AN: Australia! This chapter skips around a little bit, so pay attention to the dates in order to know how much time is passing.

Also, this chapter has not been beta-read, so definitely any mistakes are my own!

Finally, there is a poll on my profile about the next story I'll be posting. Check it out, let me know your thoughts! xx

...

Chapter 23: Bella

Monday, November 12

Cairns, Australia

14 Weeks

"Are you scared?"

Edward looked up at me. His hair was brilliant in the sunshine, and his tanned skin was glistening lightly with sweat and sea spray.

"Scared?" he asked, chuckling. I smirked at him, gazing out again at the water.

"Come on," I urged, jumping off the boat. I landed in the warm water, trying not to giggle until after I'd broken the surface again. Edward splashed into the water next to me, grinning when he came up. I smiled at him, carefully treading water.

Edward swam back to the boat, reaching up to retrieve our snorkels and masks. I had wanted to take Edward scuba diving out on the Great Barrier Reef, but after talking it over with Dr. Pierce on the phone, I'd decided that snorkeling would have to be good enough, at least until I wasn't pregnant.

I secured my mask on, smiling at Edward as he did the same. He grinned, sticking his head under the water.

It was the perfect day out. Bright and warm with calm, clear seas. I'd been anxious about getting on a boat after the horrid travel sickness I'd faced flying in, so yesterday Edward and I stopped at a pharmacy to find me something to help motion sickness should it arise. So far, I'd been okay, but I wasn't holding out hope it would last.

I ducked my head under the water, kicking out from the boat. When I had talked to Edward about going out to the Great Barrier Reef, he'd insisted on hiring a private tour, more out of a need for privacy than anything else. I didn't think a private tour could be that much better than the group one, but I had of course, been proven wrong. The tour company had picked us up at our hotel, driving us directly to the dock where we boarded immediately. The crew had arranged a breakfast spread for us on board, and when we'd reached the reef, they had subtly disappeared, leaving us to our own adventure.

I let myself float in the water, enjoying the buoyancy I had. I was a strong swimmer, but I'd never been especially good at floating. Now, it seemed like the Pip was acting as my own personal life raft.

Ahead of me, I saw Edward kick down from the surface, diving toward the reef below. He looked back at me, and even under his mask I could see his excitement. I couldn't help smiling around my snorkel.

We'd been away from LA only a couple days, but already I was noticing a massive change in Edward. He was more playful and relaxed, and though he was always aware of people around us, he seemed to be able to forget them more and more.

It was a side of him I'd not been able to see before.

We spent hours between snorkeling the reef, discovering brightly colored fish and shells, and lounging on the deck of the boat. Around midday I was too tired to swim anymore, so I climbed out onto the deck of the boat, laying out in the sun.

It was very obvious—at least I thought so—that I was pregnant now. My stomach had a slight pouch, and though I supposed it could be passed off as just gaining weight, when I was in a bikini, there was no doubt.

I had been self-conscious about it at first, and I hadn't wanted to take off my sun dress in front of the crew. Edward had tried sooth my worries, but he didn't really get it. I didn't mind that my body looked different—not really. The thing I minded was the constant, inescapable reminder that I was pregnant. That there was a Pip inside me, growing, and getting ready to very soon rely on me.

I hadn't fully come around on it, I guess, because whenever I thought about it, I got queasy.

I fell asleep on deck at some point, the hot Australian sun warming me through. I only woke when tiny cold droplets landed on my stomach, startling me. I blinked, looking up at Edward's silhouetted shadow above me.

"That's cold," I whined, trying to wiggle away from him. He chuckled.

"Baby, you're getting sunburnt."

I sighed, sitting up. I felt warm, but I wasn't sure if I was quite burnt yet. Edward held out a bottle of sunscreen to me, and I nodded, standing and turning my back to him. I heard the bottle open, and a moment later, his cold hands were brushing my back. I shivered.

"Your hands are cold," I said quietly. I felt his lips connect with my shoulder, and though his mouth was cool, I shivered for an entirely different reason. "Don't start something we can't finish," I warned him. He chuckled, kissing my shoulder once more before focusing on rubbing the lotion into my skin.

"How are you doing?" he asked. I glanced at him over my shoulder.

"Fine. I'm not sick but just a bit tired." I yawned, as if on queue and he chuckled.

"Good," his hands skated down my back, working sunscreen into my sides. His hands came around to my front, gently rubbing over my stomach. My heart thundered in my chest whenever he touched me there. "Maybe Pip will be a fish," he murmured against my shoulder. I swallowed.

"Or is revving up to play a bigger prank on me," I muttered. Edward laughed softly. I looked down at his hands. They were large, his hands. His fingers were long and strong, and though looking at them made me horny, I was able to recognize beyond that, they were artist's hands. I wondered if the Pip would have artist's hands too.

I wrapped my hands on top of his. In comparison, my hands were small, sturdier. I had callouses from traipsing through jungles and repelling down mountains attached to ropes. My hands were a map of the things I'd done, and none of those things had been gentle or patient.

"What are you thinking, Baby?"

My eyes stayed fixed on my knobby knuckle on my right ring finger—my writer's callous, and the scar that stretched down under my left thumb. These hands weren't meant for fine work.

"I don't think my hands were designed for holding a Pip," I said softly. Edward's body didn't move as his hands turned away from my stomach and flipped up to hold my hands.

"I think they were made for holding my hands," he said softly. I smiled a little. My hands did fit perfectly into his. "And since when have you let anything tell you what you can or cannot do? Who cares what they were made for? Your will is stronger than any force on this earth."

I laughed, a fat tear catching on my eyelashes as he spoke.

"I'm still scared," I admitted.

Edward let out a long breath, kissing my shoulder, my neck, my cheek. "I know Baby. Me too."

I thought about that. Edward seemed to handle things so much better than I did. He was reading all those parenting books; he was planning ahead and not panicking. Was he really struggling like I was? Could he be?

I squeezed his fingers with mine, and he held me a moment longer before kissing my shoulder and stepping away. I turned to him, and he smiled at me.

Not wanting to think about it anymore, I shook my head.

"Come here, we can't have you burning," I said picking up the sunscreen. He smiled, stepping closer. I poured sunscreen into my palm, generously lathering it onto his chest. Edward laughed when he saw how much I'd put on him and I shrugged innocently. "I'm going to have rub all this in," I purred. Edward shifted and I felt him stir between us. I smiled to myself.

I took my time, rubbing the sunscreen into his chest, making sure to pay attention to each and every muscle. Who knew a torso could have so many muscles?

My fingers reached out to the last stripe of white low across his abdomen, but before I could rub it in, Edward was hauling me up into his arms. I squeaked in surprise as he ran us inside, locking us in the lower cabin. He deposited me on the sofa, as he moved around the room, making sure all the shades and curtains were drawn. When he turned back to me, his eyes were on fire, and I swallowed in anticipation. My legs slipped together anxiously, and his eyes darted down to track the movement.

"I don't know how long we have," he warned. I shook my head. It wasn't going to take long. Not in the state I was in.

"Come here," I growled.

Edward was across the cabin before the words had fully left my mouth. He reached down, picking me up easily and pressing me into the wall. The cool paneled lining was a shock compared to the heat coming off Edward. I groaned, grinding down against him.

With a single tug, my bathing suit bottoms were gone, and I didn't even have the presence of mind to make sure he untied them rather than ripping them off me.

Before I could even take a breath to tell him to hurry up, he was burying into me.

My head threw back as he entered me, stretching me deliciously. I groaned, my whole-body catching fire.

"Fuck, Babe," I moaned, my fingers scrambling around his shoulders to find purchase. He was slippery, from sunscreen and sea, and my fingers scattered until they landed in his hair. I drew him closer to me as he pounded into me. It felt so good I could hardly breathe.

He reached up, yanking my top down and capturing one breast in his mouth. I shuddered, arching up to bring him closer. My boobs weren't hurting nearly as much, but they were crazy sensitive. I threw myself against him as he drove me into the wall, pushing me further and further until I was balanced, right there on the edge. Edward drove into me, swiveling his hips, and the force of our pelvis' coming together hit my clit at just the right angle and I shattered, crying out so hard I went hoarse. I drew him into me, holding him to me with a vice grip as he continued to drive into me.

Finally, he came, shuddering in my arms. My whole body was pulsing with the echoes of my orgasm. I pulled away from him, feeling dazed, and he laughed, kissing my neck. He slipped out of me, gently guiding my feet to the floor. I was still shaking, and I reached out to grab onto him, my legs too unsteady.

"You okay, baby?" he asked. I huffed.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure I'll walk again," I joked. Edward laughed, bending to pick up my bathing suit. He carefully placed it in my palm, and I shook my head.

"Do you think they heard us?" I asked, my breathing starting to return back to normal. Edward smirked.

"You. They definitely heard you."

I shook my head laughing. I didn't even care.

"Okay, I'm going to pull myself together. You go pay them off," I joked.

Edward laughed, reaching down to kiss me.

"I love you, Bella."

I smiled against his lips. "I love you too."

…

Wednesday, November 14

Sydney, Australia

14 Weeks

"Fuck, I thought the last place was nice."

Edward looked around the room, smiling at me. Though I'd picked out places to stay, Edward, being Edward, had gone ahead and upgraded those reservations. I'd found us a simple hotel in Sydney and Edward had gone and changed it, rebooking us at the Park Hyatt. Not only that, but we had a suite with a large terrace that had full views of both the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and the Opera House.

I didn't know how much the room cost, and I didn't want to know. It was too much, but since the damage was done, there was nothing to do but be grateful for it.

After our day on the reef, we'd come back to shore and settled for dinner in bed. The next day, we'd gone on a Skyrail tour just outside of the city. It had been stunning and a great experience. After that, we spent the day relaxing around Cairns. We'd flown into Sydney early this morning, and though I'd been to the city before, I was excited about rediscovering it with Edward.

I set my purse down, taking in the room. "What do you want to do first?" I asked, turning to him. He looked at me.

"I'm up for whatever. Are you tired?"

I shook my head. I'd slept on the plane, and thankfully hadn't gotten sick, so I was back to normal energy now.

"Want to just, I dunno, walk around?"

Edward smiled. "Yeah, that sounds great."

…

Whether people in Australia didn't recognize Edward, or they were just better about leaving him the fuck alone I couldn't tell. Whatever it was, it enabled us to walk around openly, strolling along the harbor without the stress of being constantly photographed and hassled. I knew there were paparazzi in Australia, but so far, they'd been much less intrusive then the ones back home.

Just to be safe, Edward had a team of security for us, ready to jump in if things got out of hand. Two of the guards had met us at the airport, and though they were following us at a distance now, I still couldn't quite shake their presences. Cairns had been a small enough town that we hadn't needed security, but we'd mostly be in big cities from here on out, and I understood Edward's hesitance.

Hopefully, they'd remain unnecessary and we'd be able to go through the vacation without interacting with them overly much.

Our hotel sat right on the harbor, just beside the bridge. Edward and I set out; our hands clasped together as we set out a pace around the water.

"You're different here," I said after we'd started walking a few minutes. He looked at me.

"Different?"

I nodded, squeezing his fingers gently with mine. "Relaxed. Happy." I looked up at him and he hummed.

"I've been recognizably famous for ten years now. That's just the life I'm used to. I forget that there is any other way to live. Like one where taking a walk can be relaxing." He looked at me, smiling softly. "You've been reminding me of things I'd forgotten a long time ago."

"Like what?"

Edward sighed. "I used to love going places, talking to strangers, making connections with people. I'm good with people and it used to be fun for me. Now, I avoid people at almost all costs. I'm embarrassed that I've become this cold celebrity who doesn't have time for anyone."

I frowned. "Babe, I don't think you're like that at all. Aloof? Sure, but you're not cold."

Edward looked at me, offering me a half smile. "Trust me, before we met, I was cold." He frowned, looking away from me for a moment. "It scares me to think who I might have been if we never met."

I bit my lip anxiously. "Yeah, well I was no peach when we met either," I said softly. Edward looked at me. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I was awesome, but I was also a selfish ass."

Edward snorted lightly. "I guess it turns out we both had a lot to learn from each other."

I glanced up at him. He was so steady, so calm and sure of himself. I felt like I still had so much to learn from him.

I squeezed his hand again, turning in to him to place a soft kiss on his arm.

We turned to the view of the harbor, and I took a deep breath.

"There is something about breathing different air," I whispered, shaking my head. Edward nodded in agreement.

"Bella, I," he paused, a brow furrowed as he stared out at the sparkling water. I looked up at him curiously. He shook his head, letting out a breath. "I'm really glad we're here," he said finally. I let go of his hand, wrapping my arm around his waist.

"Me too, babe."

Friday, November 16

Sydney, Australia

14 Weeks

I was in heaven.

Edward had surprised me this morning with a day booked at the spa for the both of us. I had been wary, never having had a spa day before, but he assured me that I would love it. Most of our massages and treatments had been together, and somehow, each one topped the previous one. I had no idea that going to the spa was like this, and now that I knew, I was worried my body would start demanding it weekly. I'm sure Edward wouldn't object, but the thought of spending that kind of money every week made me actually nauseous, so I didn't say anything to him.

"I didn't know my bones could melt without having an orgasm," I groaned. From the table beside me, Edward choked on his laugh and above me, the masseuse giggled. I smirked; my eyes closed as she leaned into my muscles. Fuck, it felt so good.

I heard Edward shuffling, and I opened my eyes to look at him. He had a wide smile on his face, and he was looking at me in exasperation. I smirked at him. I glanced up at the masseuse working on Edward. He was shaking his head, a smile on his face as he glanced at my own masseuse.

When Edward had told me about the massages, I think he expected me to make some sort of stink about a woman working on him, because he quickly mentioned that he preferred men because they tended to be stronger. I'd shrugged and agreed with him. I knew Edward's job meant that he got manhandled by a lot of people, typically women when he was on set. It was pointless to me to get jealous about something like that. I knew that Edward probably didn't like the idea of a guy's hands on me, even though I didn't care as long as said hands stayed professional, but he worried needlessly because when he booked the treatment, there was only one masseuse who worked on pregnant women, and she herself was a woman.

I'd been disappointed when I found out that I couldn't get my legs fully massaged because I was pregnant, but after the shoulder rub I'd been receiving, I didn't even care anymore.

I'd never been more relaxed in my life.

"Alright, I believe you are ready for your facials," my masseuse said, patting my back gently. "We'll step out of the room if you both want to flip over."

I blinked, looking up at her and nodding. They left the room and I groaned. "I'm jelly, I can't sit up."

Edward chuckled quietly, sitting up on the table. "Do you need help, love?"

I blinked at him and shook my head. "No, I need to do these things while I still can," I huffed. He smirked and I sat up slowly. I was a little dizzy from lying down so long. "Christ, I had no idea the spa was like this," I said waving my hand vaguely. Edward smiled at me.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

I looked at him. "You are spoiling me and right now, I don't even care. This is beyond amazing."

Edward laughed, leaning back down on the table. "I love to spoil you when I can get away with it," he said settling down. I huffed a laugh and laid down on my back, making sure my robe was back around me and firmly secured.

"Trust me, Babe, I wouldn't object to this type of spoiling again."

Edward grinned at me as there was a soft knock on the door. Two women came in then, smiling at us.

"Are you ready for your facials?"

…

I had no idea the spa could be an all-day thing. Despite how long we'd been there though, I was almost sad when it was over. When we were dressed again, Edward and I headed back upstairs to our room. I was relaxed and a little sleepy, but mostly just so fucking content.

"Are you up for dinner?" he asked as we stepped into our room. I looked at him, blinking.

"Like going out?"

We hadn't done that yet, opting instead to eat in our room. Not that I minded eating in. I liked to be able to stretch out after I ate because lately, I was just eating so much.

Edward nodded, looking a little nervous. "We can stay in if you like, but I did get us a reservation," he said slowly. I smiled at him.

"I'd love to go out with you, Babe. I don't think I have anything fancy to wear though," I said frowning. Edward cleared his throat, reaching up to rub his neck.

"Actually, you do. I called Alice, asking where I should look and she took care of everything and had a dress delivered to the room. I think it's hanging in the closet."

I smirked at him. "You called Alice?"

He huffed a laugh. "I didn't want to pick out something wrong and hear about it later," he said shaking his head. I snorted.

"I don't think anything you would have picked out could be wrong. I'll go change though. Thank you for taking care of it." I said reaching up to kiss him quickly. Edward smiled when I pulled away.

I made my way to our bedroom, opening the closet. There was a garment bag hanging inside, with a note tucked carefully to the outside. It was typed, so I knew Alice must have emailed it.

Bella,

Edward called me and told me where he was taking you. You will not be overdressed. There are two sets of shoes that I had sent over with it. I don't know if you're still okay to wear heals. If so, wear them. Keep your hair and makeup simple, the dress will do most of the work.

Have fun!

Ali

I smiled at the note, unzipping the bag curiously. Glittering red fabric peaked out at me, and I blinked, surprised. I pulled the dress out, my breath whooshing out of me. It was a long column of glittering red gown, with tiny little straps above a plunging neckline. When I turned it around, I realized that the straps would come around my arms tightly, leaving most of my back totally open. It was stunning, but I couldn't fathom where Edward might be taking me where this would not count as being overdressed.

Anxiously, I hung the dress up in the closet as I got undressed and pulled on one of the hotel robes. I wouldn't be able to wear a bra with this dress, that was for damn sure. I stared at the thin fabric warily. Would this even hold in my boobs? They were huge right now and had taken on a will of their own lately.

I left the closet, heading into the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. I knew from past experience that if I tried doing those things once I was dressed, it almost always led to a disaster.

I pulled my hair back into a sort of messy French twist, and applied some make up, keeping the focus on making a sort of smoky eye and applying some red lipstick. When I was done, I went back to the closet to change.

Carefully, I slipped into the dress, pulling it up around my arms, and settling my boobs into it. The top was snug enough that I actually felt secure in it, and to my relief, it wasn't as deep of a neckline as I had originally thought. The dress sculpted around my body tightly, but thanks to the distraction of the sequins, my bump wasn't really noticeable. In the front of the gown were two long slits up each leg. I smiled, looking over my tan. I was glad I'd been able to get some sun so far.

I turned back to the garment bag, spotting two boxes of shoes underneath. One was a pair of flats, and another, a pair of lethal looking white strappy heels. I took them out of the box, smiling to myself.

I slipped one shoe on, bringing my leg up to the top of the dresser so I could buckle it into place. Once the one shoe was on, I switched feet, balancing carefully as I secured the other shoe.

Inside the garment back was a slim white clutch that I grabbed and took the bathroom, stuffing my lipstick in. When I was ready, I let out a long breath, checking out my reflection. I looked amazing; I couldn't deny it. It was amazing how far I'd come in only a couple months. Just this summer I'd been practically homeless, living on the beach in Fiji and wearing ratty tank tops over a sun-worn bikini.

I almost couldn't recognize myself anymore.

I smiled at my reflection and took another breath before leaving the bathroom. I walked across the bedroom, carefully pulling open the door.

Edward was standing with his back to the door as he stared out at the harbor view. He turned to me when he heard the door opened, and I almost swallowed my tongue. Edward was always hot, but I hadn't seen him dressed up before. Not really. He was wearing a crisp white button-down shirt and black slacks and jacket. He had a thin black tie on that I wanted to yank on. "Fuck, Baby, you look…" he breathed, shaking his head unable to finish his sentence. I looked up at his face. He looked so turned on. The look made me feel powerful, and I smiled at him, strutting toward him.

"You too," I purred, reaching out and smoothing his tie down. It was just an excuse to touch him.

"I don't know how you keep getting more and more beautiful," he sighed, shaking his head. His hands came up my body, ghosting over my hips and I shuddered.

"Weren't we going somewhere?" I said softly, when his hands settled on my waist. He groaned as his fingers discovered my bare back.

"Fuck, we can stay here," he insisted. I smiled at him, reaching up to kiss him lightly.

"Come on, Babe. Let's go eat."

Edward's hands were wandering my back, and he looked down at me, blinking like he was trying to refocus. "You're right," he said shaking his head. "I can't believe how stunning you look tonight. The world definitely deserves to see this," he said smirking. I grinned at him, hooking my fingers through his.

"Come on, then," I tugged on him, but he didn't move. He was staring at me, looking a little anxious.

"I have something for you," he said nervously. I stared at him curiously.

"More?"

Edward nodded, reaching into his pocket. My heart stopped when he pulled out a jewelry box. My eyes flew up to his, and he let out a heavy breath.

"Baby, calm down, you look like you're going to have a heart attack," he said chuckling softly. He lifted the lid of the box and inside were gorgeous diamond earrings. They were pear shaped and were dangling off a smaller stud. I looked up at him.

"These are gorgeous," I breathed. Edward smiled as I took the box. He looked relieved.

"It's just window dressing to the most beautiful woman I've ever met," he said softly. I snorted at him. He was so cheesy, but somehow, it made me love him all the more. I took out the earrings, putting them on. They were heavy, but not too heavy, and I was sure they added the right pop of white to my outfit.

"What do you think?" I asked, tilting my head. Edward sighed.

"You look spectacular."

I smiled and reached up to kiss him gently. I could feel him lean into me, getting lost in it, so I pulled away, reaching up to wipe away my lipstick from his face. I smiled at him.

"Ready?" I asked. Edward smiled.

"Yeah, let's go."

…

"Oh my god, this is so good," I groaned.

Edward shifted in his chair across from me, and I smiled at him as I licked at my fork. He knew I had a visceral reaction to food these days. If he didn't want to get turned on in public, he shouldn't have brought me somewhere with food like this.

The restaurant was on the water, overlooking the harbor. It had been so close to our hotel that we had actually walked over, enjoying the stroll in the warm evening air. We were dressed so nicely that we had definitely gotten attention, but I didn't care. I loved being able to walk outside with Edward.

I was told the restaurant was exclusive, the kind of exclusive with a two-year waitlist, but of course, Edward being Edward had really only needed to make one call and we'd gotten bumped up that list like magic.

To my relief, I hadn't been overdressed, though I was definitely flashier than a lot of the women inside. Still, everyone was dressed elegantly, and once the initial shock of us had cleared, people mostly ignored us.

I say mostly, but people definitely started recognizing Edward. No one had approached us, but I had seen a couple phones come out to snap a photo of us.

Edward for his part, didn't seem to notice or mind the gawking. I was trying to tune it out as well and just focus on him, but it was hard. When I traveled by myself, I had to be hyper aware of people looking at me for too long, noticing me too much. It was an instinct I'd developed, and it was hard to turn it off.

The food helped.

"I can't believe how good this was." I licked my lips, leaning back. We'd had an 8-course dinner of small seafood dishes and each one had been better than the last. Edward had been hyper vigilant about making sure all the food on the menu was safe for me to eat while I was pregnant, and I was glad it was all clear, because decedent hadn't even begun to cover it.

Edward smiled at me. A sommelier had come to the table to offer us the best possible wine choices, and I was disappointed I'd been unable to partake. Instead, Edward agreed, and had offered me a tiny sip of his wine. I'd taken less than a sip, really, just enough to get the flavor of the wine. I'd appreciated being able to experience the full pallet of flavors of our meal.

I brought my water to my mouth, sipping some with a sigh. I was pleasantly full, and just blissfully happy. I didn't know I could be this happy doing something so tame as having dinner. It was a pleasant surprise to be sure. "Edward today has been," I paused, unable to come up with a word big enough to capture the warmth in me. "Perfect. I'm so happy and content right now, and I just… thank you."

Edward smiled at me, picking up his chair and coming to sit next to me, taking my hand in his. "I'm so glad Bella. Despite the obstacles we've faced, that's how you make me feel all the time. Just so happy." He sighed, brining my hand up to kiss the back of it. I smiled at him, my eyes feeling suspiciously watery. I didn't know that words could be so tender and touch my heart so deeply.

"I love you," I whispered. Edward looked at me, giving me that breathtaking smile of his.

"I love you," he whispered back. I reached out, kissing his jaw and he groaned. I giggled as I sat back in my chair.

"Should we get out of here?" I asked, my eyes darting down to his lap where his long legs were crossed. He huffed.

"I'm not in a rush, baby,"

I snorted, my hand letting go of his as it landed on his thigh. I saw him stiffen as my fingers brushed against his cock. "You've been turned on since my first bite of food. Come on, we'll walk back to the hotel and that'll give me time to digest," I giggled.

Edward let out a harsh breath that ended in a laugh. He shifted in his chair, pulling his wallet out. The moment his credit card was out, our waiter was there to take it. I looked at him, smiling softly. "Seriously, thank you for today. It's been absolutely incredible," I said reaching out to his hand again. He smiled.

"I'm glad you've enjoyed it. I want to give you everything, if only you'd let me."

I shook my head, leaning it against his shoulder. "All I need is you," I whispered. I was a bit surprised and scared at how true those words were. Only a couple months and my whole world had shifted to be so focused and centered around Edward. It scared me, but as scary as it was, I welcomed it too. Learning to love him had been so challenging yet so easy, and I was starting to realize that just because he meant the world to me, it didn't mean I had to give up my life.

Edward squeezed my hand, letting go of me to sign the receipt as the waiter brought it over. When he was done, he stood, offering me his hand.

All eyes were on us as we left the restaurant, and for once, I didn't mind the attention. I wanted people to know I was with this incredible man.

We walked outside, and despite the fact that it was summer, the temperature had cooled enough that I shivered lightly. Edward looked at me and immediately dropped my hand, pulling his jacket off and wrapping it around my shoulders. I smiled at him as I pulled it around me. He took my hand again, sighing as we started walking back to the hotel.

"Do you think photos are already online?" I asked him. Edward looked at me.

"Of us?" When I nodded, he sighed. "Yeah, probably. You can't stop people from taking pictures and sharing them. You'd hope people would respect your privacy, but it does happen."

I nodded. "Should I warn Chelsea?"

Edward shook his head. "No, she knows to be on the lookout. I think we'll be okay."

I smiled as I looked out at the water. "I hate to admit it, but the thought of being photographed with you doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would," I said looking up at him. He looked at me. "I mean, I don't want people in our face and whatever, but the thought of pictures of us looking this hot circulating the internet? That's kind of okay with me."

Edward smirked, taking his arm and wrapping it around my shoulders. I wrapped my arm around his waist, holding him tight.

"I'm glad," he said kissing the side of my head. "And I agree. I wish people would let us be, but I'm a little glad there is record of you looking like this tonight," he said glancing down my dress. I laughed, and his eyes darkened. "How are you in that thing?" he asked, his eyes glued to my chest. I smirked.

"Take me home and find out," I suggested. Edward looked at me in surprise before a wicked smirk came over his face. We weren't far from our hotel, but suddenly he was reaching down, scooping me up in his arms. I squeaked in surprise as he cradled me against his chest.

"Great idea," he grunted, picking up our pace. I giggled, wrapping my arms around his neck. He hustled us back to the hotel and into an elevator, completely ignoring everyone gawking at us in the lobby. There was another couple in the elevator, or I was sure Edward would have pinned me to a wall on the ride up to our room. He refused to let me down, and the older couple smiled at us. I smiled back at them, a little embarrassed, but mostly happy.

They got out the floor before ours, and when they got off the elevator, I reached up to press a hot kiss to his mouth. Edward groaned, barely remembering to take us out of the elevator when it reached our floor. He fumbled in his pocket for our room key, our lips fused in a desperate kiss. When we finally made it into the room, Edward carried me to the bedroom, gently placing me on the mattress. I let go of him, breathing heavy as I leaned back against the bed.

"Fuck, you look so stunning sprawled on the bed like that," he said shaking his head. I smiled at him.

"I want to peel that suit off you," I groaned. Edward hummed, reaching down to my ankles and gently undoing my shoes. I watched him as he lovingly moved around my feet, gently massaging them. I moaned at the contact and he smiled up at me.

Once my shoes were off, his hands traveled up my calves and my legs fell open. I wished I was just naked already.

Edward's hands trailed up my legs, and he bent down to kiss the path his hands were trailing. My breath hitched when he placed a gentle kiss on the inside of my thigh.

"Babe," I breathed, my hands slipping up to the straps of my dress.

"Don't you dare," he growled softly. "I want to peel that off you myself."

I groaned, leaning back on the bed as he climbed above me.

I reached up, tugging him by the tie, bringing him down to kiss me. His kisses were long and patient, and I nipped at his bottom lip, desperate. I felt him smile against my mouth.

"Patience, Baby," he crooned.

My fingers undid his tie, yanking it off him. The silky material slid through my fingers and onto the bed.

I reached up to him again, my fingers tracing down his chest. His shirt was so soft, and he looked so good in it, but I wanted nothing more than to yank it off him. I reached out, unbuckling his belt as he reached down, kissing his way down my neck and across my collarbones. My hands stilled as Edward gently licked the hollow of my throat. My fingers fisted in his shirt, trying to bring him closer to me. I felt him smile against me as he continued licking and kissing and nipping his way across my chest. I couldn't see straight, couldn't think straight. I just wanted him.

His hands came up, gently tracing the straps of the dress. His fingers trailed along the straps, making my nipples pucker under the fabric. "Can you possibly be wearing anything under here," he breathed against my skin. Slowly, he lowered on strap, kissing every inch of skin it had been covering. He kissed his way across my chest, lowering the other strap the kissing me there. I was shaking under him, my body strung so tight, I felt like the littlest thing might set me off.

Edward sat back a bit, pulling the straps of my dress down. The silky material inside the dress scraped against my sensitive nipples, and I gasped, my back arching as my breasts came free. Edward groaned, leaning down to take one nipple in his mouth. I was so close to coming that I knew if he kept this up, it would be a matter of minutes. My nipples had never, in my life, been so sensitive.

Edward kissed and nipped his way between my breasts, one of his hands coming up to squeeze me gently as he paid the other breast attention. He pinched one nipple, at the same time lightly biting the other, and I was done, shattering underneath him in a quivering mess. He kissed the valley between my breasts as I came down from my high, smiling up at me when I looked down my body at him. He nudged my dress down further, reaching out to my right hip to unzip the short zipper. He sat back, pulling the dress off me, then let out a long groan.

"You were completely naked under that?" he asked. I smiled up at him, my thighs slipping together, desperately seeking friction. He leaned over me again, placing a hot, open mouthed kiss to the spot just below my breasts. As he always did when I was naked, he made it to my stomach, and stopped, reverently kissing the small bump. He was often incredibly gentle with me, but he was so tender with that bump, it made my heart swell in my chest. I was scared as hell about Pip, but part of me was actually getting excited as well. I couldn't wait to see Edward with a baby.

He looked up at me, his lips pressed against my stomach, and the love in his eyes completely took my breath away. How was it possible that this incredible, loving man had fallen for me? I didn't deserve him.

Tears formed in my eyes and Edward pulled away from my stomach, leaning up to take my face in his hands. "What's wrong, love?"

I shook my head, my tears slipping down my cheeks, unable to be checked. "I just love you so much." I whispered. Edward's smile was radiant, and he leaned down to kiss me tenderly. I pulled him closer to me, needing to feel him on me, over me. He leaned back a bit, just enough to pull his shirt off and kick off his pants and underwear before he settled in the cradle of my thighs again. He kissed me again, and I wound my fingers up into his hair, holding him to me. My heart was so full, it was pouring out of me in waves.

His hand came up, brushing tears from my face. He rested his forehead against mine as we both dragged in a deep breath, then he was kissing the tears from my cheeks. My arms wound around his torso, my fingers tracing over his back, my body desperate to just hold him as close as possible. He shifted and slowly, he was entering me. I sighed as he slid into me, a feeling of being complete overtaking me. More tears brimmed in my eyes and Edward leaned down to kiss those away. "I love you with all that I am," he whispered between each kiss. I reached up to hug him to me as he slowly, tenderly moved inside me.

We took our time, and though we were both so turned on, our build up was slow, tender. By the time I was coming, Edward was right there with me, and we held onto each other, love beating between us in a perfect, synchronized rhythm.

Saturday, November 17

Sydney, Australia

15 Weeks

We'd spent the night so wrapped up in each other that it had taken hours for us to fall asleep. When we'd finally woken up this morning, it was almost noon. We decided on a lazy day in bed, and while Edward ordered us room service, I fished the TV remote off the nightstand.

I started flipping through channels, trying to find something semi interesting. I wasn't all that invested in TV, so I didn't recognize most of the programs. I was flipping the channels when a familiar face appeared. I froze, sitting forward as a young Edward showed up on my screen. "Oh my god," I breathed. I could hear Edward in the other room, ordering food, and I quickly flipped to the menu. Sure, enough it was the show where he'd gotten his start, Twilight. I pulled the show back up, stunned to see Edward so young. He was still handsome, but it was different. He was tall, even then, and he was buff compared to most of the young costars, but he was leaner than he was now, his jaw not quite as wide.

"Food's on its way…" his voice trailed off and I looked up at him. He winced when he saw himself on the TV and looked at me. "We don't have to watch this crap," he said shaking his head. I shook my head, stuffing the remote into the covers, away from his view.

"Nu-uh, we're watching this." I said firmly. Edward winced and I shook my head. I didn't care if he didn't like it, I had to see him like this. I pat the bed next to me, and he sighed, coming to sit down. I bit my lip looking between him and the TV.

"What?" he huffed. I smirked.

"Are you embarrassed?" I asked. He glanced at me, and I noticed the back of his neck was a little red. Was he blushing?

"It's not a part of my career that I'm exceptionally proud of," he said diplomatically. I grinned, turning my attention back to the screen. It was clear he was young, and the show was directed at a young audience. He was a total hunk, and had I known about him when I was a teen, I would have been obsessed.

"If I had seen you when I was a teenager, I would have been your biggest stalker fan," I said shaking my head. Edward barked out a laugh, and I grinned at him. "I'm serious, Babe, you were so cute!"

He shifted, looking, uncomfortable. "I stuck out the show for a few years, but it just, it got weird. I was too old to be getting that sort of attention from teenage girls," he said shaking his head. I grinned at him.

"I bet if we'd met back then, you wouldn't have thought so," I said tugging him closer to me. He shifted closer and smirked.

"You would have been the worst for my ego," he said shaking his head. "I was bad enough without you."

I giggled. "I'd have kept you in check," I said, kissing his shoulder. "I'm good at that,"

He grunted. "Fuck yeah you are."

I snorted and leaned my head on his shoulder as I turned my attention back to the TV. "I think it's sort of amazing," I said after a moment. I felt him look at me and I looked up at him.

"What?" he asked, sounding wary. I shrugged.

"You have this incredible documentation of a time in your life that was important. I mean, look at you, that was you almost a decade ago. That's amazing. I think I probably have three photos of me at that age, but you have an entire TV series to document growing up."

Edward frowned. "I've never thought about it like that," he mused. I nodded, my eyes drifting back to the TV. "I always thought of it as an embarrassing reminder of who I used to be."

I smiled, my eyes glued to him on the TV. "That's the point, babe. We're all awkward and embarrassing as teens, but how neat is it that you can look back on this and recognize how far you've come." I glanced at him again. "I can tell you I appreciate seeing you like this. It makes me appreciate the man you've grown into, despite Hollywood."

Edward let out a breath, pulling me toward him. I curled into his side and he kissed the top of my head. "When you put it that way, I guess I see your point," he said softly. I smiled, my arms winding around him as I turned my attention back to the TV.

We laid curled up in bed, watching his show until there was a knock on the door. Edward got up to get the food while I kept watching the show. I wasn't quite sure what was going on, but it sure was dramatic and I was loving it. Edward came back into the room putting trays of food on the bed. I sat up, licking my lips and he laughed. He set us up on the bed before settling back down with me. I snatched a piece of bacon off my plate and shoved it in my mouth before turning to him. "Okay, tell me what's going on in the story so I can keep up."

Edward laughed, shaking his head. He sighed before looking up at the screen. "Only for you would I sit through this again," he said glancing at me. I grinned at him.

"Good, because now I'm desperate for more."

AN: A bunch of new readers have been popping up lately and I just want to say welcome, and thank you to everyone who reads and reviews. Honestly, sometimes I'll feel myself hitting a wall with the writing and then I'll get an email with super supportive and kind words in a review and I feel motivated again. It's incredible.

I know a few of you have mentioned sharing this story with friends, and I'm so eternally grateful for that. Your recommendations mean so much to me!

Thank you all!