Disclaimer: i do not own anything...

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Chapter 36

More Happier Times... Almost

EPOV

"Edward, lie on you back honey," Bella whispered as she tried to rouse me. I did as she asked keeping my eyes closed. My alarm hasn't gone off and I refuse to wake up before then. I felt her lay open mouthed kisses on my chest as she made her way down. I didn't dare to move since I believe this was her gig.

She continued down and placed a kiss on my smaller head when she reached that destination. Well, it's not really small but it's smaller than my upper head so... oh never mind. You get the picture. She then took me slowly into her mouth and started to bob her head up and down.

My hands tangled into her hair and started to guide her movements. Her hand went to my balls and started fondling it. It felt so good to be in her mouth that I knew I was going to climax soon.

"Bella. Baby, I'm going to cum," I told her and tried to slow her down. But she wasn't having that. She swatted my hands away and did her thing. She let out a moan that sent vibrations though my erection causing me to release in her mouth.

She then looked up at me and said, "Good morning Dr. Cullen." She then stood up, went over to kiss my forehead and padded naked into the bathroom. Moments later, I followed her inside and joined her in the shower. I pulled her flush against me and my hands started to roam her body.

"What are you doing Dr. Cullen?" she asked.

"Making my wife feel as good as she made me," I kissed her neck and then I heard something slap around me...

"Dr. Cullen, daydreaming are we?" I looked up and found Shelly smiling slyly at me.

"Uh... yeah, you could say that," I replied and moved closer to my desk to try and hide the tent in my pants.

"Well, it was good I caught you. If it were anyone of your 'Fan club' they would be riding you right now," she said.

"Please do not give me that image. Only my wife has that privilege. To ride I mean, not to give me that image. What can I do for you?"

"Well, this is your schedule for next week. The Department of Pediatrics from the University of Washington in Seattle called and they wanted to invite you as guest lecturer. You should give them a call. All previously scheduled meetings will push through as planned."

"Alright, thanks Shelly. What would we do without you?"

"Is that a trick question?" she laughed and headed back to the front desk.

As I was going through the schedule, my cell phone started to ring. "Dr. Cullen."

"Hey, it's Tyler. Wanna get together with me and Eric for lunch?"

"Sure man. Where we meeting?"

"The cafe ok? Eric's running a tight schedule but he really wanted to get together."

"That's fine. See you at noon?"

"Alright man, see you then."

I finished up my morning administrative duties just in time to meet the guys. I picked up my lunch bag and headed for the cafeteria. I found a table in the corner and sat to wait for the guys. "Well, if it isn't Dr. Edward Cullen. How are you doing?" Dr. Jennifer Campbell greeted as she sat herself to my right and placed a hand on my arm.

"I'm doing very good Dr. Campbell," I said and pulled my hand away to lay out my food on the table.

"That is so sweet for your mother to make you lunch," she commented.

"Actually his wife makes him his lunch. Spoiled jerk," I head Eric call from behind.

"You wife?" she said incredulously. I nodded and showed her my wedding ring. "Since when?"

"A month and a half ago," I replied.

"Didn't you see his article in Baltimore Life? Their wedding was featured in last month's issue," Tyler said. I know we shouldn't be rude but she was pissing my off. Since the first time she met Bella she was a bitch to her and that just doesn't sit well with me.

"Who's the lucky woman?" she asked.

"Isabella Swan. Well, Isabella Cullen now," Eric replied and pulled out his phone to show her a picture of us during the wedding. "She's the one in the white gown," he added. I knew the comment was again rude, and the answering questions that weren't addressed to him, but I did like how the guys stood up for Bella and me. They were part of the reason my "fan club", as Shelly called them, were being left at bay.

"Oh the nosy brunette from your office when I went for a consult," she said.

Okay, that is it. "First of all she wasn't nosy. She sat in a corner with her book and her iPod on. Second, she is not the lucky woman, I am the lucky man especially that she accepted my proposal to be my wife. Bella had breeding and would never flirt with a man who was attached, unlike you and the other women around. I suggest that you stop judging people on first sight and leave us men to have our lunch."

I stared her down as I tried to keep my anger at bay. After a few seconds she stood up and huffed away. I pinched the bridge of my nose and took deep slow breaths. "You okay man?" Eric asked.

"Yeah. I just can't believe there are so many people like her. No wonder Bella had such low self esteem when I met her. I mean she was good with the kids and at work but for the first few months that we were together but she would always ask me what I saw in her or why I chose her. And when I tell her that she's beautiful and such she would always contradict me. You can just imagine my relief when she started standing up of herself when people question her or threaten our relationship."

"Well, now you have an entire lifetime to show her how special she is," Tyler said.

"Yes I do." Eric started to move his fork towards my salad and I blocked his fork with mine. "Hey, fork off my salad." We all broke out in laughter and enjoyed the rest of our lunch.

***************

My afternoon was a draining one. I have two new possible cancer patients which of course I hope the tests will come back negative. Then I had the departmental meeting which dragged on forever. So you could imagine my relief when I pulled into the gates of our house and my delight when I found both of Bella's cars in the garage.

After parking my car, I made my way into the house through the kitchen and found Bella in her usual cooking outfit pulling a dish out of the oven. Knowing her affinity for danger, I waited until she put the dish on the counter before I talked. "Hello, gorgeous."

"Hey handsome." She ran to me and I had to drop my bags in order to catch her. Her lips quickly found mine and in no time we were making out with me pressed against the kitchen wall. She pulled away and studied my face. "What happened today honey?"

"Nothing. Why do you think something happened?"

"Uh, besides that your eyes look tired and that kiss you gave me was the "Thank God I'm home kiss", I'd wager you a lap dance that something or some things didn't go right today."

Huh? What was my 'Thank God I'm home kiss'? I thought I only kissed her one way. I made a mental note to ask her about that some time. "So let me get this straight, if you are wrong you give me a lap dance and if you're right what do you get?"

She placed her hands on my chest and stood on the tips of her toes to whisper in my ear. "If I'm right, you have to give me a sensual massage and have mind blowing sex with me after."

Well, that was a win-win situation for me. But as good as I love a lap dance from my Bella, I would rather make love to her. Though I'm sure that either choice would lead to same. "Okay fine. I had to defend your honor to Dr. Campbell, then I might have two new cancer patients, and I sat in boring meetings the whole afternoon."

"Wow, You sounded like Alice a minute there. Why don't you sit down so we can have dinner, then we can have our dessert in the Jacuzzi. Sound good?" She started to undo my tie as she waited for my answer.

"That sounds very good love." I bent down to kiss her before making my way to the table. She had prepared a salad, chicken stew with biscuits and grilled asparagus. "What's for desert?" I asked once she was settled.

"I made chocolate fondue with all the fixings," she replied and started to put food on my plate.

"Hmm, I think I have other things I'd like to dip in the fondue," I stated and smiled slyly at her.

"Bring it on Dr. Cullen," she said with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, I'll bring it Mrs. Cullen."

She headed back to the kitchen while I headed out to the deck. I grabbed a couple of towels from the linen cabinet, opened the jets, and stripped down to my birthday suit. Since I doubt there were any peeping toms's I believe it was safe to dip in the tub naked. Besides, it will save on laundry soap.

After folding my clothes neatly in a pile, I entered the tub and let the warm water relax my tired muscles. I leaned my head on the ledge of the tub and closed my eyes. I wasn't sure if I fell asleep, but the next thing I knew, small hands were running their fingers in my hair and massaging my scalp.

"That feels so good baby," I moaned.

"I know. You looked really tired and I think you need it." She continued massaging my scalp for a few more minutes before joining me in the tub and sitting on my lap. We fed each other pieces of fruit dipped in chocolate and just cherished the moment.

"Uh, Love," I began.

"Yes, honey?" She repositioned herself so that she was straddling my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck.

"Um, I accepted an invitation to be a guest lecturer in Seattle."

"Really? Wow, that's great. Is there a problem?"

"I'm not sure. It's the Tuesday after Independence Day weekend. But I might have to fly out to Seattle on Sunday. I know its short notice but honestly I miss lecturing to students and that's why I accepted it."

"Well, my parents called today and they invited us to spend that weekend with them in Bellevue. My mother also called your mother and invited them as well. That would actually be a perfect time. We can fly out Friday after your clinic and stay until Wednesday. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you earlier."

"That would be great love. I'll make the arrangements tomorrow." I captured her lips with mine and kissed her passionately. "Let's put this left over chocolate to use shall we?" She smiled slyly at me letting me know she had the same idea. It would be one of the best nights spent in our Jacuzzi, so far.

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Friday came around quite fast and we were confirmed on the 2:35 p.m. flight to Seattle. My parents and the Hale's flew out ahead with Emmett's family and Jasper and Alice would fly out with us. Bella and I will be staying with her parents and the others will be at The Edgewater.

"Hey man, you ready to roll?" Jasper asked as he walked into my office at Hopkins.

"Yeah, just let me pack up my things." The girls were to meet us at the hospital and would arrive in Jasper's Mercedes. He and I rode to work together in my Volvo. I quickly threw the things I need in my travel bag, and packed up my laptop as well, before joining Jasper and walking out to the lot.

As we arrived at the parking, we saw Jasper's car entering the lot with Alice at the wheel. They parked the car and both of them got out and walked over to us giving us each a kiss on the cheek. "See you at the airport," Jasper called out and led Alice to their car. I settled Bella in the passenger's seat and bent down to give her a proper hello kiss before closing the door.

We drove to the airport, holding hands, and in comfortable silence. We headed to the long term parking and unloaded our bags and waited for Alice and Jasper to do the same. We headed to the check-in counter and got our boarding passes. We were early and we decided to have some coffee before the flight.

*************

One stop over and nine hours later, we were walking out of the air bridge in Seattle and into the waiting arms of Charlie and Renee.

"Hello, baby." She hugged Bella before turning to me. "Hello there my handsome son-in-law." She kissed both my cheeks and encased me in a tight hug. Bella went over to Charlie to give him a hug as well. I looked over at Bella and she was smirking at me. I tried to stare her down but got a raised eyebrow in response. "Come, you must be tired." They greeted Alice and Jasper as well and we made our way to rental car counter for Jasper to get their car.

"We've talked to your parents," Charlie began motioning to me, "and we have agreed to all have dinner at the Edgewater. I hope that's alright."

"Yes, that's not a problem," I replied. When Alice and Jasper got their car, we headed to Charlie's Chevrolet Tahoe and were on our way to the hotel. While en route, I called my dad to let him know that we were on our way.

The drive took about twenty minutes and as we pulled up to the hotel, I already saw my parents waiting at the entrance. "Hello my darlings. How was your flight?" my mother asked and gave each of us a hug and kiss.

"Tiring but good. First class does have its perks," Bella answered.

"That it does. Come, you must be hungry." My dad led us into the dining room and the other half of our party was already seated. We greeted everyone and settled ourselves in. Bella ordered the Halibut and I had the filet mignon.

Dinner conversation was basically catching up with one another until Rose and Emmett called it a night at about 11:00. We stayed about thirty minutes more and headed home to Bellevue. The drive was another twenty minutes and Bella eventually fell asleep in my arms.

We pulled into their gates and continued down the driveway until we pulled up to the main house. It was lodge style house with three storeys. "Need any help son?" Charlie asked me before getting out of the car.

"With the bags please. I'll carry Bella up to the room." I got out of the car slowly with Renee spotting me making sure I didn't drop a sleeping Bella. She squirmed a bit in my arms. "We're home love. Sleep. I got you," I whispered in her ear.

Renee headed into the house first followed by me then Charlie. When we got to Bella's old room, I pulled the covers back and lay her on the bad and Charlie put our bags by the door. "Good night Edward. We'll see you in the morning."

I undressed Bella and pulled the covers over her. I set our bags in the walk-in closet and washed up in the bathroom. I stripped naked as well and climbed into bed to spoon Bella. "Good night my love," I whispered before I lay my head down and fell asleep myself.

I woke the next morning with the sun shining in my eyes. Damn, I forgot to close the curtains last night! I untangled myself from Bella and quickly closed the drapes before the sun woke her up as well. I glanced at the clock and it read 8:15. I gave Bella a kiss on the forehead before throwing on some clothes and heading downstairs.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, my nose was immediately assaulted by the aroma of coffee. I headed straight for the kitchen and found Renee at the stove and Charlie seated at the breakfast nook reading the paper. "Good morning."

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Renee asked.

"Yes I did. I just forgot to close the drapes so the sun woke me up. But I was able to close them right away and it didn't wake Bella."

"The sun never wakes up Bella when she's had a long day," Charlie said.

"Can I help you with anything Renee?" I asked.

"No, thank you. I'm almost done. Here, take this and sit over by Charlie." She gave me a steaming mug of coffee and returned to the stove.

I took my seat and remembered I wanted to ask Charlie something. I think now is a good time since Bella was still asleep. "Uh, Charlie, I wanted to consult something with you."

"Huh? About what?" He put down the paper and took a sip of his coffee.

"Well, it's about Bella." I paused and he motioned for me to continue. "Well, a few weeks ago she came home and she seemed a bit out of it. I asked her if anything was the problem and she said nothing was wrong. I didn't argue but I could feel in my gut that she was bluffing." Renee came over with a plate for each of us.

"And she still hasn't come clean with you?" he asked and scooped a forkful of eggs.

"No, she hasn't. Alice mentioned to me that she was a bit paranoid while they were at the mall one day but Bella told her it was nothing. I called the Volturi agency and had her followed for a week but that turned up nothing. I asked Mike to look into it but he came up empty handed as well. I wanted to suggest a body guard for her but of course I don't think she will approve."

Renee joined us at the table with her own plate and mug of coffee. Charlie seemed deep in thought as he ate. I consumed my own food and waited in silence for what he would respond to this. AS I finished my last bite of food, two arms wrapped around my neck and my favorite pair of lips landed on my cheek. "Good morning, honey."

"Hello, sweetheart." I tilted my head up and she met me halfway until our lips made contact. "Sit, I'll make you a plate."

"I made her one already. It's warming in the oven," Renee informed me. I stood up and Bella sat beside her dad. I walked over and retrieved the plate before pouring her a mug of coffee and adding the milk and sugar.

"Thank you," she said when I laid the food down.

"He knows how to mix you coffee?" Renee asked with surprise in her voice.

"Of course mom and I didn't even have to tell him. Edward is very observant." Bella started to dig in and she took my hand in her left and rested it on her thigh. "What were you talking about before I came in?"

I looked at Charlie and he shook his head at me. "Oh, nothing. They were just asking me about my lecture on Tuesday." Thankfully, she bought my excuse and the discussion converted to the activities we were to do.

***************

BPOV

"Baby, we're about to land." Edward whispered as he roused me from my sleep. The trip was really tiring and the moment we took off from Seattle, I lay my head on Edward's shoulder and fell asleep. We disembarked from the plane, collected our luggage and headed to the car.

"Are you alright honey?" I asked Edward once we were on the freeway.

"Yes, love. Why would anything be wrong?"

"You tell me," I retorted.

He took a deep breath before he spoke. "I'm worried about you."

"Why?"

"Can we talk about it at home?" I nodded and held his hand as I turned to look at the road ahead. I couldn't really put my finger on it. I knew something was off and it's not just simple stress from work.

Half an hour later, we were pulling into our gate and up to our house. Edward parked the car and unloaded our bags. "You want some hot chocolate?" I asked as we entered the kitchen.

"Sure. I'll take our bags upstairs and come back down. You want me to bring you anything?"

"Just my slippers please." He nodded and headed up the stairs. I got to work on the hot chocolate and put our some pound cake as well. I think this is going to be a stressful talk. He returned and took my shoes to put them aside after I had removed them.

He walked to the living room and put on some piano music. I put the mugs and cake on a tray and walked over to him. We sat side by side on the couch at first but then he pulled me onto his lap. He looked in my eyes and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I love you," he said.

"I love you too, Edward. What's the matter honey?" I was starting to go crazy.

"Well, I have this feeling in my gut that something bad is going to happen. Will you tell me what was bothering you that night you came into my office sat on my lap?"

Wow, that was about a month ago and he still remembers. Well, that's typical Edward, always remembering. I guess now is as good a time as any. "Uh, that day I went with Alice to the mall, we had lunch at the Hyatt and were seated on the balcony. Toward the end of our meal, it felt like someone was watching me. I looked around and didn't find anything out of the ordinary.

"While we were on our way home, I became over observant and still found nothing out of the ordinary. I found you in your office and I just needed to feel your arms around me. I needed to feel safe and loved and you always bring that to me."

He buried his face in the crook of my neck and inhaled deeply. "Edward, say something." I waited a while before taking his face in my hands and tilted it up so I could look at him. What I saw almost broke my heart in two. His eyes were glassy and I knew he was about to cry.

"I can't let anything happen to you Bella. You are my life, I can't live without you." He again buried his face at the crook of my neck and started to cry. I held him tighter and rocked us back and forth.

"I'm not going anywhere Edward. I love you and I never want to be away from you. I was afraid of this reaction that's why I didn't tell you immediately and especially since I didn't find anything wrong. I'm safe with you. Believe me on this mi amor." He nodded into my neck and started to calm down.

"Make love to me Edward," I whispered once his breathing evened out. He didn't move immediately so I started nibbling his ear lobe and moved my hands down his chest. When he started to respond I whispered again in his ear. "I love you Edward Anthony. Let's forget about everything tonight. It's just you and me."

"I love you Isabella Marie," he said and positioned me under him on the couch before taking me to cloud nine.

************

I woke the next morning to the ringing of the house phone. Edward groaned and held on to me tighter as the machine picked up. "Isabella, pick up the phone. Come on I'm not hanging up. I know you're there," Alice's voice filled the room. "Bella, wake up. Edward let her go so she can get to the phone." He groaned again and released me.

I got off the couch and reached for his button down shirt which I threw on as I walked towards the phone. "What do you want pixie?"

"Oh, good you're up. We're going shopping today with Rose and the twins and Joshua. Be ready by 9:30. I'll pick you up," she ordered then hung up on me. Now it was my turn to groan.

"What did she want love?" Edward called form the couch.

"We're going shopping," I simply replied and settled myself back in his arms. We had just snuggled together when his cell phone went off. It was the Adam's Family theme which meant it was the hospital.

He reached over me and brought the phone to his ear, "Dr. Cullen." I listened to the one sided conversation and by the end of it I figured that he had to go in early.

"I'll make you some coffee." We both stood up and after I set on the coffee maker he literally swept me off my feet and headed for the bathroom. We ended up taking our shower together with one episode of amazing shower sex. When we were done, I dressed in my robe and watched him as he dressed for work. I filled his travel mug and walked him out to the car before watching him drive away.

I went to our office and went over my lesson plans and listed some things I needed to buy. At about 8:30 I headed up to our room and got dressed for shopping. I dressed in Capri pants and a sleeveless blouse and threw on my chucks. I checked my bag before heading back down to wait for Alice.

At 9:30 on the dot she was buzzing at our gate. I let her in, set the house alarm and waited by the front door for her to pull up. "Isn't this car a bit small for shopping?" I asked referring to her Porsche.

"Rose has their Escalade so I can put whatever won't fit here with her." She pulled out of our drive and headed for the mall. When we arrived Alice said, "Rose will meet us at the children's department of Nordstrom."

As we made our way through the store, Alice pointed out a few pieces of clothing that she would like to try and some for me as well. "Auntie Ali! Aunt Bella!" the twins shouted once they saw us.

"No running in the store," I reprimanded once they reached us. Alice and I gave them both hugs and we took their hands and headed back to Rose.

"Hi, can you help me with the kids? They need some new clothes and I can't handle all three at the same time," Rose said.

"Sure. What kinds of clothes do they need?" Alice asked her.

"Play clothes and some new shoes," Rose replied.

"Alright. I'll take Bree and Bella can take Riley," Alice suggested. We took one twin each and headed to our respective sections and left Rose in the newborn area.

"So what kind of clothes would you like?" I asked Riley. He led me over to the sports attire area first and started pointing at clothes. When I couldn't carry anymore, I led him to the fitting room and assisted him with the clothes. We ended up with five shirts, two pairs of jeans and three pairs of shorts.

Next we headed over to the shoes. He picked out a pair of Vans slip-ons, Lacoste sneakers and Geox Sandals. After trying them all on, we took the items and headed back to Rose. "Mommy, are these alright?" he asked.

Rose looked over the items and gave her approval. We waited at the counter for Alice and Rose paid for the purchase. We left Rose with the kids at the Gap and Alice and I brought the clothes to the car. We were to meet them at Flamers cine the kids wanted burgers and fries.

After lunch, we headed to Bath and Body Works then The Body Shop before heading into Williams-Sonoma. Rose and I needed new pans and Alice picked up a new apron. I picked up aprons as well for Riley and Bree and promised to bake with them soon. At around 3:00 the kids wanted new books so we headed to the Barnes & Noble on Pratt Street.

When we arrived at the store, I took Riley and Bree to the children's section while Alice and Rose headed to the video area. I helped them choose their books and after about thirty minutes Riley needed to go to the restroom.

I took the basket with the books and looked for Alice whom I found by the magazines. "Alice, I need to take Riley to the restroom. Will you take Bree for a while?"

"Alright," she said as I handed her the basket and she reached out for Bree.

"Aunt Bella, when will you give me a cousin?" he asked.

"Uh, I'm not sure yet sweetie. Did you ask Uncle Edward?"

"Uh, yes, but he said I should ask Uncle Jasper. Will you and Uncle Jasper give me the cousin?" Hmm, I believe the kid was confused and needed some enlightenment. After he did his business I led him out of the bathroom and pulled him aside.

"Riley, sweetie this is how it goes. I think Uncle Edward meant that you should ask Uncle Jasper and Auntie Alice for a cousin. They are more likely to be able to give you one sooner than Uncle Ed and me. But someday we will be able to give you a cousin as well. Do you understand?"

"A little. But you will still give me a cousin?"

"Someday buddy, I promise."

"Okay." He took my hand again and we headed back into the store. After we crossed the metal detectors, something hard hit me on the back of the head and Riley's hand slipped out of mine. "Aunt Bella!" he shouted.

"Riley!" I tried to regain my balance but I was really dizzy.

"Aunt Bella!" he shouted again.

"Riley!" I tried to get up but something was holding me back. The next thing I knew something was clamped over my mouth and everything just went black.

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A/N: I hope this chapter was worth the wait.