BPOV

I awoke with a start, somewhat dreading what today was going to bring. Our bliss filled weekend was coming to an end. It was Sunday, tonight Edward would work his 24 hour shift. We wouldn't see each other until tomorrow night. I'm sure I would see him a couple of times through out the day while I worked when he would escape the ER. But it wouldn't be the same as seeing him every minute as I had the last three days.

Rolling over on my side, face-to-face with him. Edward continued to sleep. He was on his stomach, only one of his eyes-lashes dark against his cheek, his nose and cheekbone were visible among the tangle of his hair and bedding. He looked unbelievably beautiful.

I continued gaping at him recalling every detail of the last few days. Our crazed, impulsive lovemaking that reminded me more of our overeager teen days then the rational adults we were suppose to be. I wouldn't trade any minute of it.

With careful fingers, I reached out to smooth back his hair from his face. He really does have the face of an angel. I touched his hair again, crawled out of bed, grabbing his discarded shirt, slipping it on.

I went to the bathroom starting the shower letting it warm up, as I took Edward's shirt off. I closed my eyes as I stood under the showerhead, hoping the water would wash my fears away. What if he didn't come home with me tomorrow?

I didn't realize he was in the shower with me until he spoke. "What is it with you leaving me in bed alone," he stated taking a step towards me and hitting me with his crooked smile that was just for me.

Glancing over my shoulder at him I was speechless watching him approach me.

His hands on my hips, he turned me and took my spot under the showerhead. "You need a bigger shower."

"Hey. I was here first." Standing behind him, watching as he ran his fingers through his hair, the water cascading down his back. I wanted this everyday. I wanted Edward everyday. "Edward, move in with me."

"Bella now is not the time to discuss this. Let's go to my parents, get this morning over with and before I leave for work we will discuss living arrangements."

It was a long ride to the Cullen's, neither one of us having anything to say to the other. Because of my insecurities and wants, I had ruined the remainder of our day.

Getting out of the car Edward reached for my hand. "Come on." Taking his hand I just nodded.

When I stepped through the front door it was as if I had come home. Standing in the foyer, I started turning and looking around. The inside of the house smelled the same but looked somewhat different. Esme had changed the décor a little but for the most part it was exactly as I remembered.

"Does it meet your inspection?"

Wrapping my arms around him. "I don't know what I was afraid of."

Kissing the top of my head he said, "Me neither," as we walked towards the back of the house.

Before we reached the family room, two miniature versions of Emmett greeted us. I was not prepared for the feelings I had when Edward knelt to their level to stop their attempt to run us over. I pictured him talking to a different little boy, a miniature version of himself.

Looking between them both he asked, "Didn't Grandma tell you no running in the house?"

One of the twins answered him, displaying the deepest dimples I had ever seen. "Not today."

Edward just shook his head and under his breathe said, "Not today."

The other one was peeking around Edward at me. He cupped his hands to Edward's ear and loud enough for me to hear he asked, "Uncle Eddie, who is that?"

I lost it and started laughing uncontrollably. Growing up he absolutely loathed that nickname when Emmett called him that. Apparently Emmett got the last laugh knowing Edward would never correct his nephews.

"What's wrong with her?" The dimpled one asked.

"I have no idea." He looked at me with a mischievously look in his eyes and said, "Boys this is Bella." Patting the dimpled one first he added, "This is Jamie and this is Jace."

In unison I heard, "Daddy told Mommy your Bella was home." Then they were off running towards another part of the house.

Stepping into the family room, Rosalie sat on the couch reading a magazine in 3-inch red heels and jeans. I knew what was coming when she smiled and winked at me scrutinizing my clothes. "Looks like Alice and I need to stage an intervention. Seriously, Bells, hi-top Chuck Taylors, are you looking for a pick-up game against the 76 Celtics."

Holding my foot out in front of me and twirling it, "Nope and they are the low-cut ones."

Standing up and shaking her head, "Scandalous. You're twenty-five years old and still dressing like a teen." Pulling me into a hug that rivaled one of Emmett's she whispered for my ears only, "You were missed Bella and whatever was going on in that head of yours when you left, you were never alone."

"I know that now." Letting go of each other I asked, "Where is Alice?"

Totally forgetting that Edward and Emmett were in the room, Emmett's booming voice replied, "Vegas. One of my vendors came into the bar, I wasn't there, he offered Alice a comped three night stay in Vegas. And she took it."

Edward told him, "That's what you get for hiring her."

Emmett was still fuming. "I didn't hire her so she doesn't have a title or a paycheck."

Rose chimed in, "She introduced herself as the head of PR when he was in. That's how she received the Vegas get-a-way."

Obviously Emmett didn't know that since he asked, "Head of PR, are you serious? Only Alice could think that fast on her feet to get something she wants."

"Emmett don't be talking about your sister when she isn't here to defend herself." Esme said standing right behind me. "Breakfast is ready."

"Yes Mother." Emmett and Rosalie left the room on that note leaving the three of us.

Hugging me Esme said, "Good morning sweetie." A little softer she added, "Thanks for bringing Edward home."

"I think he brought me home," I replied hugging her tighter before letting her go and watching her pull Edward into a similar embrace.

Letting go of Edward, Esme said, "Come on you two. There will be nothing left if we don't get in there."

As I was following Esme out, Edward grabbed me by my belt loops pulling me towards him. "Hey not so fast." My back against his chest, his breathe against my ear, "Are you still upset about this morning and me not wanting to discuss living together."

"I'm not upset. I just don't understand why you will not consider it."

"I said we would discuss it later today. I haven't said yes or no."

The morning flew by and the next thing I knew, Esme was asking Carlisle, Edward and Emmett to clear the table.

Finally making my escape, I started for the stairs to the second floor where Esme proudly displayed the family pictures. There were several that I wanted to see, ones from occasions that I had missed.

Staring at the pictures gracing the walls was almost unbearable. Tears in my eyes, my throat threatening to close from the strangled sob I was holding in, all of their family memories staring back at me, telling me what a fool I was for leaving. What hurt worse was the person missing in one of the pictures.

Suddenly two strong arms wrapped around my shoulders from behind. "How's my little sister from another Mother?" Emmett asked.

Putting my hands on his forearms, "I'm fine, just admiring my big brother on his wedding day."

"I looked good in that tux. It took them forever to find one that fit. I split one jacket down the back when the guy fitting me suggested that I flex to see if I could move in it."

Hiding my face in his arms laughing, "What did he do?" I could actually picture that happening in my mind. I'm sure he put on quite a show flexing his shoulders.

Chuckling he replied, "Luckily Dad was there to make sure he wasn't having a heart attack since he collapsed and quit breathing. Then we had to listen to him say over and over it was an Armani."

Continuing he added, "When I picked the tux up the day before our wedding, he was reluctant to let me have it. He tried his best to get Dad to buy it. Are you sure, you don't want to buy it? I will never have need of a jacket this size again."

Briefly pausing before he continued, "Of course when Alice and Jasper married the same shop was used. Even through it was several years later, I must have made an impression on the guy because when we walked in he was shaking his head no, no not you again."

"Was he better prepared to fit you correctly this time?"

Nodding yes he answered, "He made sure to double check his measurements before he had me try anything on. He didn't want a repeat of my infamous jacket splitting. Alice of course had to have the brand that James Bond wears, Brioni. That was interesting considering they are known for their fit, shoulders are wide, the waist narrow, the embodiment of the perfect male physique. Yeah, that's me."

Deciding it was now or never. Glancing at the picture that had caught my eye earlier, there was a question I needed answered. "Emmett, can I ask you something?"

His chin resting on my head he replied, "You know you can ask me anything?"

Taking a deep breath I pointed to a picture. "Why wasn't Edward in your wedding party?" Deep down I knew the answer; I just needed to hear it said out loud.

"It was July when we were married, you had been gone eight or nine months. He had started calling home, checking in a couple times a week and he had made a couple of weekend visits. I asked him to be my best man. He said he couldn't, he had too much on his plate since he was enrolled full-time in summer classes. He showed up minutes before the wedding and left right after. We didn't see him again until Christmas."

That strangled sob I had been trying to contain came out. I was never going to escape the repercussions of leaving. Something was always lurking waiting to jump out when I least expected it.

Understanding he replied, "Bella, its okay." Turning me around to face him. "You have to stop reliving the past and embrace your future. You both finally have what you want, don't throw it away because you can't stop beating yourself for leaving. What's done is done. You need to work on the present and the future."

Hearing him say it out loud I realized that was exactly what I had been doing. "How did you become so wise? You gave me a pep talk last week at the bar and another one today."

Laughing he said, "Edward had a pep talk about twenty minutes before you walked in last week. First him and then out of nowhere you walked in. I had my game on dealing with you both."

Shaking my head telling myself I didn't want to know what Edward's pep talk was, I asked my first question again. "How did you become so wise?'

"Bartending. It's the oddest thing to have complete strangers stop in and want someone to listen to their problems, hoping you have a solution for them. Maybe I need to start charging for my services." Finally he said, "Come on, I'm sure that the dishes have been cleared by now."

"You came up here just to get out of clearing the table."

Shrugging his shoulders as if it was a big deal. "Well yeah. Edward and Dad had it covered."

Coming down the stairs into the formal living room, I noticed everyone had retreated to the family room. Except for Edward, who was lounging more then sitting on the couch with his legs stretched out in front of him, arms crossed, eyes closed and his head leaned back against the couch.

I stopped several feet in front of him and just took in the sight before me. He was gorgeous. I still could not believe that we had come full circle in a matter of days. Considering we were both off the last couple of days, the stars had been in our favor to reconnect. Except for one minor detail.

Never opening his eyes, "You realize you could never be a hunter since you don't have the skills to sneak up on your prey."

Trying my best not to laugh, "I wasn't sneaking up on my prey, just admiring the eye candy."

For that comment, I was granted one green eye, "Bella, sometimes you can be so absurd," he muttered.

Stretching out beside him, laying my head on his thigh, "What are you doing in here all by yourself?"

"Just thinking."

"About?"

Running his fingers through my hair, pulling it across his legs, "Home is wherever we make it as long as we are together. My home is with you."