Previously...

It felt so good to be home. She had certainly missed being home and having Rose close. Vangie was nice and seeing Alice again was great, but home was always home. She looked around at her now almost empty house and Edward who now stood in the kitchen fixing their son something to drink and realized there is no going back this is the start of her new life. No turning back now not that she ever wanted to.

He looked so handsome squatting in his jeans and dark blue polo. He had a smile on his face as he ruffled his son's hair. This was what she had waited her life for, where she had wanted to be at the side of the perfect man who loved her and wanted the same things she did. He stood meeting her eyes with the same love and adoration radiating from them.

"Everything ok sweetheart?" He asked as he crossed the room to take her into his arms.

She smiled, "Perfect."

They had been in the house a few weeks. Bella was now 7 months pregnant and she felt great considering everything. Edward was so involved in everything that the baby's bedroom was already decorated and ready to go, they had decided to go ahead and find out the sex of the baby and it was a girl to everyone's delight. Timmy was preparing for elementary school and they faced the dilemma of regular school or private.

Bella wanted him to go where Emmett taught and Edward thought it might be better if he went to a private school because of his status and the possibility of him being harassed by photographers. This was still under debate. All in all they were settling into a normal family routine that was actually fitting them both really well. Edward had adjusted to the lifestyle by staying busy with other things and found he enjoyed it.

He was looking into some local colleges and considering his options for following in his fathers footsteps. He did think medicine was something he would excel in. He was sitting on the couch with his feet up reading a medical book when she walked past smiling, "What are you reading?"

He didn't look up. "It's this medical book you wouldn't believe the diseases out there. I was thinking about specializing in Infectious Disease it is fascinating."

She smiled sitting in a nearby chair noticing how much he looked like Carlisle when he was engrossed in one of his medical books and chuckled, "Well, I think if it is something you are really interested in then you should go for it."

He bit his lip closing the book and turning to her. "You look beautiful this morning in case I haven't told you."

"You did, twice, but thank you again." She answered with a smile.

He rolled to his side, "I was thinking, perhaps Lily might enjoy some ocean air? We could take a little vacation."

Her hand rubbed her stomach gently and she shook her head no, "Can't leave, the doctor said I am too far along to go anywhere now."

He shook his head, "I can understand that. I certainly don't want to take any chances with my baby." He moved over, "Come sit with me mama."

"You're lying."

"Ok, so lay with me." He responded back.

She shrugged, "As long as you help me back up."

He opened his arms and she lay next to him. He buried his face in her neck, "Ah Bella, you always smell so good." He rested his hand on her abdomen and smiled as the baby kicked, "I think she'll be a soccer player."

"Maybe."

"You know love we still have to get your little dog." He said suddenly.

She looked at him funny. "What?"

He smiled, "I remember, when we were little you wanted kids and a little dog. I guess I am a little late on the little dog."

"I can't believe you remembered that." She said with surprise.

He grinned, "I remembered everything we talked about. I even remember when we talked about our first kiss."

She raised an eyebrow, "I can't even remember that clearly."

He shrugged and rested his head back playing with her hand, "I told you that I wanted you to be my first, because we were best friends and I thought you were pretty. You told me you were scared and I told you I would wait until you were ready. Do you remember that?"

She smiled, "Yes."

He chuckled, "I remember when you came to me that one day, it was around seven and I was supposed to be going home for dinner and you told me you were ready."

"I was so scared I was shaking."

He kissed her hand, "I know, I remember. You were so sweet and innocent, you trusted me. I didn't want to disappoint you."

Bella looked at his handsome face, "You didn't."

He turned to face her more running a finger down her cheek. "You were so cute as a teenager, shy and sweet. My Bella...so magical, you had that light yellow dress that looked so perfect on you. I remember you wore your hair down. You had a little ribbon around your hair that matched." His finger trailed down her jaw then down her throat.

"You were so timid, and I could see in your eyes the love I felt reflected. I wanted you so bad Bella...I had always wanted you. I watched you from across the room, when we would go over to each other's house I would watch you bite your pen when you would do your homework. You also twirled your hair around your finger when you read."

She smiled, "Wow, my own personal stalker."

He kissed her tenderly, "I was so in love with you and you didn't have a clue." She looked at his long eyelashes then his beautiful green eyes. "I just thought we were friends, I knew I liked you but I never thought a popular guy like you would see me that way."

He reached up running his hand through her hair, "Bella you never saw how beautiful you were. All of my friends wanted to date you." He ran his thumb over her full lips licking his own in response. I still remember so many things. I remember your words. You told me it was ok, that you trusted me and I wouldn't hurt you."

He was silent a moment deep in thought then looked down at her abdomen caressing it. "I had no idea I was leaving you with Timmy. I would never have been so selfish as to not protect you Bella, but I don't regret him. He is a wonderful gift."

He met her teary eyes and smiled, "I don't know why I did it, why I didn't protect you. It's not like I didn't know better. I guess I just...I just wanted so much to be with you. I didn't want us to have barriers. I wanted us to be one without anything between us. It was stupid and I was young, I should have been thinking of your safety first. I am sorry for that."

"It's ok." She stroked his stubbed cheek. "I could have insisted, but I didn't."

He looked deep into her eyes and nodded, "Did you want me to?"

She let her hand fall to his chest and admired the handsome face before her. He still reminded her of the young boy from years ago. Her eyes wondered to his mouth then back to his eyes.

"I didn't want you to. I wanted to be close to you and even though it was uncomfortable, I wanted to be closer. I never felt closer to you than then. It was odd and yet it felt natural between us."

He took her hand in his, "Tell me how you found out you were pregnant."

Bella snuggled into his chest, "I didn't notice I was late really. I hardly kept up with it, and then when I started feeling different and getting dizzy I knew. I remembered we didn't use anything. I told Rose. She got me a test even though I knew what it would say."

"You must felt been so frightened and alone." He whispered rubbing her arm.

She bit her lip, "I wanted to call you and tell you, but then you called and you were so excited about this new role. I just couldn't say it." She met his eyes. "I didn't want to hear the disappointment in your voice when I told you."

"Is that what you thought would happen?"

"We were children." She reminded him.

"Bella, I was in love with you." He reminded her.

She shook her head, "It wouldn't have mattered we were too young. If I would have told you it wouldn't have worked. You would have made some foolish decision and where would we be? Our life worked out like this for a reason. We have Lily for a reason."

He sighed releasing her hand to rest his on her stomach again, "Yes we do. I do love Lily."

"It was meant to happen this way." Bella said softly. "I can't change it, I am sorry it hurt you."

He looked up, "It's not that, I just wish there had been another way. I guess I keep looking back and trying to find one and there just isn't."

"No, there isn't. I don't want to keep reliving this. I just makes me feel guilty again." She pulled away standing.

He sat up, "Bella, that wasn't my intention."

She rubbed her back, "I know." She turned to face him, "Look, I can't change it. We go over it and it always remains the same I just wish I could make you understand, for some reason it's like you want to think there was another way we missed and there isn't. It's done Edward. Our life has moved on but I am beginning to wonder if you can."

The tension was thick and he felt his chest hurt seeing the pain in her eyes.

"Baby, please. I'm sorry."

The front door slammed open and singing could be heard as Emmett happily rode Timmy on his back. Rose was laughing behind him. She walked in the living room setting her purse down, "We're back guys."

She looked back and forth from them as Bella turned, "Great, did you have fun?"

Edward stood, "Bella?"

She ignored him kissing Timmy on Emmett's back, "Go wash up monkey boy while I make some dinner."

Rose looked at her curious and followed her to the kitchen. "Bella are you ok?"

She grabbed a pan from under the cabinet, "I'm fine, would you hand me the olive oil?"

Rose handed her the oil and leaned closer, "Bella, what's wrong?" She gently touched her arm, "Sweetie what is it?"

Bella set the oil down wiping the tears. "Damn hormones."

"Bella." She asked again.

She turned sighing, "I'm just hormonal. Edward's just over thinking things as usual and it is getting to me."

"Such as?" Rose asked lifting the pan so the oil would spread.

Bella grabbed the chicken from the refrigerator and tossed it in the pan. "He's been on this why didn't I tell him sooner about Timmy kick. Over thinking the possible ways it could have went. There are no other scenarios. I have played them all in my head for years, I have beat myself down for years he has no idea how far down I have been with this. He isn't helping. "

She ran her hand through her hair tossing another pan on the stove, "I beat myself up for years. I took abuse for years because I loved my baby, because I loved him, because I didn't want him to suffer for what? What did it matter? Why didn't he have to suffer? Why did I do it all on my own, while he was in Los Angeles with some slut on his arm making a million?" She had no idea they had just walked in the room.

Rose tried to interrupt, "Bella calm down."

"No, no why should I? I mean honestly. I worked my ass off while he simply smiled and pretended to sleep with models so they would throw money at him. Why? So I could raise his son, our beautiful son with morals and dignity and I don't know what else, but I did it because I had to and I wanted to and I don't know but I did!"

She turned to see Edward and Emmett both standing there stunned. She threw her hands up and walked to him poking him in the chest, "And you Mr. Cullen don't know anything, because if you did you would have figured it out a long time ago that everything I did and everything I still do I do because I love you."

He stood with his mouth half open unsure what to say. She wiped her tears, "I'm going to take a bath you can finish dinner." She stormed off.

Emmett cleared his throat, "Wow, talk about pregnancy hormones."

Rose cast a glare at him. He shrugged, "Just saying babe."

Edward walked over to the stove with a sigh, "I got this Rose, thank you two for taking Tim today. You go home and relax."

Rose placed a hand on his back, "I can do this if you want to go talk to Bella."

"No, I'll let her cool off."

"Edward, she loves you, you do know that?"

He looked down, "I know. She's right though, I have been pushing the issue. I need to accept it and move on. She has done an amazing job and that's it. We have a wonderful life now and I should be happy with that."

Rose kissed his cheek, "Call us if you need us."

"Will do, night guys."

He fed Timmy and cleaned up then put Timmy to bed. He found her in bed reading a book. Taking a shower he slipped in beside her. She bit her lip setting the book down, "Edward?"

He turned to her, "Yes love?"

"I'm sorry."

He smiled, "No apologies necessary."

"Yes there are, I said some really hateful things. I didn't mean them."

He pulled her close and onto his bare chest. "Bella, you said what you thought. You were right and I should listen. I don't think it was hateful. You had a point and well...point taken." He kissed her temple chuckling, "Although it's kind of sexy seeing you all riled up like that."

"Really?" She questioned.

He kissed her neck, "Mmmm hmmm you get all red cheeked. I kind of like it makes me want to snuggle."

"You could except for the fact that there is a very prominent belly in your way Mr. Cullen."

He turned her over, "Now there isn't Mrs. Cullen." He pulled her back to him. She giggled as he placed his arms around her pulling her close. He kissed the sensitive skin just below her ear, "You know any other time this would be kiss and make up time."

"Probably, it's a little easier when I don't have a baby to move around."

He bit her sensitive ear lobe, "You don't have to move love you can stay just like you are."

"You are being naughty." She said as he slipped her gown up.

"Yes, I am but you like me naughty, and I have to be inventive with you in such delicate state no?"

She lifted her arms as he tossed her gown across the room. "I think you are correct." She agreed.

His warm lips fell to her shoulders, "I have to be ever so gentle my love, for you carry our daughter inside you. Do you think you would allow me to try a few things? I promise you they won't hurt a bit."

She moaned as his hands roamed her heated flesh. "How can I say no?"

"I was sort of hoping you wouldn't." He whispered against her ear.

She closed her eyes, "Please, try anything." With a smile she was in his capable hands.

The next morning she heard a knock on the door and set her juice down. Edward was still asleep and she didn't want to wake him. She opened the door James looked down at her belly and then back to her face she smiled, "Well this is a surprise."

"No doubt, you are huge." She rolled her eyes, he always had a knack for words.

"Get around a lot of pregnant women James?"

"I try not to." He said with obvious distaste.

She chuckled, he was still a jerk. Somehow she was not at all surprised.

"Come in James. Edward is still asleep." He followed her looking around.

"So I guess the simple life suits him." He said simply. She shook her head not commenting as she led him to the kitchen.

"Coffee?"

"No thanks, I brought my Starbucks."

She sighed sitting, "So what may I ask brings you by?"

He sat down, "Edward got offered a new role. It wouldn't film until next year and it would only be a 2-3 month shoot in LA so you could be there with him. It's a good script. I thought I might toss it at him see what he thought."

Bella shook her head, "That doesn't sound so bad." He watched her walk across the kitchen and back.

"So is this a boy or a girl?" He asked.

"Girl."

He raised an eyebrow, "Great, overprotective Edward mode."

She giggled, "Yeah well, probably."

He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned, "Hey my man."

Edward hugged him briefly pouring himself some coffee, "What brings you to Forks?"

"I was telling Bella I got a script. It's not shooting until next year and it's in LA. I read it and it's a good script, I thought you should take a look."

Edward frowned, "I don't know man the baby will be small and..."

Bella touched his hand, "Edward read the script. It's only a few months and we would be there with you."

He thought a moment then lifted the script. "I'll take a look at it, no promises."

James smiled, "It's all I ask, I just have a feeling it's going to be big and you know with your name on the bill I can guarantee it."

"I know. I am just not sure that is the direction I want to go. I have a family now and other things that I need to put first. This isn't just about me anymore."

"No obligations just look it over." James said gesturing to the script.

He nodded flipping through the pages a little the pushing it aside as Timmy walked in.

"Morning big man, are you hungry?" He asked, his eyes lighting up as he saw him.

Timmy nodded, "I want pancakes."

Edward frowned," Pancakes? What kind of pancakes? Chocolate chip pancakes or blueberry pancakes or...."

"Blueberry." Timmy shouted excited.

Edward smiled, "Hmm... well it takes a special stirrer for blueberry. I don't know if I can do it my hand doesn't feel so good do you think you could do it?"

"I'll do it daddy, I'm a good stirrer."

He set a bowel on the counter, "Go bring a chair over here and let's get started."

Bella smiled at them. Edward was so good with him. He really was a good father. He just naturally had it in him she could remember when Carlisle used to do the same thing with him. She knew he would do just as good with Lily. She didn't know if he would take this part or not, she honestly didn't think he seemed that interested.

She watched James play with his coffee the family scene was definitely not one for him. He stood. "Well you enjoy your breakfast and I am going to head back to LA. This small town stuff isn't for me. Let me know what you think."

Edward nodded, 'I'll get back to you."

Bella could tell it wasn't the reaction James was hoping for. She followed him to the door. He turned and smiled, "Take it easy Bella."

"You too."

He walked out quickly. She shut the door and headed back into the kitchen where her two boys were playing in the flour. She giggled, she didn't know who was cleaning up later but she knew it wasn't her. She grabbed her camera this was definitely one for the scrap book. One of many great memories to come, Edward waved her over, "Come on mama, help us."

"No, you two are too messy."

"I'll clean it up." He pouted.

Timmy turned and pouted too, "Come on mommy please."

She raised her eyebrow, "Ok no fair out numbering me." Walking over Edward kissed her and pulled her in front of him. One thing was for sure, they would never be your typical family. They completed breakfast and relaxed outside as Timmy played on his swing set.

Bella watched him thumb through the script casually then he tossed it on the nearby table.

"You don't like it?" She asked. He sighed laying his head back and closing his eyes.

"I just don't think it's me anymore, once upon a time it was. I don't want the cameras and the glitz Bella. I just want a simple life with you and the kids. I don't know something I me changed when you came into my life. My life was complete and I felt whole. I had accomplished what I wanted and now I want to move to the next place. I want to go to school and have a normal life."

Bella smiled, she knew exactly how he felt. He turned to her looking into her eyes, "Is it so wrong to want to do that?"

"No."

He tapped his thumb on his knee, "I know it won't be easy, I'll be preoccupied with studying a lot but in the end it will all be worth it. I really want this."

"Then you should do it."

He smiled, "Nothing like having a supportive family any other woman would say I was crazy. I should stay in acting where the money is and I could work less."

Bella shrugged, "If you were happy, but would you be?"

He looked at Timmy as he slid down the slide and smiled.

"No, I wouldn't."

"Then you shouldn't be acting. I want you to do whatever makes you happy. If it's mowing lawns then I'll get you a lawnmower."

He laughed, "Well, I won't go that far. I do want to support you somehow." She smiled looking at Timmy.

"You know Edward he doesn't care what you do either, he loves you regardless."

He nodded, "I know. His mother taught him well." He leaned up closer to her, "Bella, I have something for you. "

"Really what?"

He smiled reaching into his pocket and pulling a box out.

"Do you remember my grandmother?" He asked watching her face.

She thought a moment, "A little, she was always giving me mints." She giggled.

He smiled, "Yeah, she loved mints for some strange reason. She was always fond of me and before she passed away she gave me something, and she told me when you truly find the love of your life you give this to her along with your heart. I guess I've held onto it for a while now and I think it's time you have it."

Bella's eyes widened as he opened the box and a beautiful, delicate antique ruby ring sat there. She gasped running her finger over it.

"It's beautiful."

He smiled, "Yes, she loved this ring. My grandfather gave it to her when they were very young." He pulled it from its velvet protection and looked at it. "It's supposed to represent the heart you know, or so they believed at the time."

He took her right hand and slid it on her finger. "What do you know perfect fit."

She looked at it in awe, "It's so perfect."

He stroked her cheek, "As are you my love."

She met his eyes, hers full of unshed tears, "Thank you."

He kissed her softly, "You are most welcome Isabella." Wrapping his arms around her he pulled her close, "I thought you would enjoy it. It felt right to give it to you."

"It is lovely."

"Good, I am glad you like it. Perhaps one day we can pass it on to our daughter."

She nodded wiping her tears. "I think that would be wonderful."

He felt his phone vibrate and ran his thumb across her lip, "One moment love."

"Hello, yes....wait Alice calm down what's wrong?"

His eyes met Bella's and he swallowed hard, "Alice sweetheart calm down, listen to me ok everything will be fine. I...I'm on my way let me book a flight and I'll be there as soon as I can. I promise sweetie, it's ok listen to your big brother its ok. I will be there soon ok? I love you and I'll call you as soon as I get my flight arrangements. Ok honey, I will you be strong baby girl. "

He hung up and looked up at Bella in shock, "We need to go to L.A."

I do hope there weren't too many errors and that you enjoyed. My husband's surgery is next Tuesday so keep us in your thoughts.