A/N

Hey everyone! Here's a longer chapter for you. We will speed up from here…

WC's are still planned every day! Hoping to get a new one out soon.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Not a single thing. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. There is no copyright infringement intended.

BPOV

I took a few deep breaths as I entered my apartment. That date had been intense to say the least.

Just as I was taking off my shoes, my phone started ringing with a familiar tune. I reached into my purse and pulled out my cell.

"Alice," I answered leaning forward and pulling off my heels.

"Weren't you supposed to call me as soon as you got home?" she asked immediately.

"Well, hello to you, too," I replied walking into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Bella," she stated her tone warning me not to push her.

"I just got home. Give me some breathing room will you?"

"It's almost midnight!" she proclaimed.

"And your point is?" I was met with silence. It was rare that Alice was ever silent.

"I'm just surprised is all," she murmured.

"Why are you surprised? You're the one that has always been telling me that Edward and I belong together." I took a long gulp of my water awaiting her response.

"I know and I do think that. I just figured you'd give him a harder time is all," she stated.

"Well, you know we talked the other day and cleared the air some and honestly tonight was quite… nice," I insisted, sitting down on my couch, rubbing the slight pain in my foot from my heels. I held the receiver away from ear as I was greeted with loud squealing. "Alice! Alice, calm down!" I demanded bringing the phone back.

"What? Can't I be happy that my brother and best friend had a great first date? Oh, my God, I can't wait until we're married and both pregnant and we can eat pickles and ice cream together! Oh, my God, and you…" I cut her off before she could continue.

"Alice! Don't get ahead of yourself. It was just one date."

"A good date," she pointed out.

"Yes, a good date, but we still have a long way to go." I sighed. Again she was silent.

"Yeah, I know," she agreed. "So tell me about the date." I told her about the boat and dancing to the song. She awwed when I told her that he'd walked me to my door. "See, I told you he could be romantic."

"I never doubted you," I assured her leaning back into the cushions and closing my eyes.

The next morning I attempted to sleep in, but my legs kept moving. I couldn't stay still no matter how hard I tried. Every time I closed my eyes, I kept thinking about the smolder in his eyes and the softness of his lips. I couldn't help but think of his lips and his hands. I wondered what they would feel like against my skin. A knock broke me from my musings.

I grabbed my robe and headed to the front door. My heart was racing thinking that it could possibly be Edward, but what would he be doing here this early?

I approached slowly and looked into the peephole. Instead of seeing anyone, I saw a big bouquet of flowers. I opened the door and was instantly assaulted by the smell of roses.

"Delivery for Miss Swan," the guy behind the flowers announced.

"Yes, that's me," I replied.

"Sign here, please," he responded shoving a clipboard into my hands. I signed my name then reached out and took the enormous vase from his hands.

After shutting the door, I turned around and stared at the flowers. I was in complete awe of the beautiful arrangement. This time it was all purple and white roses with a sprinkling of baby's breath throughout. How does he know exactly what to send?

Placing the vase in the kitchen, I noticed a card sticking out from between leaves. I reached in and pulled it out taking a deep breath as I opened it.

Bella,

These flowers aren't nearly as beautiful as you.

I'm looking forward to Wednesday. 10 am. I'll be there to pick you guys up.

Yours,

Edward

I gulped when I read the last line, Yours, Edward. My mouth was suddenly dry, my throat suddenly constricted. Yes, he knew exactly what he was doing.

Later that day I texted Emmett about Wednesday; he called me back immediately.

"What's this about Wednesday?" he asked.

"We're going out during the day with Edward," I mumbled the last part hoping he'd miss it.

"What was that?" he asked again. Now I knew he was just trying to be a smartass.

"We are going out on Wednesday with Edward okay?" I yelled. "Happy now?" I asked exasperated. I don't see how Rose puts up with him.

"Very," he responded chuckling. I heard some rustling noises and a few harsh whispers before Rose came on the phone.

"Don't mind him Bella, he's a dick. We both know this," she stated matter-of-factly. All I could do was nod. Emmett would do anything to get you flustered. "So what's this about Wednesday?" she asked.

I told her. I told her about Edward's and my conversation at the coffee shop and about our date out on the boat, to which she oohed and awwed as Alice had. Then I told her about how he wanted to get to know them better by having us all go out during the day.

"Are you sure he included Emmett in that equation?" she inquired sounding slightly stunned.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure," I answered going back over our conversation in my head. He had, hadn't he?

"Wow," she whispered.

"What?" I asked.

"He's brave," she responded. I hadn't even thought of that. I guess Edward was. He wanted to meet the guy who punched him in the face. I didn't exactly know what that meant.

"Yeah, I guess so," I mumbled. "So Wednesday then? Around 9:45? Edward said he'd be here around ten."

"Yep, we'll be there. Emmett has a few more interviews to wrap up the next few days so that will be perfect timing. Oh and how about me, you, and Alice go to dinner the next night then come back to your place for a girly sleepover?"

"Sounds perfect! I'll let Alice know. Oh, and I can't believe you guys might actually be moving here after graduation. That's crazy!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah, if things work out with his interviews we might officially make the move. There's really nothing left in New York for us," Rose replied. It was true. Rose's parents had pretty much split the last few years and she had no siblings. Also she tried to stay away from her hometown as much as possible because of her asshole ex. He seemed to always show up inconveniently whenever she went home. Emmett's parents decided that since he was in school they would travel. Now they were in a different state each month with no signs of staying in any of them for long periods of time. It suited them and gave Emmett the freedom to go where he wanted.

"I hope it works out. I'd love for you guys to be here." I sighed.

"Us too," she answered.

I spent the remaining days floating in a flower-induced bubble. Each day I was sent another beautiful flower arrangement, with yet another sweet card. Sometimes it was just an I miss you or Do you remember when I pushed that kid off the monkey bars because he was mean to you?, but they always ended with, Yours, Edward. On top of sending me flowers every day, Edward had taken to calling me every night to see how my day had gone and to wish me a good night. I hadn't smiled this much in years.

The last flower bouquet came with another sweet card. It arrived Tuesday morning, the day before we were to meet again. The card simply read, Wild horses couldn't keep me away. Don't forget to dress comfortably for tomorrow. Yours, Edward. I melted at his use of lyrics to one of my favorite songs from back in the day, even though he had tweaked them a bit.

I couldn't help but hum the song for the rest of the day as I shopped with Alice for something cute yet comfortable to wear. Alice had noticed that I was suddenly all smiles lately and she kept inquiring as to why, but I just shrugged and kept humming. I hadn't told her about the flowers yet. If I had, I was positive I'd go deaf.

"What about this?" Alice asked holding up a hot pink tube top.

"Really, Alice?" I raised my eyebrows.

"What? He said comfortable. This is comfortable and cute," she replied eyeing the size.

"Yeah, for you maybe," I answered. "I won't be wearing anything like that. You know pink looks horrible on me anyway."

"Okay, well, why don't we stick with what we know looks good on you," she responded by dragging me over to the dresses. We ended up picking out a royal blue short-sleeved dress that came down right to my knees. It was sweet and really cute.

I convinced Alice that I needed flat shoes instead of heels because Edward had mentioned to dress comfortably. She knew comfortable to me did not equal high heels, much to her chagrin.

"You just have to wear them a few times for them to become like second nature," she urged.

"Alice! You're talking to someone who can't walk across the room barefoot let alone in four-inch heels!" I huffed.

"One of these days, Bella Swan, I will have you walking in heels!" she proclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah," I replied. "The day you have Rose in a dress is the day I'll wear four-inch heels!" We laughed. "Oh, by the way, do you think that Angela would want me to set her up with Garrett?" I asked.

"Yes! I completely forgot about that. I'll call her tonight and ask. Do you think he'd be interested?"

"I'm not sure. He was on the phone the other day arguing with someone. It looked heated, so maybe a break up? If Angela is interested, I'll ask Garrett."

"Sounds like a plan," she stated as we took off with our purchases back to my apartment. She said her goodbyes after helping me drop off my bags.

"I promised Jasper some loving tonight," she announced kissing my cheek. "You know how cranky he gets…" she started.

"Yes, yes! Off you go to lover's land!" I cut her off before she could continue. I ushered her toward the door.

"Love you, mean it!" she yelled rushing down the hall giggling.

"Love you, too, you vile, evil, woman, you," I yelled after her. Maybe one day I could have that. One day. I sighed.

As soon as I shut the door my phone rang. Looking at the screen I saw that it was Esme.

"Hello, Esme," I answered heading toward my room to stash away my purchases.

"Bella, dear, you know you should start calling me mom," she corrected. I was silent. She was like a mother to me, true, but I knew why she was saying it. Taking in my pause she continued. "Anyway, I was calling because I wanted to see if we could get together for lunch sometime next week and talk wedding dates."

I didn't know what to say to her. Was I really ready for that? After stuttering for a moment thinking over her question, I answered. "I'm not sure if we can talk wedding dates yet, but I'd be more than happy to meet you for lunch. How does next Tuesday sound?" My obvious aversion worked and my promise to come by for lunch seemed to appease her; however, I knew I was only biding my time.

There was no time limit outlined in the agreement for when the nuptials need occur, but I knew both sets of parents were eager to get some things planned out at least.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning and getting ready for the girls to come over the following night since I wouldn't have time tomorrow. I made sure I had ample amounts of artery-clogging popcorn, girly movies, and alcohol, all the basic necessities for our sleepovers.

Later that night, as I finished getting ready for bed, my phone rang.

"Right on time," I whispered hearing the acoustic version of Truly, Madly, Deeply ring through my bedroom. "Hi," I answered grabbing my phone from off my nightstand.

"Hi, what are you doing?" he inquired.

"Getting ready to go to bed," I answered stretching out under my comforter and snuggling in.

"Me too," he yawned.

"Long day?" I asked. He seemed to be working himself too much lately. Almost every time I'd spoken to him lately, he seemed exhausted.

"Yeah," he sighed again. "Tell me about your day."

"Nothing exciting just shopping with Alice and talking with your mom, you know, the usual." I laughed. He laughed too.

"What did you and my mom talk about?" he asked. I was silent. Should I tell him? "Umm, you don't have to answer that. I'm sorry if that was out of line," he quickly added.

"No, no, it's fine. She asked me to meet for lunch to discuss setting the wedding date," I responded, not knowing how he would react.

"Really?" he asked sounding intrigued.

"Yeah," I replied. "I didn't know what to tell her so I offered to just have lunch with her instead." This time he was silent.

"Umm, if it's okay with you I'd like to be there if and when you decide to discuss that," he requested before pausing, waiting for my answer.

"Umm, yeah, that's okay," I murmured. I mean, it was his day too, right?

"Bella, we don't have to do this. We can…"

I cut him off. "No, its fine, I'm fine. I'll, umm, I'll just let you know okay?" I whispered.

"Okay." He sighed. "Have a good night, Bella. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow."

"Me too," I answered. There was a moment of silence where neither of us said goodbye or hung up so I continued, "So where are we going?"

"Nice try, but it's a still a secret." He chuckled. Damn him, at least I tried.

"Okay, well, I'll see you tomorrow then. Good night, Edward."

"Sweet dreams, Bella," he replied sweetly before hanging up.

I stared at my phone. I always felt like I had something more that I needed to say to him, but could never find the words. This whole situation was too damn confusing.

I spent the night restless, excited and nervous about seeing Edward again. Not sure what to do or what to say.

Rose and Emmett showed up right at 9:45 the next morning. Rose was wearing a hot pink tube top with white shorts and pink high heels. I giggled because it looked exactly like the outfit that Alice would have picked out for me. Rose narrowed her eyes at me as I giggled. I just shrugged which caused her to roll her eyes at me. I'm sure she had some idea as to why I was giggling.

The doorbell rang promptly at ten. Rose looked over at me and beamed after glancing at her watch noting the time.

"Wow, I guess he means business," she responded. All I could do was shrug again. We headed down and stared at Edward's metallic blue Porsche while Rose drooled over it.

"Is this a Panamera?" Rose asked intrigued.

"Yep, Turbo S. I would have brought the R8," he stated "but it only has two seats. I figured you'd like this one as well." Rose only nodded

I gave her the front seat so she could experience the ride. Edward had offered her to drive, but Rose had politely declined. She stated that she was too respectful of other people's cars to do that. It didn't; however, stop her from asking every question under the sun about the car.

"How much hp?"

"550," he answered. She whistled.

"At what RPM?"

"6,000," he answered again without hesitation.

"Nice. And she tops out at 190?" she asked as he nodded. Rose ran her hands over the red leather arm rests.

"I love it when you talk car, baby," Emmett responded from the back seat. All I could do was laugh as Rose shot him an evil glare. I could tell she was trying really hard not to laugh at him as well.

Thirty minutes later we pulled into a parking lot and stopped. I gasped when I looked up and saw the sign. Emmett was just as ecstatic beside me.

"Par-King?" I asked

"Yep," Edward responded popping the p.

"I haven't been here in so long! The last time was probably my seventh birthday party," I proclaimed.

"I know," he answered.

We all climbed out and headed inside. It was surreal to be back in the place because it held so many happy memories for me.

"You okay?" he asked as we stood in line to play putt-putt.

"I am," I responded smiling up at him. "But you're going down in this game," I proclaimed holding up my golf club and red ball triumphantly.

"We'll see," he stated winking at me.

We entered the putt-putt range and began our game.

"Ah, come on! That was totally a hole-in-one! This hole is lame!" Emmett screamed as the ball went right past the hole.

"Shut up! It is not!" Rosalie laughed from beside him. It was her turn next and when she went, it went around the hole as well. "Damn it!" she yelled.

"Told you it's a lame hole." Emmett smirked and wiggled his eyebrows before Rose smacked him on the shoulder. All I could do was laugh at their antics.

Edward was next and of course he got a hole in one. Smirking at me he said, "It takes a special stroke, Bella. You're next. We aren't too far apart from each other now."

I went up to the box and winked at him "No worries, I've got this handled." I placed my ball on the starting point and aimed it just to the right of the hole, right where there was a slight incline. Edward knew a lot about me, but he didn't know I was mini-golf pro. What can I say, my dad taught me well. As the ball went in for a hole-in-one, I smirked at Edward. "Yes, a special stroke indeed." I reached out and patted him on the cheek. I couldn't help but laugh at his expression as I walked away.

I ended up winning that game to Edward's dismay. Apparently, he wasn't used to losing.

"We can play again another time," I suggested. He smiled at me.

"I'll take you up on that," he stated still smiling and leaning over kissing me softly.

Three hours later I dragged us back to the car laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face. Rose wasn't in much better condition.

"I swear that machine was lying," Emmett said pouting.

"You're just mad because Edward beat you." I laughed as Emmett glared over at me.

"There's no way Edward beat me at Dance, Dance Revolution. No. Way," he annunciated each word.

"Well, it's true. He did, so suck it, you poor baby." I looked over at Edward who was just smirking away.

"Why are you smirking? You didn't win by much!" I laughed again at Edward's expression.

"But I did win," he answered grabbing me by the waist and pulling me closer. "I got the moves to prove it," he whispered in my ear. I couldn't help but shiver at his suggestive remark. This man was going to be the death of me for sure.

When Edward pulled up to my apartment, Emmett and Rose climbed out and headed inside. I stayed behind to say goodbye.

"I had a great day," I said.

"Me too," he responded reaching out and grabbing my hand. "So, when can we get together again?" he asked kissing my knuckles.

"Umm," I stuttered, momentarily sidetracked. "Whenever works for me. I'm still trying to move in and get situated. I'm going to your mom's next Tuesday, but that's about all I have planned."

"Okay, well, how about we go out after that? I have a great place I'd like to take you to."

"Okay," I agreed looking into his eyes.

"Until then, Bella," he replied leaning forward and capturing my lips, slowly sucking my bottom lip into his mouth. I couldn't help the moan that escaped. I reached over the console and wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer to me. Our kiss became heated, passionate. I felt like I couldn't get close enough to him. His hands grabbed my waist firmly, kneading my flesh through my clothes. I knew I would have bruises, but at the moment I didn't care. I reached and grabbed the back of his neck, pulling at his hair. I was rewarded with a guttural moan.

As I continued to assault his mouth, I slowly moved closer and closer to the point where I was almost over the console and sitting in his lap. His hands moved up my body and lightly caressed my breasts before slowly moving back down to my waist.

"Bella," he panted. I broke away and kissed along his jaw. I kissed the stubble that was now growing there and moved down to his neck. "Bella," he said again this time more firmly, grabbing my forearms and pushing me away slightly. I looked up to see the fire in his eyes. "We need to stop." He sighed, rubbing my arms tenderly.

I immediately went back to my seat and smoothed down my dress. I couldn't believe how my mind lost all control when I was around him. Suddenly, I was self-conscious and wanted to get as far away from him as possible. Seeing my fright he reached out and grabbed my hand.

"As much as I'd love to continue this, and God knows that I do, I think we need to stop. But just so you know, Bella, you drive me crazy." He sighed kissing my hand sweetly and winking at me. I sighed too because I knew we needed to stop. Any more and we'd be doing something we'd both regret. I leaned forward and kissed him softly before pulling away.

"I'll talk to you soon," I replied sweetly. "And just so you know, Edward, I can do more to you than drive you crazy." I winked climbing out of the car chuckling at his expression as I left. I swore I could hear him growl before he pulled away.

I swooned as I entered my apartment building. I didn't even realize anyone was around to notice me until I ran into right into something solid. Looking up I noticed Garrett standing in front of me.

"Ms. Swan." He smiled at me.

"Garrett, so nice to see you!" I exclaimed. His smile made me smile.

"You too, Ms. Swan," he answered. "Not needing my services tonight I see?" he asked stepping aside as I walked slightly past him.

"Nope, I just got back from my date with Edward! Oh, by the way, are you seeing anyone special?" I asked. He looked thoughtful before he answered.

"Not at this time, no," he responded.

"Well, I have the perfect girl for you then!"

"Really?" he inquired. "Well, you'll have to introduce me then."

"Well, technically you've already met," I answered. "When I had girls' night the other night, she was the tall, brunette one."

He looked pensive for a moment before responding. "Yes, I remember. Just let me know," he stated smiling.

"I will. Good night!" I proclaimed heading to the elevators.

"Good night, Ms. Swan,"

"It's Bella!" I shouted at him.

"Right, Bella," he responded laughing slightly.

I spent that night sleeping peacefully, dreaming of soft lips and roaming hands.

The next night I met Rose and Alice for dinner at Tru, a new, hip restaurant off of N. St. Clair. We filled ourselves up with duck, lobster, and honey-crisp apple beignet that was literally to die for.

We came back to my apartment after dinner to have our girly sleepover. As we entered, Alice squealed over the amount of roses covering my counter space.

"Was this Edward?" she asked even though she knew the answer.

We popped in Dirty Dancing while we made our infamous popcorn and grabbed Ben and Jerry's Clusterfluff ice cream. After the popcorn was done and all buttered up, we sat down to "watch" our movie even though we'd all seen it a million times before.

"Fast forward to the scene where Patrick Swayze gets out of bed and you can see his ass," Alice requested grabbing a handful of popcorn.

"What? No! We have to see the rest of it!" I laughed taking a spoonful of ice cream. It was an awesome mix of peanut buttery goodness and caramel. It was delicious.

"So spill the beans on Edward," Rose stated passing the bowl to me.

"What are you talking about?" I asked innocently taking the bowl and shoving a handful of popcorn in my mouth.

"You know what I mean," she said taking a sip of her apple martini and eyeing me. Before I could respond I was saved by a knock on the door.

"Be right back!" I proclaimed, spilling popcorn as I jumped toward the door. I didn't care that I was in my Addicted to Sleep pajamas and my sheep slippers. I answered the door only to be greeted by yet another bouquet of purple and white roses. However, this time a box of different colored strawberries was included.

"Delivery for Ms. Swan." The deliver guy sighed. Poor guy had delivered every single vase.

"Yep." I reached out and signed bringing the bouquet and box back into the apartment.

Rose and Alice came into the kitchen to admire my bouquet and munch on the strawberries.

I grabbed the card and immediately read the inscription.

Bella,

I had a wonderful time the other night. I look forward to seeing you Tuesday and talking to you soon. I didn't know what to send for "girls' night" but I hope you guys will enjoy these sweets.

Yours, Edward.

I couldn't believe that he had taken the time to send me flowers and sweets for my friends and me to share on our girls' night. My heart swelled and suddenly I felt like perhaps I wasn't in this "relationship" alone…

Several non-diamond materials, which include cubic zirconia and silicon carbide and are often called diamond stimulants, or fake diamonds. They resemble diamonds in appearance and have many of the same properties; however, they are far from being real.

Whatever this feeling wasthat I felt between Edward and I was too strong to be fake, right? Could this be real? As in the case of diamonds, only time and patience will tell.

A/N

Please R/R! Also I'll be doing review replies again this time!

Thank you to my beta coachlady12! Please go check out her stories on her ff site they are amazing! She has a new one up and it's awesome! 2113307/coachlady1

Thank you to my pre-readers: 84Gemma, tff000, Themys_, and duckynoel. They are awesome. Plain and simple! Thanks to 84Gemma for helping me hash this out and tff000 for being a huge help! xxo

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