A/N: Happy mid week to you all. Thanks again to my beta kittyisme0341 for all your help. On with the show...

As always I own nothing...the great SM does. No copyright infringement intended.

Edward POV

Sitting on the porch swing with Bella in my arms was one of my favorite pastimes. We rocked slowly back and forth just enjoying being in each others arms. She was safe and healthy here in my arms and I thanked my lucky stars that she was with me.

It had been a week since the incident with Newton and I still shuddered at the memory of that night. I closed my eyes and that nightmare played over again in my mind…..

Seeing Bella lying in that bed, wondering if she was hurt or if that scum had touched her was enough to make me feel week in the knees. When I finally reached her and saw that she was unharmed, I vowed to never let her go and I would do all that I could to make her feel loved and protected.

When Newton appeared in the doorway my heart stopped. I had to do what I could to kill this man before he had hurt Bella or me. I was so thankful that Jasper got there in time to shoot that bastard. As much as I wanted to do it myself, I was relieved that Mike Newton would never cause anyone harm again.

Unfortunately all was not good, James had been shot trying to save his sister and seeing him lying on the ground covered in blood was one of the most painful experiences I have ever had.

My Bella was being so brave for her brother. She immediately jumped into action to do anything she could to save him. I loved her strength and determination.

On the ride to town I silently watched as she begged and pleaded with him not to leave her. My heart broke for her. Watching Bella suffering like that was pure torture for me. I was willing to anything for her to make that pain go away….but there was nothing I could do at the time but just sit back and pray.

I was instantly relieved when I saw Em and Uncle Carlisle approaching. I knew Uncle was a great doctor and with him there I had hoped that all would be well.

When we had finally reached Dr. Banner's house both doctor's jumped into action. Bella tried so hard to get into the exam room with them but we knew that it was best if she just stayed with us and waited.

She paced back and forth, pulling at her skirt with nervous energy.

"Bella, please sit down. You are wearing yourself out; you will need your strength my love." I pleaded with her.

"I know Edward, I just feel so helpless. What if he dies? What will I do without him?" she cried.

I wrapped my arms around her, hoping to offer some comfort.

"Shhh baby, don't cry. James is a strong young man. He will pull through; you just have to keep telling yourself that."

"I'm trying Edward. I am just so scared. I need him to be ok."

"I know love, he will be we just have to have faith."

I held her in my arms, gently rubbing her back. After another hour or so the men finally emerged from the exam room.

Bella jumped from my arms, running over to Carlisle.

"Is he…is he ok?" she looked at him with watery eyes.

"Yes Bella, he is going to be fine. We removed the bullet and cleaned up the wound. He unfortunately lost a lot of blood and the risk of infection is high so we will have to keep a close eye on him but I have high hopes for a full recovery." Uncle Carlisle stated.

Bella let out a long shuddering breath.

"Oh thank god. Can I see him?"

"Of course dear." Dr. Banner offered.

Bella went in to sit with James and both men came over to join us.

"So you are hopeful he will be fine?" Jasper asked.

"Yes, I think baring any infection James will be back in good health soon." Dr. Banner said.

We were all so relieved but I knew Bella would still be worried.

"Edward, have you had a chance to speak with Bella about what happened. Did that monster hurt her or…." My uncle looked up at me with dread in his eyes.

"I spoke with her briefly and she insured me that he didn't touch her in any way." I said, relief evident in my voice.

"Good, I was so worried. You will need to keep an eye on her, if I know Bella she will never leave James's side but she needs to rest. She has been through a traumatic experience and we don't want her to collapse under the strain."

"Don't worry. I am not going to leave her side. I will make sure she eats and rests enough. I will never let anything happen to her again."

I could feel the tears forming in the corner of my eyes, the weight of the day crashing down on me. I could have lost her. My world would have ended if that had happened. I excused myself and went outside.

I sat down on the front steps and put my head in my hands. The tears flowed down my cheeks. I couldn't stop them. All of the pain, the worry, and the relief overwhelmed me.

I felt a strong hand on my shoulder.

"I know brother, I know." Emmett said.

"Oh Emmett, I could have lost her. I love her so much that the thought of my life without her is too much to bear."

He sat down beside me and just silently offered me comfort. When I composed myself, I looked over at him and smiled.

"Thank you Emmett."

"Anytime Bro, I will always be here if you or Bella need me."

We went back inside and waited.

I felt a hand slowly rubbing my thigh, bringing me back to the present. I looked down at the angel in my arms and kissed the top of her head.

"Love, what are you doing?" I asked.

"Hmmm….I'm just enjoying being in your arms Edward." She whispered.

"Bella look at me."

She lifted her head and looked deep into my eyes. I hoped she could see all the love I felt for her in my gaze.

"I love you so much Bella."

I leaned down and placed my lips to hers, kissing her with all of the love and devotion I had. She broke the kiss, her hands gently cupping my face.

"I love you too Edward, always." She smiled brightly at me.

Bella POV

I couldn't wait! Today James was coming home. It had been a week and it would be so good to have him back here.

Sitting on my bed, I closed my eyes and thought of the past week….

I spent the first few days at Dr. Banner's house taking care of James; I wanted to make sure that he was out of danger. When he finally woke and I saw with my own eyes that he would be fine, I was so happy.

It was so surprised when Pastor Weber and Miss Angela arrived here to see James. I knew it! I knew that they felt something for each other after their brief time together. It was like how Edward and I felt in the beginning. That strange connection you couldn't understand but you knew it was there pulling you.

I was so tired and weak from the past few days that I was more than happy to let Angela sit with my brother. I knew from the look in her eyes that she would take great care of him. I smiled, thinking how wonderful it would be to see James in love.

I slept peacefully after Edward lovingly tucked me into bed. I blushed at the thoughts I was having as he kissed my forehead. I really wanted to pull him into the bed with me and feel his strong arms around me but I knew if I did that we would both be in trouble.

We were having a hard time restraining ourselves before and after all that has happened I am not sure either one of us would have the strength to stop.

The days passed and James got stronger. He was sitting up, eating, laughing with me and the guys. Finally he told me it was time for me to go home. I protested, wanting to be with him.

"James I want to stay here with you. What if you need me?" I whined.

"Bella, you need to go home with the Cullen's. I will be home soon and Dr. Banner is here if I need anything."

"Hmmmm and Miss Angela will be by again today too." I giggled.

He looked at me with a glint in his eye.

"That's right, I do remember her saying she would stop by today." He smiled.

I laughed heartily.

"Very subtle James….fine I will go back home only because if I don't you will whine endlessly."

Emmett let out a big laugh.

"She has got you pegged man." He laughed harder at my teasing.

We left that afternoon and I will admit I was happy to be back at the ranch. I missed it terribly.

When we pulled up Jane came rushing towards me and pulled me in for a tight hug.

"Bella! I am so happy you are ok. We were so worried." She declared.

Demetri was standing behind her and smiled warmly at me.

"Welcome home Miss Bella."

"Thank you both. How's the baby?" I inquired.

"He's great; he is such a good baby. Alice is inside watching him at the moment." Jane gushed.

"I can't wait to see him."

We went inside, Alice was sitting in the rocking chair holding the sleeping babe.

"Bella you're home." She whispered.

"Yes, it feels good to be back." I walked over to her and gently stroked Marcus' cheek.

I looked over at Edward, who was staring at me with the oddest expression on his face. Suddenly his look changed, he was wearing the largest smile and it instantly warmed my heart.

"I think I am going to lie down a bit, the day has worn me out." I announced.

As I began to move toward the hallway Edward stepped in front of me halting my exit.

"We have a surprise for you." He smirked.

Taking my hand he led me up the stairwell. I had no idea what was going on. He stopped next to the spare bedroom, turning the knob and opening the door he led me by the hand into the room. I stopped and turned to look at him.

"Surprise." He whispered.

All of my things were placed around the charming bedroom. This room was much bigger than the one downstairs and it had to most beautiful view from the window.

"Edward, what's going on?" I asked still stunned.

"Alice and I decided it was time for you to have this bedroom, it is much larger and it is more fitting for you. I really should apologize for even putting you in that small room." He sighed.

"I was not acting or thinking clearly when you arrived and being the fool I was I put you downstairs away from me. I thought that if you weren't near me I could avoid you and the feelings I was having but….well we both know that's not what I really wanted. I'm so sorry." He wrapped me in a loving embrace, kissing my temple.

"Edward, please don't apologize. Neither one of us was thinking too clearly at that time. The only thing to do now is look towards the future." I smiled reassuringly at him.

"Thank you for doing this for me, I love it." I grinned happily.

"Really? I was so afraid you weren't going to like it." He looked so anxious.

"It's perfect, just like you." I stood on the tips of my toes planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. Edward actually blushed at my compliment.

"Why don't you get some sleep sweetheart, I'll wake you for dinner."

"Mmm that sounds good." I yawned sleepily.

"Sweet dreams Isabella." Edward kissed my cheek and left me in my new room.

I was so blissful at that moment I wanted to squeal. Lying down on my new bed I closed my eyes and dreamt of Edward and a little green eyed boy playing in the creek.

When I woke I felt the bed dip down, looking up I saw Alice sitting there with a huge grin on her face.

"Alice, what are you doing?" I mumbled.

"Sorry, I wanted to see if you liked your new room." She was practically bouncing.

"Alice, its perfect, thank you. It was such a wonderful surprise." I gushed.

"I vowed the day you arrived that I would have you moved to this room; I just needed to make Edward see it was the right choice. I am glad that it's finally happened." She smiled.

"Thanks Alice, you are the best friend a girl could have." I hugged her tightly.

The next couple of days passed swiftly. When we found out that James would be home soon we decided a party was in order. We invited the Weber's, the Hale's and of course Dr. and Mrs. Cullen. I had sent word to Dr. Banner also, telling him of our surprise and how we had wanted him to join us; I sincerely hoped that he would.

Alice and I kept up with our daily work and when we had free time we worked on preparations for the party. Emmett told us that Rosalie would bring some pies and Esme offered to make some of her delicious salads. Jane had offered her help repeatedly but we told her to spend time with that precious baby. All too soon she would be back to work and she needed this time with him.

The day of the party arrived and I was so anxious to see James again. Jasper and Emmett had ridden out to get him telling me to stay here and relax. I was having a hard time with that, Edward had sensed my stress.

"Bella please stop worrying, all will be well and we are going to have a great afternoon."

"I know I just want it to be perfect, I have missed him so much Edward. The thought of losing him…." I stared to cry.

"Don't cry love. He is fine and you will see him soon. Now, no more of this sad talk, why don't you go get ready for the party, Alice and I will see to the last minute details." He offered kindly.

"Alright, thank you for being so sweet to me."

Edward kissed me chastely on the lips.

"Go on….I will see you in a bit." He smiled.

I dressed in record time, my nervous energy saw to that. I came out of the house seeing that Rosalie and her parents were there, as well as the Webers. They were talking with Alice and Edward.

"Miss Bella, it is so nice to see you again." Angela said giving me a warm smile.

"Hello Miss Angela, Pastor and Mrs. Weber. Thank you so much for coming and for all you did for my brother and me, it was so kind of you."

"Think nothing of it my dear." Pastor Weber offered.

"Miss Rosalie, how have you been?" I asked, turning toward Rose.

"Very well Miss Bella, thank you."

We chatted for awhile making sure that everything was perfect for James' arrival.

Soon we could hear horses approaching; I looked up to see Dr and Mrs. Cullen followed by Emmett, Jasper and James. Dr. Banner was riding along side of the buckboard. I was so pleased to see that he was here.

They pulled into the yard, I took off running towards James. He barely had two feet on the ground when I ran into his arms.

"Brother you're home!" I cried.

James chuckled. "Well well it looks like someone has missed her big brother."

"Of course I have silly. How are you feeling? Do you need anything?" I rapidly questioned.

"Slow down Bella, how does poor Edward ever get a word in around you?" He laughed.

I pouted and he laughed harder.

"Ohhh don't make me laugh, I'm still sore." He winced.

"Well come sit down and enjoy this lovely party we have put together for you."

"Bella, you shouldn't have." He moaned.

"Pshh, we all wanted to do it." I leaned over and whispered in his ear. "Miss Angela is here."

James smiled broadly at that bit of news. I laughed, he turned to me and scowled, that made me laugh harder.

"Oh James stop scowling at me. I am just so happy to see that you have found someone special."

"She is Bella, she really is. I asked her father's permission to court her yesterday." He smiled shyly.

"That's wonderful James I'm so happy for you." I hugged him again trying not to squeeze too hard.

The party was a huge success. Everyone laughed and ate, we sat around talking with each other, it was the perfect afternoon.

As the day wore on all of the couples paired off trying to find some alone time with each other, I watched James and Angela sitting on the porch quietly talking with each other. James took Angela's hand and held it in his own. The look on his face was priceless, tears sprung up in my eyes.

"Bella my love, why are you crying?" Edward asked, wiping the tears with the pad of his thumb.

"I'm just so happy Edward, looking at James sitting with Angela, seeing all of our friends and family together….it's perfect." I looked up into his loving green eyes.

"You are perfect." He said as he leaned down and planted a warm kiss on my lips.

At this moment everything was just as it should be, I just hoped it always stayed like this…..

End Note: hmmm what does that last line mean...more drama later on...maybe ;) Thank you all for reading, reviewing,alerting etc. I love it. Sorry I didnt get to reply to reviews last time. I had a hell of a busy week. I did read them and I loved them all. See you soon