AN: Sorry this is delayed. Last week was just the week from hell. My car (which I've had for 10 years) is no more—stupid transmission. So, I was stuck dealing with car rental agencies, researching new vehicles, arguing with insurance agents, all while trying to get the old car junked. Most days I just crashed from all the stress, and even my favorite characters couldn't brighten my mood. But thankfully that is all handled and done with, and I can get back to letting the creative juices flow. Thanks for being patient with me. Enjoy :)

CHAPTER NINETY-TWO:

EDWARD'S POV:

After I helped myself to a few brief kisses, I got Bella settled back into her chair, and led her towards my parent's house. The porch light was left on outside, meaning my parents had already turned in for the night. I probably could have come in and spent more time with Bella, but like I told her in the car, I didn't want to lose this feeling. Our first date went far better than I could have planned, and I didn't want anything to mar the evening at this point. I unlocked the door, and helped her over the threshold. As I pushed her into the darkened living room, I realized, how was Bella going to get ready for the evening if my mother was already in bed?

As I turned on the lamp in the corner to brighten the room, I pondered if I should broach the topic with Bella, or just leave it be. Unfortunately, I didn't have much of a choice when I heard her ask me, "Are your. Parents asleep?"

I ran my fingers through my hair before looking back at her, and shrugged. "Probably. When I was dating in high school, and they turned in before I came home, they would leave the porch light on like they did this evening. So, I would venture a guess and say yes."

"Oh," was Bella's simple reply, but I could sense her unease.

"I'm sure Mom is still accessible if you need her assistance Bella. That's what they're here for," I tried to reassure her.

"Don't want. To. Bother."

"It wouldn't be a bother. You know she'll give you a hard time tomorrow if she finds out you needed her and didn't ask for her. Do you want me to go wake her? I could pull a Tony and go running into their room and jump on her bed to get her attention."

Bella tried to send a glare my way, but a chuckle escaped as well. Shaking her head at me, she explained, "May try. To send. Message first. See if. She responds."

"Okay. I could help you too, if you need it," I offered, but stiffened under the stern look she sent my way. "Never mind. Was only trying to help," I told her, offering my hands up in a defensive way. What did I say wrong?

"Yea, help me. Out of. My clothes," I heard her mutter under her breath. She obviously misinterpreted my attempt at help. Didn't I just say that I was happy with how things went this evening? I wasn't looking to push the envelope further. But I guess this is a key example of her needing to trust what I say with what I do. I watched as she pulled out her cell phone, and fired away a text message. Once she was done with that task, I decided to try and alleviate the tension around us. Not wanting to start a fight, but feeling the need to at least defend myself, I decided to declare, "I really didn't mean anything untoward by asking to help you Bella. It would have been just like that one time I had to help you into the bathroom when Sue was late. I'm sorry if my actions told you otherwise."

Bella didn't respond at first; she simply frowned. Was she disagreeing? I was worried I mucked this up more than I anticipated. I must have been more nervous than I thought because I started to ramble instead to fill in the dead air space. "Not that I don't want to see you naked. I am a red-blooded male, and now that you seem to be onboard with things, I most definitely want to explore. But if I were to be granted such an opportunity, believe me, I would plan to take my time, and my parents assuredly would not be home. I don't want any interruptions." After a second, I realized what I just admitted. Was I trying to get slapped? Why do I keep inserting my foot into things? Sitting myself down on the couch, I put my head in my hands, "I'm just going to shut up here. I'm digging myself even deeper into a hole."

"No. I'm sorry. Jumped to. Con-clusions." Bella was playing with her hands, and avoiding eye contact with me. Did I embarrass her with what I said? I need to fix this.

I reached forward, and took one of her hands into my own. "Thank you for apologizing. I was worried I somehow steered us off track when tonight went rather well."

"No, overthinking. Gets me. In Trouble," she explained, offering me a tentative smile.

"I can understand that. My mouth gets me into trouble. As you saw back at the restaurant, and just moments ago."

"No. You were. Fine," she told me, trying to alleviate my worries.

"Just fine? Not smashing?" I joked with her, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Stop fishing. For compliments," she giggled at me.

"Why is my son looking for compliments? Its not like you were deprived as a child, Edward," Esme said, coming into the living room behind us. I guess she was awake after all.

"Hey! Why am I getting picked on here? I didn't sign up for this," I pouted, showing my displeasure, which only made both ladies laugh at my antics.

Once she got her laughing under control, Bella addressed Esme, "Sorry, if. Woke you."

"I was simply reading in my room. Truthfully, I waited up because I was dying to hear how this evening came to be. Though, if Edward is looking for praise, I'm starting to worry it didn't go as swimmingly," Esme explained. She had a fake pout on her face, showing that despite what she was saying, she didn't believe our evening had been a bust at all. What is with this family and their bad acting?

Wanting to nip this in the bud, I told her, "I was not looking for praise. According to Bella, the evening was fine. I am happy with that report."

"From the smile on your face, it is obvious that you are. Now, will there be a follow up date?" she pressed, looking between the two of us.

"Mother, the evening hasn't even officially ended yet, and you're already orchestrating our next outing. Can you leave me something to do?" I told her, though she didn't seem to be taking me very seriously.

"I'm just ensuring we see more progress in this lifetime," Esme hawed back at me. Looking at Bella, I saw her cheeks were flushed with her classic blush.

"Well, you're embarrassing your guest. I'm sure there's plenty of etiquette rules that dictate you shouldn't do that," I tried to redirect Esme to move the conversation along. Mom didn't seem to get the memo, or blatantly decided to ignore it.

"I'm sure she'll be less embarrassed once you leave. Girls don't like to talk in front of their beaus," she rationalized.

I chuckled at that, and gave Bella a long look. "Is that why you're embarrassed? You don't want to talk in front of me, your beau?" This only made her cheeks get redder. "Okay, okay, I can see that I am not wanted here now that my mother is awake and in dire need of girl time. I guess I shall bid you adieu." I really wanted to give her another kiss, but I didn't want to give my mother any more fodder to harass Bella with. Instead, I took her hand to my lips, and laid a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "Thank you for humoring your son, and coming out with me Bella. I hope that this is the first of many outings for us."

"Hopefully. Heard I. "'Gotta get. Out more."" The last four words she put in air quotes, highlighting one of the arguments her son gave her.

"Yes, on this I agree with Tony. But don't worry, I will fill up your dance card, and keep you busy." Turning to look at Mom, who was beaming at us, I said, "You don't mind babysitting, do you mother? For the good of the team, in helping our relationship progress?" I asked, throwing her words back at her.

"Of course not. That little munchkin and I can have a standing date whenever you two see fit. And if not me, I'm sure Alice will have no problem stepping in," Esme gushed.

"Lovely. Well, I will talk to you ladies sometime tomorrow—family dinner, right Ma?" I asked.

"Yes, I told Emmett and Rose to get her around 4, but knowing them and their propensity to be late, they probably won't be here until closer to 5."

Turning to look at Bella, I asked, "Do you want me to pick Tony up from Alice's tomorrow morning?"

"Sure someone. Else. Can get him. If busy," she hedged.

"Nonsense. I just have some laundry to catch up on tomorrow. I can pick him up, and maybe the three of us can get lunch tomorrow before the entire family descends? Does that work for you?" I asked her. I know usually the guy tends to play it cool, and leaves the lady hanging before another date is offered, but I wasn't playing games here. I wanted to see her as often as she would allow. I also wanted to emphasize that our family time was just as important to me than our one-on-one time. I saw she was biting her lip, and thinking it over. I decided to go in for the kill. "I'd personally like to grill him a little more about his acting job this evening. We might get more information out of him away from others."

Nodding, Bella said, "True. Bribe him. For answers."

"Works for me, if it works for you. I'll swing by and get you before we get him then? Does 11AM work? Or are you going to take advantage that your son is out and sleep crazy late?" I asked her, though I knew from living with them in Washington that sleeping in wasn't in her vocabulary.

"11AM should. Be fine. See you."

"Good night beautiful. Night mom, thanks for creepily waiting up."

"I wasn't being creepy," she defended, then added, "See you tomorrow."

I led myself back through the house, and outside. Once I got into my car, I let out a giant sigh. That wasn't exactly the goodbye I had been hoping for. Before leaving, I fired off a parting text message to Bella.

If my mother wasn't there, I would have collected my farewell kiss. I'm feeling deprived here —Edward

The drive back to my condo was relatively quick. I spent the time going over the evening, and analyzing the cringeworthy moments where I almost blew it. I still think I was able to redeem myself, but just barely. Despite the negative moments, I was glad to get a straightforward answer from Bella regarding where we stand. She was open to pursuing more with me, and I was beyond ecstatic. Now we just needed to have the awkward 'what does this mean now' conversation, but even that didn't scare me away. It just showed we were moving in the right direction. After parking my car, I was pleased to see that I had a response back from Bella.

Too embarrassed to kiss me in front of your mother? That doesn't bode well for our relationship then—Bella

She still seemed to be in a jovial mood, so my mother must not have fully scared her off yet. That was a positive sign. Wanting to refute her claim, I quickly typed out my response.

I'm not embarrassed Bella, I sincerely hope you know that. I just wasn't sure your feelings on PDA considering the newness of this all. I didn't want to push my luck. I've already nearly screwed up so many times this evening. —Edward.

She must have been waiting to hear from me, and had her phone handy, for her response was instantaneous.

You didn't screw up. I just put too much pressure on the date's end. I shouldn't have done that. —Bella

I definitely didn't want her to take the blame for my blunder, so I quickly comprised a response.

Yeah, well, I shouldn't have drawn so much attention to the end of the date. I pretty much put a spotlight on it, when I was just trying to be flirty. Instead, I made you anxious. Whoops! —Edward.

My phone vibrated again in my hand. Bella must not have wanted our evening to end either since she was keeping the conversation going. I headed back to my room to get ready for bed, while reading her latest message.

I'm out of practice. I wasn't used to flirty. I'll get better with it as time goes on. —Bella

I think it was obvious I was out of practice too. What a pair we make, huh? —Edward

You being out of practice makes me feel better. Almost evens the playing field. –Bella

Was that something she worried about? I thought I told her there hasn't been anyone else when we were in the hospital? Maybe she didn't remember that conversation. Figuring it wouldn't hurt to repeat myself, I typed:

I already told you Bella, there hasn't been anyone else on my end. It's always been you. —Edward

You may not have been with anyone else, but that doesn't mean you hadn't tried dating in the last five years. Those are two very different things. –Bella

So, she was fishing for more information. Well, at least my answer is still a no. Hopefully that will appease her.

I have been offered many blind dates, but threw myself into my work so I didn't have the time Bella. If I couldn't have you, I didn't want anyone else. That's the simple truth. –Edward

I watched the dots on the screen showing that she was typing, then they would disappear. What had her so tongue tied? Why was she editing herself now? Finally, her response came through.

While I am sad that you spent the last five years alone, I can't help but also be very pleased by that information. Does that make me a horrible person? —Bella

Like she could do anything to make me hate her. She is too adorable sometimes.

Does it make me a horrible person to admit the same? You threw yourself into full-time parenting. Thankfully that didn't leave you time to play the field. —Edward

Tony or not, I would not have been off playing the field. My heart just wasn't in it.—Bella

My heart clenched at the thought of how much I hurt Bella with my philosophical rants. But again, I didn't know that I was hurting her at the time. And just as I've made mistakes, she too had made mistakes in keeping Tony away from me. But now was not the time to dwell on those hardships. We were moving forward. My phone buzzed to show I had another message come through.

I think we're allowed to be happy that things are working out for us. We probably took the most difficult path to get here, but we can simply be happy that we are on this path together now.—Bella

I like the way you think. And I like the path we're on.—Edward

Me too—Bella

I just hope the path is smoother as we get more practice in. I swear I'm going to have nightmares over how badly I messed up. -Edward

You didn't mess anything up. You made it memorable. Like I said, I like that you weren't that smooth and had to work for it for a change. Can't be good at everything. —Bella

You're making it sound like I was a master dater or something. I never was a Lothario. Emmett can attest to the fact that I never really had much game. —Edward

You always made it look easy back then. It was nice to see you get a little flustered tonight, is all I meant.—Bella

The only reason it looked easy was because with you, romance just came second nature. I'm sure with more outings, I'll excel at it again.—Edward

And before you have a chance to misinterpret me, I was not calling you easy. Just being with you was easy, which is why you were irreplaceable. –Edward

I'm sorry again for going off on you tonight. As you can see, my head and heart are still at odds with one another sometimes. But I'm trying to trust you, and give you the benefit of the doubt. —Bella

That's all I ask of you, sweetheart. I'm sure we will have other hang ups in the future. But just like we are communicating now, that is what will make all the difference going forward for us.—Edward

As long as you know that I'm trying, and not purposefully being difficult. I don't want to give you mixed signals. If I ever confuse you, please bear with me, and just ask. —Bella

I can definitely do that. Now that we've gotten here Bella, I'm not going to scare off easily. I already told you, I'm a patient man. I will ask if I am confused. And I want you to do the same, okay? –Edward

Hence, communication. I think you're onto something there, lol—Bella

I sent her a winky face in return, then decided to grill her for some information.

Did my mother give you the third degree? Or was it easier to talk about me with "me" being gone? —Edward

A lady never kisses and tells—Bella

I know my mother is relentless. She wouldn't have let you get away with telling her nothing.—Edward

Your mother wanted to know the basics of the evening. She too is suspicious of Tony, but thinks its adorable we gave into his orchestrating. When she asked what this all means, I told her that it was still too early to tell. Thankfully, she let me get away with that response. —Bella

Glad to see that you made it out unscathed. We'll just have to keep going out so she can have more opportunities to harass you for information. -Edward

So you weren't just appeasing your mother? There will be an again? —Bella

And an again and an again and an again. Your mine, sweetheart. Until you order me away.–Edward

Looking forward to it.—Bella

Sparing a glance at the clock, I saw that it was close to eleven. Knowing her body must be exhausted from our long adventure, I figured I should be the bigger man, and say goodnight. After all, the sooner we went to sleep, the sooner we could be together again.

Well, I don't know about you, but I suddenly have this desire to get to bed. The sooner I get some sleep, the sooner I can reclaim that goodbye kiss I was shorted this evening. –Edward

You poor baby. For a man that wasn't even sure if he was getting an end of date kiss, I think you made out pretty well for yourself.—Bella

Baby, you're like pringles. Once you start, you can't stop.—Edward

That was horribly corny. I am going to bed before you spew anymore 'mantic stuff at me. –Bella

Goodnight beautiful. Sweet dreams—I hope mine are filled with you. –Edward

Goodnight Edward. Xoxo –Bella

With that sign off, I plugged my phone into the wall to charge, set an alarm so that I could wake up at a reasonable hour, and settled in for a good night's rest. There was no doubting who put the smile on my face. I could almost guarantee that it remained there the entire evening. Here's to hoping it remains there indefinitely.

When I awoke the next day, I quickly did some tidying up around the house as I knew that I was due to work the next four days straight. Chores were never my strong point, but I was able to power through them since I had a hell of a reward for when I was finished. After I emptied the latest load from the washer to the dryer, I decided to give my dear sister a call to let her know that I would be coming by soon. Maybe she would be willing to spill more now that it was the dawn of a new day. The phone barely rang once before I was connected.

"I'm dying over here. Seriously? Why didn't you call me last night?" Alice screeched through the phone. She was so loud I had to pull the earpiece away from my ear to give it a reprieve.

"Hello to you too, Alice. I'm fine, thanks for asking," I responded, hoping to show her she was being rude.

"Yeah, yeah. Hi. Now, why did you wait so long to call me?" she asked again.

"I didn't realize that you were waiting for a play by play."

"Of course I was waiting for a play by play. This was like the story's climax that we've been building up to. Essentially it was five years in the making—how could you leave me out of it?" she wailed.

"Aren't I entitled to some privacy Alice? Can't you let me enjoy it before I have to share it with the world?"

"So, there is something to share then? That's good to know. I was worried you were going to waste this opportunity that was blessed upon you. Anyways, how was RPM? Did she like the surprise? Did the evening end there?"

With a sigh, I figured I wasn't going to get out of this conversation lightly. Alice can be a scary person when she doesn't get what she wants. I just need to find a good balance between disclosing and oversharing.

"The evening was great. She was surprised I would remember trivial things like her love of E News and G's restaurant. So that worked in my favor. The food was amazing. We definitely have to go back and try more things on the menu again. We didn't even have room for dessert after everything, which was a shame because those sounded delicious as well," I told her.

"Did you talk about you guys? As in being together? Did you get a sense what she is thinking here?" Alice asked, clearly wanting more details.

"She told me that she is open to more with me Alice, so I believe that we're a go. But again, it is early to put labels on things. I don't want to spook her."

Alice squealed when she heard this information. I knew that even if I ended the conversation now, she would be a happy camper. "That is great news Edward! I just knew you guys would get here. I'm so happy for you."

"I haven't been able to wipe the smile from my face yet, Allie."

"Any first date jitters? Awkwardness? Or was it just like riding a bike? Easy peasy?" she questioned. I heard Jasper's voice in the background. I wasn't sure if he too was adding questions, or was trying to get her to go easy on me. I sincerely hoped it was the latter.

"There was some awkwardness—but considering neither of us have dated since each other, we were rusty and out of practice. But I think all in all, the evening was a success. We're actually going out for lunch today, which is the real reason why I was calling. I wanted to let you know we will be swinging by to pick up our little instigator for this outing. Can you have him ready for about 11:30?"

"He's already up and dressed, so that will be fine. But don't try to deflect from the storytelling. What else happened? What constitutes a success?" She fired at me, trying to get me back on track.

"Shouldn't you be grilling her for this information? This sounds like the type of thing you'd want to tell your best friend," I whined, not really wanting to go into more details.

"Oh, believe me, I plan to get a full report from her as well so I can compare and contrast notes. But I want your version first."

"I don't know what you consider to be a success, but I did get an end-of-date kiss, so by my standards, I am happy. But that's all you're getting from me Alice. I don't feel comfortable divulging all of this to you. It's like, cheapening the amazing night we had."

I don't know if she even heard what I said, as she was back to squealing. Thankfully, Jasper took the phone away from her when she showed no sign of stopping.

"I think you broke her man," he told me, chuckling at his wife's antics.

"That wasn't my intention. I was just calling to arrange a pick up for my son. She's too nosey."

"It's Alice, she can't help herself. Well, I'll let you go while she's distracted. But I'm sure she'll get back to grilling you later at dinner. Though I haven't gotten the replay from her yet, it sounds like congratulations are in order. So, way to go man."

"Thanks J. I appreciate it. And like I was telling Alice, I'll see you at 11:30 for pick up."

"Later."

By the sly smirk my father gave me when he let me into the house, it seems my mother was quick to share whatever news she came by last night.

"Back so soon?" he teased me.

"I wanted to get some more family time in before everyone descends later. I didn't think you and Mom would mind another free afternoon."

"With the amount of food she has to cook for this evening, I doubt we'd get to appreciate an afternoon off, but thanks anyways. I'm sure I'll use the time to catch up on my reading until she gives me her latest list of things she wants me to do."

"Are you complaining about my honey-do lists, Carlisle?" I heard from behind me. My father froze when he heard my mother's voice, and offered her the sweetest smile.

"Of course not, sweetheart. I was just telling Edward that with the amount of work you need to do for this evening, we won't get to enjoy the afternoon off. I wasn't complaining—I'm always ready to tackle your lists," he tried to convince her, but it didn't look like she was buying his excuses. Turning to look at me instead, she said, "Bella is just finishing up. She'll be ready to go in two minutes. Can I interest you in a beverage while you wait?"

"I'm fine Mom, thanks though. What's on the menu for tonight?" I asked her.

"I know you guys just did Italian yesterday, but I was leaning towards making lasagna as that's easy to make for a big crowd. But if that's a problem, I can always make another staple, like Fried Chicken, or something."

"Lasagna is fine—can't go wrong with that Ma," I told her, which made her beam at me. Apparently, that was the right choice.

"Love. Your Lasagna," I heard from behind me.

"I'm glad honey! I figure I could make three or four trays and we wouldn't run out of food. I can't wait to have a full house! I'm so looking forward to family meals now with you guys here in Chicago! This is just going to be so wonderful. Isn't it, Carlisle?" Esme asked him, getting emotionally.

"Can't. wait." Bella replied to my mother, before offering me a shy smile.

Figuring I had some time before we ironed out all the rules, I leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss on the lips to prove to her I wasn't afraid to kiss her in front of my parents. I don't think she was anticipating I would do such a thing, as her cheeks flamed red. I may have heard my mother squeal in the background, but I wasn't paying her any mind.

"I called Alice, and she said Tony is ready to go. I wouldn't be surprised if he was up at the crack of dawn waiting for someone to fill him," I told her, rubbing my finger down her cheek, appreciating the warmth produced by the blush.

"Let's go?" she asked me, clearly ready to get out of here, just like I was.

"After you," I told her, gesturing toward the door for her to start our escape.

"Have fun you guys! And don't get too full. There will be plenty of food for later," Mom warned, though she was too happy to really be upset with us. I think that we may have just made her day.

"Will do. See you both later," I told them, as I helped Bella navigate her way to the front door, and out to my car. Once we were situated in the car, and away from prying eyes, I leaned forward and gave her a longer, lingering kiss in greeting. "Good morning, beautiful."

"Can't believe. You did that," she gushed, pushing me away so she could stare into my eyes. I could see that she was still embarrassed by my earlier actions. That just won't do.

"Hey, I just wanted to prove to you that I wasn't embarrassed to stake my claim as you taunted last night. I figured while we hadn't nailed any rules down, I should probably try and get away with it. But I'm guessing that from here on out, we're probably going to want to limit PDA, huh? As to not confuse Tony?" I asked her as I put my seat belt on.

"I think. Best idea." Bella agreed.

"I don't want to stop kissing you though. I only just got to start again," I whined, as I backed out of the driveway, and started our journey towards Alice's house.

"Don't. have to. Stop. Be sneakier," she replied, offering me a shrug when I raised my eyebrow in surprise.

"I feel like with his sleuthing skills, he'll catch us if we're not too careful," I warned, trying to be the voice of reason even though I wanted to kick myself for doing so.

"Careful. During day. Nights, are ours?" she clarified. I could certainly get behind that.

"I'll follow your lead beautiful. Should we tell him anything about us? Or just say that we're friends, and are hanging out if he asks any questions?"

"See what. We can. Get. From him. First." Bella rationalized. I could definitely see us going tit-for-tat with information without giving all our cards away.

"My money's still on Alice being the instigator, but we'll have to be sneaky if were going to get him to reveal his source," I told her.

Bella and I enjoyed our last few moments alone before pulling up to Alice's house. I barely had time to put the car into park before the front door was thrown open, and the little man came running outside to greet us.

"Whoa, slow down buddy! Did you let an adult know you were going outside," I asked him when he made it over to my door.

"I was watching from the window so I could see your car drive up. Aunt Alice said I had to stay inside until you got here, but you're here now, so it's okay."

"But did you tell her you were coming outside? Or thank her for letting you stay?" I asked again, feeling that he didn't actually say goodbye to anyone.

"Uhh," Tony said, a sheepish look overtaking his face.

Bella, having overheard Tony's rude behavior, pointed back to the house. "Inside. Now. Don't be rude."

Tony looked down at the ground. "Sorry Mommy. I'll make it better." And with that, he turned around, and let himself back inside the house. I followed behind him so I could report back to Bella that he fixed things.

"There you are! One minute you were at the window, and the next I heard the door slam against the wall. I thought something horrible happened," Alice said, making her way towards us.

"Sorry Aunt Alice. I just got excited to see Daddy and Mommy. They're here now."

"I gathered that. Hello Edward," Alice said to me.

"Alice. Thanks for busting my eardrum earlier," I griped at her in greeting.

"Aunt Alice has been happy all morning. Sophia and I are confused why she's making so much noise," Tony said with a shrug, clearly not privy to his Aunt's good mood.

"Aunt Alice is just weird sometimes," I explained, hoping that would appease his curiosity. "What do you say to your Aunt?" I prodded, wanting to get out of here before she said something incriminating.

"Thank you for letting me sleeps here last night. Even though I was extra tired, I had a fun time being with my best friend. And I'm glad that I gets to see you all again laters at Grandmas!"

"It's no problem, Tony. We were glad to have you. You are welcome here anytime."

"Tony!" I heard yelled come from the other side of the house. In no time, Sophia came running into the room. From her tone of voice, I think she was worried he might have left without saying goodbye. Thankfully that wasn't the case.

"Sophia! I can't wait to have another sleepover. It'll be so much fun!" Tony told her. I think he picked up on her worry as well.

"The funnest!" she replied. Sophia spared a look at me and Alice, before she leaned closer to Tony and attempted to whisper in his ear, "Let me know what you finds out about the mission. Give me a report laters at Grandma."

"Will do. Give Shadow a hug for me," Tony said, before turning around and heading back towards the door. Before exiting, he yelled back, "Thanks again. See you. Bye!"

"Bye Uncle Edward. See you tonight. Can I sit by you at dinner?" Sophia asked, before she ran off back to whatever she abandoned earlier.

I looked at Alice and could see she was trying not to laugh at the children's failed attempt of being sly. Still being relatively new to this, I asked her, "So do we just pretend that we didn't witness that and play dumb? Or do I ask point blank about the mission?"

"Could go either way. If he's hardcore into spy mode right now, he's not going to want to talk about the mission. The only chance you have is to ask him broad questions that might get him to accidently spill things. My guess is he'll use lunch to observe you and Bella to see if anything has changed. Its up to you how much you give away."

"Alright. I'll see what I can get out of him. Thanks again for watching him Alice."

"No problem, brother. Anything to help the cause."

Rolling my eyes at her, I let myself out of the house, and headed back to the car. Tony was already in his car seat, and attempting to buckle himself in. I helped him get fastened, then got into my seat as well.

"I thanked Aunt Alice and made up for being rude Mommy," Tony filled his mother in.

Wanting to help him get back in his mother's good graces, I collaborated his story. "I saw it happen. He was very respectful."

"Okay. Good boy," Bella told him, which made Tony sigh in relief that he was no longer in trouble.

"What are we doing today? Are we having another family adventure day?" Tony asked, excited that the three of us were reunited again. I couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm.

"No big adventure today buddy. I thought that we could go have a nice lunch, just the three of us, before the big family dinner tonight. How does that sound?"

"I'm so hungry. That sounds good to my belly!" Tony replied.

"Well, does your belly want a certain type of food? What is it craving today," I asked him, figuring he might be more willing to talk if he had control over where we ate.

Tony thought long and hard, before he asked, "Does Chicago have diner's like the one in Forks? I kind of want an ice cream drink."

"A milkshake?" I asked, clarifying that is what he meant. At his nod, I looked at Bella to get her opinion, and she said, "Sounds good."

"I know just the place. They are known for their milkshakes! They have lots of cool flavors and combos to try if you're feeling adventurous, or they have the classics too. Last time I was there, I got a frozen hot chocolate one and it had the marshmallows from the Lucky Charms cereal. It was so yummy," I told him. I could see his eyes widen at the prospect of such a treat.

"So. Much sugar," I heard Bella mutter next to me.

"We can always share one so he doesn't ingest too much himself. We need to bribe him a little, remember?" I whispered to her. She nodded at me to show that she heard me.

"Alright, JoJo Shake Bar, here we come," I announced to the car, before starting our journey. Mine and Bella's mission needed to be successful. We needed information. Hopefully, Tony is in a talking mood today.