I arrived at the mansion at exactly 06:05 pm, feeling oddly calm, a distinct change from this afternoon. I had a slight suspicion it had to do with Edward's visit. The realization which in turn freaked me out. I was not a person who needed people, I stand alone, the only exception being family and even then I made a point of not being clingy. But that was something I could mull over later, now I had to be social.

So, with a deep preparing breath I left the driver's seat and went to the trunk of my car. Now, I didn't want Esme to feel insignificant by bringing something, but rather I felt guilty not bringing something to her. That is why I brought her a box of pralines that I had made myself. Hostess gift. And I might also have brought some more chocolate cake with salty caramel sauce as an homage to this morning. That only Edward would know of. But still. I'm in deep. Damn it.

Focus, Bella, focus.

I considered knocking but it felt to formal, so I opened the door and was again stunned by the understated splendor of Esme's decorating. It was classy, it was elegant, but most of all, it was comfortable and it felt like a home- it was Esme. I smelled my way to the kitchen, guessing that that's the place where Esme was camping out. I was right. I found Esme and Carlisle quietly talking and humming to a soft song that was on the radio, creating the perfect family scene. Suddenly feeling very shy and intruding I managed to get out a low greeting.

"Hello Esme, Carlisle. I hope I'm not to early?" At my words both of their heads popped up and focused on me, smiles gracing their faces.

"Bella, dear not at all! What's that you're holding? Bella you didn't bring us something, did you?" Esme gasped, bless her.

"Hello Bella, It's nice to see you again." Came Carlisle's greeting, with a indulgent smile towards his wife's rambling. "And is that two boxes I see?" He then added.

"Well, technically yes and no. Yes because I did and no because the others, and Emmett especially, is not supposed to find out."

"What do you mean?" Esme looked confused, I couldn't blame her.

I set the chocolate cake down on a pristine marble counter showing Carlisle and Esme the box of pralines. It was a box unique for my bakery, it was in a pale lilac fabric and carton mix, with the bakery's name stamped in a darker lilac inside the lid. The sides and top were connected, folding open. Inside there were two layers with nine little spaces, one for each praline. It ensured that the pralines were protected and stayed fresh. With it I had made a little note with the descriptions of each praline, putting it inside the lid. I then handed the box to Carlisle.

"It's a box of some of the pralines I make at the bakery, it's two layers with nine different pralines- so you see, not enough for Emmett." I winked at them making Carlisle chuckle and Esme looking mischievous.

"Why, thank you dear." Esme said while enveloping me in a light hug as Carlisle started to leave the room, saying: "I better go and hide these then, thank you Bella."

"You're welcome." I laughed back. When we finished hugging Esme stepped back, putting her hands on my upper arms, rubbing slightly whilst perusing my body from the top of my head to the tip of my toes and then back to my eyes. A small smile gracing her face at all times. It was such a typical mom-thing to do that I felt tears building in my eyes. She reminded me so much of my mom right before we would leave the house, scouting my outfit for dirt or tears. Then she met my eyes.

"It's been so long since I saw you last, you have grown so much." She paused. "You look so much like your mother, dear. Practically a copy if it wasn't for Charlie's mess of a hair." She continued affectionately while smoothing down my hair. Esme had tried to reach out to me after my mothers death and I knew that the fact that I distanced myself from her had hurt her deeply. But she was another reminder of my mother that I didn't need. Now though, I regret that action. Feeling uncomfortable with the sudden emotion and memories, I did what I usually do- crack a terrible joke.

Tossing my hair over my shoulder I said "Thanks, I've grown it myself." Seeing through my joke Esme wiped her eyes "None of this pesky tears! Now, Bella I love your outfit, especially the color of your blouse!" Blushing and ducking my head I got out a quiet "Thank you."

It was the fact that the color of the chiffon blouse might be inspired by her younger son that made me blush, namely because it was emerald green. The shoulders and short sleeves were a sheer black lace, the rest green. I had it paired with light blue jeans and a long light grey cardigan, I was aiming for a 'dressy but casual' look. Returning her compliment I said:

"You look gorgeous as always too." It was true, Esme was wearing black dress pants with the legs ending in a flair and a cream colored silk shirt with a pair of heels. This woman walked in heels all day and I couldn't understand it, I mean it looked fabulous, but that shit was painful as hell! Admirable to say the least.

"Can I help you with something? I'm almost good with cooking." I continued with a smile.

"Oh no! Well yes, you can tell me what the other thing you brought was." I could see that she was almost dying of curiosity- Alice definitely got that from her.

"Do you remember the recipe you gave me when I was seven? The one of the chocolate cake I loved?"

"Yes? What of it?" I grabbed the box, preparing for a dramatic reveal.

"Since I gracefully got the recipe I have learned to bake it and I might have tweaked it a bit..." I lifted the lid, displaying the nutty and chocolaty goodness. "And I'm now humbly in the presence of it's owner asking for it's opinion on the changes!" Esme laughed at the, I'm sure, breathtaking presentation and clapped her hands together.

"Aah, I see that apprentice has made the way back to her master. Well, well I shall have to sample this later then." She winked at me as I closed the lid.

"I would truly like to get your opinion on it Esme, I'm considering selling it in the store and want a second voice on the matter." I handed her the box.

"Of course, but it will have to be later, now go away! I'm practicing the fine art of cooking for hungry people here! Go and be with the other children in the living room!" Waving me away dramatically, I chuckled under my breath saying:

"Right away Ma'm!" And then saluted her.

Going towards the living room I halted my progress in the doorway, taking in the scene. Emmett was sitting in a beanbag on the floor and Jasper on the couch closest to the tv- both with controllers in their hands, playing a racing game. Of course. Rose and Alice were sitting on another couch, facing said tv. Edward was sitting in a comfortable plush chair, watching the ongoing game, with his leg jumping up and down. All three of the men being in suits. Jackets off and cuffs unbuttoned, but still, suits.

"Can you stop with the fucking twitching man! I'm trying to beat blondie to a pulp over here!" Emmett said pointing his thumb at Jasper and glancing at Edward. The only response he got back was a deadly looking stare, but granted, the twitching stopped.

"Lay off him Emmett, he's just nervous." Alice said lightly.

"About what? It's dinner." Came Jaspers reply. I could see Rose and Alice glancing at each other, nodding before Alice spoke up again:

"It might just be that you could lose the game, handsome. Or it could be because of our very special guest this evening..." At those words Edward dragged his hand through his hair, making it stand at all directions. He was stunning. He also directed the stare of death towards Alice. I could see Rose miming "Bella?" at Alice and the nod to confirm it. I felt giddy. He was nervous? To see me? My heart stuttered a bit before resuming it's natural pace- and I decided that I couldn't stand here speechless for much longer. Since the thing I wanted to do was to climb into Edward's lap and never leave him, I did almost the opposite.

"So this is what murderous Mafia men does in their spare time? I would never have guessed." At my words Edward's eyes locked with mine and a small blush graced his cheekbones. Cute.

"Bella!" Alice screamed and gave me her usual greeting- a tight hug.

"Hi to you too Pixie. Whatcha doin'?" I was dragged to the couch and promptly sat down between Rose and Alice, Rose giving me a hug in greeting. I could see Edward glancing in my direction.

"I heard your car pull up like thirty minutes ago, where have you been?" Rose said and I'm not surprised, having a fine tuned ear for car engines was a occupational hazard for her.

"You did?!" Edward exclaimed, getting weird looks from his brother and friend and knowing looks from the girls at my side.

"Yes Edward, I would recognize the sound of her Mini Cooper JCW anywhere." Rose was looking, what was the word... Yeah, Smug. She looked smug.

"You drive a Mini!? HAH!" Emmett screamed.

"Yes in fact I do, problem Emmett?" I threw him a look that dared him to insult my Mini, it was my gem. Not seeing the look I gave him he scoffed.

"Hah, yes, that's a car for midgets!" I looked at Rose for acceptance before standing up and walking over to Emmett, promptly slapping him over the head.

"Yes and fortunately not one for oafs!" I retorted when I heard a throat clearing. Turning around I saw Carlisle with his arms crossed looking amused.

"No fighting in this house children, oh and dinners ready." With that he turned around and walked away. Jasper and Emmett paused the game, Alice and Rose waited for them before leaving the room. I desperately wanted to wait for Edward, but in the name of discretion I walked with the others. And it was lucky I did that, because in the doorway stood none other than my father.

"Dad, you're back!" I said as I stormed him, engulfing him with a hug.

"Hiya Bells, I didn't know you would be here." Ruffling my hair, he pulled away and put his arm around my shoulders.

"Esme invited me just today, so basically I didn't know either."

"I'm therefore guessing that the mission was successful?" Humor glinting in the old mans eyes.

"You knew that when you got the text you geezer." I nudged him with my elbow. He clutched his side.

"Be careful with your old man! I might break!" By now we were entering the dining room where the Cullen's were collected.

"Pfft, don't give me that shit, you're not even 50!" Big smiles were now attached to both of us.

"Perhaps not, but a 47 year old man in his pride is still vulnerable to blows from his 23 year old daughter."

"But your mission was a success as well I take it?"

"Went there, killed it, went home. So yes. Hello Carlisle." My dad let me go and went to shake Carlisle's hand and to hug Esme.

"I guess that I don't need to ask myself then?" Came from Carlisle who was seated at the head of the table.

"No, the summary Bella got is pretty accurate." Charlie said, seating himself on Carlisle's lefthand side.

The seating from there was easy- couples. On Carlisle's right side sat Esme and next to her sat Edward and then Alice and Jasper. I sat down beside my father, across from Edward and next to Emmett and Rose. The dinner was fun, homey and just awesome. Love was evident in all actions and humor was contained in all of the words. Halfway through tho I felt something tickling my calf, so I looked up meeting the eyes of an smiling Edward. I smiled back, loving the connection- however small it was and reciprocated. After a delicious dessert in form of a lemon meringue pie- Carlisle's favorite, all of us praised Esme and moved into the living room once again. We had just gotten seated when Alice asked:

"Bella, I've been wondering, what did you do during these last years? You've never told me." I promptly got all of the attention in the room and then lost it when we heard gravel crunching and tires screeching outside.

"Ugh! Who abuses their car like that!?" A enraged Rose said. At her words everyone got up to look out of the window.

"It has to be someone we know, otherwise they couldn't have gotten past the gates." Carlisle said calmly.

Next thing we heard was a opening of the main door that was followed by hard heels clicking on the floor of polished stone. I looked at Edward and saw that his face was washed of all color. A strong stench of perfume hit my nose, cheap perfume.

"EDDIE! I'M FINALLY HOME! HAVEN'T YOU MISSED ME?!" A cheap looking girl wearing a very short and sequence-y dress and what appeared to be a fur coat was hugging and planting her lips on my man. Fuck that. And all of the Cullen's looked exceptionally uncomfortable. I felt protective. Fierce.

"I'm sorry, who are you and what are you doing here uninvited?" I said curtly and I gave her an icy glare. She still hadn't let go of Edward. I couldn't deny the feeling of jealousy coursing through me.

"I'm saying hello to my daaaaahling fiancé Eddie after a long vacation." She turned back to him again and kissed him. I felt my insides crumple up. Fiancé? No. Please, please, please no. No. My heart stopped beating and then stopped entirely, but I showed nothing of the devastation I felt.

Then my rational side kicked in. She was clearly delusional. And even if Edward ever dated this vile person surely he would never marry her? Would he? At first illusion made her beautiful, but now I saw her perfectly. She was fake. Lips looked puffy from injections, eyebrow were noticeable drawn on and I could see the dark roots of her hair and the brittle signs of hair being vandalized by bleach. I bet even her nose was fake. I know her boobs were. And probably her ass. Bitch please.

By now my jealousy was almost completely replaced by mirth, almost. I looked at Edward. I knew that all he got was a raised eyebrow and questioning look. He looked panicked. Alice finally answered my question.

"This is Tanya Denali, Bella." At the look and her words Edward snapped out of his haze. He pushed this Tanya-person back and said irritated:

"I am not your fiancé Tanya." She laughed a clearly fake laugh.

"Yes you are Eddie." He looked violent and then took her by the wrist in a decidedly unfriendly grip and dragged her outside.

"Ehm, would someone explain please?" I said hesitantly.

"That was Tanya Denali, a gold digging whore whose only allowed into this house because of Eleazar Denali, her step-father that has business with my father. She quickly latched on to Edward upon seeing him and being the idiot he was he dated her." Alice gave me the explanation that gave me an pang in my heart. It was true.

"So they are together?" I got disgusted looks from all assembled except my father and Rose.

"No. He ended it a few months back, but she do not seem to get the information through to her head. Or what's left of it at least." This was Emmett speaking.

"But why does she still come here then?" I asked frowning my eyebrows.

"Because it would be rude to Eleazar if we invited everyone in his family to dinner except his adopted daughter. The rest of them are much nicer really." Esme looked disgruntled.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable we all sat down, drinking coffee- or in my turn, tea. we sat like that quietly chatting for about 15 minutes with no sign of Tanya or Edward before I decided that I couldn't take it any longer.

"Esme, Carlisle thank you for inviting me, but I think I should go home." At the raised eyebrow in the room Esme said:

"Why? It's barely 11 pm dear, still early. Don't leave because of Tanya, she's just annoying." I walked over to her, kissed her on the cheek, hugged Carlisle and said:

"It's not because of her Esme, but I'm opening tomorrow and a baker have to sleep sometime." A relieved look crossed her face when she knew that it wasn't inhospitality that made me go home. I made my round of hugs and goodbyes and made it towards the door. Going down the stone steps I heard a distressed voice.

"Bella! You're not leaving already are you?!" I felt a cool hand grab mine and turn me around.

"I swear that I want nothing to do with that woman! She just hangs on as if she's persistent she will get something! And I want you to know that I would never forgive myself if something like her drove a wedge..."

I put my free hand over his to silence him. I made sure he looked me in the eyes and said:

"Edward. Stop. I'm not mad. Well, maybe a bit but that's not so much at you as it is at her." He looked shocked.

"You're not mad?" Hopeful was the word. He inched his face closer. I rubbed my nose against his.

"No." I said lightly, I needed him, I needed this. The reassurance.

"You are amazing." And we kissed. Light pecks, asking for forgiveness and full of something. We separated and I said:

"I still have to go tho, I have work tomorrow." He kissed the top of my head.

"I know. Text me when you get home and call me tomorrow?" He asked, once again, hopeful.

"Definitely." He looked down at me and smiled as he grabbed my hand and led me to my car. When I had opened my car door I turned around, poked him in the chest and said:

"But if I ever see that whore kiss you again I will not let you off the hook so easily. Got it?"

"It will never happen again." He took the hand that poked his chest and brought it to his face.

"You're all that I want Bella, remember that." He kissed my knuckles before releasing my hand and letting me go.

My only thought after I drove away was:

You are my whole world.