With eight bags full of clothes bought with Jasper's money tucked safely away in the trunk of Alice's rented Prius we headed to a small bistro to grab a bite to eat. The conversation flowed between us as though nothing bad had ever happened between us. Although I am sure we were both being very careful to avoid the one topic of conversation. Alice didn't want to break her promise or upset me when our relationship was still so fragile. And I had enough respect for Alice not to bad mouth him in front of her. It didn't matter that I hated him. When I was with Alice it was as though he didn't exist. Besides if it wasn't for him being such a jackass I wouldn't have discovered what it was like to find and fall for someone who love me unconditionally. Edward was the best thing that had ever happened to me and I was not going to give him up, not ever. If some crazy girl tried to steal him from me, they were in for one hell of a fight.
"So when do you find out if you are having a boy or a girl?" Alice asked once we were seated and had our drink orders taken. I looked up from my menu with an excited look on my face.
"Next week. We are so excited! Luckily Edward doesn't film that day so he gets to come to the ultrasound with me. He is bubbling with excitement!" I spewed on and on. I could not wait to find out the sex of the baby. I would soon discover if I should be dreaming of daddy's princess or of daddy's little man.
"Do you have a preference? Would you rather have a boy or a girl?" Alice asked in an eager voice. But my answer would have to wait for a couple of minutes because our waiter chose that moment to show up with our drinks.
"I have peach iced tea for you," he said as he sat my drink in front of me, "and a raspberry italian soda for you. I made it extra special just for you." He told Alice with a wink and it was all I could do to suppress a giggle and not choke on my tea. "Now do you ladies know what you would like to eat this afternoon?" We gave him our orders and sent him on his way so he wouldn't become too attached and we could get on with our conversation. It was obvious he knew who she was!
"So where were we?" Alice asked trying to compose herself and get rid of her giggles. "Oh yah, do you want a boy or a girl?"
"Honestly I don't care as long as he or she is healthy. I would love to see a mini Edward but I would also love to see daddy's little girl. Edward is hoping for a girl. He says he can already see those chocolate curls in pigtails." I told her with a smile on my lips. Neither of us were willing to mention the obvious fact that our baby would never be a mini Edward. Not in looks at least. I was so afraid that the baby would come out looking just like Jasper. And worse, acting just like him.
"A little girl who looks just like you. She would be beautiful Bella." She said with a fond grin, dutifully not bringing up the same topic I was avoiding. "So have you guys started thinking about names yet?" She asked steering the topic in a different direction.
"Well we like Cooper for a boy but we don't have any girls names yet." I told her.
"Cooper Cullen. I like it. Has a nice ring to it. And speaking of rings, are you and Edward going to make it official before the baby comes? You know, so you and the baby will have the same last name." Alice asked with excitement.
"We decided not to start planning until we are back in LA and get settled in. We did decide we want it to be a small affair. I think we are going to have just our closest friends and family over and do it in our back yard. Make it simple and romantic. I think we will probably end up doing it before the baby is born though." I told her happily, half daydreaming about what it was going to be like to say I do to Edward in front of those we love.
"I think that will be beautiful! You can wear your hair in curls down your back and a pretty white empire waisted dress. Maybe in lace? With lilies everywhere! Oh I can just see it now!" She exclaimed in excitement.
"I was thinking more of a flowing light weight lilac empire waisted gown with white roses and blue hydrangas." I corrected her. After all it was not her wedding. "But Alice...Are you sure you want to be there? I mean...he's not...Jasper's not welcome and I didn't know if that would...influence your decision to come." I tried to explain, feeling extremely small trying to tell my friend she might not be welcome at my wedding.
"Bella, I know he isn't. But that isn't going to stop me from seeing my best friend look incredibly beautiful as she marries the love of her life." She told me in a very serious voice that I had never heard some out of Alice's mouth. "Bella, I was lost without you! I am going to support you in any way possible!" She told me with a sad smile.
"Oh Alice, I was lost without you too! I am so glad to have you back. Even if it is kind of awkward still." I said with a goofy grin and she laughed.
"Lets get you back to Prince Charming. I am sure he is worried about you." She said as she slipped some cash in the bill folder and grabbed my hand. I was excited to get back to Edward. To show him my new clothes and to tell him just how okay everything was going to be.