A/N: Hello all, I am so very sorry that I have not updated. I had lost the passion to write but re-reading the reviews inspired me to continue to write this story. I promise to update more frequently and thank you all for your revies and messages. I LOVE YOU ALL! enjoy

I own nothing but the plot x

A week had passed since the pool incident and Bella had done her best to avoid Edward as much as she possibly could. She didn't know what to make of his remark; she didn't know what to make of her situation. Nothing about her life had been normal, not her father's wealth from his hotel empire, not getting pregnant at nineteen, nothing. But she had to be strong; many people depended on her strength and at least her animosity towards Edward had faded.

The Cullen's had given Bella and Edward enough time to readjust to their new life together and it was now time they both returned to work. Emmett had put a tight schedule on the production of The Swan as the business continued to plummet. The first day back to work Bella decided to catch up with Jessica before work leaving Edward to take Reneesme to crèche.

"I can't believe how fast things have changed." Jessica said as they walked into a Starbucks on 8th Avenue. "How are you?" Jessica looked concerned for her friend.

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Bella laughed. "I married a freaking Cullen, any girl should be happy to be in my situation."

"Are you happy?"

"I am happy." That surprised Bella. But it was true; she had nothing to be unhappy about.

They ordered their Caffé Misto's to go and continued walking towards the Cullen building. The receptionist ushered them to the meeting room upon their arrival. They were to meet with the Cullen's to discuss their interior designs plans. Emmett, Jasper and Edward were sat around the oval table visibly awaiting their arrival. Bella's eyes immediately flew to Edward, he looked as handsome as sin in his custom-made suit. He looked up and saw her staring. Embarrassed, Bella tried to look away but she couldn't, it was as though his eyes had a magnetic pull on her. He smiled at her unleashing butterflies in her stomach. She knew this feeling all too well. This is how she'd ended up pregnant in the first place but one look at his face—beautifully sculpted—and her heart thumped with foolish emotion.

Bella was oblivious to most of what took place in the meeting, she was mentally undressing Edward and wanting to get reacquainted with that beautiful defined body. Oh God, why was this happening again?

"Is that clear, Bella?" Jasper asked pulling her out of her horny daze, she felt like a schoolgirl who'd been caught doing something naughty.

"Um…sure...yes." Caught off guard, she stammered. "You want the same 1920s elegant design of the original Swan room but with a modern twist. I'm sure Jessica and I will…um…come up with a few ideas."

"I'm glad," Jasper responded.

"So, I guess we're done here." Emmett announced, beginning to gather his things.

As the others left, Bella remained behind so she could be alone with Edward. "Would you like to go to lunch with me this afternoon?" She was tired of avoiding him but she didn't want him to think her forward. What if he rejected her?

Edward chuckled, sensing Bella's nervousness. He took her hand. His slow, amused smile revealed teeth as white and shiny as snow in the sun. "I'd love nothing more." Bella's hand tingled until he dropped his hand. And with that he walked out, leaving Bella alone in the meeting room. She had to get a grip. She wasn't the same lovesick nineteen-year-old anymore!

She'd managed to get a few ideas brainstormed with Jessica for the design of the Swan when Edward arrived to take her to lunch. They walked to a nearby Italian restaurant.

Once they'd been seated and had their orders taken, Edward said with a grin, "I was surprised when you asked me on a lunch date."

"Firstly this isn't a date and secondly, this is the twenty-first century, a woman can ask a man out if she wants."

That made Edward laugh. "You've always be ballsy Miss Bella Swan." His velvety baritone settled over Bella like a blanket.

The waiter appeared with their drinks. "That's Mrs Bella Cullen to you," Bella said taking a sip of her lemonade.

Edward didn't laugh or chuckle as Bella had intended, instead he stared at her intently. "I have always admired your courage. You flew to Italy from America to save your father's business and you've raised the most amazing child on your own." Edward said remembering Bella's inherent decency. Once, a girl had fallen and spilt red wine on herself during a ball they'd attended back in Italy. The other party guests, his brothers included, had laughed. Unbidden, Bella had rushed forward to help, reassuring the tearful girl. The incident stood out because her action had made him feel small and petty by comparison.

"Well, I don't have to raise her on my own anymore." She offered Edward a warm smile.

Running a hand through his wavy hair, he said, "I owe you an apology for the way I treated you when I first arrived in Forks."

"Don't apologize!" she interrupted. "Please don't. I realize now I'd misjudged you, Edward. I should have never kept Nessie away from you. You're so amazing with her. The truth is, I owe you an apology."

The food arrived and they ate in a comfortable silence. Both of them lost in their thoughts of the muddle of the feelings they felt for the person sat opposite them.

They were unaware it had started raining outside until it was time to head back to office. Bella had not been expecting any rain and her dressing reflected this. Edward took off his suit jacket and pulled Bella close so he could wrap it around her. And as soon as he felt her small body pressed against his, time stood still. His surroundings faded and all that remained was Bella.

Bella looked into those eyes. The most beautiful green eyes imaginable. The eyes she could spend hours looking into. And she closed her own and leaned forward. Letting go of the past only focusing on the now. She stopped fighting her feelings. Her wants. Her needs. And gave in to the need to kiss Edward.