Thank you to the amazing Alice's White Rabbit and annaharding for pre-reading and beta-ing this for me. You wouldn't be reading this without them. I did add/change a few things after they saw it, so any mistakes I take full and complete credit for. Stephanie Meyer owns the original human characters. All of the dogs are mine.

Chapter 3

~~~DINNER~~~

I still took the dogs to the park on Sunday and Monday mornings, and I'm glad I did. On Sunday, in particular, there were lots of dogs running around, and the boys got good and tired out.

After packing for both my trip and all of the dogs' food, treats, and Beaker's meds, I finally headed over to Edward's around 6:30 PM. I was extremely nervous and kept willing myself to calm down.

When I arrived, Edward came out to greet me and help me get my three excited dogs out of the car.

"Hi, Bella. How are you today?" He has the sweetest smile when he says this.

"I'm good. You?"

His smile remains. "I'm good."

Then he focuses on the dogs. "Hey, guys! You ready for a sleepover?" It was if they could understand him as they excitedly jumped around him and went straight into the house.

I grab their bag of goodies and follow.

"Wow. I guess they really won't care that I'm gone," I said as I entered the house, only to see them run off with Bo and Bea.

"Oh, they'll miss you. Once you leave, they'll miss you," Edward says with a laugh.

Noticing the delicious scents coming from his kitchen, I let out a louder than I intended moan. "Mmmm. Something smells delicious. What are we having?"

An even bigger smile breaks out on Edward's face. "My grandmother's lasagna."

"Homemade?"

"Yep. Only I didn't know whether you ate meat or not, so I made it half-vegetarian and half with meat. Either way, it's always been one of my favorites. I hope you like it."

"Based on how it smells in here, I'd say I will!"

Edward then asks me, "Would you like some wine? I have red and white."

"I think red wine will go well with the lasagna. That would be great."

"Okay, I have Shiraz, Merlot, Pino Noir, Cabernet, and Malbec."

Before I start laughing, I'm able to say, "Is that all?"

At first, he looks concerned, then notices I'm laughing. "I almost thought you were serious."

"What would you recommend?"

"Let's go with the Cabernet." And he's off to grab a bottle.

He comes back with two bottles, sets them on the counter, and opens one. "We need to let it breathe for a while. The lasagna still has about another 20 minutes before it's done. I just need to pop the garlic bread in the oven, then we can start with our salads."

"You're quite the cook," I tell him.

"Well, you live alone long enough, you get tired of take out, so you learn to cook. It comes in handy."

He guides me to the table in his kitchen. "I really didn't think you'd want to eat in the formal dining room. It's far too big for two people. Or four people," he says with a shrug.

On the table is a large salad bowl with a beautiful-looking salad, four different types of salad dressing, a bowl of croutons, and two place settings with salad bowls.

"That's quite a salad. It looks great."

We sit down and serve ourselves. I'm trying to figure out what salad dressing to use. "Hmm. Thousand Island, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Ranch, French. You've got it all covered!"

"Again, I didn't know what you liked, though I was pretty sure you'd like one of those."

"You didn't have to go out of your way to buy all this."

He shrugs. "I tend to have a lot of variety for when my family visits or friends come over. Many of them tend to have two-legged children, so I always keep more than I should so the kids are happy."

After enjoying our salads, Edward serves up the lasagna and garlic bread, though he admits to going light on the garlic so we wouldn't offend each other.

I'm happy with either vegetarian or meat, so I take some from each side. It had to be one of the best things I had ever tasted. "Oh, my God. This is amazing," I tell Edward.

"I'm glad you like it. It's one of my favorites."

As we eat and talk, it suddenly dawns on me that we haven't seen the dogs for a while.

"Edward, do you have any idea where the dogs are?"

"They're probably downstairs. Let me clean up and we'll go find them."

"Oh, no. You cooked. Let me clean up, please?

"Absolutely not! You're a guest. Just stay here, or if you want, go ahead and prepare Beaker's, Boomer's, and Bumper's dinners, then I'll go find them."

I shake my head but get up and grab the boys' food. I had typed up instructions for Edward, though the boys really are quite easy. I prepare Beaker's thyroid pill, putting it in a spoonful of peanut butter.

"Found them!" I hear Edward yell as he's heading back up the stairs from the basement. "They were all in the basement having a good time. And it seems as if Bumper decided the stuffed elephant should be un-stuffed."

"Oh, no! I am so sorry. Just let me know what he destroys, and I'll replace it. You'll have to watch him. He likes to pull the stuffing out of pillows, toys, cushions."

"That's fine," Edward replies. "Bo did the same thing until about a year ago. It's no problem."

I show Edward the boys' food, how much each one gets, Beaker's medication, then set the bowls down. They devour their food in mere seconds. It's as though they think I'm going to take their food away or something.

Edward feeds Bo and Bea and asks if I want to have some dessert while letting everyone out in his fenced-in backyard.

"Oh, no, thank you. I'm stuffed, and I need to get home. I'm off to the airport very early tomorrow morning. Though, it'll be strange trying to go to sleep without these three climbing all over me."

"I get it. I've had to go to LA for some sessions, and having a bed all to myself just doesn't feel right," he tells me.

"Thank you again, Edward. I owe you big time."

We look at each other. I'm wondering if a hug is appropriate, but instead, we walk to the back door. "I better go so you're not trying to wrestle the boys to get me out the door."

"I'll send you photos, and if you want, we can talk, and I can hold the phone to their ears so you can talk to them."

I get a tear in my eye. "That would be great. Thanks. I'll talk with you tomorrow."

"Safe travels."

We look at each other again for a few seconds. I lean in and give him a quick kiss on the cheek before I get in the car and drive away.

The house is way too quiet when I get back, but I busy myself with a quick shower, and then I toss some last-minute items for my trip into my suitcase.

At 9:25, I hear my phone tone indicating I have a text message. I open it to see all five dogs lying on Edward's basement floor, relaxing. "Just about bed time!" the text says. It brings a smile to my face.

I type out a quick reply. "Me, too. Thanks. Miss you boys!"

~~~AWAY~~~

When I wake up Tuesday morning, it's a strange feeling not to have to let the boys out and feed them. Which is okay as my car is coming in 45 minutes, and I have to get ready quickly.

At the airport, my phone pings again with another text. This time, it's a picture of all five dogs in Edward's bed. I laugh out loud and reply with, "I hope you were comfortable on the sofa!"

"I actually slept in the bed. It wasn't too bad until I got up this morning. Then everyone moved, and there was no longer room for me."

"Did everyone behave last night?" I ask him.

As I wait for his reply, he calls me. "Yes, everyone behaved. It was fine."

"Have they eaten yet this morning?" I ask.

"No, they haven't gotten out of bed yet. As soon as I get dressed, I'll let them out and work on breakfast. That should be fun—trying to feed five dogs at once!"

I laugh. "Yeah. I'd love to see that."

Laughing, Edward replies, "Me, too! What time is your flight?"

"I still have an hour. I was just reviewing some of the programming while waiting. I don't tend to log on to Wi-Fi when I fly. I figure I can do without work for the four-hour flight."

"I know!" Edward says. "I don't understand why people can't just be unconnected for a couple hours."

"I usually end up reading on the flight and try to nap for a little bit."

"Where are you off to? You said California, but where?"

"Los Angeles. My client is in downtown LA, and I'll be staying at the JW Marriott."

"I love that hotel," says Edward. "I've stayed there a few times, like for the Grammy's, which are held nearby at the Staples Center."

Stunned, I ask, "You've been to the Grammy's?"

With a small chuckle, he says, "Yeah. Like six or seven times."

"Edward. Should I know who you are? Like are you famous or something?"

I hear him sigh and start immediately thinking, yeah, he's famous.

"I do okay," is all he'll tell me.

"I'll take that as a yes," I say.

"Bella, please don't think about it. I'm just Edward, okay?" He sounds almost sad as he says this.

"Okay. Well, I better let you get to the dogs. My boys are used to eating around 6:00 each morning, so it's already past their breakfast time."

"Oh! I better get going. Have a safe flight."

"I will. Talk with you later," I say.

"Bye." And he hangs up.

I sit there staring at my computer for a few seconds. Should I google him or shouldn't I? I don't know his last name, but how many musicians are in the Chicago area named Edward who have been to the Grammy's multiple times?

I decide against it. He didn't sound thrilled, and I would feel as though I was going behind his back.

I get my things together and wander to the gate, preferring to line up a few minutes before the official boarding time. Flying is like a horribly crowded cattle call, and it's definitely no longer a luxury.

Before I turn my phone off for departure, I get another text from Edward. It's a photo of all five dogs eating their breakfasts. He tags it with, "Breakfast accomplished!" I laugh and type out a quick reply "Glad it went well," then turned off my phone.

I really can't relax on the plane as my mind keeps going back to Edward and his numerous times at the Grammys. Granted, I'm not completely up on music the kids listen to these days, but you'd think I would have heard about someone with multiple Grammy appearances. Ugh! Just let it go, Bella; just let it go.

When the plane lands, I turn on my phone and see another photo from Edward. This one is all five dogs sleeping in the living room and tagged with, "Full bellies, it's nap time!" I reply with, "Looks like fun!"

I check into my hotel and power up my computer to go over all of the items for tomorrow's meeting with my client. I want to make sure everything is working properly and to make sure that I haven't missed anything.

After a couple hours, I look at the clock, and it's only 12:30 PM, but I'm starving. I finally realize it's two hours later at home, so of course, I'm hungry. I head out to try and find something quick. My client is coming by around 6:00 to take me to dinner, but I know I can't wait until then.

As I'm walking around, I see the Staples Center, and my mind wanders back to Edward. I mean, he's incredibly kind, gorgeously handsome, is a great cook, and now, apparently, he's rich and famous, too.

I'm lame. I walk into Starbucks, order the largest iced coffee they make, and grab a sandwich.

I walk around for a while, finishing my coffee, before returning to my hotel room. I end up napping for about an hour and find it time to get ready for dinner. Not knowing how late I'll be, I call Edward to check on everyone. My call goes to voice mail, so I leave a brief message.

Dinner with Rachel is great. We've been working together for about eight years and have always gotten along great. While it's supposed to be a business dinner, most of our discussion focuses on family and home ownership as she just recently bought her first house.

She asks how the dogs are doing and where they're staying while I'm in LA. I must admit thinking about the real story—I met a gorgeous guy at the dog park, he made me dinner, and has all three of my babies with him in his mansion, and, oh, he's some kind of famous musician—it sounds a bit off, so I just tell her they're staying with a friend who lives nearby.

I get back to the hotel around 9:30 and check my messages. There's a text from Edward saying he was sorry he missed my call earlier and to call him when I get back.

I feel terrible calling so late, so I send him a text: Just got back, didn't want to wake you with a call. I'll try to call you tomorrow.

I don't even have time to set the phone down before it's ringing. It's Edward.

"Hi, Bella. Don't worry. It's not too late. Do you have a few minutes?"

"Yeah. I didn't want to wake you, so I figured a text was easiest."

"Don't worry. When I'm not working, I kind of go to bed whenever I want, though I try not to make it too many late nights because of the dogs. I've always found it best to keep them on a regular schedule."

"I totally understand, hence their 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily feedings. How are my boys? Are they behaving for you?"

"Oh, yeah. We're all actually in bed right now."

"I would love to see that!" I say and then slap my palm to my forehead. Really? I just said I'd love to see Edward in bed?

"You would, would you? Do you have FaceTime or Skype?"

Laughing, I reply, "I have FaceTime on my phone."

"Okay. Hang up and I'll call you back on FaceTime."

"Okay, bye."

A few seconds later the phone rings again, and I accept the FaceTime request.

I'm incredibly thankful I hadn't changed for bed yet!

Expecting to see Edward's face, instead I'm greeted with a close up on my Beaker, sleeping peacefully.

"Hi, baby," I say. He looks so peaceful.

The camera pans to Bumper and Boomer, both trying to take up as much of the bed as they possibly can. Then there's Bo and Bea, who are cuddled together.

Finally, he turns the phone around, and I see him with his head against the pillow.

"Hi there," he says with a smirk.

I look at him. "Hey. Thanks for this. I miss them so much, and it helps to see them."

"I get it. They've kind of taken over. Bo and Bea aren't quite sure what to do, but we're good. As long as I don't move, that is!" he says with a laugh.

"Thank you again. It means a lot that they're with someone and not boarded."

"Bella, it's really no problem. Dinnertime takes a little longer, but other than that, all is good. My sister-in-law, Rose, is coming by tomorrow, so we can take them to the dog park. I'm sure I can wrangle the five dogs on my own, but she's going to help me out."

"Oh, that's great! She doesn't mind?"

"Nah. She's happy to come over."

"Did Beaker get his medicine?" I have to ask.

"Yes, he did. I put it in some peanut butter, and he ate it right up. Then I had to give some peanut butter to everybody else, and that took a minute to figure out, but I did. Your instructions are very detailed!"

I feel like I'm blushing, "Yeah. I just didn't want to leave anything to chance."

For a few seconds, we just look at each other through our phones.

"I better let you get some sleep. I'm sure the boys will be up early tomorrow."

"Okay. Will you have time to do this tomorrow? I'm around all day."

"Yeah, no more dinners, so I'm free in the evening."

"Well, give me a call when you're done for the day. Maybe you could be comfy in bed, too?" he says while giving me a wink.

"We'll see," I say with a smile.

He pans the phone over the dogs once more.

"Good night, boys! Mama misses you."

"Good night, Bella."

I wave goodbye and hang up.

~~~WHAT TO WEAR?~~~

I wake the next morning to a photo from Edward of the dogs at the dog park. I'm glad they're able to continue their visits while I'm gone. I know Clare has trouble with all three dogs, so they don't get to the dog park when she's watching them.

Thanks for the update. I hope they behaved, I text to Edward.

Everyone was good. Really! was his response a few minutes later.

I spend all day at my client's and stop by a hole-in-the-wall taco place on my way back to the hotel. Even though I've sat in front of a computer screen all day, I'm anxious to get back to the hotel and call Edward.

After I eat my tacos, I have a terrible time deciding what to do. Do I leave my makeup on or take it off? Should I actually be in bed? Should I sit on top of the bed? Should I sit at the desk? What should I wear? If I change into the T-shirt I sleep in, do I keep my bra on or take it off?

I finally settle for makeup on, T-shirt with bra, and sitting on the bed.

How did it get to be 8:30 PM already?

"Hi, Bella," Edward answers the FaceTime call, rubbing his eyes.

"Oh, Edward! Did I wake you? I didn't mean to. I called you as soon as I got back to my room."

"It's okay. I ended up working on some new music, and I'm exhausted."

"Well, we can talk tomorrow if you want."

"Don't you want to see your boys?"

I can't help but smile. "Yeah, I do. Do you mind?"

"Not at all. Bumper is under the covers." He lifts his covers to show me Bumper. As much I love my boy, I notice Edward is in nothing but boxers. Wow.

"Hi, baby," I say quietly into the phone.

"Beaker is on top of the covers, and Boomer has taken over the pillows on the other side of the bed."

He shows me the boys, and I smile at how comfortable they all are.

"Where are Bea and Bo?" I ask.

"They decided it was too crowded up there, so they're on the floor," he says as he shows me where they are.

"Oh, no. I feel terrible! My boys have kicked your dogs out of their bed," I say as I let out a loud sigh.

"It's fine. They don't sleep in the bed every night anyway."

"Are they doing okay? Getting into much trouble?"

"They're really good dogs. Beaker thinks he can eat everyone's dinners so I have to watch him, but otherwise, they're doing fine. And, before you ask, yes, he's had his pill this morning and at dinner."

"You know me well. Thanks for that. Did Rose help you this morning?"

"She did, and it worked perfectly. I think tomorrow she's going to bring the twins by in the afternoon. That should be interesting!"

"My boys haven't been around babies, but really, they should be fine," I tell him.

"Good to know. We'll watch them. Bo and Bea love cleaning the kids' hands after they've had something to eat."

"Thank you again, Edward. I better let you get some rest. Is it all right if I call tomorrow?"

"Sounds good. Have a good night, Bella."

"You too. Bye."

I love my dogs; I really do. But the image of Edward in his boxer shorts is what I fall asleep to.