FIC REC: Rest My Soul by MrsSpaceCowboy this fic made me want to pack up and move to Memphis, or at the very least visit. I love when a fic takes me somewhere and makes me want to see it myself. ~Fyre

AN: Thanks so much to our pre-readers Jan, SaraBeth and Mana, who made a request and I answered it this chapter. I imagine you'll know when you read it which scene she asked for lol. Also we can't forget kitchmill who beta'd this bad boy for us.

EPOV

It's the last week in August and we've got a few things to get done here in LA 'fore we make our big move. Rose, Emmett and Jasper are coming out in the morning which is Thursday. We're going to sign our newly negotiated contracts, then they're gonna stay on through the holiday and help us get moved.

When we came back from the visit to Bella's parents up in Forks, she had a birthday surprise waiting for me.

A truck. And not just any truck, a 2014 Lingenfelter Chevy Reaper. It's customized and all black on black and loaded to the max.

I'm a lucky guy.

Our contract signing is at two on Friday followed by the interview to out our marriage to the world. Somehow the label was able to swing it with Rolling Stone.

Hey, there'll be no arguments from me.

We've gotta make this press announcement 'fore the paps catch us in some kinda position, traveling 'round LA like we do. It's hard to remember I gotta keep my hands to myself when we go out these days. There's been a story or two 'bout us getting close and some engagement rumors, but nothing solid enough to stick.

As far as the contracts go, we decide to take it an album at a time and renew for each one. Bella don't wanna be trapped in something if things don't go as planned and wants an end in sight. That first contract messed her up pretty good on the trust aspect.

This time she has all the control on what songs she sings and how she sings 'em and what she dresses like. As for tours, we agreed that it would have to be mutually agreed, or it's a no go.

For either of us.

She's keeping Issa as her stage name, but it'll be a brand new Issa the world meets this time.

We shop some condos in Atlanta online and find one we think'll work perfectly for us. It's a three bedroom on the twenty-fifth floor with beautiful views of the skyline, a gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors and a huge walk-in closet.

Renting seems the best option for now, since our long-term future ain't set in stone yet. We gotta get back to writing music and get our next albums ready to record sometime next year.

Jasper's gonna rent something in Atlanta, too. We write the songs, so he needs to be close by.

Emmett and Rose are already clearing land and have their plans drawn up for a house on his land back home. He's still part of Pure Religion, but he'll be free for a while. Me and Jasper'll get the songs to our liking, then he'll come up to learn 'em.

Alice has been back to Atlanta twice already on the weekend for wedding planning with my mama. Bella told 'em what colors she wants and that she'll pick her dress and for them to go crazy with the rest. She gave 'em a list of invites for her side, too.

Mama's got my part nailed down.

We're lying in bed after a day of arranging things for this move we're making. There's a lot of stuff that needs doing when you're moving cross-country. We got two vehicles and Bella's belongings that need to be shipped.

She's lying with her head on my chest, and my arm's around her playing with the ends of her hair as we talk about all the changes we're making and our upcoming ceremony.

"Have you and ya dad talked 'bout him walkin' ya down the aisle yet?" I ask.

I've been hoping they'd get it worked out 'fore the ceremony got here. They've been talking every week lately.

"We haven't exactly talked about that part. He did make it clear he'd be there though."

"What about ya mom?" I haven't heard anything concerning her at all.

"I'm not sure. I definitely haven't talked to her, and I get the impression things aren't going so well between them right now," she tells me.

"Well, she's a bitter woman and I don't care if she comes or not. She sure ain't gonna come making no spectacle of herself." The things she's said to me are enough for me to know she'll just bring a bad attitude. "But if you want her there, then maybe ya should give her a call," I suggest.

She sighs. "I really don't think I do. Of course if she shows up with Dad then we'll just have to try and make the best of it."

"Pretty girl, I promise I won't let her ruin ya day. I'll sick Mama on her if I have to," I joke, trying to lighten the mood a little. Especially with the next subject I gotta bring up. "Speaking of guests, I got a couple we needa talk about." I'm a little nervous to ask her 'bout this, but Mama's been pushing me for an answer.

She tilts her head up so she can look at me. "Let me guess. The Denalis?"

"Uh, yeah. Mama's been askin' if they're on the list. They've been friends for years, but I told her it was up to you. Your day." I look to her and let her know I'm serious. Nothing's gonna ruin Bella's day.

"Edward, they're close to your family. Of course they're on the list." She rolls her eyes like I should've known this. Then she puts a cheeky grin on. "Besides, I'd love to rub it in Kate's face some more."

I start tickling her sides. "My little evil minx," I mumble as I lean in to press my lips to hers.

She doesn't hesitate. Her tongue snakes in my mouth and takes control. She knows where she wants this to go, and I ain't inclined to disagree.

Clothes start getting peeled off at lightning pace, and I know this is gonna be hard and fast. We're both naked and ready as she slides her slickness against me firmly.

I don't needa be told twice.

I lean up over her and run my fingers through her soaking slit.

"So ready, baby." I almost moan.

"Come on, Edward. Fuck me."

Is it crazy that I find her potty mouth hot right now?

It turns me on even more.

If that's possible.

I line up and slide into her in one long, strong stroke, burying myself as deep as I can. She starts grinding against me begging for more.

And I give it to her.

I grab both legs and pull them up between the crooks of my elbows and start pounding into her.

Hard and fast, just like she asked.

Our bodies are so in tune by now that we don't even have to think. It's ingrained in our souls. We're made for each other and our chemistry only proves it even more.

~~~~~POP RELIGION~~~~~

Alice goes to the airport to pick everyone up. Rose and Emmett're gonna stay with her and Jasper's gonna hang with us. Him and Alice seem to be doing good these days, all the tension from the summer gone.

I don't know where they stand really, but that's their business. Jasper'll talk to me if he needs to.

I think Rose brought out some of the wedding stuff for the girls to go over, and they're going in for a final fitting on Tuesday for their dresses. We men have the same type appointments. Alice'll make sure everything makes its way where it's 'posed to be 'fore it's time.

We're meeting 'em a few blocks away at a cozy little place me and Bella like to go to get a bite to eat. No big fanfare, just good food and some peace and quiet.

When we get there some guy waiter comes to take our drink orders. He's new. Never saw him before. I do know he needs to drag his eyes from my Bella's cleavage 'fore I make a scene.

I clear my throat and his eyes jump to mine.

"Uh, hello. Can I g-get you something to drink?" he asks, stuttering a little bit.

He better be scared.

I glance at Bella and she gives me the nod to go ahead and order for her. "Yeah. We'll have an ice water and a pink lemonade," I tell him, making sure he has no reason to look to Bella again.

After he walks off, Bella smacks me on the arm. "Edward, you scared that poor boy to death."

"That poor boy was lookin' at my, er, uh"—I motion toward her chest—"those," I tell her, all flustered now.

She just laughs and rolls her eyes. "He's a guy; it happens."

"Not to my wife it don't," I tell her seriously.

"It does." She's still smiling at me. "It happens with you and it will occasionally happen with me. We just have let it go because none of those people matter. I did have an audience full of drooling guys watching my shows, remember?"

I let out a small growl. "Don't remind me."

She laughs loudly, and eventually I can't resist and chuckle with her. We're still laughing when everyone else comes in.

"What's so funny?" Emmett wants to know.

"Nothin'," I tell him.

"Now you gotta tell us," he whines.

"It's really nothing. Just your brother being jealous. I had to remind him that we're both going to be looked at by others sometimes," Bella answers, giving me a pointed look.

"Well his eyes don't need to be lookin' where they was lookin'," I say.

"I'll offer to fix them eyes so he can't look improperly at a woman again if he looks at my Rosie like that." Emmett huffs.

Rose just rolls her eyes and changes the subject before this can turn into something. "So, Bella, I brought a few things for us to go over while we're here. Then of course the fittings are on Tuesday. Does that still work for everyone?"

"Sure. Edward knows where he and the guys are supposed to go. Good thing Esme sent the measurements ahead. Should make it pretty simple for them. Mine and Alice's are pretty much ready to go, I think. Yours might need some small adjustments," Bella answers her.

"Rose has a perfect body. It'll probably fit like a glove on the first try," Alice throws in.

Emmett puts his arm around Rose and says, "Ya hit the nail on the head with that one, Alice."

We all chuckle and continue discussing our plans for the next few days.

I guess I really must've scared the waiter 'cause now a waitress we've had several times comes over. She gets everyone's order and is nothing but professional. I'll have to leave her a big tip.

"So. Emmett, Rose, how ya'll likin' married life?" I ask.

"Oh, bro, I'm lovin' it. At first I didn't know how I was ever gonna get anything done, if ya know what I mean." He wiggles his eyebrows as Rose turns all sorts of red.

I chuckle at his silly self. Should've known that's all Emmett would be thinking 'bout.

"I still can't believe I'm going to be here all alone." Alice sighs.

Rose and Bella share a look. I know both of 'em are happy with their new lives, but they feel like they're leaving Alice behind.

"That just means we're going to rack up a lot of frequent flyer miles," Bella tells her.

"We knew someday we'd grow up and this would happen. I just didn't expect it to be this soon. I'm really happy for you guys. I'll miss you, but I know we'll stay in touch." Alice smiles.

"I guarantee we're still going to see each other so much you're going to be sick of us," Rose promises. "Plus, you have a lot going on now, too, since you started back to school."

"I do. I'm quite excited about it, actually."

She seems more content with her life now. I'm happy for her.

The waitress comes out with our food and breaks up the nostalgia that'd settled over the table. We fall back into light conversation as we eat.

Afterwards we go back to Alice's place and spend the rest of the day catching up on the last couple of months.

It feels good to all be together again.

~~~~~POP RELIGION~~~~~

I get up Friday morning and decide to get a run in. We have a hiking trail right behind the complex. One of the big reasons we chose here.

I leave Bella sleeping with a kiss on her cheek. She just sighs, rolls over and snuggles into my pillow.

I work up a good sweat, even this early in the morning, and return to the condo with my adrenaline pumping. When I enter, I see Jasper's already up making breakfast.

Just like old times.

He turns, looking surprised when I walk in the door. I don't know why; this used to be the norm for us.

"Mornin." I say.

"Didn't expect ya to be up," is his reply. "I thought I'd have to drag ya outta bed for breakfast."

I roll my eyes. "Just 'cause I have sex now don't mean we're at it twenty-four seven."

"Maybe you could teach that to Em and Rose?" He lifts a brow.

"Seriously."

"You have no idea." Poor Jasper. And at Mom and Dad's, too. That must be awkward. "I called last week and pushed the move-in date for my condo to the Monday after ya'll's ceremony."

I just snicker, 'cause it's funny he had to even do that.

He snickers too then. "At least we pawned 'em off on Alice."

At that we both laugh out loud.

When we calm down a little I turn serious and ask him, "So how are things … with Alice, I mean?"

"One day at a time, man. But we do know things won't ever be like they was before Em and Rose's weddin'. Friends first, always," he answers me and seems at peace with how things are so I don't question him further.

After Bella gets up and we eat, we sit around and chat for a while catching up on what all's been going on. Jasper tells us Kate is seeing some banker guy from Atlanta and's making sure everybody knows it.

Well good for her.

Maybe she's faced reality.

After a morning of relaxing and a quick lunch of soup and sandwiches, we get ready to head down to New Moon. This visit is gonna be pretty simple. We've had the paperwork gone over by lawyers and made sure every condition is to Bella's and our liking.

We meet the rest of the crew there, and Alice and Rose wait outside while we sign. Aro and Emily both have agreed to their terms and will remain our managers, also.

Aro might be slimy, but at least we know what to expect with him. We figured it's better to stick with what we know. He is good at what he does.

Once everybody's signatures have been put on paper, Caius makes sure to remind us of the party tomorrow night to celebrate the new deal. It's not our scene really, but we are the guests of honor so we'll go.

After we're done, me and Bella head to The Roosevelt Hotel to meet with the guys from Rolling Stone and the rest of 'em head to do some sight-seeing.

We're a little nervous for the news to get out, but excited at the same time. If I wanna hug, kiss, or even hold my wife's hand then that's what I'm gonna do. Where we are at the time shouldn't be a restraint on us. And after this interview, it won't be an issue no more.

They're set to do an on-line article on that aspect of it by the morning, and the article on us and our recent tour will come out in the next magazine.

We come outta the interview feeling exhilarated. They were completely professional and interested in our next moves career-wise, not just our personal lives.

I don't know how the label swung Rolling Stone, but I'm so glad they did.

We end up going back home after a stop at the store to get the makings of dinner. The others'll join us when they get done checking out LA. Maybe we can have something cooked up by then. I text Emmett and tell him to be sure and not to eat out and we'll see 'em soon.

We make chicken fettuccini alfredo with balsamic brown butter asparagus and buttery garlic bread.

My Bella knows how to cook.

Emmett's gonna love this.

No sooner than the pan of bread comes outta the oven does the man in question come through the door and make a beeline straight to the kitchen.

"Mmm. What's that heavenly smell?" he asks Bella.

"Don't worry, Em. You'll love it. Bella can cook like you won't believe," I tell him.

Bella turns to him. "This is nothing. Rose's mom taught me everything I know. And if I'm this good, can you imagine how good Rose is? She was around her every day."

Emmett immediately turns, heading toward the living room hollering for Rose.

~~~~~POP RELIGION~~~~~

We're in the limo headed to this party, and it reminds me of the last time we did this.

Our wedding night.

Maybe this one will be less interrupted afterwards.

When we get to the venue, there are paps everywhere and I see Jake and Sam rushing to the limo doors. Nice to see 'em again and I like knowing won't nobody get to close to Bella.

We get out, and this time I can walk beside Bella with my arm around her. Jake and Sam are still there on the periphery, but I'm the one holding her.

And it feels so good to be able to do this.

There're people steadily hollering at us about being married, but we're ushered straight on into the building and into the room the party's being held in. It even reminds me of the last one.

'Cept now we don't have to pretend.

The DJ's playing music and people are already on the dance floor.

I look to Bella. "Ya wanna get a drink?"

"Yeah. Maybe it'll help with the nerves I'm feeling."

I guide her to a table where the ladies take a seat, and me and my brothers head to the bar. I figure I'll stick to water and let Bella let loose a little. So I order her a strawberry daiquiri and let Emmett and Jasper get the other girls a drink.

I make my way back to Bella and am happy to see Sam and Jake hanging close by. Those are some all right dudes.

But that's the thing.

Bella makes people feel like that for her with her actions. She's just a good person with a good heart, and if you know her you know that.

Unless you're Jessica or Lauren.

And speak of the devils.

They're headed our way and this can't be good.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Issa and Eddie boy. Our tour mates and liars," Jessica spits at us as she draws near, smacking away at her gum with an evil glint in her eye.

"Guess she figured she better fuck him or she'd lose him," Lauren chimes in, not to be left out.

Bella looks over at them and rolls her eyes, but Alice? Nope, she stands up heading straight for 'em already running her mouth. "I guess you skanks haven't learned your lesson …"

Jasper gently grabs her 'round the waist and puts his hand over her mouth. With his mouth at her ear he is whispering calming words. It seems to be working for the moment.

I figure we better take advantage of that and get them girls on outta here. "Lauren, Jessica. I don't know why you're here, but lemme make one thing clear. This party"—I gesture around us—"it's for us." I motion between me, Bella and my brothers. "So if ya know what's good for ya, you'll be headin' outta our sight."

Lauren opens her mouth to speak, but I put my fingers to my lips in a shushing motion just to make it clear she needa get going. I twirl my fingers for her to turn and walk away.

With the most hateful glare at Bella she can muster, Lauren turns and stomps off, dragging Jessica with her.

Bella takes a big breath. "Why are they even here?" she asks the table in general.

Alice speaks up then. "Probably blew Caius before the party to get let in."

With that, the whole table cracks up and Bella grabs her drink and kills it.

Emmett takes that as his cue and goes to get him and Bella a second round. They're the only two that decided to drink alcohol tonight.

I lean over to Bella and give her a lick behind her ear then blow my breath over it. Shivers erupt down her neck and arms. She hums.

I gave her a smirk and take a swallow of my water.

When Emmett returns and Bella finishes her second drink, I figure it's time to hit the dance floor.

We move and slide to our own beat on the floor among the mass of bodies. Sometimes it's slow, sometimes with a little speed, but always to our own tune.

After five or six songs, Bella's ready for another drink and I think we should seek out Marcus and Caius and acknowledge 'em so when we're ready, we can get outta here.

We circle the room until we find 'em and say hello and thank 'em for the party. Then we make our way back to the table. Emmett's already got some shots lined up and dares Bella to do one.

She grabs one and slams it back, and when he starts to say something she grabs another and slams it back, too.

I'm just standing there slack-jawed.

I mean, we've gotten a little tipsy before in Cancun, but then we couldn't do nothing with our frustrations.

But now?

Tonight is gonna be interesting.

I grab Bella's hand and pull her into my lap, then I place my lips at her ear. "Pretty girl, seein' you throw that shot back has me thinkin' of all the ways we couldn't play in Cancun. Can we play tonight?" I ask her quietly.

She turns and places her lips on mine.

Before we can let it get too outta control, Emmett's clearing his throat. We break apart and I know I need to cool down. "Baby, let me up. I needa run to the restroom right quick." I give her a smack on her lips and slide her into my chair as I rise.

I make my way to the restroom down a dimly lit hall at the back of the room.

The whole place is dark with different color lights swirling around. But this hallway is barely lit. I make a point to remember not to let Bella make this trip alone.

After taking a leak, I go to the sink and wash my hands and splash my face with water. I dry my face then head out ready to get back to Bella and hope maybe she's ready to go soon.

When I get to the hall there're hands on my chest pushing my back into the wall. I immediately think Bella's come to play a little early.

If only I were so lucky.

The scent of cheap perfume and stale alcohol hits my nose and I know I'm in trouble. Before I can make a move, Jessica is pressing her body into mine and placing her hand on my chest.

"Look what we have here," she says as her hand starts drifting south, down to my stomach. "Poor, Eddie. Got sent to the bathroom all alone."

I'm frozen from shock and don't know what I should do. Girls have been forward before but never like this.

Her hand slides down past my belt.

I start wiggling, trying to angle my dick away from the claws that're heading straight for it.

When her hand almost makes contact, she's suddenly gone.

I'm still in shock. But when I do look up, it's to see Bella draw her fist back and knock Jessica out cold on the floor. My eyes land on her enraged face.

Then I notice something in the peripheral … Lauren.

Just when she goes to grab my Bella by the shoulder and yank her around, something small and ferocious tackles her to the floor.

Alice.

I blow out a breath in relief and go to Bella. She grabs me around my neck and squeezes me to her like I ain't ever been hugged before.

"Are you okay? That bitch didn't touch you did she?" She's patting me all over with her hands like she's checking for injuries.

"She tried. But you got her just in time." I grab her face and make her look at me. "You know I'd never intentionally let her touch me. Right? I mean she just grabbed me and I was shocked."

"Edward. Shut up." She kisses me hard on the lips.

After a minute we pull apart and take in the scene around us. Alice is sitting on top of Lauren pounding away, and Jessica is laid up beside 'em still out cold.

Jasper comes rushing in and grabs Alice up, trying his best to calm her down. When reality settles in, she looks around and notices the destruction she's wreaked.

Lauren isn't out cold like Jessica but her whole face is already turning blue and she's laying there moaning and crying.

Alice calmly walks over and leans over her and says, "That's what you get … skank." Then she kicks her in the side one more time before smoothing her hair, turning and walking off.

Gotta love Alice.

I put my arm around Bella and ask, "You ready to blow this joint?

"Hell yes!" she replies.

We go get our things and let Jake and Sam escort us to the car.

~~~~~POP RELIGION~~~~~

We have an awesome barbeque for Labor Day at Alice's place. They have an amazing grill that us guys man while the girls cook up the sides. It's a day of fun and family and can't get much better.

Our fittings are on Tuesday.

By the time I get home, Bella hasn't made it yet. When she finally does come in she's beaming. She must love her dress. I can't wait to take her in, walking down the aisle toward me.

Already married or not, that's a vision I won't ever be forgetting.

We spend the rest of the week boxing our lives up and get set to head to Atlanta and our new life. Both cars get picked up for shipping, along with a truck loaded with mostly Bella's stuff.

It's all set to arrive by the eighth. We plan on taking our flight out of here on the seventh so we'll be there to receive it. That'll give us a few weeks to get settled before the ceremony on the twentieth.

The honeymoon's all on me. Bella gave me complete control.

And I promised my girl Hawaii once upon a time.

I always keep my promises.

AN: So time is moving and things are happening. Life is settling down. There's only 6 more chapters left. Anything specific you're hoping to see?