A/N

Hello! Sorry, this took longer than anticipated. I wasn't happy with it and then reworked it, and then sent it my Beta again, and … blah, blah, blah.

I hate excuses too.

I hope you like the chapter. It was a little long, so I am breaking it up into two chapters. So, there won't be Gala and lovin' all in this one.

Thanks to Fran for putting up with my changes, and as always, S. Meyer owns everything Twilight.

See you at the bottom.

Chapter 51 Galas, Greenhouses, and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

BPOV

I stared out the car window in wonder as Edward turned down a winding tree-lined drive, its entire length adorned with multicolored lights.

"Edward," I breathed, "This is spectacular."

He drove toward a circular area, and I saw cars lined up near a valet booth.

"You haven't seen anything yet," he said with a smile as he brought the car to a stop.

A man in black pants and a red vest approached my door before opening it and extending his hand to help me out.

"Thank you," I murmured as I took his hand and placed a foot on the pavement.

I smiled as I watched Edward, looking handsome in his overcoat, give his keys to the attendant before walking toward me.

The coat would always hold a special place in my heart, and I hoped one day I would be able to remember the first time I saw him wearing it.

He came around the front and took my hand in his as he led me up the stone staircase into the venue.

The stairs were adorned with more twinkling lights, and there were large planters on either side of the ornate doors containing tall Christmas trees.

We walked into the vestibule, and the earthy, pleasant smell of flowers wafted over me.

I linked my arm through his, and we made our way to Emmett and Rose, who were already at the coat check.

When we walked toward the main hall, I hung on Edwards's arm and took in my surroundings.

The displays were stunning, and I wasn't sure what to look at first.

The corridor was banked with rows and rows of poinsettias of all sizes and colors, a virtual sea of vibrant reds and pinks.

Life-sized red and gold Christmas balls were woven amongst the plants, providing a pop of metallic against the foliage.

When we entered the first room, I held Edward's arm a little tighter and tipped my head back.

Tall topiary sculptures in the shape of birds lined the space. Pheasants, geese, and peacocks looked down on us from lofty heights; their brilliant green and blue feathers reached the ceiling.

In the middle was a round pool with a fountain. The water shot up in the air, and the underwater lights changed from pink to blue to yellow, creating a flashing myriad of color in the spray.

Edward looked down at me and smiled.

"Impressed?" He asked with a grin.

My eyes swept the room again before I looked up at him.

"Thoroughly."

He chuckled.

"I've been here a few times over the years. The outside displays during the summer are beautiful, but it really is magical during The Holidays."

I nodded in agreement and glanced around the room again, taking in even more. It was sensory overload, and I knew I'd have to make a few passes to ensure I didn't miss anything.

Edward led me through the array of people, and as we walked, I felt his hand travel down to my waist. We had just reached a quiet corner when I felt it move lower.

He stopped suddenly and quickly looked down at me with wide eyes.

"Are you … "He trailed off.

I looked down and felt my face heat up.

"You're not wearing any …"

I'd debated about wearing undergarments. I'd never found any that were truly 'panty-line free,' and I was never comfortable in a thong … so I decided to go without.

It made me feel sexy and alive, and every time I walked, I felt my thighs brush together, which made me think about what tonight would bring when Edward and I were alone.

I finally looked up at him and shook my head slowly to confirm his suspicions.

He looked at me with a wistful, hungry expression, but before he could say anything, a young girl carrying a tray of champagne approached us.

Edward quickly cleared his throat, took two glasses from the tray, and handed one to me.

I held the flute by the stem as he leaned down and clinked his glass next to mine.

"To the beginning of the perfect night," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

I smiled and tapped my glass against his before taking a sip of the fizzy liquid, marveling at how smoothly it went down.

This is definitely not cheap champagne; I thought as I looked around the room.

Emmett was right; these people knew how to put on a party.

As my gaze passed over the guests, I couldn't help but notice all the wealthy and influential people who were in attendance. I spotted a politician or two as well as a famous actor Angela and I had obsessed over when we were teenagers.

I couldn't wait to finally text her with a celebrity sighting.

I recognized a few doctors from my time spent at the hospital, and there were also a few of Edward's coworkers in attendance, along with the District Attorney.

Rose pointed out other prominent guests, some related to the Kennedys, and others who had inherited their fortunes through the generations.

"... and see her over there?" She tilted her head slightly to a small stylish woman in her mid-forties.

"She's heiress to a coffee dynasty. She was married to him." She nodded to a balding man in another circle.

"But now she's married to her."

My eyes watched as the small woman and her wife held hands while chatting with another couple.

I looked at Rose.

"Hey," she said as she shrugged her shoulders. "People come in to buy art … they tell me things. I guess I'm the equivalent of the local bartender to the elite set."

I continued to watch the crowd and soon began to feel slightly self-conscious as I noticed more than one set of eyes on Edward and me.

I raised on my toes and whispered in his ear.

"Why is everyone looking at us?" I asked nervously as I took another sip of my champagne.

Was there something wrong with my dress? I thought I looked the part of someone who was meant to be here but maybe I'd missed the mark.

"They're not looking at us," he said as he wrapped his arm around my waist.

"They're looking at you."

He leaned down and spoke lowly in my ear.

"You're absolutely stunning, Bella," he said softly.

"Besides," he said as an aside, "This is old hat for all of them, another party … the same faces. You're new. They're wondering who you are … and how I got such a beautiful woman to accompany me."

I felt my cheeks turn pink, and I leaned into him.

I was just about to compliment him as well when I froze.

A couple walked toward us, the tall, dark-haired woman striding confidently while her hand rested lightly on her partner's arm. She wore a steel gray dress reminiscent of the 1940s, and it reminded me of something Joan Crawford would have worn, her arched eyebrows and the set of her lips only enhancing the Mommy Dearest look further.

Tanya.

I gripped Edwards's arm and felt him stiffen next to me.

I knew it had been over for a long time between Edward and Tanya. He'd talked to her after that awful encounter in his office, and although he didn't tell me exactly what was said, the look on his face told me enough. He'd let her know in no uncertain terms it was over … and I believed him.

But seeing her walking toward us, in all her toned glory, my stomach turned over, and my insecurities bubbled to the surface.

Edward pulled me closer to him, and my eyes shifted from Tanya to her date. He was a handsome, distinguished gentleman, and she wrapped her arm around his more securely when she finally stood before us.

"Hello, Edward," she said in a cool tone.

"It's nice to see you."

She glanced down at me.

"And who did you bring with you?" She asked with mild surprise.

"It's Becca, right?"

I bristled and felt Edward squeeze my waist.

I thought he wasn't going to respond at first, and the silence between the four of us lingered for a moment.

"This is Bella, my girlfriend," he said pointedly, his grip on me tightening.

Tanya continued to look at me but didn't say anything.

The gentleman by her side smiled and reached out a hand to me.

"Buona sera, Bella." He said with a thick Italian accent.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Mi chiamo Fiore DiSilvio."

I smiled back at him and shook his hand.

He turned his gaze to Edward next, and the two men shook hands amicably and introduced themselves.

"Fiore is an investment banker," Tanya said with an air of superiority.

"... in the Global market, of course."

"Enjoy your evening," Edward said curtly, and he abruptly pivoted us away from Tanya and Fiore and led me to the far side of the room.

I didn't protest as he guided me through the crowd and felt relieved I wouldn't have to be in her presence any longer.

He squeezed me to his side and looked down at me, silently asking if I was okay. I gave him a reassuring smile and reached up to place a kiss on his cheek.

"I thought there might be a chance she'd be here," he said under his breath.

"I'm sorry, I should have told you."

I reached up and gave him another kiss.

"She doesn't matter," I whispered.

He shook his head slowly. "No, she doesn't."

We continued to make our way through the throng of guests until we located Emmett and Rose in one of the other rooms.

"This is fucking awesome," Emmett said as he plucked another glass of champagne from a serving tray.

"I told you, Bella, right?" He winked at me and slugged it back.

I smiled at him and looked up at Edward. Even with the mild discomfort of the Tanya encounter, Emmett was right; this was awesome.

~!~

Edward and I spent the next hour walking through the various rooms, marveling at the incredible displays, and sampling the hors d'oeuvres that were circulating.

He never left my side and seemed to need to be in constant contact with me physically. His hands would reach out to caress my arm, face, or hair, and he'd lean down periodically to kiss me.

My mouth dropped open when we entered one of the last rooms we had yet to explore . The floor and walls were completely covered in greenery, and floral mosaics dotted the landscape along with poinsettia towers, pools of water, and giant topiaries. It was truly a sight to behold.

I looked up at Edward and found him gazing down at me.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"For what?" he asked as he raised his hand and pushed my hair behind my ear.

"For bringing me here tonight," I said quietly. "For just … for being you."

He leaned down and kissed me softly.

"I should be the one thanking you," he said as he pulled back and gazed into my eyes.

"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Bella."

I felt tears prick my eyes and once again felt the urge to say the words I'd wanted to say for so long now.

But just then, the opening band came on stage, and Rose and Emmett brushed past us on their way to the dance floor.

"Let's go, Eduardo," Emmett said.

"Grab your girl and get your ass out here."

Edward smiled at me and offered his hand.

"May I have this dance, Miss Swan?"

My lady bits did a backflip at his low, sultry tone, and I eagerly placed my hand in his.

"I'd be honored, Mr. Cullen. Lead the way."

~!~

The rest of the evening went by in a blur. The food, the wine, and the venue were overwhelming and amazing.

I knew I would look back on this night as a turning point in my relationship with Edward. This was the fairy tale; the one I never thought I could have … or deserved. I only wished my father could have been here to see how far I'd come. To see I'd finally let someone in … someone worthy.

During the middle of the evening, Edward was caught up in conversation with the District Attorney on the other side of the room, and I found myself conversing with Rose and one of her clients from the Gallery.

He was the CEO of a few publishing companies across the country, including one here in Chicago, as well as having his fingers in a few other ventures. Although he could buy and sell me with a flick of his wrist, he was surprisingly down to earth, and I was enjoying our conversation.

He had purchased numerous pieces of art from Rose, and they were discussing where he placed them in his home.

"… I ended up taking your advice and putting the larger piece in the entrance way. I initially tried it in three different rooms, but you were right."

Rose smirked at him.

"I'm not one to say I told you so, but …"

He laughed heartily.

"Trust me, I know," he said with a slight shake of his head. "My wife's eye rolls should have been my first clue. I should know better than to go against advice from either of you."

"So, Miss Swan," he said as he turned to me. "Rose tells me you're in my line of work."

I looked from him to Rose, feeling a light sweat break out across my face.

Rose arched an eyebrow at me and sipped on her champagne, waiting for me to respond.

"Umm, well, not exactly, I uh, I work for a publishing house in Washington, but I'm in the editing department," I said with a hesitant smile.

"But … you also write," he said definitively.

I took another sip of my drink and looked at Rose.

Fuck it

"I do," I said with a small note of confidence. "But I've never had anything published."

He reached into his pocket and handed me a crisp business card.

"If you ever want to make a move, give me a call. Maybe we can work something out. We're always looking for bright new people to join our team."

I accepted his card and looked up at him quickly.

"Thank you," I said with sincerity, and once again, the idea of staying in Chicago began to nibble at the edges of my brain.

Rose and Mr. Big, as I was now referring to him, had just walked away to get a drink, when I felt a presence beside me.

When I turned, I saw Fiore standing next to me with an open and kind expression.

"Enjoying your evening, Bella?" He asked with a smile.

I smiled back at him and nodded.

The lilting opening chords of Frank Sinatra's Summer Wind began to play, and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Would you care to dance?" He asked.

I glanced over to Rose, who was still engrossed with Mr. Big, and then looked around the room for Edward but didn't see him.

I bit my lip slightly but decided there wasn't any harm in it, and ultimately took the hand he offered.

We made our way onto the dance floor, and he kept a respectful distance as we started to sway to the music.

After a few moments, he finally spoke.

"I can see why she is so upset, mio caro."

I looked up at him with a wrinkle between my brows.

"Signorina Parker," he clarified. "She's jealous of you, and I can see why."

Fiore looked down at me as he guided us across the floor.

"I was wondering why she was so intent on making it appear as if we were … how do you say … a couple? Now I understand."

I looked at him curiously, and he smiled.

"Despite what she attempted to convey, bella ragazza, I barely know her."

My eyes widened, and he chuckled.

"Si, it is true. Signorina Parker came to this event alone, but I now realize why she wanted me to escort her to you and Signore Cullen."

"And rest assured," he added, "I would never dream of being unfaithful to my wife."

My eyes followed his gaze to a gorgeous brunette woman sitting at a table laughing with her dinner companions. She looked up briefly, as if feeling her husband's eyes on her, and smiled at him lovingly.

Fiore turned back to me.

"We have a phrase in Italy for people like Signorina Parker, which I won't repeat."

He looked at me fondly and winked.

"Don't worry about the cold one; she pales in comparison to you."

I was just about to thank him for his kind words when suddenly, I heard a deep and familiar voice.

"I'm sure you won't mind if I cut in."

I turned my head and looked to see who I knew would be there. Edward stood directly behind me, and he reached out to place his hand on the small of my back.

Fiore smiled and shook his head.

"Of course not, Signore Cullen."

He gently kissed the back of my hand and smiled up at me. "It was a pleasure, Signorina," he said before walking away.

Edward pulled me into his embrace swiftly.

"Are you okay?" He asked quietly as we began to dance.

"I'm fine," I said as I looked up at him.

"He was … nice."

Edward grunted softly, and I chuckled.

"He was."

Edward didn't say anything, and I pulled back and looked up at him with a smile.

"Don't worry, Edward; I'm not going to run away with any Italian men tonight."

He looked down at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Does that imply you may run away with an Italian man on another night?"

I pinched his side and he flinched.

"Ouch," he said with a smile as he gathered me close.

"No Italian men for me, Eduardo," I said with a chuckle. "Only you."

~!~

After a spectacular meal and more dancing, I left Edward briefly to use the restroom. When I returned, I saw him standing near the bar, speaking to another guest.

I glanced at Rose and saw she and Emmett were engrossed in conversation with the coffee heiress and her wife, so I decided I would take a quick tour of the adjoining greenhouse. I was told the views of the outside light display were incredible through the glass enclosure. The evening seemed to be winding down, and I wanted to see it before we left.

My body tingled in anticipation as I thought about the second part of our evening, which was quickly approaching.

I glanced over at Edward and gave him a quick wave as I got up from my seat. I quietly mouthed my intention while pointing to the doors in front of me.

He smiled in return and held up five fingers, letting me know he'd join me soon.

I nodded at him and made my way through the guests toward my destination.

When I arrived, it appeared I was the only one here, and I took my time wandering around the colossal greenhouse. I looked up at the glass-paned ceiling and marveled at the overhead view of the stars and moon it provided. I twirled underneath and looked around, admiring how the moonlight shone down on the beautiful foliage in the room.

I walked over to the glass exterior walls and looked outside. At some point, while we were enjoying the festivities, it had begun to snow. The scene was peaceful … almost magical, and I smiled in contentment as I watched the flakes drift slowly to the ground.

I couldn't wait for Edward to join me; excited for us to experience it together.

I was enjoying the view in solitude when I heard the unmistakable sound of a woman's high heels approaching from behind.

I didn't bother to turn around, assuming it was another guest coming to observe the tranquil scene.

I felt her to my right as she gazed out at the winter wonderland alongside me.

She remained quiet for a few moments, and then she began to speak. A chill ran down my spine, and I glanced over at the sound of her voice, but her eyes never left the view in front of us.

"You do know you'll never be good enough for him, don't you?"

I didn't say a word to the woman who wanted my man and instead turned back toward the window as well.

She sighed … almost in pity.

"Poor Edward," she said in a sad tone.

"Always wanting to save people … helpless, inferior people."

I felt her turn toward me, but I kept my gaze straight ahead.

"You're small, Bella … in every way. You're small in stature, small in personality, and small when it comes to knowing anything about the world … Edward's world; the one you don't belong in."

She sighed again.

"Sooner or later, his hero complex will wear off, and he'll realize he was a fool to be with someone so needy."

I clenched my fists at my sides and willed myself not to rise to the bait.

She came closer to where I stood, but I still didn't turn to face her.

"He'll come back to me, you know," she said softly.

"He will. So, you might as well prepare yourself for it now because it's just a matter of time. You should start to think about going back to that little town you came from. What's the name again? Spoons?"

I kept silent, still not acknowledging her.

But inside, I was cracking. I could feel the doubt and insecurity creeping in. Maybe she was right; maybe I wasn't enough to hold Edward. Maybe tonight, when we made love, he would realize what he had with her was so much better.

I gave myself a mental shake as everything I had worked on over the last few weeks with Lauren began to come to me, empowering me, giving me strength.

Edward was mine, and I was his, and that's all I needed to know. Tanya held no power here.

I took a deep breath and turned to face her, both my voice and my gaze, steady and strong.

"You think you can intimidate me?" I questioned with a sarcastic laugh.

"You think I don't see right through you?"

Tanya opened her mouth to retort, but I stopped her.

"Edward and I both see through you. It's over between you two. If I'm being honest, it never really started; not in any way that mattered. I think you know that. That's why you're so desperate. You know what you had with Edward will never compare to what he and I share. I feel sorry for you, Tanya … because you'll never really know what it means to experience that. You're not capable of it."

I let out a long confident breath and turned back toward the window, but not before I caught a glimpse of her face. There was a slight crack in her steadfast demeanor. I detected a faint hint of uncertainty … but it was quickly replaced with her usual façade.

"Keep telling yourself that, Bella, but I can assure you - "

"Get the fuck out."

Tanya and I both turned toward the angry voice that rang out in the greenhouse.

I looked at Edward, his face livid and his fists clenched at his sides.

I glanced at Tanya and saw she was going to try to salvage something of the situation.

"Edward," she began in a low tone, "I don't know what you heard, but -"

"I heard enough," Edward said in a menacing voice.

"Are you really that fucking clueless?" He added gruffly.

"I'm done being polite, Tanya. I thought I made myself clear the last time I saw you, but obviously that's not the case."

Tanya took a step toward him, but Edward's steely gaze stopped her from proceeding. A brief look of uncertainty crossed her face as she considered his words, and then she slowly turned to look back at me.

"Don't fucking look at her."

Edward's voice was low … soft … but there was no denying the barely contained rage his tone belied.

"Bella means more to me than you could ever comprehend. You'd be wise to leave … now. That is, unless you'd like to see what I'm capable of when it comes to her. This is over, Tanya."

I stared at him and watched his jaw clench as his eyes bore a hole in her.

She gazed back at him, first with a sultry pout, but when he didn't respond, it was as if a switch flipped in her.

Suddenly, her face contorted into a look of pure hatred, and she spat,

"You'll regret this, Edward. You'll realize she's nothing, and -"

"Get out of my sight!" Edward yelled, and Tanya and I both jumped.

She stood looking at him for a long moment, until she finally walked past him silently, her head held high and her heels clicking against the tiles at her feet.

When the doors closed behind her, I let out a shaky breath, cutting through the silence left in her wake.

Edward quickly crossed the room to me, his eyes tense as he drew closer.

He gathered me in his arms and pressed his lips to my ear.

"You know it's bullshit. You know everything she said is bullshit. You know that."

He held me to him tightly, and I could sense he was desperately afraid of what damage she may have inflicted.

I hugged him back fiercely. She hadn't done any damage. I was strong and confident in our bond, and I think it took this altercation with her to make me fully realize that.

Nothing could break it. I knew that, just as much as I knew I loved him with my whole heart and soul.

Edward pulled back slightly and reached out tentatively to caress my face.

"None of what she said is true, Bella, none of it. You know that." His eyes were desperate as they searched mine.

I gazed up at him, feeling tears start to well in my eyes, and I nodded my head as I reached to pull him to me.

He grasped me tightly, and I felt him relax slightly in relief as he clutched me to him.

"You're all that matters to me," he said softly into my hair.

"Only you, Bella. Only you."

I pressed myself closer to him and nodded my head into his chest.

"Because … I love you, Bella," he said almost in a whisper.

I clung to him, stunned by his declaration.

"I do," he said in affirmation. "I love you, Bella, and nothing is going to change that … ever."

I pulled back from him, the tears now streaming down my face.

He looked down at me with concern

"Don't cry," he said quickly. "I'm sorry, is it too much? Don't cry. I don't want to overwhelm you."

I put my finger to his lips to silence him and slowly shook my head, the tears continuing to course down my face.

"I'm not overwhelmed," I said with a tearful chuckle. "I'm not overwhelmed, you silly man."

He continued to look at me with worry.

"I'm not overwhelmed," I confirmed again before smiling at him with watery eyes.

"I just ..." I looked down and then back up at him.

"... I just wanted to say it first," I laughed, as I wiped the tears from my face.

"I had it all planned. I wanted to say it first."

I reached up and peppered his face with frantic kisses.

He looked at me first in surprise and then with relief.

"I love you, Edward," I breathed.

"I love you more than I've ever loved anyone in my life, and I've wanted to tell you for so long."

I raised up on my toes and tightened my arms around his neck to kiss him again. I felt like I wanted to kiss him for hours … days.

When we broke apart, he brought his hands up to cup my face and stared into my eyes for what felt like an eternity.

"I love you, Bella," he said softly, and he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine once more.

"… I love you."

"I love you too, Edward," I said as tears blurred my vision. I wiped them away quickly, not wanting anything to hinder my view of his beautiful face.

"So much."

A/N

I hope the ILY was worth the wait.

I know it's been a slow burn for these two and some would say, "51 chapters and no real lemons yet?"

What can I say, it's just the way the story has seemed to speak to me.

My great grandfather was named Fiore. I didn't know him, but I did know my great grandmother. She didn't speak much English. I wanted to incorporate something of my heritage in the story and I thought he would make for a sweet character.

I will also admit, I just finished watching Under The Tuscan Sun for about the millionth time, and I've always had a soft spot for Signore Martini

Normale! Ha ha.

There is an incredible place here in Pennsylvania called Longwood Gardens. Google photos of "Longwood Gardens at Christmas". Words can't describe how breathtaking this place is.

See you all soon!