Author's note; As a reward to all of you who are amazingly, avidly reading this story, I am going to give you the next chapter. Yes, two chapters in one weekend! Thank you so much for the reviews. I will be replying to all of you shortly but as you will understand, writing takes time. I just want to let you know I am already working on Bella's homecoming. Not sure when that will get posted though. I keep having to stop to take a breath. Edward is just too much!!

Beta reader; Many thanks NatalieRB.

Disclaimer; I do not own Twilight.

COOK WANTED

Friday continued…

I finally arrived in Phoenix. The flight was uneventful and I managed to shut my eyes, resting for the journey, to recover from the busy morning.

As the doors of the plane opened, I didn't bother putting my jacket back on, thankful that I was wearing a blouse and nothing thicker. Feeling the heat was wonderful. I hadn't realised how much I had missed it.

After I retrieved my bag I made my way through the crowds, seeing mom and dad almost immediately. I couldn't exactly run to them in the heels I was wearing, so I sort of shuffled quickly taking care not to trip.

Dad took my bag and I threw my arms around them both.

"Oh, Bella it's so good to see you." Mom gushed as she stepped back from our hug, looking me up and down for a moment. "You look so grown up!"

I laughed in response. "I am grown up mom. If you mean the clothes, well I don't wear these everyday of the week. Only for meetings. I went straight from the last meeting to the airport."

"Come on, Bells. Let's get to the car and get home." Dad put his hand in the small of my back and ushered us out of the airport building. Mom explained to me how my grandmother was doing, since they had visited her. She was definitely much better and being cared for very well by the people living in the retirement apartments close to hers. I was happy to hear the news.

As soon as we pulled up outside the house, all my childhood memories came flooding back. I thought you had to be away from your childhood home longer than just seven months to feel this way. I gathered my things from the car and smiled to myself as we entered the house.

I took my weekend bag straight to my old room. As I opened the door I half envisaged my room to have been redecorated and turned into a hobby room or something like that. Mom had a habit of taking up the latest craze in arts and crafts. I remember one year it was macramé. The items she made were everywhere. Plant pot holders, wall hangings even a shopping bag. The next fad was making things out of salt dough. Mind you that was quite a good one at the time. She made so many unusual things out of the salt dough that local people wanted to buy them! Then there was jewellery making, painting, making clothes. I smiled to myself. This is where I got my creative ability from. My mom. I mentally thanked her. I certainly would not be doing the things I am now, if it had not been for her.

I quickly unpacked my bag and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Much more comfortable! After a bathroom visit I made my way to the kitchen where mom was finishing making me a snack.

"Here, Bella. A oasted cheese sandwich. I take it you still like them?" She looked at me a little anxiously.

"Yes, mom. I still like them. We don't eat caviar everyday you know." I chided. Mom laughed and dad pulled a face. He hated caviar.

"So, Bella." Dad began. "Tell us about your new job then." I made myself comfortable at the kitchen table and began to give them a run down of how I got the job. I explained about the city house and the house in Forks. The Cullen family, the impending wedding and the addition of twins in the New Year, the kind of food I cooked and the cake decorating. Finally I told them about Alice doing a fashion collection for a show in New York. Then mom put her hand on mine and looked at me intently.

"You've told us everything but the one thing we really want to hear about, Bella. Edward. Tell us about Edward." She smiled at me as my eyes glazed over just thinking about him.

"Well he's a Doctor in ICU and he's hoping to pass the board for surgery. His father was a surgeon at the same hospital and is now a Consultant. Carlisle says that Edward has steady hands just like him." Mom and dad nodded encouraging me to continue.

"Edward's tall. Very tall. I think he's a bit taller than you dad." Dad's eyebrows shot up at this information. "He has beautiful green eyes and bronzy coloured, thick hair. He plays the piano and composes his own pieces. He can cook, he knows about wine and lots of other things I can't even remember right now." I was beginning to feel flustered just trying to relay the information about him.

"And you love him." Mom interrupted me, smiling.

"Yes, I do, very much." I answered without hesitation.

"I take it he loves you just as much, Bella?" This time dad caught my attention with his question.

"Yes, he does, dad." I smiled at him reassuringly.

"I'm happy for you Bells. I think Tyler will be mortified at the news though." He said, as if it were an after thought.

"Why on earth would Tyler need to know about me being with Edward? I haven't seen Tyler in years." I retorted, slightly confused.

"He's back in Phoenix, Bella. His mother hasn't been very well. I'm not too sure how long he's staying, but he rang two days ago and asked about you." Mom added.

"Oh, well I suppose it's nice of him to ask. So, what are we going to do this weekend?" I wanted to change the subject quickly.

"Well, dad decided to book a table for dinner tonight but you don't have to get changed just yet. I'll make some ice tea and we can go and sit out in the shady part of the garden." Mom got up from the table and gestured toward the garden.

That's exactly what we did. Mom chatted about the friends and neighbours in the area filling me in with the latest news. Dad disappeared into the lounge to watch a bit of TV and no doubt have a nap before dinner.

A little while later mom checked her watch and said that we had to get ready to go out. I went in and got changed. I decided to put on the skirt I had worn earlier, with a fresh blouse and brushed through my hair, leaving it down. I slipped back into my high heels, picked up my purse and joined mom and dad in the hallway. They had also changed into something a little smarter. We looked good and were ready to go and eat.

Once we arrived at the restaurant it seemed that everyone who knew me, turned to look at me. It felt a little strange, as if I was on display and mom and dad had made sure that there would be an audience. I had to work at keeping myself composed and not blush. As we walked through the restaurant, I stopped and said hello to people I knew well and smiled at familiar faces.

"What's going on mom? Why is half the neighbourhood eating in here?" I whispered as we made ourselves comfortable at our allocated table. It felt like the Twilight Zone had come to town.

"Mom may have just mentioned to a couple of people that you were coming to visit." Dad answered. "You've done so well for yourself, Bella. We're very proud of you, you know. Considering who you're working for, it's not surprising is it?" He added.

"What do you know about the Cullens then dad? Please enlighten me. You seem to know at lot more than I've told you." I narrowed my eyes at him and he smiled broadly at me.

"I Googled them!" He announced proudly.

"Since when do you have a computer at home?" I asked amazed.

"Since mom decided to drag us into the 21st century and get a computer to 'surf the net'." He replied, smiling.

I chuckled at this information. Although dad had to use one a work, having one at home was something he had fought against but obviously he had now relented.

"You'll have to give me your e-mail address so we can e-mail each other then." I said, smiling. "I'll get Edward to set me up with an account on his computer. It would probably be much better to let you know what's going on that way than by quick phone calls." I added, spreading my napkin across my lap.

Our food arrived. "So, dad! As you've Googled the Cullens, what did you find out about them?" I challenged.

He looked up from his plate and thought for a moment. "Well Dr Cullen senior has done very well for himself. Did you know that he was one of the youngest ever surgeons to have worked at the hospital? Apparently he is very talented. Mrs Cullen is an interior designer and decorator." He looked over to me for confirmation. I nodded and he continued.

"Emmett Cullen has his own car dealership and from what I can gather he has a car repair shop as well. Alice Cullen has her own clothes shop and of course we know about the fashion line and the wedding planning business that you're helping with." He finished, turning his attention back to his plate of food.

I sat now, no longer eating, my mouth hanging slightly open at all the information he had gleaned on the family.

"And of course you've told us about Edward. Did you know that they own other homes in America and a small island off the coast of South America somewhere?" He added, with raised eyebrows.

"No, I didn't know that, dad! That's never been mentioned in any of our conversations. Then again they just aren't the sort of people to show off what they've got. They really are very down to earth about things and they all work very hard." I replied, conveying how much I admired them in that one sentence.

Mom spoke for the first time in a little while, placing her knife and fork down on the empty plate. "Do they have a chauffer, Bella?" What an odd question! But that's mom I suppose.

"Well, yes they do. Actually, it's very convenient. He knows Seattle like the back of his hand and gets me to meetings in no time at all. He reminds me very much of you dad. Dependable and trustworthy." I smiled at him and rested my hand on his.

Dad smiled at me and poured out some more wine for mom and me. The meal was coming to an end. I had enjoyed myself even though it seemed that dad has been studying 'How to be a detective' on the internet.

When we got back to the house and changed into pj's and curled up in one of the comfy chairs in the lounge with a welcome cup of coffee that mom had made. We chatted for a little longer and then I heard my phone ringing. I had left it in the bedroom on the chest of drawers. I swiftly moved to the bedroom checking the caller ID. It was Edward. I sighed as I answered him and stretched out on the bed.

"Hi, Bella!" His voice was soft and warm.

"Hi, Edward. How are you?" I breathed.

"Feeling better now. I caught up on some sleep when I got home. I thought I'd ring you now before you settle down for the night. I found the treat in the fridge. Thanks for that. It was delicious." I smiled to myself visualising him enjoying it. "How was your flight?" He added.

"Good. I got here on time. Mom and dad are fine. So is Phoenix. Nothing has really changed. Well apart from the fact that dad has now installed a computer and is training to be an undercover detective." I chuckled as I shared the last bit of information.

"How so?" His curiosity evident in his tone.

"He Googled the Cullen family." Edward laughed on the other end of the phone.

"I take it he didn't find out anything to worry about?" He asked.

"No, should he have?" I chuckled.

"If there were anything then it would have been about Emmett when he was younger." He teased. "It sounds like something any father would do if they cared about their daughter. I certainly will do when I have a daughter." He added more seriously.

I had no come back for that comment. Children. He has actually thought about having children. I shifted on the bed a little.

"Are you still there, Bella?" He asked softly.

"Yes, I'm here." I sighed.

"I wish you were here. I miss you so much." I shut my eyes to picture his face as he said these words.

"I miss you too." I sighed again.

"Shall I ring the same time tomorrow?" He asked.

"If you can." I replied. "You'll be back at work won't you?" I added.

"Usually at this time of the day things are little quieter. If I can't ring for whatever reason, I'll send you a text, Okay?" He answered.

"That's fine." I breathed.

"I suppose I'd better say goodnight. You sound very tired."

"Yes, I am. Listening to your voice is calming me down too much."

"That's good, Bella. You sleep well, my love. Speak to you tomorrow."

"You sleep well too. I love you, Edward."

"I love you, Bella."

"'Bye." I said reluctantly.

"'Bye." He said softly.

I closed my phone and let out a large sigh. Everything was quiet in the house now. Mom and dad must have gone to bed. I wriggled under the sheet on the bed and switched off the bedside light. I fell asleep very quickly.

Saturday

I didn't wake up until nine o'clock the next morning. It was a nice feeling not having to get up early and cook. This was what weekends were all about and the fact that I probably would not have to make my own breakfast this morning.

I went to the bathroom. Mom must have heard my movement as five minutes later she knocked on the door and entered with a breakfast tray.

"Oh, mom you didn't have to do that. I can eat at the kitchen table you know." I chided her, yet smiled at the same time, getting back on the bed.

"Yes, I do know that, Bella. I just wanted you to relax a little longer. I don't suppose you get a lot of time to do that when you're working, looking after a large family as you do."

"Thanks, mom. It's very thoughtful of you." She placed the tray on my lap. I took a sip of the coffee as she sat down on the end of the bed.

"So, what would you like to do today?" She asked.

"Well if you don't mind, I'd like to go shopping." I answered as I ate some toast.

"Shopping?! But you hate shopping!" Her voice was full of shock.

"I need to mom. Edward's birthday is coming up and I want to get something while I have time to look. I thought I'd be able to find something here for him." I informed her.

"Oh, well that shouldn't be a problem. You eat up and get dressed and we'll get into town as soon as we can. The more time we have to look, the better." She smiled and left the room to let me finish breakfast and get ready.

Half an hour later I was washed and dressed, eager to go shopping. Dad had organised to go and play golf with a work colleague so he left before we did. We arrived at the shopping mall and parked the car and we began the search for Edward's birthday present. A couple of hours later I had seen a number of items that would make an ideal gift. We stopped to have a bite for lunch so that I could make up my mind.

"I think I've decided." I suddenly said as mom was going over the list of items and vetting their merits.

"What, Bella? What have you decided?" She begged.

"I'll get him the Forzieri cufflinks. The green ones. They remind me of his eyes. He can wear them when we go to the charity function in a few weeks." I smiled.

"Good choice, Bella. They looked very smart." She nodded in agreement.

We finished our lunch and headed back to the shop where I had seen the cufflinks. They were ideal. I paid for them and had the box gift wrapped. Mom had a couple of things she had to get and we did a little window shopping before making our way to the car and back to the house.

When we got back, mom made a jug of iced tea and we sat in the shady part of the garden waiting for dad to get home. Tiredness washed over me as we sat in the sun loungers. I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up some time later, dad was home and mom was fixing something for the evening meal. I wandered into the kitchen feeling truly rested.

"Would you like me to help mom?" I asked.

"Not unless you really want to. I'm only doing steaks and a green salad with a few fries. You could lay the table for me." She replied.

I did and in no time we were sitting at the table and eating a very nice evening meal.

Dad had enjoyed his day out playing golf. He treated it as a form a relaxation rather than a competitive game but he won today anyway. He was pleased that his game was improving.

When dinner was finished and the table cleared we sat down in the lounge to watch a film. Mom selected The Notebook to watch and dad, not liking girlie films as he called them, made his excuses and went to bed. Mom and I sat together on the couch and settled to watch the film with a large bag of popcorn nestled between us.

As usual with this film the tears would begin to build and sting my eyes. Finally my bottom lids would not be able to hold any more tears and then they would start to flow, silently. Mom and I both sat their wiping away tears from our faces by the end of the film. We looked at each other and hugged. Watching tear inducing films was one of our weaknesses. It was another thing we had in common and it was again something I was thankful for. We switched everything off and made our way to our beds. As if by some sixth sense, Edward rang as I snuggled down in bed, later than the night before.

"Hey you." I whispered.

"Hi, Bella. Are you in bed?"

"Uh huh. Just settled down. How are you?" I lay back and shut my eyes.

"Good. We're not too busy tonight, considering it's a Saturday. Did you have a good day?"

"Uh huh. I enjoyed it. It was relaxing. I fell asleep in the garden."

"You did? Good. It means you're getting much needed rest. I know these things." I could imagine him tapping his temple with his index finger.

"Yes Dr Cullen. Thank you for that. Are you managing to get some rest during your shift?"

"Yes, Tom is getting some sleep at the moment and in an hour or so it will be my turn. Oh, I spoke too soon. Sorry Bella we have an emergency. I love you."

"Love you, too." I just hope that he heard me before the phone went dead.

I settled down to sleep, saying a silent prayer that Edward would get some rest eventually.

Sunday

I woke up to my last full day in Phoenix. The sun was shinning, as usual. The polar opposite of Seattle. I got up before mom could bring breakfast in to me and joined them in the kitchen to eat.

"So what are we doing today?" I asked as I ate my fifth pancake with syrup. I felt like such a glutton.

"Well, we've been invited to a barbeque today. For about three o'clock. Tyler's mom invited us over. A few other people will be there too. That's alright with you isn't it, Bella?" If I hadn't known any better I would have said that mom was trying to set me up with Tyler but now that she knew I had Edward waiting for me in Seattle I accepted that this was just a friendly get together. I nodded in agreement.

I had a leisurely bath after breakfast, relishing being able to take my time. Once I was dry, I spent time moisturising my body with my favourite freesia scented body butter. I dried my hair and left it to hang loosely down my back in large waves. I threw on jeans and a t-shirt for the time being as I would change later before we went over to the Crowley house for the get-together.

Mom and I sat outside for a little while dad disappeared into the garage to clean out the cars, ready for the week. Mom asked me about the wedding cakes that I would be making. I explained to her the partnership with the bakery and that I had a room there that I could work in when completing the final decorations to the cakes. I explained the decorations of the cake that was needed in a couple of weeks.

"So, you're making Rosalie and Emmett's wedding cake for August?" I nodded. "And what is the theme for that cake?" She added.

"Rosalie has decided on native flowers of Washington State. Edward has printed pictures of the flowers for me from the internet, so once I've finished making the flowers for the June cake, I can make some samples for Rosalie to approve."

"What will the colours be?" She asked.

"Well, there's orange, purple, white, pink, red, yellow. If she chooses all of the colours then it will look very summery. I'm leaving it up to her."

"I'm so proud of you, Bella. I worried so much when you decided to move to Seattle. I thought you might end up coming home within the month. What with the weather and all. You really have settled in well haven't you?" I appreciated her honesty.

"Yes, I have. The family have made me feel so welcome. They really are lovely mom." I said smiling.

"I'm relieved that they look after you so well. And Edward makes you really happy doesn't he? I can see it in your face when you talk about him. How do you think you'll cope when you go to this charity social event?" She asked.

"What do you mean mom?" I wasn't sure what she was implying.

"Well, Bella you never have been one to enjoy going out to that sort of thing. It was hard enough to get you to go to prom. It was Tyler who managed to persuade you. Do you remember?" She asked and smiled at the memory.

"Yes, I do. Well, it's different now. I'm meeting so many people now on a personal level due to the work I do so I have to learn to get on with it. Mind you I haven't told Edward yet that I'm not very good at dancing. I have absolutely no doubt that he's good at that too." I chuckled to myself.

"Don't underestimate yourself, Bella. If the man is a half decent dancer himself then all you do is close your eyes and be led. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. Do you have a dress for it.?"

"No. That's one thing that Alice is very good at. Buying things. Especially clothes. She's already updated my wardrobe considerably. She called it my wages when she bought me clothes to wear for the meetings. She has so much energy it's frightening! But I can see her slowing down to a certain extent as she's expecting twins."

"Where will they live when the twins are born?" She asked with genuine interest.

"Oh, Esme has all of that planned. She's letting them use the guest bedrooms in the city house. She will probably start redecorating after the wedding in August. They want to stay where they are. In Forks the house is big enough to more or less do the same thing. Either that or I could just imagine they would build a house for them in the back garden." I shut my eyes and smiled.

"It's good that there are still families that are that close. So, you have your own accommodation in both houses. That must be lovely for you Bella."

"Well, mom I don't exactly use those rooms now." I kept my eyes shut. I was not sure what her reaction would be to this news.

"Oh, you mean you…" She trailed off not finishing the sentence.

"Yes, mom." I answered without hesitation.

"I understand. You are both in love. I won't tell dad just yet though. You know how much he worries about you. As you said; you're a grown up now and you're having to make all sorts of important decisions by yourself. Just remember that it's hard for father's to see their little girls grow up and become women who are then looked after by another man."

"Thanks mom. I wouldn't want him to get an ulcer or anything over it." I looked over to her smiling.

Dad reappeared from the garage telling us that it was time to get ready to go over to the Crowley house. I went and got changed into my blue ditsy print dress and heels.

I made sure I had my phone in my purse before we set off. Mom bought a bunch of flowers on the way for Mrs Crowley to show her appreciation of the invitation.

When we arrived at the house, we were warmly greeted by Mrs Crowley. We made our way through to the back garden. It was set up with chairs, tables and sun umbrellas. Tyler was busy organising the food for the barbeque. There were quite a few people there already, mostly neighbours of Mrs Crowley. Tyler turned to see who had arrived. He abandoned organising things for a moment and came over to where we were standing talking to his mom. He reached out to me and drew me into a slightly more than friendly hug. I stood back from him after an acceptable amount of time, not wanting to appear rude. This is what I had feared.

"So, Bella. You look absolutely amazing. Seattle seems to agree with you." He said as he looked me up and down.

"Thank you Tyler. Yes, Seattle is a great place to work." I answered politely.

"Come and talk to me while I get the food under way. I want to hear all of your news." I followed him over to the cooking area and sat down on a chair that he pulled over so that we could talk without having to shout.

"I understand from your mom that you're working as a cook in someone's house?" He began.

"Yes, that's right, I was so lucky to get the job. I was working in a café for a while and then I spotted the job being advertised in the local paper." I replied.

"I thought rich people only advertised in expensive magazines for staff." He asked as he began to place the food on the metal grill.

"Well this family is not your average well-to-do family. They do things a little different to other families in Seattle. So how are you doing?" I hoped to steer him away from any further probing questions.

"Well Sue and I split up a while ago now. She refused to relocate here when mom became ill. So I decided then that maybe she wasn't the right person for me to be spending my life with. Not long after I moved here I found out that she had moved in with some other guy and was not really missing me at all." He said very matter-of-factly.

"I'm sorry about that Tyler." I said genuinely.

"Well these things happen I guess. So do you have anyone special in your life? If you say no, I would be very surprised." He looked over to me and smiled broadly.

"Actually I do. We haven't been together very long but we are getting on just fine." I replied with honesty.

"And does this certain someone have a name? You don't mind telling me do you? Or is it some big secret nobody is supposed to know about?" He asked with raised eyebrows.

"Oh, no. No secret. Mom and dad know all about him. His name is Edward." I replied.

"Okay, well, good for you, Bella. I'm glad you're doing so well, Bella." He replied smiling again but it didn't seem to reach his eyes.

"Bella! I can't believe it's you. You look wonderful. How are you?" Lauren Mallory, my High School nemesis gushed, as she made her way across the garden towards me.

Even Tyler rolled his eyes.

"Hi Lauren. How are you?" I replied stiffly.

"Very well, Bella. I'll have to introduce you to my fiancée later." She flashed her engagement ring in front of me. Umm, nice but small compared to Rosalie's ring.

"Very nice Lauren. Congratulations. When's the wedding?" I asked half heartedly.

"We decided to have a Christmas wedding. Romantic isn't it? So, how about you, Bella? I see you don't have a ring on your finger. No one special in your life?" She asked with a certain amount of venom in her tone.

"Yes there is. Don't worry about it, Lauren. If there is anything to know about then you will probably read about it." I quipped.

"I don't see how, Bella dear. Seattle is rather a long way from Phoenix." She retorted.

Tyler interrupted our conversation and asked. "What was the name of your boyfriend again, Bella?"

"Edward. Edward Cullen." I replied, smiling.

Lauren's mouth hung open a little. I knew immediately that she knew the name. She had always kept up with the gossip columns even when we were at High School together. Tyler even gave me a knowing look when he heard Edward's surname.

"Well done, Bella. Who'd have thought it? You're dating Edward Cullen." He said with a certain amount of pride that Lauren was firmly put in her place.

I smiled at Tyler for the affirmation and watched as Lauren, completely lost for words, turned on her heel and headed across the garden to find her fiancée. Tyler smirked at her as she walked away. It felt like one of those moments when you would high five a person for a job well done. But we didn't. We were not in High school anymore. I left Tyler to get on with cooking and walked around the garden saying hello to familiar faces and making small talk. Mrs Crowley seemed to be enjoying herself very much. No doubt she had not had a gathering like this for some time.

We stayed for a few hours and then made our excuses to leave. I wished Tyler and his mom well. Lauren gave me a small smile as we left and I wished her well with the wedding preparations and the day itself. That was one event that I would not be reading about in the Seattle gossip columns.

When we got back to the house we had a nightcap and a coffee and talked about the events of the barbeque. Mom said that she would take great pleasure in making sure that any events that needed reporting about my life, would be safe in her hands.

All I could do was smile at her. Sometimes she was just incorrigible.

I packed my bag ready for the flight home, only leaving out the clothes I wanted to wear for the journey and my necessary toiletries. As I got ready for bed, I put my phone on the bedside table. Within minutes there was a text.

Bella, my love. Very busy here. I will be glad when this shift is over. Can't wait for tomorrow. Hope you had a great time with your parents. Give them my best wishes. I love you. Sleep well. xx

I immediately returned my message.

Edward, darling. I've had a great time. Just want to come home now. See you tomorrow. Take care. I love you too, very much. xx

I closed my phone and snuggled down in bed, falling asleep only a short time later.

End of Chapter

Author's note; So that's Bella's weekend with her parents nearly over. As I said before, I have started on the next chapter, Bella's homecoming. In the meantime please review. I love to read what you think about the story so far. You inspire me to keep going. Take care.