Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. I do own this plot and storyline. I own my own original characters and a sweet little Chromebook I just love. 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 franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 11: Good Company and Makin' Friends

Edwards POV

After a quick shower and getting dressed, I head downstairs to find Sarah and my mother in the kitchen drinking a glass of wine and laughing. Once she spots me in the doorway, she smiles. "There's my boy. Come sit down with us. You want a glass?" she asks gesturing to the bottle of wine on the counter.

"Sure. Thanks, mom," I reply.

As everyone else starts making their way down, the three of us head into the dining room, which is almost as large as my restaurant. My mouth is instantly watering from the smell permeating around the room. It's garlicky, rich and wonderful. I stop to take it all in with a deep breath; savoring each flavor as they envelop my senses.

Even though there are about twenty bodies to feed, I can easily tell that this meal is not something just thrown together. This meal is intricate, made with love and for family. The atmosphere reflects that as well; it is inviting and warm. There are two long tables that seat ten at each one, plus another long table against the wall where all the food is set up. I also notice that there is additional seating around the bar. Based on the set up, and the number of people, it looks like we are going to be eating buffet style tonight.

Everyone works through the food line, makes their plates and then finds a seat. No one starts to eat until Bella finally sits down, after making a plate for herself as well as Cassie. Once she does, the room goes eerily silent and Billy stands and bows his head to say grace. As he does, I feel another piece of my heart start to heal.

"For the bounty laid before us, may the Lord make us thankful, and ever mindful of the needs of others, Amen." he prays as everyone whispers, "Amen."

It is then, that we start to eat. The room fills with various conversations almost instantaneously. It is loud, but you can feel the love in this room. I catch my father's eye, and he just nods his head. I know he can feel it to. I take the time to glance around the room, watching people interact with each other. We may not have been here long, but it is easy to see the friendships that have been forged within mere hours of knowing each other. I notice that Rose is seated next to Cassie and interacting with her. They are not speaking a word to each other, but the little girl would just look at Rose and smile before eating again. It looks like Rose has a new friend.

The topics of conversations I hear around the tables are all over the place. Jacob's listening to my father telling stories about the things Billy, Charlie and he did during my dad's summers here during college. Billy is seated next to them, but shaking his head with every detail that is shared. Tyler and Eric are in the process of sharing some of the crazier things that they have done on the ranch and in turn, Emmett is reliving some of his memories with the Seahawks. I can tell Bella is just taking it all in, too. I catch her eye and she smiles at me while a light blush tints her cheeks.

I really wish I could read her mind.

Suddenly, she whips her head around to the table next to ours with a stern tone she exclaims, "Jacob William Black, don't cha dare continue or so help me I'll make you clean all the barns, every day an' by yourself, for the next two months!"

Jacob's eyes widen as Emmett and Jasper egg him on to continue. Everyone is quiet after her outburst, waiting to see if Jacob is going to continue. We just all look between the two, when Billy finally breaks the silence. "Jake, don't make me tell everyone why Leah made you sleep in the bunkhouse the week after 4th of July last year."

Well, if Bella's laugh and Jacob's pale face is any indication, I don't think he is going to continue telling that story. The rest of the room chuckles at Jake's expense and finishes up their dinner.

Rose and Alice stand up and start taking dishes into the kitchen and I rise to help them. I notice Jessica whispering to Bella, and then Jessica takes Cassie by the hand and leads her from the table. I assume that it is time to get her ready for bed. Everyone else brings their plates into the kitchen and my mother and Sarah start washing the dishes shooing us out of the way.

Bella, Billy and my father stay seated, talking quietly amongst themselves. As I walk past them, I overhear Bella tell Billy that she would like him and Sarah to stay after Sunday dinner. They agree and Bella rises from the table.

"I need to get Cassie to sleep," Bella announces before leaving. "I'll see everyone at seven o'clock in the mornin' at the pavilion." A round of 'Yes, Ma'am's is heard from around the room.

After everything is cleaned up, the ranch staff heads out to their cabins for the evening, and my family heads upstairs to get ready for bed. My father reminds us to be up and on time in the morning before he and my mother go to their room. After their door closes, Rose motions for us all to follow her into the room that she shares with Emmett, and shuts the door.

When she turns around, she has the biggest smile on her face and exclaims in a loud whisper, "This has to be the most rewarding day I have had in a long time!" She flops down on the bed as she continues. "I don't know about you guys, but this feels like home. Well, anywhere Emmett and you guys are, is home. But after spending time with Bella, and learning about all the things she does for these children and their families...I am just speechless," she states with tears in her eyes and we all look around the room stunned.

Rose is never one to hand out compliments, so for her to say all that, I know that her time today has had a positive effect on her. "After hearing everything that Carlisle told us about what she has been through, not to mention that she was wealthy, I was expecting..."

"Someone bitter? Snobby?" Alice cut in.

"Yeah. But, she is so down to earth and just all around grateful for what she has." Rose takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "She wants to help the less fortunate. And the love that she has for her daughter is just the purest that I have ever seen!"

"Well, I think she is beautiful on the inside, as well as the outside. I can't wait to get to know her better," I say quietly, but I know that they all hear me. As I look up, everyone is staring at me, "What? It's true."

Before Emmett can say something stupid, Jasper cuts him off, "Well, I think we need to get some sleep because tomorrow is going to be a long day." Everyone nods their head in understanding and as we start to make our way out of the room, I mouth a 'thank you' to him.

We all head to our rooms to get some sleep.

I change for bed and set my phone alarm for six. This will give me time to wake up and take my shower. I know that if the time difference doesn't kick my ass, then the jet lag will.

Tomorrow is going to be an experience I will never forget.