A/N:

First of all thanks so much to everyone's amazing response to this story; I'm really blown away, this started out as just a project to see if I could do it, but has turned into something much more and for that, thanks goes to all of you.

Also of course I own none of this, except a desire to spend the day shopping with Edward.

Oh and I used a direct quote from the book, so for this line, you'll know it when you read it, all praise and credit goes to Stephanie Meyer.

Chapter 28

EPOV

I awoke this morning feeling better than I had in a while; It seems that things are working out incredibly.

Despite or maybe because of all of Charlie's bullshit, Bella and I had finally been able to sit down and work through many issues that needed attention.

I was really looking forward to today, I had received a text from Alice earlier begging to be allowed to come along for the shopping; I know it hurt her feelings, but today I wanted it to be just us, so I told her no.

She then sent a text back listing stores that were must visits including a store called A Pea in the Pod.

Hmm, that didn't sound like a store that Bella would be interested in; It sounded more like a place that mom would shop.

I was lost in thoughts of things that I wanted to accomplish today when I noticed that Bella was beginning to toss and turn a little. I didn't sleep a whole lot last night, but that was nothing unusual, but Bella slept like a baby.

I felt immensely proud of myself because of last night, I was able to overcome my fears and give her what she had been asking for, not only that we both seemed to find it incredibly satisfying. I knew that I needed to get my mind off of that before I woke her up for other reasons.

I decided to go ahead and order breakfast, we were in for a long day and I hoped that she wouldn't be too sick to enjoy it.

I knew all about her last shopping trip with Alice and I was determined that this time she would be calling all of the shots or at least when it came to the stores that she wanted to go to, not so much with regards to the money that was spent.

I only have two requests are far as today is concerned; one is that we go to Agent Provocateur and two that she finds a nice dress for dinner tonight. I had made reservations at a beautiful restaurant, it's called Six Seven and is quite romantic with views overlooking the water.

I checked and rechecked my bag to make sure that I still had the little, blue box that I had brought along with us.

I knew that I was being ridiculous because where would it have gone, but I was extremely nervous and I want everything to be perfect.

Bella really began to stir now and I knew that it was just a matter of minutes before she awoke; I started to go crawl back in the bed with her but was afraid that if I did, there would be no leaving the hotel today.

After about an hour, she was up and dressed, we had already eaten and were out the door.

I really couldn't wait to shop with her today, I just hoped that she didn't start arguing about money again.

It turned out that she was in an exceptionally good mood after all. Hmm, I guess that she's feeling pleased herself; Mental fist bumps for me.

We hit the mall at full force, the place was packed for a weekday, but it is the Christmas season, so I shouldn't have been surprised.

We spent several hours going to her favorite stores; She became a little dismayed when she realized that already clothes weren't fitting her the way that she was used to, in some cases she had to go up a size and some just didn't fit at all.

I thought that this was a little unusual, ok I admit it, recently while she's in bed sleeping, I had been reading books about pregnancy and what to expect. None of them mentioned growing this early.

I could tell that she was wearing out and I still had a couple of stops that I wanted to make.

First up lingerie, ok call me a perv but she looks so hot in it, especially with her new enhanced boobs. Thankfully she went willingly and even allowed me to pick out some of the pieces.

I think that I need to get a credit card from this store so that she takes the hint, use it and use it often.

Next a dress and accessories for dinner tonight, Now this falls more into Alice territory but hopefully we can figure it out.

We went into Bloomingdale's and found what I was looking for quickly, It was by a designer named Herve Leger, I wonder if Alice would approve.

It was a black dress made of a slightly stretchy fabric, it fit her like a glove.

We then went to the shoe department and found an amazing pair of Jimmy Choos, God even I had heard of him, I have spent entirely too much time with Alice.

"What is all of this for, Edward?" "I doubt that when I'm a mother I'll have much of an occasion to wear these, and these are expensive."

"I have made reservations for dinner tonight Bella, and the restaurant is special enough that it calls for an outfit like this, please humor me."

"Fine, where are we going though?" She asked me.

"It's a surprise, you will just have to wait until we get there." I teased.

I hope that she likes this place as much as I do.

We then went to the jewelry department and she tried to protest, but I stood my ground and we left with a beautiful diamond and platinum infinity necklace and earrings to match. They would look perfect with her ring.

While we were in Bloomingdales we happened to pass the baby section and though I knew that she was tired, I really wanted to stop.

"Bella, do you want it to be a boy or a girl?" I asked. We really hadn't discussed this at all and I was curious as to what she wanted.

"Truthfully Edward, I don't think that I've taken the time to think about it." "It seems that everything has been happening so fast, I'm just now coming to grips with everything." "What do you hope it is?" She asked.

"Honestly I don't know, healthy of course is the only thing that matters, but I can see a little girl with your eyes and curls, with my hair color; but on the other hand I hope to have at least one of each one day, and I might feel better if she had a big brother as an extra protector."

"Wow, you're already planning more?" She laughed.

"Bella, I'm sure that you know by now, family is extremely important to me and I do want more than one child, but not necessarily any time in the near future; how about you, do you only want one?"

Please say no, please say no, I would be devastated if she only wants one, but it would be something that I would accept if I had to.

"Well sure one day, but I'd like to finish college before I do this again." "I hated being an only child, I always wished that I could have a brother or sister for companionship." "Being an only child can be very lonely."I let out the breath that I didn't even realize I was holding; One less hurdle to deal with.

I saw her pick up a stuffed white teddy bear, it had a ribbon tied around its' neck that was both pink and blue. It was beautiful.

I grabbed her hand and headed to the register, now we had bought the baby its' first of what I'm sure would be too many toys. It felt good.

I was already imagining just how spoiled that he or she was going to be; God knows that if it's a girl, Alice will teach her to shop before she can even walk.

Hell we'll probably need a room just to hold her wardrobe. I have a feeling that all of us are going to have to learn some serious self control.

Finally we decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel; I really hope that Bella will be able to take a nap, I have plans for tonight and I really want her to be rested.

"Are you hungry love?" I asked her, after walking to pick up the car in order to keep her from having to walk any further.

"Honestly a little, but I don't want to eat much, I can't stand the thought of spoiling this wonderful dinner that you have planned."

"Well what are you in the mood for?" I asked.

"Maybe something sweet, I'm kind of craving chocolate." She said.

That's my girl, she loves chocolate, hell what am I saying? I love chocolate.

I drove a couple of miles to this cupcake shop that Esme orders from all of the time, their cupcakes are heavenly.

We walked inside and went to place our order but suddenly Bella couldn't make up her mind. She thought that she wanted chocolate, that was until she saw red velvet and carrot and banana split. I bought six hoping that we could have some later when hopefully we'll have something to celebrate.

I was getting more and more nervous by the minute, I was positive that by the time we got to the restaurant I would be about to explode; I know that I have told her numerous times that I intend to spend the rest of my life with her, but that's a bit different from getting down on one knee and pulling out a ring.

What if she doesn't like the ring? Jacob had assured me that it was perfect for her.

What if she just wants to live together? I could live with that for now.

What if she doesn't believe in marriage? I didn't have an answer for that one, but maybe mom and dad could help me out.

All of these thoughts were running through my head.

Fortunately for me she had fallen asleep on the ride back to the hotel, so she couldn't see me fall apart.

As I pulled up to the valet stand, I was trying to tell myself to get it together, but seriously I was losing it.

She woke up once we came to a stop. She took one look at me and asked "Edward, what's wrong?" "You look like you're scared to death, did I do something?"

"No love, of course not, I just have some things on my mind, nothing at all for you to worry about, I swear." I said while helping her out of the car.

The valet motioned for the bellhop to come help with all of our purchases while I handed the keys to the valet and told him that we wouldn't need the car for the rest of the evening.

I had arranged for a limo to take us to dinner. I had a feeling that no matter how things went later, that I would not want to have to drive us back to the hotel.

I could have just booked a room at The Edgewater, which is where the restaurant is located, but I really do like this hotel better.

Our reservations were for 8:00 so that gave Bella about three hours to take a nap and to get ready. It also gave me three hours to drive myself crazy with worry.

Bella fell asleep instantly once we entered the room, I had laid down with her, even going so far as to set an alarm, but I couldn't sleep. My nerves just wouldn't let me.

I went to the mini-bar and fixed myself a very strong drink; and then went back for a second one.

I didn't want to get drunk and I was cutting myself off after this one, but they were beginning to help.

I went into the bathroom and took my shower, letting Bella sleep as long as possible.

The hot water seemed to help sooth what was left of my rattled nerves.

"Come on Cullen, you can do this, she loves you." I kept repeating this to myself.

I got dressed and tried to tame the insanity that is my hair, but as usual it would not cooperate and finally it was time to wake Sleeping Beauty.

I bent down and kissed her beautiful, red, lips. "Wake up beautiful, the car will be here in an hour." I whispered to her.

"The car, what did you do?" She asked while rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"I hired a car to take us, I don't want to drive tonight, do you mind terribly?" I asked her.

"No, that's fine, whatever you want." She said as she was taking in my appearance. The smile that lit up her face let me know that she liked what she was seeing.

"God, I love seeing you in a suit, hmm, maybe we should just stay in tonight." She suggested.

As tempting as that was, I had a plan and no matter what I was going to see it through. I had to know if she would be willing to spend the rest of her life with me as my wife.

She quickly showered and got dressed; Fuck that dress was amazing on her, I wished that I had bought more of them. I definitely would be doing just that after the baby is born. Christ it made her boobs look insane.

She piled her hair up in a messy but sexy as hell updo. She even applied more makeup than I was used to her wearing. Truly she doesn't need it, but it wasn't overdone, it just made her even sexier. I didn't even know that was possible.

I helped her with her necklace as she added the earrings. She slipped into her shoes and we were on our way.

Neither one of us had thought about getting her a dress coat and I was suddenly worried about her being to cold, because she said that she wouldn't wear her regular coat over that dress.

Oh well, I guess it will be up to me, to find ways to keep her warm.

God, I was hard as a rock just looking at her, fortunately I was wearing an overcoat and quickly pulled it closed hoping that no one noticed.

The limo was already waiting, and I helped rush her into the warmth of the car. Smooth jazz was playing on the sound system. This was the perfect beginning to hopefully the perfect evening.

The ride took a little over a half an hour and I held her in my arms and kissed her all the way there.

Finally we arrived at the hotel and the driver opened the door for us, I held her hand and walked her into the separate entrance for the restaurant.

The lighting was very dim, candles were everywhere. There couldn't be a more romantic atmosphere.

I gave the host our name and he quickly ushered us to our table overlooking the water. The full moon was shining brilliantly over the water and for once the sky was clear allowing us a glimpse at the stars.

Well at least something was on my side tonight, I couldn't have planned this better if I tried.

"Edward, this is so beautiful." "Wow, just thank you, I love it." She said.

"And I love you, I hoped that you would like it." "This is where Carlisle brings Esme every year for their anniversary." I told her.

We were approached by our server, and we ordered dinner; I was really in a hurry to get to the main reason for this occasion.

We both ordered lobster and it probably would have been the best that I ever had, except that the lump that was in my throat made me feel like I was eating wet sand. Nothing wanted to go down.

"Edward, you're starting to scare me." Bella said, "Don't think that I haven't noticed that you're acting strangely tonight and don't think that I didn't notice the empty vodka bottles back at the hotel." "What's going on?"

"Bella, let's just finish dinner first please." I beg her.

"How can I eat now?" She asked. "I'm terrified that you have something to say that is going to pull the rug out from underneath us again, please talk to me."

Ok since she's not going to let this go, I know that it's put up or shut up time.

I scooted my chair backward slowly, stood and walked to her side. I checked my pants pocket to make sure that the ring was still there, I turned her around to face me, I took a deep breath and proceeded to get down on one knee.

I heard her gasp softly and I could already see tears beginning to form in her eyes; God I hope that's a good thing.

"Isabella Swan, I promise to love you every moment of forever, would you do me the extraordinary honor of marrying me?"

I opened the ring box and presented it to her, and then dared to take a look at her face.

Her tears were falling freely now and I was terrified that this wasn't something that she wanted, but after a second or maybe an hour, who knew, she smiled brilliantly at me and said simply "Yes, I will."

I slipped the ring from its' box and slid it onto her finger. I wanted to know what she thought of it, but I had to kiss my fiance first.

I stood up and pulled her into my arms, kissing her with everything that I had, hoping that she knew just how happy that she had made me.

After a moment, we both heard the applause going on around us. She immediately blushed, but I was so thrilled that I wanted to take a bow.

A moment later our server brought us a chilled bottle of champagne and congratulated us, explaining that the wine was on the house.

I had already talked to Carlisle and told him what I was planning, he told me that if she could tolerate it, one glass of wine would be perfectly safe, but only one and preferably only on this one occasion.

The server opened the bottle and poured two glassed. Bella tried to push hers away and I quietly told her what Carlisle had said about it being ok this once.

I didn't tell her but I had also done some research and found that a lot of doctors prescribe one glass of red wine a night for women with iron problems.

She looked at it and appeared to still be reluctant, "Bella, love, you don't have to, I would never force you to do something that you're unsure of." "I just wanted to let you know that one glass would be ok."

"Thanks Edward, but I don't really want it." She said.

Truth to be told, I was relieved, I didn't want her to feel deprived, but when it comes to her or the baby, there is no such thing as too safe.

I drank my glass and her glass too, since I'm not driving tonight, I felt like celebrating. But the more I thought about it and the more that I looked at her, looking at her ring, the more ideas I had about other ways to celebrate.

I quickly paid the check and ushered her back to the waiting car.

The driver had the door open for us, before we reached it; I got in first and then helped her in behind me. Her eyes still hadn't left her ring;

"Do you like it love?" "If you would rather have something else I can take it back." I told her.

"No, God no, I love it, I've never seen a heart shaped diamond before, it's so beautiful."

"Not half as beautiful as you are." I told her.

"But Jacob, Dad, Emmett, Jasper and Ben all agreed that it looked like you."

"They all went with you?" She asked.

"Yep, the day after Thanksgiving, I really wanted dad's opinion, but I didn't want to exclude anyone, so we all went." "You should have seen Jacob's face when he saw it." "He loves you very much you know, you're very lucky to have him in your life."

"I know, he's always had my back, no matter what." "There have been times when I didn't know what I would do without him."

"When he saw the ring, he took me aside to ask if I could afford it because he had never seen anything more perfect for you."

"He did that, really?"

"He really did, so he's a very big part of why I chose that particular ring."

We were still discussing all of this when we arrived back at the hotel.

"Edward, in case I forget to mention this later, this has been the most amazing night of my life, I love you and I can't wait to be your wife."

She kissed me deeply before exiting the car.

A/N Part II

OK, sorry for the delay, I wanted the proposal to be special, so I wrote it and re-wrote it and you guessed it re-wrote it again. I finally decided that I couldn't do it the justice that S.M. did so I borrowed the words from her.

I hope that you liked it.

So for you patience, next chapter Bella, Edward and Carlisle will hear heartbeats for the first time.