Thank you everyone your reviews amazed me! I could not find any music for this chapter. Sometimes something hits me and this time it didn't. I don't own these characters but I do own smoked salmon dip. This chapter is for Lorit. She gave me an awesome review and just had surgery. I wish you well and I hope you all enjoy.

BPOV/SEPTEMBER 1ST

The past weeks have been so busy I have not seen much of anyone other than Ben and Angela. I miss sleep but I have learned a lot about those two friends and workers of mine. I learned more about them than I ever thought I would and most of the time I was blushing. The man that asked for one of our business cards had been keeping us busy. We had done meals for every night just about. Last week school started again and one of the parents had hired us to do lunches for all the staff. We had finished with that and had a moment of peace for once.

I walked into the kitchen after taking inventory of the stock rooms. We were low on a lot of things and we needed to do an order soon. I heard the phone ring and told Angela I would get it. Both Angela and Ben were downstairs taking stock of what supplies we had down there.

"Sugar and Spice how can I help you?" I grabbed an order form and a pen. It was habit now and after the weeks we have had my brain was complete mush.

"Bella I know this is last minute but we have a dinner party for next Saturday. Is there anyway you can do the catering for us? We are entertaining some Japanese Dignitaries and there will be 8 of us."

Crap the night of my birthday! I didn't want to do anything or have anything planned. I wanted to stay in eat junk food and watch old movies. This certainly put a stop to that.

"

Esme yes we can do it. I don't know what kind of menu you want? I will do the cooking but Ben and Angela will be delivering it. Does Alice need to do any kind of set up for us?" I scribbled down the date and hoped she would give me carte blanche on the menu.

"Bella that is fine and anything you do will be fine. We don't need Alice but I will talk to her for some ideas. I wanted to do this on my own with my touches. Dinner is a 7pm and I am sure we will enjoy it all! If you need anything else don't hesitate to call me! Enjoy your week and we all miss you but know you have been busy!" With that she hung up.

I yelled for Angela and told her what was up. She mentioned my birthday but I told her I would do something later after things settled down. We got back to work as we had the Palmer wedding this weekend. We were all stressed out but ready for it. The budget for this wedding had grown from a small budget to enormous proportions. To get an account like this was outstanding for a company as new as ours.

I finished up the pastiage work for the wedding cake. The groom's cake was a red velvet armadillo. It was fucking hilarious and we were told the groom's favorite movie was "Steele Magnolias" It was ready to go and in the fridge. The hor' derves for the rehearsal night were finished too. At least they did not want a full meal for that. Other than to transport things we were ready to go to the hotel and get cooking.

We all finished looking at our lists. The orders had been placed and supplies were to be delivered to the hotel. The chef there had been super nice and welcoming to us. I told them to have a good night. All I wanted was a hot meal and shower and much needed sleep.

ESMEPOV/SEPTEMBER 1ST

I picked up the phone in Carlisle's office. I knew we all could pull this off for Bella. I dialed the number and told her what I needed. I hope I could lie because I never lied. It was the one thing we taught the boys was never to lie. I hoped that she was not that busy she could handle this.

"Bella!! (Edward came into the office and I put my finger to my mouth) I am so happy to hear your voice. We are in a pinch dear. Carlisle informed me this morning that some Japanese Dignitaries are coming to town this next week and we need to entertain them. They have meetings all day Friday the 12th but I thought dinner would be nice for them on the 13th. "I heard her pause I hope that she had nothing planned.

She told me she would do it but Angela and Ben would deliver it. I told her to do whatever she wanted for the menu. She brought up Alice helping but I told her that I had it covered and little did she know Alice was doing it. I told her that we missed her but knew she had been busy. I told her to enjoy here week too.

"Mom I thought you taught us lying was never good for the soul?" Edward looked at me with a smirk on his face. He started to laugh and then hugged me.

"Mom I know I have never said anything about this but thank you for being there for me. I am sure I was an ass through the years." I noticed he sat down at the couch.

"Edward we are all happy you are back to us. Believe me I hoped that one day you would come back to us." I had tears in my eyes as I was glad that he had finally woken up from his nightmare.

"Just exactly are we going to get Bella for her birthday? I know the present will be from you but I think we should get her some other things too. Rosalie had mentioned another spa day for us girls. I know Bella enjoyed that well I hope she did. "I chuckled at the thought of her screaming when she had her wax.

"Mom I found the perfect present for her." He pulled out a picture of a charm bracelet. It was tri colored gold and had small hearts all around it. It was perfect for Bella. I agreed with him and he said he had ordered it already and had put some engraving on the hearts. He never said what he had them put on there but she would not notice it unless she really looked at it.

"I also called Angela too about the cake. She said not to worry she would get it done at night and hide it from her. I called Alice and she said not to worry about the table. Also we hired a string quartet for the night but I know we would all love to hear you play again." I noticed he was checking things off in his head.

We made small talk and he left to go back checking the numbers for the Japanese job. I went back to planning a party that I was not planning. I laughed to myself over that one. I heard my cell phone ring and noticed it was Alice.

"Alice everything is all set up. I think she was upset to do a job on her birthday. Yes I think your plan of taking her out to dinner will help. If you need anything please don't hesitate to call. We have missed you the past few weeks. "I hung up the phone as Carlisle came into his office.

"Esme I think we should have both of our name's on the door. You seem to be here more than I do lately." He swept me up into a passionate embrace and kissed me on the lips. He went over and locked the door to the office. He pulled down the blinds and came over to me with fire in his eyes.

He slowly unbuttoned my shirt as he kissed my neck. I was going for the zipper on his slacks just as the phone rang.

"Damn it!! Carlisle yelled in frustration. The secretary came on and said it was Japan. I buttoned up my blouse and did the zipper up on his pants. Secretary and boss play would have to come later. Real work was needed to be done. I kissed him and unlocked the door as I went out. I heard him pick up the phone and say just a moment.

"Esme my love we will return to our business later you can count on that." I blushed as I blew a kiss to him. I loved him more than he even knew. After all these years of marriage and 3 beautiful boys he still made my body melt.

BPOV/September 5th

We were ready for this wedding. I had to finally admit that I had butterflies again. They were dive bombing in my stomach and battling with my morning coffee. Ben had taken the hor' dorves to the hotel so the staff there could start plating them on the mirrors Alice had found. I secretly thanked the father of the bride for hiring the hotel help. This wedding had grown so huge there is no way we could have done that. It made me realize that we needed more help if the load of work continued but I was happy about that.

"Angela I was going to tell you this earlier but I booked us a suite at the hotel. I am only going to stay tonight so we can work late. It is paid up till Monday so I want you and Ben to enjoy it. I know it is not much but I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me." I turned around to look at her with a pot holder on my hand.

"Bella thank you for doing that. You really didn't have to but we will enjoy it. You and Alice have done so much for us both. The car, a place to stay, work and it made our lives so much easier. Because of all this we are able to get married sooner and buy our own place sooner too." She flashed the ring to me. How did I miss this? One of my dearest friends got engaged and I missed it!

"Bella please don't look sad. It happened the night when you went off to watch the Cullen presentation. We were dishing out food and there was a break. He took me in his arms and said that he never wanted to let me go. I got down on one knee and put the ring on my finger. In reality no one knows yet but you." I hugged her so hard and gave her a kiss on her cheek. She showed me the ring. It was small but it was beautiful in its own way.

"Angela anytime you are ready you let us both know. You are going to have the most beautiful wedding just wait and see!! With Alice's taste and my cooking no one could out do your dream!" I went on to tell you that we would charge for only the cost of supplies and food. She was elated and I told her we could talk when there was some down time. I just hoped that was soon.

Ben came through the door and said he was ready to load back up. I noticed he hung up the van keys.

"Before you freak the management gave us their van to use. Their van can take everything including the cake in one trip. With our van it would take me forever." I smiled at him and it settled him. Everything was going to be ok. Angela told him about the suite and then about me finding the ring. I told him we would celebrate when we were all not so busy.

We finished loading up the van and I grabbed our clean chef coats. Alice made sure we stood out with the new fuchsia colors. Alice waved to me from our place and I waved back. I heard my cell phone ring and I knew it was her. She had set her ringtone on my phone to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"

"Alice I am on my way out what can I help you with?" I was walking to the van out in front of the main house.

"Bella what time are you going to be home? I want to take you shopping for your birthday. I know you wanted to keep it simple but I thought we could do dinner just the two of us like old times." I heard her giddy when she said shopping. I just rolled my eyes as I got into the van. Angela must know me well she had grabbed my lap top for me.

"Alice it is not like you are going to be at the wedding this weekend. Why did you bring this up now?" that dear friend of mine had ulterior motives.

"I don't want you escaping from this shopping trip with me. You have been so busy I have missed you. Please let me do this for you ok?" I now felt like utter shit at being a complete diva to my best friend.

"Alice I will be home sometime Saturday night. All we have to do is make sure the buffets are set up and the workers know what to do. The rest they are handling. I got the suite for Angela and Ben so they won't be home till Monday sometime. Alice we can go shopping on Sunday ok! I love you for doing this but please no big fuss. I will see you at the hotel." With that I shut my phone and we took off.

The rehearsal dinner was over and things were cleaned up. The ballroom was just beautiful. Alice certainly knew what she was doing. The room was done in round tables that surrounded the dance floor. A huge orchestra was set up in back of that. Colors of bright pink and green were every where. It was not my taste but it was beautiful. I was more of a jewel tone person being cobalt blue the front runner. I am more elegant than this bride too as from what I saw it was all way to modern for me.

Angele, Ben and I got to work on finishing up the cake and other things that we left to last minute. We went through the lists one final time and we headed up to the room. It was beautiful and so much room. I am glad I got it for them for the remaining days. I also made sure everything was paid for so all they had to do was relax and enjoy it.

I crawled into bed after a much needed shower. I heard giggling next door and plugged my iPod buds into my ears. I lifted the lid to my lap top and was happy to see wireless service. I logged on and noticed a familiar ding. A huge smile came over my lips and I was happy to give up a little sleep tonight.

Edward: Good evening Princess. You must have been busy working. It has been awhile since the last time we chatted.

I was not going to let her know I knew exactly what she had been up to. She had been working herself to the bone. I talked to my family about it and all we could come up with was that she kept busy to keep her mind off of things.

Bella: Hi! I am sorry and yes I have been busy working. I feel like all I do is sleep and work these days. Even my best friend and I are like passing ships in the night.

Edward: Life happens like that sometimes. Did you enjoy the Bite of Oregon? I am assuming you were there. The food was exceptional this year as well as the bands. There was a business that was new this year called Sugar and Spice. The food they had was all from Alaska and it was exceptional compared to everything else.

I hoped she picked up on that. I didn't come out and tell her it was me but I brought up to see what she would say.

Bella: I was there for awhile. I did not get to try much of anything but the music was good. The thing that awed me was the family that made the huge donation.

I had a huge smile on my face knowing he was talking about my culinary splendors. I did not know who this guy was but I needed to talk to someone else besides Alice about what I saw that night. The Cullen family amazed me. What I was in awe of was Edward that night. For once he smiled, he laughed and you could feel the love he had for his family that night. Corny yes but seeing that made me change my view on him that night.

Edward: Oh the Cullen family? They do that every year. For a family that has money they have a heart for those around them.

I was not going to tell her I was Edward. We did that as a family every year and each time they made me go. This year was different. I realized that I could do more than be a mourning self loathing piece of shit. I made everyone around me miserable usually those nights but this year we laughed and cried more than we ever had. That little girl broke my heart that night. She was so sweet and caring despite her difficulties she was born with. I saw how everyone was that night. Emmett and Rosalie even more so now that they are expecting a child of their own were happy to be with the kids.

Bella: I was just floored at them. From what I hear their son Edward is an ass. Seeing him that night sure put him in a different light that what I had heard of.

I remembered that night when he had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. It was nice to see him put down the mask he had been wearing. He put up this wall to those all around him and that night it was dropped. I would never tell him that but there was more to him that what I was told.

Edward: I did not see that part I was to busy stuffing my face. 

I was not going to tell her that it was me up there. She saw me in a different light? Was I slowly melting the façade I had shown her? I just hoped when this all came out she would see me for who I am and understand why I was like that.

Bella: I wish I had more time to see and taste things that were around me. So what are you plans for the weekend and next week?

I was curious. I wanted to know what this man was doing every minute. I wanted to know everything about him. There was just something that made me weak in the knees. I am sure I would never meet him but if there was a chance I would do it.

Edward: I have to work on a new site and then a party for next weekend. I hope it will be fun and a night full of surprises. What about you?

I silently chuckled at myself that the new site was in Japan. The party I was going to was for her. I wanted her to be in the spotlight even though she did not like it. I wanted to show her how gentle and kind I could be.

Bella: I have to work a wedding this weekend for work and next week is my birthday. My best friend wants to take me to dinner and she has already warned me about a shopping trip. (Shudders)

Edward: I hope work goes well for you. I didn't realize it was your birthday next week. Happy Birthday early! Is shopping that bad really?

I knew how Alice could be. I knew that whatever they bought Bella would be beautiful in it. I could not wait to see her in it.

Bella: You don't know my best friend. Shopping to her is like air for a normal person. You men have it so easy. You put on a suite and look good. For us we have to have the perfect dress, shoes, accessories, makeup and hair. I don't mind looking good but I am more comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans. That and she is damn pushy I love her but sometimes she is a little to much to take.

I was right on that. I always liked the way I looked after Alice was done but the horror before was just boring to me. I could care less what matched with what. I was really tired of her being so pushy about dressing her way. Sometimes I wished she would back the fuck off.

Edward: So how do you celebrate your birthday? Anything special planned?

Bella: My best friend mentioned going to dinner. When I was little my parents and I celebrated our birthday's together as they were all close to each other. Mom would make a white chocolate marbled cake with peanut butter in the middle. It has always been my favorite. Can we change the subject please?

We talked for a few more hours. He wanted to know why I was not looking forward to my birthday. I never really gave him an answer and gracefully skirted the issue. He took my hint and backed off. It was the one thing I liked about him. He never pushed me for anything I didn't want him to know. We talked about music, books and everything else we could think of. We even talked about things that we had talked about before. I was scared to ask him if we could meet up. I hoped he felt the same and he would bring it up. I was not one to be pushy and show my feminine power. Alice was like that and it worked for her. The wallflower in me just wanted to curl up and die. With him I never felt like. There was something to him that I was falling for.

I told him that it was late and I need to get some sleep. We made some more small talk and then he told me goodnight beautiful. What the hell was that all about? He has never seen a picture of me!