Chapter Thirty Two

"Did you get the melon?" Bella asked as Edward pushed the grocery cart.

"Yes, it's right there, see? And before you asked the apples and oranges are in there too. I figured we could stop by the farmer's market and pick up more fresh veggies and fruit." Edward explained as he went back to entertaining Charlotte in her car seat.

Bella turned around to respond to Edward when she stopped. She focused on Edward playing with the mobile hanging from the car seat. He was making funny voices and talking to their daughter. Her heart fluttered. He had been so helpful and dependable since he came back. He got up in the middle of the night to keep Bella company while she nursed Charlotte and often brought her water to drink. He stayed on her bed and they chatted about anything and everything. There were even a few occasions when he had fallen asleep on her bed. She didn't have the heart to wake him up, so she would tuck him in her bed and then shut off the lights and go to sleep. There were even nights when he would tip toe into the room and take Charlotte before she woke up and bottle fed her so Bella could rest.

He had gone to all of Bella's and the baby's appointments. He made sure Bella still didn't clean and made sure he used organic chemicals to clean with. Baking soda and vinegar were huge items in their house at the moment. He occasionally let her help make dinner. He was acting like Mr. Perfect.

"Bella, what do you think? Sound good? Farmers market? Fresh produce? Hello, where did you go?" Edward asked as he stopped the carriage.

"I'm sorry, I zoned out. Yea, that all sounds good." Bella replied.

He walked closer to her and put his arm around her. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I was thinking about what I forgot on this list, that's all."

"Oh I see, it must be an old age thing since that big day recently came and left," Edward smirked.

"Hey, I told you not to mention my birthday." Bella reminded him.

"I didn't say what day it was just only it happened, come on," Edward said as he still kept one arm around her waist. "We have to get diapers."

"Edward, we are not going home with any more clothes or toys from this story, do you understand?"

"Yes, I guess so. Charlotte, did you hear that? I'm sorry baby, I can't get you anything but maybe this cute and cuddly stuffed bear that is one hundred percent organic and made in a village where the proceeds will help get them clean water." Edward said in a baby voice intended more for Bella and not for the infant.

"I mean it, Edward put it back."

"Opps, I didn't hear you, I guess we'll leave it right here for now."

Bella lightly hit him. "Seriously, I think you have an unhealthy addiction to the baby aisle. You are ridiculous!"

"You love it and you know it!" Edward defended himself as Bella chuckled. He shook his head and then motioned to their daughter. "And she's sleeping again." He paused as they both looked at their daughter in the busy aisle. "She's getting so big. Almost every day she looks bigger or does something she has never done before. It's noticeable."

Bella nodded in agreement with him. She walked away to grab the diapers when she turned he was pushing the car farther down the aisle. "Hey dad, where did you go? Are you trying to loose me?"

"I'm sorry who are you again?" He teased as she playfully hit him again. "Of course I wasn't trying to get rid of you. I was in the way over there so I just came down a little. You should have let me get those for you. You should still be resting."

"They are diapers Edward, I can handle them. Calm down there." Bella smiled. She threw the package into the carriage and continued to walk with him as she put various items into the cart. "I think we have everything, are you ready?" She asked.

Edward placed his arm around her shoulders and simply said, "yes." She rested her arms around his waist and snuggled into his chest as they made their way towards the check out. Edward handed the cashier the cloth bags as the groceries were being rung up. Bella looks at him and just smiles. They both are beaming. They walk out into the parking lot pretty much the same way they lines up and got into the car.

Once on the way home, the car was engulfed in silence. They hadn't been on their date and neither one of them would talk about their relationship. They just acted liked they were together. As they turned down Bella's street Edward spilt his water all over the seat and Bella.

"Edward!" She yelped. "That was cold!"

"I'm sorry, I dropped the cap. Quick, get the napkins in the glove box and wipe up your seat." Edward suggested. He quickly pressed the button to open the garage door and sped into the driveway before Bella noticed the cars littered in the driveway and in front of the house.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Bella asked.

"I don't want the ice cream to melt, come on," he smiled. Bella looked at him. "It's sitting in the back directly in the sun. You grab the babe and I'll grab the bags. Deal?"

"Yes Mr. Weirdo. Who are you?" Bella questioned.

"You are hysterical Bella. I just don't like refrozen ice cream, no big deal. Come on, let's go inside," he said getting out of the car.

Bella shook her head as she got out of the car. She unlatched the car seat and brought her daughter out of the car. "Charlotte, daddy is acting strange and I don't know why."

"I'm not acting strange. Do you want to clean melted ice cream up in the car when it's eighty degrees outside? Didn't think so. Can you open the door please?"

"Why does it smell like Chinese food?" Bella asked as they reached the door.

"I don't smell anything, you must be having a craving. Um Bella, the bags are heavy, please open the door." Edward pleaded.

"Like this car seat is a feather," Bella mumbled as she opened the door.

As she opened the door she heard a house full of people yell, "surprise!" She turned around and smiled as she looked at Edward. "Wait a minute, we didn't even get ice cream!"

Edward smiled. "You are the one who fell for it. Plus, hello, I'm a Hollywood actor, remember? Happy birthday," he said politely kissing her cheek. "You didn't think I'd let thirty slip away from you, did you?"

"I was imagining the smell of Chinese food?" Bella questioned again as she stared at him. He shook his head as they walked through the door. Edward sat the groceries down on the counter as he took Charlotte out of her car sear. Bella was greeted with many hugs and kisses from her family and friends.

"Okay, it's my turn. I haven't seen her since she had a stomach but my god she looks gorgeous! How do you look so great after having a baby?" Jane asked as she hugged Bella.

"You are just like mom," Edward whispered in her ear.

""Shut it Edward," she said releasing Bella. "This is Charlotte? She's so tiny! Oh my god, can I hold her?" Edward nodded as he placed the infant in his sister's arms. Marcus looked over her shoulder and was cooing with the baby. Bella finally got a good look around her house and was surprised that everything was decorated. Balloons hit the ceiling and flowers adorned every table.

"Are you surprised?" Alice asked.

Bella nodded. "Yes, I am. Alice, you didn't have to go through all of this."

"It wasn't just me. It was all Edward's idea. He planned everything to the last detail. Rose and I decorated while Emmett and Jasper went on the food and drink run. Oh, Rose made this incredible punch, nonalcoholic of course. The Chinese food is from the place down the street and instead of a cake Edward ordered you your favorite cupcakes from Isabelle's' Curly Cupcakes on Beacon Street. They are the vanilla bean and triple chocolate." Bella studied every detail. The flowers were a replica of the Gerber daisy bouquet that he had given her in New York.

"Wow, this is nice," Bella repeated.

The party was very relaxing. Charlotte was being passed from family member to friend as Bella mingled with her friends. Alice of course took pictures of everyone. Jane and Bella caught up and found out that Jane had just won the huge case she had been working on since her father's death. She was taking a break from work. Marcus decided to join her on her trip out east. They were chatting when the door bell rang.

"I'll be right back," she told Jane as she began to walk towards to front door. Edward met her half way. "Thank you for this," she whispered as they both got to the door. He smiled as he opened the door.

"Jacob, what are you doing here?" Bella asked surprised.

"Calm down Bella, I know that he is important to you so I invited him. It is your birthday and all." Edward explained.

Bella's gaze went from Jacob to Edward. "Really?"

Edward nodded. He wasn't a fan of Jacob, especially after the way he had treated his mother, but he was a good friend of Bella's and had to accept that.

"Yes, really. Jacob, won't you come in please? There is food and drinks please help yourself," Edward said stepping back so Jacob could enter.

"Happy birthday Bells!" Jacob said as he gave Bella a big huge. He even lifted her off the ground.

"Jacob, as long as you aren't going to act like an overprotective asshole I'm glad to see you."

Jacob and Edward laughed. "No, I'm not. This guy is, he's well, decent Bella. We talked and I guess he's all right."

Bella smiled as she looked from Edward to Jacob. "Well come in and eat. The food is over there and the drinks are scattered and really I have no idea where anything is."

'I'll just find Alice." Jacob chuckled.

"Yes, she is a good one to ask. Thank you for coming," Bella said to him.

Jacob bent down and kissed her cheek. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

As he walked away she looked at Edward. "Thank you. I know the two of you-"

"It's nothing, really. He's here and he's going to act like a gentleman. Come one and enjoy the party, your party!" Edward said as he grabbed her hand. "Oh, by the way, my mom couldn't make it. She is on a cruise with some friends but she said she sent a gift with Jane. I guess you'll get that later."

"Gifts?" Bella questioned. "I don't need anything."

"No, but it's your birthday and you deserve something just for you. You give up so much of yourself for Charlotte, you deserve something just for you."

"Edward Anthony Swan, you are too much and I can't believe you have gone through this all. Thank you in case I forget later." Bella sincerely told him as she kissed him on his check. "Come on, I want some of the imaginary Chinese food that I wasn't smelling in the garage!"

Bella and Edward walked towards the food and mingled with the guests. When Charlotte began to get cranky and cried, Edward took her upstairs to change her diaper and put her down for a nap.

"Hey Bella, can you come here please?" Alice asked her friend.

"Sure Allie, what's up?" Bella asked. Alice motioned to her office.

As Alice and Bella entered the room, she saw Rose sitting on the couch. "What's going on?"

Alice closed the door and looked at Bella again. "Rose and I wanted to give you a gift. Before you say you're not going to take it, you have to. Well, here, open it and then we'll talk about it."

Bella looked at her friends with a raised eyebrow as she looked into the shiny purple bag. She then pulled out a small gift card container. When she opened it she found a gift card to Victoria's Secret. "Um, thanks. I do need some new bras and underwear. What's with the weird you two?"

"This gift isn't just for you," Alice began.

"It's as much as a gift for you as it is for Edward."

"WHAT"? Bella yelled.

"Shhhh, don't freak out." Rose said. She interrupted Bella before she had a chance to speak. "We don't want to hear that you aren't there yet in your relationship, bull shit Bella. Just act on it, maybe responsibly this time? Charlotte is too young to have a brother or sister."

Bella laughed as Alice sat next to her. "You guys just are together, even though you aren't. You act like it and seem like. I've seen you kiss him and he you. You guys love each other. You might not use this tomorrow or even next month, but you will."

"I guess thank you even though you guys are jumping the gun a little. Thanks for everything," Bella told her friends as they all shared a hug.

"We should get back before anyone realizes we're gone. Come one, you have more gifts to open" Alice said as she skipped out of the room.

Rose and Bella followed talking quietly among themselves.

"It's time for presents!" Alice cheered as her friends entered the living room.

"Alice in case you forgot I'm thirty not seven. You don't need to cause a scene," Bella laughed.

"I could have given you our gift out here 'cause you know Rose and I don't get embarrassed!" Alice smiled back as she kissed her friend on the cheek.

Bella shook her head as she opened the card from her parents. There was a gift card to Ann Taylor. She thanked them as Emmett gave her the gift from him and Rose as well as from Alice and Jasper. It was a full day at the spa with Alice and Rose. Bella thanked them. She also got a cute necklace from Elizabeth and Abby. Elizabeth was so proud she picked it out herself. She gave Elizabeth a big kiss and hug and thanked her. Next came Jane and Marcus' gift which was a gift certificate to Banana Republic . Bella opened the car from Renee and there was a gift card to Victoria's Secret. Bella immediately blushed. The note on the gift card said, "Since you are anew Mom I figured you needed a little help updating in this area. Happy birthday sweetie! Can't wait until Thanksgiving. Love you, Renee."

Bella looked up at Jane. "I know, I told her no, but she didn't listen to me. I was mortified."

"What is it?" Esme asked.

"Oh nothing. Kind of a gift joke of sorts, wouldn't you say Jane?" Bella asked as she blushed as she set the card down.

Next Bella opened Jacob's gift. It was Marie Belle's hot chocolate and assorted chocolates. He also got her a pair of earrings. "I got everything in So Ho last week when I was on business in New York. I saw the earrings in a little store and they made me think of you."

"Thanks Jake. Nice call remembering the chocolate. And thank you everyone, today was a surprise and-"

"Wait," Edward said holding Charlotte. "You have two more."

"From who?"

"Well," Edward said as the strings from the gift bag sat on his fingers. "This is from Charlotte."

"Charlotte really?" Bella asked as her eyebrow rose.

Edward nodded. "I had nothing to do with it. Bella, you know I can't say no to her."

Bella rolled her eyes. "I'm just a little surprised, that's all. Fine, let's see what little one month old Charlotte picked out all by herself. I suppose you'll tell me next she used her allowance money on it too?"

"She asked for an advance," Edward smiled as the room filled with light laughter.

Bella yet again rolled her eyes as she reached into the bag and grabbed a small box. When she opened it she saw a white gold chain with a circle pendant on it. The outside of the circle was filled with diamonds. Inside the pendent was a mother holding a child. Bella's eyes filled with tears. "Really, Charlotte picked this out?"

"When we were at Tiffany's last week getting your other chain fixed. The sales people were very surprised that she picked it out." Edward laughed.

"We'll talk about this later, but thank you," she said as her eyes met his. He held the baby down so she could kiss her check.

"And this is the last one." Edward said as he handed her a box.

"Edward, you've done enough," she protested.

"I promise this was more thoughtful than anything else. Open it," he insisted.

Bella shook her head as she gently opened the package. Once it was unwrapped she was surprised. It was a picture of both she and Charlotte asleep on the couch. Charlotte's head was touching Bella's chin as her arms were draped protectively around her. "I, what-how?" No matter how Bella tried to form the words, they just weren't coming out, which made the room laugh. "Edward, this is beautiful. When did you take this? Was I really sleeping?"

Edward laughed. "It was right after I got back from Washington. I was cleaning when I saw this and I grabbed my camera and well, this is what we have. Do you like it?"

Bella smiled as she shook her head. "I love it. Thank you," she said as she stood up and hugged him. She gave him a kiss on the check and whispered. "It's my favorite gift of all, thank you."

Edward just held her closer. When their embrace was broken, Bella thanked everyone for their gifts and invited them to eat cupcakes. Everyone walked into the kitchen as Jane sat next to Bella.

"That's a great picture."

"It is, isn't it? We're both so peaceful. I can't believe he did this."

"Well, sometimes my brother isn't so thick headed."

"I guess not." Bella turned and looked at Jane as she hugged her again. "I'm so glad you are here, really I am."

"Then you should be happy that I'm here for three more days." Jane announced.

"Really?" Bella jumped up.

"Really. Marcus and I were wondering if you knew of things to do in Boston?" Jane asked with a smile on her face.

"Tomorrow we are going shopping and out eating. We're going to have so much fun! I'm so glad you are here for a few days!" Bella declared as she hugged Jane. "Come on, let's get some cupcakes before they are all gone," Bella smiled.

Later that night Edward had changed the sheets on the bed in the guest room. He had insisted that Jane and Marcus took that room while Edward took the couch in Bella's office. Edward was knocking on Bella's door to tell her that he was heading to bed.

"Where are you sleeping?"

"Your office."

"Don't be stupid, just stay here…for the night."

"Bella, I can't do that." Edward said shaking his head.

"Come on Edward, you have been falling asleep in here anyway. It's not a big deal." Bella explained.

"Are you sure?"

Bella nodded as Charlotte laid next to her. "Of course I am. Come on, just be careful not to smush her."

Edward nodded as he climbed into bed. He laid on the opposite side of Bella and looked at the baby. She was grabbing Bella's hair when Edward pushed it out of her face. "Be careful, she'll be ripping that out soon enough."

"Thanks," Bella giggled. Her eyes left her daughter's and met Edward's. "Thank you again for today. I had more fun than I ever thought I would have. It was very sweet of you."

Edward's hand reached for Bella's cheek. "It was nothing. You deserved it. Thirty is a big one and you couldn't just watch it go by, could you?" He looked at her as she looked away from him. He raised her face so she had to look at him. "What's wrong."

Bella bit her lip. She stared down at Charlotte before looking back up at Edward. "I did nothing for your birthday. I didn't even send you a text wishing you a good day."

Edward laughed. "Oh silly Bella. I didn't deserve anything from you back then. I treated you like," he paused to put his hands on Charlotte's ears before whispering, "shit." He released his hands from the infant's ears and continued. "There is always this June. Do something then, don't worry about this year, okay?"

Bella nodded. "Okay. I'm going to put her in her bassinet now." Bella told Edward as she held Charlotte up to him. He leaned over and took her from Bella. "You're all comfy under the blankets. I'll put her there and then shut off the lights." Bella nodded her head as she kissed her baby. "Good night Charlotte. I love you," she smiled.

Edward said the same words to his daughter as he laid her down. He shut off the light and crawled into bed. Before he knew it he felt Bella turn.

"Edward?"

"Yes?"

She sat up and leaned over to him and kissed him on his cheek and hugged him. "Thank you again for everything. Today was kind of perfect."

Edward kissed her on her head and the laid down with her again. "It was nothing, but your welcome."

Author's Note: Some of you were angry at Edward and hi stupidity before Charlotte was born. Does anyone see him changing? How sweet was it to plan everything for Bella's birthday?