A/N – Okay first off, I am so sorry for the delay in posting, life and some writers block made things difficult. The whole writer gig is new for me and I'm learning as I go. For those of you still with me, thank you thank you thank you!

The next few chapters will see us jumping forward through time a bit. We have a lot of ground to cover between October 2004 (Ch. 1) and August 2010 (Prologue). I'll be sure to put dates and POV's throughout and aside from flashbacks/memories everything will be written chronologically.

Big chunks of italics are flashbacks/memories.

Thanks so much to MentalistECBM for taking on TA as my beta – I know you're a busy lady but your insight is invaluable.

Feel free to PM with any questions, I always answer as best as I can. Thanks for sticking with me – off we go!

I do not own. I just borrow.

=o= Chapter 2 =o=

October 9th 2004 – BPOV

On a gray October morning, just seven days after my drunken phone call to James declaring my intent to move to Vancouver, I woke up for the first time in my new home. A pair of warm muscular arms held me close, my back pressed tightly to a broad chest, a cold nose tucked into the crook of my neck. I rolled over slowly, so as not to wake the sleeping man beside me, and watched as his chest slowly rose and fell in a smooth rhythm. I couldn't keep the wide smile from my lips as I gazed over his sleeping form, nestled beside me in our bed.

This was definitely a view I was happy to get used to.

James was a classically handsome man. His eyes were a light shade of blue with flecks of gold you could only see up close, and the full force of his gaze was powerful and intoxicating - almost feral, like a hunter. He was of a fairly average height, standing at about 5' 11". He had a strong presence about him, the kind that filled a room the moment he walked in. He was trim and well toned from his daily gym routine.

In the cool morning light, I noticed his jaw was dusted with a hint of stubble and his usually perfectly kept dark blond hair was mussed from sleep. I could faintly make out the lighter blond streaks weaved in it and wondered if it was natural, or if I should try asking for the name of his stylist.I couldn't hold back a giggle at the thought of him with silver foils in his hair under a salon's dryer. My man was nothing if not detail oriented, and that included his professional "look".

"When you're pitching a multi-million dollar development project to corporate America, image is everything, Bells." He'd explained that; one time when I had dared to call out his 'metrosexual' tendencies. I had been teasing, but he had been dead serious.

It made me wonder why he chose to keep my on his arm. I was far from put together - on a good day. But he insisted I was the perfect compliment; a beautiful woman who knew how to take care of his needs and that made him better at his job.

"You clean up nice, and I can trust you. You're too smart to ever be a trophy wife. You can easily make educated conversation, but know when to step into the background and let me lead. You have a good heart... You're loyal... I'll never have to worry about you betraying me, baby. You don't have it in you."

We were teammates, working towards his success and he wanted to share the spoils with me. My inner feminist wanted to protest, but it felt too good to be wanted, to be so needed. I knew it was unlikely I would ever be able to contribute on an equal level with James when it came to the income generated by our careers. I could, however, pick up the slack in other ways and fill the role he needed me to fill. I had never felt so important, and I knew all the sacrifice was worth it when it was made for someone you loved.

Slowly, James began to stir. One bright blue eye cracked open and caught me watching him sleep. With a sly grin, he rolled over and pinned me beneath him, trailing hot open mouthed kisses down my neck and across my collar.

"Mmmmm, morning, baby," he murmured into my skin as his hands skimmed down my sides before wrapping firmly around my hips. I let out a soft moan as he slowly ground his morning arousal into me and nipped at my neck.

"I'm really going to enjoy waking up to you like this... warm... soft... in my bed." he growled and before I could answer him back he brought his lips to mine in a deep kiss. My 'gina rejoiced, can I get an Amen?

Our lips parted and tongues tangled as what started with soft touches and gentle strokes turned into grinding hips and groping hands. Despite his extended welcome home the night before, I was suddently desperate to have him again. I wanted to feel him buried inside me, as if he'd never been there before and never would be again.

Yeah, I had it bad.

A shiver of pleasure slid up my spine as I remembered the hours spent last night tasting and teasing and making love until we were too spent to do anything else but finally sleep. I knew I was going to really enjoy waking up to him like this too. All plans of getting up and exploring the city went out the window.

I had everything I wanted right here, wrapped up in me and our sheets.

Several weeks and a dozen disappointing interviews later, I finally found a job. I had ideally hoped to find something in Vancouver itself, as I didn't have a car. But with the job market the way that it was and unemployment rates rising day by day, I was forced to broaden my horizons.

Starting on Monday I would be the personal assistant to one Madeline Berty, an interior designer who ran her business from her home office in Portland. It would take me two buses and my bike to get to and from work everyday, an hour's commute round trip, but beggars can't be choosers and I needed to start pulling my weight. My savings were long gone, and I couldn't mooch off of James much longer. So an hour'scommute it was.

At least my legs and ass were gonna look fabulous come summertime with all the biking I'd be doing.

Atta girl Bella! Focus on the silver lining!

My 'gina was not quite as enthusiastic with the idea. After all, she was getting and enjoying plenty more work now that I was sharing a bed with James. Enduring a lengthy bike ride twice a day, 5 days a week had the potential to thwart her best laid plans.

I was gonna have to invest in a really well padded seat cover, pronto.

Oh the things we do for love.

To: prettybirdie82 at gmail dot com
From: allknowingalice at gmail dot com
Sent: March 10, 2005 06:12:04 AM
Subject: Hola Mamasita

Bella Bella Bella my love,

Today it has officially been 5 months since you left me here all alone in Seattle. I hope it's been worth it? If not you know you can come home anytime; my sofa is very comfy and has your name all over it ;) I can vouch for this because I'm sitting on it drinking my coffee while I write to you. At least come test it out and pay me a visit soon? Don't make me come and get you, you know that I will. We need a live gab sesh, with booze and chocolate and crappy zombie movies.

This week has been crazy at the hospital. I'm sorry we've been playing phone tag. Talking to your voice mail just isn't the same. What's new with you? How is the job? How is the man?

So, Jacob dropped a bombshell at brunch yesterday. If he hasn't called to tell you already – too bad. I get to spill the beans! Apparently, our dear Mr. Black has been a busy boy socking away his money and is opening his own garage! Oh Bells, I wish you could have seen his face when he finally said the words out loud. GLOWING, I tell you! GLOW-ING.

The gang is going out to celebrate this weekend. Jasper, Edward and Ben have a gig at some dive downtown so Sam and I decided to embrace the theme. I found this fab little thrift shop and nabbed about a million crusty band t's so everyone will have something dirty bar-appropriate to wear. All I need now is to find Jasper a hot pair of leather pants. Every lead singer should have a pair of leather pants, you know. I'm pretty sure it's a rock star requirement. I even bought a pair of lacy panties to throw at him from the crowd.

Anyway, write back soon. I needed all the deets on your life like, yesterday. Miss you!

xoxo

Ali

To: allknowingalice at gmail dot com
From: prettybirdie82 at gmail dot com
Sent: March 10, 2005 08:49:00 PM
Subject: RE: Hola Mamsita

Alice,

Yes, Jake called me yesterday afternoon. I thought he was going to jump through the phone! I'm so proud of him. Our little grease monkey is growing up!

A gig huh? So this band thing is really happening? I thought Edward was all classical and super serious? This must be Jasper's doing, speaking of the man, how exactly do you plan on convincing him to wear said leather pants? Wait. On second thought, don't answer that. I think I have a pretty good idea :p

I expect pictures, lots and lots of pictures (of Jaspers adventures in leather pants NOT your methods of coercion). Isn't panty throwing more Tom Jones and less Rolling Stones? Either way, I'm sure the boys will appreciate your efforts, hopefully those panties won't be used cause Alibaby, that's just gross. Stay classy please. ;)

Life is good, great actually. James surprised me with a picnic lunch on Sunday. We were supposed to go out on a date Saturday night but he was stuck at the office until late. He's so sweet when he grovels haha! It was all gross and rainy outside, so we had to manage it on the living room floor but it's the thought that counts right?

Work is alright, my commute is rough but they pay is decent and I'm not relying on tips which is always a plus.

I'm not sure when I'll be able to make it up for a visit. Money is still really tight for me right now, I'm only just now getting caught up on the things I let slip while unemployed. Plus, James has a couple important business events coming up that he needs me to attend so I'll need to put some cash aside for new outfits and a hair cut. We'll figure something out soon. I miss you too and Jake and Jasper and Sam... ugh I miss you all so so much. Give my love to the gang and call me soon.

LOVE YOU!

xx

B

Friday, May 20th 2005 - BPOV

A heavy rain was falling outside, fat droplets sliding down the bedroom windows in a soothing tempo. If only it could help ease some of these damn nerves. I was officially freaking out. In 20 minutes we would be walking out the door and headed to a dinner party with James' boss and several high level executives. It was the first time I would be attending one of his work events and since it was a small gathering, I would have zero chance to blend into a crowd. James insisted that it would be fine, that I would be amazing just by being myself. I wasn't so sure. I mean, I'm not stupid or anything but I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting myself in to. James and I often discussed current events, politics, literature, music... but it was one thing to chat with my boyfriend or even my friends. These were his colleagues, his boss, his boss' bosses and their significant others... what if I said something and offended someone? Would it effect him at work? I would definitely have to keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum, heaven forbid my already unreliable verbal filter become non-existent.

Taking a deep breath, I smoothed out the skirt of my black dress and stepped into the matching pumps. One last look in the mirror insured that my make-up was still in place. Smokey eyes, Check. Lipgloss, Check. Hair under control, Check. With the rain I had considered curling my hair, but the stylist at the salon insisted that my new cut would look much better with my hair sleek and straight. It was going to take awhile to get used to the new cut and color... my hair was almost black and it was shorter than I had ever had it before, it barley hit my chin at it's longest lengths.

James looked up as I stepped into the room and let out a long whistle, indicating with his hand for me to give him a 360 degree view. I wasn't even able to finish a full turn before his strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me in close. The tip of his nose was cool and made me shiver as it slid slowly from my collar up my neck and along my jaw.

"Mmmm... somebody looks good enough to eat." he murmured before nipping lightly at my lips and releasing me from his grasp. "If this dinner wasn't so important there's no way I'd let you out of this house. You look positively sinful Bella."

My cheeks felt like they were on fire, this man was surely going to be the death of me. I couldn't speak and just nodded my head softly, slipping my arms into my coat as he held it out for me. James placed a soft kiss to the back of my neck, took my hand and lead me out the front door. My nerves forgotten, at least for the moment.

By the time our town car pulled up outside of a multi-story condo complex situated right along the Columbia river the rain had really started to come down. We quickly hustled to the lobby, out of the storm and into the elevator. James' arm was snug around my waist and I took the opportunity to snuggle deeper into his side, resting my head on his shoulder. He placed a gentle kiss on my head just as the elevator chimed and the heavy door slid open revealing a wide marble hallway. We had been in such a hurry on our way into the building I didn't have the chance to really look.

What I saw as we stepped out into the hallway took my breath away. The floors were a pale cream marble carpeted down the center with a long oriental print runner in golds and blues. A console table sat against the wall adjacent to the elevator holding an over sized glass vase of white calla lilies and yellow orchids. The walls were a soft gold color, two large floor to ceiling windows were paired with deep blue silk drapes, picking up the blues from the rug.

There were two sets of double doors at each end and James moved us towards the set at the right. Before he could finish raising his hand to knock, the door swung open and a petite elderly woman stood in it's place. Her white hair was pulled back tight into a bun resting low on the back of her neck. She wore a crisp white blouse, navy pencil skirt and a square white apron. With a flourish of her hand, the small woman gave us a friendly smile and stepped aside to allow us in.

"Mr. Douglas, Ms. Swan, please allow me to take your coats. Mr. Andersen and his guests are in the living room having cocktails. My name is Marta, what can get for you to drink?"

"Gin and tonic for me, glass of merlot for the lady please." James answered the small woman with a nod as she efficiently took our coats and drink orders before disappearing down a side corridor. I followed James down a short hallway, clutching his hand tightly in mine, oh yes the nerves were back in full effect. I mean, seriously who had a 'Marta'? And what exactly was she... a butleress? Maid? I had a sudden urge to call her 'Alice' ala The Brady Bunch but held my tongue.

Verbal filter = 1, Bella's big ass mouth = 0.

So far so good.

Inside the apartment the walls were a soft beige accented by bright white mouldings. One wall of the hallway held a large photo print in a black frame with thick matting. The opposite wall was a long set of built-in shelving housing an array of books broken up by the occasional vase or small sculpture. Can lights twinkled softly highlighting the art pieces and illuminating the hallway. My heels clicked softly against the deep cherry wood floors and I took a moment to stop and squeeze James' hand. He squeezed back and turned to me, his free hand cupping my cheek and looking me straight in the eyes.

"You're lovely Bella, just be you and they'll love you just as much as I do. It'll be fine" he pressed a soft kiss to my lips and continued down the hall and into the living room.

The same muted beige colored walls continued throughout the apartment as did the dark wood floors. The living room and dining room were both part of the same large room, the open floor plan was broken up by the furniture. The far wall was lined with wide windows overlooking the Columbia river. The adjacent wall was anchored by a simple fireplace sandwiched between two more built-in floor to ceiling bookcases.

Placed in front of the fireplace and around a square glass coffee table on a thick white area rug were two three-seater sofa's facing one another with two matching club chairs on the end. The sofa's and chairs were plush and upholstered with a soft pearl chenille fabric in a subtle jacquard print. A deep orange vase took up a good portion of the coffee table, overflowing with an array of orange, yellow and red flowers. Seated and in boisterous conversation were two couples. One I assumed were the Andersen's, James' boss Aaron and his wife Heidi.

The other pair was notably older, the man wore a perfectly tailored navy suit with a crisp white button up shirt and bright yellow bow-tie. His dark hair was cut short and peppered with silver at the temples, he had well tanned skin and strong lines in his forehead and around his eyes. The woman beside him, who I assumed to be his wife, wore a deep red sleeveless cocktail dress with a high boatneck. It fit snugly around her ample curves.

I couldn't quite place her nationality but she could have been Spanish or possibly South American. Her hair was a deep inky black, much like my new color, and her skin was the color of cafe au lait. Unlike her husband you could tell she came by her coloring naturally and her skin was nearly flawless. Only a hint of lines around her eyes and at the corners of her blood red painted smile. She wore little jewelry, just a heavy gold rope necklace the rested just below the neckline of her dress, a gold wedding band and matching engagement ring with a surprisingly averaged sized diamond solitaire.

As we stepped into the room, both gentlemen stood and the younger stepped out and around the cluster of sofa's to greet us.

"James! Glad you could join us tonight, welcome welcome! I trust Marta has taken your drink order yes?"

"Yes thank you Aaron, we're all taken care of, Marta was very helpful." The two men shook hands before Aaron turned to me with a wide genuine smile.

"Forgive me for my poor manners" he held his hand out to me in greeting and took my own into a gentle shake "Aaron Andersen, you must be the lovely Isabella I've heard so much about."

I felt myself blush and inwardly cursed the trademark Swan characteristic. I hoped one day I would grow out of it, but it was clear I would be turning varying shades of red at every compliment received, dirty thought had and fau paux made for life.

"There's nothing to forgive, it's a pleasure to meet you Aaron. Thank you for having me, you have such a beautiful home." Thankfully I'd managed to find my voice and it didn't even waver despite my growing anxiety. Hi-five for the Swan! Maybe James was right, I could do this. Just be polite, stick to safe topics of conversation and try my best not to stick my foot in my mouth. No problem right? Right. Go get 'em tiger.

"Well thank you, I'm afraid I cannot take the credit for the decorating. That would be a handiwork of my wife, Heidi." Aaron turned just as a tall slender blond strode up beside him, extending her hand to shake with James and myself.

"I can and will take full credit, it was no easy task putting this place into proper shape." Heidi grinned and flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder. "It's nice to meet you both, please come and sit. Dinner will be served at eight, we're just waiting on the rest of our guests to arrive."

James and I followed Aaron and Heidi back towards the others and took our seats in the empty club chairs. Introductions were made and I discovered the older couple was Stefan and Maria Ludwig. Stefan ran the entire sales organization within BDG and was in town specifically to meet with Aaron and another Regional director regarding some new account. From what I could tell, this new account would be a major coup to land. James had made the initial contact and the team was close to sealing the deal.

Only moments after we had taken our seats Marta appeared out of nowhere and promptly handed each of us our drinks before disappearing again quickly. I swear the woman was like a ninja or something.

Eventually the other guests had arrived and we were being escorted over to the dining room, taking our seats around a massive round mahogany table. A large crystal chandelier hung low over the table. Marta was already there, filling our water glasses. James pulled out my chair before sliding smoothly into his own, never stopping conversation with Stefan, Aaron and the other executives.

To my left sat Gregory McGinnis, Executive Vice President of Operations, he was a tall man standing at least 6' 5". His bald head was waxed to a bright shine, he had a fair complexion and sparkling hazel eyes. His laugh seemed to come from deep within his belly and reminded me so much of Emmett, I wondered if he knew him.

Gregory's wife Maggie sat to his left, her hair was a soft brown which hung in large curls over her shoulders. She was soft spoken and seemed rather shy. To Maggie's left were Stefan and Maria, followed by Aaron and Heidi. To Heidi's left was Eric York, he was a sports medicine doctor and worked for the Portland Trailblazers.

Eric's date was Victoria Madison, the Regional Sales Director at BDG and one level up from Aaron in the food chain. Eric was of medium build, African-American and wore his hair in a close buzz cut.

His pale green oxford and light khaki pants were far more casual than the rest of the men at the table, a fact that Victoria made sure to reprimand him for. She definitely wore the pants their relationship. Victoria's bright red curls were pulled up into a carefully orchestrated pile on her head, with loose tendrils hangins around her face.

Her eyes were a startling shade of dark blue and her skin was like porcelain. She wore a simple apple green satin shift dress which only made her hair more vibrant. Once dinner conversation switched back towards business she quickly took the reigns.

While the BDG group discussed figures and profit margins I took a moment to glance around the table, taking it all in. The scene was certainly impressive and very "adult". I swear I even saw Heidi roll her eyes when Victoria, once again, interrupted Aaron, "just aghast" at something he had said.

Alice and Jacob would have had a field day, I could just picture us sitting around this same table mimicking the serious business conversation in over-exaggerated accents before falling apart into a puddle of giggles.

Damn I missed them.

I never thought it would be so easy and so hard to be separated from my two closest friends.

Easy in the sense that our time on the phone and our emails exchanged seemed to be less and less frequent.

Hard in the sense that my heart literally ached in moments like these, when I desperately wished I could share some insignificant thought or make an off-hand comment that only they would understand.

It was the little things that you couldn't just discuss in a phone call, you had to live them together, they weren't something you could recapture once they had passed. I remembered back to the conversation I had with Alice on her birthday.

We had been playing phone tag for a few weeks at that point but I just couldn't let her birthday go by and not speak to her, it wasn't until nearly ten o'clock that she'd answered her phone. I was already feeling a little miffed about it, I mean, it's not like she was stuck at work why wasn't she answering her phone? Didn't she want to talk to me?

It was our first birthday apart in nearly twenty years and she was avoiding me?

Apparently she had forgotten her cell at home before going out to dinner with the gang. Not wanting to be a downer on her special day I let it go.

We got each other caught up on our lives and I was finally able to sing Happy Birthday, ridiculously off key, it was tradition after all. When I finally hit end on my cell and wandered into the bedroom, I sat on the edge of the bed and cried.

Life in Seattle was moving on without me and I was moving on here in Vancouver and there didn't seem to be any way to reconcile my two worlds. Deep down I knew that Alice hadn't been avoiding me and I was probably overreacting, but I couldn't shake the feeling that things were changing between us and not in a good way.

James came in to the room a few moments later, his hair still wet from his shower, pajama pants slung low on his hips. He knelt down in front of me and took my face in his hands, thumbs wiping a few stray tears from my cheeks.

"Talking to your friends shouldn't make you cry babe, what's goin' on? Did you and Alice have a fight?"

I let out a snuffling sigh and shrugged. "No we didn't fight I just... I just miss her ya know? And tonight she didn't have her phone and I couldn't reach her to say Happy Birthday and she didn't even notice until she got home. It's stupid... I just... I feel like she didn't even notice I wasn't there, not just her phone."

"That doesn't sound stupid Bella. She should have used someone elses' phone and called you herself, I mean certainly Jasper or Jacob has your number right? It was a special day and they forgot about you. Of course you're upset."

He stood up and pulled me into his arms, kissing my forehead, cheeks, lips and jaw before whispering in my ear.

"If it was me and we were separated on my birthday, you would have been the first person I wanted to speak to... and if I hadn't heard from you all day, and my phone was lost, I would have begged, borrowed or stolen one if I had to. I wouldn't ever forget you baby."

A loud booming laugh startled me out of my fog, dessert was being served and Gregory was regaling the table with a story from college. Something about meatballs and cream of mushroom soup. I was suddenly very glad I had missed out on the majority his little tale. Maggie, Heidi and Victoria were all making individual variations of the same disgusted expression while the men were practically rolling out of their seats with laughter. Boys... something about that Y chromosome must keep some part of all men perpetually twelve years old. It took everything in me to stifle my giggles at the sight and keep a straight face.

We stayed until the very last of the guests were leaving and gave our thanks to Aaron and Heidi. Promises to meet for dinner sometime soon were made, Heidi insisted we should get together for a "girls day out" and go shopping. I politely agreed but knew I could never afford to go, I would have to wiggle my way out of it later. Pretty sure Heidi wouldn't be interested in an afternoon at Target with a Fro-Yo chaser.

Our town car was waiting outside and thankfully the rain had stopped so we didn't have to make another run for it.

The drive home was quick and quiet, good food and strong drinks had left us both warm and fuzzy. I curled up into James' side and reveled in the warmth that radiated from his body. His one arm wrapped around me tightly, his free hand sliding slowly under the hem of my dress, fingers drawing slow torturous shapes along my bare skin. Silent promises of things to come once we were tucked away in private. My 'gina started doing a very happy dance.

"Thank you for being a perfect date babe. Tonight was really important and it meant a lot having you there with me." James murmured into my hair.

I hummed contentedly into his chest "You're welcome baby, I'd do anything for you."

"I know you would and I love you more for it."

"I love you too." I turned my face up to his and kissed the under side of his jaw before relaxing back into his side. We sat that way the whole drive back to the apartment, before he took me inside and showed me just how much he loved me. I knew I was missing a lot of things back in Seattle, but in that moment I knew I couldn't give this up for anything. Wherever James was, was home now.

E/N:

I know you guys hate James but he is important to Bella's story and this part needs to be told so hang in there. There is a HEA for ExB, this story is all about the journey getting there.

Ch 3 is well under way and I plan to post it very soon.

If you would like to see outfits for TA check out the polyvore link on my profile.

I love hearing from readers so let me know what you think :)