A/N:

You knwo the drill, I own only the plot and nothing more. Enjoy.

I HIRED MY HUSBAND AN ESCORT

Chapter 34

Edward's POV

The last month has been amazing. I have spent all my free time with Bella, or thinking about her. She is doing well in school, and I am so proud of her. Not many people would go back to school after making the money she was, and taking so much time off, but she is excelling. I love to listen to her talk about her day and sharing her grades with me. She tells me stories of new friends she's met and her 'ass' of a professor. I share some of my old stories with her as well.

I'm still waiting for the right time to ask her to move in with me again. We spend almost every night together as it is. I want to start a life with her, but I know she needs time. I am willing to give her all the time she needs. She means way too much to me to screw this up. I hated going through the divorce. Yes, I know that it's what needed to be done, but it wasn't an easy process, there were so many raw emotions, and pain, but there is one good thing that came out of this. I found Bella, and I never would have found her if Tanya hadn't hired her. For that, I will always be grateful.

It's been great to date again as well. It was strange at first. Tanya was the only girl I ever dated, and I was way off my game. I wasn't sure if any of the "rules" had changed. Who pays for what, who picks up who, but I found it was so easy with her. There was no big fuss over where we ate, what movie we saw, or what we wore. I soon found that I love taking her out to dinner and dancing. We both enjoy the same things in life. We both want the same things.

My family loves her. We have talked about her on more than one occasion. I can't even begin to fathom just how much she means to me, and to know that she fits into my family, well, that's a bonus I love having. They all understand why I told her the truth, and they will back me up all the way. They have all vowed to protect her, no matter what. She may not understand it, but she has quite a bit of backup in this family. She will never need or want anything. I also know that she is not the kind of girl that enjoys having things handed to her. I will give her anything she asks for, no matter what it is, and my family will do the same.

Tanya has been quiet lately. It's a blessing, but I know something is coming. I know her too well. I know her family. I just hope I am there when she strikes. I don't want her taking this out on Bella.

I have a great night planned for us. I'm on my way to finalize the plans now. I will take her on a carriage ride tonight, followed by dinner at Everest, and we will end the night with a moonlight walk by the river. I love being able to take care of her. I love it when I surprise her; she gets this look on her face. You can tell that it's been a while since anyone has taken care of her, and she deserves it all. I could spend every day of my life taking care of her and the family I wish to have.

"Edward, where are we going?"

"For the last time, love, it's a surprise. That means I don't tell you until we get there." I laugh at her face; this is the one I get every time I surprise her. I love this face, and I have never seen her give it to anyone other than me. It's my own personal look, and it melts my heart every time I see it.

"You know I don't like surprises."

"You're right, I do know that, but I love taking care of you, and you need to get used to it." I secretly think that she loves it when I spoil her, but she will never let it known. I know that she is a strong independent woman, but deep down, she wants what we all want…to be taken care of.

"Okay, I will play nice this time. I love you, Edward." She smiles, and I know that she is game for whatever I have planned tonight.

"I love you, too. Please don't ever forget that."

"How could I? You remind me every day." This is something I can never get tired of hearing or saying. I will make sure that she knows how much she is loved and cherished every day.

We walk a little while longer, and soon, we are at the start of our carriage ride.

"What is this?" she asks as she takes in the sight before us.

The carriage is pure white and lined in soft white lights. It is pulled by two white Clydesdale horses. It all looks so magical, and I only hope that she likes it. I turn and look at her; I see her eyes grow wide with delight. Her breathing picks up, and her smile reaches her eyes.

Bella's POV

I can't believe he is taking me on a carriage ride. I have wanted to take one of these since I moved here, but I never got around to it. Now here I am with the man I love, about to enjoy an amazing evening. He reaches for my hand, kisses the top, and helps me into the carriage.

The night is cool, and I shiver a bit as a breeze rolls by. He sits next to me and pulls a blanket from the seat and wraps it over us. I snuggle in close to him. His arm wraps around me, and he pulls me closer to his body. I love being this close to him. I jump when the carriage starts to move. He laughs in return and kisses my head.

We pass through the streets, and I'm in awe of the city. It is so beautiful at night. We watch the people pass by and the lights of the buildings. Soon, my mind starts to wander. I begin to think of what our life could be like. Is this what love is supposed to be like? I glance up and catch him watching me. His eyes are so green, and they twinkle in the lights. There is something about the way he's looking at me tonight. It's as if he is looking deep into my soul. I can see the love he has for me, the need for me, and the passion that he holds. I shiver again.

"Are you cold, love?"

"No, I'm perfect."

I smile and turn my attention back to the ride. I never realized how much I missed the company of someone. I've been alone for so long, and now that I have him in my life, I don't want to let him go.

"We're here, love."

"Huh," I say as he brings me out of my thoughts.

"Where did you go?"

"I was just enjoying my time with you."

"Well, I'm glad you are having a good time, but we are here. Would you join me for dinner?"

"I would love to."

He steps from the carriage, and like the gentleman he is, holds out his hand and helps me down. Me being as clumsy as I am, I trip on the last step. He catches me, and holds me close.

"Thank you," I say as I turn beet red.

He leans in close and runs his nose up my neck. He stops at my ear, and whispers, "I will always be here to catch you."

I blush brighter, and he drops his hand to the small of my back, and guides me inside the building.

"Edward, what are we doing at the Stock Exchange Building?"

"Tonight, I am taking you to Everest for dinner."

I take in the breathtaking view on our way to the restaurant. We are seated forty floors above the city. The colors are crisp and clean. The lights are low, and with the sight of the city lights, it's utterly amazing. He pulls out my chair for me, and when we are seated and pushes me in gently. He leans in and kisses my temple softly before sitting across from me.

"This view is beautiful."

"You're right. I have never seen anything as beautiful."

"Edward, you aren't even looking at the view, you're looking at me."

"Exactly," he says quietly.

I can feel the blush creep over my face just as the waiter comes to take our drink order.

"Good evening, my name is Marcus, and I will be your server this evening. Can I offer you something to drink?"

"Edward, you mind ordering for me?" I have always wanted someone to order for me, and I trust him completely. As if reading my mind, he smiles and turns to the waiter.

"Good evening, Marcus. Can we please start with a bottle of your best Perrier Jouet?"

"Why certainly, I'll be right back to take your order."

The waiter leaves to get our champagne, and I watch as Edward looks over the menu. The waiter returns with the champagne and pours two glasses. He turns to Edward and asks if we are ready to order.

"We will start with the Roasted Maine Lobster in Alsace Gewurztraminer Butter and Ginger. Then the lady will have the Classic Baked Filet of Sea Bass Backaoffa Alsace Style. And I will have the Dry Aged New York Steak, Sauce Choron, Alsace Potato Gnocchi."

The waiter tells us that he will be back shortly with the starter and leaves us with a smile. "I hope you enjoy what I ordered."

"It sounds delicious. I can't wait to taste it."

We talk through our starter. The lobster is amazing. We talk about school, and he tells me that he is he is thinking about returning to work. He says he misses working with the patients. When the main course arrives, and I take my first bite, I moan at the taste that meets my tongue. Bass is one of my favorite fish, and this is perfect. I don't believe I have ever tasted something so delicious. He asks me if he chose right, and I tell him I trusted him, and that he picked perfectly.

"I'm glad you joined me this evening."

"You are more than welcome. I love spending time with you, and this has been the best night of my life."

"I'm glad that you are enjoying your surprise. I must admit that I have something for you."

He pulls a small box out and sets it in front of me.

"What have you done? This is all too much."

"It is never too much, love. Go on and open it."

I smile as I pick up the box and open it. I look from the box to Edward several times. Tears rush to my eyes. Inside the box is the most beautiful bracelet. It was platinum and made of x's surrounded by diamonds. It is too much.

"Oh, Edward, this is beautiful, but it's too much."

"Bella, let me tell you something. I love you. I love you more than I ever thought someone could love another. When I met you, I was in a bad place; I was confused and hurt. I didn't know where I wanted my life to go. When I met you, so much changed, you listened to me, you didn't judge me, and you cared. Sure, I wish we could have met under better terms, but you were there for me. I can't begin to express how much you mean to me. This, this is only a small token to tell you thank you. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for listening, and loving me."

"I love you too, and it's beautiful. Will you help me put it on?"

He gracefully rises from the table and joins me at my side. He clasps it on and places a kiss on my inner wrist. He pays the bill, and we make our way back outside. We stroll to the water, and continue our night with a moonlit walk. He holds my hand, and buys me a hot cocoa. We chat about the day and dinner. We stop and he pulls me to sit on a bench. It's only a matter of moments before I realize that it's the same bench that we sat the night I told him the truth. I look at him, and by the look on his face, I'd say he already knows this and is waiting for me to realize it. Why would he bring me here? There was so much pain here. I open my mouth to ask him, but he reaches in his pocket and pulls out another box.

"Before you say anything, please open it."

I look at him and can see that he is silently pleading with me to open it. I open the box and see the matching necklace and earrings to my bracelet.

"Isabella, I brought you here for a new beginning. I know that a lot happened right here, but it's where we became free. This spot right here, is where you let me in. You took a chance, and told me the truth. You cared for me enough to be honest with me. There have been many people in my life that have kept things from me, but you didn't. I love you for that, I love that you put me first, and took a chance. I love that you know me so well and don't hide from me. I love that you are an amazing person, who has done so much for others, and expected nothing in return. I love that you don't ask for anything, you expect nothing, and give so much of yourself to those around you. I wanted to bring you here and make a happy memory. I want you to come here and know how much we love each other."

My heart is beating so fast. He is holding me, and I sob into his chest. No one has ever said these words to me. No one has ever loved me the way he does right now.

"Yes, Edward."

He pulls me back so he can look in my eyes. I can tell that he is confused.

"Bella, I didn't ask you anything."

"Yes, Edward, I will move in with you."

A/N:

So she is ready to take the next step...wonder how long the happiness can last...

Next time...

"What's in the box?"

"Hmm, what box?" I say.

"The box you are trying to hide my love."

"Oh, this one, it's nothing."

"Come on, Bella. Tell me what's in there before I tickle it out of you."

I feel his hands start to move and I giggle. I guess if he really wants to know, then he can.

"Go ahead and open it, nosey, but don't say I didn't warn you."