Author's Note: I'm so happy you all loved the last chapter! There is, indeed, more of their trip. This entire chapter takes place in Chicago. I'm intending two more chapters and an epilogue after this one. I too love this Edward.

"We're going to a baseball game?!" Edward asked, excitedly bouncing on the balls of his feet as he opened his suitcase the next morning to find that Alice had snuck a few jerseys in there for him to choose from.

"Surprise?" Bella asked softly with a hesitant smile before being tackled by him, captured in his arms, and pounced onto the bed where she landed with a giggle. He kissed all over her face, making her laugh even harder as he trapped her against the bed with a little bit of his weight. "We're going to be late if you keep doing that all morning." she teased.

"Not the way I drive."

She smiled at him, admiring the deep gold of his eyes and how they sparkled with life as he looked down into hers. Bella caressed his face and Edward leaned into the touch. "This trip is your graduation present. And your wedding present. And maybe Christmas too." she grinned.

"I couldn't think of a better gift than time with you."

"I thought we would check out a museum or two and have some lunch, well, me have some lunch, and then come back and get ready to go to the game. It's going to be cloudy most of the day but you've got long sleeves and things in there just in case. Hats. Scarves. Sunglasses. Alice promised me she would do most of your packing."

"She always does." Edward said. "It never takes any convincing to get her to do it. Is this why you put in all those hours reading and reviewing books you really didn't care about?"

"Yeah. It was that and some of my college fund since I agreed to let you pay for it. And the tickets Carlisle and Esme gave me for my birthday. Esme helped me switch them out for this. And Charlie got us some discounted tickets to the game. I told him not to even think about the trip around you so he wouldn't accidentally tell you about it."

"Clever girl." Edward grinned. "I would daresay no one has ever kept a secret from me that well."

"I tried to tell everyone as last minute as possible too just in case."

"You're a force to be reckoned with."

"I wanted to do something for you."

"And why, pray tell, do I deserve that honor?" he asked.

"Graduation. Our wedding-" she fidgeted nervously. "The fact that you might not be able to take me out around humans for a while soon. Existing. Take your pick."

He laughed then, keeping his weight over top of her so she couldn't get up and kissing all over her face again, making her laugh even harder. "It is you who deserves gifts just for existing."

"Just don't try to buy me an original piece from the art museum later or something extravagant, alright?" she asked with a grin as she caressed his smooth cheek.

"Presents are allowed?!" he smiled, his whole face lighting up even more than it already was.

She kissed him softly but soundly on the lips. "Yes, but only if you let us get out of this bed today so we can go do stuff."

"Deal." he said, standing by the door and holding his keys in an instant. "What, you aren't ready yet?" he teased.

"Silly vampire." Bella shook her head and gathered the rest of her clothes to get ready for the day ahead.

Edward happily took Bella for pastries and coffee and walked arm in arm with her through familiar neighborhoods. How much his home city had changed over the years. He had visited but never with such lovely company. They spent hours together just wandering aimlessly as he pointed out different landmarks and places where things had been. They came to a stop just outside of a row of grand old townhouses. Many were worse for wear, a few falling into absolute ruin on the far sides.

"This is where I grew up." he said quietly, looking around with a stoic expression.

"It's charming."

"You really think so?"

"I do. I love these older houses. So much character and variety. No two look the same."

He smiled softly, having been nervous about her thoughts. "And which one do you think was mine?"

"That one." she pointed to a tall, dark blue house with lovely flowerboxes in each window.

"How in the world did you guess so well?"

"It's the most well maintained." she giggled. "I'd imagine Esme has something to do with that."

"Oh, right." he said, taking her hand and leading her to it. "Would you like to see inside?"

"I would love to."

"If I knew we were coming, I would have prepared it a little. Maybe dusted." he shyly used his free hand to mess up his already hopeless hair.

There was no fun in telling you ahead of time. she said in his mind, making him forget his nerves for a moment. It continually took him by surprise when she did that, even more so now that she had become so expert at controlling it when she truly wasn't worried about anything.

"There would have been plenty of fun. I could have prepared a few surprises for you too." he pouted.

"This is a surprise." she said, inclining her head towards the front door.

"Good thing I always keep that key in particular with me." he said, opening the door and letting her in first. He waited for her to start sneezing from dust and musty smells of a house that had long been closed up but she didn't. He took a hesitant step in just behind her.

"Wow." she said, looking around at the near century old house and feeling as if she had stepped back in time. Hardly anything had been changed. The polished wood staircase accented the entire room, making everything classier and more elegant. It's beautiful.

Edward noticed the fresh flowers sitting on the entryway table. They couldn't be more than a day or two old based on their color and smell. "Esme." he smiled. "Look around love, it's alright."

"Is this what it was like when you lived here?"

"Practically unchanged. Carlisle has always helped me invent false identities to re-inherit it and the family fortune every few decades. It suffered some damage from neglect before Esme took over our real estate affairs, though you would never know that now."

"No, it looks like it hasn't been touched since you left except for cleaning." She hesitantly walked into the living room and took a few minutes to admire the art and photos on the walls before noticing the intricacy of the wallpaper itself.

"We could always live here if you wanted after you can be around humans again. It has modern plumbing. We didn't really see the need to tear up the walls or anything to risk proper electricity though. Only a few rooms have it. Truthfully, it's nice to get away from the constant humming noise of it."

"It's perfect." she said, her hand lazily exploring the top of a wood trimmed velvet couch as she smiled at a picture of Edward's parents. "You look a lot like them."

"I should hope so." he chuckled. "Would you like to see my bedroom?"

"Trying to get me in bed again already?" she asked. He made a face that definitely would have been a blush were it physically possible. Bella just laughed and started up the stairs, looking behind her to make sure he was following.

"You're going to be the death of me, little human."

"Not yet. We have a game to go to later."

"But my death is alright after the game?"

"Depending on the circumstance. I could think of some pretty nice ways to go." she giggled.

"So could I." he agreed. "It's the first door on the left. Carlisle got most of my things out for me years ago but Esme and I added some back for when I visited."

"You actually played with toys?" Bella asked, amused by the sight of a set of metal toy trains.

"Some." he smiled. "I was seventeen when I last lived here but somehow, I could never part with those. Careful about touching them. They have lead paint."

"Somehow I don't think touching lead is going to hurt me in the way you're thinking. You're going to change me soon anyhow."

"Still. Let's not risk it?"

"Alright." she said, not wanting to make him anxious. Bella knew how Edward was about her safety. "The house is so nice. It feels like getting to know you better. Seeing part of your past. This is something I never thought I would get to share with you, especially after you left…" she trailed off.

"Me too." he said, taking her in his arms and kissing her head. "I'm so glad you're here with me now."

"Me too." she agreed, the sadness already gone as he held her. "I love you so much."

"I love you too. Let me give you a tour of the rest of the house and then we'll see about a museum and some lunch for my favorite human?"

"Sounds nice." she smiled. "Only if you promise we'll come back someday soon."

"As soon as you feel comfortable around others again." he promised. "I would love to spend a few days here reacquainting myself and telling you more about my past. The parts that I can remember."

"I would love that."

The Art Institute of Chicago was massive. The pair could have spent an entire day alone walking through its many galleries and exhibits. Edward settled for buying Bella a few prints of her favorites "for our cabin" to prevent any protests on her part. She grinned at him and kissed his cheek in thanks. He was grateful she was learning to accept his gifts. He wanted to spoil her so much.

"Are you excited?" she asked him as they returned to their hotel to change for the baseball game.

"Very. I'm sure I must have gone to games while I was human but I honestly don't remember."

"I'm surprised you've never managed until now. I know how much you enjoy baseball. I'm even more surprised Carlisle never took you to one."

"I didn't go out into the world much until you came along. I didn't have reason to. It was much more comfortable in isolation with only me or close family. You still don't realize just how much you changed everything for me." Edward said, pulling her into his arms as she stood beside the bed he was sitting on. Her shoulder was at his eye level and he brushed his nose against her light sweater, savoring her unique scent and each beat of her strong heart under his ear as he rested his head there.

"I'm starting to." she said. "It was really nice to see the house you grew up in. It made it hit home for me just how much you've been through in your long life so far. But also, how young you were when you lost your parents and when you were changed. No wonder you've had such a rough time."

"I wouldn't exactly say rough. I've had Carlisle and the rest of my family. Money has never been an issue." Edward had spent many years feeling guilty because he had a better life than most. He should not have had regrets and fears or feelings of emptiness. Not when so many didn't have the love he did. Or the finances.

"Still. You've been through a lot."

He nodded in agreement, savoring her just a few minutes more in contemplative silence. Despite his guilt over how spoiled his lifestyle was, Edward finally agreed that he had suffered a lot over the years. His life hadn't been easy. There had been so much loss. And pain. So many mistakes. "It still amazes me every day that you chose me."

"Prepare to be amazed for the rest of time then." she said, her warm hand tilting his face up until their eyes were level. She kissed him, her warmth overwhelming him and making him forget anything he wanted to say in response as their lips moved together. She pushed on his shoulders and he relented, falling back on the bed, and pulling her with him until she was on top.

"We're going to be late." he growled.

"Do you want me to get up?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't you dare." he said, making her laugh so hard that she snorted and hid her face against the side of his neck.

"I have to say that I like this new part of your personality we've uncovered."

"I'm going to remind you about that after your change when I don't let you out of our bed for a few weeks."

"Do you honestly think I would complain?"

"No." he laughed. "I know better. I would be likely to need up before you."

"Exactly." she smiled at him. "But for right now, we have a game to get to. Let's go." Bella stood up and reached for her jacket, leaving Edward on the bed too stunned to move for a moment.

"Did you seriously just-?"

"Yep." she giggled at his obvious discomfort. "We have a game to get to."

"I'm not sure if I'm more upset or impressed."

"Figure it out on the way there." she laughed, grabbing his hat, and putting it on him.

"What have my sisters been teaching you?"

"How to be a proper Cullen." Bella said, tossing her hair over her shoulder in a way that was very much like Rosalie and making him growl as she opened the door.

The baseball game was appropriately overcast and slightly chilly, not cold enough for Edward to worry about Bella's health, but enough for her to snuggle closely to him. Edward didn't mind. He was grateful that his thick jacket and gloves helped keep her warm instead of just his cool skin to worsen the problem. The cloud cover as well as his attire meant he didn't have to worry at all about concealing his less than human status.

She could hardly tell what was happening but Edward narrated nearly every move quietly in her ear. Some things had occurred too fast for human eyes to follow. Bella pretended to watch the game but most of her attention was on the joy in his voice and the subtle hints of an accent that would peek out when he was especially excited by something. The accent he thought had been long lost. She loved it.

"What the hell?!" he shouted at a particularly bad pitch, making Bella crack up laughing so hard that she dropped the popcorn she had been holding in her lap and laughed for several minutes straight. When she would calm down, a glance at his confused face would just send her off laughing harder. Right then, she decided that she did in fact like baseball. "What did I do that has you laughing so hard?" he asked when she finally calmed down, making a few stray giggles escape her again.

"You cursed."

"I-oh. I'm sorry!"

Bella laughed again. "I thought it was funny."

"Clearly." he playfully rolled his eyes and hugged her closer against him as they watched the game below them.

It was adorable. she said in his mind. It's about time you stopped being all prim and proper around me.

"I'll show you proper later." he teased.

I very much look forward to that.

"Me too." he chuckled, kissing her head softly. There was a time not so long ago when he would have spent days beating himself up for doing something as crass as cursing in front of Bella and would have locked himself away from everyone for weeks for even considering making an innuendo. But now? Everything had changed.

For the first time Edward could remember, he felt mostly comfortable just being himself. Things weren't perfect. He was still a vampire. There were some urges and memories he would rather not deal with. But he had Bella and he was comfortable in his own skin. Miracles could happen.

This whole trip, realizing her selfless love for him had made him feel like a new man. Sure, he thought he understood it before. Perhaps he did. But to really see the things she would do just to give him a surprise, it meant everything to Edward. He couldn't wait to spend forever with her by his side.

After a while, he found that only half of his attention was on the game. Most of it was on the way the wind forced her scent to him. How her fingers curled around his, never completely taking her touch from his body. The steady beat of her heart. It always increased if he ran his thumb over her hand or kissed her head. It especially increased if he looked into her eyes.

To her displeasure and his utter delight, they were featured on the 'kiss cam' the humans found so amusing. He gave her a chaste peck on the lips and the smiled for the big screen as she hid her face against him. People around them laughed at her obvious embarrassment. He was momentarily worried but as soon as the camera was gone, she smiled up at him and shook her head. So shy.

Bella was thrilled to see Edward so happy, even giddy. She had been embarrassed to be on camera around all those people but a quick glance at the carefree grin on Edward's face erased any worries she had. This trip was a dream. It felt too good to be true and yet perfectly right at the same time. Their time together away from home made them both realize just how good it felt to let go of all anxiety and worry and just be together. They both saw it as an indication of exactly how their futures could go.

"Edward?" she asked timidly in the car on the way back to the hotel. "Do you think-do you think we could travel more once it's alright for me to be around humans again? I've really enjoyed getting out with you. Just us. I mean I love your family, but-"

"I get it, love. Me too. Of course, we can. We can do anything you like. They won't be offended. Members of our family often go off alone or in their mated pairs for a bit. In fact, would you consider an extended honeymoon before your change?"

"Before – wouldn't that make you worry about my safety?"

"Perhaps, but no more than normal. You could sample different foods and have a few more human experiences before your change."

"How extended?"

"A few weeks. Or months. It's up to you, love."

"That sounds great, actually. You aren't afraid of a plane crash or something while I'm still human?"

"As if I would let that hurt you. I've already thought of at least ten different scenarios for that happening and how to get you out of a falling, burning plane."

"You're insane." she laughed. He grinned. Realization hit her. "Oh! You were joking!"

Edward took her hand and kissed it then, never taking his eyes off from the busy road. "I am capable of a joke now and again, you know. It's only four or five scenarios. Most of which involve simply taking over for the pilots and flying the plane myself."

"You can fly a plane?"

"One of many talents." he smirked. Bella blushed and looked out the window. "The game was amazing, love. Thank you. I had such a great time."

"Me too." she said.

"I thought you hated sports."

"I do, for the most part. But you were so happy and excited. It made me happy. And you cursed! You, Edward Cullen. You cursed in front of a lady! In front of several ladies even! Though I think the ones in front of us had way dirtier mouths than you."

"If you thought their mouths were bad, you should have heard their thoughts."

"They weren't thinking about how hot you are were they?"

"No." he chuckled. "But glad to know you think I'm hot. They were streams of rather amusing insults at almost all of the plays being made. I think Emmett could have learned a few things from those women."

"Maybe you can teach him when we get home."

"I am not teaching Emmett anything."

"His crudeness makes me giggle. You wouldn't want to teach him new ways to make me happy?"

"You little she-devil." he said. "What ever am I going to do with you?"

"I have some ideas."

"You're lucky there's heavy traffic and I can't pull this vehicle over right now."

"No, I'm not."

He swallowed hard and shook his head, trying to focus on the road. "Not helping!" he shouted when she lifted her mental shield and started showing him mental images of various ways things he could do with her. "You are the perfect picture of sweetness and innocence. I don't understand what happened."

"I don't hear a complaint, Mr. Cullen."

"I'm going to murder my sisters for whatever tricks they've taught you."

"And if I said this is just me? Confident me? The one who isn't worried you're going to leave and everyone is going to hate me for no reason at all?"

"Then I love this you too." he said, squeezing her knee gently. "As if I would ever not love any version of you. One day you will truly understand how much you mean to me."

"I'm getting there."

"I believe you are." he agreed.