A/N: Hey there! Most of you were happy things between the Clearwater-Biers clan and Edward are well again, but some still believe Seth and Riley need to apologize. I think they're all in a good place now, and there's no need to dig up old grievances. Also, I had some guesses as to who the mystery person is who was talking in the teaser. Only three of you guessed right. Everyone else, go read and find out ;).

Again, LaPumuckl, NKubie, and Midnight Cougar are the ones who made this chapter what it is. Thank you so much for being there for me with your advice and encouragement whenever I need it.

I don't own Twilight …

******ITaV******

It Takes a Village – Chapter 14

Bella spent the night in my bed on Saturday, and Sunday morning, she stayed for breakfast as promised. Things were really going great.

After she'd left, I took Gizmo for a long walk, did some chores around the house, then I got ready to drive toward Forks to have dinner with Carlisle and Esme. I hadn't talked much with either of them since I'd come to my senses and mended things with Bella, so I was a little apprehensive.

Before I could leave, though, my phone rang, and I recognized my parents' number on the screen.

"Hey, Mom," I greeted, knowing my father never called me without previously making an announcement via text message.

"Hi, sweetheart. How are you? I haven't heard from you in two weeks." She sounded worried and a slight bit put off.

I realized I'd been so preoccupied with pining after Bella, then enjoying our new relationship that I hadn't thought much about checking in with anyone.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I'm fine — great even — I've just been very … busy."

"Oh, sweetie, that's okay. I'm only saying it wouldn't have killed you to send me a quick text every now and then. But enough with the guilt trip. I'm calling to remind you about the schedule for your father's birthday. The party will be Saturday, but could you make it here by Friday night? You know, with Friday being his actual birthday, I thought it would be nice if we had a family dinner. We haven't had one of those in months."

That was true. The last real family dinner was the night I announced my move to Port Angeles about half a year ago. After that, everybody had been so busy we hadn't gotten another chance. Alice traveled to New York on business, my parents went on a cruise over summer break, and when they returned, I was in over my head arranging my departure from Seattle. So, I understood why my mother wanted to take up the opportunity of us all being in one place for a whole weekend.

"Sure, Mom. I already talked to Tom Gerandy about filling in for me that Friday afternoon. We should be able to make it in time for dinner." I was totally oblivious to what my careless words had given away.

A surprised gasp on the other end of the line made me realize I hadn't mentioned I was interested in, let alone seeing someone, and for sure, that it could be serious enough to introduce her to my family.

"Did you say we should make it in time for dinner? Edward, are you bringing someone with you?" Mom asked on an exhale.

I wasn't sure if she sounded more shocked or curious, but I was aware I had to come clean, at least enough to explain why I was bringing a date.

Smiling to myself, I replied, "Well, yeah. I had planned to call you about this. I invited my girlfriend to come with me. I hope that's okay."

"Wow, honey! That was quick. Or are you back with Jane?" This time, the excitement in her voice was undeniable. I had to admit my parents were probably the only people in my life, besides myself, who were sad when we broke up.

I shook my head while I answered her. "No, Mom. I'm not. Jane's still in New York, and as far as I know, she's quite happy with her life there."

"Then who are you bringing?" There was mostly confusion now.

Realizing it would be the first time I actually told anyone, I couldn't help smiling. "Her name is Bella. She's my neighbor from across the street, and she's amazing."

I could hear the grin in my mother's voice from the other end of the line. "In that case, I can't wait to meet her. Will she be staying at a hotel? You know, our guest room is currently being remodeled. And she might be more comfortable there anyway."

That suggestion was a bit weird since Jane always stayed in my room with me the several times we spent the night at my parents' house. At the same time, I didn't know if Bella even wanted that. The one thing I was sure of, though, was that wherever she stayed, I stayed.

"I haven't asked her yet, Mom. She can share my room, if she's okay with that. Otherwise, I'll book us into the Fairmont."

"Edward, no! You won't be staying here with us?" She was clearly offended, but I'd promised Seth that Bella was my first priority, and I wasn't stepping back from that promise less than twenty-four hours later.

"I didn't say that, Mom. I'm just saying I won't make Bella stay at a hotel alone. I'll talk to her and let you know, okay?" Looking at my watch, I noticed I was late for dinner. "I promise, I will, Mom, but now I gotta run. Carlisle and Esme are expecting me."

She sighed, then let me off the hook. "Okay, honey. Say 'hi' to them for me. And talk to you soon. Love you."

"Love you, too, Mom. Bye." With that, I had Gizmo on the leash and was out of the house and in the car to make it to my aunt and uncle's on time.

****ITaV****

Monday morning was business as usual — until Jessica let me know I had a visitor a few minutes earlier than my lunch break officially started. Curious, I made my way to the reception area where I was excited to find my girlfriend waiting for me with two cups of coffee and a bag from the diner.

I hadn't seen her since Sunday morning, and we'd only had time for a short phone call that night, so I was even happier to be able to spend my break with her.

Smiling widely, I greeted her with a quick but tender peck to her lips. "Hey, baby. What a nice surprise."

Around us, you could have heard a pin drop, then there were several quiet gasps. Since we hadn't gone out anywhere as a couple yet, it was pretty much our coming out to the public. I was aware it was a shock to some of my employees and patients, but I was proud to be able to show the people around us she belonged to me.

Not willing to waste a minute we had together, I led Bella to my office and instructed Jessica to hold all phone calls until after my break was over.

"You're aware most of the women out there were ready to claw my eyes out, right?" Bella asked with her back turned to me as she unpacked her goods.

With a few steps, I was right behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist to pull her against my chest. "I don't care about anyone but you. Let them think whatever they want, at least they know you're mine now." I nibbled on her neck, making her hum with pleasure.

I loved the way she responded to my caresses, always leaning into me for more, instead of away to get some distance between us.

"If we don't stop this here, I'm afraid your employees might get an earful of something that's none of their business. Sadly, this is not the time or place to play doctor, Dr. Cullen," Bella ground out as I sucked the sensitive spot behind her ear.

"Hmm, playing doctor. That sounds like a great idea. Who would you be then? Naughty Nurse Bella or the needy patient, waiting for a special treatment only I can provide?" I'd never been into role-playing, and I was saying all this mostly for the sake of getting a laugh out of Bella, but to be honest, the idea of her letting me examine, probe, and massage every part of her delectable body had me hard as a rock.

For a long moment, Bella rubbed her ass against my straining erection, then she groaned and turned around to look at me with an admonishing expression. "Edward, we need to stop this here or we won't be able to."

I looked at her with puppy dog eyes, batting my lashes like a little girl.

She giggled out loud, then playfully slapped my chest. "Come on; let's eat before the fries get cold."

After a short kiss, she turned to the desk again and continued pulling out two sandwiches and a big serving of fries. We sat down next to each other in the chairs facing my desk and dove right in.

"So, what have you been up to since yesterday morning?" Bella asked, after swallowing her first bite.

I'd told her about dinner with Carlisle and Esme on the phone the previous night and that it had gone well. They were looking forward to Bella getting to know my parents soon and reminded me to be good to her.

Since Bella and the guys had to go over their schedules for the week, we didn't have time to talk about much more.

"My mom called and wanted to know when we'll be coming next weekend," I mentioned, between two bites.

Bella's eyes widened slightly, then she swallowed visibly. "You told your mother you're bringing me?"

"Yeah," I replied, a bit more casually than I was feeling. "She wants us to be there for a family dinner Friday night, and she asked if we were staying at the house or a hotel."

Not wanting to influence Bella's decision, I left the choice hanging in the air. She chewed slowly, contemplating the options.

"Won't she feel offended if you don't stay with them? I can go sleep at a hotel so I'm not in the way," she offered sincerely.

Setting down my sandwich on the desk, I took one of her hands in mine. "Baby, I won't waste a chance to spend one single night with you. I'll sleep wherever you will. We can stay in my old room if you like, or if it makes you feel more comfortable, I'll book us into a hotel. It's your call."

Her gaze was locked on mine as she tried to make up her mind. "Will it be okay with your parents if we share a room under their roof? I don't want to be disrespectful."

I knew it was bad taste to mention ex-girlfriends, but considering Bella had an ex-husband and a child, I was sure in our case, it was a given we both had a past. "Bella, they never had a problem with my girlfriends staying with me. I can assure you, though, my mom remodeled my room, and you'll be the first woman to sleep in that bed with me." I said the last part with a smirk and Bella smiled with me.

"Okay, then. No hotel. You should spend as much time with your parents as you can."

I could tell she wasn't completely at ease with that decision, but accepted it. My mother was a very welcoming woman and usually made everyone feel at home. So, I had no doubt Bella would feel comfortable at their house.

We spent the rest of my break talking about who'd be at the party, what we could do while being in Seattle, and when she left — way too early for my liking — she let me know she'd be calling Alice later that day about wardrobe choices. To avoid making ourselves into spectacles again, we kissed goodbye behind the closed door of my office, and Bella promised she'd try to come over later that night.

****ITaV****

On Wednesday, I was looking through patients' files, making notes on necessary vaccinations that needed to be scheduled soon, when there was a knock on my door. I invited whoever it was to come in, and to my surprise, it was Jessica stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

"Dr. Cullen, can I talk to you in private for a second? There's something I think you should know about."

Her introduction had me surprised, but I motioned for her to take a seat. "Sure, Jessica. What can I do for you?"

She was visibly uncomfortable, but seemed determined to get out whatever it was that was bothering her.

"Dr. Cullen, I don't really know how to say this, but, after Bella Clearwater showed up here on Monday, there has been a lot of gossip going on. The nurses are running their mouths, and what they're saying isn't too nice." She was fidgeting around with the bracelet she wore on her right wrist, obviously torn between loyalty to her coworkers and her boss.

Leaning forward, I tried to show her I was listening and appreciated her coming to me. "What is it they're saying?"

"Well," she stopped, trying to find the right words. "Word is you and Bella are romantically involved. The girls are not too happy about it and say she's beneath you, and you should be careful not to be seen with her in public."

We were both quiet while I mulled over what Jessica had said. Of course, I'd noticed whispered conversations that suddenly stopped whenever I entered a room. I'd assumed they were running their mouths about whatever was going on with our patients' parents, and since I wasn't the least bit interested in gossip, I hadn't bothered listening to the shreds of conversation I was able to pick up. However, knowing my employees were badmouthing my girlfriend was a completely different story, and not at all acceptable.

Jessica appeared to take my silence as a bad sign and hurried to explain herself. "Dr. Cullen, please, don't misunderstand my motivation. I'm not here to snitch on my coworkers. They're all good at their jobs. I'm here because I've known Bella and Seth since grade school, and she doesn't deserve that kind of talk. She's the nicest, least selfish person I know, and after everything with Seth, I want her to be happy."

"Thank you, Jessica. I really appreciate your openness." I was quick to let her know. "I didn't think it was necessary to make an announcement, but just so you know, Bella and I are, in fact, in a relationship, and we're serious. I'll keep my eyes and ears open so I can intervene if things go too far. I don't want Bella to get hurt. And rest assured, we will keep this conversation confidential; no one will know you told me. Oh, and Jessica, please, call me Edward. You've proven yourself to be a real friend today."

"You're welcome, Edward," she replied sincerely.

I rose from my chair and led her to the door, smiling at her as I opened it.

After a smile of her own in return, she made her way back to the reception desk.

I'd expected some talk about my relationship status, but to be honest, I hadn't expected there to be personal jibes at Bella. For now, I decided to keep the new information to myself so I wouldn't worry her. But, at the same time, I wanted to take her out in public. She belonged to me now, and people should get used to seeing us together.

****ITaV****

That weekend, we'd made an agreement with Seth and Riley. For the past couple years, Bella was usually the one to stay home so the guys were free to go out whenever they wanted. Now, with her in a serious relationship for the first time, some adjustments had to be made to their former arrangement. We'd sat down together and come up with the solution that, unless there were special circumstances that demanded for a whole weekend — like my father's birthday — they'd get one night to go out and we got the other.

So, on Friday night, I took Bella out to a lovely restaurant Esme had recommended to me. It was the first time we were out in public as a couple, apart from the few times Bella and Maddie had accompanied me while walking Gizmo or I'd gone to the playground with them.

When I picked her up, she opened the door, dressed in a figure-hugging wrap dress that created a perfect cleavage and ended two inches above her knee. I was hard-pressed not to drag her across the street and into my bed to feast on her instead of going to dinner. However, this first public date was important to me, and I was proud to have her on my arm.

I noticed numerous heads turn to look at us when I led Bella to follow the hostess to our table, my hand securely on the small of her back. I couldn't help the proud smile on my face at having her there with me. We were lucky to get a table in a corner where I pulled out a chair for my girlfriend and took a seat beside her.

"This is nice. I haven't been here in a long time," Bella said, after I ordered us a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. "My dad brought us here after my high school graduation. It hasn't changed much."

She took an extended look around, and her face slowly scrunched up. I followed her gaze, only to notice several people who quickly turned their heads away when my eyes met theirs.

Apparently, people were interested in what was going on between Bella and me, but I wouldn't let that have any impact on our night. Reaching out, I took her hand in both of mine, effectively drawing her attention back to me.

"Hey, baby. Let them stare all they want. It's hard not to, seeing you're the most beautiful woman in the room." That earned me a shy smile and made me add, "How about we give them something worth looking at?"

With that, I leaned over and planted a long, deep kiss on her lips. I knew people were talking about us now, but they faded away with Bella so close to me.

"See, no one else matters."

This time, her answering smile was more confident.

We had a pleasant evening after that, even though I noticed the odd curious or jealous stare thrown our way. We shared an appetizer and tried each other's entrees, loving touches and lustful glances included.

When I wanted to order a dessert, Bella excused herself to the bathroom first. For a long while, I perused the menu, which offered countless varieties of cake, deliciously sounding ice cream dishes, and other choices that made it difficult to choose one or even two.

After sending the waiter away twice, telling him I was waiting for my girlfriend to return before I would order, I was starting to get antsy. Had Bella become sick? Had she had an accident on the way to the bathroom or back? If she were anyone else, I might even have considered her running out on me.

I was ready to jump out of my seat and take the risk of shocking some poor, unsuspecting women by barging into the women's restroom when Bella finally reappeared. Her tense expression as well as her hurried stride had me worried. She sat down next to me again, but when I tried to find out what was wrong, she placed her hand on mine and asked if we could please leave.

Not wanting the evening to end so soon, I decided to drive us to a spot where we could look down on the lights of Port Angeles instead of going home. Emmett and Rose had been frequent visitors to that spot during high school, but since I never dated during my visits, I'd never taken a girl there. However, I knew it was beautiful and quiet, and maybe Bella would tell me what was wrong once we got there.

The drive was rather tense with neither of us saying a word, our hands clasped together the whole time. Once we reached our destination, I turned to look into Bella's eyes, finding sadness and insecurity there.

"Baby, what happened in the bathroom?" I inquired quietly.

Averting her gaze, she turned her head to look out the windshield. "Nothing. I'm fine."

I squeezed her hand tighter. "No, you're not," I insisted. "You're rattled somehow. Come on; tell me what's going on."

She huffed once, her brow furrowed in what looked like annoyance. "It doesn't matter. I ran into someone, and she said something that was hurtful and completely out of line."

Bella didn't elaborate, and I didn't push her. There was one thing I needed to know, though. "Was it something about us?"

She nodded. "Yeah, sort of."

"You don't need to tell me, baby," I assured her. "I don't care what people think. I'm proud of you being my girlfriend, and I want people to know that. I don't care what they say. The only thing that matters is what you and I think. Do you agree with what she said?"

Bella's small smile gave me hope. "No, not at all."

"Then, it doesn't matter. There will always be people who gossip and talk bad. Let them. They can't come between us." I locked eyes with her for a moment, then I continued. "Now, forget about the petty woman. We're still on a date, and I want to kiss my girlfriend."

Leaning over the middle console, I touched my lips to hers, and it didn't take long until she opened her mouth to me, our tongues tangling hungrily. Our hands were touching and groping, and after a few minutes, Bella had climbed over to straddle me in my seat.

Slowly, button by button, she opened my shirt, not halting when she reached the waistband of my pants. Surprised by her forwardness, considering the time and place, I stopped her hands by carefully holding her wrists in place.

"Bella, wow! You sure you want to do this? This is only our second date." I added the last part playfully, needing to know she really wanted to go through with it.

Her wicked grin was all the reply I needed. "Who cares about those rules?" She laughed and ground herself against me. "There're a lot of things I've never done — like having sex in a car. Will you help me cross that off my bucket list?"

"Oh, baby, you bet!" I replied, attacking her neck and gripping her ass with everything I had.

The evening hadn't entirely gone as planned, but the ending was more than I could ever have thought out. And with Bella, as always, it was perfect.

********ITaV********

A/N: So, it was Jessica. And she meant well. But it seems like there are a lot of people around who don't. What do you think that woman in the restroom said to Bella? Those of you who guess correctly or even close will get an extended teaser for next chapter. For everyone else, here's a sneak peek:

… Talk around the table died down instantly until my mother cleared her throat. "Your daughter? You have a child?" …

Apparently Edward didn't tell his parents about Bella's family beforehand. Now, is that a good of bad reaction? Tell me what you think, here or on Facebook in my group Payton79's Fanfiction.

Next week's chapter will probably be up a few hours later than normal, but I promise I'll post that day.

See you then.

xo Payton