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

*This parallels chapter 59 of V&V, 'Dream Jobs & Photo Shoots'. Please read that before attempting this.

Enjoy!

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

Chapter 59 – Getting Closer to a Happily Ever After

I was a little irritated and irritable, but I wasn't angry that I had to go to California a day early. Knowing that Bella would be arriving the next evening definitely took the sting out of my departure.

My plane touched down a couple of hours before I needed to report on set.

The paps were there waiting of course. Sidney and I walked past them, ignoring their shouted questions.

In baggage claim I was stopped by a couple of fans who wanted photos with me. Before they walked away, they let me know how much they supported me and Bella, and wished us the best.

After I sent a text to Bella letting her know I'd made it safe and sound, Sidney and I made a quick stop at my house before heading to the studio.

The rest of the cast had just finished principle photography on Monday, so the wrap party was scheduled for Saturday night.

"Hey Edward, good to see you again." Rachel said as she gave me a hug.

My reshoots on the first day consisted of a couple of scenes with Rachel, and then I was free to go until the next day. It should have been quick and easy work, but for some reason, neither Rachel nor I could buckle down and get serious. One or the other of us would begin laughing most inappropriately during the scenes, setting the other one off.

I finally had to force myself to think of something sad to get back in control. It wasn't difficult, as soon as my mind began to search, the first thing it found was the image of Bella from my nightmares. That image was enough to erase any humorous thoughts from my mind.

That night, Bella told me she'd gotten an offer from a publisher for her children's story. I was very happy for her, but I was also extremely proud. She was so talented that I knew this was only the beginning.

"Bella, that's just.. " I found myself at a loss for words. "I'm so proud of you baby. Remember when I said that there's nothing like getting paid for what you love to do? Having other people appreciate something you've done is very rewarding."

"Yeah" she agreed with a smile. It was late Wednesday night and we were talking on skype.

It had been a long day, and I found it impossible to contain the yawn.

"Are you going to be okay without me there tonight Edward?"

I put on a brave face, afraid that if Bella became too concerned over my nightmares, she'd probe a little deeper to find what exactly I'd seen that was troubling me so deeply.

There was no way I'd be sharing those details with her.

"I hope so. It's only one night."

"Let's get in bed. We can stay connected to skype. Maybe that will help." She suggested cheerfully.

"I can't wait until tomorrow night when you're back in my arms." I admitted.

The nightmare returned. The forest was darker than ever before as I searched for her. Once again I was too late. I found her broken and bleeding just like the last time. "Bella" I cried. I awoke suddenly when I heard her voice.

"Edward, wake up" She called.

I turned toward the sound of her voice and opened my eyes, trying to focus. There she was staring at me from my computer screen, very much alive, and very worried.

"Oh Edward" She choked out.

I rubbed my face with my hands. "I'm okay baby." I told her trying to ease her worries.

"Edward please promise me that you'll go see Dr. Miller." Bella pleaded softly.

"I promise sweetheart." I said before I lay back down.

I decided at that moment that a visit to Dr. Gould before I went back to Seattle was definitely in order.

-LRM—

I was having a cup of coffee in the kitchen when Mrs. Hernandez arrived.

"Hello Eduardo" She said before kissing my cheek. She then looked around. "Okay, where's your girl?"

"She's not here."

Mrs. Hernandez narrowed her eyes at me. "Eddie, I don't want to meet her for the first time on the day of your wedding. It will be too crazy."

I raised my hands, palms out in a defensive posture. "I promise you'll meet her. She's flying down tonight." I defended.

Her face lit up. "That is wonderful. I'll come over on Sunday and fix dinner for you both!"

I tried to tell her that wasn't necessary, but she wouldn't be swayed.

Later that day, during my lunch break, I took a chance and called my mother. Since it was mid-day, I assumed the odds were pretty good that I wouldn't interrupt any sexcapades between her and my father.

"Hello Edward." She chirped.

"Hi Mom." I asked cautiously. "Are you at work?"

"Why yes, honey, I'm in my office. Why do you ask?" She replied.

I'm going to guess that she doesn't know I called the other night in the middle of whatever- the- hell that was.

"Oh, no reason." I answered lightly.

"Are you filming today?" She asked.

"Yes, I'm actually on break right now. I wanted to clear something with you."

"Yes."

"Bella's Mustang is supposed to be delivered next week; I'm arranging to have it taken to your house. I just need to know if there is a day that would be best."

"Oh Edward, I think Bella's going to be so surprised." She replied happily. "Thursday would be a good day for me. I can work from home. Edward is her family throwing her a party for graduation?"

"No, I don't think so, with two weddings happening this summer, I think we're going to be partied out. And you know Bella; she never wants a lot of fuss made over her. I was thinking about taking everyone out to dinner, including you and Dad of course." I answered.

"That would be wonderful dear. Why don't we all come back to our house for cake afterwards. That way you can surprise her with the car." She suggested.

I smiled. "That would be great Mom. I'll make reservations."

-LRM-

Once again, I had a long day of reshoots. I was more anxious than ever to get home, knowing that Bella would be waiting. It was late when I left the studio. I checked my messages and found a long one from Jasper explaining what the private investigator had discovered about Jill Richardson.

I immediately realized that she was trying to either get even with the studio for dumping her or trying to hurt them by causing problems for one of their biggest money-making actors.

Me

I was certain that the baby was Spencer Wyatt's, and I wondered if he even knew, or if he suspected it was mine.

When I entered the house, everything was eerily quiet. There was no sign of Bella in the rooms on the main floor, so I went up to my bedroom. I started to get a little concerned when I didn't find her in my bed.

After that, I searched every room, only to find her fast asleep on the sofa in my music room.

She looked like an angel. A beautiful sleeping angel.

"Bella" I whispered while kissing her neck, "Sweetheart, come to bed."

She opened her eyes and smiled before wrapping her arms around my neck. "I missed you." She whispered her breath warm across my face.

I reached both arms under her and lifted her from the sofa, carrying her to my room. After I had Bella settled in bed, I left to take a shower.

A few minutes later, we were snuggled together, fast asleep.

The only thing I could see when I entered the candlelit room was my beautiful girl. She was facing away from me as she looked out the window.

An apparition in white

I approached her quietly and placed my hands gently on her shoulders. "Are you really here?" I asked.

She turned her head and glanced at me over her shoulder, giving me a small smile. She nodded but never spoke. She reached up and placed her hands over mine. Instead of resting them there, she gently clasped them leading one slowly down through the opening in the front of her gown until it rested on her breast, the other until it rested low on her stomach.

I longed to explore her flesh with my hands, but she held them gently in place, allowing only my fingers the freedom to move. My erection was painful as I ground against the soft flesh of her back.

Suddenly she was gone. I was left standing there alone as the room grew dark.

It was some time later when I awoke alone. I could hear Bella moving around in the bathroom, so I assumed she was getting dressed.

I felt so well rested, certain that I owed that to the fact that the nightmare hadn't returned. As Bella and I sat at the breakfast bar eating bagels, I couldn't get over how right it felt to have her there with me, in my house.

We talked about the Jill Richardson nonsense to some extent and I shared my thoughts with her.

"It sounds like she's trying to get back at the studio by going after their biggest commodity." I said while gesturing toward myself. "She was willing to lose her boyfriend because she was desperate for a movie role, and doesn't seem to care if she hurts us in the process. I believe the woman has no soul." I muttered.

Bella thought for a moment, "I don't know about that Edward. I mean, she did keep the baby. She must feel something for it. Her actions in the last week seem to me to be those of a very desperate person."

Bella is always looking for the good in everyone. Unfortunately the world I live in can be a rather disappointing place. She'll always be too good for it and too good for me.

I sighed and then nodded slightly.

"Listen, I should be finished in just a few hours. We can meet for lunch before I have to leave again."

She gave me a questioning look.

Damn I forgot to tell her about Leno.

"I'm a guest on The Tonight Show this evening. I need to be at the studio in time for the taping at five o'clock." I smiled. "Alice said she has plans with you this morning. I'm sorry I'm going to be so busy while you're here."

"That's okay Edward. I'm just happy to be here, even if it's only for a few days. Whenever Alice isn't keeping me busy, I'll just study for my exams. In eight days, I'll be a college graduate." She announced with a grin.

I pulled her into my arms then. "I can't wait Bella. After that we don't have to be apart anymore." I said before pecking her on the lips.

"Hey, why don't you come with me to the Tonight Show taping?" I grinned. "You can watch it from the green room backstage."

I searched her face, hoping she'd agree.

"Okay." She said with a small smile.

-LRM—

"Edward here's a copy of your interview schedule for Tuesday. I've had to turn down four magazines and Entertainment Tonight." Jasper informed. "They're all dying to talk to you. This Jill Richardson thing coupled with the fact that you're getting married soon is making you even more popular than usual."

I glanced at the schedule, noticing that I'd be through with my interviews in plenty of time to catch the flight back to Seattle that night. After that, there wouldn't be anything else to take me away from Bella before our wedding.

"I'm not staying any longer in L.A. than I have to Jasper. If they want to interview me, they can find me in Seattle after Tuesday." I answered with a smile.

During my break, someone from the lab handling the DNA test came by to swab my mouth. I was a little appalled that I had to go through that because of someone's lies, but the sooner this matter was settled, the better.

Tony, Yves and I had the reshoot done in no time. I chatted a little bit with Hal afterward before I realized I'd better leave if I expected to make it to lunch on time. Alec was waiting in the car. "Edward" He said excitedly.

"What is it Alec?"

"Jill Richardson went into labor. She's in the hospital. It looks like you'll be able to have those test results very soon my friend." He announced with a grin.

I patted him on the shoulder as I smiled. "Good to know."

"You are living my nightmare Edward." Alec continued as he shook his head "Although my nightmare wouldn't come with any publicity."

"What are you talking about Alec?"

He lowered his voice to almost a whisper. "I worry sometimes; you know" He smirked "That I might knock up some chick. I really don't want to be someone's baby daddy."

I think I may maim him

I looked at him incredulously. "First of all, I didn't have sex with the woman so I couldn't possibly have knocked her up as you so eloquently put it." I barked. "Secondly, you're disgusting. I would certainly hope that if you got some woman pregnant that you would do right by your child."

"Dude, I know you didn't have sex with her." He defended. "I was just making an observation about myself. I'm one of the few people who knows you may as well be a monk." He snickered. "Yeah, and don't pretend you've done it with Bella because I know your ass wouldn't be so grouchy if you had."

Son of a…

"And I guess if I fathered a child, I'd do the right thing." He admitted.

"I'm still wondering why I haven't fired you." I muttered. "By the way, what I may or may not have done with Bella is off limits to you."

"Okay, okay, you're just proving my point." He said smugly.

Asshole.

—LRM-

Once we arrived at the restaurant, I had Lou help me run the gauntlet of paps in order that Sidney could drive Alec home. I found Bella in the private room I'd reserved.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart. I had no idea it would be this crazy. I should have chosen another restaurant." I said as I pulled her into my arms.

"It's okay Edward. I have a feeling that any place we would have gone would end up just as crazy today."

"I think you're right." I admitted with a frown as we took our seats. "So, did you have fun with Alice today?"

"Oh you know, she wanted to shop, I went along but didn't buy anything." She answered with a smile.

-LRM—

I was the first guest on The Tonight Show, so I waited with Bella until a couple minutes before Jay took to the stage for his opening monologue.

"Welcome back everyone." Jay Leno began "My first guest tonight has played everything from a sadistic murderer to a medieval knight. In his last film Time Stands Still, he was an intelligence operative out to bring to justice the head of the CIA. Please welcome Edward Masen."

I always enjoyed my appearances on Jay's show. He was hands-down one of the nicest people I'd ever met. I always wondered how he could live such a normal life while surrounded by all this bullshit that is Hollywood. I really hoped that someday I'd be able to do that; get to a place where I'd be so focused on my life with Bella that everything else became background noise.

We had a very pleasant conversation, but every second that I was out there, my mind was on the beautiful girl I'd left waiting for me in the green room.

Before the show, Jay had asked if I wanted the opportunity to address the Jill Richardson business. Since I'd already made a public statement, we agreed that Jay would leave it to me to make some brief remarks in answer to a question.

It gave me the opportunity to thank my fans for their support.

I knew that Clint Eastwood was one of Jay's favorite guests, so I enjoyed very much telling him about the upcoming movie project Enemy Combatant.

Any time I was on Jay's show, he'd always do something that surprised me. This time it was the issue of Vanity Fair with my girl and the others on the cover. I was in stitches when Jay teased me about the relationships between the three couples, making it sound as if we were marrying our cousins. I assumed that was the end of his surprises, I was wrong. "Now Edward, a little bird told me that the lovely Isabella herself is here tonight." Jay stated in a quiet voice.

No Jay. Please don't go there.

"Yes, she's waiting backstage." I replied cautiously.

"Do you think we could coax her out here for just a moment?" Jay asked with a big smile.

Oh shit

"I, I don't know if she'd feel comfortable.."

The audience started to applaud loudly, effectively cutting me off.

"Why don't you go back and see if you can persuade her?" Jay asked.

I knew how this worked. I'd been put on the spot. If I didn't at least attempt to bring Bella out, I'd look like a jerk. I could feel my palms starting to sweat.

I rose slowly from the chair and made my way back to the green room, all the time hoping that Bella realized I was just playing a part.

I'd almost reached the hallway to the green room when I saw her peek around the corner at me. She looked absolutely panicked.

Damn it.

Turning to the cameraman, I asked him to wait for me there. He nodded and I turned back to Bella. As soon as I reached her, she pulled me around the corner.

"Edward, I don't know if I can do this." She blurted.

I had to make her understand that I wouldn't force her

"It's alright sweetheart. You don't have to, I'll go inform Jay right now.."

"Wait." She exclaimed as she held on to me. "Just let me think, I need to process this okay?"

As much as I wanted to show her off on national television, I never wanted her to feel uncomfortable.

"Okay so what's the worst that could happen?" Bella asked.

Is that a rhetorical question?

"Oh Edward, what if I throw up?"

"Bella, you're not going to throw up." I answered with a chuckle.

"You're probably right about that." She thought again. "Suppose I drop the F-bomb? Oh Edward, with my potty mouth, I mean you know what happens when I get nervous. It's pretty fucking likely that it's going to be fuck this and fuck that as soon as I start talking. Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut and nod."

I wonder if she realizes she just said 'fuck' three times.

"I really wish I knew sign language, unfortunately the only sign language I know would get us tossed out."

Dear God, I love this woman.

I laughed as she rambled. "This is one of the many reasons I love you, you're absolutely adorable when you're flustered."

She grabbed my hand and took a deep breath. "Just don't let go of me Edward."

"I never want to let go of you whether or not we're on television." I said with a smile. "You're really sure about this?" I asked seriously now.

"Yes" She answered quietly. "I think I'm good."

I smiled. "I love you so much my brave girl." I whispered before giving her a chaste kiss.

It took every ounce of will power I possessed to keep from deepening that kiss. Jay was waiting. "I love you too" Bella whispered when we broke apart. "I just wish I wasn't so awkward." She then looked down at her dress. "And I wish I'd worn nicer clothes."

She's still so blind to how lovely she is.

I chuckled. "Come on, you look beautiful."

When we arrived on stage, we were greeted by a huge round of applause. I glanced at Bella; her eyes belied the calm expression on her face.

Jay greeted her and we sat together on the sofa, hand in hand.

Jay smiled at us, "I just wanted to congratulate you both in person. I'm sorry Isabella; I didn't mean to upset you. You okay now?"

Bella nodded and smiled. I knew she was dying inside.

"You're sure you're not going to throw up?" Jay asked with a grin.

The audience laughed, and I started to get a nervous feeling. Something was off.

"Oh and, just so you know, the show is taped, so that F-bomb gets edited right out of there. The same thing goes for rude hand gestures." He whispered conspiratorially before winking at Bella.

No fucking way. They heard our conversation?

Jay chuckled and sat back in his chair. "Sorry guys. Edward still had his microphone on back there." He gestured backstage. "I would have warned you, but I didn't even think about it until it was too late."

Why the hell didn't I realize I still had my microphone on?

"What?" Bella croaked out.

I tightened my hold on her hand. "You heard us." I said to Jay.

Jay nodded, looking a bit sheepish. "Don't worry about it. Everyone thought it was very sweet. Getting to hear you both 'unscripted' as it were was very charming."

I remembered Bella's verbal spew then, and couldn't help but start to laugh.

The audience joined with me, having been witnesses to my beautiful fiancée's lack of a verbal filter. Bella proceeded to blush a deep red.

I watched her, trying to convey without words how much I loved her. She glanced up at me and smiled.

I heard Jay breathe a sigh of relief. "Let's give Isabella a round of applause for being such a good sport." He announced just before the audience broke into loud applause. "You're a great couple, and we wish you all the best."

"I just want you guys to know that we're going to edit out the stuff that was overheard backstage. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable about it. It really was unintentional." Jay explained after the taping.

"No problem Jay, I'm the idiot who left the mic on." I answered with a smile. "Thanks very much."

Jay smiled and shook our hands. "Ah Isabella, who knew such a beautiful girl could have such a colorful vocabulary." Jay said with a grin as he shook Bella's hand. She smiled and blushed, causing Jay and I to laugh again.

On our way back to the house, Kyle sent a text with very welcome news. Jill Richardson had given birth to a little boy earlier that day, and Kyle was flying down to ensure the DNA testing was carried out.

We'd see him on Sunday.

-LRM-

"Dude, I wish I'd gone with you to Leno last night." Alec said while I was on break. "Why didn't you tell me they cut out a bunch of stuff?"

Oh no.

Alec grinned. "It's all over the internet. The audience tweeted out the stuff Bella was saying backstage. She's hilarious."

I gave him a worried look. "Don't worry Edward; everything I've seen is positive. Get this; Howard Stern wants her to guest on his show." Alec proceeded to laugh his ass off.

Howard Stern? Over my dead body.

-LRM-

We were finally finished filming. The wrap party was due to begin in a little over an hour. I phoned Bella while she was riding back to my house. "Hey baby, how was your day?"

"It was fun. I spent the day with Alice and Chris." She answered sweetly.

I hope they weren't drinking

"That's nice." I couldn't wait to see her again.

"Are you finished the re-shoots?" She asked.

"Yes, actually that's why I called. Are you still up for attending the wrap party tonight?" Alice had a habit of exhausting those around her.

If Bella's too tired, I won't be going either.

"Of course Edward, I wouldn't miss it."

"Great! Be ready in an hour, Lou will bring you."

"How should I dress?" She asked.

"Dress comfortably Bella, we're all in t-shirts and jeans." I answered as I glanced down at my Clash t-shirt.

"Okay, I'll see what I can do."

"Bye sweetheart."

"Bye Edward, see you in a bit." She answered lightly.

I walked out of my trailer and found Alec and Jasper waiting outside. "Hey, are you guys ready to go?"

"Yeah" they said before heading to the car. "Are you coming to the party Jazz?"

"For a little while." He said as he climbed in the back seat. Alec sat in front with Sidney.

"Lou is bringing Bella, so either he or Sidney can take you home when you're ready." I advised.

Jasper nodded.

The studio had reserved the entire rooftop restaurant of The Standard hotel for this evening's party. About halfway there my phone beeped with an incoming text message. I pulled the phone from my jacket pocket to view the text. I almost swallowed my tongue at the sight which greeted me, my delectable fiancée wearing nothing but a midnight blue bra and matching panties. "Fuck" I blurted in surprise as I fumbled my hold on the phone and it flew from my hand, landing on the floor of the car next to Jasper's feet.

Oh shit.

I saw him move to pick it up and I lunged, trying to beat him to it. I was too late. He picked it up and began to hand it to me. I knew the exact moment when his mind registered the image on the screen. His eyes widened and his mouth fell open a fraction before he composed his expression and placed the phone fully in my hand.

Jasper fucking blushed.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to look." He said sheepishly, not meeting my eyes.

I shoved the phone in my pocket.

It was very quiet in the back seat for a couple of minutes, the incident hanging heavy in the air, before Jasper started to shake with the effort of keeping his laughter contained. One look at his face, and I lost it. We both laughed for five solid minutes, ignoring Alec's demand to know 'what the hell was so funny'.

"One thing" I said when I could finally speak again.

"What?" Jasper asked with a smirk.

"Bella can never know you saw that." I implored.

Jasper just nodded in agreement.

I had to admit that if anyone had to see that photo, I was glad that it was Jasper and not Alec. The thought was enough to make me shudder.

Jasper watched in amusement as I pulled my phone back out in order to view the photo again. I narrowed my eyes at him, daring him to utter one fucking word to me, before I looked down at the screen. I let my eyes roam over her gorgeous body.

Damn she's sexy, and she's going to be the death of me.

I couldn't think of a better way to go.

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

A/N I think he'll be singing a chorus of 'blue balls' soon.

That's it….I need reviews. Sneak Peek of next V&V will be on blog and facebook. All my verbal spew, not Bella's, tends to post on Facebook as well.

Until next time…