Please don't hate me. Went out of town and ended up staying gone longer than planned. And now I have a teething baby so I'm barely getting any sleep...yep no fun. But I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 14: Whiskey River

I couldn't believe it. Emmett's and mine little sister was getting married. To Jasper. I knew in my heart that there was no one better for her. We were heading back to the hotel. Emmett was driving with Rose riding shotgun, Bella and I were in the middle seat, and Jasper and Alice were in the back. Yeah they were pretty much glued to each other, but we truly didn't care. I knew I would be the same way if my plans had gone through with Natalie.

Flashback

"So I'll fly out in a couple of days, alright," I said.

"Ok sweetie. I can't wait for you to come and stay with us. Mom and dad just love you."

I grinned at this, knowing to well that they did…which is why this was more than just a vacation. She gave me a quick kiss before heading through security.

"I love you."

"I love you too Natalie."

End Flashback

I shook my head, pushing that memory far back in my mind. I took a glance toward Bella and I noticed she was looking at Alice and Jasper, with a look of longing in her eyes. She must have felt me staring because she focused her attention on me. She gave a small smile and leaned in close to my ear. "How lucky are they to have a love like that."

I nodded and leaned into her ear. "You'll have that one day too."

She gave me a sad smile and shrugged her shoulders, leaving me with a confused look. Didn't she think she had someone out there?

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"Woo Hoo! Let's get our drink on!" Emmett shouted.

"Just keep Bella away from the vodka," Rose joked.

"Hey cut me some slack. I don't go out much."

Rose put her arm around Bella and pulled her close. "I know sweetie. And I want you to have a blast tonight."

I leaned in towards Bella and whispered in her ear, "I don't mind if I have to carry you out again." With that comment, my favorite color filled her cheeks.

We all walked into Whiskey River, a country bar. Alice was determined if we were in Texas, we were going to do it right. The place was loud and crowded, but the atmosphere was awesome.

We found a place to sit and got some beers. As we were finishing them Emmett disappeared and showed back up with some shots.

"Ok, keep these from Bella."

"Oh my gosh stop it! Emmett I could so beat you at shots."

"Is that a challenge Miss Swan?" Em asked why smiling.

"Hell yeah!"

So now we were seating there watching Bella and Em start their battle. They downed the first four shots with ease. After the fifth one, you could tell they were starting to feel them. Emmett started looking a bit sick, while Bella just started giggling.

"Ready to give up Em?" she giggled.

He gave her a look. "Never Swan." He picked up another glass and threw it back. He then proceeded to jump up and make a run for the bathroom. Alice and Rose started cheering and hugging Bella. Jasper and I stared in shock.

"Um Bella? How exactly did you beat Em? I thought you couldn't hold your liquor very well."

Bella just giggled. "Well you have to remember I had a lot to drink that night. This was nothing. Plus," she tapped the side of her head, "my mind just kept telling me the drinks weren't affecting me."

We just laughed as Emmett came back. He still looked bad, but not as sick. Bella jumped up and hugged him. He finally grinned and told her he was never challenging her again. She giggled as the girls dragged her onto the dance floor. We all sat back down while Emmett nursed bottled water.

"So Jasper, how does it feel to be an engaged man?" I asked.

He started grinning like a fool. "It's amazing. Honestly if we could have gotten married last night I would…but you know Alice has been planning her dream wedding for years." He started twisting his bottle. "I'm just glad she officially is going to be mine."

Emmett and I couldn't help but smile. "Well you know you have always been like a brother to us…we're glad it's going to be made official."

Jasper just grinned and took a drink. Emmett turned his attention to me. "Ok now you."

"What?"

"Are you just going to continue to be blind to it? We see how you and Bella are with each other. I mean think about it. At the beach, the girls looking at you. She gave them a death glare and you didn't even give them a second glance. You like her Edward…more than a friend. Its time you realized that before it's too late," Emmett stated.

I just sighed and looked at Emmett and Jasper. They both were staring at me. "Guys, I don't think I like her like that. Listen, I can't tell you here, but there is a story there. What you're probably seeing is what that stirs up in me."

Jasper rolled his eyes. "Ok one I'm confused now, but no matter what, the looks you give her are more than just friends man. You really need to think about it."

We turned towards the dance floor and watched the girls. There was no way I liked Bella in that way…right? I mean, I'm just grateful that she saved me that day. I mean yeah she's beautiful and funny…smart…she keeps me on me on my toes…no, she was just a great friend. There were no feelings there…was there? I continued to battle with myself as the girls walked back. They sat down, Bella beside me. The girls were laughing and talking, having a great time. I just watched as everyone conversed, not being able to focus on the conversation.

"You ok Edward?"

I looked at Bella and noticed we were the only ones at the table.

"Where is everyone?"

She pointed to the dance floor. "They decided to take a spin." She giggled. "But really are you ok?"

I looked into her deep brown eyes, finding worry and care in them. I just gave her a smile and nodded. "I am. No worries."

She gave me a skeptical look then took a drink.

Some music started then and Bella sighed. "Oh I love this song."

George Strait's "I Cross My Heart" was playing and Bella closed her eyes.

"Would you like to dance?" I asked.

She grinned and nodded. I led her to the dance floor and started swaying with her. She sighed and laid her head on my chest. Her scent cover my sense; strawberries. I sighed and started humming the song. Bella felt so good in my arms…it was like she fit perfectly in my arms. My chin was able to rest on top of her head.

I could feel her smiling against my chest and knowing she was happy filled me with…joy…happiness…contentment?

You will always be the miracle that makes my life complete,
And as long as there's a breath in me, I'll make yours just as sweet.
As we look into the future, it's as far as we can see,
so let's make each tomorrow be the best that it can be

I had to admit…Bella was like my miracle. I needed an angel that day and she was sent to me. I couldn't help but start to really process again everything Jasper and Emmett said to me. Was it more than what I thought it was? Did I like Bella?

I cross my heart and promise to

Give all I got to give to make all your dreams come true

In all the world, you'll never find

A love as true as mine

I felt Bella sigh against me, and realized then what I was feeling. It was true. I was falling for Bella Swan. My mind started to panic, telling myself I couldn't do this again. My heart was telling me the opposite…to embrace it. I could tell my breathing was getting heavier, but I did my best to control it so Bella couldn't tell what was going on. Finally the song ended and Bella looked up at me.

"You are the best dance partner ever." She reached up and kissed me on the cheek…I melted.

I was falling for Bella…and I was scared to death.