Chapter 27: The Truth

EPOV

Talk. Right. The truth. Great.

Bella and I were lying on the bed in the hotel room. We both had on the hotel robes, and Bella had her head on my shoulder. I started to sit up, and Bella rolled over onto her stomach.

"Yeah, you're right. We need to talk," I said to her. She looked up at me with her big, brown eyes. "I'm guessing you want the truth."

She nodded.

"Okay. When I met you, I was still technically married." Her face fell.

"So you cheated on your wife with me?" she whispered. "You made me the other woman?" I looked at her face and saw the tears falling.

"It's not like that, Bella," I said, taking her face in my hands. She tried to turn her head. "Bella, look at me."

"Why should I? You just told me you're married!"

"Would you let me finish? I said I was married, but when I started my relationship with you, my marriage was over."

She looked at me, confused. "I'm not sure I understand."

"A week before I left for Japan, I walked in on my wife fucking some other guy. Before I got on that plane in Japan, I filed for divorce."

"Oh," was all she said.

"When I kissed you, I didn't feel like I was cheating on Tanya. She betrayed my by bringing another man into my home and sleeping with him. In my eyes, I was no longer married. Legally, I still was, but emotionally, I wasn't."

"You should have told me about her before you started sleeping with me," Bella whispered.

"I know. I will regret that for the rest of my life. I should have told you. I should have given you the choice to not get involved. I should have told you so if you did decide to be with me, you would know what you were getting into."

"Exactly. You knew about Jacob. You knew I was engaged before I was with you. You should have extended the same courtesy to me."

"Well, that's it," I said to her. "That's the truth."

She looked at me and thought for a minute. "I believe you, and I forgive you. I'm still mad at you for lying, but I get it. I only have one more question."

"Okay?"

"Are you still married?"

"Technically, yes. But not for long. First thing tomorrow, I'm flying back to LA and getting this divorce."

"You realize what people are going to say once we go public with our relationship," she said. "They're going to say I'm some kind of whore who split up the perfect marriage."

"So let them think that!" I said to her. "We know the truth. We know what really happened. That's all that matters. Bella, I love you. You're the person I want to be with, not Tanya."

She smiled at me, then grabbed my face and pressed her lips to mine. I fell back onto the bed with Bella on top of me. She was kissing me passionately, running her fingers through my hair. I moved my lips from her lips to her neck. I rolled over so she was beneath me.

I opened her robe and trailed kisses down her neck. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer to me.

"Edward…wait," she said weakly.

I groaned and gently placed her on the bed. "What?

"I love you, but if we keep going like this, we're going to end up having sex.

"So? I haven't slept with you since that night in San Diego."

"Yes, but that was before I found out you were married," she said. "I don't want to have sex again until you are no longer married."

"Are you serious?" I groaned.

"Yes," she said, kissing me on the cheek. "I love you, but I can't have sex with you when I know you're still married to someone else."

"Okay," I said, lying down next to her. "I'll keep it in my pants until Tanya is no longer Mrs. Cullen.

********

RPOV

I rolled over in my bed and looked at the clock.

3 am.

Still too early to call Emmett.

It had been hours since I last talked to him. I missed my goofy, over-muscular boyfriend.

I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to kiss him, but I couldn't. I was still living at the Playboy mansion, and I hadn't told Hef I was moving out or moving on. That was going to be a fun conversation.

I looked at the clock again.

3:02 am.

Jeez, could time move any slower?

Just then, my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Miss me?"

"Emmett!"

"Hey Rosie."

"Baby, I miss you. I wish you were here keeping me company in this big, comfy bed."

"That's it, I'm coming over," he said.

I laughed. "Em, you can't. Hef still doesn't know about us."

"You still haven't told him?" Emmett sighed.

"I know, I know. I'm going to tell him today, I promise. I already found where I'm going to live when I move out."

"I don't see why you don't just move in with me," he grumbled.

"Bella's going to live with me," I told him. "I can't kick her out after I just asked her to move in!"

"Well, maybe she'll move in with Edward," Emmett suggested.

"You mean Edward the adulterous bastard?" I asked.

"Hey, that's my brother!"

"Emmett, I love you, but your brother is a total douchebag."

"He's not. Tanya was a whore who married him for his money, then cheated on him."

"Well, he cheated on her," I told him. "He's still married to her, but he's sleeping with Bella."

"He filed for divorce."

"You know what, let's not talk about Edward," I suggested. "Let's talk about us."

"Great plan. So tell me again why you won't live with me," Emmett said sweetly.

"Because I'm going to live on my own for the first time in my life."

"Rose, you're being ridiculous. You're going to end up moving in with me a month later."

"Emmett, you're an arrogant asshole."

"But you still love me."

"You know I do," I sighed.

Just then, my door opened. Bridgette was standing there in her pajamas, looking at me.

"Rosalie, who are you talking to?" she yawned. "It's after three in the morning!"

"Em, I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Love you."

"Love you too." I hung up my phone and looked back at Bridgette.

"Oh, was that your new guy?" she asked with curiosity.

I nodded.

"Ooh, tell me all about him! Do you love him?" she said, sitting on my bed.

"Yeah, I do. He's the sweetest, kindest, most amazing man I've ever met."

"So, are you going to move out and move in with him?"

"No. I'm getting my own place and moving in with another friend of mine from the crash."

"Why? That guy is obviously head over heels for you. I wouldn't be surprised if he asks you to marry him soon."

"Bridgette, we've only know each other for a few months," I said, laughing.

"True love doesn't go according to time. It goes according to love."

"What, you think he's my soul mate?" I said sarcastically. She nodded.

"Rosalie, look at the facts: you two were on the same plane that crashed on a deserted island. If that isn't fate, then I don't know what is!"

"Okay, I think you've read one too many romance novels."

"Fine, don't believe me. But when he pops the question, I'll be saying I told you so." She got up off the bed and walked out of my room.

"'Night Bridgette," I called after her.

I lay back down and tried to fall asleep.

********

That morning, I woke up, still exhausted. I got out of bed, grabbed my robe and slippers, and headed to Hef's room. Time to get this over with.

"Pookey?" I said, sticking my head into his office.

"Hey, Buttercup," he said, greeting me. "Come on in."

I walked into his office and sat in the chair next to him.

"Hef, I need to talk to you about something,"

"Okay. What's up?" he said, looking at me concerned.

"Hef, you know you've been great to me. I came out to California with barely anything, and you gave me a job, took me in, and gave me a home. I'll always be grateful to you for that."

"Is this about your future at the mansion?" he asked.

I nodded. "Being on that island gave me a different perspective on my life. I've loved it here. I mean, it's been my home for the past three years, but I think it's time I moved on. I met someone."

"That's wonderful, Rosalie," Hef said, smiling at me.

"You're not…mad?"

"I knew this day would come eventually. You know I love you, but I can never give you a wedding or children or a family. I always knew you would find that with someone else, and I love you enough that I'll let you go and find happiness with someone else."

"Thank you, Hef," I said, hugging him.

"So, who is he?"

"I met him while I was stranded on that island," I said. "He's a football player."

"Emmett Cullen or Mike Newton?"

"How did you—?"

"Rosalie, we were all following the plane crash here. We learned who all the passengers were. So, Emmett or Mike."

"Emmett," I said, blushing.

"That's great," he said, smiling. "Now, I want you to know that you are always welcome here. You can still live here if you want."

"Thanks, but I think I really need to live on my own for once. My whole life, I've been dependent on other people. First, my parents, then Royce, then you. I think I'm going to get my own place for awhile."

"You know I'll always love you," he said.

"And I'll always love you," I said, kissing him on the cheek.

"Bye, darling," he said as I walked out of the room.

I went back to my room and called Emmett.

"Hello?"

"Em, it's Rosie." When did I start calling myself "Rosie"? Emmett must be rubbing off on me.

"Morning baby. What's up?"

"I told him."

"How did he take it?'

"Surprisingly well. I thought he was going to be mad, but he said he understood. He knows he can never give me anything more than what we have now, and you can. He's happy that I found someone."

"So when are you moving in?"

I sighed. "Emmett, I'm moving into my own place with Bella."

"Not anymore."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, Bella's going to call you soon. Then you'll find out what I mean."

"She's back with Edward, isn't she?"

"Yep. Once Edward gets his divorce finalized, they're going to move in. Which leaves you without a roommate and me with extra closet space. So, what time did you want me over to help you pack?"

I sighed. "You never give up, do you?"

"Nope. I'm ruthless. I'll be over at noon. Love you."

"Emmett—" But he had already hung up.

How did he do that? How did he get his way so easily? How—

My phone was ringing. I looked at the caller ID: Bella.

"Hey, Bella," I said. "What's up?"

"I didn't wake you up, did I?" she asked, sounding worried.

"Nope, I'm up. I had to talk to Hef this morning."

"Oh, so did you tell him about you and Emmett?"

"Yep. How's everything going with you?"

"Well, something happened."

"What?"

"I'll have to tell you when I see you, but I forgave Edward last night, and that's why I'm calling. I'm going to be living with him once he's divorced, so I can't move in with you."

"I know. Emmett told me."

"He did? I told him not to say anything!"

"Bella, it's fine. I understand."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Emmett's already taken care of it. Apparently, I'm moving in with him."

"Really?"

"Yes."

She screamed. "I can't believe it! That's great!"

"Too much enthusiasm for this early, Bella."

"Oops, sorry. Well, now we'll all be living by each other."

"Except Leah and Seth," I reminded her.

"Nope. Leah and Seth are moving in with Mike. They're selling their house in Seattle and moving to California."

"Oh, that's great! Now we won't have to worry about traveling to see each other!"

"I know! Well, I have to go, Rose. I'm flying down to California with Edward soon. I'll see you later."

"Kay. Bye." I hung up.

I sat down on my bed and waited for Emmett to arrive.

********

APOV

"So, are you planning on telling my parents the intentions you have towards their daughter?" I asked Jasper. We were lying in my bed, and I was lying across his chest.

He laughed. "If you'll let me."

I sighed. It had been two days, and Jasper and I still hadn't told my parents we were engaged.

"Alice, we're going to have to tell them soon. We can't keep sneaking around like this. We're going to get caught."

"No, Cynthia knows. She won't tell them, and she'll warn me when they're coming up."

"Alice, I don't like the fact that I'm staying at your parent's house without them knowing, sleeping with their daughter."

"I know, I know."

"How about we tell them in the morning?" he suggested.

"I am not telling my mom I'm engaged, then showing her the ring is actually a piece of grass tied around my ring finger."

"Okay, fine. We'll go to Tiffany's, then tell your parents."

I looked him in the eyes. "Okay, fine." I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

********

"Wake up, sleepy head," someone said, jumping on my bed. I opened my eyes and saw Cynthia standing over me. I looked to my right, and saw Jasper was no longer there.

"He had to leave early," Cynthia told me. "Dad came up to see you before he left for work. Luckily, I was up, so I came in and told him to grab his clothes and leave. He said he'll be here around 11 to pick you up."

I looked at the clock. It said 10:45.

"Ph my god, he'll be here in 15 minutes!" I said, jumping out of bed. I grabbed my robe and ran into the bathroom. I showered quickly, then pulled on my robe and ran back into my room. I opened my closet and grabbed a pink ruffled blouse, a black pencil skirt, and my black Christian Louboutin pumps. I got dressed quickly, then ran to the bathroom to do my makeup. By 11 am, I was ready.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Cynthia sang, darting out of my room and racing down the stairs. I followed her out of my room and down stairs. By the time I got there, she had already let Jasper in.

"Wow, you look amazing," he said, looking me up and down.

"Thanks," I said, blushing slightly. It made me happy that even the smallest compliment from Jasper still made me blush.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah, Just let me grab my purse." I went into the kitchen and grabbed my vintage Chanel bag.

"Alice?" my mom said, walking in. "Honey, where are you going?" she asked, taking in my appearance.

"Jasper's taking me shopping," I said.

"What's going on with you two?" she asked suspiciously.

"Mom, I promise to explain everything when I get back. What time's Dad going to be back?"

"He just had to go in for a meeting. He'll be back around noon."

"Okay. I'll see you when I get back," I said, kissing her on the cheek.

I walked back into the front hall, where Jasper and Cynthia were talking.

"…and he said he's moving to California with Leah! Isn't that exciting?"

"That's great, Cynthia. I'm sure it'll be much easier to hang out when he's living only 20 minutes away instead of 20 hours."

She laughed.

"Okay, Jasper, let's go," I said grabbing his hand.

We walked out to his car. I got into the passenger's side while he turned the car on. A minute later, we were speeding off towards Tiffany's.

"Can you promise me one thing?" he asked.

"I'll try."

"Please don't spend all my money on this ring."

I laughed. "Jasper, now why would I do that?"

"I know what you like. You like the expensive, shiny rings."

"You know what, I think this whole plane crash thing has humbled me a bit. I'd rather get a simple ring."

He smiled and me and kissed me lightly on the cheek. "Well, we're here. Let's go in." I got out of the car and the two of us walked into the store, hand in hand.

"Hello, Mr. Whitlock," the girl in the store greeted Jasper. She was smiling at him and looking extremely nervous. When she saw our clasped hands, she glared at me.

"Hello. We would like to see your diamond rings please," Jasper said, winking at the girl. She giggled, then led us over to a case of jewelry. Inside, there were all rings with enormous diamonds.

"Jas, these are more Rosalie than me."

"I couldn't agree more. Do you have anything smaller?" he asked.

She scowled at me again, then led us to another case.

I looked at the rings inside. They were perfect. There was no huge diamond that could poke somebody's eye out. Instead, there were much more modest rings. The diamonds were smaller, but still beautiful.

"So, Mr. Whitlock, I saw you on the news yesterday. What's it like being back?"

"Amazing," Jasper said. "Alice and I are just happy that we can finally have a normal relationship."

"Jasper, I like that one," I said, pointing to a small band with no large stone. Instead, there was a small stone in the center of the white-gold band. (Ring picture in profile.)

"It's beautiful," he said. "Can we see that on, please?" The girl pulled the ring out of the case and handed it to Jasper. He turned to face me. "Now, I want to do this right. When I proposed to you on the island, I tied a piece of grass around your finger. Alice," he said, bending down on one knee, "I love you. I have always loved you. From the moment I saw you, I was in love with you. From the moment I met you, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. You are my soul mate. Will you marry me?"

"Of course, Jasper," I said with a big goofy grin on my face. He slid the ring onto my finger, then stood up and kissed me.

"We'll take this on," he told the girl. She looked at me bitterly.

********

"Mom?" I called, walking into my house with Jasper behind me. "Dad? Cynthia?"

"In here," my mom called from the entertainment room. Jasper and I walked in, and saw everyone watching television.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Well, TMZ is reporting that one Miss Alice Brandon just got engaged to Mr. Jasper Whitlock," my mom said, looking at us.

I locked eyes with Jasper. How did they already know.

"Is it true?" my mom asked.

"Well, yeah," I said, taking Jasper's hand. "We were just out getting the ring."

"Alice, honey, this all seems so sudden," my mom said carefully. "I mean, you guys have only known each other a few months."

"Mom, you weren't on the island with us. Having infinite time to spend with someone lets you get to know them faster than normal. It's like I've known Jasper for years, not months."

"I just wish you had told us first before telling the tabloids," my dad sighed.

"We didn't tell anyone," I said. "We just went to Tiffany's, Jasper proposed, then we came back."

"I bet that sales girl told the media," Jasper sighed.

"Yeah, she didn't seem to like me," I said. "She was shooting me daggers the entire time I was there."

Just then, the phone rang. My mom picked it up.

"Hello?...Yes, she just told us…well, I didn't know…of course I would have…well, I have to talk to her first…you'll be the first to know, I promise…goodbye."

"Who was that?"

"Esme Cullen, of course."

"Edward's mom?" Jasper asked.

"Yes. She's just wondering why I didn't tell her about my daughter getting engaged to her son's best friend. And of course, she asked about the engagement party. Looks like I'll be planning this party all weekend."

"Mom, you don't…"

"Of course I do, Alice. Well, Jasper, I'm so happy Alice found someone. I'm still mad at you," she said, glaring at me.

I sighed and sat down on the couch with Jasper. Of course my engagement would be on the news. Great. Life as a celebrity was starting up again.

I felt Jasper's cell phone vibrate in his pocket. He reached down and answered it.

"Yeah?...No, it's cool…yeah, we'll be over now."

"Who was that?"

"Edward. He wants to know if he could come over and drop Bella off at my place."

"Why?"

"Because he needs to tell his wife he wants a divorce."