Happy New Year! We hope you all made it through the holidays and are ready to face 2013. Pretty sure most of you will recognize the song we chose for this chapter. It just has a happy feel for their date, don't you think? "Northern Lights" by Cider Sky www*youtube*com/watch?v=GY1GhBB4dcY

Pic Tease: i49*tinypic*com/2w2h56c*jpg

Thank you to karenec, LJSummers, AshesAshes, and jakeward for sprinkling your magic fairy dust over this chapter.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Growth

After the pie-making disaster, I resolved to make more of an effort with Edward. We had spent the afternoon together at my place. Instead of going out to lunch, we ordered Thai food for delivery and Edward worked via mobile rest of the day. We spent a good portion of the day in bed, and by the time Edward left that evening, I felt thoroughly and completely calm. We'd even managed to make a semi-presentable pie together. It wasn't the prettiest pie ever, but it tasted great and I felt a glow of accomplishment that we'd succeeded.

While I was debating asking him to stay, he'd already made plans for that night, so I reluctantly kissed him goodbye at my door. The rest of the weekend passed slowly, but I'd actually found it quite relaxing. I'd spent some time reading a book and even managed to sleep in a little bit on Saturday. Edward was busy, but we texted a few times throughout the weekend.

I felt rested and refreshed when I went into work on Monday. Charlie beamed at me when he saw me.

"You look great," he said. "How was your weekend?"

"It was really good," I said honestly. "You were right, I needed some down time."

"Wonderful. I was just dropping by to fill you in on a few things then I'm headed out to the golf course. Aro is meeting me there."

Charlie and I spent an hour or so going over cases. I hugged him goodbye when he left. "Have a great day with Aro; tell him I said hi."

"I will. Keep taking care of yourself, Bella," he said.

"Thanks."

I caught up on emails and phone calls that morning, and after I'd finished my lunch I called Edward. I tossed my salad container in the trash as I waited for him to pick up his cell phone.

"Hello?" he answered, sounding distracted.

"Hey, Edward."

"Bella."

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" I asked.

"Kind of, I have a meeting in about fifteen minutes. I am glad you called though."

"I'll make it quick then, do you want to do something tonight?" I asked.

"Sure. What were you thinking?"

"A movie, maybe? I mean, if you're into movies."

He chuckled. "Yeah, I am. I don't get out to the movies often though, so this will be nice."

"Great, let's meet at my place at seven then. We could do dinner before the movie, if you'd like."

"That sounds great," he said warmly. "I'm really looking forward to it. Want me to figure out a place for dinner?"

"I'll take care of it," I offered. "See you at seven."

"Have a good rest of the day."

"Thanks, you too, Edward."

After I hung up, I took a few minutes to look for a restaurant. The theater was in walking distance of my apartment and I found a restaurant on the way. Grateful for the option to make a reservation online, I quickly did and then set an alarm on my phone to remind me when I needed to head home.

I spent the rest of the day immersed in countless phone calls for the Walker case. Three hours later, I finally felt like I had something concrete. I conferred with Patrick and Alyssa about their cases and at quarter to six, there was a quiet knock on my door and Vanessa peered her head in. "I'm headed out. Want to do something tonight?"

I shook my head and began to pack up my things. "I have plans tonight."

"With Edward?" She grinned and gave me a wink.

"Yes. What are you doing tonight?"

"Going to a bar. I met a guy there last weekend as he was leaving with some friends. But he slipped me his card and said he'd be back tonight at nine if I was interested. I figured I'd show up at ten and if he's still there waiting I'll give him a shot. He was really hot."

I laughed and shook my head at her constant games with men. "What's his name? Or should I even bother to care since you'll be done with him after tonight?"

"Ouch, you make me sound like a man-eater. His name is Afton," she said with a knowing smirk.

"Hmm, interesting name."

"Afton Sinclaire, I think." I could hear the question in her voice.

I snorted and finished packing my bag. "Sounds pretentious."

"So? I'm going to fuck him, not marry him."

"True. Well, have fun with that."

I shut down my computer and put on my coat while Vanessa waited for me. "Oh I will," she assured me. "Sadly, last weekend's guy was kind of a dud, so I'm hopeful this one will be better."

The office was nearly deserted except for a light on in one of the conference rooms where Tom and John were meeting with Alec. Several paralegals sat around a large table covered in stacks of books and legal pads. Sue was setting out takeout containers on the other end of the table, and I could hear Alec loudly disagreeing with Tom about something. "Big criminal case coming up?" I asked Vanessa. She nodded.

"Huge. Have you seen the one on the news about the guy who strangled his wife?"

I nodded, raising an eyebrow at her in surprise. "We're taking on that case?" I asked, pushing the down button for the elevator.

"Alec is." She pursed her lips in annoyance. "Honestly, I'm glad it's not my case. I think the guy is shady as hell and I wouldn't want to represent him."

I sighed. "I guess it's Alec's prerogative, but I dislike him taking cases like this. He's not a bad lawyer, but I'd be a lot more confident if someone else was heading it. It's such a high profile case and if we lose, it could really put the firm in a bad light. I hope he knows what he's doing."

"I do, too," Vanessa admitted. "I don't like putting the firm in jeopardy any more than you do, Bella."

"I miss Aro."

"Yeah, me, too. I think he's coming in sometime this week," she said.

"Good. I haven't seen him in a while."

We chatted about inconsequential things on the elevator ride downstairs and I said goodbye at the door. "Have a great night, Ness!"

"You, too, Bella. Enjoy Edward."

I waved goodbye before heading outside while she went to the parking ramp to collect her car. I walked home quickly, debating what to wear tonight.

When I got in my apartment, I quickly changed into a pleated cotton twill skirt, a summery floral print shirt and coordinating cardigan. I took a few moments to pick out a necklace and pair of earrings, along with a pretty cluster ring made up of pale pink stones. I touched up my makeup and smoothed my hair before slipping into cork wedge heels. I took a quick glance in the mirror at my outfit, eyeing myself critically. I was pleased.

I was switching my phone and wallet from my briefcase to my purse when I heard a quiet knock on the door. I opened it to see Edward smiling at me. He was dressed in dark grey pants and a lighter pearl grey button down with the sleeves rolled up.

"Hi," I said, my voice coming out a little more breathless than I intended when I saw him.

"Hi." He leaned down and gave me a slow, lingering kiss. "How was your day?"

"It was good. How was yours?"

"Busy. Exhausting actually."

"We could stay in, if you'd rather," I offered, but he shook his head.

"No, I'm looking forward to going out."

I grabbed my purse, taking the arm he offered me after I closed and locked the door behind us. "So, I made reservations at Oola's. It's on the way and I've been there once before and enjoyed the food."

"Sounds good. I've heard of it, but never eaten there."

I waved at Jacob and Seth who were talking quietly at the desk as we made our way through the lobby. On the short walk to the restaurant, I asked Edward about his day.

He sighed. "Well, I'm dealing with some bullshit at work. I'm having a bit of a disagreement with one of the other curators."

"I'm sorry," I said, knowing all too well what it was like to have issues with a difficult co-worker.

He shrugged, letting out another long sigh. "It'll all blow over eventually. I just need to put it from my mind and enjoy tonight with you. I've been looking forward to this all day."

"Me, too," I said sincerely. "Vanessa asked me if I wanted to go out tonight and honestly, I was glad to be able to turn her down. This sounded so much better than going to a club with her and watching her pick up guys."

He chuckled. "I'm glad I'm at least a step above that."

"You're many steps above that," I reassured him. He smiled down at me, his eyes soft and warm.

"I'm really glad to hear that." I squeezed his bicep where I had been holding on to him.

"When was the last time you saw a movie?" he asked.

"A year and a half ago? No, maybe longer than that. I'm not even sure. Work keeps me too busy. You?"

"It hasn't been quite that long for me. Maybe six months. But I do enjoy it."

"Oh I do, too. Did you have something in mind for tonight?"

"I don't even know what's playing," he admitted, holding the door to the restaurant open as we reached it. I gave my name to the hostess who led us to a table and seated us promptly. It was a fairly small restaurant, long and narrow with booths lining the back, with one long brick sidewall. The other side was the bar area and the floors were a rustic looking concrete which contrasted nicely with the velvet upholstered chairs and bench backs. There were gauzy curtains hanging from the gold wallpapered ceiling and a blue glass partition on the upper level. It was stylish without being too trendy and I'd really enjoyed the food every time I'd eaten there.

We both ordered drinks, and Edward ordered the cheese plate for us to share as we each picked out our entrees.

"Do you want to figure out what movie to go to?" he asked, pulling out his phone once the waitress brought our drinks and appetizer. I took an appreciative sip of the Watermelon Cosmopolitan the restaurant was well known for and nodded at him.

We discussed several options before deciding on a psychological thriller that had just come out. There were a number of different show times over the next few hours so I was confident we could make it to one of them.

"Let's just head over after we finish dinner," I suggested. "We can go to whatever showing is next. That way we don't have to feel like we need to rush dinner."

"Sounds good." Edward said. We settled into a conversation about some of the events happening in San Francisco over the next few weeks as we sipped our drinks and ate the appetizer.

"I'm sorry we missed the Food and Wine Festival at the end of July," Edward said. "I didn't realize it was going on. I would have loved to have taken you."

"I've never gone," I said. "That would have been wonderful though." We exchanged smiles and he reached out to brush his fingers across the back of my hand.

"I've gone a couple of times, but not in a few years," Edward replied. "It's always packed, and it can get a little overwhelming, but it was worth it. There's just so much to see. One year, I went two days in a row just to be able to try everything they had to offer. Which was a step up from the time I tried to fit it all into one day and I was sick to my stomach by the time I was done."

I chuckled, imagining Edward staggering home, slightly drunk and overfed.

"You poor dear," I said and he shot me a look, knowing very well that I was teasing him.

"I don't think I'll be doing that again," he said dryly.

I had just opened my mouth to speak when the waitress brought over our entrees. We both thanked her and were quiet for a few minutes while we enjoyed our dinners.

"I was thinking maybe we could go check out some of the festivals coming up in the next few weeks," I offered and Edward looked up at me in surprise. I winced when I realized it was the first time I had really made plans with him for anything more than a few days away.

"That would be great," he said. "Just let me know when you want to go. I know your schedule is a little less flexible than mine."

"I will," I promised him. "Things are getting down to the wire with one of my cases. We go to court soon, but I should at least have a weekend afternoon off.

"If we can make it, I'd like to go to The Nihonmachi Street Fair," I suggested. It was usually packed with musical, cultural entertainment, and unique Asian American arts. I had a feeling Edward would love it.

"That sounds great," Edward said smiling at me. "I went a while ago and really enjoyed it."

"I'm looking forward to it."

He told me stories about going to a couple of San Francisco events with his family and I listened attentively. They sounded so close and in a way, I was envious of his relationship with Alice and her husband, Jasper—not to mention the one he had with his parents. I loved Charlie, but the older I got and the more my mother and I drifted apart, the more I wished for a large, close family.

After the waitress came to clear our empty plates, Edward asked, "So, what sounds good for dessert?"

I took a moment to look over the menu. "Is bread pudding okay with you?" I asked.

"Absolutely."

When the waitress returned he ordered the dessert and two cappuccinos. "You assumed I wanted coffee, huh?"

He grimaced. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to be presumptuous."

I shook my head and laughed, reaching forward to take his hand and reassure him. "It's fine, Edward, I'm just teasing you. I would have ordered it myself if you hadn't."

His tense shoulders lowered. "Good."

"I'm sorry I've made you feel like you need to walk on eggshells with me. You shouldn't have to do that." I ran my thumb across the bare skin of his inner wrist, feeling his pulse flutter under the skin.

"Bella, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this work." He covered my hand with his other one, trapping mine between his hands. They were warm as they covered mine; it made me feel small and safe.

"I sincerely appreciate it." I looked down at the table. "You deserve better than the way I've treated you."

"I won't lie to you and say that it's been easy. But every evening like this makes it worthwhile. I like you very much, Bella." I looked up to meet his eyes. They were sincere, steady as they met mine. "I find you fascinating to talk to and when we're both able to relax and enjoy our time together, it's always good. I know miracles won't happen overnight. If we keep doing what we're doing right now, we'll be fine. I won't push you into anything you don't want."

"Thanks . . ." I said, blinking back tears. I didn't want the mood of the evening to turn heavy so I just left it at that.

Edward leaned forward like he was going to kiss me, but the waitress arrived with our desserts. We both sat back as she placed our coffees in front of us, and then put the dessert on the table. I welcomed the interruption.

"And here is your vanilla Frangelico brioche bread pudding with fresh raspberries and whipped crème frâiche. Please, let me know if there is anything else I can get for you."

We thanked her and Edward handed me a fork. I took the first bite, moaning quietly at the taste. "This is so good," I said.

He grinned at me, clearly pleased that I was enjoying it. We both spoke very little while we devoured our dessert. When there was one bite left on the plate, he pushed it toward me. "Go for it."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. Watching you enjoy it is even better than enjoying it myself." He grinned at me; his eyes sparkling.

"I feel greedy, but this is too good to turn down," I admitted, polishing off the last bite. His eyes lingered as I licked my lips after.

Once we paid for dinner, he escorted me out of the restaurant, his hand resting on my lower back as we walked to the theater. The sun was setting and the sky was lit in shades of red-gold, fading up to a lighter apricot, blending with the dark bluish black toward the East.

"I always wish I was an artist when I see a sunset like this," I said wistfully.

"It is beautiful," Edward said. "I'd like to find a large format photograph of the city at sunset to put in my office."

"Your office at work, or home?"

"Home. I'd hang it right over my desk, I think."

"It would look gorgeous in your bedroom," I said. "It would pick up the rust color of your sheets."

"Hmm," Edward mused. "You're right. You might give my mother and sister a run for their money. You have a very good eye."

"I know what I like," I said. "I don't think I'd be nearly as good at picking something out for someone with vastly different taste."

"There is an art to that," Edward admitted.

For a few minutes we walked in silence, enjoying the sight of the city at sunset. Edward's hand dropped from my lower back to reach for my hand and I took it without hesitation. The look he gave me was one of relief and gratitude.

I had meant what I'd said at dinner. I hated the times I had been thoughtless and unintentionally cruel toward him. Edward was too good of a person, too good to me, to treat so carelessly. I hoped I could make it up to him. I wondered what he saw in my eyes when I looked at him. I wondered if he saw how sincere I was, how much I really was trying with him.

A large group of noisy drunks passed by us and Edward steered me to the side, turning his body to shield me as they shouldered their way past us. I was a woman used to walking alone in a large city, and yet Edward somehow managed to be solicitous and caring without acting like I was incapable of taking care of myself.

I squeezed his hand and moved a bit closer, walking close enough that our arms brushed together. The silence between us was comfortable. We never had a lack of things to say but sometimes it was nice to be silent and not feel the need for mindless chatter.

The theater was on our right as we turned the corner onto Van Ness Avenue. It was a seven-story multi-plex. I had been there once or twice. We entered the theater on the first floor and wandered around for a few minutes trying to find the ticket counter. The facility was packed with meeting halls and art. There were sculptures and paintings on display and Edward and I both found ourselves distracted with different pieces. We slowly wandered through the displays, the movie all but forgotten.

"Look at this one, Edward," I said tugging on his hand. He tore his eyes away from the piece he was looking at and stepped closer to me, his other hand coming to rest on my hip, his chin on the top of my head.

"Oh, I like that," he said. "That's…very striking."

It was a bronze sculpture made of twisting, twining spirals that drew your eye around the piece in a fluid sweep of metal. We spent a few minutes just staring at it before Edward commented.

"I have the hardest time not wanting to touch pieces like this."

"Mmm, me, too. You should see me in the sculpture rooms at museums. There's always a guard glaring at me when I get too close."

He chuckled and kissed my temple. "I think that means we should buy pieces like this, so no one can lecture us about it."

I laughed and we continued on our way, working our way through the art on display. After a while, Edward stopped and pulled out his phone. "I think we might have missed the showing for our movie," he said.

"Really? Oops. What time is it?"

"Well, it's just a few minutes before nine. So we missed the eight thirty. Hmm, there's another showing at nine twenty though, we can head to that one."

"Okay," I agreed. "I think we need to go up a floor to find the actual theater."

We found an escalator taking us up to the second floor and a number of kiosks where you could print out tickets that you'd purchased online, but there was nowhere to actually buy them. We also found a beautiful garden area with a fountain and statues, but no theater. The corridors were very dark despite the plain white walls and there didn't seem to be signs anywhere. We both grew more and more perplexed as we continued on. Edward finally spotted a door he thought might lead us to the theater area, but instead it led outside. We stood on the street, completely bewildered by how we'd ended up there.

"Hmm," Edward mused. "There must be a street entrance on the first and second floors. I guess this is what we get living in a city as hilly as San Francisco."

We turned around to go back inside but it was locked. We both burst into laughter and walked down the sidewalk back to the entrance we'd come in before. We entered on the first floor and went up to the second again, but got lost in the labyrinth of unmarked corridors. This time when we went through a door and ended up on the street again, Edward held the door before it could slam shut behind us.

"Well, we have two choices," he said, frowning. "We can head back inside, and hope we can find someone to ask, buy tickets, and get into the theater before our movie starts, or we can do something else tonight. I'm really sorry, Bella, I know you wanted to see a movie."

I shrugged. "It's not a big deal, Edward. Honestly, I am having a great time tonight. It doesn't matter if we see a movie or not, I'm just enjoying my time with you."

His face softened and he let the door close behind him with a muted thud. He stepped closer to me, letting go of my hand to reach up and touch my face. "I'm having a good time with you, too. I just didn't want you to be disappointed."

I wondered if I really seemed that rigid and inflexible to Edward. Then again, he'd hardly seen me at my best. "It's absolutely fine if we miss the movie, Edward. We can go some other time; it really doesn't matter to me. Honestly, I don't think I've laughed so much in a really long time."

He chuckled. "That was pretty funny. I've never seen a place so badly labeled. And why didn't there seem to be a single person who works there?"

I shook my head, amused. "I have no idea. Next time we'll have to leave an hour earlier."

He pulled me into a hug and I wound my arms around him, liking the feel of his strong arms around me. "What would you like to do now?"

A part of me was tempted to suggest that we go back to my place, but the other part was really enjoying just being out with Edward. I wanted him, there was no question about that, but I didn't want what we had together to be completely about sex. "I don't know," I said. "Maybe we should just wander and see what we find. If we run across something we want to do we can always stop."

"I like that idea," he said, smiling down at me.

We headed back in the general direction of my place, but walked slowly, taking in the sights and sounds of the city around us. The sun had set completely and the lights of the city twinkled. There was a light breeze and a bit of fog was starting to roll in, but the temperature was still comfortable for walking. I felt myself relax, the stress of work and life melting away as I focused on Edward's hand in mine.

"San Francisco has such a unique feel," he said softly. "There's no other city like it in the world. I can't imagine ever wanting to leave here."

"I can't either," I agreed. "Stanford was amazing, and so was Georgetown, but apart from that, I've never wanted to live anywhere else."

"I could probably be persuaded to travel to Europe often though."

I grinned. "Me, too. But I don't think it would take much persuasion."

"So you wouldn't object if I took you to Paris for a week?"

"I would love to go to Paris for a week," I began. "But—"

Edward cut me off. "I'm not who you want to go with." He said it without malice or accusation but I winced at the tinge of hurt in his voice. I couldn't deny that I had always dreamed of being in Paris with Riley, but the thought of exploring the city with Edward was tantalizing. We could easily spend a week in the art museums alone—more than a week, really, months, maybe years.

"But I don't have a week to take off work," I finished. "I think a week in Paris with you would be incredible. I just don't have that kind of flexibility with my schedule right now. A day or two here and there is about all I can manage."

He nodded, the tightness in his face easing as he leaned over to kiss my temple. He didn't apologize for his assumption, and I didn't expect him to. "I guess I'll just have to see what incredible things I can find to show you here in San Francisco."

"I'm looking forward to it."

He stopped and kissed me, surprising me with his sudden ardor. His tongue was persuasive and insistent against my own and despite the fact that we were on the public sidewalk, I didn't hesitate to kiss him back.

When he pulled away, I took a moment to collect myself, my breath still coming hard and fast. "What was that for?" I asked, smiling up at him.

"I just wanted to kiss you," he said, tenderly stroking his thumb across my cheek.

"Okay." I suspected there was more to it than that, but he would tell me if he really wanted to. And I'd never complain about Edward wanting to kiss me.

We began to walk again and it wasn't long before we were back at my building. I greeted Jacob with a smile that he returned and we headed to the elevators. Edward walked me to my apartment door but stopped there and didn't follow me inside when I unlocked the door and went in. I turned to face him and he sighed. "I have a very early meeting tomorrow, so I think I better head home."

"That's too bad," I said gently. "But I understand."

He leaned down and kissed me, his hand cupping the back of my head, as he tasted my mouth slowly and thoroughly again.

"Tonight was wonderful; thank you," he said when he pulled away.

"I had a great time, too."

He rubbed his thumb across my cheekbone for a moment. "I felt like I was seeing the real you tonight. I love it when you're so happy and relaxed."

I nodded and swallowed past the tightness in my throat. "I'm trying."

"I know, I can tell. I'll be patient, Bella. For as long as you need."

I would have cried if I'd tried to speak, so instead I thanked him with a kiss. I kissed him deeply, desperately, trying to convey how he made me feel, even if I couldn't say it without dissolving into tears. Edward had already proven how patient he was willing to be. He was a good man and I was starting to realize that even though Edward said he wanted nothing in return from me, I was wanting to give him more and be more to him.

Our deep kisses turned to slower, teasing pecks and we finally pulled back a little. He was as aroused as I was, his eyes dark and intense.

"Would you like to do something with me tomorrow?" he asked after we took a moment to let our breathing slow.

I nodded, looking forward to spending more time with him. "What did you have in mind?" I asked breathlessly.

"We could go to the market and get ingredients to make dinner back at my place."

"That sounds nice. Where do you want to meet?"

"I can pick you up here."

"Okay."

With one last, slow lingering kiss, he said goodnight and I went inside. I went to bed, disappointed that Edward wasn't there to fall asleep beside me.

Aww, she misses him! Hope you enjoyed the chapter and thank you to all of you who shared your pie baking experiences and makeshift rolling pins with us. We'll see you next Thursday for chapter twenty-three. In the meantime, check out Discordia's new oneshot. It's called On the Stroke of Midnight and you can find it listed in her profile.

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