Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you're excited to read the new chapter! I hope you had a great week! If not, I really hope this lifts your spirits!

Chapter Sixteen (Edward)

If I didn't think it'd end badly, I would've punched my father. I didn't understand why he was being so nosey and basically treating Bella like she was on trial. If he wanted to know anything about her, then I'm sure my mother would've told him. I knew she had probably done a whole background check on Bella already. I couldn't be mad at her though because I did the same thing.

"So, Bella how was your day?" I asked her when we settled at the table.

"It was good," She smiled at me, "I hired someone new today. Maggie's leaving for school soon and I need the help. He seemed very nice."

Finding out it was a man put me on edge slightly. I'd have to meet this new person that would be hanging around the bakery, and Bella. I felt a twinge of jealousy that I tried to shake off.

"Well, that's good." I said as I stabbed a fork into my roast, "So, have you figured out what we're doing tomorrow night?"

"Oh yeah," She said, "I was talking to Maggie and she said that there was this great little lowkey restaurant called Donna's. Have you heard of it?"

I had heard of it. It was right near prostitute ally. Part of me wanted to tell her that we couldn't go there, it was a dangerous, sketchy area and I didn't want her going there by herself if she liked the restaurant. But I didn't want turn her idea down and disappointed her.

"That sounds good. They have really great food. And there's a little theater right down the block. Some amateur actors and comedians put on shows and stuff. We should check it out. I can't promise it'll be a great production, but it is certainly entertaining." I said.

She smiled widely and nodded, "Okay, that sounds fun."

I smiled back at her, "Want to try some Chardonnay? Mom is friends with the person who owns the winery and she's always sending my mom her the best wine."

"I'm only eighteen, I can't drink." She was so cute.

"Oh you're alright," Emmett said, "Go ahead, drink up. No one here is going to call the cops on ya."

She shrugged, "I don't know. I had a bad experience with alcohol once and I'd rather not repeat it."

"Please elaborate," I said.

She rolled her eyes and blushed, "Maybe later. It's a very embarrassing story."

"Okay, but you're going to tell me," I winked at her before grabbing my own drink.

She giggled and nodded, "Maybe."

Dinner proceeded on very smoothly. My family seemed to really entertain Bella, and she didn't seem uncomfortable. Honestly, having her by my side at family dinner made me so happy. I wanted her to attend more and be by my side.

"So, Rosalie, why did you have Bella deliver a cake tonight?" Dad asked when dinner was over.

Rosalie jumped up and smiled, "I'll be right back, stay right here!"

She ran into the kitchen and came back with the cake box. She placed it in front of Emmett and her smile widened.

"Open it," She nudged him.

His eyebrows furrowed as he opened the cake box. After a moment, his eyes widened, and he looked up at her.

"Are you serious?"

She nodded eagerly, "Yeah!"

"Oh my—holy fucking shit!" He jumped up and wrapped his arms around her, "Holy shit! I can't believe it Rosie!"

"What does the cake say?" Mom asked.

Rosalie looked over at mom, "We're having twins."

Mom squealed excitedly and jumped to her feet, "Oh my god, are you serious?"

"Yeah," She smiled, hugging Emmett tighter.

"I can't believe it," Mom wiped tears from her eyes, "We're going to have two grandbabies Carlisle!"

Dad chuckled and rubbed her arm, "It's certainly going to be fun."

Mom walked around to Rosalie and Emmett and hugged them.

"Wow, that's awesome," I told them, "Congratulations."

"Thanks man." Emmett said as he bumped my fist.

"Congratulations, it's really amazing," Bella said, "It's getting late now, I really should be going."

"Of course," Mom said as she grabbed Bella into a tight hug, "Thank you for coming. Come back please."

"I'll walk you out Bella," I said.

"Sorry if my family got on your nerves or made you feel awkward." I told her when we got to the car.

"No, it was fine. I had a lot of fun," She smiled, "Kind of reminded me of dinners with my parents and all of their friends. Big, loud, good food, and a ton of fun."

I smiled down at her, "Well, we have mandatory family dinners ever Tuesday at seven, so just come on by whenever you want."

"I don't know if that would be a good idea. I don't want to bother your family. They hardly know me."

"But they do adore you," I told her, "My mother wouldn't have invited you to stay if she didn't like you."

She half smiled at me, "I should get going now, before it gets too late."

I opened her car door, "Of course. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow." She smiled before getting into her car and driving off.

I stayed in the driveway and watched as she drove off. I was so excited for tomorrow. I couldn't wait to see her again and have her full attention. I was praying that this little excursion would lead to more and Bella would start to return my feelings.

I sighed and turned to walk back into the house.

Bella

I couldn't help the tears that fell down my face when I left Edward's home. I tried to suppress the tears just until I got home, but I couldn't stop them or the memories from flooding.

Sitting with Edward's family, listening to them banter and enjoy each other's company reminded me of when my parents were still alive.

Every Saturday, my parents would invite all of their friends over for dinner or we'd go to their houses. Someone would cook a huge dinner and we'd all just hangout. I missed those times.

When I got home I ran up into my apartment. I had plans to deep clean to the bakery before I went to sleep but now I just wanted to lock myself in my apartment.

I thumped down onto my bed and kicked my shoes off. I wiped the tears from my face, but immediately they began again when I looked over at the picture of me and my parents.

I desperately wished I could call my parents and tell them everything that was happening in my life. I wanted to tell them about the bakery and the people I've me. I wished I could talk to my mom about Edward. I wished I could invite my parents to my new apartment.

I curled up and hugged my knees to my chest and just sobbed. I'd pushed the emotions I had about my family for so long that now everything was just coming to the surface and I couldn't push it down any longer.

I heard faint meowing beside me. I opened my eyes and saw a blurry Cinnamon pawing at my bed. I reached over and pulled him into my chest. He nuzzled his nose to mine for a moment before curling up in my arms and tucking his head under my chin.

I cuddled with Cinnamon until I cried myself to sleep. I woke up before my alarm clock, my eyes swollen. Cinnamon had moved from my arms to the foot of the bed.

It was almost five in the morning. I sat up and tried to rub away the soreness from my eyes. Since I had an hour before I had to go down to the bakery and prep, I ran myself a bath and soaked until it was time to go down to the bakery.

When I walked around to the front, I spotted a tall, hooded man leaning against the window and smoking. I paused for a moment before I recognized that it was Riley.

"Hey," I said as I walked up to him, "I didn't recognize you, you scared me."

"Sorry," He flicked his cigarette onto the ground, "I was up early, and I figured I could come by and help you prep."

"Okay, that sounds good." I said as I unlocked the door.

He followed me into the back of the bakery.

"I ordered you a shirt last night," I told him as I flicked on the kitchen lights, "It should be here by Monday."

"Alright sounds good."

"And you can use Maggie's apron while you're in the kitchen. But I'll get your own. I'm planning on getting embroidered aprons soon."

He nodded, "That'll look good. What can I do?"

"Let's start by making the turnovers. The inside takes a little longer to prep, and since they sell so fast I make a huge batch to last me at least until lunch. I'll show you how to make it."

Riley was a quick learner. He studied me as I prepped the items. I was confidant he'd be able to maybe handle prep one day on his own.

"You're very good at this," I told him as he molded chocolate.

"Thanks. You're a great teacher." He said.

"Thanks," I blushed.

I was able to cut my prep time in half with Riley's help. It was nice, I had the time to show him how to box up the food and to use the register.

With the extra hour we had before opening, I even got the chance to mop the front room and dust.

"You know, you should brand yourself," Riley said as he looked at the store, "Swan's Bakery is a unique name. You could print it on shirts, hats, or whatever. People love novelty items. And your bakery is getting pretty popular, I bet people would love that."

I shrugged, "I don't know. I know it would probably be good for business, but I'm happy with the way things are going. Maybe when I get a little more popular, I'll start selling other things."

"It would be a good idea. People on Facebook love your desserts. I bet they'd love T-shirts or little novelty gifts." He said, then shook his head, "Sorry, I don't mean to tell you what you should do. I'm getting a minor in business, and I tend to give advice where it's not wanted."

"No, you're okay. I appreciate it," I said, "To be honest, is should probably go to school and get a business degree. It would be the smart thing to do."

"You know my school offers online classes. You could take like two or three classes a semester and get a degree in business to help you." He said.

I thought about it for a moment, "Maybe I will. I'll definitely think about it."

I'm loving how this story is unfolding. Seriously, if you guys could read what I have in my Word Doc, you'd love it too! Ugh, I'm just loving how this story is sort of writing itself. Leave me a little review and let me know how you're liking it! I hope you have a great rest of the week!