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Turning point

There was a knock on her door, and Bella woke up with a start. Taking a deep breath in order to calm her racing heart, she looked outside and saw that the sun was already up in the sky. She must have slept the morning away.

"Yes?"

Esme opened the door and smiled kindly. "Good afternoon, Milady. Lord Cullen wants to know if you would like to join him on a ride today."

"A ride?" she asked sleepily, yawning.

"Yes, sometimes he likes to ride around the estate, to see if everything is in order. I don't think you have seen it yet, but there is a small, beautiful cottage by the pond, where Lord Cullen likes to spend some time alone. I believe you will love it."

"I am sure I will." Swinging her legs off the bed, she rolled her shoulders and stretched lazily. "Tell Edward I will be down in a few minutes."

Esme clapped her hands in front of her. "Of course. I will send your maid to your room."

Bella nodded and smiled at her enthusiasm. She had returned to her room at almost five in the morning, and she was still tired, but the prospect of spending the day with her husband made her feel both excited and nervous. She had won the first two rounds, but she suspected that he had let her win. They hadn't spoken that much during the game, focused on their strategy and moves, but she had appreciated the silence.

Irina walked inside a second later and helped Bella with her riding costume. Ten minutes later, she was descending the stairs. Edward was waiting for her in the main hall.

"I am glad you accepted my invitation," he said as soon as she joined him.

Bella blushed. "Why would I have said no?"

He lifted an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. "Would you like to eat something before we leave?"

"I am not that hungry."

He nodded at someone, before he offered Bella his arm. She gently placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, her heart starting to beat faster. They walked toward the back of the house, where the stable was. She could already hear a few horses neighing enthusiastically. A genuine smile appeared on her face, and Edward noticed it. Before he left her side to talk to the groom, he winked at her.

Trying not to fidget, she clasped her hands together and buried them in the folds of her green dress. She hadn't been on a horse since she left Canterbury, a few months ago.

"Bella, I would like you to meet Mara," Edward said, holding the reins of a beautiful mare. The horse neighed softly and nodded its head at Bella.

"She's so beautiful," Bella whispered, grabbing the reins and running her hand trough Mara's silky mane. "It's so nice to meet you, Mara."

Edward watched Bella's lips widen into a radiant smile. For a second, he felt transfixed, staring at her. Her entire face transformed when she was happy – her cheeks had turned pink, her eyes were shining with delight, but her innocent, honest smile was what mesmerized him. He had never seen her smile like that, and definitely not at him.

Right then, she turned her head and looked at him. "Thank you," she whispered, meeting his eyes.

Clearing his throat quickly, he smiled back at her. "You are welcome."

"Your horse, Milord," the groom interrupted them.

And then, they were mounting their horses. Bella was curious to see the cottage Esme had talked to her about. Also, she wanted to see the pond, to see if it was as beautiful as she was picturing it.

Nonetheless, she asked, "Where are we going?"

Edward shrugged. "It's a surprise."

Bella turned to him. "Oh. I thought you were going to show me the cottage by the pond."

Edward frowned immediately, his expression a combination between frustration and annoyance. "And who pray tell, ruined my surprise?"

Realizing Esme had been right, Bella beamed at him. "No one."

He shook his head at her, and then he laughed. "Of course. Esme."

"I insisted," Bella quickly added.

"I am sure Esme couldn't have possibly resisted you," Edward said with a smile.

Bella pursed her lips in amusement. "I was rather firm when I asked her to tell me everything. So no, she didn't have a choice."

They were both serious for a second before their eyes met, and they both burst into laughter. A warm feeling spread in her stomach, and she quickly nudged her horse forward.

"I will race you."

Edward was still silently chuckling when Bella ran past him. "You don't even know where the cottage is," he yelled after her, his horse breaking into a gallop.

She looked behind and laughed. "And isn't that exciting?"

He watched as she swiftly leaned forward, lifted her legs a little higher and dropped the reins, grabbing the horse's mane. If someone had told him a week ago that Isabella Swan was a reckless rider, he wouldn't have believed them. He tried to keep up with her, but then, she looked over her shoulder. Realizing that he was getting closer to her, she increased her speed. Her soft giggle got lost in the wind.

„I am going to win."

The cottage appeared in front of them. It was a beautiful little house, with three rooms and a large drawing room. It was sitting right on the edge of the pond, surrounded by a small garden.

Edward absolutely loved the house. He used to spend so much time here when he was a little boy and wanted away from his parents. It felt more home to him than the other house.

A high pitched squeal broke him out of his reverie, and his gaze flew to Bella. Her horse seemed to have stopped abruptly in the middle of the road, and Bella almost lost her balance. One of her feet slipped from the stirrup, but she held onto the horse's mane.

"Bella, be careful." He jumped from the saddle and ran toward her. As he was getting closer, he realized what had really scared the horse. A rat was blocking its path. Mara neighed softly and took a few steps back, but Bella quickly caressed her neck and told her to calm down.

"It's fine. The rat is not going to hurt you. Shhh," she soothed her, her voice barely a whisper.

Concerned that the horse would rear back on its hind legs, Edward grabbed Bella's waist and helped her down.

"Edward, it was nothing. She simply got scared," Bella protested, even though she dismounted from her horse.

"I am not taking any chances," he said firmly.

With a sigh, she realized that his hands were still on her waist, his fingers softly digging into her hips. And her hands were on his shoulders, feeling the hardness of his muscles and the warmth of his skin. They were also very close, his face a few inches away from hers. She only had to tilt her head up a little, and their noses would be touching.

Swallowing hard, she laughed nervously and tried to take a step back, but his hands tightened on her waist. Trying to stay calm, she took a deep breath and waited for him to say what he wanted to say.

"Be more careful next time," he whispered, looking deeply into her eyes.

She simply nodded, suddenly short of breath. Their eyes met, and he looked like he had wanted to say something more but then changed his mind. His hands dropped from her waist, and she immediately missed their warmth.

Needing something else to distract her, she turned to the cottage. "Is that it?"

"Yes, it is," he answered, grabbing Mara's reins in one hand, while Bella took care of his horse.

"Well, it's not exactly as I have been picturing it."

Edward looked at her skeptically.

"It's actually more beautiful," she continued.

"That it is." After a short, peaceful silence, he continued, "And the cottage wasn't actually my surprise."

Bella threw him a curious look. "Then, what is it?"

He smiled at her before he nodded his head at something on her right. "Look over there."

She quickly followed his gaze and almost stopped walking. There, right on the edge of the pond, under a tree, was a blanket spread out on the lush grass. On top of the blanket sat a small basket.

"What are we going to do with that basket?"

Seeing her confused expression and wide eyes, he almost chuckled. Instead, he carelessly lifted his shoulders. "We are going to have lunch."

"Here? Under a tree?" she asked, looking around. They were completely alone, and the only noise around was coming from a few ducks on the pond.

"Of course. We are going to have lunch under a tree."

Edward grabbed the reins from her hand and took the horses to a nearby tree, where they happily started feasting on the grass. Turning to Bella, he realized how nervous she truly was, even though she was trying very hard to hide it. He had enjoyed her company last night, and he hoped that spending the day together would mend their relationship. A couple of days ago, they had promised that they would be honest with each other. Until now, neither one of them had actually kept that promise.

"I will show you the cottage afterwards," he said, walking toward her.

"Why not show it to me now? I am very curious," Bella replied, raising both of her eyebrows.

He grabbed the basket and motioned for her to sit down. "I would like to show it to you now, but I am afraid it will have to wait. The food is going to be cold when we return, and I was told that it's delicious."

She seemed to hesitate for a second, before she nodded and accepted his outstretched hand. She sat down next to him, absentmindedly covering her exposed ankles. "So, what are we going to eat today?"

Edward opened the basket and peered inside. "We have stew, eggs with bacon, apples and hot chocolate."

"Hot chocolate?"

"Never tried it before?"

"Actually, yes." Her lips stretched into a genuine smile. "It's my favorite."

Edward leaned in and whispered. "Mine, too."

He gave Bella her cup of hot chocolate and took a sip out of his. Bella closed her eyes and moaned softly.

They ate in silence, Bella keeping her gaze trained on the pond, Edward stealing furtive glances at her. He didn't know what she was thinking, if she was mad at him for yesterday, if she was thinking about her father, Rosalie or if she resented being his wife. One thing he knew – he didn't want his marriage to end like his parents', even though he didn't love her. He had to try, at least. She wasn't the kind of woman he used to dally with, and that was a good thing.

"Tanya was my lover," he confessed, realizing a little too late that he should not have been so blunt.

Bella stopped mid-chew and turned to him. "I know," she answered slowly.

"I should have told her to leave the moment she started throwing snide comments at my mother. I am sorry."

"Well, I was the one who invited her in. We were just trying to be polite." Biting her lip, she looked at him. "Nevertheless, thank you. For sending her away when she-" she trailed off.

"Anytime," he whispered.

After a short pause, she continued, "How long have you two been together?"

"I don't think we have actually been together…"

"…since she was married," she added casually.

"Right." He threw her an apologetic smile. "Maybe a couple of months?"

Bella thought it was sad that he slept with someone he obviously didn't care about. But the significance of that made her feel miserable, so she quickly restrained that thought.

"Is she always so rude to people?" she asked, keeping her voice lighthearted.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Well, then I am surprised she isn't leaving a trail of ice in her wake."

He gave an amused snort.

Playing with the hem of her skirt, she asked, her voice barely a whisper, "Why did you do it? Why did you sleep with her, even though you knew she was married?"

He hesitated. Truth be told, he didn't know why. She had tried to gain his attention multiple times, and he had ignored her … until he suddenly gave in. "I suppose you could say it was foolishness or arrogance, even loneliness. Her husband didn't love her, and she was more of nuisance to him. So, she rebelled against him." He touched her chin and tilted her head up. "I have made a lot of mistakes, which I deeply regret. I know I have many flaws …"

"Too many," she added with a small smile.

He smiled back. "But I wish you would give me a chance."

A chance for him to fall in love with her, to build a family together, Bella thought. What if that never happened? What if he realized he couldn't love her? That his love for her sister was stronger than his feelings for her? Her heart broke at that thought. She wanted so much to believe in a happy ending. But they would never get that happy ending if they didn't try. Just try…

Making up her mind, she cupped his cheek, realizing her hand was shaking. She slowly leaned in and touched her lips to his. Her eyes closed, and she reveled in the feel of his soft, warm lips against her own. She didn't know what to do next, so she was relieved when he seemed to take control, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Her fingers slowly moved to the back of his neck, as his mouth opened beneath hers.

Her heart started beating erratically when she felt his tongue touch her lips. She quickly pulled away, amazed. "Do people actually kiss like that?"

He grinned and then captured her lips in another deep kiss. Bella sighed softly, losing herself completely. She wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth, tentatively at first. His tongue touched her lips again, and this time, she didn't pull away. She touched her tongue to his, marveling at the sensations coursing through her body. Her pulse quickened, and her breath became erratic.

He pulled her closer, his hands grasping her hips. She realized that he was breathing heavily, too, and his heart was racing.

Edward trailed his lips slowly from her lips to her cheek and up to her forehead, where he dropped a soft kiss. He could feel her breath on his neck, warm and uneven. He couldn't seem to catch his breath, either. He hadn't expected Bella to be such a passionate person, surrendering herself completely to her feelings. How could he have been so wrong about her?

He pulled away to look at her. Her lips were swollen and red, her eyes were wide and slightly glazed, and her cheeks were flushed. She looked beautiful.

"I think I spilled my chocolate," Bella whispered sheepishly.

Edward burst out laughing.

xXx

There was an intimate feel to the cottage, a small house with four rooms and a large drawing room. Possibly because of the green velvet-covered walls or the golden rugs spread on the floor. Or maybe because it was such a secluded area, the pond providing a beautiful view from any window.

"I suppose I can say the house is beautiful, but I have been using that word ever since I came here," Bella said, inspecting a painting of Edward's ancestors.

"Well, I forgot to keep count."

She threw him an amused smile and then turned to the painting. "Who is this man?"

Edward joined her, his arm brushing hers. "This is my great-grandfather, Albert Cullen. He lived to the age of 98. His stubbornness, but also kindness must have kept him alive. I didn't get to meet him, but everyone tells me he was one of a kind."

"Hmm, you look a little like him," Bella mused, looking back and forth between her husband and his great-grandfather. She noticed that his expression had fallen, but she didn't pry.

"It's good to know I look like my eighty year old ancestor," Edward jested, making Bella laugh.

"I didn't mean it like that. Even though it's hard to believe he was eighty years old in this painting. I would not have given him a day over sixty."

"Now I feel like I must accept your compliment on his behalf."

Bella looked around at the other paintings and wondered why most of them were displayed here instead of the other house. She saw another couple, who seemed to be in their mid-forties, a young man perched on a high chair, looking bored, a small, slim woman holding a small dog in her lap. But the last painting on the wall drew her attention - a very imposing man, with a penetrating gaze and a proud posture. There was a name scribbled in the corner – Edward Cullen. What struck Bella as odd was the fact that his wife was absent from the painting ... from any paintings actually.

"He is your father," Bella stated, looking at her husband's blank expression.

"Yes," he said, his voice unflinching.

Realizing this wasn't something he wanted to talk about, she moved on, looking at the bookcase and reading the titles.

That was when a loud bark echoed throughout the house, and Bella dropped the book she was holding. Edward leaned down and took it from the floor, all the while keeping his eyes trained on the door.

"What was that?" Bella asked, scared, a little irritated that Edward didn't seem to care that the cottage was being attacked. "Should we hide? Why aren't you more concerned about this?"

"I am positive he will find you no matter where you decide to hide," Edward answered with a lopsided smile.

"What are you –"

Right then, a large, black dog came running inside, his ears flopping up and down. Without warning, his huge paws landed on Bella's dress. She gasped, almost falling down under the dog's weight.

"Here, Enzo, come here," Edward called, getting on his knees. The dog immediately turned around and ran to Edward, his enthusiasm intoxicating as Bella watched him almost hug her husband.

She laughed. "He really seems glad to see you."

"He seems glad to see anyone," Edward said, scratching Enzo behind his ear. "He must have followed us, because he doesn't usually come here. Especially not alone. I believe they might be searching for him, back at the house."

The dog nodded his head, wagging his tail excitedly.

"He is so adorable," Bella cooed, leaning down to pet his silky fur. "How old is he?"

"Two years. He found us actually. Appeared in our yard one day, small and cold, trembling all over. Everyone fell in love with him, so we kept him. The servants adore him and spoil him every chance they get." He nudged Enzo's muzzle playfully. "Probably that's why you are so heavy, my friend."

To prove just that, Enzo turned toward Bella and jumped on her once again, barking playfully.

"I believe he is starting to like you," Edward laughed.

"What is not to like?" Bella jested, laughing with him.

Losing her balance, Bella fell down on her back, the dog immediately starting to lick her chin. She tried to push him away, but it seemed futile. So, she just exchanged an exasperated look with Edward, who didn't seem very desperate to help her.

And then, they both burst out laughing.