Sugar and Spice

by alaskangirl

With Bella's love of cooking and Alice's flair for parties their dream comes true of owning their own business. Both Bella and Edward have pasts to deal with. Will love help them and can they help each other?

65. Chapter 65

I want to apologize for taking so long to get this out. For some reason this last part gave me fits. I don't own these characters I just make them have a good time. The songs for this chapter are "To Make You Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks, " "Angel in the Night" by Basshunter, "At Last" by Etta James and "All Shook Up" by Elvis. There is one more chapter after this and then the sequel but I will let you all know that next chapter. Yes I am evil LOL

BPOV/NEW YEAR'S EVE

The past week had been one of the best weeks of my life so far other than opening Sugar and Spice. Edward and I had been attached at the hip kind of. He stayed with me as Alice had stayed with Jasper. We spent time enjoying each other's company. One morning he surprised me with breakfast in bed. The man can cook let me tell you. I had thoughts of us in the kitchen one day having fun. He took me to the park that we shared the picnic at. I was not sure how I liked it the best in daylight or moonlight. We spent time with everyone laughing, playing games and enjoying food that I threw together on a whim. We all fit in at the coach house. I woke up one morning to the Christmas tree gone. My little tree was put into its box and into my closet. The tree that had been in the fish tank was replaced with a big party hat that they could swim through. Alice had been busy as she carefully packed away everything at the main house too. I had made previous arrangement for the lights to be taken down too and Alice had made sure they were packed away too. I was so darn happy that I didn't have to do it that I told her I would never complain about shopping trips or make-over's again.

One night Edward and I were lying on the couch watching Blue Hawaii and he asked me about my guitar. After hearing the CD I made him he was curious as to what I sounded like in real life. It was something I had been so secretively about in the past but music was one thing we had in common among some other things. I went up to my room and grabbed it out of my closet. I came back down and slowly took it out and started playing for him. I played our song "Can't Help Fall In Love With You". When I set down my guitar Edward had a fierce look in his eyes that I was his last meal. I went up to put my guitar away and he pulled me into his lap. That one song led to a long make out session on the couch. Edward never pressured me into anything I didn't want to do. He was romantic, soft and slow and basically we never made it past French kissing.

I woke up and laid there all safe and cozy in Edward's strong arms thinking about tonight. I was finally going to give myself to him. I wanted this more than anything with him. I wanted to be more than his friend and girlfriend; I wanted to be his lover. It was way too early to be up so I snuggled back down and went back to sleep trying not to have a fucking panic attack.

I was woken to the bed bouncing and thought we were having a freaking earth quake till I realized I knew that bounce.

"Damn it Alice it is way to early for you to be that energetic. Leave us alone we need our sleep." I pulled the covers over our head and held tight on to Edward. He was now awake in a stupor wondering what the hell was going on.

"Do you think if we ignore she will go away?" I looked at him with his face all sleepy but looking damn sexy. I saw him nod his head no and kiss me on the lips.

"Bella, I have been forewarned by not only Alice but Rose and my mother to let you go. They have plans and as Alice told me if we don't abide by her rules there will be hell to pay!" I started giggling as he carefully tickled my side.

"Damn straight now get your asses out of that bed! Bella you need a quick shower, wear whatever you want but make it quick! As for you Edward, the Cullen men are waiting for you at Emmett's so quit snoggin my best friend and light a fire under your ass!" We heard her run down the steps and went back to kissing.

"Damn it I mean it! Don't make me come back up there! MOVE IT SLACKERS!" for someone so small her voice carried.

"I never should have gotten her that book on British terms. As much as I would love to stay in bed and kiss you some more I value my life more." I kissed him on lips and felt him laugh as we tried to kiss.

We both rolled out of bed and I went into my closet to pick out something easy to wear because I knew we had spa plans. Alice never really said what they all had planned but for a night like this I knew it was coming. Edward snaked his hands around my waist and started kissing my bare shoulders. I had worn a tank top to bed and he admitted he liked my bare shoulders. He told me he would see me tonight and to remember that he loved me. We shared a slow kiss and were interrupted again.

"Why are you still snogging and why are you not in the damn shower yet? Edward out now before I take you out myself." Alice had one of her hands on her hip and the other pointing to the door.

"I am going you pixie from hell! I will remember this for when you and Jasper need a moment!"

I could hear Jasper yelling downstairs for Edward to hurry the hell up. He went to give me another kiss and Alice pushed him out the door before our lips met. I frowned at her and hit the shower. I got showered and dresses as fast as I could without injuring myself. I came down stairs with my shoes in my hands and noticed the girls sitting on the couch.

"About damn time Bella! We have things to do and plans!" Alice was bouncing off the seat and I just stared at her.

"Let me get one cup of coffee in and I am yours. Good morning Rose and Esme, did she take you out too with her bossiness?"

I went in and poured myself a hot cup of coffee. I don't think I could have kept breakfast down but drink of the gods brought me back to life. I noticed everyone talking as I sat down on the couch.

"So Bella are you excited for tonight?" Everyone looked at me as I sipped my black nirvana.

"Of course I am excited about tonight. I have heard so much about this that I can't wait to see it!"

Everyone's mouth dropped to the floor and then it dawned on me they were not talking about the party or showing Edward his loft. It was about us having SEX!!!

"SHIT!! Ok I am only saying this once and only once, my plans are still in affect and I am not saying another damn word. I have kamikaze butterflies in my stomach right now and you are all not helping them." I took another drink of my coffee to calm me down.

Everyone mouths closed and they smiled at me. Esme got up and sat next to me. I knew something was coming but nothing did. She just hugged me and kissed the top of my head. I really didn't want to go there with them and in that one little movement I was assured it was not going to be discussed.

We all got ready and went down to the limo that was waiting for us. I didn't put up a fight about this as tonight was a special night and we would never be able to be in the year 2008 again. We all climbed in and Alice mentioned we needed to stop off at Miss Kellie's first. She reminded me I still had to find gloves and shoes.

We drove along talking about the party and what to expect from those that were attending. Esme warned us that the Palmer's would be there and another couple that was just as bad as they were. I dawned on me I forgot to pack my overnight bag. I put my hands in my lap and thought I already fucked this up before it even began. Alice put her hands on my head and lifted it. There on the seat was a bag all ready packed and ready to go for me.

"Bella I packed it a few days ago when you and Edward were at the park. I knew you would be nervous and forget so please don't worry everything is there. "I sprang across the seat and hugged her nearly knocking her on the floor of the limo. We all laughed and made small talk again as we pulled up into the familiar store we all loved.

Everyone had everything they needed but me. I needed to find gloves as I felt self conscious with my hand still and I need to find shoes. We all walked in and Miss Kellie was waiting for us. She had out lines of beautiful shoes for me to try on. I was not sure what I wanted to go with as my dress was so beautiful that I didn't want to take away from it.

"Now Bella pick your shoes and then we can match the gloves to that. " She went off talking to everyone else and let me find what I wanted.

I found the perfect pair of stilettos. They were the purest color of silver I had ever seen and I knew they would give my dress the pop I needed. Everyone was happy to see what I found and Miss Kellie disappeared on all of us. She came back with matching silver gloves. They were simple but matched perfectly. I told her to wrap them up and I quickly paid for them before anyone else could. I grabbed my package and Miss Kellie said she would see us there. We got into the limo and Esme told us that she loved her so much that she invited her to the party. When it came to the people the Cullens knew it was a mix of the hoi polloi to blue collar and they all mixed well. Esme made sure no one was made to feel like the scum of the earth at anything she did.

We arrived at the spa and went in. I learned that we were going to have the full treatment. A pedicure, manicures, wraps, massages, steam baths, hair and make-up. I knew I wanted to get a touch up on my Brazilian wax. I knew pain was in my future but if it made Edward happy then I would be happy.

I went in and tried to hold my excitement for what was to come. Everyone went their separate ways and we would meet up in hair and make-up later. I was surprised that the touch up on my wax was not all that bad. I went for a steam bath instead of a wrap. I had some thing swirling around in my head that I needed to figure out. I wrapped the towel around my naked body and entered the room. Holy shit it was hot and I instantly felt like a baked potato.

We enjoyed the steam bath and Esme said she was heading to her message. She laughed as she saw us both in the mirror. For two women that were sweaty as hell we looked damn good. I went to my message and enjoyed every minute of it. With what Esme said to me and the women with the magic fingers my fear was gone. The kamikazes were gone and excitement replaced them. The woman finished up my message and led me to the shower room. She said to scrub the body and not the hair as that would come after.

I enjoyed the wonderful jets spraying on me, quickly toweled off and got dressed. I walked out and noticed Rose, Alice and Esme all waiting for me. We all walked into the room where we would get everything else. This place was a god send as they could work on our hands, feet and hair all at the same time. I decided to keep things simple and just get a French manicure on both my hands and feet. Esme interrupted us as we were trying to decide what to do with my hair. She held a small box in her hands and put it in mine.

"Bella I know I already gave you some of my grandmother's jewelry but I want you to have these too. I think they would match your dress perfectly and add to the beauty that is you. Before you say know Rose has some too and I have not given Alice hers yet."

I carefully opened the box and saw the most beautiful set of hair combs. They were in the art deco style and had stars all over the top of them. I knew they were diamonds but I was so happy to have them. I had tears in my eyes and told her thank you for giving them to me. Esme knew in her heart that I was not leaving their family and it was just a matter of time before I was going to be an official Cullen. In hear heart I was already her daughter.

The man put my hair into big soft curls. On each side he rolled it up and put a comb on each side. My hair style was very simple but it made my outfit. Some woman came before me and started on my make up. She kept it simple and old Hollywood. When she whipped me around in the chair I heard whistles from the girls.

There was Rose smiling at me. Her hair was left down but it was soft that it looked like spun gold. She had told us earlier in the week that her body was no longer hers. She had ventured into a new world with the end of this pregnancy. She glowed before but now it was like a nuclear glow.

Esme had her hair up in a simple chignon with the dragonfly pin that Carlisle had given to her pinned in it. I was wondering how they put it in till she said they sewed it in so it would not be lost. She looked beautiful and it was hard for me to think that she was going to be a grandmother of two soon.

Alice looked at me with a huge grin on her face. She had gone with a sparkle theme and had them spray her with glitter. Her hair was slicked back into tiny pin curls and I noticed she had some beautiful rose clips in her hair. I knew Esme had given them to her.

We were going to be the belles of the ball when we entered tonight. Esme told us that we would get dressed in their condo and we would enter with the men waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs. Rose mumbled that they could just roll her down as she had troubles walking right these days. I said I would roll her down if she made sure I didn't kill myself. We all roared in laughter as I noticed Esme pay the bill. I was not going to make a fuss tonight even though I knew this trip had been expensive. I would go to the ends of the earth for these people and they knew it.

We got into the limo and Alice put on some music to get us into the mood. I noticed Esme taking pictures again. She was sneaky when she did that and I had some many pictures now of moments I missed that I was glad she was.

"Bella there is one more thing you need to see before we go get dressed for this evening." I realized she had finished the loft and wanted me to see it. I was excited to see it as she kept a lot of secret to me.

We drove along and talked about everything. It was nice to have women to talk to but I missed Angela. I had called her last night to say an early Happy New Year's as I knew they were going to some other town to celebrate. Alice had finally reached Mr. Xavier and we found out that his partner was in hospice and it was just a matter of time before he passed. She sent our love and if there was anything we could do to let us know. My heart was breaking for him as they had been together longer than most married couples I knew.

We pulled into the private garage that the Cullen's used at their building. Esme said she needed to check in with the crew that was pulling everything but she said she would do that after I saw the loft. Our dresses were already waiting for us but I made sure I didn't forget my shoes, gloves and over night bag. Going up in the elevator brought back the butterflies that were bombing my stomach. We got off at the top floor and I saw the familiar doors.

Esme walked to Edward's door and unlocked it. She let me go first so I would be the first one to see her magnificent work. She turned the light on and I saw how much work she had done for us. The once empty, lifeless hole was now a home.

A sectional sofa was in the middle in the color of a soft deep blue. A huge chair was opposite of it with an ottoman in front of it. The tables were in wood but were very simple and square. On the wall was the biggest plasma television I have ever seen. Underneath it was a low cupboard. It held all the components for the satellite, stereo and whatever else we would need. The fireplace mantel was in the same wood as the tables. There were lamps everywhere that would add a special glow to the room.

On the other end was the kitchen. It was done in the same wood as the rest of the room. The whole kitchen was stocked with all the cooking supplies a chef would ever need. Esme said that everything was the top of the line because she knew I loved to cook. I saw champagne and strawberries in the fridge when I opened it.

Esme then showed me that the dinning room table could be made into a huge table for whatever guests came by. It was then I spotted the baby grand piano. It shown in the soft light and I knew Edward would love it once he saw it. The one thing I had missed being with him this past week was he never had the chance to play for me. He wanted it to be all about me or us this past week, though he was awed when I played my guitar for him that night.

I looked around and took it all in. The room was done so well that it was modern for Edward yet old fashioned for me. The colors of blue, brown and green swirled so well together that I didn't want to add anything to it. I noticed the door to the bedroom and walked towards it.

"Bella we will be in Carlisle's and Esme room just take your time and we will be waiting for you." Alice walked out with everyone else and I heard the door shut behind me.

I walked into the bedroom and saw the most exquisite bed I have ever seen. It was a four poster bed topped off with a cap of classic molding at the top. It was big and chunky and inviting. There was a night stand on each side with a small lamp that was perfect for reading. I noticed a chair that matched the one in the living room was set near the window with a side table near it. Esme knew I loved to read, knit and everything else I could get my hands on. She made sure there was room for it though I am sure this was going to be a getaway place for us more than anything.

The huge walk in closet was organized to a tee. I noticed some of Edward's clothes in the drawers when I opened them. Rose told me at one time that Edward kept his clothes in one of the file drawers for when he needed a work out or what not.

I walked into the bathroom and I had to make sure I was breathing before I passed out. Before me was the biggest claw foot tub. It was perfect and I could see us taking many bubble baths in it together. The shower had so many shower heads on it I knew I would never be stressed out here. The bathroom was in the same shades as the rest of the loft. I put my over night bag in the closet and put everything I brought where it needed to go. The special lingerie I bought for tonight was put into a special drawer that Alice had marked that way Edward would never find it.

I noticed some boxes on the floor and made a mental note to ask about them. Everything was perfect and it was us. Esme had done this for us because she knew we were not letting each other go. I was so calm that I tripped over the soft rug that was on the floor when I realized just what tonight meant. I had to sit down on the couch to get myself back together before I saw the girls.

I heard someone clear their throat and looked up. Alice was looking at me in all her sparkling glory.

"Alice I am sorry I didn't hear you come back in. I thought you were over with Rose and Esme."

"I was but decided this was the best time to talk to you. I don't want to ruin either of our nights but we need to discuss some things." I knew this was coming I just didn't think it was going to happen this soon.

"Go ahead Alice; I can't say I am not surprised." I turned to her and put my legs into myself.

"Bella I don't want to leave you alone. Crap I don't mean that…shit…this is not coming out right. Jasper asked me to move in with him. With us being engaged now he doesn't want to spend a moment alone without me. We have always been there for each other and lived together. I don't want you to feel like you are being left out or that I am….."I stopped her before she made this even harder on herself that she already was.

"Alice I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. I was just hoping for later but I will be ok. I think it will be good for me to be on my own and not rely on you to much. I want you to be happy and Jasper fits that bill. Be happy Alice and enjoy every day. Besides we are still in business with each other so it is not like we are not going to see each other. You can't get rid of me that easily. So when is moving day?"

"We thought we would do it when you and Edward go to Las Vegas. I know this is going to be hard on you we don't want to make it worse. Shit….this is so not going as well as I thought it would."

Alice started crying and we just held each other. I didn't shed any tears which shocked the hell out of me. I think deep down inside I was relieved that it was happening. Instead of her consoling me I was consoling her for a change.

"Alice I am ok like I said with all of this. If that is what you want that is fine with me. If you want to put it off till we get back then that is fine too. I am not helping you pack your damn closet though. I may get lost and never been seen again. So quit crying you are going to ruin your makeup." We both howled in laughter and she mentioned something about it being water proof. She said that she was going to go get dressed and would leave me for a while.

Once I was calm and collected I opened the door and locked it. I went to where the girls were and heard music playing when I knocked on it. Alice opened it and told me it was about time. We all laughed and I joined them on the couch.

Alice finally asked where the boys were and Rose replied with paintball. Esme said they needed to do something manly before getting into their monkey suits. The image of Edward in his tuxedo sent shivers up my spine. He looked handsome in anything he wore but in a tuxedo he was drop dead gorgeous.

Esme had checked on the work downstairs and said things were fine. She still felt bad that Alice helped but not me. I told her I was fine with it. I was happy to be out on the dance floor and not in the kitchen for once. We all got up and decided it was time to start dressing.

"Someone help me please!" We all turned around and poor Rose couldn't get herself up out of the couch.

Alice started giggling and I was mortified as this was Rose she was laughing at. Rose started laughing and then we all joined in. Rose said it was damn funny watching me be mortified at her trying to get off the couch the best way she could. I hugged her sideways and told her she was beautiful. Rose said thank you.

As we all got dressed Rose mentioned for the first time in their marriage she had said no to Emmett.

"Look at me I can't even get off a damn couch let alone have sex. My poor husband had to relieve himself because I wasn't in the mood!" Rose was near tears and we calmed her down.

Esme told her not to worry that Emmett had talked to her the day after it happened. Rose was mortified and went to look for a fork to do herself in. She was laughing when she came back with set of baby silverware.

"I saw them in the store when I was shopping for Edward and Bella and couldn't help myself." We all looked at them and they were beautiful.

"Rose I explained to him what was going on. I know you gave him those books but I don't think he quite read them. He skimmed them and I told him he needed to read them or he would never understand what the last months were going to be like." She had her dress on and was putting on her shoes.

"No wonder I caught him reading late at night. I just don't want to lose us in having our children. I love him with my whole heart and I know the first few months are going to be rough. I just don't want us to burn out. Hell I tried to get myself off and I couldn't reach it!"

We were all howling when she said that. It came out of her mouth like it was natural. That was what I loved about Rose. She was soft, gentle and fierce but could be a potty mouth too. Esme laughed and said that had happened to her too. I didn't know whether to blush or start laughing again. Everything went silent and we all got the giggles again. I gave up and started to get dressed.

We helped Rose get into her dashing red dress. Even pregnant she was daringly beautiful. Her long blond hair was flowing over her shoulders and the earrings Emmett gave her years ago were sparkling in her ears. She sat down and watched the rest of us get ready. It was fucking hilarious with the four of us in their bedroom so Esme said we were all girls and she walked out into the living room in her bra and underwear. We all followed suit and it gave us more room to get dressed in.

Alice got stuck in one of the layers of her dress and we all came to rescue her. I found it funny that she was the flustered one about tonight yet I was the one going to have sex for the first time. She said that it wasn't funny that she wanted the Cullen's to be proud of her being she was becoming one of them.

Esme quickly got dressed and then helped me zip up my dress. I was glad that it had a built in bra. Knowing my luck my headlights would be at full beam coming down the stairs and I would die of embarrassment before the party even started.

"Bella I brought these so you could wear them tonight." Alice handed me the diamond earrings I had received for Christmas. I had totally forgotten about earrings as was glad she remembered them.

I slipped on my shoes and buckled them making sure they were secure. I slowing pulled on the gloves as not to hurt my healing hand. I could tell my hand was healing as it was itchy all the time. I had a follow up appointment during one of the days with Edward. The doctor saw that everything was healing just fine and decided to take out the stitches. I saw Edward wince when he saw my ever so healing scar. He saw it the night he changed my bandages but it still pained him to see it.

"I am sure people are arriving and I need to be with Carlisle. You girls take your time and come down when you are ready. Rose knows the right floor to get off of and just follow her."She kissed us all and left us to primp and preen.

Rose pulled her fingers through her hair and did one more quick spray with the hair spray. Alice made sure there was not a wrinkle to be found and made sure she put on enough sparkle for the night. I just did a turn around and made sure I had nothing on my teeth. Rose said let's go get our men and we walked out the door locking it behind us.

"Bella don't worry about a thing tonight. I am going to slip out and make sure everything is set up the way you wanted it. That is why you saw all those boxes. I found special candles that don't need to be lit. It will be romantic and perfect for the both of you. "Alice kissed me on the cheek and we watched the numbers go down on the elevator.

I heard the bell ding and we followed Rose of the elevator. We came into a foyer all decked out in columns of black, white and gold balloons. People were mingling about taking off their coats at the coat check and slowly heading down the stair case.

Rose had told us originally this was to be more offices but Carlisle had such a giving heart that they left this open for events like this that they threw. Many times a year they threw fundraisers for different charities that they were involved in.

I saw Rose go carefully down the stairs. Alice followed but she turned around and gave me a wink. I decided to jump right in and see what this party was all about. I walked down the stairs and was in awe of the room.

The room took up the entire floor of their building. There was a black and white checkered dance floor and there were tables all around it. Each of the tables was either covered in one of the colors that matched the balloons I had just seen. Some of the tables had massive arrangements of feather plums while others had small centerpieces of white roses. There was a huge orchestra playing big band hits and a DJ set to the side for spinning records for the younger crowd. A small room was off to the side and I could see waiters bringing out trays of hor'dorves. They were decked out like penguins on their march for freedom. It was all breathtaking as I looked at it from the top of the stairs.

A voice broke me out of my dream and I knew immediately knew who it was.

"Bella my dear it is so glad to see you here! We heard you were with Edward Cullen. We tried for years for him to meet our daughter and he was always too good for her." Mrs. Palmer's words came slurring out of her mouth. She had one to many cocktails already and tried to hold steady on to her husband. He smiled a weak smile and whispered an apology. He pulled her along to the coat room so they could leave. I chuckled and thought she had started the party early this year.

I saw everyone sitting at a table reserved for us but Edward was no where to be found. I pursued the crowd looking for his hair that I loved to put my hands through. I felt hands wrap around my waist and a warm kiss being placed on my bare shoulder.

"Bella do you realize most of the men noticed you as you came down the steps? That dress is lethal and I am not letting you go the rest of the night."

I turned around and saw the familiar twinkle in his eyes covered with lust. I put my hand on his cheek and kissed the lips I loved. I was not going to let him go either and tonight was just the beginning. He led me over to their table and we joined everyone else.

EPOV/NEW YEAR'S EVE

The past week had been pure bliss with Bella and me. We spent every minute we could with each other. I surprised her with breakfast one morning. I remember seeing her sleeping with her hair spread around her face looking so peaceful. She had this habit of pursing her lips together when she was dreaming. The thing that I loved to listen to her at night was her sleep talking. It was always comical and it always ended up with me on her lips. Lately the sleep talk had been strange with words like I don't want pain, I don't want to hurt him and it had me puzzled. Bella was very open with her feelings now but deep down inside she still had her secrets. I just wish she would share them with me.

One morning after spending a night talking I crept downstairs and whipped up some chocolate chip pancakes and some fruit salad for her. I put everything on a tray and carried enough food up for the both of us. I carefully woke her up placing my hands on her cheeks and kissing her softly. I saw her eyes flutter and a smile on her face when she saw me. We both thoroughly enjoyed the food I made and she told me anytime I wanted a turn in the kitchen she was game. I saw a blush come over her face and she said she would love to cook with me sometime. I hoped that it would happen soon rather than later.

Dad, Jasper and I went into the office one day. I know I didn't want to leave Bella but she said she would meet up with Alice as she had plans up her sleeve for them. With the three week trip business was pretty much kept up though we still needed to check on things. Emmett stayed home to be with Rose as she was having a rough day. My poor sister-in-law was now having Braxton Hicks contractions and from what we were told they were painful but normal. We all knew that these babies were going to come before their due date. Emmett had gone to her doctor's appointment and the doctor told them that any day they could stay in the womb was better but if they did come now everything would be ok. The one thing we were worried about was how their lungs were developing. We were all relieved to hear that things were fine and the babies were healthy.

Jasper was with dad going over prospects for the sites in Los Angeles and Chicago. I was busy putting orders in for the materials we needed. We were not due to break ground for another couple of months but the materials for these projects were special and needed time to be found. I was on the phone with a supplier when I saw Bella standing at the door of my office. She was standing there smiling at me all decked out in snow pants, boots, coat and one of the hats she had knitted. I smiled at her back and quickly ended the conversation as we were done anyway.

"Surprise! We came to kidnap you and take you sledding. Alice mentioned that the park you took me to has some great hills." Damn she looked hot looking like the stay puff marshmallow man.

When she walked over to me I could hear ever step she took with the swishing sound of the fabric between her legs. She looked beautiful and I was so glad she was mine. She sat down in my lap and kissed me. Her lips were cold but I soon warmed them up.

"I hate to break Alice's bubble but neither Jasper nor I have anything here to wear."

"Edward never underestimate Alice. She riffled through both of your closets and brought it with us. I made hot cocoa and snacks. I know you have work to do but we both missed you." She started pouting and damn it had an effect on me.

"I give, you and Alice win. I can't help but give into that beautiful face." She smiled and put her arms around my neck hugging me tightly.

I felt something hit us both and someone yelling to get our asses on the move. We both laughed as it was Alice clueing us in on her schedule. I was thankful I was not in business attire and quickly got into the snow pants, coat, boots, hat and put the mittens in my pocket. We met Alice and Jasper in the lobby and headed out for an afternoon of fun. I had to chuckle that Alice was in a hot pink outfit while Bella was in blue. Nothing ever changes when it came to colors for those two.

We spent the day laughing and sledding and throwing a snowball fight. I loved that Bella sat in between my legs as we sped down the hills. On our last run for the day we hit a snow burm and were thrown into a snow pile. I thought Bella was going to lose it but all she did was laugh her ass off with snow all over her. Her laughed echoed through the park and it made me exuberant that she was in my life. We found our gazebo and enjoyed the food Bella made. It was getting late and we headed back home full of laughter and love.

I heard Bella yelling at someone about letting us sleep but I knew it was Alice. I knew the girls had plans for today as tonight was the party. I had tried for days for Bella to tell me what she was wearing. She held strong and said that it would be a surprise but I would enjoy it. The next thing I knew the covers were being pulled off and a very stern Alice was looking us. She told Bella to get her ass in gear and get ready. She then told me Jasper was waiting for me downstairs. We were both sitting up in bed and staring at the mad pixie in front of us. We both looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders. I leaned over and kissed her lips and admired her bed hair. Even looking that bad she was breath taking to me. I stole one more kiss before Alice pulled me off the bed and shoved me out the door and down the stairs. I heard Bella yell I love you and sorry. Mom, Rose and Jasper were snickering as I came down the stairs.

"Jasper I would not be laughing if I were you, you are the fool who is marrying that pink freak. I love her dearly but damn it she is strong for someone that is so damn small."

We both kissed mom and Rose and headed out. I was not sure what we were doing today but I am sure it would entail talking about the girls and how much we missed them. Emmett was already in the truck waiting for us. We drove off and headed to pick up dad from the house. Dad was happy to see us all together. We all loved getting together but we enjoyed these father/son days too.

"So what are we doing today?" Jasper asked as we sat in the driveway.

"I thought about making reservations for us to go skiing but then reality hit me and there would be a lot of talk about the girls so how about we just go grab some lunch and talk?" That was dad ever the thinker of us and our relationships.

Our dad was one of the most important and smartest person we knew other than our mother. He was there when we needed some advice and he was there to kick our ass when we needed it. He never got mad but when he did he blew his top but there was always a lesson behind it. Our mother was a lot like him though her anger didn't go from zero to fucking pissed off in two seconds. Our mother liked to stew and plot our demise.

We somehow got into the conversation of when they caught us drinking. I was 14; Jasper was 15 and Emmett 16. Mom and dad had gone out to some charity event for the evening and left us on our own. They trusted us with enough pizza, pop and movies to make us delirious. Somehow Emmett got his hands on a bottle of tequila and decided that it was a smart thing to do shots. It was not his smartest idea but at the time we were all for it. Shot after shot we down the bottle and the drunker we got. Our parents came home to find Jasper passed out in the bathroom with his head on the toilet, Emmett was passed out upside down on the couch with the bottle on his toe and I was found passed out on top of the dinning room table.

"We are never going to live that one down are we? Hell I still have nightmares about the hangover I had." Jasper chuckled as we pulled into the sports bar we loved.

Our parents put us all into bed and never said a word. The next morning we were woken with reveling blaring on a loud speaker and all of us falling out of our beds holding our heads. Mom came in through cleaning supplies at us and said that we were her slaves till we died. Jasper had to clean out the kitchen cupboards and put everything back the way mom wanted it. I had to dust the house from top to bottom and Emmett had to sweep, mop and vacuum every floor in the house. Every time Emmett moved he moaned. We were all laughing and dad said we had learned our lesson. We never drank from that day on until we reached legal age.

We walked into the sports bar and each section catered to a different sport. Emmett found us a table and we sat down. We didn't have to order as the waitress knew what we wanted. Hot wings, nachos, potato skins and enough fries to choke a horse were brought out to us. We forgo the beer but chose their homemade root beer instead. Emmet was the first one to dig in as usual.

"I have something to tell you all."Jasper helped himself and poured drinks for all of us.

"I asked Alice to move in with me." Emmett and dad looked at him. I knew it was coming with the talk Bella and I had at Christmas.

"I am not surprised with you two getting engaged. I am happy for you both." I patted his back showing him support.

I really was happy for them. He had found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. I loved Bella just like he loved Alice. I knew I was going to ask her to marry me eventually but with all that happened I didn't want to rush her into anything.

"Edward I am happy that you said that but when we talked about it Alice was worried about Bella. I don't want to make things worse for her. Alice said she had never lived on her own and I don't want to cause her any pain."

"Jasper she knows it is coming. I don't know if you noticed but after you got engaged she left abruptly. Bella will be ok but I think the nights will be hard for her."

Emmett decided to belch the loudest burp I have ever heard and then said there is more where that came from. Jasper rolled his eyes at him. Emmett opened his mouth and showed us all his mouth full of food.

"Emmett you are a child. Poor Rose is going to have three children to deal with. You do realize you are going to have to grow up sometime?"

Emmett closed his mouth and got serious on us all.

"Damn it….I do realize I have to grow up. Rose has been through so much and I am not sure how the both of us are going to do with two babies. I am scared shitless that I will lose anyone of them. We went from being a married couple living the life we wanted and now we are in a mortgage and have twins on the way. Fuck I can't lose them…"

We all sat there looking at him. My brother was the joker in the family and rarely opened up to us like this unless it was important as he went to Rose for that.

"Son I know life for you is scary as hell but I am sure Rose thinks the same thing. When your mother and I were first married we had the same life. When she told me she was expecting I was never more scared and more excited in my life. It got better for the both of us as Jasper and Edward came along. Believe me when I say this these babies are going to put more grey hairs on your heads but the memories are going to be worth it. Your mom and I are here for the both of you never forget that. We love all of you." Dad meant every word of it when he said it to Emmett.

"Not only will these kids have the best grandparents but the best uncles around. Alice will make sure they are the best dressed and I know Bella will give them more love than anyone of us combined." I agreed with Jasper on that one.

"I know you do not want to know the sex of either of them but what do you really want?" I knew Jasper would ask it.

"I want them to be healthy. I have to admit I would love to have boys. To be able to show them the things that dad taught us would make me so damn proud." Emmett's chest puffed out.

"So what if there is one of each?" I had to ask.

"I will still have a son to share with all of you and a daughter that will never date till she is 30. The thought of me having a daddy's girl would make me happy too. So what about the both of you? Have you discussed this with Alice and Bella?"

"I think eventually Alice and I will have kids. We discussed it but we both came to the conclusion that Alice just wants to enjoy us for awhile." Jasper helped himself to another plate of food as he looked at me.

I hoped deep down inside that I would be forgotten about. During my week of bliss with Bella her doctor called and it worried Bella. I knew she had been seeing the doctor but she never would tell me why. She went into the other room and when she came back she was crying. When she sat on the bed she wrapped her arms around her legs and I knew it was going to be a long night. She finally told me about her history of dealing with PCOS. She pulled out papers out of her desk and I read them. I felt horrible for her. She finally admitted to me that she was scared as her test results had some back and she was being put on another drug to help. She was shaking and crying as she told me she didn't want me to give up my chance to have a family. I pulled her into my arms and told her no matter what I was not going anywhere with out her by my side. She cried herself to sleep that night in my arms and I spent the night awake and reading. I knew that Bella was the one and it didn't matter to me if we had biological children or not.

I sat there spilling this all out to my brothers and father. After it had all come out no one knew what to say.

"Edward I had no idea. Poor Bella….I am sure our pregnancy has been hard on her. I am so sorry." Emmett had this forlorn look on his face.

"Emmett I asked her about that and she said that it didn't upset her at all. She thinks of Rose as her sister and couldn't be happier for the both of you. I don't think she would have done the nursery and made all those beautiful things if she wasn't. We will work through it just like everything else. Hell we will adopt if she wants children. I am not pushing her into anything she doesn't or does want at this point." I sucked down my root beer and poured myself another one.

"Are you going to ask her to marry you?" Dad was open and honest about that.

"Someday yes but right now we are just enjoying each other and no not that you idiot." I rolled my eyes at Emmett raising his eyebrows at me.

"It would never make me happier to make love to Bella but she wants to take it slow and if that is what she wants then she gets it. Though I have the worst case of blue balls and my five fingered friend is getting tired." The waitress brought over more food for us to share as we all laughed.

"Edward I am proud of you son. You have opened up so much since Bella came into your life. No matter what I don't see her going anywhere without you." Dad was right.

"I hate to break into this love fest but I have more good news." We all looked at Jasper wondering what the hell it could be.

"I don't know if you realize but the house next door to Bella and Alice is for sale. Well was for sale. I bought it yesterday for us to live in. Edward I love you but I see us needed more space than what our loft has. I know it is three bedrooms but I have a feeling her clothes will take up two rooms alone. "We all laughed and congratulated him.

He said that Alice didn't know yet but when he asked her to move in he saw sadness in her eyes. This way Bella and Alice could still see each other whenever they wanted even though they worked together. We realized how late it was getting and we paid the check.

"Hey didn't we forget our tuxedos for tonight?" Emmett asked as he got into the truck.

"No Alice made sure everything we needed would be in dad and mom's condo ready for us. We are under strict orders to get dressed and meet them in the ballroom. "Jasper pulled onto the highway and soon we were on our way to our building.

Jasper hit the button to open the doors to the private garage we used. I noticed none of the girls cars were here and figured out mom probably reserved a limo for them. We all went up in the elevator and went into our parent's condo. Jasper was right there were our tuxes all ready for us. Jasper sighed seeing that there was no pink involved. We got dressed and dad had to help Emmett untangle himself from his bowtie. We did a check to make sure everything was ready and headed down to the masses.

As we entered the so called ballroom I noticed mom had out done herself again. There were black, gold and white balloons everywhere. She always had a big band to play but this year she added a DJ also. Mom knew how to throw a party and this year was no different. Dad pointed out the table as he said he was going to wait for mom. They needed to mingle and welcome everyone before we all sat down.

Our parents always made sure that all the crew members were invited along with their wives or girlfriends. The family friends were here along with the group of people that needed to be invited or they would make life difficult. Mom never liked the politics of the rich but she went along with it as long as no one she loved was hurt.

I noticed that the Palmer's were here and the wife was drunk off her ass. It was rude, deplorable behavior and I felt bad for her husband. I saw Jasper and Emmett whispering to each other at the table and I knew they were talking about what we were all seeing.

"The rumor is the son is in a shit load of trouble and this time daddy's money can't bail him out. With his past record the judge is going to throw the book at him. His poor mother was sloshed before they arrived." I over heard the murmurs next to me.

I never understood why our parents never gave us what we wanted up until now. They made us work for what growing up. They never bought us our cars, gave us spending money or anything else that was not out of the realm of putting food in our mouths, a clothes on our bodies and a roof over our heads. For most kids that were born into money we were different. We never were in trouble other than what we did at school. We excelled at extra curricular activities and we were all valedictorians of our classes. I was so proud that they instilled in us the power to become the men we were meant to be and to not take anything for granted.

I stood against the wall as a waiter waltzed by with a tray full of champagne. I took one as Jasper did. Emmett told the waiter something and he nodded. I was sure that Emmett had him bring back sparkling cider or sparkling water. Emmett didn't drink as long as Rose didn't. He couldn't be pregnant or give birth but he would give up what he needed to give up. After hearing how scared he was about everything it put him in a new light in my eyes. The protector of the family was finally admitting to a weakness he had no control over. I felt bad for him at first but I knew I would be in his shoes one day.

I saw mom come slowly down the stairs. Dad waited at the bottom bowing at her and then kissing her hand. She blushed and kissed him on the lips as they went off to welcome everyone. I saw Alice and Rose come down the stairs laughing with each other. Alice had her arm interlinked with Rose's as Rose kept her other on the banister. Alice was beautiful dressed in her party dress sparkling all over the place. Rose was breathtaking in her red dress and her protruding belly. Jasper and Emmett we out of their seats as soon as they saw me smile at them, they knew the loves of their lives were here.

Jasper and Alice were the first ones to arrive at our table. He was ever the gentlemen as he held her chair out for her. Emmet was carefully leading Rose over and held her chair out for her. I noticed that extra water was put on the table for Rose. It was then I noticed our table was close to the bathroom so Rose didn't have far to go.

I saw Mr. Palmer carefully led his wife up the stairs with their daughter and son-in-law in tow. I could tell the son was embarrassed just as much as the husband was. I heard the daughter's hyena laugh float through the room and noticed she was laughing with someone in blue. I stood there listening to my family talk at the table. I heard someone ask me a question so I turned my head to look at them. Alice wanted to know were our parents were. She wanted to make sure the crew she told Esme about was doing their job. I saw a huge smirk on Rose's face as she was looking at the steps and I turned my head around to see what she was looking at.

Bella was slowly coming down the stairs. She took my breath away when I saw her. Her bare shoulder, the slit up to her thigh and my pants getting tighter would make this night very hard to endure. I tried to rearrange the boys but I heard my brothers smirking at me while I stood there. I glared at them and mouthed fuck you to the both of them. I looked back up and locked eyes with Bella. She smiled a soft smile and walked over to me never breaking the eye contact we had.

As she walked across the dance floor every man in the room was staring at her. I wanted to yell "MINE" and back the fuck off. As I saw her coming closer I just watched and took in how beautiful she looked tonight. She shook me out of my stare as she put her gloved hands on my face and kissed me softly.

"Hi handsome, I missed you today." I swear I could hear her purring in my ear as she embraced me.

My brother's mouths fell open when they saw how she looked. I think I heard their teeth clink when Alice and Rose shut their mouths for them. I heard a wolf whistle from Emmett and Rose smacked him on the head. Bella laughed and said it was ok as she felt beautiful that night. I didn't like the way the gloves felt on my skin and immediately took them off of her. She tried to stop me saying they were there to cover up her injured hand but I didn't care. I carefully peeled them off her and threw them to our table. I picked up her hand and kissed it where there were no longer stitches.

"Bell I am not letting you go for one minute tonight. My god you are beautiful. No wonder you wouldn't tell me what you were wearing." I saw her blush as I kissed her forehead.

My parents came over as dinner was being served. I pulled out her chair and noticed my grandmother's hair combs in her hair. My mom was taken with Bella and loved having three daughters to dote on now. The waiters came out and served the first course. We made small talk about how mom how out done herself once again. Alice asked how everything was going and was happy to hear that the company she used was living up to its normal standards.

I was not sure what I ate as I couldn't take my eyes off Bella. I kept my hand on her thigh and felt the silky fabric under it. I have never loved her more than this moment. To me she was always beautiful no matter what she wore but tonight it radiated from her. For once she saw how beautiful she was.

Our table was cleared off and I heard the band start up. One by one each couple got up to dance. Mom and dad were like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on the dance floor with their fancy twirls. Alice looked so tiny in Jasper's arms but he protected her as they danced. They couldn't take their eyes off each other. Rose didn't want to dance but Emmett said a few wouldn't hurt her. I saw him with his hands around her belly slowly taking it all in. Rose bent her head around and put a very passionate kiss on my brother's lips. Many other couples were dancing and enjoying the evening. This night was magical as it was saying good-bye to one year and welcome another.

I got up out of my chair and asked Bella to dance with me. She replied with but of course and I took her out to the dance floor. The band was playing one of my parent's favorites and I knew Bella didn't know how to dance but I knew she trusted me. I put my hands around her and she was biting her lip just like she always did when she was nervous.

I went very close to her ear and told her not to worry as I would not let her fall. She kissed me again and we danced looking into each others eyes. Her deep brown eyes were sparkling from all the lights. I never noticed just how deep she looked at me through them.

We danced through several songs and decided to sit out a few. When we sat at the table and Alice was no where to be seen. Rose mentioned something about making sure things were set up right or something like that. The waiters had set up a dessert bar for everyone to enjoy for the rest of the night. I offered to get Bella something but she said no as she was fine.

Emmett had Rose's feet in his lap and was slowly rubbing them. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. After him telling us just how he felt I noticed how different he was. I knew he was going to be the best father and those babies were going to be the center of his world other than Rose.

Alice were gone awhile but returned with a smile on her face. I asked if everything was ok and she said everything was perfect. I felt Bella tense up when she said that and asked her what was wrong. She said nothing and wanted to dance again. The DJ was starting to spin records and everyone was dancing now. Mom and dad were taking a break as the fast music was not their type.

I looked at Emmett and Jasper and nodded my head. We all got up and Jasper went over to the DJ and told him what song we needed. I knew Bella would love this and the rest of them would get a kick out of us making asses ourselves. We stood off to the side of the room and waited for the music to start.

"A well I bless my soul
What's wrong with me?
I'm itching like a man on a fuzzy tree
My friends say I'm actin' wild as a bug
I'm in love
I'm all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!"

We all skidded out on the floor and started gyrating our hips to the music. Jasper started playing air guitar and Emmett pulled out his Elvis sneer. We all saw our parents and our girls laughing. Alice had tears coming out of her eyes. Rose was laughing while holding her belly then got up and ran to the bathroom which in turn made everyone laugh harder. I could hear Bella's laugh ring through the air. I never wanted it to end. Rose came back to the table and made a "phew" gesture which had everyone laughing again. The music ended and everyone was on their feet clapping and whistling. The rest of the party was joining in with them.

"You need to warn me if you are going to do that again so I can make sure I have depends on. I nearly didn't make it that time." Rose kissed Emmett on the lips hard as we laughed.

Alice was telling Jasper he should take guitar lessons and really learn how to play. I was surprised he said he had been thinking about it. Our parents told the girls it was normal for us to embarrass them. Mom had tears in her eyes as she looked at all of this.

"I am just so happy to see Edward so happy. The past years have been so hard. All you have done is stand against the wall and grimace. Bella thank you for making him happy again."

Mom got up and hugged each of our girls and sat down. I didn't know what to say other than I felt bad at all the years I made everyone miserable.

"Mom I don't like seeing you cry but I agree with you. I have never been more happy and more in love. I love you Bella." I turned to her and kissed her. She was blushing but it was soft pink and I loved seeing it on her.

We spend the rest of the evening dancing, mingling and talking to the other guests. I noticed it was near eleven and the party was really getting powerful. Every single person was enjoying themselves and reveling in the electricity that was in the air. Emmett got up and helped Rose out of her chair and told us that they were ending this night early. They hugged us all and wished us all a Happy New Year. They said that they would see us tomorrow night. I saw Rose whisper something in Bella's ear as she hugged her. It was tradition that New Years Day we celebrated with the leftovers from the party and relax with each other. We were all meeting in mom and dad's loft this year.

I had our song played by the big band and asked Bella to dance with me. We slowly went out to the dance floor. As I heard the music start I held on to her tight and she put her head on my chest. This night was a perfect in my mind as were together and I loved her. I took her around the dance floor watching her try not to step on my toes. She was so embarrassed when she stepped on them earlier but I told she could step on me anytime as long as she was in my arms dancing with me.

"Edward I am a little warm can we take a break for awhile?"She looked at me with those big brown pools of hers and I couldn't say no.

She took my hand and we headed up the stairs. She turned around and smiled at who was left at our table. I saw my mother and Alice blow her kisses and give her the a-ok sign. We headed to the elevator and she pushed the code to the floor our private condos were on. I figured that we were going to enjoy some quiet time before the ball dropped. We got out when the doors opened and on the table in the foyer was a key with a blue ribbon on it. She looked at the key and had a weird look in her face but then grabbed it and headed to the door that I was familiar with.

"Bella I thought we were heading to my parents…" She put her finger on my lips and unlocked the door.

As she opened it she stepped aside and slowly pushed me in. Before me was something I was not expecting. My empty shell was like my heart for so long. I could never come up here and enjoy it without Sarah. I looked around and tried to take it all in. It was so overwhelming for my brain to take in that I had to sit on the huge couch and think. I sat down and put my head in my hands and let the moment over take me. I heard Bella close and lock the door behind her. I could hear her moving around the room as I sat there. I felt her hands on my knees and I looked at her. My beautiful Bella was kneeling in front of me smiling at me with all the love that she had.

"Bella…who…what...how?" She put her hands on my face and kissed me.

"When you were all gone for those three long weeks your mom showed me each of the rooms. When I saw this one I knew I had to do something about it. Your mom did all the decorating for us. She wanted this to be our place for us to get away when we needed it. We did this for you."

She put her arms around my waist and held tight. I could feel her breasts moving on my chest as she was breathing.

"Do you want to have our own little celebration for just the two of us?" Her eyes were smiling at me as she asked.

I nodded yes and she got up and walked off. I then looked around the room. My mom had out done herself once again in the decorating department. I noticed that the colors were a mix of both Bella and my tastes. I then noticed the grand piano and sat down at it. I would have never guessed this would be here. I looked up and saw Bella bringing over champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. It then dawned on me she had this planned all along. She put everything down and handed me the flute full of bubbly. She took her glass and looked at me. I knew she had something to say but it wouldn't come out of her lips.

"Edward when you came into my life you made me whole again. You make me the person I am right now and I love you with all my heart and soul."

I went to say something and she put her finger on my lips again. She whispered that it was her turn to spoil me and from what I saw so far she was doing a damn good job of it. We clinked our glasses together and she said to the future. We both took a sip and then put our glasses down. She put her hands on my face and looked into my eyes. She bent forward and put her soft lips on mine. I could taste the champagne in her mouth as our tongues merged together. She pulled back and looked at me with a smile on her face.

"Edward would you play for me?"

"Love, I would do anything for you. Do you want to hear anything special?" I put my hands on the black and white keys waiting for her to mention something.

"No anything you play for me is special."

My hands started moving over the keys and the music reverberated through the loft. She put her head on my shoulder and listened to the music pour from my hands. I never thought I would play for the woman I loved ever again. My hands stopped and the last note echoed till it hit the walls. Bella got up off the bench and said she was going to change into something more comfortable than her dress. I watched her walk off into the bedroom. I gave her a few minutes and saw the light under the door in the bathroom.

My mother had made sure we had the best bedroom around. The bed was near the door with two other doors opposite it. The dark wood of the four poster bed was a perfect fit for the both of us. It was modern enough for my tastes but fit Bella too. The walls were a soft grey blue. There was a side table for each of us with the perfect reading lamp and a huge chaise lounge near the big open windows. Mom knew how much Bella loved to read that she made sure that there was a small table and lamp there too. Mom knew how much we all loved technology and on the wall opposite the bed was another hug flat screen television. I was not sure were all the components were but I was sure mom made sure they were hidden.

In all of the years she had been decorating she always said the bedroom was a sanctuary. Music, television and whatever other technology that was needed was meant to be hidden. I saw another door and opened it. The closet was huge and then I noticed all the components missing from the television. The great thing was it was connected to the set in the living room so we could do everything from there if we wanted to. Each side was perfectly made for us. Mine had tie racks and places for suits and other things I would need while Bella's had drawers for whatever she needed. I hoped that one day she would let me fill them with expensive things that I wanted to give her.

I saw Bella's dress carefully hung up on a hanger and her shoes on the rack. The hair clips were put into the box my mother gave her and set on top of the small chest of drawers. I chuckled when I saw a new set of flannel pants and t-shirt laying there on the dressing bench underneath was a box of condoms. There was a note from Alice saying to enjoy them. I grabbed the box and took it with me. I was not sure if they would be used but I wanted to be safe with Bella. I also noticed there was a matching robe but I left it hanging there. There must have been one for Bella too because there was an empty hanger on her wrack. I undressed and made sure my tux was ready for dry cleaning after the holiday was over. I turned off the light and closed the closet door and noticed Bella was still in the bathroom. I turned off the lights and laid on top of the beautiful comfort mom had chosen for us. I lifted my head when I heard the door open. Bella stepped out and stood there bathed in moonlight almost naked.