Don't own it. Wish I did.

I am excited about this chapter, too! Hope you like it. Let me know, please.

BPOV

I had spent half the night tossing from side to side in the bed and the other half pacing the floor. I was worried about Papa, worried about Edward, worried about his family coming in a few days, and most unnerving, I was worried that this could end at any time.

Well, worried was not the right word. Terrified. I was terrified that at any moment Justice Clearwater would arrive, annulment in hand, and inform us that the marriage had been dissolved. It was what was best for Edward and Papa, but his words kept repeating in my head.

"What is it you want, Bella?" I knew what my heart wanted, but it was wrong. It would be wrong to ask so much of him. I wanted to be married to him. I wanted to be his wife and spend my life with him. The thought was frightening and wonderful at the same time. I could not tell him while he still had an option. If the annulment was granted, it would be his choice. If not, I could tell him what I wanted.

In the early morning hours, I finally gave up any hope of sleep. Dressing for the day, I pinned my hair up and pulled on my shoes. Making my way downstairs, I listened for voices, but heard none. I realized I had no idea if Edward was an early riser, or if he preferred late nights. There were a great many things I had yet to learn about him. How did he like his tea? Did he prefer the outdoors in the spring and summer? Did he hunt? Or ride for pleasure?

As I walked past the study, I heard muffled voices from inside. The door was barely open and I could see Edward and Jasper inside, both studying some paperwork on the desk. I moved swiftly on past toward the kitchen so as not to disturb their work.

Once I reached the kitchen, I put on water for tea and reached for a cup and saucer. I had not realized until that moment that everything we had left behind was still in the house. I assumed that once it had been sold the new owner would fill it with his own belongings. I suppose Mr. Robert Cullen had not occupied the estate long enough to have our things replaced with his own. I was now holding my mother's favorite china teacup. It was her own mother's cup and she always used it for her morning tea. I held the cup against my chest and closed my eyes.

She always smelled of lavender and roses and she would read each morning while sipping tea. Once finished, she would go out to her rose garden and walk among her prized flowers. On cold or rainy days, she would stand above the garden in the conservatory, much as I had done just a couple of days ago. I would accompany her most days as she would tell me how to care for the blooms and allow me to hold the basket as she cut fresh flowers for arrangements. Once I was old enough, she would follow along with me as I made the cuttings.

I startled as I felt warmth on my cheek. Opening my eyes, I looked directly into intense green gazing back at me. Edward's gentle fingers were wiping away the tears I hadn't realized were falling. I quickly swiped my own fingers across my cheeks to rid myself of the offending wetness and turned to move away. He caught my shoulders and turned me back to face him.

"Bella? Will you tell me? What has saddened you?"

"I was just thinking about my mother. Some days I miss her more than others."

"This belonged to her?" He indicated her cup and I nodded in affirmation. "Would you like some tea?" Again I nodded.

He silently set about preparing tea for the both of us. I watched him for a moment before looking around the kitchen. Realizing the hour, it was odd that we were alone in this room.

"Edward, where is Mrs. Cope?"

"She has agreed to handle some errands for me in town. She will take care of the shopping as well. We are on our own for breakfast." He finished his preparations as he spoke. When he looked up, he offered me the cup and saucer. "I think your mother would be proud to see you as mistress of this estate, Bella. And I think that she would be honored that you now enjoy your morning tea from her favorite cup."

Swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat, I changed the subject by asking him a question. "How do you take your tea?"

He looked a bit startled. Then a boyish grin spread across his face as he spoke. "Well, I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I prefer sugar."

I smiled back at him. "And do you prefer toast or cake with it?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "Sweet tooth."

"Ah, cake it is, then."

It was quiet for a moment before he reached over and took the tea from my hands and began walking out of the room carrying both of our cups. I could only assume he wished me to follow. We entered the conservatory where he sat our cups on the table near the window overlooking the sadly neglected rose garden. Indicating I should sit, he turned and exited the room. I sat, unsure of what would happen, but knowing he would return. A moment later, he did return with a covered tray in hand.

Once seated, he uncovered the tray and offered its contents. Fruit, eggs, ham, toast and milk. I had not realized I was hungry until that moment. My stomach grumbled loudly which made Edward laugh once again.

"I knew you must be famished, having not eaten since early yesterday. I have sent one of the staff to the cottage with meals prepared for your father today. She will take care of meeting his needs today, Bella. If you wish to visit him, I will accompany you, though I must say, I would like you to consider waiting until tomorrow."

"Why?"

"Mostly to be certain that his anger has subsided." He turned to fully face me as he continued. "I also hoped that you would agree to spend the day with me. The weather seems a little more agreeable this morning and we will not have many more days like this before the snows start. I thought we might go for a ride and you could show me the more interesting sights of the estate."

"Thank you. I would like that very much."

The thought of spending the day with him in such a relaxing pursuit was thrilling to me. We finished our breakfast with little more conversation and he called for Tyler to have the horsed readied. Once we were done, I gathered my shawl while he placed a snack of fruit, cheese, and bread into the saddle bags. Then, after lifting me onto the mare I was given to ride, he mounted his horse and we were off.

The day was lovely and seemed to pass all too quickly. We rode until early afternoon and stopped for a picnic. We walked along for a while, simply carrying the horses reigns, talking about books, music, personal preferences, and anything else that crossed our minds. As it grew late in the day, we headed back to the manor.

Jasper was waiting at the bottom of the grand staircase as we came into the house. He leaned against the banister, grinning at us. "Well, it certainly looks as though you have had a pleasant day."

I felt the blush cover my cheeks as I avoided his penetrating eyes. Beside me, I heard Edward laugh.

"Stop embarrassing my wife, Jasper."

At his words, I felt my skin grow even more warm, causing him to laugh harder. The sound was glorious. Shaking my head, I turned to Jasper. "I have had a most pleasant day, sir. I hope you have as well."

"That I have, Isabella. Would you mind terribly if I borrowed your husband for a moment before supper?"

"Not at all. I would prefer to freshen up before supper, so I will leave you to it."

Turning to go up the stairs, I stopped when I heard Edward calling out to me.

"Bella, thank you for a truly enjoyable day. I look forward to many more like it."

His words were brief, but the look of sincerity in his eyes was dear to me. In that moment, I could feel myself coming undone. I turned quickly and all but ran up the stairs, leaving the men to chuckle behind me.

* * * A H R * * *

The next couple of days were much the same. We would spend a large portion of the day together, taking walks, sharing meals, reading passages from our favorite books aloud and discussing them, and learning more about one another. One rainy afternoon we spent by the fire in the library, playing chess and cards and laughing at silly jokes. We had been to see my father twice. Both times, Edward waited in the carriage while I made short visits. He thought it might upset Papa if he came into the cottage. It would simply be a repeat of what had happened before and it was best that he not be overwrought again. We had pleasant visits, but he seemed a bit distant and I wondered if he were once again losing some ground in his battle to not lose himself entirely.

Things had certainly changed between us. Edward had always been attentive, but now he was affectionate as well. He would take my hand as we exited the carriage, and continue to hold it as we walked away. He would touch my hand, arm, face, or whatever was within reach and propriety as we talked. He often would twist my hair around his fingers as he listened to me speak, only to tuck it back behind my ear, drawing his fingertips along my jaw after doing so. If I were honest, every touch set me aflame. I began to crave his touch, his caress. I had never experienced the touch or kiss of a man and was finding the longing for it overwhelming where Edward was concerned.

Tomorrow, Edward's family would arrive. I was nervous about meeting them. Edward had said they knew nothing about me and our marriage would be a surprise. Only time would tell whether they would accept our situation or if they would be enraged because I had forced him into an unexpected marriage. I found myself fearful that their response to me could destroy the joy I felt with Edward. On the selfish side, I worried that his gentle touches would stop once the house was filled with people.

Standing at the windows of the conservatory, I heard him approach and I looked up to catch his reflection in the glass. It was late evening and the rain had finally ended. I had been watching as the stars began peeking out from behind the disappearing clouds. His reflection looked angelic surrounded by the starlight.

"What has you so contemplative this evening, Bella?"

"Nothing."

He placed his fingers under my chin, turning my face toward him. He stared at me intently for a moment.

"You lie. What is it?"

"Must you always call me out?"

"Must you always be so stubborn?" He was smirking at me, but his eyes were full of concern. "Tell me. Please."

Sighing, I turned back to the window. "What time will your family arrive tomorrow?"

"Ah, I thought that might be the trouble. They will arrive in the afternoon, and they will love you, Bella. They want only my happiness and I am truly happy right now. Please do not fret about this."

"I cannot seem to help it." It was true. No matter how I tried, I could not stop thinking about their impending arrival.

"Perhaps I can distract you." He reached across my body to pull at my shoulder, turning me to face him as he stepped closer. He was so close, I placed my hands on his chest to balance myself. I was startled at my boldness and started to pull my hands away. He quickly moved his hand to cover both of mine, and stared intently into my eyes. I began to tremble at having him so near, holding me closer than he ever had before this moment.

I closed my eyes and took a steadying breath. Feeling fluttering, light pressure against my eyelids, I realized it was his lips. Placing feather light kisses across to my temple and down to my ear he whispered, "Relax, Bella. Trust me."

He placed one hand on my lower back, pulling me in tighter against his body, while his other hand came up to cup the back of my neck. I opened my eyes to find his focused on my lips as he continued to caress my neck. He glanced back up at my eyes, sliding his hand up into my hair and pulling me toward him. My eyes closed again as I felt the slightest of pressure against the corner of my mouth. Then a soft, slow brush of his lips against mine.

I could not help the whimper that escaped my throat as my fingers grasped his shirt, holding him close. His mouth met mine again, moving with a gentle firmness. It was exquisite. I had never been this close to another person, yet felt I could not get close enough. I felt warmth spread over me as I began to move my lips against his. He let out a quiet moan and broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against mine.

"I fear I will never get enough of you, My Bella."

He was still holding me close and I was sure he could feel my heart pounding. I opened my mouth to respond, but could not seem to find my voice. He reached up and placed his palm against my cheek, rubbing his thumb across my lower lip. "You are precious to me Bella. It matters not what anyone else thinks."

He pulled my cheek against his chest and rested his chin on the top of my head. We stood like that for a long time, just soaking in the warmth and comfort the other provided. His family was arriving tomorrow, but tonight I did not care. I could not bring myself to worry about anything save one thing. My heart no longer belonged to me. Edward had sole possession of it and I was terrified. There was no chance I might come out of this without being hurt, but in this moment it did not matter. I had everything I wanted tonight.