A/N Just a quick word of thanks for the reviews and words of encouragement. I want to give another shout out to Liebeezer for being the only one to pick up on something from that last chapter that is kind of huge. I would love to know if anyone else figured it out. Also one last thing, after this chapter I will begin time skipping, I promise I'm not going to do a day to day account of their lives.

Chapter 20

EPOV

The drive to Seattle was a nice way to spend the day. I had originally no intention of letting Bella out of the house today, but when I saw her vision of a Halloween costume, I knew that we had to get our hands on that today.

I could only imagine her wearing it and I was already breathless.

After we shared a quick shower, strictly for the sake of saving time and water. Yeah right. We picked up Alice and began the road trip. I could tell that Alice was so happy to be invited and she promised to be on her best behavior today, I just knew that this was going to be a great day.

My Bella was feeling much better today, yesterday broke my heart, watching her being so sick and feeling helpless to do anything about it.

I wanted to take her to Carlisle for a second opinion but she wasn't having it.

"Honestly Edward" "Dr. Clearwater is more than capable of treating me, I'm sure that I'm not the first sinus infection that he has ever treated." she told me.

Deep down I knew that she was right, but damn it, I already have this deep sense of needing to take care of her and I trust no one more than I do my dad.

As luck would have it though, apparently there was a major accident on the highway yesterday and Carlisle probably wouldn't have been able to see her anyway. He didn't come home last night at all.

On the way out of town I called Charlie and let him know that Bella was doing much better and wanted to get out for a while; I told him that Alice and I were taking her out to get her Halloween costume and promised to bring her straight home if she started feeling bad again. I didn't tell him that we were taking her to Seattle.

He actually sounded relieved that Alice was with us and we were not at home alone. If he only knew.

Yeah, I think that we will keep that secret to ourselves; Including how instrumental Alice was in my taking Bella's virtue in a hotel room in Port Angeles just a couple of nights before. Just thinking of that night made my dick jump. Down boy. Not now.

I knew deep down, that no matter what happened in my life, there would never be a night as wonderful as that one.

Not only because of Bella and I sharing our bodies with each other, but also our hearts.

I know now, that no matter what her plans for the future are, I want to be at her side. Emmett would probably say that I'm whipped and maybe he would be right, but I think of it more like being complete.

She is who I have been waiting for, the missing piece of myself. I know that it's very soon to be making those kinds of declarations, but I can't help how I feel either.

I must have really been lost in my thoughts, because the next thing that I knew we were almost to Seattle; I decided that maybe I needed to jump into the conversation that was going on around me.

Alice and Bella were discussing movies and music these were topics that I could contribute to.

Then Alice began rambling on about some designer that was having a trunk show in Seattle; she lost both of us there.

"Uh guys" "There's something that I need to talk to both of you about." Alice said.

"What is it Alice?" I asked.

"Well it's kind of about your sex…"

"Alice, no, we are so not talking about this." Bella said angrily.

"Alice, shut it." I growled.

"But, it's seriously important" She wailed.

"I'm not kidding Alice, shut up." "That is between Bella and I, and none of your damn business." I told her.

"I'm just trying to help, honestly, do you think I would do this if it weren't important?" She asked.

"Yes" Both Bella and I said at the same time.

"Well ok maybe I would, but seriously you two, there is something that you should both know."Poor Bella, she was the color of a tomato and I would not put up with Alice's interference any longer.

"Alice, Bella and I know what we are doing and while I appreciate your helping us get together, we've got it now. So please butt the fuck out." I told her.

I know that I hurt her feelings and I feel bad about it, but honestly does she think that we're so stupid, we can't handle our own sex life?

"Ok, I'm butting out now Edward, but I want you to know that I retain the right to say I told you so." Alice said.

"Fine, If one day you want to say I told you so, have at it, but my sex life is not on the table for discussion." I told her.

"Alice, I love you" Bella spoke up, "but there are just some things that Edward and I need to figure out on our own." "Please don't be mad at us, it's just too personal to talk about."

"Ok, it's your party, but I just want to say, I know something that you two don't and it's a pretty big thing too.""I think we'll risk it." I tell her.

"You have no idea of how big of a risk." She mumbled.

Fifteen minutes later we were at the mall and all thoughts of the earlier conversation were gone. Thank God, because I had no desire to spend all day with the pouting pixie.

Once we had found the costume shop from online, Alice was off, back to her natural whirlwind self.

It didn't take us long to find what we were looking for and man they were even better in person. For the first time in well forever, I was actually looking forward to annual family blow-out. I already knew that she was going to be too beautiful for words.

"Well" Alice said "Which one do you like?"

Bella was looking at her choices and she was literally glowing. I could tell that she was having a hard time deciding though because she was nibbling on her bottom lip.

Did I ever mention what that does to me? OH not now.

"I can't decide" She whispered.

"Here, let me help." Alice said. "With you're hair color and complexion, I would definitely say this one." She promptly picked a dress off of the rack.

"Do you like it?" She asked.

"I love it" Bella responded and then looked at the price tag. I saw her face fall a little.

"Do they do rentals here also?" She asked.

Oh hell no she's not renting it, even if I have to club her over the head to let me buy it.

"Bella, love, did you really think that I was going to let you pay for it?"

"Edward no, I can't let you do this."

"You can and you will." I tell her in no uncertain terms.

"It's too much, seriously too much." I will only wear it one time.

"Bella, this is what I want, so if you won't let me do it for you, then I will do it for myself." I knew that was a low blow but I'm not above that right now.

"Come on sweetie, let me help you get into it to try it on." Alice said sweetly.

I know that she isn't comfortable with me spending money on her, but this is one thing that she's going to have to get over.

A few minutes later I heard Alice "Oh Bella, that's beautiful." "Go show him."

I didn't even realize that I was holding my breath until she walked out.

I heard myself exhale loudly and began to take in the sight that was in front of me.

I knew that I needed to say something, but my voice was failing me.

I had never seen anything more beautiful and just as she was beginning to look uncomfortable I was able to tell her so.

"You like it?" she asked timidly

I was still having trouble with words, so I let my body take over. I walked over to her, fisted her hair in my hands and kissed her with everything that I had.

We were beginning to attract attention so reluctantly I pulled away; "Does that answer your question?" I ask her in response.

"Yeah, I guess it does." She giggled.

I think we had both forgotten about Alice being there until we heard her clapping.

"I knew it was going to be perfect." she said before he helped Bella into the fitting room to take the dress off.

Damn I wish it were me helping her, but on the other hand I knew that probably wasn't the best idea.

A few minutes later they were out of the fitting room and Alice was telling Bella that she already had the perfect shoes; "But it is missing something though." She added.

I didn't think that it was missing anything, but I'm not exactly a fashion expert either.

We walked around the store for a while longer picking up various odd things that Alice knew that everyone needed.

After we checked out we made our way back into the mall; Alice had a few more things that she wanted to get while we were there.

As we were walking towards our first destination Alice said I know what it's missing.

Bella and I just looked at her like she had lost her mind, when Bella noticed what store we had stopped in front of.

"UH huh, no way in hell Alice" She said while looking in terror at the trademark blue boxes.

"But Bella, you have to have jewelry with that dress." "I'm talking a necklace, earrings and bracelet, not an engagement ring." "Edward help me out here please?"

While the thought of buying Bella jewelry made me happy, I knew that we had pushed our luck enough for one day. "Sorry Alice, Bella said no, so forget it."

"Alice, I will get some jewelry to go with it, but it will be costume only." Bella agreed.

"Fine" Alice grumbled " but a little Tiffany's never hurt any woman." She complained.

"Well there is a beautiful bridal shop here and they sell some nice costume stuff, so maybe we can try there." She offered.

A few minutes later we stopped in front of a store called "Agent Provocateur" "Um guys, I need to go in here" Alice said.

I was about to get excited about possibly buying and getting Bella to model some lingerie when she looked across to the other side of the mall and something caught her attention.

"Barnes and Noble" the sign said; damn it but I could deny her nothing. Note to self, see if Agent Provocateur has a website. I'm sure that Alice knows Bella's size.

Bella found several books that she wanted and I even found a couple myself at the checkout I was attempting to pull my wallet out of my pocket when Bella grabbed my books and put them down on the counter and dared me to try to pay. I decided to let her have her way on this, because all of a sudden I had an idea. I just wasn't sure how gracefully she would accept it though.

I knew that we needed to grab some lunch and then hit the road soon so that Charlie wouldn't have the whole force out searching for us, but I knew that Alice was going to want to get Bella's jewelry before we left; so we made our way to the bridal store.

Once we were in the store finding the jewelry was easy and Alice left Bella and I to look and choose.

I looked to see where Alice went, because I was surprised that she left Bella to choose on her own; I finally spotted her, looking at wedding gowns.

What the hell? I mean I knew that she and Jasper had talked about getting married, but I knew that she wasn't in any hurry.

She was spoiled by living at home and she and Jasper were allowed to be very open about their relationship.

Hell Jasper and Rosalie stays at our house more than they do their own.

It was then that I caught her looking at one in particular and then looking back at Bella as if deciding on something. She shook her head no and kept looking.

What the fuck Alice, I wanted to yell.

Now don't get me wrong, one day I would love nothing more than to see Bella in one of those dresses, but for Christ's sake she's a junior in high school and not even 18 yet.

"What do you think of these?" Bella asks me, snapping me out of my desire to choke my sister. I swear to God if she scares Bella off, I will kill her.

She was holding up a gorgeous pair of earrings that looked like something she would wear.

I was glad to see that Bella hadn't noticed Alice yet, and if she had I'm sure that she would assume that she was looking for herself.

I knew that it was time for me to have a very long and very serious talk with my baby sister.

"I think that they're perfect love." I tell her "Now let's pick out a few other things so we can drag Alice out of here."She was able to pick out a necklace and two bracelets in the same style as her earrings.

I turned around to call Alice so that we could leave and I saw her holding a dress up inspecting it. Who knows maybe Alice is thinking about designing wedding dresses and maybe I jumped to conclusions a little fast.

Then I really looked at the dress and got a mental picture of Bella wearing it. It screamed her.

The thought of her walking down an isle wearing that to give herself completely to me just about brought me to my knees.

I knew that we needed to get out of here, before I did something stupid like propose, so I all but pulled her up to the register. I was in such a fog that I didn't even try to argue with her when she pulled out her own debit card to pay.

Snap out of it now Cullen, I tell myself, before she can guess what you're thinking.

"Ready for lunch love?" I ask her.

"Mmm, yes please and no more shopping." She told me.

I was quick to agree and even though my hands were full from all of our purchases I needed to touch her; so I pulled her into me so that I could kiss her.

I hope she doesn't notice that something about that store seriously did something to my brain.

Hmm, Isabella Marie Cullen, I kind of like that.

Oh shit, I'm in trouble.

Finally Alice made her way back to us and Bella showed her her purchase. Surprisingly Alice not only approved of her choice, but said that they are exactly what she would have picked. Bella looked pleased.

We decided on seafood for lunch, apparently Charlie brings home tons of fish but Bella never gets shellfish and they are her favorite.

The conversation over lunch was easy and it continued on the way home. Bella was thrilled with the costume and Alice was excited about some things that she had seen that day. I'm not even going to think about it.

She was also really thrilled with her purchases at the lingerie store. I definitely don't want to think about that, but I know that I'm going to get on their website tonight. I think that I owe Bella some panties after all.

Bella mentioned that Angela and her boyfriend would be attending the party and said that she would call Jacob that night. She was positive that he would come; I told her to tell him that we have a guest room in case he and his girlfriend wanted to stay. I know what it's like to not get enough time with the woman you love and wanted to help Bella's friend out.

It wasn't long before we passed the Welcome to Forks sign and I knew that I was going to have to let Bella go. This is always the worst for me.

As we approach her house, I pull over to the same spot I parked the Saturday night that I met her. God I hope she never finds out about that.

I know that I can't kiss her the way I want to at home if Charlie is already there, but I'm not letting her go without a kiss;

I was afraid that she would feel awkward with Alice in the car, but personally I could care less. Especially after some of the things that I have had to witness between her and Jasper.

"Go ahead you two and commence with the lip-locks, I'll be checking my Facebook." Alice said.

I unbuckle my seatbelt and take her face in my hands and begin to kiss her thoroughly; I swear it feels like I will never see her again, but I know that I will be there in the morning to pick her up for school.

I couldn't get enough of her. Her lips felt like they were meant for mine. We were truly a perfect fit. I kept kissing her and didn't pull back until we were both breathless as I was about to go in for one more. I heard Alice in the backseat wail.

"Oh no" "That bitch is so fucking dead."

"What's the matter Alice?" "Did somebody steal your costume idea?" I ask with humor; I know to her that would be a matter of life and death.

I then realized that she still wasn't saying anything, "Come on Alice, how bad can it be?" I ask.

With that she hands me her phone and I see what she's yelling about and I wished that I hadn't asked that question.

What I saw made my blood boil, I felt the need to rip the head off of something. I don't think that I had even been this furious in my life.

Someone had sent Alice a link on Facebook and then I looked at what it was it was a picture of Bella vomiting into a trashcan with a caption that said Chief's daughter knocked up and guess who the daddy is.

Then there was a picture of me kissing her goodbye that morning that I dropped her off at school.

Oh shit. I groaned.

I started running my hands through my hair, a habit I have always had for when I'm frustrated.

I knew that I had to show this to Bella, but I was afraid that I wasn't in control of my emotions yet.

I don't want her to think that I was upset for myself. I personally don't give two shits about what people think of me, but I do care what they think of her.

"Edward, what is it?" Bella asked concerned.

"Who the Fuck is Jessica Stanley?" I yell.

"This total skank that I go to school with, why?"

"Bella, love, I don't want you to get upset, we will take care of this." I say as calmly as I possibly can.

I hand her Alice's phone and she saw it.

I watched as her face became ash gray and I felt so helpless.

"Bella, baby, don't worry, I will figure out a way to fix this." I promise her.

"Oh MY GOD, What if Charlie sees this?" She wailed.

"Baby, we're going to show it to Charlie, better for us to show it to him and explain than he hear it somewhere else." I tell her.

"Breathe Bella" I tell her.

"Oh no Edward, I'm so sorry, I knew that bitch hates me, but now she's dragging you into her issues now, I would totally understand if you decide that I'm not worth the trouble and dump me." She told me crying.

I bent down and kissed her and pulled her chin up so that she was looking into my eyes "Bella, angel. Let them say what they want to about me, I don't care. My only concern is you, I promise you that you are no trouble, but you are worth all of the trouble in the world. I love you and you are my life. Nothing else matters to me."

"Bella, Rose and I will take care of Jessica for you, Rose hates that bitch even more than I do, and everyone knows that you don't fuck with her or the ones that she loves and get away with it."

"I don't want you guys to get in trouble because of me" Bella sniffled.

"Are you ok now sweetheart?" I ask.

"Yeah, I am. I really don't care what they think of me, they don't matter." she said, not too convincingly.

I kiss her again and tell her that I need to get her home to Charlie.

The three of us get out of the car and go into her house. Charlie was kicked back in his recliner with a beer.

"Hey Bells, glad you're feeling better, so I can assume that you are going back to school tomorrow?"

"Edward, Alice, Thanks for spending the day with her" he adds.

"Dad, there's something that I need to show you" Bella said.

"What is it Bells?" Bella took Alice's phone and showed him the pictures.

"We just wanted to show it to you before you heard about it somewhere else." I appreciate it kiddo, but I had already heard. Some of the guys at the station asked me about it. I set them straight.

"Look kids, I know the truth" "Bella, if you want to shut her up, you might mention the time that I had to break up the protest at the family planning clinic so that she could get in to have her procedure."

"Are you going to be ok, Bella" Alice said giving her a hug.

"Yeah, no worries" she said.

"Baby, call me if you need me, I will be here in the morning to take you to school."

Alice and I told Charlie goodbye and made our way out the door. Bella followed us out to the car.

Alice gave Bella one more hug and told her that she loved her and not to worry, it would be taken care of.

I quickly wrapped Bella in my arms and began kissing her and whispering words of love to her, hoping that they would calm her nerves.

Man, I really didn't want to let her go, but I knew that I had to. I kissed her softly once more and told her that I would be here in the morning.

Pulling out, I watched her in my rearview mirror watching me drive out of sight.