***STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS TWILIGHT; WE OWN THIS STORY***

A/N: So a trip to Chicago….wonder if we'll see Victoria and her blue cock tongue ring? **snort** also, something really important is about to happen in this chapter….

EPOV

I had just buckled my seatbelt as the pilot announced we were about to taxi out for our flight to Chicago. Visions of the last time I was flying to that destination assaulted my memory. I remembered how I felt when I had to ask for a seatbelt extender that day. Now, I looked down and there was a lot of seatbelt leftover. I had been so embarrassed to have to purchase two seats on the plane. The irony of the situation hit me full force. Today, I was flying back to Chicago to model for photos that would be displayed in several gyms. I wasn't that person any more on the outside, but sometimes I couldn't help but feel like this was all a dream. I felt like I would wake up and still be fat, unattractive, 305 pound Edward Cullen. Then, I looked to my right at the beautiful brunette smiling back at me. I had done it for myself, sure; but I had also done it for her. This trip to Chicago was different. It was different because she was here. Bella was going with me this time.

"What's got you so sad looking Babe?" Bella reached over and took my hand in hers.

"Just remembering how I felt the last time I was on an airplane heading for Chicago." I leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

"Oh, yeah. That wasn't a good day. At all. But look how far you've come Edward? I'm so proud of you. Besides, I'm here this time. Neither of us has to be alone."

"I can't wait for you to meet Em and Rose. I know they are going to love you."

"I can't wait to meet them. I want to see where you lived for a year and a half. I want to know all about your life in Chicago."

Soon enough we landed at O'Hare Airport. Once I grabbed our bags I led Bella out to the front of the airport where we found an eager Emmett and Rosalie. As soon as they saw us, they both smiled widely and walked toward us.

"Ed-man! Lookin' great buddy! Welcome back to Chi-town!" The big guy wrapped me in a bear hug and lifted my 185 pound body off the ground.

"Hey Em…..put me down you big oaf so I can introduce you to Bella!" Before I could say anything, Emmett dropped me and scooped Bella up into his arms and swung her around. She squealed in surprise and when he sat her back down Rosalie popped him upside the head.

"Emmett, stop manhandling Bella. Good Lord have mercy. Bella, I'm Rosalie. My friends call me Rose. It's great to meet you finally." Rose and Bella hugged and giggled like girls do.

We finished saying our hellos and were loaded into Emmett's Jeep. As soon as we got back to their place Rose and Bella went into the kitchen to prepare some lunch for us. I took this time to talk to Emmett about the plans for the gym in Seattle. We were settled in the living room on the sectional sofa with a couple of beers.

"So what are the plans for this weekend and for Seattle?"

"Well, I talked to Felix just yesterday in fact, and he will be here tomorrow morning. He's coming to the gym for the photo shoot. Look Edward, I don't want you to be nervous, but I have to tell you something. I didn't want to tell you this before you got here because honestly I thought you'd change your mind about doing the shoot. Felix knows people. He is bringing a guy with him that works for Men's Health Magazine in New York. The guy would like to interview you for the magazine. Edward, they were so impressed with your story when I told them, they want to feature some of your pictures in their magazine."

"Me? Seriously? Emmett, why me? I'm sure hundreds of people do what I have done every day. What makes me special?" I shook my head as I took a long pull from my beer.

"Look Ed, it's time you stopped and took a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. Your change is phenomenal. What they are so interested in is your drive and determination in achieving your goal. Do you remember a few times while you were working out, I told you we had some cameras in the gym? Well, truth be told, I documented your transition. Don't be mad…ok? I wasn't trying to deceive you or anything like that. But Edward, I want you to watch the video I had put together. I'm so fucking proud of you. Just the look on your face as you worked out showed you were willing to move heaven and earth to get what you wanted. I sent the video to Felix and he showed his friends at the magazine. They were sold."

I sat stunned in silence as Emmett told me all of this. No, I wasn't angry with him, but I was surprised. He had documented my success. There was physical proof of my journey that I could share with Bella. She was a little hurt that I didn't include her in this part of my life. Now, I could let her watch my change happen.

"Damn, I don't know what to say man. I owe you and Rose so much. Thanks Em, for taking the time to document my journey. Looks like things could really take off for me here." Bella and Rosalie came back into the room with a veggie tray for us to enjoy before lunch was ready. We dug in as Bella came and sat beside me.

"So what are you guys talking about out here?" She asked while she crunched on a carrot.

"I was just telling Edward about the plans for tomorrow, with the photo shoot at the gym. And, I was getting to the part about the Seattle gym. Rosie and I will be there in two months. We have a place spoken for there and have already paid the down payment on it so we'll start sending some of our stuff. The construction of the new gym should start within the next six weeks." Emmett wrapped his arm around Rosalie and she snuggled into him.

"That's so awesome. I can't wait for you guys to be in Seattle. We'll have so much fun together." Bella kissed me on the cheek as she jumped back up to check on whatever they had in the oven.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing with the girls. After dinner, Emmett and I went over to the gym to get in a quick workout. It was strange being back at the place where I did all the hard work. Luckily there wasn't many people there at the time so we were able to hit it hard and get back to our women.

As soon as I got back to Emmett's place I jumped in the shower. When I came out, Bella was laying in my bed wearing my shirt and nothing else. The towel wrapped around my waist suddenly had a bulge in the front of it that could not be denied.

"Damn you look good in a towel. But what concerns me is that lump there under the towel. It seems to be getting bigger Edward. What is that?" The innocent little lamb act wasn't working for her, because I knew she was anything but. I played along anyway.

Ripping my towel off and throwing it to the floor, my erect cock sprung free and bounced with each move I made toward her. When I got to her, I pounced on top of her and straddled her thighs. Bringing her arms up above her head, I leaned down to speak directly into her ear.

"It's the damndest thing Bella. The only time I have that problem you referred to is when you are in the room. It must be directly related to you. Open those legs baby. I need to be inside you." I kissed her deeply and shifted so she could do as I asked. She opened for me immediately and when I reached down to test her readiness, I shouldn't have been surprised. My Bella was always wet and ready for me. Without another word, I kept her arms held above her head as I thrust deeply into her.

After making love we snuggled close for a few minutes and I decided I wanted Bella to watch the video Emmett made. He had given me a copy after dinner.

"Sweetheart are you too tired to watch something with me real quick?" I brushed a lock of hair out of her face and pushed it behind her ear.

"I'm ok Edward. What is it?" She sat up against the headboard and pulled the covers up under her arms.

"Emmett gave me something that I wanted to share with you. It's a video Bella. Apparently Emmett documented my transition and I didn't know it. He told me he gave the video to Felix and Felix in turn had a friend that works for Men's Health magazine look at it. They want to interview me tomorrow at the gym. They were impressed he said. But more importantly, it's a way I can share my journey with you. I know you would have supported me Bella, and part of me wishes I would have let you. This is a way that I can share that year and a half with you. Do you want to watch it?" I noticed a few tears had slipped down her cheeks and I almost panicked until she smiled broadly at me.

"Oh my goodness Edward. Yes, I would love to watch it. This is so great. Remind me to kiss Emmett when I see him." She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me sweetly.

"Well hold on now, I'm not so sure I want you kissing Emmett. Maybe I'll just give this back to him." She raised a brow to me and silenced me with a look.

We watched the video and I couldn't believe what a wonderful job Emmett did with putting it together. My very first workout was there, the seventh circle of hell treadmill and all. I watched Bella with rapt fascination. Her eyes never left the screen as she watched me go from 305 pound Edward to what I was now. There was one specific part that, if I remember was about six months into my transition. I was having a really hard time with some of the weights and cussing Emmett like no tomorrow. He was encouraging me the best he could but I was in no mood for it and could be heard telling him to fuck off. I dropped the weights and laid there with my hands on my head a moment before I got up and started to walk away. I was frustrated and about to give up when he brought out the big guns. He could be heard clear as day in the video when he uttered the words that always snapped me back to attention. "Get your ass back here and do this shit Edward. Walking away won't get you back to Bella. The sooner you get this shit done, the sooner you are home with the love of your life. Now move your fucking ass!"

"Oh Edward, you are so amazing." She leaned over and kissed me softly. We finished watching the video and snuggled into bed for the night. Bella was so glad to have seen what I went through and she showed me two more times that night how much she appreciated my hard work.

The next morning we all arrived at the gym at seven sharp. The crew was already there setting up for the shoot and a man I assumed to be Felix was talking to another man over in the corner when we walked in. They both looked up and saw us. Emmett waved and we headed over to them.

"Felix, good to see you again. This is my cousin Edward Cullen and his girlfriend, Bella Swan. You know Rosalie." I held out my hand to shake Felix's hand when he offered it.

"Edward, Bella, it's a pleasure to meet you both. Em never shuts up about you. Thanks for coming to Chicago to help us out here. Allow me to introduce Sam Ateara from Men's Health Magazine in New York. He's been very interested in meeting you Edward." I shook Mr. Ateara's hand as well.

"Thanks for having us and it's my pleasure to meet you both." I wrapped my arm back around Bella's waist where I wanted it to stay. She looked up at me and grinned.

"So Edward, I'd love to take some time after the shoot to visit with you and with Bella as well. I believe you'll want to hear what I have to offer you." Sam smiled widely as he told us of his plans.

"Sure Mr. Ateara, that sounds good. What do we need to do now Emmett?"

"This is Susan, she'll take you back to get you ready for the shoot. Bella you can go back with him if you'd like." Emmett said as he walked over to the office with Rosalie in tow.

An hour later I was ready for the photo shoot. I was nude from the waist up and had on some tight workout shorts. I had been oiled up to look as if I was sweating and had make up applied as necessary. Much to Bella's delight, she was allowed to be the oil girl. The look on her face as she rubbed the baby oil all over my bare chest and abs was enough to make me pitch a huge tent in my pants. Luckily I was able to will it away quickly as I spotted my Chicago nemesis walking in the door. Fucking Victoria was here.

I didn't have time to tell Bella I had seen Big Red because they ushered us out to where the shoot would take place. It was situated on the other side of the gym but the rest was available to the clients for their workouts. As soon as I walked over to where they needed me, I saw Victoria look up and her mouth fell agape. When she licked her lips I very nearly threw up. I glanced over to where Bella stood with Emmett and Rosalie and noticed that Rose was speaking into Bella's ear. She said something to her and Bella looked over in Victoria's direction and nodded. The next time she looked at me, the feral look in her eyes brought out my smirk and I knew in a heartbeat, Possessive Bella was going to make an appearance. I quickly decided that I needed to step up and stop letting Bella fight off the unwanted female attention I always seemed to be getting now. But fuck, it was sexy as hell when she got like that. Still, I needed to man the fuck up.

Picture after picture was taken and after a few minutes I began to feel comfortable in front of the camera. I had worked hard on this body and had a right to be proud. Perhaps it was time to exorcise my demons for good and embrace the new me.

After one last click the photographer told me he had gotten what he needed and I was done. I walked over to grab a towel and a bottle of water, along with my t-shirt. As I wiped the oil from my chest, I looked up and saw Big Red headed my way. Bella had gone out to the car with Rosalie to grab some stuff and Emmett was nowhere to be found. I was going to have to man up right now.

"Edward, baby, it's GREAT to see you again. Fuck you look hot." She stepped close to me and looked me up and down several times before she settled on my eyes.

"Hello Victoria. How are you?" I stepped back a couple more steps to put some distance between us but she followed quickly.

"Well, right now I'm so fucking horny I can hardly keep myself from tackling you to the ground and having my wicked way with you." Ok, I was going to shut this shit down right now.

"Look, I am trying very hard to be the gentleman my Mother raised me to be, but you are making that very difficult. Your constant advances are completely unwarranted and totally unwanted. I am in a very committed relationship and am extremely happy. I'd never do anything to hurt her. So that being said, step off me Victoria. I'm not interested now, I wasn't interested then, and I most certainly will not be interested at any time in the future."

"Edward, if you would just give me a chance baby. I know that I could make you extremely happy. I can do things with my mouth you have never even imagined." She made to step up closer to me but was immediately pushed backwards a couple of steps as Bella put herself in the space between my chest and Victoria. Business was about to pick up.

"Well well well, you must be the whore with the blue cock on her tongue." Fuck, Bella was hitting below the belt from the get go.

"And who are you?" Victoria looked Bella up and down with a complete look of disdain on her face. It didn't escape me that she made no denials of what Bella said to her. I had to hide my chuckle.

"I'm the one that gets HIS cock on MY tongue…..often." I knew my eyes were as wide as saucers when Bella let that little jewel out. As if he knew she was talking about him, my cock twitched and hardened immediately. I pulled Bella back against me by the hips and ground my erection into her back. She leaned back fully and pushed her sweet little ass harder against me. I couldn't help myself when I leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her neck. But Victoria wasn't finished.

"Edward, seriously? You'd rather have this little girl instead of a real woman? Maybe I have misjudged you. A man like you has needs that only a woman with experience can fulfill." Rosalie and Emmett had come out and were standing off to the side but I knew they could hear the conversation. I felt Bella stiffen in front of me.

"I'm not going to tell you again Victoria, Bella is the only woman I will ever want. She's it for me. And Victoria, I can imagine you are VERY experienced. Sex with you would probably be like waving a corndog around inside the Superdome." I heard a very unladylike snort to my left and looked over in time to see Rosalie leaning against Emmett for support and laughing her ass off. I could see Bella's shoulders shaking up and down and knew she was trying to gather her composure. Victoria seemed to take a moment to fully register my insult and then stared at me with her mouth hanging open. Now, it was Bella's turn.

"Close your mouth bitch, you know it's true. Now, we are done here and Edward and I are flying home to Seattle. You can eye fuck him all you want, but you'll never know what the real thing is like. It was a pleasure to meet you. Buh-bye." She grabbed my hand and led me back to the dressing rooms, Rosalie and Emmett behind us. I was pretty sure I heard Victoria huff as she walked over to a treadmill and began to run.

I spoke to Mr. Ateara after I changed clothes. To say I was surprised at what he offered me is an understatement. Apparently Emmett had told him that I had just graduated and was looking for a job. We talked about my transition and what I wanted to do in the future. When I told him my lifelong ambition was to be a writer, he stunned me into silence. Apparently he was big shit at the magazine and had the authority to make decisions about hiring personnel.

Instead of interviewing me, he asked me to write my own story. He told me that once I finished writing it I should send it to him. He would look over it and send it to his editors to see what they thought. If it was good enough, he would publish it with the photo layout. Since the magazine was headquartered in New York and I was in Seattle, he told me that if things worked out with what I wrote, he could offer me a job where I would write for the magazine from my home. It would only be a column every other month or so but the pay would be good and would help out until I got a permanent job in Seattle. I could continue to freelance for the magazine for extra money and recognition. I was on cloud nine. Finally my dreams were coming true.

We arrived back home in Seattle late Sunday night. Tomorrow, Bella and Alice were going shopping. It worked out perfectly for what I had planned. I had gotten Nana Cullen's engagement ring from my Mom several weeks ago. It was time to put it on Bella's finger.

I spent the day organizing all the participants for my proposal. Bella deserved the world. I was going to do my best to give it to her. The proposal would take place next Saturday at the same place where I decided to man up and ask Bella out on a date. I only hoped it would go better than that had.

Over the next week, I tried to keep everything a secret from Bella. She had no idea what I had planned. I don't even think she had any idea that I was anywhere near ready to propose. One thing did happen on Tuesday though, that helped me secure our future. I received a phone call from the Human Resources department at the Seattle Times requesting an interview with me. I had sent in my resume and applied for a position they had available in the Editorials & Opinion section of their paper. I accepted and told them I would be there. It took place the next day at noon. Bella was thrilled when I told her about the interview and when I returned home Wednesday and told her it had gone well and that they would let me know something by Friday she showed me how proud I made her. Three times.

The phone call came around three in the afternoon on Friday. I was offered the job as a columnist for the Seattle Times. They wanted me to write a couple of columns on certain topics they gave me and submit them on my first day which would be two weeks from Monday. This would give me plenty of time to get my article for Men's Health done and turned in as well as provide time for Bella and I to spend planning our nuptials, if she said yes.

I opened my eyes early Saturday morning and Bella was already in the shower. As stealthily as I could, I slipped in behind her and wrapped her in my arms.

"Mmm good morning Edward."

"Good morning my beautiful Bella. You're up early today." I grabbed the sponge and squirted some body wash and began to wash her chest. It looked a little dirty to me.

"I'm just so excited for you Edward. You just landed a great job and the other opportunity with Men's Health, things are just coming together so well. I'm so proud of you."

"We are both doing what we always dreamed of Bell. Life is pretty damn amazing. Now, let me get you clean. You are really REALLY dirty and I might have to spend the next several minutes inspecting you for dirt."

"Yes Edward, I am feeling rather dirty indeed."

At exactly four in the afternoon, Bella and I walked into Buy the Bean. I scanned the room and spotted several people I knew and were related to all trying to be incognito. They were all spaced out really well and pretty hidden so as long as Bella didn't take a good look around, she wouldn't see them. My parents were in the back at a table behind a large plant, I spotted Alice and Jasper on the other side of the coffee shop snuggled into a booth with menus up in front of their faces. Sitting several tables away from my parents and also behind a large plant were Rosalie and Emmett. Charlie and Renee Swan had quietly walked in behind us and slid into a booth near Alice and Jasper. They had Bella's Gran with them as well. I looked around to find one more person that I hadn't yet seen. I started to get worried, but then I spotted her. Mrs. Abigail Stallworth was seated with what I assumed to be her son and daughter in law at a table in the middle of the coffee shop. They didn't have to hide as Bella had yet to meet them. I had spoken to Abby and her son several times since I had returned to Seattle. Bella had even talked to Abby a few times. I was so glad she agreed to be here for the proposal.

My nerves tried to make an appearance but I shoved them back down. I had also called in advance to make sure Jessica Stanley wasn't working today. I wasn't about to let her or Newton or anyone else ruin this for Bella.

As soon as we placed our order and took a seat, it was time. I excused myself from the table under the pretense of using the bathroom. A moment later I was standing on a chair in the middle of Buy the Bean about to propose to Bella.

"Good afternoon everyone. I'm very sorry to interrupt your coffee time, but I have something I need to ask my girlfriend if you all don't mind. Isabella Swan, can I have your attention for a moment, please?" I saw Bella's eyes shoot up to me the moment I first spoke. Her expression was a mixture of confusion, embarrassment, and curious wonder. She put down her tea and started to stand and walk toward me, but I held up my hand and pleaded with her to stay. She sat back down and looked at me questioningly.

"Bella, you are my very best friend in the world. You have been my constant in a world full of change. It was right here in this coffee shop, nearly two years ago now that I decided to see if we could take our friendship in a different direction. I was going to ask you out on a real date. Our first date. We both know that what happened instead was the catalyst that I needed to get my act together and be the man you deserved. So today, I'm back here, right where it all began, to ask you something else." I jumped down off the chair and made my way to her. At this point, all our family members and friends stood and gathered around behind me in a semi-circle as I got down on one knee at Bella's feet. The shock in her face at seeing everyone we loved and that loved us had her hand shaking terribly. I grasped it and reached up to stroke her cheek while I wiped the tears that fell away.

"Isabella Marie Swan, there is no other in this world for me. God Himself made you, just for me. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you Bella. There isn't anything I wouldn't give you. Today, I'm asking you to give me something. Bella, will you give me your heart? I promise to cherish it always and more than that, I promise to love you every moment of forever. Will you make me the happiest man alive? Bella, will you marry me?" I took Nana Cullen's ring out of my pocket and held it out to her. She gasped as the tears fell in earnest. I took her left hand in mine and prepared to slide the ring on, but I needed an answer from her first.

"Bella? I haven't heard an answer." I froze with her hand in mine, the ring at the ready.

"Yes Edward. YES!" She stood up and pulled me with her as I slid the ring on. It was a perfect fit.

"Thank you Bella. Thank you for making me the happiest man on the planet." The entire coffee shop broke out in applause and we remembered that we weren't alone. Suddenly we were engulfed by our family and friends. Everything had gone exactly as I planned and I was thrilled.

After the congratulations and hugs from our family, I took Bella's hand and led her to Abby's table.

"Oh Edward Cullen! You sweet boy! That was beautiful! Come give an old lady a hug!" Abby grabbed me and hugged me tight as her son, Patrick, shook his head and rolled his eyes, smiling the entire time.

"Abby I am so glad you made it. Here, this is my fiancée, Bella. Bella, this is Abby."

"Oh sweet Bella it is so good to meet you in person! This young man talk about you constantly. Congratulations Sweetheart!" She enveloped Bella in a warm hug too.

"I'm thrilled to finally meet you as well Abby. Edward speaks very highly of you too." She introduced Patrick and Dawn and we talked for a few more moments before they told us they had to get back home. I told Abby we would keep her posted on plans and she kissed us once more and then was gone.

"Baby, we are going to go have dinner with everyone now. I have a reservation for us in about thirty minutes." I couldn't stop looking at the ring on her finger.

"Mmm that sounds good." She wrapped her arms around my neck and I captured her lips in an intense kiss. "Thank you Edward. That was the most romantic proposal ever. I love you my sweet, beautiful man."

"I love you too Sweetheart. You have no idea how happy you have made me."

Everyone made their way to the restaurant and soon after we were seated and placed our orders, the champagne my father ordered arrived. He stood up and clinked his knife softly on his glass to get everyone's attention.

"I just wanted to take a moment to say congratulations to Edward and Bella. I think I speak for everyone when I say that it's about damn time. Please join me and raise your glasses to our kids. Wishing you both all the love and happiness in the world. We love you very much. To Edward and Bella! Cheers!"

"Thank you Dad, and thank you to everyone for being here today." We raised our glasses again just as Renee and my mother started talking.

"Oh we'll have to get the Grand Ballroom at the Fairmount Olympic for the reception. It's amazing Renee."

"Yes Esme that would be great. I do think we should have a small reception in Forks too because everyone there knows Bella and loves her."

"Oh Bella! You and I will have to go shopping. You have to let me organize your wedding. We can do…."Alice began spitting out ideas left and right and was quickly joined by my mother and then by Bella's mother. Even Gran jumped in and offered her thoughts. Bella and I sat back and stared at the chaos that was happening before us. I hadn't thought this part out. I knew our families would be happy, but I hadn't dreamed they would be this overzealous.

They just kept talking and talking and no one even seemed to acknowledge that Bella and I were the ones getting married. This wasn't about them and what they wanted. This was about us and what we wanted. I took one look at Bella and knew what we had to do.

Leaning over and whispering in her ear I offered up something. "Baby, say the word and we are on a plane to Las Vegas tonight. I want to marry you more than anything, but I want to do it on our terms. Not theirs. What do you say? Will you marry me tonight?"

A/N: They are getting married! Now, the question becomes, when? What will Bella say? Also, several of you have said you'd like to see Edward stand up to all the female attention…so I hope this chapter had him doing that for you. See, you ask for it and we try to give it to you! We hear you people! Thanks for your continued support!