Twilight and its characters are owned by Stephenie Meyer and only Stephenie Meyer. Stalker and his Care Bear belong to me though.

A/N: Sorry to take so long with this update… it's a special one though, *wink*.

Baby Steps Are So Last Year

Chapter 26

~~*Edward*~~

Day three of Rome and all I could think about was lying back in bed with my girl. Our previous day had been amazing, but the moments I'd enjoyed the most were the ones we'd spent in the hotel room… and on top of the dining room table. We'd ended our evening in front of the fireplace, voided of our clothing while I held her in my arms and she talked about baby names.

I loved watching her sleep. I'd almost always find her with her arm draped across her stomach, palm resting on top of where our unborn babies grew.

She looked so peaceful, so at ease while she dreamt. It soothed me to see her that way because I could still sense some disturbance coming from her no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

Something new had stirred in her head. I had no idea what was worrying her now though, and I wouldn't demand that she tell me.

It would always have to be on her terms. Pushing her further than she was willing to go will never be my style, I reminded myself bluntly.

She sighed beside me and brushed her tongue across her lips as they parted to let a breath of air escape. Her arms and legs extended outward in front of us and I chuckled, knowing she was fighting to stay asleep. She let out a low groan before opening her eyes to smile into mine.

I'd already decided we would be having dessert for breakfast.

"Was I talking in my sleep or were you just afraid I'd stop breathing?" She played, closing her eyes tightly and smirking in my direction.

"I stalk you in your sleep baby. I thought you knew that by now." I wrapped my arms around her body and rolled her on top of me. I was ready to feel every part of her again and I knew it was pointless to beat around the bush… or lack there of.

I smiled at the ridiculous humor I had playing in my pervy mind and squeezed her tighter up against me.

"Edward!" She suddenly squealed looking down at me with a worried expression, which of course panicked me. I quickly forgot about all the things I wanted to do to her this morning before we started our day.

"I need to use the little girl's room," she added before rolling herself back off of me to leap from the bed. I watched as she skipped into the bathroom, her naked body making me forget how important breathing was. I instantly pitched a tent under the sheets.

Another new habit of mine.

My girl had that kind of effect on me.

God damn she was something to look at. I would pay serious money to spend an entire day watching her. To whom, I didn't know, but that'd be my ideal vacation.

The last two days had been perfect. Seeing Rome through Bella's eyes was something I had been anxiously anticipating. It was actually my fifth trip to Italy, as it was a favorite vacation spot of my mothers when we were growing up so I knew all the right places to take her. I've obviously been doing something right because Bella had bashfully admitted that my confidence and comfort around here had subsequently caused her to fall in love with me all over again these past few days.

The woman knew how to stroke my ego.

We would visit the Vatican Museums as soon as we finished our dessert and our breakfast this morning. Knowing her as well as I did, she would come home wanting to draw this evening, so I'd made arrangements for us to have a nice dinner set up in our room.

I had accepted the fact that the next two days would be sweet torture on me. Waiting for the one day I had so carefully planned out in my head felt like it was still weeks away. I stole a glance at the safe in the closet of our bedroom and ran my hand nervously through my hair just as Bella came out from the bathroom.

Still naked. Still glowing.

She skipped all the way back to me and the tent was re-pitched in record time.

"Well good morning to you too Big Camper." She giggled at the effect her naked body had on mine.

"Every morning with you is a good morning," I said with a tap of my woody.

"And the cheese is back."

"And you love it," I replied grinning before grabbing her by the wrists to gently pull her back on top of me. Her hips straddled mine and I could feel her body form itself against my own as she rested her elbows beside my ears and looked down at me with her sparkling brown eyes.

"You sure are pretty in the morning, Ms. Swan."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Cullen," she whispered lightly before attacking my ear and collar bone with her lips.

"But we have touristy things to do. No time for this remember," I teased with a forced pout.

"Edward, don't even play. I can't start the day till I've seen some stars," she replied, crossing her arms as she sat up on top of my chest. I took in the flawlessness of her skin and perfect features again, thanking life for giving me such good fortune. My damn breath hitched and she snickered at the increased excitement she sat against.

Squinting my eyes at her in threat, I grabbed her by the shoulders and brought her down against me, stealing a quick inhale of her peppermint scented hair. Lord knew how willingly I could spend the rest of the week in this position. The rest of my life could be spent with her beside me like this and I would die happy.

"Ok, fine you talked me into it. One star and then were out of here. You have one hour," I agreed before pulling down on her hips and reacquainting her with a very lively me.

"Only one?" She groaned with sex dripping from her voice.

We'd made it a game to try to get each other to surrender on time limits. She had played hard to get during our first two days until I switched game strategies and decided to torture her instead. What she wasn't aware of was that I did it knowing she'd plead sooner or later and we would both get what we wanted. Like I said, I know my girl well.

"One Bella," I warned while I let my hand get lost on her back rubbing circles over her perfect skin. I smiled, feeling successful when she closed her eyes over the feel of my touch.

"One and a half. Please," she whimpered softly.

"I could stay in bed with you all day if you want baby," I finally allowed and flipped her over under me. I could do a lot in an hour and half. I just hoped she wouldn't need a nap by the time I was done.

Bella hadn't uttered a word since we'd stepped foot into the museum. I'd already lost count of how many gasps she'd let out in the last three hours. Fucking adorable.

I remembered the talk we'd shared the morning of our first date, when we'd watched the sunrise on the California beach. She shared with me the same story her parents used to tell her. I'd learned all about the time they'd visited Rome the summer after they had both graduated from NYU. She grew up hearing the story told over and over again, but she'd admitted to me that every time she'd hear it, it somehow always seemed like the first time to her.

They had dreamed of being able to bring her here someday and the look on her face right now had reminded me of that.

This experience had to be an emotional one for her in more ways than one and I was giving her the space she needed to take it all in. Every once in a while she'd look over at me. She would smile with a glimmer of a tear drop in the corner of her eye and I'd mouth the words 'I love you' hoping to remind her that she wasn't alone.

While she walked through the room full of brightly painted murals, I continued to watch her. She'd stand in front of the pieces that intrigued her the most and I swear I would see her loose herself. She absolutely loved this stuff. Bella appreciating art was truly something to behold. There would be no one else in this building today that would take in the pieces surrounding us the way she did.

I loved it when she would raise her hand up to touch the image in front of her every now and then, only to catch herself and return it safely to her side almost instantly. The admiration on her face was quickly becoming one of my new favorite looks. Gazing at her face so lost in the pictures she stood before, it was like no other expression I had ever seen on her.

When we got to the room she had asked to save for last I squeezed her hand, feeling the anticipation in her grasp. She practically crushed my own hand, naturally this made me smile.

"This is where my dad kissed my mom for the first time. In this room. In front of this picture," she told me quietly. I couldn't help but give her a crooked smile because the painting we were standing in front of was not one I would think of when trying to set a romantic moment.

She laughed at my reaction and wrapped her arms around my body, resting her head against my chest.

"It's called St. Jerome in the Wilderness. My dad would tell me the story every year on the anniversary of their first kiss. My mom stood in this very spot Edward," her voice quivered. She took in a breath and buried her face into my neck. "She stood right here for twenty minutes, staring before she turned and looked at my dad with tears in her eyes. She told him how heartbreaking the picture felt to her… that she thought the man had never experienced love in his entire life and how devastating that was to her. It was then that my dad found the courage to tell her how he felt. To tell her he had been in love with her since the first day they'd met. Up until that moment they had only been best friends. Such best friends that they had decided to travel Europe together that summer after graduation."

"And it was here that your mom fell in love with your dad?"

"No," she snorted. "She always said she didn't fall in love with him for another two months, though I think she loved him from the very first moment they met too. She freaked and told him to never kiss her again, that she had a boyfriend back home waiting for her," she laughed with a single tear falling down her cheek. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize, baby," I waved off while wiping her tear away. "That's quite the story. I've always been a believer in the old 'better late than never' philosophy."

She smiled up at me and nodded. I leaned in and kissed her lips delicately.

"Please don't ask me to never kiss you again my Bella," I whispered as I held her face and pressed our foreheads together.

"Never in a million years," she sighed. I kissed her once more and told her I would be kissing her forever. She didn't know how true I hoped my words would be.

The following morning we were on our way for the mini getaway from the busy streets of Rome.

"How long of a ride is it to Florence?" Bella asked while scooting into the rental car.

"We're taking the scenic route so about three and a half hours."

"Hmm… I like scenic routes. And what is this surprise you keep hinting about?" She added with a raised brow when I leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

"You'll know soon enough, doll face. What's a few more hours?" I teased and bumped the door closed on her gawking expression.

We had spent the last few days exploring Rome and I think both of us were secretly grateful to have a few hours stuck in a car to give our feet a rest. My girl must have taken at least two thousand photos of all the different water fountains, statues, buildings, birds, shops, buildings and benches that lined the streets of this city. She'd even let me spoil her in a few shops much to my surprise.

It was only right we headed to Florence for the next two nights before coming back to Rome to have dinner with my mother.

I had after all made a promise to someone.

I'd decided I would use the time in the car to let her know what would be waiting for us when we returned. Even though I was still feeling more than fucking nervous about the idea, I was sure Bella would be excited to meet my mom… and then she would join me with my nervousness once we were on our way back for the actual meeting.

As we pulled out of the city I quickly stole a glance in her direction. She was still trying to take it all in and I was still finding that look of hers sexy as hell while I watched her nibble on that bottom lip of hers.

But then she let out a sigh and that was enough to break my heart. I knew she couldn't help but let her mind wander there… I knew what she was thinking this time.

"There's another surprise I haven't mentioned and I hope you don't mind… I didn't think you would…" I trailed off wanting to distract her from the intruding thoughts that had obviously taken over inside that head of hers.

"You're making me nervous again Stalker." She turned her body toward me and cocked her head to the side. Some hair fell in front of her eye and I wasted no time to brush it back behind her ear.

"What if I told you my mom was going to be in Italy, perhaps even Rome?"

"Your mom? She's really here? Edward! We have to see her," she screeched while bouncing in her seat.

"I had a feeling you'd say that." I took her hand and squeezed it in mine before resting them together on her leg. Bella had expressed more than once how much she wanted to meet Esme, but there was always that uncertainty in me. I didn't ever want to corner her into a situation she felt uncomfortable with and as much as I loved my mother she was also known to say exactly what was on her mind without letting any kind of filter get in the way.

"We're having dinner with her when we get back to Rome. She'll actually be flying to L.A. with us. And don't worry, our seats aren't together," I joked and winked in her direction. She looked a little rattled but was still smiling.

"Will she be going home for good or will it just be a trip back for the wedding?" Bella had been shocked when I told her my family would be attending Jane's wedding ceremony.

"She's not sure what she'll be doing. It seems Franco and her have decided to take some time apart."

"Oh, that's too bad. I know how much you liked the idea of her and Franco."

I shot her a sarcastic smirk and nudged her leg playfully.

"I didn't know she'd be flying back with us until this morning. She sent me an email letting me know."

She shook her head in understanding and took in a worried grimace before asking if I had told her about the pregnancy.

"No. I want you to meet first. It'll be easier for her to accept it once she's met you." I smiled to myself thinking about the number of bombs we would be dropping on my mother in little over forty-eight hours.

"Well, I can't wait to meet her."

"Well she's looking forward to meeting the woman who's finally managed to tame her irresponsible son. Her words not mine, Care Bear."

"Oh, my God. Please don't call me that in front of her," she squealed with a laugh before bringing her right leg up underneath her. I grinned at the feel of her hand as it traveled through my hair and tugged at the back of my head.

"You really are pretty under this Italian sun," she whispered in my ear before nibbling on it.

"Bella, I'm trying to drive." My skin erupted into goose bumps at the feel of her tongue and my dick was suddenly very fucking awake.

I wasn't going to let her get to me that easily though.

"So drive. Let's see just how skilled a driver you are. You still have some irresponsibility left in you. Don't let her call you tamed Edward," she dared. I choked on the air around us when her hand grasped the space of my pants where my hard on was already saluting her.

"Baby, I don't know…"

She smirked at my reaction and quickly shushed me by placing her index finger over my mouth, letting it travel down the front of my shirt and to the button fly of my jeans.

"I need to check this off my 'Things To Do With The Man I Love' list. Giving you a long, deliberate, and satisfying blow job while we travel down this country Italian road would be quite the accomplishment for me," she uttered teasingly in my ear.

"Fuck, Bella. I'm not sure how anyone could argue with that request… but I'd feel much better about it if you let me pull off the road." I tried my best to keep a straight face.

"If that's what you need, park it. I'm starting… right… now though."

I clenched my right hand as my left increased its death grip on the steering wheel while she took all of me into her warm slick mouth.

"Oh shit, baby."

She enjoyed catching me without warning a little more than was right in my opinion but it still turned me the hell on.

Little did she know she'd be in for her own surprise in less than thirty hours.

Once we were reaching the hotel I woke Bella from her short nap. She beamed like a little kid at their first candy store the second her eyes opened.

"We're here."

"This city is gorgeous, Edward. This is absolutely amazing." She squealed while looking back and forth between her window, mine, and the windshield in front of us.

I'd only been to Florence once when I was growing up and didn't remember much of it. Which is why this leg of our trip wasn't my doing. Not all of it anyways.

"OH MY GOD, is that…"

"Surprise."

As soon as the car was stopped she was out the door and running into the arms of her best friend.

"Alice! What in heaven's name are you doing here?"

"What? You didn't think I was serious about coming? Edward agreed on the condition he have you to himself for at least a few days."

"Ahem. Don't forget tomorrow night," I chimed.

"Right, right. He gets you tomorrow night, too. For a few hours." She hugged Bella tightly again. I made my way over to Jasper to say hello so I could ask how their trip had gone so far. They had arrived in Venice the same day we had made it to Rome. Alice had somehow managed to keep their trip a secret.

"Pretty damn eventful man. It's been great. Though it be a lot easier if one of us spoke the language. I know Alice thinks this is her homeland but she's slightly embarrassing when she tries to speak in her native tongue," he joked and earned a nice punch to the shoulder from his fiancé.

"Edward, did you do this?" Bella asked, wrapping her arms around my waist tightly.

"I suggested it after you mentioned how badly Alice wanted to come. I figured I could share you for a day and a half."

She increased her grip around me again and stood on her toes to kiss my lips. I moved my hand up to her neck and brought her mouth closer to mine so that I could feel all of her.

"Come on, enough with the PDA. You just got here you muskrats," Alice whined teasingly. "I want to hear all about Rome. That's where we go next week."

"What? How long are you going to be here?" Bella asked her friend once I'd released her from my grasp.

"I'll be back in the city three days after you get back from L.A."

"Damn Pixie, nice little vacay," she teased Alice.

"You know me, I never do anything half ass. Plus, when my grandparents found out I would be here they insisted we spend a week here in Florence, and I insisted I get a full week in Rome. Venice was nice though, you guys should go there the next time you come."

Bella laughed nervously while her eyes continued to roam our new surroundings.

"Let's get your stuff up to your room. We're going to have lunch at an amazing little café we found yesterday. You will love it!"

She agreed with her friends plans and linked her arm through Alice's while us guys followed them up the walkway to the lobby of the hotel we would spend the next two nights at.

When Alice had informed me that she thought we should spend two days in Florence I requested that I at least be the one to choose our accommodations.

The Villa San Michele was the better choice according to my world-traveling family.

"Edward, this place is fantastic. Your mother has great taste," she whispered into my ear with a light laugh as if knowing who my secret travel agent was.

"Just so you know, this was all my doing, baby. Alice may want to take credit for the next day and a half but we both know I'm a cheesy hopeless romantic. She'd never pick a place like this," I smirked and winked her way.

"Keep tooting your own horn, Stalker. I kind of like it when you gloat," she laughed and gave me a bashful, was it something I said, look.

Fuck it. My arms quickly scooped her up off her feet and I carried her into the elevator after the bell boy as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do.

"Edward! Put me down."

"Can't you two act like grown ups for even five minutes? We're out in public."

"Oh, hush Alice. I had to watch you and Jazz behave like this for years," Bella replied while casting her friend a pouting expression.

Alice rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her after shaking her head in disbelief at us.

"Fine. Carry on. But you better be in the lobby in thirty minutes. I'm famished." She warned just as the elevator door chimed open on our floor.

Thirty minutes… we could do a lot in thirty minutes.

Later that night after spending a full day in Florence with Alice and Jasper, we were all sitting in the lobby of our hotel in front of the fire place when Jasper suddenly blurted out in conversation that Jake had contacted the band. He then informed us that he was planning on returning at the end of the month and that he thought he would be ready to return to the band full time.

Mother fucker didn't even stay away for two weeks.

"Oh, well… that's good for him. I'm glad he thinks he'll be ready. That um, wow, that didn't take him too long now, did it?" Bella replied softly from my arms.

"Jesus, Jasper. Should we talk about world hunger now or dive right into politics?"

"It's alright, Al. Leave Jazz alone," Bella joked pushing back her unease at the reminder of her ex.

Fuck.

I couldn't wait to have the damn paternity test done. We needed to get all this shit behind us once and for all.

"So, Edward said I could plan our day tomorrow."

"Ma domani sera sarà mio," I replied with a smirk after tilting my girl's chin up towards me. She squirmed in her seat and giggled as her cheeks turned red.

"You love tormenting me, don't you?" She turned her smiling mouth up towards mine further allowing me the access I was craving. I slowly took her lips against my own and could feel her sweet, warm breath on my face.

I was more than thankful to have my jacket draped across my lap at the moment.

"Now, what were you saying?" She asked dreamily with eyes still closed from the kiss.

"Oh, brother. Seriously? He said something about his and tomorrow, Bella. You're such a show off, Cullen."

I chuckled and shrugged my shoulders naively. "What? All I said was tomorrow evening would be mine and Bella's."

"Yah, yah. You've already made that very clear. We better get to bed then because I expect you both downstairs in precisely nine hours."

I glanced at my watch and rolled my eyes. "Really, Brandon? Six in the morning?"

"Bella needs to see the sunrise over the Tuscan hills. Tisk, tisk to you Edward for not thinking of it," she mocked back with an evil smirk. Bella giggled again beside me because we had already caught a sunrise this morning but I wouldn't press the matter any further. I was ready to spend some quality time in our bed upstairs, alone.

"Is six alright with you, Bella? Or do you need to sleep in?" Alice asked with a sudden compassionate expression.

"Six is fine, Pixie. I still can't believe you're really here!"

"Yeah, me neither. Okay, off to rest. Alice, to our own camera da letto," Jasper told Alice after helping her up from the couch.

"See. My man knows some Italian too."

Bella snickered at her friend and we both waved good bye before we too headed back to the privacy of our room.

"Sono pronto a farti mia per sempre."

"Keep it up Stalker. You won't know what hit you." She warned playfully while trying to hide her smirk.

"I was hoping you'd say that." I grabbed her hands and pulled us into the elevator that would lead us upstairs to our room and our welcoming bed.

~~*Bella*~~

The alarm clock beeped persistently to the left of me. I extended my arm out to smack it but was surprised to feel Edward's hand grab mine instead.

"Morning, gorgeous. How are you feeling?" He asked kneeling beside the bed.

"How long have you been up? What time is it?" I finally got out. My memory quickly came back to me as to why I had been awakened by an alarm before sunrise so rudely.

"It's almost five thirty. We're due down stairs in thirty minutes." His fingers brushed the hair away from my face and I knew I was smiling like a total love drunk dork.

"Right. Right. I remember," I groaned.

"I figured you could sleep in since we showered twice last night." He smiled down at me and smoothed the comforter where my belly hid.

"We needed to shower twice last night." I reminded him innocently. "I guess I should get up. What does one wear for a joy ride through the Tuscan hills for a chilly picnic outside filled with promises of doodle time?" I asked smugly as my hands got lost in one of their favorite playgrounds. His hair.

"Dress comfortable. Save the glam for tonight."

"I'm sorry, what?" I asked thinking I had heard him wrong. "Did you just say glam?" I was almost horse-laughing. He looked utterly embarrassed, but there was also something else in his expression.

I knew that look, even if he was trying to hide it. He was up to something.

"I hope you don't mind but I already picked out what you should wear for this evening."

"Come again?"

"One must cum first before cuming again Bella and I'm afraid we just don't have time for that this morning."

He was enjoying himself.

"What exactly do you have planned for this evening, Edward Cullen?"

"Another surprise Care Bear," he murmured then kissed the top of my head before he got up to disappear into the bathroom.

His surprises were always so unexpected. I would be lying to myself if I didn't admit I felt slightly nervous. Once I thought about it though, he'd been acting a bit jumpy ever since we'd left Rome. He was definitely up to something.

Something so big it was making even him nervous.

I got up out of bed, patting my belly two times the same way I started every morning these days, and let out a restful sigh.

My new routine.

"Morning loves. Oh, the stories I'll be telling you someday about mommy and daddy's trip to Italy." I felt my throat tighten as the thought sunk in. It was true. I would inevitably be handing down a family tradition-like story someday to my children and the thought suddenly choked me up.

Stupid, raging hormones.

But it wasn't a lie. Not only would their grandparents experience the amazing country with someone they loved but so would their parents. There was something more than special about that and the thought caused a small tear to escape my eye.

"Ugh. You're seriously an overly sensitive hormonal mess Swan," I whispered to myself before walking over to the closet to find something to wear.

As soon as I opened it a garment bag stood out from all the rest. The name Versace was stamped on the front of it smiling back at me.

A square yellow post it note was attached to it with the words, 'This One. -E'

I reached out to touch it, curiosity getting the best of me, but quickly slid it aside to get to the clothes I'd set out to find for the day's adventure. It wasn't time to worry about his surprise. I could wait another couple of hours. All I would allow myself to focus on was Alice's own idea of an Italian adventure… one that apparently needed to be done before sunrise.

"I hope you didn't peek, il mio amore." Edward's voice muttered in my ear once he'd appeared from behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist and brought me up against him. I loved it when he held me like this. There was no better feeling in the world than what I felt while being in his arms.

"Never. I don't like to ruin surprises," I said with a twisted smirk. He let out a sarcastic laugh and brought his lips to my earlobe. Before I knew it my legs gave out from underneath me.

"Can't you at least concentrate on staying upright?" Edward scolded in a stirring tone.

I turned my body around in his arms and wrapped my own arms behind his neck.

"This trip has been the most amazing experience of my life, Edward. It feels silly to say it and I know you don't think I should thank you… but I am so unbelievably happy to be here. To be here with you. Words can't express how much this has meant to me. Thank you for not only bringing me here but for loving me the way you do."

"Baby, don't be ridiculous. Thank you for letting me love you. This is only the beginning of forever. I'll keep reminding you of that till you believe it."

I looked up into his eyes and felt my face blush. The beginning of forever sounded nicer than I would've ever imagined.

"Get dressed. Alice will be knocking in ten minutes," he reminded before holding my face to kiss my lips briskly. He helped guide me back towards the clothes and then smacked my bottom before turning to go into the sitting room.

Why did Alice have to be so anal about departure times?

I pulled out my long sleeve plaid dress and favorite black leggings before bending down to grab my black and white Chucks from bottom of the closet.

What is he up to? I could only guess. I still hadn't gotten over the surprise of having Alice and Jasper here. How much more I could take?

I smiled to myself and sat down on the edge of the large king size bed we had shared minutes before. Italy was the last thing on my To Do list. If it weren't because of Alice I'd probably already have an excuse to stay in with Edward today. I let out a huff and slipped my leggings on, then pulled the flannel dress over my head so I'd gain the fashion approval of my best friend. I grabbed my bag filled with various sketch pads, pencils, and pens and made my way to the closet. After wrapping my scarf around my neck and pulling on my black news boy hat I went out into the sitting room to find Edward sitting in front of his lap top at the dinning room table.

"Everything okay?" I asked noticing his worried expression.

"Yeah. Just whispers about a roll Victoria's up for."

"Huh." The sound of her name made my damn blood boil, a feeling I hated. It wasn't like me and I couldn't stand that she was able to make me feel that way.

"Are you ready? You look beautiful. Feeling good?"

"I'm always feeling good unless I tell you otherwise, lover boy."

"As long as you promise to always tell me otherwise," he taunted with a sly grin.

"Always," I promised.

"Good. Let's go then. Alice will be happy to see us two minutes early for once." He stood up from the table to grab me by the hands and place a kiss on my forehead and like that I was ready for my country adventure.

"If you go home without buying a single pair of shoes I will have to disown you, Bella." Alice kept whining as Jasper pulled the car off the paved road. About five miles ago he'd set his mind on going down a dirt road that would lead us up and over some rolling hills about fifty yards away.

"Alice's grandfather said he used to wonder this way. He said there's a sight to see over these hills. He's either a crazy old kook or he knows what he's talking about. So far since arriving he's known what he's talking about," he shrugged.

Once we were over the horizon I could see the beams coming up over some hills further away. Alice's grandfather had been right. The view was like nothing else I'd ever seen or dreamt of seeing.

"It's stunning Al." I wasted no time in getting out of the car for a better look, sketch bag in hand and Alice following close behind me.

"Careful, Bella. The ground is wet and a little slick over there," Edward cautioned from the other side of the automobile.

"I'm fine, Poppa E." I blew him a kiss just before stepping into a nice muddy puddle.

I looked over in his direction to see him hiding his smirk. He shrugged his shoulders and threw his hands up innocently. I felt the need to tackle him with a hug as his punishment for sending me that casual, I told you so, but quickly decided he'd get it later instead.

Alice busied herself in setting out a blanket over the hood of the rental car and we all took a seat, both Alice and I sitting in the laps of our forever futures. I glanced at her and we shared a knowing smile between one another.

I took her hand and squeezed it then rested my head on her shoulder while Edward's finger tips continued to trace my sides rhythmically.

"This was a nice idea, Tiny."

"I thought you'd enjoy it. Did I mention I want you to do a sketch of Jasper and I to use for our wedding invitations?"

"You what?" I choked out.

"Jasper and I want to use your work for our invitations. I told him about the one you did of me and my ring."

"But for your invitations? Are you sure?" I asked, still bewildered.

"Absolutely. We will pay you, of course."

"Absolutely not! If I do this, I do it for free," I told her defiantly.

"Alright, deal. You're doing it… for free," she cringed at her last words. Both Edward and Jasper laughed from behind us.

"Thank you for thinking my work is good enough." Aside from Edward, Alice was the only other person who had always encouraged my hobby after my parents had passed away.

"Hush. No need to thank me. Let's finish this sunset so you can get to work. It better be perfect," she teased and clapped her hands, bouncing on Jasper's lap.

When we got back to the hotel I was feeling more than exhausted. It had been a long day out in the country. I had made a tradition over the last few days to take a daily cat nap around two and I was feeling the effects from having missed said cat nap.

Too much excitement made for a very sleepy preggo Bella.

"Nap?" I pleaded as I dug my face into Edward's shoulder while he led us into the room.

"I assumed you would be ready for one," he snickered and kissed my head. "I have a Skype meeting set up with James and Phil at four thirty. Dinner is at seven. You know where to find what you should wear."

"You're supposed to be on vacation, Edward." My fingers slid down the center of his black long sleeve v neck shirt willfully.

"Some things can't wait, love. Go rest. I want you wide awake for what I have planned."

"Yes sir. Vado a letto?" I replied a bit unsure of myself.

Dammit. I had practiced that line to myself over and over again in my head all afternoon.

"Yes. Very good, Care Bear. Now go sleep. I'll be out here if you need me." He kissed me gently and patted my bottom towards the direction of the bedroom door.

I followed his instructions and let my feet take me to where I would find our bed. I quickly changed into some pajamas and climbed into bed, resting my hands on my belly. I felt myself relax and a smile snuck across my face. What my life once was could not be compared to what Edward had made it. Never could I have ever envisioned something so ideal. Never did I once think such happiness was possible.

But even with my ridiculously cheesy self declaration ringing in my ears, I couldn't shake the one cloud that still hung over my… over our future.

I'd been feeling the need to check my email for days now, but I knew Edward had wanted me to take a break from the outside world so I'd made it a point to avoid any and all internet devises since arriving in Italy.

My eyes began to feel as though they weighed ten pounds each. It was useless to try to fight it. If I wanted to be ready for whatever he had planned I needed to get at least two hours worth of a nap in.

My body was still used to getting home at six in the morning, not getting up at six in the morning to start my day.

I awoke to the sound of Edward's laugh floating into the bedroom. It was pitch black outside. The curtains were open and the room was dark aside from the sliver of light that beamed through the cracked doorway across the foot of the bed.

I stretched my arms and legs out at my sides and let out a muffled yawn before swinging my legs up and off the bed. I walked over to freshen up in the bathroom before changing into my new dress, the one that would surely be fitting while also masking my bump thanks to its loose flowing fabric. I stuck my head out the door and gave a soft whistle that immediately got the attention of the man who'd captured my heart.

He gave a wink and I waved towards the computer knowing that Edward's bosses could most likely see me on the web cam.

After a quick shower I blow dried my hair and ran the curling iron through it. Alice would be proud. I applied what make-up I wore, but impulsively decided on wearing a darker shade of lipstick. I knew it would drive him that much more wild.

I pulled out the black dress Edward had insisted I try on two days before when we had been in Rome. As soon as I'd stepped out of the fitting room I knew he would refuse to leave that store without purchasing it.

I stepped into it and stuck my arms through the sleeves, then reached behind me to pull the zipper up. After flipping my hair out in front of me I took a deep breath and bent down to get the black strappy shoes Alice had let me borrow last year.

There was a knock at the door and Edward instantly appeared from behind it with a devilish smirk.

"You look devastatingly beautiful, my Bella. Perfection," he growled while eyeing me up and down. It was him who was biting his lower lip for once and I was surprised by how much the sight turned me on. "How do you feel?"

"Wonderful, well rested and wanted," I provoked with a gesture for him to come to me with my index finger. He followed my cue, not bothering to close the door.

I was in his arms before I was able to take another breath.

"I hope you're ready for tonight, baby. Everything is almost ready." He pressed an open-mouthed kiss on my neck, making me moan lowly and writhe into him. "Why don't you go out into the living room for now? I just poured you a glass of sparkling cider," he added, his grin melting the barely there panties I had slipped on.

"Will do, Mr. Cullen." I stood on my toes to kiss his lips and his exhale sent electric currents pulsing through my entire body.

"I'll join you shortly. I need to change and do some final touches." His mouth kept reaching out to mine in game, his teeth trying to get a hold of my lower lip but failing as I kept pulling back teasingly.

"Final touches? In here? What, are you grooming me something pretty?"

My nap had changed something in me. What, I didn't know, but I was feeling more than excited. Truth be told, I was on the verge of an orgasm just from looking at him look at me. That look was back. The one I'd noticed several time since being here in Italy. He was trying to be secretive again.

Popping one final kiss on his mouth, I went out into the sitting room and smiled at the light-colored non-alcoholic bubbly in the champagne glass on the table. I noticed his own more than half empty glass of real champagne sitting next to my own glass.

Not fair.

Alice had told me it was ok to have a glass of wine every now and then, but I really didn't want to risk anything.

Healthy pregnancy makes for healthy babies.

The room's phone suddenly rang to the left of me, the sound alone nearly caused me to jump out of my skin. I set my bubbly cider down and brought it to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Bella, darling."

"Hey, Ally. What's up?"

"How was your nap?"

"Devine," I snorted.

"Good. You'll want to be wide awake for this evening. Trust me," she giggled.

"Shut it, Alice. Don't ruin his surprise," I warned as I tugged on the key charm dangling from the chain around my neck.

"Jeez, seems like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I only wanted to remind you that I love you and that I'm so happy to see you so happy. Edward is a great guy. He loves you more than I thought he did. You need to accept that and allow him to care for you. He's one in a million just like you. You both deserve nothing but the very best, honey."

I frowned, feeling puzzled by her statement.

"And what brought on this Hallmark moment?"

"Uh, nothing in particular. Just seeing you two together today. The way he looks at you. The stuff he tells Jasper."

"He would kill Jasper if he knew he was spilling that information to you," I joked into the receiver.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I wanted to be emo for a minute, plus I've been drinking some really yummy wine we ordered." She did what sounded like a meow and I heard a very giggly Jasper near the phone. "Anywho, enjoy your night. Don't forget breakfast at eight."

"How can I when you keep reminding me? We will be there."

"Good. I only get you till eleven before he whisks you back to Rome."

I laughed at her response and shifted my weight nervously. The water had stopped running in the bathroom and I knew he'd be coming out soon.

"Love you, B."

"Love you too, Tiny. Thanks for planning an incredible day. I got some really nice sketches done. I hope you'll like the one I made for you and Jasper."

"Of course I will. No pressure. Savor the night," she ended with a giggle and a squeal before the line went dead.

I hung up with a laugh, trying my best to push the images of her and Jasper playing Tinker Bell and Peter Pan out of my head. Just as I did the phone lit up in my hands again, chirping that there was another call.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Swan, good evening. Mr. Edward Cullen has requested you join him out in the garden." I snickered impulsively and caught it with my hand.

"I'm sorry. Are you telling me I should go meet my boyfriend out in the garden? The one right outside our bedroom?"

"Yes miss, please. He has requested your company."

My cheeks were on fire. Edward was beyond adorable.

"Alright then. Grazie." I hung up the call and returned the phone to its cradle before making my way to the bedroom door. One had to go through the bedroom to get to the private garden. I already had plans to wake up an hour earlier than Edward the next morning to sketch the view because it was so eye-catching.

The French doors were cracked open but the bedroom lights were dimmed. A familiar glow poured in through the crack of the doors and I felt the butterflies return to the pit of my stomach.

He didn't.

My body seemed to be moving on autopilot.

I heard soft music playing from just outside and a slight smile grew across my lips.

When I opened the door my jaw dropped. There were twinkling lights and candles everywhere. The entire garden was lit up and at the very end he stood smiling at me, his hands in the pockets of his black slacks and his confident smile smoldering my heart.

I shook my head in disbelief and started walking towards him. He seemed to take in every step I'd take, making goose bumps appear all over my body like it was the first day we'd met all over again. Nothing else existed but him when he looked at me like that. It was only him and I. The rest would always disappear.

"You look even more lovely under this light," he admitted with a wide grin before taking both my hands to pull me up against him. "You're the most beautiful creature to ever walk this planet, Isabella."

"The dress helps a little," I played.

"No. You help that dress." His hands enfolded my face and his lips brushed against mine, so daintily I barely felt them. "I hope you're hungry."

"Starved."

He chuckled, noticing my state of unconsciousness surely, and began walking us to the small table that was set up at the edge of the overlook. I stuck my tongue out at him and let him pull my chair out for me.

"Really, Edward? An outdoor heater?"

"I didn't want you getting cold."

I rolled my eyes but felt my toes curl. He always knew the right things to say and do. It was staggering how well he knew me. He never did too much or too little. He always kept it balanced. Just perfectly right.

"What are we having?"

"Something special. The chef assured me it would be to your liking."

I smiled and nodded my head as a waiter appeared holding a tray with two covered plates. After setting them down in front of us he poured Edward another glass of champagne. I asked for a glass of water to go with my sparkling cider and quickly fixated on Edward from across the table.

"You've out done yourself once again," I commended.

The look was back.

Along with an all too familiar look… He wanted me. He wanted me bad and I had to give myself two mental pats on the back for it.

"You would never be a good poker player," I said with conviction. Edward let out a loud over exaggerated Pfft and rolled his eyes.

"You know not what you speak of, bambina." He eyed my body over, not at all trying to hide his admiration, before gesturing with a nod of his head for me to eat.

We ate in silence for a few short minutes as I wasn't sure what to talk about. I was feeling a little sad that we would only have one more full day in Italy. And I was beginning to worry about meeting Edwards mother but I didn't want to ruin this moment with my unease.

What if she hates me? What if she thinks I'm some city tramp trash? I had my work cut out for me. It was embarrassing but true that I had been running possible conversations in my head all day long.

'Hello, Mrs. Cullen. It's a pleasure to meet you.' … pause… 'So you're the bartender that thinks she's good enough for my only son?' … pause… 'Oh, my. A little tubby are we? Are there no more skinny girls in the city, Edward?'

"Bella, what on earth are you thinking about?" His voice asked stirring me from my day dream.

"Uh, I don't want to go home?"

"We're not going home yet, love. We still have a week on the west coast."

"But you'll be working."

"Only on Tuesday and Wednesday."

I pouted and shrugged, bringing a bite of tender meat into my mouth. Edward shifted in his seat and I almost laughed out loud. He might have thought he was smooth but I could sense that his own weaknesses were killing him too.

We talked about my drawings from earlier and wandered onto the topic of the gallery pictures and his idea of using my pregnant sketches for the display. I reluctantly told him I had indeed been considering it some more and that seemed to make his smile grow a little more.

Before I knew it my plate was empty and the waiter was removing it from the table as he poured me more ice water.

"Dessert?" Edward questioned.

"I'm stuffed at the moment. Maybe later," I replied with a flirtatious grin.

He dismissed the waiter and stood up from the chair, extending his arm out to me.

"Let's dance under the stars."

"I'd rather see some."

"Then look up baby," he teased knowing those weren't the kind of stars I was referring to. I rolled my eyes and he laughed as his hands slid down my waist and rested themselves on my hips. Our bodies began swaying back and forth to the beat of the slow instrumental song that had started to play from the speakers. I smiled as I looked up into his emerald green eyes and sensed my body shake.

"God. You're ridiculously pretty." I whispered impulsively.

Edward threw his head back in laughter and shook his head, speechless for some reason.

"This has been an amazing week, amore."

"Beyond amazing. Out of this world surreal," I added, tightening my grip around the back of his neck. He nodded and leaned in to kiss my lips softly two times.

"I've experienced the best moments of my life over the last three months, Bella. All because of you."

"I was wondering when the cheese would be served." Edward's sudden shyness was driving me demented.

"You've made me appreciate so much again. Everything you say, every look you give me, every thought you share, when you show me a piece of yourself in your drawings… I love you more than I've ever loved anything else, Isabella Swan."

"Edward, are you trying to make me cry?" I asked, my voice shaking.

He shook his head no and tilted my chin up towards his to kiss me once more.

"What I'm trying to do Bella… my Bella…" he started to say then stopped moving side to side after releasing my left hip so his right hand could reach into his pocket. Then he did something that would've given any woman a heart attack. He kneeled down and held my left hand firmly in his. "I hope that you will grant me this kind of happiness forever. I want to spend forever with you. I want to wake up by your side, fall asleep in your arms, and learn everything there is left to learn with you by my side. Will you spend the rest of your life with me, Isabella? Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

His words took a few minutes to register and even then they didn't make much sense till I saw the ring in the box he was holding in front of me. Looking down at him my breath suddenly got caught in my throat. He looked so beautiful. Unlike anything I had ever seen. So full of life and hope. As if nothing could harm him or us. Never had I ever felt so much love. There was just no single word to express what I was feeling right now.

"You… your… forever? Me? Your… wife?" I stuttered feeling light headed.

Edward's proposal was something I had secretly dreamt about… but now I felt like an outsider looking in as all time stood still.

"Bella?"

I realized I was standing in front of him with my hand still covering my mouth like an idiot without uttering a word.

"Edward… I….This ring is…" I stuttered and reached out to touch it. He briskly removed it from the box and held it to my ring finger.

"Please say yes. You are all I want, baby. All I will ever need. I know together we'll build an unbelievable family. Let's make it all official. Please say you'll be my wife. Say you'll be my present and my future?"

I looked down at him with teary eyes as I shook my head yes repeatedly. Giving him the answer he had begged me for.

He breathed out and laughed, sliding the platinum band down the length of my finger. The diamond was an old mind cut, and insanely huge. Smaller round diamonds traced along the outside of the center stone and I gasped as the candle light around us glimmered off its reflection.

"Edward, is this really something you want? I don't want you to feel like this is the next obvious step… like it's something we have to do."

"What? Of course not. This is not a have to, this is a want to. I want to spend forever with you and these two," he promised, rubbing my belly in front of me. I smiled and took a deep breath.

"I want that, too. So much. It would be a dream come true, Edward. You are my dream come true."

Without another word, he got up to his feet and grabbed my face is his palms. His mouth attached itself to mine and his tongue searched avidly. The kiss was both hurried yet unrushed. Soft yet lavished with all the passion he'd ever shown for me.

His body pressed itself against my own and my hands gripped his shoulders tightly at the feel of his erection. The rough feel of it digging into my hip made me moan into his mouth and plead for more.

"Say it. Say you'll always be mine. Tell me you'll be my wife," he growled against my lips while cradling my ass in his hands and pulling me nearer.

"Yes. I'll be your wife. Eternally yours," I promised. "Your Mrs. Edward Cullen."

His groan and clasp on my ass made my breathing increase and my body shake.

"Jesus. That sounds so…" He didn't finish his words. Instead, his mouth covered mine and he kissed me with so much passion I thought for sure my panties would explode. His lips spoke and they promised me all the things he couldn't say.

It was all too much. The dinner, the proposal, the kiss…

If it weren't for obvious reasons I would've had my dress ripped off my body and laying on the floor by now. But we had completely forgotten we weren't alone— something that seemed to happen often with us.

"Edward… baby…waiter… the room… the bed…" I mumbled into his mouth.

Remembering but still not caring much for our audience, Edward bent down and grabbed the back of my knees, pulling up on my legs and bringing them around his torso. The sky could've been falling and he wouldn't have let go of my mouth. His massive hands continued their pulling on my ass and my hips were grinding over his hard-on as he moved us into our private area.

How he made it into the room and over to the bed was something I'd never understand. Our clothes were discarded and abandoned before I'd even had a chance to retain my breath.

Edward's lips carried on with their quest, searching and wanting, but then suddenly slowed and become careful, more intentional and purposeful.

"I adore you, my future Mrs. Cullen. It will be impossible for me to love anyone as much as I do you." His soft tone and entranced gaze made my skin erupt. I wanted to tell him how much I understood his words. That I felt the same... but the words wouldn't escape me. I reached up and stroked his cheek with my left hand, mesmerized by both the sparkle in his eyes and the way the ring looked on my finger. Placing a tender kiss on his lips was the only way I could figure to respond.

"Let me make love to you," Edward breathed into my neck as his hands massaged my breasts, stomach and legs. His fingers grazed every bit of skin along with his mouth and tongue. He moved down to my feet and placed opened kisses on each toe before moving up to my knees, inner thighs, and center. He licked and sucked and nibbled, making me fist the sheets and groan blissfully.

"Edward… Edward, I need… I …" He understood my request before I could finish forming the sentence and he quickly raised himself up to me. His lips took their hold on mine again as he brushed himself on my core and slowly filled me with all of him.

"Oh God." My back instantly arched like it always did and my hands took their usual position on his hair as he initiated his moderate thrusting. His hips met my own, our bodies molding with each detailed movement and giving in to the sensations that only the two of us could create.

I felt complete. Filled and consumed by all of him.

At peace and where I belonged for the first time in a very long while.

My future had a path now, and it was a path I was excited to follow.

My eyes went directly to my ring finger the following morning. I couldn't grasp how beautiful it was… how it shined in the beam of light that had snuck through the curtains in our hotel bedroom. I smirked and rolled over to look at my fiancé.

Tingles ran down my body as I watched him stir in his sleep. He was smiling and looked more serene than I'd ever seen him. He was perfection and I would be the lucky one to be his wife. We would have the most beautiful family in New York City. I smiled wider and slide my body from the bed to go into the bathroom so that I could start my new morning routine.

After washing my face and brushing my teeth I grabbed my sketch pad and pencils and went back out to the garden where Edward had asked me the one question that let me know he really did mean it all. I really was all he wanted. He accepted me no matter what. No matter what the outcome of our horrific situation would be. He wanted me and my baggage and he wasn't afraid of what we might have to face.

I wasn't sure how much time had past but the sun was all the way up when Edward came out with a blanket for me.

"Good morning future Mrs. Edward Cullen."

I beamed at his words and titled my head to the side as I closed my sketch book. This drawing wasn't ready to be seen yet.

He noticed and gave me a fake pout before letting me know Alice had already called to make sure we were up.

"They're down stairs in the restaurant having a mimosa."

"Aw, I miss those."

He laughed and kissed my forehead, then ran his hands through my hair and kneeled down beside me.

"Still a yes, right? You had the night to sleep on it."

"Without a doubt. I'm going to be yours and you're going to be mine. Forever," I whispered longingly as my own hand got lost in his hair.

He smiled before meeting my lips half way. I whimpered against his mouth and felt his fingers make their way down the front of my long-sleeve night shirt.

"One more round in Florence?" He asked with a raised eye brow.

"I thought that was a given," I replied wickedly before leaping up from where I sat to skip out of his grasp, back into our room where I quickly threw my body back onto the bed.

"Good morning, sunshine's. Only twenty minutes late. Not bad, Swan. All things considered," Alice snickered after we sat down beside both her and Jasper inside the restaurant. I noticed the look on her face and where her eyes were trying to jet to.

Mothereffer… She already knows.

"Alice knew?" I yelped with a whine. They all snorted and held in their laughter while I crossed my arms to hide the ring on purpose.

"You know, Edward… before you came along Alice didn't keep anything from me."

"Oh hush. Like I would ever tell you someone was going to purpose to you. Now let me see the rock," she replied with a huff and reached out to grab my left hand, pulling it across the table in front of both her and Jasper.

Jazz looked amused, but still a little guarded. Sure, it was an awkward situation for him in some sorts. Especially the proposal. It was probably the final curtain call to him. It really did say I was over Jacob and ready to spend my days with Edward and I'm sure a part of him deep down was hoping that someday things would just go back to the way they were.

"Holy Jebus, Cullen. Nice job!" Alice shrieked, bringing my ring finger up to her eyes. "It's gorgeous, Bells. Seriously. Jazz, honey, its not too soon to ask for an upgrade, is it?" She messed with her fiancé.

Alice's ring was stunning as well so I knew she was only joking, but Jasper looked a little worried. "I was joking, Jazzy. Smile," she told him with a kiss to the nose. He rolled his eyes and reciprocated the action, causing her to blush a light shade of pink instantly.

"So, did it go just as planned?" Alice asked looking intently at Edward who kept staring at me with curiosity.

Those looks… I could spend forever with him as long as he looked at me that way. My forever was on track. I'd never felt more sure of my future than I had as I'd opened my eyes this morning.

"Just as planned. Thank you for letting me have her last night," he told her politely.

"My God. We're both engaged. Who would've thought?" She jerked in her chair. "We will have so much fun planning our weddings together! Have you talked about a date? Or where? Will it be big or small? Casual or formal? We need to get home so we can start planning! You will wait until after the babies are born, right? Because I mean, who wants to sport a watermelon down the isle? Don't get me wrong, you're gorgeous Bells, but let's be serious. You don't want people whispering when you make your grand entrance and its hard to wear white when you're carrying twins."

"Christ, Alice, please! We haven't been engaged for more than twenty-four hours. We haven't discussed any of those things yet," I replied with a laugh, feeling my head spin around all her questions.

"Yeah, babe. Chill out, please. Drink your mimosa." Jasper added then patted her hand affectionately. "Edward, Bella, you guys leave for L.A. out of Rome tomorrow afternoon?" He asked turning his attention to us.

"Yeah, we get back to the city on the twenty eighth. Bree will be flying back with us and spending the week in the city while her mom goes on her honeymoon."

Having Bree over was something I had been anticipating ever since Edward had mentioned it the very first time. It was my chance to get to know her better while also bettering my mothering skills.

Once we were done eating Edward and Jasper fought back and forth light-heartily over who would pick up the check.

"Please let us buy you a celebratory breakfast," Alice coated with a sullen look before taking my hand and pulling me up from the seat.

"Remember when you get back to Rome to get at least one pair of shoes. I mean it Swan," she ordered like a teacher lecturing a student before hugging me tightly. "I'm so happy for you, honey. I meant what I said last night on the phone, no matter how tipsy I was."

Her random phone call suddenly made much more sense. I pulled her in for an even bigger hug.

"You found the best love. Now let him love you the way he wants to and stop worrying about things that are out of your control," she muttered in my ear before taking a step back to touch my belly.

"These two are going to have the best parents in the world. Have a safe trip back. I'll keep emailing you, even though I know you're not checking them." She gave me a final squeeze and kissed me on the cheek. I walked over to say goodbye to Jasper who was chatting with Edward by our rental car the valet had pulled up.

"Well, little Bella, looks like you're growing up."

I rolled my eyes and threw my arms around Jasper for a hug.

"Thank you for being a part of this, Jazz. It meant a lot that you and Alice showed up here. Take care of her for me, yeah? We'll see you guys in March."

He laughed and agreed, opening the car door for me like the gentleman he was. I gave my best friend a wave and blew her one last kiss before getting into my seat.

"It's nice to see you genuinely happy again, Bells. I mean that."

Jasper had a gift. He could wrap up a million thoughts and feelings into two simple sentences.

Next stop, Esme Cullen.

We took the more direct route back to Rome on our way back. Edward had asked what my preference was and I had accidentally been honest in telling him that I would probably sleep most of the ride anyways so it really didn't make a difference to me. That only made him ask me if I was feeling ok, which I also had to be honest about.

I was definitely feeling a little more nauseous than I had been over the last few weeks, and I was constantly craving more sleep, but it all seemed normal to me so there was really nothing for him to worry about. When he woke me up I was shocked to see we were already pulling up to our hotel.

"Did I really just sleep sitting up in a car for two straight hours?" I asked with a yawn as I stretched out my arms.

"You were mumbling something about daffodils and tulips," he replied with a boyish laugh.

"No I didn't!"

"I wouldn't make that up, baby. For what it's worth, I like tulips. They're nice for weddings," he teased right as the valet attendant opened the car door for me. I gave Edward's shoulder a light swat and removed myself from the car, pulling the sketch bag with me. I heard him say something in Italian and felt my pulse increase.

"Are you hungry? You didn't eat much at breakfast."

I shook my head no with a caring smile and continued inside to the lobby of the hotel. "I am feeling better, though. Extremely thirsty, just not hungry. Lemonade would be great right now actually," I said to him. I wanted to help relax him by giving him something to do. He was feeling anxious about our dinner plans and I was finding it increasingly amusing.

"Consider it done. Why don't you go ahead up to the room? I'll be there in a minute," Edward suggested before kissing the top of my head.

"Ok, don't be long. I want to take a shower," I toyed with a wink. He smiled and slapped my bottom after I'd turned to head towards the elevators.

I had no idea what I would wear for the occasion. Certainly not something formfitting. I didn't want her eyes going directly to my belly after introductions. Thankfully I had a few hours to worry about it still so I wasn't in full blown panic mode yet.

So much had changed in such a little amount of time. Not only would I be meeting my fiancés mother, not only would we be telling her that we were planning on spending the rest of our lives with one another, but we would also be telling her she would have two new grandchildren soon.

I let myself into our room and ran to the bathroom to splash some water on my face.

The girl looking back at me was exhausted but happy… I was happy. And with Edward's aid I would be able to handle anything.

His mom would either accept me—accept us—or she would hate the idea and have to find a way to get over it. After everything Edward and I had been through she would be but a mere bump in the road.

I bet she's the most ferocious cougar I'll ever meet.

A knock came from the door, distracting me from the attractive middle aged woman in leopard print that I'd conjured up in my mind. I dried my face with the towel and flipped my hair back behind my shoulders as I skipped towards the door to let Edward in.

I was making fun of him before I'd even started to pull the door open. "What's the matter? Lock yourself ou…"

"Bella."

It wasn't Edward.

"I, um, I… you're… Edward isn't here," I finally got out.

"Sweetie, please calm down. Use your words. Complete sentences work best," the woman replied with a sweet smile, but I could read the once over she was giving me.

Not love at first sight.

No warm embrace telling me she'd been dying to meet me.

Her eyes stayed fixed on my stomach and I suddenly had the urge to fall in front of a toilet to let my breakfast see the light of day again.

A/N: Again my apologies for the delay… this is a busy month in Twi-world and yes that's my excuse. So much press, so many interviews, so many clips, stills, ect ect ect. I have an addiction and I have fed it well over the last 2 weeks!

Anywho I hope you liked the fluff filled chapter. It was tough dammit! Many thanks to my beautiful beta CC who helped make the proposal as special as can be. I *heart* her.

Lolypop has created a super sweet manip for this chapter, please check out the link on my profile. I *heart* her too.

Next chapter is more than half way done but it probably won't go up till the end of next week. I hope you guys have an AWESOME Eclipse week! I can barely wait to meet so many of my LGR girls!

As always I love hearing your thoughts. Will Esme stay cold for long? Should I say sorry now for possibly bringing Jake back so soon? How much do we love Alice? Of course she needed to be in Italy!