Stephenie has it all. I just decided to play with her characters and add some of mine. I don't own anything you might recognize.

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I'll keep a new updating schedule. Mondays and Fridays!

Enjoy! The chapter's name is: The hectic week before the weeding - too long to fit up there. *le sigh*

Monday, I went back to Seattle with Esme to see if I liked what cake she had chosen. I had told her that as long as it had chocolate and no more than three tiers tall, it was perfect. I still had to see for myself. The reason why she had insisted on me coming was to have me choose the figurines.

Tuesday, I met with Sylvia and tinkered with the old playlist from last year's wedding. We talked about music and the next time I looked at the hour, I realized it was almost ten at night. I was glad I had done something else that was on the list for the wedding. She drove me back, promising to come back the next day to see Rose and Alice since they were due to arrive around noon.

Wednesday, I helped Esme change the sheets in her kids' rooms and the guest room then while she was downtown to buy dessert because she was too tired to work on something, Edward and I worked on dinner.

I was rolling meat balls and Edward was making the sauce when keys turned into the door. She had just left. Or so it felt.

"It was supposed to be a surprise," Edward mumbled.

"I'm sure she'd appreciate it nonetheless," I pacified him.

But it wasn't Esme. It was the nosy gang. Emmett was talking too loud – like always – and Rose was yelling over Rick's wails to make him shut up.

I exchanged an amused look with Edward while he leaned into my side to kiss me again. He kept doing it since we had started working on dinner. And I wondered why we weren't productive.

"Aw, look at them! All domestic and shit!" Emmett exclaimed from the doorway.

"Hey," I greeted them.

"Can we help with something?" Alice asked, skipping to my side and kissing my cheeks.

"No, for the love of God, no!" Jasper groaned. "She nearly poisoned us," he explained.

"Really Alice?" Edward asked amused. "What was it this time?"

"Poisonous mushrooms," Rose moaned. "I could tell they weren't okay if someone asked. I mean…even I could tell," she emphasize. "I'm no cook, but heck, I know what's not good."

"Ouch," I mumbled. "Did anyone eat?" I asked worried.

"Of course. I did! No one told me they weren't good," Emmett said. "Man, you don't wanna know what happened. It's nasty. Lucky Dad was at the hospital."

"She's banned from the kitchen for the rest of her life," Jasper said seriously.

"So who's cooking there?" Edward asked confused, peeling some garlic.

"Jazz is our housewife," Emmett said proudly, slugging an arm around Jasper's neck. "He makes the most delicious things too."

"I think you married the wrong twin," Edward said under his breath.

"I heard you, asshole!" Rose snapped.

"What? It's true. Look at them all cozy." He jerked his thumb to Emmett and Jasper who were in some sort of wrestling match. Cozy, yeah right.

"Let me wash my hands and I'll help," Jasper suggested.

"Nah, we got it covered. You relax after the long ride," I told them.

"Right." Rose nodded. "Em, bring Rick's bag to your old room. He needs a change."

"Can't he stop pooping for five hours? It's like he's pooping nonstop!"

"Emmett Cullen! This is your son you're talking about!"

"I know, Rose, but hell. I bet I didn't poop every two hours. And it stinks like hell."

"Emmett, we're cooking!" Edward shouted, fake gagging at him.

"Fuck you," Emmett muttered before disappearing from the room.

"Stop cursing! I'm going to kill you if his first word is a curse!" Rose yelled after him, following close behind, clutching Rick to her chest.

"How can you live with them?" Edward asked, looking between Jasper and Alice.

"The only consolation we have is that it could have been worse," Jasper said seriously.

"Worse? Does that concept even exist?" I asked amused.

"Yes." Alice nodded seriously. "We could have ended up living with you two. God forbid that." She mock shuddered.

"For that comment, you're not getting any meatballs!" I threatened her.

She pouted, turning to Edward to plead him with her eyes. He raised his hands.

"Don't look at me. She's with the balls."

"Truer words had never been spoken," Jasper said laughing and making Edward lunge at him. They tripped over a chair and ended up sprawled on the floor, laughing.

With Jasper's help, we finished quickly and by the time Esme's errands were done, she came home to find everyone here. We had dinner and listened to their stories, which seemed fascinating. Living so far away had its downside – I missed our friends more than anything.

"Oh, man, there was this chick once," Emmett continued his many stories from the store. "She barged inside and was really determined of what she wanted then when she turned around and saw the big posters, you know?" he asked, glancing at Edward. "Her mouth fucking dropped and started rambling how she loved the Bulls and that you were great and Bob had to restrain her from taking our poster with her. Fuck, some women are crazy."

"But she bought half of your store? She did," Jasper reminded him with a grin.

"Oh, God! It was this time when a group of college boys came inside and told us they had just found out we had been on the team and blah blah… then one saw your poster-"

"I fucking told you not to put it there!" Edward shouted, finally snapping because in every story Emmett had, he said something about that poster. I could tell he was proud, but he was annoying Edward too.

"Wait, you didn't hear it all! He started shouting that you betrayed the Huskies!" Emmett burst in laughter. "We tried to explain stuff, but he had none of it, saying that once a Husky, always a Husky and that he was really angry and…his friends took him out giving us apologetic looks."

"I'm glad to see you're over being angry I got your position," Edward grumbled.

"Better you than me," Emmett said seriously.

Esme interjected before Edward could say something else, asking him about the team. We kept talking until late in the evening when some of us started yawning. Just as we were going upstairs, the front door opened and Carlisle came in with Liz and Ed. I was so tired that I just greeted them before leaving Edward to talk to them as I went to bed.

Thursday was spent with the girls, and Alice planned me a bachelorette party even though I specifically told her not to.

That evening, Bob joined us apologizing that Tanya couldn't make it since she had gotten a cold. It wasn't like I was going to miss her. That was all I talked to him because the second Edward came downstairs and saw him, it was just like good old days. They disappeared outside and I hadn't seen either of them until close to bedtime. It had been a long time since I had seen Edward this happy when we finally settled for the night.

Friday was hectic. I woke up alone and not five minutes later, Alice took me to her room. While I ate the breakfast she had brought me, she kept telling me about her plans for that night.

"Alice," I moaned. "Tomorrow's the wedding! I need to be awake and sober!" I protested.

"You'll be," she assured me.

"Just because you two didn't have a bachelorette party, that doesn't mean I want one!" I shouted when she started talking with Rose about a club.

"Oh, it will be fun," Rose told me with a huge grin on her face.

"Yeah, I bet," I snorted. "I can see myself throwing up in the church."

"You won't get drunk, but we'll have fun!" Alice told me sternly. "Are you done?"

"No," I snapped, although I couldn't have eaten another slice of bread. "I'll see you at five," I told her before storming out of her room.

On my way to the kitchen, I slammed into someone full force.

"Whoa!" Edward shouted, catching my arms. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I mumbled, trying to continue my walk to the kitchen.

"Really?" he asked skeptically. "You look upset."

"If you must know, I hate your sister."

"Oh, what did she do, now?" he whispered.

I started rambling and grew more annoyed when he started chuckling. "What's so funny?" I hissed.

"Well, the boys are taking me to a stag party despite my protests. I say…we suck it up." He leaned to kiss my head. "How bad can it be?"

"Is that rhetorical?" I asked amused.

"I guess not." He laughed, shrugging one shoulder.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and we met halfway for a small kiss that turned out heated.

"Did you find the tablecloths?" Esme's voice shouted from outside the house making Edward separated from me quickly.

"Fuck. I forgot I was supposed to bring the tablecloths. You, Miss Swan, are very distracting," he accused me teasingly.

"Edward!" Esme yelled again.

"I'm coming!" he shouted before jogging up the stairs.

I continued my way to the kitchen and found Liz leaning against the counter, stifling a smile. My eyes widened when I realized she had seen and heard everything.

"Uh, umm, good morning," I stammered.

"Good morning," she replied, finally her smile breaking. "You should see the backyard."

I went to the window and gasped when I saw how beautiful it looked. It was like Esme had told me.

There were a few dozen round tables arranged nicely, each having six chairs around. I was glad I allowed Esme to take over the decoration. She was amazing.

Just then Edward appeared outside with a pile of neatly folded tablecloths and put them on a table. She went to his side with her hands on his hips, probably asking what took him so long. He took a step back, throwing her a smile and shoving his thumb over his back toward the house then he laughed and rushed inside. He appeared inside the kitchen.

"Hey, Mom wants to talk to you."

"What did you tell her?" I hissed.

"Were you spying?" he asked shocked.

"I was admiring the view."

When I went outside, Esme wrapped her arm around me. "What do you think?" Then she shook her head. "Wait until you see them arranged and decorated."

"I'm sure I'd love it. I already do. Thank you so much," I told her softly, hugging her. "What are you doing over there?" I asked, gesturing to a few feet away where was a vast empty space.

"Oh, that's where the dance floor would be."

"What?" I asked surprised. "I mean…"

"Have you heard of double-click parquet?"

"Uh yeah."

"Well, that's what will be there. Carlisle and Ed are going to work on that with your father. He's bringing some actually."

I watched in disbelief the spot then looked at her. "Can I ask why?"

"Well, it will look nice. Trust me, Bella. If Alice had allowed me to do it outside…" she said wistfully.

"Can I at least help with the tables?"

"No." She shook her head. "Today is your relaxing day. I'm sure Alice has plans for you."

"Yeah, me too," I grumbled and with another smile, I shuffled back inside.

Alice had plans for me indeed. She told me to dress comfortably and get ready to go. Not really knowing what she had in store for me, I went to the car somewhat afraid. She drove to a spa where we met with Sylvia. I started to hate this getting ready for the wedding more and more. This wasn't me – especially this! Spa.

We spent the whole day there and by the end of the day, I was relaxed, with less hair and with a new manicure and pedicure.

Of course, Rose had clothes for me in her overstuffed bag and before we left the spa, I was wearing a dress and heels, ready for the club. Uh…not.

The club Alice had chosen wasn't your typical club and I was happy for that. It was more like a night café or something. It had plush couches and a stage where I was sure a band was going to play later. It was decent. And I found myself having fun while sipping from whatever she had bought me.

"Ready for some fun? For your real present for the last night of freedom?" Rose asked, giggling.

"That's stupid, you know?" I asked, rolling my eyes. "I've been with Edward for years. The last night of freedom was before I was left alone with him," I said contemplatively although once out my mouth it didn't sound so logical. Must be the drink getting to my head. "But yeah, I'm ready. What band is playing?" I asked.

Sylvia choked on her drink, turning to Alice. "You didn't tell her?"

"She wouldn't have agreed to come if I told her!" Alice defended herself.

"What are you talking about?" I asked suspiciously. "What kind of club is this?" It was too good to be true. I should have known.

"Well, this is a night club," Rose started explaining.

"Okay…I got that," I mumbled, looking around. "Why are there only women here?" Then my eyes widened. "Are freaking crazy? Is this some lesbo club?"

"Shh!" Rose hissed. "It's not! But, it's only for women."

"Then wh… NO WAY!" I yelled, not really caring who heard.

Just then, the lights dimmed further and loud music pumped in the relatively small room as a guy dressed as a business man appeared on the stage. I gulped and closed my eyes. Why were they doing this to me?

"You can tell us who you like and he'd come and dance for you," Alice whispered in my ear.

I slouched in the corner of the fluffy couch and sipped from my glass, doing my best not to look at the stage, but…the guy was taking his clothes off. Was he going to take them all off? Ew! I hoped not.

In the end, he left in just some minuscule underwear. Thank God for small – minuscule – miracles.

Rose brought me another drink and I felt myself getting tipsy since I kept sipping just to distract myself.

The strippers wore every possible clothing article from doctor to constructor to businessman to carpenter to gigolo and the list went on and on.

I was on my fourth or fifth – who really cares? – drink when Sylvia nudged me under the table. What now? Wasn't it clear that I wasn't having fun?

"Huh?" I grunted, glancing at her and seeing from the corner of my eyes that the guy from the stage was leaving. Maybe it was over. Finally.

"We're going to the toilet. We'll be right back," Sylvia told me.

"Okay." I nodded, raising the glass to my lips. Only when all of them got up, I realized they were leaving me alone. "Wait!" I shouted. "You're leaving me alone?" I might have pouted.

"Afraid some man is going to steal you?" Rose teased before steering them away.

"I want to pee too!" I shouted after them, although I didn't really need. I had just gone to the bathroom with Alice.

Alice glanced back at me and wriggled her fingers, winking before continuing to go.

I huffed, downing my glass and leaning forward to put it on the small table with too much force. Damn. I was so drunk. I burst in giggles, clapping my hand over my mouth.

It wasn't a good idea to be left alone while I was drunk.

The lady that kept refilling my glass appeared next to me.

"No, thanks!" I told her, putting my palms over the mouth of the glass making it fall on the table. That seemed to amuse me because I started laughing.

"I'm here to let you know that your surprise lap dance is on his way," she announced to me professionally before leaving.

Surprise lap dance? What the heck?

Was this their plan? To leave me alone so some guy could come and…dance half naked on top of me?

I leaned back against the back of the couch, closing my eyes. Maybe if I was asleep, he wouldn't dance.

Then I heard a throat clearing, but I kept my eyes tightly shut. Go away, I willed him silently. The only one I'd ever want to lap dance me is Edward. He's not here so shoo!

A loud, familiar laugh made my eyes snap open and widen.

"Edward! Edward? Holy cow! Edward…"

"That's my name," he said calmly, but wearing a huge smile. "Apparently we've been set up, not that I mind."

"W…hat?" I was confused and my drunken state didn't help.

"Hello, Miss Swan. I'm here as a surprise for you," he said professionally, winking.

My eyes left his face for the first time and I saw him wearing a basketball jersey and shorts. His arms were oddly luscious just like they had been on the guys from the stage.

Had he…? Was he oiled up?

I burst in laughter, straightening on my couch. "Then, please, proceed," I said as seriously as I could.

He looked behind and I could see Jasper, Emmett and Bob near the girls, at the bar. Edward nodded and showed them his thumb.

The music stopped and the lights went down. I was finally getting excited. I was spending this horrible night – that started looking up – with Edward. I heard him move around a little and suddenly my foot started throbbing. He was right in front of me and Edward had just stepped over my poor toe.

"Sorry," he apologized under his breath.

Then the light came back up, but just as dim as before and Joe Cocker started crooning about his hat. This was so lame.

I looked up at Edward to find a cap on his head as he started moving in front of me. I never thought I'd see him dance on anything like this, but it was hilarious and sexy; so fucking sexy to see his narrow hips waving around and then thrusting up toward me as one of his hands went the hem of his jersey touching his toned stomach. Suddenly, he moved closer, resting one knee near my right hip, bracing his hand on the back of the couch as he raised the jersey and tossed it back, showing me his six-pack. I licked my suddenly patchy lips and without realizing my actions, I leaned closer and licked him.

"Fuck, Bella," he moaned, bucking into me.

My hands went to his shorts and I lowered the elastic band a little, looking up at him through my lashes. I was surprised to see his green eyes dark with lust. It had been too long since I'd seen him so turned on.

"Uh huh," he managed to utter, stepping back. Turning around, he showed me his glorious ass, shaking it in rhythm with the song.

I touched his cheeks, squeezing making him gasp and whirl around. "Miss," he said on a shaky, breathy voice. "I'm calling the shots."

I snorted but nodded, lowering my hands. Ever so slowly, Edward pulled at the strings of his shorts lowering a little from his left side, showing me his hipbone before snapping the elastic band back. I groaned, wanting to see more.

Did he have something under?

I truly hoped he did. I didn't want anyone else to see my man.

After more dancing that ruined my panties and probably the leather couch too, Edward rolled the elastic band down and giving a clear view of his happy trail that went to the light curls and his…

The light went out making me moan in protest.

"We have one minute," he whispered hurriedly, grabbing my hand and guiding it somewhere.

"Why? I wanted to see!" I protested in a whiny voice.

My hand wrapped around something smooth and hard. I let out a shout of surprise but his lips descended on mine. "I love you," he whispered softly.

"I love you too," I said before I started moving my hand making him groan but all too soon I felt him tug his shorts back on, something touched my head and then I heard his steps going away.

I couldn't find my voice to call after him and just as everything was finally settling in my foggy brain, the lights came up.

Another song started blaring through the audio system as another guy came on the stage.

Had it really happened?

Had Edward really been here?

Had it been my imagination?

"This calls for another drink!" Rose exclaimed as she returned to my side with a pink glass.

"You're a little flushed. Are you okay?" Alice asked, smirking as she sat next to me.

"Did it really happen?" I managed to ask, putting the glass from Rose on the table. I didn't need any more drinks.

"I think it did." Sylvia grabbed the cap from my head and put it on my lap.

"How?" I asked in a small voice.

"Well, I was talking with Rose yesterday about bringing you here and Edward overheard and told us to not even think about it. Then Rose offered him a compromise. He accepted… and here we are," Alice explained.

"Wow, guys. I have to say that was quite a surprise."

"Tell her everything," Sylvia whispered.

"Is there more? Do I have to reciprocate? I will," I said eagerly.

"Uh, not quite." Rose watched me seriously. "The compromise was…if he comes to dance for you…"

"One of you will dance for him?" I asked, frowning.

Alice burst in laughter. "No, silly! We're having a sleepover at Sylvia's place, just to keep you away for the night before the wedding!"

"No! That's not how we agreed," I protested.

"Sorry, but you can fight all about it with Edward in the morning. Make it the first married argument if you will," Rose said amused. "But you're sleeping separated tonight."

"So not fair. Can we go?" I grumbled. "I'm tired."

We piled in Esme's car and since Rose was the sober one she drove us to Sylvia's house. Stupid change of plans.

When we stumbled inside, Sylvia said that her father was away for the weekend, on a meeting with his former college friends. I didn't ask where that was.

"Where do I sleep?" I mumbled.

My mood, that had risen since I saw Edward, was down again.

"In the guest room, with Rose."

"I packed for you," Alice chirped, giving me a bag with my clothes.

She had to choose the shrillest of my nightgowns! It's not like I had to look nice for anyone, right?

"Is Edward going to sneak in because if not there's no reason to wear such a nice thing to bed?"

"If he wants to die right before he could get married, he should try getting in past us," Alice said loudly, outraged.

The bed wasn't really small, but not too big either so any way I lay, I touched Rose. It was annoying. After rolling around for hours, I finally left the room after making sure she was sleeping. I tiptoed to the living room and flopped on the couch.

What felt like a minute after I had finally fallen asleep, I heard a muted thud from upstairs then a shrill scream from Sylvia.

As I was on my way there, I heard her shouting something about windows and stalkers and high school and impatience and cutting trees. I opened her bedroom door to find a hooded figure cornered as she shook her finger and kept shouting. Suddenly, the person pointed to me and Sylvia turned and after a moment of silence, she stared yelling again.

"What the hell are you doing?" Alice asked, coming to a halt next to me. Then she saw the person in the corner. "What the hell are you doing here, Edward?"

Edward? He had probably come to rescue me.

"I couldn't sleep and I wanted to see Bella. Okay?" he finally talked, taking a step forward.

"There!" Sylvia pointed at me. "See her? Good. Now leave."

Just as I was wondering if Rose was still sleeping, I was pushed out of the way and she barged in with a broom in her hand.

"Emmett's coming to get your stupid ass back so you better get out of the house!" she shouted.

"Gee! I see how much everyone loves me. I feel so welcomed," Edward muttered, turning to the window.

"Use the door!" Sylvia yelled making him jump before look at Rose and her broom then at the window again.

"Uh, guys, why don't we just calm down?" I asked on a small voice.

"No!" they all shouted at me.

I shot Edward a small, apologetic shrug. I tried.

"At least move aside so I can leave," he told Rose, starting to walk to the door. But I could see he was scared of her.

Then it clicked. The broom. He was afraid of the broom.

I crossed the room and took it from Rose, throwing it away before grabbing Edward's hand and leading him down the stairs. "Sorry about them," I mumbled, squeezing his hand.

"Yeah, I'm sorry too. It wasn't my best plan ever."

"Where do you think you're going?" Alice shrieked, following us.

"I'm taking him out to the car," I explained, not really stopping. "I'll see you tomorrow…or today," I corrected and leaned to kiss his cheek.

He grinned. "I can't wait for this madness to be over and done," he agreed.

As we opened the front door, we found Emmett there. He was glaring at Edward.

"This is so not fair, bro! Do I have to remind you how you kept us away?"

"Life isn't fair, Emmett," Edward said sighing. "Let's go home."

"Are you sure you want that? You have two sets of parents really angry right now. Mom was yelling that you left and someone to go after you because she didn't want to do something she'd regret."

"What the fuck is wrong in this?" Edward snapped. He turned around and grabbed my hand. "We're fucking going to the airport. Now!"

I watched him surprised and shocked, allowing him to drag me away.

"No, you're not!" Emmett demanded, snatching me away and keeping me to his chest. "If you can't respect some traditions that doesn't mean-"

"Emmett, so help me! Let go of Bella. I've had it! I'm going to Elvis!" Edward tried to take my hand again but Emmett kept me away.

"Can you keep it down?" Sylvia asked as she came out of the house wearing a bathrobe and some bunny slippers.

That's when I realized how I was dressed. God, this was mortifying. Edward seemed to realize my undressed state and rushed to me side, pushing Emmett away and stirring me inside.

"Where were you sleeping?" he asked in my ear, ignoring everyone else.

"The couch. I couldn't sleep in the same bed as Rose," I explained on an equally low voice.

"I see. Let's take you to the guest room and leave Rose with the couch. You need to be rested."

"So do you," I almost accused him.

"Oh, you wouldn't believe how well I'll sleep," he said teasingly, kissing my temple. He opened the guest room's door and pushed me inside before closing and locking the door. "Let's sleep."

"You're staying?" I asked shocked.

"Of course. I remember promising you that we wouldn't spend the night apart. Unless, you changed your mind," he said uncertainly.

"Stay." I patted the bed next to me.

We clambered in and wrapped our arms around the other, ignoring our friends – soon to be my family too – as they shouted from the other side of the door. Best night sleep ever.

Uh...how was it? Everyone happy with how the week before the wedding went?

Next chapter: The Wedding! Anyone excited?

Leave me a review, please.