Don't worry, no bad things yet for Bella.

***Disclaimer – Stephanie Meyer owns everything Twilight. I'm just letting the characters live in my mind for a while.***

Chapter 2

I felt my heart beat faster as Edward gave an almost silent knock on the door to Carlisle's study. I heard the soothing voice on the other side of the door grant us access to his domain.

"Please, come in." Edward squeezed my hand reassuringly as he turned the knob and pushed the door open.

I'd been in Carlisle's study before, but it felt like the first time. I was nervous, embarrassed, and felt like an intruder in this 360+ year old man's territory. Carlisle is a very beautiful man, standing over 6 feet tall and built like a Greek god. His smile was comforting and hid well the fact that he is meant to be a dangerous predator. He was also my father-in-law.

As we entered, Carlisle placed a mark in the book he was reading and leaned back into his chair. Laying his folded hands into his lap, he smiled at me, gave Edward a nod, and initiated the conversation.

"Bella…Edward…," he started, glancing between the two of us, "I think I know why you are here." He must have silently asked Edward if he was correct. Edward just gave one quick nod.

"Shall I call upon Jasper to join us?" Whether it was to tell him his "services" weren't needed or to just keep me calm, I wasn't sure. I glanced over at Edward and he shook his head, no.

"I gave him a negative when we passed his room." Stupid vampire speed talk and super hearing. I didn't even catch that Edward already told Jasper.

"Was he disappointed?" I asked, sheepishly.

"He was relieved. He questioned his control as well." I relaxed at the thought of Jasper being ok. I didn't want him to feel rejected. Then I braced myself for the upcoming awkwardness I was about to face. We needed to discuss the details.

Carlisle had been waiting patiently. He cleared his throat and spoke gently, "So, it's decided. I'll help you." Then he turned to me and gave me the warmest smile I've ever seen him give.

Suddenly, something occurred to me, "Esme!" Both men snapped their eyes to me and then they shared a look. "What does she think?" I suddenly felt concern for their marriage. Carlisle just nodded and smiled.

"It's already been discussed, Bella. In the event that you chose me, I needed her permission. She is my wife and I honor my vows of marriage. Surprisingly, she agreed a lot faster than I had anticipated." He explained.

"So…she's ok with you cheating just once?" I was still quite concerned. I didn't know why I didn't think of her earlier. I should have known they'd have it figured out already. They are vampires. They don't do anything half-way…except consummating marriage for one of them. I threw Edward a quick glare. I wasn't sure if he noticed.

"It's not cheating, Bella, if I have my wife's permission and she knows the reason for it. I'm strictly helping you, and my son," he glanced at Edward and then turned back to me, "to be happy. I don't have romantic feelings for you, Bella. I can separate this from an affair."

"How can you…um…I mean, can you still…" I stammered. This has to be the most awkward conversation of my life.

"How can I be intimate with you if I don't have romantic feelings?" He pulled the question right out of my mouth. I lowered my eyes for a second and then returned to his piercing, handsome golden gaze.

"Yes." I replied so quietly, I know a human wouldn't have heard me.

Carlisle winked at Edward. Edward sported an expression that gave me the impression that he had just received an image that he could have lived eternity without.

"Bella, I'm over 3 centuries old, a vampire, an accomplished doctor, and the head of this coven. But, when it comes right down to it…I am just a man. I'm being offered a beautiful woman who wants me to teach her the physical act of love. Bella, I'm honored and humbled." He was so sincere. I was sure that if he was able to, tears would have welled in his eyes.

He turned to Edward and continued, "I'll be kind and gentle. If she hesitates for a split second, I'll stop. She will be in control the entire time. I will keep my composure and restraint. I swear on my honor."

Edward nodded just once to acknowledge that he understood. He hadn't said much and that worried me. Was he changing his mind? Was he angry? No, he wasn't angry. If he was mad, we would definitely know. He's never struck out at me, but my sweet Prince has a violent temper.

"Alright, Mrs. Cullen, do you have a plan in mind?" My heart jumped at my name, I knew both men heard the skipped beat. Carlisle smiled as he waited for me to respond to him. I gave Edward a quick questioning glance as he gestured for me to go ahead.

"Well, I'm not exactly sure when, but I want Edward to change me right afterwards so I can start my life with him as soon as possible. Or else…" I trailed off, deep in thought. Edward squeezed my hand. I caught his eyes with mine and suddenly was filled with such excitement that it surprised us all.

I continued, "Maybe once my virginity isn't an issue anymore…you know, because of the blood…maybe Edward and I could try to be together before he changes me!" This plan had just entered my mind, I kept going, "If there's no blood and if he is going to change me anyway, it won't matter if he gets carried away and bites! It's perfect!"

I was proud of myself and couldn't hide it with the wide grin I was sporting. Edward didn't look as happy.

"What? It's perfect!" I reiterated. I gave Carlisle a desperate look. He seemed to be contemplating the idea.

"Bella…" Edward started, but Carlisle had moved to the front of his desk and put his hand on Edward's shoulder. We both looked up at the majestic man.

"Edward," Carlisle spoke hesitantly, "Do you think you could do as she asks?"

Edward just stared at a spot on the floor and shook his head, "Carlisle, I'm not strong enough." Then he turned to me, "Bella, I'm afraid that if I do get carried away and…bite…you, I won't be able to stop. I'm sure you don't want everyone in the room with us when we make love." He was right about that. "I can't risk it. It has to be Carlisle. When I change you," he grimaced; "it will be in a controlled setting with everyone around to stop me in case…" he trailed off and gave me a desperate look, "I promise we'll be together, just not while you're human. I'm so sorry." He closed his eyes and hung his head.

"It was just a thought." I conceded. I'm never going to win this battle.

Carlisle straightened his shoulders, set his face back into doctor mode, and glanced between Edward and me several times before he spoke.

"So, we're settled then?" Carlisle inquired.

Edward looked at me. I studied his face for even the slightest hint of hesitation. I'm sure my face was the deepest crimson it's ever been as I turned to Carlisle, nodded, and decided, "Yes."

Other than his last desperate plea, Edward had been sitting so quietly. I was concerned with how he was really feeling. His stunning golden eyes suddenly held a determined look in them. He hesitated a moment and finally asked, "When?"

Nervously, I looked back and forth between the two men and tried to think of a time. I didn't want to seem eager to get it on with my father-in-law, however, I really didn't want to wait much longer to finally be able to be intimate with my husband or become what I was meant to be, a vampire.

Carlisle must have sensed my dilemma and rescued me within seconds. "Friday night?"

"Why Friday?" Edward was curious.

"That gives Bella two days to make sure she's ok with this." He concluded.

"No." Both men turned to me with surprised expressions. "No," I repeated, "Tomorrow." Four eyebrows rose as I made my declaration.

"Tomorrow? Why tomorrow?" Edward seemed confused.

"I'm thinking that will give me time today to prepare, be with you tomorrow," I gestured to Carlisle, "and you," I nodded at Edward, "can change me afterwards. I'll be like you by Monday." I nervously awaited their response.

"Bella, you might want to wait a day or two." Carlisle warned. "Why don't we just wait and see how it goes for the transformation, ok?"

I turned to Edward, desperate, "Please, promise me you will change me after this." I gestured to Carlisle who gave me an understanding smile.

Edward took my warm hand in his cold ones and looked me in the eyes, "I promise…and then always."

"Always." I smiled. A surge of bravery rushed through me, "Carlisle, I'll meet you tomorrow around 7 o'clock in the evening. We'll go from there."

All three of us nodded in agreement. The time was set.

After our chat with Carlisle, Edward and I went back to our room, via the kitchen so I could get a snack, and curled up on the bed so I could sleep. I was exhausted. I was embarrassed. I was nervous. Edward sang my lullaby and for the first time in as long as I could remember, I didn't fall asleep within minutes of him humming.

"Love, are you alright?"

"Yes, why?"

"You're not sleeping and you hardly ate." I looked at the ½ eaten sandwich still sitting on the plate on the nightstand.

"Mmm." I replied lazily, not really listening. My mind was elsewhere. Is this going to hurt a lot? Will I bleed a lot? What will happen when he smells the blood? Should I shave? Should I find out what Carlisle likes? It would suck to get to that point and find out that I turn him off. Should I ask Edward? Maybe I should do what Edward likes. What does Edward like?

"Bella?" Edward prodded.

"I'm sorry." I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

"Tell me your questions." He traced his fingers up and down my arm, causing me to shiver.

"How did you know I have questions?"

"Bella, you have some major life changes coming up in the next day or so. I'm pretty sure you have to have to questions." He concluded.

I sighed. "Hold me." He was already holding me tight in his strong embrace; I just needed to say it.

He squeezed a little tighter. If felt so good to just be held. Even though he didn't have to breathe, he still did. The soft rise and fall of his marble chest under my head was soothing. I just lay as I was for several minutes with my eyes closed, drinking in the smell and sound of my husband. My statuesque, Greek god. Mine.

"Edward?" I started.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I'm nervous…very nervous." I confided.

"Is there anything I can tell you or help you with before tomorrow?" He seemed genuinely concerned and willing to help.

"Just tell me it's going to be ok."

He took in a deep breath and removed my arms from around his waist.

"Wait…" I started but he turned his body to face me and reached for my hands. He held one of my warm hands in each of his cold ones and looked me straight in the eyes. God he was beautiful!

"Isabella Marie Cullen," my heart skipped a beat when he said my full name…my married name…and I know he heard it from the smirk that crossed his face. Almost immediately his face went serious again and he started once more…

"Isabella Marie Cullen, you are my love, my life, my existence. I want to give you everything. My love, my body, my time…but your human blood sings to me so much that this is the only thing I can't do for you. Believe me, I want to more than anything, but the risk is just too great. Please understand." It didn't matter how many times he told me these things, it still didn't make complete sense in my head.

I just nodded and looked down so he wouldn't have to witness my tears again. I felt his hand under my chin, lifting my face to start back at his once more.

"Love, I wouldn't ask this of you if I didn't feel it was absolutely necessary. Carlisle will treat you well. He'll be kind and gentle. He has control. I trust him enough to give you to him for a night and Esme is ok with it. It will be just fine. Please, trust me." His eyes were so sincere.

"You're sure?"

"Absolutely. Then, when we are able to be together, it will be just as wonderful as we dreamed." He said 'we dreamed'. "Okay?"

"Okay." I yawned. He pulled me back into his arms and hummed my lullaby until I was traveling to dreamland.

I had several dreams that night. I don't remember most of them, but one stuck out. I dreamt that as soon as Carlisle took my virginity and smelled the blood, he lost all control and I screamed and fought, but was no match for him. Edward woke me up at the very moment that Carlisle sunk his teeth into my throat. I sobbed while Edward soothed me back to sleep. Thankfully, the rest of the night was dreamless.

:)