Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight.

Chapter 14 What A Weekend

"She started to fuss and Bella was sound asleep. I figured I would let her sleep in a bit longer." Edward walked fully into the kitchen and handed the baby and clothes over to Alice who was waiting with outstretched arms.

"Give her here Edward. I'm surprised Bella is still asleep. She's usually a very light sleeper. I wonder why she's so tired this morning?" Alice asked innocently but threw a glance at Edward that let everyone know her thoughts were not as innocent.

"Easy there, Killer. With a baby in between us on the bed, there was no way of anything even remotely sexual going on." Edward said, reaching for the coffee Emmett handed him.

"Bro, we need to talk. Baby in bed or not, there's tons you can do when they're still small and don't know what is going on…" Emmett's words stopped as he saw his own mother's glare and he just smiled as he mouth 'we'll talk later' to his twin.

"Thanks Em, but if it's all the same to you, Bella and I will navigate this relationship all on our own. Besides, the last thing she needs to worry about is some dickhead of a boyfriend putting himself above the needs of her daughter. When Bella is ready I trust that she will open herself up to me more. Until then, we have all we can deal with right there." Edward nodded in Tansy's direction.

"I love the way you just said that 'we' word Edward. Bella needs to know that she isn't alone. She sometimes forgets that others are willing to help. She gets so hung up on the fact that Tansy's daddy isn't around and that her stupid grandmother didn't want her…" Alice stopped patting Tansy's back and clamped her mouth shut, realizing that she was saying too much and wondering if she had offended Esme.

"It's alright Alice." Esme comforted her as Alice's eyes filled with tears and dripped onto Tansy's head. "Bella told me about that incident with her mother. I'd really like to meet that woman."

"In a darkened alley with a baseball bat!" Rose's harsh words, coming on the heels of Esme's shocked them all into turning toward the doorway. Emmett moved to greet his wife and daughter.

"It's okay Rosie." Emmett reached for his daughter and enveloped them both into his huge arms.

"No, it's not Emmett. It's one thing to come off as apathetic and then forget people exist. To be as uncaring as that? Telling someone they're not wanted? Who does that?" Rose's gaze flicked from person to person, clearly expecting an answer.

Alice's whisper broke the silence as everyone's eyes fell on her to explain.

"Bella's mom Renee. She told Bella that it would be better if instead of coding her and saving her life that she should just let her go." Alice's voice fell to a whisper, as if the baby in her arms might sense she was talking about her.

"That's sick. Did no one clue her in to the fact that this is her granddaughter? Her flesh and blood?" Rose left Emmett's embrace and crossed to Alice to touch Tansy's soft curls.

"Oh, you don't know Renee. She is as self-centered as they come. Bella pretty much raised herself once Renee took her away from her father. She didn't think much of becoming a grandparent. Sadly, I don't think it would make a difference if Tansy was healthy either." Alice explained, smiling at Rose as she played with the happy baby on her lap. "She has no use for Bella, especially because Bella no longer puts her first. It's strange that a grown woman, and a grandmother at that, can be jealous of this little love-bug. Times like this make me almost grateful that I don't have to deal with family drama. No family, no drama. It's as simple as that."

"While we are almost all here, can anyone give me a ride this morning? I know Bella wanted to see where I work this morning, but I would rather show her another day and not when I have to drag her around dangerous equipment like nail guns and electric saws. I'd like to let her sleep as long as possible. Any takers for driving me to pick up my work truck and drive the car back for Bella to use?" Edward looked between his two brothers.

"Is that necessary Ed? I mean, there's precious little that Rose can't fix on a car. She should have Bella's in shape by tomorrow." Jasper looked at his sister-in-law with pride.

Smirking, Rose looked over at Edward as she answered. "Oh no Jasper, I think Bella's old car is going to need a lot of work. I mean, it could be any number of things. I am going to need a few days to fix it at least. And what with the commuting between houses and needing to get parts and Bella needing reliable and safe transportation to drive Tansy to her appointments? No, I think Edward's right. She should use his car if it's available." Rose looked over the room to make sure everyone understood what was going on.

They did. Alice tinkled with laughter, the vibrations from her body causing Tansy to gurgle with happiness as well.

"Take note of this little one. These Cullen's are a sneaky bunch. And they are just what your mama needs to show her she is not alone any more sweetheart." Alice handed the baby over to Rose before she made her way over to Jasper, tears shining unfallen in her eyes.

Talk went on for a bit longer before everyone decided what their plan of action was. Shortly after the group broke up, Jasper left with Edward and Alice made her way up the stairs with Tansy in her arms. Knowing that Edward was no longer in his bedroom, Alice walked right in and took note of the sleepy Bella, still wrapped safe and warm in a cocoon of blankets. The mumbles emanating from underneath causing Alice to pull Tansy even closer against her chest.

"That's where you get it from little girl. You are your mama's girl through and through." She placed a kiss on the baby's forehead before laying her gently next to Bella.

"Bella are you awake yet?" Alice shook her friend gently, knowing that would be all it took.

"Alice? Where's Tansy?" Bella bolted upright suddenly.

"She's right here. She's already been downstairs with me and everyone else. We all wanted to let you sleep in a little longer." Alice crawled onto the bed, not wanting to disturb either mother or baby.

"Where's Edward? Why did you guys let me sleep so late?" Bella's words were laced with a raspy morning voice and topped punctuated with an ending yawn as she rubbed sleepiness out of her eyes.

"Most likely he is on his way to pick up his truck from work and check in on a few sites. He said they had an errand to run before coming back. You were sleeping so soundly that he didn't want to wake you up so he brought Tan downstairs and let you sleep in a little longer." Alice folded her legs as she watched her friend rub the sleep from her eyes and yawn.

"Well, do you happen to know if he gave her any of her medications yet this morning?" Bella reached for her daughter and snuggled her against her chest.

"No, he just sat her in a chair with a waffle and told her to have a go at it. Of course he made sure Bella. We all did. We even managed to dress her for you too." Alice made the last words sound like she was overly proud of her achievement.

"Alright. Alright. I worry. So sue me." Bella stretched out her legs and placed her daughter across her lap. "I'm just going to get a cup of coffee and then I'll join you in the room, okay?" Bella's face cleared with a smile.

"No, I worry. You obsess. Listen, Rose and Emmett went to take a quick look at your car so Esme is watching all the kids downstairs. She said to bring Tansy down when you are ready to start working on the room again. They won't be gone long, they just wanted a quick look to see if it was an easy fix or not so they should be back by lunch time." Alice stood and began making the side of the bed that Bella didn't occupy.

"She's going to have her hands full. Maybe we should wait until they get back." Bella watched as Alice worked, amused that she just could not sit still, even if it meant cleaning something.

"Nope. Esme's strict orders. She said she wants practice for when she is 'surrounded by all her grandchildren' in the future. You are to bring this little one down there and then start on the room with me. Speaking of which, I am now headed there myself. I'll meet you there when you are ready, okay?" Alice smoothed the sheets and blankets on the one side of the bed and stood back to survey her work critically, waiting.

"Oh alright already. You win. Here." Bella huffed as she stood with her daughter. "Happy now? Go ahead and make the whole bed." Bella smiled as she took in Alice, making the rest of the bed happily. "Don't think I didn't know that was your plan to get me out of bed all along."

"I know. I have a lot of energy. The funny thing is, Jasper said those same words to me this morning right before I…" Alice stopped speaking and looked up from making the bed as she noticed that Bella, obviously not wanting to hear the details of what she and Jasper did in his room, left the room and closed the door behind her. "…made his bed." Alice finished with a shrug before turning off the light and leaving the room.

Later that day, Bella was sitting cross legged on the floor in front of a section of wall where she had painted a zoo. She had Carlisle's picture propped up against a can of paint and she was delicately copying the family crest freehand before she painted it permanently on the wall. She had placed the family crest lion in a grotto across the path from the phoenix of Edward's company logo. Bella smiled as she thought of the zoo animals she included. Only in a child's world would you find fairytale unicorns mixed in with horses, dragons sharing space with penguins, and yes, a phoenix in a tree across from a lion.

These minute details aside, it looked like any picture from a book you might see. Most adults would probably stare for a moment and then look away, not entirely seeing the small details such as animals. They would consider it a zoo, and move along. Only a child's sharp eye would catch sight of such flights of fancy and begin to dream of the world where such creatures co-exist.

It was in these details that Bella's work differed from so many other artists. As she leaned back and stretched out her muscles, she glanced at her cellular phone to see that it was just past lunchtime. Shaking her head, she chastised herself for once again becoming so lost in her work that she skipped lunchtime and worse, missed checking up on Tansy. Taking off her smock, she placed it on the doorknob on her way out of the room.

She walked through the living room on her way to the kitchen, wondering where everyone was until she heard voices out on the patio. She walked through and saw everyone with the exception of Carlisle just hanging out. She briefly felt guilty before she realized that she was upstairs working to finish the room.

In a way, she was reluctant to finish it, knowing that it meant the end of her commitment. Regardless, she knew she would be leaving the Cullen's tonight. It was a bittersweet moment for her as she realized just how much fun she had this weekend. She poked her head out and asked if anyone else was hungry, not noticing that Alice and Jasper quickly moved wrapping paper and a box behind their backs.

"I was just wondering if anyone else was hungry? I could make some lunch?" Bella reached for Tansy who was sticking her arms out to her.

"I'm sorry Bella, we just ordered sandwiches. There's a roasted vegetable sandwich in the fridge for you. We didn't want to bother you because you were concentrating so hard. Bella, if you need more time with the room, it doesn't have to be finished today does it?" Esme looked over her grandson's head at Bella as she waited for an answer.

Thinking briefly of her bank account balance, Bella nodded regrettably.

"No Esme, but it does need to be finished. I've had a great time this weekend, but I do need to remember why I am here. I am nearly done. I actually was done until I thought of another picture I wanted to add recently. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised." Bella handed Tansy back to Edward, who was reaching out his arms to take her. She went into his arms willingly as he stood, giving Bella a quick kiss.

"Come on, we'll keep you company during lunch." Edward led the way back through the door to the kitchen.

Bella followed inside and took her sandwich from the fridge. She put it on a plate that Edward was handing her and requested a simple glass of ice water when Edward asked her what she would like to drink. Joining her at the table, Edward sat the baby up on the table, holding her firmly so she wouldn't topple over.

"I think of everything I am going to miss it's going to be these simple little meals and sharing time with you during them. It really doesn't have to be a fancy dinner to be considered a date does it?" Edward smiled at Bella as she chewed.

"It really doesn't. I don't know what kind of relationship you had with Tanya, but some of the best dates of my life involved nothing more than a picnic basket and a blanket. I know what you mean though. I'm going to miss you too." Bella swallowed, the bite of sandwich lodging like a rock in her throat.

"Are you sure you need to finish it today?" Edward said, never breaking eye contact with Bella's mouth as it took a bite and chewed.

Smiling, Bella felt herself warm before she replied. "I really do. Not just so I can look for the next job, but also, I need the money Edward. I still have responsibilities and they won't go away themselves. And don't you even think about telling me that you can loan me the money."

"Well, can I just give it to you instead?" Edward said, knowing the answer already but trying to lighten the moment as the ache in his chest grew.

"Nice try. I know it sucks, but it's not like I'm moving out of state or anything. I'll still be around." This time, Bella smiled as she tried to quell the sadness that was forming inside her. "We still have tonight, and tomorrow it's back to the grind. Besides, you could probably use a good night's sleep."

Bella reached over and touched the space under Edward's eyes where a slight shadow marred his handsome face. Edward, feeling playful took the moment to jerk his head upward and stick out his tongue, licking her unsuspecting palm.

"Niiice. What are we? Five?" Bella feigned irritation as she wiped her hand off against her jeans and they laughed together. "Sorry I couldn't go with you this morning. I still would like to see your work someday. I'm going to hold you to that promise."

"Absolutely. We just didn't want to wake you this morning. Plus, Jasper and I had a pit stop of sorts to make. You'll see what I mean later this evening." Edward smiled suspiciously, making Bella narrow her eyes in his direction.

"I should get back to work. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can enjoy the rest of the day with everyone else." Bella stood, placing her plate and glass in the sink before moving to stand behind Edward's chair. "Are you sure you have her? You don't have to watch her you know, if you have to work or something you can leave her with Alice."

Edward's head fell forward as Bella's hands made contact with his shoulders. He didn't even try to hold back his groan as he felt his muscles go slack. He quickly tightened his hold on the baby in front of him as he let Bella work the muscles he didn't even know were sore.

"No, Ben is taking care of everything at the one problem site I have. The other 2 sites pretty much run themselves. There's just one group that keeps trying to push the envelope." Edward winced as Bella dug in to work a particularly hard patch of muscle. "God Bella, where did you learn to do this?"

Laughing, Bella leaned down and kissed the top of Edward's head before she answered him. "Who knew that infant massage techniques work on big babies too?"

"Niiice. Now who's acting like they're five?" Edward moved Tansy into one arm and turned to reach for Bella, drawing her down onto his opposite leg.

Leaning in, Bella enjoyed the quiet moment as she rested her head against Edward's chest and moved to take her daughter from his arm. She snuggled Tansy against her as she felt Edward's arms embrace her fully.

"Hey, did Emmett and Rose figure out what is wrong with my car this morning? I can't believe I forgot to ask them." Bella shifted only slightly.

"If they know, they didn't tell me. You can ask them later baby. Let's just let it go for now. You can use my car as long as you need." Edward squeezed tighter, not wanting to let her go yet for fear that she would leave and go out back to talk to Emmett and Rose. He wasn't ready to share her attention yet, knowing that there was a limited window of opportunity available.

"Well, I guess it's not a big deal yet as long as you don't mind me using your car. I should really get back to work though. Are you sure you can manage her?" Bella laughed as she handed Tansy back to Edward.

The little girl smiled and gurgled, having grown accustomed to the two adults handing her back and forth so easily.

"I think we will manage on our own for a while. Go finish up. I'll ask Emmett and Rose about your car. Just come to the back patio when you're done." Edward smiled as he stood up, holding the baby out for Bella to give her a kiss before she headed back upstairs.

Once out on the patio, Edward looked over to his older brother and Alice.

"Did you think she noticed?" Edward sat back in the chair he vacated before Bella came out and crossed one leg over the other.

"Are you kidding? She came out and made a beeline for you and Tansy. I doubt she even noticed any of the rest of us out here at all Edward." Alice snipped the scissors in his direction when he smirked back at her playfully.

"Well thanks for wrapping it. If it were up to me, it would be presented to her in the bag from the store." Edward looked over at the professional wrapping job on the box in front of Alice.

"Relax, I am a professional." Alice laughed, nudging the box with her foot gently. "Seriously, this was a great idea. I know she talked about getting one awhile back but she never did once she found out how expensive video cameras were. She usually does small clips on her phone and downloads them into her computer. This way she can take all the footage she wants."

"Thanks Alice, but I have an ulterior motive too. I intend to use that camera too. Bella should have lots of videos of her and Tansy together. Which means that she won't be behind the camera, she will be in front while I record it for her. That goes for all of you too. It's easy to use so if you are with her, make sure she puts it to good use."

"It's a great Mother's Day present Edward. You are a genius for thinking of it." Esme smiled with pride at her middle child while Jasper and Emmett snickered and snorted while good naturedly calling Edward names like 'momma's boy' and 'suck up'.

Meanwhile, Bella returned to her work. Walking over to Alice's little radio, she turned it on and tuned it to a random station, wanting it more for background noise than for actual music. She took her brush and a small container of paint and scrutinized the wall, almost dancing while she painted.

'This shouldn't be work.' Bella thought with a smile.

The rush she was getting from being almost finished was palpable to her in the room. She turned around and realized that she was done when she got the feeling that she was a little kind in a fantasy world. The room swam around her, much the same way Tansy's room at home did. It was all tricks of the eye and paint, but it was easy enough to fool anyone who entered.

Bella stopped suddenly when she came across an empty looking tree in the park scene. Stepping back and cocking her head, she scrutinized it before reaching stepping closer and smiling. Crossing the room to her paints, she changed out the brush and grabbed a bright red paint before settling in front of the tree.

The finishing touch. Bella smiled as she painted dozens of shiny red apples in the once empty tree. She moved back to her paints to grab several greens and the black and began to carefully add leaves and outline the apples, making them look more real. With a final step, she took her white paint and dabbed a swipe on each apple, making each one appear to shine on the tree.

Moving one last time to her paints, she put everything away except a fine bristle brush and some brown paint. Smiling, she crossed over to the tree and carefully printed the names in the apples, giving everyone their own, but keeping the couples next to each other.

Carlisle and Esme. Jasper. Edward. Emmett and Rosalie. In two more apples near Emmett and Rose's, she printed the names Ethan and Emily. She made sure to leave plenty of room on Jasper and Edward's apples for their future spouses, not wanting to think if things worked out for them all or not. That was it. She was done now.

As she started to hum under her breath, she packed away the last of her paints and supplies. She began gathering up everything and clearing the paints to a box outside in the hall to carry later. She took all her used brushes in hand with some paint thinner and made her way downstairs.

Bella placed the brushes in an unused side of the kitchen sink and added warm, soapy water. She decided to just rinse them out her and wash them with the smelly paint thinner at her home later on. No point in stinking up a client's house with chemicals, even if said client was her boyfriend's parent. Smiling at the thought, Bella didn't hear Esme enter the kitchen and cross over to her until she felt the motherly embrace around her shoulders which caused her to lean her head back.

"What was that for Esme?" Bella laughed lightly, not feeling uncomfortable in the least.

"I just want to say thank you, for more than just painting that room Bella. There's just no way I could have predicted for things to turn out as neatly as they have." Esme smiled warmly. "I may be getting ahead of myself, but I just don't think words are enough to say thank you."

"Well, your welcome." Bella's mouth turned up into a huge smile at the sincerity of Esme's words. "I think that will do it though Esme. I really can't think of anything else I'd want to add. But if you do, you have to tell me. I shouldn't have stayed so long this weekend, but I really needed to finish this up. Money aside, I would have wanted it done much sooner. You've just got such a great family that I couldn't help adding more and more to it and drawing it out longer." Bella stopped herself as soon as she saw Esme's face fall.

"Oh Bella! I am so sorry! I should have thought of the money. Why on Earth didn't you say anything to me? I would have paid you in installments or up front. I trust you." Esme's cheeks turned redder than Bella's.

"Oh honestly Esme, I feel bad taking any money from you at all. You were a great co-worker who turned into an even better friend. You were there for me when everything went south. You just have to know that if not for Tansy's situation, I wouldn't take anything at all. I can't wait for you to see it." Bella reached into the sink and made a show of changing the topic.

"Bella, I am going to get you a check right now, and then we are going to look at my grandchildren's room! Would you mind getting the others from the patio? I'll meet you all up there in 10 minutes." Esme hurried out of the room.

Removing her smock, Bella wrapped the wet brushes in it and placed them on the counter before she walked out to the patio and sat down heavily next to Edward. She scooped up Tansy from his arms where he held her and Emily both.

"Edward, you are going to spoil this girl. All you do is hold her." Bella admonished him playfully as she smiled at her daughter.

"I don't mind, she seems content when she's held. It's relaxing to me too." Edward sighed and reached his free arm around Bella's shoulder. "Do you have much more to paint?"

"Actually I'm finished. I was sent out here to get all of you. I wish Carlisle was here, but you guys can give him a tour of the room this evening." Bella tried to keep her voice even, knowing that she wouldn't be there later that evening to see Carlisle's reaction.

"Great, let's go. I've been dying to see it!" Rose was already on her feet and reaching for Emily to take her from Edward's hands.

"I'll carry her Rose." Edward's declaration shocked everyone as he stood and stepped toward the door, his words causing Rose to stop in her tracks.

"Thank you Edward." Rose even managed a genuine smile as she took in Edward's willingness to help her out. This was her husband's twin after all and even though he was less than helpful when the twins were first born, it meant a lot to her and Emmett both that he was there for them now.

They all walked up to the room together in a single file line. Bella got there first with Tansy in her arms. She quickly shut the door and waited for Esme to join them.

"Not until your mother comes." Bella waited for the groans and complaining to stop. "After all, this is her house."

Bella put Tansy up on her shoulder and bounced softly with her as they waited.

"Ok, Bella, I'm ready." Esme came around the corner carrying an envelope and closing her cellular phone as she met up with the group. "The good news is Carlisle is on his way home as we speak. He should be here shortly."

Bella nodded and prayed that Carlisle would make it there before she left for home. Reaching for the knob, she turned it and let everyone in. The overhead fan was blowing softly and the smells of new paint and turpentine still permeated the air even with the window open but it wasn't strong enough to make them want to leave and not see the room.

"Wow. Oh wow! Bella this is too much!" Esme's eyes were filled with tears and all it took was one look at the family tree for them to spill over.

"Bella, this is fantastic. Those apples look so real I swear I could pick one to eat it." Rose laughed as she took in the rest of the room.

"Well, the painting end is done. The rest will be all Alice. She's going to handle the furniture and fabrics. My work here is done." Bella's own eyes filled with tears as she realized that she wasn't sure if she would ever see the room finished entirely. She was leaving tonight with Tansy and all her supplies. Bella walked over to Esme and asked her if it was ok and was there anything that needed changing?

"Not a thing Bella, everything's perfect." She reached over and took Tansy from Bella's arms.

Edward handed Emily than over to Jasper before he drew Bella into his arms.

"I love it baby. My phoenix came out perfect. I love the crest too – was that what you were talking to Carlisle about?" Edward kissed her softly on her lips as she nodded. Smiling, he drew her toward the wall that had the zoo animals painted on it. They crouched down together and looked it over. They were so lost in their own conversation that Bella missed Carlisle entering the room.

"Wow! Bella, you really outdid yourself with this." Carlisle's voice echoed slightly as he stepped into the unfurnished room.

Bella immediately straightened up and blushed as everyone was complementing her work. Clearly this home meant a lot to Esme's family and Bella felt honored that she was allowed to work on it.

"I'm glad everyone likes it so much. It was so much fun to work on it and I appreciate all your help with the baby too." Bella made eye contact with Carlisle and then looked quickly toward the wall with the crest. Carlisle nodded at her and then casually made his way to the zoo wall.

Carlisle walked over to the zoo and carefully looked down at the few animals in cages. He then noticed that some of the animals were painted more in a grotto than behind bars. Edward's phoenix sat perched proudly in a tree that was planted in a grotto that held a few lions. 4 lions to be exact, and one of them was obviously the king. This lion had the exact pawing stance that the crest had. The other 3 lions all around him. The King of the Jungle. There were also 2 smaller cubs and 2 female lionesses. Carlisle's family. He recognized it immediately and made 3 quick steps over to Bella, knowing that his son wouldn't relinquish her for very long.

"It's perfect Bella." Carlisle's words were spoken only a second before she felt his fatherly kiss land on the top of her head and his arms wrap around her.

Bella had no words as she returned Carlisle's embrace. She kissed his cheek and said softly, "I'm happy you all like it so much. Now we are even for you giving me Mr. Jenks number." Her unshed tears told Carlisle that she was being sincere.

"Speaking of the devil, expect a call from him some time tomorrow. He called me today to let me know he got the ball rolling." Carlisle smiled down at Bella as she gazed at him in wonder.

"Carlisle, no! You've all done so much for me already." The rest of Bella's statement remained stuck in her throat as she felt him squeeze her tighter.

"It's no less than I would have done for anyone in my family. We take care of each other and I would expect you to do no less if the situation were reversed and we were the ones needing help. Besides, you've given us more than you realize dear girl." Carlisle nodded toward Esme who was holding Tansy against her shoulder while Edward played peek-a-boo with her behind Esme's back.