Getting to Alice's house was trickier than I thought it would be. I must have passed that drive twice before I happened to see another car turning down the long driveway so that I could follow. Luckily I was following to the right spot and didn't just follow a stranger to their home. I pulled off to the side of the driveway as Edward was getting out of his truck. I felt a bit nervous but couldn't put my finger on why. I'd baked some brownies earlier in the day so grabbed those as I headed towards the house. Edward was standing right outside the door waiting for me as I approached.

"Good to see you again Bella," Edward greeted. "It seems you survived a day out with Alice."

"When you're used to running after children all day, keeping up with Alice is nothing."

"Edward, stop your flirting and get in here already," Alice interrupted.

A blush spread on my cheeks, while Edward simply shook his head with a slight roll of his eyes and opened the door for me to head inside. Alice winked at my blush as I entered their cozy kitchen.

The house reminded me of a dollhouse from my childhood. It was an older small Victorian style but from what I could see inside, it was updated recently. Living further from the waterfront, the home had views of the rolling hills and nearby farmland.

"Hope you all don't mind eating outside tonight. Jasper already has the grill going, I just want to finish throwing the salad together," Alice broke into my admiring of the home.

Edward moved towards the fridge, making himself at home as he grabbed a beer. He held one out to me as well so I happily took it from him. With a wink my way, he headed out the back door to join Jasper outside.

"Someone has a crush on my brother," she teased.

"Stop it. I hardly know him," I quickly replied as I tried to hide my smile behind my beer bottle.

"I never said anything about how well you knew him, just that it looks like you are interested in getting to know him better if that blush is any indication."

"Whatever you say Alice. Do you need a hand in here with anything?"

"Nope! Just head on out and flirt away. I'll be out in a minute," Alice laughed.

Esme and Carlisle arrived shortly after I walked out to the patio. I took the opportunity to watch Edward interacting with his family. He took the time to talk with each one of them, really listening to their stories from the week. For as much time as he spent with Jasper and his father by the grill, he spent just as much catching up with his mother and sister. It was heartening to see as I was again reminded of my quiet dinners with Charlie. I'd have to give him another call soon to at least fill him in on all that was happening here. As much as he cared, I knew he wouldn't be the one to pick up the phone.

"So Bella, how was your week with the little McCarty rascals?" Edward asked as he plopped down into the seat next to me.

I couldn't help but smile as I filled him in on my week with Millie and Joseph. They had such distinct personalities for their ages and I was looking forward to spending more time with them.

"How is work for you?" I asked in return.

"Running the farm is my life, especially since I'm really just getting it started. Most of the farms around here have been running for generations. I bought it out from the Black family a couple years back when their son had no interest in running the farm anymore."

"Must make for some long hours."

"It's no 9-5 job if that's what you mean," he replied.

"And your perfectionist tendencies don't help," Carlisle joined in the conversation. "There are plenty of people around to help you out if you'd let them."

"I will eventually. I'm just enjoying it for now and want to get things done a certain way," Edward said as he finished off his beer. "Looks like food is on the table. Anyone else need another one?"

The conversation as we gathered at the table switched to the school year and gossip from the town. Heading home that night I felt for the first time a bit homesick for my family and friends. Hopefully they'd be heading up for a visit before long.