The plane rumbled under my feet and my hand instinctively grabbed Edward's arm. He smirked and glanced at me over his in-flight magazine.

"Are you scared of planes Bella?" His grin was crooked and I felt my insides warm until the plane started to taxi towards the runway.

"No…" My voice quaked and my grip tightened. He chuckled and interlaced our fingers.

"Why didn't you tell me planes frightened you? We could have driven." He brought my fingers to his lips and lightly kissed my knuckles. My other hand was gripping my armrest as the plane picked up speed.

"I don't have a problem with planes." I insisted once more. Edward cocked a brow. The wheels began to pick up off the runway and I pushed my head hard back against my seat. The air from my small vent doused my face and I tried to take deep calming breaths. My heart was beating so loudly in my chest I was positive that the passengers back in coach could hear it.

"Bella." He shook his head and angled his long legs closer to me. "Why didn't you tell me?" He gently caressed my cheek trying to help calm me down. My eyes were fixed on the seat in front of me and I tried to ignore the tilted earth outside of my window.

"I only have a problem with take off." I mumbled. My hand fumbled in my purse until I found a piece of gum when I felt my ears about to pop. Edward chuckled once more.

As the plane began to level off I felt my anxiety drop. The fasten seat belts light flickered off and my heart rate was back to normal. Edward was still smiling but he had resumed reading his magazine. I pulled my book from my purse and began to read. The next two and a half hours should not be too bad.

We sat reading for about a half hour before Edward put his hand casually on my knee. One would think that such a simple contact would be entirely normal, but his bare palm on my skin was sending electrical impulses all over my body. Edward seemed unfazed by the contact and was now completing the crossword puzzle in the newspaper with a serene look upon his face. I shifted slightly in my seat to cross my legs but his hand stayed in place despite my movement.

I gave him a critical look and a hint of a mischievous smile could be seen but he did not acknowledge my gaze. The people around us seemed unaware of us. I studied anyone I could see trying to ignore Edward, even it if was a futile effort. There was a severely thin woman sitting across the row with a small frou frou dog in her lap. Its collar seemed to be encrusted in jewels. I tried to picture Maurice in such an expensive garment and had to stifle a giggle. I felt a pang of guilt for leaving him with Alice for the duration of our trip, but I knew she would take good care of him. And of course spoil him rotten.

Maurice would sit and glare at me as long as there was something around his neck in the past so I had been forced to let the pet clothing fad pass me by. One Christmas I bought him a small kitty tie and he still gave me dirty looks occasionally for insisting he wear it. The dog was strangely obese for the size of its frame and it became obvious why as the woman fed it cubed cheese. I shook my head and sighed, that dog would not live through hip problems.

Edward's hand inched up ever so slightly but I felt the movement with every fiber of my being. His fingers delicately traced up and down the inside of my knee. The electrical charges intensified as I glanced at Edward. He seemed to be reading something, but I knew better. All of his concentration was on his hand with a glassed over look like that.

Movement caught my eye so I shifted my gaze forward. A small amber eye was peaking at me through the crease in the seats. I smiled at it and was rewarded with a small freckled face revealing itself of the top of the seat. It was a young boy with jet black hair and an adorable dusting of freckles over his nose and cheeks.

"Hey Mister. " Edward's small caresses stopped as his eyes shifted to the boy. He smiled politely.

"Yes?"

"Are you Edward Cullen? The Quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks?" The boy rested his chin on his interlaced fingers on the seat, his eyes probing. Edward gave me a sidelong glance and I nodded in encouragement.

"Yes I am. And who might you be?" The little boy sat up and puffed out his chest to seem bigger.

"My name's Jimmy. Jimmy Terrine."

"Well it's nice to meet you Jimmy." Edward held out his right hand (not the one still on my knee) to shake. Jimmy's small hand was engulfed in Edward's but I could see the effort he put in to have a strong shake. Edward released him and waited for him to state his purpose. The boy just seemed to be mesmerized by Edward so I prompted him.

"Can we help you with something Jimmy?" I smiled warmly at him. He blushed as he looked at me. His bright eyes shone with the artificial light of the plane.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Bella Swan. It's nice to meet you." I held out my hand for him to shake. His skin was as soft as a child's should be. He couldn't be more than 11 at the most.

"Are you Mr. Cullen's girlfriend?" I felt myself blush slightly at the term.

"Well I suppose I am."

"You have good taste Mr. C." Jimmy grinned at Edward. Edward grinned in return.

"Don't I know it."

"Do you think you could sign my football? My friends are not gonna believe I met you."

"Sure thing. Pass it back." The football was passed and I found Edward a Sharpie to sign with.

"Thanks!" Jimmy's entire face lit up as the ball was handed back to him. He held it delicately as if it was made from porcelain. The boy turned back around and slid back into his seat. Edward smiled at me and kissed my lips softly.

"That always makes it worth it."

"What?"

"Fans like that make the hassle of paparazzi worth it." He grinned again. I smiled back at him. His hand continued its soft caresses again. I noticed Jimmy's eye peeking at us through the crack again and I had an idea. I felt a wicked smile sweep across my face as my idea formed. It would not be a good idea for little Jimmy to see anything I had in mind.

"So Edward," I angled my legs closer to him again so our thighs were pushed together. "Are you a member of the mile high club?" I smiled innocently knowing Jimmy wouldn't know what that term meant. Edward had to do a double take at my meaning before he grinned.

"No I'm not actually. But I have been offered a membership a few times. Your offer is the most tempting I must say." He leaned as if to kiss me but I stopped him with a finger to his lips.

"I don't think that was an offer sir." I smiled sweetly. I leaned forward so my lips were close to his ear. "But I do plan on checking out the restroom capabilities and I might need a little help with my zipper." His smiled returned. Slowly I lifted my tray back into position and unbuckled my seatbelt. Carefully I slid by Edward into the aisle and I smirked at him as I swayed my hips towards to bathroom. I winked at Jimmy as I passed.

The bathroom was clean, but that was as far as it went. There would be very little maneuver room with two people squeezed into such a small space. I did a precursory glance in the mirror to check my hair. It was still held in place by a hair tie. I chewed my lip thinking. If we were really going to do this than Edward's fingers would most definitely find their way into my hair. In preparation I pulled it out of its pony tail and finger combed it to get rid of the worst knots. I applied another layer of lip gloss and waited of Edward's knock.

I unlocked the door and peaked out into the aisle after waiting for twenty minutes. A very large and angry looking woman glared at me.

"What took you so long? I have been waiting for almost ten minutes. You got the runs or something?" Her sausage fingers waved as her jowls swung to and fro. I felt my cheeks flush red as a few passengers turned to see who had taken so long in the bathroom. "You better not have stunk the thing up; there are other people on this plane besides yourself." The lady huffed shoving me out of the way. My face burned with embarrassment as I made my way back to my seat. A few people in aisle seats shifted away as I moved passed them.

I felt a pang of annoyance at Edward as I carefully walked down the aisle. He had never come to knock. He sat in his seat looking at me beseechingly. Jimmy was perched in front of him telling him a story but Edward's eyes didn't leave mine. Without touching him I slid back into my seat.

"And then my friend Teddy totally crashed his bike into a tree trunk. He had to get five stitches to get his knee to stop bleeding! It was awesome!" Jimmy's hands flapped helplessly in the air, as if the enthusiasm in his voice was not enough to convey the awesomeness of the situation.

"Well you know not to ride off that jump again right?" Edward asked as if the story really had kept him in rapt attention.

"Yeah, my mom told me I'm not supposed to anymore." Jimmy's eye brows knit together in disappointment at the news.

"Jimmy, why don't you sit down and let Mr. Cullen have a peaceful ride." A kind voice asked from the other side of the seats.

"Aw Mom, do I have to?"

"Yes, now please put your seat belt back on." Jimmy rolled his eyes.

"Alright." He disappeared behind the seat once more. Edward glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. I had pursed my lips and pulled out my book once more.

"I'm sorry. As soon as you left I was swept into the land of backyard football and BMX." I sniffed but didn't respond but inwardly smiled. "Bella? Do you forgive me?" His eyes grew wide and I thought his bottom lip might have trembled just a little bit. I turned to him and pinned him with a look.

"Oh I forgive you. But I expect full compensation for my patience once we reach the hotel." Edward grinned.

"Of course. That was going to happen anyway." His smile tilted and I felt my ears flush. How such a perfect guy chose me was still baffling.

The rest of the flight was uneventful. I finished a good chunk of my book and made Edward keep his hands to himself.

"So where are we going first?" Edward asked as we waited for our luggage at the baggage claim. I glanced at my watch and tried to think of everything that needed to be done. My cranberry colored bags emerged from the port along with my dress bag so I shuffled over to grab them before they passed. Edward carefully loaded them onto the cart.

"I think we need to go to my mom's house first. If we go to the hotel first I know we will be late for dinner." I peeked as him and he chuckled.

"That is an excellent point Miss Swan. But I think you are underestimating my powers of restraint." I laughed.

"Mr. Cullen one cannot underestimate what isn't there to begin with."

"Do I feel a challenge coming on?" His eyebrows rose in surprise.

"That all depends on the terms." We continued to the rental car desk as Edward thought. Grabbing the keys Edward led the way to the garage and our rental car. Of course Edward demanded the best so the fine piece of machinery that was to be ours for the next few days was a Tesla electric Roadster. It gleamed in the florescent light almost seeming ethereal. "Wow, this is some car." I was sure my eyebrows could not climb any higher on my face.

"She's a beauty. I can't wait to try it out." He looked like a little kid in an amusement park as he loaded the bags into the car. I waited patiently by my door until it clicked unlocked. Edward gracefully slide into the drivers' seat and sunk into the plush leather. "This is nice." His strong hands gripped the wheel as if it was a lover. Gently he put it into gear and pulled out of the parking space, down the winding corridors of the parking garage, and into Phoenix traffic.

"So have you come up with any terms for our wager yet? Oh, turn right here." I gestured with my hand as I navigated him towards my old home.

"How about whichever one of us asks for sex first is the loser?"

"Are there rules?"

"Of course. What kind of bet doesn't have rules?" His hand slide through his hair pulling it out of his eyes. "Kissing, snuggling, and touching are aloud. But not penetration of any kind."

"What about hand jobs?" I smirked at him. I thought I saw a bead of sweat appear along his upper lip but it was too dark to tell.

"No allowed. Gripped perhaps but no climaxes." I nodded my understanding.

"What are the stakes?"

"Bragging rights along with one must-answer question."

"We're taking the third exit." My teeth worried my lip as I thought about the terms. Nothing to steep and it would be fun to tease Edward.

"So are you biting?"

"Yes, I'm in." A grin flashed across Edward's face as an idea bloomed in my mind. Rearranging my face in an innocent smile, "so when are we starting?"

"Right now of course. From this point on, until one of us caves." Nodding slightly I inspected Edward's triumphant smile. He seemed very full of himself right now; he obviously doesn't think I can beat him. The feminist in my growled and I felt a streak of competitiveness steel my resolve. There is no way I'm going to let Edward win.

"Alright. So turn down the next street on the left and it will be the third house on the right." Renee's house had undergone a lot of cosmetic work since I was last here. I felt my mouth drop open as it came into view. It once was described as quant, now elaborate, or extravagant would better suit the large arch way and bay window showcasing a large chandelier.

"It this it?" Edward asked peeking out the window with a shocked look on his face. I had described the old house to him but this was a new sight for both of us.

"It's the right number but it looks totally different than I remember." My brow furrowed hoping I hadn't forgotten my own address.

"Ok, so is there any last minute advice you have for me?" Edward forcibly swallowed as we climbed from the car.

"Try not to let them corner you." He shot me a surprised look before Renee burst from the house and launched herself across the lawn towards us.

"Bella! My beautiful baby! How are you? Whose is this? He's a cutie. I haven't seen you in ages. How's your father? How's Seattle? How's your new job? Oh, I'm just so glad to see you!" She bubbled at me. I thought my brain might explode with all the questions until I felt a warm hand encompass mine. I glanced up at Edward and he had a reassuring photo-op smile plastered in his face.

"Hi Mom, I'm well, this is Edward, he's my boyfriend. I know it has been a really long time, and it's good to see you too. Charlie is doing fine as is Seattle I guess. I love my new job a lot. It's actually how I ended up meeting Edward." I racked my brain hoping I didn't forget a question but it didn't matter soon. Females began pouring out of Renee's house towards us and pulling us inside where I soon didn't know who asked which question. One thing was certain, Edward wouldn't leave my side even after countless hugs and sloppy lipstick kisses.

Slowly but surely we trickled back into the house where the more subdued guests were chatting. I saw my step sister chirping away with a group of men in front of the fireplace. The light from, the flames caught in her three carat engagement ring and I felt old anger resurface. Edward gave me a curious look but I just shook my head and plastered on my own fake smile.

"Bella!" she finally noticed me and discarded her group to flounce over to Edward and me. She threw her boney arms around my neck and flipped her fake blonde hair over her shoulder. "It's been to long big sister!" My arms went around her as a reflex just as she was pulling away.

"Sarah, it's good to see you. Congratulations." I tried to send any happiness I felt for her and James into the words but the sentiment was lost on her. She only had eyes for Edward.

"Hello there, I'm Sarah McDonald, Bella's step-sister. And you are?" she daintily held out her hand for him to take. I saw Edward's smile crack just a little but Esme taught him proper manners.

"Hello, my name is Edward Cullen and I am your sister's boyfriend. It is nice to finally meet you." He brought her knuckles to his lips for a quick peck and her eyes widened just a little in response. I felt the urge to get out my old label maker and place a big fat plastic tag with 'MINE' written on it on his forehead but the urge passed.

"Wow Bells, you really scored with this one." She glanced back at me and seemed to take in my appearance a little bit more as if trying to find what attracted this gorgeous male and if it was worth copying. I was wearing a coal gray skirt with a blue sweater and black heels. She finished her examination and her eyes flicked to mine. "Well I am so glad you two could make it but I need to make my rounds. I will see you later." She smiled flashing every pearly white in her mouth before sauntering away. I assume the extra sway in her hips was for Edward's benefit.

Renee appeared again and pulled me towards a group of people.

"Oh sweetie, you remember Charlotte, Phil's sister right? Well this is her husband Mark, and their kids Jeremy and Katie." We gave each other the awkward 'nod' since there really wasn't much to say.

"Um, hi everyone. It's to meet/see you again. This is my boyfriend Edward." Mark's face scrunched as he inspected Edward.

"Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?" His callused fingers stroked a horrible goatee as he tried to pull off a pensive look. I glanced at their children and was glad that they seemed to take after Charlotte in appearance.

"I'm not sure. Do I remind you of someone?" Edward tried to seem unaffected as if he was use to people trying to place his identity. I gripped his hand a little tighter.

"Hmm, I can't think of it right now, but I will just you wait." I smiled as if it was all good fun and excused myself to say hello to everyone else. I didn't really know anyone there since it was mostly Phil's family and Sarah's friends so there was no group I felt comfortable stopping in. Eventually I worked my way to the kitchen trying to find a less populated area. I glanced over my shoulder to see if Edward was still there as the kitchen door swung shut but he wasn't right behind me.

I turned to go look for him when I heard his voice.

"Bella?" Slowly I turned. There stood James with a glass of scotch in his hand leaning against the kitchen sink. His blonde hair was disheveled as if someone was running their hands through it and his blue eyes seemed blurry as if he couldn't believe I was really standing in front of him.

"Hello James. Congratulations on your big news." I smiled tightly. Visions of the last time I saw him flashed in my mind making it difficult to keep up the smile. I could hear Sarah's moans and his grunts of effort and smell them in my memory. Bile rose in my throat and I thought I would be sick. To avoid vomiting on the floor in front of him I spun on my heel and tried to make a quick exit.

As I went to push out of the room Edward was trying to come in so I invariably smashed him in the face with the door in my haste.

"Edward I am so sorry!" His hand cupped his nose and he tipped his head back trying to slow the blood flow. Renee materialized with a towel that we held to his face before she ushered him upstairs into the bathroom and away from me.

"I see you're as graceful as ever." James breathed into my ear. The hairs along the back of my neck rose on end and I could not prevent the slight hunch of my shoulders to avoid his touch.

"Yeah, well I guess all of us don't grow out of our clumsy phase." I joked and tried to search out a neutral party to go talk to, or an escape route up the stairs. Almost all of the women had clogged the stairwell trying to give some type of medical advice that they learned over the years. Hope at getting to Edward diminished so I sighed. James was still staring at me so I walked away feeling violated.

I found Phil in the living room by himself on my trip around the premises. I smiled at him with actual genuine happiness to see him. Even if I didn't like the fact that my parents didn't work out did not mean I begrudged my mother finding happiness again. Phil was a good guy and a good father.

"Hey Phil, it's been too long." He glanced up at me and mirrored my expression. I flipped onto the couch next to him and his arm went around my shoulder. I slid into the safe embrace of my step-father and felt almost at ease.

"Hey there Hells-Bells, I was wondering when you would show up." He dropped a kiss on my head when it flopped on his shoulder.

"Well there is no way I would miss a chance to see you in a tux, the mockery will last for years with the pictures I plan on taking." I grinned at him. He chuckled and squeezed my shoulder.

"So what's all the hub-ub out there?" He gestured with his hand towards the arguing women in the hall.

"I smacked my boyfriend in the face with the kitchen door and he started bleeding everywhere. So Mom took him upstairs and everyone wants to help." Phil all out laughed at this information.

"Oh, there is never a dull moment in the life of Bella Swan."

"No there is not." We sat in compatible silence for a minute just looking at the fire until Renee bustled in.

"There you are. Sweetie I think his nose it fine. Why don't we go out and get your luggage out of the car? Edward is just trying to get the bleeding to stop and I feel we should be useful." My head cocked slightly.

"Why do we need to bring in the luggage? Edward and I were going to rent a hotel room." Renee flushed slightly thinking about Edward and I sharing a room but didn't comment.

"Come on now sweetie. I never see you and who knows when you'll come back? We have plenty of room here and I would hate for you to waste perfectly good money on a hotel room when you can stay here for free." Renee batted her big brown eyes so like mine and I felt my resolve shatter. There is no way to convince her once she has decided on a course of action. I sighed and stood.

"Ok, let's go get the bags." She whooped with happiness and snaked and arm around my waist.

"Oh Bella, just wait, this is going to be so much fun!" I fought the urge to grip the bridge of my nose just like Edward when he was angry.