Disclaimer: I do not own anything resembling the famous Twilight franchise. I am but a humble fan, borrowing a few names and slight personality similarities. Please, enjoy.

EPOV

I had watched Bella all night as she danced and mingled with the crowd around us. She was stunning in the black gown that Emmett had helped her pick out. Extreme jealousy had shot through me when he told me about their little shopping trip. Then hatred for her making me feel such hideous emotions toward my own brother nearly erased any envy I had for him.

Now, as she walked out the door, glued to his side, I felt the ugly green monster roar inside me at the unnatural sight before me. Surely she should be leaving with me.

A nasally, whining voice beside me drew my attention back to the lady next to me. Tanya, the cougar who had her sights set on me ever since I took over the ranch, clung suggestively to my arm and blabbered about feeling ignored. I couldn't stand her company, but suffered through it so as not to make an enemy of her father, one of my wealthiest and most loyal customers.

"Are you ready to leave, Ms. Volturi?" I asked politely, cutting off her incessant jabbering.

"Only if it's back to yours," She slurred suggestively, placing a hand on my thigh. "I'd really like to see your lovely home."

"You are obviously inebriated, and I could not bear to lead you on when you are clearly not in your right mind." I removed her hand from me, standing as I helped her up. "I shall help you find your father, to whom I will mention your interest of a visit to my ranch for next time he comes out, and then I must take my leave. It's an early rise on a business such as mine." I led her to her father, offering him a goodnight and then promptly left.

The entire drive home, I thought of selling that damned Diablo to Aro, but every time I came close to just taking the money, Bella's terrified expression came to mind. I couldn't hurt her like that, no matter how much I wanted to. Honestly, I don't think I could ever hurt her intentionally.

That realization had me reeling as I pulled up to the house and sat out on the patio swing, staring up at the stars. What am I going to do?

Later that night, I crawled into bed, still clothed, and fell into a deep sleep. As soon as my eyes closed, I dreamt.

Bella stood before me, calming a reared Diablo. My heart stopped as his hooves clawed angrily at the air near her beautiful face. I screamed for her to run, to get away from him. Neither of them reacted to me. I tried to run toward her, but Valley Lilly thundered toward me, narrowly dodging Bella. Lilly stopped directly in front of me and snorted angrily. If you do not trust her, if you want her gone, then let her go. If you need her, if you trust her, then show her you want her to stay. You must choose one or the other, or she will for you.Lilly looked over at a now calmed Diablo and sad Bella, she whinnied softly and Diablo raised his head. Bella nodded and stepped away as another me approached her. I reeled in confusion as this other me tried to embrace Isabella. Then I balked as she pushed "me" away and shook her head, waving goodbye to Diablo and turning her back on me. What do you want from her?Lilly asked as my eyes popped open.

I sat up, sweating and gasping for air. Horses had starred in my dreams before, but never like this. Bella was new, though not surprising after the inner war she had started in me.

I wiped my hand through my hair and over my face, glancing at the clock. I groaned, seeing the blocky, red numbers only read 2:30 a.m.

I stood, certain I would get no more sleep, and showered before heading downstairs to make a pot of coffee and then sit outside.

I was surprised to find a fresh pot of coffee waiting on the burner when I entered the kitchen, and a box of cereal sitting out on the counter. One of the guys must be up.

I poured the lifesaving caffeine into a mug, deciding to shoot it black this morning, and headed out to the eastern deck. I decided that if I was up this early, I would watch the sky slowly pale and brighten before starting my day.

As I exited the house, I heard a voice off toward the yard. I gently snuck in the direction that I heard the noise, pausing when a distinctive snort replied. Diablo?

I froze in realization that either the horse had escaped, or Bella was the owner of the voice I had heard. I crept closer to the rail and listened intently.

"I love it here, you know that, but I don't feel welcome anymore." Bella whispered sadly. Diablo noisily pawed at the ground and nickered sadly. Bella giggled and I heard a jacket crumple softly as he most likely nuzzled her. "I will miss you, too. But don't get all depressed yet. I'm going to talk to him first, you know. Find out if he really needs me here, or if I should just go." She sighed and I felt myself frown.

"What's that?" She quieted and I stopped breathing. Then I heard it, too. Diablo was making some odd sort of sound, like keening, and it grew louder as time went on. At first I thought he was just being obnoxious, but then I realized he was getting closer. Shit.

I didn't have enough time to get back in the house quietly, so I tried to seem as relaxed and natural as possible while the two approached me.

"Wh-Who's there?" I heard the nerves in Bella's voice.

"Me." I replied simply, knowing she would know exactly who I was.

"Oh. Edw-Mr. Cullen. Good morning." Her nerves didn't lessen any once she knew it was me out here. I really fucked up. "I'm sorry if we woke you." Just then she came into view and I stopped breathing.

Before me Bella stood in a beautiful, periwinkle nightgown that looked like silk and was trimmed in lace. It rested at the middle of her thigh and lifted slightly each time she took a step. Her hair hung loose around her shoulders in messy ringlets left over from the night's earlier design. Around her shoulders hung a black windbreaker, the jacket I heard crumple as Diablo probably rubbed against it.

Speak of the devil, I thought sarcastically as the giant horse stepped into view. He looked at me, and I swear there was malice in his usually alert and suspicious gaze. He stood close to Bella, his leg nearly running along the side of her tiny body, and seemed to be protecting her. My gaze fell back to the woman, as she shifted awkwardly and swept her hair off of one shoulder. What had she been saying? Ah! Yes, waking up...

"No," I cleared my throat. "You didn't wake me up. I just wanted to get an early start." I took a sip of my coffee as an excuse to shut my mouth. When will I stop lying to her?

"Couldn't sleep, either, huh?" She tilter her head to the side and absently rested one hand on Diablo's twitching forearm. I looked at her, surprised she called my bluff, but nodded. "Thought so," She smirked. "Well, better sooner rather than later, I guess."

"What's that?" She had barely whispered something, and I wanted her to speak up. I knew where this conversation was going, but I needed her to be just as strong and confident as always. I couldn't have us both breaking down our walls.

"I need to talk to you about something." She sighed and stroked Diablo. "I know that I was out of line in mentioning the incident with your accountant, and that you shouldn't have kissed me. I also realize now that you are not too happy about my being here. I had hoped that if I let time pass and showed you I am nothing like that skank, that you would grow to at least give me a fresh start. Obviously, nearly a month gone now, you have decided I am exactly like her." She took a deep breath and Diablo nuzzled her shoulder. "If you want me gone, I'm giving my two week notice."

I stood there, stunned, but also thoughtful. I deliberated over my options, possible outcomes, what she had said, and how beautiful she looked bathed in starlight, half-naked, and standing next to my huge stallion. She opened her mouth to say something else, but I held up a finger to let her know I was thinking. Valley Lilly came to mind, and I knew this was the moment. I had to choose now, or watch silently as she chose on her own.

I struggled for a while, until a voice whispered in my head, follow your heart, it will always guide you in the right direction. The voice sounded suspiciously like my mother's, but that only added to its credibility. I dropped my hand, ready to give her my decision.

A/N: Yes, I'm that cruel. But you know you love me anyway! Thank you for all the beautiful reviews and for continuing on this amazing journey with me. Wonder what Edward's going to say…? Peace, Love, and Horses!