Summary: Bella is a struggling English teacher. An almost-accident lands her in the arms of prince charming. Modern day times and a fairytale type of romance-or is it? AH/M.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. Stephenie Meyer and Summit own the right. I just play around with the characters.

A/N: I'm not in class, but I've got work. There's a lot of stuff going on in this chapter, so read slowly, please.

I'd also like to thank Angelz1114577 and AnthroBug from PTB for beta'ing this. Things are about to get a little interesting. ;)

Dreams Come True

BPOV

Chapter 13

Esme and Carlisle loved my idea of having a family dinner. I could tell they were impressed by my vindictiveness. Truthfully, I was using the family dinner as a way to get to Alice and Rosalie, letting them know that they could not mess with me. I was not going to take their crap anymore; enough was enough. Now, I didn't expect them to support Edward and me, but I hoped they'd accept the fact that Edward and I were going to be married. That was it.

"I'm speechless."

I smirked at Edward. He knew about my dinner plans and he didn't object. He had actually helped me, but he hadn't known my true motive until recently. Now that he knew why I was throwing a family dinner, he got worried.

"I'm impressed. Who knew it'd take dinner with your family to make you speechless," I said, laughing to myself.

"Are you sure this is what you want to do?" he asked worriedly.

"Yes. They need to know that they can't mess with me anymore. I'm not into playing petty games, Edward. It's too hard, and I have better things to do, like plan our wedding," I replied firmly.

Edward and I joined our families in the palace dining room. I was happy to see everyone there. Alice and Rosalie were there, looking disgruntled and shocked.

Once everyone was seated, I took the opportunity to thank them all for coming. "I just wanted to thank Carlisle and Esme for their supreme hospitality toward me and my family. Volterra is extremely beautiful, and I cannot wait to really see it all." I looked around the table and smiled broadly when I saw Alice's and Rosalie's with questioning looks. "I'd also like to thank my new family for accepting me so graciously. You've showed me your kindness in unspeakable ways." I raised my wine glass and toasted to Alice and Rosalie, giving them a look that said, "Take that, bitches."

Alice and Rosalie smiled, but they were forced. Rosalie tipped her head toward me, acknowledging my words. Alice, on the other hand, mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." But I didn't buy it one bit. They knew that I was done with them. I didn't give a damn about impressing or being close to them. Like Edward had said, "Screw them."

Dinner was a lot better than the first one I had had here. This time, everyone seemed to get along. Alice and Rosalie were civil, which was a nice change. My guard was still up, though. Edward announced to the family that we would only be having one big reception instead of an after-morning-brunch, as was the family tradition.

"Why?" asked Emmett.

Edward glanced at me and tried not to smirk. "I'd rather have my own after-morning-brunch with my wife."

I smacked him on the arm for being crude at the dinner table. Okay, he wasn't really crude, but still.

Carlisle chuckled quietly, giving Edward an amused look. "You'll have to convince your mother on that."

Esme held up her hand and sighed. "I can see why you'd rather spend time together. A dinner reception to be held here after the ceremony is all you will get then."

Edward thanked her, and then went on to talk about more pressing matters, like the big racing event they were having. Apparently my honeymoon would be shortened because Edward had royal duties to attend to. I didn't mind, though. I thought a week-long honeymoon was good.

Overall, dinner went well; much better than I could have imagined. When it was time to leave, Edward helped my parents while I said my goodbyes. Emmett gave me a big hug, chuckling and telling me that I would fit in well with his family.

"You're going to be my clever little sister-in-law," he said, smiling.

I flashed him a devious smile and thanked him. Jasper was impassive, but I could tell I had gotten to him, too. A tiny smile crept at the corner of his mouth, letting me know that just maybe he didn't mind me either.

That night, after I had said goodnight to my parents, Edward and I stayed up for a while. I took him outside to the balcony of my suite, and we shared some more wine and conversation. Ever since that meeting with Heidi, Edward had been a little more forthcoming with his past. He told me that he had seriously considered marriage with Heidi, and that if she hadn't betrayed him, they probably would have ended up married.

"What did she do to betray you?" I asked. I had wanted to ask the question many times, but I always hesitated, thinking it was better to let him tell me rather than to pry. However, my patience was limited. I really wanted to know.

Edward poured himself another glass of red wine before answering. "Bella, what I'm about to tell you is private. No one apart from my family members, Bree, and Jacob know what happened between me and Heidi."

"You make me feel bad for asking," I mumbled, feeling insecure.

"You need to know," he said, sighing. "Heidi is a member of a group of radicals that call themselves the Volturi. This group has existed since my country's separation from Italy. Heidi was a spy for them, and was supposed to get close to me and feed them information to overtake us, I guess. Just when I was thinking of going ring shopping, Jacob intercepted a call she made to her uncle. Jacob was keeping a close eye on her, and he bugged her without telling me, so he overheard her conversation and told me. After I heard it, I confronted her. She neither denied nor confirmed my accusations. I knew she had used me, and to retaliate, I went to one of the Volturi's hideouts and got myself into a fight."

That news was devastating to hear. I had no idea, and it made sad to think that he was betrayed so brutally. No wonder he had had Bree and Jacob do a background check on me. He had trust issues to a certain extreme.

"I'm sorry," I said.

He gave me a sardonic smile. "Don't be. It was my own fault. I fell for her lies."

"You don't believe in love anymore, do you?" I asked.

"I wasn't in love with her, Bella. You're right, though; after all that, I didn't believe in love, but I'm beginning to think it could happen," he replied, glancing at me.

I blushed. He was talking about me.

"More wine?"

I shook my head. "I'm done for the night, thanks."

"More for me," he said, grinning.

I sat back and closed my eyes. The dinner was a good idea, but it had drained me. Actually, the entire royal wedding thing was draining me. It was taking so much energy and time. Lately I had been asking myself if all of this was worth it. I'd been through so much; here was being jobless in America worse than this or not?

I opened my eyes and looked at Edward. He had finished his wine and was looking out toward the ocean. He was beyond attractive, and underneath the secrets and lies, I knew he was a good person.

No, I thought to myself. Being here with him was so much better than anything else. Sure, he's lied and has kept things from me, but we could go past this.

"I'm sorry for everything that I did to make you sad," he said, breaking our silence. "I didn't want to hurt you."

I bit my lip and nodded in understanding. "I believe you, but I'm still mad at you."

"I am willing to gain your trust, Bella. I want this to work just as much as you, and I promise to include you in everything."

"I need a break from the wedding planning," I said. "Can you help me out there?"

"I know just the thing to take your mind off things," he said, smiling. "I'll be here bright and early tomorrow to pick you up for another surprise."

"I've never really liked surprises."

"You like my surprises," he stated cockily. With that, he got up to leave. He bent down to kiss my lips, but I turned my head, so he caught my cheek instead. I'd been denying him kisses. That was my own personal punishment for what he had done. He didn't like it.

"Goodnight, Isabella."

"Goodnight, Edward."

The following morning, I woke up to find my parents having breakfast out on the balcony. They were dressed and ready to go.

"Where are you guys going?" I asked as I helped myself to some espresso.

"The queen and I are spending the day together running errands around town for the wedding,'' Mom said.

"Carlisle and Emmett are taking me around the military base. Later on, Emmett's taking me to his training facility," Dad replied.

"Wow, you guys are busy."

"So are you," Mom said, smiling. "Edward called. He's on his way over here."

I thanked her for telling me, and then sat down to eat. Shortly after I started eating, my parents left. They breezed out the door, greeting Edward enthusiastically. I smiled as I heard him approach.

"Good morning, mia bella," he said, kissing the top of my ugly bed head.

"Morning," I replied.

Edward waited patiently for me to finish and get ready for the day. When I asked him what he was going to do with me today, he just smiled and said that he wouldn't ruin the surprise by telling me.

"I need to know what we're going to be doing, so I can dress appropriately," I said, trying to get him to tell me.

"Nice try," he said, smirking. "Wear a dress please, nice but not formal."

I huffed as I got up to get ready.

An hour later, I found myself in front of a building. I frowned as I looked from the building to Edward and back to the building.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"This is Volterra's community after school facility. This place is for underprivileged children to get help in their studies," he explained. He took a hold of my hand and squeezed. "I thought that with you being a teacher and all…that you'd maybe liked to help out here."

If it was possible, my heart swelled with a little admiration for him. This was touching and completely surprising.

"I'd love to," I said. I threw my arms around him and gave him a big hug.

This was the first thing he'd given me that I really loved. An opportunity to teach again was fantastic, and it didn't matter that I wasn't being paid. The way I saw it, I was more than okay in the financial department, what with being engaged to the crown prince of Volterra.

He wrapped his arms around the small of my back and lifted me a little off my feet. "I know it's not what you're used to in the States, but you really wouldn't have the time to teach here that much because of our royal duties," he said. He sounded worried, like he thought I was going to object to my new royal duties and beg him to let me teach English instead.

I looked up at him and gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm sure I'll be able to teach here and there, but I know my place is with you."

He breathed a sigh of relief before kissing me on my forehead.

"Shall we go inside and get acquainted with everyone?"

"Yes, please!" I exclaimed. I clapped my hands, feeling very happy.

He was right. I did like his surprises.

Edward led me inside the building, where I met with the people in charge. Everyone seemed to know who I was, and they were so courteous and respectful. I actually felt intimidated by their manners because really, no one had shown me such respect before. It was strange, but I knew I'd have to get used to it.

We spent a couple of hours there, touring the place and meeting many of the volunteers and staff. By the end of our visit, I was set to come back to help out. I couldn't wait to work with the children. Learning and school had always been fun for me, I loved it. As a teacher, I loved to promote literacy and the love for learning.

"Are you happy?" Edward asked as we made our way back to the car.

"Yes, I am. Thank you," I replied. I leaned up and gave him a kiss on his cheek, making him smile broadly. He pulled me against his side and kissed the top of my head.

"I'm glad you're happy."

It didn't go unnoticed that he was trying to make amends for what he had done. Besides apologizing profusely, he tried to show through his actions just how contrite he felt. I appreciated his efforts, and I believed he was sorry, but I wanted him to understand that I wouldn't forgive him easily. I wasn't thinking about holding a grudge, but I wanted him to know that things were going to be different with me. Edward would learn what it meant to trust someone, and he'd learn a thing or two about patience.

Our next stop was the racetrack he'd be racing on. Edward explained to me that he raced for fun, but I had a sinking suspicion that he was competitive. I doubted that he liked losing.

Edward showed me around the racetrack, explaining that he would need to do a test run very soon. Apparently, his car had undergone some repairs. I didn't even want to think of the damages he had done to the car. Thinking about him crashing only made me feel scared.

"What's the matter?" he asked as we walked toward his pit crew.

I sighed. I didn't want to tell him that I feared for his safety. He'd told me before that he had crashed, and that it was no big deal.

"Nothing," I lied.

"Isabella," he said. "Please tell me."

Well, since he said please.

"You crashed."

He looked at me perplexedly. "Excuse me?"

"You said your car just got repaired. That means that you crashed it."

"Yes," he replied. "I got into an accident at my last race." He gave no further explanation. I wanted to ask him how it had happened, but I could tell he didn't want to talk about it. I'd get him to tell me eventually, though.

After talking with his crew and saying our goodbyes, Edward took me back to his beach house.

"I think I need to explain some things," he said as he handed me a glass of sparkling wine. "Bella, your life is changing drastically and at a very rapid pace. When you marry me, you will inherit the title of princess and you will be regarded as royalty by my people." He went on to explain that my role as his wife and future queen would be demanding, but very fulfilling. I would be a political figurehead, an example to the people of Volterra. My main duties would be to get involved in the many charities and organizations here. I had to help the people as much as I could.

"That's a lot to take in," I admitted. I knew my life here would not be easy. I was marrying the crown prince for goodness's sake! I knew that by marrying him I'd have to change. Although I wasn't sure if I was ready for all the royal duties, I knew I had to pretend like I was.

"We will get you started in Italian lessons. I will teach you the language and history, and you will have princess lessons with my mother three times a week," he said. "Is that agreeable to you?"

"Princess lessons?" I asked. My eyes grew wide in shock.

"Yes, etiquette lessons. There's nothing wrong with you, Bella. I like you just the way you are, but as a member of the royal family, you will have to be educated in our traditions and culture. My mother can help you get assimilated here."

"Okay," I said. I was curious about the country and still wanted to go exploring around the city, but I thought it was best if I had some background information about the country first. These lessons would be good for me. Truthfully, I was excited to start.

"I'm glad you agree. I want you to be comfortable here, and I want you to be happy. I can only hope that one day you will feel that."

"You've made me feel comfortable and happy."

He raised his brow at me. "Are you sure? Recent events would indicate otherwise."

"Edward, I know you meant to deceive me on certain things, but you realized that it was wrong. You know you hurt me, and you felt guilty and sorry for all of that. I'm beginning to see how selfish you really are, but I accept you just the way you are. Despite everything that's happened, we're still here," I said, trying to reassure him that we had gotten past all the lies and deceit. This marriage would be an honest work in progress.

"I'm lucky to have you," he said sincerely. He leaned over and kissed me on my cheek. I brought my hand to cup the side of his face and gently moved his head so that he could kiss my lips. He stilled before I hesitantly kissed him. It took him a moment to realize what I wanted. He kissed me slow and sweet, making me feel like I was in a dream. His kisses always had that effect on me.

"Forgiveness is necessary, Edward. I don't like holding grudges. Don't you ever do that to me again," I said sternly.

He brought both hands to my waist and gently lifted me from my chair, so that I was sitting on his lap. "I promise, Isabella. Never again."

I sighed into his kiss and wrapped my arms around his neck, interlocking my fingers behind him. He kissed my nose, eyelids, and forehead, all the while promising to be true to me and to love and care for me. He wasn't an easy man to be with, but he certainly wasn't that bad either.

"Good. I'm glad we can get past this," I said.

"I'm sorry about Alice and Rosalie, too."

I frowned. I didn't like it when the queen apologized on behalf of her children, and I sure as hell didn't like it when he apologized for them, either.

"Stop apologizing for things you're not responsible for."

"I can't help it," he said, sighing. "I'm ashamed to call them family. After that thing they pulled…I just can't help but feel guilty."

I told him that it wasn't his fault. It was clear to me that Alice and Rosalie were nothing but a bunch of spoiled rotten bitches. They didn't like me because I was American. They treated me unfairly and that just wasn't cool. I'd accepted the way they were going to treat me, and I didn't care anymore. I'd treat them with kindness, I'd be civil toward them, but they'd know that I didn't really mean it. The best way to deal with them was for me to be the bigger person and be nice.

I had one more play up my sleeve. I had talked to Esme and Bree about the reception seating arrangement. Edward and I had planned on not having a head table. We just wanted our own private table, but I changed things. I had opted for a head table with Alice and Rosalie seated next to us. I'd also arranged for the entire royal family to deliver a speech, congratulating us on our marriage. It was a very risky move, and I had no way of knowing if Alice and Rosalie would agree to play nice, but I thought I'd try it anyway.

"I don't know why you put up with us," Edward said with a shake of his head. He kissed the top of my head and drew me close.

Well, honestly, I didn't know why I put up with them either. I'd liked to think it was Edward, but even he gave me a rough time every now and then.

A/N: I believe this is the last chapter before the wedding. I'll have you know that I've already written the wedding and everything that it entails. However, I have yet to write the honeymoon. Give me time. It's coming.

I'm off to eat a slice of mocha crunch cake. :)

Translation: mia bella=my lovely.

Till next time

Tina