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. 26

BPOV

The top floor was silent when we stepped off the stairs, and I spotted Jared down at by Junior's room. Esme continued down the opposite hall and knocked on Alice's door.

"I'm almost ready; I'll be down in a bit." Came a reply.

"Alice, dear, we have a bit of a fashion emergency. I was hoping you can help," Esme explained.

After a moment, the door opened revealing Alice in her robe. She had dark circles under her eyes, and her complexion was pale. She looked surprised then nervous to see me.

"Could you lend Isabella a dress? Your brother neglected to inform her that tonight was more formal than usual." Esme gestured to me.

"Of course," Alice said quietly.

"Thank you. I must hurry back, so everything doesn't fall onto Rosalie and Kate," Esme said before disappearing.

Alice and I stared at each other awkwardly for a moment.

"Bella…"

"Alice…"

"You first," we said in unison.

"Alice, I'm sorry I left like I did. I hate I made you feel like I was abandoning you," I said.

"I'm the one who owes you an apology. You were right; I needed to stand on my own two feet. It was hypercritical of me to claim I wanted independence, but then be dependent on you to get it. I should be stronger on my own, but instead, I'm still weak. As soon as you were gone, I slipped."

"You slipped?" She seemed sober at the moment.

"Yeah, and worst of all it was Jasper who caught me." She sat on the edge of her bed. "He probably realizes the mistake he's made with me."

"I don't think so. When he came to the penthouse, he seemed worried about you, but he was also looking forward to your date. What did he say when he found you?" I asked.

"Nothing really. He just looked disappointed." She shrugged her shoulders then a strange expression crossed her face. "Did you say the penthouse…do you mean Edward's? Have you been with my brother this entire time?"

"Not the entire time, but it's a long story. I can tell you about as we get dressed," I told her.

I gave her the unabridged version as we got ready. I knew Carlisle and Edward preferred that Rosalie and Alice didn't know all the details, but to me, it seemed unfair. This affected them too, and they weren't stupid.

"Wow…just wow." Alice shook her head as she placed a pair of heels in front of me. "And to think you've been a Whitlock this whole time. We could've grown up together. You and Edward could've been childhood sweethearts and have a couple of children by now."

"Possibly." I nodded thoughtfully. "But then I wouldn't have known a really great man who was my father."

Alice looked mortified. "I wasn't thinking. I'm so sorry about your da."

I waved my hand. "Relax, I understand what you meant. I'm still having trouble comprehending it."

"I can't blame you. I don't know how I would feel if I found out one day my da wasn't my da—it would be surreal." Alice fluffed her hair and fixed her bangs. Her dark circles were now covered with makeup. "We should go down before Ma gets upset."

I did one more check in the mirror. The green dress was a bit more daring than I was used to. The only thing covering my back were a couple of spaghetti straps. The front showed ample cleavage, and since the dress was hemmed for Alice, it was extremely short. Thankfully, it still covered everything.

"I'm ready." I started to feel nervous about meeting all these new people, most of them mobsters.

"We'll stick together. You help me stay away from all the drinking, and I'll warn you which relatives to avoid." Alice looped her arm through mine.

"Sounds like a plan," I agreed.

LS

We met Rosalie on our way down the steps. "I was just coming to find you. Dinner is ready to be served, and everyone is in the formal dining room."

The Cullen family was the only one I knew that had an informal and formal dining rooms as well as a ballroom. As we entered, we could see some people sitting and others still standing and talking. Edward stood near the head of the table speaking with his father.

"Bella, you're next to Edward," Rosalie informed me.

I ignored the stares as I walked the entire length of the room. Edward's head turned, and he paused in the middle of saying something. His eyes roamed my body, and his eyes grew a shade or two darker when they met mine.

He kissed my forehead in greeting. "You look breathtaking," he whispered in my ear.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"There's been a minor change in plans. Da is going to make the announcement before dinner starts." Edward pulled out my chair.

I glanced down the rest of the table nervously. Luck was on my side as I was seated beside Emmett. Across from me was Peter, who was watching me with a neutral expression.

"Good evening, Peter, how are you this evening?" I asked politely.

"What no Uncle? I'm doing fine, Isabella." I tried to decipher his tone, but his poker face was as good as Carlisle's.

"Ahh, don't let him give you a hard time. Call him Uncle Petey." Emmett smirked.

Charlotte took her seat, giving her husband a quizzical look. Peter just gave her a smile and focused his attention on the head of the table. Carlisle tapped his glass, calling for attention. Edward's hand covered mine and gave it a squeeze.

"May I have everyone's attention. Before we enjoy the meal my beautiful wife has put together, I have an announcement."

He paused while he waited for the room to quiet. "I would like to introduce a new member to our family. My son, Edward, took a page out of his old man's book and fell in love with Isabella. Like his mother and I, they decided to elope. But rest assured, Esme is already on the ball, and you can expect to be invited to a wedding the first weekend in May, so save the date. To Edward and Isabella." He raised his glass.

The room filled with 'Cheers!' and the tinkering of silver against glass.

"I do believe they want you to kiss." Esme winked at us.

I turned my head towards Edward; he cupped my cheek and leaned in, kissing me. The room erupted into whistling and clapping. I blushed when pulling away and glanced down the table to see that everyone seemed pleased.

Plates were soon filled, and conversation began between tables.

"Congratulations!" Charlotte said to me. "You must come to my store this week so we can find you a dress and get you fitted right away. Do you know how many bridesmaids you'll be having?"

"No, I don't." I shook my head as I felt my smile falter.

I had always thought Emily and Leah would be in my party if I were to marry. However, with everything up in the air, I wasn't so sure. Even if they weren't pissed at me for going M.I.A., I didn't know if I could or should have them there for safety reasons.

LS

After dinner, everyone seemed to disperse throughout the main floor of the house. A majority of the guests had gone into the ballroom where a live band was playing Celtic music. I stood back and watched the dancers; I don't think I had ever seen Alice so happy as she moved across the dance floor with Jasper.

"Would you like to dance?" Edward asked from beside me.

"I have no idea how to do that. I think for now, I'd rather just watch," I commented. Ballroom I could handle but not Irish Step.

"Good, I always end up tripping and taking someone out." Edward snickered. "Would you like a drink?"

"Please." I nodded.

Edward disappeared into another room while I stayed watching. My foot tapped along to the music.

"You know, I thought Alice and my son would be the two who would make our families even closer together," Peter spoke from beside me.

"I wouldn't give up on that idea yet. They look so happy," I commented.

"Mmmm. Well, you must be pleased with how things turned out. You're marrying into a strong family for protection, while still honoring Charles Swan as your father monetarily," he said.

"What are you talking about?" I frowned in confusion.

"Thank you, Peter, for ruining Bella's wedding gift," Edward said angrily. "The scholarship to honor Chief Swan was my idea. Bella knew nothing about it."

"You are making a scholarship to honor my dad?" My jaw dropped in surprise.

Edward nodded. "Yes, to a high school senior, who is looking for a career in social justice, or law enforcement."

"That is so sweet, thank you." I awkwardly hugged him since he had his hands full.

"You're welcome, Acushla." He kissed my cheek.

Peter scoffed under his breath and started to walk away. Edward's face twisted in anger, but I placed my hand on his chest and went after Peter.

"Peter…or Uncle Peter, if you prefer," I called out, and he turned.

"I apologize if me seeing Charlie Swan as my father offends you. I don't know what happened between him and my mother that led to them getting married, nor will I ever get the true story. All I do know is that I looked to him as the man who raised and loved me. He gave up his chance to have a family of his own to protect my mother and me, and that's not something I will be able to forget." I took a breath trying not to get too emotional. "However, I do want to know more about my biological father. I hope you will be willing to tell me about him. Stories from your childhood and others, more than just facts from a packet of papers."

Peter looked into the glass he was holding and swirled the ice around; he glanced up and gave a small smile. "I look forward to doing that." He walked away and joined Charlotte.

"I finally get an uncle, and he hates me," I grumbled.

"I don't think he hates you. I think he was thrown and needs time to adjust, just like you were." Edward handed me a beer.

"I hope you're right. I don't have that much family left." I took a sip and was caught off guard. It was warmer than what I was used to.

"That's where you're wrong. Every person in this room is now related to you." Edward wrapped his arm around my waist, and I leaned into him.

"I always wanted a brother." I spotted Emmett on the dance floor.

Emmett was doing some type of strange move. He narrowly missed bumping into Jasper, who shot him an annoyed look.

"You're more than welcome to take mine off my hands." Edward snickered as Emmett bumped to another person, sending them sprawling to the floor.

"That's okay, you can keep him. I'm starting to think Jasper might be more my style." I shook my head, trying not to laugh.

LS

It was after midnight, and about half the guests were still milling about. Alice had disappeared into her room an hour ago, having enough of being surrounded by drunk people. Rosalie was hanging out with me, but she looked ready to drop. She rubbed her small bump tenderly, as her eyes were drooping.

"Rosalie, why don't you go to bed, you look exhausted," I said to her.

"I will, but I should probably find Emmett first." She glanced around the room. "They probably went to the man cave, even though Esme put it off limits. Last time a fight broke out over a pool game."

"I'll go check, and if I find him, I'll tell him you turned in," I offered.

She gave a grateful smile. "Thanks. And, Bella, I'm really glad you're back, and I hope you let me help plan your wedding."

"Of course," I agreed.

I cut through the kitchen on my way to the basement steps. Several of the men were gathered around the pool table. Edward was at the bar, talking to Jasper. Emmett and another man had pool cues in their hands. The one I didn't know was getting ready to take his shot.

"What's going on down here?" I asked.

The man cursed as he scratched and whirled around, pointing the cue in my face. "You made me mess up, you'll pay for that girl." His speech was so slurred, I could hardly understand him.

I easily unarmed him and tossed the cue away, eyeing him warily. Before he could react, two guns were pointed at his head, by Emmett and Edward.

"Whoa, everyone let's calm down." Jasper appeared at my side.

It was very clear we were the only two sober people in the room. The other men also had their hands on their guns.

"Colin, apologize to Edward's wife. She didn't do anything. You're shitfaced and missed the shot on your own," Jasper spoke calmly, moving in front of me.

"Edward, married her?" Colin looked me up and down, frowning. He swayed unsteadily on his feet.

"Yes, do you have something to say about my wife?" Edward cocked his gun.

"Edward, it's okay, he's not thinking clearly." I went around Jasper and placed a hand on Edward's shoulder.

"It's not all right, he insulted you," Edward snapped.

"Colin, man, don't be an eejit, apologize," one of the guys said.

"I'm…" Colin let a loud blech before passing out in a heap on the floor.

Emmett moved out of the way before Colin hit him. I tried to check his vitals, but Edward held me back by my elbow. Jasper knelt and checked his pulse.

"He's out cold. What do you want to do with him?" Jasper asked Edward with an evil grin.

"What we always do with guys like him." Emmett smirked.

"He needs a bed…or maybe the bathroom floor." I grew concerned they were talking about offing him.

"Too good for him. Well, boys, take him away, and you know what to do. Jasper, I believe it's your turn to take the lead." Edward's smirk was dark.

"You got it, Boss. You two, grab him." Jasper looked to two of the guys.

I watched as they took Colin away and turned to Edward. "Isn't killing him a little extreme?"

Edward pulled me into his arms and kissed behind my ear. "We aren't going to kill him, but he'll certainly wish we did in the morning. It's sort of a tradition. The first one that passes out, falls prey to the others. It's happened to all of us at least once—it's Colin's third time, he should know better."

"So it's some sort of hazing thing?" I questioned.

"Sort of," Edward mumbled, and his hands started to roam my curves. So since it's St. Patrick's day, will I get lucky?" His breath was warm against my ear.

"Edward, we talked about this." I felt conflicted.

It was so hard to keep a straight head when things heated up between us. He groaned and pulled away.

"I thought you loved babies, isn't that why you chose your career?" he asked.

"I do love babies. But our marriage isn't real. It wouldn't be fair for us to have a child, knowing we will eventually be splitting up," I said.

"First off, our marriage will be real soon enough. Second, I don't believe in divorce so you'll be going nowhere." He backed me up until I hit the pool table and then he caged me in. "Thirdly, sex doesn't lead to pregnancy all the time." His eyes looked wild.

"Edward…" I whispered, not knowing what else to say. It seems what I'd seen as a fake marriage, Edward considered to be real.

"Would being married to me be so bad?" he asked, looking saddened.

"Of course not," I said honestly.

"If you want to wait for children until things settle down then I can give you that. However, I don't want to keep waiting to have sex." He pressed against me.

My arms wrapped around his neck. "Not tonight." I kissed his lips.

"Give me one good reason why not?" Edward asked, leaning so close our noses were touching.

"You're drunk, and I don't think our first time should be in your parents' house," I said.

"I'm not that drunk and…"

"Is anyone down here?" Esme called from the top of the stairs.

I started to laugh, and Edward covered my mouth. He grabbed me by the hand and dragged me down the hall into the gym. I pulled away and started to laugh so hard I was shaking.

"See." I turned to see him by the door, stripping. "Edward, what are you doing?"

"Let's go enjoy the hot tub." He tossed his shirt onto the mats.

"Are you nuts? It's March and freezing outside." I shook my head.

"The hot tub will keep us warm." He walked towards me in his boxers.

My eyes couldn't look away from his obvious erection, poking through the hole. He wrapped his arms around me, as his hands ran up and down my bare back.

"Come on, live a little," he implored.

"Okay," I agreed.

I unzipped the dress and shimmied out, letting it drop to my feet. Edward watched me with hooded eyes. He laced his fingers together with mine and led me quickly outside. We ran together over the cold stone patio, the air nipping at my skin as we hastily slipped into the tub.

"Did you plan this?" I asked.

"Maybe," Edward said slyly, moving closer.

He lifted me up and placed me on his lap, so I was straddling him. His cock pressed up against my underwear. He kissed me deeply, and one hand cupped my breast as his thumb rubbed small circles over my nipple. I moaned and reached down to wrap my hand around him and began stroking.

He moaned and pushed against my hand. I cupped him and gave him a small squeeze knowing how much he enjoyed it the night before. He let go of my breast and moved my hand away. He grasped my hips and started to thrust against me, making me cry out at the incredible sensations I was feeling, as the water sloshed around us and out of the tub. Suddenly, I felt an explosion rock through my body, making every fiber of my being come alive.

I pulled my head away and gasped for air. Edward panted as he kissed along my neck and pulled me to his side. As I relaxed against him with my head on his shoulder, I glanced up at the stars above us, and realized I wasn't falling for Edward—I was already there.

A/N:

All and all a pretty successful St. Patrick's day. Thank you for sharing all your thoughts and love with me.