AN: Thanks once again for the enthusiastic response to the last chapter, and thanks also to everyone who has put this story on their Favorites list. I'm extremely grateful for your continuing support. If you want to get an email alert for the next chapter, please put this story on Story Alert. Thanks.

I was glad he was holding me so tightly because my body was losing any sense of control as I ran my hands through his hair and he kissed me until I was breathless.

He gasped too as we broke apart and I rested my head against his shoulder, panting. "I shouldn't have done that," he said, but he didn't sound like he meant it.

"Hmm… what?" I asked, still slightly dazed.

Before we could get much further I heard a knock at the door.

Chapter 38: One Fine Day

Edward groaned and mumbled, "I thought we had more time," as he turned and deposited me on the cedar chest at the foot of the bed. I reluctantly unwrapped my overheated self from his cool body and watched as he gave me one last look before he sauntered to the front door and opened it to find Bradley standing there with a heavily laden silver tray.

"Breakfast for Miss Bella," he announced, nodding his dark, curly head in my direction and looking very dashing in a black suit with a coat that came down almost to his knees. He was the same height as Edward and I couldn't help but think about how a coat like that would look good on Edward; I would have to speak to Alice about that when we got back. The open door was letting a cool, damp morning breeze into the room and I was glad the fireplace was still burning brightly, although I was fairly overheated myself at the moment.

"Thank you, Bradley," Edward replied as he stepped aside to let Bradley in.

I stood up and carefully made my way toward the dining table. It was a wonder I could walk at all after that all too brief encounter with the man of my dreams.

Edward's cell phone vibrated on the coffee table. We both looked at it and then he picked it up and glanced at the screen. "I have to answer this," he said to me, and then he continued, "Bradley, can you keep Bella company while she has her breakfast?"

"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Edward," Bradley replied graciously as he set the tray on the dining table and began removing the covers from the dishes. There was a small silver vase filled with a variety of wildflowers and a glass of orange juice as well as a pot of tea.

Edward headed for the French doors. "I may be a few minutes, Bella." Then he stepped outside and closed the doors behind him.

I frowned, wondering what that was about. Evidently he didn't want me to overhear his conversation if he thought it necessary to have Bradley keep me occupied. I considered telling Bradley to leave, but decided if Edward wanted some privacy I would go along with his plan. I was going to grill him when the call was over, though. I turned my attention to the feast Bradley had laid out. I would never be able to eat all that.

"The omelet is made with wild mushrooms and seasonal cheese from the Cowgirl Creamery," Bradley said, his blue eyes shining with pride. It was obvious he enjoyed his job.

I decided to give it a taste and not surprisingly, it was delicious. I gazed dubiously at a small bowl of decidedly golden food, wondering what it was.

As if he read my mind, Bradley said, "Those are cheese grits. The bride is from Tennessee, and she wanted grits for breakfast so Chef Daniel made them special," Bradley happily informed me.

Something about his tone made me ask, "Is everyone getting these grits for breakfast today?"

"No, just the bride and you. Mr. Edward wanted you to have the same things she had. He was very specific."

I took a taste of the grits and let that statement digest for a moment. Cheese grits were excellent, Edward demanding I get special treatment, not so much. I would have to speak to him about that after breakfast. Now I decided to turn the conversation away from me.

"I'm not used to anyone calling me Miss Bella. Are you from the South, Bradley?"

"No, I'm just an Oregon farm boy. I come from a big family and my Momma taught us all manners," he said cheerfully. He did make a charming breakfast companion. He was very easy to talk to and seemed to always be in a good mood.

"How did you end up here?" I asked as I dived back into the omelet.

"When I visited a friend in San Francisco I knew I didn't want to go back to the farm. My friend brought me to Manka's for dinner and I started talking to Margaret and we just clicked. She offered me a job and I've been here ever since. Looking after guests is not a lot different from taking care of my seven brothers and sisters. Are you enjoying your stay with us, Miss Bella?"

"Yes, Bradley, I don't think it could get any better. You know what has made it really special?"

"Do tell," he encouraged, looking at me expectantly.

"You, and everyone else who works here. I never realized before what a difference it makes, when you have such nice people looking after you. Sally has been so sweet and helpful, Margaret is just amazing, and Chef Daniel makes the best food I have ever tasted."

"That's so sweet of you to say that, Miss Bella. Guests like you and Mr. Edward make our jobs fun. He certainly takes good care of you. He told us to drop everything to fulfill any request you might make, but so far we haven't heard a peep out of you."

"I'm sorry if Edward made things difficult for you, Bradley."

"Nothing of the kind, Miss Bella. We enjoy a guest who knows what they want and gives clear instructions. Besides, who could refuse him anything when he flashes that smile at you?"

I couldn't argue with that.

"I need to find out what kind of protein shake he has for breakfast if it gives him that kind of physique," he said, and then winked at me.

"Bradley," I murmured as if reprimanding him for eyeing my fiancé.

He just grinned at me, which made him look even younger than he was.

"I've never tasted such good food. Could you please tell Margaret and Daniel that I'm really sorry I couldn't take them up on their cooking lesson yesterday."

"Oh, sweetie, it's just as well; it was a war zone in there. We were preparing for the rehearsal dinner last night and the reception today and it was a madhouse in the kitchen. Plus, the food suppliers were making their deliveries late and Chef Daniel was ready to take a cleaver to someone. Really, it was not a day to be in that kitchen unless you were wearing a flack jacket."

I smiled. "Well, that makes me feel better about missing it."

"You will be coming to the wedding this afternoon, won't you? We're going to have barbequed oysters on the beach, among other interesting things."

I wrinkled my nose at the thought of oysters. "I really don't know what Edward has planned for today. We went into San Francisco yesterday."

"Did you ride the cable cars?"

"Yes, it was fun."

He nodded in agreement, but his eyes were focused outside. "Everyone loves them. They're so quaint."

Just then the French doors opened and Edward came back in the cabin, snapping his cell phone shut.

"Thank you for keeping Bella company," Edward said dismissively, running a hand through his already messy hair.

"The pleasure was mine, Mr. Edward," Bradley said as he leapt up and started for the door.

"Yes, thank you, Bradley," I added, giving him a big smile as he winked from the threshold on his way out. As soon as the door shut I put down my fork and turned to Edward.

"Bradley was just keeping me entertained. Don't you think you were a little rude to him?" I asked in an even tone. I wasn't mad, just wondering why he was acting like that.

He sat down next to me, never taking his eyes off me. Evidently it had been misting outside because his chest was covered with a light, damp sheen that set off the contours of his hard, firm muscles. I could feel a blush starting and he hadn't even said a word.

"You have no idea how irresistible you are when you pout, do you?" he asked, his tone low and dangerous as he leaned toward me, putting his arm around my shoulder.

"I wasn't aware that I was pouting," I squeaked as his cool hand slid up to my neck.

"Oh, you are, and it makes your lips impossible to ignore," he said as he drew even closer to me and I could smell his sweet breath.

"Then don't ignore them," I said, ever hopeful.

"You are the one temptation I cannot resist," he said softly as he brushed his lips against mine. I pressed my palms against his chest and slid my hands up around his neck as he continued to kiss me slowly and thoroughly. I began to feel lightheaded and clung to him even tighter.

I was shivering when he broke the kiss and asked with concern, "Are you cold?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm not cold, I'm trying to stay conscious. Really, Edward, sometimes you're overwhelming."

"Is that a complaint?" he smirked, playing with a strand of my hair as if almost making me faint was a regular occurrence. He had a point.

"Of course not." I needed a minute to regroup and he continued to study my face while I endeavored to catch my breath.

"To answer your earlier question, Bradley was enjoying your company, but he was enjoying watching me through the French doors even more and it was making me uncomfortable."

"Oh, well, that explains it." I could hardly blame Bradley; I didn't want to take my eyes off Edward, either. "I'm sorry, it's my fault you're not wearing a shirt."

"I enjoy the way you look at me, Bella. You have no idea how much."

As the blush spread across my cheeks I couldn't figure out why, if he liked it so much, it had been so hard to get him to take his shirt off. Probably had something to do with protecting me; just about everything did.

"Unfortunately," he continued, "Bradley was so fascinated by my physical appearance that he was able to ignore what should be his innate fear of my kind."

"I see." I wondered if that theory could be applied to me. I certainly had been entranced by Edward's beauty to the point that I never feared him. That reminded me of my first impressions about Bradley yesterday.

"Edward, I had this strange thought about Bradley," I began cautiously.

He raised an eyebrow and stared at me intently. "Don't tell me I have reason to be jealous?"

I snorted. "Of course not. I was just wondering about something. Bradley is just about the textbook definition of tall, dark and handsome, and when he brought us to the cabin yesterday I noticed how graceful he was." I stopped as I noticed Edward's jaw was clenched and his mouth set in a grim line. He couldn't be jealous.

"Will you stop being ridiculous? I love you but I can still recognize when someone looks like a male model. I haven't suddenly gone blind."

"What exactly were you wondering about?" he asked impatiently.

"Now I feel awful. Forget I said anything," I sighed.

Edward ran his hand through his hair several times, leaving it standing up in every direction, making him even more attractive. How did he do that?

He bit his lip and then finally said in a rush, "Are you trying to drive me insane? What is it you want to say?" His eyes were imploring me to speak.

At this point I knew I would have to just get on with it. My silence was making it worse. "You're going to think I'm awful, too. The first thing I thought of when I saw Bradley yesterday was that he would make a good vampire." I looked down at my hands and waited for the explosion.

The sound of Edward's laughter filled the dining alcove and I looked up to see his eyes crinkled almost shut and his mouth open wider than I had ever seen it. His contagious laugh had me giggling and feeling foolish at the same time.

When he calmed down he took my hand and said, "Only you would come up with an idea like that."

"That's what I wanted to ask you about. Do you ever see someone and think, 'they would make a good vampire?'"

He was still smiling but his eyes were suddenly cold. "No, Bella, that thought has never crossed my mind."

"See? I knew it was a terrible thing to think, but when you mentioned how he wasn't afraid of you because you're extraordinarily gorgeous, it reminded me of myself, and I just wondered if he would make a good candidate," I hastily explained.

First he rolled his eyes and said, "I never said I was gorgeous, Bella," then he added seriously, "and becoming a vampire is not like being accepted at West Point."

"I know, but I hear I will have a couple of years of intensive training to look forward to," I joked, hoping to get the light mood back.

"You constantly surprise me," he said softly, reaching out to stroke my cheek with his fingertips. "Will I ever be able to decipher the way your mind works?"

I knew he didn't expect an answer from me on that question, so I took my last bite of cheese grits, something I never thought I would like, and put the spoon down on the linen tablecloth.

"Was that a good breakfast, love?" Edward inquired pleasantly, evidently putting aside his never-ending quest to figure out my freaky brain.

"Yes, very good. I'm enjoying my special breakfast but you didn't have to make sure I got the same thing as the bride, Edward." He was still gazing at me adoringly. He wasn't making this easy. "I'm sure their regular breakfast would have been just as good."

"Perhaps I wanted to pretend this was our wedding day, too."

"Still thinking about going to Vegas?" I asked hopefully.

His adorable crooked grin appeared but he shook his head 'no.'

I decided to go for broke. "If we're going to pretend this is our wedding day, could we skip to what happens after the wedding?"

"I have created a monster," he murmured to himself. Then in a stronger voice he added, "I think you're going to need your strength, in any case." Then he picked up the blueberry muffin and broke off a small piece of it, raising it to my lips. "I need some practice feeding you, in preparation for the dreaded wedding cake."

I opened my mouth like a baby bird and he dropped the sweet morsel on my tongue. The warm blueberries melted in a release of flavor and I smiled as I chewed, continuing to admire his glistening physique. Then I remembered why he had stepped outside.

"What was your phone call about?" I asked when I had swallowed.

"Nothing exciting," he said as he popped another bite into my mouth.

"Why did you have to take it outside?" I mumbled.

Edward studied my face for a moment before saying, "It was just Carlisle, checking up on you."

I gulped and reached for my teacup, taking a large drink. "What did you tell him?"

"That you had made a full recovery. It's true, isn't it?" He slipped the last bite of muffin between my lips.

I nodded, not sure what to say. I took a quick mental inventory as I chewed; shaky legs, check. Raised and sometimes arrested respiration, check. Lingering feelings of inadequacy, check. Yeah, it's all there; that's about as good as I get. Given the fact that I was experiencing a perpetual humming in my veins now, I thought I was probably still recovering but I didn't want him to know that.

Then I frowned with confusion. "Edward, wouldn't it just have been simpler to just ask Alice when I would wake up and if I would be okay? Why did you get Carlisle involved in this?"

He bowed his head and looked uncomfortable. After a few moments he looked at me again and said as if telling me a secret, "After the way I cautioned Alice to give us some privacy yesterday, I could hardly call and ask for her help this morning. Knowing Alice, it would just encourage her to check up on us throughout the day."

I tried not to smile; I knew he was serious, but sometimes his and Alice's special abilities caused problems instead of solving them.

"Besides," he continued, more confident now, "it was a medical question, and I've helped Carlisle so often, it's very natural to talk to him about these matters."

"Yes, Dr. Masen, I forgot for a moment," I said, not even trying to suppress my giggle.

His eyes narrowed and I could tell he was going to make some kind of retort, so I quickly looked down at the table and noticed a bit of blueberry from the muffin stuck on the end of his index finger. I reached out and grabbed his hand and brought it to my mouth before he knew what I was doing.

I wrapped my mouth around his finger and swirled my tongue, licking the blueberry off. I looked up at him and his jaw had slackened and his tongue stuck out a little between his perfect lips. It almost looked like he was going to drool and his eyes were slightly glazed. He was irresistible.

I bit down and pulled my head back, dragging my teeth along the length of his finger. He moaned and immediately brought his hand to my face, palm against my cheek. "You are wicked," he gasped, just before kissing me hard and fast.

When he released me his smile was broad again. "I discovered last night that the outdoor shower is very nice. Would you like to use it this morning? The rain stopped, and it was very light to begin with. It's getting warmer already. Alice said the sun will almost come out this afternoon, so I'll need to be careful."

I rose from the table and looked at him hopefully. He stood up and gazed at me as if he knew I was up to something.

"All right, I'll take a quick shower, but I want you to do something for me," I said, taking his hand and leading him toward the bathroom. I couldn't believe I was going to do this, but after what we shared last night I was emboldened.

"What would that be?" he asked, mystified.

I sat him down on the bench in the bathroom facing the frosted glass French doors.

"I know how concerned you are about the conservation of finite resources, so I want you to take a shower with me," I said simply.

AN: Okay, I know this was short, but the next chapter will make up for it. I would love to hear what you thought about Bradley, Bella, blueberries, and of course, Edward. Always Edward. Hit that Review Button please.

As ever, the feedback and advice from my fantastic Beta, Ranma15177 is priceless. She has three fantastic stories of her own going right now, and I deeply appreciate that she finds the time to read for me. My original Beta, not done baking also contributed greatly to shaping BMOM and she's got a couple of new stories going on too. Check out my Favorite Authors List and see their stories, too, you'll be glad you did.