Author's Note:

Sorry for the bit of delay. I'm sick so I haven't been doing anything on the computer. I've been sleeping a lot, but I am on the mend. Here is the next chapter. thanks for reading!

-Lisa


Chapter Forty Four

Bella awoke the in the morning feeling like she had slept for many days. She opened her eyes and looked at the sun filtering through the blinds. She sat up and realized it must have been well into the afternoon. She looked next to her to see Edward's side of the bed empty and cold to her touch. The last thing she remembered before she fell asleep was Charlotte sleeping in between her and Edward and she too was nowhere to be found.

After using the bathroom, Bella wondered down the hall to Charlotte's room. The room was empty. Still half asleep, Bella walked down the stairs and made her way towards the voices in the kitchen. She jolted as she realized what the conversation was about. She stayed in the hall trying to be silent.

"So that means no, you haven't asked her yet, have you?" Jane asked disgusted.

Edward let out a sigh. "No, I haven't Jane."

"And why not? What are you waiting for? How long are you going to let that ring in your pocket burn a hole?"

A ring? A ring for who? Me? Why would Edward buy me a-holy shit, I think Edward bought me a ring. He bought me what kind of ring? Pay attention Bella, I'm sure he didn't buy you a purity ring. What else are they saying?

"Are you seriously asking me-never mind. I will it just isn't time yet."

"I thought you were going to when you were in LA." Jane inquired as she poured a cup of coffee.

"I was going to ask her at the party after I won the award in LA."

"So what stopped you?"

Edward looked at Charlotte who was sitting on his lap. "Um, I was a little preoccupied with getting arrested, remember? When I went to leave I totally forgot it since Bella had all ready taken my wallet and phone with her. The officer had to ask me to come back to get it. I thought I told you that."

Jane offered a smile. "Right, I forgot all about that. That was days ago. What's holding you back?"

Yes Edward, what is holding you back? Did you really buy me a ring?

Edward picked up Charlotte and looked into his daughter's eyes. Her face was smiling and showing her happy disposition. "Honestly, I want to do this the right way. I want to wait and ask her father, and maybe even her brother. I can't just do it without their blessing. I can't believe I didn't think of that before I bought the ring. I have to set up an appointment with both of them."

Bella placed her hand over her heart and smiled. She was elated with this development. He had purchased a ring for her! Not just any ring, an engagement ring! She couldn't wait! It took every ounce in her not to squeal like a twelve year old girl who had just seen Robert Pattinson live and in the fleseh.

"Look at you doing things the gentleman way. I'm impressed, so very impressed. Hey Charlotte," Jane said holding her hands out for the infant. "There might be hope for your daddy yet little girl. Who knew he was so traditional?" She asked rhetorically as Charlotte giggled along with her. "Let's just hope that your daddy the moron doesn't do anything to screw this up." Jane commented as she handed the baby back to Edward.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence sis, I appreciate it," Edward chuckled.

"I keep it real Edward; you of all people should know that."

"Keep what real?" Bella asked as she entered the room. She had composed herself and was acting very calm and collective.

Jane smiled. "I keep Edward real, gounded, that's all. We weren't expecting you for another few hours. I was about to make Edward some breakfast, would you like some pancake?"

"That would be lovely, thank you Jane." Bella replied as she sat next to Edward. She rested her head on his shoulder as Charlotte reached up for her hair. "I didn't hear you get up."

"I heard Charlotte and didn't want her to wake you, so I got up with her instead." Edward explained as he turned his head to kiss Bella's. "You should still be sleeping."

Bella shrugged her shoulders. "I'm good. I practically slept the whole flight home anyway. Where's your mom?"

"She went for a walk," Jane answered as she smiled, "before she went to breakfast with your mother."

Shocked, Bella lifted her head. "What?"

"It's a true story. Esme called out of the blue and invited her out for breakfast," Edward smiled.

Laughing, Bella rested her head on Edward's shoulder again. "It's nice to see my mom playing nice. I wonder how long that's going to last."

"You should have more faith in your mom," Jane intercepted. "She has been great the last few days. I can't understand why you think she hates you, she adores you Bella."

Bella's eyes gave a look of confusion that turned soft. She laughed as she rolled her eyes and looked at the woman standing in front of her who one day would be her sister in law. "Right. Jane, we can discuss this later if you'd like. I like my breakfast without a side of drama."

"As you wish." Jane smiled as she flipped the pancakes. She looked over at Edward and winked. "I think you need to keep this one Edward, she is smart, wise and doesn't take shit from anyone."

Edward's eyes sparkled as he once again looked at Bella. "Even though you didn't touch upon the basics of why I love this woman, that is my plan. I plan on keeping her around for, forever."

"Forever hu? Well that's a long time." Bella teased as Jane placed a plate of hot pancakes in front of her.

Edward stood up and kissed Bella's lips. He began to walk out of the room to change the baby. "It isn't long enough Bella. No time will ever be long enough."


"Miss, you can't just go in there," the nurse stated as Bella walked into the office.

"It's okay, I'm a relative of Dr. Cullen's. This is a surprise visit," Bella smiled as she continued into the office. Bella figured he was probably with a patient since his office was vacant. She scanned the room and saw her life in different snap shots. There was a picture of she and Emmett when they were children dressed in their winter gear. They had just come back from a sledding trip. Their cheeks were rosy but their smiles spoke volumes. The picture right next to it was another picture of Emmett and Bella on her graduation day from Emerson College. She had just completed her masters and Emmett beamed with pride for his sister.

There was also a picture of their parents standing tall and happy at Emmett's wedding. Carlisle looked at Esme with wide, big blue eyes. Esme gripped his hand. The picture right next to that one was a candid also from Emmett and Rose's wedding. Rose illuminated the hall with her beauty and her happiness. Besides finding out about Bree's pregnancy, this was the happiest that Bella had ever seen her. The last picture was of Bella, and Edward holding Charlotte. Bella was really excited for her brother and his wife and their impending arrival. She knew they would be incredible parents. Emmett had all ready inherited a lot of Carlisle's mannerisms when it came to children, she saw it when Emmet interacted with her own daughter.

Bella was lifted from her thoughts when the door opened.

"Hello, I didn't expect to see you here," he quietly said.

Smiling, Bella walked closer to him. "I don't think your nurse was happy that I let myself in."

"Mekenna is new, she doesn't know you." He said sitting down at his desk.

"Do you have a busy day?"

His blue eyes looked into her brown eyes. "I'm actually done for the day so your timing is impeccable. I don't want to be rude or have you pissed off at me any more than you all ready are, but why are you here Bella? I don't think I could take another round of you verbally kicking my ass. I have said I was sorry, I don't know what else you expect me to do."

Sighing, Bella sat across from her brother. "I just want the record to show that I am still pissed at you so nothing has changed there." She paused for a second before changing her tone. She spoke softly. "I also know why you did what you did when it came to Edward and I understand. When he was gone, things were, well, I was different."

Emmett nodded. "To say the very least. You didn't show how broken up you were, but we all could tell it. I actually thought you were going to kill mom because she kept suggesting you give Charlotte to Rose and I. It was funny to watch, at least from my perspective."

Bella joined in his giggles. "I am sure it was Em. I know things were hard back then you and told Edward what you did just to protect me.

"You know me, I hate unresolved issues, which is why I am here. I'm not apologizing for how I reacted to the situation because really, if you Edward would have just been honest in the first place we would never have had our almost break up fight in LA. Just for future reference, I have forbidden Edward to take any more advice from you. I told him I'm not negotiating on that."

Emmett chuckled. "I guess that's fair until I get to earn your faith back."

"No, even then he's still not allowed to take any advice from you."

"How did you come up with that stupid idea?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Bella very innocently stated, "I don't know, go home and ask your wife."

Letting out a bellowing laughed Emmett smiled. "That's my Rosie. She always thinks I'm going to do something stupid."

"Emmett, it's not that she thinks you are going to do something stupid, she knows. She is a smart woman that Rose."

"And that's why I love her." Emmett paused and reached across the desk to hold his sister's hand. "We're good right?"

"We are excellent, I'm still pissy but I think I can manage to get over it since everything is working out. Just humor me though, what did you learn from this experience?"

"To let you fight your own battles and to listen to my wife. I have also learned that I can no longer give advice to your boyfriend, even if he asks." Emmett said as he held up his fingers as if he was saying a boy scout pledge. "I promise to keep my promises to you."

Rolling her eyes Bella shook her head. "You are over the top Em, you know that?"

"You sound like Rose now." He paused as he got serious. "Tell me one thing Jelly Belly, are you honest to goodness happy?"

Without hesitating, Bella smiled. "I am, more than I ever thought possible. Life is beyond content and good."

"Good, I guess that is all that matters."

"How is Rose doing? I haven't seen her in a while."

"She's so happy Bella. I don't think she was ever, even on our wedding day or night. She is over the moon. She has actually been happier since you started talking to her again. Thank you for that."

Bella nodded. "How about Bree? How is she feeling?"

"She's fantastic. She is glowing and healthy. She let us feel the baby move around the other night when she came over for dinner. We are really blessed that she has given so much of herself to make us parents."

Bella smiled and continued to nod as she looked down. "I almost forgot. This is a little something I picked up for you and Rose while I was in LA. I hope you guys like the stuff." Bella handed Emmett a huge gift bag. Bella studied her brother has he tried not to look inside. "It's okay, you can open it. I'm sure I'll be giving you more things before the baby is born."

Like an eager child on Christmas, Emmett tore into the bag. The first item was the book What to Expect the First Year. He continued to open the next package and it was a stack of classic baby books. Next was an array of designed baby outfits that Bella had gathered while shopping on Rodeo Drive. Last was a baby journal. "Thank you for doing this. We appreciate it."

"Please, it wasn't for you, it's for my niece or nephew."

"It doesn't matter why or who you did it for, thank you seriously."

Bella walked over and hugged Emmett. "You're my big brother and Rose is one of my closest friends. Of course I had to do something for the both of you, and my niece or nephew."

"I love you Belly."

"I would love you too Emmett if you just let that name die."

Laughing, Emmett held onto his sister tighter. "Never Jelly Belly, never."


"Did you remember to cut up the cheese and veggies?" Bella asked Edward as she bathed Charlotte.

"Yes, and I also remembered to make the salad and I remembered the crackers. Why are you freaking out over this? It's just dinner with our family and friends." Edward as he walked to Bella's side. He looked at Charlotte who was happy shaking her fists in the water.

"I want everything to be perfect for dinner. Your mom and Jane have done a lot for us, and I want to properly thank them." Bella explained.

"And your mom too." Edward added.

"My mom too what?"

"Your mom helped while we were away. Jane and mom said she was a big help and they enjoyed getting to know her."

"I guess that is just the Esme Cullen charm. She gets along with everyone except her own daughter."

Edward looked at his girlfriend with a puzzled look. "I thought things were better between you two."

"Yes they are, I still think she doesn't like me, that's all." She grabbed the pink elephant towel that was next to the counter and picked Charlotte up to dry her off. "I don't want to talk about it, that's all. Today is a going to be a joyous day, let's not ruin it, okay?'

"But Bella, she's your mother."

"Just leave it alone Edward." She snapped at him. Charlotte's smile soon faded. Her bottom lip quivered. Bella fussed over the baby for a few moments before she turned to look at Edward. Charlotte definitely showed that she didn't approve of her parents fighting. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap, and it's just frustrating with my mother."

"I know, you shouldn't get yourself so upset though. Just tell me what is going on." Edward begged.

"It's nothing new. I just feel like she always likes other people more than she likes me. I feel even after everything I have done throughout my life, I still don't make her proud or whatever. I really don't think she likes me, that's all. So when I hear that she loved spending time with your mom and Jane, who adored Esme, I get a little frazzled. It's not fair Edward, I have tried to make that woman love me every day of my life and I'm just not good enough for her. It took me thirty years to get the relationship I have with her, and it isn't even that great."

Quickly, Edward walked over to Bella and placed an arm on her shoulder and squeezed. "You are an insane woman, you know that? Of course your mother loves you. I think she just holds you at a higher standard."

Bella shook her head. "Right, I'm sure that's it. Anyway, I don't want to talk about it. Dinner is tonight and I have to make the red velvet cake that somebody dropped subtle hints about."

Edward reached over and took the baby from Bella. "Charlotte, I didn't know you liked red velvet ake. Who knew? What's that? You don't like cream cheese frosting with red velvet and want butter cream. Let's tell mommy. Can you believe the requests that she is making all ready?" Edward stated acting like Charlotte had really told him all about the flavor of cake she wanted.

"Mr. Swan, you might be one of Hollywood's leading actors, however, that performance was not Oscar award winning. I might have to take your award back that was so pitiful. I hope no one from the academy saw that."

Holding up one hand and balancing Charlotte on his hip with his other arm supporting her, he looked up. "I'm only the messenger, that's it."

"Right, I'm sure that's all. Please take your daughter and get her dressed. I don't want her to catch cold. She's wet and just wearing a towel. I have some work I need to do." Bella smiled as she shooed Edward out of the kitchen.

Bella prepared formal dinner to say good bye and thank you to Jane and Renee. All of Bella and Edward's friends would attend, as well as Carlisle and Esme. Bella worked hard and insistently on her own to create the meal. She had decide to serve deviled eggs, scallops wrapped in bacon and shrimp cocktail for appetizers as well as the tray that Edward had prepared. For the main course she had decided on baked ham, scalloped potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots, a tossed salad (which Edward had made earlier in the day) and a rice dish. For desert, of course she had the cake the Charlotte had requested as well as a fruit salad and chocolate chip cookies. She hoped there was something that everyone, including Alice's children would like.

The house began to fill up at about five thirty. The door bell was never rung and the family and friends just welcomed themselves into the Bella's home, which was the way she liked it. She was busy dressing when Edward came to get her from the bedroom.

"Our guests are arriving," he announced as he walked closer to her. She wore just a simple pair of jeans and a light sweater that hugged her body. She was putting on a comfortable pair of ballet flats when Edward sat next to her on their bed.

She turned and kissed him quickly. "Thanks for getting me."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Edward asked with a little bit of anxiety.

"Of course I'm fine. I'm just tired. There is so much food downstairs, I don't even think Emmett would be able to finish it off."

Edward laughed as he held her hand. "Is Jacob coming?"

Bella shook her head. "No. He had to fly to Chicago again for work. He said he was sorry he was missing dinner. I think it's because he's not ready to introduce us to Emily yet."

Edward nodded as he stood up. He reached her his hand out for hers. "Ready?"

"Yes," Bella smiled as she took his hand and he led her downstairs.

Dinner was a success. Both Edward and Bella took turns talking to different family members. Charlotte loved being bounced around from person to person. Bella loved this time that everyone spent as a family.

Bella was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher when her father began to hand her dirty dishes.

"Thank you dad."

"No problem honey. Dinner was excellent, as usual." Carlisle complimented his daughter before he continued. "Hey hon, do you have a second?"

"Of course dad. These can wait. Do you want to go downstairs?" She asked.

Carlisle nodded as he began to walk downstairs. Bella dried her hands with a dish towel as she began to make her way downstairs. She sat on the mismatched chair and looked at her father. "What's wrong dad? This isn't like you."

Carlisle nodded his head. "Oh Isabella. I love you, you know that, right?"

"Dad, you are kind of freaking me out here. You don't talk like this. I know you're not drunk now tell me what is going on."

Carlisle let out a soft laugh. "You always assume the worse Bella."

"What does that mean? Dad, I'm tired please just tell me whatever you are trying to say to me."

Carlisle laughed again. "Okay. You know I love your mother, right?"

"Yes."

"Did you know she cheated on me?"

Bella nodded. "She told me a while ago, so yes."

"Everyone was surprised that I just forgave her without a second thought."

"Why did you just forgive her?"

"Because I love her honey. I know she can appear to be mean or callous, but she is a very loving woman. I feel like she has grown up a lot since that incident. When we got married I promised to love her in sickness and in health, til death do us part. I took those words seriously. I had to forgive her a lot over the years, as she did with me. There is a lot of give and take in a marriage Bella. I don't regret one thing that has happened in our marriage because it has only made our relationship stronger." Carlisle explained as he turned his back.

Bella looked helpless as she knew her father was crying. "Dad?"

Quickly, Carlisle wiped his tears and looked at Bella. He tried to change the subject and hoped it would work. "You know, Edward love you honey."

He's not making sense. Why is he crying and jumping subjects? Did Edward ask him for his blessing? Oh my god, is Edward gong to propose tonight? "I know, I love him too."

"I know you do honey. I want you to know that boy isn't perfect, but neither are you. it is important to realize that in a relationship."

"Okay, yes, I know that. I never said I was perfect."

"I know. I just wanted to make sure you understand that you're experiencing your own love and no one else will ever have that. Enjoy him Bella. I know he does you." Carlisle said as he left the room. Bella sat for a few minutes in shock by the conversation she had with her father.

Edward had just climbed into bed after putting Charlotte to sleep. He rolled over and noticed that Bella was still in the shower. A few moments later, Bella left the shower wearing her thick robe and slippers. As she sat at her vanity putting lotion on her legs, Edward looked at her in the mirror.

"You my dear prepared another successful dinner. Maybe you should just open a restaurant instead of writing. Dinner was amazing from start to finish. By the way, Charlotte wanted me to let you know that she enjoyed the cake."

Laughing, Bella looked at Edward in the eye. "Oh really? What else did she say?"

"Well, she said that you didn't have to clean the kitchen up yourself and that daddy would have helped you."

"Really?"

"Yes and she even volunteered me to put the dishes in the dishwasher away in the morning and to make breakfast before I take mom and Jane to the airport." Edward said seriously.

Bella turned and walked towards the bed. "That little girl has everything planned out, doesn't she?"

"She is a planner just like her mommy. Plus, she just knows what she is talking about. She's a smart cookie that daughter of ours." Edward chuckled.

"She's a lucky girl." Bella smiled back. She then looked at Edward looked exhausted and tired. "What time are you guys leaving for the airport tomorrow?"

"Eleven."

Nodding, Bella asked another question. "Is everyone sleeping?"

Edward shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure, I think so. Mom definitely is. She turned in after everyone left."

Again, Bella just nodded. As she walked towards the bed. Her hands were on the tie of her robe. "I was just curious. I guess it's time for bed now."

Edward looked at the alarm clock on the side of his night stand. It read one twenty six. "Yes, I guess it is bed time. Come to bed you silly girl."

Bella took off her robe and placed it on the chair next to the bed. Edward wasn't paying attention to her. She looked a little disappointed but she knew that would change.

"Would you mind turning off the-good god, what are you wearing?"

"What, this?" Bella asked pointing to the tight, midnight blue slip nightgown that hugged her body.

"Yes, that." Edward replied with his eyes practically hanging out of their sockets.

Smiling, Bella looked at him. "This is your gift that you told me to buy you from Le Perla. Do you like it?'

Gaining some composure, Edward answered back. "I guess it's all right. It's a great color on you."

Bella did a little twirl before her eyes met his again. "You think?"

"I not only think but I know. You look gorgeous."

"You always tell me that."

"Because you are."

"Really?" Bella asked walking to his side of the bed.

"Yep." He answered as he sat up. Being a total tease, Bella leaned over kissed him passionately and then pulled away."Hey, why did you do that?"

Laughing, Bella stood by their door. "I just wanted to lock it. Also," she smiled as she walked over to her dresser. "I have to turn the monitor on in case the princess wakes up." She paused as she slowly walked back towards Edward. She stood in front of him again and smiled. She then crawled onto him. She leaned back on his knees and laid her legs straight.

"Why are you way down there? I can't kiss you if you are way down there."

Bella laughed. "I'm comfy. Your legs aren't that long Edward, come and get me if you really want to get me."

"You had to say that, didn't you?" Edward asked as he leaned forward and kissed her. He looked up and couldn't help but smile. "We aren't getting any sleep tonight, are we?"

Bella shook her head. "Not if I can help it, but we have to keep it down so the others don't hear us."

Edward laughed as he pulled Bella into him. "Good luck with that darling because you always scream."

"Like you're one to talk!" Bella laughed. She began a trail of kisses from his nipple down his belly.

"Oh Isabella Marie Cullen, you will be the death of me." Edward moaned.