A/N: Bels... holy crap... look who it is!

*looks around* who?????

US!!!!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! HEY YOU!!!! :D

HAI! It's been AGES AND AGES... practically a decade!

Practically... although SMeyer still owns, not us. That hath withstood the test of time :P

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BPOV

After waking up from my power nap at the hotel my day seemed to speed by. It felt like the meetings were endless and the arguments even more draining. At a quarter to 8 that evening I was slouched in Francois' office physically beyond the point of exhaustion.

"You did great today, despite the crazed schedule." He commended patting my knee as he pulled a file from the main hallway and walking back around towards his desk. "How are you holding up?" He asked, concern spread across his face. "Good," I sighed. "Just tired." He nodded. "Well Nathan and I are going to dinner, did you want to grab a quick bite before calling it a night?"

"Nathan?" I asked, raising a brow. He nodded. "The new boyfriend." I chuckled and shook my head. "Should have guessed." He grinned and leaned forward. "Speaking of boyfriends... how is that epitome of walking sex boyfriend of yours?" I laughed harder and yawned, nodding. "He's good. He has a shoot with Vanity Fair on Friday." His eyebrow shot up into his hairline. "Vanity Fair? I thought he said he only did freelance with local companies in the Seattle area?"

"He's modest. He's a lot better than he lets on."

"Obviously." Francois scoffed. He leaned back resting his hands on his stomach. "So, dinner?" I shook my head. "No, I should get back. I need to call Edward." I sat up a little straighter as I realized we hadn't discussed how long I'd be here. "So obviously, I'll be here the rest of the week..." I trailed off, looking at him for confirmation. He nodded. "Ideally, I'd like for you to stay until everything is launched, but I realize that you have other clientele--" He paused, looking at me directly. "I checked with Michael. Now, don't take this the wrong way, but he's kind of... is he a bit slow in the head?" I was so shocked at his question, I couldn't help the burst of laughter that racked my body. I shook my head, catching my breath. "No, that's just his personality. I'm fairly certain he's all there... at least most of the time." He seemed to buy it and nodded slowly. "Well, regardless he told me about the new project your starting." He took another pause before sighing. "I really hope you're considering the offer I made you on your last trip here; about coming to work with us permanently." I nodded. "Yes, I'm still considering it; however, for now I'd like to work out how long you think I'll be needed here."

"Like I said, we'd like for you to say until everything is launched."

"But you also said you understood why I can't."

He nodded. "Yes, I did; however much I'd like to call Mr. Newton and rip him a new asshole for giving you another project at a time like this..." He took another heavy breath, fanning his hand in front of himself dismissively. "Regardless, I think another week or two here will be fine. Then we can resume planning the launch party and fashion show." I sighed internally, wishing that he would have said I could leave on Friday. I stood to leave, nodding with understanding. "Alright. I'll let Michael know."

"And your boyfriend." He replied with a wink. "You should ask him to pull another Prince Charming and fly out here to surprise you."

I laughed as I made my way to the door. "If I ask him it won't be a surprise." He shrugged. "Tomato...toe-mott-toe - same difference." I rolled my eyes, waving behind me towards him as I made my way out of the office.

Half an hour later I was pushing open my hotel room door and kicking off my heels. Thank god the day was over; it had gone by so quickly and yet seemed to never end all at the same time. After taking a quick shower and changing into one of Edward's tshirts and a pair of sweat pants I dialed his number.

His voice was muffled and thick with sleep as it echoed over the line. "Hello?"

"Baby?" I asked quietly, cursing myself for waking him.

He sighed, and I could hear his smile through the phone. "Bella."

"Hey, how're you feeling?" I asked, leaning against the stack of pillows propped against the headboard.

"Getting there. What about you? You must be exhausted. You didn't have to call, love."

"I know, but I missed you... a lot. I'm sorry for waking you."

He laughed lightly, shaking it off. "It's okay. I was only taking a nap anyway. I have something to tell you."

"Oh?" I asked, perking up a bit.

"Baby, I did it."

"... did what?" I asked, completely confused.

He chuckled into the receiver before answering me. "Bella, right at this moment, with the exception of us being together what's the one thing that I could tell you that would make all of your dreams come true?"

"Um... that Santa's real?" I joked, closing my eyes slowly and relaxing into the mattress.

"Mhm. And I have his number. What should I tell him you'd like?"

I laughed softly into the receiver. "Hm... you in this bed with me right now."

His voice dropped to a soothing tone. "Baby, that was the exception."

"What? What do you mean?"

"It's the one thing that will make you happier than anything, with the exception of us being together right now." He sighed. "You know, you're really bad at these games, love." He laughed lightly and I could just picture him rolling his eyes at that instant.

"Hey, I should be allowed a reprieve, I am exhausted." I replied defensively, laughing under my breath. "Happier than anything, you say? Hmm... You got me an engagement ring from Tiffany's and are planning to propose to me when you see me this weekend?" I replied jokingly.

"What's your ring size?" He asked, his voice sounding serious, like stone.

My breath hitched in my throat as the calmness in his voice waved through my ear. "Ah... um... 6." I took a deep breath before continuing. "Why?"

"Because if you're going to be my wife, then you should have a ring. And since I can give you that now, I think I will." He mused, chuckling quietly more to himself than me, I think. "Yeah, I think that's a great idea. Thanks, love."

"... you can give me that now?" I asked, trying to get confirmation of what it seemed like he was saying. "You... and Tanya..."

"No more. Just you and me, love."

My lips could not contain the gigantic smile that broke out at his news, so I began laughing uncontrollably. After a few moments, I took a couple deep breaths steadily my heart rate. "Sorry, I just..." I trailed off trying to put into words what I was feeling. "I can wait to see you this weekend. Will you fly out after your shoot?"

"Yup. Barring some unfortunate relapse, I'll be there."

"Thank God it's already Wednesday. I can't wait to see you... even more, now."

"I knew you'd like it." He replied, smiling into the phone.

We made small talk for the next hour or so before I realized I hadn't told him about my conversation with Francois. "So, I spoke with Francois today about how long I'll be needed here." I paused biting my lip. "How long do you think you'd be able to stay with me?"

"Hm. If I leave friday after my shoot, I'll probably have to leave by sunday morning at the latest. I have to develop my shots, and send them in for monday by 2."

My voice dropped a little. I was hoping he'd be able to at least stay until Tuesday. I didn't like the idea of having to go a full week without him. "I have to stay at least another full week, possibly two."

"Fuck." He sighed, sounding just as frustrated as I was as the duration. "What If I come out... Tuesday? Then I can stay until the following Thursday?"

"I don't want to throw off your schedule, so whatever is easiest and works best for you." I replied, trying to keep myself from being selfish and begging him to develop the shots Friday night and fly out Saturday and stay until I had to leave.

"Baby, either way. I just have to develop them. So it either means coming out later and staying longer or only coming for two days. Honestly?" He replied with a sigh, his voice dropping. "I'd rather take the red eye Monday night just so that I can get a good nights sleep for an entire week and a half."

I sighed and nodded. I'd just have to be patient. "Okay, Tuesday morning it is then."

There was a pause before I heard his voice on the other end again. "It's not so bad. I mean, it could be worse..." He said, trailing off. I knew he was just trying to make it easier on us, but it wasn't really working.

"I know." I replied. "It's just now it sucks that it's only Wednesday; that means I have to go an entire week without feeling you here." I lamented, crawling under the covers and wrapping myself up in them snugly.

"Tuesday is kinda far.. fuck."

"Yea... it is."

"Too far?"

"Yea, but I'd rather see you for a week than a day and a half."

"Fuck." He puffed out, sounding put off by how long we'd be apart. Thank god I wasn't the only one.

"...Yea." I sighed. "Anyway, I'm going to get some rest. I'll see you Tuesday?" I asked, trying to hide the sadness in my voice at having to wait so long to see him.

"Yeah... fucking Tuesday. I love you, Bella. Are you happy?"

"I'm happy." I replied, yawning as my eyes fought to stay open.

"Perfect. Sweet dreams, Love."

"Love you Edward." I murmured sleepily, before shutting my phone and placing it on the nightstand. Tuesday could not come soon enough.

EPOV

Thursday went by exceptionally slowly, but thankfully I had something to look forward to on Friday.

Work.

Woo fucking hoo.

I drove nearly and hour and a half outside the city to the estate of some lady who was winning the Nobel Peace Prize for inventing the coffee cozy. Who knew? It would've been a good, quiet drive had I gone alone. Instead, I brought Ben. Ben, who hadn't shut up once in the last 45 minutes.

"So this girl.. I can't remember if she was Tina or Teresa but one of them... FUCK dude I wish you had been there, I coulda really used a wingman in Guatemala..." He paused, looking over at me. "Course, with some convincing they were both up to handling me."

I rolled my eyes, and adjusted my grip on the wheel. "I bet they did. Don't you ever just want to... stop for a while?"

"Stop?" He looked at me like I'd just told him that I shit feathers and sell them. "Why the hell would I want to stop?"

I shrugged, all of a sudden feeling self conscious. I used to be like this kid, and now I was thinking about getting engaged to another girl? Fuck. "Maybe... there's something more than being smashed between Miss Peru and Miss Guatemala. Something that's... I dunno... kinda cool?"

"First off," he waved his index finger at me. "Ms. Peru, Ms. Guatemala AND Ms. X South American Country lady are all... cool." He winked, "And two, maybe there is something more than that but the way I figure it; only one in a hundred if that, get to be with their soul mate. And after seeing you and Bella - my chances are fucking shot - because you two are it man."

"Why would your chances be shot? And thanks... for that... about me and Bella."

"Dude, think about it. If my best dude over here found his perfect lady, and the chances are at least one in a hundred, what are the chances I'll even meet her, let alone get the opportunity to be with her? I mean, let's face it - what you and Ms. Isabonita have not many fucking people get. I mean, dude how fucking lucky are you? She's hilarious, smart, she fucking deals with all the shit you throw her way with fucking grace and not to mention she looks fucking MMMM... MMM.. GOOD in a bikini." He paused for effect, or to piss me off. I wasn't entirely sure. "You think everyone gets a chance with a girl like that? Psh, if I get one outta those 4 I feel priv-fucking-lidged."

"Okay, here we go. I hear you saying anything about Bella in a bikini ever again, I will not hesitate to spoon your eyes from their sockets, understood?" I glared at him over my shoulder for emphasis, "And I know I don't deserve her, but the thing is I probably never will. I won't ever be everything that Bella needs. The thing is just trying to get her to stay with me regardless. Whether or not she needs me, I need her."

"Uh dude? Did you recently have your eyes spooned from your sockets? That girl fucking stares at you like a lost fucking puppy who just found her owner. You're her fucking universe man, how the fuck do you not see that? What the hell do you think Tanya was going on about at Alice's party? Bella never looks at you like your someone undeserving or average. She looks at you like she can't live another minute looking away from you. And I bet if you asked her point blank how much she needed you, she'd tell you more than fucking air man. And that's some real fucking talk."

I shrugged. Sure, Bella could say those things, and maybe all of that was true but the fact of the matter was that I needed her more. She brought me back to life, and back to a reality that I never thought I could have again. She made everything possible. "Tanya and I split."

Ben's expression never faltered. "Bout damn time you dropped her."

I sighed, "You don't understand; Tanya and I--"

"Should have broken up years ago when the whore tried to come on to me after you proposed... I mean seriously dude, you're one of the most logical guys I know. Why the fuck would you write something like that off?"

"Because... Because I loved her, you know? If Bella..." I took a deep breath, "If Bella had done the same thing, I can't say that I would react any differently."

"So you're telling me that you love Bella the exact same way you loved Tanya?" He scoffed, looking back out the window. "Then dude, I HOPE Bella fucking pulls a Tanya cuz I'd tap that--"

"Don't even fucking say that. Don't even fucking..." I took a deep breath to try and calm down. Didn't work, I still wanted to punch him. "That's not what I meant. Just that when you love someone, you let them get away with more, and Tanya... I always kind of felt like having her and dealing with her shit were what I deserved. For being such a disappointment." I made sure to keep my eyes trained on the road as I spoke, seeing not only the road but my fathers hard green eyes staring back at me. Such a disappointment.

"Disappointment dude? How? Cuz you kept your balls intact and followed your dream instead of someone else's? You would have been MISERABLE being a doctor! I still don't get why you can't see that. You and I woulda never explore Thailand or Vietnam, or had a run for it in Spain with the bulls cuz you would have been off studying for your MCAT or stressing over residency. You love being a photographer and if that shit puts money in your pocket to where you can live and makes you happy fuck what Tanya thinks. Hell dude, how sound is her reasoning if she's trying to call you out for cheating, when that's pretty much what she's been doing the entirety of your relationship?"

I laughed, feeling my stress diminish with every word. "Doesn't matter."

"You're right, it doesn't. Because you have a chick, the hottest chick in the entire state of Washington loving you and thinking you're the cat's fucking meow."

I laughed and turned into the woman's driveway. "I do, don't I?"

And in the end, Bella and her opinion of me mattered more than anything that anyone else could possibly say. She was the one that mattered, and she was the one who would love me always. She was the only one I needed to make proud.

The rest of the afternoon went so smoothly that Ben and I were done by three, and heading back into town. The entire estate made me think of Bella. The huge expanse of a back yard, the open space... everything just screamed Bella. Maybe because of this, or just because I'm insane I decided to run my new plan by Ben.

"I think I'm going to propose to Bella."

There was silence before he spoke. "Just so that I won't bone her? That seems a bit drastic."

I rolled my eyes, then turned to him. "No, shit head. Because I love her and I want to be with her forever. It seems... right."

"You wanted those things with Tanya though, not too long ago. What makes this different?"

I laughed when I thought about it. What makes this different? Only everything. "Ben, Bella's so much... cooler than Tanya. She's kinder, smarter, more down to earth. I was with Tanya for seven fucking years-- since I was a kid. And... instead of growing together, we grew apart. Bella's--"

"Pre-made? Like one of those Mama Celeste Pizzas?"

I looked at him, and furrowed my brow, "I suppose you could look at it that way. I just... Tanya and I haven't wanted the same things for a while, but Bella and I seem to be on the same page. We can make it. I want to make it with her."

He nodded, "You're sure? You aren't going to end up cheating on her in seven years?"

My stomach turned at that, and I felt like I was going to puke all over again. "Never."

He nodded again and pulled out his cell. "Who are you calling?" I asked.

"You'll see. Swing a left here."

I did like he asked, then realized where we were going. Sure enough. "Hey, Penguini How ya doin?" He screeched into the phone. "Yeah, Teds and I are gonna hit Tiff's you wanna come?... Mhm...Mhm... Bella... Mhm... trashed her... Mhm... i know... Yeah, she was a cunt... Oooo... Mhm... K... so yeah, waddle down the drive way, and I'll like hoist you into the car. Okay. Bye."

I laughed to myself and he slapped my shoulder. "ALICE HO!"

I laughed again as I turned down their street, then into their drive way. Ben just hopped out and started yelling "al-ICE!"

"I'm coming! I'm coming! JESUS! Come over here and help a preggo whale out wouldya?"

I got out and jogged over to her, kissing her on the cheek quickly. "Hey there."

She basically radiated happiness. "Hello brother in law! Job well done dumping Tanya on the phone like that. Classy." She said with a wink.

I rolled my eyes, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I sense some disapproval. How did you hear?"

"Tanya called Jazzy." She told me before turning to glare at Ben. "Move. Preggo whales get front seat."

"Uh, bitch much Penguini? And fineee." Ben moved to the back seat of the volvo and I looked at Alice skeptically. "You knew he was speaking to her?"

She looked at me like I was an idiot. "Yeah... and he's been having lunch with her once a week for the past few months. Didn't you know?"

I looked back at her wide eyed, "No... I had no idea."

"Oh, yeah. After you told him about how she was messing around with another guy he called her up." She shrugged, "It doesn't really matter though, does it? I mean, at the end of the day everyone has a past. Jazz loved Tanya and so did you." She laughed lightly, "If anything that just gives Bella and I one more thing in common - loving men who used to fall in love with sluts."

I turned on the car and pulled out. "I'd disagree, but then I'd be lying."

Ben's head poked in between the seats, "So how is old bitch face?"

She turned back (as much as she could) to look at Ben in shock. "You honestly think I pay attention to how she is? Once Jazz confirms he didn't fuck her and she didn't hit on him I ignore any sentence he starts with 'Tanya...'"

I was completely baffled by everything, "He talks to you about her?" What the fuck was this the Twilight Zone? And where the fuck was Bella?

"Psh, Edward. You really think I'd let him see her and not expect a full report when he got back? I may not care, but I'm a wife and mother I have my touchy subjects... Tanya is one of the subjects I'd like to touch.." Then she growled. Yeah, Alice fucking growled.

I looked at Alice quickly, then back at the road. "Let's just get the fuck out of here. If he's going to be friends with my ex... that's completely disrespectful. Not only to you but to Bella."

Ben nodded, "Yeah. Everybody likes Bellista."

"So not that I mind in the least, but why the manly bonding trip to everyone's favorite blue box jeweler?"

I looked at Ben, "You didn't tell her?"

He shrugged, "I thought it was implied."

"What's implied?" She kept looking between us, but neither Ben nor I said anything. "What???" She stopped on me, and her eyes went wide. "OMIGOD YOU'RE GOING TO PROPOSE TO BELLA! BELLA'S GONNA BE PROPOSED TO!! OMIGOD I HAVE TO CALL HER!!!!!!" She practically dumped her purse on her lap as she searched for her phone.

I slapped my hands over hers and held them in place. "You're really going to call my girlfriend and tell her that I'm about to propose to her?"

"Edward! Do you know what this MEANS?! It means that she's going to be your wife and even BETTER and MORE IMPORTANT - MY SISTER!"

I sighed, and Ben tapped her shoulder. "Penguini, she's his girl. Let him do the talking. Besides, if you warn her she might get away. It's like a lion. No quick movements or it attacks." He held up his hand in a clawing motion,"Rarrrr."

She huffed, "Fine. Party poopers." She was quiet for a minute as she pulled her hands out from under mine. "But the rock better be big. She's put up with a lot from you Edward." She warned, before putting her hand on my arm. "Can I be the first to congratulate you even though you haven't done it yet? Because really, thank you for not forcing me to be family with Tanya the Tart."

I laughed, and pulled into the parking lot. "S'okay, Alice. And you can pick the ring. But if it doesn't remind me of Bella, forget it."

She scrunched up her nose, "Ew Edward. I expected better from you. Yeah I'd love to pick out the ring, but if I did I'd feel like I should be proposing to Bella. And if we lived in Massachussettes and I was a lesbian sure... but, no."

I ran a hand through my hair as Ben helped her out of the car, "The last time I did this..."

"Your girlfriend wanted to pick out her own damn ring because she was a materialistic wench from h-e double L." She told me, wrapping one arm around Ben's.

I laughed. "H-e double l?"

She glared at me and I shivered. "Do you want me to help or not?"

I put her arm through mine and we headed in the direction of the store. "How did Jasper take it?"

"How did he take what?"

"That we broke up. I mean, he didn't call or anything, and he's still probably pissed about Bella."

"Whoa, whoa dude... are you like, dating Jasper?"

I glared at Ben over Alice, "That would be incest you shit fuck."

Alice laughed between us. "He's fine. I think he's a little upset at HOW you did it; whereas I think you shoulda dumped her in an e-mail or by like... courier pigeon."

"I would have done it through telekinesis if I could." I replied holding the door open and stepping inside. I just stood there for a moment. I was really doing this. Bella would be my wife... after a simple payment of a few thousand dollars.

"C'mon, Penguini," Ben said pulling Alice along. "He needs a moment to collect himself."

She tugged Ben up to the cases, and began looking at everything. "Do you think she'll need a wedding planner? Do you think she'd let ME plan it? Oh! Do you think she'd prefer a spring or fall wedding? OMIGOD WHAT IF THEY ELOPE?!" She spun around to face me, wagging a finger. "I don't care when or how you get married, just PROMISE me you won't elope!"

I held up my hands, "I promise nothing. I could come home married next week."

Her eyes went wide. "You need a witness Edward! Tell me the night before and I'll sneak away... third trimester flying regulations BE DAMNED!"

I shook my head, leaning over on of the cases. "A. Your first priority should be the baby, and B. I still promise nothing. What Bella wants, Bella will have. And if she wants to get married next week, then so be it."

Ben let out a low whistle. "Whipped, much?"

Alice huffed again, putting an arm on top of her belly. "Fine. I'll just have to convince Bella not to do it in New York."

"You aren't allowed to tell her, okay? Please, Alice?"

"I won't I swear." She said defensively, "Doesn't mean I can't try and convince her when she calls to tell me though..."

I sighed, "Whatever." I looked back down into the case and immediately lost my mind. I turned back to tweedle dee and tweedle dum. "Are you gonna help me, or what?"

Alice waved over a sales associate, and within minutes I was looking down at a bunch of boxes filled with engagement rings. "There, now pick one."

I shook my head, "Wait, what?"

Ben's hand clapped over my shoulder, "You see Teds. You and Bellista are getting engaged, so you buy her a ring so that she's eternally indebted to you."

Alice rolled her eyes. "What STD Stan is trying to say is that this is the ring that she's going to wear for the rest of her life to remind her of you. Every time she looks down at her hand she'll see this ring and sigh wistfully as images of you and her fill her cute little head." She smiled, "Now pick."

I sighed, looking down at the five basic styles. Bella. I was looking for Bella. And I found her in a medium size solitaire. "That one." I reached to grab my wallet. "How much?"

The clerk smiled. "$8,500."

Ben gaged, "Seriously? Teds, she's hot but we could always go to like... Kohl's and get one for $19.95."

Alice turned to Ben, "You know, I'm not even surprised. With the cheap girls you play with I would imagine spending 20 bucks would be like paying for what they're worth."

He stuck his tongue out and I handed the guy my card. "You two are worse than a pair of five year olds."

They blinked at me, "What?"

"I'm buying an engagement ring for my girlfriend, and you two are going at it like there's no tomorrow. Please... just gimme a sec to enjoy this, okay?"

Alice put her small hand on my back and started rubbing soothing circles. "Sorry Edward. We know this is big. You're marrying the perfect girl for you. Bella's an incredible woman."

Ben smacked my back, "Congrats, Teds."

I rolled my eyes, and shook my head. Then I signed the credit slip. "How soon can I have it?"

The guy looked at me like I had six heads, "Well, right now. She's a six you said?" I nodded, "Right now. Just give me a moment to get it for you and you can inspect it."

I grinned, "Thank you."

Twenty minutes and nearly nine grand later, Bella had an engagement ring. Now all I had to do was get her to say yes.