AN: A big thank you to LyricalKris for seriously getting me through this chapter. To my beta, phoenixhunter47, thank you for making everything pretty and for your hard work at getting it done. There was something I wanted to say but I just worked at 14 hour day or so and I just can't remember. So enjoy.

Oh, I do not own (that wasn't what I wanted to say either..sigh)

~oOo~

Hey, Look Dad, Your Daughter's Dating a Delinquent. Go me.

BPOV

"What's your favorite color?"

"Blue. What's yours?"

"Green. Favorite sport?"

"Hockey. Favorite TV show?"

"That's on right now? I would have to say Supernatural. You?"

He shrugged. "I don't really watch a lot of TV, but I'd have to say Lost - even though I'm extremely behind. What the hell is Supernatural?"

I laughed. "I'll tell you about it later."

He chuckled. "Ok, then. Favorite song?"

I thought for a moment, this was a hard one. "Umm, I'll Be by Edwin McCain."

He cocked his eyebrow but didn't say anything. This had been going on for a few hours now, I guess it was the random 'getting to know each other' part of our relationship. Relationship. I was in a relationship with Edward Cullen. And the crazy thing was, I was happy about it. Think butterflies in the stomach and so forth. Oh, and giggles. I was getting a case of the giggles more often than not.

Waking up with him next to me was something that I realized I was wanting more often, just like watching him sleep had become one of my favorite things to do. There was just something so peaceful about him then that was missing when he was awake. This morning for instance, I had woken up before him, taken a shower, gotten dressed, made breakfast (well, popped PopTarts), and then just sat on the bed and watched him. Come to think of it, that sounded kinda creepy.

And now we were in my backyard, sanding down the last of the huppah before painting it and asking the first questions that came to our minds.

"Have you ever been out of the US?" he asked, from his crouched position on the ground.

"Unfortunately, no. Have you?" He nodded. "Where?"

"Um." He placed his hands on his thighs, thinking. "England, Italy, Greece, France, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Japan, South America, Mexico with James..." he trailed off.

I stopped sanding for a minute, my mind going over all the places Edward had been. "Wow, South America?"

Edward brushed his hands on his jeans and stood up. "Yeah, Carlisle did some work over there one summer when I was younger and took Emmett and me." He laughed, reliving some memory in his head. When he saw me looking he continued. "Emmett had just made me watch that movie Anaconda, did you ever see it?" I nodded. "Emmett was obsessed. So, when we arrived in Bolivia, all he talked about was getting to see an anaconda. He went on for days that Dad finally took us to a wildlife park out there." He laughed again. "I'll never forget Emmett's face when the trainer asked if Emmett wanted to touch it. He was joking of course, but Em was as white as a sheet. I swear, he pissed his fucking pants, too."

I laughed with him, enjoying the little glimpses into his past. "I don't even want to know about Mexico," I said, laughing. Okay, a part of me did want to know, but I wasn't going to ask.

"No, you don't," he said, and now I did even more.

I leaned against the work table. "God, it must have been nice, going to all those places." I sighed. "I want to travel so bad."

He walked over, leaning against the table next to me. "You should. It really is amazing." He paused, looking a little uncomfortable. "Were you serious about wanting to go with me to Chicago? I mean, I know it's not out of the US..." he trailed off, his eyes shifting around the yard.

"Yes," I said a little too quickly. His green eyes shot to mine, instantly filling with happiness, like rainbows and sunshine and all that other mushy shit. I smiled at him.

"Really?" He turned to me, putting one hand on each of hips and pulling me closer. "I could show you where I was born, the house I grew up in, the lake where I learned to play hockey -"

"Where you first got arrested?" I teased.

"You're mean," he said, grinning. I loved Edward's smile when he was actually happy - his real smile, I called it. A little lop-sided, but beautiful, lighting up his entire face. I wove my hand into his hair, standing up on my tip toes and placed a light kiss on his pouty lips.

"I have to go to work," he whispered, lips still dangerously close to mine. I nodded. "Can I come here after? I mean, I know it will be late."

I placed my finger over his lips. "I'll leave the key under the mat."

~oOo~

After Edward left, I jumped in the shower to rinse off all of the sawdust and glue. I had promised Edward that I wouldn't start painting until he was able to help. I wasn't sure if I should be offended or not - I chose to not be, it was easier that way. So, instead, I sat myself at my kitchen table and worked on Alice's place holders for the wedding. Alice and Jasper were hand making a lot of their decorations and I had offered any help that they needed. Since I owned a calligraphy pen set, I got the task of writing out the dinner place cards.

After an hour or so, my stomach began rumbling, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything since Edward made breakfast this morning. I was staring into the fridge, willing something to pop out already made, when there was a knock on my door.

"You have got to be kidding me." I stared at the man standing on my porch, hoping that if I slammed the door fast enough, he would never know I answered it.

"Bella!" James exclaimed.

"Bella's not here right now, leave a message at the beep." I swung the door shut but it was stopped by the toe of his shoe.

James pushed the door back open and stepped inside. "I can see why Eddie likes you. I bet you keep him on his toes."

"What do you want, James?" I asked exasperatedly, walking back towards the kitchen. As if I didn't get enough of him last night, he has to be here now.

"I'm bored. E's at work. Emmett's all the way in Seattle. I would call Jasper, but I'm pretty sure he's teaching or some shit like that. So, voila, that leaves you." He paused at the kitchen sink, looking out the window. I had covered the huppah but the extra wood pieces were scattered around the patio. James looked back at me, cocking his head toward the window. "You building something?"

"Wow, look how astute you are," I said, patting him on the shoulder. I prayed he wouldn't ask anything more because I sure as hell didn't want to tell him about the wedding gift. Thankfully, he just shrugged and walked over to the table. He fingered through the pile of cards that were already done.

"You did all this shit this morning?" I nodded, cringing every time his hands touched the paper. "Damn, when I left you last night you looked pretty busy, if you know what I mean," he said, chuckling to himself.

I stormed over to him and snatched the place card out of his hand. "You know, contrary to popular belief, we don't just walk into voids when we leave your line of vision. Some of us have lives."

"Damn, girl, calm yourself." Oh yes, I would be hitting him in the very near future. "Just wanted to see if you wanted to get something to eat." I looked at him out of the corner of my eye as I put away the pens. He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "That's all, I swear."

I was about to say no when my stomach answered for me. Damn traitor. James smiled that knowing grin and I rolled my eyes. "Fine, let's go." I figured it was the least I could do for Edward to keep James out of trouble.

We went to the Forks Coffee Shop, taking a booth toward the back. James was relatively quiet as we looked over the menus. When our waitress came back with our waters, we placed our order: a Philly Cheese Steak and a bottle of Bud for James and the Chicken Malibu Sandwich with a Corona Light for me.

"Why is it called a Malibu Chicken Sandwich?" James asked.

I shrugged. "Because it has pineapple on it. Haven't you ever noticed that if it has pineapple or avocado on it that it has some name from California? Must make it more exotic to us townsfolk." I used air quotes around exotic to emphasize my point.

James laughed. "You don't like me, do you?" he suddenly asked.

I choked on my water at the bluntness of his question. "I don't know you," I answered honestly.

"But you don't like me. It's cool. I get that a lot actually." The funny thing was, he actually sounded like that was no big deal.

The waitress came back and placed our drinks on the table. It didn't escape me how she leaned over just a little more than usual to put down James' bottle. He smirked, leaning over and rubbing his hand down the side of her leg while saying his thank you.

"Why are you here?" I asked once the waitress left, squeezing the lime into my beer.

"I'm bored," he answered, shrugging. "Y'all got a pool out here? We could go swimming. I could show you my breast stroke." He leaned forward, his eyebrows cocked playfully.

I squirted the lime at him and he sat back quickly, laughing. "I meant, why are you in Forks?"

"A wedding and a birthday all within a week of each other? I couldn't miss that. Besides, Eddieboy has been ignoring my calls…and at least now I know the reason." He gave me a look that I couldn't describe and I fidgeted uneasily. I was about to open my mouth to respond when my phone rang. James smirked again, like he knew exactly who was calling. I narrowed my eyes and pulled out my phone.

"Edward?" James laughed as I answered.

"Bella, hey. Listen, I just wanted to give you a heads up. James…well, he may show up at your house." He said that last part in such a rush that I had to strain to hear him.

I glanced across the table at James who was now looking at me with an amused expression on his face.

"Oh, so that's who is sitting across from me. I was wondering who this random stranger was. I was ready to call the sheriff."

"Oh, shit. Bella, I'm sorry."

I sighed. "It's cool. You know me, I want my life to be a surprise. More fun that way," I said sarcastically, picking at the plate of fries the waitress just placed in front of me. I watched with disgust as James openly flirted with the girl who couldn't have been more that seventeen.

Hmmm...maybe I should let him go with her, then my father could arrest him for the corruption of minors...among other things...

"Bella? Love? Are you still there?"

"Huh?" I asked, not even hearing Edward talking. "Yeah, I'm here. Sorry, got distracted." I watched as James got up and walked to the counter. I shook my head, not even trying to figure out what he was doing.

"I asked if you wanted me to talk to him?"

"No, it won't do any good. He's like a cockroach - he just won't die. He'll just keep coming back for more. Like a rat drawn to the pain button just for the cheese."

Edward's rich laughter filled the phone and I couldn't help but smile. "Do you realize that you have compared my family to both an insect and a rodent in the same breath?"

"Well, if the description fits..." I mumbled, trailing off. I heard Edward say something in response, but my attention was now focused on the couple walking toward the table. "Oh, hell no. Edward, I gotta go." I didn't wait for a reply. I just hung up the phone, tossing it in my purse, and mentally prepared myself for the shitfest about to take place.

"Bella? Why am I not shocked?" Jessica said in a sugary sweet voice.

"Huh, I was just thinking the exact same thing?" I said in mock surprise.

"You two know each other?" James asked, sliding back into the booth with Jessica following. Could this day get any worse? I scanned the restaurant looking for Mike, or Eric, or at least a hidden camera crew.

I just nodded while Jessica felt the need to elaborate. "Of course we do. She works for my family in our little bookstore. Bella's a great worker."

James raised an eyebrow and looked over at me. I wanted to kill her. No, scratch that. I wanted to reach down her big open mouth while it was flapping away and grab her spinal column and rip it right out of her throat...then watch her choke on her own blood. Yeah, that would be good. I could feel the evil grin cross my face at these thoughts and when I looked down, I realized that I had been subconsciously tearing my fries in half. I quickly wiped my hands on my napkin.

James reached one of his arms back so it hung around the top of the booth behind Jessica. "So you know my cuz then?"

Jessica smirked at me. "Oh yes, I know Edward." She then let out a laugh. "At least he's not the same dork he used to be. God, was that pathetic."

Edward knew Jessica in high school? I didn't remember him ever mentioning it to me, although, it did make sense since he grew up here.

"Yeah, he was pretty worthless when he first came to me," James added in. Jessica's high pitched laughter filled the air and I wondered how many animals were cringing in pain.

"So, Bella, did you realize one member of the Cullens wasn't enough for you, you had to go and grab another?" Jessica asked turning to me, her voice now dripping with venom. If it had been anybody else suggesting that I was with James, I would have burst out laughing.

"What, Jessica? Jealous that you have none?"

James began laughing and did the quintessential, "oohhh". I rolled my eyes at him. Jessica stood up quickly and placed both her palms on the table, leaning into me.

"This isn't over. I don't give a fuck how close you are to my Grandmother, that store will never be yours." And with that, she grabbed her purse and walked out, her heels clacking on the tiled floor.

I hope the bitch slips on a rain puddle.

"Well, that was fun."

I looked up to see James leaning back against the booth patting his stomach. His plate sat empty in front of him. When the hell did he eat?

~oOo~

"You don't have to stay here, you know? I am a big girl."

James just shrugged, changing the channel on the TV for the millionth time that night. "But see, if I left and something did happen to you...well, I just wouldn't be able to live with myself after that. Oh, and don't even get me started on Edward. Nope, I think I'll stay right here." He leaned back into the cushions, spreading his arms out across the back of my couch.

I shook my head as I gathered up the pile of magazines Alice had left here from the early stages of wedding planning. James had been with me all day. I took him on a tour of the town after lunch - which took about ten minutes - before we came back here. He'd been hogging my TV ever since.

"Soooo..." he hedged and I looked up. "How serious are you and my cuz? I mean, first you're in a hotel together, then you're on a date and now I walk in and, not once, but twice, he's half naked about to get his freak on."

"Why don't you ask him yourself?"

"Because I'm asking you." His voice had a certain edge to it that made me stop what I was doing and hold his gaze. He still had that smirk, but his eyes had grown serious.

"I don't know how to answer that question," I said in all honesty.

"You care for him?"

"I do."

He stared at me for a moment before nodding. "He's a good guy, a little inexperienced in the girlfriend department, but hey, I'm not one to talk, right? Did you know he's only had one girlfriend in his life, and that bitch is the reason he was sent back here?"

My eyes widened at that revelation. "No...I didn't...what happened?"

"You'll have to ask him." He settled back down, turning his attention to the TV once again. "You got any beer?"

James didn't say anything else about Edward or his time in Chicago after that, he just went right back to being his obnoxious self. It was almost like it had never happened. Realizing he wasn't going to leave unless by force, and I didn't really want to call Charlie, I left him watching some sports recap show and headed up to bed.

Some time later, I don't know how late, I felt a strong pair of arms wrap around my waist. I was ready to turn around and beat the shit out of James when I felt soft, familar lips on my neck, instantly calming me.

"Edward," I murmured, my eyes still closed.

"Shhh, I didn't mean to wake you," he whispered in my ear. I felt the blanket move around as he settled in behind me. "Go back to sleep, baby. And in the morning we'll talk about why James is sleeping on your couch."

"Mmhmm," I muttered sleepily. Then shot up quickly. "He's still here?"

Edward chuckled, propping up on his elbow and rubbing his other hand over my shoulder. "Passed the fuck out. What did you give him?" he asked in a joking manner.

"I spiked his beer with NyQuil," I answered calmly.

Edward sat up. "Seriously?"

I turned to face him. "No. What kind of person do you take me for?"

He chuckled, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me back down on the bed. I maneuvered myself until I was lying on my side facing him. His position mirrored mine and our hands were clasped together between us, our fingers lightly tracing the others'.

"I am sorry you had to deal with him today. I'll try to find another babysitter for tomorrow," he said quietly, only half teasing.

I shrugged. "It wasn't all that bad. Only when we ran into Jessica." I bit my lip as Edward groaned. Not really wanting to get into the discussion of what was said, I instead just asked the one question that had been bothering me all day. "So, you knew her in high school?"

His fingers stopped their movement. "It's not something that I like to remember." Edward must have felt me stiffen because his hand slid up to cup my cheek. "Hey, Bella, we weren't friends - hell, we weren't even anything close to friends. She despised me."

"And now?" I asked in a small voice, not really wanting to know the answer but not knowing how to back out of the question.

He sighed. "And now, she's made it very clear that she wants me. But that doesn't matter to me. I have no interest in her." He paused and I could feel him fidget. I immediately got nervous and I didn't know why. "Bella, I need to tell you something." Oh, shit. I could hear him take a deep breath and I wanted to turn the light on so that I could see his face but I was too afraid to move.

"When I first arrived into town and saw Jessica, I knew what she wanted from me and at that point in time, I didn't care about anything here but getting laid - as fucked up as that sounds. I was never interested in her - she was just convenient."

I pulled away abruptly and turned on the light. He squinted against the intrusion, holding an arm up in protection.

"You had sex with her?" I blurted out. "You said you didn't!"

"What? No! Bella, that's not what I meant." He sat back up, reaching his hands out to me. I leaned back, not letting him touch me. I was ready to kick his ass out of the bed. "It never went that far. You have to believe me."

"How far did it go?"

"Bella, I don't think -"

"How far, Edward?"

He had the decency to look embarrassed and if I wasn't a little pissed, it would almost be cute. "She gave me head at the hospital about a week after I got here," he admitted, looking down. "But I never came!" he shouted.

I stared at him for a moment, processing what he said. That bitch had her mouth on my Edward - in the hospital - and Edward didn't get his release. I couldn't help it; I started giggling...which turned into full out laughter until I was almost crying. Edward sat there, staring at me like I had lost my mind, not knowing how to respond.

"I'm - sorry," I gasped. "It's just...you poor thing...you must have been the grumpiest doctor in the ER that day. Walking around in your scrubs...with your blue balls..." I collapsed back into laughter as Edward just shook his head. I felt his hand travel up my back until it circled around my neck, turning me to face him.

"Well, lucky for me, I got sent home by my father...well, to the grocery store anyway, where I saw this sexy ass she-devil in heels and a black dress." I gave him what I'm sure was a confused look. "It was the night of the dinner at Alice's."

My eyes widened in realization. "Ohhh, well, that explains why you were such an immature ass."

"Oh, I was the immature ass?" I nodded, smiling. "Um, I can't remember correctly, so help me out here if you can. Who was taunting whom that night?"

"I was taunting you?" I asked in mock surprise. "Never."

"Baby, you did nothing to help my uncomfortable predicament."

"I was just being my charming self." He scoffed. "Besides, who kicked whom under the table like a five year old?"

"You deserved it," he replied, smirking. I shrugged, because, yeah, I kind of did deserve it. I mean, I did stick my finger in his mouth to shut him up. I closed my eyes, remembering the first time I felt his mouth on me. And then I remembered how excited he had felt pressed up against me. The warm June air did nothing to help the heat that was now flowing through me. I felt Edward's lips graze my forehead and I opened my eyes to see him staring intently at me.

"I am sorry, Bella."

I sighed. "It's okay. I mean, it's not okay, but it is. No, I mean, I wish it hadn't happened and I wished it wasn't her, but it was before this thing between us, so I can't really say anything. It's in the past and as long as it stays there, then, fine. I can deal. Just if I see her again and punch her, don't try to stop me. I will hit you, too. And I have a mean right hook." I held up my hand in a tiny fist and scowled at him.

"You are a terrifying individual," he whispered as he covered my fist with his hand and leaned down to gently kiss me. I relaxed into him and he once again pulled me back down to the bed, leaning over me to turn off the light. I snuggled into him as he wrapped the blanket around us. I could hear his breathing even out when he finally fell asleep. He must have been exhausted. I, on the other hand, lay there awake, a million things running through my mind.

Was I jealous? Yes, but not of Jessica per se, but because she'd had her mouth on him in places that I hadn't yet. And it wasn't that I didn't want to do it, we just hadn't gotten there yet. Okay, I just hadn't gotten there yet. I wasn't very skilled in that department, having only done that a few times before and not even all the way, and I was still a little nervous about it. But that didn't mean that I didn't want to do it. Maybe I should just dive right in, not even think about it, just go for it. Well, not right now because that would be stupid and probably give him a heart attack - but soon. Maybe tomorrow. And it was right about that time when I realized that I was actually contemplating when I was going to give my boyfriend a blow job. End train of thought. Back to original.

Was I happy he told me? I mean, was this something that I really wanted to know and did it really not bother me? Yes, I was happy that he told me - that he trusted me enough to be honest with me. And while I was a little grossed out in his choice of the female species, he was a different person back then. Edward had changed so much in the past four months and I loved the person he was becoming.

Hold up.

Who the hell was talking about love? It certainly wasn't me. I didn't love Edward. There was just no way. Nope. I'm just tired. Exhausted even. And with all this wedding stuff...yeah, it wasn't me. I wasn't in love. Just tired. Yes, tired...

Goodnight, Bella.

~oOo~

The next morning was spent painting the huppah. We didn't really talk much...well, I didn't really talk much. I was too busy trying to sort out what was going on in my head. Which when you think about it, isn't all that much fun. And I really wanted to ask Edward about the one other girlfriend he'd had, but after that whole discussion last night, I felt it might be too soon. So instead I painted the same side of the wood for an hour.

"Bella. Earth to Bella." I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Edward looking at me with concern. "Hey, baby, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," I answered a little too quickly. He opened his mouth to respond when James stumbled out of the back door, rubbing the back of his head.

"What up, sluts?" he mumbled.

I took the opportunity to end the current non-conversation I was having with Edward and turned to James. "And Sleeping Beauty awakes. Who wants breakfast?"

Edward watched me, confused, as I all but ran back into the house. It was kinda past breakfast time - like, a lot past - but we hadn't eaten yet, so what the hell? I rummaged through my cabinets looking for something - anything - to make. I really needed to go to the grocery store.

"Bella, you don't -" Edward began from behind me.

"Aha!" I shouted out, grabbing the box. I turned to face them. "Pop Tarts!" I looked at the box and then back at James and chuckled. "A tart for a tart." Yeah, I crack myself up. Edward still looked confused while James just looked amused. I busied myself with opening the package. "Hmm...never mind, I think they're stale."

I felt Edward's arms wrap around me. He nuzzled the side of my neck. "What is wrong with you, love?"

Love? Did he just call me love? Wait, has he called me that before? Why wasn't I paying attention? Damn you, Bella! Hold up, did that mean he loved me? Or was that just a term of endearment he called all the girls he was currently sleeping with? Currently sleeping with - what the hell? There was just me - well, there'd better be just me. No, there's only me. I trust Edward. Trust. Possibly love?

The box of Pop Tarts fell to the ground with a thud and Edward slid his hand under my chin, pulling my face up to look at him. His brow was furrowed as his eyes searched my face. He once again went to say something when his cell phone rang. He sighed in aggravation as he fished it out of his pocket, checking the screen before answering it. I could tell by his tone that it was the hospital and I was right. They needed him to come in early.

"The good thing about that is, I'll be off earlier tonight. And you will tell me what's on that mind of yours." He kissed my forehead. "Do you want me to take him?" he asked, gesturing to James.

I shook my head. "He's fine." Edward nodded once and shot James a warning look before saying goodbye.

When the door closed, James clapped his hands together. "So, what's on the agenda today?"

I threw the stale Pop Tarts in the garbage. "I need to go grocery shopping."

"Sweet." James stretched his arms over his head. "So, I'm fine, huh?"

I rolled me eyes and grabbed my keys from the kitchen table. "Let's go."

"What?" he said, following me out of the kitchen. "You were the one who said it."

"Let's go, James," I repeated through gritted teeth, walking out to my car. James just laughed and climbed into the car.

Once we got to the grocery store, I wondered why I ever brought James with me. He was like a goddamn child, although, I don't know why I expected anything different. Every snack food imaginable was now in his own cart - yes, I made him get his own.

"So, what are you doing for Eddie's birthday?" James asked, tossing a box of Twinkies in his cart.

I paused. "I don't know. Considering I didn't even know it was his birthday until two days ago...I don't even know what kind of cake he would like."

"Well, he's always had a weakness for Twinkies, if that helps," James said, tossing a box of those in his cart as well. "Must be something about the cream filling," he snorted.

"This coming from a man who not only has a box of Cup Cakes, but Ding Dongs as well. Aren't those the exact same thing?"

"Not even close!" James picked up the boxes and held one is each hand. "One is chocolate cake completely covered in a hard chocolate layer. The other is chocolate cake with just frosting on the top."

"Uh-huh, I stand corrected."

"Oh and he loves chocolate milk." James winked at me and continued down the aisle.

Chocolate milk and Twinkies? It's like a party for a five year old. I sighed. I could deal with the food. I should actually talk to Esme and see if she was going to do anything for Edward. Would he even want a party? I had no clue. But right now I had bigger problems, what was I going to give him as a present?

Two hours later, Emmett had taken over shift of James - something about a fitting for the wedding. And I was left sitting at home, staring at my phone, trying to decide if I should call anyone about Edward's birthday. Well, I wasn't going to call Alice. Not after that lovely conversation where she grilled me for close to three hours about how I was with Edward, and how she was always the last to know, and had I been dropped on my head? That last part was quite funny considering it was her own brother she was throwing a fit about. But in the end she actually admitted that she was happy about it because we both seemed happy. Yeah, that shocked the hell out of me.

In the end, I called Esme. Between the two of us, we came up with something small and simple. I was just getting off the phone with Jasper when headlights flashed through my living room. Getting up and walking to the window, I saw Edward shutting the door of his Volvo. I met him at the door with a smile.

"You got your car back."

"I did," he said with a lopsided grin. "She's as good as new. I brought pizza to celebrate."

I moved to the side so he could come in. As he passed, he leaned down and kissed me softly. I watched him walk into the kitchen. I could get used to this...

Snap out of it, Bella!

I took a deep breath, pushing down the nagging questions about my feelings and walked into the kitchen. Edward handed me a plate with two slices of pineapple pizza and I couldn't help but smile. He just kept surprising me with every little action he did. I looked up and met his eyes. He was smiling, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. I imagined it mirrored mine, only I didn't know what he was thinking about.

He went and grabbed two beers from the fridge. "Shall we put on something to watch?"

~oOo~

I was insanely busy the rest of the week, with working at the bookstore, working on Edward's present while on breaks at work, and planning Edward's party on top of planning the bachelorette party. My time with Edward was short, as he was working and trying to keep James happy so that he didn't cause any problems. When we were together, we were busy planning the bachelor/bachelorette parties. Oh and did I mention, I convinced him - with the help of alcohol - to watch Gilmore Girls with me? And amazingly, he agreed to give it a chance if I would watch Lost with him, since he couldn't understand how I had never seen an episode before. I quickly agreed with him and then was amused at how he would shout at the TV that Luke was an idiot and obviously in love with Lorelai. He even admitted that Lorelai was a MILF - to which I agreed.

Saturday was finally here. I told Esme I would come over around four since Edward didn't get off until about six. He knew I was coming over to have dinner, he just didn't know that Rose and Emmett and Jasper and Alice would be here too. It was closer to five when I finally pulled into the Cullen's driveway. I could see Emmett's Jeep in the driveway as I unloaded my truck and walked into the house not even bothering to knock.

"Belwah!" I was immediately assaulted by the twins throwing their tiny arms around each one of my legs. I was very lucky I didn't drop the cake.

"Oh God, Bella. I'm so sorry," Rose was saying as she came around the corner. "They've been waiting for you since we got here. Guys, be careful."

I smiled down at both kids. "It's okay, Rose. I feel so loved around your children. It almost makes me want some of my own...almost." Rose laughed as she grabbed a hand of each kid so I could walk past.

Emmett was in the kitchen rummaging through some drawers while Esme was chopping up some vegetables. They both looked up when they heard me walk in. I placed the cake on the counter and Emmett immediately burst out into laughter when he saw it.

"Oh my God, is that what I think it is?" he asked as he held up a finger to poke at it.

I slapped his hand away. "Yes, it's a giant Twinkie cake. Now don't you have something to barbecue or something?"

Emmett just laughed as he grabbed the plate of meat and walked out to the patio. From the window I could see James sitting by the barbecue drinking a beer. He nodded to me in greeting and I gave a half wave back. To be honest, James wasn't as bad as I thought he would be. Yes, he was a little immature and spoiled, but that was pretty much it.

"This looks great, Bella," Esme said leaning over my shoulder.

I smiled at her. "Thank you. Do you know how hard it is to make a giant Twinkie? It took me hours to get it right. I think I was up until two last night trying to figure this out."

She rubbed my back. "He's going to love it. That boy loves Twinkies like no other. I used to find them hidden all over his room when he was younger. A late night snack he would call them." I laughed with her as she reminisced. "Anyway, the food is almost all done. Alice and Jasper are on their way. And Carlisle is off the same time as Edward, so they should be arriving together."

"Did he mind working on his birthday?" I asked.

Esme shook her head. "I don't think so. He never really liked celebrating his birthday." I opened my mouth, suddenly panicked that he would hate this. "No, what I meant was that back then he didn't really have anyone to celebrate with, and now he has you." I couldn't help it, I blushed. "I'm happy that you two are together. There's a sparkle in his eyes now that I haven't seen since he was a child."

"Esme, I..." I trailed off, not really knowing what to say.

She just smiled gently at me. "Just don't over think it. I know you, Bella. Just let things happen."

Yeah, that was easier said then done. I felt a little tug on my skirt and I looked down to see Brianna. She smiled up at me, pulling on my hand and I excused myself, following the little girl into the family room. She pointed to a table in the corner.

"You can put presents there," she said.

"Thank you, sweetie." I had forgotten that I had Edward's presents also in my hand. I placed them next to the other ones and sat on the couch next to Rose. Brianna immediately climbed onto my lap. I turned to Rose. "I heard you guys went to a game the other night. Did you have fun?"

"The kids did," she answered with a laugh. "And yes, I am including my husband in that category."

"We saw fireworks!" Shane exclaimed from his place in front of the TV.

"Really?" I asked as he nodded vigorously.

"They went BOOM!" Brianna clapped her hands together. "Just like that."

"Were they pretty? Cause I always think they're pretty."

"Uh-huh," Brianna said happily.

"Well, the Fourth should be fun," I said to Rose, who just laughed.

Alice and Jasper arrived not too long after I did. And it wasn't much later when Emmett announced that Edward had just pulled up with Carlisle behind him. We all stood up and made our way to the foyer, standing there until the door opened.

"Happy Birthday!" we all shouted as Edward walked through the front door. Edward froze in the doorway looking shocked.

"Happy birtday!" little Shane shouted again, his arms thrown out in front of him. Edward burst out laughing, and we all followed. Leave it to the kid to break the ice. Esme and Alice rushed forward to hug Edward, and I heard him mumbling to his mother about how she had already wished him a happy birthday over breakfast. He laughed again and I was relieved that he actually did look happy. He made his rounds through his family before finally stopping in front of me. Suddenly, I was the shy one. I was pretty certain that the whole family knew about us by now, but knowing and seeing were two different things. I decided that I would just follow his lead.

"Happy Birthday," I whispered to him.

His smile grew wider and Esme was right, his eyes did sparkle. "Thank you," he mouthed back, running his fingers lightly down the side of my cheek. He turned back to face his family. "You guys didn't have to do this," he said looking around, finally noticing the streamers on the banister and the random placement of balloons.

"Well, it wasn't my idea," Rose said from her place in the back.

"I never thought it was," Edward shot back, a smile still playing on his lips.

"Let's eat. I'm fucking hungry," James announced, patting his stomach.

"James!" Esme, Rose, and Alice shouted in unison.

"What?"

Rose smacked him on the back of the head. "My children are present." She quickly ushered the kids out the back door.

James looked back at us, rubbing his head. "They have Emmett for a father, you can't tell me he doesn't say fuck around them. And I really don't like her."

We all adjourned to the patio where Emmett was taking the meat off the grill. I helped Esme bring out the salad and side dishes and we all gathered around, filling our plates with food. Edward grabbed a beer for each of us and then joined me, sitting on the little brick wall that lined the patio. Everyone talked and joked through dinner, a completely different atmosphere from Easter. Even James was behaving himself...for now.

At one point, Emmett brought out a football and the boys started a little game in the backyard. Not wanting to be left out, Shane was perched on his fathers shoulders, intent on playing. I moved over so that I was sitting at the table with the girls and talk, of course, drifted to the wedding, which was next week. I happened to look up in the middle of our conversation to see that Shane was now running around, hugging the ball to his chest. He must have been on Edward's team, because I watched as Edward picked the little boy up from behind and ran the length of the yard with him to their end zone. Once there, Shane threw the football down with all the strength he could muster and began to dance, I'm assuming, like he'd seen the pros do. What I didn't expect was Edward to join in on the dancing. Laughter burst out of me causing the girls to look up. Even Rose couldn't help but smile at the scene before us.

After awhile, Brianna stood on one of the chairs and shouted at the top of her lungs, "PRESENTS!"

Everyone laughed and we gathered up all the remaining food, taking it back inside. Edward went into the family room as I stayed in the kitchen with Esme. It was time to give him his cake. Staring at it, I suddenly felt ridiculous. Who gives someone a Twinkie shaped cake?

"He's going to love it," Esme said, giving my shoulders a squeeze.

I smiled at her and lit the candles. Picking it up, I followed Esme, walking very slowly because all I needed right now was to light myself on fire. Nothing says 'Happy Birthday' like a near death experience.

The moment I walked into the room, everyone began to sing. Edward sat in the middle of the couch, looking at me curiously as he tried to figure out what I was holding. As I got closer, he broke out into laughter, finally recognizing what it was. I carefully placed it on the coffee table before him and watched as he let Brianna and Shane help him blow out the candles. As Esme was preparing the cake to be cut, Edward held out his hand to me and pulled me down to the couch next to him.

"How the fu-uudge did you know I loved Twinkies? I tried to keep that on the DL." He glanced over at the kids to see if they noticed his almost slip up before turning back and grinning madly at me.

"Honey, if you want to keep anything on the 'DL," I said using air quotes. "Make sure James doesn't already know about it."

"True that!" James shouted from the side.

Edward laughed at his cousin before turning to me. "I love it. Thank you."

The cake was a hit and everyone wanted to know how I had made it taste like actual Twinkies. But a baker never reveals their secrets. Or was that a magician?

"Now presents?" Brianna asked, her face covered in yellow cake.

"Yes, ma'am," Edward said, leaning back into the couch. "Hit me." Emmett, who was sitting on the other side of Edward, grabbed a couch pillow and smacked him in the back of the head. "Seriously, Emmett?"

Emmett just shrugged. "Hey, you said it."

Edward rolled his eyes as Shane handed him a present. "He picked that out himself," Rose said and Edward looked surprised. He took the present tentatively and peeled off the paper. Inside was a Hamm piggy bank. Edward held it up for everyone to see. "He's going through a Toy Story phase," Rose added.

"Thank you, little man," Edward said to Shane.

"It's so you can safe your moneys," Shane answered with a smile. Edward laughed and held up his fist. Shane jumped up, quickly pounding his tiny fist against his uncle's.

"This is from me and Rose," Emmett said, handing Edward an envelope. Inside were tickets to a Mariners home game. "They're right behind home plate. I know how much you like to sit there."

"Thanks, man." They shared some manly handshake thing before Alice bounced over and handed him another present. He smiled up at her before ripping off the paper. He looked confused for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Fuck Alice! How did you ever find this?"

"Edward!" Esme and Rose shouted.

"Shit, sorry," he quickly mumbled, not really paying attention. He was too busy flipping through the binder he just pulled out of the box. "Holy shit, it's complete!"

"Well, of course it is. Like I would get you an incomplete set," Alice answered in a teasing voice. I looked between them, confused. Finally, I leaned over Edward's shoulder.

"Oh my God, you're a Trekkie!" I exclaimed.

"Was," Edward corrected, not looking up from the trading cards he was flipping through. "Was a Trekkie."

"Uh-huh, sure."

He looked up then, turning to me. "Bella, this is a complete set of trading cards from Next Gen." I must have looked unimpressed because he sighed and turned to Alice. He stood up quickly and pulled her into a hug. "Thank you, sis. And Jasper, thank you."

"You're welcome," Jasper answered, looking almost as amused as I did.

Esme leaned over and patted my knee. "Edward watched that show religiously when he was younger. He even went to a Star Trek convention when he was ten and we were still in Chicago."

"Mom," Edward whined.

"Oh, dude, please tell me you wore the costume," James laughed out.

"Of course he did," Emmett answered. "He won like some contest for it too."

Everyone was laughing while Edward grumbled on the couch, his cheeks a little flushed. "Okay, enough with the teasing!" he finally shouted. Everyone settled down and James tossed something onto Edward's lap. I looked closely at the unwrapped bottle. Kinclaith Single Malt Scotch. Edward cocked an eyebrow at James.

"From me and Gramps," he said with a smirk. They both chuckled at some inside joke before Carlisle cleared his throat. Edward turned towards him, sitting up a little straighter.

"This is from your mother and me." He walked over and handed Edward a small box. Taking a deep breath, he slowly opened it. Inside was a very fancy looking black watch. It had all these dials and little windows. What happened to watches that just told time? I didn't get it, but apparently Edward did.

"Thank you, Mom. Dad." He looked up at his father and something passed between them for a brief second and then it was gone and Carlisle took his place back next to Esme. I smiled at the two of them before I realized everyone was staring at me.

"Oh, is it my turn?" I jumped up and grabbed the box, handing it back to Edward. He looked at me curiously, giving the box a small shake before opening it. I tried to hold back my laughter as Edward pulled out the "I Love Forks" sweatshirt and Spartans hat. He held them up, looking between them and then at me.

"Well, on short notice in Forks, this is what you get," I said seriously.

He looked at me in disbelief. "You couldn't even drive to Port Angeles?"

I couldn't take it anymore and I started laughing. "Oh your face...priceless. That's not your real present." Edward gave me a disparaging look as he dropped the items back in the box. I grabbed his real present and then hesitated, suddenly extremely nervous about giving it to him. He must have noticed because his features instantly softened. With shaky hands, I handed him the rectangular package. Never taking his eyes off of me, he ripped the paper off. He blinked and looked down. He didn't say anything for a moment, just looked at what was before him.

"Bella -"

"You don't really have any pictures with your family since you've been back," I blurted out. "I just thought you might like some and since Alice and I are constantly taking pictures...I just thought it would be nice," I ended lamely.

I had made a collage of sorts from pictures since Edward's return. There were pictures from Easter, from wedding fittings. Pictures with him and Jasper playing golf. Even a few of him and James I had managed to snap after this idea came to me. And yes, there were even pictures of the two of us that Esme and Alice had taken at some point.

Edward passed the frame to Esme while he stood up and walked over to me. He placed his hands on the side of my face and looked deeply into my eyes. "Thank you, Bella." My heart clenched at the sincerity in his words. His lips brushed against mine - right in front of his whole family. We broke apart when the cat calls began and I blushed furiously, hiding my face in his shirt. I could feel the rumble of his chest as he laughed. He winked at me before going to sit back down next to his brother.

I helped Esme carry the cake plates into the kitchen but left when she shooed me out. Complaining that guests don't do dishes. I was huffing to myself as I walked back out to the family room. I looked around the room for Edward, but he wasn't there. Thinking maybe he went up to his room, I headed for the stairs. Pausing at the bottom, I realized that the sound wasn't coming from upstairs, but a room further down the hall. Intrigued, I followed the sound to an open door at the end of the hall. I had never been in this room before, the door was always closed and Alice just said it was a study. Edward was inside, sitting on the leather couch with a guitar on his lap. I saw the grand piano in the corner and realized this must have been his music room.

"Bella?"

My head jerked to see Edward looking up at me. "I - I'm sorry, Edward. I didn't mean to intrude." I turned to leave when his voice stopped me.

"Bella, it's fine. Please, come here." I walked over to him, sitting next to him on the couch.

"I didn't know you played guitar. Alice just told me about the piano."

He looked down at the guitar in his hands. "It's been forever since I played. I don't even know if I can anymore." He plucked a few strings sending light music into the air.

"Will you play something for me?" I asked quietly.

He seemed to think for a moment before a sly smile spread over his face. His eyes were practically dancing as he started playing a light melodic tune. I didn't recognize the song and I wondered if it was something he had come up with on his own until he began to sing softly.

"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I dreamed of once in a lullaby-hi-hi..."

I couldn't speak. I couldn't move. I couldn't do anything but sit and stare at this beautiful man before me. The only other time I had heard Edward sing was during karaoke and that was nothing compared to what he was doing now. His smooth voice flowed through me like my own blood, leaving no area within me untouched. As he continued to play, I closed my eyes and just listened. Listened to his quiet strumming of the strings. Listened to the way his voice blended perfectly with the pitches of the guitar. When he finally came to the end, I couldn't move.

"Bella," I heard him whisper, feeling his breath on my face. "Open your eyes, please."

Very slowly, I lifted my lids and found myself immersed in green. I heard my sharp intake of breath at our close proximity, wondering when he had gotten so close.

"Did you like it?" he asked.

"You're beautiful," I breathed out and he chuckled softly.

His fingers lightly traced the side of my face. "No, my love, you are. Extraordinarily so." His eyes roamed over my face - from my eyes down to my lips and back up. "Thank you, for everything today."

"I'm glad you liked it," I answered truthfully. Our voices were quiet, echoing the soft melody of the music that had just played.

Edward's demeanor shifted suddenly. He closed his eyes, taking in a few deep breaths. My heart began to beat frantically for no apparent reason. When they reopened, his face was set in determination. "Bella, I lo -"

"There you are! Shit, we've been looking all over for you!"

And just like that, our bubble was broken. Edward's head fell to his chest and he let out a frustrated groan.

"We're on the fucking first floor of the house. How hard could we have been to find?"

"Dude, this house is massive and it's not like you have a fucking GPS up your ass or anything."

"What do you want, James?" Edward asked in an annoyed voice.

"The guys wanna play Halo - team style. Let's go kick their asses."

Edward looked at me apologetically. I smiled at him and shrugged in that 'go ahead and go' way. He kissed my forehead and stood, pulling me with him. I followed, still lost in my own thoughts. What had Edward been about to say? Was it what I thought it was? I suddenly wanted to kick James...really hard.

Edward spent the rest of the evening playing video games with the boys. We could hear their shouting from almost anywhere in the house. Esme was beaming, happy that her family was back together. It was getting late and I had an early morning shipment being delivered to the store. As much as I wanted to take Edward back to my place and give him a real birthday present, I didn't want to tear him away from his family. I stood behind him, watching as his player annihilated Jasper's on the big screen. He noticed me watching and paused the game earning shouts of protest from everyone.

"Deal with it, fuckers." He stood up. "Are you ready to go?"

I nodded. "I think I'm gonna head out."

"Okay, let me just get my stuff." This brought a new round of protests as they were in the middle of a game.

I patted his chest. "No, stay. Finish your game."

He looked so torn. "Are you sure? I could just finish this round and then come over, I mean, if you want me too."

"Of course I do." I leaned into him, whispering into his ear. "Besides, you still have one more present to unwrap." I let my hand wander down and brush against him. He jerked suddenly.

"Bella," he warned. I gave him my best innocent look as I stepped away. He growled, grabbing my hand and pulling me back to him. I braced my hands against his chest as he leaned down and crushed his lips to mine. The kiss was neither sweet nor gentle as he completely owned me with the movements of his tongue. I was gasping for breath by the time we broke away. He smirked down at me. "I'll see you in a few."

"I hate you," I mouthed. He just laughed and sat back down.

I said my goodbyes and headed home. After I showered, I slipped into a midnight blue cami and matching boy shorts, telling myself that it was hot outside not because Edward was coming over. I curled up on the couch and dove into the latest Nicholas Sparks book that the store had just received. Minutes turned into hours with no word from Edward. I thought about calling him but didn't want to be that girl. Alice called, confirming the time for our hair appointments and I heard Jasper in the background. Apparently he had been home for a few hours now. I sighed, hanging up with her and checked my cell phone for any missed calls. Nothing.

I must have fallen asleep on the couch because the next thing I knew I was being jolted awake by my ringing phone. I blinked against the light of the lamp, sitting up slowly. The book that had been on my chest toppled to the floor as I reached for my cell.

"Hello?"

"Bella?"

I looked at the clock on the DVD player. 2:17 am. "Edward? Where the hell are you? What happened? Are you okay?"

"Bella, I need you to come get me."

I could feel my brow crease. "What do you mean 'come get you'? Where are you?"

He sighed into the phone. "I'm in jail."

~oOo~

I stormed into the police department wearing my Spartan sweat pants and a black hoodie. The first person I saw, of course, was my dad. Figures Edward would get arrested the night Charlie had the late shift.

Charlie dropped his pen and stood up from behind his desk. "Bella," he began.

"Charlie, not now. Where is he?"

Charlie grabbed his keys from the desk and walked to the door on the left. "Can you please tell me why Edward Cullen's one phone call was to my daughter?"

"I'm pretty sure you can figure that one out," I answered, following him through the door.

He stopped and turned around. "Bella, have you really thought about this?"

"Where is he?"

Charlie sighed but led me down the hall to where the two holding cells were located. My eyes immediately found Edward. He was sitting on the bed, leaning his head back against the wall. His eyes were closed, but his face looked anything but peaceful.

"Bella!"

Edward's head shot up in reaction to my name as my attention turned to the man leaning against the wall.

James.

I shook my head. I should've known.

Edward was suddenly at the bars, hands curling around the metal. "Bella, I - I'm -"

"Save it," I said. Charlie unlocked the door and slid it open. Edward stood before me looking like shit and I found myself getting angry. He opened his mouth to speak again and I held up a hand. "I called your father." I turned quickly and headed back for the door.

"What? Fuck! Bella, why-"

I pivoted sharply. "Why? Well, I sure as hell wasn't paying your bail."

Edward's mouth snapped shut and he walked out of the cell. James went to follow but his exit was denied as Charlie slammed the cell shut in his face.

"Hey, what about me?" he shouted.

I stopped walking long enough to turn around. "What about you?" And with that I headed out to the lobby.

I waited as Edward handled his paperwork and collected his belongings. Charlie never said anything about why I was the one picking him up, only sparing a glare or two in Edward's direction every so often. As soon as Edward was done, I said goodnight to my dad and walked to my car. Neither of us spoke as I began to drive. Edward kept fidgeting in his seat and I was ready to smack him if he just didn't sit still.

"So, I guess your dad knows about us, huh?" he finally said.

I choked out a laugh. "Well, that's what happens when you call his daughter to pick you up."

"Bella, I'm sorry." My fingers tightened around the steering wheel. "James suggested we go have a drink to celebrate my birthday. And I knew you were waiting, but - I don't know. I swear, I just thought it would be one drink."

Of course it was James. Who else would it be?

"The only bar in Forks closes at ten, Edward. What the hell were you two doing until two in the morning?"

In the dim light of the truck's interior, I saw Edward hang his head.

"Cow tipping."

~oOo~

AN: oh yeah, I remember what I wanted to say now – Bella's a wordy bitch. She just wouldn't shut up this chapter.

The version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" that was in my head was the version sung by Matthew Morrison (who I am totes in love with) and can be heard here: http:/www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=y_ImmeHwOno&ob=av2e