Disclaimer: SM owns Twilight


Chapter 5

BPOV

Saturday morning I got a surprise visit from my mom and dad. They claimed they were just in the neighborhood, but they live like an hour away.

"Honey, aren't you glad to see us?" My mom gushed, as she almost squeezed the life out of me.

My dad came over and gave me a side hug since he knew I was feeling uncomfortable. I love him.

It was eight o'clock in the morning and I know I looked like shit since I usually wakeup at least after ten on the weekends.

"Of course I am, mom. It's just that it's sooo early" I whined, hoping she'd get the hint. I even pouted a little.

"Did you not get enough sleep? Is Edward here?" My eyes widened. She was actually looking around to see if he was here.

"Jesus, Renee! Let the girl have some privacy." My dad told her and then turned to look at me with a serious look. "And if he's here, I DON'T want to know!" He stalked off into the kitchen with a huff. I was beyond mortified.

"Mom! What, NO! Are you serious? Is this why you came?" I asked appalled.

"No sweetie. I was just asking because you know nowadays..." she trailed off and my mouth was hanging open. "Well anyway, we really are just stopping by to see you for a little bit. Your dad and I are driving up to grandma's and since your house is just on the way we decided to stop." I don't know what to believe anymore. My mom could be making this up right now.

I enjoyed my parent's visit after my mom made us all breakfast. I think I was grumpy because I was hungry too. They stayed for a little while and we talked. I refused to bring up my date with Edward or Edward in general and they didn't bring him up either.

As I was walking my parents out to their car my mom pulled me back.

She whispered close to my ear, "Make sure you call me after your date with all the juicy details." She winked and I rolled my eyes at her. Did she think we were girlfriends? Gah, my mother!

"Mom I don't know what you mean by 'juicy details' and I probably don't want to know but either way it's not happening. You're my mother and it's weird." I shuddered at the thought. She pouted. "But I will let you know if it went well and if there will be any future dates. That's ALL okay?"

"YES!" she squealed. "I'll take what I can get. Good luck honey!"

When my parents left I decided to shower and get ready since I wasn't going to be able to go to sleep again. I was meeting up with Alice later. I had a couple of hours before I had to leave so I got dressed and applied very light makeup. I busied myself with some cleaning and I paid some bills that I've been neglecting for a few days.

"She actually asked you if he was there?" Alice laughed. We were sitting in a corner booth of our favorite sandwich shop sharing a "BLTA" sandwich with side salads for lunch. This place was awesome and very affordable, which is why we've been coming here since college.

I shook my head and ran my hands through my hair. "She did and I almost swear she looked a little disappointed when I said no." I sipped on my iced tea to calm myself down. I was a little offended that my mom would think that. I specifically recall telling her that I had just met Edward. What part of that says I'm fucking the guy? "And I know she dragged my dad with her so she could make it seem like a normal visit." I huffed in annoyance.

"You better lock your doors when you start having sleepovers with Edward cuz who knows what nasty thing you're mom will walk in on." She wiggled her eyebrows and I blushed.

"Shut up."

Alice gasped. "You didn't object to sleepovers just now, that totally means you agree that you'll be doing the nasty with your hot ass doctor very soon!"

"Yes, I've thought about it. Like you said he is really hot, but I don't know about the soon part!"

"We'll see." She sang. "But at a later time cuz I gotta go. Jazz has to go in to work."

"Okay. Well I can go with you if you want. I don't have anything planned for later. We can take Ryan out to the park or something."

"That sounds like fun. Ryan misses his Auntie Bella anyway."

EPOV

"HURRY UP DADDY!"

"Hold your horses little man. I have to pack our stuff."

Emmett called early this morning asking if I wanted to join him in taking the boys to the batting cages. Nathan was ecstatic about it when I told him our plans for today.

"Humph I wanna go already." He pouted and crossed his arms.

"I'm almost done, go turn off the TV. Oh and go find your glove I saw it in your room. We're gonna play catch after we get out of the batting cages." He ran to the living room. That should distract him for five minutes. I was in the garage looking for Nathan's bat and batting gloves. I still had to pack some waters and snacks for my growing child.

Three and a half minutes later he comes back into the garage holding his glove up.

"There, daddy can we go now?"

"Umm no, if you keep interrupting me I'm gonna take longer." Thankfully I found the box with all his sports equipment and found everything I needed. I walked back into the kitchen and Nathan followed quietly, but was in my way every time I turned around to get something. I sat him up on the counter so he could watch me fix his snacks.

"Can you put some CapriSuns in the bag too daddy. I might get thirsty." I chuckled and nodded at him.

"Anything else you think you might want?"

"No that's it." He said as he kicked his feet out and then let them bang on the cabinets repeatedly.

Emmett and the boys were waiting for us in the parking lot when we drove in.

"HI UNCLE EDWARD! HEY NATHAN!" The boys greeted us as they ran inside with Nathan trailing behind them.

"Hey bro." Emmett patted my shoulder and we gave each other manly side hugs.

"You're early, what's up with that."

"The boys were driving me crazy, 'what time are we leaving dad?' 'Are we leaving yet?'" He mocked his boys. "I couldn't handle hearing double whining every time." I laughed at how distressed he looked.

Each of the boys got in a cage since they had been reserved for us and we had our own equipment. I went over to Nathan's cage and set him up with a slow setting. He was doing a couple of practice swings off to the side and I called him over.

"Alright Nathan, just take your position in between the lines there and get ready to swing when the ball comes."

"I'm ready daddy." He said. His posture was good with his legs slightly bent and his hands holding the bat tight. I hope. The first ball came out and he hit it. A huge smile broke out on his face and he stood a little straighter, obviously very proud of himself.

"Good job Nathan. Keep it up; we'll see who has the most hits at the end." I shouted so that the boys could hear. All three boys cheered that they would get the most. I always tell them that to get them more pumped up.

"So what's going on with your school teacher fantasy?" Emmett wiggled his eyebrows.

I chuckled. "Nothing much yet, I'm taking her out to lunch on Tuesday."

"Have you told Kate yet? I mean, I know you don't need permission but have you given her the heads up that you might be dating Nathan's teacher?"

"Shit, I haven't even thought of that. I never tell her what I do in my personal life. Do I have to tell her this?"

"I don't know bro; you might just want to let her know since she knows who she is." I thought about this for a little. It couldn't hurt to tell her right? It's not like I'm asking for her permission.

Emmett called it even with the boys; we knew they'd start fighting if one of them won the "most hits" challenge. They can be really competitive, but this time they just agreed and we packed up our stuff. I gave the boys juices and some snacks.

"Dude you're a total chick! Look at all the snacks you packed. Rose does the same shit."

"Ha ha. That's because I know my kid and he eats every half hour. And by the way it's called being a responsible parent to carry water and snacks for your kid." That doesn't make me a chick, right? Shit.

"I still say you're a chick, but thanks for the PB&J!" He squealed like a little girl. Fucking Emmett always gives me a hard time but has no problem eating what I bring for the KIDS!

"Alright guys don't eat too much. We're gonna grab some pizza later."

We played catch with the kids a couple of hours, but then it wasn't fun anymore because Emmett kept hitting homeruns so the kids weren't catching anything. It was a good day though. We ended it with pizza and X-box at Emmett's house.

It was finally Tuesday and I was pumped for my date with Bella. I had been talking myself out of texting her all weekend. Today I figured I should send her a message just to confirm today's plans.

Bella I'll be there to pick you up at two…

Is that time still okay with you?

-EC

I put my phone in my pocket and picked up the next chart. I had a two week old baby in for a "Well Baby Check-up." My nurse had already measured and weighed the baby. He lost a little bit of weight, but my chart says that he's being breastfed.

"Hi Mrs. Davis, how is baby James doing?" I held the baby and did the normal check-up for newborns. I asked her about his feedings and wet diapers.

"He's doing well, but we're still getting used to the breastfeeding. There are times that I bottle feed him, because I feel like he's not drinking enough."

"That's understandable the baby just needs to learn. I did notice a slight weight loss, but it is perfectly normal for babies that are being breastfed. They normally regain it at two to four weeks; just try to feed the baby a little more often so that you produce more milk and try to do at least fifteen minutes on each side." I wrote some notes on the chart.

"I'll try that, but I think I might be doing it wrong." The poor mother looked so stressed and worried. There is only so much I know about breastfeeding. The clinic has nurses that help with this kind of thing.

"I'll have a nurse talk to you and show you how to get the baby to latch on properly. I'll have her give you some pamphlets for you to read as well." She nodded. "Do you have any other questions for me?"

"No, that is my only concern right now. Thank you, Dr. Cullen."

I left the room and checked my phone.

Edward, Yes we're still on for two…I'm gonna be starving!

I hope we go somewhere yummy-*hint*hint* :o)

-Bella

I was grinning like a moron, staring at my phone. I quickly replied feeling brave as ever.

We'll definitely go somewhere "yummy" : )

Do you like Italian? Please say yes, or I can't date you! Lol

-EC

Not even a minute later she responded.

Italian is my FAVORITE!

I guess that means you have to date me now…

There's no backing out! ;o)

-Bella

I read the message at least five times. I definitely would not be backing out.

Bella, I wouldn't dream of backing out.

I'll talk to you later because I have about fifteen patients I need to see before I pick you up…don't want to be late for our date! ;)

-EC

Two hours later Bella and I are on our way to one of my favorite Italian restaurants, Lascari's. I've tried everything on their menu and it's always been amazing. Nathan is a big fan of the "build your own pizza" here too.

I really hope Bella likes this place.

"So where are you taking me?" Bella asks excitedly. Damn she's beautiful!

"Well there's this restaurant that I go to pretty often with Nathan, it's called Lascari'shave you ever been there?"

"Uh no, but I have heard of it. I'm more of an Olive Garden type of gal," She giggles and flips her hair back in a way that is too adorable.

"Well this place is not like those chain restaurants you claim to love; it's more like home-style cooking. I think you'll love it."

"I'm sure I will. I wasn't kidding when I said I was going to be starving. I haven't had anything since seven this morning and even then it was just a grilled cheese."

"Bella, you really shouldn't starve yourself like that. If you ever need me to bring you something to eat, just let me know. It doesn't matter what time. I'll come right over." It really worried me that she hasn't eaten since early this morning. It might not be a big deal to her, but I feel the need to care for her. I hope I didn't overstep my boundaries.

She laughed and shook her head.

"Edward, I don't starve myself to the point where I get sick or anything. It's just that I had some last minute meetings after school and I didn't have my normal lunch until now. It's not every day, so don't worry." She smiled at me and reached over to squeeze my arm to reassure me. "But thank you any way that's really sweet of you."

"I hope you take my offer though. I wouldn't mind coming over to see you."

She smiled and nodded. "I'd like that," she murmured.

When we entered the restaurant the hostess informed us that that there was no wait time. She grabbed the menus and walked us to our table. As we followed her I placed my hand on Bella's lower back for the short walk through the restaurant. She looked up and smiled at me shyly. I grinned back at her.

Our waitress came shortly after we were seated to take our drink orders. Or at least that's what I thought she was going to do.

"I'll have a vanilla cream soda, please." Bella said to the waitress who was clearly ignoring Bella and staring at me shamelessly. She glanced quickly at her and then back to me not even writing down her order.

I cleared my throat nervously and looked at Bella. She didn't look bothered but she raised her eyebrows at me.

"I'll just have a coke and please give us a few minutes to take our orders."

"Sure thing, I'll be right back." She winked. Fucking winked at me in front of Bella. What the hell?

"Bella I'm so sorry she was rude to you." She held her hands up to stop me and shook her head.

"It's not a big deal." She got up from the table. "I'll be right back." She started walking away and stopped to wink over her shoulder. I chuckled at her and shook my head.

What the hell is she doing?

Bella came back and casually sat down. I raised my eyebrow at her asking her what that was all about.

"Ok. I got us a new waitress." She shrugged and then hung her head defeated. Not even a second later she smirked triumphantly. "Come on, I saw how uncomfortable she made you, Edward…and I told the manager I didn't appreciate the waitress ogling my date." She blushed, a beautiful milky pink. That made me smile. I don't consider it jealousy, but that was nice of her to think of my feelings.

Our new waiter took our orders. Bella got the baked eggplant parmigiana and I got the classic chicken fettuccini. We agreed to share a salad too.

"I'm gonna come right out and ask because I just need to know beforehand, are you dating anyone or have a girlfriend?" Bella asked as soon as the waiter walked away.

"No, I'm single. I haven't actually dated-" I stopped to think about phrasing it correctly so I wouldn't sound like a man whore. "I've 'hooked' up with girls but it's never been long term or an actual relationship. What about you? Are you seeing anyone?" I crossed my fingers for the answer.

"Nope not seeing anyone, although my friend, Alice has been diligently trying to set me up on blind dates every chance she gets." She rolled her eyes.

That's a relief. I think I might have a chance now.

"I'm going o be honest with you, I'm really glad you agreed to lunch with me and now I'm really glad to hear that you're single." I smile at her.

"I'm glad I came too."

Our food was brought out and set in front of us. Bella's eyes grew big when she saw all the food. The thing about this place is that their portions were big.

"Oh my god, I'm not gonna finish this!"

I laughed. "It's okay; I always take leftovers home and have it for lunch the next day."

"Yeah I think I'm gonna have to do that." she laughed, and looked at her plate not knowing where to start.

We started eating. The food was amazing as always. We ate in silence for a little bit since it seemed that we were both starving.

She broke the silence after a while.

"How long have you been divorced?" she asked me.

"It's been about three years now. Nathan was two years old when we decided it just wasn't working out anymore."

"Nathan was still young then, but it looks like he's doing okay with it."

"Well Kate and I try to do family nights where we have dinner together and he can talk to us about his day. He spends most weekends with me if I'm not working."

It's always been something that I worry about, how Nathan really feels about Kate and I not living together. He never complains, but he does take it hard when I don't make it to a family dinner or when I have to work weekends and he can't sleep over. Until now he hasn't asked why our living arrangement is the way it is, but then again it's been going on for three years. I never go longer than two days without seeing him and I think that has helped all of us. I know that he needs a constant in his life and that has worked out for us so far. Kate and I constantly tell him that we love him and he sees that she and I don't hate each other so he doesn't feel any tension from us.

I just hope I'm doing my best in raising my son and showing him that I love him more than anything.

"That's the best you can do for him—keeping a good relationship with Kate." I nod in agreement. She looks down and looks serious for a minute.

"What's wrong?"

She looks up and blushes at me. "Um well…I don't know…do you think it's okay with Kate that I came to have lunch with you? She's biting her lip and it's distracting the shit out of me. I reach over and hold her hand.

"Bella, Kate doesn't dictate what I do in my personal life. She may or may not have a problem with you, but that's not gonna stop me from going out with you again...that's if you want to." I give her my best smile. Her face lights up with a huge smile too.

"I'd like that."

And my heart is overjoyed.

Thanks, Karen for betaing this chapter!