Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does. I do, however, own the plot line and other non-Twilight things. Enjoy

A/N: Sorry about the delay, been pretty busy around here. Hope this chapter makes the wait worth it.

EPOV

I watched as Bella thoroughly looked over each horse, taking special care with Old Dusty, before she gave them each a clean bill of health. Then I sat in awe as that crazy woman actually played—yes, played—with the one ton stallion I had grown accustomed to respectfully fearing.

I anxiously waited and watched as Bella ran toward the stallion, then away while he trotted after. Diablo threw his head about, snorting and nickering excitedly as if he were only a small colt barely weaned from his dam. Then it hit me; they were playing tag. Of all the things I had seen in my 34 years, nothing could compare to the absolute perfection in this moment.

As usual, I had finally begun to relax when Bella patted Diablo and mounted him, ending their game.

"Ready to go, Edward?" She asked before squeezing the black beast toward the dog kennels.

"Uh, yeah," I so intelligently replied before climbing aboard Star and chasing after my girl.

We raced and bantered playfully during the ride, making it one of the best times I'd had astride the back of a horse in nearly two decades. Bella just seemed to make everything better, no matter how I felt previous.

We finally pulled into the miniature barn that I'd remodeled into dog pens just as Jake was exiting.

"Hey there, strangers!" He bellowed a little to excitedly for my taste. I hadn't missed the way he always brightened up around Bella, and would make a point to flirt with her. "Haven't seen you around these parts before, miss, you wantin' to check out the merchandise?"

I scowled as the stupid kid flexed his muscles and raised an eyebrow suggestively. Bella just laughed good naturedly, hopping down from Diablo.

"Actually, I came to check up on your pups. I am the resident vet, after all." Her attempt at being professional failed in epic proportions, but made her look irresistible.

"Well I guess that is in your job description," Jake said, sounding a bit miffed. "But, if you ever want to check out a really fine specimen, I'm always around." Pathetic, he is absolutely pathetic.

Bella laughed again and said something about keepin' that in mind, before she headed into the barn. I followed after, giving Jake a stern look that he returned quite unimpressively.

I heard the barking erupt from all sides and noticed Bella just walk into a kennel with our hunting pack of Irish Wolf Hounds.

"Bella, I wouldn't—" Jake began when I stopped him.

"If she can tame Diablo, a few dogs shouldn't be a challenge. I've under estimated her many times, I think we oughtta put a little faith in that girl." Jake looked at me nervously, then reluctantly nodded.

We both stood and watched as the normally hellish pack sniffed out the new comer. I held my breath, prepared to jump into the fray if anything started. To my relief, but not surprise, every tail in the kennel wagged as the alphas easily accepted her and stood still for a quick examination. I heard Jacob gasp beside me, and glanced over in time to see his eyes widen in astonishment.

"Magnificent, isn't she?" I asked proudly. He may want her even more after that little display, but she's all mine and I have no problem showing off the jewel I discovered.

"There are no words, boss. Just no words… It took me months to tame the damn alphas so I could take proper care of the pack, but that little filly has them rolling over in ten seconds flat." Jake shook his head and kicked at the ground.

"Don't worry man, you still get yer job. You can lift more than she can, and you know more about the technical side of running things. Though," I teased while ruffling his hair. "If she suddenly gains fifty pounds in muscle and learns how to drive herds and fix up stuff around here, ya might be in a bit of horse shit."

Jacob looked up at me worriedly before we both burst into fits of laughter. The rest of the morning was spent with the dogs while Bella gave them each a thorough look over. Having nearly as many dogs as horses, I wasn't surprised that the task was so lengthy.

Once it was finally finished, we bade farewell to Jake and headed to the working horses barn. I helped Bella store Diablo's tack, and then we brushed out our horses.

As we cooled off the beautiful animals we had worked nearly to the bone that day, I kept catching Bella staring at me. However, as soon as our eyes met, she would turn away from me shyly, a deep blush heating her cheeks.

Once we finished, I dusted off my pants and headed for the house, Bella in tow.

We ate lunch amicably while avoiding the questioning glances and outright stares of the others within the home. Bella wore a near constant blush under the unwanted scrutiny.

After having enough of the nosy people at the table, I escorted Bella up to her room.

"Now that you're better, and we've aired our feelings out, I believe an official first date is in order." I said casually as her eyes widened. "What? Did you think I'd forgotten?" She looked away and nodded almost imperceptibly as I chuckled. "I didn't mean to give you that impression, I just wanted you to have time to heal and think over everything before I made a move. Now, go and put on something more a kin to a dress and meet me in the foyer by five-thirty."

I leaned down and gently kissed her cheek before turning to go tend to my personal duties on the ranch. I had to speak with Billy about purchasing a few more dogs and my financial advisor about a few horses I'd been looking at to replace Dusty.

For the rest of the afternoon, scorching lips and fiery touches kept dragging my mind back to Bella. My raging boner attested to my need caused by that tiny girl, and it was time I relieved that tension. Tonight I would tell Bella of my true affections and my lusty need that could only be filled by her. Tonight, I will have my woman.

A/N: How was that? A bit short, I know, but I didn't want to give away the date before you hear Bella's side of things. I'm also considering throwing in a bit of J/A POV since we haven't heard much from them. Thank you for all the reviews, favorites, follows, and reading everyone has been doing. It really means a lot. Until next time…Peace, Love, and Horses!