Chapter 33

BPOV

The past month has been hectic, nerve racking, eye opening and still very good. The Hope House opening in San Diego went off without a hitch. I don't count Tanya showing up, she didn't do anything but follow us. I almost laughed when it was Emmett, again, who brought up the holidays at brunch. I was glad Rose could keep him in line, I don't think I would have the energy for it.

I noticed the way Edward looked when we were at the zoo and I was in the petting zoo with the children, the fact that he wants a child was written all over his face and I want to give a family to him. He eased my mind when he told me that adopting was fine. We were on the same page as far as family was concerned, it didn't matter how they came to us and we would have as many as we could care for.

Edward was mentioning marriage more often and I was comfortable with that. After my Thanksgiving freak out we talked and agreed that people will talk and eyebrows will be raised regardless of how we handle things. The plan is to do what feels right to us. Eventually I will add Cullen to my name in the business world but at first, we want to give people the opportunity see for themselves that nothing will change in any of our companies because we are married. In social circles we will be Mr. & Mrs. Edward Cullen, no way am I not using that title, especially in Seattle. I doubt even being Mrs. Cullen will keep the ladies, a term I use loosely, off Edward. They were all over him at the Cullen Christmas party.

The Swan and Sinclair company Christmas parties were great. I wished Edward could have attended with me and was ask where he was all night, but his absence couldn't be helped. He was needed in Seattle for a board meeting on Friday, the night of the Swan party, and The Cullen Group was having their party on Saturday night, the same night as the Sinclair party. He would fly back Sunday morning after breakfast with his family.

I was having the best dream, more like a memory really. I was propped up against a mountain of pillows in front of the fireplace in my bedroom. The fire was crackling, the only lights were from the tree in the room twinkling and my hands were buried in Edward's hair between my legs, tugging as I ground myself against his face. Uuugghhh, the things that man could do with his tongue. My breathing picked up and I moaned his name as I came, this felt so real. I woke with a start to find Edward sitting up from between my legs.

"Edward?" I looked out the window, it was still full dark. "What are you…? Is everything…?" I was having trouble forming a coherent sentence.

"Ssshhh Bella, everything is okay."

I took a good look at him and he was naked, kneeling between my legs. My nightgown was pushed up and he had managed to get my panties off without me knowing.

"What time is it?" I asked, rubbing my eyes to try and wake up fully. "Are you sure…?" I started to ask then I took a good look at him. His eyes were full of lust and love, his erection straining, leaking, but his posture is what almost stopped my heart. The man looked as if he was desperate to be…loved. "Edwa…" I started before he cut me off.

"Let me love you Bella." He said as his arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me on top of his thighs. "Please, I need to feel your love more than anything now." He was pulling my nightgown over my head and I moved my legs to get more comfortable.

I held his face in my hands, trying to read the emotion in his eyes and failing. What the hell had happened in Seattle to put that look on his face? I wrapped my arms and legs around him squeezing firmly as I raised myself over him.

"I do love you Edward, so much."

"I love you Bella, more than you can ever know. I love you."

We held tight to each other as we made love. It was slow, soft and I felt as if he couldn't get close enough to me. He was holding me close as I moved on him and murmuring how much he loved and needed me. I was trying to reassure him but didn't think I was succeeding.

"I love you too Edward, only you. No one makes me feel as safe and loved as you do."

As we climaxed together I barely heard him whisper, "Don't leave me Bella. Stay with me."

I ran my fingers through his hair to calm him, he squeezed me tighter.

"Let's lay down Edward. Tell me what has you so upset." I moved so we could lay facing each other but he turned me over and pulled me to his chest.

"This trip was just…eye opening." I waited for him to continue, when he kissed my shoulder I realized he wouldn't without prompting

"I don't understand Edward."

"I suppose it took moving away to see things as they truly are."

"You have to give me more than that Edward. All that statement does is open up more questions."

"Well for starters we discovered who is helping James embezzle money from the company." He squeezed me and I knew it must be someone he was close too. He wouldn't let me turn around to see his face. "Mrs. Cope." I couldn't believe it.

"Isn't she that sweet little old lady in finance?"

"Yes but she is also James' grandmother. No one had any idea they were related."

"Really?"

"Yes. Luckily it looks as if it only started in the last year but the FBI doesn't want us to fire anyone until they find out who their leak is with the Aro investigation." I felt a squeeze again. "She has been with the company for over 25 years, she used to give me candy Bella."

The anguish in his voice was heartbreaking. Someone he had known most of his life betrayed him.

"Carlisle is very upset, his hope is that James is forcing her. No one wants to believe she would do this of her own free will. Honestly, I don't know how he will be able to work with her every day. I don't think I would be able to do it, another reason to be glad I'm in Chicago."

"What do you mean another reason?"

"Those cronies of Carlisle's, they drive me nuts. The second I step foot in Seattle they start running to him for everything and I get called down to his office. I know it aggravates him but it really pisses me off." He was getting worked up and not in a good way. "The guys wonder why I take such satisfaction in forcing those goats to see me in Chicago. It may be petty but I win the battles I can."

"Edward, what the hell happened in Seattle to put you in this mood? I mean I understand your frustration but to fly back in the middle of the night and your mood. What aren't you telling me?"

"It's everything Bella, hurt over Mrs. Cope, anger over the Aro situation, those old men trying to make me feel inferior to Carlisle and the party, those women disgust me." Now I had a feeling we were getting to the heart of things.

"Did they hit on you honey?" I asked sweetly.

"I wish it were that simple. They hit on me, tried to groped me, rubbed up against me and offered to take care of me while I was in town and that was the married ones. The single ones weren't nearly as subtle." I laughed at the indignation in his voice.

"Hasn't it always been that way Edward?" I waited for him to give me some kind of response. When he didn't I continued. "What has changed that it bothers you now?"

"I have, I've changed. Maybe I didn't notice before or care or even realize it was as obvious as it is but I care now. They made me feel…dirty. I mean they did this after asking why you stayed in Chicago. And the men, they weren't any better with some of their comments."

"Ok, I understand why these things would upset you but what prompted you to fly back in the middle of the night. Even if they were never this obvious before or it was never this bad you know the best way to deal with this is to ignore it. Be honest with me Edward, what prompted you to fly back early?"

"It's more of a feeling than words Bella. Since I moved, I feel like I have finally, at 41, come into my own." He took a deep breath. "That sounds so pathetic to say out loud."

"It isn't pathetic Edward, in some ways you and I are polar opposites."

"How so?"

"In many ways I had to stand more or less on my own from a young age. Yes, there were people I could turn to if I asked but, for the most part, I was left alone. You on the other hand have always had people willing to keep you company and by people I mean women. Sure they had nefarious motives but still, they wanted to take care of you." I chuckled and when he didn't I rolled over to look in his eyes.

"Your family has also always been a large part of your life and not just on the edges. They are very involved and given what has happened to you in the past and Seattle society I understand it must have comforted you to have them that close and protective."

"But?"

"But, I think you enjoy the individualism Chicago gives you. You're not a Cullen but Edward Cullen, CEO. People admire you for you and recognize your strengths, your family name doesn't carry the same type of weight it does in Seattle. I think you like standing on your own."

"I do." I took a deep breath before continuing with what I thought the problem really was.

"So you have changed, positively I might add, then you return to Seattle and they expect you to be the same Edward so they treat you accordingly."

"Yes and it pisses me off. I am forty fucking years old, I know to those old farts that seems young but I do not need my father's permission or approval to sign a damn contract. And those women, it was worse than ever."

"What made you fly back Edward." I looked in his eyes and knew something had him scared.

"I'm worried when we go in two weeks it will be a stronger version of the BBQ and you are going to run so fast I may never catch you. There I said it."

"Nothing is going to make me run from you Edward. Remember, I am used to the way I'm treated there; it has always been that way for me. I think they may be getting more obvious because they know on some level that time is running out. You won't be living in Seattle any time soon so they are taking advantage of the time they do have, without me there to rain on their parade."

"Maybe, I can't lose you Bella. You mean the world to me, I won't let you go."

"I am not leaving you Edward. I love and need you too much to be without you."

I rubbed his chest and snuggled in closer as I felt him relax his hold on me. I couldn't help but feel that he wasn't telling me something. I would not allow those harpies to cause problems for us, not now, not ever.

EPOV

As Bella drifted off to sleep I couldn't shut my brain down. She knew there was something I wasn't telling her, the woman could read me entirely too well. Unfortunately she was right, I hadn't shared everything with her. Her observation that women were being more obvious because I wasn't easily accessible made sense but left me very concerned about being there for Christmas.

I was planning a very special New Year's surprise for Bella at the party she hosted, I'll be damned if a trip to Seattle for Christmas would ruin things for us. I would not allow those vipers to cause problems for us and I knew without a doubt they were going to try and the comments I overheard Newton and some of the other man say…disgusting. I chose to leave instead of committing hari kari on some of them, with the training I have been doing with Bella I could really fuck them up too.

The one good thing that came from the trip, I'm sure I won't need to worry about is my family, especially my mother. She doesn't come to the offices often so she hadn't seen my interactions with anyone outside the family since New York happened. This weekend and the party were an eye opening experience for her, she was as disgusted by everything as I was. I hadn't shown up at a function stag since before I met Bella. I always either had a date or stuck close to the family, something I wasn't able to do in this situation. An hour into the party she pulled me aside, told me she had forgotten how eagerly I was pursued, and promised to truly put aside her issues with Bella and do everything she could to prevent a repeat of the BBQ.

December was a light month as far as business because there was a lot of socializing and schmoozing in general. I did attend the Big Brothers, Big Sisters function with Bella. I knew it was a breakfast with Santa. What I hadn't been informed of was that the fact that I was Santa. I protested until Bella said she was Mrs. Claus and would be with me the entire time. It turned out to be fun, I enjoyed watching the kids with their mentors. Someone had asked the BB or BS of each child for present ideas, the looks on the kids' faces as they unwrapped them was priceless. It was obvious each child had received something they truly wanted and I was surprised at the level of devotion it took for the mentors to manage that.

As the kids opened their presents Bella and I split up, I was approached by several members of the BB/BS organization about working with The Cullen Group here and in Seattle. As we talked I watched Bella interacting with the kids' and their mentors, she was so at ease and looked to be in her element. I knew the Foundation picked a different organization every year but I was positive that regardless of the charity Bella would be comfortable at any of them. She enjoyed helping and meeting people and it showed. As I excused myself from the conversation to go to Bella, I cringed inside, nine months ago I would have ran from one of these things as fast I could. Today, I'm enjoying playing Santa and laughing with the kids and it's all due to the brown-eyed beauty at my side.

In the car, on the way to the Memphis airport, was the chance I had to absorb all that happened over the last few days. After the BB/BS breakfast Bella and I tied up the loose ends in our respective offices, we wouldn't be back in Chicago until after Christmas. While I was looking forward to the trip to Memphis, it was also the one that made me the most apprehensive. This was being in done in conjunction with Make-A-Wish, these were sick kids, very sick kids. I found myself wondering how I would react to them. I mean, some of them were dying, would die. How could I look at a child and tell him or her everything would fine when they were in this hospital because things were definitely not fine.

When I mentioned my fears to Bella, she essentially told me to take my cues from the kids, her exact words were very pointed. "Edward, the doctor's at St. Jude's work with doctor's all over the world concerning their cancer patients. However, to be admitted to St. Jude's or even seeing a doctor here as an outpatient, they may be kids but they know how serious their condition is, trust me. This isn't an exclusive hospital, money doesn't matter here when it comes to taking on a patient. Trust me most of these kids know that if this hospital can't help them, odds are nothing can."

She went on to prepare me for the visit. Some of kids maybe hostile about their illness and some were but a surprising low number. I was shocked at how much they knew about their illness and how upbeat the majority were, maybe that was because the staff was very upbeat. They didn't sugar coat things just because the patients were kids, they talked on their level and refused to let them wallow. I wasn't convinced most adults could handle this situation, as patients, as well as the children did.

The first day Bella and I toured the facility, met staff members and interacted with the children. They were very excited about the different celebrities that would be visiting over the next few days. Bella went all out to have as many celebrities visit as possible. The Swan jets and Sinclair helicopters were flying overtime to make sure the celebrities and families of the patients could be there. Kim, the Make-A-Wish coordinator, and Bella had also approached Dow and other companies about pitching in their company jets for "Angel" flights. Every company and person approached went above and beyond what was expected to make the kids happy. The Cullen Group arranged transportation between the airport and the hospital for everyone, as well as blocked off a floor of rooms if someone needed a place to spend the night. St. Jude's offered three separate lodgings, on campus, for families of patients depending on the length of stay. The rooms were for any extended family and of course the entourage Bella and I traveled with.

Over the next few days we met singers, actors, authors and sports athletes. I discovered Bella had quite the obsession with Heath Miller and the Steelers in general when she jumped up and ran out of a meeting upon hearing they were in the building. We didn't watch sports together much so I had no idea about her Steeler fascination. When questioned she admitted to having the games taped for her and then watching them in the office on Monday's. I teased her about it for exactly one day that is when several of the Mariners visited and my inner little boy was revealed.

I didn't realize how lost in my thoughts I had become until the car door opened. I was surprised to see it was Bella that opened it, I had no idea she had gotten out of the car.

"Penny for your thoughts Edward." Bella said in a whisper.

"Just thinking about the past week." I looked over her shoulder and noticed both jets were on the tarmac waiting to be boarded. It looked as if most of the security were going to the other plane, only William and Anthony boarded the one we would be on. Bella turned to see what I was watching.

"The second plane is normally housed in Seattle, since they are both going to the same place I have arranged for us to have one plane to ourselves, almost."

I wiggled my eyebrows at her. "No, not for that. You can have that when we get to the house. I just thought you might appreciate the peace and quiet for a change." She was right, I would.

"I did enjoy this week Bella."

"I know you did. I also know that you are starting to worry more about this trip to Seattle." The plane had leveled out now and Bella unbuckled so she could sit in my lap. "I told you Edward, I love you, nothing that happens the next few days will change that. I can handle whatever they throw at me, as long as I know I walk away with you in the end."

"You will. I am yours Bella, for as long as you want me."

"I want you forever so stop worrying about this."

The flight was short and peaceful, as promised. We talked about many things but in the back of my mind that damn party and what could happen circled like an annoying gnat. I decided it would be best to have a plan of what to do if something did happen, just in case.

Also as promised, when we arrived at Sinclair House Bella pulled me up to the bedroom by my tie and had her wicked with way me, several times. The shower sex was fast, frenzied, and exactly what we needed, the first time. On pillows in front of the fireplace is where I worshipped her body, to show her exactly how much she meant to me. I kissed and licked every inch of her until she reached completion, twice, and lay boneless with a soft smile. I scooped her up and moved us to the bed where I held her tight to my chest and slowly made love to her, the woman I loved. It felt so right as we whispered our love to each other and when we climaxed together I couldn't hold her close enough as we drifted off to sleep, still connected. I should have known it was the calm moment before the storm.

The day started out fine, we slept in, Mary made us a nice brunch and we actually took notice of the Christmas decorations we didn't bother with yesterday.

"The house looks great Mary." Bella said. "I want you and everyone else to take time off. I know I'm not normally here this time of year, so just ignore us and if I need you guys I'll let you know." Mary looked as if she was going to object. "I mean it. We can take care of ourselves. No arguing." Bella told her and they stared at each other until Mary nodded.

Of course everyone couldn't take off, we still had security with us and again would have extra at the party. Aro's family lived in Seattle, Stephen knew he was more than likely in town and that made him cautious. Aro wouldn't be reckless enough to come to the party but we may be able to see him around the city.

The open house started at seven and while not black tie, it was still considered formal. Bella laid out my grey Armani suit with a white button shirt, forest green tie and handkerchief. When she walked out of the bathroom I realized I matched the color of dress, a forest green silk wrap that hugged her body perfectly. I really wanted to untie that dress now instead of later.

"You look gorgeous sweetheart." I said from behind her and kissed her neck. "We could always stay here, I could unwrap my present early." I pulled on the tie of her dress and she slapped my hands.

"No, we promised we would make an appearance and that is what we are going to do Edward."

"Fine," I said with a pout. "We go, say hello, mingle, then hurry back and I will unwrap my present. It should take less than an hour."

"Edward," she responded, laughing at me. "You can't unwrap any presents until after midnight, so behave yourself."

"Presents, plural?" I questioned as I tried to see down the front of her dress.

"Maybe. You'll never know if we don't leave." I grabbed her hand and started pulling her out of the bedroom. "You have to play nice with others also Edward." She said with a laugh. I chose to ignore her last comment.

The party was in full swing when we arrived, which was the plan. We didn't want awkward conservations or awkwardness in general by being there before anyone else arrived. We would have several days after Christmas to spend with my family and we also worried people would pick on who was our security by being there first.

Still, our arrival was definitely noticed, conversation became more hushed, people openly stared, I wanted to yell 'take a picture people.' Of course that had already happened before we even entered my parents' house, Esme's open house was a society event and documented as such. Then the whispering began and the pointing and the glares. I had gotten used to being part of a more normal couple in Chicago, none of this high school bullshit happened there. Yes we were noticed but we were also treated with respect, I couldn't say the same thing of Seattle.

Mostly we ignored the murmurings. We mingled, smiled, and played nice for the people. The few times I needed to leave Bella's side I left her with one of my family. She was beginning to feel more comfortable with them. I found it hard to believe that she didn't feel resentment against Rose or Alice for taking my mother's side in things, but she didn't. She told me once they were just being loyal to Esme and one of things she valued most in a person was loyalty.

As the night progressed and the liquor flowed freely people aren't quite as hushed in their opinions. The Newton's, Stanley's, and Denali's are the most vocal in their disapproval of Bella and me. Couldn't I have found a nice girl in Seattle? She wants a sugar daddy, someone to sweep in and run her companies for her. They needed new material.

We ignored every overheard comment, but I watched Bella deflate, just a little, with each jab aimed our way. There was no need to ask, I knew she wasn't concerned for herself. She was worrying about how their comments were affecting me; I was worrying about what she was thinking. It was time to implement Plan B. I couldn't keep them from gossiping and if they were going to do it anyway I wanted to give them some juicy material.

Stephen, William, and Anthony have known about Plan A and Plan B from the beginning. When I excused myself and left Bella with my father and Anthony, I gave William a pointed look so he knew it was going to be Plan B.

Heaters were set up on the patio so the French doors could be open off the living room, to cool the house and people could step outside for a moment and still be comfortable, even if it was December. From the patio I made my way to the sitting room that housed my piano. I lit the candles around the room, left one of the outside doors open, then set down and began to play. It had been too many years to count since I had played in a setting like this and several since I had the time to really play at all.

I started with Christmas Carols and was worried I couldn't be heard over the party before I got the signal from William that she had finally heard the music and was coming my way. I quickly switched to Carol of the Bells to lead her to me.

"I found you." Bella said as she ran her hands over my shoulders. "The party getting to be too much for you?"

"Something like that." I told her and turned my head to kiss her hand. I segued into the next song, River Flows in You by Yiruma.

"I love this song."

"I know." I responded with a smile. Because I knew she loved this song, I had taken the time to practice it in Chicago.

"You play beautifully Edward. I would never know it's been years since you played if you hadn't told me." She was running her hands through my hair and as much as I loved it, I needed to see her face for what I wanted to say next.

"Thank you sweetheart. Can you move to the curve of the piano so I can watch you enjoy the music Bella?" As I played and watched her move I also noticed several people on the patio trying to look as if they weren't listening to our conversation.

"May I ask what brought on the mini concert I am currently enjoying?" Her eyes were sparkling with mischief. She knew I was up to something and more than willing to go along, she had no idea of what was coming.

Someone had opened the other door from the room to the patio and I could see quite the crowd building. Bella let me know she heard them by shaking her head slightly but refused to turn around to acknowledge any of them.

"I love you and want to see you happy; do I need any other reason?"

"No, I love you too."

It was time when I started Because I Love You, also by Yiruma.

"Bella, I reluctantly accepted years ago that I would spend the rest of my life alone. I had been burned several times; I didn't trust love, women, or my own judgment when it came to women. It was easier to lump them all in one category, gold diggers. Having grown up here, people only saw Edward Cullen, the name, not Edward, the man. You saw the man, the reasons behind his actions, and it scared the shit out of me. Even after I was a grade A asshole to you, several times, you still saw the man I had the potential to be instead of the man I had become. I owe the man that sits here to you Bella. Your patience, understanding and unwavering love make me a better man, a good man."

I saw tears in her eyes and knew she heard my voice cracking. I love her so much. I just need to get through this last piece without breaking down.

"I know I still have things I need to work on, personality traits that drive you nuts." She chuckled and I knew we were on the same page, my overbearing need to protect her at all costs, and my tendency to leave just a few sips in any milk or juice carton being a few habits she would love to correct. "But I trust you and know you love me enough to train me properly to be a good husband to you and father to children we have. I want those dreams I set aside over 10 years ago to be our reality Bella."

As the song ended I stood and moved to stand in front of Bella, taking her face in my hands.

"I love you Bella. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I didn't start truly living until you entered my life. I promise to love you every day for the rest of my life. I want you to be the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see before sleeping every night. I promise to support you in everything you do, to comfort you when you are sad, and to always be your calm in any storm. Your very best friend, your lover, and hopefully the husband you deserve."

Tears were falling silently down her cheeks and I stopped trying to wipe them away. I reached in my pocket, pulled out the box holding the rings and dropped to one knee.

"Isabella Marie Swan Sinclair will you give me the incredible honor of being your husband, of claiming you as mine for the rest of our lives? Marry me Bella?"

Her hands were shaking and she was nodding yes but hadn't actually spoken. I stood and showed her the matching wedding bands. I heard gasps and murmuring coming from the patio. I leaned in until our foreheads were touching.

"Say yes Bella. Give them something to really gossip about."

"I would love to be your wife. Yes Edward, yes!" She exclaimed and jumped up to give me a toe-curling kiss.

A chorus of 'what's' could be heard from the patio and I found that I didn't have it in me to care nor could I get the smile off my face. She said yes!

A/N: I do not own Twilight or its characters.

I can't say sorry enough for the wait between updates. I truly appreciate the readers who stick with me and my crazy schedule. The story is winding down and that sometimes gives me writer's block. I want to make sure there are no loose ends and yet still end the story the way I envision it. I can't promise to update quicker but I do promise to try.

I am taking part in the Countdown to 2012 contest. It has three separate segments: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm writing for two of them bit it is anonymous, as most contests are, so I can't tell you which two. There are good stories there so check it out.

Story name on FF: Countdown to 2012 Farewell to 2011

Author name: Breath-of-twilight

Thanks for reading and please review.