Chapter 6

Dancing Away with My Heart- Lady Antebellum

EPOV

It took me ten minutes to shower and dress. I paced the garage as I waited for everyone. I was nervous. Knowing Dr. Sutton was on the fundraising board for the hospital's new children's wing, I knew he would be at the dinner tonight. That meant that it would be very likely Bella would be at his side. I was excited to see her, but not looking forward to being a witness to her date with the doctor. Being witness to his phone call and mental images was bad enough.

We all pulled into the hotel parking lot. I closed the door and held out the Volvo's keys to the gaping valet. He raised his eyebrows at the valet next to him as they both ogled Rosalie in her glittering gold gown. I rolled my eyes and shut out their highly inappropriate thoughts. Rosalie, of course, just smiled and preened, loving the attention. Both valets quickly stepped back as Emmett came up from behind.

"Ready to go in, baby?" he crooned in her ear, just loud enough for them to hear.

"Yeah," she replied in a breathy purr. I rolled my eyes again. They were putting on a show, and they loved it. Carlisle, Esme, Alice and Jasper all met us at the door and we all took in a collective, fortifying breath. We've been through this routine before. We were playing parts. The good doctor was introducing his lovely wife and well-mannered teenage children to the polite society of Rochester. Our job was to smile and make Carlisle look good, while giving the impression we were "making connections" and schmoozing. Plastering on a fake smile, I nodded to the doorman and made my way through the horde of well-dressed people in the lobby.

I chuckled a bit as I walked over to the ballroom door and received a huge smile from a pleasantly plump sixty-something woman wearing a sapphire blue wrap dress. Her "hello, my name is" name tag stated her as a Carol Russell. She was manning a podium and taking coats. I guess Bella's dress made a bigger impression on Bert than I had guessed. She glanced over to Bert who was handing out coat check tickets and gave him a small smile. I wasn't surprised to see them. These two were known for their charity work and were fixtures at these events. Their children and grandchildren were probably here as volunteer wait staff and bus boys.

I walked through the door and waited to the side for Carlisle and Esme to join us. Carlisle was making small talk with the hospital CFO and introducing Esme around to various administrators. It would take a while. I glanced around the room. Fifty round tables with linen tablecloths shone with light emanating from candles of varying heights. Low flower centerpieces in silver vases were artfully arranged with fragrant roses and lilies. Each chair was draped with a white cover, and the tables were set with the finest bone china, hotel silver and various crystal stemware. Each setting identified its patron in sweeping calligraphy, and each tastefully framed in a scrolled place marker. Round white lanterns and strings of white lights hung low from the ceiling giving the large room a cozy and romantic feel. Set to the side was a large dance floor manned by a professional DJ and his assistants. Opposite the room stood a long line of volunteer wait staff with coordinating black slacks, white shirts, and white aprons waiting for the order to begin serving appetizers. The hotel's own staff was already working the room with trays of fluted champagne and platters of hors d'oeuvres. Practiced, and highly professional, they swept around arriving attendees as they mingled in loose groups around the floor. Soft music from the DJ's corner filtered through the sound system.

Alice glanced at me from her place beside Jasper.

She'll be here in ten minutes.

I nodded and grinned slightly as I felt waves of calm settle over me. Jasper was working on me again. Sometimes I was infinitely grateful for his gift. Our hostess appeared at that moment to guide us to our table. She looked to be around seventeen. Her wide smile faltered a bit as she took in my family.

She turned and gave me a pointed smile as she walked us to a table farther to the right of the room, bordering the dance floor. We each found our place settings and thanked the girl.

"My name is Kelly. Please let me know if you need anything." She addressed my family but was looking directly at me. I didn't miss the heavy emphasis on anything. Emmett and Jasper smirked. Cue the eye roll from Rosalie. A waitress immediately came by and started filling one of the goblets with water. Carlisle and Esme then joined us and took their seats. Chairs around us were quickly filling up. I ignored the thoughts and conversations around me as I busied myself scanning the parking lot through the valet's eyes.

Just as Alice had said, exactly ten minutes later I could see a black BMW pull around to the front and a very confident Dr. Sutton pulling open the passenger door. I was rapt attention as Bella took his hand and was escorted to the hotel entrance. The valet wasn't paying as close attention to her as I would have liked, so I was forced to wait until they were in the lobby to switch minds. I watched as Dr. Sutton shook hands with various colleagues and introduced Bella around. Her smile was radiant and I almost fell out of my seat when the man I was looking through did a full body scan as Bella's date helped her remove her coat. Her hair was artfully done up in loose curls with a few trailing down the white expanse of her neck. Her deep purple dress hugged her curves and thin straps delicately molded around her shoulders. It flowed from her waist down in soft waves to just above her knees. The dark color contrasted beautifully against her light skin. She gracefully walked in on three-inch strappy silver heels. Everything about her sparkled and glowed.

I swallowed a mouthful of venom. This was not the place to lose control in a fit of lust. Jasper glanced at me with a questioning look.

I watched as the two of them made their way to the podium and through the ballroom door. Alice and I simultaneously turned to watch as the hostess walked them to their table. They were seated two tables back and to the left of ours. My family all turned to watch their approach. Doctor Sutton was grinning widely as my family caught his attention. Bella seemed momentarily distracted as she was glancing about the room, taking everything in.

"Bella, honey, there's someone I'd like to introduce you to," Doctor Sutton whispered into her ear. She gave him a small smile, indulging him, I imagined, and turned her attention around to our table. The color drained from her face as she caught sight of all seven of us staring at her. I'm sure it must have seemed comical as we all stood simultaneously to greet her.

"Bella, I'd like to introduce you to Doctor Carlisle Cullen and his family," Doctor Sutton began. Esme immediately broke ranks as she rushed forward and enveloped Bella in a tight hug.

"Bella! It is so good to see you again!" She brushed her hands over Bella's shoulders and arms. "You have no idea how much we've missed you!" She would have been crying if she had the ability.

Oh, Edward! She's stunning. Just lovely.

Doctor Sutton looked a bit surprised. "Oh, so I guess you already know each other?" He looked a bit displaced.

Carlisle shook his hand and explained, "Yes, Bella and her father were good friends of ours a few years ago back in Washington."

Esme finally released her, and I watched, amused, as she was passed from hug to hug down the line. Emmett couldn't resist teasing her as his "Look at your sexy grown-up self!" passed his lips, but his tender hug and bright smile belied his teasing. Even Rosalie smiled a bit as she hugged Bella. Alice was practically jumping up and down as she waited her turn and latched onto Bella the first second she could.

"Oh, Bella! We will have to talk later! Please come back and sit with us after dinner!" Bella's smile disappeared as she looked down into Alice's pleading face. Her eyes flicked over to Doctor Sutton as he was being introduced to Esme and Rosalie.

"I'll see what I can do," Bella whispered.

Alice gave her an excited squeal and another quick hug as she broke free and Bella turned to me. The situation turned a bit awkward as she addressed me in a stiff tone.

"Edward."

I wasn't about to waste this opportunity. "Hello, Bella," I stated, moving in slowly to embrace her. I wanted her to know my intentions and not frighten her off. She must have decided not hugging me would have looked out of place since she had hugged everyone else. A hot rush of sensation washed over me as my arms tightened around her bare arms and shoulders. Her scent enveloped me. My throat burst into flames and I had to swallow another mouthful of venom.

Her skin was so warm and soft. She smelled so good. I closed my eyes and reveled in the moment. All too soon she pulled away and gave me a small awkward smile.

Dr. Sutton's thoughts turned a bit possessive. He came up behind Bella and put his hand on the small of her back. It was a dominant gesture. He had instinctively and unconsciously caught the humming vibes between me and Bella and was attempting to mark his territory. He stuck his hand out stiffly to shake mine.

"Edward, is it? I think I've seen you around the hospital a time or two. Good to finally meet you."

I don't like the way he's looking at her. I certainly don't like the way he's touching her. What is up with this weird kid?

I guess I wasn't as casual as I had been shooting for. I had to give him credit for his correct assessment. Bella smiled shyly around at everyone. "It's really good to see you all again."

Dr. Sutton looked down on her adoringly. "Bella, it looks like they'll be starting soon, we should be taking our seats." With an apologetic glance to my family Bella allowed him to lead her over to their table.

Dr. Sutton politely stood aside as he pulled Bella's chair out for her. We all sat down in our own seats and looked toward the front where the emcee was starting the festivities with welcomes and introductions.

My family's thoughts immediately bombarded me with admiring and excited thoughts about Bella. Especially Esme. I recognized the same excited hopefulness shining from her eyes from back when I first brought Bella home to meet her. She glanced at me with a longing wistfulness, and if I could have blushed, I would have. Esme was a true romantic. She squeezed my hand in a supportive gesture, and her sweet smile and bright eyes radiated hope.

I remembered what she had told me: "You've proven your worthiness as far as Bella is concerned. You've been miserable far too owes you happiness." I imagined every loving mother felt the same for her son.

My eyes spent the next thirty minutes trained on Bella's lovely silhouette. I couldn't tear my eyes from her if I'd tried. She was so beautiful. Bella smiled in acknowledgement as individuals stood in recognition for their contributions to the new hospital wing. She smiled broadly and applauded as Dr. Sutton made his obligatory stand, and she glanced over and smiled as Carlisle and Esme were both recognized for their time and efforts.

All too soon the wait staff began rushing around the tables setting salad and artfully arranged fish and vegetables in front of each attendee. I glanced at my plate and suppressed a groan. This was one of the occasions we would have to eat food to maintain our human façade. We were all skilled at this necessity, having had much practice over the years, but it didn't make the chore any easier. We were eating smelly fish, of all things. Disgusting. We all forced a pleasurable smile on our faces as we dug in with fake gusto. I didn't want to think about having to choke it all back up later.

I noticed Bella looking over at us in amazed fascination. I don't think she's ever seen us eating food, except for the one time in the cafeteria back in Forks. I smiled a bit as I remembered her interest then, too. That one tiny bit of slimy pizza held more pleasure for me in her company than all this opulent gourmet luxury without it. She noticed me watching her, and immediately looked back down to her plate, blushing a bit as she did so. I watched as the hot skin flamed over her cheeks and down her neck to her bare chest and back. As much as I knew and loved that blush, I never knew it went down that far. I was momentarily distracted as I wondered exactly how far down it went.

Emmett poked me in the ribs with his elbow. I looked over to him as he cocked his eyebrow at me.

Appearances, dude. Dessert is about to be served, and you're still choking down the asparagus. Focus.

Yes, a ravenous teenage boy would never lose focus where food was involved. I made my eyes look from Bella to my plate. The girls had it a bit easier. They could get away with only eating half the food, and no one would think anything of it. I hoped the chocolate mousse and raspberries would be better. I imagined just about anything would.

Soon the bus boys were clearing plates and our waitress was refilling water and wine glasses. Kelly brushed up a bit closer to me than necessary and winked as she moved around the table. I worked to filter out her lustful and highly inappropriate thoughts that involved the two of us in compromising positions in the coatroom. She had a filthy mind. This was not helping.

The emcee introduced the DJ. The dancing portion of the evening was beginning. Bella was deep in conversation with another couple at their table. The soft candlelight reflected off her perfect translucent skin in a very pleasing way, and made her lovely eyes sparkle. The couple nodded to her and stood as they made their way to the dance floor.

The moment they were gone, Alice took advantage of the empty seats and smoothly slid in next to Bella. Alice squealed excitedly and grabbed Bella's hand. Bella smiled widely and seemed excited to catch up. Dr. Sutton soon excused himself to talk to another administrator across the ballroom.

Jasper looked over to me with a pointed look. You need to talk to her. Emmett and I will create an opening for you. Just go with it. I watched him as he stood and walked over and sat in the empty chair next to Alice. She was all bouncy excitement.

"So, Bella, we need to plan a shopping trip together. Just us girls! We can go into the city and spend a weekend." Bella was hesitant.

"I'm not sure, Alice. You know I'm not much of a shopper. I just can't picture me in New York City for a whole weekend. What will I do with Jase? We can't take him. He shops about as well as I do."

Alice gave a dramatic eye roll. "Please, Bella! No excuses. Rose and Esme would love to watch him for a few days. You can use the trip to start your Christmas shopping early." Alice looked up at Bella through her lashes. "Plus, I really missed you, and I want to spend some time catching up. Please?" I had to admire Alice's skills of persuasion. She really was good at getting what she wanted.

Bella wavered and Alice knew she had her. A quick vision of the two of them perusing a huge toy store zipped through her mind. I had to smile. Bella's look turned to one of resolution.

"Alright, why not? That sounds like fun, Alice, I would love to go, but only if it's okay with Rosalie and Esme. I don't want to impose on them."

"Don't be ridiculous, Bella! Let's go ask them right now." Of course, Alice already knew they would be more than happy to take the boy for a weekend. The sneaky psychic was setting the stage for Jasper and Emmett's plan. If she happened to get what she wanted in the process, so much the better. As she rose from her chair and walked the short distance to our table, Jasper slid in Alice's chair.

"Bella, would you like to dance with me?" I was surprised. Jasper knew Bella didn't dance. To my greater surprise, Bella smiled and said, "Sure, Jasper, I'd like that very much."

I could only stare in amazement as Jasper took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. He pulled her around and slid his hand down to her waist and clasped the other with hers to his chest. A slow Michael Bublé song was playing and they both gently and gracefully flowed to the music. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Since when did Bella know how to dance? I wondered for the thousandth time how much more I didn't know about her. Bella always surprised me, and I couldn't help but smile a bit in spite of myself.

"Wow, would you look at that." Rosalie uttered in astonishment. "Bella is actually dancing. Thought I'd never see it." Emmett turned to her and interjected, "Yeah. I kind of miss those two left feet. C'mon, Rose, we can't let them show us up."

They both melted into the swaying crowd.

Carlisle and Esme returned from mingling with a group of colleagues. I caught Carlisle's smile as he gently took Esme's hand and led her to the dance floor. Alice sat next to me and smirked as she pointed in Bella's direction with her chin.

Who knew Bella would be a graceful Swan after all? I blanched a bit at her joke. I had to agree with her, though.

I homed in on Jasper and Bella's conversation. Shewas looking up into his eyes and smiled as he complimented her dancing. His thoughts suddenly turned serious.

"Bella, I feel I should apologize for what happened at your birthday party. Everything happened so fast, I never got the chance." Bella's eyes widened as his meaning hit her.

Jasper continued, "I feel as though this whole mess is my fault. If I just had a bit more control, everything could have been avoided. I feel bad about that, and I know there's no way I can ever make it up to you, but just so you know, I've spent the last six years working on strengthening my control. I can assure you in complete sincerity that it will never happen again."

Bella closed her eyes and looked down as she bit her lip. She slowly looked up into Jasper's intense gaze and shocked me with her words.

"Jasper, the issues that separated Edward and I existed previously. What happened at the party was only the catalyst. I don't blame you. I never did. Edward would have left eventually, anyway. Trust me, there's nothing to forgive."

Jasper continued smiling and dancing with Bella, but his thoughts were directed right at me. Previous issues? You would have left anyway? Dude, what is she talking about? What in the world did you say to her?

I flinched. The exact conversation Bella and I had right before I left went through my mind word for word. My family didn't know I had lied to her. With Bella slowly coming back into our lives, I couldn't keep them in the dark any longer. The upcoming conversation with them would not go over well.

The song slowly faded out and Jasper led Bella to our table. Emmett brought back Rosalie and sauntered over to Bella with a mischievous grin.

"So, Bella, how about a spin with a guy who really knows how to dance?" Bella smiled at him and took his outstretched hand. The next song had an upbeat tempo and Emmett effortlessly started to twirl her. He shook his hips and spun Bella around and gracefully bent her backward over his arm. He was very surprised Bella managed to stay upright. Bella cocked an eyebrow at him.

"What?" She asked.

"Alright, spill. We are all just dying to know! You were never able to walk across a flat surface without tripping over air, and now you're spinning and shaking all over the place. What gives?"

Bella gave him a sly grin. "Oh, that. Well, it turned out it was an inner ear thing. I had it looked at a few years ago. Once it cleared up, I felt the public's safety was pretty much secure, so I took a chance on a few dance lessons."

She had an inner ear "thing." Huh. How could we have missed something so simple? Alice looked up at me from where I was dancing with her.

Okay, as soon as Emmett spins her back, you step in and lead her out. Don't screw this up!

Sure enough, as soon as the song started fading, Emmett spun her toward the table. She was holding onto him tightly and laughing at his exaggerated hip shaking. The next song started and I moved to Bella's side.

"Would you please dance with me, Bella?" She looked a bit hesitant, but suddenly went resolute as she took my outstretched hand.

"Sure, why not?" We walked out and I turned to her. Thankfully, another slow song had just begun.

Time seemed to move in slow motion as I held her right hand in mine and pulled her close, wrapping my arm around the soft curves of her waist. I pulled her hand into my chest and slowly started to sway. I buried my nose in her hair and deeply inhaled her luscious scent. The entire ballroom could have fallen around us in a heaping pile of rubble, and I wouldn't have noticed. I bent my head down and slowly nuzzled the warm, creamy skin behind her ear. I heard her softly gasp. I couldn't help myself as I moved down further and brushed my lips over the rapid pulsing point on her neck. Perfection.

I didn't want to break the spell, but I did have a purpose. I slowly raised my head to gaze directly into her deep eyes. She looked a bit unfocused. Dazzled. I smiled to myself, pleased that I could still have that effect on her. Truth was, she dazzled me just as thoroughly.

I thought I would begin our conversation by complimenting her. Even I couldn't go wrong there. I looked over her cheeks and down to her full lips and then back to her deep soft eyes. They were swirling pools of melted chocolate.

"Bella, words cannot even describe how breathtakingly beautiful you are tonight." I was only being truthful. She blushed deeply and looked up into my eyes.

"Thank you, Edward. You look very nice, too."

Having Bella's soft curves pressed so close to me was distracting. She was a delicious torture. The last time we danced was at our junior prom in Forks, and she was in a cumbersome cast then. It was all Bella now. Warm, soft, graceful, and as beautiful as ever. Her hypnotic scent filled my nostrils, and I didn't think I could possibly come any closer to heaven. She didn't feel the need to fill the silence between us with awkward conversation, and neither did I. I simply held her close, absorbing her soft warmth and lived in the moment. Only when the song began to end, did I decide to break the spell. I gazed into her deep eyes, and plowed forward, taking the chance of upsetting her with my plea.

"Bella, please. Allow me some time to speak with you. There is so much I need to tell you, explain to you. I would very much appreciate any private moment you could give me."

She searched for something in my eyes and seemed to find it. Satisfied, she answered, "All right, Edward. Meet me in front of my office Monday morning at seven. You can have twenty minutes before classes start."

I had to suppress the squeal threatening to erupt from my throat. Completely overcome with joy, I pulled her into a soft hug and slowly cupped my hand around her cheek, rubbing her skin with my thumb. I was intently focused on her, and failed to notice a new song had started. A hot finger started poking me in the shoulder. Distracted, I turned toward the intrusion. Dr. Sutton had me fixed in a cold stare. I couldn't stop a low growl from rumbling deep in my chest.

"Mind if I cut in?" His clipped manner clearly indicated it wasn't really a question. His thoughts were of shocked annoyance and possessive jealousy. My primal urges were fighting to break through. How dare he try to force me away from my mate! Thankfully, some shred of sanity prevailed. With great effort, I reigned myself in and nodded politely.

"Of course, Dr. Sutton." I put my blank face on and smiled down at Bella's still unfocused eyes. Regretfully, I placed Bella's hand in his and walked back to the table with as much dignity as I could muster. Carlisle and Esme were waiting for me.

Proud of you, son. You handled that very well.

No one died in a jealous-induced bloodbath, so I supposed Carlisle was right.

I had fulfilled my obligation in being here tonight. It was the earliest acceptable moment to leave, so I decided I needed to go.

You did great, Edward. We'll talk when we get home. Alice winked at me then turned her attention back to Jasper as she twirled in his arms on the dance floor. I located my coat ticket in my pocket and turned toward the ballroom door. I glanced back at Bella swaying softly in Dr. Sutton's arms. He was gazing adoringly into her eyes, I imagine looking much like I did minutes before. I pushed down the growing jealousy, concentrating instead on making the most of the glorious twenty minutes Bella had finally granted me. I had much planning to do, but now, I had to hunt. Just as I was collecting my coat from the smiling Carole Russell, a searing thought assaulted my mind. A crystal-clear image emanating from Dr. Sutton's memory hit me with tremendous force. A beautiful solitaire engagement ring nestled in a black velvet box was sitting patiently in his home vault. My stomach began to lurch.

"Son, are you alright? Hang tight, and we'll get someone here for you as quickly as we can." Bert Russell was already reaching for his phone.

"No!" I shouted. "It's, uh, the fish, and all the excitement. I'm already heading home, I'll be fine, thanks anyway." It was partially true, but first things first. I needed to expel all this human food as soon as possible. I would hunt as soon as I could before attempting to process the image Dr. Sutton unknowingly threw at me. One thing was certain. I was quickly running out of time.

I came in from my hunt, put on some calming music, and changed into my most comfortable lounge pants and t-shirt. I made an effort to relax, but it was difficult, knowing what was coming. I could hear my family's thoughts a few miles out, and my anxiety ratcheted. What would everyone think of me after they knew the truth? Would they still be willing to help me even knowing how cruel I had been to the woman I claimed to love?

I went to the dining room, sat in my usual chair, and watched everyone file in. "Family meetings," it seemed, had become part of our normal repertoire. They all looked at me curiously.

Carlisle, ever the patriarch, spoke first. "We understand there are some things about your situation with Bella that we don't know. Would you care to elaborate?"

I was resigned. I knew if I expected their help, I would have to be completely truthful from this point forward. I braced myself for their reactions.

"I lied. When I explained why we needed to leave Forks and…Bella, I wasn't truthful about why." My eyes were trained on the fresh bouquet in the middle of the table. "I never outright said, but I allowed Bella to believe that I didn't love her anymore, and…" why was this so hard? "…even though I told all of you that it was for her safety, which was mostly true, I was afraid of what she wanted from me." The room was stone silent.

"Which was what, Edward?" Carlisle said.

"Immortality. She wanted to be like us." I dared a glance around the room.

"Dude, you love her. Isn't that the standard M.O.? How can you expect to be with her if you don't change her?" Emmett looked confused and there were nods all around. "Why would you be afraid of that?"

"Because, Emmett. There is no way she could possibly know what this life entails. All she knows is what she sees: seven vampires with incredible acting skills making this life look like something it isn't." I stood up. "What if, after her change, she realizes that she made a huge mistake? What would happen then? There's no going back, and she would hate me for eternity!"

Esme looked at me with tenderness. "What if, Edward, after her change, she continued to love you for eternity?"

I sat back down and sighed. "I don't know if that is a chance I can take, Esme. Bella is too good for a monotonous, dark life. She deserves much better than that. She deserves better than me."

Rosalee huffed a disgusted snort. She wanted to berate me for even thinking of condemning anyone to this life. She thought about the human life she so desperately wanted; the children she would kill to be able to have and looked up at Emmett. She was the one member of our family who hated this life the most. Emmett never blamed her, and even enjoyed many of the aspects of this life, but Rosalee would always carry the guilt of wanting him, begging Carlisle to change him. Even so, she had to admit she didn't regret it. She would do it all over again, if she had to.

The decision to become a monster was taken from every one of us. We never had the choice. Rosalee couldn't fathom why Bella would give up having more children to become part of our family, but she was torn. She had to admit that taking Bella's choices from her wasn't the right answer, either. She looked at me with a slight scowl. She was sure I would behave like a dick no matter which way I went.

Rosalie's scowl softened. "It may be true that she deserves better than you," she shot me a teasing smile, "but you need to honor her choices, whatever they may be."

"Regardless," Carlisle chimed in, "at least Bella's reticence toward our presence here makes sense. If she truly believes you no longer care for her, I can certainly understand why she is apprehensive."

I sighed. "And avoiding me."

I was surprised Alice had been quiet for so long. She stood up and gave me a pointed stare.

"You can hardly blame her for that, now can you? Not only did you lie to her, Edward, which is bad enough, but you lied to this family as well." Jasper stood and put his arm around her. She continued, "If there is one thing this years-long mess has shown all of us is that Bella is what our family needs. Whether as a human, or as one of us – her choice – you need to step up and be the man she needs."

"What about her relationship with Dr. Sutton?" I stood up as well and gave Alice a challenging stare of my own. "Maybe what she needs is a normal human life!"

Alice rolled her eyes. "I, and dare I say, this whole family, may have bought that line once before, but as I said, we all can see that isn't the case. We promised to help you win her back, Edward, and," she glanced around the table, "we all mean that. Yes, you may not deserve her, but this family certainly does. She will soon see that Dr. Sutton isn't the one for her."

I couldn't deny I was relieved. I wasn't fool enough to believe that forgiveness would come easily, or that I wouldn't pay for the lies I had told. I was selfish enough, however, to admit I wanted Bella, and was grateful my family would be helping me to heal our strained ties. I smiled and hugged my indignant sister.

You're gonna owe us big, brother!

She was right, and I would pay it. Gladly.

"And, you should know, Edward, that if she decides to change, and you can't or won't do it, I will." I had no doubt.

A/N: Well, he did it. He finally wore Bella down. Next up is the long-awaited talk, and some answers. A few of the characters are a bit OOC, Rosalee being one of them. I like to think that the supernatural aren't as unchangeable as in canon. Especially since they have been forced to live with the consequences of poor choices.