I don't own Twilight. all Stephenie Meyer.

Part 2

"I just… I… I'm not sure what you mean." I bit my lip, staring up at Edward in confusion.

Without a word, Edward placed his hand on the small of my back and led me to a garden just outside of the doors. Lanterns and twinkle lights decorated the space, making it feel like we were the only two people in the world.

I sat down on one of the benches, shivering slightly at the cool air.

Edward knelt down in front of me, his hands rested on either side of my legs and he gazed up at me with imploring eyes. The soft lights created a gentle golden glow around him. "As I said before, I don't want to go through the uncertainty of not knowing where another relationship is leading. That just isn't who I am, and I couldn't ask you to do that. Not with the little one." He sighed, watching me carefully.

Before I could say anything in response, Edward continued. "What if we came up with an arrangement to keep either one of us from getting hurt? A contract, if you will." His voice was low as he inched closer toward me.

"A c-contract?"

He nodded. "It could cover our expectations and requirements, benefits, length of time. Anything else I haven't thought of." His voice, his eyes, body language were filled with earnest as he waited for reaction. "It would be a mutual arrangement to benefit us both."

I tried to digest his suggestion, but felt completely overwhelmed. "Edward, I don't know what to say to all of this."

Taking my face in his hands, Edward simply nodded. "I understand. This is a lot to consider. We can discuss this later, when you've had a chance to think it over. In the mean time, I can send for the driver and have him bring you home, if you'd like," he said.

Going back to his place and climbing under the covers with a pint of chocolate ice cream was exactly what I wanted to do, but I couldn't. "No, that's all right. I think I'd like to stay."

Edward smiled, a slight quirk of his lips, before he pressed his lips to my temple. "Thank you." He rose to his feet and then held his hands out to help me stand up.

The first course for dinner had been served by the time Edward and I made it to our table, the auction was taking place a little later in the evening. His parents stood to greet us and I blushed at their enthusiastic hellos.

Carlisle shook his son's hand and then pressed his cheek to mine. "Thank you for coming tonight, Bella. It's always nice to see new faces at these events."

I smiled. "Thank you for the invitation. Your son can be quite persuasive."

Edward's chuckle of embarrassment made butterflies flutter in my stomach.

"Oh, Bella, it's so lovely to see you again." Esme kissed my cheek and hugged me, officially pulling me away from Edward.

I ducked my head shyly. "It's nice to see you as well, Esme."

Her smile brightened and she rubbed my back. "What a beautiful dress you're wearing."

"Thank you." I smoothed down the fabric, feeling the slight bump from my stomach. "Alice actually helped pick it out. She wanted to be sure I had something just right to wear for tonight."

"Yes, that does sound like dear Alice." Esme giggled.

The warmth of Edward's hand on the small of my back turned my attention from Esme for a moment. I couldn't help wondering what it meant that I could recognize his touch so easily already. He stood by my side as I talked with his mother, joining in the conversation and seeming so at ease.

It seemed so intimate, so normal. I didn't quite know how to feel about it.

Eventually we moved to our seats, and Edward held mine out for me. I bit my lip at the gesture, chastising myself mentally for feeling giddy. I couldn't go there until we talked and I knew exactly where Edward stood. Across from where we sat I saw Edward's brother and his wife.

I smiled shyly at them before I began to eat with the rest of his family. Edward's hand rested casually against mine, his thumb rubbing across my skin. My body tingled at the contact and I wondered if he was aware of what he was doing. Something had changed between us that evening. Something that both frightened and excited me.

I was barely aware when the auction began, but smiled and clapped appropriately. The money the guests were willing to spend blew my mind.

"Up next, we have a signed collection of first edition Winnie the Pooh books," the auctioneer announced.

My jaw dropped when I saw the display of books on the stage. I could remember my mother reading me the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; it happened on the rare occasions when she didn't have a new activity to flitter off to. A part of me had wanted to do the same thing for my child.

"Are you all right?" Edward asked softly.

I nodded, taking a moment to compose myself before responding. "Yes. I just… When I was little, some of the only time I got to spend with my mother was when she'd read a book to me before bed. I'd always pick Winnie the Pooh." Saying it out loud sounded ridiculous to my ears, but it was how I felt.

Edward just smiled at me, a kind gesture that put me at ease.

"We'll start the bidding at five," the auctioneer began, his voice quickly gaining speed.

I picked up one of the glasses in front of me and sipped at the cold water, my head spinning as the guests in the room bid on the books. A few times, I saw Edward lift his hand, a numbered paddle resting in his palm.

When the bidding had come to a close and he was declared the winner with a bid of twenty-five thousand dollars, I glanced over at him in surprise. He whispered in my ear, "You can save them for the baby. Maybe have those special moments with her, too."

A tear fell down my cheek at his kindness and I did the only thing I could think of. I leaned over and kissed him, my hands resting on his chest. "Thank you," I managed to whisper against his lips.

He rubbed my back soothingly and pressed his lips to mine lightly in response.

The forwardness of my actions suddenly occurred to me and my cheeks flushed in embarrassment. I buried my face in the crook of Edward's neck, hoping that no one else had noticed our little display.

"You've got yourself quite a girl here, Eddie." Emmett chuckled from beside me. I could hear the amusement in his voice and burrowed closer against Edward. "Babe, why don't you get all excited like that when I spend money on you?" Emmett's voice boomed.

Rosalie snorted daintily. I didn't think it was possible, but somehow she pulled it off. "Handing me some cash and telling me to 'go buy myself something pretty' isn't romantic or considered spending money on me."

Everyone around the table laughed, easing my embarrassment.

The rest of the evening was a remarkable success for the Cullens. They raised even more than they had originally hoped for and were able to make rather large contributions to the charities they represented.

Edward and I said our goodnights to his family and made our back to his apartment. It wasn't intentional, but I found myself pulling away from Edward as we sat in the back seat. Once we got back to his place, we were going to talk about our conversation earlier that night, and I wanted to protect myself.

My first instinct when we got back home was to call Alice. She was the one person I knew that could help me sort out all of the crazy thoughts in my head. But when I checked the time on my phone, I realized that it was practically 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning in Paris. With a sigh, I left my phone and purse on the entry table and headed to my room. Edward reached out to stop me before I got very far. His scent filled my senses as he turned me to face him. I could fill panic building up.

"Can we talk, Bella?" he asked, his voice hesitant.

I nodded. "I just… need to change first."

"Okay." He stood in the entryway, tie loosened and hair tousled.

With a nod, I went to my room and quickly changed out of the dress I was wearing. Panic seeped into my pores. Edward had already given me an idea of what he wanted, I still didn't know exactly what his expectations would be. The thought of letting him in, of opening my heart to someone else, terrified me beyond words.

So I trembled slightly as I put on some more comfortable clothes. I wasn't ready for things to change between us, but they already had.

Taking in a deep breath, I made my way back out into the hall and found Edward sitting on the couch with a glass of amber liquid in his hand. He swirled it around as he stared off, looking at nothing and everything. Edward glanced up when he heard me come into the room and then he patted the seat right next to him. He set down the glass he had been drinking from on the coffee table in front of him.

I curled up on the couch next him, my hand resting on my stomach, feeling the slight bump was comforting.

For a few minutes, we just sat there, our breaths the only sound in the room.

After what felt like hours, Edward adjusted himself on the couch so that he was facing me, one arm slung casually across the back. The low rumble of his voice echoed in the room, sounding louder than it was. "Bella, what are you thinking?"

Biting on my lip, I considered his words for a moment. What was I thinking? I hadn't really taken the time to consider it. "I'm not really sure. This is all so much. And I feel like I'm struggling to keep up," I admitted.

He lifted his arm so that he could run his hand through his hair. "Well, why don't you tell me what you think it means? What you've gathered so far. Maybe we can go from there."

"Okay." I leaned further into the couch, getting comfortable. "Right now, we're sort of at a stalemate. The uncertainties of a relationship are what got us here and what neither of us wants. But the arrangement you suggested, I guess I don't see how that will help, either. Won't it just outline what you'd consider to be the basic's in a couple dating? Or would I just be someone to help scratch an itch." Although, with Jacob, I probably missed out on a lot of that, too.

"Bella, please forgive me." Edward sat forward slightly and took my hands in his. "It seems that I've given you the wrong impression. Again. When I suggested that we figure out an arrangement, I meant that I wanted something more than just casual."

I could feel the confusion building up as what he said sank in. What was he saying?

"You are in a difficult place with the baby, school, and limited resources to take care of yourself. Though I have the means to help, I know that you are also stubborn and won't accept it without some way to pay it back." He phrased it more like a question and continued when I nodded.

"At my company, and in the social circle that I am a part of, I hold a certain position within them. I'm not only a founding partner at my law firm, but I'm one of the top corporate lawyers in Manhattan," he explained. "Attending social functions and keeping up appearances is all a part of that. Showing up alone, however, is not. In both regards, I believe we can help each other. Offer a balance, so to speak. When I need you, you can be there for me. And, likewise, I can do the same for you."

My stomach dropped.

He rubbed the back of my hands gently, without seeming to realize it, and watched me carefully, cautiously. "I'm not going to lie to you, Bella. You'd probably be better off without me, but I'm tired of trying to stay away from you."

Tears filled my eyes and I ducked my head so that Edward wouldn't see them.

I didn't know which was worse: not being wanted, or not being wanted enough.

Edward was offering me a home and security; two things I'd worried about since learning that I was pregnant. Basically, though, what he wanted was a business arrangement. Something planned out and accounted for, so that neither of us could bend too far from the rules.

I breathed deeply, slowly. I couldn't think.

After a moment, Edward released one of my hands and tucked his finger under my chin and lifted it so that our eyes could meet. "Believe me, Bella, I hardly expect an answer from you tonight. I've given you quite a lot to consider and it would be rude of me to think otherwise." The warmth in his eyes made my heart clench. "You can have all of the time you need to think this through. I'll be here when you are ready."

Nodding, I felt a small sense of relief at his words. "Thank you." I bit my lip, considering one last question before finally asking it. "If this is something we end up doing, what will we become?" I felt ridiculous as I voiced the question, embarrassed.

Edward moved his hand from beneath my chin and ran it through my hair, tucking a few strands behind my ear. "We'll get married."

Ooo~Ooo~Ooo~Ooo~Ooo

True to his word, Edward gave me time to think over his proposal. He returned to his same nonchalant, almost cold, manner whenever we bumped into each other at the apartment, but I knew that was just his way.

What I couldn't seem to reconcile was the supposed arrangement.

There was a part of me that understood why he'd suggested it. Why keeping each other at arm's length was what we both needed. But then, there was the other part of me. The hopeless romantic part that believed, even though I wasn't there yet, someday I would want to fall in love again. That part was hurt and confused by Edward's suggestion. That part was afraid that if I said no, I'd be out on the streets.

I didn't know what to think or how to feel. My head and my heart were warring with me and I didn't know who was going to win. So I threw myself into my school work, anything to keep my mind off of the decision I needed to make. And I practically took over Edward's library and living room as I studied for an upcoming test and worked on my thesis. Books, papers, and my laptop were strewn all about the room as I did my best to focus.

When I finally couldn't take staring at my computer screen anymore, I left a note for Edward just in case and left the apartment. I smiled at the doorman on my way out as I called around for someone to meet up with for lunch. He held the door open for me and I stepped out into the cooling Manhattan air.

My friends turned out to be busy, so after putting my cell away I glanced around me, trying to decide where to go. Retched morning sickness had turned my appetite to nonexistence, but I knew that I needed to eat.

A few blocks from Edward's place there was a bread shop that served the best sandwiches and soup on the east coast. I went there and placed an order to go before settling down at a table not too far from the main counter.

The shop rapidly filled as the lunch crowd began to pile inside. Soon a long line of people waiting to place an order led all of the way outside.

"Goodness. It's packed today," a feminine voice called out.

I glanced up and saw a petite girl walking through the sea of people. She had curly, auburn hair and wide green eyes. Each step she took literally seemed to make her bounce as she moved across the room.

"Excuse me. Do you mind if I sit here?" she asked me, stopping in front of my table. "There's no place to stand around here and I have a feeling it's going to be awhile."

"Of course. No problem." I moved my purse from the chair I'd placed it in and motioned for her to take a seat.

She practically fell into the seat with a grateful smile on her face. "Thanks. I'm Vanessa, by the way."

"Bella." I smiled. "It's nice to meet you."

"You, too." Vanessa glanced around the shop for a moment as she fanned herself with a hat she must have been wearing. "Is there a pumpernickel craze I don't know about? Look at all of the people in here."

I chuckled. "It's that time of year. Weather starts cooling down and people want to find ways to warm up," I said with a shrug.

Vanessa snorted. "It's not even snowing outside yet. I think everyone's just jumping the gun a bit." She shook her head and turned away from the crowd of people. "Tell me, Bella. What is it that you do in this great, thriving Metropolis?" she asked, a flare for the dramatic in her tone.

"I'm a graduate student at NYU. Finishing up my degree in Creative Writing. How about you?" Talking with her felt easy, it was the first time I'd laughed in days.

"Wonderful, wonderful. I'm an artist. Dabble in a little bit of everything, but my favorite is painting. I can get lost in a canvas and oils for hours," she said with a sigh, a dreamy look on her face. "My boyfriend says we're two peas in a pod, since I come home covered in paint and he comes home covered in car grease."

"Just as long as you don't get it on each other," I teased.

"Exactly." She shook her head, making her curls bounce.

"Order up for Bella!" A guy at the main counter called up.

I pointed toward the voice. "That's me. It was really nice meeting you, Vanessa."

She nodded and held out her hand. "Likewise. Thanks for keeping me company. Maybe we can hang out away from the apocalyptic bread."

"Definitely." I passed her my phone and picked up my food from the counter while she put her number in my contacts. "Have a nice afternoon."

Ooo~Ooo~Ooo~Ooo~Ooo

At some point that afternoon I fell asleep on the couch, my laptop shoved to the side.

I woke up wrapped in a warm blanket and felt a hand stroking my hair. I burrowed further into the pillow I was laying on, warm and comfortable.

"Time to wake up, sweetheart."

"No," I moaned.

He chuckled and gently tugged on the ends of my hair. "Are you sure? I have a surprise for you," he whispered.

"What kind of surprise?" I asked, my eyes still closed.

"You'll just have to wake up and see."

I pouted, but opened my eyes and sat up slowly. "This better be worth it, Cullen."

"It is. Trust me." He pulled me to my feet and handed me one of his jackets, an excited grin on his face. Once he had his on, Edward waited for me in the hall.

"So, where exactly are we going?" I followed him to the elevators, watching as he pressed the call button for it impatiently.

"There's a meteor shower tonight. I thought that we could watch it on the roof."

I bit my lip shyly. "Really?"

Edward led me onto the elevator when the door finally arrived. "I figured it would give us a good chance to talk, as well."

Of course.

I knew that he wouldn't wait around for my answer for forever, but I just didn't know what to say to him.

We stepped out onto the roof directly from the elevator. It was beautifully taken care of by the apartment staff with flowers and vines. String lights were hung from one to the other, casting a soft glow of light. In the middle of the roof was a large deck chair with enough room for two.

Edward and I sat down and he took a blanket that was spread out across the back of it and wrapped it around my shoulders.

The sounds of New York filtered up to us as we sat: cars driving by, horns honking, music spilling past. It was all typical of the city and didn't detract from the moment at all.

I stared up into the evening sky, breathing deeply and relaxing back into the seat.

For awhile we just sat in silence, the only sounds that of our breathing and the hum of several stories beneath us. I had begun to think that he'd forgotten about us having a chance to talk until he cleared his throat.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, his body rigid next to mine.

All I could do was blink at him as I tried to process his words. I was no closer to giving him an answer than I had been after the auction. I curled my legs up on the bench and tried to get a little more comfortable and turned so that I could face him. "When I was fifteen, I managed to break my leg in two places and bruised a few ribs." The look on Edward's face at the revelation brought a small smile to my lips. "I foolishly attempted to play baseball in gym," I explained.

He chuckled at that, shaking his head.

I blushed, but continued with the story. "My dad, Charlie, came unglued at finding me in the hospital with broken bones and tubes everywhere. He did everything but stick me in a bubble suit and throw away the key when I finally got home."

He continued to watch me, waiting for me to keep going.

"Even though Charlie went overboard with his protectiveness, I knew how to handle him. I understood his moods and could figure out what to say or do in order to settle him, but with you," I trailed off, unsure how to explain it. "With you, I'm at a complete loss. And I'm afraid. I just…" I glanced up at the stars again. "I'm scared, Edward."

"You never respond the way I expect you to. Bella, I'm used to getting my way. To immediately assessing a situation and knowing just what needs to be done." Edward ran a hand through his hair, tugging slightly on the ends. "I like to be in control, and with you, I never am."

I opened my mouth to respond, trying desperately to think of something to say, but was interrupted. The sky then erupted into a beautiful display of lights as the meteor shower began. I could hardly contain my gasp as I watched the amazing sight. It looked like a rain of stars falling from the sky in a bright light of colors.

Edward wrapped his arm around my shoulders, warmth spreading through me at the gesture. For the first time in days, I felt comfortable next to him. Quiet, yet not as a silent conversation passed between us. One of understanding and acceptance, assurance and hope.

It was a safe moment.

A moment where nothing else mattered.

Ooo~Ooo~Ooo~Ooo~Ooo

Taking a deep breath, I leaned back against the back wall of the elevator and let it out slowly. The doors closed and the glass enclosure began to move, heading to the twentieth floor as I avoided looking out. Heights didn't normally bother me, but the pregnancy and my already precarious balance made the entire experience uncomfortable.

Once the doors opened and I was able to step off, I took a moment to clear my head before heading down the hall. Edward's firm was set up on two floors with interns and paralegals on one and the partners and other lawyers on another, I was heading on the second floor where his office was located.

When I reached the receptionist desk at the end of the hall, the woman sitting there gave me a quick glance and smirked. Her long blonde hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail and her makeup and clothes were flawless. "Welcome to Cullen and Volturi. How may I help you?"

"Yes, umm, is Edward Cullen available?" I asked.

The amusement on her face only increased at my question. "He's preparing for a lunch meeting. Would you like to speak with one of our other attorneys? They might be better suited for your needs."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I actually came here to speak to Edward. Could you please let him know that Bella's here, whenever he's available?"

Her jaw clenched, almost imperceptibly, as she pressed a button on the phone and waited for a response. "Sorry, Mr. Cullen. There's a woman at reception, who's asking to see you. She said her name's Bella." She waited a moment and then nodded. "Yes, sir." She pressed a button again and turned her attention back to me. "He'll be right out."

Nodding, I stepped back from the desk to wait.

Within a couple of minutes, Edward came into the waiting area, his brows furrowed in concern. He looked beautiful and well put together in an expensive black suit. The only part of not perfectly pressed was his hair, a tousled mess on his head. "Bella, is everything all right?" Edward asked, his hand touching my arm when he reached me.

"I just… I was wondering if we could talk. Do you have a few minutes?" I suddenly felt ridiculous, just showing up at his work.

"Of course. Come with me." Before we made our way to his office, Edward turned to the receptionist and said, "Heidi, please hold my calls." He guided me down the hall with his hand pressing lightly against the small of back.

Each of the offices that we passed had glass walls along the front and back, giving the space an open feel. There was a lot of activity, but somehow it didn't seem overwhelming. Edward's office was one of the largest in there. A floor to ceiling bookshelf lined the wall not made of glass that held his diplomas, pictures, and case files. The office was immaculate, not a single piece out of place.

There was a couch along the opposite wall where Edward motioned for me to sit. He left the room for a moment and returned with two bottles of water, handing me one. "So, are you sure that everything's all right?"

I bit back a smile and turned so that I was facing him. "I'm fine," I assured. "After our talk on the roof the other night, I wanted to ask you a few more questions."

He waved his hand for me to continue. One arm rested across the back of the leather couch as he faced me, a brow lifted in interest.

"You said that if we proceeded with this arrangement, we'd get married. I was just wondering if it would be a real marriage or one where I am just arm candy for you."

Edward was quiet for a moment before he answered, his voice huskier than before. "One of the reasons I suggested this is so that you'd accompany me to various social engagements that are important to my circle. Being a bachelor in my line of work opens the door for unwarranted set-ups and questions," he explained.

"Oh," I said softly.

"But that doesn't mean I wouldn't consider it, or want it to be, a real marriage with you and the baby as my family. We would be entering into a contract, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy certain benefits that come with that." The corner of his mouth curled up in teasing smirk and I could feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

He chuckled.

I shook my head and continued with my questions. "How long would this arrangement last?"

"Well, I suppose that would depend on us. If you prefer, we can set a specific time frame to review and decide if it would be better to dissolve the marriage," he said with a shrug.

"But, suppose you meet someone a few months down the line that you actually fall in love with. What would happen then?" I lowered my eyes from his. That was the one thing about his proposal that didn't sit right with me. It was business, not a loving commitment to one another.

Edward's jaw clenched and I could see a flash of anger in his eyes. He was irritated. "Isabella, in spite of what you might think of me, when I enter into a relationship, I am monogamous. I expect the same in return. And if for any reason, there is a change of heart, then I would be completely honest and make sure you are well taken care of." He tucked his finger under my chin and lifted it so that our eyes met. "I am not an unreasonable man, Isabella."

I nodded, the intensity of his gaze drowning me.

After a moment, Edward pulled back and waited for me to continue.

It took a moment for me to remember my last question, fighting through the fog his deep green eyes had created. "I'm going to assume that you will have certain expectations and things in the contract," I started, continuing when he nodded. "Would I be allowed to do the same? Have expectations for you that would go in the contract, as well?"

My question seemed to amuse him and after considering it for a moment, he nodded. "I suppose that would be fair."

Even though I'd already made up my mind about what I was going to tell him before I got to his office, I thought over the answers Edward had given me one more time. I wasn't sure if going along with Edward's plan was the right thing, but I had given Jacob too much power over me. At some point, I had to move on.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath in and out. "Okay. I want to do this."

First of all I want to thank my fabulous beta kyla713 whose encouragement has kept me going with this story. I wouldn't have continued it without her, thanks bb! This was originally written for the Fandom Against Juvenile Diabetes compilation.

Before anyone asks me, YES there will be more to this story. I wouldn't just leave it here (kyla713 would probably hunt me down if I did). It might take some time, but I will be posting more. If you read any of my other stories I'm working on the next chapter for TFTST as well as a new o/s. That one will actually be a o/s.

Anyways, thank you all so much for your support, you don't know what it means to me. And I hope you all enjoyed this latest bit from E and B.