So here is chapter 23 and my plan is to work on chapter 24 today between posting and dealing with a 3 year old. NIkky has already done her part and on her side the story is complete.

****Slight edits to meet TOS, unedited versions at TWCS and FicPad.****

Chapter 23

"Bella, are you ready to go home?" Tia asks softly at half past ten.

"You could stay," I blurt out right away.

Bella swallows and I close my eyes knowing I need to wow this girl more before we share a bed.

"I'd like to drive you home, if that's okay?" I say staring into her eyes.

Her head bobs and I wink at her.

"And tomorrow, I would like to take you out on a real date?" Bella's face lights up when I say the word date.

"A date?" Bella gasps as her arms wrap around me.

"A real date, the first of many," I tell her before kissing her head softly.

As I wrap my arms around her lower waist, she sighs and leans in closer.

"Okay, well we're heading out now then," Tia says and without turning to face her, I know she's smiling. "Make sure you bring her home, Edward," she carries on in a sing song voice.

After kissing Bella a few times I move away from her to get her jacket. After helping her into the jacket and closing the front, I pull her close to me again. "I love you," I declare with a smile.

She opens her mouth to reply, but I cut her off with a kiss.

"As much as I want to continue to kiss you, I have to stop for now, because it's time to drive you home."

After opening the car door, I help her into her seat. As I drive off to take her home, I rest my right hand on her left knee. Neither of us talks on the drive to Tia's, but we always stay connected.

Walking her slowly to Tia's apartment door, I don't really want to let her go.

"I'll come and pick you up tomorrow around six?"

Bella nods, while biting her lip. "What do I need to wear?" she asks after a few minutes.

"Thought we could go to Si again, but that's quite a drive. How about we go to La Bella Italia and then a little walk along the boardwalk?"

Bella bobs her head. "That does sound good."

Kissing her softly, I hold her close as her hand goes to the door knob. Pulling back, I smile at her. We both jump slightly when the door opens and Tia's standing there.

"It took you an hour to drive her home?" she softly chastises me.

"Yes, traffic was a nightmare," I joke with her making her roll her eyes at me.

"Well then you should head home now, we wouldn't want you stuck out there all night."

Leaning forward, I kiss Bella softly on the lips. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mina," I say grinning like a fool.

"Text me, so that I know you got home safe," Bella says as I walk out the door.

"I will," I respond with a wink.

"Night, Edward!" Tia yells making me chuckle.

"Night, Tia!" I yell back.

Making it back home in just under thirty minutes, I text Bella to let her know I'm home. Telling her of my plans to shower and get ready for bed, I promise to call her when I am done.

After getting into bed I bring Mrs. Cullen close to me, as I place the call to Bella.

"Hi," she says sounding a little out of breath.

"Are you okay, Mina?" I ask instantly worrying.

"Yeah, I was just getting changed for bed too. I think that small bout of exercise has me all tired out." She lets out a cheerful sounding giggle and it makes me laugh too. "Your babies are going to make me lazy."

"So they're my babies then?" I ask raising my eyebrow.

"Yep, when they make me sick and tired they are."

Snorting I shake my head, though she can't see it.

"You really want to move?" Bella asks quietly.

"Yes, Mina, my love, I think we'll need a new start, all of us. This town is just too small for two shocking relationships to survive here. I want us to be able to be happy without people judging us for things of which they have no right to judge."

Bella lets out a long breath. "What about your home and the memories you have there?"

"The memories are in my head, I don't need to be in this house to remember my parents and all of the good times we had. Besides I know my parents would be happy as long as Emmett and I are. Oh and I should say they would have loved you from the very second they met you." Telling her this is important to me, because I know it's true. They would have loved her and to be honest, they probably would've seen what I failed to see between her and Emmett.

"You really think so?" Bella asks sounding so unsure.

"Yes," I say adamantly.

She lets out a hum, which quickly becomes a loud yawn.

"Where I'm glad the sickness is going away, I don't get why I am so tired. It's not like I have done anything to strenuous!"

"There are two babies growing inside you, my love. Your body is doing a lot of work on the inside, double the work of a regular pregnant woman," I tell her.

She yawns out again and I know she is about to fall asleep.

"Good night, my love," I say with a light laugh.

"Good night, honey," she replies almost shyly back to me.

~MSG~

Picking up my phone, I text Bella when I get up. During my lunch break, we have a quiet chat over the cell as we both eat.

When I'm done with work I buy some flowers before going home. The first thing I do at home is taking a shower, shave and put on clean clothes. After I'm done I pick up the flowers and head out to go pick up Bella. Arriving at six sharp, I knock softly on the door.

"Hi," Tia says stepping back to let me in. "Are those for me?" she asks with a grin on her face.

"Err, no," I say shaking my head. "Ask your boyfriend to buy you some flowers," I chuckle as I look for Bella.

"He does, and she's just doing the last touches. She'll be out in a few minutes."

Bobbing my head, I rock back and forth on my feet.

"You seem nervous. You know you already got the girl right? There is no longer any need to impress her?"

Shaking my head, I turn to face her. "Not true, you may think she's mine, but that doesn't change anything. I need to treat her like she's my queen, like I am always trying to get her to be mine. That will assure me I'll always be able to keep her."

"You're such a romantic old soul, just like she is."

"Don't I know it," I say biting my lip.

"Edward, treating her like a queen and giving her the world won't change a thing. Believe me, you have her no matter what you do, say or give to her. I'm telling you, you're embedded in that girl's heart. One thing though, just so we're clear. If you fuck up again and break her heart, I'm going to cook your dick. Have a good night," Tia says sweetly giving me a slightly crazy look as she walks away. She left me no doubt that she would do what she just said if I hurt Bella. Shaking my head, I chuckle nervously.

"Hi," Bella says behind me and I spin around to see her standing there.

She looks so beautiful in a light blue dress. As my eyes trail down her body, I can see the start of her little bump.

"Hey, Mina, you look beautiful," I tell her as I walk to her. "These are for you," I say handing her the flowers as she takes them from my hand. My hands automatically go to her bump and gently rub it. "You're starting to show," I tell her and she rolls her eyes a little.

"I know, Tia thinks we should go shopping for new clothes while you are fishing with Emmett."

Bobbing my head in agreement, I smile at her. "I'll leave my credit card with you to use."

Bella's eyes snap to mine. "I have money, Edward. I saved some money from my shifts at the diner." Bella's face changes a little which makes me frown.

"I know you have some money, my love, but I would still like you to take my credit card. New clothes can cost a lot and I want to help. Now what's with the odd expression when you said diner?" I ask.

"They thought it would be wise for me to hand in my notice, as they don't want trouble. They know you're the father, but I didn't tell them."

Letting out a sigh, I shake my head as I try to control my temper. "I don't care that they know I'm the father, you are not my dirty little secret. I am however pissed that they fired you because of it. Our babies and I being their father has nothing to do with them."

"I know, but can we just leave it? I just want to go out and have a good time?"

Looking down at her, I can see how she is pleading with me.

"There were already some people talking about me when I was standing right there. I know it's just going to get worse, besides I don't need the extra stress?"

Bobbing my head, I agree with the last part of her statement. "Fine, but if they or anyone else opens their mouths when I'm around, I have the right to address the situation. I would like you not to work right now anyway, not when you are carrying these two. You are already under enough stress," I tell her.

"Yes, I agree and I'm due to start my college online work, this week anyway."

Looking at her she opens her mouth and I cover it with my hand. "Tell me all about it during dinner, come on."

We arrive at La Bella Italia and are taken almost right away to our table. After we're seated and our water is served, I order for us. Once the waiter moves away I get back to what we were talking about at Tia's.

"You're starting to do some college courses online?" I ask.

"Yes, I was due to leave school in December anyway. My plan was to do some online courses until I could start classes in the fall."

Looking at her I have my head tilted because I want her to continue talking.

"I enjoy learning, so I wanted to do some classes if I could. Anyway, after what went down at school, Tia's dad, Marcus, was able to make some tweaks at UW so that I can start my college work online now. There will be a few times I will have to actually go to the Seattle campus to take some tests though. This way after the babies are born, I can carry on my work at home until they are a little older. If I do things right, he thinks I can complete at least the full first year before they are born and get a start on my second year before I have to attend classes on campus regularly. Also, if I choose I may be able to do the majority of the classes online at least until all of my standard classes are completed." Bella's happy face makes me smile.

"So have you decided what you're doing?"

Bella shakes her head. "No, I'm still torn between teaching and being a chef. For now I'm taking a range of general classes until I'm sure which way I want to go."

"I'll help and you will be great at either of those jobs," I tell her.

"That's not doing much to help me on making a choice," she chuckles and I shrug.

"I just want you to do what you think is best for you and what makes you happy."

"He also said I can do the whole graduation thing with my peers, but I am not sure because it'll be another four weeks and by then it will be really clear that I'm pregnant."

"When does he have to know if you intend to walk the stage or not?" I ask.

Where I would be worried about her, I do believe she has the right to have that experience in her life.

"He said as long as I give him three days notice he can add me in."

"I think you should do it. I personally would love to see you walk that stage and I will be there cheering you on. However, I'll stand by whatever you choose to do."

Bella nods at me, but doesn't say anything as the waiter arrives with our dinners.

Bella and I enjoy dinner, sharing a lot of laughter and conversation. Once I pay the bill, we take a little walk along the pier. Not wanting to tire Bella out too much, we leave to head back to town early. We're back at Tia's place just before ten to find Garrett and Tia there waiting for us. We had discussed it earlier and decided we would call Bella's parents tonight after our date, so we could be together at the time.

Bella sits down and pulls out her cell, and just looks at it.

"Bella, just remember to remain calm, we have already gone over what you will say. You have no control over what they say, just like they can't control your choices," Garrett advises her, and Tia and I both nod in agreement.

Bella lets out a breath and clicks on her mom's name.

"Bella," comes the cold sounding voice of Renee. "What the hell's going on? Why haven't you called us in weeks?" she asks harshly.

"Mom, can you put me on speaker, I need to speak to dad too." Bella's voice is shaking so bad that I cover her hand with my own.

"Your dad is still upset with you, I'm not sure he is ready to talk to you!" Renee's voice is still hard, but it's followed by some sort of movement sounding noises.

"I sure hope you're smart enough to make sure the first word out of your mouth is sorry. I don't get how you could embarrass me the way you did!" Charlie spits out at her like she's a misbehaved child.

Bella looks away from the cell and takes some deep breaths and I open my mouth, but Garrett shakes his head.

"Mr. Swan, please calm down," Garrett says using a doctor's voice.

"Who in the hell are you?" Charlie spits out.

"I'm Garrett Cope, Bella's therapist," he responds raising his brow.

"Why do you have a therapist, Bella? And why didn't you tell me he was there?"

"You didn't give me the chance," Bella says through her teeth. "Look, I called to let you know I am still pregnant and I'm having twins," she says closing her eyes.

"You're what!" he bellows. "Your mom and I have worked hard over the years to support you and give you a great life. You know what, you stupid twit? You did this yourself, so you can just do it alone. We will not be coming home, to help you and that boy Emmett. I don't care, we will not help you!" Charlie yells out.

"They are not Emmett's babies, they're Edward's."

"How many guys have you been sleeping with?" Renee asks sounding shocked.

"Just Edward," Bella replies quietly.

"This Edward boy will not help you. He will want to live his life."

"I have had my life and I have already raised a son," I tell them as the line goes deadly quiet.

"You? You're that fucking hoodlum's father, aren't you? Isabella if you're sleeping with a man my age that makes you nothing more than a whore. What is it, girl, do you have daddy issues because I was busy busting my ass to get you stuff?"

"No, I don't have daddy issues, we are in love. I love him with all my heart," Bella argues.

"He sees you as a free fuck, Isabella," Renee says in a way that tells me she's shaking her head as she talks. "An easy lay, with someone who should still be innocent!"

"No, that's not true at all. I'm not taking advantage of her, and I do love you daughter. She is an amazing woman!" I yell out at them.

"You know what I called to let you know what's going on in my life. If I never see you both again, than that's fine, because I have Edward, Tia, Garrett, Emmett, Rose, Jasper, Alice, and my babies. I don't need you!" Bella presses end, slams her cell down on the table and then starts to sob.

Pulling Bella on to my lap, I start to rub her back.

"Bella," Garrett says softly as he touches her hand. "They're in their own little world, and when it hits, they will drop back to the real world. Either way, whatever they choose to do, you need to remember the most important thing is to do what is best for you and the babies. You need to stay strong and get ready for them. You did good dealing with your parents, and nothing you have said or done is wrong," he says.

Bella nods, but keeps her head resting on my shoulder.

"I'll come by tomorrow and we can have another chat, okay?" He stands up slowly, as Bella sniffles.

"Okay, thank you, Garrett," Bella says giving him a look.

"It's okay, honey," he says giving her a wink. "I enjoy our talks, and just so you know, I don't think you have daddy issues. Well not in the way he meant anyway. You're just an old soul who's looking for that epic kind of love," he tells her, causing a snort to come out her nose.

"I best get off now, goodnight, Bella, Edward."

Reaching out I shake his hand and give him a nod.

"Bella, honey, I'm staying at Garrett's tonight, if you need me call. Edward, you're welcome to stay if Bella wants you too."

"Thank you," I whisper my thanks to her.

"Bella, I'll see you tomorrow morning for our shopping trip," she says as she kisses Bella's forehead.

It's only a few minutes before I hear the click of the front door being locked and shut.

"Do you want me to stay with you tonight, Mina?"

"Please," she replies with a nod.

"Are you ready to head to bed?"

She bobs her head and I walk into the bathroom with her. She washes her tear stained face before brushing her teeth.

When we get to her room, I strip down to my boxers and climb into bed pulling her body to mine, so I'm spooning her.

"I love you, Mina. This is not and never has been just some cheap fling to me," I declare still feeling pissed that Renee and Charlie would suggest such a thing.

"I know," Bella moves and turns to face me.

"I think it's just me, my fault."

Opening my mouth to argue with her about blaming herself, she covers my mouth to stop me.

"Edward, I used to go to them all the time. I'd ask them what classes to take. What my essays should be about. Whether to wear my hair up or down. But after I turned sixteen and they were working more, I just started taking care of that stuff myself. I think it—I—hurt them by not needing them. Due to their busy work lives they pulled back, but so did I."

"That's called growing up, Mina," I say as she takes a break.

"I know, but it is what it is. I know that they are not perfect and I would rather be closer to them—like I am with Tia—but it's not possible. At this point I think too much and too long has passed to really fix it. I'm just hoping with your and Garrett's help I can have some sort of relationship with them, even if it's only one phone call a year."

Sighing, I pull her closer to me and move one of her legs over my hip so our bodies are almost one.

"I'll help you, but they piss me off when they hurt you. I hate seeing you sad."

Bella places her head on my chest and I run my hand through her hair.

"I know, but I still love them despite what they have done. Those types of feelings don't just disappear, and I don't want them to turn into hate. It would be sad to only have hate for them left inside of me."

Kissing her head, I rub her back. "That right there, Mina, is one of the reasons I love you."

Kissing her lips softly, she responds instantly. When her mouth opens I slip my tongue in and roll us so she lays flat on her back. Moving with her, my body is resting between her legs. My hands run up her thighs one at a time and I hitch them both over my hips.

Rocking my hips against her, she rocks her own up to meet mine.

"Edward," she gasps as she pulls my hair.

Groaning and not wanting to pull away from her, but I know we need to slow the hell down.

"We need to stop," I say as my lips move from hers to her neck.

"Why, it's not like you can knock me up again?"

Pulling back I look down at her. "You sure?" I ask weakly and she bobs her head biting her lip.

"Just take it slow. You're big and I don't think I am accustomed to having sex yet."

"I am not that big," I say with a grin.

"Hey, I was a virgin, and you're the only one I've seen, so anything bigger that my middle finger is going to look big to me."

Chuckling, I shake my head.

"Thanks," I say and she pulls my head down placing her lips on mine.

"Tell me if I am too rough," I say and I know there is no way I'll ever forget any part of this night.

A/N: So what are your thoughts on the phone call between her and her parents?