As usually SM owns all things Twilight, but we already know that ;)

A big thank you to my beta Cierra! Also, thanks to all of you reading and reviewing!

I am working on getting these chapters out fast, like once a week would be nice, right?

I mean last week I gave you two chapters, so I hope we are all on good terms again…

Chapter 25

"Party like a Four Year Old"

Bella's POV

Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Saints were the 2010 Super Bowl Champions; I couldn't believe it. It was so amazing and after one of the craziest years of my life I couldn't believe that something amazing had come out of it all. Emmett, Jasper, and Edward were on an all new high; they were the happiest men alive and I was so proud of them and so happy for the whole team. It was something that many players only dreamed of, but the most important men in my life got to experience it, and suddenly all of the attention that had been on me only a week before was washed away. Aro was in a mental ward awaiting trial and my lawyers thought that there was a good chance that he would not be out for ten plus years. I really hoped so, but honestly it all came down to how he was tried at the hearing. He had already worked out an insanity plea and there was a chance that the attempted murder charges wouldn't stick; if not then his sentence could be as little as five years and that worried me. I truly was no longer afraid of Aro, but at the same time I wanted him locked away for good. His associates had completely wrote him out of their business and seemed to have disowned him in every way they could to save their own asses; so, I was comforted with the fact that he was flat broke and had no one to turn too. It would be hard for him to get to me even if he got out and I hoped that he wouldn't be out until he got help and then maybe by then he would have no reason to come after me anyway. It was all a bunch of what if's, but I was learning not to harp on the things that were out of my control.

"A little to the left, Edward," Sara's voice purred.

She was a photographer that was taking pictures of the boys for another magazine article. The weeks following the super bowl were crazy; we had commercials to shoot, photos to pose for, interviews, and so much more. They were on top of the world, there was not a person in the States that didn't know who they were and the boys were impossible to take anywhere. Everyone bombarded us at every angle, so I had to up their security and our families security while I was at it. Everyone had security gates in front of their houses, with two guards on duty at all times; when we went anywhere there were bodyguards with us flanking all sides of us. Emmett insisted that he could take care of himself, but ultimately agreed when he had tried to take Riley shopping at Toys-R-Us and people were pushing and scaring Riley. He didn't want Riley at risk so he agreed on the bodyguards making my job just a little easier.

"No, like this," Sara purred again and I looked up from my phone to see what she was up too.

She had her hand on Edward's waist and was trying to rotate him into the position she wanted him in, though I knew what position she really wanted him in and it had nothing to do with a photo shoot. My eyes narrowed in frustration, this was why I didn't get girl photographers; they were too easily manipulated by the beauty of the men before them.

"I think that is good," I said clearing my throat in annoyance.

Sara looked up at me startled, her doe eyes embarrassed by her behavior; she nodded her head and released Edward from her whore claws and got back behind her camera. I really couldn't blame the girl, Edward could turn any girl into a whore. My eyes meet Edward's and they had a playful glint to them; I looked away quickly, he had caught onto my jealousy and I didn't like the way it made me feel.

When we finished up with that photo shoot I handed the boys back off to Liam and headed to the office to get some more work done. I had taken on more responsibilities with each passing day and even with all the craziness I was slowly starting to feel better. I was getting up to five hours of sleep and learning that my sleep problems went back to my childhood. I learned that I suppressed memories of my mother and father fighting at night and keeping me up. I also learned that I had a fear that someone was watching me when I slept because the truth was I had been watched my whole life by someone on Aro's pay roll or by Aro himself at times. It was all stuff I was working through and it was slowly getting better; I was sure once things settled down I would be able to get six to eight hours of sleep like any other normal person. The idea of that intrigued me and baffled me at the same time; I couldn't recall the last time I had had that much sleep at one time.

Back at my office Alice sat at her desk answering the phone, it rang constantly, and it was strange how many athletes were coming to us looking for representation. Liam had suggested that I turn my small agency into a full blown agency, but the idea didn't appeal to me. I liked having a personal relationship with my players and at the time I had that, but if we added any more on or expanded, that would no longer be the case. I was already wondering what on earth I would do if one of the boys was traded; however, I had a good five years before that was a real concern due to their contracts. Also, I was sure that after them winning the championship Seattle wouldn't be letting them go easily. I liked things the way that they were and honestly I wasn't sure if I could take on anymore anyway. So, everyday we were turning down offers, athletes, and agents left and right. I was so happy for the guys, but being the champions also made our lives a hundred times more complicated.

I finished up in my office and as I started to leave I was shocked to see Alice was still sitting at her desk, a sketch pad in hand and a cup of coffee in front of her.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked glancing over her shoulder to see what she was sketching.

On the pad was a pink and brown outfit, a personal one of a kind Alice creation. She was so talented and had to have a full line of clothes in her sketch books, but no time to work on any of them or get her career and dream going.

"Just wanted to stick around and field calls so you could get your work done," she told me smiling.

"Well, I am all finished up and you didn't have to do that."

"I know," she said putting away her things and following me out of the office.

Alice only started working with me to save up to get her clothing line started, but her job was so demanding that she ended up with me longer than she had planned. I honestly knew that she only stayed because she was my friend and she was too nice to leave me high and dry. Thinking about her sketches and all of the beautiful designs that weren't being brought to life, I knew I was going to have to do something to help my friend the way she had helped me. I loved Alice and she was so different from the girl that I met in New York, so mature, so in love, and so selfless. She had completely recovered and I truly believed that loving Jasper had helped her even more than anything else. I didn't like the stress I had put on her, even if she seemed to handle it better than I did.

"Are you excited for the party?" Alice asked as the elevator stopped, letting us off in the parking garage.

"Yes, I can't believe Riley is going to be four; he seems so much older, but so young at the same time."

"He is a very advanced little boy for his age, so smart, defiantly does not get that from Victoria," Alice chuckled and I agreed.

I was thankful that Victoria wasn't someone we had to worry about; she had been released from jail, but thankfully took the money I gave her and disappeared. I hoped we would never hear from her again; I knew what it did to you to have a mother that was so in and out of your life. I felt bad that Riley didn't have his mother in his life, but I hoped that the people around him could fill that void so he wouldn't think that a piece of himself was missing. Victoria was more like my mother than I had ever realized before, I hoped that I could protect Riley from her forever.

I said goodnight to Alice telling her that I would see her the next day for Riley's party. We had attended a dozen parties since the Super Bowl, but Riley's birthday was the most exciting one to me by far. All of our friends and family would be there and we had gotten everything a four year old could dream of for his birthday.

I knew that Riley's birthday was going to be amazing and that boy deserved all of the amazing days that he could get. I felt a little guilty about the lack of time I had spent with him lately, but vowed to change that, he was my little man; I loved that kid.

"Bella, come on you have to try the bouncy," Riley cheered as he pulled me across the room to a huge bounce house.

The party was being held in a huge metal building that could be arranged and decorated in any way you would like. The party was circus themed, there were miniature ponies, a concession stand, a clown (which freaked me out a little), and not one, but three bounce houses. Riley was having the time of his life and hadn't stopped since we entered the room. Half of the team was at the party with their kids, along with Liam, his wife, and their two kids. Rosalie was there and I was amazed by how in love she and Emmett seemed to be. She was also really good with Riley; she had a natural motherly nature about her that I would have never expected from her, but it was adorable to see the three of them like a little family.

Edward was there also looking amazing in dark jeans and a plain t shirt; he smiled at me when he arrived, but I was tugged away to bounce in the bouncy houses before I could say anything to him. By the time it was time to cut the cake and open presents I was exhausted. I could run with busy professional athletes all day, but one little four year old wore me out. I had no idea how Emmett did it alone all the time; Riley was such a hand full, but he was such a good kid at the same time. He had been through a lot in four years and grown up way too fast, but he was so much like his father, just happy with life. I watched him smash zebra cake into his mouth with a big smile on my face as he 'mmmhh' enjoying every bit that made it into his mouth.

"You look happy," Edward whispered in my ear making my whole body tingle.

"You too," I said back, when I looked up to see his eyes sparkling down at me.

"He doesn't seem like a four year old; I mean today he does, but usually he is so much older than his age. He reminds me of you in an odd way," Edward admitted and I looked back at Riley curiously.

"I would have to say that is the best compliment I could get; he is a really good kid, I love him."

"I don't think anyone could not love him," Edward said and as his hand rested on my lower back I felt my whole body buzz with electricity, I couldn't hold back the sigh that fell from my lips.

"Sorry," he whispered removing his hand quickly.

"No, it is okay, I was just surprised," I smiled up at him assuring him it was okay.

He gave me an unsure smile and to my utter disappointment he did not put his hand back on my lower back or any other part of my body.

"Bella, Edward!" Riley yelled coming to stand between us; he reached up grabbing each of our hands in his small, sticky ones.

"The ponies have to leave soon, can you two come watch me ride?" he asked looking at Edward first and then up at me.

"Of course we can," I said smiling down at him and then up at Edward, who winked at me.

Our relationship had been so different lately, I didn't understand it at all, but if I had to classify it I would say we were friends. We smiled, we laughed, and other than a few awkward moments here and there we were getting along good. However, that did not alleviate that ache in my chest for him, it didn't make it any easier for me to be around him, but I was trying.

I would never admit it to anyone other than myself, but sometimes yoga and self-help books worked.

The party died down an with Riley going wild with his new toys, he had so many he didn't know what to play with; Emmett had mentioned that he was going to have to make Riley a second playroom to store them all. I was happy to see that my gift to Riley seemed to be his favorite; I had gotten him a little four wheeler, not a pussy one that has a battery, but a mini one that used gas, that he was riding in circles around us while yelling and cheering. He had ran into a few people and a few walls, but he was having a blast and that made me smile bigger than ever. My father had gotten him a fishing pole and tackle box, so I had already promised Riley we would go fishing the next morning at my father's favorite fishing hole. The kid was on cloud nine and the happiest four year old ever.

Our small group sat around talking after all of the guest had left and it was casual conversation until Alice suddenly announced that she had some news about the wedding. I perked up and paid close attention, it would be bad for the maid-of-honor to not know all the details, but with all of the Super Bowl excitement, wedding talk hadn't been a priority. I felt guilty about that because I was extremely happy for my two friends and the beautiful future that lay out in front of them. With the season over there would be a lot more time for wedding talk and planning and I vowed to help out in anyway I could.

"Jasper and I have decided on a location and a date," she said smiling at Jasper. The two very important details of the wedding had been put off until the season was over because of the crazy tabloid circus around them and also to keep it under wraps so the paparazzi didn't make plans to crash. "We will be getting married on June 7th in Italy," she said jumping up and down with excitement and utter joy.

I stared at her in shock and I was pretty sure my jaw had hit the floor; Italy, like far away Italy? I was completely confused, we had talked about a beach in California or a church in Texas, but Italy had never been on the table before…

"Italy?" Emmett asked, obviously as unsure as I was about what she had said.

"Yes, Italy! There is this beautiful courtyard in a city called Volterra, it is perfect; plenty of room for security and guest and even an area under a clock tower for a reception," she gushed excitedly.

"How are you going to get everyone there?" Edward asked. I was still a little too shocked and surprised to think through all of the new details that this would take to make it happen.

"Team jet," she answered smiling and that brought me out of my quiet shock.

"Wait, what?" I asked confused as hell.

"I talked to Eric and he said as long as we paid fuel and hire our own pilot we could use it for the week of the wedding; he said to consider it a wedding gift."

"So, Italy?" I asked just to be sure I was hearing her right.

"Italy," she agreed happily.

Stunned into silence, I sat and listened as Alice gushed to Rose about how she had designed all of the dresses, even her own wedding dress and the whole time I was still trying to figure out when the hell they had found a courtyard in Italy to have their wedding at.

"Really, that is amazing, have you finished them yet?" Rose asked genuinely interested.

"Well, no, but hopefully soon I will be able to; I actually haven't even started," Alice answered sounding stressed, but optimistic at the same time.

Guilt took me over and I knew that I was the reason; her working for me was the reason, and I had to make it right. I had been thinking about it since the night before and sitting there I came to a decision that I knew was best for her wedding, her career, and her future.

"Alice, you're fired," I said interrupting all conversation around us.

Everyone turned to stare at me in shock and confusion, Alice's eyes were as big as saucers and then she started hysterically laughing, causing everyone else to laugh also.

"Good one, Bella," Emmett chuckled raising his hand to me for a high-five.

"I am serious, Alice you are fired."

I looked around and everyone was eyeing me wearily, but I kept my face completely serious. I wasn't going to back down on my decision, and I wasn't going to cower down under the weight of their confused and shocked expressions.

"What? Is this because of Italy?" she asked confused and honestly my stoic exterior cracked. I had hurt her feelings, she didn't understand.

"No, it is because you are my best friend and you have been so good to me, now I need to be good to you. You weren't supposed to work for me this long and if I don't fire you now you will never leave and get your life started. You have so much talent, but no time to help it grow into the company you have always dreamed of. Focus on your dream, your talent, and your love, because that is what is important in life; being happy. Don't take anything for granted, okay," my voice was soft and serious.

"But Bella, you need me?" she questioned seeming worried, but I could see the excitement hinting her eyes as she realized what this meant for her and Jasper.

"I do, but I need you as my friend and happy more than anything," I assured her with a loving smile.

Suddenly without any notice Alice ran around the table separating us and hugged me tightly, she squeezed me with all of her one hundred pound might crying into my shoulder.

"I love you and thank you for everything," she sobbed, happy tears flowing onto my shirt.

She was so happy and free to follow her dreams without feeling like she was abandoning me; over her shoulder my eyes locked with Jasper's, he smiled at me and mouthed a quick 'thank you'. I smiled back feeling so happy and full of joy. My eyes caught Edward for a millisecond, but the pride that shined in his eyes was so powerful that it nearly knocked the breath out of me and made my knees weak. It was funny the power he held over me, even when we weren't connected in a physically or romantic way.

I couldn't control the smile on my face or the warmth that grew in my heart; I felt truly amazing, like maybe things were finally falling into place. Only one thing or should I say one person could make it perfect and that was Edward; he was right there as my client and as my friend, but I needed more. I needed to be loved by him and I needed to love him so badly it hurt. I had to remind myself often that he had promised me someday and that was the only bit of hope I had to cling to for us, but it was enough. It was enough to keep me going; it was enough to push me to heal myself. It was enough for now, but someday soon it wasn't going to be enough anymore and I was going to need more.

Show me some love, pretty please with Edward on top!