Thanks to Nicffwhisperer, Kikki7, Vampshavelaws, Julie, KittyVuitton, Stephanie, Perry, Jaime, Nolebucgrl, and Sydney Alice for all of their help pre-reading/betaing and supporting my crazy ass. Special thanks to SusanQ who helps me out with my last-minute changes. I'm always tinkering until right before posting and any mistakes are mine.

A Celebration

The rest of the weekend went by quickly and drama-free.

Well…except for my mini-breakdown on Sunday morning.

I was jolted awake at five, despite only having slept a couple hours, and rushed to the bathroom. The tell-tale cramps in my abdomen meant only one thing.

I had gotten my period.

Even though I knew I was overreacting, I couldn't stop the tears from falling. It was stupid of me to think I would already be pregnant, but I still felt like somewhat of a failure because I wasn't.

Dumb.

I was being so dumb.

I half-sobbed and half-berated myself as I let the warm water of the shower flow over me. After drying off, I got dressed and passed by a still-snoring Edward as I went downstairs.

It was not even six when I put on a large pot of coffee and drank my first cup alone at the kitchen table. Hannah came in soon after, a look of surprise on her face.

She knew I wasn't exactly a morning person.

"Morning, Bella."

"Good morning." I fiddled with the paper I'd retrieved from the front entryway, pretending to complete the crossword puzzle.

I checked out the wedding announcement Edward had sent in, smiling at the picture of us taken at the Bellagio. We looked so happy staring at each other, almost like we really were in love.

I was thankful Hannah didn't question why I was up so early. She let me be and bustled around the kitchen. The familiar sounds and smells of her preparing breakfast were comforting and allowed me the opportunity to pull myself together before Edward saw me.

Not too much later he appeared, with tousled hair and dressed in a t-shirt and pajama pants. It made me smile since he preferred sleeping in nothing at all. He walked straight to me, his brow furrowed as he sat down.

"Everything okay?" he asked, taking a drink of the coffee Hannah placed in front of him.

I nodded. "Yeah, just couldn't sleep." I looked back down at the paper, biting the end of the pen I was holding.

He tipped my chin up so I would look at him. "What aren't you telling me?"

Damn, infuriating man could see right through me.

I looked around, noticing Hannah had conveniently disappeared. I sighed and met Edward's eyes again.

"It's really nothing. I'm not feeling the best." I paused and took a deep breath. "It's just cramps."

I watched his face closely, looking for any signs of disappointment.

He appeared more concerned than anything, until understanding dawned on him. I swore I could almost see the light bulb flash in his brain. He pulled his hand away from my face and glanced down at the table.

It was like being punched in the stomach.

I stood up quickly and went to fill my coffee cup. I couldn't stand to see his disappointment. He gave me so much and all he needed from me was one thing.

I had failed already.

I felt his presence behind me before his fingers brushed through my hair. My hands were fisted on the counter as I stared at the coffeepot and tried to calm myself.

"Hey." He rubbed up and down my arms, the tension slowly leaving my body. "You're upset about something. I know you are. Talk to me."

I shook my head. "You'll think I'm stupid."

"I'll never think you're stupid."

"I'm just moody and hormonal."

He chuckled and nibbled on my earlobe. "I like your hormones."

I let out a short laugh. He was actually making me feel better even if he didn't know it. Maybe I was projecting my feelings of inadequacy on him and imagining his disappointment.

I turned around to face him, gasping in surprise when his lips crashed down on mine. His demanding kisses sent shock waves through my body, almost making me forget everything I'd been worried about.

Eventually he pulled back, his breath hitting my face as his forehead pressed against mine. "I better stop or I'm going to throw you up on this counter and rip off your shorts."

"We'd make quite the mess," I agreed, enjoying his answering laughter.

We were both silent for a minute before he spoke again. "Bella, did you think I would be mad because you're not pregnant yet?"

My stomach twisted, but I had to be honest.

"Yes." I swallowed the lump in my throat.

He sighed and kissed me again. "I wish you would have talked to me. It would have saved you a lot of worrying. And I can tell this has been worrying you." He kissed the tip of my nose and then held my gaze. "Do I want you pregnant? Yes, of course. I can't wait for it to happen. But I didn't expect it overnight. It will happen when it happens. Now, if a year goes by and we're still having problems, then we'll figure out what to do next."

"We'll figure it out?"

"Yes." He kissed me hard again. "Yes, yes. We." Kiss. "You and me." Kiss. "Have I not been clear enough in telling you how much I want you? If I have to repeat it every day, I will."

It wasn't quite an expression of love, but I couldn't deny how much his words warmed my heart.

I didn't feel like I was on a high-wire without a net anymore. His promises of facing the future together, no matter what it entailed, was a relief so strong that the smile couldn't have been wiped from my face.

~~~*~~~NOP~~~*~~~

"We're going to go have some fun today," he said, placing a baseball cap on my head.

After our talk this morning, Edward had eaten his breakfast and disappeared upstairs. When I finally found him, he got all secretive on me. He was showered and dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, sporting a huge grin on his face.

"What's that look for?"

"We're going out." He kept messing with my cap until I batted his hands away and straightened it myself.

"Where are we going?"

He tapped the end of my nose with his finger. "It's a surprise." My mock glare only made him laugh. "Grab your sunglasses, pretty girl. I'm taking you for a ride."

I glanced down at my tank top and shorts. "Is this okay to wear or do I need to change?"

His hands moved down to my hips. "It's hot outside so this will be perfect." His fingers slid around to grip my bottom, and he leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Have I told you that you have the most gorgeous ass in the world?"

I laughed and pushed him away. "You are hornier than any teenager I've ever met."

"You love it," he said with a grin, taking my hand and leading me toward the front door.

I did love it, but he didn't need to know that.

His phone beeped and his smile widened. "Perfect timing."

I didn't even have time to ask what he was talking about because he swiftly pulled me outside. There was a shiny, silver convertible in front, and Edward caught the keys Felix tossed to him before opening the passenger door for me.

I sat down on the plush leather, looking over as Edward settled in the driver's seat. This would be the first time we weren't being chauffeured around.

"You're driving?"

He glanced over with a crooked grin, his eyes hidden behind his sunglasses. "Just us today. I wanted to introduce you to my other woman."

"What?" I shrieked, whipping off my sunglasses and glaring at him in disbelief. "Another woman?" I slapped his hand headed toward my thigh away. "I will cut your balls off if you have someone else."

His resounding laughter only pissed me off more. I was about to open the door and get out when he grabbed my arm.

"Wait," he said, talking between guffaws. "It's not what you think." He started massaging the dashboard, and I gave him the stink eye. "I was talking about Lola here."

"You named your car Lola?"

"Yes. And don't even joke about hurting my balls. I know you love them."

I shook my head. "Aside from your massive overestimation of my attraction to your glands, calling your car 'the other woman' is such a man thing to do." I sniffed and turned my nose up at him.

"This isn't just a car though. It's an Aston Martin."

"Sorry, I failed my class in automotive of the rich and famous, so that means nothing to me."

His hand clutched his chest in mock hurt, and a giggle escaped against my will.

"Well, let me put it in terms you will understand. This car is fuckawesome. And it's only the second time I've taken her out since I bought her."

"So I should feel privileged is what you're trying to say?" I rolled my eyes when he nodded vigorously.

We eventually pulled away, and I enjoyed the feel of the sun and air on my skin. Edward was quiet, but I glimpsed over to find a small smile on his face when he reached to hold my hand.

"Hey," he said, looking at me briefly before turning back to the road. "As much as I liked the jealous reaction, I want you to know I would never—ever—cheat on you."

I knew that deep down. To him that would be cardinal sin number one.

"I know." I squeezed his hand. I was curious about his romantic past outside of Kate though. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"There's no way you've been alone since…um…Kate. Have you had many other girlfriends?"

His mouth set in a grim line. "Do you really want to know? I won't lie to you."

That sounded ominous, but my curiosity won out. "Yes."

"I haven't been an angel." He sighed heavily. "There was a long time where I went through women like water. I never led anybody on. I told them up front not to expect anything from me. There would never be any attachment. Absolutely no strings. I'm not proud of it. I suppose that was my way of dealing with what happened."

I took in his words, my suspicions being confirmed. It hurt to think of him with others, but it wasn't like I hadn't expected it.

"But you gave me all the strings. Why did you change all of a sudden? Did you ever try anything like this with someone else?"

"You mean like our arrangement?"

"Yes."

"No. I tried giving a relationship a shot the last couple years with a few women." He paused and looked over at me. "I was lonely. But it never worked. Either they wanted more than I wanted to give them or I didn't trust their intentions. They weren't right for me. I guess I finally realized if I wanted someone long-term, I was going to have to dictate the terms."

"And you stumbled across me." I frowned as I thought about what he said. "It makes me sound extremely naïve and foolish."

He shook his head. "I wish you wouldn't think of it like that. I happen to think the day you first called me may have been the best day of my life."

The man could make my heart flutter when he wanted to.

"Really?"

He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. "I couldn't have created a more perfect woman for me than you."

My cheeks heated and my heart pounded. Even though I didn't have as much experience in sampling the different varieties of males out there, I felt in the pit of my stomach that Edward was perfect for me too.

I let those warm feelings flow through me as he smiled and kept our fingers linked together. When I finally started paying attention to our surroundings again, I noticed we were leaving Manhattan.

"Bronx?" I asked. "Where are you taking me?"

He chuckled. "We'll be there in a few minutes. It will be fun. I promise."

Soon enough, I realized where we were headed. He pulled up to a valet service next to Yankee Stadium.

"A baseball game?"

He nodded and grinned. "Do you like baseball?"

I shrugged. "I've never really seen a game. Maybe when I was really little with my dad."

"Well nothing beats a Yankee game. You'll see." He got out and handed the kid a wad of cash, promising a generous bonus if Lola was returned to him in its pristine condition.

I just shook my head.

Edward took my hand and led me in some VIP entrance. He chattered away about baseball history and it being the American pastime. There were people everywhere, and the stands were packed. Edward kept me tucked into his side while we maneuvered through the crowds and quickly made our way to seats in the front row right next to the Yankee dugout.

"Is it always this crowded?" I asked.

"Not always, but we're playing the Red Sox today."

I didn't know what that meant, but let him prattle on about divisions, rivalries, and general loathing of anything Bostonian. I was busy people watching, soaking up the bright sun, listening to the music, and enjoying the spectacular view of the field.

It was the very definition of summer.

When the players came out of their dugouts for the national anthem, Edward started pointing out who was who. I nodded and smiled at his grinning face even though I had no clue why he was so excited. It was enough for me to see him happy.

I had a basic understanding of the game, but actually got into it as it went on. It was easy to get carried away in the excitement of the crowd. Edward kept his arm around my shoulders the whole game except when we were busy sharing nachos, candy, or beer. I also noticed Edward and one of the Yankee players nodding and waving to each other every so often.

"Who is that you're gesturing to? He looks familiar. I think I've seen him on a commercial before."

He snorted and tightened his arm around me. "Derek Jeter. He's a buddy of mine, and he's probably trying to pick you up."

Not too long after, an usher delivered Edward a note as his friend stood in front of us warming up to bat. Edward read it and glared.

"Cocksucker," he mumbled, quickly scribbling something back and handing it to the usher again.

"What did it say?" I asked.

"He wanted your number." He turned toward me with a scowl, but he chuckled so I knew he wasn't really upset. "I told you."

I laughed at him. "I'm sure he was just fooling around with you. What did you write back to him?"

"I told him if he wanted to keep playing ball without two broken legs, he better keep his eyes off my wife."

I giggled and kissed his pouty mouth. The rest of the game was a blast, and even though I hadn't been to many sporting events—well, ever—I was more than willing to go to more now. Watching Edward having a good time was half the fun.

I even got a souvenir when Edward's friend tossed up a signed baseball. Edward had caught it in mid-air while I flailed like a moron and covered my face before it hit. He handed it over, me laughing and him groaning when I read what was written on the ball.

Congrats on the marriage, Mrs. Cullen. Let me know if you ever need tickets or anything.

After a ninth-inning home run securing the win for the Yankees, we headed back out of the Bronx. I didn't even mind the traffic as we made our way back to our borough.

What had started out as a bad day had turned into one of my best ever.

~~~*~~~NOP~~~*~~~

"How about this one?" Rose asked.

I scrunched my nose at the dress she was holding. It was Thursday already, and I had yet to find a gown for the Saturday reception.

"I think red is the wrong color. I'd rather stick with white, silver, or black."

Since our wedding announcement in the Sunday paper, I'd gotten quite a few calls from local media and gossip rags for interviews. They all wanted to know more about the young girl who "stole Edward's heart." Despite his advice I just ignore it all, I'd been tracking what they were all saying about me over the internet. It was weird seeing my name thrown around like that, but I was hesitating to actually talk to anyone.

Needless to say, I didn't want to fan any more flames by parading around in a flashy dress.

I wanted elegant and understated, and we found the perfect one at Dolce and Gabbana. It was sleek, off-white, and strapless. I knew it was perfect as soon as I put it on.

After putting the bags away in the car, Rose and I stopped for some lunch at a nearby café.

"Are you excited about the party?" she asked.

I shrugged. "I guess. Esme is excited enough for the both of us, but I'm a little nervous to be around all their friends."

During my lunch with Esme on Monday afternoon, she'd told me every single person she'd invited had accepted. Her enthusiasm was somewhat contagious, and I enjoyed myself as I listened to the arrangements she'd made. I was happy she'd insisted on taking care of everything.

One thing I'd learned about Esme Cullen was that she didn't like to take no for an answer. She could wheedle her way into anything. That's probably where Edward got it from. By the end of our tea, sipped from sterling silver, she'd gotten me to agree to help her with a charity function she was hosting in a month.

Our conversation never delved into areas too personal. I tried to broach the topic of Edward and his father, but she quickly changed the subject. It made me wonder if she preferred to keep things light or if Edward had requested beforehand for her not to pry. I supposed as time went on, Esme and I would get to know each other better. She was my mother-in-law after all. From what I'd learned so far, she was someone I admired. She was warm, kind, and loved her family more than anything.

"Have you seen the guest list? Is it the who's who of New York?" Rose asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I shook my head. "No. I wouldn't recognize any of them anyway. I only had two names to add to the list." I grinned and took a bite of my sandwich.

"Well, thanks for my invite. I'm actually going to go with Emmett." She ducked her head a little and gave me a shy smile.

"Oh really?" I chuckled at her. "I figured he would wear you down soon enough. So are you two an item?"

"I wouldn't say an item, but I guess I like him." She squirmed a little and took another bite of salad. "He's sent me flowers every day since we met."

"Sounds like he's trying to sweep you off your feet."

"Yeah. I've decided to give him a shot. We'll see how it goes."

"I think you two make a good couple. Maybe we can go out on some double dates sometime?"

She smiled and nodded. "Yeah, that would be fun. Hey, did you ever figure out what you're going to get Edward for his birthday?"

I sighed and threw my napkin on the table. His birthday was coming up next week, and he'd been no help at all when I asked him what he wanted. He said having me naked in his bed all day would be present enough.

Horny bastard.

"No. I still don't have a clue. What do you buy the man who already has everything?"

"Give him something that doesn't cost anything."

That was easier said than done. But her words stuck with me as I thought about what would be the best gift I could give him.

~~~*~~~NOP~~~*~~~

"Bella, come on. We're going to be late."

I checked myself one last time in the mirror, finally satisfied with my appearance. Rose, Alice, and I had been treated all day at a spa so I didn't have to worry about hair and makeup. Still, making sure my dress fit perfectly took some time.

"I'm coming," I said, walking out to find Edward waiting in the bedroom.

I licked my lips seeing him standing there in his tux. It was hands down the sexiest thing I'd ever seen.

"Do you like what you see, Mrs. Cullen?" He walked toward me with a smirk.

I nodded. "Yes, I have to admit I do. You clean up very well."

He laughed and leaned down to kiss me. "And let me say that you look amazing. But then again, you always do." He leaned back and pursed his lips. "Something's missing though." He whipped a large, black velvet case from behind his back.

I raised my eyebrow at him. "Are you seriously pulling a Richard Gere right now?"

He chuckled and opened it. "Yes. I have no originality, but I wanted you to have this."

I glanced down at the diamond and sapphire necklace. It was gorgeous and likely cost more than the entire town of Forks, and I smiled as he helped me put it on.

My fingers trailed over the sparkling jewels as I looked at myself in the mirror. I really did look like a princess.

"Thank you," I said, our eyes meeting in the mirror.

He kissed me softly below my ear. "Thank you for marrying me."

We eventually left the house and arrived at the Waldorf a few minutes later than we were expected. I didn't fret too much since we were supposed to be the last to arrive. Esme said all the guests would be there first so Carlisle could announce us properly.

We were escorted to a private area where Carlisle and Esme met us outside. She greeted me with a hug as soon as we approached.

"You look so beautiful, Bella."

"So do you."

She really did look spectacular in her black dress and her hair swept up. She scoffed at my compliments, blushing from the attention. It made me like her even more.

"Carlisle and I are going to walk in with you and Edward. Then Carlisle is going to give a little congratulatory speech. There will be a cocktail hour following where you can mingle with the guests. Then dinner will be served. After dinner there will dancing and more mingling."

I nodded at her instructions, and Edward kept a firm grasp around my waist while chuckling in my ear.

"Are Alice and Rosalie here?" I wanted to see at least a couple familiar faces.

Esme nodded. "Yes, they are both here. I met them and they are lovely. I have placed them both at your dinner table to ensure you are more comfortable."

I wanted to laugh at her proper language, but it didn't seem appropriate.

"Okay. Sounds good." I turned my face toward Edward. "I'm ready if you are."

I only thought I was ready.

When they opened the doors and we walked in, I gawked at the number of people and the lavish décor of the room. Edward and I followed Esme and Carlisle across a parquet marble floor to the front of the room. Surrounding it were dozens of tables, each adorned with white linens, elaborate flower arrangements in crystal vases, plus full place settings of china and silver. Each setting had place cards and beautifully wrapped gifts. There was an eight-piece orchestra arranged in the corner, ice sculptures atop bordering tables, and servers rotating around with hors d'oeuvres on gleaming silver trays.

I didn't even want to ask Esme how much they were doling out for this party.

Carlisle took the microphone and cleared his throat until all the guests were quiet. I felt my cheeks heat up as everyone turned their attention toward us, but Edward kept me anchored to him. I gave a small wave to Alice and Rose, who had both stepped up to the front to smile and greet us.

"Thank you everyone for coming this evening to celebrate the marriage of our son, Edward, to his bride, Bella. Esme and I are very pleased to welcome Bella to our family and are eager to present them to all of you, our dear friends and family. Please give your applause and congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen."

I flushed even more as the crowd cheered for us. Edward grabbed a glass of champagne for me as Esme began her introductions.

I'm not sure how many people I shook hands with. I lost count somewhere around fifty. But Edward never left my side. He kept a constant stream of conversation going with the guests in front of us and made my job much easier. He also kept checking with me every few minutes and asking if I was okay.

The fact that I was on his mind every minute—that he cared enough to ignore important people and make sure I was okay—it was obvious how much he cared.

Amidst the chaos, a bit of clarity came to me.

I loved him.

I really, truly loved him.

It was like I was hit with a lightning bolt as I glanced over to take in his confident and assured presence.

How had I gotten so lucky?

I thought about Rose's words of advice for a birthday gift and wondered if I already had the perfect present in my grasp.

I could tell him I loved him.

That moment was broken when his arm crushed me to his side and he spat a greeting toward the next guest in front of us.

"Kate."

AN: What did you think of Edward's assuring her at the beginning? Do you think Kate is going to cause trouble?

Thanks again for all the readers and reviews! It's been really fun hearing your thoughts on Bella, Edward, and their decisions.

I've gotten many PMs and questions about if I was posting this story anywhere else. If for some reason any of my fics disappear from here, you will be able to find them at AO3 (archiveofourown dot org)

I will also put pdfs on the NOP Facebook group page.

If you are on Facebook, come join the NOP group that the lovely Nicffwhisperer made! You can find it at www. / groups/ 461654163848405/ (just take out the spaces).

Find me on twitter at twilover76

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