Mail Order Bride

A/N Here it is. The next installment of the story. Hope its to your liking. Just a side note, I rated this story an M at the beginning. Now, several chapters in, I have yet to really live up to that rating. It will get there, I promise. Edward is not cooperating with me. He wants to be a stubborn man. I had intended to be up to the Wedding by now, but my characters had other ideas. Apparently, they want to drag their heels a bit. Edward is not in any hurry to get married, but he is slowly warming up to the idea.

Read and Review, as always! You guys are the best. So many of you putting this on alerts. I am honored! Thanks everyone for hanging on during that LOOOOONNNNGGGG wait.

Chapter 13

Once the food had been rewarmed and set out, the Swan family sat down at the table. Even though Edward had already dined earlier, he helped himself to more of his mothers fabulous cooking. Bella eyed him quietly, wondering how this night would end. The beginning of this day, so far, had not met the expectations of her arrival. Of course, she hadn't planned on feeling an instant attraction to Edward, either. That was very unexpected.

Jackson, with the typical enthusiasm of a child, dug right in. Emmett wasted no time following suit. Rosalie shook her head at the pair, muttering, "I swear they act like they were raised in a barn," before she proceeded to eat at a more lady-like pace.

No words were exchanged during dinner, as Edward and Bella were both trying to figure out what to say to the other. Bella picked at her food, barely tasting it. Edward forgot about his plate entirely, as he stared at Bella from across the table.

Suddenly, there was a loud belch. Rosalie looked appalled. "Jackson! That was rude! Say "Excuse me."

Jackson looked sheepish. "Excuse me," he said. Nessie giggled from the doorway. She stood there, waiting for Jackson to finish his meal, so they could play. Jackson glanced in her direction and blushed. Emmett smirked at his son, before a louder belch also escaped him, as well. Rosalie looked pointedly at Emmett.

" 'Scuse me," he mumbled, his face heating under his wife's hot gaze.

Esme gave a tinkling laugh. "At least I know they enjoyed the meal."

Bella was oblivious to all of these happenings. She was too caught up in trying not to stare at Edward, although she could feel his gaze upon her. Edward was oblivious to the fact that he was staring.

Finally, everyone had finished their meals, and Esme began clearing the table. Rosalie rose to help her. Nessie grabbed Jackson and dragged him to her playroom upstairs. He offered no resistance.

Once the dishes were cleared, Esme eyed the weary travelers. "I'm sure you are all so very tired after your long journey and this trying day. Carlisle and I would be honored if you would stay here with us, tonight."

"That's not necessary, Mrs. Cullen. We can just stay in the hotel," Emmett started.

"Nonsense! I wouldn't hear of it. You and your family will stay here, with us. We would love having you as guests in our home. Besides, I insist." Esme told him.

"Well, if you insist. I'd hate to make you angry," Emmett said, shrugging his shoulders. Emmett and Rosalie followed behind Esme, leaving Edward and Bella alone in the dining room. Silence reigned.

Finally, Edward ran his fingers through his hair. "Miss Swan? Bella, I would like to offer a proposition to you."

Bella stared at Edward. "What kind of proposition?" she questioned. Edward moved to take the seat next to her.

"Look, I don't want you to take this the wrong way when I ask you this, but, why did you agree to marry a man you had never met before?"

"I wanted a different life from the one I was living," Bella said simply.

"You do realize that a marriage between us would be loveless?" Edward stated.

Bella swallowed hard. "Yes, I am aware of that. I want to help you with your daughter. I realize you will never love me," Bella said, almost choking on her last words. She didn't realize until that moment, how much she wanted Edward's love.

Edward watched her face. "Could you truly be happy with that kind of life? A husband who doesn't love you? No children of your own?" Edward enquired softly.

"We would not be intimate then?" Bella blushed at the boldness of her words.

Edward caught the blush. "We would have to consummate the marriage to make it legally binding. After that, I would not share your bed."

Bella knew what he was doing. He was giving her the option of rethinking her decision over. What struck her as funny, however, was that he had been the one to come chasing after her!

"Mr. Cullen, you came after me. I was ready to leave and give you the peace you so obviously wanted. Are you now trying to persuade me to leave, again? Have you changed your mind so quickly?" Bella's heart hammered as she waited for his answer.

Edward realized that he could end all this torment by simply telling her yes, he had changed his mind. Her scent was driving him crazy. She didn't even realize how much effort he was exerting to stay in his seat. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. He realized he could very easily fall in love with this small, slip of a girl.

"No, I just want you to understand the life you will have if you stay. You would be well cared for. You will want for nothing. I would be a good husband to you."

"I would stay for you daughter. I would help you raise her. That is all I need," Bella said, her heart breaking at the last statement.

"Then, you will stay? You would become my wife and a mother to Nessie?" Edward asked, trying to keep the eagerness out of his voice.

"Yes, Edward. I will stay and become your wife. I will be a mother to Nessie. I will care for your home and be a good wife to you. I will expect nothing else," Bella said, finality in her voice.

Before Edward realized what he was doing, he leaned forward and caught Bella's lips with his own. Her shocked gasp was swallowed by his mouth. Edward groaned, feeling desire shoot through him. Pulling Bella closer, he ran his tongue over her mouth, willing her to open to him. Bella tentatively complied, having never been kissed before. His tongue thrust into her mouth. Bella whimpered, feeling an aching begin, down low in her belly. She returned his kisses, praying she wasn't disappointing him.

Edward felt like he was on fire. He had not felt this way since Tanya died. He felt consumed by the desire to bare Bella to his gaze. Putting his thoughts to action, Edward reached for the buttons on her travel blouse. Releasing them one by one, Edward blindly took her breast in hand, through her chemise. He ran his fingers over her nipple, making them harden. Bella whimpered again, wanting the ache to go away. Somehow, she knew only Edward could make that happen. Reaching up, she twined her fingers in his hair, gripping it. Edward pulled back to look in her eyes. He saw the desire in them. He returned to her mouth, kissing her again.

Edward reached down with one hand, running his hand along her leg. Bella panted, seeking something. What, she didn't know. Edward's hand trailed up her leg. Just as his hand grazed her drawers, a new sound intruded.

"What are you doing?"

A/N Uh-OH! Damn it, caught! But, by who? Any ideas? Remember, review please!