BPOV

"I can't do this anymore." Edward stood before me, his hands raking through his hair.

I sat up straight, taking in the concerned look on his face. "Can't do what?"

"I can't keep working for Carlisle. He's not seeing the full picture of what we do anymore. It's become more about pitting us against each other than it has about helping people find love. I don't want you to worry, though. I have a decent savings, and there is a trust fund from my parents that I've never actually touched. We'd be comfortable for years before we needed to worry about money. I want to work on getting our business off the ground, and really, I'd like to spend some time, just you and me, before the baby comes."

"I told you weeks ago that if you weren't happy with where your career was going, to quit. We'll figure it out as we go. Besides, maybe if you and Emmett are both there, you'll be more comfortable with me taking a few more shifts at the bar?"

"You going to work more kind of defeats the purpose of me being around more, doesn't it? Do you really want to be standing on your feet for hours a day while you're six—basically seven—months pregnant?"

I sighed heavily, laying back down on my side. "I get what you're saying, but I miss it. I go in for a few hours in the morning to do the books and make sure everything is stocked, but other than that, I don't get to interact with any of the regulars. I have no clue how Tyler and Eric are getting along, or any of the other people I've grown close to."

He laid down beside me, draping his arm over me and cradling my swollen belly. "I don't want you to feel you need to ask permission from me to go into the bar. That's the last thing I want." He rubbed soothing circles on my stomach, causing our son to wiggle around and wake from his presumed sleep. I could feel Edward smiling into my shoulder when the baby kicked at his palm. "I don't mean to be overbearing. But I just need to know you're both safe."

"I get it, I really do. All I want is to go in for a couple of hours a week. I want to be around the people who have supported me for so long. They're like my family."

He was quiet for a moment, seeming to be lost in thought. "You know what? Let's go, then. We're having this baby, and we're getting married. I want to know all the people that you hold close."

"Right now?"

Sitting up, he pulled me with him before reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and pressing a kiss to my cheek. "Yeah. There's no time like the present."

—MM—

It was like a scene from Cheers. "Bella!" a good portion of the bar called out as we walked in through the front door.

I'd prided myself on keeping a rational, level head this far into my pregnancy. I hadn't been overly emotional, nor had I really had any crazy outbursts or abnormal cravings. So, when the tears started flowing as I looked around the room at all the people I'd adopted as friends and family, everything suddenly just felt more real than it had previously.

Shelly Cope rushed over to me, wrapping me in a tight hug. "Oh, my goodness! Look at you! Your dad mentioned he was going to be a grandpa, but to see it with my own eyes…" She pulled a tissue from her pocket, dabbing at her eyes.

"It's so good to see you, Shelly." I held on to her for a little longer, enjoying the comforting and motherly feel that she always exuded to me. Once I pulled back, I turned to Edward.

"Shelly, I'd like you to meet my fiancé, Edward Masen."

He reached out, taking Shelly's hand in his. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Shelly grinned up at him before pulling him into a hug as well. "It's wonderful to finally meet you. I've known your girl since she was in her mother's belly. She's very special to me, and to a lot of other people here, as I'm sure you know. First her father, and now Bella herself, have saved a lot of relationships here in this bar. Promise me you'll take good care of her and this baby?"

"I'm doing my best to keep them healthy and safe. I love them both very much."

"That's all I want to hear." Shelly smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek before turning to me and doing the same. "I won't keep you from your other friends any longer," she said before heading back to her husband.

"I need a second," I murmured to Edward and headed behind the bar and into the back room where my office was. He followed me, sitting on the edge of my desk while I fell back into my chair. I ran a hand over my belly, letting my tears fall more freely.

"Overwhelmed?" he asked.

"More than overwhelmed. To have everyone call out to me, and then Shelly's words…I don't know how to go back out there. I don't know that my stupid hormones can handle any more."

Edward chuckled softly as he reached out and swiped a few tears away with his thumb. "It's beyond obvious how much of an impact that you and the bar have on this community of people. All I keep thinking about is what a great mom you're going to be, and also how much love and compassion you're going to bring to our business. I'm glad we came here tonight. I've been trying to figure out why you were so insistent on being here, but I get it now. It's like when I first started with Carlisle, to see that spark of…something in their eyes when they met their match. Or like when I met you."

"What the hell, Edward?" I nearly shouted. "Are you trying to make me cry harder?" I sniffled.

He did his best to hide his grin, but I could still see it. "I've been waiting for this, you know?"

"Waiting for what?"

"For your hormones to make you absolutely bat shit crazy. Are you ready to get back out there?"

I glared at him playfully. "Yeah, I'm ready to be anywhere else but here with you," I joked.

okay

Edward made himself comfortable at a table with my sister and Jasper, who came in for a nightcap after their date. I slipped behind the bar and stepped up to help Emmett and Harry pour drinks. And just like it always did, the time flew.

It had only been a little after eight when we'd arrived, but by the time I looked at the clock again, it was close to midnight.

"Tell her what you just told me, Jasper," Edward said as they all sat down in front of me. Alice was almost vibrating in her seat from excitement.

"What's going on, guys?"

"Tell her!" Alice all but shouted.

"Give me a chance and I will!" Jasper exclaimed before turning to me, grinning. "Sorry about that, Bella. Edward was explaining to me the vision that you both have for a new dating service. I don't know if you have any idea what I do, but I own an app development agency. I'd like to sit down with both you and Edward and discuss your ideas more in depth and see if we can't get the ball rolling on this."

"I—you're serious?"

"As serious as they come, darlin'. Ed is all for it, but he wants you to make the final decision, which is wise. Workin' with family can be complicated, but I think we'll get on just fine. So, what do ya say?"

I glanced over at Edward, who gave me a single nod of his agreement.

"Yes! Just name the time and the place and we'll be there."