A/N: I'll keep this short. My many apologies for this taking longer than I anticipated. Real life and writer's block…both terrible and distracting, *sigh*

Thanks to keepingupwiththekids for being a fantastic beta and for her editing prowess. I know many authors say this about their betas, but mine truly is the best, hands down.

Also thanks to my readers/reviewers! You guys are awesome! I reached triple digits with the reviews last chapter! Absolutely amazing!

Don't forget about the WCN forum (link on profile). Go there for comments, updates and future teasers.

Enough said…let's get on with part II!

I don't own any of this….dammit!

APOV

Standing on the balcony, the wind was like ice against my bare skin, but yet I didn't move. I watched solemnly as Edward staggered back into the ballroom, clearly unsteady on his own two feet. The bourbon was quickly becoming his vice and his comfort when he couldn't have what he truly wanted. It only reaffirmed what I already knew. He was going to ruin everything tonight. A waiter passed by him with a silver tray full of drinks and his hand darted out, bringing the glass to his lips without delay. It was obvious he couldn't handle the pressure of the situation.

Why did I think this was a good idea?

Bella was right all along, he needed to be warned. I would have to listen to her more often when it came to Edward.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't move from my vantage point. I couldn't tear my eyes away from watching Edward go into self-destruction mode. Anyone else would see him as a brooding, angry man, hell bent on drinking the night away to forget about the wife who lay comatose in the hospital. I guess he was playing that part well, and it was generally being accepted by the crowd. No one had made the mistake of approaching him since the Newton incident. They had all been fooled.

My heart went out to him. Even though I said I was upset about the lack of barriers he had with Bella when they were close together, I couldn't deny the beauty of it all. His glare from the corner he took root in was intensely focused on Bella. While she was out of my sight, there was no question she was in the spotlight. Even from my distance, I could see the pain and conflict. He longed to go to her, protect her, shout to the world that she was his, and yet, he could do nothing.

I expelled a deep sigh, knowing I could do little to alleviate the torture, and knowing even more that the bourbon would do a worse job than me.

"What's wrong, chéri?" Jasper whispered, startling me, while slipping his jacket over my numb arms. The jacket and his arms wrapped around my waist enveloped me in the warmth I craved as I settled my back against his chest.

"It's nothing," I lied.

"Alice," his tone was low and scolding, "you keep watching your brother like you're waiting for him to explode."

"That's because he is about to explode," I muttered.

"I can see that," Jasper countered. I must have been crazy to think I could keep this from him. He always seemed to be in tune with people's emotions. It was shocking he waited this long to confront me. "What are the two of you hiding? I have a feeling the brunette he can't keep his eyes away from has something to do with it." I gasped and turned my body to face his, searching his eyes to see what he was thinking. It was hard to tell in the darkness of the night, but the judgment was there. "Is he pissed that you called him out on it? His behavior is inexcusable." No, no, no! He was reading the signs all wrong!

I nearly slapped him. He sounded too much like my father in this moment. He must have seen the anger brewing in my eyes because his expression softened into a confused state.

"And here I thought you had half a brain, Jasper," I seethed.

"No need to angry with me, chéri, I was just followed what he's been watching all night."

I huffed and turned my back on him, but was unwilling to move away from his warmth. I was just starting to get the feeling back in my arms.

"He's not supposed to be so obvious," I muttered, blaming the alcohol for the discrepancy. I heard a gasp escape Jasper as he spun me back around in his arms.

"You're condoning his behavior?" his eyes felt like they were drilling into my skull. "Alice! His wife is in the hospital! She could die!" Each of his accusations increased in volume, to the point where I was afraid everyone on the balcony would overhear us. I didn't need anymore attention to be focused on Edward right now.

"Shhh!" I interrupted, placing my hand over his mouth. "You need not remind me of that fact. We both know Edward doesn't belong with Tanya. Their entire marriage is ridiculous." I spoke in harsh, but quiet tones.

"That doesn't matter now. He's married Alice! He took vows before God! The same way you and I did. I can't believe you're okay with this!" Yes, thank you, Jasper, for reminding me of the obligation to the church and God…and how I'm going straight to Hell for all of this. "The way he's staring at the brunette," he paused, looking for the right words to say. "Well, it's damn near possessive. It's just inappropriate and only a matter of time before everyone else notices."

"You don't know the entire story," I retorted, trying to keep my anger in check. I needed him on my side, and blowing up at him wouldn't help my case or Edward's, for that matter.

"You're right. I don't know what's going on because you haven't let me in, Alice." His words struck hard, causing me to blanch. He slowly brought his palm to my cheek, stroking it lovingly. "You've been avoiding me." Tears went from forming in my eyes to spilling over in a matter of seconds. I hadn't meant to avoid him or push him away, or anything that would cause him unnecessary pain.

"I didn't want you to feel the way I do. It's painful and guilt-inducing, I assure you." The tears continued to pour from my eyes, while Jasper did well to keep up with them. He wiped each one away with the pads of his thumbs, comforting me the best way he knew.

"Alice," he began, placing a soft kiss on my forehead, "let me help you." I stared into his eyes, looking for the judgment that was there earlier. It was still apparent, but maybe I could wipe it away by showing him what to look for. I needed to let him know because I couldn't allow this to tear us apart.

"He's in love," I replied softly, watching the immediate uncertainty appear on my husband's features. It was clearly not what he was expecting me to say.

"Come again?" he asked, stunned.

"They both are, actually," I smiled brightly at the admission. Watching them on the balcony earlier was beautiful, and I had never seen Edward so happy in all my life. He was finally complete in her presence. Jasper still wasn't catching on from the look on his face. I placed my fingers under his chin and tilted it towards the entrance of the ballroom. Edward was still in our view, brooding and drinking in his corner, eyes never leaving Bella. Nothing had changed since Jasper had joined me.

"Watch him," I said. "Yes, right now, he looks cranky and belligerent, but wait until his eyes meet hers, and they will, a lot. She can't keep her eyes off him anymore than he can hers."

Jasper and I focused on Edward for only a few moments before the change in him was evident. "There, it must have just happened." Edward's eyes brightened, giving him a look of clarity he was lacking before, and a smile on his face that lit him from the inside. The moment never lasted long, but the effect was unmistakable.

"When did this happen?" Jasper asked, unable to remove his eyes from Edward, much like I hadn't been able to earlier.

"The day of the accident," I whispered, truly fearful of eavesdroppers now. "It's why he was late, they had just met."

"I've…I've never seen him look that way before. He looks…happy?" Jasper slowly turned his head back towards me and was met with the onslaught of my lips on his. I couldn't have been happier than I was right now. Even if he didn't agree, at least he could see the happiness that came from it. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, while he adjusted to the shock of my attack.

"Thank you, thank you," I repeated in between kisses. His arms wrapped around my waist securing me close to his body and warmth.

"For what, chéri?" he asked.

"For seeing what I see," I replied with a wide grin on my face. Jasper's brow furrowed, notifying me he was going to bust my bubble.

"Don't get me wrong here, Alice. I'm not sure I approve of it, as you seem to be. It's still wrong, even if Tanya wasn't in a coma, I'd still feel that way."

"I know," I replied softly. "Why do you think I didn't want to tell you about it? The guilt has been shredding me apart. I don't know what to do most days. I can't ignore how they feel about each other. I have to help them make this work. My little brother's happiness means so much to me." Jasper nodded, somberly.

"So what's the plan?" he asked, after a moment of silence.

"Are you saying you're going to help?"

"I'll do whatever makes you happy," he answered. "I'm here for you." I smiled and kissed him again.

"The plan," I began, "is simple in theory. We need to slowly get everyone in the family on Edward's side. This means they need to realize how much he and Bella are in love." Jasper nodded, following along with my increasing excitement. "Naturally, my mother was next on my list, she being the softest, next to me. You would have been next, followed by Rose and Emmett, and finally, father."

"Alice, you know Carlisle will never get on board with something like this…"

"If mom is okay with it…" I interrupted, but Jasper cut off my reasoning.

"No, Alice," he said, harshly. "If you're going to go through with this, you need to know what will happen realistically and see if you're still okay with it."

"What do you mean?" I asked quietly. I admit that my father would be the largest of the hurdles, next to the church, but with mom's help, I had high hopes for success. Call me the eternal optimist.

"This has the potential to break your family in two," Jasper forewarned darkly. I shook my head violently.

"No, you're wrong. We're stronger than that." His hands went to my face to still my movements.

"Alice, listen to me," the intensity of his eyes paralyzed me. "I'm with you, no matter what. I just want you to know the consequences. I'm not saying it will happen, but I don't want you to be blind-sided by the possibility." I nodded bleakly. What Jasper spoke of wasn't something I allowed myself to think. Imagining my family torn apart by this was absurd! Edward's happiness should mean as much to them as my happiness, or Emmett's or even my father's. "Come on, chéri, you're shaking. Let's get you back inside. You need to sit down for a little while." His arm wrapped around my waist and he slowly guided me back to the ballroom.

Jasper had just coaxed me into sitting down as my beast of an older brother approached us.

"Alice, dance with me," Emmett demanded. There was a particular glint in his eyes that made me nervous. Most times I neglected to give him credit, but he was quite perceptive when it came to Edward and me. I feared this would be one of those times.

"Emmett," Jasper began, "she needs to rest. She's been out on her feet for too long."

"Don't give me that crap, Jasper. She's got more energy than the two of us combined, she can handle a dance." Normally, he was right, but I was still digesting Jasper's statement earlier. It had jarred me to my core and drained my energy. Plus, Emmett's persistence had me on edge.

"Emmett," using my sweet tone that usually got me out of anything I didn't want to do. "Maybe later, okay? I really am tired."

"I don't have later. Dance with me now," Emmett held his hand out for me to grab. I stared at his hand warily, wondering if there was anything I could do to postpone this moment. Emmett didn't give me time to think of an excuse, he grabbed my hand and pulled, launching me off the chair and into his arms. "There, that wasn't so hard," he replied with a grin, carrying me to the dance floor.

"Put me down you big oaf!" I squirmed in his arms until he finally released me.

"You're not going to leave me stranded on the dance floor, are you?" Emmett inquired, playfully. "It would break my poor heart, little sis." I rolled my eyes and sighed in defeat. Emmett took my hand and placed his other on my waist, leading me in a waltz.

"So why was this so important?" I asked impatiently, after a minute of silence.

"You did a good job on the place. It looks really nice," Emmett replied, ignoring my question. Good? I didn't do good. I did fantastic, extravagant! I gave him a cold stare, resulting in his booming laughter that turned quite a few heads.

"I did better than good," I muttered.

"Yes, but you should have been resting." Oh, the audacity!

"I was trying to rest before someone relentlessly carried me on to the dance floor!" The nerve of my brother! Was this what was so important? "If chastising me about not resting was what you wanted to talk about you're a few people late. I've already gotten it from mom, dad, Jasper, and Edward. I don't need it from you too!" Emmett didn't reply to my outburst, which fueled my anger more. He just led me around in the waltz, looking about the room in wonder, while I stewed, waiting for him to make a point. When his eyes landed on Edward's corner, I felt my stomach tie into knots. I knew it was coming, the question I was dreading. Edward was the reason for this dance. He had noticed.

"Tell me what's going on with you and Edward."

When in doubt, lie, quickly.

"Nothing," I replied, smoothly.

"I hope you confess for that lie," Emmett retorted. Ugh, more guilt!

"I honestly don't know what you're talking about, brother dear," keeping with my sweet tone. Inside I was frantic. I wasn't ready to tackle Emmett or Rose for that matter. I needed more recruits before it was even plausible.

"Alice, just tell me what's going on with him. I know you know. He'd always go to you if he was in trouble." With the music beginning to wind down, I knew I only had to hold out a moment or two longer before I could escape the inquisition. It was becoming more and more difficult to refuse, as Emmett's large puppy dog eyes filled with worry.

"I…" a lie tried to form, but it was cut off by Emmett.

"Don't tell me you know nothing. I saw the two of you on the balcony earlier; his mood has turned a complete 180 since then." My eyes registered the shock. I felt them grow wider, certainly Emmett could see it. He saw us on the balcony? What about Bella? "And now look at him, all gloomy in the corner, drinking. He looks like he's about to punch Mike Newton in the face. I mean, I know Tanya's condition is upsetting…"

My head turned sharply to Edward's corner, oblivious to how Emmett finished his sentence. Sure enough, there stood Mike Newton, running his trap. Edward's eyes were threatening, even from this distance. I could see his hand curling around his drink forcefully. If he gripped it any harder, it was going to break. I almost wished it would. Maybe that would distract him from whatever Newton was saying. While I didn't know exactly what it was, I knew it had to be about Bella. Combine that with the amount of bourbon he had consumed, Edward was quickly losing control.

"No, no, no…" I murmured. Tonight was about to take a dreadful turn.

EPOV

This was a nightmare.

It hadn't been twenty minutes since we separated and I felt like I was going to go crazy…or I was already crazy. The bourbon made it hard to tell the difference.

I couldn't take my eyes off her.

Occasionally, I'd remember she had said I was too obvious, then I would lower my eyes, pretending to be mesmerized by the tinkling sound the ice made as I twirled the glass in my hand. In order to keep up this farce, I had to keep my ice and bourbon well stocked.

Tinkling glass could only hold my attention for so long when I felt the pull. I'd feel it when she would wander closer to me, trying to get another quick interview, or when her eyes glanced toward my lonely corner. It was always strongest then. There was no competition for my attention, she had it all, and I'd have to fight the energy beneath my feet drawing me towards her.

The bourbon was making that more difficult, too.

As if I needed any help making this more difficult. She was picturesque tonight. Absolutely alluring. Temptation singing to me, wrapped in blue silk with the scent of strawberries. No man could resist her and I was no exception to the rule.

Head down, Edward.

I had to force myself with internal scolding, but I obeyed. Swirling the brown liquid in my glass, I got lost to the whirlpool I had created. It was making me dizzy. God, I was drunk.

Must stop drinking.

My hand brought the glass to my lips, drinking greedily, without a second thought. Apparently, I had a limit when listening to myself. Now I needed a refill.

The servers must have their eyes on my glass because one magically appeared with a tray full of bourbons. I swapped out my empty glass for a full one, not meeting the eye of the man with the tray. I didn't need his pity…or anyone else's for that matter. If everyone in this room thought I was drinking the pain of my wife being in a coma away, then I was pulling off a well-crafted façade. For someone who couldn't stand up straight without the support of the wall to my left, that was saying something. That someone didn't deserve the pity bestowed upon him.

Carlisle's laughter from across the room caught my attention, raising my head in curiosity to see what was causing him such joy. There standing in front of him, my beautiful Bella, making him happy, as she easily did me.

I wanted to go over there. It was the perfect opportunity to keep up the pretense of not knowing her but getting to be with her. I could have my father introduce us. That would be wonderfully ironic!

Okay, Edward. You can do this. One foot in front of the other.

I made it two steps and faltered, clinging to the sanctuary of the wall.

"Cullen!" my eyes rolled at the sound of Newton's voice.

Oh, not now. I can't handle him now.

"Looks like you're pretty hammered," he replied with a smirk, slapping his hand on my shoulder, presumably to hold me steady. I, sadly, needed the support.

"I'm fine, Newton," I responded, but my tongue felt thick in my mouth, causing my words to slur together.

"Whatev, Cullen. So, have you had the chance of meeting my girl yet?" he asked, tilting his head in the direction of Bella.

"Your girl?" I inquired, with an obvious hatred in my tone that was impossible for me to hide. The glass in my hand gave a little as my fingers squeezed it tightly, trying to focus my energy there instead of throwing a fist in Newton's face. In all likelihood, I would miss and fall flat on my face, ensuring I made a fool of myself in front of Bella. Newton would enjoy that too much.

This was rational thinking coming from a drunk. Maybe he was the force I needed to get sober.

"Of course she's my girl. I'm staking claim on her now. That girl is amazing, Cullen, and I'm making sure she goes home with me tonight. I'll show her the time of her life."

Red haze enveloped my vision.

"Oh it looks like she's done talking to your dad! I'm going to ask her to dance."

One solid, connecting punch. That's all I needed. I drew back my arm and pushed it forward, meeting nothing but open air, due to a very slow reaction time on my part. Newton had already taken off towards Bella, completely oblivious to my attempt. The force of my arm nearly grounded me, but my other arm luckily found the wall in time to save myself from the unnecessary attention I would have received from either falling or hitting Newton. Unfortunately, the noise from my glass breaking on the floor drew it instead.

I guess it wasn't possible to hold onto the bourbon and catch myself….at least not drunk.

All eyes from at least a twenty foot radius met mine. Fantastic.

Alice's hand was covering her eyes. The simple gesture was chastising me. Newton never once turned back. His focus was on Bella. Bella's focus was on me. Her chocolate brown sympathy laced eyes were piercing into mine. The connection was solid and in that moment, I felt I could read her mind.

Was I all right?

Not really, but I slightly nodded my head to calm her worries. She gave me a slight smile that told me she wasn't buying my answer. Before I could insist I was fine, Newton blocked our view.

"Would you like another drink, sir?" a server asked, a tray of enticing drinks held before me. I noticed my broken glass had already been cleaned up and disposed.

"That'll be unnecessary, thank you," my father responded from behind the server. My widened eyes shot to my father's unforgiving stare. "You've had enough," he stated clearly, then walked off in another direction.

"I shouldn't even be here," I called out to his escaping hazy double figure. If he heard me, he made no attempt to show so.

With no drink, and no other company, my attention was diverted solely to Bella, who was being coaxed into a dance by Newton. The expressions on her face were reluctant, but she gave in, and I had to stand by and watch as Newton wrapped an arm around her waist, spinning her to the dance floor.

Torture…that's what this was.

I couldn't watch, yet I couldn't turn away.

His hand rested on her waist, fingers curled to the curvature of her body, playing in the bounty of dark blue silk. My focus was on that hand, as he minutely pulled her closer to him.

I took a deep breath and leaned myself against my wall, trying to relax. Bella in no way, shape, or form, looked to be enjoying this dance. Newton was a terrible lead, and my girl was clumsy in her heels. If anything, I needed to be able to save her from this atrocity.

I could barely stand without the support of this wall. Pathetic.

Closing my eyes, I rested my head against the wall. The spinning was more pronounced that way and not at all helping matters. I tried to focus on a spot on the floor to ground myself, but my eyes strayed back to Newton and Bella within seconds.

She was closer to him now, and Newton was smiling.

His arm was completely around her waist, inches separated them.

"I'm going to make sure she goes home with me."

No way would I let that happen. If it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest with a simple dance, I wouldn't survive the night thinking she'd gone home with him.

I pushed myself from my wall, putting all the concentration I could muster into putting one foot in front of the other, without falling. It was a difficult task, considering I couldn't take my eyes of Bella.

She was my drive. She was my focus. She was my reward.

Bourbon be damned.

My progress was slow, and I stumbled slightly every now and then, but I made it just as the classical piece played by the string quartet was winding down. Taking a deep breath, calming my nerves, I tapped Newton on the shoulder.

"Cullen," he sneered.

"Mind if I cut in?" I replied with a smile for Bella. Newton opened his mouth to most likely refuse, but Bella interrupted him.

"I don't mind," she answered, then turned her eyes toward Newton, "if you don't mind."

"'Cause I don't shine, if you don't shine," spilled from my lips, causing Newton to glare at me, confused. Bella's smile lit up the room at my response.

"Can you read my mind, Mr. Cullen?" Newton's expression was incredulous.

"I'd like to think so, Ms. Swan," I replied, staring into her eyes, forgetting Newton was still standing there.

"The Killers, Mike," Bella said to him, rolling her eyes. Apparently, she still noticed his bewilderment. I no longer cared, but his perplexity was amusing.

"Dance with me," I held my hand out for Bella to accept, as the string quartet began playing Fascination by Nat King Cole. It was oddly appropriate for my dance with Bella and made me wonder if Alice had managed to work her magic.

Newton faded into the background as Bella's hand grasped mine. Everything faded into the background. All that mattered was her cast resting on my shoulder, her other hand in mine, and my left hand reveling in the smooth silk of her dress. I sighed in relief.

She was safe in my arms.

"Fan of the Killers?" she asked softly, as we danced effortlessly. I nodded in response.

"I was going too crazy over there," I replied, nodding my head back in the direction of my corner.

"I'm surprised I didn't get lyrics from Mr. Brightside then."

"Those would have been fitting," I answered, with a dark laugh. "If I watched you with Newton any longer I would have needed to rope Alice in as my alibi. He thinks he's taking you home tonight." I instinctively pulled her closer to me, claiming her as mine. The electricity was snapping at both of us, drawing us under its hypnotic spell.

"Mike apparently has a wild imagination," Bella replied with a smile. "And if you needed an alibi, Alice would be the one to ask. I'm beginning to think there's nothing she can't do."

"I was supposed to wait for her cue before being with you. Hopefully she'll forgive me, I couldn't wait anymore."

"I'm glad you didn't." Bella stepped still closer to me, the crook of her elbow rested on my shoulder. I needed to concentrate on my drunken self not tripping on her dress, but merely her presence was intoxicating me on an entirely different level.

"Bella," I whispered, breathing in her scent, ravenously. I took her hand I was holding and placed it on my shoulder. Slowly, I ran my fingers from her hand, up her arm, marveling at the chills I caused to leave in my wake. My eyes followed my fingers as they reached the curve of her bare shoulder, then disappeared along her back and taking refuge in the silk. Bella gazed up at me, seemingly lost in my eyes. I brought her closer still, our chests touching.

In the back of my mind, there was a little man, drowning in bourbon, trying to scream at me how wrong this was. I ignored him, the electric charge proved otherwise. We were in our bubble.

"I can't let you go," there was a pleading tone in my voice that was not lost to Bella. Her eyes scrunched up, unaware of why I said just that. We had stopped dancing; only swayed slightly to the faded music. I rested my forehead against hers.

"I never said you had to," she whispered.

"You deserve so much better than me," I replied, ignoring her response. I was drunk and losing control. Too much bourbon…too much Bella.

"But I only want you," she cried softly, tears were gathering in her eyes.

"Don't cry, my love," I brought a hand to her cheek to wipe away a stray tear. "I only want you, too." We held each other close, lost to the sensation of being together. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead when a gasp from outside our bubble reached my ears.

When had the music had stopped?

"Edward," I heard Bella whisper, panic in her eyes.

Dread immediately washed over me.

Looking around, I saw Alice and my mother together. There was a mix in Alice's emotions. Anger at my lack of control was easily seen, but it was her disappointment and sadness that really struck a chord within me. My mother stared openly at Bella and myself, her jaw slightly agape, this expression was not original, as it was found throughout the room.

But none of the stares and shocked expressions affected me as much as Carlisle storming towards us. It was a terrifying and sobering sight. What had I done?

"I'm sorry," I heard Bella say. The apology confounded me. Why was she apologizing? My attention diverted away from Carlisle closing in on us and turned to Bella. I felt her fingers tighten in my hair as she pulled me down to her level.

Her lips met mine in a searing, urgent, passionate kiss. My body melted against hers.

And once again, I was lost.

A/N: Who can tell I'm a huge fan of the Killers?! They rock my socks almost as much as Rob.

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