The Twilight Saga belongs to Stephenie Meyer, Summit Entertainment and anyone else who may legally claim ownership. No copyright infringement is intended.


Chapter 16: Indecision

Bella and Carlisle had, in turn, bathed and changed into night clothes in the private jet's large bathroom. The only remaining sign from the ordeal that had begun their night was the bandaged cut on Bella's wrist. Carlisle cradled her arm gently in his hand as she slept in his embrace. Although he was a vampire that could sleep, and he did enjoy sleeping with Bella in his arms, he chose to remain awake to guard her injury. He didn't want her to bump her wrist and cause herself more pain.

Bella awoke feeling extremely well rested and surprisingly clear headed. She stretched, sighed and snuggled into Carlisle. She smiled as he chuckled at her. "What time is it?" She wiggled her toes in the soft sheets covering the bed. She hadn't expected such luxurious comforts when she boarded the plane.

"It's a bit past five."

Bella opened her eyes and lifted her head from Carlisle's chest. "In the morning? That can't be right."

"I do believe you were quite tired."

"The flight should have been just short of five hours."

"It was. You slept through. We've been on the ground for a while now. I didn't want to disturb your rest."

"Carlisle, won't this seem odd, attract unwanted attention?"

"Of course not. We're in a private hanger."

"Oh."

Carlisle smiled. "It seems that Alice laid out our clothes for today when she brought the last load of luggage on board. Would you like to dress, and we can set out for breakfast?"

"Okay." Bella sat and threw back the covers, one leg moving toward the edge of the bed, when Carlisle's hand on her shoulder stopped her. She turned to him.

"Haven't you forgotten something?"

Carlisle closed the distance between them at vampiric speed. Bella gasped in surprise as he took her lips with his.

She was horrified, he had kissed her before she could freshen herself from her sleep. She pushed on Carlisle's shoulder. He pulled back slightly in question.

Bella blushed and grimaced, as she mumbled her explanation. "Mouthwash."

Carlisle's smile bordered on salacious. "And still you taste divine." He chuckled as the blush rose in her cheeks.

Before she could protest further, he pressed her back into the pillows with his body, one of his hands nestled in her hair, his cool fingers tracing patterns on her neck. His other hand was busy teasing her curves, arousing her instantaneously. He took her lips again; this time with such passion that she cried out into the kiss. Without conscious thought Bella raised her knees and let them fall open. Her lace nightshirt pooled at the top of her thighs, exposing the entire length of her legs. Carlisle accepted her subconscious invitation. He settled between her legs and moved against her sinuously. His right hand caressed her slowly from her knee up her newly exposed thigh. His fingers reached up beneath the hem of her nightshirt to lightly tease at the side of her hip.

Bella's hands danced along Carlisle's sides down to the waist of his sleep pants. Her fingers made their way around and insinuated themselves beneath his waistband to stroke the small of his back. Overcome with the need for more of him, Bella sucked Carlisle's tongue. She shivered as he moaned into her intensified kiss. Suddenly his hand was completely beneath her nightshirt, on her bottom, pulling her lower body up to meet his as he pressed himself tightly to her. She could feel all of him. The sensation of Carlisle Cullen pressed intimately against her through thin, barely there scraps of loose cloth, ignited something primal within her, something needful and new. One of Carlisle's hands skimmed up her side and around her ribs tantalizing her sensitive flesh.

She broke their kiss, putting her hands on his chest, pushing him up. She followed him to a seated position.

His honeyed eyes were confused as they sought hers. Her blush deepened under his scrutiny. Becoming concerned he reached out and moved a lock of hair that had fallen over her face back behind her ear. He brushed her cheek affectionately with the back of his fingers. She closed her eyes. With his middle and index finger under her jaw he gently nudged her chin so that she would look at him again.

Bella opened her eyes and gazed into his— they really were the windows to his loving soul. She took a deep breath, during her inner struggle for confidence she had forgotten to breathe. She nodded to herself imperceptibly. This was Carlisle. She could do this. Her eyes continued to gaze into his as she reached down and gathered the hem of her lace nightshirt in her hands. She pulled it up slowly, once she was free of it, she sent the offending material flying away. His hungry gaze made her glad that she had found the nerve to undress for him. The desirous look on his face caused her entire body to throb with want. She put her arms around his neck, threading her fingers in his silky flaxen hair, bringing him with her as she lay back down.

He continued to gaze at her newly exposed body. "Isabella." His voice was rough with passion and repressed need. "My God, how I love you."

His name was a spoken on an urgent breath. "Carlisle." She stilled, the sentiment she had begun to return died on her lips as he began worshipping her bare body with his hands and mouth. Not an inch of her skin was neglected as his hands ghosted over her flesh, drawing incoherent sounds from her.

Carlisle marveled at the delicate sounds of pleasure Bella was making as he touched her.

Bella didn't remain passive for long. She wanted him out of his clothes so she tugged on his shirt. He needed no further encouragement, shrugging it off to join hers forgotten on the plane's floor. Her breath caught as he smiled at her and hooked his dexterous fingers in the waist of her panties, seeing permission in her eyes. He made no further move to divest her of the last of her clothes, his fingers teased her around the edges of the small garment covering her most intimate place. He was waiting for her to speak her consent.

Her voice was somewhat breathless, but insistent nonetheless. "Yes, Carlisle, please."

He bent over her, slipping her panties sensuously down her legs. When they passed her feet, he lifted her left leg, languidly kissing the arch of her foot. He moved his mouth along her skin, making a trail of little kisses and nips around her ankle and up her calf to the back of her knee. He paused there, placing open mouthed kisses on the overly sensitive skin behind her knee, making her squirm and writhe.

He raised his head. His eyes, darkened with desire, bore into hers as she panted his name. "Isabella, you are gorgeously beautiful."

She giggled at his dated phraseology.

"Are you laughing at me?" he asked as he prowled with mock menace up her body.

She was terribly serious despite the breathiness of her voice as she responded. "Never." She reached down to him awkwardly, her hands blindly clutching at the waistband of his sleep pants, pushing at them. His hands replaced hers and in one swift move he divested himself of the rest of his clothes.

Bella's eyes widened, she scooted back so she could see all of Carlisle. Her mouth formed a slight oh as she took in his naked perfection.

He knelt beside her and hesitated.

When she finally found her voice, it was filled with awe. "Carlisle." She didn't need to elaborate. It was clear she found him breathtaking. She didn't hesitate. She had to touch him, to be sure such masculine beauty could be real. No artist's rendering, no imagination could conjure such magnificence. She ran her hands through his hair, down his shoulders, across his chest. Her fingers ghosted down to the sparse, downy blond hair dusting below his ridiculously appealing belly button. She faltered.

Carlisle's voice was gentle and understanding. "It's okay, you can touch me."

When she didn't respond he continued. "You have touched me through my clothes, this is not so different."

Indecision was apparent on her face.

"Isabella, if you are uncertain, if you are uncomfortable in any way, we can stop."

"No!" Her wide eyes flew up to meet his soft gaze. She smiled shyly and opened her arms to him. "Come closer? I want to really feel you."

His arms were around her then, pulling her to him. Their breath mingled, hot and cold.

Bella shivered with anticipation as his their bodies finally pressed together skin on skin. She whispered against his lips. "I love you."

Carlisle groaned and pressed his mouth firmly to hers, as her fingers trailed over his body. Her tentative caresses wove a blazing path along his skin, drawing needful sounds and encouraging words from him. As her touches turned bolder he became consumed by her heated explorations. He surrendered to her questing hands, lips and tongue. Her innocent touches and sweet ministrations coaxed him to climax with an intensity he had never experienced in all his years.

Bella smiled with pure happiness, she was awed that she could give Carlisle Cullen so much pleasure. She didn't have long to think about it, though, because she was soon overwhelmed by him. His kisses were taking her to dizzying heights. His hands were creating feelings within her that were beyond her experience and understanding. She was lost in a vast sea of sensations as he pressed and circled, sucked and nipped. She arched, toes curling, hands clenching as she came apart in Carlisle Cullen's arms. She cried out as something indefinable rushed through her and exploded. She no longer knew who she was. She didn't realize she was crying until she felt Carlisle soothing away her tears with the gentle caress of his thumbs.

Carlisle pulled her trembling form into his embrace.

Her breathing was so rapid and heavy that she couldn't feel his arms properly as they held her.

Carlisle's rich tenor spoke soothingly in her ear. "Shh, it's all right, I have you." He rocked her, kissing her exposed throat under her ear. "I've got you. You're all right."

After several minutes Bella's heart began to calm and her breathing went from hyperventilation to merely hyperpnea. Bella whispered his name on a shaky breath and hid her face from him.

He smiled against the skin of her shoulder as she continued to calm down. "Sweetheart?" He kissed the skin beneath his lips.

She spoke into his chest, keeping her face hidden. "What was… Was that… I... I've never, I've never felt anything like that before."

The joy in Carlisle's smile was unmistakable as he tipped her face so he could look into her eyes. "Isabella, you were beautiful, so very beautiful." He kissed her gently.

"That was… overwhelming." She flashed him a cheeky smile. "And amazing... I mean, wow."

Carlisle grinned. "Isabella, I adore you."

She turned in his arms. "I love you, Carlisle, more than anyone I ever have, or ever will."

She reached out with her index finger and traced his lips. He kissed her finger.

She looked into his eyes, her voice an imploring whisper. "Take me, make me yours."

His renewed need pulsed against her hip, but he made no move to satisfy it. He captured her eyes with his. "Isabella, there is nothing I desire more. I have never felt this kind of pull to anyone." He closed his eyes briefly and exhaled. "God, I need you."

Her voice was clear and direct. "Then have me. I am yours."

He practically growled. "I will have you, I will take you and make you mine." His eyes were pitch black, his next words left no room for doubt. "You are mine, Isabella."

"I am yours, Carlisle. Forever."

His eyes went from black to molten gold. "As I am yours, forever." His voice became gentle and filled with compassion. "Sweetheart, you will, most likely, experience a moment of discomfort."

"I know. I trust you, with everything, Carlisle. I want this with you. I want you." She lay back on the bed open to him, all shyness gone as she beckoned him to her. Her smile was radiant.

He couldn't help but return her smile as he began to move over her. "Isabella."

His phone rang.

They ignored it.

Carlisle hovered over Bella. His gaze took in her flushed face and sparkling liquid eyes. Bella closed the small distance between them and kissed him. He returned her kiss with fervor. His kiss was powerful and possessive. This kiss spoke volumes; she was his, and he was going to take her.

His phone kept ringing.

They parted slightly.

Carlisle dropped his face into Bella's neck in defeat as the phone continued to ring. He reached over, picking it up and hitting talk simultaneously. He put it to his ear only to hear the unwelcome voice of Alice.

He sat up, took a shuddering breath in an attempt to calm himself, and spoke in a voice he hoped sounded much more patient than he felt. "You what?"

Carlisle closed his phone and breathed deeply again. His eyes took in Bella below him and he moaned in agony. She was so beautiful laid out beneath him; her body flushed, her hair fanned out on the pillow, her lips moist and swollen from his kisses, and her eyes bright with desire for him. He captured her hands with his and brought them above her head. He leant down and nuzzled her neck beneath her ear.

He moaned again. "Isabella."

His lips trailed kisses across her jaw until he met her mouth. He kissed her then, his lips savoring hers. It was too soon when he forced himself to pull back slightly. He spoke, his voice filled with longing. "We have to go. Alice made a breakfast appointment with a realtor for us."

"Can't we reschedule?"

He smiled at Bella's pout; he thought it adorable and irresistible. He sought her pouting lips with his, this kiss he imbued with regret and promise. "I wish that we could."

Her delectable breath washed over his face as she sighed. "But, we can't."

"I'm afraid not." He rose regretfully and extended his hand to her. She took it with a smile and rose. Her blush returned with a vengeance as Carlisle gazed openly at her exposed body. She absolutely loved the way he looked at her. It made her feel like the most desirable woman on Earth. She ducked her head and made her way to the plane's bathroom, hiding her shiver of delight at the thought of her being able to make Carlisle Cullen get that look in his eyes.

When Bella emerged a few minutes later, she found Carlisle dressed and fastening his cufflinks. He was wearing a casual, form fitting off-white button down tucked neatly into light stone, low rise chinos. His off-white shirt and slightly darker trousers blended seamlessly. His boat shoes, that were the same exact shade of stone as his trousers, barely peeked out from beneath them. She smiled, glad that she wasn't Alice's only victim.

"Isabella, you look lovely."

She looked down at herself. She wore a simple empire waisted off-white shirt dress and cardigan. Her dress seemed to be made of the same linen as Carlisle's Hugo Boss shirt. "We match."

Carlisle appeared in front of her instantly, his large elegant hand cupping her cheek. His golden eyes met hers. "Perfectly."

She felt the heat as her blush rose again. She knew he didn't mean just their clothes.


Carlisle opened the car door for Bella, and she slid into the cream leather seat. He smiled as her dress rode up to expose her right knee before he closed her door. He walked to the driver's side, unable to suppress a cocky smirk.

Carlisle fired the powerful engine. Bella smiled indulgently as she attached the ignition key and remote he'd just given her to the collection of keys on her swan keychain. They lay right beside their counterparts to Carlisle's Mercedes. "You bought this car?"

"We needed something to drive while we are here."

"You know, most people would just rent a car."

"You can't rent an XK8 convertible." He steered the powerful sleek black car out of the small airfield and onto route three.

"I suppose it will be fun to ride with the top down when it's raining, because we can't when the sun is out."

"Ah, but my dear, there will be many warm overcast days, with no rain or sun. We will be able to enjoy autumn's splendor with the top down."

"How do you know that?"

"I have my ways." His voice was mysterious but they both knew he meant Alice.

Carlisle reached over and took her hand in his. She smiled up at him. As his mind replayed their morning for the umpteenth time, his demeanor vacillated between cocky and adoring. In this moment he wasn't the competent and reserved three-hundred-sixty-three year old leader, nor was he the skilled and accomplished doctor. He was a twenty-three year old man in love. A young man who had just given the woman he would spend eternity with her first taste of pleasure. His smile became cocky again as he reveled in the fact he had pleased her so powerfully, that he was the first to ever give her that kind of intimate pleasure.

Bella wasn't nervous at all as Carlisle gazed at her while speeding down the road. That instinctual fear never came up with him. She knew her safety was always his first priority; he would never do anything to endanger her. She enjoyed driving with him immensely. With Carlisle she could appreciate the unique way a vampire could handle a car.

Carlisle brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed hers. She smiled at him as her thoughts wandered back to their morning. She was astonished that she had been able to please him. She had been afraid her inexperience would leave him wanting. Now, she had no doubt that she had more than satisfied him. The intensity of his reactions to her ministrations, the paroxysms of pleasure she had given him leading him to a frenzied climax… She bit her lip as an intense spark of desire flared within her. She wondered how she would ever keep her hands off him.

They drove on, each basking in their own unique version of the absolute love they felt for the other. They were both filled with an all consuming bliss.

In what seemed like no time at all, Carlisle was parking on the street in front of a quaint inn. He held out his hand and helped Bella out of the car, guiding her, hand on the small of her back, up the walk toward the inn.

Bella looked at the old, gold building with its contrasting green trim. "It's cute."

The tempting aromas wafting out the Inn's front door into the early morning fog made Bella's stomach rumble in anticipation.

"And I do believe that it has the best breakfast offerings in this part of the state."

"Really?" She nudged him gently with her elbow, her voice was teasing. "And how would you know?"

"I may not eat, but I can read."

She sobered. "It was unkind of Alice to book a meeting over a meal."

"Only because it interrupted our…" He dropped his voice. "More pleasant activities."

"Well, yes." She blushed deeply. "I suppose you are adept at secreting food, but in that outfit there's no place to hide it." Her eyes swept over Carlisle's form appreciatively. "God, sometimes I could hate Alice! Forget breakfast, I just want to..." Bella trailed off as they were approached by a middle-aged woman carrying a bag emblazoned with a real estate logo."

"You must be Dr. Cullen."

Carlisle smiled at the woman. "I am."

She extended her hand. "I'm Gail, from Sotheby's. I'll be helping you find the perfect home."

"Carlisle. It's good of you to meet with us on Sunday."

"Carlisle." She smiled. "Sunday is no problem. It's not unusual, I often meet clients on the weekend. It's a good time."

Carlisle shook her hand. He turned his gaze to Bella, his eyes shining with love and pride. "This is Bella."

Gail turned her attention to Bella and gave her a warm smile. "Dr. Cullen, er, Carlisle, spoke of you in his emails. I'm pleased to meet you, Bella."

Bella took her extended hand. "And you, Gail."

"Shall we?" Carlisle motioned for Gail to precede them into the inn.

The breakfast area was small. But they got one of the few wooden tables available. Carlisle held Gail's chair and then Bella's, causing Bella to smile inwardly as other patrons looked on curiously. Not many people had Carlisle's impeccable manners. Even the realtor was flustered by them; but, she quickly regained her composure and pulled her laptop, along with several folders out of her bag.

Bella nibbled a biscuit with strawberry butter and sipped her hot tea while the realtor outlined some of the properties she had to offer. Carlisle appeared to be doing the same. Bella idly wondered if he had devised a way to hide his food, or if he would need to purge it later. She smiled absently as her mind wandered.

"Isabella?"

Carlisle and the realtor had been speaking to her. She blushed. Her thoughts had strayed to their time in the plane that morning. Then they had rushed on to anticipate the upcoming evening. In a hotel. Alone. Together. As she realized her name was being spoken she shook her head slightly, trying to rid herself of her mind's lascivious musings. "I'm sorry. I don't think I'm quite awake yet. The time difference has me out of sorts."

Carlisle took Bella's free hand in his on the tabletop. His smile was that of deep affection. "Which one do you think we should look at first?"

Bella studied the photos and their descriptions in front of her.

The realtor drew Carlisle's attention. "May I ask, Dr. Cullen, are you from England?"

"Originally, yes. But, I've been in The States for quite some time now."

"My parents were born in England."

"What part?"

"Basingstoke and Swindon. You're a Londoner, aren't you?"

"Indeed." Carlisle's smile was genuine. He liked Gail. She was friendly without being flirtatious. That was a rare treat for him.

With Bella's attention now firmly focused on the photographs of available properties spread out on the table, the meeting went smoothly. Gail was good at her job. Having communicated extensively with Carlisle via email, she only presented them with options that met their criteria. They made arrangements to look at properties in Fletchers Landing Township, Northeast Harbor, Pretty Marsh, Roque Bluffs, Machias and Cutler on Wednesday. If none of those suited, they would look at more properties the following day. They parted with more handshakes.

"Would you like to walk through town for a while?" Carlisle asked as the realtor drove off.

"Don't you need to take care of breakfast?"

"Not at all." Carlisle smiled.

Bella's brows furrowed. He had looked like he was eating. "You had the same thing I did; eggs, bacon, homefries, and a biscuit. I don't see it oozing out of your pocket." She grinned mischievously and patted his back pocket. "Nope not there. Where is it?"

Carlisle laughed. "You'll find a plastic bag in your purse. You can feed it to some wildlife later on, if you'd like."

Bella smiled and shook her head. "Don't we need to get our luggage?"

"It's all being taken care of for us."

She shook her head again, this time in good natured exasperation. "Yeah, let's go for a walk, then."

Carlisle took her left hand in his right. Their fingers intertwined. They both looked at their locked hands. After a few moments Carlisle's eyes traveled up to Bella's face. She looked up and their eyes met. They smiled. They could walk down the street together without fear of prejudice or censure.

Bella's smile widened. "Three thousand five hundred twenty-one miles, give or take."

Carlisle understood what she was saying. He grinned and tugged on her hand. She tumbled into his body. Her free hand pressed to his chest as he wound his free arm around her waist and held her to him. He ducked his head and kissed her soundly. When they broke apart, neither could contain their joyous grins as they turned and strolled down the sidewalk hand in hand.

Carlisle and Bella were seated on a bench, on the village green, deep in conversation.

They both turned at the sound of a man's voice. "Carlisle!"

Bella turned to see a scholarly looking man with a high forehead, round glasses and a neat beard rushing toward them.

"Jim?" Carlisle's voice held equal amounts of pleasure and surprise. As the man reached them Carlisle stood and they clasped hands. "What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you that, Carlisle. I work here. I'm priest-in-charge of three churches hereabouts."

"I didn't know."

"It's a new post, so much happened so quickly I haven't had a chance to write."

"Jim." Carlisle's melodic voice filled with excitement and love as he turned towards Bella. "May I present, Isabella Swan."

Jim released Carlisle's hand and extended his hand to Bella. She accepted it and looked up. She inhaled in understanding as she looked into his topaz eyes. "Miss Swan, I'm very pleased to meet the unique woman who could capture Carlisle's heart."

Bella and Carlisle both regarded Jim in puzzlement. He laughed. "Alice called me."

"Ah." Carlisle nodded in understanding. Alice must have foreseen them meeting during this trip so she contacted Jim. Carlisle resumed his seat beside Bella and gestured for Jim to sit with them. Instead Jim shook his head and sank down on the grass, heedless of the morning dew, to sit cross legged in front of them.

"So, Miss Swan-"

"Bella, please."

"Bella. Has Carlisle told you about me?"

Bella looked at Carlisle and answered. "No, he hasn't."

"I'm crushed, Carlisle."

Carlisle smiled. "No, you're not."

Jim looked at Bella. "He's right, I'm not." He laughed. "There is so much to tell when you've lived as long as we have. I'm sure I would have been the very next person he told you about."

"I doubt that," Carlisle said, good humor lacing his voice.

"Ah ha! You were keeping your love for me secret, to keep your beautiful lady from becoming jealous."

Carlisle deadpanned, "Oh yes, my passion for you knows no bounds. As I'm sure you've told your husband."

Jim sighed and spoke to Bella. "I'm only messing with him, dear girl. It's really a shame though, Carlisle's way too pretty to be wasted on one gender."

Carlisle smiled. "How is Rafe?"

Jim looked back at Carlisle. "Rafe's very well. I know he'd love to see you. Although, he's not my husband unless we reside in Massachusetts, which we don't, anymore. But, it's two-thousand-six, our time has come, we'll get our marriage legalized here too."

"I've no doubt." Carlisle's eyes sparkled as he turned to Bella. "Jim and I met in the sixties…"

"Let me tell her, Carlisle." Jim turned to Bella and spoke in an exaggeratedly hushed voice. "The old man tends to ramble."

Bella laughed. "He's only twenty-three. How old are you?"

"Oh my, Carlisle, she is a spitfire." He winked at Bella making her laugh.

"He is more than twice my age," Carlisle told Bella with smirk.

Jim looked highly offended as he spoke to Bella. "How old we were when we were changed doesn't matter. I'm much younger than he is in actual years spent walking this Earth, and that's all I'm saying." Despite his tone of finality, he laughed. "Now, I'll give you the story in a nutshell."

Carlisle caught Bella's eyes and rolled his playfully.

"All right." She pointedly turned her attention from Carlisle to Jim, amusing them both.

"Well, I was traveling one day, as I tended to do before I met Carlisle; when I happened upon him drinking from a deer. Imagine my shock, and disgust! Nevertheless, I was fascinated. I watched him feed and when he finished his meal he introduced himself. Just like that. There was no feeding frenzy that needed to abate, nothing. Just a 'how do you do, by the way I don't drink from humans, and I live in a house, with a family'. Of course I didn't believe him."

Carlisle interrupted. "I took the beggar home to meet the family and we couldn't shake him. He stayed for years."

Jim mock glared at Carlisle, "I'm telling this story, you mind your Ps and Qs." He turned back to Bella with an affable smile. "In my human life I'd been a priest, Anglican of course. Then, one dark and stormy night-"

"Oh, please..." Carlisle interrupted.

"Fine." Jim huffed. "One cold night I saw a homeless man on my way back to the rectory. I stopped to offer him food and shelter, only to discover he wasn't a man at all. Why he didn't drain the life out of me, I'll never know. After what seemed like an eternity of pain under a disused bridge, I was a vampire, a nomadic human drinking vampire. That is all that I thought I could be, until Carlisle taught me another way of living this immortal life. I stayed with his family until I became completely safe around humans. Carlisle told me that if he could work as a doctor, I could go back to being a priest. Still, I was afraid that I might slip." He looked Bella in the eye. "Do you know how Carlisle convinced me that I was safe to be in human society?

Bella's voice betrayed her rapt attention to anything involving Carlisle. "No."

"He took me to see Star Wars."

Carlisle interjected, his tone harassed. "And you haven't stopped talking about it since. Tell her about all your collections." Carlisle looked at Bella seriously. "It's quite disturbing, how fanatical he is about a film series."

"He's a Star Wars... er… fan?"

"Exactly."

"Anyway," Jim said pointedly, "Carlisle took me to Star Wars. It was our first date. It was a magical evening-"

Carlisle's tone was that of mock exasperation. "It wasn't a date. The whole family went. We didn't even ride in the same car. You sat between Edward and Esme for the film."

"Yes, well, you keep telling yourself it wasn't a date."

Bella laughed.

Jim's voice turned serious. "It really was a pivotal night. I wasn't even the littlest bit tempted by all the humans crammed in together, filling their blood streams with excitement over the revolutionary special effects."

Carlisle smiled in remembrance. "I told you, your control rivaled mine."

"Hardly, it still doesn't. I don't think anyone's does. I couldn't work as a doctor. If a human bleeds-"

"You remove yourself, and the human is safe. What more could you ask of yourself?" Carlisle's voice was buoying.

"Yes well, I was still unsure of my control." Jim's voice took on a mysterious anticipatory tone. "Do you know what Carlisle did, then?"

Bella shook her head, eager to hear anything she could about Carlisle.

"He went to Seminary with me. Can you believe that? Only Carlisle, eh?"

Bella glanced at Carlisle.

Jim drew her attention back to himself as he continued. "We went to Yale, we got Masters of Divinity and Diplomas in Anglican Studies from Berkeley. Although, Carlisle had no need, he'd already been an Anglican Pastor in his human life, he was raised to be one."

Bella smiled at Carlisle. "Yes, I know he was."

Carlisle's gold eyes gleamed in the morning light as he returned her smile with a soft smile of his own.

Jim ignored their byplay and continued. "After we finished at Berkeley, I was confident about my control. It wasn't long before I received my first post with The Church. I began to live like Carlisle and his family, only in a rectory, not a house; and voila, here we are."

Bella gazed at Carlisle, her adoration clear on her face. "I'm not surprised that he would do all that for you."

Jim shook his head and smiled. "Well, I think we've stroked Carlisle's ego enough for now." His face betrayed his excitement as he voiced an invitation. "It's very early, there's plenty of time before anyone begins arriving for services; come, let me show you my church! It's just a couple of buildings down this way." He pointed behind them.

Carlisle looked at Bella questioningly. She nodded.

Carlisle answered. "Of course, we'd love to." He extended his hands to Bella. She took them and rose, he tucked one of her hands into the crook of his arm as they turned to follow Jim.

Jim took them on a tour of his church, proudly recounting its history. Bella was enthralled by the Tiffany windows. Carlisle admired the carillon. After they had seen everything, Bella sat in the back, reading The Book of Common Prayer. Jim had given it her to her to keep her occupied as he took Carlisle aside.

"Put your hand in your left front pocket, Carlisle. You'll find what you were wishing for."

Carlisle was confused. "Excuse me?"

"Those are the words Alice told me to say to you. Although, she did tell me what you'll find in there." Jim gestured vaguely at Carlisle's pocket.

Carlisle put his hand in his trousers' pocket. His fingers closed around a ring. He turned his back to Bella and withdrew it. It was the engagement ring he had special ordered for her.

Carlisle's eyes shot to Jim's. Jim spoke seriously. "Hmm, yes, it seems our dear fortune teller knew that you had decided to ask your Bella to marry you on this trip. Is she manipulating you, or is it true?"

Carlisle laughed. "It's true."

"Hmm. Was it your idea to propose or is Alice pushing you?"

"I did decide to propose to Bella on this trip, with no encouragement from Alice or anyone else. I was forced to change my plans, because I didn't have time to pick up the ring." Carlisle fiddled with the ring in his fingers.

"Well then, it looks like you're back to plan A. So, for you and your lovely Isabella, I have waived the counseling requirement. The town hall is on Cottage Street. They are closed on Sunday, but it's a small town and the clerk is a personal friend. She will meet you there, she's arranged for you to get your license straight away. There's no waiting period in Maine, so your license will be valid immediately. You can legally marry today. Rafe and our parish administrator will be happy to serve as witnesses if you need them. I'll close to the public at noon today. I'll see you both back here at two-thirty."

Carlisle was speechless. Jim laughed.

"I decided to propose, not to marry on this trip."

"I was told to inform you, and I quote, 'never bet against Alice.'"

Carlisle's eyes kept flicking back and forth between the engagement ring and his old friend.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Carlisle!" Jim laughed again. "Ask her before Alice calls her and you lose the element of surprise."

"Oh God." Even though it was impossible, Carlisle looked like he might be ill.

"That's the spirit!" Jim slapped him on the shoulder and disappeared through a side door, at vampiric speed.

Carlisle's phone vibrated. He looked at the caller ID, then turned his eyes to Bella. She was engrossed in her reading. He remained out of her hearing range to take the call.

Alice spoke before Carlisle could. "Before you say anything, Carlisle, I have to ask you something." Her voice turned serious without being confrontational. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes."

"Carlisle…" She paused waiting for a response.

"Yes, Alice?"

"Do you trust me?"

"What have you seen?"

Her voice took on more of an edge. "Do you trust me, Carlisle?"

"Yes, Alice, I trust you. You know I do."

"He doesn't." Alice had never warmed up to Jim.

"I do."

"Good. And remember that response for this evening." Carlisle could hear her smile over the phone.

"Don't count on anything, Alice."

"No! It needs to be today, Carlisle. Obviously, from Jim's involvement you can tell that I know what Bella's answer will be when you ask her to marry you. Stop being nervous, you have an edge most men in your position don't. This is a sure thing."

"It is not. Your visions are subjective. Your vision of our marriage can only be based on my decision to propose. As I haven't proposed yet, Bella can't have made a decision to accept or decline my proposal."

"Now you're just being negative. She'll marry you today."

"I had only hoped to propose on this trip. Why do you want us to get married, today?"

"For the same reason I interrupted you this morning. Just as I know Bella will be one of us, I know that she won't come home from this trip a virgin. That never changes, no matter what decisions are made and unmade."

"Alice-"

"I didn't look for it, Carlisle, believe me. That is one thing I never want to see again. But, after seeing the aftermath, I know that you really need to do this the old fashioned way, in a certain order. That way there will be fewer problems later. Bella will be questioned, and you know she can't lie."

"Questioned? Alice, what have you seen?"

"I can only tell you that you need to marry Bella today."

"If my being intimate with Bella is a problem, we can abstain."

"Believe me, you can't. And neither can she, no matter your intentions. It has to be this way, Carlisle."

"This interference has to stop, Alice. You told me to stop a long time ago, when Bella and I were... in the car. You said to wait until I could make Bella's first time special for her. I agreed with you. I have waited, and planned a very special evening for her." Alice almost didn't hear his next comment. "It seems like we've waited forever."

"I know, Carlisle. What you had planned would have been more than perfect for both of you, it really would have. But, that was before your little impromptu show at the fire. You don't know who may have seen your more than friendly embrace with Bella. I know you don't want your relationship with Bella defined by others beliefs, but sometimes it's best to do what needs to be done. It's not like you weren't going to ask her to marry you anyway. You ordered her ring weeks ago. And, trust me on this, Carlisle, this needs to be done. Today. I have searched every possible outcome, and this is the best for everyone."

"How could something so personal, so simple, possibly have a bad outcome?"

"If I could tell you more, I would. I can't, you know how it works. You have to trust me on this. You and Bella need to marry today."

"If you are giving up being involved in planning a wedding for this, it must be important."

"It is important. You need to get married today, Carlisle, no waiting and no avoiding. Just trust me, please. It will be a disaster if you don't."

"Alice-"

"Now, just because future events are influencing your timing, there is no reason Bella should be cheated out of a decent wedding. Elopements can be even more romantic than big weddings. So, let's talk details. You'll find the perfect wedding rings at the jewelers on Pine Street, you'll want to go there together after you get your license. There are lots of fall tourists now, so they are still open on Sundays. It's only a half hour drive, I'll text you the directions."

"Alice-"

"Your wedding clothes are labeled with today's date and two-thirty pm."

"Alice-"

"Oh, and your mother's diamond necklace is in your medical bag. I know you were planning on giving it to Bella, and you won't have time to shop for a wedding present for her. It's boxed, wrapped and ready to go. Make sure you give it to her before the ceremony, so she can wear it."

"Alice-"

"I've planned a romantic dinner for after your ceremony. Bella will need to eat."

"Alice-"

"There will be a wedding cake, force yourself to eat a tiny bite of it. Feeding each other is an important tradition. You won't even need to purge one single tiny bite until the next day, so it won't put a damper on your evening. You won't even know it's in there. Although, as the tradition sort of represents nourishing each other, maybe I should get some blood there. You could feed her cake and she can give you- Oh! That will be perfect. Go along with this, Carlisle. It's Bella's day, remember that, no matter what she says or does!"

"Alice-"

"What?"

"May I go to her?"

"Oh, of course! I'll text everything to you. Go. Now!"

"Good-bye, Alice."

"It will be perfect, Carlisle, trust me!"

Carlisle processed everything Alice had revealed, while at the same time speculating on that which she had kept to herself. He knew that further questioning of Alice would get him nowhere. He hated that Alice's visions would disrupt his perfect plans for Bella. He really wished that Alice had a different gift. Of course, without Alice's visions many horrific events would have happened. Were he human, he would have a headache. If he ignored Alice's visions there would be consequences, that he knew; but, he really didn't want to rush his beautiful Isabella, she deserved more.

He ran his fingers nervously over Bella's engagement ring and turned to look at her. His eyes filled with indecision.


AN: Thank you for reading!