A/N: Thanks SM for Twilight, I hope you forgive me for playing with the characters a bit...

Chapter 35 - extra strawberries and chocolate sauce

I stood up and clinked my champagne flute gently with my teaspoon. "A few months ago I had a very bad day which became the best day of life because a walk to relieve some stress led to me a small bakery run by the sweetest, smartest, sexiest baker in the city. I was changed that day, permanently and completely. Since that day I have become a fiancé and a father. My cup runneth over. Please raise your glasses to my good fortune for having gained their love, though I don't deserve them." I raised my glass, "To Isabella and Elizabeth."

"To Isabella and Elizabeth," everyone shouted in unison, raising their glasses.

I reached down and kissed the top of Lil Bit's head and planted a loving kiss on Bella's lips. Bella touched my cheek and looked into my eyes, "You do deserve our love, Edward." I nodded, not really believing her but so grateful that she believed it.

I sat down and was surprised when Bella stood up to make a speech, "My turn," she laughed.

"A few months ago, after the most handsome man I had ever seen came into my shop and 'dazzled' me into silence, I made a catering delivery to his company. I snuck into his office to leave him a note, while his assistant was on the phone, ... sorry Jessica... There I found him asleep on his couch in his office. He was so beautiful and peaceful I couldn't resist so I planted a kiss on his cheek. Since that day I have gained a fiancé who is my best friend, who shares my daily life, who loves my daughter as his own and who supports my business ideas and ideals. My cup runneth over and you do definitely deserve our love, baby. To my Edward." She raised her glass and everyone shouted in unison, "To Edward."

I stood and kissed her so passionately that everyone in the room cheered.

"Me too momma," Lil Bit was waving her arms up to be picked up. I swooped her up in my arms so Bella and I could plant kisses on each of her cheeks at the same time. She laughed as flashes went off all over the room for photos.

I decided while we had an audience and my mother couldn't kill me in front of all these people to make the announcement about moving the wedding date. "Thank you all for joining us tonight. Bella and I have decided to move the wedding date forward and we'll be having a private ceremony of just family in two weeks time. So we are especially glad you could be with us tonight to celebrate.

"I would like to thank Jessica and Lauren for looking after all the arrangements for our dinner tonight. They rescued me after I foolishly refused assistance from my mother, my sister and my fiancé to organise this evening. A huge thank you also to our good friends Vicky and Garrett who have organised the second half of our evening over at the Club. I'd also like to thank Robert and all his staff here at La Pichet. This is where Bella and I enjoyed our first date and I thought it the perfect venue to celebrate our engagement.

"I'm sure you all enjoyed your meal but before we move on to Twilight to dance off the calories from this fabulous food, I've arranged a special dessert for us tonight in honour of my beautiful bride to be. I wanted something spectacular that she didn't have to bake! So thank you Eric, Bella's second in command in her bakery kitchens, for using Bella's recipe to prepare us these ..." I waved my arms to the door of the kitchen and everyone oohed and aaahed as Eric, followed by the restaurant staff, delivered a beautiful Croquembouche to each table.

Everyone enthusiastically enjoyed their dessert, especially Lil Bit who had extra strawberries and chocolate sauce with her choux pastries. The vanilla custard crème filling was divine, definitely Bella's recipe.

"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen. What is this about bringing the date forward?"

Oh shit.

Bella intervened, "Esme, Edward and I don't want to wait. Jacob is happy to marry us in two weeks. I already have the dress and we don't want a big celebration, just family and close friends. I know it isn't what you were planning but it really is more 'us' than a big formal wedding."

Esme reached across and gave Bella a hug, "Bella. I have no problem with that, I am thrilled. It was just a shock. Believe me, Alice and I can put this together in no time. Especially if you don't want a big affair. I cannot wait until you are my daughter officially and for Lil Bit to be my granddaughter."

Relieved, I slipped my arms around Bella's waist and pulled her back to me. I dropped my head on her shoulder, "I'm glad you understand Ma. Jacob said we could have either the Friday evening or the Saturday morning. What do you think love?" I turned my face towards Bella's.

I kissed Bella's cheek and she leaned back into me dropping her head against my chest. "Evening would be romantic we could be married by candlelight but morning might be more practical. What do you think baby?"

I turned her towards me and ran my hand through her hair. "Love I think a wedding should be romantic rather than practical so I vote for Friday evening. Anyway, it is one day sooner." I smirked at her and leaned down to kiss her neck just below her ear.

"Mmm, a very convincing argument." She turned in my arms again to face Esme who was grinning at us, "Friday evening it is Esme. We can make that work, right?"

"Of course we can, darling girl. I do this for a living. Trust me, this will be a small intimate and very romantic wedding you will both look back on fondly for the rest of your lives. Don't forget I am already working on an extravaganza of a wedding for my hush-hush celebrity couple, working on something more intimate and personal will be a joy."

"That sounds perfect, Ma."

"Okay, now where is my daisy petal?"

"Here I is Nonna? We sleeps over now?"

So fucking cute.

"Yes petal. Say goodnight to Momma and Daddy, while I go find Poppa."

"Come here little love, I need a cuddle before you go with Nonna and Poppa."

"i needs cuddle too Daddy." She reached her little hands up to me and I picked her up.

"Bella could you get a cloth, Lil Bit still has a little dessert on her face. I think we better clean her up." I turned back to Elizabeth, "Or I could just eat it off you, what do you think Lil Bit?" I pretended to bite at her and she giggled and wiggled but I held tight to her.

"Stop Daddy, no eat me, pwease Daddy."

"I can taste strawberries and chocolate sauce, mmm, you are very yummy."

"No eat me," she wiggled and giggled some more.

"Here Lil Bit, let me wipe your face so Daddy stops teasing you," Bella giggled.

Lil Bit reached her arms out to Bella but I held her tight. I didn't want Bella holding her too much while she's pregnant it can't be good for her to be carrying a toddler around.

"Okay, I'll stop teasing. Let momma clean your face and then its time to go for your sleepover at Nonna's and Poppa's.

"You ready Lil Bit?" Dad reached his arms out for her and she practically jumped into his arms.

"I weddy Poppa. Night Momma, night Daddy." I was thrilled that she was so happy to go with my parents and tried not to be a little hurt that she dismissed us so easily.

Bella reached over and kissed her cheek, "Be good baby girl."

I kissed her other cheek, "Love you Lil Bit."

"Wov oo too. Poppa will oo weed to me and sing to me like Daddy?"

Carlisle laughed, "Well, I will definitely read to you petal but I might leave the singing to Nonna."

"Probably for the best," I agreed. Carlisle had a terrible singing voice.

Bella and I waited until all our guests left the restaurant before making our way to the Club. My sweet one was very excited to be going dancing and I was excited to spend the night with our friends and family, to have a little fun after all the drama of the past few months.

I did have two concerns about the Club part of our evening. My first concern was looking after my Bella, she seemed to be coping very well this evening with no sickness so far and I hoped that would hold out because she was having a nice time. My second concern was that in our group were some of the sexiest women you are ever going to see including my fiancé. So we men folk were in for an evening of guard duty to keep our women safe from the creepers on the prowl.

Vicky and Garrett had arranged special VIP wristbands for all our guests so they could move around any of the different levels of Twilight including the restaurant and the VIP lounge area in the Club level. All the staff were aware that anyone wearing the wristband was a guest of the two Club owners. Our guests drinks and food were all to be charged to my account as I didn't want Garrett to be out of pocket because of the event.

When we arrived Bella excitedly dragged me on to the dance floor before we even ordered a drink. I was happy to oblige because I loved the idea of getting my hands on her and watching her move in that sexy dress. We stepped on to the dance floor and my hands immediately went on her hips. Janelle Monae's Q.U.E.E.N was playing and Bella of course knew every word. I'd only been living with my girl for a short while but I knew how much she loved a really eclectic range of music.

We moved together so well, I reached my hand around her waist and pulled her back to me as close as I dared given that we were surrounded by friends and family. I kissed her neck as we ground against each other.

"I love your body moving next to mine, Isabella."

She grinned and pressed a little harder against me and trust me I was definitely getting harder. I sighed and pulled back. "Temptress," I playfully accused.

She laughed and we let some distance form between us. It was either that or I drag up to the office and take her on Garrett's desk. Not a bad idea. I shook that idea out of my head, we had too many guests and someone would be sure to miss us or Garrett could walk in on us. I looked over on the dance floor and was surprised to see Garrett dancing with Vicky. He doesn't normally dance here in the Club but there he was with Vicky and they were really close together. There was barely a whisper between them. Apparently working together on organising this party wasn't the only thing they were doing together. Well that was interesting.

My attention was drawn back to Isabella, whose dancing was positively sinful. Her body was fluid and sensual. Damn, I was a very lucky man. When the song ended I dragged my girl off the floor and we made our way up to the VIP booths which were sectioned off for our party. I ordered a virgin margarita for Bella and a beer for myself.

Bella excused herself to head off the Ladies Room and I took the opportunity to mingle. In addition to friends and family, all our staff from Cullen, Masen & Volturi as well as Bella's Bakery were here. No one had to work tomorrow, not even the bakery staff, so everyone was taking the opportunity to let their hair down. It was fun to watch everyone laugh and take the time to get to know each other.

"You two looked gorgeous down there Edward." My pint-sized sister was practically bouncing, she seemed very happy.

"Thanks Alley. Are you not dancing?"

"Oh Jazz and I are going out there soon. He's just chatting with one of the bakers who apparently was a Navy Seal back in the day. He apparently fell on to hard times before Rev J and Bella lent him a hand. I wanted to give them privacy to talk ... y'know men's stuff."

I smiled and nodded. Yes, I did know. That's why I was so keen on the Men's Shed idea.

"Actually Alley, I am glad of a few moments alone with you."

"Oh Edward if you are going to give me a hard time about Jasper then I don't want to hear it. I like him, I mean I really like him. I know you didn't meet him under the best circumstances but he is a strong, solid guy. So don't think you... "

I had to interrupt her because she was way off track from what I was actually thinking, although it was good to hear her true feelings about Jasper.

"Shhh, Alley. I wasn't going to talk to you about Jazz although it is good to know," I wiggled my eyebrows at her and smirked.

She rolled her eyes and me, "I'm never going to hear the end of this am I?"

"Nope," I grinned even wider. "But really Alice, I need your help. Now that I've brought the wedding forward to two weeks from now that also means the honeymoon is now only two weeks away and I have some arrangements to make."

Alice clapped her hands with glee, "Oooh, Edward. Tell me where are you going?"

"Paris." Really the destination was a no brainer, with Isabella's love of all things French.

If it was possible Alice got more excited, "Oh Edward. Can I help you plan the trip? I know all the best places that you absolutely must take Isabella. Oh, she is going to love Paris."

"That's why I need your help but there's more, can I call you tomorrow to talk about it?"

She nodded as Bella walked back to me and I circled her in my arms again.

"Are you all right love?"

She took a sip of her drink and smiled, "Yes, the Ladies Room line was long as usual but it gave me a chance to catch up with so many people. I met some lovely people from your office Edward,

I smiled and nodded. I loved the way Bella always took such an interest in people, so different to the harpies of my past who only ever thought about themselves. I loves this woman she was beautiful in and out.

"Some of the ladies are a bit sweet on you, unsurprisingly," she teased.

I scoffed at her remark.

"Oh, Edward. You are so handsome of course some of the ladies and probably a few of the men would fancy you."

"So long as you fancy me that's all that matters. Anyway I think you are biased."

"I am definitely biased baby but that doesn't mean it isn't true."

I shook my head amused because it was Bella who had people in love with her wherever we went. She was so beautiful, men and certainly some women fancied her for sure. I was resigned to the fact that I would have to put up with men lusting after my girl. I didn't like it but I was resigned to the inevitability of it.

I leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Time for my baby momma to get off her feet. Come and sit with me and we'll chat with people for a while." She smiled up at me as I led her over to one of the couches where we spent the next hour sipping our drinks enjoying some tasty nibbles and just catching up with all our guests.

Bella introduced me to her staff and friends and I introduced her to mine. The whole time we had our hands in contact with each other. I drew small lazy circles on her bare shoulder and she kept her hand on my arm or my thigh. It was sexy and comforting at the same time.

Emmett, Jasper and I spent a lot of time talking sports, history, politics and the economy. I realised that Jasper and I could become very good friends. We disagreed on some things, especially on politics but he was intelligent and informed so our disagreement was interesting and it was fun to argue with him. I've always enjoyed good debates.

Emmett seemed to like Jasper too but was clearly sussing him out with regards to his social life. Emmett wanted to make sure Alice was in safe hands. Jasper and Alice spent a lot of the evening apart but they always kept sight of each other, it was fascinating to watch. Any question about their status as a couple, however, was answered when the two of them got on the dance floor.

Alice and Jasper danced together with so much intimacy that I was a little embarrassed to be watching. Bella leaned into me while keeping her eyes on them as they danced, "I think they make a lovely couple, don't you baby?" I was about to agree with her when I spotted Emmett seething and heading down to the dance floor towards them.

"Oh shit, I think Emmett's going to kill him. C'mon sweet one, let's join them. Rosalie!"

"I see him Edward, I'm on my way."

The three of us converged on the dance floor where Emmett had just reached Alice and Jasper, who looked like they were about to have sex right there on the dance floor and completely oblivious to the incredible hulk that was Emmett. Fuck.

"Emmett, pumpkin, dance with me," Rosalie cooed at him, her hands restraining him and caressing him at the same time. While he was momentarily distracted by Rosalie's sweet talk Bella grabbed Alice moving her away and dancing with her.

I grabbed Jasper and moved him to the other side of the dance floor. He looked at me in shock but I didn't have time to explain to him as Emmett had regained his focus and was storming towards us. I gave Jasper an apologetic look, "Sorry man, but better me than him." I punched him in the jaw and he went down. I realised that it was only because it was a sucker punch that I was able to knock him down. I was fit but Jasper was a fucking warrior with the scars to prove it.

"What the fuck Ed...?" Jasper sat up on his arse rubbing his chin.

Emmett came and stood beside me, looking down at Jasper, "You were disrespecting our sister, Jasper. I was on my way to knock you flat but I see that Edward has taken care of it for me," he slapped my back and I tumbled forward a little.

"Um... yeah, Jasper... I'm sorry I had to teach you a lesson, man. But that's our sister you were mauling out here." I tried very hard to keep a straight face, biting my bottom lip to stop myself from laughing. Jasper realised that I had just saved him from having been put in his place by my bear like brother and was clearly grateful for my substitution.

He gave me a nod and I knew he was going to play along.

"Sorry Ed, sorry Emmett. I didn't mean to disrespect Alice. I love her guys. She's the most wonderful woman I've ever met. We just fit and I find it hard to keep my hands off her."

Alice squealed from behind me in such a high pitch that I covered my ears to protect them.

"You love me Jazzy?" She dove to the ground where he was still sitting rubbing his jaw, hamming it up if you ask me.

"Of course I do sugar. You are the most beautiful, sweet darlin' I have ever met. I love you with my whole heart."

"Oh Jasper, I love you too," she grabbed his face and kissed him passionately. I heard Emmett growl and I knew we were heading for trouble again.

Bella jumped in and patted Jasper on the shoulder effectively breaking up the kissfest he and Alice were getting into, "Um, Jasper? It might be best to tone it down a bit in front of Alley's neanderthal brothers."

They looked up from the floor to see me holding Emmett back and both of us scowling at them.

Alice dismissed us with a wave of her hands, "Oh, pish-tosh. Edward, Emmett, get a grip. Thank you for protecting my honour but seriously guys. No fighting. I love Jasper and he loves me." She was being pretty smug, "And you are just going to have to get used to seeing us express that, just like I have to watch you with Rosalie and Isabella!"

Well she had us there.

I reached my hand down to Jasper and with his other arm still around Alice he grabbed my hand and I pulled the two of them up. He leaned in and whispered to me, "Thanks man."

I nodded knowing he meant thanks for protecting him from Emmett's iron fist and not just for helping him up. I turned to Emmett, "We all good?"

"I suppose so but Jasper don't maul my sister in front of me for a while, okay. At least until I get used to the idea of you and her being together."

"Fair enough," Jasper said as he walked with Alice back up to the VIP area.

Rosalie pulled Emmett onto the dance floor, "C'mon my caveman. Come and dance off some of that adrenaline with me." Emmett followed Rosalie like a puppy with his tongue hanging out.

I shook my head and chuckled at his hypocrisy, as Emmett proceeded to maul Rosalie right there on the dance floor.

I turned to find my sweet Isabella with her arms crossed looked at me with her eyebrows raised.

"What?"

She tilted her head and looked at me the same way that Lil Bit does when she's trying to work something out. So fucking cute.

"I'm just trying to work out why you punched Jasper? You don't have a problem with the way they were dancing or them being together? Do you?"

I laughed and circled her waist as I pulled her on to the dance floor with me, "No love. I just know Emmett. He was going to lay Jasper out flat before he had a chance to explain himself, so I thought a punch from me would be easier to take than a punch from Emmett. His fists are like anvils. Jasper would've been knocked out for sure. This way Emmett was satisfied that our brotherly duty was done and I spared Jasper from a beat down in front of his woman."

She reached her arms up and wrapped her hands around the back of my neck while I pulled her closer to me so that our bodies were pressed against each other. I kissed her neck just below her ear which I knew drove her crazy and she rewarded me with a light moaned as we continued to sway together.

"So, basically you punched Jasper to stop him getting punched by Emmett?"

"Yup."

She shook her head in disbelief before resting her cheek against my chest, "Men are so strange!"

I kissed the top of her head as my hands dipped down to her lower back pulling her impossibly closer to my body.

"Yup," was my brilliant reply.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this update. sorry it was slower than usual. I was distracted writing a short Christmas story called 'A Christmas to Remember' - check it out, it is only 9 chapters long and now complete. Also I started a new story called 'hidden'. I haven't started posting it yet since I want to get a few chapters written first. I am challenging myself by writing a completely different, it's a lot of fun.

Then of course we've had Christmas - hope everyone has had the opportunity to enjoy the season with friends and family. I know I've had a wonderful time with my ragtag bunch, despite the heat. It was 94 degrees fahrenheit here today.

Anyhoo. So engagement party done, wedding date brought forward and Jasper's relationship with Alice 'outed'. Did you love the protective brothers? I thought that was hilarious. Men! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Song credit: Janelle Monae's Q.U.E.E.N
℗ 2013 Bad Boy Records, LLC. Manufactured and Distributed by Atlantic Recording Corporation, A Warner Music Group Company.