A quick note before we dive into the action. I'm going to unplug tomorrow, so no update. But I made this chapter extra long to tide you over til Monday! And, heads up, I've also almost caught up my posting to where I've finished writing. After this I have two more solid, finished chapters. Once those are posted, I'll slow my updates down to a real-time pace (hopefully once a week? That's my goal!) And I've been dedicating a ridiculous amount of mental energy plotting the resolution of this story. I'm guessing we're about half way there. How can I get these two crazy kids together? Hmmmmm. I think they need to go on vacation (not just so I can live vicariously through them...) Thank you SO MUCH for reading, I really appreciate it!

Luckily Edward knew his way around the hospital. (I could never understand those maps, and Level 1 not being Level "G". Who designs these places!?) Within a few minutes of parking, we were approaching the nurses' station on the correct floor. One of the nurses recognized Edward immediacy.

"Dr. Cullen, your father is in surgery, but your family is all waiting in a private room. Can I show you back?"

"Please, thank you."

"I'm sorry, we're only allowing family," she said, addressing me.

I hesitated, about to use the easy out and escape before I could see any other Cullens, but Edward gripped my hand tightly and said, "She's family."

I saw the nurse do a double take, obviously questioning Edward's proclamation, but she recovered and led us down the hall to the Private Room. My feet became heavy the closer we got. Owen shifted uncomfortably in my arms. Sensing my discomfort, he buried his face in my hair. I tried to navigate the halls with his body balled up tightly around my waist, and with Edward's hand still gripping mine. It really didn't help my nerves. I tried desperately to think of a way to get out of this. I did NOT belong here. My presence could do no good, since I'm pretty sure my reemergence into the Cullen World had caused Carlisle's heart attack in the first place. Guilt over my previous feelings about karma filled my belly, a heavy weight slowing me down even further. Edward pulled me forward slightly.

"Here we are," the nurse said quietly as she opened the door. It was a corner room, slightly larger than the average hospital suite, with large windows. And there were the Cullens, sitting in various poses of worry. Esme was crumpled in the corner, looking forlornly out the window while alternating between wiping her eyes and nose. She was a mess and her world was ending, but her beauty and grace were still omnipresent. Alice immediately looked up from her phone and jumped from her seat. I took a reflexive step back, lingering in the safety of the hall. Edward let go of my hand and pulled her into a hug.

"Oh Edward…," she cried. The rest of her sentiment was lost to her sobs.

"Alice," Edward spoke quietly. I could hear the strain in his voice. "Can you tell me what's going on? Or should I ask the nurse?"

She shook her head and held up her finger in a request for time to compose herself.

"Just give me a second," she whispered. She took a fortifying breath, lifted her head, and began, "Dad's in surgery. They took him right in. Luckily he was already in the hospital when he had the heart attack. It will probably be a few hours before they're done."

"Who's working on him?" Edward asked. Of course he'd know all the doctors.

"Dr. Franklin," Alice replied.

Edward nodded in approval and began to quiz her on the technical details. I tried to follow, but was so overwhelmed with the whole situation, and with Owen (who was trying to peek through the curtain of hair and becoming more wiggly by the second.) All of the sudden I heard Alice gasp.

"Bella!"

I could feel a change in the air as she said my name. Jasper and Esme immediately looked up.

"Bella?" Esme asked, confused. Jasper walked over to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Alice seemed to wake from her grief and said, "Oh Bella!" She walked quickly over. I was still partially in the hall, so I took a hesitant step forward. I left the door open, just in case. She grabbed me in a tight hug and said, "Oh Bella, I've missed you so much."

Owen squirmed underneath her hug. "Oh my gosh, is this OWEN?" she asked. I could tell she was keeping it a few steps down from the expected bouncing fit of glee only because we were in a hospital and her father was experiencing a major health crisis.

"Yes," I said, trying to shift him onto my hip. Of course this just made him ball up even more. "I'm sorry, you'll have to excuse him. He's being shy, and he's missing his nap."

"Oh Bella, he's beautiful."

"Thank you," I said, even though all she'd seen was the back of his head. He did have a pretty good head of hair though. Edward stood next to us, but I nudged his arm and nodded to his mom. He took the hint and walked over there, putting his arms around her and causing Esme to break out into a fresh round of sobs. Her anguish was so palpable, I felt tears come to my eyes. I heard Edward whisper words of comfort as he held her. Alice teared up a little too, so I turned slightly to give her some privacy.

"Momma?" Owen's little voice broke the gloomy silence, "Can I hava dink?"

I heard Alice sigh and she smiled at her little nephew and wiped her eyes.

"Sure, baby. Let's go find a drinking fountain."

"Ew, no Bella. Here, he can have this," Alice said, showing me to the stocked fridge and opening a bottle of water. I swallowed my snarky comment and took the proffered drink.

"It's a grown-up drink, not a sippie, ok baby? So you need to be careful."

Owen nodded his head with understanding and untucked himself enough to assuage his thirst, pushed the bottle back into my hands and promptly buried himself back into my hair.

"Alice, I should probably go. Edward just needed a ride…" My explanation was cut short by the arrival of Tanya. She entered the room and immediately walked to Esme. I don't think she even saw me. My relief propelled me backwards, hoping to escape quickly. Too bad Tanya looked up before I made it out, her jaw dropping open in shock.

"What the hell is SHE doing here?"

Esme jerked her head up and frowned.

"I was just on my way out," I said, taking another step backwards. "Good luck. Best wishes. I'm so sorry…" I said, letting my awkward goodbye segue into a quick exit. I readjusted Owen and high-tailed it down the hallway. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough. Edward called down the hall to me before the elevator arrived. "Bella, wait!"

I had to wait. I really, really, really didn't want to. But I knew I did. He caught up to me slightly out of breath.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know Alice called Tanya."

"Edward, it's fine. But you don't want me to stay any longer, do you?"

"Would you? Please?"

"Edward, it's not my place. This is YOUR family. Owen doesn't understand what's going on. He's never even met any of these people. We don't belong here. I'm not family."

His eyes tightened. "Yes you are."

"No. I'm not. I know this is a horrible thing, especially with all the feelings you have towards Carlisle right now, but me being here is NOT a good idea. Trust me."

He glanced back down the hall towards the Cullen Suite.

"I'm just causing more problems by being here. And I don't want to feel guilty for causing all this stress and putting your Dad in the hospital. And I don't have the best feelings towards your Dad anyway. I really don't think he would want me here. Ugh," I groaned in frustration. How could I explain this? How could I admit that I hated his father, despite the fact that he was fighting for his life on the operating table? I couldn't. So I stopped talking.

Edward rubbed his hands roughly over his face. "Fine."

I knew this was not the time or place, that none of this was my tragedy, and that I shouldn't get upset, but REALLY? He's going to go all passive aggressive on me? I bit back my retort and re-called the elevator.

"Wait, Bella," he said, grabbing my arm again. I gave him a pointed look, and he dropped his hand. "Thank you for driving me. I really appreciate it. Can I…call you later?"

"Yes."

"Edward, where are you?" I heard Tanya call down the hall in a trying-to-be-quiet voice. Edward's shoulders slumped. I put my hand on his shoulder, "Edward, I really am sorry…."

He gave me a watery smile and patted Owen on the back. "Bye Owen." Owen popped his head up and gave his dad a winning smile, "Bye Ehward."

The elevator finally came, and with great relief I slipped in and escaped one of the most awkward, embarrassing and emotionally exhausting encounters of my life. Again. Ugh.

EPOV FLASHBACK!

How could Bella think she wasn't family? Didn't she realize she brought our family together in a way no one else could? Before she came into my life, I was the odd man out. Even in my own family I never felt like I belonged or fit in. But she completed me in a way that complimented every aspect of my life. She literally made me a better man. Her gentle guidance and patience helped me understand Alice and my parents in a whole new way. We got along better because of Bella. She changed everything.

It seemed like that first date had never ended. We were together every free second. Sometimes even while Bella was at work. It was wonderfully distracting, so in order to keep the papers written, the assignments completed, the hours worked, we began coexisting. We still went home to our own beds each night, we had only been dating for two weeks after all, but every moment we were awake we knew what the other was doing. I worried that she would become bored with me, or feel smothered by my overwhelming need to know everything about her, or realize who I really was and run away screaming. But it never happened. She complimented me perfectly, she was my other half. When I became too engrossed in minutia, she'd pull me back and make me see the whole picture.

We were sitting on the couch in my condo a few weeks after our first date. We'd just cleaned up the kitchen after Bella made a delicious dinner (I felt bad that she was cooking for us so much and supplemented with as much take out as we could stand. I told her that the housekeeper my mom sent over twice a week could leave dinner for us, but she didn't feel right about that. So instead I convinced her to let me foot the grocery bill.) She was reading an assignment, and I was pretending to work on my laptop, my arm slung comfortably over the back of the couch behind her, playing with her silky hair.

"Bella, love?" I asked

"Hmmm?" she replied sleepily (I may have been playing with her hair because it made her tired. I may have wanted her to accidently fall asleep so that I could keep her with me.)

"Would you like to come have dinner with the family on Sunday afternoon? My mom is anxious to meet you."

She looked at me suddenly. I didn't want her to think about it too much. I didn't want her to think about anything too much at the moment. I just wanted her to relax against my side and stay that way for as long as possible.

"Meet your parents?"

"Yes."

"Where? What kind of dinner is it? Will anyone else be there?"

I laughed at her barrage of questions. "At their house. It's just a simple family dinner. Nothing too fancy, though my mother has a 'No Jeans' policy. And Alice and Jasper will be there. We do this every Sunday. It's really no big deal."

"Oh."

She was silent for a minute, then replied, "Sure. If you want me there…"

"Bella, I want you always. Always and forever."

She sighed and I got my wish, she snuggled in closer. I was in heaven. This was all I needed.

Bella was so funny when we got to my parents house. Her eyes got wider and wider. I understand that from the outside, my parents place is a little… big. But it's what we're used to. I barely even notice it anymore. Of course it's gorgeous, but since my mother is an architect, it doubled as a showpiece for clients and our family home. I hoped Bella would soon find it as comfortable and fitting as I did. But I could tell she didn't feel that way yet.

"Edward, I'm not dressed for this!" she whispered as we walked into the entry hall. She looked forlornly down at her skirt and sweater.

"Bella, you look lovely. You always do. I told you, it's just dinner. No big deal." I wrapped my arm around her and kissed her gently on her temple, hoping to convey my love and support.

"You must be Bella," my father said, walking to meet us, "I'm Carlisle."

"Nice to meet you," she replied, holding her delicate hand out to shake. He smiled as he shook her hand, and it almost made it all the way to his eyes.

"Bella!" Alice said, coming up behind Carlisle, dragging my mother. "Mom, this is Bella!"

"So pleased to FINALLY meet you!" Esme said, pulling a surprised Bella in to a hug. Bella caught my eye as Esme squeezed her and raised her eyebrows. I just nodded and shrugged my shoulders. Of course Esme would love her.

"Thank you for inviting me to dinner," Bella said to my parents as she stepped back to my side from Esme's warm embrace.

"Of course, dear. We've been so anxious to meet you! You're the famous Bella that's made our Edward so happy!"

"At least I'm not the 'Infamous Bella'," Bella joked. My parents both laughed. This was going so well.

"Come, come into the sitting room. Dinner's not quite ready. Can I get you a drink?" Esme asked as she shoo'ed us towards the lounge.

"I'd love some water," Bella said.

"Me too," I added.

"Vodka on the rocks!" Alice chimed in.

"Nice try, baby," Carlisle laughed, walking towards the bar to help Esme get the drinks. After a few more minutes of small talk, we made our way into the dining room. Bella's eyes widened with surprise when she saw Mrs. Smith brining in the food (Esme had ordered dinner in and asked the housekeeper to stay to help with serving and clean up.) "You guys have a cook?" she whispered as she pulled me aside.

"No, that's just the maid. She's helping my mom with dinner. I think they got food from the Italian place down the street."

"You guys have a MAID?"

I smirked at her response, "Bella, you know I have a maid service too. It's not a big deal."

She blinked in response and I pulled out her seat for her. The food was served and everyone tucked in.

"So Alice, where is Jasper tonight?" Esme asked.

"He's working on a group project, it's the only night they could all get together," she said with a pouty frown.

"Awww, are you barely surviving?" teased Bella.

Alice laughed, "Just barely. I think I'll make it. Maybe."

The dinner proceeded, and I felt Bella relax next to me, joining the conversation a bit and laughing along with us at Alice's antics. She definitely wasn't her usual effervescent self, but she seemed more comfortable. After dinner finished, Esme and Alice pulled Bella out to the deck, presumably so Esme could get at her without my interference. I wasn't worried for Bella, my mother is very sweet and gentle. In fact, the only time I'd ever seen her upset was when I used to get harassed by some older kids at school when I was in the accelerated learning program at the high school. She turned into a fierce mother bear, defending her overachieving little cub. But since Bella wasn't pushing me around or stealing my lunch money, I was sure Esme would show her nothing but love.

"Edward, come have a drink with me in the study," Carlisle said as the girls walked away.

"Sure," I replied, watching my love through the windows as I walked down to meet my father.

"So, you seem pretty serious about Bella," he said, handing me a glass and motioning for me to fill it as I wished.

"Yes."

"When was it you met her?"

"I know it's only been a few weeks, but she's just perfect."

"That's fine. I'm happy for you. But you've been spending an awful lot of time away from the lab lately."

"I have. I've been doing a lot of work at home."

"I just want to make sure you keep some balance. You've worked really hard to get where you are. You need to keep your focus. You have a lot on your plate right now."

"Dad, it's not like that. Bella helps me see things in a different way. Sure, we spend a lot of time together, but we're productive while we're together, not just sitting around."

"'Productive'? Is that what they call it these days?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I just want to make sure you keep your head."

"Dad, I appreciate your concern," I said, taking a deep calming breath before continuing, "And not that it's any of your business, but it's not like that with Bella. She isn't like that. And we won't BE like that until we're married."

"Until you're married? Until? So you've thought about this already?"

"Yes. She makes me feel happier than I've ever felt. I love her."

"And when was it you met her?" he asked, studying his drink as he swirled it around.

"Dad, please," I said, pausing to take a drink, hoping for fortification and slightly stalling.

"Yes, please," Carlisle replied with a huff. I actually caught my 60 year old father rolling his eyes. "I just want you to be careful, son. Please. Are you sure you really even know this girl? You JUST met her and you're already mentioning marriage. You're not ready for this. You've never even had a girlfriend before. I understand that you have strong feelings for this girl, but first love is always like that. Do you know how many people actually marry their first love? Do you know what the divorce rate is for kids your age who get married? Seventy five percent! Three out of four young marriages end in divorce! Do you know how much your divorce would cost you? She could walk away with millions!"

I sighed, but did not take the bait. It was ridiculous that he was planning my alimony payments when Bella and I had only been dating a few weeks. I remained silent.

"Edward, I just want you to be careful. You're an amazing young man, but there are things in life that you just have no clue about. No clue. And 'Women' tops the list."

"Thanks for the drink, I'm going to go get Bella," I said, putting my glass down a little more forcefully than necessary and walking out.

"Edward," he called after me.

"I'll talk to you later, Dad," I said, knowing that if I stayed in that room with him any longer, I might say things that I could regret later. I just didn't want to get in to it with him. I strode forcefully down the hall, overwhelmed with anger. When I stopped in front of the door to the deck I realized I was shaking. I took a minute to calm myself. I watched Bella, Alice and my Mom laughing on the deck, the low autumn sun sparkling on the lake. Before I was completely composed, Bella turned around and saw me. Her face lit up, then stilled when she saw my expression.

"Edward?" she asked.

"You ready to go Bella?"

She looked at me confused, then nodded and turned to Alice and Esme, "Thank you so much for dinner. It was wonderful to meet you, Esme."

Esme and Alice turned to see me, trying to see why the evening was being cut short, but once they saw me, no further explanation was needed. Esme rose from her chair with her wine glass in hand and began walking us to the door.

"Bella, it was such a pleasure to meet you. You're just wonderful. Thank you for coming to dinner," she said, then called to my dad, "Carlisle…"

I cut her off, "No, it's ok mom. I'll talk to him later."

Alice walked over and gave me an understanding look. "It was great to see you Bella, as always," she said, smiling and showing off her dimples.

"You too, Alice. Thank you again Esme. And it was a wonderful dinner. And your home is beautiful," she said.

I was sick of the pleasantries. It was time to go. I gently pulled Bella closer to me and opened the front door.

"Thank Mom. See you later," I said, not wanting to promise anything more. I just needed to get out of there.

"Bye darlings," she said.

I walked quickly to the car, opened the door for Bella, and tore down the driveway.

"Edward?"

"Hmmm?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just some things my Dad said."

She put her hand on my knee and I automatically released some of my tension. Not all, but I didn't feel like I would explode anymore.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I didn't answer, just clenched my jaw and concentrated on driving.

"I'm sorry, Edward."

I drove her back to my place in silence. I didn't want to share her with her roommates, I wanted to be alone with her. I wanted to forget everything my Dad had said. I was so angry with him. How could he insult me so thoroughly, mock everything I held dear, and then claim it was for my own good? We sat on my couch and held hands. Before I could even think about it, the words starting pouring out. I told Bella everything he'd said, how angry I was with him, how much I resented the way he always tried to control my life, how I felt like nothing I did was ever good enough.

"He loves you, Edward," she said. "He's afraid for you, he wants you to be happy, and he loves you."

"He doesn't trust me! He thinks I'm a naive idiot!"

"He's worried you're going to get hurt. Edward, you are special and amazing. You're not like other guys."

I snorted in response. Was that supposed to make me feel better?

"Edward, you're different in a good way. Why do you think I'm falling in love with you?" and with that she climbed on my lap and kissed me so thoroughly, I forgot everything else.

I realize that most girls would not have been that understanding. That most would have taken offense to the horribly things my father had said. Clearly, Bella was not like most girls. I knew I was the lucky one.

BPOV

I drove away from the hospital feeling like I'd escaped. The last time I'd felt this way was after my Super Fun Conversation with Carlisle where we discussed the cancelled abortion of his grandchild. The relief I felt at leaving the hospital was only slightly clouded with guilt over said relief. I pushed it all aside.

"The past is the past. Let it go, let it go, let it go," I chanted to myself. I felt like I was being pulled back into the Cullen drama, and a life I didn't want where choices I didn't want were made for me. I didn't want to go back to that place and that Bella. Having Owen had changed me too much. I knew what I was capable of, and I knew what I wanted. And I did not want the Cullen's judgment. I felt like I was at an impasse. How can I allow Edward back into Owen's life when I don't want to be involved with his family? Can we keep Edward? Just Edward? And return the rest? Though having Alice would be nice, I knew it'd be too difficult. She was Daddy's Little Girl (I'm pretty sure she had that on her license plate holder. I know, gag.) I definitely couldn't have just Alice. It'd be Alice and then Esme and then Carlisle and then pretty soon we'd be picking out matching outfits for the annual Cullen Christmas Photo. I felt sick, realizing that there was a very good chance my little Owen would be the new star of their family tradition in a few months. The thought of his smiling innocent face next to the man who'd planned his termination made me want to vomit. The hypocrisy was making me ill.

"Calm down, you don't even know if they want to see Owen, let alone have him pose for the Christmas Card," I said to myself. Sleeping Owen shifted in his car seat and sighed. Talking to myself was obviously helping no one. I bit my lip and tried to stop my brain.

"One day at a time," I thought to myself. Great. It's like I'm a walking self-help book. Ugh.