We're the Cullens


Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns it all.


"You're telling me what happened to those cars, aren't you?" I sighed and kissed her forehead softly.

"Kind of."

"What?" I gave her a sad smile.

"I'm going to tell you why I never came back to Seattle. You want to know, don't you, baby?"


"You're going to? Now?" She stared at me shocked and I nodded.

"If you don't want me to then I won't." I said honestly and she shook her head.

"No, please I want to know!" I chuckled.

"Of course you do."


I rested my head against the sun loungers as I closed my eyes. I breathed in the rare sun that shone in the sky as I kept my book away. Tomorrow was going to be great.

I had been practicing for tomorrow for the past six years. I knew everything about the exam I was to give. Dad was going to be so happy. I can't wait. Sure, it was just step 1 of the USMLE, but I had trained myself for the next two steps as well. I just wanted to get over with this shit soon.

I opened my eyes and grabbed the book again. I revised a concept one more time.

Renal pelvis is more medially located…

Renal pelvis is more medially located…

Renal pelvis is more medially located…

"Edward!"

Jessica is more medially located…

Wait a minute.

I snapped my eyes open and turned to see Jessica walking towards me across the lawn with a wide-ass smile on her face. She waved at me as she made her way to me, wearing those stupid heels and barely there dress.

"Gosh! Your place is so big." I rolled my eyes.

"What do you want?" I snapped and she looked at me confused.

"Your brother told me you were in town so I came to see you." I was going to kill Emmett today.

"He did? That's great. Now get lost."

"Edward, come on! I'm here to talk to you."

"I don't want to, so get the fuck out of here."

"I'm your girlfriend!"

"You were my girlfriend Jessica, we went on like three dates. You are not anymore so get lost."

"We didn't even break up!" She whined and I stood up, towering over her.

"We didn't? Then why were you having sex with Mike Newton?" She gasped looking at me.

"Who told you that? It's not true."

"I don't need to give you a justification, so just get out of here or should I have Matt throw you out?"

"Edward, whoever told you is probably jealous of us."

"Rosalie told me." She visibly paled. "Yeah, you better not see her or she is going to rip your head right off."

"R-Rosalie?"

"Yes, now please leave." I kept my book away but she kept staring at me, making me even more mad. "Why can't you listen to me for a fucking minute?" I grabbed her right arm as I dragged her towards the exit gate.

"Edward, please listen to me!"

"I didn't have a relationship with you so you could act like a whore. I know about them all five Jessica, don't try to show your slut face again." We had reached the driveway by now as I took her towards the gates.

"Edward!" I turned when dad called out my name. I turned. "Is this the way to treat a young woman?" Jessica gave a wide smile to dad and I rolled my eyes. Slut.

I gave dad a look and he mouthed 'mom', pointing towards the front porch as he stood by his library's window. I tried to hide my smile and nodded.

"I'm sorry, dad. Come on Ms. Stanley, let me escort you to the exit doors." I let go off her arm and she followed me to the gates.

"Ms. Stanley, how was I expecting you." Matt said, giving me a wink and I chuckled. He opened the gates and I led her out. Rose stood there, laughing as she spoke on the phone but her smile disappeared when she saw us.

"...yeah, I'll call you back." Rose ended the call.

"You, come here." She said, pointing to Jessica who looked at me nervously.

"Why?"

"Get here now." Rose snapped and Jessica stumbled as she walked over to Rose.

"That is one crazy woman Dr. Cullen." Matt commented and I chuckled.

"Tell me about it. I'll see you later." I gave him a fist bump and was about to walk to the sunloungers but I found mom staring at me with a sorrowful face. So instead I made my way over to her.

"Hey, mom."

"Hi, honey." She gave me a hug and I frowned but wrapped my arms around her.

"What's wrong, mom?"

"Nothing." Her voice shook.

"Are you crying?"

"No."

"Mom, why do you always cry?" She slapped my arm and pulled back.

"I don't."

"Okay." I wiped away her tears. Her gaze drifted towards dad who leaned against the banister as he stared at us with a thoughtful expression.

"I'll talk to you later." Was all she said and walked back in, leaving me clueless. I looked over at dad and he just shrugged.

I made my way to the kitchen and opened the fridge to get a box of juice. Dad walked in and I offered a smile.

"So, what happened out there with Jessica?" I groaned.

"Let's not talk about it." I filled a glass with some juice.

"You broke up with her?"

"No, she was being a slut."

"Ah, was she not good in bed?" I laughed and kept the juice box back in.

"Fuck off, dad. I don't want to talk about it."

"She was into some weird stuff sexually?"

"I'm not even listening to you." I carried the glass and dad hollered as I was going to my room.

"If you want to talk about it, I'm here. I have a lot of interesting stories for you." I rolled my eyes and heard him laughing as I went. My dad was an embarrassment. I still don't know what girls liked about him.

I spent the next forty minutes playing some idle compositions as my mind wandered to aimless thoughts. I heard Emmett's booming voice coming from downstairs and knew he was home. I grinned and decided to go punch him for letting Jessica know I was in town.

I reached the first floor and frowned when I heard mom and dad arguing. Wow, that's a first. I don't think they've ever argued before. My eyes widened when I heard them say my name. Now I had to find out what shit was going on.

I walked over to dad's study where they were and hid against the wall as I heard their voices.

"Esme, please let's not argue about it now."

"Carlisle, Edward deserves to know."

"Why can't you understand? It's not right! We've waited too long. It's not the time."

"We need to tell him, Carlisle. Please." I could hear mom crying. I peeked in and saw dad's back to me as he stared out of his window.

"I know him, Esme, better than anybody else. He won't handle it well. We've already lost Liv, I can't lose him too." Livy? Why were they talking about her?

"Well we have to tell him, I can't keep this from my son. Not after today."

"Our son, Esme." Dad turned to mom and I could see the storm in dad's blue eyes.

"I can never forgive myself if we never tell him."

"He will not forgive us if we tell him, please understand. I can't bear him leaving."

"He won't. Maybe he'll listen to us."

"No!" Dad said firmly. "That's it. We are not talking about it anymore. See?" He held up a green file and kept it in his drawer, shutting it tight. "He never enters my study without my permission, he will never know."

"But"

"No, I'm not going to hear it."

I silently exited the place and made my way to my bedroom as I tried to imagine what they had to say to me. I plopped on the bed and closed my eyes. Something about me and Livy? Ugh. I was losing my head. But they'll tell me when the time is right. I don't have to bother about it.

I stared at my packed boxes and sighed. I was still to find an apartment in Seattle. Everything was already in boxes when it came from New York and all I had to do was find myself a place.

God, it was difficult. But I was happy to move to Seattle. New York never felt like home. Seattle always did. It was the place I was so familiar to as well.

Plus, I couldn't wait to join dad's clinic. It was going to be mine in three short years but they felt decades away. I could just start the countdown. Plus, I was nervous about tomorrow. Dad had so many expectations from me and I wanted to prove him right. I wanted to make him and mom proud.

Sure, dad was excited when Emmett wanted to get into business, but he was over the moon when I was deciding to join medical school. Everything was changing so fast. Rose was getting an assistant's job at a publishing house, Emmett was starting his business and I was to give my exams.

I turned to stare at the photo of Alice, Jasper and me on my nightstand. Jasper was yet to call me. He was going to ask Alice to move in with him. I wouldn't be surprised if they got married within a year. Both were great together.

I stood up and walked over to my CD player. I pressed play and smiled when the beautiful chords of Chopin echoed in my room. I pressed repeat and let the music continue. I rested my head against the headboard as I sat on the bed and closed my eyes. I was fucking starving. There was a knock on the door.

"Message for Dr. Cullen." I chuckled and opened the door. Mom stood there with a smile on her face but there was tightening around her eyes and she probably hoped I wouldn't notice that she cried.

"Yes?"

"Lunch is ready and to be served."

"Alright." I grabbed her and pulled her inside my room. She smiled when she heard music and rested her hand on my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her waist and swayed us with the music.

"Dance, now?" I chuckled and spun her in a circle as she laughed.

"Come on mom, you need to loosen up. You look 60." She rolled her eyes.

"I do not look 60, young man. I'm not even 50."

"Yeah, alright."

"I have to serve lunch, honey. Everyone is downstairs by now."

"So? When is Mrs. Knight going to work anywayOw!" Mom pulled on my ear.

"Do not talk ill of her. She is a wonderful woman."

"Yeah right." I looked away as I was reminded of her shouting at me for taking a cookie when I was four. She told mom when I stole it. That woman always hated me. We argued almost every day since I got back here.

"Esme?" We both turned at dad's voice.

"Yes, honey?" She asked edgily as if prodding dad for something.

"Lunch was served and you weren't there." I rolled my eyes at the sappiness.

"Please, mom just go. You can't stay away even for a minute."

"You would know when you find yourself a beautiful young woman, honey." Mom patted my cheek and I scowled.

"He already has one. Jessica." Dad teased and I mouthed 'fuck off' when mom wasn't looking.

"Come on, lunch." He added pointedly and I nodded as I followed them.

I sat across from Emmett who had a ridiculous grin on his face for some reason and Rose spoke to mom about something. Dad sat at the head of the table and mom sat across from him. The seat next to me was empty and always had been.

"So, Rose how's the wedding planning coming along?" Dad asked and I internally groaned. All she could talk about these days was her wedding.

"We were thinking about inviting about 150 guests."

"That's a good number. I can help you with the list." Mom suggested and Rose smiled. "What about the venue?"

"Um, we were thinking Discovery Park?" I looked at her curiously.

"By the beach?"

"Yeah," She grinned at me. "I always wanted a beach wedding."

"That's a lot of sand." I muttered and Emmett kicked me under the table. Mrs. Knight served me Shrimp stir fry and I scowled. She knew I hated shrimp.

"Mrs. Knight, I don't actually like shrimp." I said politely, trying to keep my anger in check. That woman.

"Dr. Cullen you shouldn't give back what's served." She said in a clipped tone as she served dad.

"Martha is right, honey. Have it." Mom urged on and I took a bite to find Emmett smirking at me. Sure, he was smirking. He was Mrs. Knight's favorite since we were kids.

"So, Ed how are your exams preparations coming along?"

"Good." I mumbled and I could see a teasing glint in his eyes.

"I bet Jessica helped you." Emmett gloated and I looked over at dad who hid his smile as he drank some water.

"Emmett, I don't want to talk about it." I quickly finished up my lunch and stood up.

"Edward?"

"Mom, I need to revise some topics once again."

"Edward, son don't over revise. Some of them are tricky, you might jumble the concepts."

"Yes, dad. But I just remembered something. Thank you for the lunch." I barely glanced at Mrs. Knight as I left for the stairs.

But study wasn't on my mind. It was the file. I needed to see the file. I stepped my foot on the first floor and walked over to dad's study. I was itching to know what was in that file. My fingers shook as I opened the door.

I barely entered dad's study, it was never to be entered without dad's permission, ever since we were kids. I stepped inside and took in the intimidating furniture. I walked over to his desk and tried to open the drawer but found it locked.

I sighed. I looked around for keys but found them nowhere. I groaned. I held the photoframe in my hands. It was taken on my college graduation day when my whole family was there. Good times. I flipped the frame and found the back open. I smirked as I got the bunch keys out from inside it. I'm good at this.

I tried every key and the fourth one got in, so I twisted the key and opened the drawer. With shaky hands, I took hold of the file. I could hear my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I opened the file and frowned. It was Livy's death certificate.

I flipped the next page to see they were adoption papers. I frowned. I knew I wasn't adopted. Mom showed the pictures from the hospital of me and Livy. What the fuck was up with this? I turned the next page and my eyes widened. Oh. My god. It was Liv's birth certificate. I flipped the next page to mine and found the same information.

I couldn't read as tears restricted my vision.

Name- Edward Anthony Cullen

Mother- Esme Cullen

Father- Anthony Masen

Who was this guy? I looked up just as a tear dropped on my hand and found dad standing in the doorway. His eyes couldn't fathom the shock. He shouted out mom's name and she came rushing to his side. Mom started crying instantly and I couldn't hold it in any longer.

"What the fuck is this?!" I shouted and it felt good to shout.

"Edward, son why don't you"

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?" They both looked taken aback by the volume in which I spoke. They both stepped inside and the file shook in my hands. I was so angry. I was actually seeing red.

"Who is this guy?" I asked in a calmer tone and mom walked over to me. They both stood on the other side of the desk and gazed at me cautiously.

"Talk to me dammit!" I threw the file on the wall to my right and it landed on the ground with a thud.

"Why don't you sit down." I stared at them and dad sighed.

"Please?" Mom said and I did.

"We were going to tell you about this."

"When? After my funeral?" I glared at them. "Why is that man's name in there?"

"He is your father, Edward."

I sat there like a statue as all the air left my body. What? How could this happen? My heart broke into millions of pieces as mom said it. All my dreams, my ambitions for everything just crumbled in that very second.

I was going everything in my life for them. I wanted to make them so proud. Now, this? How can I ever look at them and not see the regret from now? I don't even deserve them. I don't deserve this. I am not even a part of this family. Not even Livy.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked in a hoarse voice and wiped away my tears.

"Edward we were worried about you." I glared at them.

"Do you have any idea what the fuck just happened? I found out that this man sitting here pretending to be my dad isn't my dad anymore. That's what happened and you were worried about what?"

"Edward, listen to us."

"Why the fuck should I listen to you both? Or believe anything that you say?"

"Edward, your father and I were having some personal problems all those years ago. We wanted to work it out but weren't sure what to do. Emmett was not even a year old and there were so many things to go through."

"We decided to consult a marriage counselor. That's when I met your father, Anthony Masen." Dad stood up suddenly.

"Sit the fuck down." I snapped and he shook his head.

"I can't listen to this."

"You have to. What did I deserve to listen to this? Sit down." He looked into my eyes and I could see the hurt and desperation but I had no room for mercy for this man.

He sat down.

"He was a good man. A gentleman, just like y"

"Don't, mom." I swallowed hard and she wiped away her tears.

"I'm sorry. So, he helped us, we started to make progress. We were not sad with each other anymore. Your dad and I grew close to each other."

"But then he wanted to talk to me outside of his office hours. And I did go. We used to talk nothing about the marriage. He used to ask about me and I did the same for him. Carlisle and I started visiting his office less but I met him outside of work, every day." She had a smile as she was probably reminded of something, while dad stared at her with an unreadable expression.

"He was a breath of fresh air for me" Dad immediately stood up and left the space within seconds but mom didn't pause. "I never felt more alive. Even today I can see parts of him in you. You are just like him. Those were the best two months of my life."

"Mom, what are you even…" I shook my head and buried my face in my hands.

"I'm telling you the truth, Edward even though I love your father more than anything in this world. Then I got pregnant. I didn't tell him. Your father found out but he didn't say anything to me. Just that it was a little setback and we'll work past it. And we did. We left Seattle and shifted here after you and Liv were born."

"You never told him?"

"No." I glared at mom as I stood up.

"Then why the fuck is he in my name?!" I shouted and mom cried, her green eyes couldn't stop the trail of tears.

"Anthony was a good man, Edward. He really was."

"I'm not talking about him, it's my dad here. Why is my last name Cullen? I don't even belong to this family." Dad walked in having heard that and I pointed my finger at him.

"You never wanted me to find out, did you? You always wanted me to not know about myself. How could you be so selfish? All you both cared was about your reputation. How no one should find out that the infamous Dr. Cullen's kids were bastards or that Esme Cullen committed adultery! Did you even for a second think about me?"

"Edward that wasn't the reason." Dad said and I chuckled bitterly.

"I know exactly what is was. You never wanted me to meet my father. You didn't even tell the man that he had two kids! How could you do this to him? He was my father. I want to meet my father. Where is he? Mom, tell me where is his office? I'll meet him right now."

I'll just have to go upstairs and grab my jacket. I can tell him about me, about Livy. He was my only family left.

Mom cried as she choked on a sob. I stared at her as dad walked over to console her. I glared at the sight of them.

"Where is he, mom?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"He died last night in a car crash. I just got a phone call in the morning about it." There was a beat of silence as the information sunk in.

I never even got to meet him. My father. And he was a good man. He never got to know about me. He never got a chance to meet me. I couldn't stop the tears that flowed down my eyes. I had no one. My sister was dead, my father was dead and so was my mom today.

"You are not my family, do you hear me? You are not my mom." I pointed to mom. "You are not my dad. I don't even belong here. I have to get out of here." I muttered as I rushed to my room. I heard footsteps following me but I didn't bother turning back. I put on my jacket and searched for my car keys.

"Edward, where are you going?" Dad snapped and I turned to him.

"Don't give me your shit, dad." I patted the pocket of my jeans kept on the bed and found the keys.

"Edward, sweetie where are you going?" Mom asked and I looked at her.

"I need to get out of here, mom. I need some time alone." I pushed past them as I went to the garage. I stared at the cars and one of them shone the brightest. It was my first car. My dearest car.

It was my favorite, because my dad got it for me. Everything he got me was out of guilt. So much guilt. The clouds rumbled and knew it was going to rain anytime now. Something else shone by mom's car and I smiled darkly.

It was a big wrench. I grabbed it and walked over to my car. I hit the wrench on the windshield and watched the glass shatter all over the place. I wiped away my tears and stared at the car. I hit the car until it started to hurt me. The wrench dropped from my hands when I noticed blood glistening off them.

I sat in the other car. My heart couldn't fathom breaking my Aston Martin. I got it from my own money. Not his. I wiped away my tears and exited the place. I drove away from my home. From Mercer Island. I drove aimlessly in Seattle, ignoring the numerous calls everyone in my family made. Just to realize they weren't even my family.

I drove until I checked the dashboard and saw it was almost eight. The thunder crackled in the sky and the rain made it impossible to see anything ahead of me. I wiped away my tears and had no idea I could cry so much.

I had nowhere to go. Where should I go? I can't stay at that place anymore. I couldn't even think about staying there anymore. I checked my phone and looked up to see a woman running towards the car.

"Fuck." I muttered as I tried to steer away from her but I couldn't make a turn on this empty street. I saw a tree next to her form and just to save her, decided to crash into the tree. How was I supposed to know that the woman would stand in front of the tree to die so desperately.

I got out of the car and sank to the ground when I saw her blood covered body crushed between the car and the tree. Blood pooled but I didn't bother cringing. It was raining floods but I didn't bother standing up. About half an hour later, I finally willed my legs to move and I grabbed my phone to call the paramedics.

I was a monster. I killed someone. I killed an innocent woman. I loathed myself. I cried by myself for the whole twenty minutes until the paramedics got there. They took her body away but the blood stains were present on my car.

They checked me and said I was perfectly fine. I was dead inside and they said I was perfectly fine. The irony. I drove back to my parent's place in daze. The gates were left open and I went to the garage to see no sign of shattered glass around. Everything was cleaned up.

I parked the damaged car and got out. I stood by the doorway to see dad talking on his phone and Emmett and Rose consoling mom. Mrs. Knight stood at a distance gazing anxiously.

"Edward!" Mom suddenly looked up and smiled. I just stood there. She ran over to hug me but I didn't hug her back.

"Stop crying mom. You always cry."

"I don't." She pulled back and wiped away her tears, going back to the couch. Dad walked over to me. I glared at him.

"I just called the hospital. The woman died instantly from you crashing into her. Do you realize you killed a woman?"

"I didn't kill her, dad. I would never do that."

"Why did you go out of the house in the first place? Do you know almost everybody knows she crashed into your car?"

"I'm sorry if that affects your reputation." I snapped.

"You never really care about your family, or your mom do you Edward?" dad asked me and my glare intensified.

"Don't you dare talk about this shit to me right now!"

"Edward, calm down honey." I could barely hear mom's voice over my heart pounding in my ears.

"How could you be so careless Edward? You have no idea in what conditions people live or survive every day. They barely have money to meet their ends and here you have everything at your feet. Don't try to deny that either now."

"Why does it have anything to do with me? I am telling you I did not hit the woman with my fucking car, she ran towards it!"

"You will never understand, will you? You better make things right." Dad said and I couldn't hold it in any longer. How can he not believe me? Does he really think I can hit a woman with a car for no reason at all?

"You want to talk about making things right? Right would've been mom telling me everything long ago! Right would've been knowing I was never a part of this family! Right would've been—"

"Edward, sweetie, hush, calm down." I turned to mom's voice. Her green eyes like mine were filled with unshed tears and she opened her arms in which I gladly went. I buried my face in her hair and breathed in some air.

"Calm down, Edward. Everything is okay." I shook my head.

"Nothing is okay, nothing." I mumbled and felt a hand on my shoulder. I knew it was Emmett before I turned. I pulled to look at him.

"Edward, maybe we can just talk about this more peacefully."

"Peacefully?" I laughed a hollow laughter. "There is nothing to talk about. How would you feel if you found out your father was never your real father, and the one who was, died? My only family Emmett. He was my only family. You aren't even my brother."

"Edward, calm down. I'm sure they didn't mean to keep it from you."

"But they did! I heard them, they weren't even going to tell me! Ever!" Rose stood up and walked over to me.

"Edward, honey I understand but"

"You don't. Nobody can. Nobody can feel how dead I'm feeling right now. I never ever did something to hurt them both, why would they keep such a thing from me? They didn't even have the courtesy to apologize!"

"Edward, that's not the way to talk about us." I turned to dad.

"It would be so much better if you could just shut the fuck up for a second."

"Enough, you are standing in my house, you can't speak that way." He snapped and I nodded.

"I know it's your house. You aren't even my dad. I'm sorry. I don't think I relate you any of you except mom, but she is practically nobody to me from now on. Fine." I rushed upstairs and started opening drawers as I searched for my car keys. I heard footsteps walking in.

"Edward, what are you doing?"

"Not now Rose, get out." I walked over to my CD player and paused the music. I grabbed my wallet and glanced at my room for one last time. I went downstairs to see dad and mom sitting on the couch. Both hunched over and I couldn't see their faces.

"Dad." I said and he looked up, anger evident in his blue eyes. I pulled out my wallet and threw three credit cards in front of him, except my own. I pulled out my car keys and threw them on the coffee table, even my Aston Martin's.

His face crumbled to disbelief and horror as he stared at the things I threw towards him. I glared at him through my tears.

"You owe me nothing. Do you hear me? Nothing."

I leaned over and pressed a soft kiss on mom's hair as I still couldn't see her face. I breathing in the scent of roses for the last time. I stroked her hair.

"Bye, mom."

I gazed at Emmett whose eyes were filled with unshed tears, Rose cried in his arms. Even Mrs. Knight had tears flowing down her eyes. I opened the main door and stepped outside the house feeling empty for some reason. I walked out of the open gates for the last time in the pouring rain and stepped out only to never return back.


"Still love me?" I murmured cautiously as I stared at Bella. She chuckled and nodded, hugging me tightly. I wrapped my arms around her waist and held her tightly.

"I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry about." I kissed her hair. She pulled back and I wiped away her tears. I felt so much better after telling her for some reason and that she still didn't think I was a bad person. What I did was pretty disgraceful.

"Thank you for telling me." I smiled and kissed her forehead.

"No questions? Wow."

"Let's just leave it to that." I nodded and she curled up further on my lap. I traced circles on the blanket still wrapped around her.

"Well, I do have one question." I chuckled and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder.

"What?"

"This Jessica. Was she hot?" I laughed and nuzzled against her hair.

"Oh yeah, she was the hottest person I ever went out with. She had this big hazel eyes and her face was so," I paused when her expression fell. "Baby, I'm just kidding. She was nothing compared to you. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life." She blushed and shook her head.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere."

"I'm telling the truth." She smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck.

"So, everybody at home called you Dr. Cullen?" I chuckled.

"Mrs. Knight and Matt did. Others called me sometimes."

"I would like to meet them both."

"Mm, me too. Mrs. Knight might drop by tomorrow or Sunday. Mom said she got here on weekends. I don't know about Matt." She kissed my lips softly.

"Okay and hey, did Gale go home?"

"No, I told her to sleep in the guest room. She might go home in the morning. She'll leave me a text."

"Gale is very fun." Bella smiled.

"I know, that's why I always tell her to get here."

"She must be exhausted from the flight too."

"Yeah, let her rest then." I kissed her nose.

"Your bathroom is very fancy. I can say that it is the best place in the house." I laughed and kissed her hair.

"Alright, maybe we'll have a nice, hot evening in the tub any other day." She blushed and nodded.

"I would really like that."

"Mom's coming tomorrow morning. To take you for shopping." Bella made a face and I stroked her cheek.

"Well, they'll probably get here after breakfast so we'll still have plenty of time."

"Yeah." She yawned making me smile.

"Looks like I tired you out with sex and stories, Ms. Swan. You need some rest." She smiled and leaned over to turn the lamp off.

We got under the covers and Bella just slipped off her blanket, snuggling closer to me. I kissed her hair and she leaned up to me.

"Take off your t-shirt." I obliged and kept it on the edge of the bed. She smiled and snuggled against my neck. I felt warm in spite of the pouring rain as our warm bodies were encased in the blanket.

"Night Edward."

"Sweet dreams, angel. Good night."


I woke and tightened my arms around the warm body next to me. I opened my eyes and Bella's back was the first thing I saw as I spooned her. I sighed softly and pulled her closer to me. I placed a soft kiss on her back and heard her sigh.

I looked over at the clock to see it was seven thirty. Too early. I trailed kisses over her back as my fingers glided towards her breasts. She moaned and turned towards me.

"Edward, I'm not up for your morning sex." She whispered and whimpered softly as I nipped against her ear.

"I bet I could change your mind."

"How are you planning to do that?" I hovered over her form, letting the blanket rest against my waist as I pressed my lips against her. Her arms wrapped around my neck and I hovered my lips over hers.

"It's going to be weird having sex in my childhood home so many times." She giggled and I dragged my lips against her neck down to her shoulders.

"Bella! Edward! We're here―Oh my god!" Alice shouted and my eyes widened as I quickly covered Bella with the blanket.

"What the fuck is going on? You just barge in here?" I yelled at Rose, Alice and mom―who was still standing the doorway, thankfully.

"We have to go shopping." I tightened my arms around Bella and she gripped my hand tightly in hers.

"Well you embarrassed my wife for life now, so you can't go with her." I snapped and Alice and Rose glared at me.

"Well, we are going to take her and we don't care about you." Rosalie shouted at me.

"Fuck off, both of you." I looked down at Bella who was a permanent shade of red. I stroked her hair as I held her close to me.

"Edward, it's for my wedding shopping so I swear to god I'll rip those sheets right off you." I was wearing my pajama pants but Alice didn't know that.

"It's seven thirty in the morning."

"We drove all the way from city to get her and we are not going until we take her with us." Rose said firmly.

"Edward?" Bella whispered and I looked down at her. "I want to go, it's okay."

"See?" Alice said but I ignored her.

"Okay." I kissed her forehead.

"Give her time to change at least, please."

"Mommy? Daddy?" Of course the noise woke my princess up. The last thing I want is for her to see us like this.

"Mom, could you please go to Eli's room?"

"Of course, honey." Mom went downstairs quickly and I watched Rose and Alice leave grumpily. I looked down at Bella who was staring at me amused. We let out a chuckle and sat up quickly.

"Edward, go dress Eli up. I'll take her with me. She won't sleep now anyway." I pouted.

"I'll be at home all alone."

"You're a big boy, I'm sure you'll be fine. Go, baby please?" I sighed and pecked her lips. I grabbed my t-shirt and put it on. I went to my old bedroom and saw Eli playing with her stuffed unicorn as mom sat next to her.

"Hi, princess. Did my baby sleep okay?" Eli looked up and grinned at me. She stood up on the bed and I gathered her in my arms, hugging her tightly.

"Daddy." She pecked my lips and snuggled against my neck. I rocked her a little in my arms and looked over at mom who was giving me a big smile. I smiled back.

"Angel, mommy wants to take you for shopping with Alice and Aunt Rose, do you want to go?"

"Nana?" I chuckled.

"Yes, even nana is going."

"Yay!" She clapped her hands happily.

"Nana will give you a quick bath and then you can wear your new dress and go with mommy, okay?" Eli nodded and motioned her arms to mom who quickly held her. Eli waved at me as she went inside the bathroom with mom.

I went downstairs to see Alice and Rose talking about something amongst themselves. They both burst out laughing when they saw me and I rolled my eyes.

"Fuck off."

"Aren't you a little over-dressed?" Rose teased and I chuckled as I sat next to her.

"Thank you for that. And Alice, Bella doesn't like shopping so please go slow on her. Because if during regular shopping you go crazy, I'm sure it's going to much worse for wedding stuff."

"I'm not that bad." Alice said back and Rose and I shared a look.

"Don't worry, Edward. I'll be there." Rose said and I kissed her cheek.

"Eli is also there Alice, so just please keep in check."

"Alright." She muttered exasperated and I smiled.

Gale went home around six, as I read her text that said she reached home. God, that girl should've rested. About twenty minutes into talking, Bella and Eli came into our view, both looking beautiful. Eli jumped into my lap and I hugged her tightly.

"Wow, my princess looks so pretty. Is that a new dress?" She nodded, giving me a smile. I kissed her forehead.

"Now, be careful. Also hold either of their hands, okay?"

"Otay daddy."

"Yeah, I'll miss you, princess."

"Miss you too, daddy. Bye."

"Bye, baby." I set her down and she walked over to mom, grabbing her hand in hers. Alice and Rose stood up and Bella gave me a quick kiss before I watched them all leave the place as they spoke amongst themselves happily.

Women.


I lowered the speed of the treadmill when I heard some movement coming from inside the house. I sighed and shook it off. But five minutes later I heard again and stopped the treadmill. I grabbed my t-shirt and made my way upstairs. It was almost ten but then who would be here?

I was in the gym of the house for more than an hour and half now. Finally some time to myself. I felt better and calmer after the heavy workout session.

The noise was coming from the second floor, so I made my way upstairs and saw the door of Emmett's room was wide open and a burly figure stood in front of it. I rolled my eyes. I cleared my throat and he turned startled.

"Hey." Emmett said and I nodded.

"What are you doing here?"

"Why? It's my house too."

"So, you're just here to stare at your crap."

"It's not crap and why do you care?" I shrugged.

"I just heard some commotion, that's why I got here." He nodded and looked at me.

"Why aren't you wearing a t-shirt and are so sweaty?"

"I was in the gym downstairs." I mumbled and ran a hand through my hair. "Please continue staring." I turned and went upstairs to my room. I shut the door and went straight to the shower.

Thirty minutes later, I went to the piano and started playing the composition I was working on since yesterday. The one that Bella inspired. I smiled as I thought about Bella. God, I missed her so much. I made some variation changes to what I played yesterday and made a mental note of it. I heard footsteps approaching my room.

"Is this song new?" Emmett asked and I nodded as I continued playing. "It's good." I opened my eyes surprised but nodded.

"Thank you." He just stood there staring at me but I didn't bother looking at him as I closed my eyes and glided my fingers over the keys.

"Hey, Ed?" I looked over at Emmett.

"Will you, uh, play the song I like?" I chuckled and shook my head.

"Last time I played it you abandoned me from the family." He sighed and I could see his eyes sadden. "Okay, I will if you tell me the name of the composition." He never knew it but he was smiling at me.

"Clementi: Sonatina in C major, op. 36 no. 1" My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Yeah, I searched about it." I chuckled and started playing the composition he asked me to.

I saw him leave but he came back holding a chair to sit next to me. I had no idea why he was here but he wasn't fighting or shouting which was an improvement. I played him the composition twice and then as it came to a gradual end, I looked at him.

"Thanks." He said awkwardly and I nodded, smirking at him. Even he had no clue why he was here. I could see it in his eyes.

"No problem. So?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you planning to sit here the whole time?"

"Uh, no."

"What stuff were you here to take?"

"Caps and t-shirts." He lied and I nodded.

"You and Bella are very good at arguing but are equally bad at lying." He chuckled and looked at me.

"Beer?" He asked and I shrugged.

"I don't have any."

"I do." I grinned at him.


I took a swig of my beer and stared at the pool as Emmett and I sat on the loungers. We used to always hang out here. I noticed Emmett had already gulped down his first bottle and was on his second one.

"Do you carry this cooler everywhere?" I asked and he flashed me a smile.

"Always." I rolled my eyes. He had not changed.

"Where's Andrew?"

"School."

"What? It's Saturday."

"It's Pool Day, he never misses pool day. His nanny will drop him off here around twelve, so we'll have to keep lunch ready."

"We?"

"You're his uncle. He's your responsibility too. Plus, he won't stop talking about you." He grumbled and I chuckled.

"Ah, jealous?" He burst out laughing.

"No way, I was relieved he liked you. He had been asking a lot about you from the past few months." I smiled.

"I'm cooler than you, Emmett. Trust me."

"Whatever." He didn't argue.

"He is a fun kid." Emmett smiled fondly.

"Oh, he's the best. But gets into a lot of trouble in school."

"Emmett he's not even five. What possible trouble can he get into?"

"Cutting his teacher's hair, throwing stones at girls, playing water fight in the pool, filling up his bag with mud, throwing away the vegetables given to eat there." I laughed.

"Yeah, he's your kid."

"That he is." Emmett had a proud grin on his face.

"It's not a compliment."

"Isn't Eli going to join pre-school anytime soon?"

"Um, sure. Bella and I were thinking about it but we don't know good pre-schools in town."

"Why don't you enroll her in Andrew's pre-school? The owner is my friend. I'm sure there'll be no waiting for you."

"I'll have to talk to Bella about it."

"Trust me, Eli will have fun. They even have those stupid naptime breaks where they put your kid to sleep after everything around three to five."

"Oh? What are the timings?"

"9-5. It's just perfect. Keep them for four hours between those times. That's why we put Drew there. They even potty-train." I made a face. Gross.

"Why are you telling me about this?"

"Like you didn't have to go through the hardships." I shook my head.

"My princess came to us trained for everything."

"Lucky."

"I thought Rose wanted bunch of kids." He chuckled.

"Oh, she pushed one out of her and swore to not have another one." I laughed.

"I can imagine her saying that."

"She was in labor for twelve hours. God, she almost killed me."

"But then you got Andrew." He grinned.

"Oh, my boy's the best. Aren't you and Bella having anytime soon?" I paused the bottle at my mouth and shook my head.

"Nope, we're going to wait for a couple of years. I mean, we just got Eli. She shouldn't get shied away from our attention." I lied and he nodded. Man, I was making up so much crap.

"Seriously? Years?"

"One or two, sure." I nodded.

"Your call." We remained silent for a long time, I stared at the water as I grabbed another bottle of beer. I looked over at Emmett.

"Why did mom and dad leave this place again?"

"Too many memories." I was taken aback by his answer.

"That's why?"

"Yeah, you've no idea what were the aftereffects of the storm took place all those year ago. Everything changed."

"Maybe it was for the best." I mumbled and Emmett chuckled humorlessly.

"It all took us a year to get back into our daily routines. It wasn't the same without you."

"Dad wouldn't think so." I muttered and he sighed.

"When you left the house, dad watched you leave from the window. He stood there for hours, he was hoping you would come back from those gates. He would come home every day and just sit on the porch, around the same timing you left. He did that until they stayed here. They had to leave the place. But they didn't sell it."

"You leaving affected dad the most, you were his favorite after all. He barely spoke, the family was in actual shatters, he wouldn't even go to clinic some days. He lost it a year ago though, on your 26th birthday. Gramps left you the clinic, didn't he? Dad wanted to sell it. Mom promised him you would get back. And somehow miraculously, you did." He gave me a bittersweet smile.

"I had no idea about any of this." I cleared my throat.

"I didn't scream at you for no reason. You're my baby brother. I was the happiest that you were here but somebody had to make sure you knew how much it was worth to mom and dad that you were here. But then your wife got in between." He shook his head and I laughed, letting my shoulders relax. I smiled thinking about Bella.

"She's still not a fan of you."

"Guess, I had that coming." I nodded and kept the empty bottle away. He ruffled my hair.

"It's good to finally have you back." He winked, grabbing his fourth bottle of beer.

So full of artless jealousy is guilt, it spills itself in the fear of being spilt.


I stretched a little and groaned. These sun loungers were uncomfortable. I yawned and sat up. I checked my watch to see it was almost twelve thirty. I slept for an hour. Great. I turned to see Emmett still snoring on the lounger next to mine. I chuckled.

I squinted when I saw two figures walking over to where we were. Wait, are those swimming trunks? The little figure came charging towards me and I stood up to see it was Andrew. I couldn't help laugh. God, he was adorable.

He gave me a wide grin as he came running to me and I lifted him in my arms, kissing his cheek soundly. He giggled.

"Hey, buddy. Did you have fun?"

"Yes, it was pool day!" He said excitedly and I smiled.

"Your daddy told me about it and it sounds so much fun." He grinned and squirmed in my arms so I set him down. Andrew walked over to where Emmett sat and shook him.

"Daddy! Daddy! I'm here!" Emmett grumbled something and rolled away. I chuckled.

"Hello, I don't think we've met before." I heard a female voice say behind me. I turned and gave a polite smile.

"Hi, my name is Amanda. I'm Drew's babysitter." I shook hands with her and noticed she was holding Andrew's clothes in the other hand.

"It's good to meet you. I'm Edward, Andrew's uncle."

"Oh, I've never seen you before."

"I just moved back from New York."

"Wow, New York. Were you into modelling or something?" Oh god, she's a whackjob.

"I'm a doctor."

"Oh, that's great."

"Yeah and he's married, also has a kid so don't get any ideas in your head." Emmett said from behind me and I turned to see him wide awake.

"I wasn't." She turned pink and stared at me. I looked away and went to sit back on the lounger.

"So Drew, why don't you have any clothes on?" I asked and he grinned.

"Because I'm Waterman, Uncle Edward. Waterman don't wear clothes." I laughed but Emmett scowled at me before turning to Andrew.

"Drew, buddy put on some clothes. You shouldn't run around in your swimming trunks."

"No, daddy. Waterman is like this."

"Pool day is over, I don't think you need to keep them on."

"No! I want to." He whined and Emmett looked at me for help. I nodded.

"Andrew, come here bud." He sat on my lounger. "Waterman sounds really cool."

"Really?"

"Of course but Waterman should wear clothes when he is out of water."

"No." Drew frowned and I smiled.

"Well, you see Batman doesn't wear his suit if not at night and so maybe Waterman shouldn't wear the trunks if not in water."

"But they have Batman." He stood up on the lounger and I chuckled as I saw his trunks had Batman's photos printed all over it.

"That is so cool but Waterman can have different cool stuff too." I motioned the babysitter to give me the clothes. I kept them on my lap.

"Like what?"

"Like he can swim underwater." I pulled the dark blue t-shirt down his head and Andrew put his arms through the holes.

"And surf?"

"Of course, he can surf." I said and helped him out of the trunks. "But do you think he'll fly?" I helped him put on the cargoes.

"I don't know."

"Well, we can decide that later." I set him down on my lap and turned to see Emmett, staring at me with a shocked expression. I smirked and shook my head.

"Wow, that was really good." Amanda said and I offered her a smile.

"When I be Waterman?" Andrew asked and I chuckled.

"When you go to middle-school maybe?"

"Okay!"

And the ridiculous conversation was finally over.


We were back to where we sat in the morning by the loungers around six after Emmett took me and Drew to show me his theatre that he had on first avenue that offered beer, of course and movies. It was a very homey place and I loved it there. Maybe I could take Eli and Bella someday.

It was jam packed and they had these living rooms and dens for people to hang out at. There was a special room for video games where I kicked Emmett's ass at so many games today. Bella would love the small library there.

It was awesome.

We got back about ten minutes ago and Drew was fast asleep so Emmett made him sleep in the guest room. He must be tired out due to such an eventful day.

Emmett grinned at me suddenly and I frowned at him. There was teasing glint in his eyes. What was he smiling about? I knew that smile. It was the You-Have-No-Idea-What-Is-Waiting-For-You smile. Then I realized he was looking past me. Maybe Bella was back. I turned quickly and groaned.

"Emmet, I'm going to chop your dick off." I threatened and he just laughed. He walked over to me and grabbed my left hand, pulling the wedding ring off.

"Hey!" I glared at him and he just winked.

"Come on, it'll be fun." I shook my head and stood up with him.

Jessica Stanley walked towards us, wearing a short dress and incredibly high heels. Her hair was shorter than before but at least her face wasn't caked with make-up. Her face looked pretty if I ignore the fact that she was mind-numbingly dumb.

"Hey, Jess!" Emmett grinned at her and she walked over to us eagerly.

"Hi." But she was staring at me. "Edward, I didn't know you were in Seattle. We could've hung out to catch up on stuff." She touched my arm and I moved away.

"Jessica, hi. You look the same." She laughed.

"So do you."

"Now, what do you do for a living Jessica?" Emmett asked her curiously and she smiled.

"Well I just recently divorced my husband, I used to help him in the business." Emmett and I looked at each other. Trophy wife.

"Oh, that sounds great. How long were you married for?"

"Ten months."

"That's a long time." I mumbled and gave her a small smile.

"So Edward, any girlfriend?"

"No, he's single!" Emmett patted my back. "Just broke up with his ex-girlfriend."

"What a co-incidence and I got divorced."

"It's like destiny wanted you to be together." Emmett said, placing his hand over his heart. I ribbed my elbow hard into his stomach and he muttered 'fuck' under his breath behind me.

"Actually, I'm married." I told her and her eyes widened.

"What?"

"Yes, he's married to his work. He has no time for relationships." Emmett added and I rolled my eyes.

"Aw, what a busy man." Jessica rubbed my arm. "Looks like you've been working out a lot."

"Sure." I shuddered and moved away.

"So, how was New York?"

"Good."

"Are you going back?"

"No, he's here now." Emmett grinned at her and I wanted to kill him.

"Daddy!"

I heard my baby say and I sighed with relief as I went running to her. I scooped her in my arms and placed kisses all over her face, making her giggle.

"Daddy missed you so much." I murmured and hugged her to me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and let out a yawn. "Tired, love?" Eli nodded.

"I shops lots!" I laughed.

"You did? That's great. I'll have to see what you got then."

"Edward!" Emmett called out and I glared at him as I walked over to where he was.

"Oh, what a cute little girl. Emmett, I didn't know you had had a daughter as well." I rolled my eyes.

"This is my daughter. Eli, say hello to Miss. Jessica."

"Hi." Eli waved shyly and snuggled against my neck, closing her eyes. I kissed her hair and looked at Jessica.

"But, you weren't married."

"Emmett." I glared at him and he handed me back the wedding band, muttering something under his breath. I put it back on.

"I am, I don't know what happened to Emmett today. Must be with all the drinking." She glared at the little girl in my arms.

"How old is she?"

"She turned three this month."

"Oh, you had her at such young age. Who's the mother? Was it a one-night stand?" I glared at her.

"No!" I said sharply. "I'm happily married and don't make such comments about my wife."

"Edward?" I turned when Bella's beautiful face came into my view. She looked over at Jessica and then at me.

"Baby, this is Jessica." I mumbled and closed my eyes against Eli's hair.

"Hi Jessica, it's good to meet you."

"Yeah, okay." Jessica muttered and scowled at Bella.

"Is there something wrong?" Bella asked me and I shook my head, looking at her.

"Emmett." Was all I said and she stared at me confused.

"Oh hi Jessica, long time no see." Rose said and Jessica paled as she turned to her.

"Um, hi Rosalie."

"Why are you here?"

"Emmett said Edward was here, so I came to meet him."

"So, are you done meeting?" She nodded. "Then get lost." Jessica scurried back where she came from and I sighed with relief. Emmett laughed next to me and I set Eli down.

"You are dead, Emmett." He just laughed as he ran away from the backyard, making his way inside the house. I chased him all the way and paused when he hid behind mom. He gripped mom's shoulder and used her as a shield.

"Emmett you are not five anymore." I snapped as I lunged for him but he hid his large form behind her.

"Ma, Edward is hitting me."

"I'm not hitting you." I said angrily and I tried to catch his arm but mom kept her hand on my chest. I looked at her as she stared at the both of us evenly.

"You both aren't five anymore. You have kids for Christ's sake! Behave like adults." Was all she said and walked towards the kitchen. I smacked Emmett's head and he huffed.

"That's for being the biggest jackass in the world. And Jessica of all people!"

"Did I heard Jessica?" Jasper drawled as he walked over to us. I groaned as I sat on the couch tiredly and both laughed. Now both were going to double-team me.

"What happened Emmett?" Jasper asked as they both sat on the armchairs that were placed opposite to each other. I sat on the couch which gave me a perfect view of both of them.

"Jessica was here to meet Edward."

"Jessica Stanley? Wow." I glared at Jasper.

"You should've seen her face when I told her Edward was single."

"And I missed it? Damn."

"You both are such shit faces."

"Hey, we are not that bad." Jasper argued and I sighed. Bella walked in with Rose and Eli behind her and Eli let out a squeal as she saw Jasper. She went over to him and Bella came to sit next to me.

"Hi." She grinned at me.

"Hey."

"Why do you look so tired?" She stroked my hair.

"I have the shittiest brother in the whole world." I whispered and she sighed.

"Did you both have a fight again?" I chuckled and shook my head.

"Everything's fine now. We're hanging out since morning. It was fun."

"Well, my day could've been better. Alice is unstoppable when shopping." I chuckled and kissed her forehead.

"I missed you." I murmured and she smiled.

"I missed you too, honey."

I pressed my lips against hers and she sighed as she parted her lips, kissing me back. My hand stroked her cheek and the other one rested at her waist. She smiled and wrapped both her arms around my neck pulling me closer to her. How I survived without her lips for ten hours, I had no idea. The tip of my tongue touched hers lightly when I heard Emmett holler.

"Keep it G rated guys! Please." I sighed and broke the kiss as I looked over at Emmett. "Your daughter's right there."

"You drank a little too much, Em." Rose said as she sat on the arm of the chair he was sitting on.

"Edward drank the same amount as me." Bella stared at me and I smiled at her.

"I have a greater alcohol consumption level than you."

"What a load of shi―ep." Emmett looked over at Eli and then at me. At least he didn't complete the sentence.

"No, Ed is right. He was always the sober one out of us all." Jasper added and I smirked at Emmett.

"You used to party a lot?" Bella asked curiously.

"Every weekend, Bells," Jasper said and she looked over at him. "He used to get drunk and then talk to the hott―" My glare made him stop talking. "Get back to his apartment alone." He mumbled and Bella looked at me. I offered her a smile and kissed her forehead.

"Did you do a lot of shopping?" I subtly changed the topic and it worked as Bella leaned against me, nodding her head.

"I was forced to. It wasn't by choice."

"Bella!" Alice sang as she skipped over to us. "Esme needs your help."

"Of course, because you can't cook." Emmett said and Alice punched his shoulder, making him laugh loudly. Eli quickly sprinted over to me and sat on my lap.

"What happened, princess?"

"Uncle Em scawy." I chuckled.

"Uncle Em is not scary at all," I peered at Emmett, grabbing his attention. "My daughter is scared of you. Try to control the volume of your laughter, please."

"I'm sorry, Eli." He grinned at her and she frowned, staring at me.

"Daddy, what dat?" She pointed at him and I kissed her hair.

"What, baby?" She poked at my cheek and I chuckled.

"Those are dimples, only Uncle Em has them." She got off my lap and walked over to him. Bella pecked my lips before she went to the kitchen with Rose. I found Eli talking to Emmett about something and sighed with relief at that. Fucking finally.

Alice got off Jasper's lap as she came to sit by me. I frowned. When did Jasper get here? How did he get here?

"Jasper, when did you get here?" He chuckled.

"I came with the ladies. Alice had a lot of stuff which apparently couldn't fit in one car, so I had to go with my car." I chuckled and nodded.

"Uncle Edward?" Drew said sleepily as he walked over to me. I set him between me and Alice and ruffled his hair.

"Hey Waterman, good nap?" He nodded, letting out a yawn. Alice was smiling as she looked down at Andrew and I frowned.

"Why are you so happy?"

"He is going to be the ring-bearer. So he and Eli will walk along. Oh! His suit is going to be so cute!" She squealed and I laughed.

"Oh, and Eli is what? Flower girl?" Alice nodded.

"The cutest flower girl ever!"

"When are you getting married?"

"Jazz and I were thinking that maybe around January. In Houston."

"Wow, Houston?"

"Yeah, Jasper's parents are there, plus it'll be a change of events. Why always Seattle? It's always raining." She rolled her eyes and I kissed her hair.

"Sounds amazing."

"Yeah, we were thinking we'll have around 250 guests, we were still arguing whether to have it indoors or outdoors."

"Well, you are having it in winter, so I think maybe have the ceremony outside and reception indoors. But it's your call."

"Hmm, that's a thinker. But need to decide fast so that we can book hotels and rest of the stuff."

"I'm sure you'll manage it just fine."

"That's the hope."


I could hear Eli's light snores as she slept with her head on my lap. Her legs were on Bella's as she got comfortable to fall asleep so early. The wind was very cold today so we had the fireplace on as everybody sat in the living room.

Dinner was amazing as always it was when mom made it. But Bella just made it all even better. Everybody was here tonight. Everybody but dad. Mom said he had an emergency call and a couple of patients until late.

I could feel that it was going to rain quite heavily tonight. There were a couple of thunder flashes already happening outside and I hoped it wouldn't rain too heavy.

Eli being so tired from the shopping escapades, fell asleep as soon as dinner was done. Alice was telling about the hotel Jasper knew, which was interesting. Weddings. Bella listened to everything with rapt attention and I wondered if she felt a little sad being the only one left out. But others didn't know that.

Emmett laughed about something Rose said which made Eli open her eyes partially. I stroked her hair and she rubbed her eyes trying to sit up.

"No, baby. Hush, got to sleep." I murmured and she let out a small cry. Sleep cries from being over-tired. Of course. She sat up and hugged me tightly. I gently rocked her as she whimpered.

"Give me, I'll go put her to bed." Bella took Eli from me and carried her upstairs to my old bedroom.

Rosalie sat next to me now that a seat was vacant for her as every place was jammed packed. Andrew was wide awake and Emmett got an earful from Rose for not letting him nap in the afternoon but evening. He wasn't going to fall asleep anytime soon. He was playing with some truck Rose got him.

Bella came back downstairs and sat on the arm of the couch where I sat. She rested her hand against the back of my neck and I smiled at her.

"Oh, Bella. I'm so sorry, do you want to sit here?" Rose asked with an apologetic smile and Bella waved her off.

"It's fine."

I pulled her on my lap and she blushed bright red, stealing a shy glance at mom who was talking to Jasper. I stroked her back and she tried to stand up making me chuckle.

"Bella, my mom walked in on us when we were about to have sex, nothing is weird anymore." I whispered and she blushed brighter as she relaxed. She played with my wedding band, resting her head against my neck as Alice once again spoke to us.

"... and when I turned, Jasper was on his knee with a ring in his hand." All the women awed at the story whereas Emmett and I, rolled our eyes.

"Jasper that was really romantic." Mom said and Alice suddenly gazed at Bella and me.

"Edward, how did you propose to Bella?" Bella looked at me with a smile on her face.

"Yes, sweetie. Tell them." I sighed and gave her a smile as I nodded my head. I sat up a little straighter and found everyone looking at me. Oh fuck.

"I proposed to Bella in Hawaii." I heard Rose and Alice sigh at that. Bella tried to hide her smile against my neck. Okay, that good?

"We went there to celebrate our one year anniversary. And we stayed at this private resort. It was really intimate and beautiful. We went for a long weekend so on the last day of our stay, I took Bella on a walk along the beach."

"I had the place around paid to get decorated with tropical lights that hung on the strings. Bella loved the Fuchsia flowers there, so they were of that design. She loved it so I was half relieved. Anyway, so then as we were walking, I paused our footsteps and got down on one knee to propose. And she luckily said yes."

"Of course I did, who wouldn't in such beautiful setting?" Bella said and Rose chuckled next to us.

"Well that was hands down the most romantic, none of the proposals can beat that." Alice said and I smiled, nodding my head.

"Thank you." I nuzzled against Bella's hair and she smiled staring at our fingers. Rose and Alice started to discuss about the fake proposal I told them about and I just stared at Bella. She looked up at me, her brown eyes looked amused like her face.

"That was very nice." She whispered and I grinned.

"Why, thank you ma'am."

"Did you just make that up?" I nodded.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Such a smooth liar."

"You really liked it?"

"Let's just say it would've been difficult to say no to." We both sighed and she rested her face against my neck, letting out a yawn.

"My wife's tired?"

"Very."

Bella gazed sleepily at Rose talking about something and soon she was fast asleep in my arms. I reached down and unstrapped her heels. I helped her feet up and she curled up to me in her sleep. I stroked her hair and smiled as Drew told everyone about his truck.

"Edward and I never played these. We used to play those stupid arcade games. Yeah, Star Wars," he looked thoughtful. "What was the other game, Ed?" I chuckled.

"Uh, Double Dragon. Emmett used to love this stupid game called Punch Out, my god he used to literally cry after losing."

"It was a really cool game. It was Mike Tyson's." I rolled my eyes. "We wanted to have Pac-Man at home but dad said no."

"Then Emmett broke dad's watch." I muttered.

"I didn't mean to, it fell accidentally."

"Emmett, sweetie even your dad knows you broke it on purpose." Mom said and we laughed. Bella shivered a little from the cold so I removed my jacket, trying not to wake her up. I wrapped the jacket around her shoulders and she sighed softly.

We all spoke for I don't know how long and I never wanted the night to end. It was so amazing, having everyone in the same room once again. I hated to admit it but I missed this very much. And Bella was here with me, she was fast asleep but still she was here. I didn't feel alone this time.

Around ten-thirty everybody decided to go to their homes. I set Bella down on the couch and covered her back with my jacket. Mom went to the kitchen for something and Alice took Emmett and Jasper to the garage.

"Where are you going?" I asked them and Jasper made a face.

"Bella's bags are in the car, we've to get them."

"You are needing two people for that?" Alice nodded and looped her arms through their both's and skipped to the garage. Mom came back with a smile on her face and I smiled back.

"You told Bella, didn't you?" I looked at her shocked.

"How did you know?"

"I could see it in her eyes. I can see it in your eyes." I nodded. "I'm very happy she doesn't hate me."

"Mom, don't say that." I hugged her and she laughed.

"Part of me was scared." Part of me was scared too.

"Bella could never hate you. She told me that you remind her of her mom. How can she ever hate her mom?" Mom pulled back and gave me a watery smile.

"She said that?" I nodded.

"When we were coming back from your place after lunch last Sunday. Her mom wasn't exactly like you but she really thought you are a great mom. Now, don't cry."

"I'm not crying."

"You always cry."

"You have to stop saying that."

"But you always do."

"Hey Edward?" I turned when Jasper called out my name. "Where should we keep these?" I smirked.

"In my room." He groaned.

"Why can't we keep it in the guest room, your room is three floors up." Emmett said and I glared at them.

"Third floor." I pointed out and he muttered something under his breath as they both started moving towards the staircase. Wow, those were a lot of bags.

"Alright, Edward we'll see you soon. Bye." Rose walked over to me with Drew in her arms, who was finally asleep. I gave her an one-armed hug and kissed her cheek.

"Okay, bye. Good night."

"Where's Emmett?"

"He's keeping Bella's bags in my room. And Rose, Eli loved your car. Just remember to take her for a spin once." Rose laughed.

"That's not a problem and I feel kind of good that she liked it." I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, alright." She sighed.

"I'll have to wait for Emmett, we all went in Alice's car in the morning." I turned to mom immediately.

"Mom, how are you going home? Or should I drop you?"

"No, thank you. Rose and Emmett are dropping me home."

"Okay and tell dad to be there for dinner next time," She gave me a wide grin, nodding her head. "Eli was asking for him." Okay, that was a lie but it didn't matter.

"He wouldn't miss it next. I'm sure."

"Okay," Emmett and Jasper came into my view. "Bye then. I love you."

"Love you too, honey. Take care." I nodded and walked them to the entrance. I waited until the last car left and then made my way inside.

I lifted Bella in my arms and she opened her eyes to stare at me. I kissed her forehead and gave a soft smile as I carried her upstairs.

"Everybody left?" She whispered and I nodded, making her sigh sadly. "It must've looked so rude. I fell asleep when everyone was still here."

"Baby, they said nothing. They knew you were tired, it's okay. Don't worry about it."

"But still." She mumbled, playing with the collar of my shirt.

"There will be plenty of times we'll have dinner with them. You can stay awake then."

"Yeah, okay. And put me down."

"Alright." I entered the room and set her down on the bed. "I'm going to go change." I walked inside the closet and took off my clothes, throwing them in the basket. I changed into a pair of sweatpants and t-shirt. I walked out of the room to see Bella staring at something inside her purse.

"Love, what is it?" She looked up startled and shook her head.

"Nothing, nothing."

Bella closed the purse and went inside the closet with it. She came out changed into a very hot nightshirt and yawned as she checked her bags.

"Who got this stuff upstairs?"

"Jasper and Emmett. What did you get?" She chuckled.

"Clothes, footwear. Well, four of these bags are of Eli."

"Oh? She told me she did a lot of shopping." Bella laughed.

"Alice loved the fact that Eli loved shopping and was not like me." She grabbed four bags and kept them on the bed. She sat next to me and held one bag.

"She loved these toys." She got out a bunch of stuffed animals and I laughed.

"I think she's collecting stuffed animals to make her zoo or something."

"Hmm, she is very smart. I wouldn't be surprised. She got a tiger, lion, elephant and a fox."

"Oh yes, the fox. She loved the Arctic Fox, didn't she?"

"She was telling them about it." I laughed and Bella grabbed the second bag.

"This has all the drawing stuff and bedtime books. She selected them all. And the third bag has some really cute dresses and shoes."

"What's in the fourth bag?"

"No, I'm not supposed to tell you that." My curiosity piqued.

"Why not?"

"Well, it's a surprise for daddy so let your princess tell you."

"What's in it?"

"She'll let you know. She got it for you. Her idea. She saw it at the counter and wanted to give you."

"You are not telling me and then adding so much stuff." I mumbled and she pecked my lips.

"Sorry, baby. But let her show it. She asked me thrice if you would like it."

"Of course I will."

"Then tell her that when she gives it to you."

"Okay." I smiled and she went to keep the bags in the closet. She sat back next to me and I wrapped my arms around her.

"What about your stuff?"

"What about my stuff?"

"Aren't you going to show me?" Bella blushed and shook her head. I grinned.

"Why are you blushing?"

"I'm not blushing." She reached over to turn off the lamp and I laughed, pulling her to me, holding her hands in my own.

"Now you have to tell me."

"It's nothing you need to know."

"Why?"

"It's feminine stuff." I made a face.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Alright, fine." She smiled and kissed my lips softly.

"I was forced to buy some dresses, that's all."

"Isn't there anything interesting that you got?"

"Interesting?" She asked confused.

"Yeah, like some artifacts or antiques?" I asked sarcastically.

"What?" I pulled her on my lap, nuzzling my nose against her cheek.

"Bella, I'm talking about lingerie or you know something sexy?" She blushed and shook her head. I did a double take at her and then slid her off my lap. "Okay."

"Aw, look at you so sad." She murmured and I looked away. "See, you are making that sad puppy dog face again." I didn't even know that.

"I'm not." I said firmly. She should've gotten something at least.

"Well, we did go to a couple of lingerie stores, you know." I looked at her with a grin.

"You did?" She nodded.

"Alice wanted to get something." I made a face and she laughed. I couldn't even believe she said that. Alice was like my sister. Ew.

"Bella, don't try to get such horrendous pictures in my head."

"I'm sorry, honey. But my feminine stuff is from there too." Ah! She was so exasperating.

"Then why didn't you say so?"

"You want to see?" I nodded eagerly and she shook her head. "Such a guy, Edward. But, I'd rather show you when I wear it, you know later."

"That sounds fair." She straddled my lap as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"Maybe you'll like it. It's very nice. I tried it on for some people."

"People?"

"Yeah, there was this really cute sales guy, so if he liked it I would keep the items in the cart."

"Really?"

"Yep and he was very young so he knew what guys liked and all."

"Oh yeah? What did you try on?"

"Just some bras and thongs and garter belts, then um, let me think, there was this see-through bab―"

"Are you trying to be funny?" I glared at her and she stared at me innocently.

"No, you asked me. I'm just answering your question."

"So you can model for that guy but not show me." Even though I knew she was lying, it was so disturbing.

"Are you jealous?" I shook my head tightly.

"Of course not because I know there was no guy."

"Hmm, that's what you think." She winked and my confidence wavered. Okay. "Alright, I'm going to go keep the bags away." Bella made her way to the bags and her phone rang.

"See? It must be George calling." I leapt to get the phone and rolled my eyes when I saw Alice's name flash on the screen. Bella laughed as she walked in the closet and I answered the call.

"Hey, Alice."

"You're not Bella."

"Thank you for figuring that out."

"Is Bella there?"

"She is keeping her bags away, what is it?"

"Tell her that we have to meet at five in the evening for the final selection of the dress."

"Tomorrow is not possible for her, she's rather busy."

"Edward, don't be ridiculous. You can have sex any other day."

"Not that Alice, we actually have some important work tomorrow. It's about Eli."

"Oh, what happened?"

"I'll tell you about it later, but if Bella is free by four then she can be there."

"What are you, her father?"

"No, I'm her husband who cares about her well being. Now, have a good night Alice. Bye." I hung up and kept the phone back in it's previous position.

"What did she say?" Bella asked as she walked out of the room.

"She wanted to meet tomorrow." She gave me a sad smile.

"Oh and when is the aunt getting here?"

"Around ten or eleven. Clark called me in the morning about it. The lady from the ICPC is getting here as well with the aunt."

Bella didn't say a word as she got under the covers and turned down the lights. She faced away from me and I drew her in my arms. I rubbed her arm in gently motions and sighed when I realized we still hadn't gotten any information about Irina Fetcher.

About ten minutes later, Bella turned in my arms and I wiped away her tears. She hugged me tightly, hitching her leg over mine as she pulled herself closer to me.

"We'll get to keep Eli, right?"

"I don't know, love."

"I don't want her to go."

"She won't. I promise."

"Did you find anything about her?"

"Surprisingly, no. I have no idea what the deal is with that woman."

"She won't take Eli right away, would she?"

"She can't and maybe she won't be as bad as we are hoping her to be." I stroked her hair and she nodded.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Bella."

"We need to tell, Eli."

"In the morning."

"Okay. Good night, Edward."

"Night, baby." I nuzzled against her hair and tried to sleep.


Bella shifted herself closer to me as she stared at the floor to ceiling window of my room. I kissed her head and rubbed her back soothingly. We both woke up around two in the morning when an electric thunder crackled outside and before we knew it, it was raining heavily.

I knew for a reason that Bella was scared of thunders as she wasn't able to sleep. She looked up at me and I offered a smile. She pecked my lips and curled up to me.

"I hate storms." She murmured and I kissed her hair.

"I hate storms too."

"I used to get so scared in my apartment and being all alone they were even scarier. But it thankfully didn't rain so much in New York."

"And in Forks?"

"It rained every day. It was so green. And those last two months that I stayed there were the most horrible ones. I had nightmares every night. Even though Angela helped me, I just wasn't able to leave the fear behind."

I watched her face in the dim light coming from the lamp. She sat there but I could see that her mind was not anywhere here. She was probably thinking about her time back in Forks all those years ago. Bella suddenly looked at me.

"I want to go Forks someday."

"Okay, I'll take you, I promise."

"Will you stay with me?" Bella asked softly.

"Of course. I will be with you the whole time."

"I want to go later next month or something."

"We'll go anytime you want." She gave me a soft smile and let out a breathless gasp when a roaring storm was heard and she climbed on my chest, clutching me tightly.

"Hush, it's okay." I murmured and Bella nodded, resting her head against my neck. I was suddenly reminded of Eli. "Baby, I'll go check on Eli once, okay?" She nodded and sat next to me. I kissed her forehead and went downstairs to my old bedroom.

I opened the door and found Eli wide awake, staring out of the window as she cried. I quickly went over to her and scooped her in my arms. She hugged me tightly, whimpering as she did.

"Oh, princess why didn't you come to mommy and daddy?"

"Dawk." She pointed outside and I kissed her forehead.

"Come on, we'll go to daddy's room, okay?" She nodded, keeping her head on my shoulder. "Angel, you're shivering so much, are you cold?" Eli wept, nodding her head. I quickly carried her upstairs to my room and found Bella sitting on the bed waiting for us.

"Mommy." Eli sobbed and she crawled over to Bella.

"Oh honey, it's okay. Don't cry. You're fine now. Look at you, you're shivering. Get under the covers, baby." Bella quickly bundled up Eli in the comforter and I got in next to them both. Eli held each of our hands tightly in her own and closed her eyes shut. She opened her eyes a while later and looked at us.

"I can't sweep." Bella smiled at her.

"Close your eyes." She whispered and Eli did. She stroked her little face with her fingertips and then I heard her angel voice sing softly.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are gray

You never know, dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

She sang the entire song in her sweet voice and by the time she finished, Eli was fast asleep. Bella looked over at me and light blush covered her cheeks. I leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"That was beautiful, love." I murmured and she chuckled.

"It was my mom's favorite song." I smiled and wiped away the tear that trailed down her cheek.

"You have an angel's voice."

"Yeah, okay." She mumbled clearing not believing me and rested her head on the pillow as she turned to stare at me.

"Sleepy?"

"It's two thirty in the morning." I chuckled and rested my head on the pillow too, to stare into her beautiful brown eyes.

"I love you." We said in unison and laughed lightly. Eli shifted a little and we both stopped laughing.

"Shh, let's just go to sleep." She murmured and I nodded.

"Good night."

"Night, Edward. Sweet dreams."

I had no idea what tomorrow was going to bring but today couldn't have been more perfect than this. I stared at my girls as sleep gradually claimed me.


A/N:

So? Like it? Hate it? Let me know!

Edward's story was a little different than you guys probably expected, wasn't it? But everyone's happy now and that's all that matters!

Next chapter we meet the aunt, Mrs. Knight and um, you'll have to read the next one to know the third man. But let me know who you think it might be.

Now, I wonder if Bella is pregnant. Lol. Oh my dear readers, you'll have to keep on reading. We have a long way to go, still. I hope you won't get bored.

I kept the chapter a little light this time, trying to get keep them off troubles for once. They need a break!

Shirtless Edward working out was always my fantasy, I finally got to type it in a chapter! Let me know yours, maybe I can include it, just a thought!

My exams get over tomorrow, so good news that my updates won't take two weeks anymore, they'll probably just take a week! Yay!

Now, if I get an overwhelming response for this chapter, my update won't even take a week this time. I promise. So thank you for the past chapter reviews, they were all amazing, and do review for this one.

I might end up posting the chapter in four days, so let me know about this chapter.

Also, I just wanted to share that I was reading through the new followers and favorites of my story and I have to stay, some of you have very, very unusual names, I loved them! :)

So, stay tuned.

Until next time, guys!

Love, Always,
Paint the Walls.