Love and kisses to my beta Ragsstone and thanks to KristenLynn for stepping in as my second beta.

Just for RoryCullen, Bella's outfit is in my profile. She asked me to make sure Bella looked pretty for the family supper, and since she writes such detailed and perceptive reviews, I couldn't refuse.

Like to walk on the wolfy side now and then? My good friend LaPushStarlight asked me preread her one-shot for a competition. She won third prize, and on her very first fic too! Its called "Another first time," go check it out.

SMeyer wrote Twilight. I wrote lots of boring stuff for work mostly before I found fanfiction. Seems I have more to thank her for than I thought.

Chapter 25

Bella

It was time, and there I was, hiding in the guestroom. I knew I had to gather my courage and swallow my qualms, but I was nervous.

I had been informed that the Sunday supper tradition in the Cullen household also involved everyone pitching in to help with the preparation. My morning with the Cullen women had been pleasant−enjoyable even. It had been easy to relate to them all. It also helped that I already knew Alice and Rose, and I couldn't imagine anyone not liking Esme. However, this time I'd be meeting Carlisle as well as Rose's husband, Emmett. I had already met Jasper but had only interacted with him in his professional capacity. He might be entirely different in the privacy of his own home, I worried.

What would they all think of me, some random person taken in like a helpless foundling? If I was going to stay with them, it was important to me that I felt comfortable around these people, and they with me.

Pull yourself together, Bella! How scary can they be? It's not like you're walking into a coven of ravenous vampires, for God's sake! Just get on with it!

If I didn't voluntarily emerge soon, I knew Alice would come and drag me out like some recalcitrant toddler.

I had deliberated for some time about what to wear, which was another first for me. Previously, I'd been content with my familiar and limited drab wardrobe of teen camouflage, and needed nothing beyond a few hoodies, t-shirts and jeans. Accommodating my cast and various braces meant I had to buy some new things on-line when I was at the clinic. My newfound confidence had made me brave enough to try some different styles and colors. I really wanted make the right impression when meeting the rest of the family and couldn't deny that the chance to dress up for Edward held a certain appeal, too. It was important that I look nice and feel feminine, but I wasn't sure if floral and frills would ever be my "thing."

Instead I had chosen a long-line top in a soft pewter color, which had a pretty cut-out design along the edges of the sleeves and hem. The v-neck made my torso look longer and gave the perception of cleavage. The gathered waist made me look curvier, too. Alice assured me that dinner was a casual affair, so I wore jeans and added the cuff bracelet and watch I purchased earlier that day to hide the scars on my wrists. Checking my appearance in the mirror for the thousandth time, I smoothed my hair with a shaking hand and tugged at the hem of my shirt to straighten it. I took a deep, fortifying breath and left the safety of my room.

I could hear the laughter before I even got close to the kitchen. When I tentatively entered the doorway, I could see some of the family was already gathered there. Esme spotted me first and, with a huge smile, came over and linked her arm in mine.

"Come and meet everyone, Bella. We're almost ready to start."

I swallowed my trepidation and plastered a smile on my face.

She led me over to a handsome man whose blond hair looked almost silvery-white under the kitchen lights. He was dressed in dark jeans, which clung to his athletic build, and wore a casual polo shirt. His face was a study in carved lines, almost like a marble statue of a Roman God. It was his lips that caught my attention, though. They were full and sensuous, elevating him from merely handsome to arresting.

Wow! The Cullens are the most genetically blessed people I have ever seen. Every person in this household looks as if they should be on a runway in Paris.

The man looked up and smiled at our approach. Noting the fine network of wrinkles that gathered around his eyes as they crinkled up with his grin, I gathered this was the more senior of the men. This must be Carlisle, then. My guess proved right as Esme leaned in for a quick kiss.

"Bella, this is my husband, Carlisle."

"It's lovely to meet you," Carlisle said as he smiled and reached out his hand. "I hope you like simple fare. It was my turn to choose the menu for supper tonight. We get invited to so many dinners and fundraisers that I get sick of 'filet' this, and 'coulis' that."

"Oh, I'm sure whatever you've decided to have will be fine with me. It's nice to be invited to join in," I stammered, my nerves still getting the better of me.

"Nonsense! Anyone my sons bring home is more than a guest. Please, try to feel at home here. I understand that the last few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for you. I hope you can relax and unwind; it is very secure and private here, like a mini-haven." He paused, looking affectionately at his wife. "At least, I think so, anyway."

"Thank you. I'll try."

I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. These people didn't know me from a bar of soap but had all tried hard to make me as welcome and comfortable as possible.

As Esme led me across the room, I leaned in for a quick question.

"You and Carlisle must have been very young when you started adopting. I thought Carlisle was going to be Emmett for a minute there."

Esme's laughter tinkled through the room as she patted my arm.

"Oh, you are good for the ego. I don't know if I will ever let you leave!"

She led me to the breakfast bar where a huge man sat facing away from the bench. Rose stood between his legs, and they were making out like it was an everyday occurrence to do so in the family kitchen. This must be Emmett, then−or at least I hoped it was.

"Ahem! Emmett, dear, what have I told you about eating before dinner?"

"I'd say sorry, Mom, but you know I'm not. I can't help myself where Rose's concerned. Besides, I saw what you and Dad were up to in the pantry earlier. Does 'the pot calling kettle black' ring any bells with you?"

Esme just laughed again as I took in the couple in front of me.

Emmett was easily the biggest man I had ever seen. He was tall−taller than Edward even. He was very heavily-built and solid, as his shirt strained to contain his form. Although his sheer size was intimidating, he had the most open and beguiling smile, enhanced by the dimples that marked each cheek. His eyes were a lively, dancing blue, and his short hair a dark brown color. Emmett's huge arms, bulging with muscles, stayed wrapped around Rose's tiny waist.

I still couldn't get used to the sight of Rose in form-fitting clothes and make-up. At the clinic, I'd only ever seen her in loose coveralls, boots, and safety goggles. She was now in skinny jeans, high heels, and a clingy top that showed off her considerable curves. Her glorious blond hair fell in loose waves to her waist. She looked like some fifties pin-up girl.

"You must be Bella. I'm Emmett, the best-looking of the Cullen men. Too bad for you I'm already taken. You'll have to settle for the leftovers, since grumpy-ass Edward is the only one of us not spoken for. Needs a bit of work, but he's a fixer-upper's dream." He stuck out his hand.

I timidly put out my own and he engulfed it with his huge paw, enthusiastically pumping it up and down. Without letting go, he gave Rose a sloppy kiss and a light smack on the ass before standing up.

"Dibs on the newbie!" Emmett hollered, grabbing my hand and dragging me over to the island bench and sink. "We get veggie detail. Better start soon. It takes a lot to keep this bod in top shape, and right now, it tells me it's time to fuel the engine." He handed me a vegetable peeler and put a sack of potatoes on the benchtop next to the sink.

As I picked up a potato, Jasper and Alice came in hand-in-hand. They strolled over to our work area, and Alice gave me a warm hug as Emmett growled at them.

"Keep away! You've all had your turn getting to know her. I want a chance to see if she lives up to the hype."

I felt the panic flare briefly as I wondered what they had all been saying about me, and if I now had something to live up to.

Alice slapped Emmett playfully on the arm. Jasper gave me a welcoming smile before asking who was doing which tasks.

"Mom and Edward are on salads, you and Rose get the biscuit buttering and table setting, and Dad and Alice get pot stirring," Emmett rattled off.

I got to work as Carlisle brought over a couple of huge pots to put the cut vegetables in.

"Whose turn is it to pick the music?" he asked.

Emmett jumped up like a Jack-in-the-box, shouting "Mine, mine!" excitedly as he all but ran over to the docking station to set up his iPod. The sounds of Michael Buble provided a soothing background for our activities.

Emmett returned to his place next to me at the bench and began peeling and chopping vegetables. He started up the conversation by asking about the teaching component of my double degree, and he quizzed me on my plans after college. Edward or Jasper must have told him something of my background. Soon, we were immersed in comfortable chat about the best parts of working with younger children. I felt myself relax, the shared passion for education making me forget my earlier discomfort. I was so caught up in sharing anecdotes with Emmett that I hadn't even noticed Esme set up a couple more chopping boards on the bench opposite us.

I was about to rinse a peeled potato under the faucet when I bumped hands with Edward. He held a handful of lettuce ready for rinsing. I could almost see the sparks fly between us, even with just the slightest brushing of his flesh against mine. My pulse started racing, and heat bloomed in my chest. Edward gave me a hooded look, his eyes flickering with a new emotion−one I couldn't quite recognize. He looked…needy, wistful almost. When my startled gaze flicked briefly to Esme, however, she looked smug as she grinned shrewdly. I rinsed my potato, leaving the tap running for Edward, who was waiting patiently for his turn.

I concentrated on the music, eager for a distraction from a situation I felt too inexperienced to process. A new song was starting, filling the busy space with the atmospheric sound of an acoustic guitar. The song had a slightly different mood to it than the previous ones. The music had a very retro feel, which was smooth and almost bluesy.

"I chose a song especially for you," declared Emmett proudly with a wink in my direction. A lilting, liquid male voice crooned about the mysteries of the moon. When it came to the chorus, Emmett leaned over the bench, snatching a cucumber from Esme's pile of salad items. He began singing into it, his rich baritone slightly at odds with the suave silkiness of Jason Mraz's voice.

"Oh Bella, Bella please,

Bella, you beautiful luna,

Oh Bella, do what you do,

Do do do do do do"

I looked up in shock.

Emmett is singing a song about me!

At least I thought he was. I heard the lyrics but assumed it was merely a song about stargazing. Obviously, Emmett saw it as a metaphor for something more.

I heard someone humming along, and I looked up briefly, only to have my gaze captured by blazing green as Edward watched me intently.

My eyes were pinned by the intensity of his; they smoldered, burning through to the very center of my being. Whatever had been sparking within me ignited to life, and it felt as if my whole body flamed with sudden heat. Everything else faded into the background as we engaged in a silent exchange.

"Can I assume from your shenanigans, Emmett, that the vegetables are all ready for the pot?" Carlisle asked, breaking the fragile bubble around Edward and me.

"Yep! So, Bella, think I'm American Idol material?" Emmett asked, a look of almost child-like vulnerability on his face.

"Ah, I loved the song, Emmett, and I'm flattered by your choice but maybe a different one would suit your…style…better?" It was a stretch to find words with the correct balance of diplomacy and truth.

Rose merely snickered over her mound of biscuits on the other bench.

Much later, we all sat around the table, patting our full stomachs. I had been seated between Edward and Emmett, a pleasurable experience.

"I hope the meatloaf was okay," Esme said, breaking the silence. "Carlisle always chooses his old favorites."

"Everything was great. I can't remember the last time I had such a wonderful home-cooked meal."

I couldn't remember the last time I'd eaten so much either. The shopping and swim I'd enjoyed earlier had improved my appetite to the extent that I had been ravenous by the time dinner was served. It had been a pleasant contrast−sitting in the stately and formal dining room, complete with snowy linen, elegant china, and crystal stemware, yet eating such simple comfort food as meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans.

"Bella decided to make something special for dessert," Esme announced to everyone. "Do you need any help with the sauce?" she asked, turning to me. I assured her I would be fine and excused myself to make the raspberry syrup for my dish. Finding what I needed, I got to work.

It had been an eventful day, to say the least. I'd enjoyed every minute of it so far. The Cullens had all been so accepting of me, inviting me into the very heart of their tight-knit group. I was beginning to forget all my previous reservations in their company. They were all also easy in each other's presence, the tranquil mood affecting me likewise. There was plenty of light-hearted banter and ribbing, but the regard they all seemed to have for each other was almost palpable. No wonder they all liked to maintain the tradition of their weekly dinners together.

I finished off the sauce, pouring it into a small crystal jug Esme had left out for the purpose. I vaguely registered the pealing of a bell somewhere in the house as I retrieved the frozen white chocolate cheesecake from the huge upright freezer and carefully placed it on a platter. This dessert never failed to impress, although a considerable amount of time had passed since I'd had any occasion to make it. It was a very simple recipe and took hardly any time to throw together, and it set in only a few hours. I had hastily mixed the ingredients together when we returned from our retail adventure before deciding some aquatic exercise would take care of my therapy for the day.

I carefully carried the platter in one hand and the jug in the other, cautiously making my way back to the dining room. It wouldn't do to trip and ruin my masterpiece now. As I entered the room, I heard a superior-sounding snigger.

"Oh, Esme, if you are finally going to relent and hire a housekeeper, you could at least have made her dress the part!"

I could feel the blush color my cheeks as I gently slid my burdens onto the table. Edward jumped up, brushing my hip with his movement before picking up the cake knife that had been placed on the table earlier.

"Oh, no, dear," stated Esme in a calm voice. "This is Bella. We have invited her to move in with us." There was a faint edge of something in Esme's voice. I got the impression that she didn't quite like this interloper.

I looked up to take in the newcomer who sat directly across the table. She was statuesque and stunning with carefully styled ash-blond hair which hardly seemed to move when the rest of her did. Her haughty face was carefully and artfully made up, highlighting every perfect feature. She was expensively dressed too, from what I could see of her as she sat next to Carlisle. Despite her beauty, she seemed to exude an air of dissatisfaction and spite which detracted somewhat from her perfect facade. I quickly scanned the faces of the others; none looked pleased with this turn of events.

"Edward, would you mind doing the honors? I would hate for Bella's efforts to be spoiled." Esme indicated he should cut and serve the cheesecake. He and I formed a mini-production line. He cut neat wedges before placing them on a plate and handing them to me. I poured the raspberry syrup over the top before handing them around the table, making sure to include our new guest.

"This is an old friend of the family," Esme explained for my benefit. "Nina is the eldest daughter of Carlisle's closest colleague, Dr. Rushforth. Nina's sister, Kate, is getting married next month, so Nina thoughtfully hand-delivered our invitation."

"So…kind of you, Nina," Carlisle added, although clearly he thought she was anything but. "When can we expect similar good news for you?"

Nina's posture changed abruptly, with noticeable stiffening of her shoulders. Her eyes narrowed and briefly darted toward Edward, before she smiled tightly at Carlisle.

"Oh, I have been working on a suitable catch for some time. When he realizes how right we are for each other, it will only be a matter of time before our names are permanently linked." She took a minute to examine the immaculately understated French polish of her nails before looking pointedly in my direction. "I'm a firm believer that certain people are destined to be together. Like marrying like, maintaining the social status-quo. We've been together so long, it's inevitable, really, and the only logical next step."

I sat down, my duty now complete, and focused all my attention on my dessert. My mouth was very dry for some reason and my appetite seemed to have fled. Edward sat next to me, moving close enough so that his hip touched mine in a reassuring gesture. I could see his knuckles straining white as he held his dessert fork in a death grip.

"That's…nice for you, Nina. Your young man must be very…lucky," observed Alice in a tight voice.

I looked across to her in puzzlement. Usually so talkative and effusive, it was certainly different hearing Alice picking her words so cautiously.

"Oh, yes," Nina purred. "I know how to make a man very happy. I have never lacked for company eager for my…charms." She shrugged one silk-clad shoulder in feigned nonchalance. "I must admit to being very choosy, though. My man doesn't know how lucky he is, getting all of …well, everything."

Someone dropped their fork, making a loud clanging noise as it rattled against the china. The atmosphere seemed charged all of a sudden, and I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. I found myself fiddling and pushing the melting creamy mess around my plate. I hazarded another look up, trying to gauge the situation. Everyone seemed to have their attention firmly fixed on their plates.

I found myself mulling over Nina's words. I seemed the only one ignorant of the hidden subtext of her conversation. I discreetly snuck a quick peek at everyone again, trying to determine the source of the growing tension. Nina was staring straight ahead, her gaze heated and seemingly oblivious to anyone else. I felt something briefly brush my foot, before Edwards leg resting against mine abruptly jerked away as he tucked his feet beneath his chair.

Oh! Comprehension struck. OH!

I stood quickly, desperate to make my escape. "I'll…ah…just take these dishes into the kitchen. Bye now, Miss Rushforth. It was…um…bye.' I bolted into the kitchen, as fast as my awkward, brace-impaired gait would let me.

I had been so stupid! I'd let my imagination run away from me and had allowed myself to start feeling things, seeing things, that I had no right to. My thoughts were a whirlwind of torments as every stupid thing I'd done and said in his presence came back to haunt me.

Had he noticed my girlish crush and laughed about my naivety? He must think I'm pathetic!

Edward had always been so nice to me, and I'd started to think it was because he might actually like me and feel some tiny thing for me. I was an idiot. He had just been doing his job all this time. He must have felt really sorry for me, especially if he had noticed how I was beginning to moon over his every word and move. I had even begged him to hold me.

I placed my plate on the bench near the dishwasher, anxious for a distraction of some sort to occupy my shaking hands. Gathering a pile of other dishes, I stacked them to the side before opening the dishwasher. Pulling out the bottom rack, I blindly grabbed dishes from the stack and loaded them in. As I groped for another, a hand closed over mine, drawing me up to standing.

"Bella, I−" Edward started before I interrupted him by raising my hand.

"It's okay, Edward. You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm just a guest." I took a shaky breath.

"Yes, I do, Bella. It's not what you think," Edward pleaded.

"She's very pretty. I'm sure everyone will be very happy for the two of you to be permanently linked." A knife twisted in my heart as I uttered those words, and I looked down, trying to hide my blurring eyes.

"How can you say that? After last night, I thought you knew how I−"

I felt his hand, so warm and smooth as it gently touched my chin and then slid along my jaw. He tilted my head so I had no other choice but to look at him. He examined my face, looking deep into my eyes as if to delve into every hidden thought. His green eyes were probing and his brow was furrowed with concentration.

"No. I was wrong," he whispered. "Maybe you don't know, Bella. I forget that you have never done any of this before." He waved his other hand vaguely between us. "Bella, I…" The hand on my jaw caressed my skin before sliding into my hair as he pulled my face close to his. Bending slightly, he brushed his lips over mine.

I stood paralyzed by the weight of his warm lips, intoxicated by the pure masculine scent that wrapped around my senses, overwhelming me. Taking my lack of action as encouragement, his other arm snaked around my waist, drawing my heaving chest against the hard, muscled planes of his. His lips sought mine again, this time much more demanding as his tongue snaked out to taste my lower lip.

The dizzying sensation of the moist tip of tongue moving against me as he deepened our kiss was enough to bring me to life. Flinging my arms up, I gripped his firm shoulders tightly as I clung to him, bringing my whole body flush with his. I found myself unconsciously opening myself to him, my lips parting as I luxuriated in the new sensations coursing through me. This was all the invitation Edward seemed to need, and his tongue eagerly invaded my mouth. All lucid thought left my head as I submitted totally to the world of feeling, rather than logical thinking. Every part of me seemed surrounded by Edward. His touch, his taste, his scent; all enveloped me completely.

I surrendered myself entirely to his passionate embrace and reveled in it. Allowing my movements to be guided by his, my lips glided over his seeking ones, and my tongue tentatively explored his mouth. His muffled groan let me know I was doing something right as his grip on my waist tightened.

A stray thought flitted lazily through my head.

I have fallen in love with Edward Cullen