My profuse apologies for the delay. Real life got really really busy. I won't bore you with all the details, just one: I will be a Mommy again next May! So needless to say my head has been somewhere else. But I didn't forget about you. Here is Chapter 17 for your reading pleasure. It's a little short, but I'm pleased with it. I hope you are too! I am almost done with 18, so I will have it up shortly. Do enjoy and leave me some love!

xo

A

*******************************************************************************************************************************************

---Emmett---

I slid my arms around her waist and pulled her back against my chest. She squealed in shock, then leaned her head back. I buried my face in her hair and breathed in deep.

"I thought you said I could warm you up," I growled.

"I said if you behaved, you could," she sighed and closed her eyes.

"I did behave!" I protested.

"For what, a whole ten minutes?" she laughed. "I told you I have to make dinner for Charlie first, then take care of the dreaded homework. I am still in school, you know."

"I know," I mumbled. "Is it so bad for me to want you?"

"Of course not," she answered with a sweet smile. She turned in my arms and stared up at me with her beautiful brown eyes. She stood on her tip toes and kissed my cheek. "And don't think I don't want you, too. But I have to take care of this stuff first. Be patient? For me?"

"You know I can't resist it when you beg," I smirked. "Fine. I'll be patient. I've waited decades for you. What's another two hours?"

She laughed again and I released her to her work. I watched as she buzzed around the kitchen like an old pro. I almost wished I could still taste human food, because what ever she was making looked fantastic. Charlie was lucky to have her around to take care of him. She was very mothering, looking after his every need. She always made sure he was well fed, and that the house was neat and tidy. It would be nice to have that. I then found myself wondering what it would be like to have her do that stuff for me. To have her look after my needs, and take care of my home. Having Bella dote on me like that would be a dream come true. I shook my head. Who was I kidding? It could never be like that. She wasn't one of us. She was human and would grow old and eventually die. I would remain frozen at twenty years old, forced to watch as she withered away. I don't think I could bear losing her. She was my whole world, and if she was gone, what would I have left?

But what if it didn't have to be that way? What if she…what if I changed her? Then she could be with me forever. I'd never have to let her go and we could be happy. I tried hard to remember my own transformation, but could only recall what Carlisle had told me. He had said that I was screaming almost non stop for three days. He had explained to me that the venom flowing through me was similar to having acid poured through my veins. Would I be able to put her through that? Would I be able to subject her to unbearable agony just to have her by my side for an eternity? The very thought of Bella crying out in pain made me flinch. I shook my head. I couldn't end her life like that, and take away everything that was so important to her: her friends, her family, her future. I just couldn't do that to her.

I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, my thoughts racing. I turned on the television in an attempt find something to distract me. I wanted her with me forever, but could I ask her to give up her life for me? It wouldn't be fair.

Before I knew it an hour had passed, and Bella waltzed into the room.

"Em?" she tilted her head to the side.

"Hmm?" I didn't look up from the screen.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing," I said too quickly.

"Why don't I believe you?" she frowned and put her hands on her hips. I just shrugged. She huffed and moved directly in front of the screen to try and get my attention. I pretended not to notice and leaned over so I could see the highlights from last night's game. She growled, walked right up to me and knocked on my forehead.

"Hello, McFly!" she shouted. "Are you in there?? I asked you a question."

"And I heard you," I mumbled.

"So…?" she prompted.

"I…" I sighed. "Can we talk about it later?"

She frowned again.

"Look, I promise I will tell you what's on my mind, just not right now." I reasoned.

"Last time I heard that I ended up with a broken heart," she looked away and bit her lip. I watched her eyes start to glisten with fresh tears.

"Aw damn," I muttered. I had forgotten Edward had said that to her to hide his vampirism, which eventually led to him shutting her down. I opened my arms, and she slowly shuffled over and crawled into my lap. I folded her in my embrace and she slid her arms around my neck. She let out a quivering breath and I pulled her closer. We held each other in silence for a long time before either of us spoke.

"I'm sorry, baby," I said quietly into her hair. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"You didn't," she answered with a sniffle. "It's just something I have to cope with. It's hard, but I've got move on."

"But you can't heal overnight, love," I turned her face toward me. "It's going to take time."

"I know, I just don't want it to. I want to feel better now. I just want to be done with him and get on with my life. I don't want him haunting our relationship, Em."

"He won't," I reassured her. " Because I won't let him. It's just you and me, Babe. Forever."

"Forever?" she raised an eyebrow.

"And always," I stroked her cheek and she smiled.

"You sure--?"

I cut off her question with a slow, gentle kiss and felt her melt in my arms. She sighed contentedly when I broke away.

"Yeah," she whispered. "You're sure." she opened her eyes. "Can we just watch a movie? I don't want you to go yet."

"I told you, I'm here forever, Babe. As long as you need me," I kissed her again. "Now what did you want to watch?"

"I don't care, just put on one of the movie channels," she grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch and wrapped it around herself. "I'm more in the mood to snuggle than anything."

I chuckled and flipped on HBO for her. She cuddled into me and nestled her head on my shoulder. I stroked her arm soothingly and settled back to watch the movie. After no more than a half hour her breathing slowed and her chin slumped to her chest.

"Lightweight," I smirked and gently moved her into a more comfortable position. She sighed in her sleep and clutched my shirt in her fist.

"Don't go," she murmured.

"Still here, baby. Go back to sleep," I said softly.

" 'kay," she answered, never once opening her eyes. I resumed rubbing her arm and attempted to watch the pointless drivel that some no-name director tried to pass off as a decent film.

I heard Alice's approach and shot off the couch. I hadn't even reached the door when I heard her terrified shriek.

"No, Edward! DON'T!!! "