Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.

**This parallels chapter 50 of V&V 'Cake Tasting & Mama Bears'. As always, read the V&V chapter before attempting this one.

Enjoy!

***************************LRM*****************************

Chapter 50 - A Breath Of Fresh Air For The Punk'd

When I woke the next morning and turned to face my computer, my heart jumped at the sight of my girl busily writing in a notebook. I watched her for a moment before I spoke. She was so beautiful.

In three short months, I get to wake up to her every morning.

When she threw the notebook aside, I decided to speak. "Hello beautiful, what are you up to?" She turned to find me smiling at her.

"Just a little homework." She said with a sigh before she smiled back at me. "I saw your interview tonight."

What?

"Already? Sorry, I would have warned you about that, but it wasn't supposed to air until next week."

"I guess they had a slow news night."

"I suppose. Although, now that I think about it, they probably wanted to be the first to 'officially' announce our engagement." I said with a smirk.

"It made me happy." She added.

I smiled. Her happiness had become the most important thing to me.

"I felt weird giving away personal information like that, but maybe they'll be satisfied now."

She laughed. "They'll always want more Edward, but I still think it was necessary."

Bella is becoming quite savvy.

She was quiet for a minute. "You wore your bracelet."

I grinned, so glad she noticed. I shouldn't have doubted it. She didn't miss anything, just as I noticed everything about her. "I don't take it off, unless I have to, while filming."

I suddenly remembered what I had scheduled for today.

"I wanted to check with you about something Bella."

She looked curious. "What?"

"I thought it would be a good idea to hire someone to care for the house in Oxford, seeing as we're not planning to live there full time."

"I agree Edward. Did you have someone in mind already?"

"I'm going to interview a couple of people today. After that I've got to film for a few hours this evening. We can talk about it afterwards, it will be late but I still want to see you before I sleep."

She smiled and nodded. "Me too." She thought for a moment. "So you're going to Oxford today?"

"Yes. Sidney and I are leaving in a bit."

"Do me a favor?" She asked sweetly.

"Anything sweetheart."

"Will you have a pint at the Eagle and Child and think of me."

"Absolutely."

Missing you the entire time.

"So what's your schedule after today?" She asked suddenly, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Unfortunately, I've got to film tomorrow and Monday because I'm scheduled to go to Cannes on Tuesday and Wednesday."

She looked a little stunned. "Will I get to see you in Cannes?" She asked.

"I think I'll be able to skype, although I don't know how busy my schedule will be. Jasper's set me up for several interviews and even a photo shoot."

She got a strange look on her face and seemed to zone out for a minute.

She must be exhausted. I'll wait until later to ask about the therapist.

"Bella?" She looked at me then "I think you should probably get some sleep baby." I murmured.

She yawned, proving my theory. "Okay" She sighed. "I miss you Edward."

"Me too sweetheart. I love you. We'll speak again tonight."

"I love you too." She said just before falling asleep.

I logged off of my computer, and left for Oxford with Sidney and Alec in tow.

The first couple of interviews were bloody disasters. I was using the front sitting room in the Tolkien house to conduct them, having had a desk and several chairs brought in for the purpose.

Of course the interviewees had no idea who the owner of the house was until they walked through the doors. The first one, I soon found out, spent her days as a palm reader, or was it a fortune teller?

What the fuck is the difference?

She was excited to meet me and informed me right away that she was one of my followers on 'twitter'. In answer, I informed her that I didn't have a 'twitter' so she was obviously following someone pretending to be me.

"Well how about Facebook? I'm your friend on Facebook also." She defended.

I knew for a fact that this was incorrect. My Facebook was listed under a different name, and completely private. My list of friends was so small, that I had it memorized. Obviously, the lovely Bella topped that list.

"Sorry, you must be mistaken. I'm not on Facebook." I lied.

She looked disgruntled. When she tried to grab my hand to 'read my palm', the interview was officially over.

Alec stood in the corner snickering the entire time. Sidney, on the other hand, eyed her as if he might need to tackle her at any moment.

The next interview was worse. As soon as I discovered that the guy had spent time in jail for burglary, I immediately showed him the door.

I turned to Alec. "Where the fuck did the employment agency get these people?"

The third guy had a problem with flatulence. I was polite as I hastily showed him to the door. Unfortunately the damage was done.

I turned to Alec, "Fuck, when's the next appointment? I feel like I'm in an episode of Punk'd."

Alec couldn't answer. He was too busy trying to hold his breath. Even Sidney looked a little ill.

I wonder if Emmett has found some way to play a practical joke on me all the way from Seattle.

Damn he's good.

"For God's sake, open some fucking windows" Alec blurted with his last bit of stored air.

It was something that Sidney and I had already been attempting, when Alec suddenly fled the room. "Uh, I think I'm gonna be sick" He whined as he disappeared toward the kitchen.

"Pussy" I heard Sidney mutter, causing me to blurt out a laugh.

At that precise moment, a voice like music sounded from the foyer. "Hello, is anyone at home?" it was a woman's voice. Sidney and I both turned our heads in the direction of the doorway just in time to see an older man and woman make their way into the room.

"Oh good heavens, did something die in here?" asked the same voice as before.

"No, I'm terribly sorry. We just had an incident with a gentleman who was interviewing for a position." I tried lamely to explain.

"Oh I see." She said quietly.

"Well, sorry we're a bit early. We're here to interview as well." The man stated.

I immediately had them take a seat as I looked over their references. They were both retired, had excellent references, and had extremely pleasant and unassuming personalities. I closed my eyes and silently thanked God that this day had finally turned around.

I liked the Griffins instantly, and knew that Bella would too. They were from Staffordshire, but had sold their home with the intent of living closer to their son and his family who made their home near Oxford. When they heard about the caretaker position, they were delighted.

After I explained that they would only have to do light housework and upkeep, and hire out for all repairs, they expressed their keen interest in the position. I watched as Mrs. Griffin smiled happily when she took in the sight of the rooms that would make up their personal apartment, a large sitting room, dining area, bedroom and bath, just off of the kitchen.

"Mr. and Mrs. Griffin, I would like to offer you this position." I stated as we stood in the large kitchen.

They glanced at each other. "May we have a few moments alone to discuss it?" Mr. Griffin asked.

"Of course. I should also tell you that before we sign a contract, I will want to okay this with my fiancée. The time difference being drastic, between here and Seattle, I probably won't be able to confirm everything until sometime tomorrow. So, by all means, let me leave you to discuss things." I exited the room and waited in the sitting room.

Less than a minute later I had my answer, as both the Griffins entered the room and shook my hand while smiling broadly.

I was relieved. "Once everything is settled" I began "I will be more than happy to pay for whatever furnishings you may need for your rooms Mr. and Mrs. Griffin." I informed.

"No need Mr. Masen" Mrs. Griffin answered. "We have our own furniture."

I nodded. "Actually, my last name is really Cullen, but I would be more comfortable if you would call me Edward."

Mrs. Griffin smiled. "Then I suppose you'd better call us Edith and George, Edward."

"There's one more thing you need to know. The rest of the house won't be furnished right away. My mother has taken it upon herself to decorate it with antiques as a surprise wedding gift for Bella. I believe she'll be coming over herself sometime in June."

They nodded their heads. After leaving all pertinent contact information with them, I headed over to the Eagle And Child to have my pint.

As I sat there with Alec and Sidney, I thought back to the night I proposed to Bella.

Had it only been a week?

She was so lovely in her dress, and so clueless that I was planning to propose. I smiled at the thought.

"Here" I said as I handed my phone to Alec. "Take my photo please."

He smirked, no doubt readying some pithy remark, but I cut him off. "I want to send it to Bella."

He nodded, and mercifully didn't speak. I sent the photo to her with a message.

B-

As per your request Miss Swan, soon to be Mrs. Cullen, I am enjoying a pint at the Eagle And Child.

Miss you terribly.

-E

-LRM-

We filmed well into the night. When I arrived back at the suite, I literally crawled into bed.

**************************A/N*******************************

A/N Sorry that is was so short, but it paralleled V&V's chapter exactly. Edward doesn't do a lot outside of working, so there's not a lot to say.

Check out the sneak peek for the next V&V, already posted on the blog. As usual, anything else this wordy bitch has to say, I will say on the Facebook page.

P.S. Review please ; )