I have to start, of course, with an apology for my lateness. It came with a bit of writer's block and some life events. My dad had a big surgery recently and is recovering at home. All is well though. Getting better every day.

Hope you all had a lovely holiday. I've gotten a lot of requests for an EPOV of the last chapter. While I know some are not a fan of repeat scenes, I do think it will be very different in EPOV and it is important to his character. (This is my polite way of saying: I'm doing it, so get over it. I PROMISE I will not be doing this often.) BUT I like to keep moving forward, so not all of this chapter will be a repeat scene, only the beginning segment. So here is a little Edward for you...

And Also: Thank you all for your reviews and feedback - it is extremely helpful and I so appreciate it. It lets me know that this story is worth continuing. You are wonderful. Have a lovely day :) Sorry for the long author's note!

I could lie and say it was the food that had me coming back every night. Of course that would be believable because Bella was turning out to be one hell of a fucking chef. This woman was full of surprises - each one pulling me even deeper into the mystery she was.

But I knew deep down that it wasn't the food... it was Bella herself who had me coming back for more.

I didn't know jack shit about fixing brick facades.

Countless times my car had passed her shop. Each time I was desperately thinking of some excuse, some good reason to go inside and talk to her. To fix what I'd broken. A few times I'd noticed the brick crumbling beneath her window and thought to myself... 'someone should get to fixing that...'

A phone call to Carlisle and five hours worth of how-to videos on the web later, I felt confident enough to at least do a convincing job on Bella's shop front.

And if all else failed, I would paint the fucking facade on for her.

Getting up the guts to come to her door was a strain on my nerves in every possible way. Not to mention the added annoyance when Jake let me in and gave me a hard, warning look that said he would tear my ass apart if Bella was anything less than happy when I left.

I had intended to just make Bella my offer and then leave, but I'd lost control of my mouth. My instincts overruled my stubborn brain. Instead of staying stoic and nonchalant, I'd almost yelled at her and begged her to let me just do the damn job.

Real smooth.

Where had my man charm gone? I used to be really good at playing the part, saying all the right things, lying and sweet talking my way into someone's trust. It used to be easy. But with Bella, I knew I had to work harder to earn her trust. The fact that she even wanted mine in return had me stumbling every time. Anything less than honesty was unacceptable. The truth was that I was still just learning how to be honest with myself.

That fact made all my recent behavior around Bella more ridiculous than I could handle. I was flailing like a fucking baby. But at least I'd gotten to her door. That in and of itself was a victory.

It wasn't just the food that got better and better every night - it was...us. The two of us together. The way we spoke. The way we moved around each other. The way we greeted each other and said goodbye at the end of each night. Each time the need to touch her increasing ten fold. We were becoming comfortable, familiar. It was by the second night I was able to decipher the right word to describe what I felt around Bella.

Peace.

I'd spent the majority of my lifetime warring with myself and my past. But with Bella, I felt peace.

I slept like a baby each night I'd spent time with her. No dreams. No nightmares. I logged away each moment with her, cataloging the different laughs and smiles she wore, the way her eyes gave away what she was feeling. The bashful look on her face when she poured my wine in a plastic cup.

By the time I arrived on the fourth night, I was almost carefree. I'd looked forward to my time with Bella all day. I'd spent hours thinking of what else I could possibly fix for her in that shop so I could spend more time there. As much as I'd dragged out my time working on the facade, I couldn't prolong finishing it tonight. Bella would catch on.

Her face in the window beamed back at me as I arrived. I was so anxious to just finish working so I could come inside with her, I set right to work with the last coat of paint. I hadn't done half bad for my first time. My anal attention to detail helped me out on this project. But my mind was so far from the work.

Talking to Bella the past few nights, I'd collected puzzle pieces of her. I was anxious to put it all together. I needed more. She was becoming like my fucking drug of choice. This endless curiosity about the girl was insatiable.

I was overwhelmingly content as I walked into her apartment once I was finished painting outside. My eyes couldn't help but linger as I watched her bend forward to place something in the oven.

That was the other thing. It wasn't just her mind I wanted so badly to know, it was her body too. The charge between us was more palpable every night. I'd saved mental images of her as the nights passed. Her mouth, her nose, The curve of her neck sloping to meet her shoulder. The swell of her breasts against the fabric of her clothing. Her petit, delicate hands fascinated me almost as much as her eyes. She was fit and lean, yet soft and round in all the right places. I wanted so badly to touch her.

The thoughts that overwhelmed me when I walked in the door and looked down at Bella caused me to retreat to the bathroom. Not just to wash my hands but to will away the rush of blood to my groin. I wanted her too much. This week had made me hopeful for the first time in a long time...that I might be capable of being what she needs. Maybe I could try this dating thing. If I ever got the goddamn guts to ask her out.

I watched the black paint from my hands swirl around the bowl of Bella's bathroom sink and disappear down the drain. Her soap smelled nice. I looked around her little bathroom, observing the slippers by the door and the purple polka dotted toothbrush by the faucet. I looked up to the mirror to see a smattering of small post it notes.

I tilted my head to read each of them.

'Call Dad'

'Fitzpatrick order due the 11th'

'Milk'

'Call James, Eclipse - 435-6758'

What?

The the feeling of lightness I'd just had transformed into a sinking weight in the pit of my stomach. My mind raced with images that created some kind of explanation for this - but none of them were good enough. There had to be some rational explanation...maybe it was some other James. But I couldn't imagine anything but the douche bag from the bar flirting with Bella. All I could picture was James holding her hand...making her laugh...kissing her...touching her...fucking her.

NO!

I winced at the idea, the thought of it unbearable to me. Imagining his hands on her like that made me feel utterly ...murderous. I warred with myself.

Isn't that what you are, Edward?

No...

But she's mine...

No, she's not yours...

I raised my eyes to the mirror, looking past the pieces of paper adhered to the glass and focusing on the man looking back at me.

It was never going to be me. What the hell was I thinking anyway. That I'd fix her fucking bricks and then sweep her off her feet? That I could ignore all of this? That'd she would even give me a chance? Was she just playing nice and letting me work for her to clear my own conscience? How long had she been seeing him? Eclipse felt like ages ago...

The defeat of it all was the real shit. I'd played all of this up too much in my head. I'd assumed too much and read into each moment with her as if it were mounting up to something hopeful. But I was wrong. Bella was...well, Bella. She was kind. That didn't mean she wanted me the way I wanted her.

I realized if I spent anymore time in the bathroom it would start to seem weird, so I left. I knew I couldn't stay for dinner, I had to leave. I had to get the hell out of here.

"Ta-da!" I looked up to see her presenting me with a real wine glass. I felt the bitter sweetness of how fucking adorable she was. Her face was bright and her smile was wide as she looked at me. I wanted to be mad at her for being so damn sweet...I'd been misled by it. But I knew that came from my inexperience with genuine people outside my family. It wasn't her fault. It was mine.

I could do little to hide what I was feeling. Bella, being sharply perceptive, noticed it right away.

I watched the confusion in her expression turn to anger and hurt as she countered each one of my useless excuses to leave. I couldn't look at her, I had turned to the door. Her eyes were too raw, too hurt and so...pissed.

She finally snapped behind me. The agitation between the two of us had me ready to combust.

"Bullshit, Edward. I knew it! I knew you would be a coward! I knew you would leave! I knew I was stupid to think you could make any kind of connection with me and keep it. Come on, tell me. What did I do to push you away this time? You know, you were a dick at the diner, but even if what you said was hurtful, at least you were talking to me. Why won't you tell me what is wrong with you?"

She'd reached her limit with me - and so had I. Unable to stop myself I was marching back to her, face to face, letting my frustration take the reigns. The words were like a freight train, coming fast and unstoppable. I was clenching my teeth to keep from losing it entirely.

"You wanna know what's wrong with me, Bella? I don't wanna be your fucking friend okay! Did you get that? I dont. Want to be. Your. Fucking. Friend."

I don't want to just be your friend...I want all of you, Bella.

The look in her eyes was startling, as if I'd slapped her across the face. Her eyes shut, unwilling to look at me, to show me the depth of herself inside them. A single, silent tear fell down her cheek.

In that moment she was more heart-breakingly beautiful than I could stand.

My breathing was shallow and ragged as I looked her over. The truth, Edward. She deserves it.

"Its not enough, Bella. I'm a piece of shit, I know I am. But that doesn't stop me from wanting more from you."

Her eyes flew open once again, tightened in confusion, but barely masking a small glint of...hope?

"I'm fucked up. I'm stubborn as shit, I'm possessive. I know I'm not good for you, but I want to kill James for even getting near you! I want to fucking beat the shit out of anyone who wants you like that because I don't want to fucking share you, okay?"

Her eyes lit in understanding, knowing now that I'd figured out her involvement with James. My mouth wasn't done ranting. I focused on the anger I felt over the whole thing, letting it protect me from the strain of goodbye. It was always easier to get over things if I could find a reason to be mad.

God, no wonder I'm fucked up.

"I thought I could do it...I thought I could leave you alone. I thought I could make you mad enough to stay away, and even when I did I couldn't let you go. I drove by the fucking shop at least a dozen times trying to figure out a good reason to see you again. These past few nights have been the best thing to happen to me in a while and I thought...maybe I can do this, maybe I can try to be what you need...but its too fucking late okay! So excuse me if I don't exactly want to stay and shoot the shit!"

I closed my eyes, realizing that I really didn't want to be yelling at her. I would hate myself if I ever scared her. I had seen my mother's eyes countless times fill up with fear in the face of my father. Inexplicable rage, loud noises, hard eyes. I didn't want to be that.

I sucked in a deep breath and tried to calm down.

"You have every right to date a guy like James, I didn't know you were involved. But I hate it, Bella. I hate it. I don't have the strength to stay away from you. To just be friends...I can't...If you're with him, I have to go. I can't..."

Another image of James and Bella together flashed behind my eyes. I shut them tightly, trying to banish the thought.

"Edward..."

The softness of her hand against my cheek startled me. When my eyes opened I felt my breath catch in my throat. She was so close. Bella...please...

"I'm not dating James."

All the panic and worry and anger that was fluttering in my chest suddenly froze.

"...you're not.."

And then both her hands were on my face and her nose came close to mine and she was telling me "He's not you, Edward...he's not you."

It was me she wanted.

It was me.

"Bella..."

I had so much to say. Still in disbelief that she'd said those words...

My shock only increased when she silenced me with her mouth. Goddamn, that mouth...

Kissing Bella was what I'd been missing out on my whole life. I was sure of it as soon as our lips met and parted, kissing as if we had been engineered to do so. There was an ease to it, a comfort as well as a thrill and a passion that shook my senses. A feeling of relief washed over me as I wrapped her tightly in my arms and kissed her back with everything I had.

She wanted me. Me.

Everything that had been burning inside of me over these last few months came boiling forth, poured into every once of that kiss. Even though I knew now that she did want me, it was still unreal to think she was kissing me back with the same fire.

Hands traveling, wet mouths roaming, soon my coat was on the floor and I was ready to take her to her bedroom and make her mine in every way. I was so fucking lost in her. Now that she'd let me, I couldn't stop touching her.

But I knew that if I didn't stop soon, I would never be able to slow down. I told her so, the two of us panting slightly and looking at one another in a sort of awed state. She blushed crimson and apologized.

"Never be sorry...Bella, I-I just...I've never wanted a woman more in my entire life than I want you now."

It was the truth.

I kissed her once more and then held her close to me, her face buried in my chest. Perfect. It was just...where she was supposed to be. My breathing was still a little erratic, my mind still reeling that this had just happened.

This new intimacy, this closeness I'd only day dreamed about - it was immediately all encompassing. Addicting. I didn't want to let go of her.

"Bella?"

"Hmm?"

I took a deep, shaky breath.

"I'd like to take you on a date."

There, I said it. I thought briefly of Esme. Maybe she was right. I was finally allowing myself a shot at something bigger than myself. Something that would teach me happiness again.

Yet I was terrified as soon as the words left my mouth. It was real now. I knew already it would be a challenge for both of us...but some how I could not fathom not being with her.

I had to try.

My fears were put to rest but the reassuring squeeze around my middle and the feel of her grin against my chest.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?"

"I'd love that."

I let out a sigh, breathing in again only to be calmed once more by the smell of her hair and the warmth of her body.

I pulled away for a moment, holding onto her arms as I looked into her eyes.

"I don't know what I'm doing, Bella." I admitted quietly.

She smiled and shook her head.

"Who does?"

"I don't want to fuck this up..."

"Then don't." she said with a little smirk. She laughed quietly before she reached to touch my cheek again. This time more serious she said, "I'm not perfect either."

Her gaze fell to my chest. There was a sadness in her eyes I had yet to gain knowledge of. I had to be careful with her. And I had to be honest with her too.

"I wish I could promise you that I'll be good at this, Bella. But I can't. There's a lot...there just so much I know I have to tell you. And it's really fucking hard. I'm not good at talking about it yet. I want to tell you. It's just going to take some time. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

She looked up at me again and nodded, her eyes a little glassy.

"There are things I'll need to share with you eventually too, Edward. Let's just be patient with each other. It'll be okay."

A chill ran down my spine when she said that. Her voice had become slightly somber as she spoke of secrets I had yet to know. I could tell even before she'd told me she was sick as a kid that something extreme had happened to her. As well adapted as she was to her new life in Riverdale, I could see she was haunted - as I was myself. I had yet to know what it was that happened, but the possible scenarios scared me. I couldn't stand to even imagine Bella in pain.

I felt her wrap her arms tighter around me. The darkness that tended to cloud my mind was forgotten.

That night after another delicious dinner, when it came time to say goodbye, we stopped at her door. This time I did not have to force myself to leave. This time I could hold her the way I wanted. Kiss her the way I wanted.

There was still the smallest hesitance from both of us. I thought briefly of my time at the cottage as a boy with my parents, before the mess. When we were happy. I was 6 or 7 and I'd found a perfect shell in the sand - a rare find amidst the broken pieces of other shells and stones and twigs. I remember being in awe of it. So happy I'd found it...and so afraid I would break it. I showed it proudly to my mother, cradling it in my hands like a piece of glass. I brought it to my treehouse in the woods, climbing up inside and placing it on my windowsill I sat and stared at it. Every day after I would stare at it, never letting myself touch it again. Certain I would break it or ruin it if I did.

The need to touch Bella, to be around her, was overwhelming. Yet there was a fragility to us that still made me nervous. And I knew she felt the same.

But I wasn't going to put this on the shelf. I wasn't going to keep away anymore.

I just couldn't. It wasn't possible to stay away anymore.

The blush on Bella's cheeks was beautiful and shy as I said goodnight. I kissed her softly and gently, careful to keep it rated PG. We both needed to take things slow. Even though I was dying to just stay and fall into bed with her - even just to sleep - I knew it was time to go.

I promised her I'd call her tomorrow and dragged myself away after stealing another small kiss.

I felt the engine of my car purring beneath me as I sped towards home. My chest was swelling with a feeling I couldn't quite swallow.

I was ...happy.

Scared shitless, but happy.

Bosley greeted me at the door as goofy and content as ever. As he had the past few nights, he sniffed me like crazy, surely smelling Bella on my clothes.

I crouched down to wrestle with him on the floor, somehow feeling lifted enough to be more playful than I had been lately. Poor Bos.

The next morning came fast. I felt as if I'd been asleep only twenty minutes by the time the sun came trickling through the windows and Bos was begging to pee.

The day seemed to fly by. I took several conference calls with Mac and some gallery owners, worked on a commission piece for a friend and gathered up the CD art work I'd finished for Garrett. All the while, agonizing over when to call Bella.

I had wanted to call as soon as I'd woken up, but that would be ridiculous. Too early in the day might come off as needy or eager.

Even though I probably was. Shit.

I spent my afternoon working on where I would take Bella on a date. The same old dinner and a movie was always nice, but I wanted to do something special. I just had to figure out what it was. When I finally did figure it out, I set to work. Making a list of what I needed. I wanted to do something to show her more of who I was. To show her I really do want to try.

I had promised Esme I would come over for a family dinner around six. Alice would be there. She could help me.

I finally worked up the nerve to call Bella around five.

It rang three times before she picked up. My chest was hammering and my ears were completely tuned in, waiting to hear her voice.

"Hello?" she answered sweetly.

"Bella?"

I heard a small exhale over the phone.

"Hi Edward." It was almost like I could hear her smiling. She knew it was me. My own face was splitting into a grin knowing that she was happy I called.

"Hi..." I smiled. "Listen I was calling to see if you might be free tomorrow night?" I asked hopefully. I was pacing my living room floor now.

"I don't see anything on the calendar..." she replied wittily. Her voice sounded cheerful, light, happy.

"Can I pick you up say, around 7?"

"Yes, you can. Can I ask where we are going?"

"Nope." I chuckled. She laughed along with me.

"How will I know what to wear?"

"Wear warm clothes you can climb in." I responded.

"What the..."

"Trust me, Bella."

She sighed once, laughing softly.

"Okay Edward..." she said, not totally convinced

"Great. Tomorrow at seven then."

"Seven it is."

"Bye, Bella."

I breathed a sigh of relief once she'd said goodbye and I'd hung up the phone. Bosley looked up at me from his spot on the carpet and gave me his goofy dog grin, his way of giving me a fist bump. I'd done it. So far so good.

I just need to get through tomorrow night.

I grabbed my list of supplies and shoved it in my pocket, eager to show it to Alice at dinner tonight. I threw on a light jacket and stepped out onto the porch with my keys, locking the door behind me. It had been cold recently, but this week, the weather had shifted a bit, giving us a rather pleasant temperature outside. No snow just yet. I was glad, because I planned to take advantage of the weather for my date with Bella tomorrow.

I arrived at Esme's just before six, greeted at the door with one of her famous, warm hugs. She smelled like lilacs and whatever goodness she was cooking inside.

"Hello, Edward." she said in my ear. "So glad to see you."

I kissed her cheek, smiled and then came inside. I made my rounds saying hello to everyone, shaking Carlisle's hand, catching up with Emmett and Jasper, saying hi to the girls. They seemed a little taken aback at my behavior. Had I really been such an asshole all this time? I admitted to myself that until recently, my mood had stayed shitty pretty much 24/7. I felt a little guilty as my own childishness came to light. But however surprised they may have been, they did their best not to show it and happily said they were glad to see me.

Whatever Esme was cooking smelled unreal. The house was warm and cozy as usual and I thought of Bella. I could imagine her happy and content beside me here with my family - who already loved her.

I was completely shocked to realize I was already building up a little American dream scenario with her in my head and banished those thoughts immediately. Thinking too far ahead...getting too hopeful...that all added up to heart break.

And I still had to take this girl on a first date. Fuck.

"Edward would you help me set the table, dear?" Esme asked.

I excused myself from a conversation with Emmett about the firehouse policies, and slipped into the dining room to help.

Esme had a soft smile on her face as she handed me plates and forks. Here in the dining room, it was a little quieter. The chatter of the rest of the family stayed in the living room.

"You look happy, Edward." she remarked quietly, her eyes focused on her task.

"I think I am..."

She grinned and looked up at me.

"Does this have to do with a certain little brunette we know and love?"

I didn't answer her, just returned her grin. She gave me a knowing smile, understanding my answer right away.

"When will you see her again?"

"I...uh...I asked her on a date tomorrow night..." I said, feeling my ears get warm. I realized as I said it how fucking nervous I was. My hands were clammy just thinking about it. I didn't get nervous like this...not about girls. This was new territory for me. And I had no idea what the fuck I was doing.

Esme's eyes widened as they shot up to meet mine. Surprise evident on her face.

"Whoa, whoa whoa..." came Alice's high pitched voice suddenly from the doorway. "Who are you going on a date with?"

I blew a deep breath out my mouth, raking my hands through my hair and looking at Esme for help.

"Edward has asked Bella on a date tomorrow night."

As she spoke, Rose came to the door beside Alice, her eyes widening in shock right beside my sister, whose jaw was on the floor.

I rolled my eyes and looked back at Esme, who simply smiled smugly and winked at me.

Alice's face exploded into a giant grin.

"Oh I KNEW IT!" she exclaimed, and then proceeded to ramble unintelligibly. All I caught out of it was 'sooooooo cuuuuttttttteeeeeee."

Part of me wanted to say 'fuck off' to all the attention that was suddenly upon me and my dating life. But the other part new I needed Alice's help to pull this off. When she had calmed down enough, I told her so. Which only caused yet another episode of squealing. I promised her that after dinner I'd show her my list.

The family had gathered in the dining room by now and the information of my date tomorrow night quickly got around. The guys reaction was all the same. Jasper and Emmett fist bumped me and Carlisle gave me a surprised but approving look.

Rose was very quiet.

Esme knew the attention was starting to get to me so she quickly sat everyone down for the meal she had made, changing the subject and saying grace.

Conversation flowed easily between all of us. And I was a part of it. Usually I was not an active participant in the social part of our get togethers. This was mostly due to the fact that my mind was constantly elsewhere and constantly clouded. But tonight I was feeling this hopefulness that allowed me to be more present. I think Esme and Carlisle noticed. Their smiles were bright and happy when I spoke, alight with pleasant surprise.

For a brief moment I thought about my mother.

She would be so happy here. In moments like this. They were simple, but they were happy. She never had enough of that. Was she happy now? Watching me?

I became ashamed when I realized that this kind of family was the epitome of the love she had always wanted. For herself and for me. And I'd had it all along, ever since she died. But I'd been too miserable to appreciate it. I had been stuck in the past for 9 years now.

"Edward, did you want seconds?" Esme said, breaking me free from my thoughts and passing me a plate full of food.

After dinner we all shared coffee and hung around the living room as usual. Emmett and Jasper were locked in some intense bowling game on the Wii. Carlisle and Esme were playing gin on the table and laughing at the two idiots flailing their arms and shouting at each other. I took a moment to grab Alice and pull her aside, not wanting another spectacle over the list I had to show her.

"Edward, this is such a romantic idea...I can't believe you! Where have you been hiding all this time?" she grinned, punching me in the shoulder.

"Shut up. Can you help me get these?"

"Of course! I'll come over tomorrow and help you set up."

"Thanks, Al. I really...uh...I just..." I sighed. Words. Not working. "Thanks."

She grinned and winked before re-entering the living room. I could hear her loudly challenging her husband to be to a game of Wii bowling. I was about to join everybody when I suddenly noticed Rose, standing in the hallway to the left, her arms folded tightly around her chest, watching me.

To be honest, it scared the shit out of me.

"Jesus, Rose! Creep much?" I tried to laugh off the fact that I'd been startled.

She rolled her eyes at me, but didn't smile or laugh along with me.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked, noticing her attitude had been off all night.

"Edward..." her gaze leveled at me. "I am happy for you, I want you to know that. I really hope that you've reached a turning point."

She walked towards me. "But I am not going to lie to you. I am worried."

"Rose...I know I..."

"No. You don't know. That's exactly the problem. You don't know how to have a relationship. And Bella is a really good girl, Ed. A really good girl. Have you thought this through at all?"

I started to feel my infamous temper come to a boil under my skin. She was repeating to me all the doubts and fears I already had about myself.

"Forgive me," she said, lowering her gaze. "I want to have faith in you, Edward. I really do. This could be a really good thing for you. For both of you. I just want you to remember that you need to be careful with Bella. If you could have seen her at the hospital gala...I don't know...just...anyone could see that Bella has a history. Of what, we don't know. But she's got a big heart. She's strong, but she's also sensitive. And she's my friend. And you are practically my brother. You can't lose your shit with her. I'm nervous about what happens if things go crashing down in flames between you two."

"Rose...the last thing in the world I want to do, is to hurt Bella." I tried to keep from snapping at her, and lowered my voice as well. But my words still held a defensive tone. "I don't know what the fuck I'm doing - you think I don't know that? All I do know is that something about Bella...she's just...she's changing me. Fixing me. Or rather, helping me fix myself. And she doesn't even know it."

When I looked up at Rose again, her eyes had softened and she was regarding me curiously.

"I know I'm a dick, Rose. That's not news to me. But I could really use some fucking encouragement."

She searched my face in silence for a moment before taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"Okay. You have my support." she replied. But she raised a painted red finger to my face and gave me a stink eye. "You better call me if something happens or you aren't sure of what to do, or if you are on the verge of being Dickward with her, understand? Don't be too proud to keep asking for help. Have you seen how happy Esme and Carlisle are tonight? I wish you would have reached out to us a long time ago, even before Bella. But I guess everybody's heart works at its own pace."

I didn't know what to say to that. But I was letting out a sigh of relief, knowing that I'd been able to win Rose over. If I could convince her I was capable of all of this, then I could convince myself. Slowly but surely. She messed up my hair before joining Emmett in the other room.

I rolled my eyes and followed her into the living room.

"Are you heading home, Edward?" Esme asked.

Usually when we had family dinners, I was the first to leave. Sometimes not even bothering to stay for coffee and dessert. Everyone knew this.

But I looked at my family, all staring at me hopefully ...and thought differently.

"Nah... Gotta kick Emmett's ass at bowling first." I winked.

Next chapter BPOV first date!