A/N= THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR STICKING WITH ME! I do promise that their will not be anymore long delays like this one. RL is better and I am off for the summer before I start teaching again. So I should be able to update more!

For those of you that are receiving this chapter. It is chapter 12 and I erased my last authors note, so please review. If you were one of the 9 that reviewed on the authors note it will tell you that you have already submitted a review. Please feel free to IM me or review on another chapter. I love hearing from you.

Thank you to my FF friends Jessica and Amanda. Both of you are so encouraging and you make me smile and I am amazed that I have actually fooled you into thinking that I can write! LOL

Clarisa- thanks for everything you do. You have a way of smoothing out the rough edges and I appreciate you more than you can know.

My favorite stories that I am reading are

Bella and the Millionaire- by Nashstheroy and The Surrogate by Shwriteme and my newest love is The Training School series by Thespoiltone- check them out!

Without further delay, I give you the real chapter 12. Please don't beat me... I'm all about fluffy goodness and romance, but this chapter is necessary!

From the Heart

Edward grabbed the bags out of the car and followed Bella towards the house. She turned as they climb the steps to the porch and he caught a glimpse of the smile that drove him wild. Her hair was flowing over her shoulders and her curls danced with the movement of her body. She was stunning. He felt his heart skip a beat and a chill ran through him causing him to shudder. He chuckled to himself and still seemed amazed by the effect that Bella had on every part of him. He found it hard to believe that just her smile could evoke such pleasure, but it seemed that Bella was the equivalent of pleasure for him in every way.

They had spent the last few days in their own bubble in Seattle, and now Edward had to prepare himself to share her again. They had made love countless times, never tiring of touching and kissing, but now they were returning to Forks, and their alone time would be cut in half. Bella and Edward had decided to skip breakfast and leave for Seattle before everyone else. Renee was riding home with Esme and the family so they would have some time alone. They had less than an hour before the house would be filled with chaos so time was of the essence. They rushed into the house and up the stairs. Bella pushed the door to her bedroom open, dropped her purse and turned toward Edward as he shut the door. She heard the lock on the door click and she giggled loudly. Edward faced her, smirked and slowly walked closer. She backed away from him as he methodically made his way to her as if he were an animal stalking his prey. Bella continued backwards, never taking her eyes off of him, giving him that sultry look that had too many times been his undoing. She stopped abruptly as her legs hit the bed. A smirk crossed Edward's face as he pounced on her, sending her backwards on the bed in a fit of giggles.

"You have got some moves there, Dr. MMMM, but I think we better get this party started before we're interrupted," Bella whispered before capturing his lips with her own.

He wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the day worshiping her body. Edward moaned against her lips. He didn't like the idea of feeling rushed, but he needed her now. He loved every minute of their time alone and he wondered how he would make it a day without her once they got home and returned to their normal routine.

Edward leaned up on his arms and he took a long look at the woman that consumed his every thought. She smiled as she started to unbutton his shirt. His hands traveled up her torso removing her dress as fingers grazed lightly over her clothed breasts. After admiring her beautiful form he laced his fingers in the waistband of her panties and removed them. Her breathing sped up at his touch and she closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation of his talented fingers on her body.

"Baby, I want you," she moaned as she pulled off her shirt and then tugged at Edward's belt. He quickly removed the offending items and their bodies become one. There was an all-consuming need that just seemed to grow stronger with every thrust, every touch.

Their bodies moved in rhythm, creating the friction that they both sought.

"I love you Isabella, never leave me… Please," Edward cried out. His words sent her over the edge and he followed soon after, enjoying the ecstasy that only they could feel together.

"I hope it is always like this," Bella murmuredsoftly as she tried to regulate her breaths.

Edward chuckled. "Bella, every time we're together it gets better and better. It couldn't be anything but amazing between us."

They stayed wrapped up together and then cuddled until they heard the sound of cars pulling up in the driveway. They dressed quickly and begrudgingly made their way down the stairs, hand in hand.

"What were you two doing?" Renee teased, smoothing Bella's hair as she walked into the kitchen.

Charlie coughed loudly, abruptly ending Bella's rebuttal. Her mother smirked at her, knowing that she got the last word. Bella rolled her eyes asEdward laughed.

"So we have today and tomorrow to finish the details for the party." Bella rolled her eyes again at Renee. She was tired of hearing about the party and Bella knew that her attitude was quickly getting on her mother's nerves.

"Bella… what is your problem? I'm going out of my way to make sure that you have a wonderful party to celebrate your engagement and all I get is dirty looks and that disgusting eye roll. Frankly, I'm tired of it. So why don't you just tell me what's going on?" Renee snapped.

Bella instantly regretted her behavior. Edward came up behind Bella and she felt his hand on her lower back as he leaned in to kiss her head.

"I'll be in the living room with Charlie; play nice," he whispered before leaving her alone with her mother.

Bella kept her head down in shame. Her mother didn't deserve any of her drama and she felt horrible for being ungrateful. Renee waited for her reply, but her face softened as she saw remorse in Bella's eyes.

"I'm sorry, Mom; I know that you and Esme have done an amazing job of putting our engagement party together and I really do appreciate you. I just hate being the center of attention. I know you're excited and proud, but Mom, why do we have to have a party where people that don't even know us will just be congratulating us and eating a free dinner? I just feel like it's a waste of money," Bella replied in exasperation.

"Bella… I just want to show you off. I'm happy for you, Baby… I'm sorry if you hate this. You could have told me," Renee said sadly.

Bella giggled as she looked at her mother's sad eyes.

"Like that would have stopped you," she teased. Renee smiled and then joined her in the laughter, essentially admitting that Bella's statement was correct.

Bella had to laugh at her mother. She just wanted to see her happy and be a part of her life. Bella understood that and it was unfair of her to take the frustration of her situation out on Renee.

"That's true, but honey, can you just humor an old woman? I mean, romance hasn't been present in this house since the Reagan administration. Can you just allow me this one party?"

Bella wrapped her mother in a tight hug.

"I love you, Mom… I'm sorry that I was being difficult. I promise that I will have a wonderful time at your party," she said, kissing her mother's cheek.

"It's your party, dear," Renee replied as she fluttered out of the kitchen.

Bella sat at the table and let out a low moan. She knew that her mother's greatest joy was her getting married and starting a family, and she couldn't help wanting to give that to her, but she knew the truth. Bella let the guilt roll over her as she once again went over her predicament. She was truly torn by her feelings about the engagement. In one way, she loved pretending that they were engaged. She loved Edward and she knew that she wanted him forever, but they were still too new to make the kind of commitment that was required in a real engagement. She paused as she contemplated how she had gotten to this point. She frowned as she realized that if the mall incident had not happened, then she might not have gotten as close to Edward. That thought sent a painful stab to her heart. She couldn't imagine her life without him and it seemed that with every passing minute, she fell further in love with Edward. She also knew that she most likely would have never met the wonderful people that she now considered friends… no, she felt more than friendship--she felt a part of their family. She belonged with them. Edward's family had woven themselves into her heart, and she felt blessed to even know them.

She took another deep sigh.

She wished that she could just relax and just go with the flow, but it was the lies that taunted her happiness. She felt like she and Edward had built a house of cards and she wondered when a gust of wind would come and knock it all down. She had always considered herself an honest person, but she was deceiving so many people. She couldn't possibly feel good about this party. She didn't feel good about the deception. She took another cleansing breath and she settled down, knowing that she needed to finish what she started for her mother and for Edward. She felt torn. No matter how everything played out, she just had a sinking feeling that, good or bad, the outcome would affect a lot of people. She said a silent prayer that maybe, just maybe, she would have a happy ending where no one would get hurt. The problem was, she had no clue how she could pull off that scenario.

The next two days flew by with details of flowers, food, RSVPs and music selections. Bella was grateful that she didn't have to do too much. Esme and Renee were in their glory, ensuring that everything would be spectacular.

Alice and Rose hired a professional hairdresser and makeup artist to spend New Year's Eve day beautifying everyone. Alice had helped Bella dress so that she wouldn't mess up her hair. Bella felt elegant and sexy when they had finally finished. She couldn't wait to see Edward's reaction to her look. She had never felt so pretty.

Edward, Emmett, Jasper and Carlisle got ready at the hotel. They were waiting for the limo in the lobby when Emmett noticed the worry on Edward's face.

"Are you chickening out, little bro? You look like you're heading to another day at the spa," Emmett chuckled.

"No, I'm not chickening out; I just want everything to go well for Bella tonight. She was a little stressed earlier."

"Don't sweat it, bro; chicks love this stuff," Emmett replied, dismissing his worries. Edward knew that he couldn't understand the misgivings that Bella was going through. He was the only one that understood. He knew that Bella couldn't talk to anyone else but him about their situation, so he needed to keep her close and calm tonight. As Edward thought back to the last two weeks, he realized that his life had changed in so many ways. He never imagined that he could feel so much for one person and so quickly. He had always imagined that falling in love would be a slow and progressive feeling, not the intense rush of adrenaline and excitement that he was currently feeling. Bella was all of that for him, and he wondered if this was the way love really happened. His thoughts raced to his parents and he smiled as he remembered the story of how they fell in love. They had met on Spring Break their senior year of college. Carlisle still had four years of med school ahead of him when he first saw Esme. His father had told him that the second that they touched, he knew he would never let her go. They were married later that summer. His parents were the perfect examples of lasting love. Edward let out a deep breath as the limo pulled up in front of the hotel. He knew that what he felt for Bella was just as strong as what his parents had described, and he felt a peace overcome him as he realized that he really did have a chance at being as happy as they were.

They pulled up in front of Bella's house just before 7 pm. Edward practically ran to the door in anticipation of seeing Bella in her dress. He buttoned his tuxedo jacket before he pushed open the front door. There she was, at the bottom of the stairs looking like she belonged on the big screen with her hair pulled up, exposing her creamy neck. Edward felt his heartbeat pick up at the sight of his beautiful Bella. She twirled around and smiled as Edward admired her.

"You are breathtaking, Bella," he whispered into her ear as he pulled her closer for a warm embrace.

A soft pink color flooded Bella's cheeks as she kissed him gentlybefore Edward slipped her coat on over her dress.

"You are pretty sexy in a tux, Doctor. I think we may have to make an appearance and then hurry home," Bella teased in an urgentwhisper.

Edward threw his head back in a hearty chuckle.

"You aren't getting out of this that easily. Nice try though!" he teased.

The family piled into the limousine and they headed to the club. Charlie was the first out of the car, obviously embarrassed to be driven around in such a fancy manner. He was just a beer-and-pizza kind of guy, so nothing about the evening would be easy for him. Bella smiled at her father as he held out his hand, and once it was secure in his, he gracefully led her out of the car.

"In case I haven't mentioned it, Bells, you look beautiful. Will you save your old man a dance tonight?"

Bella felt her eyes water as she bit back her tears.

"I can't wait, Dad." she whispered.

Edward joined her and he softly slid his hand into hers, intertwining their fingers. He ran his thumb over hers in a circular motion, soothing her fears. It was like he could feel her apprehension and he knew just what to do. Bella looked over at Edward before they made their way into the club. His bright green eyes stared at her, communicating with her, letting her know that she was safe. It was as if she could hear his voice telling her that everything would be alright and he would be right by her side.

Bella took a deep breath in and out and her nerves eased slightly as Edward continued to soothe her with his ministrations.

After they checked their coats, they were lead to a beautiful table that was big enough to accommodate both families. Bella relaxed as they enjoyed the meal and the banter that took place. She felt at ease and content with Edward at her side. Bella smiled as some of the guests stopped by their table to extend their congratulations. She tried to push back the thoughts of the party and the deception as she made an effort to enjoy everyone around her.

Bella felt a little uneasy as Renee made her way to where the band was playing. She looked around the room at all the guests that were present. She only hoped that Renee wouldn't embarrass her in front of the entire town.

Renee stood beaming in front of the microphone and Edward felt Bella tense up. He increased the pressure of his hands on her waist and pulled her closer. He wanted her to know that they were in this together.

Renee smiled happily as she started to speak.

"There are many things that a mother wants for her child, but honestly, I couldn't have hand-picked a better man than the one my Bella chose. I loved him the moment I met him and he has brought so much to my daughter's life. Edward, I want to welcome you to our family and I am so excited to see what my future grandkids are going to look like. Thank you for making my little girl happy! So let's toast to the newly engaged couple… Bella and Edward!" She raised her glass and the sound of clinking glass could be heard all around the room. Bella let out a sign of relief. Edward tilted his glass towards Bella, never taking his eyes off of her.

"I love you," he whispered before placing a sweet kiss on her lips.

"I love you too, Edward." He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

"See, that wasn't so bad." He grinned.

"No… it was perfect. Thanks so much for being here for me. I'm sorry if I've stressed you out the last few days."

Edward smiled against her lips as he peppered sweet kissesall over her mouth.

"No apologies! Would you like to dance, Isabella?" he asked seductively.

Bella nodded and he led her out to the middle of the moved her across the dance floor as if she were light as a feather. She felt graceful and pretty and so in love. A few minutes later, Charlie came up to Edward and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Son, may I cut in and dance with your beautiful lady?"

Edward smiled and placed Bella's hand into Charlie's.

"Absolutely, sir!" Edward smiled as he walked off the dance floor.

Charlie held his daughter close and Bella felt like a little girl again, dancing with her father. She looked at her dad and she saw the love in his eyes.

"Bells, you know I'm not big on words, but I need to tell you how happy I am for you. You have yourself a good man there, and I can see how happy he makes you. You will always be my baby girl, but I feel good knowing that you have someone to look after you, someone to love you. I know that you'll put everything into this marriage, because you don't do anything halfway, so I want you to know that you have my blessing."

Bella's eyes welled up in tears and she let the tears flow as her dad held her close. She was so happy in that moment with her dad. She loved him so much and always wanted to please him. Her heart sank deep in her chest when she remembered the lie. She couldn't handle it if Charlie were to find out the truth. A sob escaped her throat at the thought. Charlie held her close but stiffened at the sound of her cries. He pulled away from her slightly, as he wiped her tears with his hand. He smiled brightly at his daughter. "Hey Bells, let's not tell Edward about our conversation just yet. I'm having too much fun watching him squirm," Charlie finished with a laugh. Bella's own laughter rang out, officially ending the emotional moment. Bella hugged her father close and kissed his cheek.

"I promise, Daddy! Your secret is safe with me." She giggled and they finished her dance. Bella looked around for Edward. She knew that he wouldn't be far. She knew that he was keeping a close eye on her tonight because he knew how emotional she was. She hated that this lie had consumed them, and she knew that he was right beside her, making things easier. She found him across the room, being occupied by his brother and sister-in-law. She could hear their laughter and she smiled, not wanting to disturb him. Bella decided to get some fresh air and she went out on the veranda. The small man-made lake that surrounded the country club reflected the moon beautifully. Her body felt a chill run through her as the wind picked up for a second. She glanced at her watch and saw it was almost eleven. She smiled as she realized that in a little over an hour she would be in Edward's arms.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Esme came out and gave her a comforting smile.

"How are you holding up, Bella?" she asked sweetly, placing a loving arm around her.

"I'm great. The party is wonderful and I just wanted to thank you again for all that you've done to make it happen," Bella gushed.

"Don't be silly, dear; this is what we do with family." Esme cleared her throat softly before speaking again.

"It is I who should be thanking you, honey." Bella's eyes shifted to meet hers, slightly confused.

"Edward has always been the loner in our family. I mean, he loves us fiercely. Don't get me wrong; there's no hidden drama there. It's just that he's always been the one that was okay being alone. Seeing him right now, Bella, I know that he was just missing something or in this case someone. I've never seen him so happy. You make him happy, Bella." Esme sniffled, obviously trying to rein in her emotions. Bella lightly placed her small hand on Esme's arm to offer her comfort, as she felt the emotions in her own heart fill it to capacity.

"Edward was always the one I worried about. He's always been sensitive but logical. He's graceful yet cautious. With you, though,it seems that he has found his wings, because his feet are no longer touching the ground. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you for bringing that out in him. I know without a doubt that you will be together forever."

Bella's own tears spilled over as Esme pulled her close in an embrace. Bella held her and cried with her. Esme's tears were filled with joy as Bella's tears were filled with guilt. She wanted Esme to be right, but she honestly couldn't say that she and Edward would be together forever. She wanted that, more than she wanted to take her next breath, but she didn't know, because they had only been together less than two weeks. Esme pulled back and handed Bella a tissue. They giggled together as they lightly blotted their faces.

"I have something for you…but first I want to share something that Edward might not have told you. You see, Edward was very close to my mother when he was younger. She was the one who taught him how to play the piano. He spent hours with her and she had a special place in her heart for him alone. She used to say that Edward was an old soul, and she was right, because as much joy as he brought to her, he loved her just as much and enjoyed spending time with her. He was devastated when she died. He said it felt like he would never see his best friend again. Always sensitive and loyal… that's my Edward," she stated proudly.

Bella listened intently, wanting to soak up any information she could on the man she loved. She smiled as she pictured Edward sitting on a piano bench listening to stories and playing his heart out. She wished she could have met her.

"She left me this necklace, Bella, but as soon as I met you, I realized that she would want you to have it. She would have loved you… like we do. I have a daughter and daughter-in-law that I love with all my heart, but in just a few days, Bella, I believe that we have all fallen in love with you."

Bella shook her head in disbelief as she saw the love and gratitude in Esme's eyes and she was overcome with guilt. Esme reached around her neck and place the necklace on, securing the clasp.

"It is lovely, Esme, but I don't feel worthy enough to accept it. I can't…" she whispered, trying to maintain some semblance of control over her emotions.

"Nonsense, this necklace has finally found its home. It looks lovely on you, Bella, just as I knew it would."

"Thank you so much," Bella finally choked out. Esme smiled brightly and they hugged once more before walking back into the building. Esme squeezed her hand one last time before running off to check on some last minute details.

Bella let out the breath she had been holding and was sickened by the events. She had just had an emotional moment with a woman that she had grown very fond of and it was all fake; none of it was real and it broke her heart. Panic welled in her chest as her eyes scanned the room. She needed to talk to Edward. She couldn't lie anymore. She needed to feel relief from the pain in her heart at her deceit.

She finally found him and she almost ran to him. He turned around and saw her, panic set in his beautiful green eyes. He tried to calm her down with just a look, but she wasn't seeing him; her eyes were closed with fear and when he finally reached her, she fell into his arms. They were standing too close to the band and he couldn't hear her sobs, but he could feel them with every movement. He needed to get her out of there and fast. His eyes searched the room for the nearest exit. He knew that they needed to talk; she was hurting. He knew the lie was killing her spirit and his heart broke.

"Bella… it's going to be okay, I promise, love," Edward whispered in her ear. Bella looked at him with fury and sadness in her eyes.

.

"No, Edward, it's not going to be okay…. Nothing is okay. Don't you see it's over?" she shouted.

Bella froze as her voice rang out loudly just as the music had stopped a second after she started screaming. Bella was mortified as the sudden silence of the room and the large crowd that was now staring at her. She felt dizzy and her first thought was to let the darkness come, but instead she bolted from the room.

Edward stood frozen for a moment, unable to move. He could hear whispers around the room and he wished the band would start playing again. His wish was granted just seconds later and his feet were finally able to move. He saw Bella running out the door, followed by Esme, Alice and Rose. He started to move faster but felt resistance on his shoulders. Emmett had a hold of him and didn't let go.

"Dude, let the girls handle this; you need to give her some space." Edward covered his face with his hands.

"No, she needs me… She needs me!" he shouted.

"Come on, bro; let's go back to the hotel… you can stay with us tonight. Things will look different in the morning," Emmett explained.

"Damn it, Emmett, let me go. I need to talk to her. I know she needs me! Now let me go before I kick your ass!" Edward yelled.

Jasper walked slowly to him and put his hands on his arms, calming him.

"Let's not cause any more drama tonight. These people don't need to know everything. Let us take you back with us, Edward, and we'll call the girls and find out what's going on and we'll bring you back. I promise, man."

Edward felt defeated and sad. He longed to be holding Bella. He knew that he shouldn't have left her alone. He felt horrible for making her go along with the party, all because he was embarrassed to tell his family that he was an escort. He felt sick to his stomach. He just wanted to go to her, talk to her. His family wouldn't understand. He knew what Bella had meant when she said it was over. He knew that she didn't mean that they were over like his family thought. He knew that she had just meant that the gig was up, that she was no longer going to lie. She was saying the lie was over. There was no way that he could explain that to his family. He needed to find a way to get to her. He needed to be there for her like he promised. Edward's heart broke as part of him wondered if she could have possibly meant that they were over. He didn't believe that was what she meant but just the thought made the panic rise in his chest. He needed to find her and hold her and then everything would be alright. It just had to be, he thought.

A/N= Review, Review, Review- I'm dying to know what you are thinking?