A/N: A few people thought Edward's proposal was rushed and the timing was all wrong. I'd agree it could have been more romantic had he waited but spontaneity is part of his personality in this story. He never thought he'd find the right woman to give him all these things, and now that he's found her he can't wait to have them. He chose Bella as his sub after only one "date.", Once he finally decided to try a dual relationship with Bella he allowed her into his private life, collared her, and asked her to move in with him rather quickly. The man knows what he wants now and he's going after it.

This chapter will give Bella's insight on the fight, proposal, and how she views the future. Enjoy!

Chapter 17:

BPOV

This engagement ring feels heavy on my hand as Edward and I walk into the restaurant in Sequim where we're meeting his family for Wednesday lunch. I'm not used to wearing it yet. Should I try to hide my hand until Edward gives them the news? I wonder if anyone would even notice it. Alice would probably be able to spot it from the parking lot but I have a feeling she will be preoccupied today. Esme might notice it though. Edward and I agreed to keep the engagement quiet until after Alice and Jasper announce that they're expecting a baby. We don't want to steal any of Alice's thunder so Edward will tell his parents our news after everyone has had time to shower Alice and Jasper with attention. I decide to twist the ring so the diamond is against the inside of my palm just in case.

I was speechless when Edward dropped to one knee the night before. I don't think anything could have shocked me more than learning he'd been hiding an engagement ring in our house for five months. No wonder he was so touchy about my blasé attitude towards getting married. The poor man had been waiting all this time to pop the question. I know I've been hesitant to seriously consider the idea of marriage, fearing that Edward wanted too much too fast, but as soon as I saw that hopeful expression on his face I just melted. Of course I wanted to marry him; more than anything in the world.

I'd been so angry with him during the hours he'd left me alone in the house last night. The details of our fight were already starting to get blurry as I sat on the sofa in our living room trying to recall all the mean things we said to each other. Had I blamed him for the whole Kinky Catie debacle? No, I don't remember that. But Edward felt guilty for it nonetheless and I could have said more to take responsibility for my part in our troubles. Two to tango and all that.

I must have sat there for over an hour, just watching the orange and red flames engulfing the fake logs of Edward's gas fireplace. The flames were real, but I missed that crackling of wood, the smell that's for some reason so comforting. I thought about how I played the Babies card again and it made me feel just as phony as that gas fireplace. Edward must think I'm some kind of selfish heartless bitch who only wants sexual pleasure and never wants children the way I constantly try to delay any discussions about our future. The truth is I absolutely want a family, and can only envision myself having one with Edward. Why was I so afraid to admit that to him? When Alice called and told me she was pregnant I was completely surprised. I knew she and Jasper had been trying to conceive, but the idea that a tiny little baby was growing inside my friend at that very moment blew my mind. I've never been around babies since the time when I was the baby; maybe that is part of my problem.

When Edward finally came home last night he looked like he was expecting me to shoot him or something. I still had tears in my eyes thinking about how mad we'd both gotten and I'd been worried he might stay away all night. The last time he abandoned me after a fight that's what happened. I didn't see him for nearly twenty four hours. The circumstances were different this time, but that irrational fear was still embedded under my skin. What if Edward changed his mind about wanting me? I couldn't stop thinking it. I was instantly relieved when he apologized right off the bat. I was sorry too but he barely gave me the opportunity to say it before he was telling me everything that happened with Jason Jenks. That man sure does give me the creeps, but I must admit he's a good mentor for Edward. I could tell Edward was worried about his Seattle plan, but honestly it took very little convincing for me to hop on board. Edward is my home, wherever he goes I go. And to be honest, I am sick of Port Angeles and their condescending ways. I'm eager for a change and I see moving to Seattle as a new adventure for us to take together.

His proposal was so sweet and spontaneous. I got this comforting feeling wash over me the second I considered saying yes. Edward looked up at me expectantly and I just couldn't make him sweat any longer. I felt a huge smile spread across my face and as soon as I answered yes Edward stood up and swung me around in circles. I laughed and beat on his back with my fists until he put me down. He tugged my left hand towards him and slipped the ring on my finger, the goofiest grin on his handsome face. He kissed me senseless and I'd honestly never felt happier.

"What are you thinking about?" Edward asks as he holds the door to the restaurant open for me.

I smile at him as I walk through the entrance. "Just last night," I respond casually.

Edward gives me that goofy smirk again and encircles his arms around my waist. The hostess is watching us but Edward doesn't seem to notice her. "The part where I asked you to marry me or the part where I made love to my fiancé?" he asked under his breath.

I hum softly as he kisses a path from one side of my face to the other. "Both parts were pretty earth shattering," I whisper. So much has happened in the past twelve hours. We settled the biggest argument of our relationship thus far, decided to move to a new city, start new careers simultaneously, and got engaged. Yeah, why did I think Edward moved too fast? Silly me.

We followed the hostess through the small and cozy restaurant to where Esme and Carlisle were already seated. They both stood to greet us and I made sure Esme couldn't see my hand. This would be easier if Edward would just let me take the ring off until after we told everyone. This morning he said sternly using his Dom voice that my collar is something that represents a part time commitment and can be removed, my ring on the other hand is nonnegotiable. I am to wear it always. I didn't know how to argue with Edward's desire for me to forever wear a symbol of the commitment we were making to one another, nor did I want to.

We order drinks from the waiter and then make small talk until Edward's cousins arrive. Rose chose to ride with Alice and Jasper and they all walk in about ten minutes after us. I notice Emmett is not with them and it makes me feel really guilty that I've been so wrapped up in my own drama that I have no idea where their relationship currently stands. I need to be a better friend to both of them.

Regardless of any relationship woes, Rosalie looks great. Her hair is done up in a sophisticated twist and she's wearing a black and magenta sheath dress with matching magenta pumps. She leans over to Edward and whispers something in his ear that I can't hear. He smiles wide and nods subtly. Hmmm.

Jasper pulls out Alice's chair for her just as the waiter returns to take their drink orders. Alice is looking a little paler than usual and her makeup isn't as fancy as she normally wears. She looks happy though, smiling at Jasper as he takes the seat beside her and rests his arm across the back of her chair.

Alice wastes no time giving the family her special news. She immediately hands Esme an envelope and asks her to open it. We all watch as Edward's mother opens the sealed envelope while saying, "what is this, dear? It isn't my birthday." I bite my lip to keep from smiling. Esme gasps when she pulls out the sonogram picture and waves it in her husband's face. "Carlisle! Carlisle, look at this! Oh my word. We're going to be grandparents!"

The next twenty minutes are spent by Alice and Jasper answering all their family's questions. Rosalie wants to know when the due date is, which Alice reveals is April 4th. Carlisle asks about the doctor visit and wants to know who in Port Angeles is treating her. Esme demands to know how Alice told Jasper the news. I always assumed the man simply stands behind the woman in the bathroom while staring at the pee stick until it turns pink. Apparently that's not how you tell your husband he's going to be a daddy. At least not if your Alice Hale.

"I've always dreamed about how I would someday tell my husband we were having a baby," Alice says. "It might be a little over the top but I've had so many months to think about telling Jasper. I went out and bought a little Mariners jersey and sewed Hale across the back. And then I got a gift box and put the jersey, the positive pregnancy test, and a baseball hat that said Coach on it and wrapped it up in a big box with a shiny silver bow on top."

"I panicked for a minute, thinking I must have missed an anniversary or something," Jasper interjects and everyone laughs.

"He opened the box and saw the hat first. He didn't understand. Then he saw the baby jersey and smiled, but I don't think he believed it at first, did you honey?"

Jasper is all smiles, his hand now squeezing Alice's tightly. "It didn't click until I lifted the jersey and the pregnancy test fell in my lap."

"And how are you feeling, Alice?" Esme asks. "Any morning sickness yet?"

Alice nods and blushes. "I get so tired I've been falling asleep by nine o'clock every night! And I've been getting sick every morning, but it usually passes by ten or eleven am."

"Yes, I remember those days," Esme recalls wistfully. "I had nausea with Edward until my sixteenth week. It felt like it would never end. But Katherine had it the worst, the poor dear. Rose was a good baby; Katherine had an easy pregnancy with her. Jasper on the other hand, oh my, she was vomiting two or three times a day during the first trimester."

"Tell Ali what I weighted at birth," Jasper teases.

"No! Don't tell me. I'm not ready to even think about that part yet!" Alice cries. I watch Jasper as he winks at his wife and she swats him playfully.

Edward looks at me with a grin on his face to match the rest of his family and I smile back. Neither of us are really paying attention to the baby talk. I know he's eager to give everyone our own news, but I hate being the center of attention and would much rather let Alice and Jasper enjoy the whole lunch. It also wouldn't hurt to let myself get used to the idea of being engaged to Edward before everyone in his family found out. Will they bombard me with questions the same as they're currently doing to Alice? Ugh, I would hate that so much. Maybe I could convince Edward to let me make the announcement via a mass email instead?

The questions continue throughout lunch. Alice has already started thinking about nursery themes, baby names, and having an underwater birth, whatever the hell that is. Does she mean like on a submarine? I make oo and ahh noises where appropriate but don't say much else. I really wish I had something to contribute to the conversation but Alice is the first of my friends to get pregnant. This is new territory for me.

Edward's messing around playfully with the hair in my ponytail causing a few strands to fall out. I give him a dirty look and sweep the loose hairs behind my ear. An ear piercing shriek makes me jump in my seat just as I'm starting to chew another piece of shrimp. The food is knocked to the back of my mouth and suddenly I'm choking. Edward thankfully sees the fear in my eyes as I try to speak but no sounds come out. Without a second thought Edward places his hand on my back and starts banging away with strong force trying to get the shrimp out of my air passage. Meanwhile Alice is reaching across the table, ignoring my current lack of oxygen, and grasps my wrist in her fist. The shrimp finally pops out of my mouth and Edward sighs in relief. Close call.

"Isabella Swan, what is this!" Alice demands holding my hand over the center of the table.

She obviously did not think my life was in danger at all. She's staring wide eyed at my hand twisting the platinum band around in her fingers until the diamond is right side up. Oh, busted. Esme gasps and I see Rose smile minutely. She totally knew we were engaged. I feel the color rising in my cheeks as unwanted attention blankets me.

"Edward?" Alice tries when I'm still unresponsive after thirty seconds.

"Um, surprise?" Edward says cheekily. He looks at my face to check to make sure I'm alright and then turns his attention to Alice. "We're engaged," he confirms not able to hide the excitement in his tone.

Everyone congratulates us and Edward quickly places his hand in mine for support. Rose and Alice inspect the diamond and both comment that the cut and size of the diamond is lovely. I realize everyone, except Alice, knows me well enough by now to not go overboard with the attention. Just when I think that this lunch has gone relatively well Edward goes and ruins it.

"We also wanted to tell everyone that my contract with Channel 6 is expiring next month and they've decided not to renew it. At first this was disheartening news for me, but Jason Jenks has just offered me an exciting job opportunity in Seattle. Bella and I have discussed it, and we've decided to move there together so I can take his offer."

Every mouth is on the floor except Rosalie's. How does she know all of this already? Edward is still beaming when I look over at him to curse him out with my eyes. He's undeterred.

"You're moving to Seattle, sweetheart?" Esme asks him.

"Yes, mom. We just decided last night."

Carlisle clears his throat and rubs his brow slowly. "Let's go back a minute, son. What happened with the news station?"

"The producers are letting me go after my ratings suffered a big hit recently," Edward explains soberly.

He doesn't have to elaborate on why his ratings have decreased. Carlisle nods in understanding. "So you've been able to obtain a broadcasting job in Seattle already?"

"Not exactly. I haven't had time to even apply for anchor positions. My friend Jason is opening a new club in the Pike district and he offered me the job of manager."

Edward squeezes my hand again, this time it's because he needs my support. All of this has happened so quickly I haven't even had time to consider how Edward's parents will react to his career change. I wonder if Edward gave them any consideration before accepting Jenks' offer? Esme will be overjoyed having her son live in the same city as her, but I never even thought about how bittersweet the news would be for her when she found out his reason for coming was to manage a BDSM club.

Esme's face falls slightly as she processes what Edward is saying. "The same Jason who's your boss, Rosie?"

"Yes, Esme. I run Jason's club in Port Angeles and he wants Edward to work at the new Seattle location. It's a great opportunity for him," Rose adds.

"What about broadcasting? I thought that was your dream, Edward?" Carlisle asks.

"I do love my job, Dad. It isn't my decision to leave it," Edward replies defensively. His grip tightens on my hand. "Jason is helping me make a move to Seattle. Once I've established myself there I might be able to get back into broadcasting someday. But for now I need to go where the paycheck is."

I don't know what comes over me, perhaps it's the stress I can hear in Edward's voice, but I decide to speak up and defend our choice to manage the new club. "Esme, Carlisle, I know this all seems rather sudden, and it is, but Edward and I are excited about this. Jason's club is just starting to be built and Edward will get to run the whole renovation process. We'll both have new opportunities in Seattle. It's a chance for us to start over."

Carlisle clearly still has reservations. "I understand why you both feel the need to start over and I support that. What happened in Port Angeles is clearly not going to just go away. But how do you expect to move forward if you don't leave that life behind you? You're going to move to Seattle and become even more involved in... in BDSM?" he asks.

I don't know how to respond and Edward is nearly crushing the bones in my hand. Rosalie comes to the rescue, pointing out how different a place like Seattle is from quaint little Port Angeles. "The market for BDSM is huge in Seattle," she offers confidently. "Jason's been trying to open this second club for a while now, and I would go to manage it myself if I didn't have the salon and the other club to manage. And also Emmett is in PA."

This distracts me momentarily. Perhaps Rose and Emmett are still together after all? I hope so. I really like Emmett.

"Besides, this is the 21st century. Edward could go to Antarctica and the penguins would already know he's a dom. The internet is a powerful thing; anybody anywhere will always be able to find his sex video. There's no use in trying to hide from it," Rose says brashly.

I know she is right but it's still a disheartening concept. Esme coughs nervously, still not used to Rosalie's casual references to our lifestyle. Rose really is much happier now that her aunt and uncle know the truth about her occupation and lifestyle choices. She doesn't have to hide, and if you ask me, secretly enjoys shocking poor Esme by injecting tidbits about BDSM here and there.

"What will happen to your house, Edward?" Esme asks changing the subject away from all things BDSM related.

Edward rubs the back of his head with the hand that was previously clenching mine. I take the opportunity to flex my fingers, checking for broken bones.

"I haven't had time to think about it honestly. I have a month left at Channel 6. I guess we'll have to sell?" he asks looking at me to gauge my thoughts on the subject. I have no thoughts; Edward's is the only name on the mortgage. And I don't know anything about home ownership.

Jasper has been quiet as a church mouse up to this point. We've finally moved into a topic of conversation he feels comfortable contributing to. "Alice and I have been talking about what to do once the baby comes. We want to sell my little bungalow and buy something bigger; more suitable for a growing family," he says. Alice beams at him. "Maybe we could rent from you for a while. It'll make our place easier to sell if we aren't living there, and we won't have to worry about making settlement and moving conflicting with the baby's birth."

Edward nods, considering Jasper's plan. "Yeah, that might work," he muses.

Alice claps her hands happily. "What we really want is to move to Bainbridge in a few years. I want to have a nice house and a big yard for the kids to play in. Bella, if you and Edward buy a house there too then maybe we can end up neighbors!"

Esme dabs her eyes with a napkin. "I think it's wonderful that you're moving to Seattle, Edward. And Jasper, honey, you and your beautiful wife have just made me the proudest grandma-to-be in the world. I am so looking forward to being surrounded by grandkids!"

Rosalie crosses her arms over her chest and huffs. "Just great. Now all four of you are leaving me alone in Port Angeles?"

"I'm so sorry, Rose!" Alice replies. "My job is based out of Seattle, so it only makes sense for us to live there. I don't want to travel so much once the baby comes."

Rosalie's expression softens slightly seeing how distraught Alice is at abandoning her sister-in-law. "It's alright, Alice. I'm not upset with you. I just don't like feeling left behind. Even if I wanted to, Emmett would never leave PA."

Esme smiles and asks the question I've been meaning to ask. "How are things with Emmett, Rosie?"

"Much better. We, um, worked out a few issues and are happier now I think."

"That's wonderful, darling," Esme replies.

The waiter brings the check to our table and Carlisle snatches it away slipping his American Express inside the portfolio before any of us have a chance to contribute.

"Does anyone else have any more news before we go?" he jokes looking around the table.

"I think I might be gay," Jasper announces solemnly and then cracks a huge grin.

Esme's eyes pop for a split second and then she reaches over to tousle his hair affectionately. "Oh, you!" she admonishes while everyone laughs.

Edward brushes his fingertips over my forearm to get my attention while mouthing, "are you okay?"

I smile and nod my head. I am okay. I'm marrying the man I love and joining the best family I could possibly ask for. My life finally feels like its back on the right track. I'm excited for what the future holds. So yeah, I'm feeling much more than okay.

A/N: Leave me some reviews on this lovely snow day! Thanks!