A/N: Hi again everyone. A huge thank you to everyone who's read, reviewed, alerted, favourited, etc. You all make my day.

A big thanks to MrsKatyCullen for checking it for me and to Karen for her information about Jacksonville.

Enjoy

o-o-o-o-o-o

Chapter 22

A brief knock on the door was the only warning.

"Hey guys! I've brought you a morning cup of coffee," said Renee in a loud whisper.

Bella groaned and sat up groggily, brushing her hair of her face. Edward was struggling to sit up, his hair sticking up crazily about his head. She'd forgotten to warn him that Renee was one of these disgustingly cheery morning people. Thanking providence that neither of them was naked, she greeted her mother.

"Thanks Mom. You didn't have to do that," she said huskily, not quite awake yet. No, really Mom, you shouldn't have, she thought wryly.

Crossing the room, a large smile on her face, Renee placed the tray with the coffee over Bella's legs, then sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the both of them.

"Oh, you two look so cute together," she gushed, clapping her hands.

Bella groaned inwardly and stole a look at Edward. He looked like he was still trying to process what was happening.

"Mom! You're embarrassing Edward," complained Bella.

"I am not!," denied Renee as she turned to Edward. "I haven't embarrassed you, have I?"

"Ahh…um…no, of course not. Thanks for the coffee, Renee," he replied, taking a sip of the coffee, using it to stop from bursting out laughing.

"See? Edward's not embarrassed. It's just lovely to see you both here. Anyway, come out when you're ready and I'll get you some breakfast," she said, heading to towards the door. Giving them one last grin, she left.

Bella put the coffee down on the bedside table and flopped back on the bed with a groan, covering her face with her hands. She could hear Edward chuckling beside her as he lay back as well.

"Oh God! I warned you, didn't I?" came her muffled words.

"That you did. I thought you might have exaggerated, but apparently not," he laughed.

"Now you see why I don't want to have sex while we're here? She could burst in here at any time. I would just die if she caught us 'in the act'. Mom just doesn't have a filter between thought and action."

"I think she's charming," reassured Edward.

"She is. She is. But you know what would be the worst thing? She wouldn't even be embarrassed. She'd probably just give us some helpful tips!"

Edward roared with laughter at that. He could just imagine it. Bella's mouth twitched and before long, she was laughing along with him.

"Come on love. Let's not keep Renee waiting," he urged as he got out bed, the odd chuckle still rocking his body.

Even though it only early April, the weather was lovely and warm. Edward let out a soft wolf-whistle when he saw Bella in her denim shorts and pink t-shirt.

"Very nice," he said, gazing appreciatively at her legs. "I'm tempted to move you to warmer climes just so I can see your legs more often."

Bella threw her pyjama top at his head. "Pervert!"

Grabbing her by the waist, he nuzzled her shoulder, sending her into a fit of giggles. "I like that. The dirty old lecher taking advantage of the innocent young miss. Ooh, what fun I could have," he leered jokingly, putting on an old man's voice.

"Stop that!" laughed Bella, extricating herself from his clutches.

Still laughing, they walked hand in hand into the kitchen, where Renee urged them to sit down whilst she placed a pile of toast on the table. She already had an assortment of jams and preserves to choose from as well as a pot of coffee.

"Help yourself guys," she urged. "If you prefer cereal, Edward..."

"Thanks Renee, but toast is fine," he reassured her, grabbing a slice.

Renee joined them, grabbing a cup of coffee.

"Where's Phil?" asked Bella, in between bites.

"Oh, a friend is moving house today and he promised he'd give them a hand. He'll be back later. He's got training this afternoon."

"Training?" asked Edward.

"Yes, he's on the training staff for the Suns, our local baseball team. He's been with them since he retired from playing. Too bad you won't be here for one of the games."

"Maybe next time."

"So, do you guys have anything planned while you're here?" asked Renee, her face full of enthusiasm.

Bella shook her head. "Not really. We really wanted to spend time with you and play it by ear."

"Aw, that's nice, sweetie," gushed Renee. "Well, how about I take you both out sightseeing this morning? I've booked us a table at a bar and grill at Jacksonville Beach, with great views of the ocean for dinner."

"That sounds great Mom," said Bella, looking at Edward for confirmation.

"Yeah, sounds good," agreed Edward.

"Great. Let's get ready then," urged Renee, grabbing cutlery to load in the dishwasher. Bella and Edward helped and in no time they were on their way into the centre of the city. Renee parked in a public car park and led them towards the River walk on the northern bank of the St Johns River. Ambling along, she pointed out sights of interest in between asking them innumerable questions.

"So, have you guys set a date for the wedding yet?" she asked.

"Not yet, Mom."

"Why not? What's the point in waiting?"

"We just haven't, ok?" said Bella in exasperation. "We'll get around to it, I promise."

"Believe me Renee, I can't wait to marry Bella, but it's been hectic lately and we haven't gotten around to it. My sister's been nagging us about it, believe me," said Edward.

"Good. I think I may have to arrange a co-ordinated nagging campaign with her if you two don't get your butts into gear," she threatened.

Bella just shuddered at the thought of being harassed on all sides. "Ok, ok, we'll work it out soon."

Mollified, Renee returned to her tourist spiel, pointing out the Friendship Fountain, the city's most recognisable landmark.

"You should see it at night," said Renee. "It's all lit up and it's really pretty."

They weren't far from a number of cafes and restaurants when Bella suddenly felt a wave of dizziness hit her. Reaching out, she grabbed Edward's hand and lowered her head forward, trying to fight it off.

"Bella? What's wrong love?" he asked, worry lacing his voice.

"What's the matter, baby?" asked Renee, leading them towards a bench seat.

Sitting down gratefully, Bella began feeling better. The dizziness seemed to have passed and she was feeling fine again. She looked at Edward and Renee, wanting to reassure them.

"I'm ok, I just felt dizzy for a moment, that's all. It's gone now," she reassured them.

Edward took hold of her face and looked closely into her eyes, trying to gauge for himself how she was. "Are you sure? You're a little pale."

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm just not used to the heat and it's nearly lunchtime."

"It's quite mild, but fairly warm compared to Forks," agreed Renee. "Let's go and get some lunch."

After a leisurely lunch, they walked back to the car and headed back home. Phil was back and was changed into his training gear.

Edward, who was passionate about baseball, was peppering him with questions about the team and its prospects for the season. Renee and Bella looked at each other in amusement as the two men became absorbed with facts and statistics, forgetting the other room's occupants.

"Hey, Edward? Want to come to training with me? You can watch the drills and maybe even have a bit of hit with the guys," suggested Phil.

Edward's eyes lit up with delight. "You sure? That would be great."

"Of course."

Getting up from the seat, Edward remembered he wasn't alone. Turning a chagrined face to Bella, he was relieved to see her laughing at him.

"Go, Edward. Knock yourself out," she urged, making a shooing motion with her hands.

Grinning, he leant down and gave her quick kiss and turned to follow Phil out.

"Don't forget about dinner tonight, Phil," warned Renee. "Don't you boys forget about everything and get back late or there'll be hell to pay!"

"Sure honey," promised Phil as he left the room.

"I'll make sure we get back in time, Renee."

"Ok, have fun dear," said Renee, shaking her head. "Boys! It doesn't matter how old they are."

While the boys were out, Bella and Renee lay on the sun beds in the backyard, chatting. The warmth of the sun, combined with the busy morning made Bella really drowsy and it wasn't long before she fell asleep, unaware of the speculative look in her mother's eyes as she looked at her.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Edward walked into the bedroom, his eyes shining and slightly grubby from having slid along the ground few times. He was pulling his t-shirt off in order to get in the shower when Bella came out with a towel wrapped around her body.

"Mmm, is this what you're wearing tonight?" he teased lightly, wrapping his arms around her. "I approve heartily." He gave her a heart-stopping kiss, nibbling on her lips, his hands wandering.

Bella was sorely tempted to throw him back on the bed and have her way with him but pulled away reluctantly instead. Leaning back in the circle of his arms, she grinned up at him. "Thank you, but I think the management might be a bit upset."

"True," he agreed. "And my blood pressure would probably go through the roof."

"You poor old man!" she teased. "So, did you enjoy your afternoon?"

Edward let her go and sat down on the bed. "Oh man, it was great! I watched them run through their training drills and at the end they had a practice game. Phil had me join in and it was awesome. My shoulders are going to be complaining tomorrow but it was worth it. I haven't played baseball for so long and I never realised how much I missed it."

"And did you score a couple of home runs?" she asked, looking at his filthy shirt with amusement.

"Nah, but it was close," he grinned.

Bella watched the animation on his face with affection. She imagined this is what Edward would have looked like as a boy, coming home from a Little League game, brimming with excitement and eager to tell his mother about his home run. He looked so cute, that she couldn't stop herself from hugging him tightly. Edward took the opportunity to kiss her deeply, neither of them aware of just how they ended up tangled on the bed, Bella's towel in a heap on the floor.

When he took one of her breasts in his hands, raising it up to his mouth, Bella was ready to throw all scruples to the wind and beg him to make love to her. Unfortunately, or fortunately she would think later, when she could think, Edward came to his senses, giving her nipple a soft kiss and sitting up. Bella couldn't help the moan of frustration as Edward bent down, picked up her towel and wrapped it around her.

"I know, baby. Believe me, I know," he whispered huskily, his voice heavy with desire. "I'd better go have that shower now. A cold one." Caressing her cheek lightly, he walked into the bathroom.

Bella lay taking deep breaths, trying to get her body to settle down. Although she knew Renee wasn't any sort of prude and probably expected them to have sex, Bella still had a problem with it. Although a few minutes more with Edward and all scruples would have flown out the window.

Shaking her head wryly, she got up and began getting ready for dinner. She was just drying her hair when Edward walked back into the room with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Looking at him in the mirror, Bella could almost feel her mouth water at the sight. He was so beautifully proportioned, it took her breath away even after all these months. Edward turned and caught her hungry gaze on him, his eyes smouldering in response. Lord, they were both so turned on, how the hell were they going to keep their hands off each other tonight?

Renee and Phil were waiting for them in the lounge. "You look lovely," she exclaimed as she saw Bella in the red sundress Alice had persuaded her to buy. "Don't they make a gorgeous couple, Phil?" Phil simply nodded, grinning at their discomfort.

"Come on guys. I've booked us a table at Sneakers Bar & Grill on Jacksonville Beach. The food is delicious but it's also got dancing and great views over the water." Taking Edward by the elbow, she led them out to the car. "And I'm determined to have a dance with you, Edward. Call it practice for the wedding."

The restaurant was loud and lively when they arrived. The waiter gave them the menu as he seated them, telling them he'd return shortly to take their orders. Renee had requested an outdoor table, in order to enjoy the views and the balmy evening.

"This is great, Renee," enthused Edward as he looked out over the ocean. In the dim light, the white caps of breaking waves were the only things visible in the expanse of the ocean, apart from the lights of a few boats in the distance.

"I thought you guys would appreciate it. One of the benefits of living in a warm climate is that we like to take advantage of the outdoors and there are many outdoor cafes and restaurants. It's so pleasant to sit outside, feel the breeze and see the stars while you eat," said Renee.

Bella agreed. "It is one thing I wish we had in Forks. Being able to eat outdoors more often. If we did, we'd probably drown or freeze," she chuckled. "Still, it's home."

Edward took her hand. "Yeah. I'm very attached to the place."

Renee just sighed as she looked at the two of them. They were simply adorable.

The evening was full of laughs and conversation, the guys fully appreciating their succulent ribs. Later in the evening, the dancing started, the music a mixture of songs from all eras, all lively and good to dance to.

"Come on Edward. Time to take your future mother-in-law for a spin on the dance floor!" exclaimed Renee, who had consumed her fair share of cocktails during the night. Grabbing Edward by the hand, she led him through the crowd and onto the dance floor.

Bella couldn't help laughing at the sight of a very bemused Edward trying to keep up with her mother. Renee was like a whirling dervish, spinning around, arms in the air, bumping into people around her who quickly gave her a wide berth. It was exhausting just watching her.

"She hasn't danced for a while," said Phil, as if that explained Renee's manic dancing.

"I can tell," laughed Bella. "Poor Edward. It looks like he's gone down the self-preservation route and just trying to avoid her flying limbs." They watched the performance for a while longer and then got up to dance. "If you can't beat 'em..."

"Hey guys!" cried Renee. "Isn't this just the greatest fun? Edward here is a great dancer." Leaning closer to Bella, she made a very poor attempt at a whisper. "You know what they say about men who dance well, don't you?" she said, giving Edward pointed glances.

Bella blushed brightly, thankfully able to hide it in the dimmed lights. God, someone kill me now, she thought. Not being a confident dancer, Bella mainly swayed in place.

"Bella, come on! Get down with it baby girl!" urged Renee, shaking her booty around, much to the amusement of those around her. "You call that dancing?"

Edward burst out laughing at Bella's expression. "Is it true?" he whispered in her ear, sending a shiver of desire down Bella's back. She sent him a puzzled look. "About good dancers?" Bella tried to give him a withering glare but ending up giggling as well.

"Being good in bed? It's very true," she whispered back.

"Renee, do you mind if we swap partners? Bella and I don't often get much chance to dance back home."

"Of course!" she exclaimed, grabbing Bella and almost throwing her into Edward's arm. "Come on Phil. Let's show these youngsters how it's done!" The chagrined look on Phil's face was priceless.

Holding her close, their arms entwined, the two of them swayed to the music, regardless of the beat. Renee had wrought a trail of destruction on the dance floor, Phil just trailing in her wake.

"Is she like that all the time?" asked Edward, shaking his head.

"Pretty much. Although she's been aided and abetted by all those cocktails," replied Bella. "Always the life of any party."

"Thank god you rescued me. I thought I was going to collapse from trying to keep up with her!" exaggerated Edward, a twinkle in his eye. "How does Phil do it?"

"Practice," she replied.

Several songs later, the DJ played a few romantic tunes, much to their delight. Holding her close with barely a breath of space between them, they swayed slowly, just enjoying the closeness.

"It's been fun today," he murmured into her ear. Bella nodded in agreement. "Phil suggested we take the car tomorrow and head over to the beach. What do you think?"

"Sounds good. We can explore the area."

Edward gradually moved them towards the edge of the dance floor where he took her hand and led her outside. Grateful to escape the din for a few moments, they walked over to the balcony railing. Bella leaned on it, Edward pressed up behind her, his hands on either side of hers.

"Happy?" he murmured, giving her a soft kiss on the nape of her neck.

"Mmm hmm," came the reply as she leaned back against him, enjoying the way he seemed to surround her. "I'm always happy when I'm with you."

"Good answer," he chuckled, leaning his chin against her hair. Neither of them said a word for a few minutes, both of them just enjoying their closeness as they watched the lights of the boats on the water.

"There they are!" Renee's voice broke their reverie. Reaching them, Renee leaned back against the railing, gripping it rather tightly. "Whew, that was fun! Wasn't that fun, Phil?"

"Yes, hon."

Renee gave a loud hiccup then began giggling. "Whoops! I...I...think I've had...a bit...too...too, (hiccup)...much to...drink."

Bella felt Edward chuckle into her hair, his body shaking with mirth.

"Ok hon. I think it's past your bedtime," said Phil, putting his arm around his wife and gently leading her towards the door. "Shall we head home?" Phil asked them.

"Sure thing, Phil. It's been a fun night," agreed Bella.

Renee rambled about anything and everything on the way home. Edward and Bella sat in the back trying not laugh.

"They're adorable, aren't they Phil?" asked Renee, her words slightly slurred

"Who?"

"Bella and Edward of course! Aren't they the cutest couple you ever saw?"

"Yes, hon," he replied non-commitally. Edward grinned at Bella.

"Don't you think they'll make the most gorgeous babies? Yep, gorgeous babies..." she said, her voice trailing off as sleep started to take hold.

Bella's grin instantly disappeared at the statement, squeezing Edward's hand in an attempt to apologise for Renee's words, even though she had no knowledge of Edward's circumstances. Edward simply looked at her and mouthed the words, "it's ok," to let her know he wasn't upset.

Back at the house, they helped Phil get Renee inside before heading back to their bedroom. Bella was still feeling awkward about Renee's faux pas and got ready for bed without saying much.

When Edward joined her in bed, he pulled her close. "Hey, I'm not upset, you know," he tried to reassure her, aware that she was feeling bad for him. "Renee has no way of knowing and she didn't mean anything malicious. She was tipsy."

Bella sighed and leaning into his chest. "I know. She was just rambling. I just felt...I don't know," she said frustratedly.

"Bella, don't feel bad. I don't. People don't know and it's something that will come up, especially when we get married." He stroked her hair as he talked. "Naturally Renee will assume that we'll have children. It's normal. I'd be more surprised if she didn't."

"You're right, I shouldn't feel defensive about it." Deciding to change the subject, she settled down lower in the bed, feeling sleepy even though she hadn't had much to drink, only a couple of daiquiris. "It was fun though, wasn't it?"

"I won't forget it quickly, that's for sure," he chuckled. "I thought I was going to pass out on the dance floor. I don't know how Renee does it."

Bella giggled. "I did warn you, didn't I?"

"That you did."

o-o-o-o-o-o

It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day as Edward drove towards Jacksonville Beach. He had a cooler with food and drinks and everything else needed to spend a few hours lazing on a beach. Bella was watching the scenery flash past, a happy smile on her face. Edward felt complete at this very moment.

"Mom definitely looked worse for wear this morning," said Bella, smiling at him.

Edward nodded in amusement. "I don't envy her this morning. In fact, I don't envy anyone. Why would I when I have the perfect woman next to me, a beautiful day and the prospect of spending hours alone together."

"And all the other beach goers," she pointed out. "And I'm not perfect."

"You are to me," he replied, taking her hand.

"You sweet talker you."

"Hey, I'm only stating a fact," he argued. Bella just shook her head at him.

They arrived at Jacksonville Beach and decided to go for a leisurely stroll. It was still relatively early and there were only a few people dotted around the long beach, since it was a work day for most. They walked hand in hand along the long pier that jutted out from the shore, exchanging hello's with the few people who were fishing off it. Reaching the end, they sat down on a seat, Edward wrapping his arm around Bella's shoulder, pulling her close.

"It's so relaxing, isn't it?" he said, leaning his head against hers.

"Yeah. It's so calm at the moment. Still, I really love the wildness of the beaches back home. It's so elemental, untamed. I don't think I've ever seen the sea there as calm as this. I know that it's not always like this here, but back on the Peninsula you just wouldn't ever take the sea for granted."

"Feeling a little homesick?"

"A little," she admitted. "It would be a hundred times worse if you weren't here with me."

"So you wouldn't consider living anywhere other than Forks?" he asked curiously.

Bella looked at him. "Why?"

"No reason. I'm just curious. You're such a part of Forks that I really can't imagine you in any other setting."

"If I had to leave, I would, but it would be hard. I know it's cold and it rains a lot but it's home. And it's beautiful too. The forests that are so primeval in many ways, the greenness of everything. It always seems so clean, like the rain washes away the dirt, leaving it pure and fresh. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see more of the world, visit new places but my heart would always pull me back home."

Edward kissed her forehead tenderly. "Well, I'd love to show you some beautiful places around the world but I know I'd have to bring you home before too long."

Neither said much for a while, lost in their own thoughts. Edward broke the silence first.

"Bella, do you think we should start thinking about setting a date for our wedding?"

"I think that's a good idea," she smiled back at him. "I was going to bring it up while we were here but you've beaten me to it."

"You were? Wow, great minds really do think alike," he teased. "Seriously though, do you have any preference for when? As far as I'm concerned, I'd marry you today but you probably want something a bit fancier."

"You really would marry me today if I asked?" she asked softly.

"Of course. Anywhere. Anytime. I love you and want you to be my wife."

Bella turned his head so she could kiss him. Edward cupped the back of her head and held her still while he lovingly caressed her mouth, nibbling on her lips, loving the taste of her. When they pulled apart, Bella's eyes were shining.

"And I want you to be my husband, but we'd disappoint too many people if we just eloped. Alice would never forgive us, even if she is your sister."

"I suppose so," sighed Edward. "But I don't want to wait months and months to marry you."

"Neither do I. I wouldn't mind a late summer, early fall wedding."

"Around August or September? Would that be enough time?"

"I don't see why not," she replied. "I don't want a big wedding, just something intimate for our families and closest friends. It can't take that long to organise and with Alice to help, it should be more than possible."

"You mean with Alice to take over, don't you?"

"Probably," she laughed. "I don't really care. As long as I'm there, you're there and someone to marry us is there, that's all want."

"Okay, we'll work on sometime in September then. When we get back, we can enlist Alice's help to get the ball rolling."

"Sounds good."

"I can't wait to call you Mrs Cullen," he whispered against her lips.

"I can't wait to be called Mrs Cullen," she replied. "I love you Mr Cullen."

"And I love you, Mrs Cullen-to-be."

Their kiss was gentle, sweet, an expression of the love they felt for the other. As always, the passion was there, but it was a quietly simmering passion, ready to boil over at the slightest touch or look.

Arms wrapped around each other, they slowly walked back along the pier and headed towards the car. Phil had suggested they head down to Ponte Vedra Beach.

"Phil suggested this beach because he said it's quiet, surrounded by fantastic homes and off the tourist track. We can spend couple of hours in the sun."

"Sounds nice and I won't scare everyone away with my ghostly white skin," joked Bella.

Carrying their gear they walked onto the beach and walked along the water's edge, admiring the beautiful and expensive homes, with their million dollar views over the blue ocean. They passed the occasional walker, patted a dog or two before deciding on a spot to lay out their towels.

"Here love, let me put sunscreen on you." Grabbing the sunscreen, he rubbed it into her back and legs, thoroughly enjoying himself. He deliberately lingered on the sides of her breasts, and on her inner thighs listening to her breathing get heavier with each stroke.

"Turn around, love, and I'll do your front."

Bella sat up and took the bottle from him. "Oh no you don't! That was very naughty of you, getting me all worked up like that. Come on, lie down. It's my turn."

Obeying instantly, Edward lay down on his stomach. "I was only making sure that your skin was properly covered. I wouldn't want you to get sunburned," he claimed with mock sincerity.

"Sure you where." She proceeded to give Edward back a little of his own torture back, loving his soft groans of pleasure as she caressed his behind and his legs, getting dangerously close to where he really wanted her hands.

"God, baby! I can't get up now. It'll be obvious to a blind man what you've done to me," he groaned. Bella just giggled at his predicament.

"The water's cold," she suggested innocently.

"Yeah, but getting there's a bit of problem at the moment, you minx."

"I'm sure no-one will see. Your shorts are loose enough. You just don't want to get in the water," she teased. Giving him a sharp tap on his behind, she jumped up and ran towards the water. "Last one in's a rotten egg!"

Laughing, she nearly made it into the water before he caught her, picked her up, giggling and squirming and carried her into the water before unceremoniously dumping her into it. Standing up, spluttering and pushing wet strands of hair out of her eyes, she lunged at him, knocking them both off balance, dunking them under a small breaking wave.

"So who's the rotten egg now?" he chuckled, pulling her close as he braced his legs against the force of the water.

"You are, for dumping me like that," she pouted.

"At least the water's warmer than at home, I bet," he grinned, nuzzling her neck.

"You have no idea."

They played in the water for a while, Bella wrapping her arms and legs around him, the water supporting her weight, allowing Edward's hands to wander all over her. The buffeting of the water caused Bella to rub up against Edward's erection, which had sprung back to life after the shock of the cold.

"You should stop doing that," he groaned against her neck, licking the saltiness of her skin.

"Doing what? I'm not doing anything," she said innocently before rolling her hips against him again.

"Tease." Deciding it was time for a little payback, Edward slipped his finger under the elastic of Bella bikini pants. He heard her gasp of pleasure as he slipped between her folds, stroking the delicate skin that, despite the cold water, was deliciously warm

"Oh god!" she moaned against his ear, rocking herself against his hardness. "Don't stop."

"No," he murmured before capturing her lips again. Kissing passionately, his tongue mimicking what his finger was doing to her sex, they lost touch with reality. Inserting two fingers, he quickly pumped them into her, the thumb of his other hand rubbing her clit. He could hear her soft whimpers against his hair as she rolled her hips frenetically against his aching erection.

"Are you nearly there?" he whispered. At her nod, he resumed stimulating her, his fingers working steadily, bringing her closer and closer to release.

"Oh god, Edward. I'm gonna come," she moaned urgently, her breathing harsh.

"Come on baby," he encouraged, kissing her deeply.

Pinching her clit and rolling it between his fingers was the catalyst for Bella to come apart in his arms. Whimpering with pleasure she bucked against his fingers as her orgasm surged through her. Breathing rapidly, she quickly came back to earth and could feel his penis pressing against her.

Reaching down, she snaked her hand into his shorts and grasped his rigid erection, squeezing tightly as she stroked him.

"Oh baby, that feels good." She began stroking him harder and harder, enjoying his groans of pleasure. "Baby, I'm going to come," he warned. In the next instant, he hissed loudly and she felt the warm spurt against her hand that instantly cooled in the sea water.

To the casual observer they looked like a couple of young lovers holding each other tight, no sign of what had transpired underneath the waves visible.

They were both still breathless as they grinned at each other before kissing gently for a few moments.

"I'm going to turn into a prune soon," complained Bella.

"You'll be the sexiest prune I've ever seen." Releasing her, they waded out of the ocean and made their way back to their towels.

"Well, that was the best swim in the ocean I've ever had," grinned Edward as they lay in the sun, letting its rays warm them up.

"Me too."

A couple of hours later, they got ready to leave. After a last quick dip, they packed up the remnants of their lunch and their towels and strolled back to the car.

"Now, that's an impressive house," commented Edward, pointing to a large house made up of nearly all glass where it faced the ocean. "Imagine the views."

Bella looked up at it thoughtfully. "It's certainly a grand house but you know what? I prefer your parent's house. If I had the choice, I'd pick that one over any of these houses."

With his free arm, Edward pulled her close and kissed her temple gently.

The sun, sea, fresh air, not to mention their water activities made Bella quite drowsy and it wasn't long before she fell into a light doze on the water back to Renee's. Edward's hand gently rousing her alerted her to their arrival.

"Go have your shower first, love," suggested Edward as they got their things from the car. "I'll keep Renee company."

Feeling sticky and tight from the salt water, Bella readily agreed. After her shower and much refreshed, she walked out onto the patio where Renee and Edward were chatting.

"Hello darling. Feeling better?" asked Renee as she poured Bella a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade.

"Hmm, much better. The seawater makes your skin feel so tight." She sat down next to Edward. "Your turn. I bet you're dying for a shower as well."

Edward jumped up. "You're not wrong." Giving her a peck on the lips, he went inside for his shower.

Lying back on the chaise, Bella yawned loudly. "Oops, sorry Mom. It must be all this sunshine. I'm not used to it," she joked.

Renee didn't say anything, just looked Bella up and down. At the silence, Bella turned her head and caught Renee looking at her speculatively.

"What, Mom?"

"Bella, how far along are you?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"How many weeks pregnant are you?"

o-o-o-o-o-o

A/N: Ta daaa! Is she or isn't she? That is the question!

Let me know what you think.