A/N: Thanks to everyone who's following this story. Your awesome reviews simply blow me away. Thanks for all your support and encouragement.

Also, a big thank you to MrsKatyCullen for betaing this for me as usual.

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Chapter 6

Bella went into work rather bleary-eyed the next morning. For much of the night she kept reliving every single moment of her time with Edward. Every look, every word, that kiss. Everything. It was like her brain was on a loop and was on constant replay.

Edward Cullen had kissed her. The reality seemed so unbelievable that she kept repeating it over and over. Edward Cullen had kissed her. Edward. Cullen. Had. Kissed. Her.

"Oh my god! Edward Cullen kissed me!" she said aloud to the empty room.

A kisses went, Edward's had been fairly chaste but she had felt the jolt of desire as his lips touched hers down to the tips of her toes. Only the fact that Edward had stepped back had stopped her from pressing her body against his to ease the ache that his kiss had instantly caused.

Bella lay in her bed and daydreamed about Edward taking the kiss further. She pictured him working his lips down her body, driving her insane with desire before making love to her. Sleep eluded her as her daydreams got more and more explicit as the night wore on.

She didn't remember finally falling asleep but the alarm went off way before she was ready for it. Her eyes felt heavy and grainy from lack of sleep. Dragging herself to the shower, she deliberately turned on the cold water, gasping in shock at the first icy drops. She withstood the cold for as long as she could before turning on the hot water. It did the trick though. She was wide awake, if not exactly refreshed.

As she dressed, Bella wished that she was able to put on something a little more...alluring. The hospital uniform wasn't exactly designed to inspire lustful thoughts. A good thing, giggled Bella to herself. It wouldn't do to make sick people's blood pressure rise by walking around in skimpy outfits!

To Bella's intense disappointment, she barely saw Edward all day anyway. As well as the two scheduled c-sections, Edward was meeting with another local obstetrician who delivered his patients in the hospital. Edward had been approached by the OB to run clinics out of his practice.

Bella only saw Edward briefly just before lunch when they ran into each other as he walked back to his office to get his coat.

Edward smiled widely as he saw her. "Hi Bella. I really enjoyed dinner last night. All of it." He looked at her mouth as he said this then looked into her eyes.

Heart thumping wildly, she replied. "Me too."

"I need to go. I'm meeting with Harold Moresby in ten minutes," he explained with a wry smile.

Nodding, Bella watched him walk off, feeling totally deflated. What did you think would happen? You're at work, there's people everywhere. Did you think he would kiss you again here? She knew she was being silly but just being near him would have been good.

Still feeling rather down when she left for the day, she drove to Charlie's house. Stopping off at her apartment for a lasagne she'd made on Monday, she took the food for her father. Pulling up in his drive, she saw Jacob's car already there.

Inside, Jacob was there with Billy. Bella ran her eye over Billy and noted that he had lost some weight but otherwise still looked the same. Jacob got up and gave Bella a hug.

"Hey Jake. How are things with you?" she asked, looking at him meaningfully.

Jacob just shrugged his shoulders and smiled, a little sadly. "As well as can be expected, I suppose."

Turning to Billy, she gave him a hug. "How are you feeling Billy?"

"Oh, I'm okay, Bella. Doc's given me tablets for the headaches but other than that, I actually feel pretty good. I know it's probably not for long but I'll enjoy it while it lasts."

"Yeah, that's good. Hi Dad," she greeted her father who came out of the kitchen carrying more beers.

"Hi Bels. How was work today?"

"Oh, the usual. No babies named after me today," she joked.

"How many's that now?" asked Billy.

"So many, I've lost count. I think every second baby is named Bella, including the boys," she replied, deadpan.

As they laughed, she carried the lasagne into the kitchen where she was joined by Jacob.

"How is Billy, really?" she asked as she put the lasagne in the oven.

Jacob leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. "Like he said, he's feeling pretty good at the moment. He wants to go up to Canada and go fishing. He says it something he's been wanting to do for ages. Now that he's got limited time, he going to do it while he still feels well enough."

"Are you going with him?"

"Of course. Tom can run the business while we we're gone. It'll only be a week or so. I want to spend as much time with Dad while he's here."

"That sounds like a great idea, Jake. I'm glad that you're helping make his time left as enjoyable as possible," said Bella warmly.

"I'm just living each day as it comes. I'm trying not to think about the future. I'll deal with it as it comes."

Bella nodded. "When are you planning on going?"

"In a couple of weeks, probably early December. Dad has a hankering to try ice fishing. Quil has a relative up there who can take us out on the ice and guide us. That way we'll be back well before Christmas."

"Sounds like fun, if you're into fishing," she smiled as she set the table. "You and Billy staying to eat? There's plenty. I was going to freeze the leftovers for Dad to eat another day."

"Sure, sounds good." He took the plates from her and set the table.

The four had a pleasant meal and Jacob offered to wash up afterward. "It's only fair Bella," he said as she protested.

Bella drove home in a better mood than before. It wasn't like Edward was avoiding her or anything, his brief words telling her that. She would see him tomorrow. And Alice was coming in for her first ultrasound.

Putting on her sweatpants, she was laying on the sofa reading when her phone rang. Wondering who the caller was as it wasn't on her phone list, she answered.

"Hello, Bella?"

The sound of his honeyed voice in her ear, even through the phone, sent a shiver up her spine.

"Yes," she replied.

"It's Edward."

She already knew that but wasn't about to admit it.

"Um...hi Edward. How did you get my number?" she asked curiously.

"Alice gave it to me. I'll never hear the end of it, but I don't care," he chuckled.

Bella giggled, intrigued by what excuse Edward had given Alice for needing her number.

"Bella, I rang because I didn't get to see you at all today, and I wanted to ask you something. I didn't really want to ask at work anyway."

"What was it? What did you want to ask me?" she asked, heart thumping excitedly.

"Bella, I wanted to ask if you would like to go out with me on Friday night? A proper date."

Bella lay back on her couch, her hand over her pounding heart as she processed his words. Edward wants to go out with me. On a date. Maybe he'll kiss me again.

"Bella? I understand if you don't want to," he said, his voice quiet at her lack of response.

"Oh no! No, I'd love to go out with you Edward. You just surprised me, that's all," she explained.

"I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since last night. Well, before that if I'm honest. I want to get to know you better. Away from the hospital."

"Me too. Thinking about you, I mean," she admitted.

"I'm glad," he said, his voice full of meaning. "I missed seeing you today."

Oh god, his words and voice were doing incredible things to her. "I...I missed talking to you too," she admitted huskily.

"I wasn't going to get involved with a colleague, but I just can't resist getting to know you, Bella. You have the most incredible effect on me."

Bella understood what he was saying. He had made an impression the first instant she'd crashed into him, the attraction growing seemingly by the minute.

"I was never going to date a colleague, but I can't say no, either," she admitted.

Even through the phone, she could hear the increasing huskiness in his voice. "I can't wait until Friday. I can't wait until tomorrow, when I'll see you again."

"I know what you mean," she said, her voice slightly breathless. "Edward, can we keep this to ourselves? I don't want the other's gossiping."

"We can try to be discreet, although I doubt we can keep anything a secret in a small town like Forks."

"I suppose so." She frowned at the thought of being the object of hospital gossip, but decided being with Edward, seeing where this attraction went, was worth it.

"If you want to back out, it's ok," said Edward, regret in his voice.

"No! I don't want to back out. Not at all," she reassured him.

"You can't know how glad I am about that. I'd better let you go," he said.

Bella could have talked to him all night but gave him her address instead. They agreed on a time for him to pick her up and he rang off, but not before wishing her sweet dreams in that, oh so sexy voice of his.

Lying on the couch, the phone close to her heart, Bella recalled every single word of their conversation. She was having trouble believing that Edward Cullen, the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen, who had women everywhere sighing as he walked past, wanted to go out with her. Get to know her better. Hadn't been able to stop thinking about her.

She thought about his kiss last night and wondered, hoped, that it would be repeated. What to wear? Did she dress up or did she dress casually? Where was he taking her? In her daze while talking to him, she hadn't thought to ask. Oh well, she'd find a private moment tomorrow to ask him.

The phone rang again and for a heart-stopping moment she thought Edward had realised his mistake and was ringing to cancel.

"Hello?"

"Bella, did Edward ring you already?"

It was Alice. Bella should have known. Alice's brain must have been ticking away with possibilities when Edward asked for her phone number. Bella considered teasing Alice and telling her the call was strictly work related but decided against it. Alice would worm the truth out of her with ease. Alice could do that.

"Yes Alice, he rang."

"So, what did he want?" asked Alice, the curiosity in her voice audible over the phone.

"Nothing much," parried Bella.

"Bella! Come on, tell me. Did he ask you out?"

"Ok Alice, calm down. Yes, Edward asked me out on Friday," replied Bella, putting Alice out of her misery.

"Yay! I knew you two would be perfect for each other," declared Alice triumphantly.

"Alice, we're only going out to dinner."

"It's a start. I saw the way you two looked at each other last Saturday. Edward couldn't keep his eyes off you all night. It reminded me of the way Jasper looks at me."

"Don't be ridiculous Alice. Jasper worships the ground you walk on."

"Just you wait. I have a good feeling about you two. I'd love to have you as a sister-in-law."

"Alice!" choked Bella. That girl was simply incorrigible.

"What? Edward is my only brother and I want to see him with someone who deserves him. And you do. He's never been seriously involved with anyone, at least no-one that I know of. It's about time that changed."

"Alice, don't push, ok? We need to get to know each other. We might not suit."

"Oh come on Bella! The sexual chemistry between the two of you on Saturday was enough to set the house on fire. It was so obvious that after everyone left, I practically dragged Jasper to bed."

Bella couldn't help it. She burst out laughing. Alice joined in, the two of them laughing for ages.

"Alice, you are impossible. You must have been a horror of a child," chuckled Bella.

"Yeah, I turned Mom's hair grey. The colour you see now is straight out of the bottle," she joked. "Seriously though, I hope things work out with you and Edward."

"How about you let us find out for ourselves, without pressure?"

"Oh ok. But I will ask for details."

"I may not give them to you," countered Bella.

"Spoilsport. I'll see you tomorrow at the hospital, I hope?"

"Yeah, I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it."

"Jasper and I are so excited. We didn't think I'd fall pregnant this quickly, we thought it would take heaps of practice. Not that we're not perfect in that department already."

Bella giggled. "Jasper must be a bit of stud then?"

"Tell me about it," replied Alice cheekily. "I swear, that man can get me pregnant just by looking at me."

"You may have to donate him to science, Al."

"Maybe when I've finished with him," laughed Alice.

They said their goodbyes, Bella still laughing. Alice could be exasperating but she could always be counted on to bring a smile to her face. She was like a naughty but loveable child that you just couldn't say no to.

Bella got into bed and thought about something Alice had said. That Edward hadn't had a serious relationship. Was that true? Or did Alice just not know about one. Bella found it hard to believe that Alice wouldn't have wormed the truth out of Edward somehow. And if he hadn't, why? Was he afraid of commitment? Did he prefer to play the field? Or had he just been too busy? Was she destined to be another passing fling? How did she feel about that?

Deciding that she couldn't make a judgement until she found out a bit more about him, she told herself to stop thinking about it. Just take it one step at a time, Bella. Let's see where things go.

Driving into work the next morning, Bella's nerves were jumping in anticipation of seeing Edward. She'd spent most of the night dreaming and reliving his kiss. And after last night's call, how would he act?

If they didn't want to raise eyebrows, at least until they were seen out together, as surely they would be, they would have to act circumspectly around each other at work. Bella was not the type to act anything less than professionally, and she doubted that Edward was any less professional. Still, their burgeoning...friendship...for lack of a better word would add spice to the work day.

She was alone at the nurse's station reading through last night's notes when the sound of footsteps intruded on her concentration. Looking up, her eyes collided with Edward's and it seemed that her world began spinning off its axis.

Edward's green eyes were warm as he smiled at her, a sexy, secret smile that hinted at secrets only they knew.

"Hi Bella," he greeted her huskily as he moved close enough to touch her arm with the briefest of caresses, before standing a respectable distance away from her.

That touch and the look in his eyes had Bella wanting to melt in a puddle on the floor in front of him. The fire that raced from where his skin had touched hers was threatening to consume her, leaving her legs decidedly shaky. Okay, so it was going to be harder to act normal than she'd thought.

"Hi," she replied with what voice she could muster.

"I enjoyed talking to you last night. I kept thinking about what you said and it made it hard to get to sleep."

"Um...me too."

"I can't wait for tomorrow, but seeing you today makes the waiting easier."

Oh god! Was he deliberately trying to seduce her with his words? If so, it was working.

"Edward...I..." She didn't know what to say. Her brain had stopped functioning normally the moment he'd touched her.

"It's alright, I'll behave. I promise." He looked around to see if they were within earshot of anyone else before whispering. "I really want to kiss that beautiful mouth of yours."

"Gah..." was all she could choke out. He was trying to seduce her and at this moment, she badly wanted to be seduced.

Edward chuckled at her expression then left to go back to his office. Bella just sat there, trying to get her head around his words. She probably had some goofy expression on her face. She pulled herself together and hoped that to anyone else they had looked like they were discussing some medical issue.

Alice came in with Jasper for her appointment, the two of them holding hands. Bella smiled when she saw them. They really were so cute together.

"Hi Alice, Jasper," she greeted as they entered the room, giving them each a hug. "Ready to see the baby for the first time?"

"Oh yes," replied Alice, bouncing in her chair as she usually did when she was excited.

"Now today is only to see how far along you are. You'll have another scan around eighteen weeks where you may be able to find out what sex the baby is, if you want."

Alice looked at Jasper who shook his head. "Jasper doesn't want to find out. He wants it to be a surprise."

"That's up to you guys, I'm just letting you know that it's possible."

Edward came outside of the consulting room and hugged his sister before shaking hands with Jasper.

"So Squirt. We're going to find out how old junior squirt is?"

"Stop calling me that! You know I hate it," complained Alice before looking at Bella. "That's why he does it you know."

Edward just winked at Bella, an action Alice immediately spotted. "So, where are you taking her Edward?"

"Come in to the room guys. You too Bella," said Edward, ignoring Alice's question.

Alice sat down with Jasper before speaking. "You're avoiding my question Edward. Where are you taking Bella?"

"Alice, we don't want everyone to know our business yet, ok?" said Edward sternly. "And I haven't decided yet. I was going to ask your advice," he admitted, looking sheepishly at Bella.

"I'll give you some suggestions later," said Alice.

"Shall we get started?" asked Edward pointedly. Bella felt like giggling at the siblings' expressions as they looked at each other.

Bella commenced taking notes as Edward began asking Alice and Jasper questions on their medical histories. He asked Jasper if there were any known genetic problems in his family that he knew of. Jasper replied in the negative. Of course, he already knew Alice's answer.

"Ok, going by your answers, I estimate that you are probably around 8 to 9 weeks pregnant but the ultrasound will be more accurate and will give us an expected due date. Bella can you do her weight and blood pressure while I get the machine ready?"

Bella nodded and got Alice to stand on the scales. "We need to weigh you every time you come in for a check up to ensure you're not putting on too much weight. It's not for any fashionable reason," she explained as Alice opened her mouth to speak. "It's just that too rapid weight gain can be an indicator of other problems, such as pre-eclampsia."

"What's that?" asked Jasper this time, listening intently.

"It's a condition that happens occasionally to pregnant women when their blood pressure increases sharply. If it's going to happen it will usually be in the third trimester. If a mother's blood pressure is too high it can restrict blood flow to the placenta, meaning the baby is at risk and it's dangerous for the mother as well. That's why you need to attend each scheduled check up because we check your blood pressure, weight and do a urine test each time you come as they can show us if there's a problem developing."

"How do you fix it?" asked Alice.

"You can't. The mother will be told to rest as much as possible and to keep an eye on any swelling, headaches, dizziness that she may feel. The only way to cure it is to have the baby, even if it means delivering it by c-section early. In rare cases, it can develop into eclampsia which can be fatal."

Looking at their worried faces, Bella reassured them. "Look, it's unlikely to happen and as long as you don't miss appointments, any problems should be detected early and can be managed. Let's check your blood pressure then I'll get you to hop up on the bed."

Jasper helped Alice climb on the bed and Bella pulled up her top before smearing the gel over her belly. Edward ran the Doppler around her belly, looking for the foetus.

"Ah, here we go," said Edward as a small shape appeared on the screen. It didn't look like much more than a large dot. He took various measurements which were recorded on the screen.

"Alice, Jasper. From the measurements your baby is around 8 weeks and 4 days old and the estimated due date, according to this is July 20." He smiled at the beaming parents to be.

"Wow, a July baby," beamed Alice. "Jazz, we're going to be parents in July, can you believe it?"

Jasper leaned down and kissed his wife tenderly. "I can't wait."

As Bella cleaned off Alice, Edward continued giving them information. "During the pregnancy we do a number of screening tests. Today I'll be taking some blood so that we can find out your rhesus factor and to check your iron levels. If they're a bit low I'll give you iron tablets to take as the baby can deplete a mother's levels. I also recommend taking calcium as well."

"How often are the check-ups?"

"It's once a month until 32 weeks, then it's fortnightly until 36 weeks when you come in once a week until the baby's born. That's when problems like pre-eclampsia usually arise so regular checks are vital. We also want to check that baby's happy in there and avoid problems. At each check up we'll have a listen to the baby's heartbeat. I would let you listen today but the heartbeat's usually hard to detect until it's about 12 weeks along."

"I can't wait for that," said Alice excitedly.

"There is also the nuchal test or NT as we call it," continued Edward.

"What on earth's that?" asked Jasper curiously.

"It's a screen that may detect Down's Syndrome. It's an ultrasound that measures the fluid around the baby's neck and combined with a blood test it can predict the likelihood of Down's Syndrome."

"I thought only older mother's were at risk of that," said Alice.

"Technically, the older the mother the greater the risk but it's a fact that the majority of Down's Syndrome babies are born to younger mothers, simply because of the sheer weight of numbers. If the NT shows anything then you would be offered an amniocentesis or CVS, which takes a sample of the cord blood for a definitive diagnosis. Of course, these tests carry their own risks of miscarriage and it is always up to the parents if they want this test done."

Alice looked at Jasper. "Do I have to have this NT?" she asked.

"No, because of your age, it's up to you. If you do decide to have it, I'd suggest popping in next week and giving a blood sample so that it's been tested before the scan, which is generally done at 12 weeks."

Alice looked at Jasper before answering. "We'll have a talk about it and let you know what we decide."

Bella grabbed some reading material and handed it to Alice. "Just some information to read. Also, we run antenatal classes which are usually fun and informative. The brochures give details for booking in and such."

"I'm just so impatient to see my baby," laughed Alice.

"You'll have to wait the 40 or so weeks like everyone else, squirt," answered Edward.

"Oh well. We have some serious shopping to do, Jazz."

Jasper just groaned. "Oh god. Like she needs any other excuse to go shopping."

"Planning the nursery will keep me occupied while we're waiting for the baby. That and the store," pointed out Alice.

"Thinking of adding a maternity line?" asked Bella.

Alice's eyes opened wide as the idea struck. "Oh yes! Why didn't I think of that?" Grabbing Jasper's hand, she began making her way to the door. "Come on Jazz. I've got to start designing some kick-ass maternity clothes. Thanks for the idea Bella."

Bella could see Alice's brain working a million miles an hour. At least it took Alice's mind off her and Edward.

"Was she always like this?" asked Bella, shaking her head.

"Worse. She's calmed down since meeting Jasper," he laughed.

"Before I call in the next patient, can I ask you something, Edward?"

"Sure Bella." Since the door was ajar, Edward reached up and with his finger, gently pushed a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, lingering on the skin of her cheek.

Bella instantly had trouble with her breathing, her lips parting in an effort to get oxygen into her lungs. Somehow, she managed to squeeze her words out. "Where are we going tomorrow? Just so I know what to wear."

"I'm aiming for something relaxed and casual. I don't know about you, but at the end of the week I want to get out of ties and work clothes."

Nodding her head, Bella smiled. "Me too. I'm not really the dress up type."

Edward smiled back. "Why doesn't that surprise me? You don't need any embellishments anyway."

She blushed at his words.

"I love how you can still blush," said Edward.

"I hate it," replied Bella. "I shouldn't still be blushing at my age."

"It's charming. And sweet, like you," he murmured as his finger brushed her cheek again as if he couldn't stop himself.

"I...I'd better go back to work," declared Bella. Before I beg you to make love to me.

Edward nodded and walked back to the desk while Bella made a quick exit. With great difficulty, Bella refocused on her work and the rest of the clinic ran smoothly. Throughout the rest of the day, Edward would give her a warm, private smile every time their paths crossed.

Each time it happened, her pulse would race and her breathing would get erratic and she was certain her blood pressure would go off the scale. Dr Edward Cullen was definitely a health hazard, she decided. Oh, but what a way to go!

He was with Dr Haas when it was time for her to go so she didn't get to say goodbye, to her disappointment. Since she was going out with Edward tomorrow night, she drove to Charlie's house on her way home.

They were sitting down eating when Charlie told her about his plans.

"I'm going to go with Billy and Jake when they go fishing up north," he told her.

"That's great Dad," said Bella. "I know you'll have a great time and it'll give you time with Billy before..."

Charlie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, should be good. Told them at the station today that I'm taking a break. Haven't had one for years, anyway."

"It's about time, Dad."

"Life's not all about work, I suppose. Billy's illness has brought that home to me. Gotta make the most of our time here."

Bella reached out and patted her father's hand. "We sure do. How do you feel about sitting on ice all day?" she joked.

"The lakes around here are almost as cold in winter, so I'll be fine. We'll make sure we wear the right gear. Billy's really looking forward to it."

"I'll keep an eye on the place, Dad."

"Bels, this is Forks, not Los Angeles. Besides, I'm the Police Chief. Who do you think's going to break in?"

"You never know Dad. We get travellers through here and I'm sure not everyone is just an innocent tourist," said Bella.

"You worry too much."

"Yeah, well. I'll still do it."

"Suit yourself."

Once she was home, Bella did some housework and put clothes in to wash. While waiting for the load to finish, she checked her emails and saw one from her mother.

Renae lived in Florida with her husband Phil, now a baseball coach with the local team. She could be quite scatterbrained in many ways, more Bella's friend that mother. Always had been. Bella had chosen to live with her father at 16 so that her mother could travel with her new husband when he played baseball.

Opening the email, Bella saw that Renae was asking if she would spend Christmas with her and Phil this year. Christmas was only five weeks away. Bella usually spent it with Charlie then visited Renae later in January. She hadn't spent Christmas with her mother for at least five years. Chewing her lip, Bella ran through her options. Renae sounded like she really wanted to see her but she didn't want to leave Charlie on his own.

Picking up the phone, she rang her father.

"Dad, Renae wants me to spend Christmas with her but I don't want to leave you on your own," she told her father.

"Go to Florida, Bels. I'll spend Christmas with Billy, the last Christmas we'll have. You haven't seen your mother in ages."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, go. How long do you think you'll go for?"

"Only a couple of days."

"Tell her you'll go. It'll be good for you to see your mom."

Decision made, she emailed her mother telling her she'd go and would talk to her later about the details. Looking on the internet, she booked a flight, luckily finding a seat this late. Usually flights were booked months in advance for the Christmas period. She would fly down on Christmas Eve and fly back the day after. She wasn't rostered to work this Christmas so she'd only need to apply for one day's leave.

She wandered into her bedroom to work out what she'd wear tomorrow night. Edward had said casual. She could do that. Rummaging through her wardrobe, she decided to wear a silky blue top with a wide neckline along with her jeans. She'd glam it up a bit with a pair of heeled boots that Alice had given her.

Bella wondered where Alice would suggest, not really caring either way. She just wanted to be alone with him. Anywhere.

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A/N: Edward and Bella's first 'date' next up.

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