Thanks to SusanQ, 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. I'm always tinkering until right before posting and any mistakes are mine.

Trouble

"Kate."

As soon as the word left his mouth, my mind went in a thousand directions.

Why was she there?

Who invited her?

Was Edward going to be upset?

Was she going to ruin our reception?

I slowly took in the woman who had hurt my Edward. She was beautiful, which was as unsurprising as it was disheartening. Her blonde hair gleamed as brightly as her jewels. It was obvious from her glowing skin she was buffed and pampered as much as all the rest of the society princesses in my midst, but she also had a hardened quality about her. I couldn't quite pin it down…maybe just the calculating look in her cold blue eyes.

She had a few inches of height on me, but she was thin as a rail. I smiled thinking about how Edward usually salivated over my curves. The two of us couldn't have been more phenotypically different.

And from what I knew of her personality, we were likely worlds apart there as well.

I could totally kick her ass.

She gave me a full once-over of her own before turning her gaze to Edward.

"It's so good to see you again. We didn't get to spend nearly enough time together on the yacht last summer." She placed her hand on his arm, and I had to hold myself back from swatting it away.

Wait a second…yacht? Last summer?

I looked up at Edward's face when he jerked away from her touch. His jaw was clenched as he glared at her.

"What are you doing here?" His voice could have chilled an ice cube.

She laughed and waved her hand. "To celebrate your marriage, of course." She leaned in close and spoke soft enough for only Edward and me to hear. "Daddy said I just had to be here to see if it's really the big joke everyone thinks it is."

Okay, that was it. Those were fighting words.

I struggled against Edward's hold on me; I was ready to throw down.

It was go time.

They could call me Bella Clampett instead of Bella Cullen.

Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to knock her capped teeth down her throat. Esme stepped between us.

"Carlisle, can you please show Kate where she'll be seated this evening. It's almost time for dinner to be served." Esme's tone wasn't harsh, but it wasn't polite either.

Carlisle, on the other hand, seemed eager to please. "Absolutely." He took her arm, and they chatted happily as they walked away.

"There's a shocker," Edward muttered, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Esme turned toward him, an affectionate, yet reproachful smile on her face. "Let's all get along tonight, please honey."

I huffed and stared at her incredulously. She seemed taken aback by my expression, but I didn't feel like hiding my frustration.

"It's not his fault," I hissed. "Why was she invited in the first place?"

Esme's eyes widened, and her mouth gaped, and I couldn't understand why she looked so surprised by my question. Edward interrupted before she could respond.

"Mother, Bella and I will be there momentarily. Go ahead and sit down. We're going to talk for a couple minutes."

She nodded and walked away. Edward pulled me in the opposite direction to a nearby hallway.

I was fuming for so many reasons, not the least of which was I hated being blindsided like that.

As soon as we were alone, I turned to face him, brushing my fingers down his cheek.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

He backed me up until he had me pressed against the wall. He leaned in, our faces close together as his hands grabbed my hips.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm only sorry she's here and you had to be exposed to her shit."

"Why is she here in the first place? I don't understand why your parents would invite her."

He averted his eyes and blew out a breath. "Nobody knows." His words came out so low I barely heard them.

Nobody knows?

"What do you mean?" I placed my hands on his cheeks, making him look at me.

"I mean...you are the only person I've ever told the real reason I left California and moved back here. You're the only one that knows what really happened with her."

Despite everything, it made me feel good that I was the only person he'd trusted enough to tell.

"But why didn't you tell your family?"

His eyes glittered with anger. "It was fucking embarrassing. It's not like my father would have believed me anyway. He thinks the sun rises and sets out of her ass."

I shook my head. "I'm sure he would have believed you if you'd told him the truth. You are his son."

He let out a short laugh. "Yeah, well you don't know anything."

It was as if he slapped me. I tried to push him away, forbidding the tears which were welling in my eyes.

"You're right. I guess I don't know anything. I don't know why she's here. I don't know why you were on a yacht with her last summer. I don't know why you hate your father." I glared at him. "I guess she's right when she said this was all a joke."

"Fuck." He grabbed me before I could walk away, turning me to face him, and wrapping his arms around me. I gave up struggling when he rested his forehead on my shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"How did you mean it then?" I asked, whispering in his ear.

He squeezed me tighter. "The history with my father is long and complicated. I don't understand his disapproval of me, and I've lived with it my entire life. It's not surprising that you wouldn't have a clue either."

The tremble in his voice was a mixture of raw anger and frustration. He was just as irritated and confused as I was.

I sighed and put my arms around his waist. With a soft voice, I asked, "So what do your parents think happened with Kate? Obviously they would have noticed you two weren't together."

"I told them we ended things and didn't give any other details. My father was irate with me for years afterward, putting the blame on me. Ruining his image of our combined families was just another sin I'd committed against him. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of the truth. It would only make me seem weaker in his eyes."

"And what was that about a yacht?"

He groaned. "That was my father and Eleazar continuing their crusade to get us together. I think she married Jake as some form of rebellion, but when they divorced a few years later, she was back in her father's good graces. She came to me about three years ago, apologizing for what she did and begging me to take her back."

My stomach fell. Just the thought of Edward with that witch made me physically ill.

"And what did you do?" Even I heard the tremble in my voice.

He lifted his head from my shoulder and stared at me. "I told her to go to hell."

"But she still wants you."

He shrugged. "She only cares about herself. It doesn't matter to me because there is nothing in the world that would make me even look her way again. When I'm forced to attend a function and she happens to be there, I avoid her like the plague. I've become very good at it."

I smiled, even though the thought of her chasing him scared me a little. "And now you have me."

He leaned in and kissed me. "Yes, I do. If you'll keep me after knowing all this."

"I think I'll keep you, Mr. Cullen. I still think it's shitty she was invited to your wedding reception though."

"I imagine she invited herself. My mother wouldn't have asked her, although I wouldn't put it past my father."

I frowned and tightened my arms around him, wishing I could figure out a way to mend the discord of his relationship with Carlisle. It seemed to be such a heaviness on his heart.

"That's why she was so hateful to me in there. She wants to break us up."

He snorted. "Don't let anything that comes out of her mouth bother you. She's the joke, not us." He kissed along my jaw before whispering in my ear. "By the way, you fighting me to slug it out with her was hot."

I giggled while he nibbled my skin. "The night isn't over yet."

He pressed me into the wall again, his mouth suddenly on mine. His moan when my hands slipped down to his ass almost drowned out the loud throat clearing down the hall.

Almost.

Edward and I both turned our heads to find Emmett standing there with a sheepish grin.

"I thought I'd interrupt before this turned X-rated," he said. "Your absence in there is becoming conspicuous. Everything all right?"

Edward and I untangled ourselves, but he reached for my hand as he turned to me. "Ready for dinner?"

I nodded, and we followed Emmett back out to the ballroom. I was immensely grateful to find only friendly faces at our table.

I took the seat between Edward and Alice, smiling at Rose, Jasper, and Jasper's date as I got settled.

Alice grabbed my hand under the table and leaned over to whisper. "What's going on? Did something happen?"

I squeezed her hand. "It's fine. I promise."

She looked doubtful but let it go. Salads were served soon after, and I enjoyed the banter around the table. Jasper introduced me to his date, Maria, but she seemed bored throughout the meal and didn't engage much with anyone.

I almost felt bad for her since Jasper's attention seemed to be homed completely on Alice, who was heatedly debating global market strategies with him.

At one point during dinner, Edward chuckled in my ear. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" he asked, nodding toward Alice and Jasper.

"Maybe we should start a matchmaker agency," I mused with a laugh.

I was definitely going to be interrogating her later.

Following dessert, Edward pulled me out on the dance floor, holding me tight as we swayed to the music. I'd never been much for dancing, but I was willing to do most anything if it entailed being in his arms.

Esme approached us after a few songs, seemingly hesitant to interrupt. I felt bad because she probably thought I was mad at her.

"I wanted to apologize to you both if Kate being here made you uncomfortable."

I let go of Edward's hand and gave her a hug. "It's okay." I pulled away and placed her hand in Edward's. "Why don't you dance with your mother? I need to use the restroom."

They both gave me a smile, and my heart felt a little lighter. If I knew anything, it was how important family was. I had gone too long without my parents and knew I would give almost anything to have one more day with either of them. I was going to make it a mission to endear myself to the Cullens and maybe help rectify what Edward believed was broken along the way.

I made my way to the restroom, my thoughts centered on the events of the evening as I did my business and washed my hands. I was just finishing when the door opened and Kate walked in. My body instinctively braced as I waited for the inevitable attack.

"Well, well, well...if it isn't the little Missus."

I plastered a smile on my face. "Yes. And if it isn't the slutty ex."

She tried to remain nonchalant, but I didn't miss the flash of anger in her eyes. She moved to the sink beside me, turning to face the mirror and fluff her hair with her blood-red tipped claws.

"You know you don't really stand a chance, right?"

I rolled my eyes. "If you believe Edward would ever take you back, you are crazier than he already thinks you are."

She laughed and faced me. "Is that what he told you? You are such a naive child."

I wanted to rip every one of her blonde hairs from her head. "Well, I'm the one with the ring."

She scoffed and waved her hand. "Please. You are a passing phase just like all of the other women he's been with since me. I give it a month."

I gripped the edge of the counter, willing my body not to shake with the rage I was feeling. "Keep telling yourself that, Kate, if it makes you feel better. The fact you need to get through your head though is that even if Edward and I ever split, you would be the last woman on Earth he'd go to."

Her eyes narrowed as she moved closer. "I'm the only woman he's ever loved. The only one he'll ever love."

I literally felt the blood draining from my face from her words. Every insecurity I had regarding my relationship with Edward bubbled up inside me. After all, everything we had was based on a contract. It was quite possible he would never be capable of loving me.

Was she right?

Was she really the only one he'd ever love?

Did I ever stand a chance?

Whatever expression she saw from me made her smile triumphantly. My resolve was crumbling, and I wanted nothing more than to escape.

It was that moment the door opened again, and I breathed out in relief at the sight of Rosalie and Alice.

"Hey Bella, Edward sent us in to check on you," Rose said, giving Kate a look of disdain. She shrugged her shoulder at Kate. "Is she bothering you?"

I bit my lip and shook my head, calling up every last reserve of strength I had. I walked past Kate without another glance and stood beside my friends.

"I'm fine. She's not important."

From Kate's hiss behind me, I knew I got my point across. I held my head up, straightened my shoulders, and walked out flanked by my girls.

Alice wasn't going to leave without one more jab though.

"Come on. Edward said something about wanting to get you home immediately so he could get his hands under this dress."

As soon as we were out the door, Alice stopped and faced me. "I'm not sure what her deal is," she said. "But Edward really was worried and sent us in there to get you."

I turned my head and glanced down the hall. He was standing at the entryway, watching the three of us exit. He quickly made his way to me.

"Are you okay? Did she say anything to hurt you?"

I shrugged. "It's all good for now."

A loud crash from the restroom caught our attention, and Edward furrowed his brow before looking back at me. "What was that?"

Alice and Rose giggled behind me and I shrugged my shoulders. Maybe Kate was having an attack of some kind and trashing the bathroom. It didn't concern me.

I pulled on his hand, wanting to get away from the wicked witch. "Nothing to worry about. I'm ready to go home. How about you?"

He nodded and put his arm around my shoulders. "Yes. Let's get out of here."

After thanking a few people, Esme assured us she'd take care of the rest and we could take off.

I had a feeling I hadn't seen the last of Kate.

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

The days following the reception were mostly quiet. I had to admit I preferred the time not filled with drama, yet I couldn't shake the feeling it was only the calm before the storm.

Even though Edward had warned me not to take anything Kate said to heart, it was difficult to let all her words slide off me. In particular, her claim that Edward would never love me.

It made me uneasy because I already felt so invested in my relationship with him. I knew it was too late for me to turn off my feelings, and I also knew it would crush me if he blew them off or didn't return them.

It was a constant struggle in my head as I weighed the pros and cons of putting my heart on the line and telling him how I felt.

I woke up early on the morning of Edward's birthday, jumping in the shower and preparing his gifts for the day. I shaved, buffed, scented, and lotioned myself until my skin was silky smooth. I put on the cute bra and panty set I'd bought the day before, smiling because Edward would likely rip them off.

Edward was still asleep when I emerged from the bathroom, and I crept around quietly to load up the iPod deck with the special playlist I'd made.

I took a couple deep breaths, steeling my nerves for the performance I was about to give. Edward barely moved as I hit play and crawled up on the bed to stand over him.

My dancing and bouncing roused him eventually...well, either that or the inadvertent kick to his side. He opened his eyes, looking confused at first, but finally smiling up as I danced and sang.

"I'll be your baby...I'll be your score...I'll run the gun for you and so much more...I'll tumble for ya..."

He put his hands behind his head, grinning up at me. "Culture Club?"

I nodded and kept going, shaking my goods for him to enjoy. It was clear I would never have a future as an exotic dancer.

I didn't even make it to the end of the song before he pulled me down. I squealed when he flipped us over and pinned me beneath him.

"Baby, I have to tell you something." He kissed me and then gave me a serious look. "You have many talents...but singing is not one of them."

I laughed when he tickled my sides, making me squirm even more. He raised his eyebrow as Wake Me Up Before You Go Go came on next.

I sent him an innocent smile. "I picked out songs from your era."

"Oh, that's it." He tickled me mercilessly until tears were coming from my eyes.

He held me tight while we quieted down, the feel of his heart beating comforted me. After a few minutes of silence, I pulled his face to mine.

"Happy Birthday," I told him, our kisses starting soft and quickly turning heated.

I gripped his hair when he moaned in my mouth. His hands roamed, and I sighed when his kisses started trailing down my neck to my chest.

"Is this part of my present?" he asked, his fingers making a path over my bra.

I nodded. "Yes. I know you like red."

I thought the red with white polka dots was festive...almost patriotic. Maybe I'd break them out again on the Fourth of July.

He hummed. "I do." His lips moved across my skin, and my breath hitched. "But I like what's underneath even more."

I brushed my fingers through his hair. "That's yours too."

"I like hearing you say that." He kissed my stomach, slowly moving down.

"What?" My heart raced when he started tugging my panties off.

"That you're mine. Tell me again."

I moaned and bit my lip when he settled between my thighs. "I'm yours."

My hips bucked when he slid a finger inside me, and his hot breath hitting my sensitive skin made me shiver in a good way. I closed my eyes and tried not to whimper when his tongue joined in.

"You taste so good, baby."

It felt amazing, but I started to feel guilty. "It's your birthday. Shouldn't I be doing this to you?"

He chuckled. "Right now, I want this. We have all day though."

That was true. I wasn't going to argue.

I lifted my head in surprise when he suddenly stopped. He glared at the iPod before glancing back at me.

"I can't lick your pussy the way I want to with Rick Astley in my head. The only sounds I should hear are you moaning my name."

You can bet your ass I turned that music off immediately.

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

We spent the day in bed, just as Edward requested, taking breaks only for food. That evening I brought up a plate with a small cake on it.

"Make a wish," I told him as we sat facing each other on the bed.

He closed his eyes and blew out the candle. When he looked at me again, the words I wanted to tell him were on the tip of my tongue.

After we'd finished feeding each other bites of chocolate cake and kissing icing from each other's lips, he pulled me back down to the bed. We lie there facing one another for a moment until I thought I would burst from keeping my feelings inside.

"I have one more present for you," I said.

He smiled and waited for me to continue, linking our fingers together.

I took a deep breath, locked my eyes with his, and prayed I wouldn't soon be heartbroken.

Please let him love me back. Please let him love me back.

"I love you."

AN: Anybody else want to kill Kate? What will Edward say to Bella's declaration?

Thanks again for all the readers and reviews! It's been really fun hearing your thoughts on Bella, Edward, and their decisions. And a special thanks to Nic for picking out Bella's birthday present lingerie! LOL!

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

Find me on facebook at Twilover Seven-six

Find me on twitter at twilover76

Fic Recs:

Caught Looking by Marvar (LOVE this new story! It tugs at my science-loving heart)

Cracks in the Pavement by Vampshavelaws

In the Waves by Jadalulu

My Beautiful Storm by troublefollows1017

Also, if you haven't yet…make sure to read Unrequited by Perry Maxwell (it's almost complete and it's so very good) and Blind Spot by FictionFreak95 (just completed and it will make you want to read all her other stories)