Former Subject: Edward Cullen aka Recently Reformed Womanizer

Epilogue Part One

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot of the Twilight Saga are the property of its author. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media. Copyright infringement is not intended.

Betaed by: booksglaore/bookishqua

Thirteen months later

Sunlight bathed my face, warming me. A smile twitched up at the corners of my mouth when I heard her. "Da, da."

It was impossible for her to climb on the bed, not for the lack of trying, so I peeked over the edge to find her beautiful little face. Upon it was an unmistakable smile. She giggled when her eyes met mine, tapping the bed excitingly. "Da, da."

She turned toward the bedroom door, as if waiting for someone. It was then, that I noticed she was almost as naked as the day she was born, clad only in a designer diaper and a headband. When her sister Hayley appeared, she fell on her rump and crawled over to her. Hayley giggled as she pulled herself up onto her feet, using the doorjamb for assistance.

Once Madison joined her, they launched into their own language, filled with cooing, giggles, gurgles and words only the other could understand. I loved to watch them when they conversed. It was obvious that they understood each other and every time I was in awe of it.

I hopped out of bed, walking toward them. Thankful for the insight to throw on a pair of sleep pants earlier, I kept my ears open for where Bella could be. The girls usually awoke around seven in the morning, and my wife had the habit of allowing me to get some extra sleep.

However, I didn't mind the early mornings much. Especially while on vacation for the next few months. We'd been staying at my mother's childhood home for the past week, the renovations and restoring had been done since the previous month.

Downstairs I could hear the bustle of my family; no doubt the time crunch for the upcoming event had everyone wired. Though I looked forward to renewing our vows, I'd be lying if I said nervousness hadn't taken over.

It wasn't walking to the end of aisle, or even the people that would be in attendance. No, it was the fact that my two girls were walking down the aisle, too. Would they cry or become embarrassed when a everyone turns to watch them? Would Hayley, with her shy demeanor, run away as she had from her cousins? Would Madi, sensing her sister's distress, run after her?

Though not identical twins, they were similar in looks around their faces. Madi, short for Madison, looked like her mother. With dark unruly curls that framed her face, with matching eyes and rosebud lips. Hayley on the other hand, had light blond and red hair, much like me at her age, with green eyes.

When they were born that treacherous day, Madi in the streets of Seattle, Hayley by emergency c-section almost an hour later, they both had dark hair atop their little heads and blue-grey eyes. Less than a month later the differences were clear when their eyes started to take in their natural color.

Damn, I loved them from the moment I felt their little fingers wrapped around my pinkie. I had never known that someone could love so fully, so easily. Not until Bella had entered my life. Would I have loved so wholly if it hadn't been for her?

I watched my favorite form of entertainment as of late, Hayley pointed to Madi's headband and babbled. It almost seemed if she offered her opinion on the color. Then proceeded to show Madi the barrette hidden amongst her curls. Madi giggled and shook her head, cooing.

I grabbed a t-shirt from the nearby drawer and Hayley called me. I turned to see Madi giggle passionately, and then Hayley returned her attention back to her sister, joining her laughter. I had a feeling they were laughing at me. I mockingly glared at them and their eyes widened and instantly they both sat on their butts and crawled away, giggling like crazy.

"I'm coming to get you!" I ran around the corner to find them waiting for me, the moment our eyes met they scurried away again. "Daddy's going to get you." They laughed and shook their little heads as they both took off down the hall, calling out for help.

Once within reach, I grabbed Hayley around her tiny waist and lifted her in my arms. Madi, being the protector of the two, stood her ground, looking at me as if we were in the middle of a street at high noon. I would've laughed if it weren't for the fact that she charged me!

Laughing, Bella came up from behind Madi and picked her up, our little girl squealing in surprise. "I'd watch out if I were you," Bella said firmly. "You know the last time she hit the wall."

I nodded, capturing my daughter as she launched herself from her mother's arms. "My little daredevil," I said, placing a kiss on her soft cheek. She patted the side of my face with a tiny hand, a little harder than normally. She pointed at Hayley and her face fell into a more serious look, as if she wondered my intentions with her sister. "I was only going to kiss her."

That seemed to placate Madi enough that she stopped squirming in my arms. She thrust her thumb in her mouth and laid her head against my shoulder, sighing, content. I chanced a glance at Hayley, who watched her sister with interest. Then my daughter proceeded to suck on her thumb and copy her big sister.

Bella laughed softly, rubbing their backs. "They've been up since Alice and Logan arrived at five this morning. They have to be exhausted." I smiled, puckering my lips for a kiss. She rolled her eyes, but before she could respond to my silent request, Hayley pressed her tiny mouth at the corner of mine.

"Well there you go," Bella said, laughing as she made her way down the hall. "You're morning kiss."

"Brat," I hissed, watching the enticing sway of her hips. "Just wait until I get my hands on you tonight."

She looked over her shoulder and smirked. "Can't wait," she said, licking her bottom lip. Fuck, she knew that shit drove me insane. I shook my head and walked toward the nursery once I realized that the girls had fallen asleep.

After placing them in their cribs, I watched for a few moments, reminiscing back to the day they came into this world.

Bella had been up since dawn, in the middle of closing a deal for a project for New Beginnings and on the way to the groundbreaking of the second shelter in her thirty-sixth week. Unable to accompany Bella, Alice and Emmett had joined her, leaving my office building in a limo.

On the way to the shelter's property, Bella had called to tell me that they were stuck in traffic and would be late. Thankfully, Esme had been in town and was able to stall, however, it was when Emmett called, that I knew something had happened.

"Dude," he said, almost breathless. Something was wrong. The moment I heard his voice, I walked out of my meeting despite my client's protests. "Her water fucking broke!"

I snapped my fingers, looking at my PA, she had seen the stricken look on my face and immediately called for my car. "How is she? Did you call an ambulance?"

"God damn it!" I heard Bella screech in the background. "Get the fuck off the phone and help me, Em!" Then I heard her scream bloody fucking murder, cursing my brother and me. "I told you not to call him. Go down the street and see if anyone else in this gridlock is a nurse or doctor."

Damn, even in that type of situation she had her head together. "I better go and do what she says," Emmett said. "Before she breaks my finger."

"I'll show you a broken finger!"

I heard a deep muffled curse, a little whimper before he returned to the phone. "She flipped me off with my own finger, bro."

"Damn it, Emmett. Quick fucking around and do what she asked. Let me talk to her." I ignored the elevators when I realized that they were both on the bottom floor. I made my way for the stairs, making quick work of them until I reached the twelfth floor. Once there I called for the elevator.

"Rosalie is going to castrate me when she goes into labor," he grumbled. "Here's Miss Screams A -"

"I swear you finish that sentence I'll kick you where it hurts!" I heard Bella take a few deep breaths. "Hi, baby."

"I knew you should've stayed home," I said angrily.

"Don't start with me, Edward," she spat. "I'd been stuck at home to edit for weeks. I needed to get out. Unfortunately your daughters and I are on the same wavelength."

"Can the limo make it to the hospital?"

"No," she said, cursing softly before she continued. "It's bumper to bumper."

"How close are the contractions?" Once outside, I checked my watched and realized that the traffic was terrible down my street. Fuck! The road construction two blocks over must have hit a power line, no wonder Bella was stuck.

"Five minutes apart," she said softly. "Edward, I don't want to have a baby in the back of a limo."

"I know," I replied. "I'll get there as fast as I can."

"Hurry," she said. After she gave me her location, she passed the phone to Alice.

"The ambulance is going to have trouble, too," Alice whispered. "I'm on the other line with a 911 operator. She'll try to walk me through the steps. But I don't think I can do this."

"You can," I said firmly. "You know Bella would if the situation was reversed."

"Yeah, but the bitch isn't scared of shit." I winced, choosing not to respond. "Damn, I'm sorry. Of course she would be scared with the blood."Bella had a relapse the previous month when I had accidently cut my hand while fooling out with my tools.

"I know. Don't worry about it. I know you're scared, hopefully Emmett can find someone."

"Oh God," Bella screamed. "What the hell is he doing with a bullhorn?"

I cringed at the thought of Emmett armed with one of those. "The ambulance, Alice." I said, hoping to get her attention back. "What's the ETA?"

"They said ten minutes," she answered. "But I doubt it. Edward, I have to go, another contraction is about to hit." Sure enough, before she hung up, I heard Bella crying out in pain.

Fucking hell. I checked the street, unable to find my car. Even if I'd found it, the chances of getting there soon was unlikely. Cursing, I checked with the security guard of our office building, asking if he had a bike. Luckily, someone had one they were willing for me to buy. Asshole. After removing my jacket and tie, I was riding the traffic filled streets toward my wife.

It was almost one hundred two degrees in July, and bright. By the time I made it three blocks I was drenched in sweat. Passing cursing strangers, I made it to the cross street Bella had indicated, but there was no sign of a fucking ambulance. I turned onto the next street and saw the limo in the distance. Emmett stood beside it, holding on as if he was ready to pass out. That couldn't be good. I pumped my legs to peddle faster and made it to him, almost clipping an innocent pedestrian to get to the limo.

"Emmett," I gasped, coming to a stop and jumping off the bike. It clanked heavily on the asphalt behind me. "Tell me you found someone to help her.

He grasped my shoulder. "She broke my finger," he said in agony, holding it up for inspection. "If that little thing did that, Rosalie is going to crush me." I shoved off his hand and grabbed him by the shoulders.

"Emmett, pull yourself together. Did you find someone?" I heard a piercing cry from within the dark car. "Bella!" I pushed Emmett aside and made my way around to the open door. Alice had my beautiful wife's head on her lap, keeping her hair from falling into her eyes and whispered to help calm her.

Kneeling between my wife spread legs was a young man whose head was stuck beneath what looked like a picnic tablecloth. It was then that I noticed that there were people gathering outside of the limo.

"Bella," I gasped, reaching for her hand. When her clammy fingers clutched at mine, I almost buckled from the pain that etched across her face. Fuck, I hated seeing her like that.

"You the husband," the man said. "She's almost ready to push. Never seen anyone move through labor that quickly."

"Get me on the sidewalk or something. I do not want to give birth to our daughters in a limo!" She met my eyes and I could see that she was dead serious.

"I don't see how the sidewalk would be any better," I replied, climbing all the way inside. "And there's less of a chance of making it on the news at noon."

She groaned, tightening her fingers. "Please."

I looked at the man who had his hands on my wife's privates. "Please tell me you're a doctor," I said, narrowing my eyes.

He rolled his eyes and nodded. "Resident at Mercy's, names Richard." The fact that he looked as if he rolled out of bed, and about six years younger than me hadn't helped.

"Oh my God," Bella growled. "You're jealous caveman tendencies need to step outside if you're planning me touching you in the next century!"

I pouted which seemed to step up her curses, then she screamed as the contraction hit. Shit, Emmett wasn't kidding. She probably had broken his finger. "Is it safe to move her?" I asked Richard. He shook his head as he checked Bella. "Breathe, baby." She nodded, her eyes locked on mine. We went through the breathing exercises that we learned at last week's Lamaze class.

I knelt beside her, pressing my lips to her forehead. With her more focused on her breathing and me she seemed to ride the contraction much easier than her last one. Alice rubbed my shoulder, giving me the support I needed.

I gave her a small smile. "How are you?" I asked softly, watching as Bella closed her eyes, taking the time to rest. Alice smiled and shrugged.

The wail of an ambulance could be heard in the distance. "They're almost here," Richard said. "She'll be ready to push soon." He looked at Bella and smiled. "I hope you won't object giving birth in the back of an ambulance." Richard glanced at his watch, then out the back window.

I followed his gaze and realized that she'd have another contraction by the time the ambulance made it through the traffic that surrounded the limo. "It's not going to get here on time. Can we carry her toward it?"

"It's not safe."

Emmett's face suddenly appeared, as light filtered in from the open car door. "I see the ambulance," he said breathlessly. "I'm going to go meet them, have them bring the stretcher."

I nodded as Bella's fingers clutched around mine. "Baby," I whispered. "They'll get here."

After a tense moment, Bella relented after finally realizing that moving her wasn't an option. I understood her fear. Renee, her mother, had given birth to Jordan in the back of her father's cruiser. Besides being premature, they had almost lost Bella before she'd been delivered.

"It'll be fine, love." With her hand still in mine, I brought it to my lips and pressed a kiss to her palm. She gave me a small smile, gliding her fingers over my lip.

"I love you," she said softly. A burst of commotion could easily be heard from outside, including Emmett's booming voice.

"Outta the way." It was obvious that he was still in possession of the bullhorn. "Coming through."

The doctor climbed out of the limo, meeting a paramedic, giving him all the info he'd need to assess the situation. Suddenly, Bella screamed as another contraction moved through her. The time had decreased between contractions since my arrival. The babies would soon be with us.

Though I feared for my wife and hated the fact that she bore the pain, excitement filled me. Soon I'd be able to hold my daughters. Something I had honestly looked forward to when the realization that I would become a father hit me.

The paramedic climbed in, his complete attention on Bella. He looked at his watch and met the doctor's eyes. At that point, it was obvious, the girls were coming. Alice and I helped her through her exercises as the paramedic told her not to push yet. After the contraction ended, he took her vitals. His poker face was a bit unnerving. I couldn't get a read on him.

"My partner is trying to get the ambulance as close as possible," the paramedic said, turning toward me. "If we can get her on the stretcher we can get to him faster."

I nodded. After Alice and I exited the limo, in less than forty-five seconds, the doctor and paramedic had Bella out of the limo and lying on a stretcher. Bystanders stood around the limo, watching our every move. My anger toward their curious faces was minimal, we were accustomed to the media, that was until a man with a camera and a reporter made it through the crowd that gathered.

I growled as the cameraman made it within a couple of feet from Bella. "Fucking hell! A damn ambulance can't through this traffic, but a damn news van can?"

Emmett took that as a hint and started to push the crowds back. Bella called out for me, her eyes wide. "Edward," she said gravely. "Get me to the ambulance. You were right, the limo would be better than in front of a fucking La Perla store!"

I looked up, laughing when I saw the familiar sign. "We've come full circle, baby. I'm pretty sure you were wearing that lovely pale pink number when our daughters' were conceived."

She slapped my arm, biting her lip, trying not to laugh. When her mouth started to twitch, I smirked. My hands cradled her face and I kissed her full in the mouth. "God, I love you."

I nodded to the doc and the paramedic. With Emmett's help, he cleared the way for us to race toward the awaiting ambulance. Another contraction hit the moment Bella was lifted into the ambulance.

Though Madison was born on the way to the hospital, Hayley started to have difficulties. It was bittersweet memory. Due to Bella's increased blood pressure and Hayley's decreasing heart rate, Bella was rolled into an operation room upon arrival at the hospital.

It was by far, the scariest moment of my life. Not only had Bella's life been in danger but Hayley's, too. But my girls were fighters and thirty minutes later, a nurse informed me that my daughter was fine and Bella had stabilized.

"You look constipated," Alice said, giggling behind me, bringing me back the girls' nursery.

I grimaced, shaking my head. "Just thinking of the day they were born."

Alice sighed and patted my back. "An unforgettable day for us all." I smiled at her and wrapped an arm around her. "You should be out back, helping the guys move the rest of the chairs to the meadow."

I groaned and coughed as she smacked me with her elbow. "Remind me why we agreed to this big thing." I rolled my eyes, thankful that the girls could sleep through anything. "Oh wait, we didn't."

Alice batted her lashes in an attempt to pull off innocent. It only made her look more evil. "You said since we were all very pregnant when you got married the first time that we could do it bigger and better the second time."

"From now on I'm going to record all our future conversations for my protection. I am positive that I had not said bigger and better, but only that we'd have a small family gathering in the meadow."

She patted my arm playfully and replied, "Whatever makes you feel better. Though to be honest I think having two girls may have disintegrated the little brain cells you had, due to stress. You can't seem to remember the simplest things."

As she walked out of the room, I looked at the ceiling and tried to remain calm. We had given into family's insistence on a nice wedding in exchange for a two week child-free honeymoon. Though Bella and I were going to miss the girls, we needed the getaway. Especially, since we were unable to have a honeymoon after our first wedding.

Bella and I were pretty good at finding time to take care of our needs. Hallway trysts were a common occurrence in our household. Quickies are necessary and frequent and I was damn thankful that my wife was perpetually as hungry for me as I was for her.

And our "sparring" sessions had taken a much more different approach. She was the one that indicated that naked sparring may produce better results. It sure fucking had. She dropped almost every pregnancy pound in six months and was in the best shape she'd ever been in. Though I must admit, the extra inch or so to her chest was mouth-fucking-watering. I couldn't get enough of them.

I hadn't been inside Bella for more than two weeks, all in an effort to make our time away more special. I looked forward for what would come...namely Bella and me. So far the sex ban had proven difficult. I had to wonder if it was possible to die from blue balls. I even went as far as to Google possible side-effects of not coming for long periods of time.

"Come on," I heard her voice from the doorway. "We should help downstairs." Turning toward her, I smiled. She raised an eyebrow in question.

"There is no question about what's on your mind, Champ," Bella said, laughing. She rested her hip on the doorjamb, her arms crossed over her chest. A gorgeous, teasing smile on her lips, damn I had to have her. There was no way I'd make it until later that night.

Her eyes narrowed and she started to back away slowly. "Oh no," she hissed. "Don't even think about it." I lunged at her, my hands finding purchase on her hips. In a flash, I had her over my shoulder, running toward our bedroom.

Unfortunately, we were cockblocked by the pint sized version of Jasper. Logan Kal-El stood in the middle of the hallway, with a juice cup in his hand, his almost-teal blue eyes focused intently on us. His little blond curls shook as he looked behind him. And if summoned, Adam Emmett McCarty Cullen crawled up behind Logan.

I'd taken another step toward our bedroom, and I felt Bella stilling over my shoulder. We both knew what would happen should Logan sound out an alarm. In other words, Bella was as horny as I was. "Slowly," she whispered. "No sudden movements." Oh yeah, she wanted me.

It had taken me four strides to make it to the door, and we were in the clear. The moment my hand closed around the knob, the boys wailed. I thumped my head on the door twice as Alice and Rosalie called from the base of the short staircase. Damn, I couldn't take much more waiting.

"Put Bella down and get your asses down here!"

"We could lock the door," Bella said, giggling.

"They might wake the girls if we tried," I grumbled as I placed her down on her feet. After I pressed a kiss to her lips, I turned and ran toward Logan and Adam. They screamed and giggled as they both reached for me. They weren't even pretending to be scared of me.

I grabbed the boys and pretended to use them as free weights, each one curled in my biceps. Bella laughed, snapping a picture. The woman had a camera on her at all times. She'd taken most of the pictures since the last time she found naked ones of her amongst the ones of the girls.

Emmett had picked up that package and from the look on his face after, I knew he'd seen them. He couldn't even look Bella in the eyes for months after that. And every time my delectable wife wore the stilettos she's worn in the photos. I'd been in the dog house, the living room couch, for three days for that shit. It wasn't my fault that Emmett was a nosey ass.

Then again the make-up sex was unforgettable, the girls seemed to sleep through anything. Even their dad roaring out their mother's name. Good times.

After I settled the boys on their feet at the bottom of the stairs, they took off in what I called speed-crawling toward their mothers who waited for them there. Alice leveled a glare in my direction before grabbing her son and walking down the hall. Rosalie wiggled her eyebrows and followed Alice with Adam on her hip.

"You need to stop thinking with that smaller head of yours," Bella said as she took my hand. "Everyone will notice how much you miss me." Then the brat had the nerve to slap my ass. She knew what that shit did to me. I looked to my right, then to my left, when I noticed that were completely alone – I pounced.

My arms wrapped around her and I attacked her neck with fervor. Her back gently hit the wall behind her. She moaned and slipped her hands along my torso, down my back and beneath my sweats to grab my ass. Fuck, I loved when she did that. "Edward," she gasped when I bit her neck a little. I shouldn't have done that, because her dress would likely not cover the area. I also couldn't find myself remorseful about it. Being crazy jealous of any man looking at her made me both smug and pissed. I laved the reddened area with my tongue and teased her nipples with my thumbs. The sounds she made were enough to drive me insane.

"Someone's coming," Bella said softly, but instead of pushing me away she pulled me closer. I groaned when my hips met hers. "Oh God, if you keep doing that it'll be me." I laughed against her neck, continuing to torture us both. I knew we were getting carried away, but I needed to touch my wife.

Someone cleared their throat behind us. I groaned again, though it sounded more like a whimpering whine. "Get a room," Carlisle said, laughing as he walked into the kitchen.

"Yes, sir," I said with a devious grin. Bella shook her head and headed toward the kitchen. "He said get a room. And I always do what I'm told," I complained grudgingly.

She giggled and I could hear the laughter from the rest of my family. I grumbled as I pulled Bella's chair out and went to sit beside her. Emmett had other ideas, he shook his head and pointed at another chair.

"What the fuck, Em?" I growled, glaring. Rosalie popped the side of my head. The women in our family were on a kick, no cussing in front of the kids. I gave her a playful smile and turned to level a glare at Emmett. "I'm going to sit by my wife."

"Nope. We all know what happens under the table when you two are desperate for each other." Bella through a biscuit at him and it bounced off his cheek. "I'm sorry to spoil your fun, Lil' B."

Bella rolled her eyes. "No you're not," she said firmly. "This is payback for the sex embargo I had Rosalie put on your ass last year."

Emmett shrugged. "Not gonna lie. It's totally payback."

"Edward," Bella purred as she pointed at the chair across from her. I sat down and glared at Emmett as he sat beside my wife. "Have I ever told you what nice legs you have?" I coughed when I felt her foot sliding up my thigh.

Jasper groaned from the other side of the table. "We need to get this show on the road or else those two are going to do it where they stand."

"Does everyone know that we haven't had sex in weeks?" Bella asked confused. "Are we that obvious?"

"Yes," everyone replied. Including my dear aunt Esme who poured me a glass of orange juice.

Bella shrugged and started her breakfast. All the while her pretty little toes made me ache. Damn, my wife had long legs. My fingers curled around her ankle, pulling her enough so that she could see what she was doing to me.

Have I mentioned that my wife was evil? Instead of moving her foot away as I partially had hoped, she rubbed her foot over me.

"Here I thought I had a poker face," Bella said to Alice.

"Oh, you have a poker face," Alice said with a smile. "It's Edward that doesn't. Like now." She slapped Bella's arm and her foot slipped from my grasp.

Everyone shared a laugh, while I suffered from blue balls. Damn, at this rate I'd have to have her within moments of exchanging our vows. Why are we doing this again? Then I remembered the look on Bella's face when she walked down the aisle the first time. I wanted to see that again, and our girls, too.

I watched Bella as she laughed along with Emmett and the rest of my family. She was so fucking beautiful. And all mine.

I looked at each member of my family, including the newer faces. There was Jacob, whose arm was around Nessie's shoulders as she fed him some fruit. Alice held her little boy on her lap as he played with her necklace. Jordan smiling at his wife, his hand on her slightly rounded tummy. Rosalie had her hands full with a squirming Adam. My uncle and aunt sat side by side with a look in their eyes that I hoped Bella and I would have for years to come. It was at that moment that I realized I was having breakfast with most of my family.

It was something Bella, the girls and I had done on many occasions. But that moment felt different, it felt like home. However, there was something missing. I stood up abruptly and took the stairs two at a time until I reached the nursery. I lifted each one of my precious girls into my arms and headed back downstairs.

Bella's features softened when she realized what I'd done. I handed off Madi and settled into my chair. Esme smiled at me and together we ate breakfast as a family.

It was bliss.

~oOo~

Hours later, I knocked on our bedroom door. Alice smiled and gave me a brief hug as she stepped out of the room. Esme, Rosalie, and Nessie followed all stopping long enough to kiss me on my cheek.

It was agreed upon that Bella and I would walk down that aisle together with our girls leading the way. It was almost time I wanted to see Bella in her dress. To be honest, I wanted that one moment to ask what I couldn't ask in front of others.

I walked into our bedroom, in our home away from home, and found her sitting on a little settee, watching me from half-lidded eyes. I'd gloat about the desire I found there, but I was too busy devouring her with my eyes.

"Hello, wife," I said as I stepped that much closer to her. I took in the scent of her perfume, inhaling twice to get the full effect. She laughed, that throaty laugh that indicated she was aroused as I was.

"Hello, husband," she murmured, licking her bottom lip before biting it. "You look...good."

I smirked and laughed. "Is that all you got? And you call yourself a writer."

She lifted a shoulder, letting it drop gently. All I saw was skin. No straps for my fingers to smooth over or slowly remove as I worked my mouth along her collarbone. Her dress was strapless, fitted to her entire body, but about mid-calf it opened up with lace and tulle.

"You look beautiful, but strapless," I growled. "You are not going to be dancing with that damn prick Jason." The young architect was new to our company and a pain in the ass. He made it clear on more than one occasion that he wouldn't mind to bag my wife.

Bella smiled and pursed her lips. "My dance cart will be full I'm sure, Edward. And if he tries what he tried at the barbecue I'll hit him where it hurts." I had no doubt about that, she'd demonstrated that she was more than capable of handling that type of situation.

As if I needed the reminder. Jason laughed off the incident as arrogance that he had no clue Bella was my wife. Not that it mattered to him. He had been told that Bella was married by others at the office when she'd visited often. Yet, it hadn't deterred him in the least.

Bella stood up, giving me a better view to the way the dress showed off all her curves. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from groaning out loud. Instead, I smirked and opened my arms in invitation.

She gave me a breathtaking smile and slipped inside my embrace. "Have you seen the girls?" she asked softly.

"No," I said, resting my chin on her head. "Esme and Rosalie kept them away from me. I'm sure they're going to be beautiful."

Bella lifted her eyes to meet mine and bit her lip nervously. "Do you think they'll do all right?"

"Practice went well yesterday," I reminded her. "Though all the people attending might scare them a bit." She sighed and snuggled closer. "I love you, baby."

She laughed and teased, "I know."

"That's all I get?" I said fiercely in mock anger.

"I love you very much," she replied, squeezing me a bit harder. "I'm glad we're finally here again. It's been such a tough year."

"Yeah," I said and held her tighter. "Almost losing you and Hayley," I added hoarsely. The small kiss she placed on my trembling chin was a soothing balm.

"Jordan's relapse." I could hear the sadness that crept in her voice. Jordan had become addicted to pain killers shortly after Brianna's death, got cleaned up, but had recently fell off the wagon after he busted his knee when he'd fallen at home. Though he had been able to walk for well over six months, there was still lingering periods of weakness and pain in his back. If it hadn't been for Bella's instinct and observance toward her brother, he might have never made to rehab again.

"Angela's and Ben's divorce," I whispered, kissing her tenderly when her body tensed.

"There was nothing more you could've done for them. He loved her, baby. But it was poisoning him."

Bella nodded and sighed. "That scare with little Adam."

God, had that been scary. The daycare he'd been staying at was held hostage by a drugged out father that sought out his daughter there. The employees and children were held there for more than sixteen hours. Rosalie was inconsolable during the ordeal, Emmett was beside himself. It ended brutally by a single shot to the bastard's head.

Rosalie and Emmett had their own son in lock down for months after that. Too scared to go out and risk their child. Not that I blamed them. Thanks to Bella and a few colleagues of hers, she managed to coax them from hiding. She may have no longer practiced but she was respected amongst her former peers.

"And Esme's and Carlisle's heartache," Bella said softly.

I nodded and remembered the loss we had felt when my uncle and aunt pulled away from the family after the adoption had fallen through. Esme, at a young age had known she'd never be able to have children, due to a car accident as a teenager.

Emmett, had been adopted at the age of twelve, and after my parents died, they took me in at age fourteen. Alice had joined our family at the tender age of five. So Esme never had a baby to call her own. It had taken years, but they had the adoption of a sweet little girl from China last September go through, only to have it ripped away from them when the child had fallen ill and passed. Had the adoption gone through months earlier, they may have been able to save her.

I wanted to believe that after Bella and I had gotten married that life would be simpler, easier. It hadn't been. However, I wouldn't have traded her or our family for anything in the world. Though life wasn't easy, it was worth living with them in it. I believed had I not had her in my life, the past year would devastated my family.

"You ready?" she whispered.

I shook my head and bent to press my lips to hers. "I love you so fucking much, Bella."

"I love you, too." The smile she gave me hadn't reached her eyes and I knew her mind was still on the unpleasant memories.

"We have a lifetime to make happy memories," I said, taking her face in my hands. "Together."

"There have been good things to happen this year, too." She smiled and her eyes softened, I could almost see the memories pass through them. "The girls first birthday."

"Yes," I said with a laugh. "That was fun. The amount of birthday cake that made into their little mouths was nothing compared to amount their faces."

"The first time we held them." That was a pleasant memory, one that would forever be remembered that I flat out cried like a baby. At least that was what Emmett compared my blubbering to that unforgettable day.

"How about Nessie's graduation?" I offered. It'd been only been a few weeks previously that we witnessed the event. Bella was proud of her cousin, and Nessie was a perfect example of how good a mother she could be.

Bella smiled. "Let's not forget when Julie and Jordan announced their pregnancy."

"All your book awards and the movie deal," I added. "I'm so proud of you."

"Yeah, but winning Best Home Design for Architecture's Digest," she said and smiled smugly. "Was total win."

I laughed and whirled her around. Then we both heard Alice call for us. I groaned and kissed Bella once more. She turned to double check her lipstick, turned toward me, cocking an eyebrow.

"I know you're curious," she said in the teasing tone I fucking loved.

She knew me so well. I shrugged. "I'm a man. Of course I'm wondering what's under the dress."

She laughed and wiggled a little to show me sheer white thigh highs, clipped by a sexy matching garter. Her panties were sheer, too, trimmed with lace. "You love to torture me," I groaned. "Why did you show me? I'll never be able to make it through the ceremony and the reception."

Bella laughed and picked up her flower bouquet from the bed. "That's the point, hon." She threaded her arm in mine and winked.

"Tease," I grumbled as I led the way out the door. "Where did you get the flowers?" I removed my tuxedo jacket, it had gotten warm due the peek Bella had given me.

"Alice picked some of the wild flowers from the meadow early this morning," she said as we walked down the hall. "And made it part of the arrangement."

"They're beautiful. I thought I recognized the scent."

Mostly everyone had left, but I spied Jasper in the backyard as I led Bella toward the covered walkway. She slipped her arm from mine and tucked a wayward curl from her forehead. I loved that she left it mostly down, cascading down her back. She held her flowers in her right hand, while she adjusted her necklace with the other.

I threw my tuxedo jacket over my left shoulder as my fingers of my free hand trailed down Bella's arm. The sound that escaped her was unmistakable. The sweet gasp was followed by a quiet giggle. Unable to resist, my fingers slid down her side as we walked, curling around her ass. For only a moment before I fluffed her lacy train. Then pinched her butt, for good measure.

She threw her head back and laughed. "Thanks for making sure my train was perfect, Edward."

I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows. "Yes. And your rear end is perfect, too."

She smiled as Jasper ran up to us. "All right, you're riding up with me in the golf cart. Everyone else already left for the meadow."

We nodded and followed him through the expansive garden. It'd taken almost six months to convince the owner of the meadow to allow us to buy him out. The good thing was that the new property bordered our property.

After we acquired it, I had crews come out to clear a winding but easily hiked path to the meadow. The only easily accessible way to get to the meadow was from the backyard. Bella had loved it, it'd been my early anniversary gift to her.

The breeze that filtered through the trees was nice, but my eyes were on my wife. She held her face up to the sun, basking in its light. I kissed her cheek and nuzzled her neck. I was so fucking thankful to have her in my life.

We watched as the entrance to the meadow opened before us. Alice and Esme had out done themselves. Since we had expressed interest in having our vows renewed there, they had worked with a Jasper to add to the natural beauty of it and the surrounding land.

As we made our way through the lighted trees and natural arbors, I took a moment to reflect about my relationship with my Bella. There was no doubt in my mind, the woman who sat beside me was made for me. We fought as any other couple likely had, but we loved so fucking fiercely and we learned.

Learning together was something I damn near reveled in. Parenting hadn't been easy and not second nature as I had hoped. However, whatever we didn't know we sought out information and learned from our mistakes.

I watched as Bella's face lit up, her eyes on the aisle that lay ahead. Her gasp, the tears that were in her eyes were those of joy and fondness. She'd seen the girls. I turned, taking her hand in mine.

Standing behind the absurdly tall arch of ivy and hanging flowers, were Jordan and Julie with our little babies. It was such a wonderful sight. Bella and I were hidden from view of the sixty something guests that were in attendance, but the girls caught sight of us as Jasper passed them to park.

"Da! Da! Mmma!" They both cried out in unison. With a smile, I jumped out of the car and helped Bella down.

"They look beautiful," Bella said breathlessly. When we made our way over to them, both of them looked at their mother with awe. She was pretty fucking spectacular and the sunlight made her all the more.

Hayley was the first to reach out for Bella, her little fingers instantly closing around my mother's ring that had been altered into a pendant. "Mmma?" she said almost questionably, cocking her head from side to side a few times.

"Pretty," Bella said. Hayley giggled and nodded then shook her head. "Daaa!" She pointed at me. "Your dad is pretty, too." When Madi giggled as if she understood, I knew my days as an outspoken male dominance were numbered.

I held out my arms for Madi, laughing as Jordan handed her to me. "Look at you, pretty girl," I whispered. Madi and Hayley were dressed in matching pale white and lilac dresses. They weren't poofy, thank God, I wouldn't want them to trip. But the fabric shimmered beneath the filtering sunlight.

Madi made a point to show off her tiny headband, making it obvious that she wasn't too happy about it. I wondered if it itched her. I slipped my finger beneath the fabric and found it relatively smooth. When she pointed at Hayley's, I realized the problem. They weren't the same. One had a center of small crystals and the other pearls.

It was bad that I was very much aware what was in fashion for tots. No doubt Emmett would insist I hand over my man card to Bella immediately. Madi asked for Bella to carry her, too. I stood back for a moment. I watched Bella show our daughters her necklace, talking to them as they each pointed at the diamonds that dangled from her ears, too.

I might have handed in my man card in someone else's eyes, but hell it took a man to be a father and husband that would do anything for his girls. And I'd do anything for them. Even crawl around on all fours to play with them.

"It's time," Jordan said as he took Hayley from Bella. My wife nodded and settled Madi in Julie's arms. Bella lifted the tiny baskets from the back of the golf cart, filled with white and lavender petals and handed them to our girls.

They babbled to their mother, then to me and then turned to one another to compare their baskets. It was a true joy to watch. Together we set them on their white mary-jane shoed feet, pointing toward the aisle. They in turn did the same, looking back at the basket as if they understood.

After a few minutes of reminding them of what they had to do, Jordan nodded to the harpist toward the end of the aisle. Madi led the way, her sister only a step behind her, slowly, on the edge of the aisle Jordan and Julie walked along their sides.

Within in a few steps, our friends and family turned to look at our girls as they walked along the aisle. For only a moment, Hayley stood frozen, drawing her finger in her mouth, looking questionably at the crowd. She turned to look up at Bella and I, she gave us a beautiful smile.

Giggling, she ran toward her sister and together they started to scatter the petals behind them. Occasionally, Hayley would pick up a handful of petals and throw them again. The moment the girls passed their cousins Logan and Adam, they threw a handful toward them. As our friends and family laughed, I took Bella's hand in mine and we followed.

Bella

The ceremony was a beautiful as it was the first time, only a little brighter. By the time we exchanged our vows our girls had fallen asleep in their Uncle Jordan's arms. A rather large, fairy-tale like gazebo had been temporarily erected for the reception, along with a multitude of round tables for the small dinner they'd have soon.

Alice managed to wrestle me away from my husband after pictures were taken, long enough for her to push me into a tent so that I could change into my reception dress. It was rather ridiculous to pay such an outrageous amount for my wedding dress to only wear it for a couple of hours. However, she insisted since it was an outdoor wedding, it was appropriate.

I snuck a peek outside the tent to see if I could find my husband, perhaps to give me a hand. I smiled wickedly at the thought.

However, instead I found a large gaggle of woman ogling him. That of course reminded me of the baby shower fiasco. A year ago the conversations I had eavesdropped on had been vile and often left me on the verge of tears during my pregnancy. However, things had changed.

"Is it wrong that he appeals to me even more than before?" the pretty redhead said, sipping on a glass of champagne. "It's because of the way he dotes on his wife and girls. Just look at him."

I smiled, looking over their shoulders secretly, to where Edward was crawling on the grass, with Madi using his backside as a walker. I giggled under my breath. Edward was the only walker she'd use since she started to stand months earlier.

"Two years ago we would've never seen him on his knees in an Armani tux." Some of the women snickered. "He intimidated the fuck out me before, but now he's approachable. But in the 'I don't have to worry that he'll try to convince me to go upstairs kind of way.'" Several of the women sighed. "He's happy."

They all watched as Hayley grabbed his nose with her tiny hand, eliciting a growl from Edward that made her giggle and run from him. He launched himself toward her, all the while Madi hung on to his rear end. It was a rather sexy scene, but sweet also.

"You have to wonder what that woman has to do to keep him interested," another woman stated. "I mean from what I heard he was rather insatiable. Nat thought he was a sex addict."

"You're taking the word of Natalie Winters, considering she couldn't bag the man as she'd hoped and she herself had been accused of the very same thing." The woman sighed softly and shook her head. "From what I've heard it's the main reason her husband has her on such a tight leash."

"She deserved it after the stunt she pulled at the baby shower," a petite little blond said. "Who's that petty?" Several murmured their agreement. "Besides the woman is gorgeous and I've read a few of her books. If she can heat up the pages with a few simple words, there's no telling what she could do with a mouth like that."

"Bitch," someone said with a giggle. "I'd kill to have those lips." She sighed as several of the women laughed. "Still what I wouldn't give to be a fly on their bedroom wall. I'm sure I could learn a few things."

Well that seemed like a complete turnaround. It finally seemed that the gossip hounds of Seattle's society had finally gotten the hint. Edward Cullen was off the market – for good. However, it never hurt to make it absolutely clear.

Careful to exit in a different direction, I made my way toward Edward without changing out of my dress. Our girls took refuge on a blanket on the grass along with their cousins, while Esme and Rosalie watched over them. I looked around to make sure Alice wasn't aware of my actions.

Edward gave me a crooked smile as I approached, one that showcased all that cockiness I'd seen before. The ass knew exactly what I was after, and he was very willing to deliver. Taking a hold of his hand, I led them toward the tent.

"I need to change into another dress," I whispered, looking at him from over my shoulder. His eyes were on my ass, when I spoke he shook his head and grinned. "I need a little help with my zipper."

"I'm your man," he replied as he released my hand so that he could curl his fingers around my waist. I smiled at him, passing the women who I had overheard earlier.

"Yes, you are my man. Now, how about I show how much I love you."

Edward wiggled his eyebrows, quickening his pace. Alice stopped in front of us, well within hearing range of the women. I bit my lip as Alice gave us a little glare. She picked up Edward's hand to look at his watch.

"Thirty minutes," she said and rolled her eyes. I knew she'd make sure we wouldn't be disturbed.

Edward bent down to whisper in my ear, "I can do a lot with thirty minutes."

I shivered. "So could I."

"Is that a challenge, Mrs. Cullen?"

I smiled coyly, rubbing my hand over his ass, earning a cocked eyebrow. "I can make you a very happy man in thirty minutes, and at least twice." He groaned, watching as I licked my lips.

"You are without a doubt," he growled as he pulled me into his arms. "The naughtiest, sexist woman I'd ever met." Edward slipped his hands over my ass, only the very tips of his fingers, but enough to push me against his erection.

I had no doubt that our entire conversation had been overheard, and I had a feeling Edward was well aware of it, too. He pulled me inside the tent, pushing me gently inside. I watched as he popped his head outside for a moment, and said, "Ladies."

There were a few gasps, several giggles and a snort of laughter. Oh, that would certainly cause a few tongues to wag along the gossip vine. I didn't care. I pulled Edward inside and pushed him against the large wardrobe along the south wall of the tent.

"Now, how about I get started?" I whispered, lifting an arm up. Slowly, my fingers enclosed around my side zipper.

Edward grinned wickedly, watching very closely. "You have a side zipper, you didn't need me at all."

I smiled and shook my head. "I need you, Edward."

Edward found a small leather bench and sat down. With a watchful and hungry gaze, he gestured with his hand and replied, "Why don't you show me how much you need me."

Hmm, was there enough time for a strip tease?

AN: I hadn't meant to drag this out. But I really wanted for you to see how happy they were with their girls and with each other. And see them as a family. Since it was already pretty long, I decided to cut it here. You really didn't think I'd end this without a bang…or two. I'm working on the second half now. Hopefully I'll have it up in a couple of weeks. Thanks!