I MET PETER FACINELLI THIS PAST WEEKEND! Let's talk about gorgeous shall we?

Standard Disclaimers Apply

One Night in Vegas

Chapter Twenty

Edward's Point of View

I glanced at Bella from across the room with a smile on my lips. She held her nephew, Everett, on her hip as she talked with her mother and step father Phil. I couldn't help but think she looked natural with a child on her hip and couldn't wait until it was our child that she held so dearly. "So, Edward, what are your intentions with my sister?" The sound of my name brought me back to reality; only to realize that I was now surrounded by a good part of Bella's family. I looked at Emmett, her brother-in-law, who had asked the question.

I smiled as he wrapped his arms around his wife and chanced a glance at my own wife only to realize she had moved on to converse else where. "My intentions?" I asked, meeting the other man's gaze. His brow rose as he waited for me to finish speaking. "I intend of worshiping her like the Goddess she is everyday for the rest of her life."

Emmett snorted, obviously not pleased by my reply, but his wife sucked in a deep breath; her eyes twinkling with awe. I could care less what he thought, or anyone else at that. I would care for Bella the best way I could, and if I thought she would allow it I'd spoil her to death. "Jackass Black said the same thing. I'm sure you know how well that went." He practically spat. Anger quickly engulfed me. I was nothing like Jacob Black and I refused to be compared as so.

"I am not Jacob Black." I spat back; my eyes narrowed. "I, for one, am a gentlemen. I know how a woman should be treated. Can you say the same for yourself?" Disbelief and rage flashed across his face and his wife giggled.

"You kind of asked for that." Rosalie said, suppressing another giggle. Emmett looked down and glared at his wife as if asking why he was siding with me over him. I took the opportunity to excuse myself and slipped away in hope of finding my wife. I noticed that Everett had been passed off to Renee who was now talking with my mother. I made my way over to the two and placed my hand on my mother's shoulder. She stopped talking a moment and looked up at me; smiling.

"Sorry to interrupt." I said softly. "I was just wondering if any of you lovely ladies knew where my wife had disappeared to?" Renee smiled; her entire face lighting up.

"She went into the kitchen to see how Alice was doing with dinner."

I nodded and thanked her; apologizing once more for interrupting before making my leave. I headed for the kitchen waving at Jasper before walking in. I inhaled deeply as my nose was assaulted with the most wonderful scent. "Smiles great." I said and Alice looked up from what she was stirring in the pot before her. She smiled up at me, but I couldn't stop the frown that found my lips as I realized Bella wasn't in here either.

Alice laughed. "Are you sure?" She asked; raising a brow. "Most people don't frown when they are complimenting. If you don't like lasagna I can always make you something else. It won't hurt my feelings none. "

I chuckled softly and shook my head. "No, I love lasagna. I was just told Bella was here, but obviously she is not."

Alice smiled and placed the spoon she was using down on the stove top. "She went outside for some fresh air with Charlie. They are both feeling overwhelmed with the amount of people in the house." I watched as Alice gracefully crossed the room and grabbed me by the arm. "This way." I followed along as she pulled me toward the back door that lead to our backyard. "So, you have really loved Bella all these years, haven't you? Since high school."

I nodded as she released my arm and I reached for the door. "Always have and always will." Alice's smile brighten a moment, but as quickly as it came it was gone. I released the door as she began chewing on her lower lip. "Are you alright?"

She nodded and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry...about high school." She said softly. "I was just as bad as Jacob back then. And I'm so sorry." I stared down at her a moment in disbelief. Was that really upsetting her? What had happened so long ago? I had long and forgotten all o that, at least for the most part. High schoolers were ruthless and they would always be that way. I smiled; hopefully reassuringly and moved to pull her into a light hug.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not the type to hold a grudge." I heard her laugh softly as she wrapped her arms around me; returning the hug. "Well, unless you're Jacob Black. Even being the nice man I'd like to believe I am I don't think I could ever forgive him, but not for the torment he caused me in high school but for what he did to Bella."

Alice released me and looked at me; tears forming in her eyes. Oh god! I've never been good with a woman in tears and I'm sure my horror showed on my face because Alice laughed a little and wiped her eyes. "I'll never forgive him either. I've never seen Bella so broken in my life and for awhile I was scared for her. You've been great for her."

"I hope to be that and more." I said softly. Alice nodded and took a step back

"Go and get Bella." She said softly. "I need to go finish cooking." I nodded once again taking a hold of the door knob. I watched as she made her way back to the stove and I opened the door.

"Thank you Alice." With that said I made my way out the door; closing it behind me. I took a few steps out in the yard and smiled. Bella was sat on the other side of the patio with her head rested on her father's shoulder and his arm wrapped around her waist; holding her close. I took a step forward noticing that they didn't appear to talking. "Bella?"

Charlie turned his head at the sound of my voice and lifted his free hand to press a single finger against his lip. "She's been sleeping for about ten minutes." He said softly. I nodded and crossed the patio and knelled down in front of her. Her lips were parted slightly and her breathing was soft. She looked like the angel she was.

"I'll take her." I said softly; reaching out to pull my wife lightly into my arms. Charlie urged her forward slowly until I had her firmly in my arms; holding her bridal style. Her head lulled against my shoulder and she sighed; her warm breath tickling my neck. "Thank you." Charlie smiled and nodded and got up as well.

"Might as well head back in too. Not that anyone has noticed I was gone." He said with a light chuckle. "Not that I'm complaining. Too much going on in that house." I chuckled softly; allowing him to get ahead of me to open the door.

Alice looked up as we entered the kitchen and concern instantly took over her features at the sight of Bella in my arms. "She's fine. Just exhausted." I said before she could verbally voice her concerns. She smiled and gave me a knowing look and if Bella hadn't been in my arms I would have held up my hands in surrender; though, I had no doubt part of it was my fault. "It's not what you think."

Charlie snorted as he made his way around me and headed out of the kitchen. No doubt not wanting to be apart of the conversation about his youngest daughter's married life. "You should be ashamed of yourself Cullen." She said; pointing a blaming finger at me. I snorted and rolled my eyes and headed for the exit. "Later." She said with a soft laugh.

A million explanations later and two mothers at my heel I finally made it up to our room. My mother jumped in front of me and pulled down the sheets. "Lay her down sweetheart." I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"I've got it mom." She mocked me; rolling her eyes. "Seriously."

"I'm sure you do." She said with a sigh; her eyes meeting Renee's. "Children. They grow up and suddenly we aren't needed anymore." Renee nodded in agreement and I couldn't held but roll my eyes again. Gently I laid Bella down on the bed and pulled the covers up to her chin. A heavy sigh escaped her lips and she rolled on to her side; facing away from us.

***

I helped Alice clear the dinner table and bring the dishes into the kitchen. "Thanks Alice." I said softly; placing what I had in my hand and placing it in the sink before reaching to take what she had. "Dinner was amazing." I said told her again as I turned on the water. She smiled and grabbed the dish towel.

"And again I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Edward."

We both turned as Jasper entered the room; Bella groggily walking in behind him. "I'll help Alice with the dishes." He offered and I nodded my thanks; taking a step forward. Bella met me halfway and wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her face into my chest with a sigh. I wrapped my arms around her tightly; pressing my lips to her head.

"Are you hungry?" I asked softly; trailing my hands up and down her back slowly. "We saved you a piece of lasagna." I felt Bella shake her head. "You haven't eaten anything all day." Bella lifted her head and looked up into my eyes and I frowned. She was paler than usual and her cheeks were flushed and I wasn't sure it was from sleep. I lifted my hands and cupped her face in my hands before pressing my forehead to her's and cursed under my breath. "Jesus Bells you're burning up!"

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-Anna.