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Disclaimer: Yeah….We will all probably want to own Emmett after this chapter….too bad, so sad….he still belongs to Stephenie….s

Chapter 18 – The Whole Nine Yards

Emmett POV

Truth be told – I am not always the smartest guy. I should have thought with my head and not my heart when I kissed Bella out on the field after the playoffs. Don't get me wrong, I love Bella with my whole heart, but now, her picture is plastered everywhere. The TV, internet, guys talking about her when they ask me for autographs, even my mom hounds me more than usual. It's gotten to the point where I hardly want to leave her side for fear of the paparazzi getting too close to her. It has made me a paranoid man. But I put her on a plane home a couple days ago and I would be joining her soon.

We had a tiny reprieve before the big game against the Dallas Cowboys. Game day was the last day of the month and I had about three days between now and coming back for my last practice and I was flying out on the red eye tonight to spend some time in Seattle with her. These last couple of days had been crazy. I did the final arrangements on the ending of my contract. Edward was none too happy about that but I have learned to live with his brooding. I arranged a VIP section for Bella, my family and our friends at the Super Bowl. I had gotten a hilarious text message from Jasper about cheating on his team to support me – that guy cracks me up. I even finished packing up the last of the stuff I wanted to bring with me now to Seattle.

Most importantly – I needed to get Bella's ring without her around. I knew I was ready to propose and I had it all worked out on exactly how I was going to do it and when. I spent hours upon hours online researching the exact ring I wanted and placed the order. I knew I didn't want an overly godly ring for my Bella. She was simpler than that and it was one of the reasons I loved her so much. I had the ring specially ordered from New York and had it sent to the Tiffany and Company store here in Chicago. My heart was beating so hard against my chest as I entered the store that I thought for sure it was trying to escape my chest.

"Good Evening sir, can I help you?" As soon as I walked in a tall thin man in a dark black suit was standing in front of me. It was near closing time and getting dark outside. Last thing I wanted was to be seen by the papers and the world find out I was here before Bella does.

"Uh…yes. I had an order shipped here from your New York branch." I glanced around the shop looking for anyone else or anyone with a camera. See, paranoid.

"Yes Mr. Cullen. It arrived this morning. Don't worry sir. We respect the privacy of our clients. Word will not get out about this from us." I nodded my head in acknowledgement as he continued. "If you will follow me please? I need you to inspect the ring, sign a few papers and you are free to go." I followed him into a secluded back room where there was a counter and a few chairs. He promptly pulled out their signature baby blue box with white ribbon and set on the counter. He opened it up and there it was sitting. I couldn't help but smile.

I spent a long time pondering over what ring would be perfect for Bella. Most girls would want a massive ring with twenty plus diamonds on it and cost a years' worth of my salary. Not my Bella. Although this ring is nearly the amount Bella probably makes in a year on her income, it was too beautiful to pass up. I just hope she accepts it without any fuss. The attendant behind the counter pulled out a soft black felt cloth and laid the ring gently upon it with a jeweler's inspection magnifying glass. I couldn't help but to think how ridiculous he is being, but considering some of the rings they sell here are upwards of a million dollars or more, I could understand.

The ring had a solid platinum band with a round diamond in the middle flanked by a round blue sapphire on either side. I picked it up and pretended like I knew what I was doing. Really, I was standing there sweating my balls off wondering the whole time if I was diluting myself into thinking she would say yes. I signed what papers he insisted on me signing stating I looked the ring over, gather myself before walking out the door and quickly drove to the airport. I would be landing late tonight in Seattle.

I knew before I even got out of my vehicle that this trip through the airport and security wouldn't be easy. I couldn't help but question how the camera guys knew I was going to be here. The second my personal life with Bella hit the front page, I was being stalked left and right from the paparazzi much like I was in the beginning of my career when they were desperately waiting for me to fuck up. I just wondered how long it would be before there was Bella's life history spread out on the center section of whatever magazine gets the story first. I grabbed my one bag, my carry on, and headed into the airport. I plastered on a fake smile and nodded and waved to the people stopping for me. I signed a few autographs and made it to the security station.

I placed the bag on the conveyor belt and stepped through the metal detector. Of course, like always, security pulled me aside and started going through my bag. I think they got a rush out of being able to look through a celebrity's private bag on the pretenses of "protecting our country". The 40-something officer standing in front of me had a big cheesy grin as he unzipped my bag. I buried the Tiffany's box on the bottom but that didn't stop him from seeing it. He locked his eyes on it and suddenly he looked up and locked his eyes on mine. The camera men stood just far enough back behind us that they couldn't fully see the exchange as I stood there pleading with my eyes. "No worries son. I think you are good to go." The smile he projected at me set me at ease and I felt as if I could trust him. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and I mouthed a quick 'thank you' as I continued on to my gate.

I landed in Seattle just short of midnight and was met with more paparazzi on this end. They knew Bella lived in Seattle and it was no surprise to me that they'd be here. Jasper offered to pick me up instead of Bella coming down here. As much as we both hated the fact that we couldn't live like a normal couple and pick each other up from the airport, I felt uneasy about Bella standing here waiting for me in the sea of paparazzi. Jasper still remained an unknown entity to this world and if our planned works, he'll remain that way.

I shuffled my way through the throngs of people. I was rather shocked to see so many people here at such a late hour. But, as of lately, I seem to not be able to find hardly a minute of my own time. I stepped out the doors of the airport to see Jasper standing next to his dark blue Durango. I could literally kiss Alice for her help in this scheme. He nodded at me with a sour look on his face and I quickly climbed into the passenger seat. To the outside world he just looked like a driver I hired. "What's with the hat man?" I asked trying to stifle the laugh threatening to escape my throat.

"Don't ever tell Alice you need me to 'look the part' again." He jokingly growled at me.

"But where did you get a chauffeurs hat on a moment's notice? Start driving limo's in your spare time?" I couldn't help but let out a huge laugh when his cheeks turned a telling shade of red. "Wait, I don't think I want to know the answer to that."

"Oh just shut it Emmett. Just wait, I am sure I'll get you back for this one day." We pulled up in front of Bella and Alice's apartment not too long after. Thankfully with Jasper's knowledge of this city, we were able to out maneuver any of the paparazzi that decided to try and follow us. Bella's apartment was still unknown to the world – thank god. I didn't even make it to the door before she wrenched it open and flung herself at me. I laughed as I caught her mid air. It doesn't matter that I just saw her because separating from each other is getting harder and harder.

We made it inside and soon found each couple turning in for the night. I lay awake for the following two hours with Bella in my arms as I thought of the possibilities tomorrow could bring. I looked down and watched her as she slept. I couldn't help but picture the life we can have if she says yes. I could see the wedding which I have an eerie feeling Alice will dominate. The honeymoon to somewhere fun – not touristy - perhaps a road trip or something instead of the typical island getaway. The buying of our first house, me being able to give Bella whatever she needs so she can go back to school, children, dog, cat – our future. It was all laid out there before me and was hinging on one little word. It was by far the scariest moment of my life. Worst then my first football game, my first professional football game, the first time I said I love you to another. This took the cake.

Bella had to work today which was unfortunate that we couldn't be spending the day together. But plans worked in my favor since I need to have a couple of things arranged for tonight and Bella thankfully let me use her truck. I met with my commercial realtor to get the keys to my new warehouse. I had finally found the right location to open my gym and purchased it without anyone knowing. I was ecstatic that I had finally pulled it off and am doing something for me for a change. I let myself into the warehouse, brought a couple boxes in with me and then walked around it for a good hour with a notebook writing down ideas, things that need improvement and questions I wanted to ask Bella on about this place. I ended up in what was going to be my office on the second floor when it hit me. That it was all mine.

I took a seat up against the far wall and looked around the room. I found a damn good location. This warehouse was in walking distance of practically everything and with some coats of paint and a little time sprucing it up – it would be a damn fine gym. I leaned back and shut my eyes for a second letting it all set in. I must have been extremely tired because the next thing I knew I heard my phone chirping in my pocket. It was Edward and I didn't bother even answering. Nobody knew what I was going to do tonight and I felt that if I talked to someone – it would all come spilling out of me like a dirty little secret. I glanced at the time and noted that Bella was going to be off of work in thirty minutes. I booked it out of my gym and headed for the car.

Minutes later I was walking into the hotel with a smug smile on my face. James was standing behind the counter talking to Bella but she was staring forward at me. I casually walked up to the counter and leaned forward. Bella met me half way with a chaste kiss. "Hello… James is it." I mumbled to him when Bella pulled away. I glanced at the clock behind her and then down at her again. "Ready to go babe?"

"Let me just go grab my purse." She hurried off and I just stood there and watched as James sized me up. The guy is delusional. Bella bounded out of the back room moments later coat and purse in hand. As we made it out to her truck I was having a hard time controlling my nervousness. "So what are we doing tonight?" She asked eagerly.

"Well, when we get back to the apartment I would like you to change because I am taking you out to dinner." I smiled back at her as I started driving toward their building.

"Okay. Fancy or casual?"

"Casual, definitely casual."

Bella immediately went to her closet and pulled out some clothes when we got to the apartment. While she was in the bathroom I discreetly tried to put the Tiffany's box in my coat pocket. I walked out into the front room and laid my coat across one of the chairs. Alice was sitting on the couch flipping through channels in frustration. "There's nothing on." She huffed and dropped the controller on the table. "Soooo…." She looked up at me. "What are you doing tonight?" She had a knowing smirk on her face and I felt like she was reading me like an open book, or in her case, an open fashion magazine.

"Just going out to dinner." I answered indifferently.

Alice leaned over and looked closer at my eyes. "You're lying."

"What? How could you possibly know that?"

"I can sense these things." She tapped the side of her head. "What are you really doing?" Her voice had become quiet hushed whispers so Bella wouldn't hear.

"Dinner." I answered timidly. She glanced at me and glanced at my jacket.

"Why'd you take your jacket into the bedroom and come back out with it seconds later?"

"Do you notice everything?" I saw her glance at my jacket, glance at me and then glance back at the jacket. In a blur she dove for the jacket and I dove for her. I manage to catch her right when she reached the chair; unfortunately she had my jacket in hand already. She felt around until she reached the pocket I put the box in. Her eyes widened and her mouth literally dropped open. I snatched the jacket back up and threw it back over the chair. Bella decided that moment to walk out the door.

"What's going on out here?" She looked between my nervous stance and Alice's shocked face. Alice answered before I could really hear the question.

"I told him I was going to buy him a better looking jacket and he threatened my Manolo Blahnik's if I did." She briefly quipped at her. I was saying a silent thanks to the heavens for Alice's ability to think quickly on her feet.

"Oh, jacket. That's what I forgot." Bella turned around and hurriedly walked back in her room.

"I know what that is mister!" She angrily whispered at me. "It's the size of a Tiffany's box if I am not mistaken. And if it is…" She looked at the Bella's door and then back at me. "It's about freaking time." She turned and took her seat back on the couch leaving me standing there a little dumbfounded. Bella came back seconds later and we hurried out to the truck.

"So…what's for dinner? I am starved!" As if on cue her stomach rumbled along with the truck as we made our way down the road.

"I was thinking…Chinese?" She nodded her head enthusiastically as I drove to the restaurant that was right around the corner from my new gym. Bella still didn't know about it…yet. I pulled alongside the curb but didn't shut the engine off. "Wait here real quick." She looked at me quizzically as I jumped out of the truck. I made my way in and paid for the food I had called in earlier. With the bag in hand I made it out to the truck.

"Why'd you get take out? I thought we were going out tonight?" Bella asked as soon as I started pulling away from the restaurant.

"We are, there is a place I want to show you."

"Okay, good. Because Alice is having Jasper over while we are out and I sure as hell know I don't want to be there for that again." She huffed in her seat. I let out a laugh as I pulled down the road with the gym. I was starting to get nervous and I could feel the sweat pooling up in my hands on the steering wheel. The Tiffany's box in my coat pocket was burning a hole through my shirt and into my skin. It was like a giant beacon calling to Bella.

"Where are we?" I looked over the building outside of Bella's window. She looked confused and was nibbling on her bottom lip in nervousness.

"Come on let me show you." I unlocked the front door and flicked on the light next to the door. The warehouse was 5000 square feet with a second story. Good sized place for my first gym. I had turned the heat on before I left in attempts to make this place a little more welcoming before we got here. Bella's eyes lit up as soon as the lights eliminated the space. "This, my dear, is my new gym." Her eyes darted back and forth across the room taking in every nook and cranny.

"What….um…when did you find this?"

"Over the last several visits to you when you had to work I met up with a commercial realtor. I found this diamond in the rough a few weeks back and immediately jumped on it. Its needs a few coats of paint, new floor and some decent labor put into it, but I think it'll work."

"Em….this…this is amazing." Her face showed the wonder and awe she saw when she looked around. I had this strange feeling in my stomach that she thought I wasn't serious about coming out here. The purchasing of this building was reinforcement for her I think. "Well….show me around." She smiled and stuck out her hand. I snatched it up and started pulling her to different sections of the building.

"Over here will be the tread mills…" I pulled her to another spot. "Weight benches…I'd like to offer classes eventually, that'll be these rooms…" I tugged her up stairs with me to the second floor. "I want to hire a masseuse too so that'll be this room." The next room was a smaller office. "I thought about asking Jazz if he wanted to work with me here. If he does this will be his office." Her face lit up with an even bigger smile at that thought. I pulled her the rest of the way down to my future office. "And this….this is my office." I stated before I swung the door open. Sitting on the floor was a make shift picnic. I had a blanket spread out with plates and silverware set up for two. There were two candles sitting there waiting to be lit and a huge bouquet of pink carnations waiting for her.

We stood in the doorway as she studied the scene before us – I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. I was looking for her reaction, waiting for the slightest hint that tonight would go off without a hitch. "Em….." She turned and looked at me. I smiled. "We forgot the food in the car." She cracked a smile and tried not to laugh out loud. I felt my nervousness wash away with me when I noticed she was comfortable with this. "Come on…" She tugged on my arm this time as we walked back to the truck. We grabbed the food and quickly made it back inside. I didn't realize how cold it was outside until the heat blasted us in the face with our reentrance to my gym. Our gym, hopefully. Bella started skipping around and looking at different parts of the building herself as we walked back up the flight of stairs. She was pointing out her little insights of what could go where and how we could decorate the entrance. She had no idea that I was going to have her help me with this. This was going to be as much my place as hers too. Alice might get a few words in if she's lucky.

When we entered back into my office my nervousness slammed back into me with full force. I put the bag of food down by the plates and grabbed a lighter for the candles. The light over head worked but was very feint which gave the room a soft glow mixed with the candle light. Bella was looking out the window down into the gym with a cheesy grin on her face. She seemed to be enjoying this as much as me. I walked up behind her and slipped my arms around her waist. She leaned into me and settled herself. "Emmett….I am so happy for you. I mean, you did it, you really did it and now your dream of owning your own gym is well on its way to becoming a reality. You. Have. Your. Own. Gym." She punctuated each word with the importance of what that means. I could hear the pride in her voice.

I took in a deep breath. Now or never. "No Bella….we have a gym. None of this would have ever happened if I didn't have your support." She spun around in my arms and locked eyes with me. She had a smile on her face – I was trying not to look so anxious. "Bella…." I took a deep breath in and tried to will away my apprehension. "I can't imagine where I would be in my life if it wasn't for you. I can't imagine a life without you, and frankly, I don't ever want to. You have shown me what life can be, should be and everything I always needed it to be but never knew." Her eyes started to gloss over with unshed tears and I figured she probably knew what was going to happen next. I leaned in and placed a chaste kiss against her cheek. I whispered out 'Bella' into her ear and felt a tremble run through her as I laid my cheek against hers. I pulled the box out of my pocket before I pulled my cheek away from hers. I held the blue box out in front of me as I stood barely inches away from her. "Open it." I whispered and I saw the first tear trail down her cheek. I wiped it away as she pulled the white ribbon from the box. She started half laughing half crying like they do in movies when she finally saw the ring. "Bella. Give me a chance at forever with you. I want it all. The whole nine yards. The house, the white picket fence, the yard full of kids, picnics on Saturdays, your father with a gun at Christmas…" She let out a louder laugh at that. "…Most of all…I want to experience all that life will offer with you…" She finally looked away from the box and up into my eyes. "Will you marry me?"

She let out a soft chuckle and a huge smile. "You know…" She wiped away another tear. "My father really is gonna shoot you now." She laughed.

I smiled and just shook my head. "He didn't shoot me when I asked." I retorted.

"No, no, I mean…" She smiled and pulled the ring out of the box handing it to me. I quickly slipped it on her finger and I was the happiest man alive. "…I mean…" Bella continued with a huge smile on her face too. "He is going to shoot you dead in your tracks whenever you knock me up to start that future of a yard full of kids." I laughed along with her for a second before I pulled her into me and quickly took her lips with mine. The kiss was short and sweet and endearing. She briefly pulled away and looked me in the eyes. "You know Em….I have been thinking about my future a lot lately too….and I can't imagine it without you either." The smile on my face was like the Cheshire cats as I leaned in and captured her lips with mine again.

Just as we were getting into the kiss my stomach made itself known with a rather large growl. Bella pulled away laughing when she heard it. "I guess that means you're hungry?" She smiled and pulled me over to the food. We sat and ate our Chinese food talking about the gym and all the ideas we had. Bella spent most the time either looking at me with a huge cheesy grin or staring at her ring. I felt my heart soar each time she looked at my ring on her finger. It was the greatest feeling in the world to know that I was getting the chance to spend forever with the most amazingly beautiful, wonderful, perfect woman in the world.

When dinner was finished we quickly cleaned up the food and plates throwing it all into a box I had left empty in the room. The entire ride to the apartment was spent with Bella in my arms and her playing with her ring. I felt like I was getting sappy with the way I felt and how I was acting tonight, but honestly, who the hell cares. I want to tell the world I was getting married. But with my career and notoriety, that was not an opinion.

As to be expected, Alice was waiting in the living room as soon as we walked in. Jasper was sitting next to her with an almost sullen look on his face and I could only imagine it was because his previous plans were cancelled when Alice stumbled across mine. Bella wasted no time in flashing her hand forward at Alice and announcing we were engaged. Alice about bounced to death on the spot from excitement. Jasper's demeanor did a complete 180 when he heard what she said. He jumped up off the couch and shook my hand clapping me on the back saying congratulations. We all had a quick drink together to celebrate the impending marriage. Bella glowed the entire time and I couldn't get my eyes away from her. Mainly because I wanted that ring to be the only thing she was wearing about ten minutes from now.

Jasper made a comment about the apartment being too crowded, probably for our benefit, and grabbed his coat. Alice was looking back and forth between Bella and Jasper trying to decide if she should stay or go. Jasper made up her mind by dragging her out the door. "Let's leave the newly engaged here so they can…um…engage." He said suggestively and laughed as they walked out the door. Bella and I wasted no time in stumbling locked in a kiss towards her bedroom door.

We shed our clothes faster this time than I think we ever had before. It got to the point of literally growling and ripping her underwear off. I was impatient and wanted to be with my fiancé. My fiancé. I smiled and momentarily stopped kissing Bella. She looked up at me obviously confused.

"What?"

"You're my fiancé now. I like the sound of that." She rolled her eyes.

"Yeah? I think you'll like it better when your fiancé is screaming in pleasure." I felt a groan catch in my throat. I love it when she talks like that. I quickly laid us on the bed and caught Bella's lust filled eyes and smug smirk looking back at me. This is going to be fun. Twenty minutes later, four orgasms by her and one by me and I felt like a cocky bastard. We fell asleep not too long later.

The next couple of days were spent in an almost constant circle of celebrations. We went out with Alice, Jasper, Rose and Tanya the following night at the bar Jasper works at. He made sure that nobody would know I was there so that the paparazzi wouldn't catch wind of it. We figured we needed to tell our families soon so the press wouldn't find out first. That's the last thing I need. I could just see the conversation now. "Yes Chief Swan I did propose. No sir, Bella isn't pregnant Yes, sir you should have found out that day. Yes sir, your right, you shouldn't have to hear about it on sports center."

But all of that would have to wait. Right now, Bella and I are at the airport getting on a plane back to Chicago; because in one day all of our friends and family along with millions of people are going to watch me play the last football game of my professional career. None of that matters though because the career of husband and eventually father far surpasses any football game I could ever have played in - even the coveted Super Bowl.

A/N: Are you happy? Do you like the proposal as much as us? You know the drill….click that button below and let us know :)

Link to the engagement ring is on our profiles...check it out…it's pretty.

Much thanks! EmmaleeWrites05 and LittleLea05