Disclaimer : SM owns Edward & Twilight, not me (sadly!)

We both turned to look into the telescope, together. Both stars were sat alongside each other shining down at us. And I hope both Renee and Charlie were doing the same.

19th September 2010

I stopped over at Bella's apartment on Saturday night after our star expedition. She was fairly teary after showing her the other two stars I'd purchased which was to be expected. I knew Bella missed her mom and dad, her mom especially. She told me that night that she felt guilty at times that she didn't think about her mom enough, that the actual memories of her mom with her were fading over time. I held her close to me as she slipped into a relativity peaceful sleep.

I woke the Sunday morning with nerves nagging at my stomach. Today was the day; today was the day I told my family, the world about my Bella. I knew deep down inside that Bella was always the one for me and that my family already accepted her as part of the family but I couldn't help but feel nervous. I knew Mom and Dad would be thrilled as well as Alice and Jasper but it was Emmett that I was strangely nervous about. He's your little brother you idiot, of course he loves Bella and will accept her as your girlfriend... or whatever you are.

After a quick shower that we both shared and almost didn't get out of, we headed towards my parent's house. I pulled up and looked over at Bella. She was nervous too, fidgeting with the charms on her bracelet. I smiled as I saw her absently rubbing the star between her thumb and finger.

"Hey, Bee? You okay?"

She blew out a slow breath before turning in her seat towards me, "Are you?"

I gave her my best 'of course' smile but I don't think it convinced her. But she giggled so I was happy enough. Taking a last deep breath, I exited the car and came around to open Bella's door. Taking her hand, we walked side by side to the house, up the few steps before entering.

We walked into the living area together and all conversations in the room stilled and all eyes looked at us. Alice let out a squeal which scared the living shit out of me before bounding towards us and giving us a double hug.

"I knew it!" She squealed in delight, "I just knew it! Didn't I say Jazz? Hmm?"

Jasper was smiled at me, "Yes Alice, you did."

Alice released us then and bounced on her feet, clapping her hands in front of her quickly like some crazy pixie on crack. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Edward honey?" My mom asked for behind Alice. She looked back and forth between Bella and I stood there, holding hands.

I nodded as I let go of Bella's hand and wrapped my arm around her waist pulling her closer to me and kissing her on the top of her hair. My mom's glassy eyes blinked a couple of times before we walked towards us with purpose and throw her arms around both of us.

"Oh Edward, Bella. I'm so happy for you both. Truly I am." Once she released her death grip on us, my dad came over to hug and kiss Bella's cheek then slap me on the back with a wink. My dad winking was funny. Jasper joined us then giving us both a similar gesture as Dad.

My sister in law Rose was the next to congratulate us as 'seeing the light at last.' I eyed up Emmett who was still sat on one of the couches with Benjamin perched on his knee. The nerves returned in full force as he stared me down. He slowly got up, pulled Benjamin's legs across his hip and walked towards the group that was centred with myself and Bella. Once he got close enough he looked at me and back at Bella before back at me again. I gulped before he slowly placed his large hands over Benjamin's ears and said, "Don't fuck this up."

My face broke out into a huge smile as I reached for my squirming nephew. "Hey Benjamin! Look who's come to play, Aunt Bee!" He clapped his hands together mirroring his Aunt Alice earlier and stretched his little arms over to Bella. She took him from me, "Hey little man," she cooed and he giggled. My smile was firmly in place now I had seen my family accept Bella as my girl.

After dinner, I helped Mom load the dishwasher while Bella was in the living area talking with everyone.

"So ..."

"Yeah."

"A lot has happened in the last week then honey?"

"Yep it sure has."

"And Tanya?" My mom whispered her name and darted a look towards the living room.

"Gone." Mom looked at my face and searched my face then she smiled.

"It's good to see you so happy Edward. It's been a long time coming."

I glanced toward the kitchen door where I could just see Bella's head near the floor hovering over Benjamin's tummy before blowing on it. They were both giggling.

"I am Mom. I really am."

"Just be cautious though honey. Tanya… she was never one to back down over anything and I'm assuming you left her?" I nodded before she continued, "You know where she is?"

I shrugged, "New York I assume."

Mom continued to look over me. "Did you change the locks?"

I chuckled, "Yes Mom, I got that sorted Friday. Stop worrying. I'm happy. Bee's happy. We're happy together and nothing will stop that." I glanced back to see Bella sat on the floor with Benjamin in her arms, "I'm never going to let her go... ever."

"Good." My mom nodded thoughtfully.

"I do need to start sharing though..."

Mom laughed and shook her head, "Sharing Bella? Edward, you wouldn't share Bella when you were six! What makes you think you could start now?"

I smiled broadly at my mom looking so happy for me.

"Okay, okay. Maybe not 'share' but I need to balance my life better. I've been neglecting my other family and friends." I looked down at hands griping on to a plate, "I'm sorry Mom."

I felt my chin being grasped softly so my face was tipped up to see my mother's loving eyes. "No need to be sorry honey." She kissed the tip of my nose and ruffled my hair like I was six again.

"You need any help?"

I looked over to the doorway to see Bella leaning against it with a small smile on her face.

"Hey Bee." I waved at her to come in as my mom stepped away from me. Bella walked to my side where I pulled her by her waist towards me, placing a chaste kiss on the corner of her upturned mouth. I looked back at Mom who was grinning at us.

"I'll leave you kids to it." Then she winked and my jaw dropped open in shock. My mother, winking? I watched the back of her head as she left and Bella came to stand in front of me.

"Did your mom just wink at us?"

I just nodded; I think I'm in shock.

"You think she wouldn't want us to do anything in her home but I'm not sure now …. Hey, is your old room still your old room?"

"Eh, yeah. Mom couldn't bring herself to change any of our rooms when we moved out."

Bella had a wicked glint in her eye as she walked backwards towards the door holding my hands in front of her, "Can I see?"

Holy shit, here? In my old room! With my whole family downstairs. Could we? Then I remembered my mother's wink and took it as a green light … or a red rag to a bull … I grabbed Bella's hips stopping her in her tracks and pulled her to me. Just the idea of being inside her here where we could get caught as turning me on. I pushed my growing erection into her and she moaned low in her throat.

"Give me a two minute head start ..." And then she was gone, excusing herself to use the bathroom up my parent's stairs.

I stood in my parent's kitchen gripping the kitchen worktop for another minute trying to calm down before going in the living area to make my own excuse to go up the stairs. No one looked convinced but at that very moment in life, I didn't give a shit. I needed to be with my girl.

I took the steps two at a time almost running to my old bedroom door. My hand clutched the doorknob a little too tight and I placed my forehead against the cool wood to try and control my breathing.

I knocked once, opened the door a crack then whispered, "Bee?"

After a few seconds, I still hadn't received a reply so I pushed the door open enough to slip through. Closing the door and locking it quickly, I turned and almost stumbled over at the sight in front of me.

Bella was lying in the middle of my old bed… naked. My eyes raked greedily over her beautiful body as I licked my lips in anticipation. She was laid on her back; her upper body propped up on her elbows which made her chest jut out. Her nipples seem to harden under my intense gaze. My eyes slipped lower to her flat stomach and lower still to the small line of hair, my trail to my prize. Her knees were slightly bent and laid slightly to her left side. She was slightly squirming, her thighs squeezed together tightly.

My dick strained against the black pants I was wearing. My eyes found her face to see her lips parted, breathing heavy. Once her eyes found mine, I saw her bite her bottom lip firmly. That was my undoing.

I marched towards my old bed, unbuttoning my shirt and pants as I went. I was so happy that I'd had the sense to leave my shoes and socks downstairs. Bella rose to her knees in front of me once I got to the edge of the bed and fumbled at my pants, yanking them down my legs along with my underwear. In one swift movement, Bella's lips were wrapped around my dick, her hands bracing herself on my thighs. I almost came right then and there. "Oh God Bella."

She was taking almost all of me as her head bobbed up and down furiously. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as I placed my hands at either side of Bella's head to try and slow her down. "Slow down baby or I'm not going to last long. And I really need to be inside you." Bella's throaty groaned around my dick was too much. "Bella stop please." She did as she was told but not before looking up at me through her lashes with her pretty lips still on me. I moaned at the sight before pulling her up my body and kissing her hard.

I fell onto her as I touched every inch of her smooth soft skin. Once my mouth left hers, I descended south to her ear, her neck then her collarbone before taking one of her nipples in my mouth and sucking hard. Bella gasped as her back arched off the bed pushing herself into me firmly. I continued to suck on her until she was shaking with need. I smiled against her skin as I trailed a line of hot open mouth kissed to her other nipple before taking that one in the same fashion. I rolled her neglected nipple between my fingers and tugged. "Oh fuck me Edward!" She almost growled at me while wrapping her legs around me, anchoring me to her.

My lips made their way back up to hers as I kissed her again and my fingers trailed lazily down to her wet core. My fingers gazed up and down her opening with the lightest of touches.

"Stop fucking teasing me Edward!" She sounded almost pissed off and it was a complete turn on. My dick grew even harder as I rubbed myself against her hip for a few more seconds before I grabbed it, rubbing my head over her clit. Her hips bucked off the bed in response. I quickly lined myself up at her entrance and pushed myself in her. Then I positioned myself so I could grab hold of my headboard to use as leverage. I pulled out of Bella sharply before pushing back in her hard. I continued this over and over again. The sounds of slapping skin and harsh breathing filled my old room as my orgasm tightened in my groin. "Oh yes, yes, yes …. Edw-" She screamed into my shoulder which muted her enough so the whole house didn't hear us. The feel of Bella's own orgasm ripping through her tore through me as I moaned into her neck, spilling myself into her. I slowed to a stop, heavy breathing and completely spent.

"That was..."

"...fantastic."

"Yeah." I lifted my head enough to gaze into her beautiful brown eyes and I couldn't help but smile broadly at her. We were both coated in sweat; her hair was all over the place and both still trying to control our breathing. She was the most exquisite creature ever known. Alluring, attractive, tempting, enticing, seductive, angelic, appealing, bewitching, enchanting, fascinating, cute, dazzling, delicate, dainty, exquisite, delightful, divine; I could go on and on but above all, she was perfect, absolutely and totally perfect.

"I love you Bee." The back of my fingers brushing over her cheek. "My Bella." Her hand came up to grasp myself, lacing our fingers together.

"I love you Edward, so very much."

We got our clothes back on quickly and wandered downstairs together. I was pretty sure someone would have heard us so what was the point in trying to hide it? No one bothered us as we rejoined the group chatting in the living area apart from a smirk for Rose. Bella sat on the couch next to her as I settled on the floor with my back in front of her. Bella's lazily draped her right leg over my shoulder and I kissed her calf gently.

We spent the next few hours at my parents chatting. It was late evening before I heard Bella yawn behind me so we left after yet more hugs and kisses from everyone. We had decided to sleep separately tonight even though we both hated the idea. I was working at an ungodly hour again and didn't want to wake her. I walked her to her door when she got a text.

"It's Jake." She smiled. "Billy's home." She seemed to sigh in relief.

"That's great news Bee."

"Yeah, I might be able to sleep a little better now knowing he's okay but I'll still not sleep being completely at ease … you sure it's a good idea for us to sleep apart tonight?"

I sighed deeply almost caving, "I need to be up at three and I don't want to disturb you Bee. I'll make it up to you later."

Bella smiled, reaching up on her tip-toes to kiss me quickly on my lips. "You better." I grabbed her into a warm embrace before waving and watching her step inside, closing the door.

We got to see each other a couple of nights that week but my shifts at the hospital were brutal. It was the only way I managed to either get the weekend off or work a short Saturday or Sunday shift so I could see Bella.

I even managed to fit in some quality time with Jasper too. We hung out at my house on the Saturday night drinking beer and watching a hockey match. It was fun to reconnect with him and it meant that Bella had some time with Jake. I knew Bella had missed him and wanted some time with him especially after his father's scare. And the weird thing was, I trusted him plus I completely trusted Bella anyway.

So we tried to get into a routine where we saw each other as much as we could and at the same time, we spent time with our family and friends. It was difficult but we managed to get a balance.

9th October 2010 (3 weeks later)

Double date night; what the hell had I got myself into! It was Saturday and I'd worked a short morning shift which earned me a Sunday and Monday off. Bella had been planning with Shorty and Rose this double date night for a week now.

We'd spent the afternoon having a small party for Benjamin's first birthday. He had so many gifts; we had all spoilt him way too much but I suppose that's what happens when you're the only child in the family. So far that is. I asked Jasper when he was going to pull his finger out but he just told me to fuck off and mind my own business … nice.

Mom and Dad said they would babysit Benjamin so we could all go out together, me, Bella, Shorty, Jazz, Emmett and Rose. Even Jake was bring a date! I honestly couldn't remind the last time I went for a night out on the town with my brother and sister. Tanya really wasn't into that sort of thing … you know, getting drunk and having fun. I mentally rolled my eyes at myself. How did I get it so wrong for so long?

Bella had the girls at her apartment getting ready. She'd text me a couple of times over the past four hours … yes FOUR hours! What the fuck woman did for four hours to get ready was beyond me. I sat on my couch sipping my beer thinking back at when Shorty, Bella and I were kids getting ready for Mom and Dad's parties. Shorty liked to dress Bella up then too. I'm sure nothing will have changed and now we can throw Rose into the mix. God, Bee might need me to rescue her! I glanced back at my cell.

"E! Stop fucking looking at your phone every two seconds! She'll be okay with Alice and Rose."

"Okay Jazz! Gezz, what's got into you today?"

He murmured something under his breath but I didn't catch it. I looked back at my cell again just to piss him off. I smiled at my own sense of humour. I'm such a dork at times.

"I'm so fucking ready for this bro." Emmett smacked me on the back as I was taking a swig; I choked and coughed until I could breathe again. Looking at my brother, he looked so happy and this made me smile. As much as double date night scared the crap out of me, I decided that this is all part of my life balance plan. I needed… no wanted to do this especially with Bella by my side.

I heard a car horn beep from outside and I couldn't control the grin that spread across my face; my girl's here. I jumped to my feet fast, smoothing down my t-shirt and jeans before side eyeing my bro and best friend doing the same. I rolled my eyes at our joint eagerness; when did we all get whipped?

I heard giggling outside before the door was opened by my sister who was looking gorgeous in her black and white polka dot dress and black heels. Rosalie was the next to walk in. She was wearing a red, black and white mix short flowing dress paired with a pair of black platform shoes. The dress was something I could see Bella would have liked for herself. Rose's head was turned away from us, laughing to Bella who was behind her. Once Rose stepped into the room and revealed Bella, my whole world stopped. It was like time had frozen as she stepped in the house wearing a white, short and very well fitted one-shoulder dress. The shoulder strap was embellished with gems which also covered her right breast. Her outfit was complete with silver gem heeled sandals. She was stunning, like a angel in white. A naughty looking angel; Bella bit her lip and looked at me through her lashes. She knew exactly what that look did to me. I shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot as my hardened dick pressed into the fly-zipper of my jeans. She was a vision, a beautiful vision of a woman and she was mine.

She strode over to me with purpose swaying her hips towards me. My arms immediately and automatically circled her waist as I pulled her closely to me. She locked her arms around my neck as I leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"I'm going to have to watch you like a hawk tonight, Miss Swan. You look too beautiful for words to describe and every man who sees you will want to make you theirs. And that just won't do. Because you are mine."

"You think it's okay? The dress I mean. It was supposed to be Rose's but we had a last minute emergency so we swapped."

"No question Miss Swan. You are stunning."

I kissed just below her ear and she moaned softly. There was nothing more that I wanted to do at that moment than to throw her over my shoulder and take her back to my house to fuck her senseless. But that wasn't going to happen ...yet.

The club was loud and hot as the light beat down on us. We had reserved a table at Club Noc Noc and met Jake with his date, Leah. After the introductions were finished, we quickly settled into small groups where the conversation flowed freely.

I was constantly on edge. I'd not seen one man pass Bella and not try to look at her ass in this dress. Bella has one fine ass and the dress showed it off perfectly. But that was my ass, not theirs.

The girls were on their fourth Cosmopolitan; not Rose though. She'd started feeling guilty about leaving Benjamin so said she wouldn't drink in case she was needed at short notice to go back for him.

Bella was delightfully giddy and slightly drunk. "Hey baby," She cooed in my ear, "You wanna dance with me?" I grinned at her, nodded before grabbing for hand and leading her onto the dance floor. Tonight's theme was the 80's; a mix of Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by the Eurythmics started as I pulled Bella to me. She placed her arms around my neck as her fingers made their way into my hair pulling my head towards hers. My hands gripped her hips as she swayed hers to the music slowly, brushing into me making me want to do all sorts of things to her on this dance floor. She looked deep into my eyes before biting her lip; she knew exactly what she was doing and the effect it had on me. Before I could capture her lips with mine, she spun on the spot, her back to my front. She brought one arm around my neck as she ground her sweet ass into my groin. My lips immediately sought out her skin on her exposed neck, shoulder and collarbone.

As my hands were on her hips and my lips on her shoulder, I felt a sudden uneasy feeling settle over me. A cold shiver ran up my spine as I looked out belong the dance floor to see a cold pair of blue eyes staring at me. Tanya.

I was suddenly bumped into from my right as my eyes snapped away from the icy glare.

"Sorry man," a random man apologised for the contact. I ignored him to look back at her … but she was gone, nowhere to be seen. Was I seeing things? I've had a bit to drink tonight. A cold shudder came back as I gripped Bella in my arms more tightly.

Bella turned to face me; her smile was quickly replaced with concern as she looked at my face. Leaning into my ear, she shouted about the music, "Edward? What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Had I? I wasn't sure but I didn't want to worry Bella unnecessarily so I tried to ensure her I was okay with a tight lipped smile.

Leaning into her ear, I replied. "I'm great as long as you're here with me." And it was all true but I couldn't help the feeling that we were being watched. I glanced around the club and nothing stood out. No Tanya. I shook my head from side to side to try and shake the feeling.

"Edward, you don't look so well. I think we better get you home." There was no way I was going to let my active imagination cut this night short. Man up Cullen!

"Hey, I'm good." I gave her a wink as I placed my lips firmly over hers. Getting lost in Bella was easy to do when we were moving to the music. My mouth and tongue explored hers, my fingers digging into the material at her hips. My past uneasy state disappeared quickly as Bella's mouth lead a trail of hot kisses to my chin to my ear then I felt her tongue on my jaw.

"Bee? Did you just lick me?" I saw excitement dance in her slightly dazed eyes as she tightened her grip on my neck.

"Might have." Bella bit her bottom lip again. I quickly reached up to release it from the confines of her teeth.

"Bella." I warned in a low voice, "You know what that does to me. If you do it again, I expect you to take the consequences."

She mused at my words, kissing the side of my neck then taking my ear lope in her mouth, sucking then biting down. I groaned.

"And what consequences are these? Hm?" Her breath was laboured in my ear. She was drunk and loving doing this to me.

"Oh I think you know." I pushed my hardened length into her centre, shamelessly rubbing myself into her. If that didn't tell her how fucking much I wanted her, nothing would!

"Bella!" I looked up to see my very annoying and badly timed sister at the side of us. "We need to dance. All the girls! Come on!"

Alice grabbed Bella by the waist and almost hauled her off me. Cockbocking Shorty! Bella mouthed, 'I'm sorry' and 'Later' as she was practically dragged to the other side of the dance floor where Rose and Leah were dancing together. Deciding I didn't really do dancing when I was on my own, I made my way back to the bar for a drink. Sitting at a bar stool, I watched Bella laugh and dance to the music with her friends while I waited for barman to get to me. It was pretty packed; I was lucky to get a seat.

"Hey handsome." I tore my eyes away from my girl to see a red haired woman sitting next to me. "Can I buy you a drink?"

"Um no thanks. Sorry I'm with my girlfriend. She's in the white dress." I pointed in Bella's direction. She looked over at Bella before turning her attention back to me.

"Oh she's a lucky one. I'm Tori by the way." She held out her hand and I shook it to be polite. "Edward."

"Edward? Why even your name makes me want to swoon." I laughed nervously.

"I'm sorry. I'm making you uncomfortable. Don't mind me. You look very happy to lady legs over there."

I breathed a sigh of relief. I'm no good with women. Just Bella. "Lady legs?" I chuckled. "I'll have to tell that to Bella."

"Bella? Your girlfriend?"

"Yeah." She gave me a warm smile as her drink arrived in front of her. "Well, can't blame a girl for trying." She rose from her seat as the barman asked me for my order. "Bye Edward." I gave her a small smile and a nod as I briefly watched her walk away.

Once I got my beer, I walked back to our table to see Emmett and Jasper together looking at the dance floor. Jake was nowhere to be seen and as I looked out to the girls, it looked as if Leah had also disappeared.

"Jake gone already?"

"E, it's almost two in the morning. And yeah Jake wanted to make sure Leah got home okay." He elbowed me in the rib, wiggled his eye brows and laughed. I couldn't help but laugh with him. This reminded me of our days together at UWSoM. Such great times and sad times mixed together.

After our laughter calmed, I looked over at Emmett, "Hey Em. You okay?" It wasn't like Emmett not to join in on a laugh with us. He looked away from the dance floor with a glazed over look on his face to slowly meet my gaze. "Hm? Yeah, yeah I'm good."

"You sure? You seem far away? You missing Benjamin?"

He smiled at the mention of his son's name, "Yeah. It's weird being out without him."

"Em, if you brought him here, I'd have to report you to Child Protection Services and that would just not do!" I saw the corner of his mouth tug and as I laughed, so did he.

"You'll get him back tomorrow bright and early knowing Mom and Dad. He's safe. No need to worry."

"I know."

Our conversation was halted by the commotion of two very drunk women making their way towards us with a completely sober one in tow. Rose rolled her eyes as Bella landed on my lap with more luck than judgement. Alice was in a similar state.

"Hey Edward." She slurred as she kissed me hard. I pulled away from her gently. "Hey beautiful, I think we need to get you home."

"Awwwwwwwwwwwww but I'm having soooooooooooo much fun!"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Yeah you are." She smiled widely then placed her forehead to mine, "Silly Edward."

"Come on. Let's you home."

"Home …. Ummmm that sounds gooooood …. with you." I chuckled again. "Oh Bee, you're going to have the world's worst hang-over tomorrow."

17th October 2010

We were both laid on Bella's couch watching Shutter Island on Sunday afternoon. I had my back to the back of the couch and Bella was curled in front of me, her back to my front. Turns out Bella still has a girl crush on Leo. I rolled my eyes thinking back to Bella's birthday movie night and watching Titanic with a bunch of teenage girls. I must have already really loved her, even then to put up with that shit. I physically shuddered when I thought back to that night and getting cornered by Jessica. Wonder what she's doing now?

My thoughts were halted by Bella's cell ringing out. She groaned as she got up to see who it was. I watched as she looked at the caller ID and frowned before answering the phone, "Hello?"

I sat up. She was stood by her side table as her frown disappeared to be replaced by recognition and then pure shock. Her face became expressionless as she slapped her hand down on the side table's surface as if to steady herself.

I rushed to her side, holding her around the waist, scared she was going to faint or collapse. Something was very wrong.

"Bee? Bee? Who is it? Bee?" I was desperate to know who was on the other end of the line. I was about to take the phone off her to find out who was on the call when Bella seemed to snap out of her trance. "Yes I understand. Thank you for letting me know. Thank you."

She pressed the button to hang up and lowered her hand to her side as the phone slipped out of her grasp to the floor. It landed with a clack to the wooden floor before she slumped to my arms.

"Bee? You're scaring the shit out of me! Please let me what's going on?" I pleaded. I led her over to the couch where we sat. I reached over for the remote without losing my connection with her to stop the long forgotten movie off. The room was plunged in silence.

I pulled her to my shoulder and held her tight. "Please Bee." I whispered into her hair and kiss it, "Please tell me."

She seemed to be struggling to get her voice to work. She opened and closed her mouth before the words finally complied and left her in an audible gasp.

"James… he's …he's dead."

*runs & hides from the cliffie haters* lol :) Let me know your theories even though I'm a complete fail with review replies, I love hearing from each one of you. Massive thanks to my dear friend & beta, SweetLovinCullen : Love you bb xx

RL for the next few weeks will be busy, busy, busy so I'll update with chapter 18 so soon as I can.