Bella POV.

The next day I woke up early. The sun had risen high and bright and the pleasant sound of the dawn chorus filtered into Edward's room. Even at this early hour, I could feel the heat of the sun infiltrate the glass windows. It was day three of the heat wave in Forks. This thought filled me with a slight anxiety as I wondered what other plans Edward and his family had dreamed up. But a feeling of anticipation overwhelmed that. Despite some complications, which I wasn't about to dredge up again, these last few days had been wonderful. If today held even a tenth of that wonder, it would be great.

Even though I was in the company of a family of vampires who couldn't actually go out and enjoy the sun, I was enjoying the weather and all it brought. I felt free, young, normal.

But I would have liked a few more hours sleep. But now that I had woken up and Edward wasn't here and the sun was in my eyes, I decided I might as well get up. I was surprised so find that Edward hadn't resurfaced after I'd showered and dressed. Alice had conveniently left another suitable outfit on the bed for me. She would be happy I was finally beginning to appreciate her efforts.

I wandered downstairs and into the kitchen. Esme was standing by the stove. Looking as lovely was ever, in a cute floral apron.

"Good morning, Bella" she said.

"Morning Esme." I replied. "How was your trip?"

I was trying to be polite but still wasn't sure of the etiquette for asking about hunting.

"Fine, dear." answered Esme with a smile. "We just got back a few hours ago."

As she spoke, Esme set a plate down in front of me. A delicious looking stack of French toast, sprinkled with powdered sugar and a side of crispy bacon. The tasty aroma made my stomach rumble. I hadn't eaten in a while.

"Wow. Thanks Esme. You didn't have to do this."

"Nonsense. You have to eat properly, Bella."

"Mmm… delicious." I told her through a mouthful of food. I was so hungry I forgot my manners. Esme smiled and smoothed her apron.

"Did you have fun last night?" she asked.

"Yes, it was nice to do something different."

"Did Edward?"

I gulped some of the fresh orange juice she gave me before answering.

"I think so. Despite some…complications."

"Yes, I imagine a brush with the law and public drinking would be a complication."

Uh-oh, was Edward in trouble? The idea was faintly ridiculous, in one respect he was older than Esme. But it was important for the Cullens not to draw attention to themselves.

"But nothing compared to what the others can get up to. They go out regularly you know. They go to Seattle and other cities, to clubs and concerts and games. They always have. But Edward never goes. He would stay and help me or Carlisle, or hunt or play his piano. And the last while he has spent every night with you. He never minded, I know that. But now that he has you, it's wonderful to see him going out and having fun. Thank you, Bella."

Why was she thanking me? I was the one who owed her for such a wonderful son, for welcoming me into this family. I was about to tell her so when Emmett bounded into the room.

"Hey Bells! How's the head today? " he boomed.

"I'm fine, Emmett." I rolled my eyes and braced myself for whatever teasing he was about to inflict on me. But all he said was

"Pity, I couldn't say the same about Edward. Stay away from the garage. He's cranky today. "

"Is he ok?" I exclaimed, pushing back my seat.

"He's fine." Esme soothed.

"I'll check on him anyway."

" Esme sent him out of the house while he coughs up all the drinks from last night. You really don't want to deal with hung-over Edward. Who knew a vampire could look so green? All i did was offer to lift him upside down so he could get rid of the drink and he nearly bit my head off!"

Emmett sauntered out of the room. Poor Edward, I hadn't even considered that he'd have to purge all the shots he's consumed. Maybe I could rub his back or something.

"He'll be fine, Bella. He'd rather you didn't see that. Would you like to help me in the garden for a while?"

Esme was so kind it was impossible to refuse her. I finished my breakfast and washed up while she went to get her gardening tools. I had to stifle a smile when she reappeared dressed in full gardening gear, including overalls and a wide-brimmed hat. Alice wasn't the only to not do things by halves in the family. But once we were outside I was glad she wore those clothes. Most of her skin was covered so I didn't embarrass myself by gawking at her sparkling skin.

For a while we worked in amiable silence. Esme insisted I put on sunblock and wear gloves before I helped her weed. Of course, she used her bare hands. There seemed to be no logic or pattern in the plants and flowers but they were beautiful nonetheless.

"It's almost therapeutic." she mused. "The silence, just focusing on the task at hand."

I understood, I felt the same about cooking. I was going to suggest growing some herbs or vegetables but remembered we wouldn't be here much longer.

I knelt beside a cluster of white flowers .

"Mmm they smell nice." I mused. This made Esme smile.

"Well, you would think so. They're Edward's favourite too."

"What are they?"

"Freesia." Her response made me blush. "I planted them when I first met you, although the scent isn't quite as obvious to me. Certain plants remind me of my family. They're the ones I take most care of."

I spied a rosebush a few feet away. Behind the off-putting thorns were stunningly perfect scarlet roses.

"Is that for Rosalie?" I asked with enthusiasm. Esme smiled in agreement.

"Of course. Can you guess which one is for Emmett?"

I wasn't sure but when Esme pointed out a row of giant sunflowers, strong and pound and happy, it just seemed to fit. She pointed out blooms of lavender for Jasper. That made sense, the scent was soothing and relaxing. Esme indicated to a small green plant. It was unfamiliar to me.

"For Carlisle." she said. " I would give him the entire forest but this will have to do. It's aloe vera. It has healing properties."

That made sense. This really was intriguing.

"What about Alice?" I enthused.

Esme gestured to the edge of the flower beds, where a trail of flowers disappeared into the forest.

"Do you see the wildflowers? So bright and strong. They are constant and make you smile when you least expect it."

Then I asked her about the one I really wanted to hear about. Edward. However Esme sighed and hesitated before she answered.

"There was a time I would have said the snowdrop. The flower that blooms in adversity, the first one you see in the spring but usually stands alone. Now I'm not so sure. Perhaps I will plant some orchids."

Her description made me a little sad. I also realised she was missing something important.

"What about you Esme?"

She looked away. "I don't have one."

Then a thought occurred to me that I had to share.

"You don't need one. You are the like the rain that nurtures them. The trees that shelters them. The wind that reminds them to be strong and the soil that binds then together."

Esme clasped my hand and gazed at me wordlessly. Then she leaned in and kissed my hot cheek. She whispered in my ear. "Truly, you are my daughter."

A shadow fell over us and I looked around. Edward was standing in the shade. Once again I was astounded by his beauty and had a strange expression on his face. He looked happy and sad at the same time. I was unable to hide my enthusiasm at seeing him.

"Edward!" I exclaimed.

"Morning, love." he said as he rested his hand on my shoulder. Then he looked at Esme. "Would you like us to finish up here?"

"Yes, thank you." Esme's voice cracked slightly. She glanced at me again before disappearing back into the house.

"Is she ok? I hope I didn't upset her."

"no, Bella. You've made her happier than you can imagine. You managed to put into words what the rest of us never could. She's gone to call Carlisle."

Edward resumed the work Esme had been doing.

"Does everyone know about the police last nigh?" I had to ask. Edward sighed.

"Yes. Alice saw most of it and you know there are no secrets in this house. Carlisle and Esme tried to scold me but it's hard to take them seriously when they're laughing internally. Emmett's been singing the theme from 'Cops' non-stop in his head but other than that they've not been to bad."

"That's good. You've suffered enough." I said gesturing to his stomach. He grimaced and replied. "I told you already. It was worth it."

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine, better that you're here."

"Are you sure? You're not mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad at you?"

"My behaviour last night was out of line. I almost got you into trouble. I treated you terribly…"

"Did you hear me complaining?" I interrupted, angry that he was putting a dampener on what had been a fun night.

"That's irrelevant. I should've know better… acting like some adolescent boy."

"Edward, that's what you are. As long as we're safe there is nothing wrong with this. We didn't even do anything really."

"But I wanted to.."

"So did I. That's natural. I know you have a different perspective than I do and you were raised in different times. All you were doing was showing me how much you love me. Why should you apologise for that?"

Edward didn't answer. His expression was unfathomable.

"Do you hear me?"

He smiled and gave a mock salute. "Yes, Ma'am" He gave me a quick kiss. But it was still enough to make my heart splutter hyperactively.

Edward continued to work and I watched him. It was a delight to see his muscles straining under his shirt. But I wasn't sure how much I had got through to him. I knew he could be stuck in his ways. There was nothing wrong with having fun. We had pushed our boundaries but hadn't crossed them. It would be impossible to go back to chaste kisses and him always pulling away now. Plus, I still had a goal of making him moan again. I would do whatever it took to hear my favourite sound again.

A light breeze ruffled my hair. It was a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat that was beating down on my neck. Unfortunately it also sent pollen up my nose and I began to sneeze violently. I was one of those people who could never just sneeze once.

"Bless you." offered Edward.

"Thanks." He was still looking at me strangely and I sneezed again. "That's a fairly useless phrase as far as I'm concerned. Do you know it's origin?"

Edward frowned but he looked curious the next time I sneezed. Yes, it was hardly attractive but I used a tissue. There was no need to stare at me like I had two heads.

"Bella, what does that feel like?"

"To sneeze?" He nodded. "I don't know…sneezy?"

"Describe it?"

"Why?"

"Humour me."

"It's like having an itch and then it's released."

"Ok, just curious." he answered quickly. Then it sounded like he muttered "that doesn't sound so great." but I couldn't be sure.

I settled back to watch him work. He moved at human speed and his face held the cutest look of concentration. Occasionally the sun would glint off his hands and it would take my breath away. Everyone said I brought light into his life but I still couldn't see what this beautiful creature saw in me. I knew him so well yet so many things were still a mystery to me. What I did know, was that we loved each other. And quiet days spent like this were just as enjoyable as wild nights out.

Edward could be strange. He didn't see himself clearly and asked me questions I didn't understand. But somehow that made me love him all the more.

Review please and thanks to all who do.

I'm over the moon with all the lovely reviews. It's not just the number (1000! Yay!) but the fact that you guys are all so nice. It's really overwhelming and I really do appreciate them!

I posted another one-shot that shows Jaspers POV over the last few chaps. It's on my profile if you haven't seen it yet.