AN: Thanks for all the comments! Hope you like reading this chapter. Please note that I am not the best player at poker myself and I don't have a full understanding of the game. Forgive me if i messed something up.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns these characters.

Chapter 21

"Cards are war, in disguise of a sport"- Charles Lamb

Bella's POV

"Boys and girls…" Jasper began with a grin "we'll be playing Texas holdem. There will be no bets, no folding, we just play. Whoever has the worst hand loses a piece of clothing. Understood?" he asked us all. We nodded. Alice giggled. Jasper laid out five cards face up in front of us.

"Flip your cards over everyone". I was so nervous my hands shook as I flipped my two cards over. I had two nines. I glanced at the five cards Jasper had dealt. Another nine laid there.

"Three of a kind" I announced hoping it was enough to keep my clothes on.

"Flush" Edward brimmed. "Oh shit" I thought to myself. I prayed Alice and Jasper had worse cards than I did.

"High card…Ace" Alice sighed and then giggled. "Yes!" I screamed in my head. I was home free for this round.

"Two pair" Jasper said. "Alice lose a piece of clothing" he commanded and smiled. She himmed and hawed about what she should take off. Eventually she decided on her sock. How original. Jasper dealt out the cards again. Edward was first to declare what he had.

"Pair" he announced.

"Three of a kind" Alice said quickly.

"Three of a kind" Jasper said next. I knew I was doomed at this point. I only had a high card.

"High card…queen" I said quietly. Edward smiled in my direction. I followed Alice's lead and tore off a sock. I dangled in Edward's face.

"Turned on yet?" I joked with him. He just winked. Jasper dealt once again. It was Alice's chance to tell us what cards she had.

"Full house" she bellowed throwing her cards down onto the table. Crap. My chances weren't so good.

"Two pair" Jasper said.

"Frick…ace high" I said. I just knew I'd be taking off my other sock. Everyone laughed in my direction. I waited for Edward to show his cards. He looked very serious.

"Straight!" he shouted "Shed some clothing baby" he said to me. I felt sick. I yanked my other sock off and placed it beside me. I only had four pieces of clothing left: my shirt, jeans, bra, and panties. Things were not looking good for me. The next round had already commenced.

"King high" Jasper said with a twinge of worry. Yes! I didn't have to worry about this round.

"Pair" I said showing my cards. Edward was next to flop his cards onto the table.

"Pair"

"Three of a kind" Alice exclaimed. "Jasper honey! It's your turn to strip!" she giggled. Jasper was a bit daring. He actually pulled off his T-shirt revealing his very sculpted chest. I whistled jokingly. He laughed and then dealt the cards again. I looked at my cards. Figures I only had a king. I cringed.

"King high card" I blurted out ashamed. Edward snickered. He was enjoying every moment of this.

"Flush" Edward smiled as he spoke.

"Ace high" Alice said as she gave me a look of pity.

"Two pair" Jasper announced.

"Don't even bother to tell me I have to drop some clothes. I know" I sighed as I looked at everyone. I debated between taking off my sweater or my jeans. I eventually decided the sweater was a better option even though I'd be exposing my bra. It was better than my panties though. I unzipped my sweater quickly and threw it to my side. Jasper and Edward were staring at my chest.

"Hey!" I exclaimed. "Eyes up here boys" I said pointing to my face. Alice burst out laughing. They both popped their eyes back into their heads and focused on the game again. I was so pissed that Edward hadn't had to strip yet. The guy had luckiness running through his veins.

"Ten high" he announced. A ha! Maybe his luck was fading.

"Flush" Alice said next

"Pair" Jasper chimed. My chances were looking really good. I peaked at my card. I was relieved.

"Pair" I shouted. "Edward" I teased him. "What are you going to take off baby?". He half smiled at me looking defeated. He took off his shirt just like Jasper. I became quite flushed. His abs were to die for. It wasn't like I had never seen them before but something about playing strip poker with him turned me on.

The game continued onwards. I had lost another round and had to lose my pants. Alice had lost two rounds and had removed her sweater (she had a t-shirt on underneath of course, lucky girl) and her other sock. Jasper was forced to take off one sock and Edward was too. I felt like a total fool sitting on the floor in just my bra and panties. I tried to cover myself with my arms but it was no use. I was deathly afraid of playing the next round. Jasper had already dealt and announced his highest hand.

"Flush" he said as his eyes moved to me. Fuck. I was really in deep now.

"Ace high" I whispered. I prayed that Edward or Alice had a lower hand than I did.

"Two pair" Edward said with glee. No. This was not happening to me. Why was I being punished? I was a good girl.

"Pair" Alice announced. My face went gaunt. I knew my fate.

"Lose the bra!" Edward shouted.

"She will do no such thing!" Esme declared from the door. "What the HELL are you kids doing?" she screetched as she walked into the living room. She looked extremely disappointed. I was so embarrassed. I struggled to cover myself. I was the only one who looked ridiculous. Edward tried to explain but she hushed him right away.

"You are guests in this house. It is not a dorm room. What were you thinking? Everyone put your clothes back on right now!" she barked. I had never seen Esme react this way.

"I cannot believe I am about to say this to my two adult children. Alice and Edward get upstairs to your rooms this instant and no funny business" They hurried off leaving me and Jasper behind. I glanced at Jasper. He remained quite calm and he winked at me. I became less nervous. Esme wheeled around to stare at us.

"As for you two! You are not my children. I understand that you are both adults and you can behave whichever way please. However, that is not to say that I am not disappointed. I suggest you both head to your rooms as well…" she said as she placed her hands on her hops looking angry.

"I'm sorry Esme" I whispered as Jasper escorted me out of the living room. Jasper and I walked up the stairs in silence. When we reached the top he turned to face me.

"Tomorrow morning is going to awkward" he said with a slight chuckle. I could only agree.

"At least you weren't as naked as I was! What will Esme think of me from now on?" I cried. Jasper rubbed my arm.

"Don't worry about it. She'll get over it I'm sure". I was comforted somewhat by the thought. I smiled up at him.

"It was kind of funny though huh?" I asked with a slight chuckle.

"To say the least yeah…" he replied and laughed with me. "I guess we should hit the sack…" he added as he pointed his thumb towards his room. I nodded.

"See you in the morning then?" I asked.

"You know it!" he retorted and began to walk to his room. "Hey Bella?". I spun around to face him again.

"Yeah?"

"You looked really good tonight" he said with a wink and started to walk away. I stood there in shock. Within seconds he burst into a fit of laughter and came running back towards me to give me a hug. He knew I was embarrassed.

"Sorry. I couldn't help myself" he said as he held me. "But I wasn't lying. You did look really good in that "you could be my sister in law one day kind of way" you know?" he said with another laugh. I understood what he meant.

"I could say the same about you. Your chest is…lets say…well defined" I giggled.

"Thanks" he whispered and patted my head. "Get to bed! We don't want to get in trouble again do we?" he said trying to remain composed by I knew he was cracking up inside.

"See you tomorrow!" I exclaimed as I ran in the opposite direction to my room. I opened the door slowly making sure I had picked the right room at first. Indeed I had. It appeared that Emmett lugged my suitcase up here on his way to see the girls. I hurried over to the French doors that separated mine and Edwards's room and knocked.

"Edward?" I whispered.

"Who's there?" he retorted. Was he a total idiot today? Who did he think it was?

"It's me you bum. Can I open the door? Are you decent?" I asked

"I'm decent. The question is are you?" he laughed. I was getting aggravated with him now. I pulled both doors open with one swoop. There standing in front of me was Edward in his boxers. Of course he couldn't have looked that way downstairs. I was the only one to look like a fool. I think he could tell that I was pissed because the huge grin he was wearing seemed to disappear instantaneously.

"Uh oh" he muttered.

"Uh oh is right! Edward do you have any idea how embarrassed I am? Of all the people to see me in my bra and underwear it had to be your mother! I can only imagine what she thinks of me now. Did you see how upset she was?" I pushed.

"Oh I saw alright. She never yells like that" he said seriously but I ignored him. A mother could forgive her child but would she be able to forgive me?

"She probably thinks I'm a slut and putting on a "nice girl" front. How am I going to be able to face her ever again? I can't avoid her…we're living together for God sakes. This must be a bad dream because I would have never done this otherwise…" I trailed off.

"Well unfortunately love, this is not a dream" Edward said with a slight frown. I didn't say anything back.

"And you are not a slut. My mother would never think that. She knew we were playing poker. You just had back luck. She'll get over it" he reasoned. I walked straight up to him with anger piercing through my eyes. He stepped back from me.

"She'll get over it?" I fumed. "She will not. This was the worst idea we have ever had. You and those friggen puppy dog eyes. I knew I should have refused to play that game. I am holding you responsible for this Edward. I am so beyond pissed". I stormed back towards my room and he followed me.

"I'm sorry Bella" he whispered as he caught my arm to swing me around. I stared at him for a moment and then pulled myself away from his grasp.

"Everything will be okay Bells. I promise. My mother doesn't hold grudges. She will understand. We were acting like stupid kids I know...and she knows that…." he said. I huffed and ran and jumped onto my bed burring my face in my pillows. I felt him come and sit beside me.

"No" I said. "Go to your own room…". He rubbed my back gently and then I felt his weight get off the bed. I heard him closing the French doors.

"Don't close them" I said. I wanted to be able to yell all the horrible things I was thinking at him if I ever plucked up the courage. He listened to my order and then jumped into his own bed. We were silent for awhile. Eventually Edward spoke.

"Is this our first real fight?" he hollered over to me. I flipped my body over and sat up straight in my bed. I glared at him from my room. He gave me one of his quirky half grins.

"Yes!" I shouted back.

"Can you fill me in on how I'm supposed to behave then? I've never had a real fight with you before…" he said trying to lighten the mood. I felt myself giving into his charm. Oh his charm. It was the reason why we never had a real fight before this. He could always woo me.

"You, Edward, are supposed to beg me to forgive you and buy me nice things" I added just for the fun of it. Maybe I'd come out ahead in this deal. He hopped off his bed and rushed over to the side of mine. He took my hands in his and got down on his knees. How funny.

"Bella I really am sorry for pressuring you to play that game. I never should have done that. I should have been more sensitive to you. I should have known better than to act that way in someone else's home. We aren't here to play games, we're here to help Rose and Em out. I'm sorry sweetheart. I hope you forgive me…" he finished as he got up to join me on the bed. He kissed my forehead and then waited for me to respond. How could I not forgive him? He was so gosh darn cute.

"I forgive you" I whispered with a smile.

"Good!" he exclaimed. "Now as for your gift…let's just say I already have something in the works. You'll have to wait a bit but I can guarantee you will love it!". I was eager to learn what it was he was talking about.

"What is it?" I asked

"You will have to wait and see my love" he said with a wink. "Now get ready for bed okay? It's late and you could use some sleep. I'll sleep in my room tonight" he said as he kissed my cheek. He descended from my bed and scurried back to his and hopped in, his covers engulfing him. I saw him turn his TV on with the remote.

I rolled off my bed and walked to my suitcase that stood by the door. I unzipped it and pulled out a pair of boy shorts and a large t-shirt, that's what I usually slept in. I also grabbed my toiletries before scooting into my adjoining bathroom. Rose didn't even show me the bathroom before. It was stunning. A huge glass shower stood in the corner of the room. I had two sinks and a nice large vanity. The mirror spanned the whole length of the wall. I quickly brushed my teeth, washed my face, brushed my hair out and threw it into a ponytail. I hurried to change into my bed clothes and ran back into bed snuggling up under the covers. I watched Edward watching TV. Wasn't he tired too?

"Aren't you going to bed now too?" I questioned.

"In a few minutes. It takes time for me to fall asleep" he said. It sounded funny to me so I giggled as I pulled the covers up higher to rest right under my chin.

"Well goodnight then" I yelled over as I turned off my lights.

"Night darling. Sweet dreams. I love you…" he said

"Love you too…" I replied and then drifted off to sleep.

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I was awoken by loud crying. I shot up in bed and tried to find my bedside lamp to turn on. After a few tries I managed to turn it on. I looked over to see that Edward was just waking up himself. He stretched a bit and then rubbed his eyes before focusing in on me.

"What's going on?" he asked in a crackly voice.

"I don't know" I shrugged. "The girls are crying. Should we go and check on them?" I suggested.

"Yeah. Let's go" he said as he slowly stepped out of his bed, threw on a t-shirt, and walked into my room. I hurried to his side as we walked out my bedroom door. We tiptoed down our hallway trying to be as quiet as possible. Then the girls were suddenly wailing and screaming. I had to cover my ears for awhile. I was still somewhat asleep and the loud noises weren't helping me much. When we reached the end of our hall we met Alice and Jasper looking just as tired and worried as we were.

"What happened?" Alice asked trying to speak over the girls cries.

"Something must be bothering them" Edward deduced. "I think we should go see if we can help…". Alice and Jasper nodded and followed us down another hall to the master bedroom. The door was slightly ajar so I popped my head in to snag a peek. There were Rose and Emmett holding the girls trying to calm them down. Carlisle and Esme were at their sides. I pushed the door open. The four of us walked into the room.

"What's wrong?" Jasper asked quietly

"The girls are just adjusting that's all" Carlisle said. Rose looked to me with pleading eyes.

"Can I try holding them?" I asked as I moved closer to Rose. She looked thankful when I took Mimi out of her arms. Her crying stopped right away. Everyone gawked at me.

"What?" I whispered.

"How did you do that?" Emmett asked. I shrugged. I had just picked her up. Sophie was still crying but I couldn't hold both of them in my arms at once. I saw that Edward had approached Emmett and asked to hold Sophie. She stopped crying the second Edward cradled her. I moved over to sit on the edge of the bed and Edward joined me. The rest of the family gathered around us in a semi circle.

"Now girls" I began, looking first at Mimi and then to Sophie. "Why are you giving your mommy and daddy such a hard time? It's because you think it's funny isn't it?" I asked Sophie since she was smiling. "I knew it! You two are silly!" I cooed. Sophie smiled even more. I could tell that Mimi was trying to smile too." I know sometimes we like to do funny things but mommy and daddy don't think it's very funny anymore…" I added as I glanced up to Emmett and Rose. "So my lovely nieces I think its time you give your parents a break…at least for tonight. What do you say?" I said as I tickled Mimi's tummy and then reached over to do the same with Sophie. They looked so happy.

"I think they should be fine now" I explained to Rose as she came and took Sophie out of Edward's arm. Emmett took Mimi. They didn't cry once they left our arms. Thank goodness.

"Thank you" Rose mouthed to me. I smiled up at her. The girls were starting to drift off to sleep and were soon placed in their bassinets.

"Everything seems to be fine now. Esme and I are going to try and catch a few winks" Carlisle whispered before he and Esme left the room. Edward and I got up off the bed and followed Jasper and Alice to the door. When we all were about to step out Rose started whispering to us.

"Don't go…" she said. I turned to look at her. She was scared. I could see it in her eyes. Alice rushed to her side and hugged her.

"Everything is going to be okay Rose" she cooed as she patted her back. I quickly walked to their side. I helped to reassure Rose.

"Rose you'll learn how to manage. It's always difficult for new parents I'm sure. You're doing a great job!" I said softly near her ear. She was sobbing now. Alice and I walked her to the bed and helped her in. We tucked her in. She was still crying. I looked at Alice not sure what else we should do. We shot Emmett a glance only to realize he was just as scared as Rose was. I looked to Jasper and Edward for some assistance.

"Rose are you going to be okay?" Jasper asked as he took her hand in his. She shook her head. We all stood there in silence.

"Will you all stay with me?" she asked in between sobs. Immediately I climbed into the king sized bed with her, snuggling under the covers. I pulled her close to me. She rested her head on my shoulder. Emmett slid in on the other side of her rubbing her arm gently, promising her everything would be okay. Alice and Jasper sat on the end of the bed by our feet. Edward got comfortable beside me.

"We'll stay as long as you want us to" I told her while I stroked her hair.

"Thank you…" she slowly slurred. She was starting to fall asleep. I looked at everyone else. Emmett was already asleep. Alice and Jasper were looking quite tired but were still awake. Edward was resting his head on the headboard, eyes closed. I smiled to myself. Some may have found this situation awkward but I knew it was important to Rose. I was happy in that very moment and I let myself fall asleep surrounded by the people I loved more than anything…