let out an exhausted breath as he eased up he hold on her.

"Oh she's fine, aren't you Bella?" He boomed giving her a pat on the pack that sent her flying forward into my arms.

Jasper came down the stairs next and greeted Bella from a distance. "Bella, thank you so much. Edward's energy has been much more positive today. It's a nice change from his perpetually frustrated state. Whatever you're doing, keep it up; he might start acting like an actual person."

Bella looked at me in a confused manner before it registered in her head exactly what had become less frustrating. Her eyes grew big and she blushed softly. "I will…thanks…I think."

She snuggled closer in my arms before gazing up into my eyes innocently. "Edward, weren't you going to show me that new cd…that's in your room?"

I pulled her closer breathing in her hair. "Sure my love, would you like to walk or ride? " I grinned her favorite grin before pulling her onto my back and starting up the stairs swiftly. My retreat from the living room was blocked however, by Esme standing at the top of the stairs.

"Hi Esme! Thank you very much for letting me come over for dinner. It's so nice to be able to be over here again," Bella addressed her happily.

"Oh, Bella, we're always so glad to have you here. You really brighten up this house and especially Edward. I'd actually like to talk to you both in the living room if you don't mind."

"I was just about to show Bella something in my room; can we come down and chat in a little while?" I asked.

Edward, you know I can't allow that. Please come down and we can talk about this. Esme's thoughts came into my mind.

"Oh Esme, you can't be serious."

"What?" Bella looked at me with a confused expression.

"Let's go, love. Esme needs to tell you something."

I proceeded with Bella to the living room sofa, with the somberness one would normally see at a funeral. We sat down on the couch and Esme sat in the chair in the corner.

"Bella, I spoke with your father today and he agreed to allow you to come over this evening. He does, however, have some guidelines for supervision. He's spoken to you about these I'm sure."

Bella nodded her head slowly in response, finally grasping, but somehow not believing the turn this conversation was going to take.

Esme continued, "I know that technically I'm not Edward's mother, however, I am a firm believer in respecting a parent's wishes. I believe that Charlie's request is reasonable. He hasn't said you aren't allowed to see each other. He just wishes to protect you by requiring a parental adult to be in the room when you are together. He cares for you so much Bella and I believe that any lapse in these stipulations could cause him to completely force a separation between you and Edward, which I think is a terrible option for all parties involved. Therefore, I've decided to honor his request. Either Carlisle or myself will make ourselves available to chaperone anytime you wish to come over to our home. Does that sound reasonable?"

Bella looked up at me then looked back at Esme. "I can agree to that. Anytime I can have with Edward is treasured to me and at this point, I'll take what I can get."

I couldn't stay silent anymore. "I don't like it. This is my home, by choice. If I want to be alone with Bella, I don't see why that should be a problem. Esme, I love and respect you, but seriously? You know the love Bella and I share isn't some fling. She owns my heart; now and always."

Bella squeezed my hand. "Edward, it's okay. We'll make this work." She whispered in my ear, forgetting that all the vampires in the house could easily hear her whisper, "Remember what you said the other night, 'those moments are wonderful, but if all I could have from you were moments like this, I'd still be the happiest person to ever walk this earth.' I feel the same way about you Edward."

I looked deep in her eyes and saw her resolution there. Before turning back to Esme. "So Esme, what are the three of us doing this evening?"

A/N—So no smut in this chapter! Don't worry though it's coming in the next chapter which I'll hopefully add tomorrow as long as I get some reviews!