A/N: I apologize in advance if you got this notice more than once.

Emmett Cullen had the loudest laugh Bella had ever heard.

It was a boisterous sound, making her equal parts unnerved and amused. It was impossible not to find the sight of the large man - and he was a frighteningly large man - bent over in laughter a little bit funny.

He laughed so hard, he fell right on his ass.

Edward sighed, looking disgruntled. "It's not that funny, Emmett."

That only seemed to make Edward's eldest little brother laugh all the harder. "I'm sorry," he managed between gasps, looking at Bella. He sat up straight, wiping away tears. "I'm not laughing at you. It's just-" he dragged in a breath, "-if you knew Edward. Well, I guess you do know Edward."

Shaking his head, Edward turned toward Bella. "I'm sorry for him. Truly."

"Ah, come on," Jasper interjected. Though he was not as broad as Emmett, he was, if anything, more unnerving. There was just something about his cool stare, the way he looked at her, that made Bella feel as though she was being appraised. "You can't blame Emmett for finding it funny. You hear of people going to Vegas and getting married out of the blue but I've never actually seen it happen. And to you?" He eyed Bella speculatively, and it seemed to her that he was wondering exactly what had brought his brother to that point.

Emmett grinned hugely, putting his hands on Bella's shoulders. "Please, please, please tell me you're a Vegas showgirl or something like that. You would make my entire life."

Bella cringed a little under the big man's touch, a bit intimidated by his large presence in her bubble space. "Sorry to disappoint, but no."

"Would you get away from her?" Edward grumbled, grabbing his brother's shoulder and hauling him backward.

"Sorry," Emmett chuckled, holding his hands up in a peacemaking gesture. "I forgot that Edward has trouble sharing. Only child syndrome, right?"

Shaking his head, Edward just rolled his eyes.

Bella had had exactly enough time to gawk at the ridiculously huge mansion, realizing that not only was Edward well to do, but he must have been outrageously wealthy, when the doorbell rang. Apparently, Edward's little brothers - in true bratty little brother fashion - had decided to ignore his request that they cancel the guys night out they had scheduled.

"See, I expected this guy was just blowing us off, again. At least he had the courtesy to bring entertainment."

Edward narrowed his eyes at his little brother. "That's enough. I would really appreciate it if you could stop being so damn condescending right now."

"Ah, would you come off it?" Jasper interjected. "You want us to take you and your decisions seriously, you don't marry some random girl in Vegas with Elvis as a witness. Give me a break." He shook his head. "This is going to kill Mom, first of all."

At that, Edward grimaced, his expression guilty. "Disappoint, I think is the better word," he corrected, obviously making an effort to calm his reaction. "She may be disappointed that she didn't get to plan a reception, but she's busy with Emmett and Rosalie's wedding anyway."

Emmett grunted a laugh, a little of the humor fading from his features. "Yeah, but you know you're different. She's been waiting for your wedding since forever." He shook his head, smacking Edward none too gently on the shoulder. "You just had to slide in before me, huh big brother?"

Wrapping her arms around her midsection, Bella did her best to hide how uncomfortable she felt in the awkward atmosphere. She almost wanted to scream at Edward, 'I told you so'.

Why had she ever thought this could work out? They didn't even know she was pregnant yet.

"So how does this work? Just how much alcohol was involved?" Jasper asked, looking between the two of them.

Bella felt lightheaded and had to sit down quickly to avoid falling. Looking concerned, Edward stepped to her side, rubbing her shoulder. She looked at him, and for one moment, she absolutely intended to let the truth be known. She'd done this to him; it was no one else's fault. She couldn't let him take any more of his brothers' derision and incredulity.

Before she could say a word, though, Edward spoke.

The lie he'd suggested - that they'd been lovers off and on when he was in Vegas for business, flowed so easily, Bella thought she should have been unnerved. He told the story with such sincerity she almost believed it herself.

"Holy fuck," Jasper muttered, sitting back in his chair. "Seriously? I mean really? I guess I shouldn't be so shocked - it's always the holier than thou mother fuckers that do the worst shit - but seriously, Edward?"

"Holier than..." Edward shook his head. "I don't think I'm better than anyone, firstly, but just what are you trying to say?"

"She's a kid!" Jasper spat, gesturing at Bella.

"Excuse me," Bella interjected, annoyance loosening her caught tongue. "I'm right here, and I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions."

The youngest Cullen brother looked somewhat contrite as he turned to her. "I'm sorry, hon, but this is all kinds of fucked. Do you have any idea the lecture this guy gave Emmett when he proposed to Rosalie? He was all about the sanctity of marriage and not entering into a union so lightly, and then this?" Jasper chuffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, I'm sure your union is blessed."

"I wasn't trying to be judgemental. Emmett and Rosalie are a fantastic couple. They're just so young, I-"

"This girl is twenty years old!" Jasper interrupted.

"Again, this girl is right here," Bella repeated.

"Look, I realize you have your doubts, and I understand that," Edward said, his voice tense. "But please, both of you, Bella's done nothing to earn your disrespect."

"You see this... Bella here twice, maybe three times a year. She shows up pregnant and you - the king of over thinking every damn thing - end up married. In Vegas. Overnight?" He turned to Bella, holding a hand up. "No offense there, sweetheart, but Edward, are you sure this kid is even yours?"

Pushing back his chair so fast it fell to the ground, Edward stood, glowering at his youngest brother. "I want you out of my house. Now," he demanded.

"Edward," Emmett tried to interject, but Jasper cut him off.

"No, that's fine," Jasper said, standing and grabbing his coat. "He knows how to dole out all the fast, hard questions, but he doesn't like it when the shoe is on the other foot. Like I said, it figures."

Almost before Bella could process what was happening, Jasper and Emmett were gone, slamming the door behind them.

She slumped, resting her head on the table as she tried not to cry... again. She was so sick of crying, especially in front of Edward. "Why did you do that?" she asked tiredly, and then she couldn't help but laugh. "Not only was it a fair question, but he's actually right."

"Technically," Edward said evenly, his breaths deep and calming. "But he doesn't know that. All he knows is you're my wife. You don't deserve that kind of disrespect."

"But I do," she said, raising her head. "They're only looking out for you."

"Regardless. I'm not going to tolerate them - anyone - treating you like that. It isn't right, whether you believe you deserve it or not. You don't."

Bella opened her mouth to argue, but realized his logic was actually sound. She blew out a frustrated puff of air. "I don't like you fighting with your family over me."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Edward took a moment before he responded. "They're my brothers," he murmured lightly. "We fight. It's likely that tomorrow, we'll make up. That's the way it goes sometimes." He frowned. "What I'm more worried about now is that they'll go right to my mother and father. I'd much prefer to tell them myself."

Though the prospect definitely made her queasy, Bella wasn't about to let Edward suffer more just because she wanted to be a coward. "Then we'd better get to their place, I think."

Edward raised an eyebrow. "Bella, you don't have to-"

"Yes, I do have to. Edward, if this is going to work, it can't be so one sided. You're obviously committed to helping me; let me make it as easy as I possibly can," she insisted.

"Stress isn't supposed to be good for pregnant women," he countered.

"I will be far more stressed out thinking things are tense with your family because of me," she returned.

He blew out a breath and nodded. "Okay. You win, and it does make sense. As I said, I prefer to be the one to talk to my parents." He looked at her. "Right now. You're sure?"

"I don't think it's going to get easier," she sighed.

At that, Edward smiled, and reached out, squeezing her hand gently. "Don't worry. Siblings will be siblings, and my brothers and I haven't had the best time building a relationship, not growing up together. Besides, brothers are specifically built to give each other a hard time. My parents, I believe, will be a lot easier." His lips twitched. "At least they won't be rude about it."

~0~

As Edward suspected, his parents were, in a way, much easier on Bella than his brothers had been.

Sitting in their cozy living room, Esme, predictably, burst into tears. She rushed to Bella's side, drawing her into an embrace.

Edward watched them carefully, ready to intervene lest his mother's exuberance overwhelm Bella. Though she stiffened at first, Bella soon melted into Eme's hug.

For just a minute, Edward allowed himself to pretend this happy scene was actually his. On the surface, it seemed to be a very nice picture: a pretty young wife who intrigued him and a baby on the way. It seemed like just the place he should be at 32 years of age.

Shaking his head surreptitiously, Edward reminded himself that this was just a dream he'd spun out of chance and convenience. It was important that he remembered the difference between fantasy and reality.

Edward was happy when his mother started asking Bella about the pregnancy. When she heard that Bella hadn't seen a doctor, Esme instantly took over, recommending her OB and beginning to list the things that she needed to think about. He'd been telling the truth when he said one of the things he was most concerned about was Bella getting the best care for herself and her baby. What he hadn't told her was that he had no idea how to go about arranging that.

While the women talked, Carlisle beckoned Edward into his office.

"Obviously, Edward, you're more than capable of making your own decisions," Carlisle began, his tone quiet and even. "However, as your father, I find myself obligated to ask. Believe me, you know I understand how your grandfather's opinions can be... far reaching."

"You think I married her because I got her pregnant," Edward filled in quietly.

Carlisle raised an eyebrow. "Did you?"

"I can say in complete honesty, that is not why I married her."

Carlisle nodded, accepting that easily. That was one thing Edward appreciated greatly. Despite being raised by Edward the First, Carlisle had somehow developed an open, empathetic mind.

"Have you told your grandfather?"

Edward imagined his expression closely resembled a bull being led to be castrated.

Carlisle nodded knowingly. "That's what I thought." He paused. "He won't be pleased."

"I'm aware of that," Edward said with a quiet sigh. "This is my life."

"Since when has that fact mattered to your grandfather?" Carlisle asked, barking out a wry laugh.

"Well, he can yell all he wants, but he can't undo what's done," Edward said resolutely.

Carlisle's smile was genuine then. "That, my son, is something I can truly thank God for." He walked to the corner of the room where a few bottles sat unobtrusively. "Well, you're a husband, and you're going to be a father. I can't think of a better man for the job."

Despite the soft, subtle twist of his heart - how he wished those words were true - his father's praise sent a warmth through him. "Thank you, Dad."

"I'm proud of you, Edward. I don't know that I tell you often enough, but it's a fact." Turning, Carlisle offered him a tumbler of whiskey. "Let's have a toast to my first grandchild."

Edward raised his glass, but set it down without drinking. While he didn't regret all that had happened between him and Bella, he also didn't think tempting fate was a good idea.

~0~

Carlisle and Esme insisted they stay for dinner, wanting to get to know their daughter-in-law, so twilight was bleeding into night as they arrived back home.

Bella turned the word home over in her head, wondering if she could ever look at the huge, brownstone mansion and feel like she belonged.

Of course, Bella knew that neighborhoods like this existed - all immaculate lawns, tree lined streets, and looming houses - but she couldn't say that she'd ever seen one with her own eyes. Then again, today had been full of things she'd never seen. She'd never seen the Chicago skyline - she'd never strayed that far from the west coast. Watching the shores of Lake Michigan gave her a small measure of comfort, reminding her of the ocean back home even though it was on the wrong side of the car.

"Bella, are you really okay?" Edward asked, stopping the car.

"I'm fine," she lied. It seemed unreasonable not to be fine - unappreciative.

Pursing his lips, he reached across the console to brush her cheek. Bella closed her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time anyone had been physically affectionate with her - at least, not without ulterior motive.

"Everything has changed so quickly," she murmured. Change was difficult for Bella. Typically, she agonized over every decision before she acted. The last week of her life had been one terrifying change after another.

"I want you to feel comfortable here," he said as they got out of the car. "What I told you before, about your room, is true. Please, anything that makes you feel more at home would be fine with me. A new bedspread perhaps?"

She raised an eyebrow, amused in spite of herself. "You think a new bedspread would make it better?"

He looked a little sheepish. "I think when the big things are so out of control, the small things can make a big difference. It's just that the room doesn't look like you, if that makes any sense."

Her expression must have been perplexed because he chuckled and shook his head. "I sound like Alice," he muttered.

"Alice?" she echoed, a twinge of dismay leaking into her voice.

"Alice is Jasper's girlfriend," Edward explained, and Bella instantly felt relieved. "I have to say, of my brothers' girlfriends, Alice is far and away my favorite. Rosalie, that's Emmett's fiancé, has her charm, but Alice is just fun to be around." He looked thoughtful. "She's good for Jasper, I think."

Bella hummed an acknowledgment. "And she thinks that bedspreads can define who you are as a person?"

"Ah, Alice has a lot of interesting ideas," Edward said, waving a hand. "But yes, she's always talking about what 'tone' speaks more to a person's personality. For Christmas, she and my mother redid my entire bedroom in gold tones."

"Gold," she said with a snort. "Yeah, that fits."

He considered her curiously. "My wealth bothers you quite a bit, doesn't it?"

"Bothers isn't the right word." She took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to put words to what she was feeling. "When I said yes to you that night, you could have been a cab driver living hand to mouth for all I knew. Even then, I didn't want or expect any of this," she swept her hand out, indicating the huge mansion around them. "All I wanted was for my baby to be safe from its lunatic father." She bowed her head. "I think I just feel like I'll never be able to repay you."

"Well, firstly, I too want your child to be safe. Right now, you and the baby are connected, so even if I wasn't concerned for you - and I am - looking out for your best interests is looking out for his... or hers. Besides that, Bella, I can't pretend this is entirely altruistic of me. You give me too much credit there." He shook his head, his expression a little sad. "In all honesty... that night, I was feeling very sorry for myself. You might have noticed, I live a very solitary life." He smiled wryly. "I have a housekeeper that comes three times a week - Leah. She's pretty much the best friend I have in the world and the only company I have most weeks, my family aside."

Bella said nothing, mentally storing this tidbit amidst the growing list of things she knew about this man. Edward Cullen who married girls he found crying on the street and made friends with the help.

"I suppose, what I'm trying to say," Edward continued, offering her a small smile, "is that I think it will be nice to have a little company for a time."

~0~

That night, Bella lay awake in the guest room across from the master bedroom. Edward had offered her a choice of any of the five rooms, but, intimidated by the largeness of the house, she'd chosen the room closest to him just to feel less alone. Besides that, it had a charm that spoke to here. There was a nook overlooking the huge backyard and drawers built into one wall.

For a long time, Bella stared up at the vaulted ceilings, trying to come to terms with her life.

She had run away from everything she'd ever known, from her tiny town to a huge city, from a small home and a tiny room with a double bed to huge mansion with a queen sized bed that was dwarfed by the room around it. She had nothing to her name but a few changes of clothes in a blue duffel bag, what was left of the money from the sale of her truck after she'd paid Edward back for the wedding, and the mysterious alien unit rapidly growing in her womb.

She was starting over but, when she thought about the kind man just across the hall, Bella had to acknowledge that, at the very least, she wasn't alone.

A/N: Well, that could have gone worse.

Next chapter, we finally meet Edward Cullen the First. Seems like most of you are predicting this meeting will not go well. Hmm.

Thank you to GinnyW, jfka06, and Barburella for all their help. And thanks to all of you. The response to this story has been overwhelming to put it mildly.