Mail Order Bride

A/N Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I am SO SORRY this took SO LONG to update. RL has been kicking my ass lately. So many things have been going on and I had to step away from all my stories for a little while. But, now I am back and ready to go. I hope everyone can forgive the LONG WAIT and I hope these next few chapters will make up for it. Without further ado, here is the latest chapter. Read and Review and show me the love!

Chapter 12

Bella stopped in her tracks as Edward came closer. He stopped in front of her, panting.

"Miss Swan? Bella, please hear me out," Edward pleaded.

"I'm sorry. I believe you were quite vocal before. My presence was not wanted or needed by you. I told you I did not want compensation, and I have removed myself from your presence. What else could you possibly have to say to me?" Bella replied flatly.

"I'm sorry," Edward answered. Bella was shocked. That certainly was not what she was expecting.

"Pardon me?" Bella stammered.

"I'm sorry," he repeated. "I behaved terribly and I feel awful that you saw it. I just wanted to say, I'm sorry."

Bella was very confused. He chased her all the way down here to say I'm sorry?

Clearly Emmett was just as confused. "Sorry? You came after us to tell Bella "Sorry"? How about, "I was an asshole?"

"Emmett, language!" Rosalie admonished.

Edward actually laughed. "No, he's absolutely right. I was. I'd like to make it up to you, if you'd allow me to." He sent Bella a pleading look.

What did he have in mind? "Um, okay?" Bella answered hesitantly. Edward's face lit up.

"Have dinner with me tonight. I would like to talk to you about this "situation" we find ourselves in," Edward said, praying she would agree.

Bella and Emmett looked at each other. Emmett was as confused as she was. What was going on here?

"Mr. Cullen, I agree to dinner. On one condition," Bella stated.

"What is that?" Edward asked, ready to grant her any request.

"That we get to meet the rest of your family."

After Bella had walked out of the house, all hell broke loose. Alice started sobbing, Nessie ran to get her grandparents and Edward stood shocked, staring at the door. What the hell just happened?

Edward was still staring at the door, dumbfounded, when his parents appeared in front of him. Carlisle shook Edward slightly.

"Son? Son? Are you alright?" Carlisle repeated several times, before Edward finally realized his father was standing in front of him. Edward looked at his father, bewildered.

"Why are you asking if I'm alright?" Edward asked, still slightly dazed.

"Because, you have been staring at the door for 10 minutes. Was Miss Swan not to your liking?"

Edward scoffed. Not to his liking? Hell no! If anything, she was VERY much to his liking! That was scaring the hell out of him.

"Edward, dear? Perhaps you said some things that shouldn't have been said?" Esme questioned quietly.

Before he could think better of it, Edward raced out the door and past Jasper, who was still standing outside. Jasper watched him go, thinking to himself, "You better fix this!"

As Edward raced through the streets, he frantically searched for Bella. Why can't I think of her as Miss Swan? Finally, he saw her ahead of him, walking with a tall, muscular man and a slightly smaller, blonde woman. Her brother and his wife? The man had his arm around Bella and a surge of anger went through Edward. I caused this. I have to fix this! Adrenaline forced him to move quicker.

Loudly, he called Bella's name. He repeated himself several times before she finally turned to look at him. Again, he was struck by her beauty. Panting, he stopped in front of the group. For the first time, he noticed the small child with them, as well.

Please, forgive me.

After Bella agreed to the dinner and Edward agreed with her request to meet his family, they all walked back to his parent's home. Edward and Bella walked side by side, not touching. Several times, Edward had the strangest sensation of wanting to reach out and take her hand. He brushed those thoughts away.

Bella was entertaining similar thoughts, wishing he would talk to her more. The walk back was silent and a bit boring. The only sounds that were heard were the swishing of the women's skirts and their heels clicking on the cobblestone.

Jasper had finally gone inside, and walked into chaos. After he calmed Alice down and talked with Carlisle about Bella, they were all waiting, hoping for the best.

Moments later, they heard the front door open. Everyone looked up expectantly…..

Bella walks into the parlor hesitantly., Edward right behind her. In front of her, she sees Alice, Jasper and Nessie. She also sees another man and woman, who she assumes are Edward's parents. The woman smiles at her, causing some of Bella's unease to disappear.

Once everyone is in the room, Edward makes introductions. "Bella, these are my parents. Dr. and Mrs. Cullen."

Mrs. Cullen snickered. Bella knew immediately she would like this woman. "Oh, Edward! So formal. I'm Esme, dear. It is so wonderful to meet you. This is my husband, Carlisle."

Dr. Cullen stepped forward and held out his hand. "A pleasure, Miss Swan."

Bella introduces her family. "This is my brother, Emmett. His wife, Rosalie. Their son, Jackson."

Hello's are exchanged and the assessing begins.

Jasper could almost taste the swirl of emotions surrounding Edward and Bella. It was almost palpable. Alice was almost giddy watching her brother and Bella try not to stare at each other. Nessie stared at the little boy, hoping he would become a new playmate. Inconspicuously, she edged closer to him, smiling shyly. Jackson stared at her, before returning the smile. Esme and Carlisle exchanged glances and nodded, coming to the same conclusion.

Finally, Esme cleared her throat. "You all must be famished after your long journey. Please, follow me into the dining room. I'll have dinner served up for you shortly."

"Esme? May I help you? I love to cook," Bella offered.

Esme smiled broadly. "I would love that, Miss Swan."

The Swans all nodded their heads and followed behind Esme.

A/N After that uber long wait, I hope everyone liked this chapter. I know it's a little short, but I have to get back into the groove of the story.