A/N:

I finally got around to write this chapter for you! School is intense right now, and not so much in the time-consuming sense, but more in the sense of being mentally and emotionally exhausting so when I have the time to write, I'm just depleted of energy.

But, there aren't to many planned chapters left of this story. It's certainly winding down to an ending, and I just want to take this opportunity to thank those who have followed me—readers of the previous version and new readers alike—through this journey of this rewrite.

I'm hoping to get around to writing the last few chapters sooner rather than later :)

Oh, and btw, lemon ahead! ;-)

Title: Love is Strange

Author: MarieCarro

Beta: Alice's White Rabbit

Pre-reader: LunaEclipse

Genre: Friendship/Romance/Drama

Rating: NC-17

Summary: Bella Swan and Edward Cullen live in the small town of Ligonier in Pennsylvania. They've been best friends since they were six years old, and not much can keep them apart. Bella wants to leave small-town life behind, while Edward is fine with whatever, but that's not the only complication in their relationship. What happens when they fall in love … with each other?

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

CHAPTER 38

MOVING DAY

"If you have something to say, Emmett, spit it out. Don't just give me those judgy looks," Bella grumbled as she taped together a box of pillows while Emmett helped her with her furniture.

"I don't have anything to say," Emmett said with thinly veiled disapproval, his eyes cartoonishly wide.

"Sure you do," she said matter-of-factually. "You're itching to tell me I'm making a mistake. You think I shouldn't move in with Edward." She straightened up and steered toward her wardrobe to empty it, and while the plan had been to fold her clothes nicely to make sure it all fit in the suitcases, her building annoyance with Emmett's passive-aggressiveness caused her to haphazardly throw it all on a pile in the bottom of the bag.

"I didn't say that," he continued, and Bella scoffed.

"You didn't have to. Your thoughts are written on your forehead."

Emmett finally relented. "Okay, fine." He abandoned the furniture and sat down on the stripped bed, facing Bella's back. "I'm just worried, that's all. Six months ago, you were one of the most sought-after photographers in Manhattan. You could have opened your own studio then and achieved your life-long dream. Now, your ex is awaiting trial for several severe criminal charges, you're almost four months pregnant, and you're moving in with a guy you've been together with for less than five months. Am I the only person who sees this chaos as problematic?"

Bella whirled around and glared angrily at her best friend. "Of course not, but you're conveniently forgetting I've known Edward for most of my life, that I trust him implicitly, that I love him, and that he's the father of my unborn child. He's not a stranger I met in a bar back in November. He and I knew each other long before you even met Rosalie, so you have no right to judge me for my choices." She threw the shirt in her hands in the general direction of the suitcase and once again turned her back to Emmett.

"Bella, I know all that, but—"

"Besides, what would you have me do?" She continued, ignoring that Emmett had spoken. "Live separately and have shared custody because moving in together now is too fast for you and society to accept? Stay here in this apartment where I feel violated and constantly watched? Or would you rather have me abort this baby and risk never having any children at all?"

"Don't you dare assume I'd want that for you," Emmett exclaimed angrily. "I understand you're annoyed with me, but don't act like a petulant teenager because of it; trying to hurt me like that."

The fight left her, and she dropped her head into her hands in exhaustion. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I'm nervous about this change, you know. It's a huge step for me and Edward, and not just the move, but everything." Her hands fell to her abdomen, which now had a small but distinctive curve to it. She turned back to Emmett, her hands still on her stomach. "I need your support, Em. You're more than my best friend, you're like my brother, and I need my family on my side."

Emmett let out a deep sigh before he stood up and approached Bella to hug her. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put more shit on your shoulders." He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "And I'm sorry for bringing George into this. None of that crap was your fault."

"Thank you," she mumbled and reached up to wipe the sudden onslaught of tears, and when Emmett noticed she was crying, he wanted to punch himself.

"Man, I'm such a dickhead," he groaned and let her go. He then leaned forward and helped her wipe the unstoppable tears away. "Really, Bella. I'm so sorry."

She let out a small laugh despite the tears continuing to push forward. "It's okay. I'm just so on edge lately. My anxiety has been all over the place, and you'd think I'd finally calm down now that things are settling, but no. I'm always tense."

"I don't want to be that guy"—he grimaced—"but maybe it's pregnancy hormones? Rosalie was really high-strung and anxious throughout her first trimester."

"Maybe," Bella agreed. "I haven't really looked into it. I know I should read all those recommended pregnancy books, but a part of me just wants to avoid it all for as long as possible."

"Why is that?" Bella shrugged, but Emmett didn't let it go. "You're not still afraid that you'll—"

Her cheeks flamed red, and her eyes teared up once again as she looked at him, answering his question before he even finished it. "It's stupid of me, isn't it?"

"No, it's not stupid at all." Emmett shook his head vehemently, but he knew he wasn't the one who could assuage her stress and fears this time. "Do you want me to get Edward for you?"

Bella's first instinct was to compose herself, bottle everything inside, and pretend it was fine so as not to ruin Edward's excitement over moving day, but then the voice that spoke for her heart reminded her that they had moved beyond that, and she gave Emmett a nod.

Emmett leaned out through the open bedroom door until he could see Edward in the kitchen, wrapping up all the kitchenware and putting it in boxes. "Edward, could you come in here for a bit?" Emmett asked loud enough to catch his attention. When he was close enough, Emmett gave him a contrite look. "I fucked up, man. I'm sorry," he said and then nodded toward Bella, who was still visibly upset.

Bella was pacing the room and shaking her hands as her anxiety caused them to tremble and shaking them violently was the only way to relieve the building tension.

"Bella?" Edward said and took a gentle hold of her. "What is it?"

She wasn't quite hyperventilating, but her breathing was quick and rather shallow. "I'm sorry," she said. "I'm such a mess."

"Why does everyone apologize to me?" he asked in confusion. "What's wrong? Just tell me."

Bella swallowed hard and shook her head. "One of these days, you'll get fed up with me and my emotional outbursts."

"Don't be ridiculous. Why would I get fed up with you?"

She let out a frustrated sound. "I don't know. Ever since you came to New York, everything has been about me, my problems, and the shitstorm I invited into your life. I won't blame you if, one day, you've had enough of it."

Edward led Bella to the bed and had her sit down before he took a place next to her. Then he cradled her hands in his as he looked at her in earnest. "Baby, the last six months of your life have been very intense, and unless you're leading a double life as a secret spy, I doubt it will remain this wild in the future." He gave her a small smile, and she cracked one of her own in response. "I'm not expecting us to have a perfect relationship because, honestly, that sounds kind of boring. I can guarantee that there will be times when you think you hate me because I fold the towels wrong, or I buy the wrong brand of milk despite you telling me every time, and there will be days when I'll despise the noise in the house that comes with having a family. All of that will most definitely happen."

"What a fairy tale you're painting. I'm almost swooning over here," Bella said with heavy sarcasm, but Edward just leaned forward and captured her mouth with his.

"But do you know what else I can guarantee?" he asked when he leaned away, still close enough that she could feel his breath against her parted lips.

"What?"

"I can guarantee there will come a time when things appear to fall apart around me, and I won't know what to do. And yet, I'm okay with that knowledge because when that time comes, you'll be there for me, as I'm here for you now."

Bella silently dropped her head to support it on his shoulder, moved beyond words by his speech. It was such a huge relief and weight off her shoulders to know that Edward didn't expect a happily ever after. He knew there would be fights ahead, but they would make up afterward. He knew they'd have their ups and downs, but it would all be fine because they would go through them together.

"I love you," she finally said when she could talk again. "So much I can't even put it into proper words."

"It's okay," he said and nuzzled her hair with his lips. "I know exactly what you mean."

Once Bella had calmed down, she and Edward agreed that she, with Emmett's help, would take the things already packed to the house while Edward stayed behind to pack the remaining things in the apartment.

"We shall divide and conquer," Edward said dramatically, hoping it would relieve even more of Bella's tension.

She knew what he was trying to do, and so she, gratefully, played along. "So we shall. And our enemies will quiver in their boots," she said before her laughter burst out and drowned out any other words. Before she left, she stood up on her tiptoes and gave Edward a kiss. "I will wait for you at your— … our castle."

Edward grinned when she corrected herself. He was over the moon excited about finally starting their shared life together.

That evening, after Emmett had left to go home, Bella was organizing her photography equipment in the room that had been Edward's office but would now be their shared space for work-related matters. Once she had acquired a proper studio space, she would keep everything there instead of at home because Edward was in need of a home office more than she was.

Not having heard when he arrived through the front door, Bella was startled when she felt Edward sneak his arms around her waist from behind. Luckily, she immediately recognized his scent and hands, so while she jumped, she didn't feel any panic.

"Sorry," he said softly into her ear. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay," she reassured him and leaned back against his chest, farther into his embrace. "I was so engrossed in what I was doing I didn't hear you come home."

Edward tightened his hold on her and nuzzled her hair. "I've missed you today," he said, his voice still low and soft.

Bella giggled as her excitement started to simmer within her. She recognized his tone, and she was certain she knew what was on his mind. "We've only been apart for a few hours," she reminded him, playfully coy.

"I know," he said. "And it's been agony. Knowing you've been here, settling in and making yourself at home, and that I won't have to let you go again. Do you have any idea what those thoughts have done to me?"

"No, but I have a feeling you'll show me," she replied, and her smile widened as he turned her around. When she saw his expression, though, her smile fell as a thrilling surge shot through her.

They hadn't been intimate for a long time because everything they'd been going through since that day in Alice's office had put a damper on their desire. But now, they could both feel how those feelings washed over them, and they came together in a passionate, almost frenzied kiss.

Their emotions ran high, but while Edward's desire wanted fast and rough, his instincts to protect his pregnant girlfriend kicked in, and he reined it in. But it didn't hinder him from gathering the fabric of her top in his fists and directing her toward their bedroom.

Bella's breath came fast, and her heart pounded in her chest. Sounds that were a mix of moaning and whimpering escaped her as she willingly walked backward, not at all worried she'd hit something on the way because she trusted Edward, and he would rather hurt himself than her.

When they reached the bedroom, Bella reached down to the hem of Edward's shirt and pulled it off him quickly so they could resume their kissing. She tossed it across the room, and Edward grinned at her enthusiasm before he pressed forward, pushing the length of his body tightly against hers, and started kissing along her neck.

"I love you so much," he said.

Bella ran her hands along his torso, enjoying the feeling of his taut, firm muscles under her hands. Then she pulled her own top over her head, and Edward wasn't slow to use his hands to caress her all over.

"You're so gorgeous."

Even though Bella didn't believe it herself, she appreciated the compliment. She thanked him by sliding her hand against the front of his pants, which naturally caused him to groan appreciatively.

"I want you so much," she breathed out and started to unbutton his bottoms, but then a mischievous thought entered her mind, and she stepped away from him, letting her hands fall down.

Edward looked adorably confused as he blinked and tried to comprehend why she was stopping.

Bella smiled and turned her back to him, but she peeked over her shoulder to make sure he remained in his spot as she undid her jeans, and then bent over dramatically, basically shoving her ass up to the ceiling as she peeled the pants off.

She heard a faint "fuck" coming from Edward's direction, and she giggled. Never before had she given him any sort of striptease, and it aroused her more, knowing he already liked it.

When she straightened up, she threw another peek over her shoulder at him, and he was frozen as if mesmerized by her and just anticipating what she'd do next. She had to hold in her laughter though because he looked equally cute, equally ridiculous with his pants undone but still hanging on his hips, and his jaw slackened from surprise.

"Do you want me to continue?" she asked in what she hoped was a sultry tone.

"Uh-huh."

Still with her back to him, she reached up to her shoulder and slowly slid the first strap down, and then did the same to the other. When she'd unclasped it, she turned back around to face him as the cups fell away from her flesh.

Edward was still wearing his unbuttoned pants, and Bella eyed him up and down.

"If you want to join me, you have some catching up to do," she said and teased him by threading her thumbs under the hem of her underwear, but she didn't take them off. She paused and looked at him, waiting.

Edward decided to play as well and took off his pants and underwear simultaneously without breaking his eye contact with her. Then, once he stood completely naked before her, completely unashamed as she traced her eyes from top to bottom, he tilted his head to the side, silently asking her what she'd do now.

Unphased by his challenge—mostly because she knew every inch of Edward's body so his nudity didn't intimidate her—Bella made good on her promise and pulled her own underwear off before approaching him again. But before she could tease him any further, he framed her face with his hands and captured her mouth with his, bringing them both back to the previous, fiery energy of want and need.

They steered toward the bed again, but instead of falling down on it like two uncontrollable tree trunks, Edward gently placed Bella on her back, and then ran his hand along the length of her leg. When he started trailing small, featherlight kisses down her jaw, past her neck, and to her breasts, Bella caressed his back.

She sucked in a sharp breath when he touched his lips to her nipple, and her nails dug into his skin, but he didn't care that it stung.

"Please ..." Bella moaned, unable to voice what she wanted more eloquently. Her blood was boiling with desire, and her heartbeat was so loud in her ears, she could barely hear anything apart from her own sounds.

There was no more reason to extend the foreplay because even though it felt intoxicatingly good to rouse each other up, both of their needs to connect were overwhelming at that point.

As Bella wrapped her legs around his waist, Edward aligned himself with her center while making sure he wasn't pushing down on her with his weight or putting any pressure on her small, rounded stomach.

"Do you want to be on top?" he asked her before he continued as he realized it would be a much better position for them in their situation.

Without missing a beat, Bella nodded and pushed on Edward's shoulder so he'd turn over. Normally, she wasn't a top kind of person, but she had figured out why Edward asked, and she didn't allow her insecurities to get in the way of what she wanted.

When they finally melted together, Bella was amazed at how different the new position felt, and she found out, with a start, that she quite liked having the control. She sometimes slowed their rhythm down just to watch how it affected Edward.

She really enjoyed seeing how he lost himself in her, how he gladly surrendered the control if it made her happy, but was also ready with his fingers, digging into her hips to overthrow her if she went too far with her teasing.

It was a perfect balance between giving and taking, and when Bella reached her climax, she could swear, for the first time, that she saw literal stars.

A/N:

They both needed that I think. To just connect again without all the drama hanging over them.

Emmett was a dickhead here, but he owned it and apologized so don't be too harsh on him. It all came from a place of love and caring.

They're living together now! And it's time to settle in before the little one's coming!

Until next time,

Stay Awesome!