First, thank you team F4SAA for putting together such an amazing compilation and for giving us all a chance to support something that is near and dear to many of us.

Second, huge thanks to my prereaders, Jadsmama, mycrookedsmile, and einfach_mich, and my betas, kikikinz and Jessica1971, for working through all of this with me. They all read and reread, betad and then rebetad bits and pieces. I sincerely couldn't have done this without you.

This outtake takes place at the end of Seeing Daylight the first weekend Edward comes to visit. You asked for Rose's reaction to Edward and Bella – here it is!

This is rated M for a reason.

~*SD*~

Edward put the truck in gear and backed out of his driveway. The week had dragged by, and when Friday finally dawned, he took care of the horses, finalized arrangements for the weekend with Jasper, and got on the road. The three hour drive was slow and long, and the closer he got to Green River, the more anxious he became.

Though he and Bella had spoken every day since she'd left, he had no idea what it would be like once he got there. Would she still want to give this thing between them another chance? Would it feel strange to be in the same home she'd shared with Riley? And how, or more like would, her friends – especially Rose – accept him? He knew that would be the make or break situation, and he was determined to do whatever was necessary to gently ease himself into Bella's life.

He pulled out the directions Bella had given him once he hit the city limits and navigated his way through the windy roads to her house. As he pulled into the driveway and shut off the engine, he sat for a second, his stomach twisting with nerves.

The house was exactly as Bella had described. It wasn't overly large, but it wasn't small, either. A row of evergreen shrubs lined the walkway to the porch, and he could see how well she'd taken care of the place. It was clear her home had been filled with love; everything about it screamed happiness.

His stomach twisted again, but he knew it wasn't going to get better the longer he sat there. With a deep breath, he opened the door and got out. He was almost to the door when it swung open and Bella ran out and excitedly jumped into his arms.

"You made it," she squealed.

He laughed and pulled her closer, loving how good she felt in his arms again. It had only been a few days, but it had seemed like forever.

His kiss was the only response she needed. Their lips met, and all the nerves and 'what ifs' faded away. It was just the two of them, lost in each other, tasting, touching, lips moving eagerly against each other. Bella tightened her grip around his neck and, sensing her need, he pulled her closer and slowly walked them to the front step. He sat them down, her legs wrapped around his waist and his hands on her back and in her hair. They sat like that for at least a good ten minutes, making out for the neighborhood to see.

Eventually, Edward pulled back just slightly, his forehead and nose pressed against hers.

"Hi," he whispered sweetly.

"Hi, yourself."

A few feathery kisses later and they were both laughing at how they must look to drivers passing by.

"Let's go inside," Bella said, climbing off his lap.

"So, this is your house, huh?" Edward said as he stood in the entryway.

"This is it," she said proudly. "Come on; I'll show you around."

Bella walked him from room to room, giving him a chance to take in all the details of her life that he'd missed while he'd been on the circuit. There were pictures of her with Rose and a girl he didn't recognize but assumed was her friend, Jane, one of her with her parents that used to sit on their mantle in college, and a few of her with a guy he knew must be Riley. He could see how happy she was, how happy Riley had made her, and he felt the familiar guilt and sadness over what he'd given up, but also a new excitement and hope at what was to come.

As his hand locked with hers, he realized how lucky he truly was. She was giving him a second chance, and this time he wouldn't fuck it up.

When she'd finished showing him each room, she led him into the living room and onto the couch. He sat down and immediately wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her onto his lap. His lips brushed against her neck as he buried his face in her hair.

"I missed you, Bunny," he said softly as he continued to pepper kisses against her now flushed skin.

"Mmmm. I missed you, too."

They spent the afternoon snuggled together on the couch, kissing, laughing, talking, and making out. Every touch, every whispered word, every kiss, was filled with warmth and full of love. The intensity between them hadn't waned in the few days they'd been apart. Bella had initially feared Edward might feel differently, or worse, she would feel differently when she saw him again, but wrapped in his arms, she knew nothing had changed. She felt that same tingly feeling he evoked the previous weekend… and every time they'd been together.

As the room started to get dark, Bella looked at the clock on the wall and realized how long they'd been sitting there.

"Are you hungry?" she asked, feeling the churn in her stomach.

"I could eat," he said, waggling his eyebrows. He was about ready to explode from their make out session, but he didn't want to push her. They had all weekend, and he wanted to make sure she knew this was more than sex for him. His gut told him she already did, but in the time they'd been apart, he'd felt anxious and unsettled. It wasn't until he'd wrapped his arms around her outside that he felt his world right itself. She was his life now, and he planned to spend the rest of his life showing her how much he loved her.

"Good, because we're meeting Rose and Jane for dinner at seven."

Edward's jaw dropped in surprise, and Bella burst out laughing. She knew she should have told him before he got there, but the meeting was inevitable. After she'd been grilled by Rose and Jane upon her return and then told them he was coming to visit the following weekend, they'd made it pretty clear they wanted to meet him.

~*Wednesday Following Bella's Return from Jackson Hole*~

"What!" Rose practically shouted when Bella finally told her she and Edward were back together. "Bella, please tell me you're kidding. Please tell me you didn't take that douche bag back after what he did to you…"

"Rose. Stop. Right now," Bella said coolly, her voice firm and unmistakably clear. Her eyes glinted with a resolve even she was surprised to find in herself, but she needed to make it clear she was with Edward and that she wasn't going to tolerate her hostility. Bella knew Edward was different, that he was a changed man, and she needed Rosalie… and Jane, to trust her judgment.

Rose stared back at her, her mouth agape, as she tried to backpedal quickly. She had not expected a reaction like that, and seeing the fire in Bella's eyes and hearing the tone of her voice, she knew something was definitely different. "Bella, I'm -"

Bella held up her hand, and Rose immediately stopped talking. She took a deep breath and tried to collect herself. She wasn't surprised that Rose had responded that way. She knew she wouldn't take the news well. She looked over at Jane who was sitting quietly and taking it all in.

"Rose, I know what you're thinking, and believe me, I felt the same way when I got there on Friday. But he's not the same person he was in college. So much has happened, and he…" Bella paused and nibbled on her bottom lip, trying to find the right words to say. "I can honestly say he regrets walking away. And, truthfully, our time together over the weekend helped me see the part I played in our break up."

Rose stiffened, and Jane shifted in her seat.

"What are you talking about?" Rose asked, her voice straining to contain the confusion and anger she'd just barely reined in.

"Exactly what I said. Edward and I spent a lot of time talking, rehashing the past. He owned up to his part – the fact that he wasn't there for me like he should have been – and in doing that, I realized the ultimatum I gave him wasn't really fair, either.

"Sure, I had my reasons. I was frustrated and angry, but I should have talked to him. I'm not saying things would have ended differently, but they might have ended better."

"But… that's just… it doesn't make any sense to me. He should have chosen you. If he loved you at all, he should have chosen you. Instead, he chose the fucking rodeo. The rodeo and a goddamn horse, Bella. I just don't understand how you can forgive him for doing that," Rose said, the anger dissipating into sad confusion.

"Maybe he has changed, but how does that erase what he did, how he hurt you? I know what you were like when he walked away. I know what that did to you, and I can't watch him do that again. It killed me seeing you like that," she said, whispering the last few words as tears filled her eyes.

Bella reached over to grab her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. She knew Rose had picked up the pieces of her messed up life when Edward left. Rose hadn't talked about it much over the years, but Bella knew it was extremely painful for her to think about.

"I know it did, Rose, and trust me, if I thought that was going to happen again, I wouldn't even think about going there with him again. But I meant what I said. He's different. He's not the same cocky, arrogant asshole that left me all those years ago. Please give him a chance. For me," Bella pleaded, giving her best, most convincing smile, and Rose nodded slowly.

"Fine, but it's going to take some serious convincing… and maybe a little ass kicking for me to get over what he did," she said with a tentative smile.

Bella and Jane laughed. Rose had always been the fierce one of the bunch, and they both loved that about her.

Jane knew she didn't have the same personal experience Rose did, but she could tell Bella was happy, different than she was just a little over a week before. She hadn't seen her look that way – bright eyes, flushed cheeks, easy smiles – since before Riley died. A part of her died with Riley and was now reborn with Edward.

"I'm happy for you, Bella."

Bella looked over at her and felt a hint of relief as Jane smiled at her encouragingly.

"Thank you. Thank you both for being so amazing. I can't wait for you to meet him, Jane."

"I can't wait, either. Just seeing him and Rose dance around the awkwardness will be epic," she said with a giggle.

Bella and Rose started laughing, the tension of the conversation evaporating as they started to get into the good girl talk.

~*SD*~

Edward groaned as he stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. He felt sick to his stomach at the thought of seeing Rosalie so soon. Bella had told him how her conversation with the girls had gone, and it sounded like it hadn't gone well… at least not at first. Bella had reassured him countless times since their Wednesday night phone call that it would be fine, that Rose was willing to give him a chance, but he knew he needed to make amends. He needed to apologize for how he'd left things and thank her for taking care of Bella. He hoped she'd give him the chance.

"You ready?" Bella asked as poked her head in the bathroom.

"To face the firing squad?" he asked, laughing. "I suppose now is as good a time as any."

Bella laughed and pressed a kiss against his warm lips. "Thank you for doing this. I know the idea of facing Rose isn't on your top ten list of fun things to do, but it means a lot to me that you're going to do it."

Edward wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her close and let himself get lost for a minute in her soft body and delicate perfume. As their lips moved together easily, he felt her quiet confidence. She was sure things would be okay, and they were her friends. If she felt that way, then he would do everything in his power to earn, or re-earn in Rosalie's case, their respect.

"It doesn't matter if I don't want to. I need to."

With a smile, a few whispered promises about what the night held in store for them, and another kiss or two, they walked out the front door and drove to the restaurant.

~*SD*~

Bella and Edward walked into the restaurant, their hands clasped tightly together. She was the picture of confidence, and he was desperately trying to be. She knew he was nervous. The whole drive his leg had bounced restlessly and she could see him gnawing on his lip. By the time they arrived, his entire body was tense. She knew this was going to be uncomfortable for him, but after a few minutes of tender touches, gentle reassurances, and searing kisses, he'd relaxed.

"They're over there," she said softly, tightening her grip around his fingers.

He didn't say anything but nodded to let her know he'd heard her. He was determined to make this night go smoothly. These women were important to Bella. They were her best friends, and while Jane didn't know him, Rosalie did. She knew their history, the sadness, and the aftermath of pain he'd left in his wake, and his and Bella's relationship wasn't going to be an easy sell.

"Hi guys," Bella said as she walked up to the table.

Jane and Rosalie stopped talking and both of them smiled at her. Jane, a petite blonde, stood up and hugged Bella, as did Rosalie. As Rosalie wrapped her arms around Bella's back, her eyes flickered over to Edward, and her lips pulled into a straight line. She wasn't happy to see him, and he wasn't surprised in the least.

Bella pulled back and reached behind her for Edward's hand. "This is Edward," she said sweetly. "Edward, this is Jane," she said, pointing to the blonde, "and of course, you know Rose."

Edward gave them his best smile. "Nice to meet you, Jane," he said, extending his hand to shake hers.

"The pleasure's mine. I've heard a lot about you," she said with a wink and a smile.

Edward grinned.

"Hi, Rosalie, it's good to see you again." Edward extended his hand and waited for her to take it. He could see the conflict in her eyes. Eventually, after she caught the glare on Bella's face, she reached up and took his hand.

"Edward," she said coolly.

After a short, awkward pause, Jane smiled and told everyone to sit. Everyone took their places and Bella's hand instantly found his under the table. She tried to make sure he knew she understood how uncomfortable the situation was by squeezing his hand reassuringly. He smiled, grateful for her compassion, and squeezed it back.

The server arrived, took everyone's orders, and after the drinks arrived, the mood lightened. Conversation flowed easily, led mostly by Jane and Bella. Rosalie didn't say much. She spent most of the time listening and watching Edward. She didn't glare, but she didn't give him any real indication what she was thinking.

"So, Edward, what is it that you do?" Jane asked when the conversation lulled.

Edward finished chewing and set his fork down. "I own a ranch in Jackson Hole. We're actually in the process of fixing it up, so we can host guests and families who are interested in spending time outdoors and with horses."

"Well, that's certainly not the rodeo," Rose sniped, just as Jane said, "That sounds exciting."

Edward looked between Jane and Rose and matter-of-factly said, "No. It's not the rodeo. That phase of my life is behind me now, and I'm looking forward to finally being settled, to starting a family." As he finished talking, he looked over at Bella and reached for her hand again. She took it and beamed at him, her cheeks flushing lightly.

After an awkward pause and wary glance between Rose and Bella, Jane pressed on.

"So, do you have, you know, other real life cowboys working the ranch?"

Bella laughed, and Edward smiled. "I do. My friend, Jasper, and a couple other guys from around town will be helping out."

"And are any of them single?" As soon as the question came out, she blushed bright pink and looked down.

"Oh, for the love, Jane," Rose said, exasperated but with a smile. "Always on the prowl."

"What? Cowboys are hot."

Everyone laughed.

"I'll check around," he said.

As the meal ended, Rose stood and excused herself. Edward watched her walk away and knew it was his only real chance. He needed to talk with her, to apologize for what she'd been forced to deal with when he left. With a brush of his lips against Bella's cheek, he stood and excused himself. She watched as he walked away, knowing he was going to try and make things right. She couldn't help the smile that involuntarily formed at his determination and thoughtfulness.

"Oh, you have it so bad," Jane teased as she watched Bella's smile grow.

"Shut it, you," Bella said, waving her hand dismissively even as her cheeks flushed.

"Seriously, Bella, you look so happy. I can tell he's good for you and makes you happy. I know there's some tension because of your past, but it's clear how much you both care for each other. If you're happy, I'm happy."

Bella beamed and was a little caught off guard by Jane's fervor. "Thank you, Jane. It means a lot that you would say that. I know he's it for me."

They continued to talk through Bella and Edward's plans for the weekend while Edward slowly made his way to the restrooms and waited. His mind was whirling with myriad thoughts. What should he say? Was this the right time? Would it make a difference?

"Edward?"

The sound of Rosalie's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Um, hi."

"What are you doing standing outside the women's bathroom?" she asked with a smirk.

He looked up at her and then over to the sign on the door and then back at her and felt his face redden.

"I was waiting… hoping I could talk to you for a second." His voice held a hopeful tone, and he could tell by the subtle shift in her posture that he might get the chance he'd been waiting for.

"About?"

This time it was Edward's turn to shift. The nervousness he'd felt on the ride to the restaurant returned in full force and churned uncomfortably in his stomach.

"Bella. The two of us being together… again."

"I don't think this is the time or the place to rehash the past, Edward," she said as she started to push past him.

His hand on her shoulder gave her pause. A few long seconds later she turned to look at him.

"I can meet you in the morning for coffee. Starbucks. On the corner of 5th and Wilson," she said curtly.

"What time?"

"Eight a.m."

"I'll be there. And um… thanks, Rose."

She nodded absently and walked back to the table. A short lived sense of relief washed over him. At least he'd have a chance to explain his side of the story and hopefully help her see how he'd changed.

~*SD*~

Later that evening, after returning from the restaurant, Edward and Bella stood in the kitchen sipping from a shared glass of wine.

"Thank you for tonight, Edward. It really means a lot to me that you braved Rose's wrath and got to meet Jane. She seems taken by you… not that I expected any different," Bella said with a smile pulling at the corners of her lips.

"I wanted to meet them. Jane was great, and Rose was, well… exactly how I expected her to be."

Bella brought the wine glass to her lips and took a small sip thoughtfully.

"To be honest, I'm surprised at how well it went. I was nervous she would make a scene."

Edward smiled. "You think you were worried? I was sort of dreading our first encounter. She was more gracious than I expected, and I think I have you to thank for that. You obviously said something to her before tonight to at least convince her to give me a chance to explain. Tomorrow will probably be rough, but I want to make things right with her."

Bella nodded. "Thank you, baby. And yes, I did. We talked for a long time on Wednesday night about how I feel about you, how different you are, and where I thought this relationship was going," she said as she motioned between herself and Edward.

"And just where do you think it's going?" Edward asked with a smirk.

"Wouldn't you like to know," she said with a wink and some sass as she drained the rest of the wine from the glass.

He pulled her body toward his, feeling her warm softness pressed against him. "Yeah, I would," he whispered against her ear. She shivered and leaned in, relishing the way his breath felt against her skin.

His lips trailed against her neck and across her jaw until he claimed her lips, tasting the sweet bitterness of the wine. His tongue trailed against her bottom lip until she opened her mouth to him. Their tongues tangled languidly. There was no rush, no desperation, just the desire to be connected again after being apart for the last few days.

"Let's go upstairs."

Her fingers tangled with his as she slowly led him up the stairs. As they climbed each step, Edward felt the pull, the need to be closer to her. He wanted to feel her smooth, soft skin, her long, silky tresses run through his fingers, to taste every part of her. When they reached the top, he pulled her back against his chest and placed slow, teasing kisses along her jaw and down her neck, flicking his tongue playfully against the tender skin behind her ear.

"I want you, Bunny," he whispered huskily.

"Mmmm," she moaned, feeling herself fall under his spell. She had never been able to resist the feel of his hard body against hers or his lips on her neck.

The walk down the hall was frisky as his hands roamed, tickling and teasing. As they got to the end of the hall, Bella stopped. She turned, her face the picture of confusion and uncertainty. He was just about to ask her what the matter was when she pulled his face down to hers and kissed him with abandon. Thrown off, Edward responded instantly. His hands ran up and down her back, tangling into the ends of her hair. His stomach tickled, and he couldn't help but lose himself in her. His fingers ran up her back and shoulders to cup her face as he slowed the pace of their kiss. When he finally broke away, what he saw was different than he expected.

Tears filled her eyes, and her jaw was tense. He watched as her eyes shifted away from his, flitting to the door of her bedroom and then back to his. Confused, he took a step back.

"Bella?"

She shook her head and tried to collect herself. She had no idea what had just come over her. It was ridiculous to be thinking about Riley at that moment, but as she stood in front of her bedroom door with Edward's hands and mouth all over her, she felt a pang of uncertainty and guilt.

"Bunny, please tell me what's wrong." Edward's voice was quiet and low, concerned. He waited for her to speak, but it was obvious she wasn't even sure what to say. Finally, he placed his finger underneath her chin and slowly forced her to look up. When her eyes met his, she saw nothing short of love and safety. She needed to tell him she couldn't do this with him in the bedroom she'd shared with Riley. It felt wrong to have another man in that bed, their bed, but she had no idea how to say it without hurting his feelings or making him think she wasn't ready to be in a relationship with him. She shifted away from him, her arms wrapping around herself as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"Bella, you know you can talk to me, tell me anything. I'm not going anywhere. You know that, right?" he asked, ducking down to try and meet her eyes.

She looked up at him and knew every word he was saying was true. Feeling the slightest bit reassured, she took a deep breath and slowly started to speak.

"I know it's probably going to sound ridiculous to you, but… well, this was the room Riley and I shared, and it feels wrong to have you in there." She bit her bottom lip and waited. She watched his reaction, eagerly waiting for him to turn and walk away from her.

Edward, surprised and sad and embarrassed, quickly offered to sleep in the guest bedroom. "I don't have to sleep in there with you. I can sleep in the guestroom, if that will make my being here easier."

"Really? You don't mind?" Bella asked, her eyes and voice hopeful.

"If it makes you feel better, then of course I'll sleep in there." He hoped he had hidden the disappointment he felt at having to sleep alone. He was about to turn and walk into the guestroom down the hall when Bella grabbed his hand.

"Thank you, baby." Her voice was full of relief, and he knew as much as it would suck to sleep alone he would do it for her.

"Anything, Bella. I already told you that."

She grinned at him. Her eyes were still glassy, but the glow from earlier was back. "Make yourself at home. I'm just going to get my sleep clothes, and I'll be right back."

"What?" Edward asked, confused.

"My sleep clothes," she stated simply, staring back at him with her own confused expression. "I'm going to get them, so we can go to bed."

"But, I thought…"

She cocked her head in confusion until understanding illuminated her features. She giggled. "Wait. You didn't think I meant you had to sleep in there by yourself, did you?"

Edward looked down sheepishly, embarrassed once again.

"I wouldn't do that, Edward. We're together. I just thought it would be weird to sleep in the same bed I shared with Riley." Bella walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, loving the way she could feel his muscles under his shirt. "I want to sleep with you, Edward."

She tried to keep a straight face but couldn't. The smirk that had formed on his face at his recognition of her double entendre had them both laughing again, the tension completely gone.

By the time she returned, he was lying across the bed clad only in a pair of jeans, his body stretched out and completely relaxed. He looked sexy as hell, and Bella couldn't help the rush of warmth that surged through her. He was breathtaking, and his inked skin was begging to be kissed. Staring at him, even though it had been less than a week since she'd last seen him like that, made her realize once again how lucky she was to have him back in her life.

He looked up to see her watching him from the doorway and had to do a double take. She was fucking gorgeous in a dark blue nightie. The fabric clung to her hips and breasts, leaving nothing to the imagination. He knew what was underneath and felt himself harden just thinking about it. He smiled a slow, smoldering smile and patted the bed. She walked toward him and gingerly climbed onto the bed.

"Hey, you," she whispered once she had settled down beside him.

"Hey, yourself," he said as he wrapped his arm around her waist and tugged her closer to him. He had been waiting all night to get her alone, and he wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the evening worshipping her body and loving on her.

"You're so beautiful, Bella," he said as he leaned forward and kissed her, gently, slowly. His lips moved down her neck and across the smooth skin of her shoulders as he tenderly nipped and kissed against the freckles scattered there.

She hummed at the gentle brush of his lips. Between kisses, he pulled the straps of her nightgown down; his calloused fingers drawing a line down her arm, making her feel more exposed than the loss of the fabric. He worked his way across her collarbones, into the valleys of her clavicle, and across the tops of her breasts, first with his work-roughened hands, then his soft lips and wet tongue. With every touch, nibble and taste, Bella felt her body respond, growing hot and desperate for more.

He watched with rapt wonder at her body's response – the darkening of her eyes, the parting of her lips, the gasping breaths that escaped from her mouth, the arching of her back telling him she wanted more. Feeling almost frantic with the need to explore her, to see her naked, he paused to pull off her gown. She lifted her hips and then arched her back as he pulled it over her head. His sharp intake of breath told her he was surprised at what he saw. She was bare beneath it, and he couldn't help but stop to admire her beautiful body.

"So fucking sexy," he growled as he leaned forward and sucked one of her already pebbled peaks into his mouth.

She moaned at the sensation. His tongue flicked and tasted while his fingers rolled and played with her other nipple. Every muscle tensed at the sensation shooting down to her already slick flesh.

With each pass of his tongue and lips, she felt herself slipping, falling into him. Her head was spinning, either from the wine or the way he was making her feel; she wasn't sure.

"God, Bella, you taste so fucking good," he moaned as his hands spread across her breasts and he squeezed. He loved how soft and perfect she felt. And God, how good, how sweet she tasted as he switched sides, sucking her other peak into his mouth. Her eyes clenched as she drew in a sharp breath. Her body tightened, and she writhed against the crisp sheets, slowly pushing her body closer to his in search of the friction she desperately needed.

"Edward," she cried out, her eyes clenched tightly as he bit down gently. "Need to feel you."

Her hands found his chest, and she ran her fingers down to his stomach and back up. He was hot, his skin blazing, and all she wanted was to be fused to him. She shifted slightly and tangled her legs between his, grinding against his rough, jean-clad erection. The burning, tingling sensations of her nearing orgasm prickled.

Edward trailed his fingers up her back, relishing the soft, smoothness of her skin. He dug his fingers into the fleshy part of her hips, pulling her closer. As she moved against him, grinding and shifting, his mouth found her breast again.

"Please don't stop," she begged as he laved his tongue against her. She could feel the gentle tug of his tongue on the sensitive flesh of her nipple, like an urgent, hungry throb leaving her skin tight and hot.

Over and over she moved, sliding her wet sex against him, the rough fabric digging into her soft flesh.

"So fucking sexy," he murmured, flipping her onto her back. Her fingers tangled in his hair as he continued to worship every part of her body. She writhed beneath him as he trailed hot, wet kisses down her stomach, stopping only to circle her belly button with his tongue, until she gasped as his lips pressed tender kisses against her hip bones, her thighs, and blissfully against her soft folds.

She hummed in encouragement, lost in the amazing feel of his mouth and lips and tongue against her already flushed and flaming skin.

His fingers brushed her tender flesh and trailed through her slick wetness, sending her body into a fit of a million sensations as he pressed against her clit. Bella was lost in the moment, her face flushed, her teeth biting down on her bottom lip, and her fingers twisting almost painfully in his hair as she lifted her hips in desperate need for more.

Edward felt his heart beat wildly at what he was making her do. Seeing her like that was almost his undoing. Her body was crying out for more, and he loved the way she was begging and moaning loudly for him. His fingers, in agonizing slow motion, circled her already sensitive flesh, making her body tense and her breath escape at the overwhelming intensity of his touch. He slid his fingers back and forth through her wet heat until he pushed one, then two fingers inside.

Her whimpers and moans told him she loved it, wanted more. Bending forward, he pressed his tongue against her. Sucking, tasting, flicking, and nibbling.

"Oh, god, please…"

He was mesmerized by the way her body pressed into his hand, loving how responsive and needy she was. He hummed against her, relishing her musky taste, as she fisted his hair, tighter this time, as the vibrations pushed her almost to the brink. Cupping her ass, he pulled her body against his face as his tongue flicked out against her delicate, sensitive skin. She cried out at the sensation and ground against him, moaning and whimpering at the way his tongue was playing her perfectly. Over and over his tongue and fingers worked her, dug into her skin, until her body exploded, wave after wave of pleasure crashing over her.

Sated, she stared at him, her eyes dark and dazed.

"Fuck, Bunny…" he said, sucking his fingers into his mouth, tasting the last bit of her orgasm. He fucking loved seeing her come undone on him like that.

He climbed back up her body and wrapped his fingers around her face, his hands holding her face still as he devoured her lips and her tongue. He heard her groan as she tasted herself on him. She raked her fingernails up and down as he greedily took more. He was insatiable, hungry for more of her sweet, sweet taste. She moaned and grabbed his hands, holding him to her as she met him with every stroke of his tongue and slide of his lips. Her need for him was just as intense, just as voracious. She wanted him to claim her, to make her his over and over again.

She pulled away, breathless and panting. "My turn," she said, her voice gravelly and hoarse.

She climbed on top of him and ran her fingers down his chest, appreciating the remaining tan he had and the definition of his muscles. She skimmed his biceps, pecs, and abs before circling again. She could feel the soft hair on his chest and looked down to see the trail leading beneath his jeans.

She bent forward and kissed his chest before flicking her tongue against his erect nipples.

"Fuck," he hissed at the feeling of her hot, wet mouth on him.

She continued her path downward, tasting, nipping, loving every part of him just like he'd done to her.

When he didn't think he could take any more of her teasing, she palmed his erection through his jeans and he groaned. Loudly. It was deep and throaty, and as his hips lifted in a silent request for more, she tightened her grip. His eyes squeezed shut, and he breathed in deep. He needed to slow this down or he was going to come before she even got his pants off.

She grinned wickedly before leaning forward and kissing him hungrily.

"Bella…"

Her fingers found the button of his jeans and quickly flicked it open. Excruciatingly slow, she pulled the zipper down, the clink-clink of the teeth agonizing to him. He wanted to be inside her, to feel her tight and hot and wet around him.

Unable to wait any longer, he flipped her over onto her back and yanked his jeans and boxer briefs down, kicking them off as he straddled her beautiful body.

His hands and lips were all over her, the curve of her hip, the ridges of her ribs, her thighs, the inside of her knee, her shoulders, underneath the soft swell of her breast as he pressed himself against her. Completely desperate, he asked in a strained voice if she was ready.

She nodded, her bottom lip between her teeth. "Want you so much, baby," she rasped as her hands left his and trailed down his chest, her nails biting into his skin, until she wrapped her fingers around his erection.

He groaned at the sensation. His hips flexed, and he pushed his dick in her hand as he desperately sought the friction he needed.

"I want you, Bella. Need you," he breathed against her lips. She let go just as his dark grey eyes met hers, and with as much tenderness as he could muster amidst his need, he lined himself up and pushed into her.

She was so hot, so tight.

Leaning forward onto his forearms, he moved his hips against hers, hard and fast. As much as Edward wanted to take his time, his body was screaming at him to move. She clawed at his back, crying out as he took and she gave. The air was filled with the sounds of the grunts and moans as they uttered incoherent words of lust and need. With each press of his hips, he could feel his body tightening and tingling.

He pulled himself almost completely out and sank back inside her deep, wet heat. Over and over, thrust and pull, he moved inside her, lost in white hot bliss.

Her fingers skimmed up and down his back, feeling his muscles bunch and tense with each thrust. As she closed her eyes and took in every movement, every brush of his fingers and tickle of his chest hair against her breasts, she felt herself fall deeper and deeper in love.

"Please baby… need… come," he whispered against her shoulder.

She moved her hands between them and furiously rubbed her clit. She was so close, and as they moved together rhythmically, she could feel her climax nearing. She felt the tightening in her belly, hot prickles and goose bumps all over her flesh.

"So close."

He shifted his hips and thrust into her as he sucked one of her nipples into his mouth. The sudden change in sensation was enough as she cried out her release. The world spun around her as she gave in to the overwhelming sensations coursing through her. He continued to move against her, lost in the ecstasy of her body as he finally let go.

All he could see and feel was her. Beautiful. Perfect. His.

Their movements slowed as they both came down from their high. Fully sated and exhausted, he collapsed beside her, pulling her body, hot and sticky with sweat, into his arms. A brush of his lips on the back of her shoulder, a soft moan of acceptance, whispered "I love yous", and they fell asleep.

~*SD*~

Edward drummed his fingers on the table anxiously as his eyes flitted to the door of the coffee shop. He knew the minute he'd seen Rosalie the night before that he'd have to have this conversation, but he sure as hell wasn't looking forward to it.

Rose had always been fiercely protective of Bella. They'd been almost instant best friends in college and were practically inseparable. Rose had been to almost as many rodeos as Bella, and she had been through every up and down of his and Bella's relationship.

When Bella told him over the phone how her conversation with Jane and Rose went earlier that week, Edward had started to feel nervous about coming to visit. He missed Bella terribly even though it had been less than a week, but the thought of confronting Rose, hashing through the old hurts and owning up to his part of the breakup, would not be easy... or pleasant. The door dinged, and his eyes jerked up to see Rosalie breezing through the door.

Rosalie was tall and stunning. She was wearing jeans and a white sweater, and her long blonde hair was pulled into a tight pony tail on top of her head. On any other woman, it would seem severe, but Rosalie had always managed to pull off that avant garde look while still remaining feminine. She was the kind of woman whose presence commanded attention. She was confident and proud, and by the determined, almost fierce look on her face, he knew she was on a mission. She strode purposefully across the small shop and sat down, her vibrant blue eyes never leaving his.

Edward swallowed uneasily, took a deep breath, and forced a smile. He loved Bella, and if it meant smoothing things over with Rose, he would do it. Not to mention it was the right thing to do.

"Good morning, Rosalie," he said with confidence.

"Morning." She was curt and cool, much like she'd been the first few times he'd met her, last night included.

"Can I get you a coffee?"

"Sure. With cream and sugar."

He nodded and got up, grateful for the reprieve from her stare.

A few minutes later with their coffees in hand, he sat down. A few sips and what felt like hours of silence, he finally found his voice.

"Thanks for agreeing to meet me here. I know we have some stuff to talk about, and I have some explaining to do."

She didn't say anything. Bella had already made her promise to listen with an open mind. The minute she talked to Bella, hell the minute she saw her, she knew something was different. Her eyes were bright, her cheeks were pink, and she was practically glowing. When Bella had confessed what happened, Rosalie was pissed. After everything she'd been through with him, she couldn't believe Bella was going to jump back into... no, that she had jumped back into bed with him. Just thinking about it made Rosalie's insides churn. She would never forget how broken her best friend had been, and she wasn't even sure she had it in her to go through that again. Especially not after Bella was finally happy again.

She looked at the man sitting before her and she could tell time had changed him. He looked older, more mature, and even though she could see the happiness in his eyes, she knew he'd suffered his own losses and regrets.

"Rose, I wanted to start by telling you how grateful I am for everything you've done... you did, for Bella. I never meant to hurt her like that," Edward said quietly.

"I didn't do it for you," she said, voice icy. "I did it because I love her, and she's my best friend."

He nodded knowingly. "I know. But it doesn't change the fact I'm still grateful."

After the words were out, Edward felt a hint of relief at the slight signs of acceptance on her face. She had nodded slightly even in her coolness, and he took that as a good sign and pressed on.

"I love her. I never stopped loving her," Edward said quietly, feeling his throat constrict at the truth of his words. He had loved her all these years and was grateful just to have a second chance.

"How convenient, Edward. It's easy to say those things, but your actions certainly don't back them up."

"I know it looks like that, but it's the truth." Edward's response was smooth and honest. He knew it to the depths of his bones, and if he could go back and change things, he would. He and Bella had already hashed through this, and there was no guarantee they wouldn't have ended up exactly where they were or worse. Circumstances had conspired to give them another chance, to give him a chance to make things right, and he would do everything in his power to do just that.

"Edward, you walked out on her. You chose the fucking rodeo over her. I don't call that love," she said tightly, her voice higher, harsher, and louder than she intended.

She looked around, but no one was watching. She wouldn't have cared if they were. She had some things to say, and he was going to listen and answer for them.

"Do you have any idea what happened after you walked out on her? Do you have any idea how broken and empty she was?" She paused, but he didn't say anything.

"She was a mess, Edward. So sad and broken. She walked around those last few weeks like a zombie, barely eating, sleeping, or going to class. Do you know how horrible it was to watch that? To know you were there, that you could have done something to fix it? To see my best friend so lost?

"I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I don't want her going through that again when you decide there's something bigger and better out there for you. I won't let you do that to her. Not again."

By the time she was finished, she was practically rigid with anger and sadness, and for the first time, Edward really got a glimpse of what his leaving had done to her. He hadn't just hurt Bella; he'd hurt Rosalie, too.

His stomach twisted at the realization and he could hardly look at her, his mind and heart warring over the past.

After a long pause, he finally got the courage to look at her again. She was staring right at him, her eyes unwavering.

"I'm sorry, Rose. I can't apologize enough for hurting you or Bella. I wish I could fix it, erase all of it, but I can't. All I know is my life was empty and so damn lonely without her. As ridiculous as it sounds, I was just drifting without her. I know that now.

"When she showed up on my doorstep, I was at a complete loss. I tried to pretend I hadn't changed, but after spending a few hours with her, and then watching her walk out of my life all over again, I knew I couldn't let that happen.

"I should have chosen differently. I should have forced her to talk to me before she made me choose-"

"What!" Rosalie practically shrieked. "Before she made you choose? What the hell are you talking about? She didn't have a choice. You had already chosen the rodeo over her. It was always about you, about your career, the horses, the thrill. You. You. You."

Edward slapped his hands on the table. He could feel his blood starting to boil. "That's bullshit, Rosalie, and you know it. I wasn't the only one that made a decision that day. Should I have followed through on my promise to go to the dance? Yes. Should I have forced the conversation that we should have had? Yes. But Bella had made her decision already.

"Ask her. She'll tell you she owns part of this. It takes two to make or break a relationship, and I definitely let her down. I should have done things differently. I should have taken her to that damn dance. I should have talked to her, fought for her, but I didn't, and I've regretted it every day since then."

Edward's voice cracked at the end, and tears welled up in his eyes as he sat back, all the fight leaving him. He didn't know what else to say to make her see that things were different, that he was different.

Rosalie picked up her coffee cup and took a drink of the now cool liquid. She had never seen Edward like that, and she knew, as much as she hated to admit it, that Bella was right. He wasn't the same guy he was back then... and as uncertain as she was, she knew she needed to let it go. For Bella's sake.

She set her mug down and waited for him to look at her. When his eyes finally met hers, she smiled softly.

"As much as it pains me to admit it, you're right. It wasn't just you," she paused. "I know you and Bella have talked through this; she said the same thing. It's not easy for me to see blame on her part, but it does take two."

There was another long pause before she finally said, "Thank you for trying to make this right and for the apology."

Edward's eyes brightened slightly, flickers of hope shining at the thought that Rosalie might actually give them her blessing. They didn't need it, but he wanted it. And he knew Bella felt the same way.

"But let me be clear. If you hurt her again, I'll kick your ass, Edward. I love that girl. She's practically my sister, and I can't watch her hurt anymore. Not after you. Not after Riley. She deserves to be happy, to love again. I can see she's happy with you… so, don't fuck it up."

He nodded, feeling a huge weight lift off his shoulders. "I won't. Thank you, Rose."

~*SD*~

The rest of the weekend went off without a hitch. Edward told Bella all about his conversation with Rose, and Bella, satisfied with the way they'd resolved things, didn't feel the need to drag it out. It was a relief to know Rose and Edward had made peace, and she knew with time, Rose would come to love Edward again.

Bella and Edward spent every remaining minute together… and alone. They talked, laughed, cooked, snuggled, made love, and planned for the future. They weren't sure how all the pieces of their long distance relationship would fit together, but they were determined to make it work.

Just as Edward was about to climb into his truck to leave late on Sunday evening, a surge of confidence rushed over him. When he looked in her eyes, all he could see was love, and he knew right then he was going to marry her. He reached for her hips and pulled her body flush with his own. Her eyes sparkled, and a soft, happy smile spread across her face.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Edward," she murmured as her arms wrapped around his neck, and she buried her face in his neck. She breathed him in – linen and sunshine – and felt her heart twinge at the knowledge that they were going to be apart for the next few weeks.

"Me too, Bunny."

They stood like that for a long time, relishing the warmth and comfort they both felt in each other. Eventually, Bella pulled back.

"You should probably get on the road," she said softly.

"Yeah… but I'd rather stay here with you."

With a brush of his lips against hers and a conflicted heart, he told her he loved her, climbed in the truck, and drove away.

~*SD*~

I just posted my entry for the HardCoreNerdward Contest – My Crazy Engineer. You can get it here or on my profile: http : / / www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net / s / 7255750 / 1 / My_Crazy_Engineer.

There are other fun entries over at the contest site. Make sure you check those out! http : /www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net / ~

As always, I can't wait to hear what you think!