AN: Well folks, it'll be another long chapter. I hope nobody minds! Enjoy!

Chapter 15: Edward's POV
When Bella and I woke up the next morning, we did talk. I mean, we really talked and it was a real heart to heart/mind-meld kind of thing. The two of us went so in depth that you'd think we grew up together because we now know everything about each other.

Ask me anything about Isabella Marie Swan. Go ahead; ask me…She will be 29 this year. Her birthday is September 13th, the same day as Nessie's; it's a day I will never forget. Renee, Bella's mom, left them after a miscarriage; Bella was 7 and her brother Emmett was 6.

Sean Connery is her favorite James Bond. Bella watched the 007 movies with her dad, Charlie, who was a cop but now has Alzheimer's and barely remembers her or Emmett.

When Bella was in high school, Charlie made her promise to keep her nose clean while her friends pressured her to cut class, drink and get a fake ID. She is not and has never been involved with drugs and only drinks alcohol with meals…usually white wine, although she has confessed to liking daiquiris and wine-coolers. She graduated from state college with high marks. Now she sells Pampered Chef cooking products and writes books for the Total Eclipse Publishing-house and articles for the local newspapers.

Bella's ex's name is Mike and he was boring, inept and impotent with women in bed. He came out of the closet after Bella dumped his ass. She recently found out that he's moved to Canada and married Scott…the guy he got together with after Bella.

Emmett is graduating from a SUNY college this summer with high marks, just like Bella did. He has his bachelor's degree in history and will be going for his Master's degree while he works as a substitute at a high school a few towns away from here.

A couple of Bella's friends had dated Emmett and broke his heart; Lauren and Jessica. Lauren just disappeared off the face of the earth, but Jessica was cheating on him with her boss, Tyler. Bella caught them in the act and Emmett canceled the wedding with a week to go. Tanya was Emmett's most recent relationship but she dumped him just before he met Rosalie Hale.

Emmett is truly in love with Rose and wants to ask her to move in with him. I have it on good authority that she's just as serious about him as he is about her. Maybe Rose and Em will want to buy her house when Bella and I get married… God, I love the way that sounds… when Bella and I get married… Huh? Oops, I got distracted. So if that happens, then when Bella and I get married, she'll move in with me and Ness and Bella's little brother would be living right there. They love Ness and probably won't mind baby-sitting when Bella and I want some alone time… Bella and I… married… alone time… Wow!

Anyway, Nessie is thrilled for us…

We told her as soon as we got her home from school on Wednesday. Bella and I waited in the Volvo for my daughter to leave the building. As soon as she saw us she ran over to the car and hopped into the back seat. As I drove home, she told us about her day and how she and Annie were back to being friends again. I knew they'd talked on Monday and that Annie had apologized, but Ness had felt a bit guilty too. She'd made her friend think she had forgotten about her because she had Bella. On Tuesday, Annie had brought an extra brownie for Nessie and they'd re-bonded as friends. Nessie did want to bring Annie on the day of beauty trip with Bella; she agreed immediately. I got us home without incident and once the three of us were seated in my kitchen with bowls of ice cream, we began to tell Nessie how much we loved each other.

"Ness, Bella and I have some news. I know you wanted me to date her; I have gotten to know her very well." I told her softly. "I know you heard me tell her I love her on Sunday, honey."

She smiled at me. "Yeah, I might've heard something like that."

Bella grinned. "And you know I love him too, right, Ness."

"I'm so glad you're in love with my dad." She said, nodding. "I'm getting my wish…aren't I?"

Unsure of what she meant by that, I just smiled and reached out to take Bella's hand. "Nessie, I've asked Bella to marry me…"

Her eyes practically sparkled with excitement. "What did you say, Bella? Will you be my new mom?"

Bella placed her left hand on the table in front of Nessie. "Yes, sweetie, if you'll have me…?"

"Yes, yes, yes! I am getting my wish! Oh Bella, I'm so happy!" My little girl's grin was big as she jumped into my lap. "Is that the ring you gave her, daddy? Wow, it's pretty!"

I told them the story behind the ring and how the diamond was inherited. Bella commented on how the uniqueness of the ring was complimented by the unique story that goes with it. She promises to cherish it forever.

Oh, man… Time goes so fast! It's Saturday already and I can't wait to tell everyone that Bella and I are getting married! The grocer had the food delivered on time. My girls even picked out a new shirt for me while they were out yesterday. It's pale green and looks great with my khaki trousers and she promises that it'll be perfect with what she's wearing.

Bella's POV

Today's the day! I am so going to enjoy this BBQ! Edward and I are going to tell everyone that we're engaged; I wonder what they'll say when we tell them the date we've picked…

The morning after our engagement, when I woke up to see Edward watching me, I smiled up at him.

"Did I dream that, Bella?" He asked. "Did you really say yes and agree to marry me?"

I felt my face warm as I nodded. "Yeah, and you even gave me this amazing ring to seal the deal…Edward…"

"When should we…?" He asked quickly.

"I don't know… When we honeymoon, do you want to go alone or as a family with Ness?" I countered.

"I haven't thought about it… What if we go someplace by ourselves for a few days and then come get her and go to… like, Disney World or something?" Edward suggested.

"Oh, Edward, that's a great idea! I think we should do that!" I said excitedly. "I've never been to Disney!"

"Neither has Ness…" My fiancé said. "I was there once; a long time ago… Nancy wanted me to see it so she talked me into going for Spring Break one year…"

"What about Potter's World? Should we check that out?" I asked.

He laughed. "Let's just see about setting a date before we plan the honeymoon. Ok?"

"If we want Ness to join us for some of the honeymoon, we'll have to take the trip while she's out of school." I reasoned. "So... this summer…? Do you want a big wedding or small and intimate with just our favorite people?"

"I'm thinking of mid-August." He said. "I did the big crazy white wedding with Nancy… I don't want it or need it again…why?"

I was surprised and a little overwhelmed, "August is a good month…Uhmmm… Wow, that's really soon. I think somewhere around the 10th…no how's the 13th?"

"August 13th; we met last month on the 13th…" He beamed.

I smiled. "…and I only ask about the big wedding because your sister and I picked out the perfect dress last month…but only if it's a small, intimate gathering. You didn't look at the dress I paid you back for…did you?"

"No, Alice hates for anyone but her and the girls to see a dress before the first time it's worn... She did tell me that you'll look heavenly in it though." Edward smiled. "What does it look like?"

"I'll give you a hint… It's very feminine…" I winked then and he kissed me as I thought about the ivory satin dress that fell to mid-calf on my leg. There was also the palest of pale blue embroidery at the hem and neckline as well as a sash of the same pale blue at the waist. The sleeves are sheer and fluttery material. I have to admit that 'heavenly' was a good word to keep him guessing.

"Alright, you can keep your bridal secrets… I'll plan the honeymoon, though, and that's going to be a secret until we're on the way to our destination." He shook a finger at me.

"We'll have to tell Nessie soon. I want her to know before anyone else." I told him.

"Today… We'll pick her up from school and tell her as soon as we're home." He said and I nodded in agreement.

We went on to talk about the littlest details of our lives.

He told me all about his family and friends through high school and college. Then he told me how he and Nancy met and fell in love. They'd been freshmen in college and met on campus. He took an interest in her because she was a sweet woman who worked at the deli where he always got his breakfast but he wasn't absolutely sure they were meant to be until he saw her hold their mutual friend, Kaitlyn Montgomery's baby. Garrett, the baby's father was so proud of his new little princess and the poor baby started to cry because he was passing her around like a hot potato. Nancy took her and she instantly calmed down. He said he'd pictured her holding a baby with hazel eyes and his auburn-bronze hair and that he proposed within a week. He told me about comforting Nancy through the loss of her parents, about their wedding, his family's love for her, and how they couldn't wait for the baby to arrive once they'd found out about her.

Then he started telling me about their reactions to me and Emmett. They've grown to love me as much as they did Nancy. They've more than accepted me into the clan; they've welcomed me with open arms. His mom and dad hug me when I go over to their house and they always have a warm smile for me. Alice has told me many times that I'm her new best friend. Even Angela and Ben have come out with Edward and me for dates. I found out the other day that Angela is actually the head of Marie Blackwell's fan club here in our state. I have yet to tell her that Marie and I are one and the same.

Edward's daughter was so happy for us when we told her and Edward kept us fascinated with the tale of how his grandfather found the diamond and left it to him. After that conversation, Nessie and I planned to have our 'Girl's day' yesterday. Although it was a Friday, we got Edward's approval for Ness to skip and then he spoke to Maria on the phone. She agreed and dropped Annie off nice and early. I took them to the mall and we picked outfits to wear for the BBQ. I even got Edward a new shirt, before we got our hair and nails done. We even got pedicures! The girls got to read magazines for a bit while I indulged in a back-massage and a facial. After dropping Annie back at home, Nessie confessed that she'd been trying for a while to find a new wife for her dad.

"Bella…can I tell you something?" She asked.

"Of course, sweetie…You can tell me anything; what is it?" My curiosity was piqued.

"When I saw you in the window that first night, I just knew you'd be…well, a perfect new wife…for my dad." Her cheeks turned a light pink color. "He always tried not to let me feel like I was missing out on stuff by not having a mom, but when girls at school would talk about their moms I missed out on having mom stories to tell. I had to sit and listen to Annie and the others tell me about their shopping trips and how their moms would play with their hair and stuff before bedtime. I wanted so much for him to find a new wife so I could finally have a mom…I actually hinted around at school to my friends that he was looking to start dating, but he never said yes to any of the ladies who seemed interested. He even chased some of them away…go figure."

My eyes got big and I had to fight my instinct to giggle at that. So Edward's past woman trouble was all Nessie's fault; he'd probably lose his mind if he ever found out. "Oh, Ness…You're going to have some great stories to tell your little friends! Your dad said I could keep you until dinner, so we'll go to my house and talk, ok?"

I told her about our shared birthday and how I couldn't wait to celebrate it with her this year. She was ecstatic that we had such a cool connection. We also discovered that her father still thinks her favorite color is pink when she really likes mint green better. I tell her about Marie Blackwell and try to explain what a pen-name is.

She didn't understand why someone would want to hide their identity when they'd written something that lots of people would read. "I'd think you'd want everyone to know that it was you who'd done all that work to make them happy with a story…wouldn't you…?" She shrugged.

"Well when you write a book, you can use whatever name you want; ok, Ness?" I grinned.

"Ok," She said, matter-of-factly.

"What else should we talk about? I know…have you ever had a pet?" I asked. "I've always wanted a cat."

Nessie cringed. "I had a few fish once but they all died and Dad says that 'until I can keep a fish alive for over three months' I can't ask about anything bigger, so I guess if you want a pet then you'll have to talk about it with him." Her head tilted, then, and she looked at me with a frown. "Do you think he'd tell you the same thing or would he just give you the kitten?"

"I don't know, Ness, I'll ask him at dinner and we'll find out." I giggled.

We were sitting at the dinner table when I asked him what he thought about us getting a cat. He raised an eyebrow and said we'd 'talk about it later', so I smirked and finished eating the meal he'd made for us. Ness went to watch TV after she was done, leaving us grown-ups alone to talk.

"Did Nessie put you up to this?" He asked.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be silly! We were talking this afternoon and I mentioned pets. She told me about her fish and I said I've always wanted a cat. She suggested that I talk to you about it…and here we are…"

"Well, we'd have to keep it indoors…" He said.

I nodded.

"You're home most of the time so you'd be able to clean up after it…" He added with his eyes narrowed. "You'd have to train it not to scratch the furniture and I don't want one that's going to be a pain. If it knocks stuff off the dressers or makes lots of noise, I'll be annoyed…"

"I can do that, and if you want, we can de-claw it." I told him. "What do you say?"

He heaved a sigh. "You really want this?"

"I do…but we can wait if you want; we can get it after the honeymoon... or even later if you want. It's just that I've never had a pet bigger then a hamster and I've always loved cats. I planned on getting one after I'd settled in at my little house..." I mimicked his sigh. "But if it's a deal-breaker...then I don't have to have it."

He smirked at me knowing I was trying to use my womanly wiles on him. "My sweet, silly Bella…it's not a deal-breaker, but I'll have to think about it; ok?"

I grinned as he pulled me out of my seat and hugged me. Nessie went to bed soon after and I spent the night cuddled in the warmth of his arms.

I smile at my reflection in the mirror. I look great. The bra and panties I'm wearing will give Edward heart palpitations when he sees them later. The blouse covering that is a light, airy colored blue silk with a ruffle on the lapels. My dark blue denim skirt hugs my curves just right so I slip into my navy wedged heels and make my way to the other room where Edward is waiting.

Edward's POV

Bella looks amazing. She's wearing a lovely light blue silk blouse with a ruffle on the lapels. The dark blue denim skirt is hugging her womanly curves perfectly and her navy-blue wedged heels make her legs look longer then I've ever seen them. "You look gorgeous, love." I say as soon as I've finished ogling her.

"Why thank you, sir; you don't look half bad yourself." She grins. "Now that you've finished 'checking me out', can we join the others outside?"

I feel the blood rush to my face. "Sorry, I just can't help myself, love. I can't believe you're going to be my bride. You're lovely and sweet and kind… I don't feel worthy sometimes…but I love you…"

"And I love you…so let's get out there and tell them the news." She says grabbing my hand and pulling me along.

I smile at my friends and neighbors. My family comes and hugs me hello and after handing Bella into their welcoming presence, I look around and see Ben, Angela, Jimmy and Victoria. There's Pete and Charlotte, my parent's friends…Tim and Becky from down the street, Charles and Jackie from the bagel store in town, some of the guys who work for Rosalie and I even agreed to let Maria join us because she needs to hear the news too. So, after greeting everyone, I gather Bella into my arms.

"Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting her, but for those who haven't, this is Bella Swan. She moved into the old Burke place about a month ago. This year's BBQ has a different purpose then all the others before it. This year, it's more then a meet and greet for the new neighbor. It's not even a 'get this single woman off my back' BBQ." I pause as my guests, except for Maria, chuckle. "This BBQ is being held because Bella and I have an announcement. We met almost ten years ago but I was still married and she was in college and not interested at the time. Fate pulled us together again the day she moved in next door, and this woman has done something unexpected and unbelievable. She's found her way into my heart. We've been seeing quite a lot of each other, and I love her very much…so much that I've asked her to marry me…" I trail off and let Bella tell them the rest.

"And I said yes!" She beams and holds out her left hand.

The men in our group shout 'yahoo', 'congrats' and 'best wishes, man' and other things to us but the ladies bombard Bella. She smiles and models the ring for them. Even Maria is among the crowd lining up to see the ring on Bella's finger.

Now that the news is out there, I walk slowly to the shed. "Well, guys; the volleyball net isn't going to set itself up, is it?" I shout as I unlock my shed. I get out of Ben's way as he rushes to help Pete and Tim set up the net.

Jimmy and my dad join me at the grill and I accept their well wishes and congratulations with a large smile. Bella and my mom set up the snacks table.

Jasper steps up to my side. "She's a great girl, Edward. I'm sorry I threw a monkey wrench into the works. Ali and I actually have news too. I don't know if you noticed, but she's not helping Bells and your mom like she usually does."

I look around and notice that she's on a chaise, off to the side of the yard, in the shade.

He lets out a loud whistle. "It's a day of announcements, folks! Alice and I are pregnant again!"

Loud shouts resound through the yard again.

Emmett joins in. "I graduate in a few weeks and Rosalie is moving in with me!"

Another round of loud yells almost echoes from my guests, and Bella and I are reeling with the overwhelming surprise of all the good news. I kiss her cheek and we watch our family, friends and neighbors begin to get into the groove of the party.

The hot dogs and hamburgers are hot and delicious and served to order. The salads and breads as well as the baked ziti and stuffed shells are on the tables.

I feel Maria's gaze fall on me and look around for Bella. Our eyes meet across the yard and she smiles back at me. Seeing my eyes cut to Maria's position, she chuckles and walks toward me. "You're so funny, Edward. Do you think she'd try to kidnap you or something? Well, I'm here now…" She says with a twinkle in her eye. "I'll protect you."

I love that I've made Bella feel secure in herself and in my love for her. I wink at her and just say, "Thanks, love."

Annie and Ness are in the pool and having a great time. Maria stays away from me for the most part; just watching me and stalking my every move from afar.

Bella's POV

Edward has just gone into the house when Maria walks up to me. "The ring is lovely, Bella. You make them happy and it's nice to see. I won't flirt or try to interfere but, damn…this isn't coming out right. Look: I'm not used to not getting what I want and I'm not good at conceding the fight for something I've wanted for a long time, so I'll try not to be rude and petulant while I attempt to be happy for you." She pauses. "Thanks for yesterday; Annie had an amazing time with you and Nessie at the mall and spa. I haven't done that kind of thing with her in a while and she really loved it…so thanks."

Not sure how to take her words, I only address the part about Annie. "You're welcome, Maria; Annie is a sweet girl. I'm glad they were able to patch things up and stay friends. Thanks for letting Annie stay over with Ness tonight. They're going to have lots of fun. I got a few kids movies, some ice cream and some popcorn for them to share and my brother will be on his best behavior with his girlfriend tonight. They'll have little Hale with them too, so they can't just ignore the kids."

"Your brother is a goofball…" She cracks a smile. "But I'm glad the girls will also be just next door to you. If he can't handle something, he'll come and get you…right?"

"Yes, Maria, I promise, Annie will be fine. We'll call you if anything comes up." I tell her. "Enjoy the rest of the BBQ."

"I'm actually going to go. So I'll find Edward and say good-bye, then I'll be on my way." She says stiffly.

"Ok, then; have a nice night." I say waving as she walks toward the house. I watch the guys as they hit the ball back and forth across the net.

Angela comes over and sits with me. We agree that the men from Rosalie's garage are some fabulous eye-candy and then she asks me if I've ever read any of Marie Blackwell's novels.

"Ang," I ask. "Can you keep a secret?"

She nods slowly. "Sure, why?"

I smirk. "Because…I am going to tell you something about Marie Blackwell that nobody knows but me and few select people that she trusts."

She frowns, but her eyes widen. "You're friends with her?"

My smile blooms. "Marie Blackwell is just a pen-name, Angela. What would you say if I told you that you've already met your favorite author…and she's here, in this back yard… right now?"

She shakes her head. "No way… Are you serious?"

"Would you like me to point her out to you?" I ask.

She nods so fast that her head should pop off and roll away.

I make a show of getting up and looking around before pointing to my reflection in the window. "There she is…" Looking back at her, I see her jaw is hanging wide open and she's staring at the window. I giggle. "C'mon, Angela, say something!"

"I-I-I…" She stammers. "I'm friends with my FAVORITE author and I can't TELL anyone!"

I laugh and hug her. "We'll tell Ben and Edward's family knows so you can talk about it with them but I like my privacy."

Angela sighs, heavily. "I love you, Bella…I love you and your work is fabulous but this secret is going to KILL me! I don't know how I'm going to keep it from the girls in the fan club!"

Edward's POV

The grilling is done and most of the food has been put away, either in stomachs or in containers as left overs. I'm just taking out the desserts so the ice cream can thaw a bit and the cakes and pies can get sliced. I hear the door behind me open and think it's Bella wanting to help so I turn to face her, but I was wrong. It's not my fiancé. It's Maria.

"Hi Edward; I'm on my way out and I just wanted to talk to you for a minute." She says, calling me by the correct name for the first time in history. "The ring is lovely. It really suits Bella. I can see she makes you both happy, so I won't try to hit on you anymore. I'll tell you what I told her: I'm used to getting what I want and I'm not good at conceding the fight for something I've wanted for such a long time, but I'll try not to be rude while I attempt to be happy for you both." She pauses. "I thanked Bella for including Annie yesterday. She had a hell of a time at the mall and spa and she'll have fun with Ness and Hale and Bella's brother later. Thanks for letting her stay and re-inviting me for dinner. I hope we'll be friendly…for the girls' sakes."

"I'm sure we can manage that, Maria. Thanks for joining us; have a nice night and we'll see you when you pick Annie up in the morning." I give her a relieved smile. I'm so glad she's not going to cause trouble today. She seems to have gotten over things rather quickly, though. Oh, well…nothing I need to worry about.

Mom comes in as Maria walks out. "What did she want, Edward?"

"She just wanted to say good-bye and promise not to hit on me anymore. Hey, Mom, you made the 'Death by Chocolate' right? I didn't see it in the fridge."

"Your father's just gone to get it, son." She says. "We knew you wouldn't have much room in there so we left it at Alice's this morning. You know, Bella called me a few days ago."

I frown. "What did she want?"

"She specifically requested the 'Death by Chocolate' cake for the BBQ…didn't you tell her that I make it for all the special occasions in the family?" My mom asks with a knowing glint in her eye.

"Uhmmm, no…I kind of told her I'd ask you to make it special." I say as my face flushes with color.

"Well, then, I'm glad I just told her 'yes'." She smiles as my dad walks into the house.

"Hey, son, I saw Maria leaving. I guess she finally got the hint!" He says.

I nod and chuckle as mom helps me start slicing and plating the 'Death by Chocolate'. Jasper and Dad each take two plates so I raise an eyebrow.

"What…? One is for my pregnant wife and this other one is mine." Jasper says, defensively.

Dad says. "I'm taking this one to my future daughter-in-law and the other is for me."

I smirk, accepting their statements and getting back to work. After setting out all the plates for my guests, I take my plate and find Bella.

She's sitting with Alice and Rose in the shade. "Hi, Edward, I've been having so much fun with everyone. You grill really well and I'm really enjoying my cake." Her smile turns into a playful narrow-eyed glare. "You know, your father just mentioned that it was a good thing I like this cake so much because apparently Esme makes it for all the special occasions in the family. Isn't that something?"

Once again, I blush while Rosalie and my sister have a laugh at my expense.

We joke around, laughing and playing the day away until it's just the family. The kids start watching a movie while the grown-ups clear the yard and put things away. Finally we all sit down and the interrogation begins. Have we decided on a date? Will the wedding be a large or small affair? Have we thought about the honeymoon? Has Bella thought about her dress…her hair…her bridesmaids…? Have I thought about my tux or maybe a suit? What's going to happen to Bella's house? Will Emmett be able to buy it with Rose or can they just rent it from Bella? We answer as many of the questions as we can but soon it's time for them all to go.

Jasper and Alice make sure their son is tucked into his travel crib before they hug us and leave for the night. Alice is looking forward to helping with the wedding plans. Mom and Dad give us each a good-night hug and tell us to 'be good' and, under Mom's watchful eye, Dad apologizes for revealing my fib.

I smirk at him and say, "It's alright, Dad; she would've figured it out sooner or later, anyway."

They smile and leave us alone with Bella's brother and Rose.

"So, uh…Bells?" He asks.

"Yes, Em…?" She answers.

"Well, I was wondering when you'll be moving into Ed's place with him and the cutie." Emmett says.

I was going to talk to her about this in the morning anyway, so I look at her. "Good question, Em… Bella, would you like to tell us?"

"I hope nobody minds…but I plan on taking this seriously. Nessie needs me to set a good example as her new mom. I'll be staying in my own house until the wedding. So, little by little, I'll move my stuff over here, but not all at once and not right away. Edward, I think we should leave Em and Rose alone with the kids…Don't you?" She says, winking at me.

hnwhitlock2000, you're the best! Thanks for doing this so quickly!

I'm not feeling well, but here I am! I'm posting this for you all! I'm also hoping to have the next chapter of Long Forgiven out soon!

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