Disclaimer – I do not own twilight characters I just borrowed them for my own musings.. and this is the result..

Stephanie Meyer must take all the credit for writing such amazing characters.

Sorry it has taken a while to get this ready to upload there is a lot happening in life at the moment..

Disappointing Alice

Summer Vacation part 1.

Chapter 25

Edwards POV

July and we'd been living in domestic bliss in our new home for three weeks, it was as normal as you can get fro a vampire and a human with two human children and an assortment of Cullen's, Rosalie has set up base here she is now the self-imposed nanny as well as dotting aunt. It's the start of the school holidays at last, I'd booked us flights home to Yellowstone for three of the six weeks giving us time to get back and caravan Denmark and Sweden, I know I said I liked the idea but I really wanted to be home for longer to be alone with Bella in our cabin, Esme pointed out that my plans had not completely incorporated the children, reminding me of a conversation Bella had with me about them and my new found responsibility, she also pointed out that this was the last of the pre-booked vacations Bella arranged I should honour her and show willing now I have responsibilities.

Alice emailed a schedule it looks like I'm not going to get much time alone with Bella with shopping, bowling, a week in Forks in a rented a cabin followed by three days at Disney for the girls Bella and Bella's friend, then a few days at home with base ball. When I called her to ask what this was in aid of all she pointed out was the sun's out in Florida... and she's seen Ian Bella's psychic friend making his presence know and is joining us... Oh great! I have to share Bella when I get her away from my siblings.

The fights to America were for the four of us, Emmett had taken an earlier flight leaving Rosalie to do whatever it was she was blocking me from seeing, this was family time as Bella and I call it, it was easy both girls were well behaved and I was able to entertain them when Bella slept, I closed my eyes with her as soon as the children went to sleep, giving the airline staff a talking point when the spotted my arm round Bella holding her tight, the one thought I was her teenage son and the other actually called her a cougar? Out loud as to in her thoughts. I suppressed a growl which Bella must have picked up on as she patted my chest and softly said Shhh in her sleep.

When we stepped from the car, the welcome we got was second to none, the girls immediately ran off to their pony's as if this was more than their second time here and we did not see them or Jasper for a couple of hours.

Alice grabbed Bella and whisker her off for a girly chat, I have a feeling I know what it was about but.. I was grateful for Alice for the seconds worth of vision she let slip a few months back, since that evening I've felt better within myself, less angry after being so tightly wound for nearly one hundred years, when I got Bella to finally stand in the shower was as she put it 'all floaty light' she wore a grin for a couple of days as did I. We have not tempted fait since and neither of us has really felt the need, it's a strange feeling to have knowing how you really affect someone.

"Edward" Alice called from somewhere out of sight..

I found Bella and Alice at the dining room table sat with a diary and note pad, the diary has the same look about it as the one she carried when she was our wedding planner last time round and I was instantly filled with strong emotions from that dreadful day.

"Now.. We have not go long so let's get a move on shall we" as she flicked through several pages of notes as Bella and I looked at each other knowing that we had not discussed a date but there it was there marked out on the page February 14th in a huge red heart. Bella just looked at me, I might not be able to hear her thoughts but I know what she was thinking from the look we shared it was not my choice of date either.

I knew from this year's Valentine's Day she avoids it so I'm not sure the date is correct and it should be her day after all, Alice must have picked up on our lack of response flicking a page and reading from it "Dress... yes.. We can fix that with a bit more exercise" Alice continued as if oblivious to Bella's presence but I saw Bella's head snap up and fix a stare at my sister.

"Alice" Bella said as she stood as if to leave

'Oh I know that tone and I'd like to find a safer place to relax... this is going to be interesting' I heard Emmett's thoughts as he left the room faster than necessary.

"Suck it up Alice that hurt... and I don't recall hiring you" and she walked off much to my sister rebuff as she followed Bella like a puppy to our bedroom.

'don't leave her alone with her' Jaspers thoughts came to me 'she's been working on this all month' I ran upstairs to find Bella on the bed exhausted from our flight and Alice standing over her talking away hardly aware of Bella was nearly sleep.

"ALICE" Bella yelled at my sister making her stop in her tracks after ten minutes of none stop bombarding of wedding plans "This is human" she put her hands on her head "it has wants and needs... all of which are greater than the planning of a wedding... Can we wait just until I've had something to eat and maybe a run with this lovely man" she dropped her arm and pointed towards me as I stood in the doorway and continued "... then I am all ears, all yours, it's just a small request?" then she made the cutest little hu sound I've ever heard.

"Light weight" Alice huffed as she flounced from the room her thoughts as she left us were 'your fault Edward.. I'm going to have to reschedule everything'

"is that a complement Alice? I've lost three stone" Bella hollered after her..

"you know what she's like love?" I said when we were alone

"I'm just really tired and we need to get the kids fed and to bed before I can focus on anything else" she replied wearily

"Would you like me to do that?" I offered sitting up hoping she'd say yes and rest

"no, you need to rest too you were with them all flight"

"Bella you know.." She raised a hand to stop me, nodding to the open window "they can't hear us from here"

"I don't care.. They have ears and I'm not going to get caught assuming. Maybe their favourite aunt and nana would like to do battle with them?" she said as she yawned

There was a loud high pitched squeal of delight from down stairs as Alice realised she was the aunt in question and she has been itching to bath and put them to bed but Rosalie always beat her to it when we were at home...

"Come on Esme's about to call.. Dinner" I said pulling Bella to her feet and walking her down stairs..

As we entered the kitchen to see three places set Bella turned to me and said "Ah Sunday night I forget.. Sorry Esme"

"That's alright dear I'm not going this evening I'll gladly bath the children, I'll eat when Carlisle gets back.. Alice and Jasper are off out with friends" she said covering for tonight's meal for three, knowing that tomorrow will see us back into the swing of things and Bella eating after the children have gone to bed when we adults settle down for dinner.

We have established a dozen or more reasons not to eat with the children mine was the easiest I could plug in anywhere and quite often the children found me sat watching the six o'clock news with my bag of pink or grey feed dripping away they have stopped asking questions now and in their minds they don't reference my ruse.

After supper and Esme's amazing desert was all gone, Alice and Esme took them for their bath and bed.. Leaving Bella and I to kiss them good night and head off for the run I promised her before we landed.

To feel the wind in my face and my Bella on my back as I headed to the cabin was as exhilarating as always, my body tingled with the excitement of being with Bella alone in our place our space... I was aroused by the time I got to the ridge that hid my cabin, Bella's fingers stroking my neck and soft sounds of freedom as I jumped brooks, fallen trees and rocks escaped her lips it was thrilling me to hear and feel her loosen up.

We kissed passionately at the door as I put her down, our faces locked in a way we had not been for several days with the children at home, I felt Bella's hands grip my hair at the back of my neck as I walked her backwards through the cabin removing her jacket and whisking her off he feet again to remove her shows as I did the same, walking towards the bedroom, I opened the door and pushed her back to the bed laying her there looking at her before joining her and loosing myself in her again.

After what must have only been minutes I pulled away so we could breathe and collect ourselves, I was forever pushing us beyond where we once stopped, but it was me this time who halted before we went too far. "Sorry" I said changing tact and between breaths to changed my focus back to my sister "About Alice... she's.."

"Alice" Bella whispered back more as a statement than conformation as she raised her eyebrows, I nodded.. "Hay.." she continued pushing herself to her elbows under me "we should talk about the wedding though, if you still want to marry me that is, be a family for however long it lasts"

"You know I do Bella, don't dough that" I replied rubbing my nose on hers breathing in her scent in the fresh air knowing I'd been avoiding talking about it in case our plans are thwarted again; it's a pain I have not managed to master.

Bella nodded "she seems to be in a rush and I don't like it.. But it doesn't change anything. We have not said a word about, we need to before it becomes the Alice show"

"You want tea?" I asked as I went to light a fire in the grate to make the place more comfortable if we were to have a private conversation of this magnitude and put the kettle on the stand Jasper fitted for such occasions.

"Ye alright, please" she uttered as she joined me and curled up on the couch watching the fire come to life.. "why did she pick that date? Do you have any idea?"

"None" and it was the truth, I thought my discussion with her about Bella's aversion to the St Valentine's tradition was warning enough...

She shocked me as she said "Its not a bad choice, a bit over romantic, good luck getting the church that day"

"How do you know that?" I asked as I tended the now boiling kettle and made a black tea.

"I looked" this was news to me, both the women in my life had been looking in to wedding plans in some way and not included me?

"Well now we know where she got the idea from, when did you look?" I asked handing over the mug and settling down next to her pulling her close to me.

"The other Friday when I took Beatrice to school I was passing, saw Reverend James in the vestry and casually asked what wedding bookings were like, you don't think she saw and thought?"

"We're talking Alice.. So when do you want to get married" I asked reaching to throw another log on the fire

"Same date as last time? But the reasons have changed, I'm way way past eighteen now that Or January 5th as Alice seems to be in a rush, let's bring it forward"

"Why January 5th?" trying to work out what was so special about that date; it was amongst the many beautiful days I have stored up in my head from the first few weeks.

"you took me for a date remember and you asked me to marry you as we lay watching the northern lights" she was right, she said the arctic air made it feel like I was with her, that would be a good date. We sat in silence as I was remembering everything she said how she compared my skin to the effect the snow crystals made when the sun hit them.

"Where do you want to get married" she asked me kissing my chin as she leaned back bringing me back from my memories

"it's up to you, it's your day" I replied

"No it's our day, do you have any preference and which home we use?"

"None what so ever but I'm not going on a stag do.." I said holding her tighter

"Good, I am not sleeping alone" I could feel the fear bounce in her words as she said them it mirrored my own concerns.

"That's two things set" I confirmed with a false laugh throwing a log in the fire... it was quite painful to arrange something that when it was the first time felt so joyous but has been tainted with such pain, the reason for marring her has not changed its the ceremony that has been tinged with bitter and painful memories.

"Don't add more logs we should let it die down so we can get back. Do you have any writing paper back at the house?" she added, I'm sure I saw an evil flash in her eyes as she asked?

"I can get some why?" what is she thinking

"Do you think we can use the computer when we get back?"

"yes.. why?"

"Just a thought... well.. several actually... I want to look up wedding planners when we get back.. do you mind?"

"not at all but you'll piss Alice off no end" I said wondering just how well I could protect her from Alice's roth.

she raised her eye brows "Just keeping my options open, I would like you to write two letters to each of the companies we like, one accepting their services and one declining, do you mind writing a couple of blank ones too you know with no name just in case we find a company when we get home?"

"What about Alice?" I asked waiting for her reply

"She worked so hard last time I don't want her to feel obliged after what happened, she has hardly visited since we got back that's all.. She was brilliant before but I don't want her to feel pressure she should relax it took a lot out of her when it went pear shaped" that was a lovely sentiment and may just save her hide but...

"I'll tell her when she's back but would you mind doing the letters your handwriting is so much nicer than mine. Please" I can't decline a request like that from the woman I love, but I was not sure Alice would see it this way.. not was I sure about writing two sets of letters, one acceptance and several declines Bella was up to something?

We ran back to the house, Alice and Jasper were as predicted still out and Esme and Carlisle were sat watching a film while she knitted a new school cardigan for Beatrice for September and Carlisle was sat in his familiar pose reading.

I got Bella a drink and snack as she searched UK wedding planners who worked in the Stourbridge area and requested brochures so we have them when we get home, "this is really going to hack Alice off you know" I whispered as I kissed her ear.

"I told you it's too much to just expect her to do it again, with the pressure of what happened last time, she should enjoy the day too not be worrying..." I remembered the addresses as she sent for details and would write the letters tonight "Hay its late do you mind if I turn in?" she said as her head rolled for the fourth time I shook my head and kissed her. "Thanks are you staying up for a while?"

"I'll be up in a little while I want to talk to Carlisle, go on up" I said as she kissed my mother and father good night before making her way to bed.

I wanted to talk to catch up with Carlisle with developments with Bella, the house has made a huge difference to everyone, the children have an made amazing adjustment to life with me in the equation, the new routines and they have been calling me Dad, which Bella has not objected too except when they call me Daddy then she reminds them of Charlie their real father.. We all go to his grave once a month to catch up on news and to chance the flowers and pictures the children bring him, she is making such an effort to keep him alive for them, I listen to the stories the children tell and recount of their life with this man and feel my old adversary jealously pluck at me sometimes for the years he shared with her.

Bella is less quiet or at least she has things to busy herself with so she is more occupied but she has a smile on her face at the times when I saw her blank and devoid of expression, we set aside time to talk as he suggested, I find it really hard to ask her about her time with the Volturi and what I know from the letters I read, I don't want to send her back to her silence, I still find it hard to discuss my eating preferences but I have told her I'm thinking of asking Jasper on our next hunt to video me so she can get an idea but she got really agitated her reason is just in case we loose the camera or something, it could expose us, she has nothing to worry about but she is instant. Carlisle and Esme agreed with Bella I guess I'm going to have to think of another way.

"Edward, son. A video is a great way of showing her but that is not what she is asking is it? It's not what you do that she needs to see, hunting is just one aspect but everything, remember your life has been so much longer than hers, she wonders what you do at nights when she sleeps, I know you told her once, she wants to know how you fill your time during the day and I know you have not told her about watching her at work, she feels that now she is older and has lived the life she's had, she lets you down, that you tolerate it all because you can't change how you feel for her" he said I saw in his mind the conversation they had a few months ago when he last visited.

"That's preposterous she knows I don't think like that" I replied

"Edward" Esme stared "she does not speak as many languages as you and her human education is somewhat limited, she knows you feel protective of her and rightly so, it is very chivalrous of you. Times change and you are just as protective as you ever were but sometimes you do go a little too far and it takes responsibility away from her, she has not had us to protect her for twenty years she has survived, she is amazingly capable of making decisions on her own, and she has brought up two wonderful children, she needs to feel respected for that, I know you don't intend to make her feel inadequate but she is human"

"But I do it be" I was cut off by Esme again

"I know, dear I understand and she does too. But watching you it's too much... you need to trust her judgements.., now go be with her" she concluded and returned to her knitting as I left for upstairs.

Sunrise from my room is spectacular especially when it's shared with a beautiful woman, Bella stirred once in the night and held me, I have a feeling the visit from my sister may have caused Bella's brief return to consciousness but Alice knows better than to wake Bella, it puts her in a bad mood and makes her less compliant. The heating has been switched on and I think this is too warm for them, I will ask Bella when she wakes for her opinion, but I should warn Bella before she goes for breakfast that Alice is not happy with us and for the letters I have now written which I had to restack on the desk after she flung them round our room in her anger during the night.

Bella was so happy when she bounced down to breakfast with wet hair from her morning shower, she kissed each one of us and before Alice had time to make a sarcastic comment Bella grabbed some toast and asked her if they could have a chat and left for the living room.

All of us except the children heard their conversation and Alice was diplomatic and could see Bella's reasons

"Sorry Alice for last night" she started "it was a bit of a shock to be suddenly be talking about the wedding" I heard my sisters thoughts as she went to interrupt Bella.. "Hear me out Alice please? Edward and I have not spoken about it till now it's a painful time and memory and I feel what happened affected everyone not just us. Thank you for sparking the start of our discussions, you probably know already but it was hard for us"

Ah My Bella the control in her as I heard the emotion in her voice, as Alice went to interrupt again "Alice please.. you did so much for us last time, I have no idea what the end result was like but I saw a video of the house and carnage after what I now know was Edward. How can I ask you to repeat the effort you put in when I know how painful it is for us to take that step, and you missed them taking me, I love you too much Alice to cause you and Jasper that much pain again, I want you to enjoy the day as much as we will, I love you and you don't need the pressure. Sorry for not saying earlier but I didn't know we were going to have a wedding chat"

Bella kissed Alice and returned to my side where I kissed her head as she hugged me, I could feel the tension in Bella, she was telling the truth, Alice's head was filled with remorse, she had not considered the pain we were feeling towards the event, an event we both wanted but our hidden, suppressed fears for what happened clouded our need to discuss it with the other, I was just as grateful for Alice's impromptu meeting to force us to discuss our options.

Alice joined us and apologised to both of us, "if you want any help, I am more than happy and I don't mind doing it all again, you know that?" she said "the new date is a good choice" she finally added as she and Jasper who was struggling with the emotions we were all giving off left the house.

The bright sunny morning was spent walking in the forest with the children riding their ponies, it was a pleasant stroll for Bella and me. Beatrice showed her amazing ability to hear conversations she has no involvement in, it was a frustrating trait of hers when she does not listen to instructions she is given when we are in the same room, Bella's comment came or 'That's kids for you' came back to me as Beatrice asked about the wedding, And so a conversation was started which was because of the children it was easier to have, feelings of loss were diminished as we discussed weddings with them as if it was the first time round for us.

"Can we be bridesmaids?" Beatrice asked "Alice has not been one yet she has always been too young"

Bella and I looked at each other, it was her day and I did not mind if she had a hundred bridesmaids and indicted with my hand that it was her call.

"Would you like to girls?" she asked, their excitement was catching as Beatrice asked if we could have it at our house, we could have a bridesmaid and page boy party in the tree house, that made me question her..

"Who would be page boys?" I asked her

"Our cousins, it was fun with Ben and Tom we can have Toby and Ethan as well, Emmett is too big thought" she added in reply

"We have a mini Alice" Bella said Jokingly at Beatrice's wedding planning.

Little Alice piped up "I'm here" and giggled as she wobbled about on Henry as he walked along on the uneven ground.

Bella and I walked hand in hand with a child and horse on either side, "which would you like girls, Skiing or wedding?" Bella asked as she stared at me for approval, they are part of our lives to, and should be as much a part of our marriage, it is making me feel better about the arrangements knowing they have been involved.

"urm... I like Skiing but also want to be a princess for my mummy" Beatrice said dreamily

"I be princess too" Alice piped up sweetly "can big Alice be princess?" she added

"We can ask Alice if she wants to be a princess I guess" Bella said in reply... we had a date, bridesmaids, page boys and location, I'm not sure there is much else for us to discuss except food for the humans and the guest list. I like the idea of getting married in a church this time round I'm not sure on the civil wedding laws in Britain for us to use the house, but it would not take long for me to find out, the local church has a nice feel to it.

Jasper met us at the stables to help, brush the horses down and put the tack and saddles away, he was very pleased with his thoughts he said 'I should warn you Alice is over the moon about being a princess' then he voiced "did you enjoy the ride ladies" his southern drawl echoed in the paddock as he projected his words across the last patch of grass to the children, his mind refocused on the girls and their ride and the chatter as they showered their uncle with tales of our walk and conversation, he helped them down handing them each a brush and helping them up on the boxes he and Emmett made so they could reach. "Give them a good brush down now... That's Good" he said to them encouraging their post ride care "that's very nice little miss" he added as he took the saddle off Henry and put it away for Alice.

Bella and I walked to the house leaving Jasper to his nieces and horses, he was in his element he's not been around horses for a few decades and this is giving him a chance to share his equestrian knowledge with them. I know the children will be safe, I've not felt him struggle with their presence, and he has no interest in their blood he has mastered his need balancing his love for them coupled with a twenty years of additional practiced, although I know he is still cautious around Bella, her scent is just as stronger.

I watched as Bella helped Esme make lunch, they chatted about this and that to do with the kids, their meal preferences and latest school and nursery reports, Bella suddenly broke from conversation and said "I really could do with a" Alice appeared and hugged her as Bella faded off her sentence with "word with Alice.. dam I wish the kids would respond that quick"

You'd never have guessed that Alice was pleased, not in the slightest as she bounced up and down behind Bella like Beatrice does when she is wants something... I watched Bella's reflection in the kettle next to her and saw her body posture change, she was not going to discus anything with Alice while she was bounding like that, it was the same shift in her posture she did when the girls knew what was about to happen and she wanted to stall them.

"Ah great Alice would you call the girls in for their lunch thank you" Bella said fighting her grin to totally ignore the bouncing pixie behind her, I'm sure if Alice would have wet herself with excitement if that were possible as she bounced, she was so dejected as she headed to the back door to get the kids.

"Oh Alice" Bella said as if it were an after thought as my sisters hand reached for the door handle "would you like to be a bridesmaid?" Alice was across the floor and had Bella up in her arms before she finished the last word..

"Bella" Alice screamed with ear spitting glee

"OK. I take that as a yes.. let me go Alice I need to breath" Bella strained to say from Alice's bear hug, everyone was laughing, we can't believe Alice fall for that trick.

"Oh Oh Yes, Yes" Alice flustered her mind had gone from confused and giving up hope to this.. I know she is still disappointed not to be asked to organise the wedding but she understands why Bella made her choice but she does not like it. Esme had a word with her while we were out; she too is feeling the pressure of our numptuals.

"Hay Alice are you alright with being in charge of a possible eight children? Would you need help with that?" Bella asked as I worked out that there were two children missing from the list of cousins whom the family don't get to see as often. Alice nodded and ran off skipping to get the girls, I could hear they were planning what they wanted to wear and another shopping trip was now on the cards to look at outfits, Alice was going to organise as much as she could there really was no stopping her.

lots more people have clicked this as their fave story or that they are following it, I would love to hear your views.. it may help me post the next chaper faster, which for those I've been in contact with I am still struggling to get Edward up off the floor.. don't worry it all works out but for now I've got writers block and my lovely is still face down and has been for a few weeks now.. good job he does not need food and air I guess.. sorry Edward..

PP