Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. It is the property of Stephenie Meyer. No infringement intended.

Chapter 38 – Honeymoon Part Two: Bordeaux

Edward's POV:

Over the next few weeks, Andria and I spent our time seeing everything Paris had to offer. We spent three days at the Louvre, including half a day in Tuilleries Gardens. We also spent a day each at Notre Dame, Musee de Orsay, Sorbonne University, and Champs Elysees. I also took Andria on a private boat tour of the Seine River.

We visited the Chateau de Versaille. I had made it a romantic day by bringing along a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine for Andria. We sat on a blanket on the grounds. Andria enjoyed learning French, so most of our afternoon had been spent lounging on the lawn speaking beginner French.

Andria was a quick learner and had picked up the basics very quickly. We had worked on short sentences for basic communication and shopping, and we would be progressing to more complex French soon.

Today was our last day in Paris before I took her to our new destination. We had spent the day shopping in Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli. Andria loved the small shops and cafés, the bakeries and wine shops. Her favorite part was the outdoor market. For breakfast, Andria picked out a little café and shop called Angelina.

Andria had learned enough French to communicate with the shop owners and vendors at the outdoor market. I basked in her smile, laughter, and utter joy. When Andria had picked out several bottles of wine from one of the shops, I had the owner send them to our next destination by paying a little extra money and slipping him the address. Andria believed they were going to Tahoe.

We had ended up a good distance from our hotel, after shopping and touring all day. When Andria found a small little restaurant tucked away on one of the less popular streets, I couldn't deny her dinner there. Her face had lit up when she saw the quaint little café.

After dinner, we stepped out into the Paris night air. The street was lit with a soft glow from the lights. I tried to convince Andria to let me call a taxi to drive us, so she wouldn't have to walk, but she just glared at me. Then, holding my hand tightly in hers, she began walking down the street. I laughed, and fell into step beside her so she would stop tugging on my arm.

Tomorrow morning we would be leaving for our next stop in France. The destination was a special honeymoon gift from Jasper and Alice. The method of getting there was my surprise for Andria. She could hardly wait for the morning.

Andria was talking excitedly about where I could be taking her when I heard a new voice in my head it. The Paris streets had been strangely silent, so the majority of my attention had been on Andria. I hadn't noticed the thoughts of the man in the alley we were about to pass, and now it was too late.

I pulled Andria to a stop close by my side, and she quieted immediately. What's the matter, Edward?

The man stepped out of the shadows of the alley, and Andria gasped. Her heart took off racing and she pressed closer to me; her hand gripping mine tightly.

The horrid scent of alcohol, stale marijuana smoke, and cigarettes assaulted my nose. His sole thought was on taking Andria. His mind was a vivid nightmare of all the ideas he had to abuse and degrade her body.

I released Andria's hand and pushed her behind me. Her hands pressed against the tense muscles of my back.

"Well, well, well, what have I found here?" the man spoke in a drunken, heavy French accent. He sneered at me before sweeping his eyes over Andria.

I wanted to reply coolly and not have to resort to violence with this man on my honeymoon, but the images that kept running through his mind were causing the beast inside me to fight to the surface.

I had practiced for years to keep my monster locked firmly away, determined to not take a human life after I came back to Carlisle and Esme following my rebellious years. I never wanted Andria to witness me hunt or kill while she was human, but the beast was roaring to protect what was his, and the man the beast inhabited wasn't opposing his aggression.

I growled at the man, and he stopped talking, but his thoughts were still focused on Andria, particularly her chest. I could feel her erratic breathing against my arm and that angered me more.

Edward, why is he looking at me like that? What did he say? Don't let him do –

Her thoughts ended there, as I lunged for the man just before he tried to pull a gun from his coat pocket. One of my hands wrapped around his throat while my other hand grabbed his arm, by his elbow, and pushed him into the dark alley.

I slammed his body against the brick wall, and he let out a groan of pain. I growled, showing my teeth to the pitiful excuse of a man.

"How valiant of you to protect that little whore," he choked in a last attempt to goad me.

"That's my mate," my beast growled at him before I sunk my teeth into the man's neck and my vision went dark.

I wasn't sure what had overcome me; how my beast had taken control, but the next thing I realized was a warm hand was touching my upper arm. I turned my head to see Andria behind me, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Edward," she said softly. "Let him go, please."

I looked back to see the body of the limp man hanging from where my right hand held him pinned to the wall. I instantly dropped him and touched my hand to my mouth, pulling it back when I felt the warm liquid on my jaw.

Andria tugged off her scarf and stepped forward.

"Don't, Andria," I warned her. I was worried for her. I could no longer hear her thoughts, and I was unsure of how she was handling me attacking the man, who was now slumped against the ground. His gun lay beside him.

"Shut up, Edward. You aren't going to hurt me, and we have to hurry," she said stepping near me. Andria wiped her scarf-covered hand across my jaw, wiping away the blood.

"Hold this," she ordered, handing me the blood stained yellow scarf.

Andria reached into her purse, and pulled out the half empty bottle of water I had purchased for her earlier in the day. She twisted open the cap, and poured the water on the scarf. As she began to wipe my face again, she started talking. "We need to do something with him, and we should probably leave tonight instead of in the morning. Your eyes are red, and there's blood on your shirt, which means you can't be seen. I hope I don't have to talk to anyone who only speaks French."

She probably would have continued rambling, if I hadn't stopped her. I grabbed her hand in mine so she would stop wiping my face and smiled softly at her. "Shh, Andria, you will not have to do anything. Go step out into the light of the street, and I will take care of him. I'll be two minutes. Please, don't go anywhere."

She nodded in response, and then dug in her purse again quickly. She removed a small lighter. "Here, so you can burn the scarf."

I took the lighter from her hand, and then she walked out to the sidewalk. I made quick work of disposing the body in a dumpster nearby and then returned to Andria.

I took her hand and began walking down the deserted street. "I need you to listen carefully, Andria. I'm going to get you a block away from the hotel, and then I'll be on the rooftops. Go straight to the hotel, and up to the room. Unlock the balcony doors to let me in; I'll be waiting. My cell phone is on the dresser. I'll make a call to move our transportation to tonight, and I need you to go down to the lobby and check us out."

She nodded, and then locked eyes with me. "Edward, why didn't Alice see this?"

I wrapped my arms around her tightly, being careful not to smear blood on her. "I'm sure she did, and tried to call us, but I didn't see the need to bring my cell."

Andria smiled softly. I picked her up and sped to the hotel at vampire speed. Setting Andria on her feet a block away, I kissed her temple. "Be quick, I'll be waiting."

I watched her from the shadows until she reached the entrance of the hotel, and then I scaled the building beside me to jump from roof to roof. I heard the front door close as my feet touched the smooth stone of the balcony.

Andria darted to the door and turned the lock. Immediately, I swept her up into my arms.

"Darling, I'm so sorry you had to see that tonight. I never, ever wanted you to see me like that," I whispered in her ear.

"Edward, it's a part of who you are, I'm just glad no one saw you. Please, don't beat yourself up over tonight. Nothing bad happened to me. You protected me, Edward, and I love you. I will always love you. No matter what," she said firmly.

I pressed my lips to hers and then pulled back. "I love you, too, my darling, but we need to get moving. I can hear my phone ringing, and I'm sure it's Alice. I'll calm her fears and then get our transportation in order. You go down to the lobby and check us out."

She pressed her lips to mine again, before she darted to the door and down to the elevator.

When I answered Alice's call, I heard Jasper in the background asking if Andria was okay and if he needed to get on a plane. Alice was screaming at me for not taking my phone with me today. "Alice, Jasper, just be quiet for one second and I'll answer all your questions. Andria is fine. She doesn't seem to be phased by what happened, but I'll keep a close eye on her. Jasper, do not get on a plane and crash my honeymoon. I didn't take my phone with me because I saw no need to, Alice. We've been fine for the past three weeks, today was our last day. I never dreamed something would happen tonight."

Alice sighed. "Fine, but don't let it happen again," she said angrily, and then her voice softened. "Are you okay? It's been a long time since you've done that."

It was my turn to sigh. "I didn't do it for the blood, or the thrill of the hunt. I didn't even plan to bite him, much less drink from him, but his thoughts were so vivid. Andria was exactly the type of girl he hunted. She wouldn't have been his first by a long shot, and he certainly wasn't going to have her."

"Damn straight." I heard Jasper say.

"His thoughts enraged the monster, and when he tried to pull the gun my demon snapped. I black out, Alice, I'm lucky I didn't attack Andria. Her touch brought me back to earth."

"We're just glad you're both alright. I know you need to make another call, and Andria will be back upstairs in two minutes. Bye, be safe."

After hanging up with Alice, I made the call to prepare our transportation and began packing our bags. By the time I was zipping the last bag closed, Andria came back in the room.

"We are set to leave whenever we're ready," she said.

"I just packed the last bag. The car is in the underground garage; we'll take the elevator down," I said, grabbing all of the bags.

"You packed everything? Didn't forget anything?" she asked.

"Darling, perfect memory, remember?" I asked with a smile.

She laughed and gently tapped her forehead with the palm of her hand. "Let's go, Mr. Cullen."

"I'm right behind you, Mrs. Cullen," I said.

Andria giggled and sashayed to the door. I stayed right behind her, and followed her into the elevator. "Are you sure you're alright, Andria? I can't hear you, and it's the one time that I really wish we knew how to turn this power of yours on and off."

She blushed, smiled at me, and then touched my arm. "Did it surprise me that you attacked him? No. I knew you would to protect me, but I didn't think you'd bite him. To be honest, it was kind of gross. This was way less frightening than Peter's attack. Peter was terrifying; tonight was a shock, b –"

"Andria, I –"

"But your eyes are sexy," she interjected.

I think my mouth fell open. Did she really just say what I think she did?

Andria giggled. "Did I leave you speechless? I need to call Jasper and let him know, I think this is a first."

Her laughter brought me back from my shock. "Did you really just say my blood red eyes are sexy?"

She nodded with a sly smile on her face. The elevator dinged and the doors slid open.

Andria giggled and shot off into the parking garage. Her giggles rang through the underground space. I walked at a human pace to the car. Andria was perched on the trunk of the car; a sly smile still tugging at the corners of her lips.

I set the bags on the floor and wrapped my arms around her waist. "What thoughts are running through your mind causing that smirk to grace your pretty face?"

"The others' eyes were creepy, but yours… I like them, a lot," she whispered.

I groaned and dipped my head to brush my lips against her jaw. "I love you, Darling. Get in the car; I'll pack the bags in the trunk. Try and to relax and sleep for a while. We have a bit of a drive to get to our next place."

She slid off the car and huffed. "You're still not telling me where we're going?"

I shook my head and she huffed again, but opened the door and slid into the car.

By the time we had hit the main road, she was asleep. The mental block dropped once she was fully out, and I was happy to hear her peaceful thoughts. I was glad to know she wasn't as traumatized as I had believed.

Andria's PoV:

I woke up to Edward's soft voice and his cool lips brushing against my ear. "Wake up, Andria. We have to get out of the car."

After taking a moment to fully wake up, I stretched and looked out the window. A little building sat a few yards from a wooden dock with boats floating in the water. "Why are we at a dock?"

"You'll see. We haven't made it all the way there yet," Edward replied.

"Oh. Would you at least tell me what city we are in now?"

"Bordeaux," he responded. "But our destination is outside of the main part of the city."

I opened my door and got out of the car. "Which one is yours?" I asked.

Edward pointed to a sleek silver boat floating in the first spot. "It isn't mine though; it's yours. I bought it as a wedding present."

I chuckled and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. "Edward, I can't even drive a boat. Why would you buy me one?"

"I wanted our method of getting to our next residence to be special, unique. Plus, I wanted you to see the best view and that requires a boat."

"I take it you can drive a boat," I joked.

"Of course I can, silly girl."

We laughed, and I skipped down the dock and hopped into the boat. After Edward loaded the boat with our bags, he turned the key to the engine and it roared to life.

Edward smoothly backed the boat out of its space beside the dock and out onto the open water of the river.

My eyes were trained on the magnificent features of the shoreline. Old buildings dominated most of the river bank, but a few newer shops and sites had been built as well. Other docks dotted the shores every now and then as we made our way north.

Edward turned left into a smaller waterway after being on the calm river for about twenty minutes. The sun was beginning to rise, and it cast a warm pink and yellow-hued glow across the horizon. The bank of the small waterway was now dotted with oak and maple trees instead of buildings. Edward turned the boat around another curve before he began to slow our speed.

We came around another bend and that's when I saw it, and it took my breath away. My smile must have been huge.

The little house sat cattycorner just a short distance from the water's edge, on the right side of the channel. A series of eight stone steps led up to a rock-covered patio that stretched along both visible sides of the house. Large brownish-red stones created a retaining wall that continued down beneath the water. One side of the patio had another smaller stone wall made out of petite grey stones. It had a flat top that created a perfect place to sit. A narrow strip of land was between the two walls. Beautiful, brightly colored flowers bloomed amongst healthy, green hasta. On the other side, a larger garden area covered most of the space except for enough room for a wide walkway. Oak and maple trees dotted the grassy lawn.

The small cottage was beautiful! Three sets of French doors, each with three panes, spanned the majority of the house. Rich wood siding covered the rest of the house. A little arched window jutted out from the roof, most likely giving light to a loft. The back of the house faced the water and the southwest.

The boat came to a stop next to the stone steps, and Edward cut the engine. He quickly tied a rope to a hook screwed in one of the large reddish stones; the other end of the rope was already tied off.

"This is it, Darling. This is our home," Edward whispered. My smile may have gotten impossibly bigger.

Edward leapt out of the boat and turned to offer me his hand. He gently ushered me from the boat until I was standing next to him on the smooth stone. I walked slowly up the stone steps taking in everything around me while Edward quickly grabbed the bags. We walked to the far set of French doors and Edward handed me a key to open the first door.

"This is the only one that opens on this panel. The door closest to us on the other set of doors opens to the master," Edward said.

I pulled the door toward me and slid the key out of the lock. Edward followed me into the house.

The kitchen was a lovely bright shade of cream with iron pulls and handles on the cabinets and drawers. Stainless steel appliances completed the kitchen along with a small island for extra workspace and a small bar area. Shades of light green accented the kitchen, along with bright potted plants in several places. Porcelain plates with green designs on them were displayed above the cabinets. The built-in cabinet in the corner had glass panes and displayed white china with bright flowers and birds painted on them. Crystal figurines were placed among the plates.

I passed by the set of double doors that I knew led to the bedroom and wandered into the breakfast room. The green accents drifted into this room as well. The living room connected to the breakfast area and kitchen in an open layout. Two doors were on the wall of the breakfast room.

"The laundry room is on the left, and a half bath on the right," Edward supplied.

"Thanks," I replied.

"Continue exploring. I'll put the bags in the bedroom; when you're done meet me in there," Edward said.

I blew him a kiss, which he playfully pretended to catch with his hand and place against his cheek. I giggled and then continued my tour of our lovely home.

The wooden breakfast table was stained a light honey color. Four printed fabric chairs circled the table. The fabric was light green gingham, the same that covered the cushions of the three bar stools that were at the island. A beautiful flower arrangement adorned the center of the table.

I continued on into the sunny pale yellow living room. A caramel colored sofa and loveseat sat in an L-shape with an end table between them. The sofa faced the brick fireplace, which sat between two windows. A floral printed chair sat near the fireplace. A giant flat screen TV hung above the fireplace.

A picture window looked out onto the front porch and a white swing that was decorated with a green and blue print pillow and a green woven blanket. Beyond the front porch was the bright green grassy lawn strewn with trees.

I looked to my left and saw the open archway that was tucked behind the stairs that led to the small upstairs area. The doorway led to a beautiful office and library. Honey oak shelves were packed with different sized books and trinkets. A majestic desk sat in front of a large picture window. A tan chaise lounge sat in the corner of the office next to a small table.

I backed out of the room and headed to the bedroom.

Edward had left the doors open, so I strolled through and took in the gorgeous space before me.

The bedroom was a soft blue with bright white accents and honey stained wood floors. Fluffy white bedding draped across an iron bed frame, which sat between two doors. White nightstands were on either side of the bed. A mirror stood in the corner in front of a potted plant that was a few feet high. The room also had a long dresser and a tall armoire.

Edward was standing in front of the French doors with his hands clasped behind his back. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed my face into his bicep. "This is gorgeous. I want to stay here forever."

"I don't know if the rest of the family will allow us to be here forever, but I will keep you here for as long as you like," Edward replied.

"Now a new challenge awaits us," I said with a giggle.

"And what would that challenge be, Darling?" Edward asked.

"Nothing has been christened. I think we covered every inch of Alice and Jasper's suite in Paris. This house is ours," I said seductively.

Edward's lips instantly crashed into mine and his body twisted to face mine, pressing against me.

Edward's PoV:

After Andria's taunting statement of christening the house, we started in the bed before moving to the kitchen, because Andria needed a drink of water. The breakfast table was next and then the couch in the living room. Andria was finally worn out after she climaxed on the desk in the office.

We were now seated at the kitchen island while she ate a sandwich and some carrots.

"I think we should stop using the condoms," Andria said as her eyes stared out the French doors.

Her comment caught me off guard and my head spun.

"Really?' was all I could sputter out.

She nodded and smiled at me. "I want whatever happens to happen. I don't want to prevent it anymore. I'm ready for that next step. I want your baby. I want our baby."

Jumping off the stool to stand next to Andria, I pulled her into my arms. I pressed my nose into her hair and inhaled her beautiful scent. She giggled and squeezed me tightly.

"So, if you want my baby, why did you just make me use four condoms?" I teased her.

Her cheeks flushed pink, and I smirked at her.

She shrugged her shoulders and then grinned. "Maybe because I just now really thought about it, I mean, I've thought about it before, us having a kid, but I've never put enough thought into it to come to a solid decision."

"Then, you're one hundred percent positive this is what you want? If you get pregnant there is no going back."

Andria nodded and her smile lit up her eyes and face. It warmed my heart and soul to see her so completely happy. "Yes, Edward. I'm ready for this. I want this."

Andria's PoV:

The first week in Bordeaux, Edward and I spent in the privacy and comfort of our home. I was surprised when he presented the wine I had bought in Paris, expecting it to be in Tahoe, but was thrilled that I could enjoy it here. We read books outside on the patio and had picnics on the lush green grass. Edward took me out on the water again in the boat, at night to avoid any eyes that may see Edward's red ones. He hunted often when I was asleep, tying to revert his eye color as soon as possible. Our most enjoyable activity however was trying to get pregnant.

By our second week, Edward's eyes had changed back to being fully golden so we spent our time touring the city. We started with the Esplanade des Quinconces, the largest square in France. We also visited the church of Notre Dame, Pont-de-pierre, Saint-André Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Michael, and the Basilica of Saint-Seurin, which is the oldest church in Bordeaux.

We took hundreds of pictures of our days spent in the streets of Bordeaux. We ate, well… I ate, in the little cafes that lined the streets and dinner was always at a nicer restaurant, because as Edward claimed "I could buy a hamburger anywhere".

During our third week touring the sights of Bordeaux, we visited the Église Sainte-Croix , Place de la Bourse, Place Saint-Pierre, Musée des Beaux Arts, and the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle.

On the fourth day that week, we went shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine, which was the best shopping place in this entire region, besides Paris, according to Alice. The streets were busy with tourists, but the expensive shops were relatively empty inside.

We had been shopping all day when Edward pulled me into a dress shop.

The woman asked in French if she could help us find anything. I didn't understand Edward's reply, but the woman began walking and Edward pulled me along to a dressing room in the back. The lady darted off and began plucking dresses from different racks around the store.

"Edward, what are you planning?" I questioned, my eyebrow raised dramatically.

"Why would you believe I'm planning something?" he asked innocently, a smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth.

"Because you pulled me into a dress shop, and haven't told me why. Plus, whenever you've asked me to pick out a fancy new dress, you've had something planned."

Edward sighed theatrically. "Fine, you've caught me, Darling. I do have something planned, but for now just enjoy trying on the dresses. Pick the one you like the best."

Edward finished just as the woman returned with an armful of dresses. She shooed Edward away while he said something to her in French. She nodded, smiled, and then whisked the curtain of the dressing room closed.

As soon as the 'door' was closed she was helping me out of my clothes and into a dress. All I could think was 'Alice would love this woman.' Then I realized Alice had probably seen this and purposefully sent Edward to this location.

I didn't like the first eleven dresses I tried on, and after the ninth I was beginning to get frustrated and wondered if I was being too picky. Edward had told me to pick the one I liked best, but none of the dresses had done anything for me.

The woman frowned behind me before she clapped her hands and darted out of the dressing room. While I was shimming out of the hideous yellow dress that had made me think "Big Bird" exploded she came back in with another dress draped over her arm.

Once the yellow dress was back on its hanger, the woman slid the dress over my head. When she seemed satisfied everything was in its proper place she allowed me to turn and face the mirror.

The dress was gorgeous. Navy blue silk draped over my slim figure and fell around my feet. Fabric wrapped around the middle of the dress to highlight my waist. The top of the dress was what sold the dress for me. The silk ran over my left shoulder, leaving my right bare, but the fabric was not the eye catcher. Beautiful, tiny, fragile looking white silk flowers adorned the edge of the wide strap. The flowers were different sizes and shapes but blended together beautifully as they started thin and widened before thinning out again and ending at the top of my breast.

"This is it," I said with a huge smile and then I remembered that the woman only spoke French, so I translated for her.

She nodded with eager agreement. After helping me out of the dress she left me to put on my clothes.

When I exited the dressing room, Edward had a garment bag over his arm and was waiting by the door.

"She wouldn't even let me look, but she told me I couldn't wear black, that I had to wear grey," Edward said with a chuckle. "Alice must have known because my grey suit was packed but not my black one."

We laughed together as we walked out of the little shop and back down the street.

We had taken the sleek sports car into town today, instead of the boat like we had been doing, so we walked to the parking garage.

"Can we just head home instead of eating in town? I'm really tired," I asked as Edward pulled out of the garage.

"Of course," he said "Are you alright?" he asked with concern. His hand ghosted across my cheek. "You don't feel warm."

"I'm fine, Edward, just sleepy."

He nodded, and remained silent, but I could sense him watching me out of the corner of his eye.

I could feel Edward lifting me out of the car and then placing me on the couch. An unknown amount of time later, he kept me awake long enough for me to eat a bowl of vegetable soup. As my eyes were drifting closed I felt him lift me into his arms again and carry me off to bed.

The light that filtered in through the windows was not early morning light, but the harsh yellow streaks that glowed on my pillow and into my eyes were from the light of the mid-afternoon. I bolted upright in the bed and my head spun.

Edward chuckled as he perched on the bed beside me; his cool hand pressed against my cheek. "I'm glad you're finally awake. I thought you were going to sleep the day away."

"You should have woken me. What time is it anyway?" I asked. I ran a hand through my horrendously tangled hair.

"Just past two, and I wouldn't dare wake you. You needed the rest obviously. I have lunch ready. Why don't you eat and then we can get ready for the special night I've planned."

I nodded and crawled out of bed. The leafy green salad with bits of chicken, tomatoes, and cheese drizzled in a raspberry vinaigrette looked delicious, but it didn't smell appealing to me or taste very appetizing as I forced down bite after bite. I avoided the pieces of chicken, sticking to the lettuce and the tomatoes.

"Do you want something different? You won't hurt my feelings if you don't like this, Andria," Edward said, obviously sensing my reluctance to eat.

"No, Edward. The salad is fine. I'm just not that hungry."

He studied me silently as I continued to eat small forkfuls of lettuce. He didn't seem satisfied with my response, but didn't push me either.

When I finished my lunch, we both went into the bathroom. Edward lifted me to sit on the counter and stood between my legs. "What's the matter, Darling? You haven't been yourself since we came home last night. Do you not want to go out tonight? I can return the dress if you don't like it."

I placed my finger against his lips, and he quieted. Smiling, I placed a kiss on his cheek. "Everything has been utterly perfect, wonderful, magical, Edward; more than I could ever dream. I'm just tired."

There's was that look again. The one he gives me when he doesn't agree with my assessment of why I've been so mopey the past twelve hours.

I know he doesn't believe me, and the look in his eye makes me think he knows what it wrong but isn't quite sure, or too afraid to admit what he believes is wrong. I know he's going to take more convincing, my words are not going to satisfy his need to make sure I'm perfectly safe and happy.

"Maybe a hot shower will help me wake up out of this fog that's hanging over my head," I suggest.

He turns to leave me to my shower, but I hold onto him tightly and shake my head. "I want to shower with you."

My voice leaves no room for him to argue, but I don't think he would have anyway. His eyes ignite with passion and turn from solid golden orbs to flowing liquid amber, filled with love and adoration.

We undress each other slowly and then Edward hoists me effortlessly back onto the counter. Our lovemaking is slow and gentle, full of love and passion. There are no spoken words, just tender caresses and sensual kisses. We don't need words, our eyes shine with everything Edward and I ever need to know.

We love each other unconditionally, till the end of time.

When we finally stepped out of the shower the sun was beginning to set. Edward smacked my butt playfully and winked at me. "Get ready; I'll hang your dress on the door for you."

By the time I stepped out of the bathroom the sun had fully set. Edward looked incredible in his heather gray suit. He turned and his smile widened.

"You look dazzling. If we leave now we can get you something to eat before we have to be at our destination," he said as he moved to stand in front of me.

I straightened my hair and pinned one side back with the pins Alice had put in my hair for our wedding. My makeup was soft and subtle, no foundation or blush. Instead I concentrated on my eyes. Using black and silver shadow, I created shimmering smoky eyes and complemented them with glossy bubblegum pink lips.

My stomach growled at Edward's suggestion of food, and we both laughed. "Dinner sounds great, but, Edward… I really want a cheeseburger."

He chuckled, and wrapped his arm around my waist. "Then a cheeseburger it shall be."

My cheeseburger was delicious, and I think Edward was glad he didn't have to watch me force food past my lips. I was glad I didn't drip ketchup on my dress.

Edward drove us through the streets of Bordeaux, and I noticed all of the familiar buildings. Then, we pulled up in front of the one I had wanted to see most of all, the Grand Theater.

I noticed other couples in fancy frocks mulling around the outside of the building, and I knew this was what Edward had planned.

I didn't even notice Edward had opened my door until he extended his hand and said, "My lady," in an over-the-top French accent.

I giggled, but took his hand. Edward handed the keys to the valet, and we walked through the doors of the theater.

A dark haired man spoke rapid French to Edward and then we were heading up a staircase to our own private little box.

Edward handed me a program I didn't see him pick up, and I smiled. He had brought me to another ballet.

I moved to kiss his cheek, but he turned his head and I caught his lips instead.

"Edward, this is perfect."

Moments later the lights dimmed, the curtain lifted, and the first notes of Don Quixote began to echo through the massive theater.

By the end of the show I was beginning to feel queasy, but I was trying not to alert Edward. Apparently, he could see right thought whatever façade I was trying to put up.

"You look like you're going to be sick, let's get you back to the house," he said, worry tinting his voice.

We made it to the house and up the porch steps before I turned around and, gripping the porch rail, hurled the contents of my stomach into the bushes.

When I righted myself, Edward was standing beside me with a damp washcloth. He pressed it to my forehead and used his other hand to touch my cheek.

"You don't feel warm. I don't think you're sick. Maybe it was the burger…"

Then we both look at each other, and it's like we know. I'm not sick, and it definitely wasn't the cheeseburger.

We went into the house and while I brushed my teeth and cleaned the makeup off my face, Edward dug around in the medicine cabinet for something. After a moment he stepped back, a little box in his hand.

"Only one way to find out for sure," he said as he held out the box.

It was a pregnancy test. Alice must have had it brought here with the other items that stocked the house when we first arrived.

"Will it work?" I asked. Edward was after all a vampire and I while I knew the pregnancy itself was drastically different from a typical one, I wondered if finding out if you were pregnant would be different, too.

Edward shook his head. "It should. The test only detects certain hormones, and even though I'm a vampire, if you're pregnant then your body will have produced those hormones and the test should be accurate. I'll…um… I'll let you… I'll be in the bedroom."

I giggled as Edward shut the door behind him. Excitement surged through me as I opened the box. This was it. This was the defining moment. The answer on this test would change our world forever.

I set the stick on the counter and re-read the instructions about the wait time. Then I began to think about all the changes this baby would bring, including my own change.

After a few minutes I looked down at the test and my heart soared.

I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I threw open the bathroom door and rushed into Edward's arms. "We're pregnant!"

He spun me around in a circle, our joyous laughter ringing through the house. When he set me on my feet I saw past the smile and into the darkness in his eyes, and I knew he believed this would be the end of my human life.

Edward wanted more time with me as a human. I wanted time with my child where I wasn't overcome with the desire for blood. Neither of those wants seemed possible, but I had a plan forming in my head. An idea that was probably insane and impossible, but I was going to give it all I had to make it come true. If there was even a glimmer of hope it was possible, then I would do all I could, go to any length to make it happen.

I needed to talk to Carlisle.