A/N: Sorry for the delay! This chapter is all EPOV-- I don't like to repeat things but if there is another POV you want for this chapter, let me know and I just might give it to you if you review!

CH 12: Meeting Esme and Making Decisions

EPOV

"Edward, are you sure this looks okay? Not too much? Is it nice enough?"

I sighed as Bella changed her outfit for the fourth time.

"Bella, honey, it looks great. Just like the last three outfits."

"Edward, don't rush me. This is the first time I'm meeting Esme and I want to make a good impression."

"Bella, given my change in mood and everything I've told her about you, you could wear a potato sack and she would love you. She already loves you . . . because I do."

She smiled, twirling once more in the mirror and smoothing the dress down with her hands.

"Okay, you're right, Edward. Let's go."

She took my hand in hers and I took a minute to kiss her palm before we exited her condo, heading for my car.

Even though every time I had visited my mother over the past month, she had been well and was only getting better every day, I was particularly happy to be visiting her today--to finally be taking Bella to meet my mother.

However, I was still a bit apprehensive because it was also the first time I was going to meet my mother's--gulp--boyfriend.

All I knew so far was his name and that he was a doctor at the hospital where my mother was being treated.

He wasn't her doctor--that really would have made me question their quickly-developed close bond--but he worked in the ER adjoining her treatment facility.

Apparently they had met during one of her walks around the grounds once she had finally started regaining her strength and feeling better; she was walking by what she proclaimed as her favourite tree and she suddenly had a feeling to turn around. She said her heart stopped when she saw him and he immediately stopped walking because he was staring at her, too.

And the thing is--I knew exactly what she was describing. It was what I felt when I saw Bella.

Regardless, this doctor and my mother had been inseparable since. I had a feeling that they were headed toward marriage and I knew that was what I wanted for Bella and myself, as well. It was just all too fortuitous that we had both fallen in love at the same time and that my mother was going to live--going to thrive.

But I noticed my palms were a bit clammy and I double-checked that my top button was undone because I was having a bit of trouble breathing. I hadn't seen my mother with anyone but my father, ever. But she was so happy that I couldn't help myself from being happy for her like she was for me and Bella. I was determined to be nice today and to be honest, I was intrigued by this doctor. He must be pretty amazing to fall in love with a woman who was dying. He couldn't have known that she would recover.

Bella must have sensed I was lost in my own thoughts because she merely took my hand and led me to the car.

"Want me to drive?"

I laughed.

"Is it that obvious?"

"You're nervous, aren't you?"

"I am . . . I've never seen with my mother with anyone but my father. And yet....she's so happy. I don't want to be a downer about it. Plus, I know she's been so excited to meet you."

We slipped into the car; I felt clear-headed enough to drive. Bella grabbed both of my hands.

"Edward, it's going to be okay."

I leaned over to kiss her--so gently.

"Thank you, Bella. I believe you. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Bella had managed to reassure me and I felt much better on the drive over to the hospital. I started daydreaming about how soon my mother might be living elsewhere. Would she move in with the doctor? I knew she hated being at the hospital . . . and I couldn't wait for her to leave their either.

We finally arrived and the nerves returned. I helped Bella out of the car and took a deep breath before we entered the hospital.

It was only a few quick steps to my mother's room and then we were there-- and he was there, too.

My mother's already smiling face became even brighter as Bella and I entered the room.

I didn't stop to look at the doctor--yet--heading straight for my mother.

She didn't get up because I waived her off when she started to.

"Edward! Bella! I'm so happy you're here." She reached out her arms and I bent down to hug her. Bella hugged her as well and I could tell the hug lingered.

She took Bella's hands in hers and they were looking directly at each other.

"I'm so glad to meet you Bella . . . I can hardly describe how much. But, thank you."

I think my mother had a few tears of joy in her eyes as she said this.

"Esme . . . oh, may I call you Esme? The pleasure is all mine." Bella looked at me with a smile on her face. "You've raised an amazing son."

"Of course you can call me Esme and . . . you're the one who's brought my son back. I can't thank you enough times."

In those few moments it seemed like we were the only three people in the room but then I remembered the doctor.

Bella and my mother were still together, talking, when I stepped back and finally looked at him. He seemed young. And he was blond.

He walked toward me and put his hand out to shake mine.

"Edward, it's wonderful to finally meet you."

"Thank you, Carlisle. I'm happy to meet you, too . . . I've heard so much about you. Thank you . . . well, thank you for taking care of my mother."

"I love your mother Edward . . . and I just need to know that that's okay with you. She has taken care of me as much as I have taken care of her. Maybe more so."

It seemed so odd--these parallel, intimate conversations going on in a hospital room. But by now I could tell when a man was in love and Carlisle was certainly in love with my mother.

"Edward . . . I want your permission to ask your mother to marry me. I know it seems quick but I've never felt like this before and I think . . . I just don't want to waste any time."

I reached for his hand again, grasping it in both of my hands before patting him on the back.

"Of course Carlisle. . . I know you make her very happy."

Bella coughed loudly behind us and I turned around to find her sprawled out on my mother's bed, the two of them with their heads together smiling at Carlisle and me.

My mother spoke first, "I see you two have finally met." She smiled. "Carlisle, this is Bella . . . truly Edward's better half."

We all laughed and Carlisle walked over to shake Bella's hand.

"So, shall we go to brunch?" Carlisle asked.

We all agreed on a restaurant, and then ended up spending the rest of day together.

. . .

Bella and I were driving home, laughing at a few of the things that we had all discussed over brunch before we went to the movies.

"I really love your mother, Edward . . . and Carlisle seems perfect for her. Do you like him?"

"I do. I could immediately tell that he was so in love with her. He asked me for my permission--he wants to marry her."

Bella squee'd in her seat, before eliciting an "Awwww."

I laughed.

"I know... it is pretty cute, even if they're old."

"How old is Carlisle, anyway? I mean, your mom looks so much younger than her age and he looks just as young."

"I don't know....but I agree. They're good together, Bella. I can't believe everything has worked out like this."

"You deserve it Edward; we all deserve to e happy."

I reached across the console and grabbed her hand, kissing her wrist while keeping my eyes on the road.

"Thanks for coming with me today, Bella."

"Edward, I wanted to. I'm glad we did it. Now, it seems like you're holding something else back from me. . .so, spill."

"Well there is one other favor I need to ask you--"

"I'm listening."

"Dinner? Tonight? With Emmett and Rosalie?"

Bella glanced at her watch-- it was late afternoon and I hadn't even talked to Emmett but I hoped he would agree. I really wanted to talk to him, the sooner the better.

"Pick me up in two hours." Bella said as she slipped out of the car as soon as we arrived at her condo.

I watched her walk toward the building and she turned around and blew me a kiss before she entered it, effectively causing all prior thought to leave my mind for at least a minute.

Damn, I was lucky.

Now that Bella agreed, I really needed to call Emmett and ask him, too.

I dialed his mobile and it rang only once before he picked it up.

"Edward? What's up?"

"Hey Emmett. I know it's short notice but is there any chance you and Rosalie would go to dinner with Bella and me tonight?"

"Well, we already have dinner reservations at Le Loup but I'm sure we could change them from two to four. Can you hold on a minute?"

"Sure."

I heard what I assumed was Emmett's massive hand cover his phone and then a semi-high pitched screamed followed by Emmett's voice, which sounded strange because it sounded like he was talking to a baby, every other word out of his mouth an endearment.

Finally he returned to our conversation.

"Edward? Sorry about that. We'll meet you and Bella at Le Loup at 7, okay? I'm going to call right now and change the reservation, I'll let you know if there are any problems."

"Thanks Emmett, I really appreciate it. Can't wait to see Rosalie again--and for you to meet Bella."

"We'll uh . . . see you then Edward."

I recalled the one and only time I had met Rosalie. It was only my second week of work at the firm and we had an impromptu birthday party for Emmett's assistant. My first impression was that she was incredibly beautiful. But from the mere two words she said to me, she seemed to be a perfect ice queen. Somehow, though, she softened around Emmett. Hopefully she would behave tonight; I had heard several horror stories from other people in the firm about her intolerance, etc., but Emmett was a good guy and he obviously saw something in her. I hoped tonight would go smoothly or at least as smoothly as could be expected.

. . .

I picked Bella up exactly two hours later and, as always, she looked phenomenal. She was wearing a red dress and I had to ball my fists to keep from touching her right now and making us very, very late.

After she grabbed her purse from the foyer table, I kissed her--still struggling not to touch her--the only way I made I stopped myself was by thinking about later. After dinner.

"You look amazing. Are you ready to go?"

"Edward, Edward, Edward . . . are you sure we have to go?" She winked at me.

"Love, don't tempt me. This is important. I'm going to tell Emmett I'm leaving the firm--but I want to do it on good terms. And he really wants to meet you."

"Okay, okay, but you're going to make it up to me later, right?" She leaned over to bite my earlobe, sending shivers straight down my spine.

"I can hardly think of anything else, love."

The drive to the restaurant was quick and I was actually looking forward to finally trying it after hearing rave reviews.

Emmett and Rosalie were already waiting at a table, Emmett stood up as soon as he saw us, waving us over, while Rosalie stayed seated, looking bemused.

"Emmett, Rosalie, thanks for having dinner with us. This--I put my arm around Bella's shoulders, edging her closer to the table--is Bella"

Bella shook Emmett's hand, who was still standing, then reached across the table to shake Rosalie's hand.

"I'm so happy to meet you both. Emmett, your reputation precedes you."

He laughed, his whole body shaking.

Rosalie still hadn't said a word but I decided to go ahead with dinner, ignoring her.

Bella and I sat down next to each other, across from the two of them. Each of us were engaged in looking at the menu after the waiter had taken our drink orders.

Bella tried making conversation with Rosalie but they were so quiet I couldn't hear what they were saying.

Luckily the waiter saved the day by taking our order.

And, then, it was down to business.

"Emmett, there are two reasons I wanted to have dinner with you guys tonight. First, I know you wanted to meet Bella and Bella wanted to meet you and Rosalie. Second, however, I wanted to give you my two weeks notice. I know this is unorthodox but I wanted to tell you in person--I respect you so much and I honestly wouldn't have stayed at the firm as long as I did were it not for you. I also wanted to tell you that I'm going to be joining Swan & Hale-- and, of course, we'll screen all the cases in which I've even remotely been involved."

Emmett just sat there for a minute, not moving and not saying a word. Then he broke out into the hugest grin.

"I'm happy for you Edward. But, wow, we are going to be facing some stiff competition. Try not to eat us alive, okay? And Bella? Keep him in check, will you?"

Bella and I both laughed. I was truly thankful to Emmett for giving me a job when I really needed one but I was really excited to start working with Bella and Jasper.

"I will definitely keep him in line, Emmett." Bella said, pulling my ear just a little.

"Emmett, I just want to thank you again--for all your support. I really hope we can stay friends."

"Of course, Edward." He pulled Rosalie to him, "Rosie and I want to have you and Bella over for dinner soon. And you should bring your partner Bella--is it Jasper?"

"Jasper and his wife Alice would love to come to dinner, I'm sure. We can talk about it next week."

Rosalie perked up then.

"And Bella and I are going to go shopping with Alice." She was actually smiling now. I couldn't believe Bella had cracked the ice queen.

The waiter arrived with our entrees then and the conversation settled down to things less innocuous than me quitting my job.

The evening ended perfectly-- Bella convincing Rosalie to split a chocolate souffle with her.

Finally Bella and I were in the car again-- driving to her condo. I was spending more and more time there and I hoped she would soon consider a more permanent arrangement.

But I didn't let myself think about that now--not really--no, now there were much more important things to attend to. Namely, Bella.

And I couldn't wait to keep my promise.

A/N: Aww, so there is only one chapter left! I can't believe it. That being said, I would really like to break 200 reviews with this chapter so please review! And thanks as always to my beta, dictums! You really should be reading her story Oh, How the Tables Have Turned-- it's amazing! Thanks for reading! xo