An Angel At My Table

by cinnamon twist101

There are two sides to every story His and Her's. When Edward and Bella make the mistake of blurring the lines between Employer and Employee at the Annual office Christmas party both of their lives change dramatically. Told by both Bella and Edwards POV

37. Romeo & Juliet, its a love story

A/N: As Always thank you to those of you who take the time to review and to those of you who have added this story to your subscriptions. Light & Laughter to my Facebook friends I promise chapter photos are first priority tomorrow morning I already have most of them sorted.

Greenaway and I would like to say thank you so much to Sassy for agreeing to Beta this story. Sassy you are like our missing link and we love the way you fit like a glove. LOL...

Disclaimer: S Meyer owns twilight; Greenaway & Cinnamon own this story. All songs are property of the respective owners.

Playlist...Romeo & Juliet by: Dire Straits...

Chapter 37: Romeo & Juliet...It's a love story...

Bella's POV...

The Helicopter landed in a little field behind what I was assuming was Aro's house. As we disembarked a man appeared in the field wearing only his underpants and a dark blue bandana, he waved out to us before launching into an enthusiastic air guitar rendition of Jimi's 'Purple Haze.'

I clutched Louis to me and tried not to laugh, Edward had warned me about Aro's eccentric behaviour but I thought he was exaggerating, that was until I saw Aro in the flesh. Much too much flesh for my liking,

"Ok Edward, I can see now that you weren't joking." I giggled.

Edward shook his head at me, almost exasperatedly for not believing what he had been telling me about Aro and his odd behaviour. I clenched my jaw together to try and keep my laughter in when warned me about the outdoor bathroom overlooking the ocean and Aro's fondness for watching the yachts sail by as he did his daily ablutions.

I couldn't hold my laughter in a second longer and I erupted into a fit of giggles, Edward looked at me seriously,

"You realise that's the man that is going to marry us don't you?"

"Yeah I do and I can't wait! I bet Charlie and Renee handle it better than Carlisle and Esme. Oh god I can't wait to see your parents faces when they see him! I hope he marries us in what he's wearing now." I passed Louis to Edward and leapt out of the stationery helicopter. I could hear Jimi blaring from the house behind Aro, competing with the noisy sound of the helicopter blades above.

I clapped when the air-gituar-performance finally finished

"Bravo, you were pure Jimi Hendrix," I called out. Edward walked up I didn't dare look at Edward for fear of breaking into uncontrollable laughter.

Aro rushed quickly toward me, scooping me into his arms and swinging me around before putting me gently on my feet and picking a flower for my hair.

"There you go Flower Child." He stepped back and looked me over and I ducked my head in embarrassment. If I was embarrassed about the way he was looking at me it was nothing to the mortification I felt at his next comment.

"Nothing better than a busty Flower Child."

Before I even had a chance to recover from his last comment, Aro was asking me another question.

"You sure you want to marry him? He's very..." he raised his fingers and began drawing a square. "You're not though, you have a free spirit. Not materialistic, but spiritual...Such a beautiful aura too: no wonder he couldn't stop talking about his 'assistant'." He mused.

Without taking his eyes from mine he addressed Edward, "She's far too good for you Edward."

I was taken aback by Aro's comment and I was quick to disagree with him.

"I think you have that round the wrong way Aro, Edward is far too good for me, but I'm sure I want to marry him. Even if he is a square."

I tried to keep my mind focused on our conversation rather than the fact he was standing there in only his underwear. Aro smiled and clapped his hands together before giving me another hug. When he let me go he turned to Edward and Apple.

He introduced himself to Apple and Louis as their Poppy Aro, and questioned Edward about his sobriety. He ignored Edward's own questions and linked his arm through mine.

"I keep watch on him, through the cards and the stones you see." He whispered as he led me into the house, "But the biggest clue that he hadn't been drinking, was that this is the first time I have been around him that he didn't stink like a brewery."

I was a little overwhelmed when Aro brought me to a stop inside the house and I noticed every wall was covered in bright murals. Crystals hung in the windows casting prisms of light across the floors and large raw pieces of amethyst and rose quartz sat on every available surface, the room smelt strongly of incense.

And it fitted Aro's personality perfectly.

I was drawn to one particular mural depicting a bronzed haired girl sat on a sun flower smiling at her brown haired brother who was sliding down a rainbow. I recognised the children as my own. I turned and smiled brightly at Aro

"That is a beautiful mural, you captured my children perfectly."

Edward and the kids followed us into the room, Apple squirmed out of Edward's embrace and ran straight into Aro's arms. He scooped her into his arms and slung her on his hip.

I couldn't help but giggle at Apple; she grabbed Aro' face in her hands and looked at him seriously; I knew she was reading him trying to get a feel for who he was.

She obviously like what she found in his eyes because she declared, "I love you poppy Aro, my poppy Aro," she looked at Edward, "Apple's Poppy, I love my Aro..." she looked back at Aro, "Love my Daddy, he's mine."

Edward suddenly pulled me to his side holding me close to him. Why I wasn't quite sure and he never gave me a reason.

Aro looked at us pensively for a moment before he spoke,

"You two have had some rough times lately, haven't you?" I felt my body stiffen and Edward squeezed me gently. Aro never gave either of us a chance to respond before he shook his head "No, we aren't going to talk about it. Sometimes the past is better left where it is, but a wise man once said 'I do my thing, and you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful."

I watched Aro as I thought about what he'd just said, for all his kookiness he was extremely insightful and wise.

He gave us a bright smile, "That's the only pre-marriage counselling I am going to give you. Who wants some herbal tea? I just finished grinding it all from my orange blossoms and rosehips..." He took Louis from my arms and retreated to the kitchen leaving us a view of his tattooed bum, I laughed when I saw the words

'Make Love, Not War. Don't want to be a Solider; I'd rather be a whore...' Above a rainbow, I could see the wing of a dove poking out from the top of his underwear.

I turned to Edward, "Oh my God, the more I get to know him the more I love him, though I can't imagine how you two maintain a friendship. I guess it's true what they say about opposites attract."

Edward shook his head, "I didn't get a choice Bella; he wouldn't leave me alone. Plus, he had the best weed ever..."

We made our way into the kitchen and Aro immediately passed me a mug of herbal tea, ""The secret to good weed, any good produce really, is natural fertiliser. Horse shit Edward, not human.

How the hell do you manage with him Flower Child?" He crossed his legs, still only wearing his underpants and looked at Me. "Tell me about yourself, honey."

"Um...what do you want to know exactly?" I ducked my head and smiled shyly, I didn't know what to say.

"I want to know you baby, what makes you tick? You don't look like the plastic type this one usually deals with, so how did you come to work for him? I can't imagine you in a stuffy air-conditioned prison." He sipped on his tea patiently waiting for me to answer.

"Hmm...Well I have to admit I was young and naive when I first went to work for his Dad's company and you're right looking back on it now it probably wasn't a smart career choice, I would have been a better anthropologist or an archaeologist or something."

"Hmm, seems about right. So did you love this one straight away too?" He asked me the question but never waited for my answer, "This one here? I read his cards for him one day, told him a brown haired beauty would be what saved him. First thing he said was 'Bella'. I knew then and there he had found it, but what I didn't know was how long it would take for him to grow a pair and do something about it. Still, here you are today wanting little old me to marry you. It's beautiful really."

I heard Edward gasp as he reached out for my mug, I looked from him to Aro, who just laughed and started to explain, "He's scared I slipped you some 'special tea.'. That was a crazy night Flower Child. Crazy. You're boy here was going to try flying. Crazy." He shook his head. "This tea has nothing like that in here. Not in front of the future." He said gesturing to Apple and Louis. "They have to follow their own paths, not those of their ancestors."

I looked at Edward quizzically, listening to Aro's chatter with one ear. I was curious about Aro's comment about Edward saying my name and referring to me as the one who would save him. Had he dreamed of a future with me that long ago? The thought made my heart glow, but also made desire course through me and I wanted nothing more than to get Edward alone.

"You wanted me to be the one who saved you?" I whispered, I tried to blink back the tears pooling in my eyes. He pulled me closer to him.

"I told you love, it's always been you, since the first day I saw you in Emmett's office." He kissed my cheek softly, "Always you."

"Edward, I think we should get going and get the twins dinner and get them ready for bed." I whispered the minute Aro's back was turned; it wasn't that I wasn't enjoying his company I just wanted to get Edward alone.

Edward made our excuses to Aro and we both stood and took a twin from their highchair. Aro said goodbye to the twins and hugged me again "You come back and see me again soon Flower Child. You and I have some chatting to do." He said with a wink.

We were making our way down the lane. Edward had said there was only one house between Aro's and the one we were renting, so the walk wouldn't be too long. I scooped Apple into my arms and quickened my pace, I was keen to get to the house and just relax. We had just drawn up to the house next to Aro's and I happened to glance up the driveway. I stopped walking, all other thoughts but the gorgeous house in front of me vanished.

I unconsciously began to walk up the driveway, wanting a better view of the cute Cedar clad house. I stopped after a few steps and looked back at Edward. I noticed he was watching me curiously,

"Wow this house is beautiful. Remind me to ask Aro who lives here; they'd have to be pretty tolerant to cope with him as a neighbour."

Edward came to my side and looked at me seriously, "You like it?" He nodded toward the quaint house.

"I do like it in fact I love, I feel drawn to it for some reason though I can't imagine why. There's something that feels familiar about the place, like a part of me dwells there if that makes sense, god what was in that tea Aro gave us?"

"Thankfully not those fucking mushrooms again: Come on love; let's get these kids to bed shall we? I think Poppy Aro, might have tired them out."

I didn't want to go, I wanted to walk up onto the front porch and look through the windows, there was just something about the house. "Um...I just want...um yeah let's go..." I couldn't permit myself to look through the windows of somebody's house; they had laws against that type of thing.

I followed Edward back onto the road and headed for the next driveway, he continued to watch me and I wondered what was on his mind, apart from the usual, "What, why are you looking at me like that?"

He shook his head and sighed, "You amaze me. Just when I think you finally can't surprise me anymore, you do."

~~~~XXXX~~~~

The week moved past in a blur of good times and last minute preparations, I was so happy we had decided to invite our friends and siblings up for the week; they were a source of much of our fun and laughter. Emmett, Jasper, Felix and Demetri fitted right in with Aro as I knew they would and their antics after consuming vast quantities of Aro's mushroom tea and Cactus juice, not to mention his first class weed, though they seem to make themselves scarce once the parents turned up...

I left Edward with the kids and asked Charlie and Carlisle if they would like to accompany me to Aro's, I thought an introduction might be a good idea before the ceremony but I was really just craving an escape from Alice, Esme and Renee who seemed to have gone into wedding hysteria.

They were slowly trying to take over every detail we had arranged and try to make it a little more to their tastes, but I was putting up a good fight, I knew my stubbornness would be useful for something.

Aro's POV

I saw my little Flower Child coming up the lawn with two men in tow. I smiled and waved at her, completely buzzed out by her shimmering aura. She was such a kind, good soul and I knew if anyone could purge Edward of his negative energy it would be her. I loved Edward like my own son, so I felt as I imagined a father would when his only child announced he was getting married. I was beyond happy for him

"Hey there Flower Child, where's The Square One?" I joked handing the joint out to her.

Her hand immediately reached for the joint and before she had realised it, she had already taken a long drag.

"Oh fuck..." She handed the joint back to me and flashed a guilty smile.

"Hey Aro, the square one is back at the house holding down the fort so to speak, so I thought I'd bring the fathers up to meet you. This," She pointed to the tall glowering one. "This is my Dad Charlie, and this is Edward's father Carlisle. This is Aro, Edward's old and my new friend and the wonderful person who has agreed to marry us."

I stood up and smoothed my shirt before sussing out the two Dads. Charlie looked like a decent man, straight maybe, but still decent. His hands were rough and hard, the sure sign of someone who had known a real hard day's work. I took an instant liking to Charlie, his aura was a light blue, calm and steady, just the kind of man he appeared to be. "Charlie, it's wonderful to meet the father of my little Flower Child." I reached down and plucked a blue flower from the grass, smiling at Flower Child before I tucked it in her hair "Perfect." I said kissing her cheek.

"It's a...pleasure to meet you Aro, and my daughter certainly is a flower child as is my granddaughter."

"She is, It must be the hardest thing in the world to give such a beauty away." I turned to Carlisle and gave him a smile.

Carlisle was the complete opposite of Charlie, where Charlie was rough and earthy, Carlisle was polished and refined. He had known hard work, but all his hard work was of the mental nature. Manipulation was his game, or had been anyway. It was written all over his face, the guilt of a life spent in malice leaking from every pore. He was on the road of redemption, but his journey still had a long way to go. His aura was murky and cloudy with the odd bright spot.

Exactly as his soul looked no doubt. He looked nothing like Edward, but I could see much of my young lad in there anyway. The way they held themselves, the intense stare even when relaxed. I could also see the root cause of all Edward's problems,

"Carlisle," I greeted him, "It's been a long wait to meet you. Edward has told me so much about you: Doobie?" I said offering him the joint. I doubted he would take it, but it was rude not to offer. I hadn't bothered offering Charlie, not after the daggers he shot at Flower Child.

Carlisle took the joint with a smile and took a drag before offering it to Charlie. I wasnt surprised when he turned it down. A guilty looking Flower Child took it from Carlisle instead and took a deep drag.

"So Aro have you known Edward for long?"

I grinned at Carlisle. I could definitely see where Edward got his personality from now.

"It feels like a lifetime. It wasn't long after you gave him his first real promotion at Cullen Industries. He was here on business and staying local so I popped in and said hello. He was lucky I did, I walked in that house and the Fung Shui was terrible. I had to practically rearrange the whole house. He was a little taken aback at first, but I'm like gonerreah. Once I come, I just keep coming back." I said looking at Flower Child who was trying to smother her laughter. "It's true Missy, just be glad you weren't around in the sixties. You caught it like you caught a cold." I said taking another hit and handing it back to Carlisle. "You got a good man in your son, the kind that makes a father proud." I said honestly. Edward was the only real family I had, the only real family I had ever wanted really in the socially acceptable meaning of the word anyway.

"I am extremely proud of my son, though I may have not always shown him that...I hope he knows it now."

Flower Child looked at Carlisle and smiled,

"He does it know it Carlisle, it makes him happy." She shrugged her shoulders, "He'd want you to know." I covered my chuckle with a cough as she took the joint from Carlisle, avoiding Charlie's murderous stare before passing it back to me.

I looked at Carlisle with a smirk. "So Carlisle, do you drink tea?" I asked innocently and I saw Flower Child's eyes widen "How about you Charlie? I have a nice golden brand of tea if either of you are interested?"

From the look of Flower Child, I knew I would be tripping alone tonight. The Square One was rubbing off on her and it was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking.

"Um...Aro...As much as I would love to see that, and honestly I would, I doubt neither of them would forgive us...and Edward you know." She drew a square in the air to indicate her point. I nodded in understanding.

I looked at Charlie and Carlisle. "She's an old soul this one, a conqueror of all men's hearts. Just look at how she tied your Edward all up in knots." I said to Carlisle

"She's certainly has done that, but I can now see why he is so smitten. She is a rare one Charlie you've done a fine job raising her."

"I did for the most part Carlisle, but it seems I may have slipped a little in the drugs are bad for you and against the law department."

She rolled her eyes at him, "lighten up Dad, you know the saying when in Rome...And besides it would be rude of me to turn down Aro's hospitality especially when it's so good." Bella leaned toward me conspiratorially, "maybe cookies would be better than tea." She whispered in my ear.

I nodded in agreement "I was going to bring out some cactus juice, but I don't think they would be game. Even Edward couldn't go there, perhaps one day when you aren't so ..." I glanced quickly down at her stomach "you and I could." Her eyes widened in shock and fear and I gave her a quick smile, Charlie and Carlisle were discussing the local golf course and paying no attention to us. "Have no fear Flower Child, it's our little secret."

"Thank you Aro, I haven't told Edward yet, I was thinking of maybe telling him after the wedding. I don't want the parents or others to know yet. My Dad's not impressed with my behaviour as it is."

"Edward is going to be thrilled. I've already seen it in the cards." I said pulling her to me and tucking a small bag of weed into her back pocket. She jumped and I smiled "Give this to Edward later; it may do him good to have some common ground he's comfortable on with his father. I wasn't groping your ass; Edward would know and kill me. He's very possessive you know, all 'you can look and die with jealousy but don't touch or I'll rip your hands off.' Only with you though..."

"Mmm, I've noticed that, he's getting better...well he's not but I live in hope. And thank you Aro maybe Edward can share this with his dad before they go to golf...Aro if you don't mind do you think I can hide out here with you tomorrow? the mother's are trying to organise trips to the spa and hair dressers and make up trials, and I don't want any of that, I was thinking I could maybe I could pick some of your wild daisies to make a chain, that's the only thing I want going in my hair."

I was sure I was ready to burst, she was just too perfect, and everything he needed was embodied in Flower Child.

"I will protect you from swarm after swarm of beautiful women, even if I have to sacrifice my body to do so." I said with a cheeky grin. "I can even braid your hair if you want? I found the easiest way into a woman's skirts was to be up to date with all that sort of thing. Let's just say, I learned plenty in my younger days and I got plenty because of it."

"Thank you Aro I appreciate the sacrifice, and braids sounds perfect and Edward and I are going to go barefoot just like you," I whispered, "That should really set the weddingzilla's off."

I kissed her cheek "You are a beautiful woman Flower Child, but you're real beauty is in here." I said tapping above her heart. "That's what he sees you know. I can tell you don't think you are good enough for him, but it isn't true. You set that candle alight inside him, the one that makes him just glow, and from your blush I can tell you know what I am talking about."

I pulled her with me back towards Carlisle and Charlie "So do any of your wives believe in swinging?" I asked casually, patting Bella on the back as she began to splutter and choke.

Bella's POV

I laughed to myself when I saw Carlisle blood shot eyes and wide smile, "Um...I think you two better head back to the house, I'm sure the wives' have a list of chores for you a mile long...and you don't want Aro to brew you up the tea...trust me." I whispered.

Carlisle laughed loudly and stepped forward to give me a hug, "I'll take your word for it flower child. And don't tell Esme what we got up to she'd never approve." He smiled even wider and I giggled.

"I won't tell if you don't."

"Thanks Bella."

"Thank you Carlisle, I'll see you soon." I kissed his cheek and turned to my Dad, "I'll be back at the house soon Dad, I just have some wedding details to discuss with Aro." I kissed his cheek and gave him a quick hug.

"Keep off the wacky backy Bells." He gave me a stern look and a one arm hug.

"When in Rome Dad...But thanks for caring," I watched him and Carlisle retreating backs until they disappeared from view.

I turned to Aro with a smile, "That was certainly different and unexpected."

We both laughed and climbed into the hammock lying at opposite ends. He lit up another joint took a deep drag and passed it to me, I took it with a smile. He took my foot in his hand and began to massage it, it felt wonderful, he had a fantastic firm but soothing touch.

"Are you scared about being pregnant so soon after your loss?" He dug his fingers deeper into the arches of my foot.

His question, had me tensing at once and I wondered how he knew. Edward wouldn't have told him would he? I had no answer for that.

As if he knew what I was thinking Aro answered my unspoken question.

"I know things honey; he didn't say anything to me. I just want you to know that if you need someone to talk to, I am here. Edward is like a son to me, which means you are like a daughter now. He's happy, the happiest I have ever seen him and I want you to be happy too. Would you like to hear about the first time he told me about you?"

I decided to answer his original question, it felt good to share some of my anxieties and Aro was the only person I felt comfortable talking to it since Edward didn't know yet. "I am scared but with Edward by my side I know I can cope with anything, I'm in a much better place now. And I would like to know about the first time he told you about me." I smiled shyly and passed him the joint.

He took a deep drag and blew a couple of smoke rings into the air "Emmett had just hired you, and he had come up here that very weekend. He was a mess, drinking a lot, smoking a lot and very, very excited. I read his cards; like I told you and he said your name. He then spent the next twelve hours; no I am not exaggerating, telling me every little detail about you. The way you dressed; how your voice sounded, the way you smiled, the way he would make up reasons just to go and see Emmett so he could catch a glimpse of you. He was in love, it was obvious, but like all great love stories, yours was not to go smoothly. He visited frequently through the time you worked for Emmett, he couldn't date he said. Every time he tried he would imagine it was you, I believe he even once called a date by your name. Needless to say, it didn't end well. But he couldn't have you, so he locked all those feelings away inside himself and tried to act like you didn't affect him. The day that you came to work for him though, he called me from work just to tell me all about it.

He chuckled as he watched the blush rush over my cheeks. "Come on, you had to have had some idea..."

I shook my head."No I had no idea, he was always so cool and professional, and honestly I doubt anyone saw it. I don't think he ever asked me anything about my personal life in the whole time I worked for him... And I can't Believe he would call someone else by my name, the poor girl must have been so hurt and humiliated. I hope he sent her flowers and apologised."

Aro raised an eyebrow at me, "Well, I doubt that. But no, he was a man in love, tortured by his own devices. He called me after he moved to France, he was drunk; I would be surprised if he even remembered it.

He told me he had destroyed everything; that he had no chance with you anymore and he thought he would die from the pain. He didn't see any point without you. About once a month, I would get a call from him at about three in the morning while he ranted and raved, cried and begged for me to tell him how to make it better. I told him to come home, but he wouldn't. He said he had made a deal with the devil to save you and he couldn't get out of it."

Tears spilled down my cheeks when Aro finished telling me the story.

He reached out and wiped them away, "I'm not telling you this to make you upset Flower Child; I just want you to know what you mean to that man. He has been through hell and back to get to you, I think it's a little hard for him to believe that he finally reached his heaven."

For some reason I never doubted one word of Aro's story and I finally believed Edward had loved me from the first time he met me.

"What I don't understand is why he loves me. I've hurt him in ways...I'm so ashamed in the ways I've hurt him, but he still loves me anyway. I can't make sense of it." It felt nice to talk to Aro about my fears and confusion I didn't want to bottle them up and risk a repeat of the last time I chose that option.

Aro gave me a warm smile and another dose of his wisdom. "What is love really? It's trying to mould your life with someone else's, someone who touches your soul like no one else. It's beautiful, but it's hard work. You both have to change a little and you both have to give a little, but the rewards, that's what makes it worth it. You did nothing so terrible honey, neither did he. You just had to work a little harder to make all the pieces fit. Speaking of fitting though, you are lucky you are going barefoot on your wedding day, because these have to be the biggest feet I have ever seen on a woman in my life. And I have a little foot fetish you know, so I've seen a lot of feet." He teased, holding my foot tighter in his hand and continued his massage. "You couldn't find shoes for these clompers outside of the circus could you?"

I burst into a fit of giggles, "It's true, my sister Alice is always complaining about them when she drags me out shopping, she'll be the only other one happy I won't be wearing shoes tomorrow. Actually Aro you make a good point, one I'm going to employ against the mothers and other cry babies who don't approve of my no wedding shoes policy."

I was first alerted to Edward's arrival by the familiar tingle that flickered in my body like tiny electric shocks; this always happened when he was in close proximity to me and would of course turn into a full electric current when his skin came in contact with mine.

He strode up to the hammock and looked at Aro touching my feet with a frown. "What the hell is this?" I was about to launch into an explanation when Aro spoke

"What can I say Edward? I dig clown feet."

I burst into another spasm of giggles, "Aro has just been admiring my huge feet, he says they're the biggest he's ever seen on a woman, do you agree sweetie? Are my feet the biggest you've seen over your many conquests?" I winked at him and laughed again. I wanted to show him I was just joking around with him.

Of course I should have known he wouldn't have take it as such and he glared at Aro and launched into a rant demanding to know what he'd told me. I couldn't help but laugh at the cryptic babble Aro gave him as an answer.

Edward's jaw clenched shut his eyes stayed firmly on Aro but his next words were for me. "He tells lies."

I shook my head and sighed in exasperation. I hated when Edward got all stupid like this and I wasn't going to stand for it. "Are you sure about that sweetie? Because if you are we won't be getting married tomorrow: Aro has been telling me and finally convincing me of how much and for how long you have loved me. I think you should take a deep breath apologise and then I might let you have a toke on this yummy joint he has so kindly provided."

He mumbled some kind of an apology and plucked the spliff from my fingers taking a deep drag. "What the fuck are you doing to me baby? I'm turning into a pansy."

"No you're not, you're learning to admit when you're in the wrong and taking responsibility for your actions it makes you a happier person sweetie. Now are you going to come over here and help me out of this hammock, we have only a limited amount of hours left to be together before the weddingzilla's separate us for the night." I gave him a cheesy smile and waited.

He helped me out of the hammock, and before I was even properly on my feet he was hoisting me over his shoulder and doing his best cave man impersonation.

"How's that for grown up baby?"

"Hmm very mature Edward," I looked up at Aro, "I'll see you tomorrow Aro and thanks for the foot rub, chat and herbal remedies you're the world's best host, you even converted one of the squares, you are truly magical..."..."Caveward honey will you please put me down all the blood is rushing to my head."

He refused my request until we were down Aro's driveway and had reached the footpath. He took my hand and looked at me; I could see the curiosity in his eyes, "Are you going to tell me what you and Aro were talking about?"

I gave him a quick smile; I knew he would be wondering what we'd spent the afternoon talking about. "He told me about the first time you told him about me, and he said he could tell you were in love with me because after he did your cards you talked about me in detail for a long time even though you had only just met me. And he told me how sad you were when you were in France and how you had been to hell made a deal with the devil for me and that now you have me you can't believe you've finally reached your heaven" I took a deep breath, "And I told him how I couldn't make sense of why you still loved me after all the things I've done that have hurt you and how I could cope with anything as long as I had you by my side. That's what we talked about. I hope you don't mind he told me. The thing about the conquests was just a flippant joke I thought of, there was nothing meant by it."

Edward relaxed at once, "It truly is a joke; I barely saw anyone after I met you. God, one woman slapped me in the middle of a restaurant when I called her 'Bella'. I can't even remember what her name was, only that she had brown hair and it reminded me of you."

I looked at him reproachfully, "He told me that to. I said I hoped you sent flowers to her with an apology, he didn't think you did."

"He's right, I couldn't remember her name. Who was I going to send flowers to? 'To Whom It May Concern, sorry I forgot your name.' What are you laughing at? It was very embarrassing at the time."

"Well you won't have to worry about that ever again after tomorrow will you, you'll be officially off the market, just another poor sap with a ball and chain around his neck."

"Ball and chain! Hardly! Tomorrow I will be the luckiest man alive, I really can't wait. You and me forever, doesn't sound like a hardship to me."

"Nor to me it sounds like paradise. Anyway I was thinking I doubt I will be able to last until tomorrow evening to see you again. I was wondering if you want to do something naughty and sneak out at midnight and meet me, you know the garden behind the estate? Let's meet there."

Edward agreed at once, and I was happy in the knowledge that I would be seeing him once more before we met at the altar.

We met Emmett on the driveway who wanted to talk about the arrangements for the night, I didn't want any more reminders that Edward and I were going to have to say good bye in a couple of hours so I kissed him good bye and headed for the house.

I had only just stepped through the door when I met Carlisle, I smiled brightly as I approached him,

"Hi Daddy Carlisle, I've got a present for you from Aro; I think you may have surprised him a little with your inner hippy ways." I slipped the cigarette into his pocket, "Ssh it's our little secret," I kissed his cheek and walked away.

It was torturous having to say goodbye to Edward a few hours later, he hadn't left my side since we arrived home from Aro's, and though we both tried to plead our case on how stupid it was to anyone who would listen it did us no good.

I'll see you at midnight, it's only a couple of hours away... Not that long to wait," Edward sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as he was trying to convince me.

"I know; it just feels like forever." My bottom lip jutted out into a pout and Edward sucked it between his lips.

"For me to Angel, but after tonight we'll never have to be apart again."

I clung to his words like a life line, "Do you promise."

"I promise Bella." He brought his lips to mine; his lips were soft and gentle where mine were forceful and full of my overwhelming need for him.

Edward growled and I sighed when Emmett's unmistakable voice shattered the silence and the magic of the kiss, "ok you two break it up, it will do you two nympho's the world of good to spend the night apart. just imagine the things you'll be able to get up to tomorrow night when you're finally alone...Oh and speaking of that, for god's sake try to keep in the realms of fun and relatively good taste, it's meant to be a romantic night, not your usual where one or both or you end up in the accident and emergency department."

"Thank you for that Emmett, now will you fuck off and give me another five minutes alone to say good night to my soon to be husband."

"Sorry Bells you're outta time, I'm under strict orders from Alice to deliver you to her's and Rose's militant arms and I'm not going to piss either of them off. They both scare me."

I crushed my lips back to Edward's I knew I only had seconds before Emmett would be hauling me out of his arms so I made it count. I squealed and clung to Edward when Emmett's massive arms did finally clamp around me but I was no match for his brute strength.

I blew a kiss to Edward over Emmett's shoulder and mouthed "Midnight." Before we rounded the corner and he disappeared from my sight.

~~~~XXXX~~~~

I moved stealthily through the house, I was sure at least one or more of my house companions would be expecting me to pull something like this. But years of tiptoeing around so I didn't wake the twins had made me a master at moving with stealth and I made it through the door and out into the warm summer air without detection. I was on a mission and I moved quickly through the shadows toward my destination, it was a small private garden nestled behind the Estate we were staying on for the night.

The wedding would be taking place on the beach at sunset the following evening and then we would be coming back here for the reception. I was almost where I wanted to be when a tall figure appeared in my path. My breath hitched in my throat but my pace never slowed as I threw myself into his arms, "God I've missed you, it doesn't feel right being apart from you, not even for a few hours, not even for a few seconds."

"God, I know. I had to literally break out. Emmett hid all the keys and locked the doors. Apparently I'm not trustworthy when it comes to staying away from you."

"So how was your day? Mine was long, I didn't think I was going to make it until now, I thought about sneaking off earlier to find you a few times Rose was watching me like a hawk. I bet her and Emmett were in it together, well if they ever get married we'll be sure to return the favour..."

I looked into Edward's eyes they looked black in the moon light, "so your feet not cold?"

His resulting growl sent a shiver up my spine, and he proceeded to reiterate points he'd made to me a thousand times before. "I can't wait until you are my wife." He slide his hands up and down over my hips, "God, you feel so fucking good Bella."

"I've never wanted anything more than to be your wife...Sweetie I have a present for you, I wanted to wait until tomorrow but now just seemed like the perfect time." I pulled a small wrapped box and passed it to him, waiting silently for him to open it.

My heart was beating so loud in my chest I was sure he would hear it. He slid the lid off the box and pulled out the tiny pair of crocheted booties and looked at me in confusion. "You're going to be a daddy again." I whispered...

"You're pregnant, we're having a baby?... I'm going to be a Dad again?" I smiled at Edward's obvious shock; I guess he wasn't expecting it to happen so soon.

"Yeah you are, I found out the other day, the doctor said I was six weeks along, but I think I'm either further along than that or we are having twins again because, I'm starting to not fit into my clothes already, and I had do alterations on my dress last week and that's not usually normal for six weeks along. It was the same with Apple and Louis."

"I can't wait to see you all big and round." He said excitedly before rapidly firing off every question that popped into his mind without giving me time to answer any of them.

When he finally paused to take a breath I quickly starting answering the questions he'd already asked before he had time to think of more."You won't be saying that when I am all big and fat like a beached whale and sex is nearly impossible because there's just no comfortable position. Kicks will come around twenty weeks and the scan will confirm if it's twins"

He stood and took my hand "Thank you Bella." "You've already given me two beautiful children and now here you are doing it again. Thank you will never be enough for what you have done, but thank you anyway."

His lips brushed softly against mine and I sighed. "Thank you Edward for loving me and allowing me to love you...it's you and me forever..."

"Dance with me?" My breathing hitched and I was mesmerised when his silky voice rent the silence

"A love struck Romeo sings a streetsuss serenade

Laying everybody low with a love song that he made

Finds a streetlight steps out of the shade

Says something like you and me babe how about it?"

I smiled up at him and sung my own favourite line from the Dire Straits classic,

"I love you like the stars above, I'll love you till I die. There's a place for us..."

He pulled me closer and crooned the next verse into my ear, his voice was velvet smooth like melting chocolate and my need for him was rapidly turning to desperation. I got a moments respite when his body stepped back from mine and he twirled me slowly.

I was happy to lay silently in Edward's arms as we stared up at the stars, the garden was just as beautiful at night and the sweet smell of jasmine hung in the air, and we each let our own thoughts consume us. Every so often Edward would lean down and whisper words of love and commitment into my ear or kiss me softly, and I wished we could just stay here suspended in time.

I probably could have drawn out our clandestine meeting for another hour or so if Edward hadn't have caught me trying to stile my yawn, "Come on baby you need to get to bed, it's going to be a long day tomorrow."

"Can't we stay just a little bit longer? It's so nice here with just the two of us under the stars."

"Sweetheart, we'll spend every night for the rest of our lives watching the stars if that's what you desire, but tonight you and our baby need sleep." He leaned over and kissed me reverently before getting to his feet and reaching out for my hand.

He stopped to pick me a rose as we made our way from the garden, he inhaled the sweet scent of the bloom himself before handing it to me with a breath taking smile. We took our time walking back to my room and the sky was turning from black to a dark inky blue when we stopped outside my door, his arms slid around my waist and he pulled me close.

"Until we meet again my sweet Juliet..." His kiss was sweet and full of promise and I sighed when he ended it.

"Look out for me my gallant Romeo; I'll be the one in the white dress and bare feet." I brought my lips to his once more, and slipped stealthily through the door...

Chapter 37

Edward's POV...

We landed outside Aro's house on the little field and I wasn't surprised at all to see him come out wearing only his underpants. He waved happily at us from outside. His long gray hair was hanging around his shoulders while a dirty old bandana he claimed to have got from Woodstock was tied around his head. He obviously had Jimi Hendrix playing, because all of a sudden he jumped and began playing the air guitar. I had seen him do this many times and I even knew the song that was playing.

"Purple haze." I muttered as I shook my head.

"Ok Edward, I can see now that you weren't joking."

I looked at Bella incredulously. "Joking? You think I was joking? Just wait till you need to use the bathroom, that's a lot of fun." I said with a grimace. Aro had built it outside so he had a view over the water. He had been known on more than one occasion to sit there waving at the yachts as they went past. Poor bastards waved back until they got out their binoculars for a closer look. One rich American woman had actually fainted and fallen overboard. According to Aro, it was because she saw the colour and size of his 'love aura' and was overwhelmed. I told Bella as much, shaking my head at her giggles.

"You realise that's the man that is going to marry us don't you?" I said suppressing my own laugh and waving back at Aro, who was now on his knees finishing his solo.

"Yeah I do and I can't wait, I bet Charlie and Renee handle it better than Carlisle and Esme, oh god I can't wait to see your parents faces when they see him, I hope he marries us in what he's wearing now." I passed Louis to me and clapped when Aro finally finished, "Bravo, you were pure Jimi Hendrix."

Aro rushed to Bella and picked her up swinging her around in his arms. When he put her down, he took her hand and led her over to his garden where he picked a bright blue flower, tucking it behind her ear.

"There you go Flower Child." He stepped back and blatantly checked my fiancée out, nodding in approval when his eyes reached her breasts. "Nothing better than a busty Flower Child he said smiling up at her like he had not been completely inappropriate. "You sure you want to marry him? He's very..." he raised his fingers and began drawing a square. I snorted, but he ignored me and kept his attention on Bella. "You're not though, you have a free spirit, not materialistic but spiritual...Such a beautiful aura too, no wonder he couldn't stop talking about his assistant." He mused to himself. "She's far too good for you Edward." He said without looking at me. He was no doubt still searching her 'aura' for more clues.

"Don't I know it." I responded.

"I think you have that round the wrong way Aro, Edward is far too good for me, but I'm sure I want to marry him, even if he is a square."

Aro clapped his hands together before giving Bella another hug. He let her go and finally turned to me "And these must be the beautiful children whose photos grace my mantle." He bent down and tickled Apple under the chin "Hello there beautiful girl. I'm your poppy Aro." Apple giggled and Aro turned to Louis and grinned "And you little dude, have your mothers beautiful features but all of your father's seriousness don't you? Listen to your mother son, and you'll be fine." He said shaking Louis's hand with a chuckle. He finally stood up and looked at me. "Finally stopped the booze have you?"

I rolled my eyes "And how do you know that?" He ignored me and turned to Bella, linking his arm through hers and leading her into the house. I followed them in with Louis and Apple in each of my arms.

Apple squirmed in my arms as she looked around the room, "pretty daddy...Poppy Aro room sparkles."

"It does sweetheart," She wriggled more and I slid her to the floor. She ran straight into Aro's out stretched arms.

"I love you poppy Aro, my poppy Aro," she looked back at me and gave me one of her glittering smiles, "Apples Poppy, I love my Aro..." she looked back at Aro, "Love my Daddy, he's mine."

"The sixties are strong is this one." Aro smiled down at Apple. "Love is never wrong sweetie, Love everyone and hate no one. You will be happier because of it."

I chuckled and pulled Bella into my side before Aro could assault her again. "I told you so." I whispered down into her ear before kissing her temple.

Aro grinned at pointed at us "See little lady? Love the one you're with." He looked between us seriously for a moment. "You two have had some rough times lately, haven't you?" He didn't give us a chance to respond before he shook his head "No, we aren't going to talk about it. Sometimes the past is better left were it is, but a wise man once said 'I do my thing, and you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful.'." He gave us a bright smile, "That's the only pre-marraige counselling I am going to give you. Who wants some herbal tea? I just finished grinding it all from my orange blossoms and rosehips..."

He came and took Louis off Bella walking off to the kitchen and leaving us with a view of his butt. I heard Bella giggle when she saw the tattoo just above his underpants "Make Love, Not War. Don't want to be a Solider; I'd rather be a whore..."

"Oh my God Edward, the more I get to him the more I love him, though I can't imagine how you two maintain a friendship. I guess it's true what they say about opposites attract."

I frowned. "I didn't get a choice Bella, he wouldn't leave me alone. Plus, he had the best weed ever..." I said as we made our way into the kitchen.

Louis and Apple were already sitting in high chairs made from rimu with their names carved in them. Aro had obviously put them together. They had little hand blown glass cups filled with juice that Aro explained was one hundred percent organic. He had made it himself. They also had little bowls of fresh chopped fruit in front of them.

He passed a steaming mug of tea to Bella "The secret to good weed, any good produce really, is natural fertiliser. Horse shit Edward, not human." He said rolling his eyes at my worried look. "See what I mean? Square." He said conspiratorially to Bella. He brought another two cups of foul smelling tea over to the table and sat down, ordering me to drink. "It's better than that processed coffee you drink. How the hell do you manage with him Flower Child?" He crossed his legs, still only wearing his underpants and looked at Bella. "Tell me about yourself honey."

"Um...what do you want to know exactly?"

"I want to know you baby, what makes you tick? You don't look like the plastic type this one deals with usually, so how did you come to work for him? I can't imagine you in a stuffy air-conditioned prison." He sipped on his tea patiently.

"Hmm...well I have to admit I was young when I first went to work for his Dad's company and I you're right looking back on it now it probably wasn't a smart career choice, I would have been a better anthropologist or an archaeologist or something."

"Hmm, so did you love this one straight away too?" I'm sure I was about fifty different shades of red and probably looked like Bella, with the way I was blushing. "This one here? I read his cards for him one day, told him a brown haired beauty would be what saved him. First thing he said was 'Bella'. I knew then and there he had found it, but what I didn't know was how long it would take for him to grow a pair and do something about it. Still, here you are today wanting little old me to marry you. It's beautiful really."

He took another sip of his tea and grinned at me. I looked down at the tea in horror "What's in here Aro? There better not be any of those fucking mushrooms again, I swear to God..." I began and reached over to rip Bella's tea from her hands.

Aro just laughed, "That was a crazy night Flower Child. Crazy. You're boy here was going to try flying. Crazy." He shook his head. "The tea has nothing like that in here, not in front of the future." He said gesturing to Apple and Louis. "They have to follow their own paths, not those of their ancestors."

"You wanted me to be the one who saved you?" Bella whispered.

I moved closer to Bella and put my arm around her. "I told you love, it's always been you, since the first day I saw you in Emmett's office." I kissed her cheek tenderly "Always you." I whispered into her ear. I saw Aro out the corner of my eye, smirk into his tea.

When Aro took our empty mugs to the sink, Bella turned to me and whispered, "Edward, I think we should get going and get the twins dinner and get them ready for bed."

"Aro, we're going to leave and get the twins sorted." I said and he nodded.

"I'll be here. Just uh, if you come back this afternoon don't bring the children. I need to do my rain dance; the gardens have been a little dry lately." He said without turning around, busy washing the cups in the sink.

"The dance is generally carried out naked." I explained to Bella who looked like she thought it was the funniest thing in the world.

Aro said goodbye to the twins and hugged Bella again "You come back and see me again soon Flower Child. You and I have some chatting to do." He said with a wink before hugging me "See you soon Edward. I'm proud of you." and with that he pushed us out the door, cranking up his Jimmi again.

I shrugged at Bella "Hey, I told you what he was like." I said as we began walking.

"Wow this house is beautiful...Remind me to ask Aro who lives here, they'd have to be pretty tolerant to cope with him as a neighbour."

I hid my smile "They would, they would have to be near on crazy I would imagine." I stopped beside her as she gazed at the house I intended to give her on our wedding night, the first house I had ever bought. "You like it?" I asked quietly.

"I do like it in fact I love, I feel drawn to it for some reason though I can't imagine why. There's something that feels familiar about the place like part of me dwells there if that makes sense, god what was in that tea Aro gave us?"

"Thankfully not those fucking mushrooms again." I said with a shudder. "Come on love; let's get these kids to bed shall we? I think Poppy Aro, might have tired them out."

"Um...I just want...um yeah let's go..." We walked back down the driveway and I couldn't pull my eyes from Bella. She turned to me and frowned a little at the intensity of my stare, "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" She said when I never looked away.

"You amaze me. Just when I think you finally can't surprise me anymore, you do." I was stunned that she felt such a pull to the house. It was not flashy and elaborate like our home in Wellington or crisp and chic like the Queenstown apartment. It was more natural and earthy.

It had always been special to me; somewhere I could come and know no one would bother me. None of my family knew about it, not even Irina or Kate. I paid all the bills for this house on my own. I didn't understand why, but I always had felt the need to protect its privacy.

My privacy. And Bella sensed that, she just knew. I felt such a surge of love for her, I wanted to ravage her right where she stood, the sea breeze billowing her hair and mingling with the cinnamon scent of her perfume. I closed my eyes and inhaled the heady fragrance, taking the time to just enjoy what I had for once...

The week seemed to pass in less than a heartbeat, we had invited Bella's sister's and my brothers along with our friends up the week before the wedding our parents were due to arrive the day before the ceremony.

Bella seemed happier than I think I had ever seen her and she was absolutely besotted with Aro, I wasn't entirely sure that was a good thing. He was a fucking crazy old hippy and I was concerned Bella might take on some of his kooky fucking ways. I could barely drag her away from him, she'd frequently disappear and I'd find her and Aro sitting on the front porch it a fit of laughter or picking flowers in Aro's overgrown gardens.

Jasper, Emmett, Demetri and Felix seemed just as fucking enraptured with Aro or more so the vast quantities of drugs he possessed though they all seemed to have petulance for his cactus tea.

Bella used the excuse of introducing Aro's to the dads to get out of the house to visit Aro and I bit back my smart assed retort when I asked to accompany her and she told me I had to stay and watch the kids.

Both Renee and Esme were here and would have happily babysat. As it was, Bella's request was actually redundant since Esme and Renee were already keeping the twins fully occupied.

But in the spirit of keeping her happy on the eve of our wedding I complied with her wish...

...Charlie and Carlisle arrived home a few hours later minus Bella. Charlie seemed awfully disgruntled and I wondered what Aro had said or done to upset him I hoped it wasn't anything too major. Carlisle on the other hand seemed relaxed, even more relaxed than he had been since his heart attack. I wondered what he thought of Aro.

I walked up the slope to the backyard where I could hear Bella and Aro's voices. I rolled my eyes when I saw the old perv with my fiancée's feet in his lap while he massaged them. I walked over to them and looked down sternly "What the hell is this?" I said fighting back my laugh.

Aro looked at me and shrugged "What can I say, I dig clown feet."

Bella burst into another fit of giggles, "Aro has just been admiring my huge feet, he says they're the biggest he's ever seen on a woman, do you agree sweetie are my feet the biggest you've seen over your many conquests?" She teased and winked at me before I laughing again.

I glared at Aro "What the fuck have you been telling her you old bastard?" I fumed but Aro just looked at Bella and made another ridiculous square shape with his fingers.

"We've been talking of France. And Phones, and wrong names and business cards," He said cryptically and I looked at Bella in horror as she burst out laughing "Baby, don't go to the hippie side, I beg you...He tells lies." I ground out looking at him dangerously as he continued to massage her feet. "You are a crazy old fuck you know that Aro?" I said and he just nodded as he continued with Bella's feet

"Are you sure about that sweetie? Because if you are we won't be getting married tomorrow. Aro has been telling me and finally convincing me of how much and for how long you have loved me. I think you should take a deep breath apologise and then I might let you have a toke on this yummy joint Aro has so kindly provided."

The smug son of a bitch turned to me with a smirk "What she said." and I had to resist the urge to choke him with my hands.

"Well, if he's convinced you of that then I will apologise." I blanched as I heard the words come out of my mouth and I pulled the joint from Bella's hands, taking a huge drag "What the fuck are you doing to me baby? I'm turning into a pansy." I said as I blew out my smoke.

"No you're not, you're learning to admit when you're in the wrong and taking responsibility for your actions it makes you a happier person sweetie. Now are you going to come over here and help me out of this hammock, we have only a limited amount of hours left to be together before the weddingzilla's drag us apart until this time tomorrow night."

I helped her out of the hammock and Aro sighed "The good ones never stay. Story of my life I suppose."

I snorted "Cry me a river Aro, I doubt you stay with one long enough to recognise if they are good or not. Now.." I began bending down and throwing Bella over my shoulder "I'm going to go all caveman and take my soon to be wife so I can spend some time with her. So there." I said sticking out my tongue and pinching Bella's ass, "How's that for grown up baby?"

"Hmm very mature Edward... I'll see you tomorrow Aro and thanks for the foot rub, chat and herbal remedies you're the world's best host, you even converted one of the squares, you are truly magical..."..."Caveward honey will you please put me down all the blood is rushing to my head."

"No, caveward no put woman down! Caveward take woman home now!" I grunted as I began down the hill with her. When we reached the footpath I put her down and took her hand. "Are you going to tell me what you and Aro were talking about?" I asked curiously. She seemed so calm and at ease and I was desperate to know what he had said to her.

"He told me about the first time you told him about me, and he said he could tell you were in love with me because after he did your cards you talked about me in detail for a long time even though you had only just met me. And he told me how sad you were when you were in France and how you had been to hell made a deal with the devil for me and how that now you have me you can't believe you've finally reached your heaven. And I told him how I couldn't make sense of why you still loved me after all the things I've done that have hurt you and how I could cope with anything as long as I had you by my side. That's what we talked about. I hope you don't mind he told me. The thing about the conquests was just a flippant joke I thought of, there was nothing meant by it."

I laughed a little. Despite all my gruffness, Aro was a good friend and had always been there for me. I was actually glad that he had told Bella all of it "It truly is a joke, I barely saw anyone after I met you. God, one woman slapped me in the middle of a restaurant when I called her 'Bella'. I can't even remember what her name was, only that she had brown hair and it reminded me of you."

"He told me that to. I said I hoped you sent flowers to her with an apology, he didn't think you did."

"He's right, I couldn't remember her name, who was I going to send flowers to? 'To whom it may concern, sorry I forgot your name'. What are you laughing at? It was very embarrassing at the time." I smiled at her carefree nature once more. She truly was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

"Well you won't have to worry about that ever again after tomorrow will you, you'll be officially off the market, just another poor sap with a ball and chain around his neck."

"Ball and chain!" I snorted "Hardly! Tomorrow I will be the luckiest man alive, I really can't wait. You and me forever, doesn't sound like a hardship to me."

"Nor to me it sounds like paradise. Anyway I was thinking I doubt I will be able to last until tomorrow evening to see you again. I was wondering if you want to do something naughty and sneak out at midnight and meet me, you know the garden behind the estate let's meet there."

I smirked at my devilish little bride "You have yourself a naughty little date Mrs Cullen." I kissed her soundly...

I stared out over to where I knew Bella was and I resisted the urge to reach over and fucking throttle Emmett who hadn't taken his eagle eyes off me since my last fucking attempt to rid myself of his presence. I never heard my father approach until he clapped me on the shoulder.

"How you holding up Son? Not long to go now."

"What the fuck is with everyone? We have two children, pretty much all of my family have seen us have sex, so why the hell can't I see her now? It's a stupid fucked up tradition and pointless in our case anyway. Emmett actually fucking physically stopped me before Dad!" I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. It was stupid and ridiculous and pointless and every other fucking name under the sun. I was beginning to wish we had just eloped; I didn't like being away from her for this long. It just didn't feel right.

"I agree totally son, but your mother wouldn't have it any other way and I didn't want to upset her further, a hippy wedding wasn't quite what she had in mind for you. But I have something here from your friend Aro that might soothe you."

My jaw hit the floor. Seriously, it wasn't an exaggeration; I must have looked almost cartoon. My father, Carlisle Cullen was smoking a joint. And not just any old joint by the smell, but some of Aro's finest. It dawned on me that perhaps he didn't know what it was "Uh, Dad that's weed." I said with a frown as he took another hit.

Had I entered the fucking twilight zone somewhere along the way?

"I know some of your friend Aro's finest. I didn't want to be rude and as your beautiful soon to be bride tried to tell her father, when in Rome...seemed like good advice at the time, and I have to agree it turned out to be very sound advice... You can pick your jaw up off the floor now son."

I took the joint off him and took a drag, still feeling like this was a dream "Since when did you start smoking Dad? I just can't fucking believe it to be honest, this is... wow. Different and if I'm honest a little weird. Oh, shit Mum's not a fucking stoner too is she?" I asked in alarm. Hell, I NEVER would have thought that my father would EVER smoke, who knows what my mother got up too?

"Not since before we were married, and for me not since college, well that's if you don't count the one I shared with Bella and Aro earlier. Charlie wasn't very impressed with her but she handled him well."

I was so fucking confused and I said as much taking another hit before passing it back to my father "You got wasted with Aro and Bella earlier? And Charlie was there? Where the hell am I? What have you done with my uptight father?" I laughed a little as the weed began to take effect.

"He's long gone Edward, though I don't plan to make a habit of this behaviour, I must say it's nice to break free every now and again. Plus you lot seem to enjoy the company and ways of the hippy, thought I'd see what it was like to go with the flow."

I shrugged and held my hand out "Well groovy daddy-o. Don't bogart that joint and all that... I can't believe Aro is having this effect on everyone...Who am I kidding? The crazy old bastard had the same effect on me from the start."

We sat there for a while just talking and relaxing and after a while, all of my anger at not being allowed near Bella had vanished. I still wanted her with an unrivalled passion, but I just didn't feel like killing anyone who tried to get in the way.

"Hmm...A quarter to midnight. I'm guessing you and Bella have arranged a clandestine meeting for some time tonight and since Midnight is the witching hour I'm guessing it's then. Give me two minutes to distract Emmett and make your escape. But Edward don't keep her out all night, you have the rest of your lives..." He chuckled and patted my shoulder, "Good night son, enjoy the rest of your evening."

...I stepped out onto the path when I heard Bella's footstep and she hurried toward me, "God I've missed you, it doesn't feel right being apart from you, not even for a few hours, not even for a few seconds." She said has she threw herself into my arms.

I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to me, burying my head into her neck "God, I know. I had to literally break out. Emmett hid all the keys and locked the doors. Apparently I'm not trustworthy when it comes to staying away from you." I mumbled.

"So how was your day? Mine was long, I didn't think I was going to make it until now, I thought about sneaking off earlier but Rose was watching me like a hawk. I bet her and Emmett were in it together, well if they ever get married we'll be sure to return the favour..." She looked into my and whispered, "so your feet not cold?"

I growled "When are you going to get it? I have never wanted anything else in my life as much as I want you. I can't wait until you are my wife." I began to slide my hands up and down over the curve of her hips and waist. "God, you feel so fucking good Bella." I said in between dispersing little kisses up and down her neck.

"I've never wanted anything more than to be your wife...Sweetie I have a present for you, I wanted to wait until tomorrow but now just seemed like the perfect time." She handed me a small box with a nervous smile.

I lifted the lid and stared at the little booties in puzzlement.

"You're going to be a daddy again." She whispered and I felt my heart leap into my throat.

"You're pregnant?" I whispered, afraid that speaking any louder would somehow break this dream I knew I must be in. I was marrying the woman of my dreams, I had my beautiful son and daughter, was I really fortunate enough to have my wish fulfilled? "We're having a baby?" I asked; my voice ragged from emotion. I could feel tears well up in my eyes. I thought of the child we had lost I'll never EVER forget you. You will always be in my heart. I will carry you there until the day it stops beating and I can finally meet you. I promised the baby we never knew. "I'm going to be a Dad again?"

"Yeah you are. I found out the other day, the doctor said I was six weeks along, but I think I'm either further along than that or we are having twins again because I'm already starting to not fit into my clothes. I had do alterations on my dress last week and that's not normal for six weeks along."

"I can't wait to see you all big and round." I said excitedly "How long until we can find out if its twins again? Oh and when can we feel the first kicks?" I babbled, question after question bursting forth from me. I knelt down on the ground before her and lay my head next to her stomach. "Hello baby or babies. I'm your daddy and I can't wait to meet you. Your Mum is so wonderful and beautiful and perfect and amazing. She's the best Mummy in the world. You couldn't ask for better." I said lifting her shirt so I could kiss her stomach.

"You won't be saying that when I am all big and fat like a beached whale and sex is nearly impossible because there's just no comfortable position. Kicks will come around twenty weeks and the scan will confirm if it's twins."

I scoffed at her "Fat! You really are mad aren't you? You will look beautiful, you always do." I said in a tone that allowed no room for argument. I stood up and grabbed her hand "Thank you Bella." I said seriously "You've already given me two beautiful children and now here you are doing it again. Thank you will never be enough for what you have done, but thank you anyway." I leaned down and kissed her lips softly "I always knew it was going to be you. It could never have been anyone else."

"Thank you Edward for loving me and allowing me to love you...it's you and me forever..."

"I have a gift for you too, but you have to wait till tomorrow night." I said "It's nothing like what you have just given me, but I don't think I could ever match that." my laugh was carefree and light, mirroring the way I felt. "Dance with me?" I asked bringing one of her hands up in mine, while my other hand went around her waist. I pulled her to me and began to move us as I sang softly in her ear,

"A love struck Romeo sings a streetsuss serenade
Laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
Finds a streetlight steps out of the shade
Says something like you and me babe how about it?"

"I love you like the star's above, I'll love you til I die. There's a place for us," I held her gaze as she sang back to me, her beautiful voice piercing the still night air, just as she had pierced my very soul.

"I can't do the talk, like the talk on the TV
And I can't do a love song, like the way it's meant to be
I can't do everything, but I'd do anything for you
I can't do anything except be in love with you"

I sang, before spinning her lightly and easing her into a dip. I leaned down and kissed her,

"Juliet, I'd do the stars with you anytime." I said kissing her once more.

I lay back on the grass and wrapped Bella in my arms, there was a comfortable silence between us as we stared up at the star strewn sky. Every now and again I would lean in to whisper how much I loved her and how happy she made me and promised that I would never leave her.

Lying here with Bella was perfection and I would have been happy to stay here with her all night if she hadn't have tried to stifle her yawn and alert me to the fact she was probably exhausted.

"Come on baby you need to get to bed, it's going to be a long day tomorrow."

"Can't we stay just a little bit longer? It's so nice here with just the two of us under the stars."

"Sweetheart, we'll spend every night for the rest of our lives watching the stars if that's what you desire, but tonight you and our baby need sleep," I leaned over and kissed her reverently before getting to my feet and helping her up.

I stopped to pick Bella a rose as we passed one of the fragrant bushes, I inhaled the scent of the majestic bloom before passing to my beautiful bride.

The sky was beginning to lighten with the approaching dawn when we arrived back at the house Bella was staying.

"Until we meet again my sweet Juliet..." I kissed her sweet lips softly pouring all the emotion I felt for her into it. I used the perfect moment as a chance to slide the emerald engagement ring onto her finger. "A ring fit for a queen." I kissed her softly, resisting the urge to deepen our embrace. As much as I wanted to take it further I needed to let my Bella get some sleep.

"Look out for me my gallant Romeo; I'll be the one in the white dress and bare feet." She quipped with a smile. She kissed me once more before slipping through the door and closing it quietly behind her.

The wave of emotion that hit me as I walked back toward my room had me swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat; Bella had given me the best wedding present I could have ever asked for, another child and a chance to experience everything from the beginning.

I stood at the edge of getting everything I had ever desired and I had never felt more powerful or more content than I did at the moment.

There was something to be said about the heady rush you got from having all your dreams fulfilled...

A/N: show us some love people...LOL...Please feel free to leave a review...