Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I am making no money…

Special thanks to Jayeliwood for your support and ideas, but most of all for your help with commas. She is the best beta a writer could ask for. I must also thank ObsessingOverEdward and TheSpoiltOne for all their contribution. All three of you rock!

Chapter 26: Special Date

Edward Cullen

Traveling for business had always given me the chance to explore a city's nightlife. I got to meet new girls and just enjoy my time away from the office. But, this time it was different. All I could think of was Bella. I was extremely happy that this trip had finally come to an end. Business trips no longer held the same attraction. I had missed Bella and surprisingly I had missed Matt. Why? I wasn't quite sure.

I immediately dialed Bella's number once the plane had landed and we had been given the all clear to use cell phones. I wanted to let her know I had arrived and I would be at her house soon. "Hi, Edward," Bella said in a very frustrated tone. I could instantly tell something wasn't right.

"Hey, beautiful, my plane just landed. Is everything alright?" I inquired as I fixed my carry on bag and walked off the plane.

"I have to finish these reports for Carlisle and I won't make it in time to pick up Matt," she explained as I heard her typing away.

"Do you want me to talk to my dad? I'm sure you can finish them on Monday," I suggested. Why had my father given her the reports instead of his assistant? "Wasn't Alison around?"

"No, she had a family emergency and has been out since yesterday. It's not a big deal. I'm almost done. But, can you pick up Matt?" She replied in a hopeful tone.

"From school?" I inquired, checking my watch. It was just after five and I wouldn't be able to make it to the school before six.

"No, Margaret already picked him up. I just hate to inconvenience her with him. Can you swing by her house on your way home and pick him up?" She clarified.

"Not a problem, Bella. Don't worry so much," I answered, making her laugh. It was in Bella's nature to worry and nothing was going to change that.

"How was Chicago?" She inquired as I made my way towards the baggage claim area. "Did you solve everything?"

"We should have a Chicago branch by this time next year," I explained proudly as I heard a sudden silence on the other end of the line.

"That's great," she replied in a sad tone. I knew instantly that something was wrong.

"Bella, did I say something wrong?" I inquired hesitantly as I spotted my suitcase, pulling it off the luggage carousel.

"It's no big deal, Edward," she lied causing me to sigh in frustration.

"Bella, what's wrong? I know you're lying," I answered as I began to walk to the parking garage to pick up my car.

"Edward, who's going to run the Chicago office?" She asked causing me to laugh. Did she think I was moving to the other side of the United States?

"Bella, I'm not going to move to Chicago. The office there is not mine to run," I explained causing her to sigh in relief.

"It's just that you've been dealing with a lot of stuff having to do with the Chicago office," she began to explain.

"I'm not leaving Seattle, Bella," I assured her as I got to my car. "I'm going to head over to Margaret's house. I should be home in an hour."

"I'll be leaving soon," she informed me before hanging up.

I arrived at Margaret's house about a half an hour later. I was a bit nervous about picking Matt since I had never really seen Margaret or John outside of the flower shop. Would they even allow me to take him? I had forgotten to ask Bella whether she had told them I was coming.

I knocked on the door before taking a few steps back on the porch to wait. "Edward, what a surprise!" Margaret said the minute she opened the door before bringing me in for a hug.

"Hi, Margaret," I greeted as she stepped aside, allowing me to enter. "Bella sent me to pick up Matt. Is he ready to go?"

"I told Bella not to worry," Margaret commented dismissively as she led me into the living room where Matt was playing video games.

"Edward!" He yelled, running towards me. "Do you want to play? I'm getting good at the baseball game."

"We have to go, Buddy," I answered causing his expression to sadden. "Your mom should be home soon."

"But, I want to play," he whined causing me to run my fingers through my hair. I was never quite sure how to handle situations like these.

"We can play while we wait for Bella at home," I compromised, hoping he would accept that.

"Go get your shoes, sweetheart," Margaret ordered before Matt ran off to get his shoes. "Any big plans for the special weekend?" Margaret asked, turning to me.

"Special weekend?" I questioned curiously. Had I missed something?

"You must have something special planned for Bella. It's your six month anniversary, isn't?" She questioned causing me to freeze.

"Six months?" I inquired, trying to think back.

"You better start planning something, Edward," Margaret urged with a knowing smile. "I set you up on your date exactly six months ago today."

"I forgot," I admitted with a sheepish grin as Matt appeared with his shoes and back pack on. "Thanks, Margaret. I'll think of something."

"Come back soon," she said, hugging Matt before watching us from the door as I made sure Matt was buckled up in the back seat.

I definitely had to come up with some sort of surprise for Bella by the time she got home. I had bought her a special gift while I had been in Chicago, but I hadn't planned on giving it to her just yet. I knew it was perfect for the occasion. I just had to find the ideal way to give it to her.

Bella Swan

I finished printing the last of the reports Carlisle had asked for before making my way to his office. "I have the reports you asked for," I said with a soft knock on the door.

"Come on in, Bella," he answered, motioning me inside. I handed him the reports before waiting patiently for him to look them through. "Have a seat. I actually wanted to discuss something with you. That is, if you have the time."

"Of course," I answered taking a seat. Had I done something wrong? I had double checked the reports at least three times before giving them to him. "Is there a problem, Sir?"

"Problem?" Carlisle questioned with a perplexed expression. "Quite the contrary, actually. You have been a great addition to our firm, Bella. You are dedicated and your work is practically flawless."

"Thank you," I replied, shifting uncomfortably. I didn't like to be the center of attention, but I felt like there was more to his compliment than he was saying.

"That's why I would like to offer you a chance to complete your law degree. From what Jasper has told me you had quite the impressive LSAT scores a while back and could have your choice in schools," he began as I tried to process what he was saying.

"I feel that it would be in the best interest of our firm for you to finish your degree and become one of our lawyers. That is why I'm offering to pay for your degree at the University of Chicago with the clause that you will then work at our new office over there," he explained, my eyes widening in shock.

"I really don't know what to say," I answered, biting my lip. I wanted to say 'yes,' but there were so many things I had to think about. Could I really uproot Matt? What about Edward? It would be a dream come true to get my Law Degree, but could I do it?

"You don't have to give me an answer now, Bella. Take your time to think it through. May I suggest talking it over with Edward," he stated, catching me off guard. How much did he know about my relationship with Edward?

"With Edward, Sir?" I questioned causing him to chuckle.

"I'm very observant, Bella. And, I'm very proud that my son has found such a great woman like you," he answered with a smile.

"Thank you," I said as I stood up. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Go on home and have a good weekend," he replied before I left his office and headed back to mine to pick up my things.

I felt like my mind was racing at a million miles an hour as I fought through traffic to get home. I had no idea how I was going to bring up the subject to Edward. Part of me was dying to accept the offer, but the other part wasn't as sure.

I knew I couldn't leave Edward. He was an integral part of my life and I couldn't see myself without him. And, I didn't know if I was able to take Matt away from Mike. Was that even plausible? We would have to go back to court to adjust visitation rights. Did I want to go through all of that? I really didn't know.

I arrived at the house and was met with a picture perfect view. Edward and Matt were both sitting on the couch both deeply engrossed in some sort of video game. But, it was the fact that Matt was already bathed and dressed that really surprised me.

"I'm home," I said, leaving my purse on the foyer table before walking into the living room.

"Hi, mom," Matt said from the couch, not even bothering to look up before Edward hit the pause button on the game.

"Go say hi to your mom," he urged before watching as Matt stood up and gave me a hug.

"Hi, sweetie," I whispered, kissing the top of his head before he ran back to the game.

"Hi there, beautiful," he greeted as he approached me. I smiled at him the full realization of how much I had missed him hitting me all at once.

"I missed you," I admitted, kissing his lips lightly conscious of the fact that Matt was in the room.

"I missed you too," he replied, bringing me in for a tight hug.

"I'm going to make us dinner. Do you want anything in particular?" I questioned, realizing it was already half past six.

"Let's go out tonight," Edward suggested with a wide grin as he followed me into the kitchen.

"Edward, as tempting as it sounds. You are aware that Matt is with us tonight and this entire weekend," I reminded him with a laugh.

"It doesn't matter. The three of us would go," he replied. "We have to celebrate."

"Celebrate?" I questioned, trying to figure out just what we would be celebrating.

"It's the six month anniversary of our first date," he explained causing me to smile. How had he remembered?

"Are you serious?" I asked as feelings of guilt washed over me. How had I forgotten?

"Completely," he answered, kissing me once again. "Head upstairs to get ready while I get Matt ready. I know the perfect place for all three of us to go."

"You spoil me," I commented, giving him a sassy smile before heading upstairs to get ready.

Edward Cullen

"Can we go yet?" Matt asked for the hundredth time as he shifted on the couch, watching the Disney Channel. "Mom takes too long to get ready."

I laughed at his comment as I motioned for Matt to follow me upstairs to check on Bella. I really wanted to give her the present I had gotten her, but I wasn't sure how I should go about doing it. I had to figure it out soon.

"Do you want to help me with something?" I asked in a low tone once we got to the second floor.

"With what?" He questioned in a whisper.

"I got your mom a present while I was in Chicago," I explained, taking out the small blue box from my pocket.

"What is it?" He asked excitedly as I handed him the small box.

"It's a pretty necklace," I answered with a smile. "And, I really want you to give it her as a present from both of us."

"Is it her birthday?" He questioned, staring down at the package.

"No, it's a special day. That's all," I answered, not really wanting to explain what an anniversary was.

"What do I have to do?" He inquired excitedly.

"Just give it to her when I tell you. Tell her its from both of us." I replied causing him to nod in response.

"I'm just about done, Edward," Bella stated when Matt and I walked into the bedroom. "I just need to pick out my jewelry."

"There's no hurry," I answered, realizing that my plan was working better than I had been expecting. She still had not put on her jewelry and that gave me the perfect opportunity to have Matt surprise her.

I tapped Matt's shoulder, letting him know that he should go give the present to Bella. "Mom, we have something for you," he stated as he walked to Bella, holding out his hands.

"What's this, sweetheart?" Bella asked in shock as her eyes met mine causing me to smile and nod.

"Open it, mom," Matt urged before Bella pulled the white ribbon and opened the small box. Bella gasped as she saw what it was, leaning into Matt and softly kissing his cheek.

"It's beautiful," she commented as Matt smiled. "Thank you."

"Can we go now?" Matt asked causing both of us to laugh.

"Go get your sweater and we'll leave in a few minutes," Bella answered causing Matt to dash out of the room leaving the two of us alone.

"Do you like it?" I asked picking up the silver necklace with the diamond heart pendant.

"I love it, Edward. You really didn't have to," she said as she held her hair up for me to put it on. "It's probably too expensive. I didn't get the chance to buy you anything."

"Nothing is too expensive for you," I corrected after I had finished. "And, I don't need a thing. I just like seeing you happy."

"I'm extremely happy," she replied before kissing me passionately. I was definitely getting laid tonight.

Bella Swan

Edward drove us to Pike Place before leading us to an outdoor Spanish restaurant overlooking the water and the setting sun. The restaurant was very classy, but was still casual enough for it to be kid friendly. He seemed to have thought of everything.

But, as much as I wanted to enjoy dinner with Edward and Matt, I couldn't stop thinking about Carlisle's job offer. I was torn. I couldn't believe how wonderful Edward was. He was everything I had ever hoped for in a man and I knew I wouldn't be able to leave him to go to Chicago. He was a very important part of my life and I couldn't imagine my life without him. But, I had always dreamed of being a lawyer. How could the two be incompatible?

"Bella, you seem out of it," Edward mentioned as he draped his arm across the back of my chair, scooting me closer to him. "Do you not like the restaurant?"

"Everything was delicious, Edward," I answered as I looked over at Matt who was busy coloring his menu. "I just have a lot on my mind."

"Like what, beautiful?" He inquired as he leaned into me, his nose tracing my cheekbone.

"Carlisle offered me the chance to finish my Law Degree," I admitted, figuring he would find out anyway. Carlisle would tell him Monday if not before.

"That's wonderful, Bella," Edward answered with a huge grin as he kissed my cheek. "You're going to make a great lawyer."

"I don't think I can take the offer, Edward," I replied with a deep sigh.

"And, why not?" He questioned, looking shocked.

"He wants me to move to Chicago. I would complete my degree there and then work for the new Chicago branch," I explained as I rested my head on his shoulder. "I don't think I can take it, Edward."

"And, why not?" Edward asked in a confused tone. "It's your dream, Bella. How could you not take it?"

"I haven't said anything to Carlisle, but I know I can't," I protested, looking up into his eyes.

"I can't allow you, Bella, not to take it. You have to take the chance. I love you too much to let you make that mistake. You'll regret it if you don't," he explained causing me to freeze. Did he just say he loved me? Had I heard him correctly?

"What did you just say, Edward?" I asked once I had regained control of my vocal cords.

"You have to take the job," he repeated, taking my hand and kissing it lightly.

"Before that," I replied nervously. Had I completely imagined it?

"I love you," he said quietly as his eyes met mine in an intense stare.

"Edward," I replied a smile instantly appearing on my face. Edward loved me. I couldn't believe that it was true. "I love you, too."

"Bella," he whispered as we continued to stare into each other's eyes. "I love you," he repeated softly before his lips met mine in a deep passionate kiss.

Edward Cullen

I hadn't realized that the words had left my mouth until they had been said. I loved Bella and it felt wonderful to finally tell her. I felt as if a huge brick had been lifted off my back. I knew Bella was the woman for me and I would never regret letting her know my feelings. I, Edward Cullen, loved Isabella Swan.

"I can't leave you, Edward," she stated once we had broken apart and our dessert had arrived. "I will not go to Chicago."

"You don't have to leave me, Bella," I answered before being interrupted by Matt.

"What's that?" He asked pointing to our flan as he ate a spoonful of his chocolate ice cream.

"It's called flan. It's almost like a very sweet pudding," Bella explained, getting a spoon and giving him a small piece.

Matt took a minute to taste it before making a weird face. "I like the ice cream better," he commented as he returned his attention back to his chocolate sundae.

"Edward, if I go to Chicago I would be leaving you and taking Matt away from Mike. I don't think I could deal with that. Plus, I don't know anyone in Chicago . Who's going to watch Matt while I study? Or pick him up if I run late?" She reasoned causing me to laugh. "It's not funny, Edward. It's the truth."

"My love, the Chicago branch is my project. I have been working on opening a branch outside of Washington for years. I told my father I wasn't going to move, because I didn't want to leave you either. I belong where you are," I explained before taking my spoon and feeding her a piece of flan.

"What about Matt?" She asked softly making sure Matt couldn't hear her. "I just can't uproot him."

"Kids move states all the time," I commented as I looked over at Matt who was still finishing up his dessert. "Plus, this is your dream, Bella. You can accomplish what you have always wanted to do. How can you possibly turn it down?"

"I don't know," she sighed just as the bill arrived and I handed the waitress my credit card.

"You do know," I corrected before kissing her lips lightly. "Think about it, beautiful. If you decide to go, I'll go with you."

I knew Bella was hesitant to move, but it was a great opportunity for both of us. I wanted her to see that it would give us the chance to start fresh. I wanted Bella to go with me to Chicago .

"I don't know, Edward," she replied as the waitress returned with the receipt.

"Just promise me that you'll think about it," I suggested after I had signed the receipt. "You don't have to decide now."

Bella Swan

I wanted to move to Chicago and start my life over with Matt and Edward. They were the two most important men in my life and I knew it was a great opportunity. But, I was scared. What if I wasn't good enough for law school? Could I really take Matt away from Mike? Would Mike even allow it? The decision was not as easy as it seemed.

I allowed the soft classical music in the car to calm my nerves. I would have more than enough time to decide what I was going to do. I would weigh the pros and cons of each choice and come up with the best choice for me and Matt. This was not a decision that was supposed to be made at the spur of the moment.

Even though I was extremely concerned over what I had to do. I also felt a sense of peace and happiness. Edward and I were in love and that was really all that mattered. Everything else would work itself out.

"He's asleep," Edward commented as he parked the car at my house.

"He has to be exhausted," I answered before he got out of the car, opening the door for me. "I'll get him upstairs."

"Open the door, love. I got him." Edward stated as he effortlessly carried Matt out of the car while I opened the door.

I felt my heart skip a few beats as I followed Edward up the stairs to Matt's room. He had changed so much in such a short time. And, it was easy to see how much of a great father he could be. He cared for Matt greatly and that made me love him even more.

After we had changed Matt into his pajamas, I took Edward by the hand and led him into the bedroom. I wanted to show him how much I loved him. I wanted to make love to him.

And, for the first time, we did more than just have sex. That night we made love.

A/N: One of my longest chapters! WOW! Are we all happy with this? They finally admitted their feelings…I want to know what you think!

Remember to go find me on Twitter under Muggleinlove. And, head to the Twilighted thread for previews and discussion. All you girls there crack me up! You can have Mike soon enough!

Next Chapter: Meeting the In-Laws

Muggleinlove