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Chapter 9 – Set the Date

EPOV –

I wonder if Bella had the slightest comprehension of the control she had over me, the power I succumb to. Her challenge intrigued me and excited me in ways she'd never understand. I glanced sideways at her perfect figure, walking beside mine, as we descended stair by stair to the living room of our home. The way her silky locks bounced and moved around her face was perfection. I tightened my grip around her warm petite hand and her beautiful brown eyes met mine. She smiled her breathtaking smile and blushed beautifully.

"Hello newlyweds," Emmett boasted loudly as we approached him and the rest of our family, "hope we didn't disturb anything."

I shot him one warning glance and his wide smile faded. Sorry Edward.

Oh they are both just glowing! Esme thought as she neared us. I'm so happy for you Edward, for you both! She kissed me gently on the cheek before taking Bella into a tight hug.

"Good morning," Carlisle added politely.

Bella responded excitedly, "Good morning everyone!"

Alice approached us first and hugged us both tightly. "Congratulations you two!"

"Thank you Alice, everything was perfect yesterday," Bella said as she kissed Alice's spiky hair.

Alice looked at me for confirmation. She liked it, really?

I nodded and smiled.

"Yay! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!" she screamed as she started bouncing up and down.

"You realize now that you're bound to her right?" Rosalie asked Bella while also embracing her in a hug.

Bella chucked. "I'm bound to you too Rosalie and I couldn't be happier about it."

That surprised my blonde sister and she too looked to me. Wow Edward, you weren't exaggerating. She is unique isn't she?

"I think so," I confirmed aloud. "My turn," and I pulled Bella into a tight hug against my chest. "How was hunting?" I inquired of our family conversationally.

"Pleasant," both Esme and Carlisle said in unison.

"You missed a beat down!" Emmett interrupted, loudly and smugly. I took Jasper down Edward. You should have seen it. Total temper tantrum after too. Emmett laughed.

Jaspers eyes narrowed on Emmett. "I wasn't ready," he said through his teeth. And he knew it.

I smiled at Emmett before lowering my head to hide my amusement. I concentrated on his thoughts and could see him nearing Jasper quietly from behind with a huge smile. Jasper was too pre-occupied with his kill and wasn't paying him any attention. Emmett got Jasper in a choke hold and took him down without much of a fight. I saw Emmett gloating about his win and Jasper responding with an uppercut to Emmett's jaw. The tussle continued until both of them were covered head to toe in mud and bracken and their wives seperated them giving them looks of disappointment and disgust.

Jasper didn't specify a start time. He should know better. Emmett argued, still laughing. I laughed aloud with Emmett and most of the family joined in. With two exceptions; Jasper and Bella.

Bella, frustrated from missing ½ the conversation, stomped on my foot.

"Sorry love," I managed to say, "Emmett, why don't you share your victory with Bella while I talk to Carlisle for a moment."

Bella rolled her eyes but inched toward my siblings. She had no idea how adorable she was when she was annoyed.

What can I do for you Edward? Carlisle asked silently when I turned to him.

"If you have time, Bella and I would like to talk to you today about her… change." I forced out, slightly painfully.

Of course, Carlisle nodded understandingly. "I'll be in my office whenever you're ready. I have a little while before I'm due at the hospital."

"Thank you."

With that he nodded, turned, kissed Esme on the cheek, and headed up the stairs.

Bella's laugh demanded my attention then. That sound made my entire being buzz with joy. I looked over to see her watching Emmett try to coerce Jasper into a reenactment of the event.

How was I going to survive three days void of that laugh, surrounded by it's counterpart, her screams? I moved toward her, meeting her gaze for only an instant before wrapping my arms tightly around her again. I pressed my face into her hair trying to drown my senses with her scent.

"Carlisle will speak to us whenever you're ready," I whispered in her ear, delighting when her pulse quickened in response to our closeness.

"It's nice to feel both of you so happy," Jasper said. "It's been a long time coming."

"It's making me a little nauseous," Emmett teased, mussing Bella's hair lightly.

Bella buried her face in my chest in an attempt to hide her blush. That just entertained Emmett more considering he didn't need to see it. In an effort to escape, Bella pushed me toward the direction of the stairs.

"Do you think he'll tease me less when I'm one of you?" she asked, speaking into my chest.

"I doubt it, you're too cute," I replied, trying to conceal my smile "but then, maybe you can take him down to shut him up."

That made her smile.

I towed her back up the stairs and into Carlisle's office never allowing my skin to break contact from hers.

We sat in the chairs near Carlisle's desk. "So Bella, Edward tells me you'd like to talk about your change."

"Yes, if you have time Carlisle," she answered.

"Of course, what exactly would you like to know?"

Bella hesitated and looked back and forth between me and Carlisle. "Well, I'd just like to know the plan and what to expect, I guess."

"I see. Well, have you and Edward discussed the day?"

I again tightened my grip around Bella's tiny hand. "That's up to Bella. Whenever she is ready, I am as well." It wasn't a blatant lie but I still couldn't look at her as I said it.

Bella then spoke the words I dreaded since the moment I knew I loved her.

"I'm ready now. I've made my choice so I'd like to do this as soon as possible."

"Okay," Carlisle replied, "but I don't think it wise we stay in Forks. Your father believes you'll be attending school in Alaska correct?"

I nodded.

"We have a home in the north of Alaska that remains vacant until it requires our use. It's far from the human populace, near plenty of wildlife and under semi-constant cloud cover. We're exceptionally accustomed to moving so we can be ready to leave within a day. The estate is ready for us when we are so we'll only need another day or so to prepare once we arrive. The entire family has decided to stay with you and Edward through this if you allow. We prefer to stick together." Carlisle hesitated for only a moment to meet Bella's eyes. "We'll get a room ready for you and try to provide some level of comfort. As far as the process itself, Edward previously told you we're going to try to see if Morphine can lessen the pain. However, we're not certain it will work. The transformation is painful but again, we'll try to lessen its severity. Edward is going to bite you four times. This will ensure the venom spreads fast and the process ends as quickly as possible. Are you okay with me and the others being close throughout the process? Just as a precaution, I assure you."

"Yes Carlisle, I'd appreciate it," she responded, nodding.

"Then I'll speak to the hospital today to take my leave." Carlisle looked at me then. "We'll depart tomorrow?"

I nodded and looked at Bella. She was smiling slightly.

"The others have been prepared for this for some time but I'll inform them of our immediate plans before I go to the hospital. Bella, you should say goodbye to Charlie." Carlisle added.

Bella's smile quickly faded but we nodded together.

"Charlie knows we were planning on leaving soon so it shouldn't be a surprise to him. Although, what should I tell him regarding the entire Cullen family move?" Bella inquired.

"Alice was partial to University in Alaska as well, and with Alice goes Jasper. Instead of split the family, explain we're that we decided it was more pertinent to move the distance together. I don't believe he'll ask for more detail then that." Carlisle explained.

"Thank you Carlisle, for everything." Bella's voice broke as she spoke.

"You're very welcome Bella. Thank you for brining my family so much happiness."

We stood then and walked hand in hand toward our room. Once inside, Bella walked toward the back window, stared out it seeing nothing with her arms folder across her chest.

I approached her and wrapped my arms around her waist. I bent down to kiss and linger at the exposed skin of her neck. I had no idea how much this must be hurting her, how much she must be sacrificing for me. I allowed the silence to linger for a moment then stated, "I'll ask Emmett if he'll let us barrow his Jeep. We'll need it get the rest of your things."

She turned toward me slowly and also wrapped her arms around my waist. "I'm okay Edward. This isn't going to be easy but it's going to be worth it," she spoke into my chest and I felt the moister seeping into my shirt. I ached for her.

"You are the strongest person I know Bella."

She shrugged then pulled away slightly. "Thanks. Now let's get this over with."

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