I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

April and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and Fran, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.

Ch. 25

When we arrived back at the apartment building, Edward drove straight into the garage rather than to the valet. He muttered a curse under his breath as he slid into a parking spot near the elevators. He got out of the car, slamming the door behind him.

I paused in my seat, wondering what set him off and if I should be worried. I looked over my shoulder to see Jasper getting out of a dark blue sedan. I opened the door and got out, knowing it was safe.

"I fucking told you an hour. Did you forget how to tell time?" Edward snapped.

"I was just around the block and figured I would just come here and wait," Jasper answered.

Edward rounded the corner and stopped short when he saw me already out, and his scowl deepened. He yanked open the trunk and started grabbing bags.

"Fine, you can help with our things." He handed Jasper several of our purchases.

"Since when do you shop at Target?" Jasper glanced at the bullseye symbol with interest, as he placed his folder under his arm so he could take the handles.

"Bella need a few things to get settled in, not that it's your business where we shop," Edward snapped.

"Edward, you don't have to be so rude," I said softly, grabbing my new pillow and two of the bags.

"Thanks, Cuz." Jasper gave me a smile.

I paused. "So it's true then?" I felt conflicted, a small part of me wished it was some huge mistake and Charlie was my biological dad. However, at least Liam was better than Aro.

"Yup, results were so high there's no denying it." Jasper nodded.

"You could have saved yourself a trip and told us this over the phone." Edward slid his card into the slot. "Why the hell is this not working."

"Shit, sorry, that's another reason I came early—I had new cards made. I figured since Isabella was now staying with you she would need her own. And while I was at it, I thought it was best to change them all." Jasper put the bags at his feet and pulled out his wallet, retrieving two cards.

"Thanks, I haven't even thought that far ahead yet." Edward accepted the new one and placed it in the reader.

Jasper handed me the other one then grabbed the bags he dropped. "Once you guys sign the license, I will work my magic. It will appear to have been filed days ago, and no one will be the wiser."

"Let's get this over with," Edward agreed.

"I have a date with Alice tonight. Would you guys like to join us," Jasper asked nervously.

"What is this, high school? No, we don't want to join you. You're dating my sister, and joining you would be too weird," Edward said rudely.

"No, thank you, Jasper," I spoke up, side-eyeing Edward.

He nodded. "Am I at least allowed to tell her you eloped?"

"Like I said, we will make a formal announcement at Ma and Da's in two days." Edward shook his head.

Jasper was starting to look annoyed, but he wisely kept from saying something in return.

"How is Alice?" I asked in concern. I felt horrible I had forgotten how we had left things.

Jasper gave me a sad smile. "She's been upset. I don't know exactly what was said between you two, but she…perhaps you can call her if it's not too much to ask."

"Of course," I promised.

When we arrived at the top floor, Edward led the way to his door. I followed their lead of dropping the bags on the couch and headed to the dining room table. Jasper opened his folder and slid the top sheet to me.

I barely had a chance to read the first two lines when he placed a packet of papers down on top of it.

"This here is a bit of our family history...test is on Monday." Jasper smirked.

"Test?" I gave him an incredulous stare.

"Ignore him, Achusla. Jasper missed his calling as a comedian." Edward rolled his eyes.

"Why are you in such a mood today?" Jasper grumbled.

"Sorry, Jasper. Marcus' assistant was extremely rude to Bella earlier," Edward said apologetically.

"Do I need to make a call?" Jasper frowned.

Edward shook his head. "Marcus promised to handle it. He's good on his word."

Jasper went back to his folder and pulled out a formal looking paper. He then fished a pen from his jacket pocket

"Just sign on the line, and it will be official," Jasper announced, placing them down in front of me.

"Please, tell me you at least chose a chapel where we weren't married by Elvis," I joked, grabbing the pen.

"Nope. Tom Jones…well his look-alike." Jasper chuckled. "Almost went with Marilyn Manson."

I laughed and slid the paper over to Edward, and he bent down to sign it. He dropped the pen and stared at it with a blank expression.

"I now pronounce you legally wed. Do you want to kiss the bride?" Jasper teased.

Edward gave me a quick peck on the lips.

"That was pitiful." Jasper shook his head in disappointment.

Edward ignored him and turned to me. "Achusla, I need to have a word with Jasper for a moment. Would you mind excusing us?"

"Not at all. I will put my things away. It was nice seeing you, Jasper. Will you be at the house on St. Patrick's Day?" I asked.

"I never miss it." He nodded, grinning.

I carried several of the bags down to my room and started to unpack and sort them. When I went to put them away, I realized we would have to get another dresser sooner or later. I wondered if Edward would mind sharing one for the time being. I headed down the hall and stopped short when I heard Jasper was still here. I wasn't sure if I should interrupt.

"Are you sure you're doing the right thing?" Jasper asked in a low voice.

"Of course I am. This was the best way," Edward responded.

"You disagree." It sounded more like a statement than a question.

"We could have helped her disappear like her original suggestion. Hell, Aro handed us the perfect opportunity...Bella could've easily died like Charles Swan. With our help she could've gone anywhere in the world to start over," Jasper said. "Be honest with me, she's my cousin, I think it's my place to get the truth. You…"

"You've been her cousin all of what…twenty-four hours, and you think you have some sort of right?" Edward scoffed.

"Someone needs to look out for her," Jasper reasoned.

"That's what I'm doing." Edward was getting agitated.

"Just admit it. You love her, and that's really why you jumped to the marriage idea," Jasper insisted.

"I don't love her. Sure I care for her, that's why I don't want to see her hurt."

"Please, I've known you since we were both in diapers so you can't fool me." Jasper snickered.

There was an unusually long pause.

"Wow, you don't even realize…You know what? Forget I said anything. Let me out, and I'll be out of your hair."

I heard the door close and then silence. I ventured out into the main room and found it empty. I picked up the last bag and the pillow when Edward came back inside. I felt him watching me, not saying anything. I looked over, and he offered me a smile.

"What do you feel like ordering tonight? I'm hungry since we skipped lunch," Edward asked.

"We don't have to order anything. A few of the meals I made are still in your freezer," I suggested. "But we will have to go food shopping at some point soon."

"You filled the freezer too?" His eyes lit up like a boy on Christmas.

"Yes. No wonder you run out of food. You don't check out your cabinets and your fridge on a regular basis," I teased.

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I never really thanked you properly for everything you did for me when I was sick."

"It was no big deal," I answered.

"I have something for you." He pulled a small jewelry box out of his pocket.

"I thought that was for your mother?" I questioned.

He opened to check it. "This one is yours, I got something else for my ma."

Edward walked over to me and held out the box with a small smile. Inside was a beautiful shooting star with diamonds. I brushed it lightly with my fingers and looked up at him.

"You didn't get me this as an apology did you, like the one for your mom?" I asked.

"No…why, are you mad at me?" He looked confused.

"No. I just don't understand why you would get me something out of the blue?" I shrugged.

"When I saw it in the store, I immediately thought of you. You were always singing twinkle, twinkle to Junior."

I couldn't help smiling, and I felt my heart flutter. "That's sweet. Help me with it." I handed him back the box and turned, pulling my hair up off my neck.

"So I take it, if I want to get back in your good graces that jewelry is a no." Edward chuckled. He wrapped the necklace around my neck.

" Birthdays…Christmas… Or you saw it and thought of me are fine. But not because you think I'm mad. In fact, that would likely make me madder," I stated.

"Duly noted. How about anniversaries?" He kissed below my ear, letting the chain drop.

My heart fluttered. "That would be okay."

"Good to know." He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against his chest.

"I'm still irritated at Jasper for coming so early. I was looking forward to picking up where we left off in the parking lot." He nuzzled my check.

"Is that really why you were acting so grumpy," I asked.

"Mmm, he's gone now," he whispered.

"I thought you were hungry." I giggled when his lips brushed a sensitive spot.

"Oh, Achusla, you don't know how hungry I am." He spun me in his arms and kissed me.

LS

Two days later, we headed out to his parents' house. Edward assured me it would be safer because security would be at high alert. I was a bit nervous seeing Rosalie and Alice. I tried calling Alice, but she didn't answer. When we arrived at the mansion, there was a long line of cars and a valet.

"What is going on here? I thought it would just be family." I turned in my seat to ask Edward.

"It is just family… extended family that is," he answered.

I looked down at what I was wearing compared to what I saw a woman wearing as she entered the house. I hadn't even second-guessed that tonight might be more formal since they were celebrating the holiday. My own family was always laid back with the holiday. Edward had been no help since almost always wore a suit and tie to dinner.

"You could've warned me. I am so severely underdressed," I hissed.

"You look beautiful. You have nothing to worry about," he insisted, giving my hand a squeeze.

"Are you blind? Every other woman is wearing a cocktail dress, and I am wearing a skirt and a sweater. Please drive around back so I can enter through the kitchen. Hopefully, Rosalie and Alice won't be too mad at me that they won't mind me borrowing something of theirs."

"Why would they be mad at you. I'm sure they will be very happy to see you," he scoffed.

"You're such a man." I groaned.

"Isn't that a good thing?" He looked confused.

He parked in the garage, and we were able to sneak in the back. Rosalie was at the kitchen counter preparing a tray as several workers were milling about cooking and prepping. Rosalie looked up when we entered, and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Bella, you're back." She squealed, coming over to greet me. "I'm so happy to see you. When did you get here? Did Edward go to you? Is that where he's been? How romantic."

"Hi, Rosalie. Yes, he did come to me and convince me to return with him." I hugged her with one arm.

"That makes me so happy. I hope this means you can forgive me for what I did," she said.

"I forgive you," I said honestly. "I brought my grandmother's soda bread, but now I don't think it will be enough. I didn't know tonight was going to be so big."

"Oh…uh." She looked me up and down and slightly cringed. "Edward, why didn't warn her," she scolded.

"What? She looks nice, and don't you tell her otherwise," Edward said defensively.

"Honestly…I thought you were smarter than your brother." Rosalie rolled her eyes. "I will take the bread. I think Alice is up in her room, she'll have something you can borrow. Just to warn you…"

Her eyes fell on my rings when she reached for the bread, and her mouth dropped open.

"Oh my God!" she screamed, covering her mouth with both hands.

Edward winced and rubbed his ear. "What the hell?"

Emmett came bursting through the kitchen door. It opened so hard it crashed into the door. Jasper and Carlisle were on his heels.

"What's wrong?" Emmett's hand was on his holster.

"They're married." She held my hand up high for them to see.

"Oh, that." Emmett looked relieved.

Rosalie dropped my hand and narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean…oh, that…did you know?" she demanded.

"Uh…Ed." Emmett shot his brother a nervous look.

"Don't be mad at him, Rosalie. I asked him to keep it quiet until we announced it tonight," Edward explained, wrapping his arm around me.

"Announced what?" Esme entered the kitchen, looking preoccupied as she surveyed the room. "Why has everyone stopped working, I'm not paying you to stand like statues in my kitchen.

"Edward and Bella eloped." Rosalie pointed to us.

"Edward and Bella did what…" Esme appeared confused as her eyes landed on us. She first glanced at his arm around my waist, then my hand. Her face was unreadable as her head shot up.

"You two come with me. The rest of you back to work," she ordered, heading towards the pantry. She stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Carlisle, you too."

Once we were inside, she closed the door and crossed her arms in front of her.

"I demand an explanation," she snapped.

"I'm just as surprised as you are, dear," Carlisle said.

"Bullshit you are. You're acting too calm fto be surprised. We have been married for over twenty-six years, you can't fool me. I want the whole story…and the real story. Not whatever you cooked up for everyone else."

"Now, Esme…"

"Don't 'now Esme,' me. I look the other way for most things, but I won't when it comes to my own son being suddenly married." Esme glared at him then turned to Edward "Now talk."

Edward sighed and explained the whole story from beginning to end. The more he spoke, the less angry Esme appeared. A few times she stared at me with a look of sadness.

"I'm sorry about your father, dear. When is the funeral, the whole family can go show our support." She reached over and squeezed my hand.

"I was told I couldn't go," I explained.

"Why on earth not?" Esme narrowed her eyes again. "It's your father's funeral, of course, you have to go. Edward too, if he's your husband. Who told you couldn't?" She aimed her glare on the men.

"It's most likely a trap, Ma," Edward said.

"So bring men to help guard her. Isn't that what they're there for," she said incredulously, and I felt a glimmer of hope that I may get to go after all.

"That point is moot since the funeral was this morning," Carlisle said.

"Honestly…" Esme shook her head, clearly unimpressed.

She closed her eyes for a moment then opened them with a smile. "Here is what we will do. Before we serve dessert, Carlisle will announce your upcoming wedding."

"Ma, we're already married though," Edward stated.

"I understand that. But there will still be an actual wedding. You denied her, her father's funeral, I refuse to let you deny her a wedding day. Your marriage will be blessed by a priest. I'll call Father tomorrow," Esme said decisively.

Edward dug into his pocket and pulled out a jewelry box. "I bought you something."

I could tell Esme was fighting not to roll her eyes. "Thank you, dear, but you're not off the hook. Come along, Bella, no offense, but tonight's occasion requires you to dress more formal."

"No offense taken, I missed the memo." I shot a glare at Edward.

Esme looped her arm through mine and led the way out of the pantry and to the back stairs. She paused on the second story and took both my hands in hers.

"Do you love my son, Bella?" she asked kindly.

"I care for him." I didn't want to lie to her.

She nodded. "So you married him to protect yourself."

"I could handle myself on my own. But I needed to make sure the threat went away from my family and friends back home, and your family," I explained.

"My family will never be completely safe. I learned that a long time ago." She sighed. "Much like yourself, I married Carlisle to save my father's farm. I didn't love him at first, but over time I saw the man underneath the hard exterior and fell in love with him." She smiled softly.

"If it helps, I think I am falling in love with Edward," I admitted.

She smiled sadly. "The only thing that matters is that you are going to be happy with your decision. Resentment can lead to bitterness."

I paused thoughtfully. "I don't think I will resent Edward. He has only been doing what he thinks is best to help me."

"I hope it stays that way." She squeezed my hands. "I hope I didn't overstep with the wedding. I think it's just a disgrace to sign a piece a paper and call it done. Every girl deserves a wedding day when they can be a princess. Besides, I see no better way to prove to Aro and even Vladimir that you are part of our family than a big celebration."

"A wedding will be fine, Esme," I said, hiding my conflicted feelings on the matter.

"Good, I can't wait to start planning. Now, as for your dress tonight, I'm sure Alice will be more than happy to lend you one." Esme shook her head as she looked at me. "What was that boy thinking, or should I say not thinking."

A/N: As many of you hoped she is a Whitlock. Many of seemed confused on the marriage issue. Technically it isn't legal. They are signing a copy of amarriage license Jasper got his hands on that he's going to get filed like it was real. All the offical names are forged or payed off.

Thank you for sharing all you love and thoughts with me.