Yes, my dear readers, I am back! I'm going to spare you the excuses and just hope that you enjoy the chapter. Thanks to my wonderful beta Bittenev. She's not only a kick-ass beta, but she is a wonderful friend whom I love dearly. To the other two-thirds of my triumvirate--pwtf and Eclipsegirl--you are awesome. Thanks for putting up with me. I love y'all lots. Thanks so much to everyone who has stuck with me on this ride. You totally rock.

The song for this chapter is "When It Rains" by Paramore. The link is on my profile.

Just a warning for the younguns out there--there's a reason why this story is rated M!

Disclaimer: SMeyer owns Twilight. I own an Edward Cullen action figure.

Chapter 12—When It Rains

EPOV

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror on Friday morning getting myself ready for the day. I still couldn't believe I was standing there. Ever since my doctor had decided at my appointment on Monday that he wanted me to try walking with the aid of a walker, I felt like a different person. I no longer felt like an invalid. Walking with assistance was better than not walking at all.

Then on Wednesday I got my prism glasses. I was still getting used to them, but I could already tell that my vision had improved. Even though I knew they were necessary, I was still hesitant about wearing glasses. That changed, however, when Bella told me I looked hot with them.

I ran my hands through my hair, and I was ready. It was great to actually have enough hair to run my hands through. It was still much shorter than I normally wore it, and I was waiting impatiently for it to grow back. At least my scar was barely visible now. I hated the large gash on the right side of my head. Not only was it a visible reminder of what had happened to me, but it was also just plain ugly. I was extremely self conscious about it. Emmett would tease me and say that I was going to have to wear a toupee when I was old and bald. The teasing stopped when I finally had enough and smacked him in the back of the head.

I did have a couple of visible scars to remind me of my ordeals. There was an angry red line on my forehead courtesy of the fall I had after my last seizure. I hoped in time it would fade. I also had a small but ugly scar on my neck from the central line I had during my most recent hospital stay. They didn't bother me as much as my brain surgery scar, but that didn't mean I liked them.

I shuffled into the kitchen, where Bella had my pills and breakfast waiting. Probably the only drawback to the walker was that it was difficult to carry things since I needed my hands to hold on. At least in the wheelchair I could put things in my lap. I took my medicine and had just sat down to eat when Bella joined me.

"I'll never get tired of seeing you smile," Bella said, looking at me lovingly.

I hadn't even realized I was smiling. "I'll never get tired of smiling at you," I replied. "Besides, it's Friday. No therapy and no s-school over the weekend."

"Yeah, but you're going to the game tomorrow," Bella said, pouting.

The guys were going to a Mariners game tomorrow. Even though I was looking forward to spending time with the guys, I was worried about getting around the stadium. Carlisle insisted everything would be fine, but I wasn't quite as convinced.

I laughed at Bella's expression. "Don't be sad. I'd honestly rather spend the day with you."

"You're too sweet," Bella replied, "but I thought you were excited about the game."

"Not really," I admitted. "I just don't know about dealing with the crowd and the stadium. I'm going to have to use my wheelchair because I'll never be able to do all that walking." Since I tired so easily, walking long distances was difficult for me. Dr. Snow advised me to take it easy and use the wheelchair if I needed to. "You know how much I hate that damn chair. Navigating the stadium in it isn't going to be much fun."

Bella reached over and took my hand. "Have you talked about this with your father? Perhaps you could go later in the summer when you're able to walk more."

I shook my head. "I've already talked to him. He doesn't think it'll be that bad. He keeps saying that the stadium is wheelchair friendly and that I'll be all right. I know he means well, but he has no idea what it's like for me. No one does. I've seen many stroke victims come through the ER, but I never understood what they were really going through until I had one. Everything suddenly became so hard. Trust me, I'll never take little things for granted again. I never thought I'd be upset about not being able to walk around a baseball stadium."

"You don't have to go," Bella said. "Just tell Carlisle you can't handle it."

"I have to go," I insisted. "I need to get out there and do things."

"You could start smaller than Safeco Field," Bella pointed out.

I laughed, but deep down I knew Bella was right. I wasn't entirely comfortable with going to the game, but I didn't want to let anyone down. I decided to change the subject. "Isn't Rosalie picking me up today?"

Bella nodded. "Yes, and she's also going to stop by the pharmacy so you can pick up your prescriptions."

Therapy went well that day. Jake and Tanya were just as excited as my family about me walking. Their wedding was a little over a week away, and Bella and I were excited for them.

Rosalie picked me up afterwards, and we went to the pharmacy. Emmett had taken one of my handicapped parking permits home with him the night before so Rose would have it. Because of my condition, I was able to get them from the DMV. Bella had one, and usually whoever else was driving me around had the other. I had tags that could be hung from the rearview mirror instead of a handicapped license plate so we could transfer them from car to car.

Rose pulled her red convertible into a handicapped parking spot in front of the pharmacy and hung the tag from the rearview mirror. I opened my door and waited for her to get my walker.

As I waited, I noticed an elderly woman walking by. "Excuse me, young lady," she said to Rose, "but this is a handicapped spot."

"Yes ma'am, I know," Rose replied. "I have a hang tag."

"Well you certainly don't look handicapped," the woman retorted.

Oh no. I knew that Rosalie wasn't going to react well to that. I was correct. "You're right. I'm not," Rose shot back angrily, "but my brother-in-law is." The woman looked at me suspiciously and started to say something, but Rose cut her off. "Do you have a problem with a young person being disabled? He had a stroke, not that it's any of your business."

I wanted to crawl into a hole. I wasn't embarrassed by Rose's actions but by my condition. I shouldn't have needed that handicapped tag. I shouldn't have been going to the pharmacy to get prescriptions for high blood pressure, depression, and seizures. I should have been working in the ER and standing on my own two feet.

"Edward? Are you OK?" Rosalie's voice brought me out of my reverie.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I was just thinking about s-something."

"I'm thinking I should have told that old biddy where to go," Rose replied.

"Please, Rose, it's OK," I said pleadingly.

"No it's not," Rosalie insisted. "That woman had no right to judge. She doesn't know you." She gave me my walker and must have noticed my expression because hers softened. "Edward, I hate that this happened to you. I also hate the way people treat you because of it. You're no different from anyone else. I wish people would realize that."

"I know," I replied quietly, "but as long as I look different people will treat me differently. It sucks, but it's true. Hopefully I'll be back to normal soon."

"You will be. I just know it." Rosalie seemed pretty confident.

"Yeah, we'll see," I whispered as I began to make my way to the pharmacy.

The next thing I knew, Rosalie was standing in front of me, blocking my way. "Edward Anthony Cullen!" she practically yelled. "Hold it right there! I don't ever want to hear you talk like that again. How dare you even think you won't get better! Edward, you've come so far. I remember the first time I saw you after your stroke. I cried because I wasn't sure if you'd come back to us. Now I see you walking, and it makes me cry because I'm so damn happy. Emmett is ecstatic because he has his brother back. You're going to make it. You can and will be your old self again. Be patient, Edward. Don't give up because the rest of us sure as hell won't."

I couldn't believe we were having this discussion in a parking lot. People were stopping and staring, but neither of us cared. "Rosalie, you do realize the only reason I've come this far is because of all of you. It's true. I'm getting better, and it excites and scares me at the same time. What if I can learn to function normally but never go back to work? What if I can never be independent? What happens then? What am I going to do?"

Rosalie took my hand, and I could see tears in her eyes. "I don't know. I wish I had some answers. Things will fall into place. They have to."

And with that, the subject was dropped. Rose and I went in, got my prescriptions, and left. Neither of us said anything on the way home. I was so tired, but Rose wouldn't let me take a nap until I had eaten something. I didn't feel like arguing with her again, so I complied. Then I finally got to take my much-needed nap.

When I woke up a couple of hours later, I made my way to the living room and found Bella and Rosalie discussing wedding plans.

"You'd better not let Alice find out you were doing this without her," I teased. "She won't be happy." I walked over to Bella and kissed her.

Both Bella and Rose laughed. "We just won't tell her," Bella teased back. "Besides, it's easier to do things without her. You know how Alice is. She'd have gone totally overboard by now."

Our laughter was interrupted by Rosalie's phone. "It's Emmett," she said, jumping up to take the call.

I sat down next to Bella and rested my head on her shoulder. "How was your day?" she asked as she put her arm around me.

"OK," I sighed. "Did Rosalie tell you what happened today?"

Bella nodded. "I'm sorry."

I sighed again. "Don't be. There really isn't anything to be s-sorry for. Stuff like that happens. I just have to learn to deal with it."

"I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like it," Bella said. "I wish I could have been there to see Rose in action."

"She was pretty scary," I admitted. "I guess I should feel lucky, though, to have a sister-in-law who cares that much."

"Damn straight!" Rosalie had just come back into the room. "No one messes with my family and gets away with it."

"Thanks, Rose," I said as she hugged me.

"Just don't ever doubt yourself again or I'll be forced to kick your ass," Rosalie replied. We all laughed before she continued. "Emmett and I are meeting Alice and Jasper for dinner in a little bit. Are you guys in?"

I shook my head. "I'm really tired. I want to get a good night's sleep since tomorrow's going to be a long day." Then I realized I hadn't even considered that Bella might want to go. "I'm s-sorry," I said, looking at Bella. "We can go if you want."

Bella waved her hand dismissively. "It's OK. I don't mind staying in. It'll be nice to have a quiet evening at home."

We did end up having a nice evening. We ate the previous night's leftovers for dinner before Bella helped me take a shower. I was still pretty tense from the events of the day, so Bella gave me a wonderful neck and shoulder massage. Little Edward would have liked more, but I was too exhausted for that kind of activity. I did at least sleep well with Bella in my arms.

I slept in on Saturday morning since I knew I probably wouldn't get to take my afternoon nap. I still wasn't gung ho about gong to the baseball game, but I was looking forward to spending time with the guys.

I was dressed and ready to go when everyone met at our house for noon. The girls were going shopping and to a movie while we were at the game.

"Have fun," Bella said as she kissed me goodbye. "Just relax and enjoy yourself."

I tried to keep Bella's words in my mind as I wheeled myself out to Carlisle's Mercedes. Thankfully the car was big enough to hold Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle, Charlie, and me. The guys were excited about the game, and I found myself sharing in their enthusiasm. Then we got to the stadium.

I began to feel overwhelmed as we made our way to our seats. I let Carlisle push my wheelchair as I took deep breaths and tried to stay calm.

"Aren't we going to get some provisions before we sit down?" Emmett asked, pointing back to the concession stand we had just passed.

"Let's get Edward settled first," Carlisle replied, "then we'll come back up." He then patted my shoulder to reassure me. It didn't help, but I appreciated the gesture.

I felt a lot better once we got to our seats. Emmett and Jasper went back to the concession stand to get drinks, hot dogs, and popcorn for everyone. Then the game began, and I was finally able to enjoy myself. I was having a great time and really got into the game. The Mariners were winning big, which helped a lot.

Everything was going well until the sixth inning. "Dad," I said, leaning over to talk to Carlisle. "I have to go to the bathroom."

Carlisle nodded and got up to wheel me to the restroom. I was fine until we got to the concourse. I became nervous when I saw all the people. My heart rate and breathing picked up.

"Dad, can you please hurry?" I asked nervously.

Carlisle picked up his pace and got me to the restroom as quickly as he could. It wasn't until we got into the restroom that he saw the panicked expression on my face.

"What's wrong, Edward?" Carlisle asked me. "What's the matter?"

I couldn't even answer him. Thankfully the handicapped stall was available, so Carlisle wheeled me in there to avoid prying eyes.

"Edward, you have to tell me what's wrong," Carlisle said gently. "I can't help you if you don't tell me."

It took me a minute, but I was finally able to speak. "I'm scared. All those people out there make me nervous. It makes me feel uncomfortable, and I can't handle it."

Carlisle was surprised. "I've never seen you like this before. Why does this scare you so much?"

"I haven't been in a crowd this large since my s-stroke. I'm also nervous about getting around the s-stadium in my wheelchair." I was trying to get my breathing back to normal so I could calm myself.

"Edward, you're doing great," Carlisle insisted. "You have nothing to be scared of."

"You don't understand," I countered. "I shouldn't be in a wheelchair being pushed around a baseball stadium by my father. People stare at me because I'm different. My family and friends can accept me, so I shouldn't worry what s-strangers think but I do. I hate it." Carlisle started to say something, but I cut him off. "No, Dad. Just please listen. I'm feeling totally overwhelmed. I'm s-scared. I can't deal with it. Please don't make me go back out there."

"Edward, you have to go out there," Carlisle replied. I shook my head, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. "I can't leave you in the men's room."

"No. I don't want to go back." I knew I sounded like a petulant child, but at that point I didn't care.

Carlisle put his hand on my shoulder. "You can do this. I know you can. Just try."

I was silent for a minute. "I'll try," I said quietly. "I guess it's the least I can do."

"Good," Carlisle said. "I'll wait right outside of the stall so you can use the restroom."

Carlisle left me alone to take care of business. I joined him when I was finished, and he wheeled me back to our seats. I had to close my eyes and focus on my breathing to stay calm. I could only open my eyes when I was safely back in my seat. Emmett, Jasper, and Charlie looked concerned.

"Is everything OK? Are you all right, little bro?" Emmett asked. "Do we need to leave?"

"No, I can stick it out," I told him. "I don't want to make you leave early."

Of course Jasper wasn't buying it. "Something's wrong. I know it is. Let's get you home."

I started to protest, but Charlie cut me off this time. "The Mariners are up by seven. I don't necessarily need to sit through a blowout. We can leave."

I felt awful about making them leave early, but they seemed OK with it. I closed my eyes again as we made our way to the car. No one said anything, but Emmett did give my hand a reassuring squeeze as I got in the car.

When we got back to the house, I went straight to my room and got in bed. I was beyond exhausted, both physically and mentally. Before I could get to sleep, though, Emmett and Jasper came in the room.

"Edward, talk to us please," Jasper said as he and Emmett sat on the bed.

"No. You'll just think I'm crazy or s-something. Leave me alone," I replied, turning away from them and sounding like a child yet again.

"We would never think that," Jasper insisted. "We want to help you. Obviously something happened today. What's going on?"

I didn't answer. I continued to lie there, facing the wall. Emmett and Jasper sat silently.

Finally Emmett had enough. "Dammit, Edward, what the hell happened?! You've been doing so great and now all of a sudden you're back in your shell! You need to start talking!"

I was pissed. I sat up and faced my brother. "You w-want to know what's wrong? Fine!" I yelled. "I had a panic attack! I couldn't handle being around all those people! I was s-scared shitless! Are you happy now?! Your little brother's a freak!"

All of a sudden, Emmett grabbed me in a huge bear hug. "Crap, Edward, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had panic attacks."

"This was my first one," I replied as I tried to extricate myself from Emmett's grasp. "I hadn't been in a crowd that big since the stroke, and I got scared. I didn't know what to do."

"You've been out and about lately," Emmett pointed out. "Why were you scared?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. I was worried about getting around the stadium. I didn't want to ruin everyone's fun. I didn't want people staring at me cause I'm different. You guys treat me like I'm normal, so I don't know why I care what s-strangers think."

"Do you remember the first time we went to dinner after you got out of the hospital?" Jasper asked me. I nodded, and he continued. "I said that people weren't staring at you as much as you thought they were. It's true. Sure, some people may stop and look, but they're not going to stare at you like you're a freak. I've seen a big difference in you, Edward. You've become a lot more confident lately, and it's hard to see you hurting like this."

"Do you know what was even scarier?" I practically whispered. "I was afraid my panic attack was going to cause a seizure. It's so hard not being in control. I hate it."

Emmett looked at me hesitantly as if he were afraid to say what was on his mind. He finally just said it. "Have you talked to anyone about this, like a shrink or somebody like that? I know you're taking something for depression, but maybe you need more."

"Emmett's right," Jasper agreed. "What about support groups? You know you can always talk to us, but it might be helpful to talk to someone who's been through the same things you have."

I felt myself getting teary eyed. "I'll think about it. I promise."

"Good," Emmett said. "Now get some rest. We'll be in the living room if you need us."

"Thanks for everything," I told them. "You guys are the best."

Emmett and Jasper left me, and I settled in for my nap. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

I was apparently more tired than I thought because it was almost midnight when I woke up. The room was in darkness, and Bella was asleep next to me. I sat up and tried to get my bearings.

"Edward, you OK?" Bella muttered sleepily.

"I'm good. Go back to s-sleep."

Bella sat up and turned on the bedside lamp. "I missed you today," she said.

"I missed you too," I replied. "It wasn't a very good day."

"I heard," Bella said, scooting over to put her arm around me. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I took a deep breath. "I don't know why I was so scared. I felt so v-vulnerable, so exposed. My heart s-started beating so fast. Then I thought I was going to have a seizure. I actually wanted to hide in the men's room. Why did this happen? I've been doing better. Emmett and Jasper even said I should talk to a professional or someone like that. I don't know, Bella. I just don't know."

Bella took my hands in hers. "You have to do what makes you feel comfortable. If you want to talk to someone, I'll support you completely. This is about you, Edward. I'm so proud of how far you've come, but I also know that you still have a long road ahead."

My Bella always knew how to make me feel better, and she wasn't just saying it. She truly meant it. I only hoped she realized how vital she was to my recovery.

Sunday was spent quietly at home with Bella. I just needed some time to recharge. As a result, I felt much better when I woke up Monday morning.

Tanya was on the phone at the front desk when I arrived at the rehab center. "Hey, Edward," she said, hanging up the phone. "How was your weekend?"

"Not too good," I replied glumly. Then I remembered what Jasper said about talking to someone who had been through the same things I had. "Tanya, can I talk to you?"

"Sure. Let's go somewhere quiet." Tanya led me into a small office, and we sat down across from each other. "What's wrong? You look like you just lost your puppy."

I told her all about the parking lot incident and my panic attack at the baseball game. She listened intently as I went on about my fears and insecurities. She never interrupted and just let me talk.

Tanya smiled weakly when I finished. "Unfortunately I can relate to everything you just said. I was just 18 when I had my accident. I was young, vain, and stupid. I went from being the pretty, popular cheerleader to an invalid. Once I was released from the hospital I just wanted to lock myself away in my room. My scar goes from ear to ear. There was no way I was going to let anyone see me with that while I was in a wheelchair. I was lucky, though, and so are you. We are both blessed with incredible families."

"I know my family loves me and supports me, but I wonder if it's enough," I said.

"It is enough," Tanya said. "My parents and my sisters held my hand, dried my tears, and loved me no matter what. They supported me every step of the way. I remember the first time I went to the mall after my accident. I was with my sisters, and I was still in my wheelchair. I was petrified. I just knew everyone was going to be making fun of me. Then I spotted a girl named Carmen who I had gone to high school with. She had been a cheerleader too. I knew she could be a bitch, and I nearly hyperventilated when I saw her. My older sister Irina realized how scared I was convinced me that I would be OK no matter what. She said that people who couldn't deal with my injuries were the ones who had problems. She was right, but I didn't have to worry. Carmen came up and talked to me like a normal person. She didn't treat me any differently. That's when I knew that I was going to be OK. I didn't really worry anymore about what people thought."

I looked at Tanya, surprised. "Really? That's all it took?"

"Yep. That was it," Tanya replied. "Once I knew this so-called bitchy girl could accept me, I was good. Besides, the people who were the most important to me were all fine with it. They would make sure I was OK."

"I feel like I've come so far," I said, "so why am I letting this bother me?"

"Focus on the positive, Edward. Focus on the good things. You can do this." Tanya's face was serious, and I knew she was right.

"I'll try," I promised.

"Good," Tanya said with a smile. "So, you and Bella are going to be at the wedding, aren't you?"

"Of course," I replied. "We wouldn't miss it."

I felt better after my talk with Tanya, so I decided to do something outside of my comfort zone. I called Renee and arranged a visit to her classroom for that coming Friday. I had really missed the kids, and I was anxious to see their reactions to me.

Friday came, and Esme picked me up from therapy to drop me off at the elementary school. She wanted to stay, but I assured her it wasn't necessary. Bella got out of school an hour before the little kids, so she was coming by to pick me up.

I was a nervous wreck, so I took a deep breath before I knocked on the door. Renee let me in, and I was totally unprepared for the reaction I got. Twenty kindergarteners were surrounding me, squealing happily. It was wonderful.

"Dr. Edward!" they called out.

"All right, children, let's have a seat so Dr. Edward can talk to us," Renee directed them. The kids sat on the rug they used for group time, and Renee had a chair for me.

"Thank you all so much for the great cards and pictures you sent me," I told them. "They made me feel so much better."

Mary Beth, a quiet, sweet girl, raised her hand first. "Mrs. Swan said you were really, really sick. She said you had to go to the hospital."

I nodded. "I had a boo boo inside my head that made me very sick. I couldn't talk when I first got sick, and I couldn't walk either."

The next student to raise her hand was Rachel. She was a bright little girl who liked to help me play the piano when I visited. "I had to get an operation to get my tonsils out. Did you have to get an operation to get your boo boo out?"

"I did have an operation," I told her. "The doctor had to take my boo boo out so I could get better."

Rachel wasn't finished. "Well if the boo boo was in your head, how did they get it out?"

I hesitated, but I answered her question. "The doctor had to cut my head open to get it out."

A few of the kids said "Ewww!" but I heard several of them say "Wow!" or "Cool!" I looked at Renee, and we both laughed.

Briggs, a very inquisitive little boy, had a question about my walker. "My grandpa had one of those when he hurt his knee. Did you hurt your knee too?"

"I did hurt my leg," I replied, trying to think of the best way to explain things. "I couldn't walk for a long time, and I had to use a wheelchair. Now my leg is getting better, so I can walk with this."

I answered a few more questions before reading a story to the kids. They didn't seem to notice or care that I stuttered a bit. After the story, Rachel had another question.

"Dr. Edward, can we play the piano now?" she asked eagerly.

I felt a lump in my throat, and I noticed Renee looking at me anxiously. I took a deep, calming breath before I answered her. "I can't play the piano. My hand isn't strong enough because of my boo boo."

"That's OK," Rachel replied. "You can play the piano when you're all better."

I smiled and wished I could be as positive and optimistic as these kids. They could have cared less about the way my stroke affected me. As I walked around and watched them complete an art activity, they interacted with me like they always did. I was having a wonderful time.

Bella arrived a short time later. She stood off to the side and laughed as I hung out with my little friends.

Dismissal time came all too soon. As Renee got the kids lined up, I received lots of hugs. One little girl in particular clung to me. She was a brown-eyed blonde named Bella. In fact, she had once told me that since my girlfriend's name was Bella, she wanted to be my girlfriend too. I even stitched her up once in the ER because she wouldn't let any of the other doctors near her.

"Bella sweetie, it's time to go," I told her.

"Are you going to come back and see us?" Little Bella asked, a serious look on her adorable face.

"I will try," I replied. "Some days I don't feel very good, so I don't know when I'll be able to come back."

Little Bella responded by throwing her arms around me. "I love you, Dr. Edward."

I leaned over and hugged her back. "I love you too. I will come back and see you as soon as I can."

Renee led the kids outside, and Bella came over and put her arm around me. "Was that little girl trying to steal my man?" she teased. We laughed, but Bella suddenly became serious. "You looked so happy and so at ease with those kids. It was great."

"It was amazing. They were curious, but they really didn't care that I was different," I said. "I guess I really needed this. I'm glad I came here today."

I was feeling quite confident after that, and I continued to feel that way until we were on our way to Jake and Tanya's wedding Saturday evening.

"Edward, calm down," Bella said as she drove to the church. "It's going to be fine."

I didn't know why I was nervous. My parents would be there along with colleagues from the hospital. They were all people I felt comfortable being with.

We arrived at the church, and Bella came around the car to give me my walker. "You look very handsome," she said.

I laughed. I had lost so much weight since my stroke that none of my suits fit anymore. Emmett had taken me shopping for a new suit during the week, which had been quite an adventure.

"And you look beautiful as always," I said, kissing her cheek.

We walked toward the church, but I stopped at the door. "I just need a minute," I said quietly to Bella.

Bella rubbed my back soothingly. "It's OK. Take a deep breath."

I calmed myself, and Bella and I entered the church. I saw several familiar faces, and I immediately felt at ease. My mother spotted us and gave a small wave. She and my father were seated in the middle of the congregation and had saved us a spot.

The wedding was beautiful. It was funny to see big, strong Jake so nervous, but the love in his eyes was obvious. He and Tanya were pronounced husband and wife, and everyone cheered. Soon the ceremony was over, and we were on our way to the reception.

I wasn't as nervous about the reception. Carlisle and Esme got there before us and had already saved us a table. The bridal party arrived soon after. Once the pictures and toasts were out of the way, the party began. We congratulated Jake and Tanya, and Jake insisted on introducing us to his father.

"Edward, Bella, this is my dad Billy Black," Jake said. "Dad, this is Dr. Edward Cullen and his fiancée Bella Swan."

Billy smiled at us warmly as we each shook his hand. I was surprised, however, to see that he was wheelchair bound.

"Ah, so this is your star patient," Billy chuckled. "It's nice to finally meet you."

I laughed. "I don't know if I'd call myself that. It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Black."

"Please, it's Billy. Mr. Black is my father," he replied. "And don't underestimate yourself. Both Jake and Tanya have told me what a fighter you are. Keep that positive attitude. Some days it may be the only thing working in your favor."

It was obvious that Billy had a positive attitude. He spent most of the night on the dance floor despite the fact he was in a wheelchair. He always seemed to be smiling or laughing, and it was definitely genuine. If this man could be so happy, why couldn't I be?

Unfortunately, I tired out, so Bella and I left early. It was only 9:30 when we got home. I was tired, but I wasn't necessarily sleepy.

"That was a great wedding," Bella said as we changed clothes. "I hope ours is just as nice," she added, taking off her dress.

"It will be because you'll be the most beautiful bride ever," I replied, kissing her as I took off my shirt. Our kiss became more passionate, and I knew exactly what I wanted.

I slid my hands down Bella's back and unhooked her bra. I then slid the straps off her shoulders and watched as it fell to the ground. I continued to kiss her, but my hands stayed on her breasts giving them plenty of attention. Bella arched her back into me, and her soft breasts felt wonderful against my bare chest. The feeling sent electric sparks through my body. I wanted more of her, but I couldn't do it standing up. Somehow I dragged us to the bed and settled myself between her legs. Bella's moans of pleasure made me rock hard, and I wanted her even more.

Usually Bella took the lead when we made love after the stroke because it was hard for me to do so physically. Not tonight though. I was in charge. I removed her panties and lowered my head between her legs. "God, Bella, you're already wet for me." I took my time kissing, licking, and nipping.

Bella was writhing underneath me. "Edward, please," she panted.

"Please what?" I asked her, even though I knew exactly what she wanted.

"I need you," she said.

I sat up and began taking my pants off. I was going too fast, though, and my left hand didn't want to cooperate.

"Arrrgh!" I growled as I tried to undress.

Bella let out a small giggle, and I had to laugh as well. Thankfully she helped me get naked very quickly.

Finally I was on top of my beautiful Bella, ready to be inside of her. "Edward," she said, "are you OK with this? Are you OK with being on top?"

I showed her how OK I was by entering her in one quick motion, which caused her to gasp. I soon found my rhythm as I kissed Bella everywhere I could, down her neck, her collarbone, her breasts. I told her over and over how much I loved her. My efforts were rewarded with lots of moaning on Bella's part.

"Come on, Bella, s-scream my name," I urged her. I could definitely feel her desire, but I wanted to hear it as well. For the first time since my stroke, I was in control. I was the one giving her pleasure. I needed to hear how it made her feel.

"Edward," she whimpered.

"I c-can't hold on much longer," I said. "Come on, Bella. Come with me."

Bella's walls clenched around me, and she screamed out in pleasure. That was all I needed to send me over the edge. I could barely hold myself up as I rode out my orgasm. I screamed out as well. I couldn't believe how great it felt to pull Bella's body to mine, to be in control of our love making.

I was absolutely exhausted as I pulled out of Bella and lay down next to her. I was so tired, and my left leg hurt, but it was all worth it.

"Are you all right?" Bella asked me as I tried to get comfortable.

I nodded. "I'm fine. My leg hurts, but I'll be OK."

"Let me get you something," Bella said, but I stopped her before she could get up.

"Don't you dare get out of this bed," I told her. "The only thing that will make me feel better is you lying next to me. I love you, Bella."

"I love you too," she replied. "You're amazing. Now get some sleep," she added, kissing me sweetly on the lips.

I pulled Bella close to me and inhaled her sweet scent. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about what had just happened. I had been able to make love to Bella like a real man. I had my ups and downs over the last few months, and now I finally felt like things were up and staying up. I felt good. I felt whole. I felt like the luckiest man in the world.