If Twilight were mine...(I'll let you fill in the blanks).

Chapter 46

After the twins were soothed and coddled by many different hands, the group of revellers retired to the parlour to discuss the days events. A wedding to plan, an engagement to enjoy, new friends to learn about, there were many different conversations going on at once. Alice was in her element, discussing dresses with Rosalie, cakes with Mrs. Cope and invitations with Esme.

Bella sat and took it all in. She watched as the women chatted, nodding at appropriate times. Rosalie had her mother's wedding gown and Alice had offered some of her seed pearls to update it. Bella thought of what she could contribute to Rosalie's trousseau. She excused her self and went to find the trunk her father had left her. She reached in and removed a couple of the lace-edged handkerchiefs, leaving several behind. She brought them back to the gathering and offered them to Rosalie. When they asked she told them the story of the trunk and the treasures within.

"I received a letter from Mother Superior at the orphanage informing me that someone was looking for me who had information about my father. It's been almost ten years and I hadn't heard anything about my family. I had to go to see what it was about. I'm sorry I made you all worry. I thought I'd be back in time for your arrival. I was delayed and stayed longer than anticipated."

The men had stopped their conversation to listen to her story.

"Just before he married my step-mother my father gathered a few things for me. He was going to present them to me for my eighteenth birthday but he died. He left a trunk in his friends possession and the friend gave it to the local magistrate for safe keeping. These handkerchiefs were my mother's, I guess. Rosalie, I would be honoured if you were to make use of them for your wedding."

Rosalie was taken aback but nodded, her eyes glistening.

Bella went on to tell everyone of the letters, the portrait and the rings. She was so proud to finally have a family to share her life with, and something from her family to share.

It came time for Emmett and Rosalie to leave and return to their homes. Arrangements were made for the next day to resume wedding preparations focusing on the repair of Rosalie's wedding dress.

While Alice went to the kitchen to help Mrs. Cope with the evening meal, Edward and Bella decided to take the girls for a late afternoon stroll. Bella steered them towards her new house and stopped in front of the gate.

"Edward?" She asked, trying his proper name for the first time. Saying it out loud caused flutters in her stomach.

"That's the first time you've said my name. I like the sound of it, much better than Sir." Bella blushed and stammered, unsure how to start this conversation.

"What do you think of this house? Could you see it, perhaps as a medical office?"

Edward looked at the house closely. It was in need of some repairs, mostly some cleaning and new paint.

"Why?" He had no idea how she came to know of this place.

Bella took a deep breath.

"It's my house. I don't know that I want to live in it but I thought, perhaps, you and Jasper could find some use for it. We could sell it if you'd prefer."

"Your house, Bella, how did you? When?"

"There was another visitor waiting for me at the orphanage. My step-mother's brother left me this house as an apology for his sister's transgressions. I thought I could give it to you as a dowry." She studied his face. He shook his head.

"As a wedding present then?" He smiled and nodded at her. He did not want her to think that she needed some sort of payment for marriage.

"Are you sure this is what you want? Not just using the house but all of this, me, my girls, my family? This house could be your independence, Bella. What I'm asking is are you sure about me?"

She stepped in front of him and raised up on her toes. She very gently pressed her lips to his. She smiled at him as she backed away.

"I'm sure."

They spent the rest of their walk talking and learning each other. Histories and plans, dreams and aspirations, fears and doubts, all things that should be spoken about between a couple. It had been a very twisted and confusing journey to get to this point. There were miles to go but they would try together. Slowly they made their way back to the house where their family waited.

AN: As you can tell this story is winding down, just a few more chapters to go.