Music:

"Four Kicks": Kings of Leon

"Sin City: My Bed sheets, Your Legacy": Southcott

"Sweet and Low": Augustana

"Til Kingdom Comes": Coldplay

Bella POV

"Bella, how much do you love me?"

I pulled my blanket up a little higher over my ears, and mumbled something even I didn't understand. The warmth from my quilt was far too inviting for me to worry about whoever was calling for me now. I tucked my knees up higher until I was in a little ball, safe from the world.

"I'll take that as a lot." I must be home. I tucked my hands in tighter, clinging to the blanket, knowing all to well the tendency for them to be ripped form me before I was ready to get up for the day. I heard something slam down on my nightstand and the smell of coffee radiated under my blanket. I rolled over and hunkered down. No way I was getting out of bed until I absolutely had to. I had been having enough trouble falling asleep the past week, now, when I was good and tired, I wasn't giving up on that ever elusive dream world. I felt the bed shift as new weight was added to it. Without thinking I shifted over and made more room for whoever was joining me. This was a new tactic. I was wary to let my guard down, so I tried my damnedest to fall back to sleep.

"Bella, I've tried everything," Rosalie's voice whined and huffed a few minutes later. I'm not going back to sleep. I let out a huge sigh and finally turned over as I pulled the blanket down. The room was too bright for my tastes, and I'm sure the face I was making was extremely attractive, but I just couldn't see anything. My hair splayed out and covered half of my face, and my arm had long since fallen asleep, leading to horrid pins and needles pricking every inch of my limb. Just great. Rosalie was sitting against my headboard, staring at her huge belly. Check that, she wasn't staring, she was glaring. "I've jumped up and down, I've walked miles, I've even made Emmett have sex with me," she vented. Tears were hiding behind her eyes as I sat up and looked around my room, still trying to figure out what was happening. "Its just not going to come out. She hates me, and she's never coming out. I have a parasite that is going to live inside of me forever." I ran my hands through my hair to free my face and finally fully opened my eyes as I acclimated to the sunlight dripping through my blinds. Rosalie handed me a cup of hot coffee. We sat in silence for a few minutes while my brain caught up with the situation. We must have looked odd, two grown women, leaning against a headboard, sipping coffees, completely in our own worlds, staring into nothing.

"So," I started, not really knowing what I should say, "you had sex with Emmett in your, um, condition?" I sipped on my coffee more. Rosalie continued to rub her stomach.

"Yes! God Bella, I'm so frustrated in that department its not even funny!" Her eyes burned and her chest heaved as she let out a huge breath. I couldn't help but spit a little coffee as I snorted a laugh. I saw a tiny smile on her lips as she tried to remind herself of the gravity of the situation.

"Rosalie, you are not host to a parasite. The baby will come when she's ready. You're only two days over your due date. Stay calm," I tried to persuade her.

"That's easy for you to say," she huffed as she rolled out of my bed, "I haven't seen my toes in months. I'm like a weeble wobble. Look at me!" she pleaded. I looked at her, taking in the 'beauty' of pregnancy. Her eyes were sunken slightly from worry, her hair, usually beautiful and never up, was tied in a messy bun, she wore just sweat pants and an old t-shirt of Emmett's. Her stomach was quite large, but she was carrying a whole new human being, so I thought that was a good thing. She just stared back at me, waiting for me to say something. I slapped on the biggest smile I could.

"You look beautiful," I tried to persuade her. She laughed and sat back down at the end of my bed, leaning back to accommodate her giant stomach. "No, Rosalie, I promise. I hope I look half as gorgeous as you if I ever have kids." She softened a little at my statement. Score, the way to make Rosalie happy is to call her pretty; works every time.

"You'll have kids," she assured me. I pfft'ed her and rolled my eyes.

"I doubt it. I'm not even sure I want kids."

"Oh, I've seen the way Edward looks at you," she raised her eyebrows, "That man wants to impregnate the fuck out of you." I don't think my jaw could have hung any lower.

"Rose, that is, by far, the most horrible thing I've ever heard. And its completely wrong. We are a long way away from kids. A long way." I clung to my coffee harder now, as I tried to get my eyes to stop shifting around and my muscles to relax a little. I felt like those stereotypical black cats at Halloween that have their back completely arched as they hiss angrily.

"Whatever," she waved it off as she picked up some magazines from my nightstand.

"I mean, me and Edward are just getting to know each other again. We haven't even, you know, practiced making babies yet since we've been back," I lowered my voice and my eyes. What a topic to have to talk about first thing in the morning. She continued to flip through the magazine, not looking at me. "Weren't you just bitching about being a fatty? Now you're questioning my lack of a sex life? Your mood swings are out of control."

"I'm carrying a child that refuses to leave my womb, I have stretch marks, my boobs hurt, all I want to do is eat and have sex, in that order, and I'm never going to have the same body I had nine months ago, ever again. I feel like I'm allowed to have emotional fluctuations." She handed me the magazine as she said this all cooly. "Plus, check out those goo goo eyes," she pointed. I gasped as I came face to face with a picture of Edward and I eating ice cream cones at the park from the other day. Edward's eyes were locked on my face as I moved my hands and told a story. I've never seen him look at me like that. The caption caught my eye as I analyzed the picture: "America's hottest star spotted with mystery brunette eating cones in the park. Looks like more than friends. Awfully engrossed, aren't we, Edward?"

"Wow," I looked at Rosalie, completely stunned.

"Yeah," she smiled. "Now, take a look at the newest stories from today." She handed me the other magazine. This time there were more pictures, ranging from ice cream cones in the park, to the movies, to driving in the car. "They're really hunting for your blood," Rosalie laughed. I read on, as the article described me as a 'gold digger' and 'unknown accomplice'.

"Do you think I could find out who took these? I'd love a copy of this one," I pointed to the one of us at a local record store, laughing about something, "We look so cute!" I gushed and Rosalie laughed. We skimmed the magazines in comfortable silence. I was completely distracted with the fact that my picture was in gossip magazines. Edward and I had been reconnecting, but ever since the first night back, we hadn't even said those three magic words again. I hadn't even spent the night with him. I internally groaned. There was nothing I wanted more than to stay with him, but he was determined to take it slow, and not push me. God, he was an idiot. I just wanted to jump in, completely. The past week had been a blur of us being together whenever he wasn't busy doing interviews and paperwork and all that jazz. I had finally finished signing my contract and working on the manuscript for the book. Victoria was really excited, and I was just glad she was still working with me, and not throwing me out in the cold after what I dropped on her before I left. Edward was almost more excited about it than I was, constantly asking me about how it was coming, and what my plans were for the next year. Truth be told, I hadn't really thought about it much. I wasn't sure I ever wanted to go back to school. As horrible as that sounded, I wanted to take a year off and just, be. I kicked myself every time I thought about not going back. I was so close to getting my degree, having started as a sophomore due to advanced credits from high school. I had hoped coming back would make choices more clear, but instead, I was just bombarded with new ones.

"There's my favorite groupie," I heard Alice giggle from my doorway. I looked up to see her smiling smugly.

"Doesn't anyone sleep around here?" I threw daggers at her. She just smiled back sweetly. It would be an understatement to say that things between Alice and I hadn't been great since I left. She felt as if I shouldn't have run away, like I should have tried harder, and I couldn't explain how ready I was to break. We were at a stalemate. I was glad to be back, and although we were in the middle of a standoff, I was relieved to be back with my best friend, no matter what kind of hell she was giving me.

"Oh no, dear," Esme walked in behind her and sat on my bed next to Rose, "Did we wake you? It's already the afternoon though," she trailed off and I smiled at her as I could see the worry on her face.

"No, I should be getting up anyway," I tried to make her smile as I climbed out of bed and stretched slightly, "Edward's taking me to a baseball game soon." Three sets of eyes grew slightly and smiles spread across all of their faces.

"That's sweet," Esme smiled to herself.

"Interesting," Alice also smiled, "The reporters are going to have a field day with that!" I rolled my eyes and groaned.

"Why aren't you in the magazines?" I whined, throwing the blanket back over my head.

"Because," Alice started, ripping the sheet from me. I really must be home. "I marked my territory long before he became some sex symbol. Now, I'm not a gold digger since I knew him when he wasn't famous. Take a lesson, girlie, this is how the big kids have relationships."

"I don't wanna," I whined like a five year old.

"Very mature," Rosalie laughed as she and Esme flipped through the magazines more, commenting on pictures of Edward and I.

"So what are you going to wear?" Alice smiled to herself.

"You want to dress me, don't you?" She didn't bother to answer, just let out a high pitched squeal and clapped her hands as she bounced around.

"Fine, I'm going to shower. Rosalie," I hugged her and kissed her cheek, "you aren't carrying the devil's spawn," I smiled at her as she too stood up to leave, "hopefully," I added and ran into the bathroom as a magazine smacked against the door.

"I'm going to go walk some more," Rosalie huffed and I heard her start to leave. "I'll talk to you later, gold digger," she yelled.

"See you soon, host," I giggled to myself. Damn, I'm on a roll today.

"Oh, you girls," I heard Esme laugh a little to herself, "I'm off to meet with the building inspector," she said to Alice. "Goodbye Bella, I'll see you later," she said loud enough for me to hear. I stuck my head out of the door to say goodbye, but she was already gone. Alice was the only one left, searching through my drawers. I rolled my eyes at the thought of what she was going to put me in, but knew that I had to wear something good, or else I'd be judged by millions about how wrong I was for Edward based off of my shirt.

"Hey, hurry up and shower," Alice looked at me sternly. I pulled my head back in the bathroom quickly and got ready for a nice shower. The warm water felt amazing against my stiff muscles. Needless to say, I was not entirely used to being back in this bed. I missed Edward's bed, and his arms. For the first time in a week, James popped into my mind. I don't know what triggered it, but I couldn't shake him. I missed him as a person, as my friend.

"Bella, hurry up," Alice yelled as she banged on the door, "The game is an afternoon game, not a night one. You can't be late." I rolled my eyes as I stepped out and wrapped in a towel before taking another towel to my hair, trying to shake the thoughts from my head along with the spare droplets. For two hours, Alice combed, dried, puffed, teased, plucked, and attacked my face as well as making me try on a few different pieces of clothing. Ironically, when she had finished, I looked pretty much like I always did. My face had just a little bit of make-up on it, mostly mascara and lip gloss, and my hair was pulled into pigtails that were slightly more curly than my hair normally was. I loved what Alice had picked out for me. I stood in front of my full length mirror, completely surprised. In fact, surprised is an understatement. Alice had laid out a pair of jeans, chucks, one of Edward's LA Dodger jerseys, and a pair of aviators.

"Alice, I could have picked this out," I laughed as I finished getting ready.

"Yes, but the fact that I did makes it perfect," she smiled back at me, "You can't look like your trying for them, then they win." I looked back at Alice, finally feeling as if we were back to normal. A genuine smile spread across my face as I hugged her tightly.

"Oh, dear God," I heard a low rumble at my door. I turned around quickly to see Edward standing there, leaning against the door, looking as gorgeous as always. He wore his other jersey, and his hair was hidden under a matching baseball cap. He took a step towards me as Alice detached herself from me. I tried to cling tighter, but she wormed away.

"Well, you two kids have fun," she giggled and pranced away. Edward took another step and immediately met my lips with his. I really didn't bother saying goodbye to Alice once he was within touching distance. Edward's breath was intoxicating as he finally pulled away, but just enough for us to breathe. He tugged on one of my pigtails gently as a smile played at his face.

"These, have to be the sexiest things I've ever seen you wear," he growled, crashing his lips into mine again. I couldn't help but smile against his lips as a hum reverberated in his chest. I felt his hands trail a little higher from my hips, under the jersey. I pulled away slightly as his hands dropped.

"Nope, we have a game to go to," I smiled. He gave me one of the most irresistible grins, and I felt my resolve fading.

"We could stay in," he mumbled, letting his fingers hook in my jeans, "Then we won't have to perform for the circus out there." His smile faded slightly as I saw his brow crease.

"I want that," I made him look me in the eyes, "I really do want to stay in with you." Fuck me, that pout was horrible. "But, you've been looking forward to this all week! You love the Dodgers. We can't let them determine what we do. Let them talk, we know what's true. Clearly I am just with you for your money, and they will just have to get used to that," I said with a small laugh.

"Well, as long as we all have an understanding. How much will it cost me to keep you right here today, and possibly tonight?" he traced my jaw with his thumb and fingers, leaving a burning trail along my cheek.

"Exactly one baseball game," I answered, instantly regretting not staying in with him. Edward only chuckled in response. I reveled in the lightness that existed, at least for the moment, between us. I felt his fingers hook a little lower in the tip of my jeans. I gulped noticably. "Besides, how often do they play each other?" He leaned his head against my shoulder as he removed his dangerously low creeping fingers. Fuck, no come back!

"Pretty often, there are over a hundred games in one season," he mumbled. I interlaced my fingers with his and pulled him towards the door.

"Come on, I'll make it worth your while later."

Edward POV

"Is there going to be a home-run soon?" Bella sat on the edge of her seat, searching the field. I couldn't help but laugh at how much she sounded like a ten year old. She rested her head in her hands that sat on the edge of her knees. Surprisingly, she was very interested in the game, which had made it even more fun for me. Every two seconds she was asking me about a player, or what was actually going on, or some rule she didn't understand. It was incredibly cute. I leaned back in my seat and let my arm rest on the back of her chair. Our seats were amazing. I'd never had seats on the first base line before, but these were spectacular. We could see straight onto the field, and practically touch the dug out. I owe Aro for letting me use his season tickets.

"Hopefully," I smiled as she sat back and smiled back at me. I felt her hair resting on my arms, and even though it tickled my arm, I didn't move. Bella grabbed my fingers and played with them absently, as if not even realizing what she was doing as she continued to watch the game. The sun was beating down on us, and I was infinitely jealous of the sunglasses Bella had brought. I had forgotten mine until we were walking into the park. Its not like I could even go back home anyway, what with the gaggle of paparazzi waiting. I wouldn't subject Bella to direct contact with them any more than I had to. I didn't have a problem with them spying, well, I did, but I'd rather they kept a distance than surrounding us dangerously. So far, Bella had been a good sport, answering a few questions, and being extremely polite with them, which was so much more than they deserved. I was even shocked at how well they responded to it, giving in when she asked for a little more room, stopping yelling so much and taking turns, and even helping carry a few grocery bags. The only thing I made her promise to try to keep secret was her name, but that was out there now also, and I was worried. So far, no one had time to print it, but I had a feeling it was about to hit the fan when her past started coming up more.

"But we're winning right?" she tried to decipher the score board again. I silently crossed my fingers, hoping she wouldn't make me explain what all the numbers meant again.

"Yes," I nodded, the grin spreading a little more. "I never knew you'd be so into baseball." She just looked back at me, as if I had said the most ridiculous thing ever.

"Why wouldn't I? I mean, look, there's that guy, and he throws to that guy, and there's a bat, and running, and grass," she trailed off, running out of things to point and name.

"You have no idea what's happening, do you?" I laughed.

"No, not at all," she smiled weakly. "But I do know that they can literally get into a pickle, and you aren't allowed to hit people with the ball."

"Wow, I'm pretty impressed," I laughed. She smiled a little bigger before leaning in, and chastely kissing me.

"Is it time for the stretch yet?"

"Bella, we're only in the fourth inning," I couldn't help the laughs escaping me now. Her brow furrowed.

"Oh," she sighed, "Then that just means more baseball to watch!" she actually sounded excited. And with that, she turned back towards the field and clapped along with everyone else.

"Bella, we just got out, remember we're rooting for the guys in blue," I smiled.

"I knew that, I was just using reverse psychology."

"Oh, my bad," I laughed.

"You're a jerk," she laughed and grabbed my hat.

"You're a thief," I laughed and tried to get it as she held it away from me. I leaned over her, trying to reach it, but damn it was way too far. Instead, I decided to try a new tactic. I looked her straight in the eyes, and kissed her. I felt her melt beneath me and her muscles relax long enough for me to grab the hat.

"Ha!" I squealed and sat back down in my seat.

"That's not fair," she huffed and sat back, watching the game. I watched her out of the corner of me eye. She actually seemed to be watching, but I couldn't really be sure. I moved my hand to her thigh, and she shifted and crossed her legs, a tiny smile playing at her lips. I turned to look at her now, fully. She's most sexy when she's pissed at me; and those pig tails don't hurt either. The past week had been nothing but torture. I told her I wanted to take it slow, but fuck me if every night I didn't go to bed ready to throw her down and take her. Everything about her screamed for me to make love to her; her lips, her hands, her heaving chest, her eyes. Oh God, her eyes. Somehow they were always filled with this unplaceable emotion that smoldered, and just begged for me.

"See something you like?" she laughed, finally turning to me, and lowering her shades slightly.

"Very much," I answered, finally taking a breath again. I don't know how many times a day I would catch myself day dreaming about her, but I would have to bet it was majority of my life. I pulled my hat off and ran my hands threw my hair, trying to get rid of the hat hair. Before she could say something else, I put it on her, careful not to ruin those damn sexy pig tails. "There, now you look like a true fan." I leaned back and admired her. She blushed a little. Fuck me, the blush.

"Here, we can trade so your eyes won't hurt," she handed me her sunglasses.

"How do I look?" I asked, giving her a cheesy grin.

"Irresistible," she murmured, and then leaned into me, and I put my arm around her, feeling like the king of the world. Here I was, watching my favorite team, play my favorite game, with the girl I loved, sitting in amazing, first base line seats. Now, if only I could grow some balls and ask her to stay with me.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" I leaned down slightly to whisper in her ear. She just nodded as she clapped at something that was happening on the field.

"So, this year, I was thinking. Since I have to do a lot of things in," I couldn't finish my thought. Bella jumped up, but stayed completely motionless. The crowd was on their feet too, as a crack echoed throughout the park. I stood up, just in time to see the ball fly right over the wall, and into the bay. Bella jumped up and down as she hugged me.

"Home run!" she laughed. She kept clapping as the men rounded the bases. "That was awesome! Now I know why you love baseball so much!" she was ecstatic and absolutely smiling from ear to ear. I smiled as she settled back down. Inside, I was groaning. I'd been trying all week to ask her to move with me to LA, but so far, I hadn't any luck. Every time the words tried to come out, something stopped me. Everything she was dealing with now, was for me. The photographers planted outside of the bar, them following us around, snapping pictures, her name being thrown around, it was for me, and I wasn't sure if she'd want to move with me to a place where it was just going to get worse. I rolled my head back, agonizing over how I had come so close, but was so far. I felt her weight lift off of my side, and when I raised my head and looked up, she was staring at me.

"What's wrong?" she looked worried, and for the first time, completely uninterested in the game.

"Nothing," I smiled weakly.

"What were you going to ask me before we were so rudely interrupted?" she smiled, trying to lighten my mood. I took a deep breath. Now or never.

"I was wondering if you'd like to m-"

"Hold on, phone," she mumbled, and looked at me apologetically. I slapped on a happy face as I returned to the game to let her handle her business. Now or never was just an expression, I want to ask her, but its like fate has other ideas. I was an absolute idiot. Why couldn't I just blurt it out? Why couldn't I just say it? I have nothing to give you, no career, in fact, it will probably make your life that much more difficult, but dammit, I need you, I want you, I love you. I'll do whatever it takes, and if that doesn't work, I want to go anywhere with you. I'll stay here. I just want you to know that I don't make any decisions without you anymore. Bella, would you like to move to LA with me?. You are my life. That shouldn't be too hard to say, right? Unless you're a giant toolbox like myself.

"We have to go," she stated as she grabbed my hand and stood up. She could barely hold in the excitement that was bubbling up inside.

"What's wrong?" I asked, confused by her smile and urgent attitude.

"That baby!" she squealed, picking up our pace as we snuck out of the row. Great, now I'm getting cock blocked by a newborn.

Bella POV

Edward was quiet as we ran out of the ballpark, through a sea of photographers, and raced through the crowded streets towards the hospital Rosalie had been taken to. Its not like I expected him to be extremely talkative, but, I could tell that something was wrong. He wanted to ask me something, and it must be important, because he seemed anxious. In all honesty, I wasn't sure if I really wanted to know what he was going to ask me. It sure as hell isn't going to be something easy. I sighed as we pulled into the hospital and made a break for it, running the whole way. I wasn't going to wait for him to bring it up again, I was just going to let sleeping dogs lie; now, I had a baby to see.

"Is it here?" I tried to catch my breath as we ran down the hall, only to be met my Alice, Jasper, Esme and Carlisle sitting in a waiting room. "What happened? Where's Rosalie? Did we miss it?"

"Breathe, Bella," Jasper tried to calm me down, but I just couldn't catch my breath. Edward regained his composure before I did, and forced me to sit down. I could see everyone's smiles as they laughed at me to themselves.

"Well, someone could fill me in, anytime," I huffed, searching all of their faces. Edward traced soothing circles on my shoulders.

"Rosalie went into labor about two hours ago," Esme informed me, "and we haven't heard anything since."

"Two hours is a long time," I couldn't understand why no one was as worried as I was. "Should we do something? What do we do?" Clearly I'm bad at situations that involve pressure.

"No, its perfectly fine," Carlisle tried to assure me, but I couldn't really feel easy about one of my best friends being in labor. "Bella, trust me, I'm a doctor, remember?" I smiled weakly and nodded. Alice excused herself to make a few calls, and Jasper followed her. I closed my eyes and tried to regain my normal heart rate, but that was getting even more difficult with the things that Edward was doing with his hands, lightly grazing ever spot of exposed skin. Carlisle and Esme went to go grab a cup of coffee a few minutes later, suspecting we were heading for a long night. The tv on the opposite wall blared the rest of the baseball game.

"At least we get to see the end of the game," I tried to cheer Edward out of the funk he seemed to get stuck in every time he thought about asking me that question. "The seats aren't as good though," I trailed off. Edward pulled off the cap I was still wearing and kissed my forehead as I tucked my legs under me and we huddled together to watch the game on the more uncomfortable chairs in the world.

"I'd say that any seat near you is a good seat."

"Good one," I giggled a little, "And by good one, I mean that was the lamest line I've ever heard."

"Damn, that was the best I got," he chuckled.

"I guess I can live with it," I shrugged as he laughed a little more and we sat, contently watching the baseball game. I tried to pay attention, but two issues kept playing pong in my brain. Every other minute I thought about Rosalie, hoping everything was going alright, and the pain wasn't that bad. Any second I wasn't thinking about Rose, I was thinking about the elusive question Edward couldn't seem to ask. In my mind, watching these things bounce back and forth was numbing and dizzying, all at the same game finally ended, and we had won, but neither Edward nor I wanted to move as a recap started.

"Hey," I tilted my head up and towards him, but not moving my body.

"Hey," he returned, kissing my forehead quickly, as if I had just startled him out of a secret reverie.

"What was the question you wanted to ask me?" I felt his muscles stiffen just enough.

"It wasn't anything important," he trailed off. I sat up now, and faced him. As if on cue, his tell popped up and a one-sided grin appeared on his face as he tried to laugh it away.

"You're lying," I stated cockily. He recoiled for a second defensively.

"No I'm not. I promise it wasn't anything that can't wait." Then, the next tell came as he tried to kiss me. I hopped up before his lips could meet mine. A feat in its own.

"I know you're lying because you just tried to kiss me!" I pointed out like a detective in an old gum shoe movie. Edward stared at me as if I were crazy.

"So, every time I try to kiss you, I'm lying?" He looked at me skeptically, trying to keep his voice low.

"No, just, stop it. No, wait, I just know that you're lying. Ask me now, or forever hold your peace," I stood straight, regaining my composure. No way he was going to try to distract me. I stood there, hand on hip, waiting for him to formulate words.

"Ok," Edward started. I smiled to myself in victory. "So, there are a lot of things changing, and I don't want to lose you. I will do anything to keep you, including going back to school and forgetting all about music." I tried to interrupt him but he shh'ed me. "Let me finish this, please? I think I messed up." the green eyes glistened as he furrowed his brown and ran his hands through his hair anxiously. "I have nothing to give you, no career, in fact, it will probably make your life that much more difficult, but dammit, I need you, I want you, I love you. I'll do whatever it takes, and if that doesn't work, I want to go anywhere with you. I'll stay here. I just want you to know that I don't make any decisions without you anymore. Bella, would you,"

"Bella, I think I need to talk to you," A very somber Alice popped out of no where. Jasper was no where in sight, and Esme and Carlisle were talking with a nurse across the aisle.

"Jesus Christ," I heard Edward mutter under his breath. I gave him an apologetic look and he forced a small smile for me as he mouthed 'later' to me as Alice pulled me away. My body followed Alice, but my mind was a few feet away, with Edward. His eyes burned still with the passion that he had just been invigorated with. I would say yes to whatever question that was, I just couldn't be away from him, and whatever it was, I needed it, if he needed it.

"Alice, what the hell?" I practically screamed as she pulled me to a hidden corner. I instantly regretted my words as I watched my usually perky friend crumble against the wall and slide down to the floor. "Oh, Alice, what's wrong? Huh? Tell me something, anything," I begged as I joined her on the ground, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. She didn't cry, just snuggled against me, wrapping her arms around her knees. She stared at the tops of her knees blankly, as if not really seeing them.

"Jasper and I got into a fight," she said, without emotion. I rubbed her shoulders, trying to reassure her.

"How bad?" I asked, almost nervous to hear the answer.

"Pretty bad," she smiled slightly. Oh God, this can't be good. "He is just being extremely selfish. Bella, what if I'm not ready to give myself to him completely, and he's not okay with it?" She turned her big brown eyes to me, pleading for the correct answer.

"Alice, that doesn't sound like you," I started, mildly confused, "You've always said you were meant for Jasper. What's given you cold feet?" She just shook her head, trying not to answer my question. "Come on," I pleaded.

"Bella, I love you," Alice smiled and hugged me tightly.

"I love you too. But," I answered, not letting her get up, "We're not letting this go. You never let me run, you always make me fix things, or vent. Let me help," I begged.

"There's nothing to help," she trailed off, "he wants me to give up something I could never."

"What? Fashion? School?" I tried to think of something that meant the world to Alice, but I couldn't think of anything Jasper wouldn't approve of. She just lowered her gaze and shook her head. "What then, Alice?" I asked, getting agitated.

"You," she whispered. Everything thought in my mind froze. My mind went blank, and my muscles completely froze. Every fiber of me stopped breathing, pumping, and thinking.

"What?" was the only words I could stutter. Alice hung her head, leaning her forehead on her knees.

"He wants me to go with him, no matter what, but I can't, I can't leave you. We take care of each other. I won't let you run away, and I can't abandon you. And, I don't think I can love someone who would make me choose," she mumbled into her legs.

"Alice," I started, not really knowing where to go with my thought, "I can't,"

"It's a girl!" Emmett's loud voice could be heard for miles as he came busting in through the double doors. He was still wearing his mask and gown, but I knew he was smiling. Alice looked at me and put a smile on as she stood up, and lifted me.

"Later," I whispered in her ear as we took a few steps toward Emmett. She nodded somberly.

"Guys, I'm a daddy!" he boomed. Everyone hugged and congratulated him eagerly before he ran back inside to make preparations for us to come visit. Edward snuck up and wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, suddenly feeling about three inches tall.

"Is everything alright?" he whispered against my neck. I shook my head, trying to hold back tears.

"It will be," I answered as i decided what I knew I had to do.

"You're lying," he chuckled.

"I know."

Edward POV

"Allow me to introduce you to Emma Hale McCarthy," Emmett whispered as he tilted the tiny pink bundle towards us. The tiny baby was sleeping soundly, and seemed most at home in Emmett's hands. He held her tightly, smiling from ear to ear. God, how I envied him. Wait, what?

"She's absolutely beautiful," Bella whispered, looking between Rosalie and the baby. Rose just smiled an exhausted smile at us. Bella sat next to her on the bed, and held her hand tightly. "I'm sorry I called her the devil's child." Everyone else in the room looked at the bed with awkward glances. Rosalie just smiled a huge smile.

"I'm sorry I called you a gold digging hussy who deserves to carry a child for the gestation period of an elephant," she let out a breath.

"I only heard gold digger," Bella asked between small laughs.

"Oh," Rosalie trailed off, "I must have been thinking the other part then." Emmett handed Rosalie the baby, and the females continued to fawn over it. Watching Emmett, so protective, happy, and in love was awe inspiring. I want what he has.

"There's nothing quite like a baby to make the world come into perspective," Carlisle said softly as he clapped my shoulder.

"Yeah," I let out a soft breath, watching Bella hold Emma. She was a natural, and it looked so right. I need to get these thoughts out of my head right now!

"Emma's is a beautiful name," Alice smiled as she held the baby now.

"She's named after me," Emmett puffed out his chest a little more. Everyone looked to Rosalie for confirmation.

"It's true," she sighed, "We had decided on Emmett Junior if it was a boy, but this stubborn child decided to not only infest me, but be a girl, so we compromised. She's keeping my maiden name as her middle name though." Emmett smiled a little wider as Esme held the baby now.

"Oh my goodness," Esme sighed, reeling in the warmth of the newest addition. "Hello, gorgeous girl, I guess I'm a grandma." I saw tears starting to form in her eyes as Carlisle stood behind her, looking over her shoulder at the peaceful child. Rosalie and Emmett were all smiles as they sat on the the bed together. Everyone that mattered in our lives was in this room at this exact moment, and it was beyond perfect. Bella wore a smile that was indescribable. I knew for the moment she was at ease with the world, and that made me at ease, regardless of where we stood. "Here you go, Uncle Edward," Esme handed me the bundle and shook me out of my day dream.

"What? No," I trailed off, but it was too late, I was now face to face with this wrinkly, beautiful, perfect specimen. "Like this?" I tucked her against my chest awkwardly, extremely afraid she would break at any given moment.

"Perfect," Esme smiled, and I returned it, gaining some confidence. I glanced up to see Bella and give her an awkward smile. She beamed at me with wide eyes.

"You can call me Uncle Eddie," I whispered to the sleeping child. A nurse came in to check on Rosalie, and Emmett started to ask her questions, so I was left watching the baby. This is absolutely terrifying. Emma had a wondrous smell to her, that was amazingly indescribable, and it took under ten seconds for me to fall in love with her. Slowly, she opened her eyes after letting out the tiniest yawn I'd ever seen. Rosalie's blue eyes stared back at me, as if appraising me. Emma undoubtedly was Rosalie's daughter. Every facial feature screamed Rose, except for her hair, which was almost an exact copy of Emmett's golden curls. Suddenly, a cry erupted from my arms, and terror seized me.

"What did I do? Did I break her?" I handed her to Rosalie, and she quieted some.

"Don't worry Edward, its just time for dinner," Rosalie reassured me. It took a few minutes for my heart to stop pounding.

"We better let you get to it," Alice laughed as she leaned over and kissed Rosalie and Emmett's cheeks. "I'll stop by tomorrow alright?"

"Same with us," Carlisle spoke up, kissing Rosalie's forehead and shaking Emmett's hand. Esme followed Alice's suit as we all formed a line to say goodnight to the newest honorary Cullen. Bella leaned in and whispered something to both Rosalie and Emma before giving Emmett a huge hug and saying her goodnights. I was the last one out, closing the door behind me, I caught one more peak at their family. Emmett sat, doting happily as Rosalie fed Emma. Everyone was glowing and content, and in that moment, I felt a new wave of envy. I wanted an uncomplicated life.

"Hey, are you coming?" Bella stepped up beside me silently, and scared me.

"Will you move to LA with me?" I spewed quickly. She looked up at me with a confused look on her face.

"What?"

"Will you move to LA with me next year? I have to relocate, and I don't want to lose you, but we don't have to, I'd be happy to forget everything and have a baby," I rattled off quicker than before. Bella's face paled slightly as we stood there for a few minutes in awkward silence.

"Let me get this straight," she tarted cautiously, "You want to either move to LA, be a musician, and fulfill your dream, or you want me to start popping kids out as you fall into a life you were fighting to avoid, just so I can have you home very night by five?"

"No, its not like that," I tried to recover, "I just meant," Bella's lips met mine before I had a chance to ruin things again. I felt her hands root themselves in the nape of my neck as she pressed herself up on her tip toes to kiss me harder. After a second, I responded, wedging my hands in her hair, and tilting my neck down to make access easier. The whole world stopped as we froze in this moment. Slowly, I felt Bella's hands loosen from my hair, followed by her setting herself back on the floor and pulling her lips from mine.

"Edward, I would love to move to LA with you, but it doesn't have to be a one or the other thing. We can have children, one day, far, far down the line," she whispered, trailing off with a few more 'far's'.

"But you want to move with me?" I picked her up and swung her around happily, ignoring everyone else in the hallway. She bit her lip and nodded as she smiled at me eagerly. In a second, we were wrapped in each other again, forgetting everyone else. Damn, she is going to kill me. I broke away from Bella just as a groan rumbled in her throat. I pulled her along behind me, hurriedly making our way to the end of the hall. I opened the last door and pulled us both in when no one was looking.

"So, are we just going to make supply closets our thing now or what?" Bella laughed as I clicked on the overhead light. I wiggled my eyebrows mischievously as I scooped her cheeks and brought those lips to mine again, sucking and kissing with ever ounce of myself.

"I've needed this for so long," I moaned against her neck as she ran her hands along my chest and shoulders. Bella just moaned in response. Her hands pulled me closer to her skin as I greedily worshiped what I had missed for so long, nipping and kissing softly along the trails I had mapped out so long ago. Her skin was still the sweetest sin to me, just as I knew it always would be. I slid my hands along her stomach, pulling her shirt up, but allowing me greater access to more skin that I craved. I was addicted. Bella bit my neck roughly, making my eyes roll back farther in ecstasy. In an instant, I had Bella's jeans joining mine in a pile on the floor as she wrapped her legs around my waste. We had forever to worship, now, we needed to be together, to feel that connection.

"I love you," I moaned, as our bodies moved together, mixing together all those old emotions, fanning the fires we had missed for so long. Bella's fingers dug into my shoulders as she kissed me, full of want and need. We drank in each other's moans as I ran my hands along her burning flesh.

"I love you," Bella whispered as she clenched around me, causing me to last just a little after her until we both became a sweaty mess of nothing, taking deep breaths and trying to to move.

"We really have to stop meeting like this," Bella laughed. I sat her down again as she unwrapped her legs from my waste. Slowly, I tortured myself by watching her get dressed again. I slipped my pants on absently, watching her slip hers higher, covering those legs that I wanted.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to do better, but I couldn't wait," I stuttered, finally realizing the moment I just ruined. Bella smiled as she put her bra on.

"No, I feel like this is our style," she slipped her shirt on, but not before something caught my eye, "Anytime I'm with you, I'm happy, whether its in a supply closet, or our own bed. I love you." She threw me my shirt before trying to fix her hair.

"I love you," I smiled as I wrapped my arms behind her, kissing the skin at her neck a little softer this time. I traced my hands along her stomach, lifting her shirt back up.

"Edward, we really have to go," she laughed as she tried to pull her shirt down, "As much as I want to live in here forever," she trailed off.

"Oh, its not that," I said smugly, "I was just wondering when you got a tattoo."

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Hope you like it! Questions you should be wondering that are going to come up: Alice? Tattoo? LA? Babies? James? Jenn? Tour? Book? I think those are the only things, haha.

Ok, more importantly, I got the suggestion that maybe I need a Beta, sooo, I'm just throwing it out there for anyone: Want to be my Beta? Think it over, let me know. I'd really appreciate it.

I appreciate each and every review, so please, don't be shy. Ask me anything, tell me I suck, tell me you love it (hopefully), What you never want to see happen, or even what you want to see.

I respond to each one, I promise!

So, hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you like it.

love!