A/N Sorry for the long delay in posting. Work, home, and karate have taken up a lot of my time.

I have at least one more chapter planned.

Chapter 37

BPOV

I was too excited to sleep, so I played with my new iPod Touch, a present from Renee and Phil. My phone chimed as I received a text. Surprised to be receiving a text after midnight, I picked up my phone.

R U still up? Call if so Love U, E

I quickly call him.

"Hey, Angel." His voice smoky. My heart fluttered in response.

"Hi Edward. I'm surprised you aren't asleep."

"Alice kept me up. She's going to New York with us for moral support and also to check out NYU."

"That's awesome!" I crowed and then paused, aware I'd been loud. I heard Charlie snore. Glad I hadn't wakened him, I continued in a softer voice, "I'm going to miss you tomorrow." I was spending the day with Renee and Phil in Port Angeles.

"I'm going to miss you too. At least we'll be together at dinner." He sighed.

"It was very generous of Esme to invite my family over, especially with Renee practically drooling over Carlisle." I cringed at the memory.

Edward gave a short, low laugh. "She's used to it."

I growled under my breath, "I'm not sure I'd be so magnanimous to anyone eyeing you like that."

"Mmm, I kind of like this possessive side of you, love. But just remember, they can look but only you can touch." His voice whispered of sweet promise.

I caught my breath in a light gasp. He chuckled softly in response. "Edward Cullen, you are such a flirt."

We talked about the performance, music, New York, our friends, and family for the next two hours before we both decided we really should get some sleep.

I fell asleep with Edward's whispered 'I love you' echoing sweetly in my mind.

******

Renee, Phil, and I had a great time in Port Angeles. Renee had developed mad shopping skills, but my time with Alice had made shopping easier to tolerate. Plus it gave Phil and me a chance to catch up. Phil was very down to earth, and had a boyish charm similar to Emmett's. It was nice to see how he and Renee were together. I was happy for them.

I got a call from Charlie saying he'd meet us at the Cullen house, as he needed to finish up some paperwork at the end of his shift.

Renee gave a low whistle as we pulled up the Cullens' drive. She looked over at Phil. "This is the kind of house I'd like to have."

He kissed her hand, "I'm sure will find something nice in Jacksonville."

I hopped out of the car.

Edward was waiting on the porch. "Bella," he husked as he hugged me close.

I lost track of everything but his warm embrace until I heard Renee giggle behind us. My cheeks heated at the sound.

Edward easily placed one arm over my shoulders, pulling me to his side as he greeted Renee and Phil, leading us into the house.

Esme appeared from the kitchen, "Welcome. Bella, I'd love your help in the kitchen. Renee, would you like some wine?"

Carlisle strode in from the living room and began speaking with Phil as Renee and I followed Esme into the kitchen.

Renee settled at the breakfast nook with a glass of red wine as I assisted Esme.

"Renee, Bella is quite an accomplished cook. Did you teach her?" Esme asked.

Renee snorted softly, "Ah, no. The fire department got involved anytime I tried to cook. I was thrilled when Bella took an interest in cooking at an early age. I've always believed Bella was born middle aged."

Esme gave her a knowing look, "An old soul? Yes, I see that in Edward, too." That led to their discussing our childhoods.

I rolled my eyes as Renee shared my disastrous time in ballet school while I grated the parmesan cheese.

Fortunately, they began talking about the house, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Strong arms circled my waist from behind, and Edward whispered in my ear, "Need any help?"

He kissed my cheek. "Umm, sure. Want to help me with the salad?"

"If it means I get to stay in here with you, then absolutely."

Renee and Esme both sighed happily. I blushed but quickly became comfortable as Edward and I worked together seamlessly. I let my mind wander to a future image of Edward and I working together in another kitchen, our own. I envisioned us teasing each other as we worked in the kitchen, pausing every now and then to kiss…

"Bella?" I looked up to see Edward's brilliant eyes watching me closely.

I swallowed the lump in my throat that had formed, "Yes?"

"You looked so happy. What were you thinking about?" He asked quietly.

I glanced over at Esme and Renee who were lost in an animated discussion about traveling in Europe. I looked back at Edward and said softly, "I was thinking of us working together in the kitchen again… some day in our own kitchen."

A light flashed in his emerald eyes, and he smiled his crooked smile, "I like that thought very much."

A knock sounded on the door, Charlie. I bit my lip, worried about how comfortable he'd feel. Edward squeezed my hand, and we went out to greet him. Charlie visibly relaxed when Carlisle offered him his favorite beer.

Dinner was fun. The dining room table had been expanded to sit all of us. Phil and Emmett were discussing Phil's recent purchase of the Florida Marlins.

Rosalie purred, "They have a male dance team."

Everyone laughed.

My brow puckered in thought, "So why are you looking at homes in Jacksonville? Why not closer to be closer to the team?"

Renee answered, "We fell in love with the Jacksonville area and with Phil's private jet will make commuting to Miami a breeze."

Charlie grumbled to himself.

Phil said, "I'm visiting the Mariners practice tomorrow afternoon. I'd like to invite anyone interested to come with me."

The Cullen guys and Jasper expressed an interest.

Phil looked at Charlie, "I'd really like you to come too, Charlie."

"Dad, you'd have a lot of fun." I encouraged.

Charlie replied gruffly but couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes, "Well, I do have the day off."

Esme and Renee decided that we girls would spend our time in Seattle at the Salish Lodge & Spa, which Alice squealed was one of the best day spas in the area.

I frowned slightly, not sure spending an afternoon at a spa was my thing.

Edward murmured to me, "I know it sounds weird, but Esme and Alice always come back so relaxed from their spa visits. It might be a nice treat before your studio time next week."

I grinned over to him. He always knew how to make me feel better.

******

The spa turned out to be very relaxing. The guys had a wonderful time with the Mariners. Charlie was the most excited I'd ever seen when he showed me his signed baseball. I later went online and bought him a memorabilia ball case, as a surprise.

It was both difficult and a relief saying goodbye to Renee and Phil. I really enjoyed their visit, but I was ready to get back to normal.

Charlie was very quiet at dinner the next night. He cleared his throat. "Bella, I bet you're going to make it into Julliard, but your mom's offered for you to move in with her and Phil next year, if you don't."

I wasn't really surprised. "I'd like to stay with you, if that's okay."

He looked up, clearly surprised. I continued, "I'm glad I came to live here. "

He smiled, "Me too, Bells, me too."

****

As Carlisle, Alice, Edward, and I waited at the ticket counter, I thought about the last few weeks. I had practiced "I Love Rock-n-Roll" to recorded music and "Ave Maria" in a cappella. Edward went with me to the studio. It took a few hours to record the new songs and dictate to the studio how to put those and my other recordings on disc. Then it was off in the mail.

Carlisle handed me my ticket, returning me to the present. I'd already paid him my fare. I looked down. "Carlisle, there's a mistake. This says first class."

He grinned and said smoothly, "I had a free first class upgrade, and we wouldn't want Edward suffering without you."

Edward had clearly gotten his skills in persuasion from Carlisle.

I gave him a mock frown and said as if I was going to do something horrible and tough, "Well alright, I'll do it for Edward."

Alice giggled as Edward said, "I appreciate your selfless act on my behalf."

I punched him lightly on the arm as we went over to security.

I could understand why first class was almost a necessity for Carlisle and Edward, as they stretched their long legs out. I almost felt guilty for all the unnecessary leg room I had, knowing others were cramped further back in the plane. Alice distracted me with her enthusiasm for NYU and the possibility that she and Jasper would be attending there after their senior year. The thought of not only Edward and I being together, but my best friend and her boyfriend too, was almost too much to think about. I squelched my negative self talk. We could do this.

****

After a restless night's sleep at the luxurious hotel we were staying at, Alice assisted me getting ready, while giving me a pep talk.

I watched the bustling city as our cab drove us to Julliard. I felt the excitement of the city seep into me.

We entered the main lobby and made our way to the early admissions office. Edward and I both took in the refined décor, as we sat waiting for our names to be called.

"Edward Cullen," A tall, attractive man came forward to shake Edward's hand. Edward squeezed mine before standing to accept his.

"I'm Mr. Aro. I'm head of the instrumental program and the lead reviewer for early admissions. I'm delighted you're here to meet with us today."

He led Edward out of the office and down the hall.

I waited, trying not to fidget.

"Isabella Swan" I jumped, not hearing another person enter the office. I stood up and shook hands with another handsome man, somewhat shorter than Mr. Aro. These men looked like they could be related to Carlisle in their good looks. "My name is Mr. Caius, I am head of the vocal department and will be your main reviewer today. Please follow me. If you have any questions, just let me know."

The morning went by quickly. I went through a number of interviews with various faculty members and upper classmen, and I sang a number of songs sampling my range and abilities. We broke for lunch, but I still hadn't seen Edward. I had every confidence things were going well for him.

After lunch, I continued to sing a few more songs, when Mr. Aro appeared and conversed quietly with Mr. Caius.

Mr. Caius nodded his head in agreement, and Mr. Aro said, "Ms. Swan, it would please us old men greatly if you would indulge us in one last song. We would like to hear you sing "Bella's Song" while Mr. Cullen plays."

I smiled. "I would happy to sing Bella's Song for you."

The two shared a knowing look. Were my feelings for Edward that obvious?

I was led down to another part of the school. As I entered the room, my heart leaped as I saw Edward seated at an impressive piano. He truly belonged here. He turned at the sound of us entered, and his eyes lit up as he smiled at me.

"Edward, Ms. Swan was agreeable to singing for us, just as you predicted."

I shyly approached the piano and stood at his side. I nodded my head, and he began to play. I focused on Mr. Aro and Mr. Caius, despite wanting to look at Edward.

The professors applauded enthusiastically at the end. Mr. Aro exclaimed, "Mr. Marcus will be amazed at the wonderful talent these new students have. Singularly they are exceptional, together they are magical."

I blushed and looked down at Edward. His face was tight with excitement and as I fully processed what Mr. Aro had just said he continued, "Oops, it appears I have let the cat out of the bag, as it were." He and Mr. Caius laughed, clearly not perturbed by the slip.

Mr. Caius spoke, "Your official letters will be in the mail, but we would be honored if you join us here at Julliard in the Fall."

Edward stood and took my hand. "We will certainly be here."

*****

We did a bit of sight seeing that afternoon, and Carlisle took us to a high class restaurant to celebrate. The food was delicious, and the soft piano music was wonderful, and we caught up with Alice's NYU visit.

Edward offered me hi s hand, "Will you dance with me, Bella?"

I looked at him doubtfully, "Are you willing to risk injury?"

He laughed, "Yes, especially with my personal physician on hand."

Carlisle chuckled into his fist.

"Well, okay then." I winked at Alice.

I melted into Edward's arms, and we began to dance. He nuzzled into my hair and pulled me even closer. I could help but tease in a breathless tone, "Why Edward, you're holding me so close it's almost indecent."

He whispered teasingly, "Don't want to risk you running away from me this time."

I returned drily, "I have no intention of bolting. I'm too happy where I'm at."

He hummed softly for a bit, and I focused on being in his arms, floating in happiness. "For so long, I thought I'd have to choose between Julliard and you. Now I have both my dreams. I'm afraid I'm going to wake up and find out it's all been a dream."

I slid my hand down from his shoulder and pinched his bicep. "Ow! You little minx!" He laughed and nipped my ear.

I giggled, "Just helping you see that you're not dreaming."

"Clearly one should never bet against Alice." I mused as the song ended, and we began to make our way back to our table.

I heard her musical laughter, and the little pixie clapped her tiny hands, "You'd better believe it."