I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

April and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and Fran, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.

Ch. 36

EPOV

I watched Bella as she was curled up reading a book on our flight. The sun shined through the window highlighting the strands of red in her hair. Her mouth moved soundlessly as she read. I tapped my fingers lightly against the couch, bored out of my mind, because for once, there was nothing for me to do.

"Please, stop tapping," she complained, not looking up.

"Sorry," I apologized.

I sighed and looked around the plane trying to find something to do. I reached over and pulled the elastic out of her hair, setting it free.

"Hey." She gave me an exasperated look. "Are you purposely trying to annoy me?"

"I'm bored," I complained.

"Didn't you bring anything to read?" she asked.

"No, I don't read for pleasure." I shrugged.

"Okay." She closed her book and rested it on her knees. "How about a movie?"

"I'm not watching some overexaggerated movie about my life. And musicals are too honeymooney." I shook my head.

"Honeymooney isn't a word." Bella scoffed playfully. "What do you usually do in your free time?"

"I don't get enough to have any type of hobby." I shrugged.

"How about a game? Are there cards or anything like that?" she suggested.

"We could go back to the bedroom?" I suggested, sliding closer to her.

"We just spent the last eight hours in there, and I don't even think half of the time was sleeping." She winked at me. "Besides, we'll be landing in less than an hour."

"I can be quick," I told her.

She smirked. "I don't think you want to brag about being quick," she teased.

"Very funny." I pouted, and she started to giggle.

I pulled her close and kissed her. "Are you sure I can't change your mind?"

"Sorry, I'm already sore. I wanted to be able to walk when we get to Ireland." She kissed my jaw.

"Then we better stop doing this." I shifted away from her.

"Do you play chess?" I asked.

"I have once or twice. You're going to have to remind me how each piece moves," she answered.

"I can do that." I got up and retrieved the game from a cabinet.

I set up the magnetized pieces on the board between us. Bella sat crossed legged and stared with concentration as I explained how they moved. She moved first and then waited for me. Our game lasted until Ben called us back to our seats. Bella hopped off the couch and rushed for the window to look out below. I chuckled as I took my seat beside her and buckled her in.

"You're going to drag me to every tourist attraction, aren't you?" I asked amusedly.

"Not every one. When do we need to be at your grandparents?" She turned from the window.

"In about four days. We'll spend about a night there, and then we can continue on to Dublin," I explained.

"You only want to spend one night? We can stay longer if you'd like. I know you don't get to spend time with your family very often." She looked at me in surprise.

"Don't get me wrong. I love them, but they are very set in their old ways. If you found my da old-fashioned, my granda is about ten times worse," I explained.

She frowned. "The last time you said that I walked into a room filled with naked women being prepared to be sold as slaves."

I cringed, thinking how I screwed up that time. "I swear you won't walk into anything like that. However, it won't just be him, I'm sure my granny will be bringing up babies. They will expect our first child within the year." I watched her closely.

"Thanks for the warning, but Rosalie already gave me a heads up," Bella said.

"So, you haven't changed your mind about children?" I questioned.

She ran her hand through her hair. "What's the rush? I do want children, but I can't help feel as if I'm missing something. I also don't buy into the theory that being with-child will protect me."

"That was a real reason but…that wasn't the only one," I admitted. "Being next in line to be boss, it's expected we produce a male heir."

Her eyes narrowed. "I know it's a family business, but does that mean our sons can't make the choice for themselves?"

I sighed. "For me, it's never been a choice. I've been groomed since birth, so it never seemed like I had to decide what I wanted to do when I grew up. It was as it was, what I had to do. If we don't have boys, then Junior becomes next in line."

"So, you're saying if we have a daughter she couldn't be boss?" Bella asked, getting upset.

"There aren't very many female bosses. She may have a tough time being accepted by other families," I explained.

Bella crossed her legs and arched an eyebrow. I knew I had to find a way to defuse the situation before our honeymoon was over before it began.

"Although, any daughter of ours would be a force to be reckoned with, especially, if she were to take after her mother."

"Are you trying to placate me?" Bella asked skeptically.

I took her hand and kissed the back of it. "No, Acushla. You're the strongest woman I know. If we have a daughter and if she's anything like you, a man would have to be a fool to underestimate her."

"Ahh…boss, sorry to interrupt, but we need to get off the plane and through customs." Felix looked nervous to interrupt us.

"We're coming." I glanced out the window. I had been so distracted I didn't realize we had landed.

I stood and helped Bella to her feet. She gave me a genuine smile but didn't move when I started to walk. I paused and looked over my shoulder at her.

"Give me to the end of the summer, and I'll go off my pills. By then, I should have my center up and running. Then we can work on starting a family," she said.

"I can agree to that." I nodded as I wrapped my arm around her waist, and we walked off the plane together.

Our first stop was to check into our hotel by the river to drop off our things. After a quick lunch in a pub, we visited the Blackrock Castle Observatory. Then spent a few hours at the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery. We had an early dinner before taking a walk along the river before retiring for the night as jetlag was catching up to us.

In the morning, Bella dragged me to the Butter Museum before we got on the road for Blarney Castle. As I drove, Bella sat next to me marking things off in a travel guide. I glanced behind me periodically out of habit to see if we were being followed. I wasn't used to going anywhere without at least one guard.

"Why are you sighing?" Bella asked without looking up.

"Nothing, I guess I'm being paranoid." I glanced one more time in the mirror.

Bella turned in her seat for a moment and then faced me. She closed her book and reached across so she could rub my shoulders.

"You're right; you are paranoid. There are two old ladies in that car, and I doubt they are a threat." She grinned. "We told everyone we were breaking tradition and going to Bermuda. You don't think anyone would really actually follow us all the way to Ireland, do you?"

"I don't know, it hard to switch off this part of me," I said.

Bella continued to massage my neck. "You need to learn to relax, or you'll be putting yourself in an early grave. I'm hoping to grow old with you. I think I understand now why your mother tries to keep caffeine and other high cholesterol foods from your father."

"You're not taking away my coffee." I shoot her a look.

"I won't if you'd learn to relax, so your blood pressure doesn't go through the roof. Maybe we can start couples' yoga or something," she suggested.

"Yoga?" I said skeptically.

"Mmmhmm. From what I hear it can lead to other activities that you might enjoy." Her hand slipped to my lap and between my legs.

"Why not skip yoga and get right to the happy ending." I wiggled my eyebrows.

She laughed and withdrew her hand. "You're such a guy."

"You weren't complaining last night." I grinned.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Just drive. I'd like to get there before it closes."

"You're not actually going to kiss that stone, are you?" I shuddered at the thought of how many people do it every day.

"Jealous? You're not going to threaten to off the stone, are you?" Bella teased, and her eyes twinkled.

"Funny." I snickered.

LS

The next few days we took our time traveling around Ireland. We visited museums and a couple of breweries. We stayed overnight in one castle and visited another. Bella found a new crystal ornament to give my ma from the House of Waterford Crystal. And at every stop a new magnet for her collection.

We drove along the country roads towards Kildare on Thursday morning. The sun was shining, and the air was warm enough to have the windows down. Two bouquets of flowers laid on Bella's lap that we had picked up at a farm stand along the road.

I turned down a road just outside of the town and came to a stop at the gate. I hit the button on the intercom.

"Hello," Granda called in his gruff voice.

"It's me, Granda." I looked into the camera.

There was a pause before I heard a beep and the gates squeaked open. Bella pulled down the visor and checked her hair in the mirror and bit her lip nervously. I drove slowly up the path to the stone house.

"Don't be so worried. You look beautiful; they're gonna love you," I promised.

"As long as I act like a prim and proper lady, right?" She sighed and brushed off the skirt of her dress.

I grimaced. "I apologize ahead of time. Hopefully, the twenty-four hours will go quickly." I parked the car by the garage.

"I don't want to rush you from your grandparents," Bella said softly. "I know you don't get to see them too often."

I appreciated her concern, but truthfully, I could only handle short spurts myself. Granda, although retired, still insisted upon being informed about the business. And he wasn't shy in telling us what we were doing wrong and how to do things better.

As we walked up the path hand in hand, the door opened, and my family walked outside to greet us.

"Edward, my boy, it is good to see you." My granda stood in front of the group with my uncle behind him. The women were waiting just outside the door.

"Granda, how are you, sir?" I asked politely.

"I'm still alive and kicking. Are you going to introduce us to your bride?" Granda stared at Bella with a blank expression, observing her.

"Of course. This is Bella. Acushla, this my granda, Uncle Sean, and behind them is Granny Catherine, Aunt Colleen, and Granny Aisling Whitlock," I introduced them all.

"Pleased to meet you," Bella said quietly.

"You're a Rosu, correct?" Granda's eyes narrowed slightly.

"She's also half Whitlock," I reminded him before he gave her a hard time.

"Of course, she is. I would recognize the Whitlock nose anywhere." Granny Aisling came closer. "Welcome to the family, my dear. I look forward to getting to know you." She hugged Bella.

I relaxed a bit as Bella became more comfortable. "I have been looking forward to getting to know you too. I hope you can tell me more about my father. These are for you." She held out one of the bouquets.

"Thank you, dear, they are lovely." Granny Aisling grinned as she accepted the flowers.

Bella stepped forward. "I have some for you as well, Granny Catherine."

"It's been a while since I have received flowers. Thank you, Bella. I can see why Edward is smitten…you are a beauty." Granny took the flowers with a smile.

Granda slapped a hand on my shoulder. "Let's go down to the track and allow the hens to gossip."

"We just got here." I glanced at Bella, not sure if I should leave her so soon.

"The lass will be fine, won't you, dear?" Granda looked at her.

Bella hesitated before nodding. "Yes, I'll be fine, go ahead."

"It settled." Granda looked pleased.

I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before following Granda and Uncle Sean to my uncle's car. The ride to the track was short and we found a spot along the fence to watch the horses practice.

"The races are going to be good this year. I have my eyes on a few," Granda commented.

"I'm sure whoever you pick will be a certain winner," I responded.

"What's the word on the Rosus?" he asked.

"You know what we know. They're all gone, and no one is admitting to anything," I answered.

"But they're not all gone. Your wife is still left, in turn, everything should go under the Cullen name." He smacked his hand on the fence.

"No one knows Bella was a Rosu, nor are we going to make it public. I refuse to put a target on my wife's back. It's been decided that New York and us will split up the area as we are the closet outfits. Volturi is out, as everyone agrees they are the most likely culprits after Aro's disappearing act."

"I don't like it. I remember Aro; he doesn't seem the type to run and hide. Why would the man wait over twenty years to get revenge?" Granda shook his head.

He raised a good question. "I don't know. But who else could it be?"

Uncle Sean rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps the feds took them out."

"A little dark for the feds, don't you think? A lot of innocent women and children died in that mansion," I disagreed.

"A lot of those feds are wolves in sheep's clothing. They can't be trusted. If you want to know for sure if Aro's responsible, drag his little bitch in and force information out of her," Granda advised. "If the first bitch didn't fall far from the tree then the second is probably just as guilty."

"Bella doesn't think Tanya's as innocent as she appears either," I commented without thinking.

Granda turned to me sharply. "What are you doing talking about the business in front of your wife?"

I sighed as I realized my slip of the tongue. "Bella's a lot stronger than most women we're used to. She was raised in the modern world. Charles Swan and Soreena made sure she trained well and they taught her to be strong and confident. She has also been put in situations that have been difficult for her to turn a blind eye to."

"Well, whose fault is that? You should have done a better job at shielding her." He looked disgusted. "Your grandmother knew nothing and not once has a gun been raised in her direction."

I clenched my jaw, so I didn't argue with him.

"The world has changed, Shamus. I'm sure Edward has tried. But not a lot of men follow the same codes when it comes to respecting our women as they should," Uncle Sean interjected. "Plus, he's right. From what hear from both Carlisle and Peter, Isabella is a strong woman, who has proven to be able to hold her own. I believe she will add strength and support for Edward."

"Well, I don't like it." Granda shook his head. "Is she too modern to give you an heir?"

"Children are in our future," I promised.

"Good, maybe that will keep her busy and her nose out where it shouldn't be." He seemed pleased.

I simply nodded as if I agreed. Truth be told, I could only see Bella wanting to become more involved as soon as children were in the picture. Trying to keep her in the dark to protect her and them would only upset her.

We spent a few more hours at the track before heading back to the house. I found Bella drinking tea at the table with the other women. Every time she took a sip her nose would wrinkle.

"Catherine, is supper ready? You have some hungry men." Granda kissed her hello.

"Of course, don't I always. In celebration, I made Edward's favorite, Bangers and Colcannon. With a chocolate cake for dessert," Granny announced.

"Sounds delicious, Granny," I told her.

"May I be of any help?" Bella offered, placing down her cup.

"No, you're a guest. Edward, escort your bride to the table. Make sure you finish all that tea, dear." Granny disappeared into the kitchen with other women.

Bella down the rest and her face puckered. I couldn't help but laugh as I helped her to her feet. She scowled at me as she took my arm.

"Why are you drinking it, if you don't like it," I asked her quietly.

"I didn't want to be rude and refuse. But that is the nastiest tea I have ever had," she whispered.

I started laughing again, and she smacked my arm playfully. My uncle gave us a curious look as he entered, but I shook my head.

"Can I get you some wine, Bella?" he offered.

"No wine, doctors say it's unhealthy for pregnant women. I have a nice glass of milk for you, dear. I want my great-grandbabies to grow big and strong." Granny set a large glass in front of Bella.

"So, I have great-grandson on the way." Granda looked appeased.

"Um...not quite yet." Bella blushed.

"They have only been married a couple of days, Da. Give them some time." Aunt Colleen winked at us.

"I'm confident there will be an announcement a month from now." Granny Aisling winked at Granny Catherine.

Bella forced a smile as she took a large gulp of milk. I found her hand under the table and gave it a squeeze.

Later that night, we settled ourselves in the guest cottage. I was glad for the privacy away from the rest of my family. Bella had a small bundle my grandmother had given her that she was trying to find space for in our luggage.

"What's all that?" I asked, leaning against the bedframe.

"Baby blankets, booties, and a few sweaters." She held up one the tiny shoes on her finger. "Apparently, since we'll be having a winter baby, we will need them."

I chuckled. "I told you they wouldn't be subtle."

"They were very sweet about it. I almost feel guilty about waiting now," Bella said.

"Don't let them get to you. I'm fine with our timeframe," I told her, closing my eyes.

"How was your day?" Bella asked, and she sounded closer.

"It was as I expected. Granda offering his advice on how to run the business his way." I yawned. "Are you coming to bed?"

"I don't know. Are you too tired for a walk? I'm feeling restless," she said.

I cracked open my eyes to look at her. She looked flushed and couldn't seem to stay still. I could also see her nipples protruding from under her dress. I felt my cock stirring just looking at her. We both had decided to hold off while at my grandparent's house since it felt awkward to have sex under their roof. Now I was regretting our decision.

"A walk sounds good." I got up from the bed.

Outside, the full moon was high in the sky as we walked hand and hand through the field. The air had a light chill to it, but I found myself comfortable just in my shirt. Our walk, however, didn't seem to help Bella.

"Are you all right, Acushla?" I asked concerned.

"No, it's incredibly embarrassing." She blushed.

"Well, now you have to tell me." I stopped and turned to face her.

"I'm incredibly horny. I swear something was in that chocolate cake." She bit her lip.

"Well, then let's do something about it." I held her tight against me.

She glanced back at the house; all the windows were dark. We were probably the only two still awake.

"No one will have to know. We can even do it right here." I kissed along her neck, while hearing her moan in pleasure.

"On the grass?" She sounded unsure.

"Yes, under the moon and stars." I slipped a hand under her skirt and between her legs. Her lacey underwear was already soaked, and my cock ached to be set free and buried inside her.

"Sounds romantic." Bella stepped away from me and then settled in the grass.

I grinned, losing my belt as I joined her on the ground. "Lay back," I ordered.

She obeyed, stretching out with her hair fanned around her. She looked like a goddess staring up at me. I knelt between her legs and lifted her skirt, not wanting to expose her completely. Her feet came up and she hooked her toes around the waist of my pants and pushed them down.

I tried to hold myself back from not going too fast as I rubbed her clit. She squirmed under me and reached out to stop my hand.

"I really need you inside of me," she begged.

"You've gotten so demanding." I smirked, bracing a hand on either side of her head.

"Please." She rubbed my chest.

"As you wish then, Acushla." I entered her smoothly.

Her chest arched, and her hips pushed against me. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hold out for long.

"Better hold on. I don't think I can do this anyway but quick and hard," I warned.

She looked up at me with hooded eyes. "Prove it."

Our bodies moved together at a frenzied pace, much different than any other time. It was almost animalistic, as if we had been apart for so long and desperate to reconnect. I felt such a strong relief as I released into her in long streams, not once, but twice.

"What the hell was that?" I gasped for air.

"I have no idea." Bella looked winded and spent. "I don't think my legs are going to support me for a while.

"I have you, Acushla." I fixed my pants then picked her up bridal style.

She snuggled against my chest. "I love you, Edward.

"And you're my everything." I whispered as I kissed the top of her head.

A/N:

A fun trip to Ireland, it's my dream trip. I'm sure some if not all you don't care too much for Granda. And that's okay, he's supposed to be rough around the edges and a bit sexist. He is an retired mob boss after all.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

I've made it round two of the twificfandom awards, not sure which category yet that will be posted later today. Thank you for all that voted for me or anyone else.