A/N- So here's another chapter and I think I may have 3 or 4 more chapters left. Maybe 4 just to make it a nice clean 25 chapters. Anyway, for those of you who also read my one-shot See You Soon, I am working on making that a full story. So ya, enjoy!

When we had returned from the gardens, Alice eagerly met us in the hall. She was bouncing with excitement and started talking as soon as we walked in. "Mom and Dad are coming home! Rosalie and Emmett too!"

"This early?" Edward asked.

"Is Dara with them?" I asked.

"Um, no. I just saw them coming home, I didn't see Dara." Alice said.

"Well maybe she's staying with the Denali's a bit longer." Edward said. "She does need to make sure that she has complete control before she comes back."

"Still… I was hoping." I whispered.

"I'm sure she'll be back before you know it." Alice smiled. "Just watch and wait."

"I hope so." I nodded.

"And until then we can start planning everything!"

"Actually Alice, I was thinking that maybe Bella and I would return to Forks. Her father does need to be a small part of the planning."

"Yes, but there's still so much to do."

"Alice, I completely trust you to keep planning the wedding." I said. "How about this evening we work on invitations designs so hopefully we can set a date when we get back."

"Perfect!" Alice smiled. She ran over and grabbed my hand before running off with me. I looked back at Edward helplessly, but all he was doing was smiling. Jasper said something to him and he nodded before they both took off. "Don't worry, he'll be back later tonight so you can fall asleep."

"How did you… never mind."

"O good, you stopped yourself. Now, I've already found some templates that I think would be perfect! Now, were you thinking of a summer wedding? Or a winter? We'll need to get a coat if it'll be for the winter…"

"Alice, shouldn't you be able to tell."

"No because you haven't made up your mind about certain aspect. I can see you flip flopping between your options and it's actually starting to give me a headache."

"How about a fall wedding?" I proposed.

"Hold on…" Alice said. She grasped my arm for a minute before letting go and smiling. "Perfect!"

"Wanna tell me the details?"

"Nope." Alice said, popping the p.

"Fine. Now, let's work on the cards." I said.

For the rest of the night, Alice and I looked through cards, decorations, and different styles for the text. Of course, Alice soon realized a picture of Edward and I would be needed and she started gushing over how we could take the pictures. I tuned out as soon as my dinner came. I figured Alice realized I wasn't paying attention soon enough and started working on everything alone. Really, I just wanted to marry Edward and be happy. I didn't need all the ornate details and big guest list, I just needed Edward. I was still nodding at appropriate times when Edward and Jasper finally returned. They must have gone to feed because Edward's eyes were a bright gold. While Edward was looking at me, I noticed he was grinning at Alice. Without saying a word, Edward came over and picked me up. I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck and held on tight as he ran us up to his room.

"So, am I staying in here now?" I asked.

"We're getting married, I don't see why not." Edward grinned. "Plus, I would feel bad if the bed never had someone sleeping in it."

"Uh huh." I said. "I'm still going to need to go back to my room to change."

"Alice already moved your things in here. By the way, she's annoyed with you since you stopped paying attention. She didn't appreciate having all the work dumped on her."

"O yes, I'm sure she hates having to plan our wedding."

"Just be careful how much freedom you give her. Before you know it we'll be married in front of the Volturi."

"The Volturi?"

"They're the governing body of the vampires. They make sure no one breaks any rules or exposes what we are to humans."

"Really? What would they do if they knew about me?"

"I don't want to think about it. The Volturi aren't exactly known for their kindness." Edward sighed.

"They would kill me…"

"They won't learn about our arrangement, don't worry." Edward said, pulling me into him tightly and kissed the top of my head. "If something did happen to you… I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I'd probably offer myself up to the Volturi, forcing them in someway to kill me."

"Edward, no. Nothing's going to happen to me and you aren't going to kill yourself."

"Bella… I can't live without you now that I've had you."

"Yes you can." I insisted. "Anyway, there's one easy way to get over that fear…"

"No, I am not changing you."

"Edward, Alice has already seen it."

"She has?"

"I don't know, but hopefully." I sighed.

"Bella, go to sleep, we'll be heading back to Forks early in the morning." Edward said.

"But…"

"I know, this conversation is not over."

"Well at least you can grasp that fact." I sighed. I got up from the bed and found a shift to change into before walking into Edward's bathroom and changing. When I walked back out, Edward had his eyes closed and had his head tilted slightly back. I could tell something was probably bothering him, probably me asking him to change me still, so I crawled into bed and curled into his side. I rested my head on his chest and sighed happily. Edward's arms dropped around me, securing me at his side.

"I love you Bella." Edward whispered.

"I love you too." I mumbled before falling asleep.

oOoOoOo

Edward woke me up early in the morning, letting me know everything was set for us to go and I just needed to get changed. Luckily, Alice already had a dress set out for me so that didn't take too long. As soon as we were seated in the carriage, I fell back to sleep. I didn't wake until later in the morning when the carriage went over a particularly hard bump in the road. Marcel has already prepared some breakfast for me, so as soon as Edward realized I was awake, he handed me the sandwich that had a thick slice of ham and some cheese on it. There was even a bit of hollandaise sauce used as spread of the sandwich. Luckily, I had also woken up a little before noon so my sandwich was also my lunch. The rest of the ride was pleasant, Edward and I read a few books he had packed and talked quietly. Considering most of the trip was spent on roads in the forests, we were able to cuddle without any disgruntled looks from passer-by's.

As evening approached, I was once more becoming tired. Whether it was from all the reading or the boredom that came with long carriage rides, I did not know. Luckily, we made it to my father's home before I passed out on Edward's shoulder again. Charlie was standing on his front steps, smiling proudly at Edward and I as we stepped out of the carriage. He greeted the two of us enthusiastically, giving me a hug and Edward a handshake. Luckily, he recognized how tired we were, or at least I was, and let us escape to my room easily enough. When I had asked where Edward would be staying, Charlie explained in my room since no one is allowed back there and we were practically married. I knew that meant more of an inquisition would be coming in the morning though. Charlie never could fool me…

Edward once more held me all night, but since it was slightly colder in Forks, he made sure to pile more blankets in between us. I wasn't happy about it and complained, but he just rocked be back and forth and I eventually fell asleep. He's not always going to get what he wants. One of these days I would get my way and it would be big…

The next morning, I woke up bundled in my cocoon of blankets. I looked around my room for Edward, but he wasn't there. I unwrapped myself and switched into one of my plain, comfortable dress. I fixed my hair and splashed water on my face before walking out of my room. I walked out to the front of the house to find Edward and Charlie sitting there and talking civilly. I watched for a bit, but Edward caught my eye and I knew I had been caught.

"Good morning Dad." I said walking past Charlie.

"Good morning, Bells." Charlie replied.

"Good morning." I whispered to Edward.

"Good morning." Edward replied. He slipped from his chair and let me sit down.

"What have you two been talking about."

"Laws and political policies." Charlie said proudly.

"Finally have someone smart enough to challenge your opinion?" I asked Charlie.

"Actually, your father's opinions and understanding of the law is quite similar to mine. I like the way he handles the Forks and believes that some of his policies should be incorporated in Blythe and other towns."

"You're just blowing his ego up." I sighed. "We're never going to hear the end of it."

"Well it's about time someone sees this town is being run right." Charlie muttered. "It's nice to be appreciated every once in a while."

"You're appreciated every day." I said with a smile.

"Well, I need to get going. You two have fun today." Charlie said.

We watched as Charlie got up and found his weapons belt before heading out the door. He was actually whistling as he left, I've never seen him so content. I looked at Edward curiously and he just smiled and shrugged. "What would you like for breakfast?"

"You're going to cook?" I asked.

"I was planning on it."

"Do you even know how?" I asked.

"Well, um… no." Edward sighed.

"Sit, I'll make my breakfast and then we can walk to the inn and see how Mallory and Chef are doing."

"Sounds like a plan to me, but Alice wanted you to wear a specific dress."

"Which one?" I asked. Alice had packed so many dresses for me while I had been asleep.

"Uh… the gold one?" Edward shrugged.

"I'll figure it out." I said.

I quickly cooked myself some eggs and toast and ate it with Edward. He crinkled his nose when I scooped some of the broken yoke onto the toast and shoved it into my mouth. When I was done, I went back to my room and dug through the dresses Alice had packed. I finally found the gold dress that Alice was talking about. It was simple with just gold cloth draped to flow down my body. There was a yellow ribbon under my breasts and a yellow coat to cover my bare arms. There was a note attached saying it was starting to become the rage to show more and more skin. I put the dress on and put my hair up with a ribbon that was attached. When I was ready, I walked out to meet Edward in the foyer.

"You look… are you sure you should go out in that?"

"Always follow Alice's orders, right?"

"Alice does know best. Just tell me there's a coat." Edward said.

"Yes." I said, holding it up.

"I'm still not sure if I want you outside in that." Edward said as he placed my coat on. His hands lingered on my bare shoulders for a bit, causing me to break out in shivers.

"Edward, we need to get going to the Inn." I reminded him quietly.

"Yes, of course." Edward said. He offered his arm to me and I accepted it. We left the house and walked down the side of the road. I whispered to Edward about some of the people I had grown up with and told him various stories when certain homes or building reminded me of them. Edward laughed at most of them, enjoying that fact I was finally sharing some of my background. Walking into the main part of town, I realized everyone was out today and everyone was going to see me in this dress.

"I think we should have remained at home… or worn something that didn't stand out as much."

"You look amazing and they're all jealous. I bet that girl going into the dress store is ordering a copy of your dress now."

"What, did Alice tell you that?"

"She mentioned this was the new rage and to tell you that when you started to act self conscious." Edward shrugged. I groaned and knew that Edward wasn't going to let me home anymore.

We continued walking down the streets. I smiled at a few of the people, but most of them just looked at me surprised. A few of the old men were happy to smile and say hello, a few even shaking Edward's hand. Almost all of the older woman looked at me with disdain in all of their high collar dresses. I just moved passed them, using some of the confidence that I had fostered since living with the Cullens. We were almost to the inn when Mike stepped in front of us. I heard Edward growl quietly and his arm wrapped around my waist instead of just cradling my arm.

"Bella, you look… wow. Is this the latest trend?"

"It is." I nodded.

"Well, you look beautiful. So why are you back? Going to drop the wedding plans? You know you were always a small town girl, I don't know why you think you'd ever make it out of the real world."

"Mike!" I gasped.

Before I could react, Edward had let me go and had pinned Mike on the wall of the closest building. "I would watch what you say, Newton. Bella is stronger than you or any of your fan club ever could be. She's fitting in perfect in a society that you and most of the people here will never even taste. Now, why don't you apologize to Bella so we can move on. I'd appreciate it if you also tell… what were there names? Ah yes, Lauren and Jessica. Pass on the message, would you?"

"Yes." Mike squeeked.

"Good man." Edward muttered, patting some Mike's shoulders. Straitening his own shirt, Edward returned to my side and took my arm once more. We finished the walk to the inn. This time, we had a pleasant greeting from Mallory and Chef.

"Bella! Edward, you are back!" Mallory said. She ran over and gave me a hug.

"Have you been eating?" Chef asked. "You look skinnier!"

"Trust me, I've been eating." I said. "In fact, the Cullen's chef, Marcel, will be cooking for the wedding."

Chef's face instantly fell and I knew my little joke was going to be mean, but so worth it. "I see…"

"However, we knew that your tastes would also be spectacular so we were hoping if you would help as well."

"Really?"

"Really." I replied.

"We believe that merging your and Marcel's style would create a perfect mixture in the food, reflecting the wedding's overall theme."

"You're having a mixed wedding? What are you mixing?" Mallory asked.

"Our backgrounds. The wedding will be in the fall and it will have people from here and of the Cullen's friends there. It will be a mix leading to a great ending."

"Yes, the end results are definitely beautiful." Mallory said. "So, do you have a date then?"

"No, not quite yet. We're still finalizing some of the rest of the family's plans and then we'll send out wedding announcements."

"Well then, you'll keep us updated?"

"Of course!" I replied.

"Bella!" I turned around when my name was called. Dara's mother and father were standing at the door of the inn. Dara's mother ran over and wrapped me into a hug while her husband took his time walking over.

"O we've missed you. You left too soon."

"I know, I know."

"You must be Edward, I don't believe we have met." Dara's father said.

"I'm sorry for not introducing myself sooner. I'm Edward Cullen, Bella's fiancé."

"Yes, we know all that. Now, I know Charlie has already talked to you and has approved of you, but Bella's like a daughter to me, especially since we've lost Dara."

"Yes, I'm sorry to hear about that." Edward said. "I know how torn up Bella was and I couldn't imagine how it was for you."

"Yes, well, we know wherever she is, she's happy and now that Bella's found you, so is she." Dara's mother said.

I smiled fondly at the site of Edward and my second family bonding. Dara's parents meant a lot to me and to see them approve of Edward, it was like seeing my dad approve of him all over again. I smiled at Edward when he walked back over and wrapped me in his arms.

"So, how long are you back?" Mallory asked.

"We aren't sure. A few days at least." I said.

"And you're staying with your dad?"

"Yup."

"Why don't you stay here? I haven't changed your room or anything. Plus, you'll have more freedom being away from your Dad."

"Mallory… I don't know."

"Don't try to claim your father doesn't have you in the same room. You know he's not too tight lipped after a few drinks."

"How many people did he tell?" I groaned.

"Just a few of us. It was when we were over for dinner last night." Dara's mom said.

"Good, I don't need anymore rumors being spawned from Jessica and her friends."

"Don't worry about that." Mallory said. "The town's really turned against them since you've left. They've turned against themselves actually! Since you left and they didn't have anyone to pick on, they started picking on each other. Their reputations have gone down in flames!"

"Yes, and you aren't enjoying this at all." I said.

"No, not at all." Mallory left.

Edward and I spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon at the inn. We caught up with Mallory, well I caught up with Mallory while Edward acted as though he was resting. We sat in a booth so Mallory never say his hand traveling up and down my back. As the sun began to set, I knew we needed to head home since I was planning on cooking dinner for Charlie. Edward was going to claim he had some business to take care of, but he really was going to go feed. As we left the inn, I saw Lauren on one side of the street and Jessica on the other. They were both sneering at each other, but when they saw Edward and I walk down the street, well their mouths dropped quickly before they stuck their chins in the air and turned around. I saw Jared standing with Jessica and could tell he was in pain. Unfortunately, Jessica would probably be the best he could get unless he left Forks for good, and I certainly wouldn't blame him if he did.

That night, I made Charlie some steaks that I had picked up on the way home. Edward excused himself; taking his "plate" with him to the study Charlie had offered him. While Charlie was busy getting ready for dinner, I looked out the window to see Edward escaping into the forest. He smiled back once more at me and then disappeared in the foliage. Dinner with Charlie was a quiet affair, although he did try to understand some of the wedding plans. I kept it simple and brief since I knew he really didn't care.

oOoOoOo

The next few days in Forks were calming and relaxing. Alice wasn't there to constantly bug Edward and I about the wedding, although we both knew we would have more to get done when we got back to the Cullen's Manor. We had one run in with Lauren and she sneered and made a few snide remarks, but with Edward standing next to me, I brushed by her. I knew she was stunned that I would and probably became even more furious when Edward bent down and kissed my head. We made sure our public displays of affections were kept to a minimum, but when we were home without Charlie, we did act like teenagers to an extent. Edward would always stop though and take a breather in order to calm down his instincts. Unfortunately, as soon as he had calmed down, Charlie was home and we were forced to act polite and civil once more. The last morning, Mallory and Dara's parents came over for an early breakfast. Mallory and I cooked it together while everyone else talked about whatever came to mind. The coachmen arrived and took our things and we said our goodbyes to everyone. With promises of wedding invitations in the mail, Edward and I left.

We were halfway home, when I noticed the coach going a different direction. I looked at Edward quizzically and he smiled. "I've seen where you grew up, now I want you to see where I grew up."

"Really?"

"Bella, my family wasn't that bad off. We just didn't have manors and what not."

"So you kept your childhood home?"

"I did. I might have expanded on it and bought the manor that was on the land, but when I visit, I always stay in the small house my parents raised me in."

"I'm excited to see it." I said with a smile, leaning up and kissing Edward softly.

"You might want to go to sleep, we have quite some time until we get there. In fact, we have just over a full day."

"Dear lord, my butt's going to be sore then." I moaned. Edward laughed before picking me and repositioning me so I was sitting on his lap. He bent down and kissed me softly before I moved just a bit more until I was in a more comfortable position.