Disclaimer: I take no credit in the characters within this story; those are the sole work of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. I do, however, take credit for the specific, new traits I gave them and am quite proud of them.

Note: All I can say is I am sorry it is unedited, but enjoy! =) I hope you all like it!

-BPOV

I woke up the next morning with a start. There was a quiet knock on the door, but it seemed to echo in my ears as if whoever was on the other side was banging with all their might. I lifted my head and crawled slowly from the bed, not opening my eyes any further than required. I opened the door, squinting into the blinding lights from the hall. Edward stood there, looking as if he had just woken from a fantastic night of sleep. He was holding two coffee cups and had a surprisingly amused look on his face as he looked over me.

"Jasper told me what time you guys got in last night," he said quietly, "I thought you might like this before Alice comes in here and freaks out."

"Mhmm," I said, letting him in and then crawling back into my bed, burying my head deep under my pillows. There was another loud knock on the door. "Ugggggh."

I heard Edward answer it, telling Alice three times that he would make sure I got out of bed and into the shower within the hour. I couldn't even wrap my head around that. It felt as if I had just crawled into my bed maybe ten minutes before. I was pretty sure I was still wasted, not even having mellowed out to an even drunk yet.

The edge of the bed sank and a hand rested itself on my bare back, "Bella, drink your coffee, it'll help."

"I… am… never…drinking…again," I groaned, rolling over and staring at the dark ceiling. The only light was peaking from around the heavy drapes.

Edward's low chuckle seemed to settle the demon who had been banging pots together in my head. "I am pretty sure everyone says that at least twice in their lives, Bella."

"Maybe, but I am serious. I am just no match for your sister. How the hell can her little body hold so much alcohol? It doesn't seem possible…" I groaned again, putting my hands over my eyes. "What time is it? I can't possibly be sober yet."

He laughed again, "It's eleven."

I sat bolt right up, "Did you just say it's eleven?"

I could see his smile even in the dark, "Yes."

"Their wedding is in seven hours, Edward! Is Rose awake yet? We have to get to the hair dresser by 12:30!"

Edward grabbed my arm and dragged me back to the bed even as I tried to run across it in my heels. "Calm down, Bella. There is still time. Just drink your coffee, then take a shower, then you guys will go, okay?"

I breathed deeply and nodded. Edward stood, opened the blinds just enough to let in a little more light, and then turned to leave. He stopped by the door, giving me one more bemused lookover and said, "I'll see you at the wedding Bells."

I stood up again as soon as he had left and hurried to the bathroom, coffee cup still in hand. The mirror revealed a person I couldn't even identify. Her hair stuck up in every direction, the new cut making it light enough to tangle into a mane that would make any lion jealous. Dark makeup created blackish purple circles under her eyes, making it appear as if she had broken her nose. A beautiful but excessively crumpled dress barely held on to her neck, the bow in the back now lopsided and resting on her shoulder instead. Disgust washed my system and I set down the mug and immediately removed my dress, determined to wash myself clean before dealing with anything else.

Somehow we made it the hairdressing appointment on time, though it seemed to be a complete miracle. The woman at the desk eyed the three of us, mouth open, taking in the dark circles under all of our eyes, the tight ponytails which was all any of us had the energy to do with our hair, the random mix of clothing we had tossed on, and the complete lack of makeup. "Can I help you?"

"Appointment for three under Alice Cullen," Alice snapped, apparently not appreciating the snide tone.

She straightened immediately, "The bridal party? Yes, we were expecting you. Please, take a seat and Monica will be right out to get you."

We all slouched into the row of chairs that lined the front of the shop. There were no other customers, only the snooty receptionist and a woman with extremely short, spiky hair cleaning her combs. I leaned back, closing my eyes and relaxing in the light that was streaming through the front window.

"Bella!" Alice snapped, pulling me from a comfortable nap. I sat up straight, trying to wipe at the drool I had been terrified was lingering in the corners of my mouth. Alice stood in front of me, her short hair flaring out beautifully in a halo around her head. "Come on, get in the chair. We need to make the nail and makeup appointment in another 40 minutes!"

I stood shakily, wishing it were just a bad dream and I was still in my bed at the hotel, suffering from a crappy hangover. The sharp pulls of the woman's comb were certainly no dream though. She pulled out a large curling iron and began to part my hair as it warmed, muttering to herself about the knots. I closed my eyes again, being sure to stay awake and not fall asleep while she was using a hot implement so close to my scalp.

When she was done, though it felt like it had been at least an hour, my hair looked like it had gone through a serious makeover. No longer did it sit lifeless at my shoulders, the layers hardly adding any body, barely a wave to be seen; now my face was surrounded by large, bouncing curls, my bangs making an elegant curve to the side and tucking attractively behind my ear.

We left the shop and hurried about fifteen minutes up the street to another salon where we had our nails buffed and polished to their absolute best while a tense looking middle aged woman brushed our faces into perfection. Alice was an artist, but this woman was a God. By the time we left there was not a single blemish to be found on my skin. My eyes were no longer surrounded by dark circles, but instead looked flawless and rejuvenated. From there we hurried back to the hotel and went straight up to my room where the dresses waited in individual bags in my closet. Rose helped Alice and I get dressed carefully, being sure not to allow the dresses to shift our hair or smear our makeup. It was nearly 4 by the time we were all ready and that meant it was time to head to the house where it was all taking place—the Cullen's.

-EPOV

"Isn't this the time when my best man is supposed to tell me that I don't have to do this?" Emmett asked, smiling toothily at me through the mirror.

"Do I need to even attempt it?" I asked, stepping up to his side. "Why would I want to stop you from doing what is obviously making you happy? I trust your judgment brother; if you feel this is your path than I support you in that fully."

"Well, if he won't then I will. My sister is a pill Emmett. Are you sure you know what you are getting yourself into?" Jasper asked from behind, sitting on the bed.

Emmett laughed, nodding. "You're sister may be a pill Jasper, but the side-effects are wonderful."

"If you say so," he said.

"Besides, Jasper, how can you even talk about anyone's sister being a pill while you are dating ours?" I asked, shifting the stiff cuffs of my suit, checking the cufflinks that Emmett had given me as my best man gift the previous night at the bar. Unlike the girls we had not gone all out, but instead just sat in the bar, enjoying a game on the TV and ordering a couple pitchers of beer. Emmett had refused to let me plan anything, insisting that he didn't want to be so hung over the next day that he'd screw up his vows.

"I guess there are just some pills that only certain people can swallow," he nodded with a smirk, staring at a picture of Edward, Alice, and Emmett that was hanging on the wall. "Has she always been so… so…"

"Exuberant?" I offered.

"Insane?" Emmett tried.

Jasper laughed, shaking his head, "Knowing?"

Here I sobered. "She has always had a way of foreseeing exactly how she could make some things go the way she wants, but my sister is far from always right. As a matter of fact, it is really not that uncommon for her to be a little… let's say misguided in her decisions. She doesn't always look out for everyone involved."

Jasper's eyes flicked away from the picture to meet my own, "I wanted to talk to you about that, Edward." When I straightened up and went to speak he lifted both hands into the air, "Alice did not ask me to, she doesn't even know I was considering it, and if you really don't want to hear what I have to say I'll keep my mouth shut—but don't you think you could maybe use the perspective of someone that was there that isn't feeling guilty about it?"

I didn't speak for a moment, just thought it over. Was it really something I wanted to talk about ever again? No. And I had already come to terms with it… mostly anyway. Enough to not let it effect the way I would be with Bella, but I couldn't say the sting wouldn't remain. But would it hurt? I sighed and nodded, not looking at either of them as I walked to the large window and peered down at the yard where Alice's car was just pulling in and parked behind mine.

"I just wanted to say that she didn't stand a chance. Alice was on a mission, I saw it from the inside. She would have stopped at nothing to try to get you off of Bella's mind. And even with everything she did it didn't work. When Bella came home she didn't speak to anyone, just went into her room for the entire day. Alice and I heard her crying in the shower, but she wouldn't unlock the door so Alice could comfort her. No matter how much Alice pushed, and knowing your sister I am sure you can imagine how much that was, Bella wouldn't even speak to her about the date. It took Alice until last week to get Bella to even call Val to apologize for suddenly disappearing without a trace."

As he spoke I watched her climb from the car, the deep red of the dress, shoes, and lipstick making her skin appear to be a lot paler than it had since she got out of Forks and yet still absolutely stunning. For that moment she looked like the embodiment of Snow White, and then she promptly tripped in the heels Alice and Rose had managed to coax her into. After catching herself once, Alice came to her side and offered balance as they walked toward the door. Just before she reached it she looked up at me, as if she had felt my eyes on her. She didn't smile, but she did wave, her beautiful face remaining lifted in my direction until they disappeared from view.

"Edward, can I ask you a question?" Emmett asked, coming to stand by my side, placing a large hand on my shoulder.

I nodded, glancing at him for a moment before returning my eyes to the driveway.

"I have always stayed out of it in every way except to tease, you know that. I try to be the opposite of Alice and not butt in every chance I get. But I have to say that for the little bit of time you two were together you seemed to be truly happy. Why did you give it up?"

"Because she wanted me to."

Jasper barked a laugh, "In what world would she have ever wanted that. Look at her, man! Does she seem happy?"

Emmett tightened his grip on my shoulder for a moment, then released. "I am not going to push it one way or the other, you have enough people doing that, but I am going to tell you the same thing you just told me—I trust your judgment, only you can know what will make you happy. I just hope you really think about exactly what that is."

Emmett's words stuck with me as guests began to arrive. We had been getting ready as the party and catering company that Esme had hired out of Port Angeles set everything up. I walked down the stairs at the sound of voices to find that the entire entrance hall had been redecorated with silver streamers, white lilies and deep red roses, beautiful red and white candles in particularly shiny candelabras, and a guest book sat open on a table beneath a mirror just beside the door, the white page already scrawled with several names in a dark red ink. The rest of the house was just as extravagant—long tables covered in lace clothes with finger food and drinks sitting in various rooms, comfortable looking white wicker chairs pushed up beside windows and other couches to provide extra seating—but inside was nothing compared to the back yard. A huge lace canopy had been erected, covering an easy 100 seats, the isle, and the podium where the priest would stand as well as 20 tables, a large solid mat that would work as the dance floor, and a DJ setup. The only area of the backyard not included under the vast top was the pool. There were white lilies and red roses everywhere and the catering staff was busy, running in every direction as they tried to setup everything to perfection. From the bars of the canopy hung long icicle like lights that would help to illuminate the area once darkness fell and candles were set up on every table, ready to be lit. The atmosphere was beautiful and the few early guests who were milling about seemed extremely impressed.

"Edward! Where's my daughter? I have been looking all around and can't seem to find her." It was Renee, her arm wrapped comfortably in Phil's as she beamed up at him.

"I am pretty sure they are upstairs with the bride. How are you Renee?"

She smiled and reached to pull him into a hug, "I have been good. A little worried about my daughter though," here her eyes narrowed. "I hope all is well on that end."

"It will be soon enough," I assured her, trying to pull on a smile to cover up my nervousness. I changed the subject quickly, "So, Phil, how was your last season?"

Phil, obviously feeling more in his element now, dropped his quiet and dove into a play by play of several of the games he had played earlier that year. I pretended to listen closely but was really watching Renee's receding back as she went back inside to hunt down Bella. I remembered the way that she had looked this morning and couldn't help but smile. If Renee had seen her like that, still in the same clothes she had went out in the night before, shoes still clasped to her ankles, makeup down to her chin, and a definite slur to her words I could only imagine that Bella would have had a much rougher morning. As it was, as far as I could tell in the few seconds he had seen her before she walked into the house, whoever had done her makeup seemed to have been able to remove most of the signs of hangover and lack of sleep.

It took me a little while to separate myself from Phil and was immediately grabbed by Charlie who was standing on his own with a glass of wine in his hand, looking completely lost. "Hey, Edward. How's it going?"

"You know, Charlie, just trying to get it all ready."

He nodded, "Yeah. Look's good. Have you seen Bella?"

"I am pretty sure she is upstairs with the bride. If I am not mistaken Renee just went to find her."

His face went a little whiter and he shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. I was about to excuse to myself, but decided Charlie was actually a good excuse to not run from guest to guest. It wasn't my wedding, wasn't my job to greet anyone, and Charlie would appreciate not being left alone. I used the one line that I knew would always work, "So, did you see the game last night?"

-BPOV

"Oh my God, you look so beautiful!" my mom said as I opened the door at the knock. Her eyes filled with tears as she stepped in and hugged me tightly.

I couldn't help but laugh, "Thanks mom, but I am not the one getting married. No tears today."

She chuckled to herself as she pulled and looked over at Rose who was standing in front of Alice's full length mirror, her own mother clasping a string of pearls around her neck.

"Mrs. Hale, this is my mom, Renee," I said, smiling at the beautiful woman.

"It is so nice to meet you! I am Jacqueline." She shook my mom's hand before looking back at her daughter. "I can't believe she is getting married. Kids grow up too fast. And my son close behind I think, from the sounds of it. Alice here has stolen his heart."

"There are very few girls I would say this about, but I can assure you that it is in safe hands," my mom said, smiling, and the two women wandered over behind Rose to admire her gown and talk over the best way to place the veil. Rose introduced herself, thanking my mom for coming and accepting her assistance in repining a long curl up into its elegant halo.

In background the I wandered to the window and stared out at the top of the canopy and the river beyond. I remembered looking up to find Edward staring down at me from Emmett's room, his face intense and thoughtful, the collar to the shirt he was wearing unbuttoned low enough to show a substantial piece of his chest. Just that brief sight of him had my heart racing still. I wanted to be able to see through the tent, to get a better look at him, to know what I was up against tonight. He had proved by coming to my room this morning with a cup of coffee for me that he did not hate me, but nothing about how he acted or what he said suggested that all was forgiven either. Tonight I was going to have to face him within a crowd of people—strictly no scenes, no fights, no tears. Probably the best thing I could do was avoid him, as I had been doing so successfully until just a couple days ago, but somehow I doubted that Alice would allow that. She seemed more concerned about me than normal, though whether it stemmed from actual knowledge of what had happened between Edward and I or a simple hunch was unknown. In all honesty I hoped Edward hadn't told her, that it was strictly between the two of us, but Alice had a way of conning people into telling her whatever she wanted to hear.

Esme came upstairs about forty-five minutes later, her eyes alight as she held Rose's hands and welcomed her into the family. Rose looked absolutely stunning, the veil fixed over her face, yet unable to mask the supreme glow of her smile. They hugged and Esme ushered us out the door, stating that everyone had arrived and were seated, waiting for the festivities to begin. I trembled in my heels as I descended the stairs in front of everyone else. In a moment I would have to walk down the isle without tripping and making a fool of myself in front of all the people who had been invited.

"I'll see you when it's all over. Good luck, Rose," my mom said as she hurried out to her seat while we lined up. Katie, Rose's 5 year old cousin who had eagerly accepted the flower girl position bounced in her little black flats, shifting the red and white petals in the white wicker basket again and again as the wedding march began to play. Rose's mom hurried away with one last kiss to her daughter to find her seat as well and Rose's dad, a surprising large man with a cheery face and watering eyes came to stand by her side. Rose told Katie to start walking and the little girl began to skip down the isle, scattering flower petals across the carpet. Rose waited five seconds and began to walk with her father, Alice and I following closely, each of us careful not to step on her train as we walked side by side. We paused momentarily while Mr. Hale kissed his daughter and then gave her hand to Emmett who was half obscured from my view.

We reached the end of the isle and took our places to the left side of the podium, Alice taking the stunning bouquet from Rose's shaking hands. For the first time I received a good look at the groomsmen. Emmett stood beside Rose on the podium, his face lit from within and a wide grin splitting his face. Edward stood beside him, down one step, his hands crossed in front of him as he met my eyes, looking more handsome than I ever would have imagined from my glance through the window. His hair was well tamed down, brushed back from his eyes. The suit fit him perfectly, the slight V of his chest enticing my eyes, even if there was less to see than there had been earlier. Jasper stood down one more step, level with me but eyes for no one but Alice who was beaming up at Rose and Emmett with so much satisfaction you would have thought she had introduced them in the first place.

The ceremony was slow and no more eventful than a wedding should be. The priest pulled a few laughs from the crowd, and the vows drew more than a couple loud sniffles, but otherwise no one spoke up when asked about objections, and there was nothing but silence as the rings were exchanged until finally Emmett kissed his bride and the entire audience burst into happy applause. Rose wrapped her fingers tightly around Emmett's hand and tugged him down the stairs into the waiting group of people who surged eagerly forward to congratulate them. Everyone seemed to be up and moving and it made it surprisingly easy to slip away around the audience and quickly into the kitchen which was blocked off by heavy white drapes to keep the guests from entering. The waiters were all filling trays with glasses of wine and champagne, getting ready to disperse into the clamoring crowd outside. No one gave me a second glance, all too busy with their jobs, and I carefully edged myself completely out of the way. It didn't take too long for Alice to hunt me down though.

"Bella! What on earth are you doing in here? So many people are asking where you vanished to! Come come, have a glass of wine!" She grabbed a tall glass of white wine from a nearby waiter and placed it into my hand. My stomach lurched and I had the unpleasant urge to throw up at the thought of even drinking a sip of it. I didn't argue though, just held the glass as she tugged me through the crowd, reintroducing me to people that I had apparently met years earlier, though I hardly recognized any of them.

Some of the wait staff were removing the rows of chairs and spreading the 20 tables out further, setting three of them end to end and lining it with a long silvery runner. It was only a few minutes later that the long table was covered in buffet pans, serving everything from salad to mid-rare sirloin. A cake sat at the very end of the table, three layers of exquisitely decorated sweetness, topped with a little bride, the groom tossed over her shoulder and a look of sheer triumph painted on it's little face. Ironically enough the hair on the small figure was blond with big curls.

As people began to take seats and line up around the buffet table the DJ started the music for some quiet background noise. Still holding my untouched glass of wine I excused myself from Alice's side and went to search for Charlie or my mom. I found them both sitting at the same table with the Hales, Esme, and Carlisle, all talking about how quickly time passes. I chose not to interrupt and headed toward the buffet table, figuring it wouldn't hurt to eat something small.

As I waited my turn to grab a plate someone touched my arm from behind. I turned, glancing back to see no one other than Edward standing directly behind me. He gave me a small smile and leaned closer, "What did you think of the wedding?"

He looked so handsome and with the way his crooked smile reached up to his eyes made my heart began to beat quickly. I suddenly needed something to do with my hands and chose to take a deep gulp of the wine in my glass. He seemed to find this amusing as we took a couple steps forward with the line.

"It was beautiful," I said quietly, careful not to look at him. "Esme and Carlisle outdid themselves. I have never seen anything so perfect."

"I thought," he said quietly as I busied my mouth with another sip, "you were never going to drink again."

I inhaled half of the contents of my mouth as I realized what I had been doing. Choking and coughing hard several people turned to stare while Edward took the glass from my hand, trying not to smirk. Once I regained my composure I quickly changed the subject. "Rose made a gorgeous bride, didn't she?"

"Yes, she did," he agreed, handing my glass to a waiter who was picking up trash from a nearby table. I had finally reached the salad and piled lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, croutons, and dressing onto a plate as quickly as possible, wanting to get away as fast as I could. "But I want my wedding to be different from this."

I stared at him for a moment, frozen where I was with my bowl in hand and one foot already out of the line. "Oh?"

He nodded, his eyes bearing down into mine, "Yes. Wouldn't you want something that's just a little… less?"

"Less?" I repeated, my heart drumming an intense solo against my ribs. It wasn't really a question, I had just found myself unable to think of anything and repeated his last word instead. What did he mean by 'wouldn't you want?'

"Less people. Less spectacle," he clarified, tilting his head as he continued to hold my eyes. I could feel my face burning as I nodded. Suddenly someone clearing their throat loudly broke the spell and I saw that Edward and I were blocking the line from moving forward. I gave a little wave and hurried away with my salad, sitting at the first empty table I found.

-EPOV

She was doing her best to skirt around me. I allowed her the rest of the meal to let what I had said sit in her mind, watching her to see if she showed any sign of what she was thinking, but from that point on she just did whatever she could to duck away anytime I got anywhere near her. The closest I got was right before the Rose and Emmett were called onto the dance floor to open the dancing. By this point the sky was nearly black and the lights had been plugged in, the candles lit, and it became much harder to find her when she suddenly vanished.

I spent the better part of the next hour hunting for her, only getting coaxed out onto the dance floor once when Esme cornered me and insisted I dance with her for one song. Bella continued to elude me, obviously with the intention of avoiding any sort of confrontation. It was when I searched the entire crowd with no luck that it occurred to me where to look. I hurried into the house, through the people mingling by the table covered in glasses, and into the room off to the right.

Before the piano, her hands folded in her lap as she stared at a set of sheet music sitting in the tray, sat a girl in a lovely red dress. I walked in slowly, knowing that startling her would make her run again. "Bella."

Her head turned slowly, as if she had expected me to come, and her tired eyes met mine. "You have wanted to say something, Edward?" She lowered her eyes back to her hands, "I am tired of avoiding it."

I nodded, coming to sit beside her. I suddenly felt the nerves from several days earlier return to me. I no longer knew what to say, how to approach it best. I loved Bella, but there was so much that I thought I needed to tell her before those particular words… and yet they were the only words that would come to my head.

"Can I play you something?"

She cocked her head to the side, looking at me out of the corner of her eyes. She took a deep breath and then let it out, nodding, as if releasing some of the tension. "Is it anything I know?"

"It's a piece that I wrote," I said quietly, "One that I started a very long time ago. I just completed it a few months ago."

Her head lifted at this, her eyes on me fully now. She knew better than any how rarely I would offer to share something that personal. I loved to play for her, but she had very rarely been able to coax me into playing pieces of my own making. I had always been more self conscious about those works, as if showing them was allowing access to a weak spot that anyone could strike. I lifted my hands and placed them on the keys. I paused for a moment, allowing my fingers to find the right spot as Bella's face swam beneath my eye lids. I began to play.

-BPOV

I recognized it within 5 notes. I had never heard the song on the piano before, but I had more than a handful of memories where Edward and I would be alone and quiet and he would begin to hum it quietly. Even recently, in our brief time together, he had lulled me to sleep with it. It felt like a string that ran through so much of our time together I couldn't distinguish between which memories actually contained the music. It was as if our entire relationship, every moment we had ever shared, had been set to that song—the feelings that swelled in my chest as it played was exactly what I felt when I touched Edward, when I kissed him, when I had to say goodbye to him, when I hurt him, and when he laughed. There was both joy and sadness within every slow note that flowed from Edward's fingers. Tears began to fill my eyes and I fought them with every ounce of strength that I had left. When the song ended, before I could even bring myself to speak, another voice broke between us.

"You are gifted, Edward." We both spun to face Carlisle who was resting his back against the wall behind us. "You could speak with that instrument even if you had no voice. Why don't you tell Bella to whom that was written?"

Edward stared at his father for a moment, "That was Isabella's Lullaby."

"There is no doubt in my mind," he nodded as he began to walk to the door.

"Carlisle," I spoke, my voice shaking, "Edward has something he needs to tell you."

He stopped, looking from me to his son. "What is it?"

Edward closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I am not going to be a doctor."

Carlisle's eyebrows pulled down, concern written all over his face, "Why would you say that, Edward? Is it your school? Or-"

"It's by my own choice, dad. I switched my major. I want to be a composer. I have been told I have so much potential, if I just find the time to focus on it. Becoming a doctor… it has never been my dream; it has always just been the plan." Edward couldn't seem to look up from the keys. His voice was quieter than I had heard it for a long time, as if his fear of his father's disapproval was enough to restrict his throat.

Carlisle nodded, "I have been expecting this day for a long time, Edward."

His son's head shot up, surprise momentarily erasing any signs of the nervousness he had been feeling. "What?"

Carlisle smiled and stepped back toward Edward until he could lay a hand on his shoulder, "Your mother always told me that I pushed you too hard toward this, but I was just always so proud of you. I knew you would make a great doctor. But that does not mean that your ability in the medical field was the only thing that I was proud of. You have a way with music that can move anyone who hears it son, an ability that is not learned, but came naturally to you. I would never expect you to follow my plan for you over your own dreams, Edward. I thought you knew that. I will always be proud of the man you have become; the profession you choose will not change that."

Edward's eyes seemed shinier than normal, but he smiled at his father and nodded. Carlisle patted his back, winked at me, and then left the room again. Edward was smiling down at his fingers as he stroked a key. It was obvious how much relief he was feeling, as if a nearly unbearable weight had been lifted.

I searched for something to say, and the question blurted from my mouth before I could clamp down on it, "Why Isabella's Lullaby?"

He turned to me, his smile so full I couldn't help but return it despite the embarrassment of the question. "Because I wrote it for you, Bella. It began just after I met you. Everything that you make me feel, everything that I hear when I am with you is written in those notes."

I felt my face flush, but could not resist the smile that insisted on widening. I had never known he was writing something for me, had never suspected that the tune he hummed was more than just a lullaby he remembered from his youth. It had always been a comfort, a song that I connected only with him, and now, as it turned out, one that he connected solely to me. "Why would you write me a song, Edward?"

He reached out and took my hand, lifting it to his lips. I was unable to pull away, loving the shiver that ran across my skin from the knuckles he gently kissed all the way up to my shoulder. "Because I couldn't keep my feelings about you inside, and there was no one that I dare ever tell. You meant too much to me to ever let you find out. I was afraid you would not want to be my friend anymore if you knew. So I poured my heart out right here, creating the feeling that you give me every time you smile and laugh. Immortalizing everything that I love about you so that, no matter what happened in our future, I always still had you."

I opened my mouth, not sure what I was going to say, but was interrupted as one of the guests poked their head in. "They just announced they are cutting the cake. I was told to make sure everyone inside made their way back out there."

I swallowed hard and nodded at her, standing. "Ok. Come on Edward."

He didn't stand at first, staring at me incredulously, as if he had expected something else. I smiled at him and tugged on the fingers that were still tangled with mine. He nodded, standing, and we walked back outside to the tables. Emmett and Rose were standing by their cake, the photographer taking shot after shot as they both wrapped their hands around the handle of the ornate knife and sliced the first piece. Rose lifted it off of the platter with her hand and, as Emmett took a large bite, laughed with a smile that shone like star in the night. There was so much love flowing between the couple that it felt rather contagious and I tightened my grip on Edward's hand.

He leaned in to my side for a moment, then whispered in my ear, "It's time for my speech. Promise to dance with me after."

I smiled and nodded at him, releasing his hand and seating myself at the nearest table while he approached the couple who were taking their seats back at their very own table centered where the podium had stood. He clinked a wine glass and smiled out at the people as they again fell silent, a smile that melted my heart and made my nerves skyrocket. I watched as Edward began to speak, unable to hear the words, just imagining myself stumbling over the too tall heels as Edward tried to lead me across the dance floor, of embarrassing not only myself, but him as well. A waiter handed me a tall glass of champagne and I drained it without a second thought. The man stared at me for a moment, then handed me a second, this time mouthing the words, 'for the toast,' before moving to the next table.

My brain became quickly covered in little bubbles—I could feel them running over my mind, hear them popping my ears. I felt much lighter and much less nervous as I returned my full attention to the handsome man standing beside the bridal table, holding his raised glass toward the newlyweds, "here is to the lifetime you will share together, the trials you will face side by side, the families that surround you both with love and support, and the family of your own that you will build. Here is to Rose and Emmett."

Everyone raised their glasses and repeated, "To Rose and Emmett," before taking a united sip of champagne. My glass was gone before Edward made it back to the table. The tingling in my head and limbs made it easier to smile as he pulled my hand back into his, "How did I do?"

The problem with drinking, I suddenly remembered, is that while it lowers your inhibitions, it also has the inconvenient ability to make you lose control of other parts of yourself as well—your mouth, for example. "I was enjoying watching you too much to hear."

He laughed suddenly, his smile stretching as squeezed my hand. Heads turned in our direction and I realized it had still been silent, Emmett standing now, though he had not yet spoken. At the laughter of his brother he began to smile as well, "Thank you, Edward. I only hope someday I can return the favor at your wedding."

Edward's eyes flashed over to mine and he said, in an amused whisper, "That's not really up to me."

I blushed and giggled, the champagne in my system making it suddenly impossible to hold in the feeling of excitement that was writhing in my stomach, trying to burst out. I felt like we were 17 again, flirting and teasing, but suddenly finding it very real indeed. No more innuendos or secrets, just the honest to god truth for once. It seemed like it should have been like this so long ago, and then I remember why it hadn't and a new beast roared to life in my stomach. The music had begun to play again and Edward was extending his hand to me, "You promised to dance with me."

I opened my mouth and closed it again, remembering how just several days earlier he had seemed so angry, just repeating 'It had to be Val.' I remembered the look of utter disappointment, the look of disgust, the looks of pain and anger as he drove. The way I hadn't been able to do anything but feel disgusted with myself. That self disgust came flooding back. I shook my head, "Edward, why are-"

He sat down solidly in the chair right next to mine, "Bella, please. Don't put that face back on. Please, I need you back."

"Edward, how could you possibly want me back after what I did?"

"Does it matter? Does it really matter?" he asked, exasperated.

I raised my eyebrows, sober thoughts pushing through the bubbly ones that were pointing out that I was a dumbass for even mentioning it to such a delicious man instead of just going with it and enjoying myself. "Yes, it does. I did something selfish and stupid. Something that should have an effect on you."

He stared at me, a deep frown etching itself across his face, "Do you want to see that it hurts me Bella? Is that what you are looking for?"

"N-no!" I insisted, my eyes going wide, "Of course not Edward, I just don't understand how-"

"Bella, it is not a question of how I can do it, it's a question of why you can't."

I stared at him, shocked. "What do you mean?"

"Do you prefer him?" Edward asked suddenly, his voice suddenly stone cold.

"What? No! Edward, what are you-" I stumbled over my words, not understanding the sudden change in subject.

"Then why not just accept me?" he asked, eye flashing. "Why does it have to be a question?"

"Edward I don't question your motives; I ask why you aren't suspecting mine."

"Is there something that I need to suspect?" he snapped, suddenly seeming angry. I pulled far away from him in my chair and shook my head.

"Maybe this isn't a good idea, Edward."

He took a deep breath and looked down, "I am sorry, Bella. It's just a little jealousy. Please," he looked up, his eyes pleading, "I want to be with you. I need you with me. Don't question it, just believe me."

I stared at him, my eyes filling with tears. It's just a little jealousy. I felt like an ass. I had forced him to deal with so much for me and yet I had nothing to deal with for him. He was such a better person than I was, and yet he was begging me, not the other way around. I searched for a sober thought. "Edward… I am not good enough for you."

He sighed and laid his head back, "And it starts all over again."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I snapped, anger mixing with the loss I felt at having to admit it to myself again.

"You know what Bella, I can't do this again right now. I am going to go take a walk." And he was up and walking away from the table, leaving me alone, stewing over my own thoughts.

I sat at that table for the rest of the party. I didn't move until long after midnight when all of the guests had drifted back to their cars, the DJ had packed up his equipment, and the catering company had left, setting it up with Carlisle to pick everything up the following day. Jasper and Alice were both laughing still, their head together at a table on the other side of the tent. Rose and Emmett had gone long ago, wanting to start their honeymoon early even though their plane to the Caribbean didn't leave until morning.

I walked over to Alice slowly, trying to alert them to my approach so I didn't interrupt. "Alice, do you think I can take your car back to the hotel. I need to get some sleep."

She stared at me for a moment, then shook her head. "I think it's time we all head. Come on, Bella. I'll see you in a few, Jasper. Don't take too long."

"I'll be right behind you," he assured her, standing up as well and grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair.

We got back to the hotel at 1 on the nose. We were on our way toward the front door when Alice stopped and pointed toward the pool area that was off to the left of the building—all of the lights were on, the gate standing open. I wanted to protest, to just go to bed, but Alice took my hand and pulled me in my unstable heels. I was so proud of myself for not having fallen once all day that I really didn't want to ruin that now by fighting Alice.

We entered the gate and found a large group of people hanging out around the area, several of them still in the pool, but most sitting at the bar that was providing most of the lighting. Alice looked at me and said, "I think you could use a drink."

I didn't argue, just sat down beside her on one of the stools. "This was a private party ladies, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get you a couple of drinks," the bartender said as he came over, "we close at two."

"Great. Give us two shots of tequila. Best you have."

"Tequila again, Alice, really?" I asked, looking around at the people leftover from the party that had obviously taken place. There was still a little stage to the side where several guitars and a set of drums sat. Alice simply pretended she didn't hear me, pushing one of the shot glasses into my hand before I could voice another objection. I took the shot obediently.

"Bella, there you are," said a breathless voice behind me. I turned to find Edward standing behind me, looking winded. "I saw Alice pull up but when neither of you came up…"

Alice pointed to the seat beside me, "Take a seat Edward. Have a shot."

She ordered another round while I stared at Edward. He looked like he desperately wanted to say something, but just couldn't bring himself to do it. "Bella…"

"Yes?" I prompted when he stopped, looking at a loss for words.

"I understand that it's hard. I know we have already done this a couple times but please, just once more, let's prove to ourselves first if that is what worries you; let's be friends."

The shots were passed around and I took mine before answering. "Edward, I have already told you that I will always be your friend."

"Friends don't do whatever they can to avoid the other though, do they?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I sighed and shook my head, "No, they don't. Of course, Edward." The warmth was beginning to spread from the burn in my chest, my head becoming pleasantly fuzzy. "I promise to be a true friend to you this time."

We sat at the bar quietly, each of us lost in our own thoughts. A few minutes later Jasper wandered over and took Alice for a walk around the pool. It was some time before I realized they hadn't returned and looked over to find him strumming quietly on a guitar, balanced on the edge of the stage with Alice sitting next him, laying her head on his shoulder.

"You know, Bella, you did promise me a dance earlier."

I smiled and leaned down, unbuckling the shoes and leaving them in my stool before following Edward to the darker side of the pool where the quiet music of Jasper on the guitar could be heard. Edward led me slowly, quietly, holding me closer than necessary, though my skin begged to be taken even closer. After five minutes gravity took over and I found my head resting on Edward's shoulder, my eyes closed, his fingers running up and down my back, tracing the top of my dress just below my shoulder blades. His warm breath brushing over my cheek, his delicious scent surrounding me, I could hardly fight the euphoria I felt, hardly keep myself from diving headfirst into it. A light breeze swept around us, sending a minor shiver down my spine and he pulled me closer to him. It felt as if it had been an eternity since he last held me so close, to the point where there was hardly room to breathe between us and yet we were completely comfortable.

My head was ringing from the shots and I tucked my nose closer to his neck as I mumbled, "I've missed you, Edward."

He paused for the briefest moment then his arms tightened around me ever so gently, "I've missed you too, Bells. More than you can possibly know."

I smiled as I lifted my head from his chest so I could look him directly in the eye, "Oh, I doubt that Edward. You'd be surprised what I know when it comes to missing someone."

He stared into my eyes for a moment; he wasn't smiling, wasn't laughing, but showed no signs of anger, either. It was as if he was lost deep in thought as he ceased swaying. It took me a moment to realize the cause was the music stopping. I glanced over at the stage to find the guitar sitting abandoned beside Jasper, Alice having replaced it in his arms. I smiled to myself as I glanced back at the man I was still gripping desperately. His fingers ran halfway up my back before falling quickly back down. I lifted my eyes to his, searching for the thoughts he hid behind his questioning gaze. "Bella…"

"Edward?" I teased, leaning into him with a little giggle I couldn't control.

"We need to go talk," his tone was light, not demanding.

I nodded, "It has been a long time since we have been able to talk."

His fingers dropped away from my back and instead laced through mine, pulling me back around the pool. I grabbed my shoes as we passed and Edward dropped a few bills onto the bar, waving to the bartender. I followed him closely as we wandered through the lobby to the elevator. We waited, and I couldn't resist peering out of the corner of my eye at Edward until the doors finally parted. He was shifting his weight from foot to foot, looking nervous and anxious. Once safely inside he pushed the button for our floor and then turned to me suddenly, "Bella, I don't know if I can do this."

"Edward, you are the one who told me that we needed to talk…" I pointed out, confused.

He shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment, "No, that is not what I mean."

I raised my eyebrow, "Then what do you mean, Edward?"

He swallowed hard, "I don't know if I can be your friend, Bella."

It felt as if ice water was suddenly poured over my head. My relaxed limbs tensed and I repeated the words in my head. What I had done… it had ruined it all. Ultimately even my friendship with him. One night with someone else had completely killed an entire relationship. I made a noise, somewhere between a gasp and groan.

His eyes flicked over my face, desperation taking over his as he struggled to explain, "I don't know how I did it before. Maybe it's just because of what happened this summer at your house, or that kiss when we were camping, or even in the rain the other night. I don't know but… I just can't bear it Bells. I can't stand back and watch the other guys eye you, or touch you, or talk to you. I can't stand not being able to pull you into my arms every time you smile and laugh. I don't know how to keep myself from trying to wipe away every frown, every tear."

My brain tried to make sense of what he was saying, but failed miserably. I didn't understand how it was related to Val. "Edward, what do you mean?"

Pain flashed across his face as he glanced away. My heart beat harder for every little second that I waited for his answer. You could have cut the tension in the elevator with a spoon. "Bella, I can't be just your friend. I can't stand back and wait for you to come to me. I can't not have you as mine. You are at the center of all my dreams, Bella." The elevator came to halt and with a loud ding! the doors parted, but Edward didn't seem to even notice. "I know that you think what happened should change that but it just doesn't Bella. Does it make me jealous? Of course! But it doesn't change who I am, who you are, or the way that I feel about you. Can't we just stop this and be together happily?"

There was warmth slowly rising up from my feet, my limbs started to tremble, and I couldn't resist the sudden need to move, excitement igniting my limbs. I launched myself at him just as the doors slid shut again. My arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him down to me, kissing him hard. He wrapped his arms around tightly, lifting me off my feet and straightening his back. Fireworks exploded in my head as our tongues stroked each other and I just let my instincts take over, enjoying the ride.

My legs wrapped around his hips, clinging to him like I would never let go again, and I tangled my fingers into his hair which was stiffer than normal from gel. He tilted back, leaning against the wall and held me even tighter, his fingers dinging into my side and making me laugh, forcing me to pull away. His already swollen lips spread into a wide, sexy grin as he relaxed his hands. He stood up straight again, and turned, suddenly, pressing my back into the wall and wiggling his eyebrows at me. I laughed even harder, the pleasure of the moment mixing with the relief at finally putting it behind us to create a feeling of ultimate bliss and contentment.

He cut off my laughter, pushing his lips back to mine and my lust took over. I arched my body into his, one hand on his shoulder, the other still running through the hair that hung by his neck. He ran one hand down my side, his fingers using just enough pressure to make themselves very well known. His hand fell away and he leveraged me better against the wall while his fingers found my knee and began to stroke upwards. He made soft circles on the outside of my thigh, getting higher and higher, my breath catching in my chest. He pulled his lips back from mine, taking a breath and dropping his head to my neck where he began placing a series of hot kisses across my collarbone. I leaned back my head, laying it against the wall while I tried to breathe. His fingers were stroking high up on my thigh now, his hand bundling the red skirt up by my hip. A moan escaped my throat as Edward ran his finger underneath the strap on my hip at the same moment he nibbled the side of my neck. I moaned and bit my lip, swaying my hips slightly.

"Edward, maybe we should get out of the elevator?" I whispered, my legs squeezing his hips for a moment.

He looked up at me and nodded, a terribly seductive smile on his lips. He pushed the "Open Door" button and then let me slide ever so slowly back down to my feet. For some reason him standing over me, so much taller, nearly threw me over the edge. There was something incredibly intense and sexy about feeling so small next to him, as if I were suddenly extremely vulnerable. He stepped back, "After you."

I smirked at him and walked by, leaving the elevator and leading the way toward his hotel room door. I don't know why I chose his rather than mine, but for some reason the magnetic pull in my gut took me there. I turned and leaned my back against the door, looking at Edward. "Am I allowed to sleep over?"

His eyes raked over me, but he didn't say anything. He stepped forward, lifting a hand my cheek and laying his lips down on mine gently. It seemed to make the rest of my body go numb; the only thing that I could focus on were the gentle lips and the delicious smell of the only man who could make me feel like I was the most beautiful person in the world. He made me feel desirable, confident, and—more than anything else—lucky. I was the woman that Edward wanted, the one that he had chosen. I was done fighting it, fearing it. I had craved it for too long and been handed it too many times—this time, I was keeping it.

He pulled his lips back and whispered, "As long as it's not only for tonight."

Those were the magic words. With that little statement it was like all the doubts I had vanished. Every last little weight lifted from my heart, leaving me feeling truly at peace for the first time since before I met Edward. All that was left was love and anticipation. This was it. The first night I would spend with Edward. And, for possibly the first time in my life, I was not nervous.

I stepped forward, pressing myself flush against him, lifting up high on my toes to nip at his lip. I couldn't seem to wipe the grin on my face away as I beamed at him, staring deep into his eyes. His answering smile was blurred as he swooped closer, kissing me fully while he slid the keycard into the slot behind me. I heard the door click open and then he was pushing me backward through it into the dark. It became complete as the door closed slowly behind us. With the loss of sight all I could do was focus on the smell, feel, and taste of Edward's mouth and body. If anything it became more intoxicating as I pressed both hands flat on his chest, running them down over his shirt, feeling the solid expanse of muscle. I could remember dragging my eyes over him again and again across the summer months when pool parties were Alice's favorite thing to schedule. It had been nearly irresistible then, and feeling it now made my fingers tremble. Without sight it was like touching a dream.

When I reached his waist my hand retreated back, following the buttons until it reached the top. My other fell in, the pair making quick work of undoing the shirt. My fingers ran back up over the soft, smooth, bared skin of his abdomen and chest. I could feel the rapid beat of his heart, the way that his ribs expanded and retracted quickly as his breathing became heavier. My fingers ran up to his shoulders, pushing the shirt down off of his arms, loving the feel of his muscles moving just below his skin. I leaned forward, kissing my way from his collar bone up to just below his ear, my flattened palms moving down and running along the skin that was just above the waist of his pants.

He pulled me hard against him, one hand grasping onto the zipper and sliding it down slowly, his knuckles stroking the freshly revealed skin. I found his lips in the dark as if they were magnetic and kissed him hard while I shimmied my hips, letting the dress fall into a pool around my ankles. His hand then ran across the small off my back, pulling my middle closer to him, pushing our naked skin together. The warmth that poured off of him was incredible, as if there were a fire burning just below the surface.

I felt the strap of my bra release, the strapless slipping out of the way and falling away into the darkness. I couldn't believe how sensual it felt to have my breasts pushed up against his hard chest, my nipples hardening. But suddenly he pulled his body from mine, his hands firmly on my hips. I felt his mouth on my shoulder a minutes later, kissing, licking, and sucking his way down my chest to the edge of my panties, his tongue tracing my hip bone. Every kiss, every touch was like an explosion in my stomach, my heart and breath racing out of control in unison. I could hardly take anymore when he stopped, my hands buried deep in his hair.

I released. He returned his hands to my hips and lifted me, carrying me close to his body for a few steps and then, quite suddenly, dropping me to the bed. The shock was enough to wake me from the dream for a minute, laughter bubbling up from my center and escaping from my mouth. The laughter bled into a moan as I felt his lips again, this time high up on my thigh, his fingers wrapped around the slim band on my opposite hip. He nibbled a line up to the edge of the fabric, making my stomach tie itself into a tight knot of expectation and my breath stop, my lungs unable to continue hyperventilating with so much tension in my body. He lifted his mouth and pulled down the satiny fabric of my panties, tossing both of my legs over one shoulder to make it easier and kissing every inch of my outer thigh in the process. When I felt the fabric finally give its final pull over my heels I took one deep breath. It was all I had time for before he had spread my legs again and had his mouth on me, his tongue running gently between my lips, flicking the most sensitive part of my body.

My hips seemed to jerk on their own, shivers erupting from deep within my core and running all the way down to my toes. Then he pulled me closer and began to run his tongue around and around while his fingers stroked my hips. I couldn't slow my breath, my throat seemed to be unable to stop vibrating, moans and sharp sighs breaking the silence in the room. I arched my back, taking fistfuls of bedding, and moaned again as his tongue lowered, beginning to circle my entrance. He pulled me closer still, lifting my hips ever so slightly off of the bed. Fireworks exploded behind my eyelids as his tongue explored every inch of pink flesh, coaxing me up to an orgasm to just back off, tormenting me.

My breath was coming out in short, sharp gasps when he finally started to climb back up my body, kissing across my stomach and chest, tasting the rest of my skin again until he reached my lips again. I kissed him hard, wrapping my arms around his body and pulled him down on top of me. My bared hips pressed into his clothed ones and my hands fell out of their lock behind his back and down to the button. He raised his hips just enough for me to unbutton them. I used my feet, placing one on each of his hips and pushed them down, the boxers sliding away as well. When he laid his body back against mine I couldn't suppress the gasp.

He pulled his lips back from mine just enough to speak. "Are you ok?"

I couldn't even speak, just lifted my lips back to his, my hand reaching down, trailing slowly down his chest until I met the tip of his cock. I took him into my hand, wrapping my fingers around him and couldn't help the small shiver the ran over me as my imagination took over, images of him pressing into me, stretching me further than anyone had before running through my mind, tripling my need for him.

I lifted my legs, wrapping them around his hips, still running my hand up and down his shaft. There was a definite slickness to my thighs, my own excitement causing juice to coat our skin. He pulled his lips away from mine, his breath hot and heavy across my face as he reached down, his arm pushed against mine as he slid a finger into me slowly. I moaned, tightening my grip slightly and pulling a growl from Edward as well. He only stroked for a minute, then gently pushed my hand away, grabbing hold of himself and pressing against my clit.

I moaned again as he flicked across it, the smooth tip pressed hard against me. Suddenly it slipped down, the wetness causing it part me without resistance. Edward froze as I arched up flush against him, colors flashing around the dark room as if someone had lit off a round of firecrackers. He leaned down solidly onto one forearm and used the fingers that had been wrapped around himself to stroke my nub as his hips slowly pushed him in deeper. My heartbeat and his sharp breath was all I could hear as my hips lifted themselves, driving his long cock in deeper faster than he had anticipated. I moaned louder, savoring the feel of him filling me before he had even pushed all the way. His tip seemed to hit a wall, no longer sliding quite so easily. He pushed further, reaching a spot deep within that made pleasure pour throughout my body.

While I clung to him as if we were attached he pulled back completely, taking himself completely out of me before driving in again, quicker, my slick walls accepting him with just a little less resistance. My body moved against him, pushing down, craving more. He started a rhythm that I happily began to mimic, our combined moans echoing around us for some period of time. I lost all track of reality, completely taken in the pleasure and soon found that I had no idea how long it had been since we began, both our bodies slick with sweat.

I pushed onto his shoulder, forcing him to roll over. My legs clung to his hips, keeping us attached as I took the lead, riding him, letting him as deep in as I could. My hips would swivel every now and then as I moved as if they had a mind of their own, my palms flat on Edwards chest to keep my steady. Edward moaned and groaned under me, his hands moving from my breasts to my hips and then lower, stroking me and making me move faster as I came closer and closer to climax.

I became more frantic, not even able to stick to particular rhythm as much as just lifting myself as quick as I could and then pushing back down, taking in as much as possible. He seemed to understand my need and flipped me, suddenly, slamming me down onto my back and pushing in as deep as he could. I moaned, on the edge, just ready to tip over, my fingers digging deep into his lower back as he gave one final thrust. We came in unison, my back arching up and pressing our slick skin even closer together as I trembled and cried out. His lips were on my neck, muffling the sound of his own pleasure. His body relaxed and he laid down beside me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me closer, our bodies still joined at our center.

Our hearts beat together, our chest rising and falling rapidly as we held on to each other. Neither of us spoke, we just held each other and relaxed. I fell asleep not too long later, just after Edward pulled the blanket over us.

My eyes drifted open slowly. I felt so warm, so comfortable that at first I couldn't tell what had woken me. Then I heard it, a quiet bzzzzzzzzzz bzzzzzzzzzz from the table by the bed. I reached out, wrapping my fingers around the phone and tilting it so I could see ALICE CALLING written across the screen. With a groan I went to sit up, then noticed a heavy weight across my side. I squinted into the hardly lit room, only the smallest amount of light peaking around the drapes, and saw the large mass in the bed right behind me, its arm lying across my hip.

My heart began to beat rapidly as I remembered the night before. Shivers ripped down my spine, my skin breaking into a sweat as the memories poured back. I suddenly felt wide awake and glanced back at the phone that had suddenly ceased its vibrating. Despite the sudden energy that had flooded my system I cuddled back down into my spot, loving the feeling of Edward wrapped around me. I couldn't believe where I was, couldn't believe what had happened, but I certainly did not regret it.

A minute passed and my phone began vibrating on the table again. I lifted my head and sighed—count on Alice to choose now to insist on talking to me. I pulled myself up and, using the gentlest movements I could manage, placed Edward's arm behind me before pulling the covers back. I danced around, searching for the clothing that was scattered across the room, not bothering with my dress and pulling on one of Edward's t-shirts and a baggy pair of jogging pants that I had to tighten to their fullest before they would stay up. The phone, by the time I picked it up, had started its fourth round of vibrations. Alice just didn't give up.

I leaned down toward Edward, kissing his temple gently before hurrying out of the room, grabbing the room key that lay just inside door on my way out. Once out in the hall I lifted the phone and dialed Alice's number before she could call me a fifth time.

"Bella? Where are you?" Her voice was neither concerned nor panicked.

"I have a feeling you know perfectly well, Alice. Why bother asking?"

"Ohh, touchy. Who woke up on the wrong side of my brother's bed?" she teased, giggling merrily.

"It wasn't the waking up, but the having to get out of it in the first place to answer a phone that wouldn't stop buzzing, actually," I said, trying to sound snappy but unable to pull the smile from my tone.

"Well, I hope you enjoyed yourself because you missed Rose and Emmett leaving. I'm on my way back from the airport now. We were all supposed to have breakfast you know. But no, you two just vanished last night and when I knocked and there was no answer at your door I knew better than to go knocking at his."

"Oh, no! Is Rose upset? I should have set an alarm but I really didn't think about it… I'm sorry, Alice."

"Is Rose upset? Are you insane, Bella? Of course she wasn't! She's just glad that you two finally quit the bullshit. So, tell me, what does this mean? Have you guys finally decided that you want to be together or are you fools just going to sleep together every now and then and still pretend to be friends?"

I laughed, surprising a woman who was coming out of the elevator doors. She eyed me with distaste, making it suddenly occur to me how atrocious I must look. My makeup would have sweated its way down my face, and my hair… I couldn't even imagine. "Umm, I am pretty sure that it's the first, but you know, I wouldn't complain too much about the second right now."

"Eww Bella. Ugh. That's my baby brother!"

I laughed, relaxing again and turning around to find my nose about an inch from a very bare chest. I bit my lip and looked up into Edward's face, his own messy hair laying across his forward, hanging down into his eyes. "I thought you left."

I smirked at him, trying not to smile too widely. Alice's voice was suddenly in my ear. "Is that Edward?"

He took the phone from my hand and said, "She can't talk right now, Alice," before ending the call and handing it back to me. He was frowning at me. "You scared me for a minute, you know?"

I stepped toward him, my heart beating quickly as I pushed my chest up against his, remembering how good it had felt last night when they were both bare, "Who? Little old me? Scaring a big, menacing man like you?"

His chest vibrated as his laughter rang out and he took my hands. He began walking backward, pulling me toward the room. I took the key from the pocket of the large sweat pants while appreciating the view of him in nothing but a pair of boxers. That was, without a doubt, something I could get used to.

"There are a lot of things 'little old you' can do that no one would suspect, aren't there?" he growled, bringing fire to my cheeks. Something about the way he said it made me feel complimented, but it didn't help the little bit of embarrassment one always feels after the first night with someone new. I slid the key into the reader and removed it quickly, unlatching the door as the little light went green. He followed me in closely, grabbing onto my hips. "Aren't those clothes a little big for you, Bells?"

His voice spoke quietly out of the thick dark, my eyes completely useless after the well lit hall. I felt his fingers running over my hip bone, making me feel sexy, wanted, and a wave of confidence came over me, "If you think so you are welcome to take them back off."

He pulled me back so I was pressed right against him and did just that.