A/N: Stephanie Meyers owns twilight, yada yada yada. Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter I LOVED your comments. Thanks as always to Gooseonline for beta goodness. Mistakes are my own.

Chapter 24 my secret recipe

"Edward, is that you honey?"

That voice could only belong to Tanya. Damn I hate it when she calls me honey.

I wrapped my arms around Bella just a little tighter and leaned down to her ear and whispered, "Here we go, remember I love you."

I turned to face Tanya but never took my arm away from Bella. Tanya was wearing a bright red dress that looked at least one size too small which made her breasts bulge out the top and if she leaned over you'd be able to see from here to Sunday up her dress. She didn't wear tramp gear like that when she was with me but then again I bought all her clothing and I would never have bought something like that.

The stark contrast between the Bella's sensual, elegant style and the cheap, slutty style of Tanya was almost comical.

"Edward honey, how are you?" She reached out to put her hand on my upper arm but I leaned away from her.

"I have never been better. Tanya, I have no interest in speaking with you and I do not wish to embarrass Isabella or Victoria by making a scene, however I would remind you of the terms of our separation. Namely that you were to NEVER to speak to me in public …. EVER."

"I know honey, but you won't answer my calls and that bitch Jessica won't let me see you."

"That is because I never want to speak with you or see you ever again, Tanya. We are through."

I turned Bella and placed my other hand gently on the small of Vicky's back, "C'mon you two beautiful ladies." I pointedly emphasised the word ladies. "I'd like to find Emmett and introduce Vicky to Rosalie. I think you two may get along very well."

We left Tanya standing open-mouthed, indignant at being so publicly snubbed. I cast her a vicious threatening look back over my shoulder as I moved my sweet one as far from Tanya as I could without actually leaving the function.

"Tanya, here you are, you're late."

"Relax, I was just on my way to get dressed Alley Cat."

"Don't you dare call me that. Only family and people I actually like can call me that. You may call me Miss Cullen. You need to get backstage to dress and for make-up. What on earth are you wearing… wait, I don't care."

They headed back stage and Alice cast me a look of apology and mouthed 'sorry'.

Bella held my hand and squeezed it and gave me a proud loving smile. "That wasn't so bad, baby. You shouldn't have worried so much. It was just a little awkward but nothing dramatic. I imagined her causing some embarrassing scene."

I shook my head, "It's early yet Bella."

"Who the fuck was that Cullen?" Victoria leaned in to Bella, "That slut is after your man girl, you mark my words. C'mon, let's go get a drink"

Victoria took Bella over to the bar. "No alcohol Bella." I told her sternly. She smiled and nodded to me. Good girl. My blood was up after seeing Tanya and I spoke a little more harshly than I'd intended but I hope Bella understood.

Fuck. I needed to calm down. That bitch Tanya had some nerve to come anywhere near me.

I scanned the room looking for my parents or my brother and Rosalie. I would try to catch up with Alley after the showing and let her know that we're okay. She'd be too busy now. I could just imagine the mayhem in the dressing room with all the models, makeup artists and the designer all running in circles asking Alice questions she'd already answered multiple times, all of them in high-drama and panic. I really don't know how Alice could stand it but honestly she seemed to really love it.

All around the room was the high society of Seattle, including many of my business associates, but I didn't want to get caught up with work tonight, so I just nodded politely to people I knew. I hoped they'd get the hint not to come over to me tonight.

"Edward." Ah, my parents at last.

"Hey Dad." I pulled him in for a man-hug. We patted each other's backs and stepped back.

"Ma you look gorgeous as always." I leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Where's your beautiful girl? I like her so much Edward, please don't screw it up dumpling, she's a keeper. And Elizabeth is so adorable. I want you to marry Bella and have lots and lots of babies just like Lil Bit."

"Give the boy some credit Esme. He won't screw it up, he knows how lucky he is to have Isabella. She really is lovely, Edward."

"You're not telling me anything I don't already know, Ma. I don't know why but she loves me and I am the luckiest man in the world. I'm going to try real hard not to screw it up. I promise."

I wanted to tell her that babies are definitely on the cards given Bella doesn't want us to use birth control! And there's no way I am abstaining from that woman's body. I definitely wasn't going to share that we may already have one on the way. Fuck I can't wait to see Bella round with my baby growing inside her. She's such a sensual woman, pregnancy is going to look beautiful on her.

Thinking of her pregnant was feeding my craving for her. Where the fuck is she? I need her close. I want to touch her soft smooth skin and smell her delicious scent.

Finally Bella and Vicky returned with their drinks. Bella was drinking some frou frou concoction. I raised my brow in question and she mouthed 'mocktail' to me. Vicky, god bless her, passed me a whiskey. I really did like this woman. If she wasn't married to my idiot cousin James I'd spend more time with her.

"Hey Mr and Mrs C, how the hell are you?"

"We're both very well Vicky. You look beautiful as always." There were hugs all round.

"Thanks Carlisle, you're always such a gentleman."

"Isabella!" Esme rushed to Bella and wrapped her in a motherly hug. I could see Bella holding on and enjoying it. She must miss her mother so much. "You look gorgeous, I love your dress sweetie. Oh and I love your necklace. Is that…?"

Esme looked to me and I nodded. Of course Esme would recognise it as my mother's necklace.

Bella blushed a little and reached her hand up to touch the necklace. "Thanks Esme. You look so lovely too. Edward gave me the necklace this evening. It's so beautiful. "

"What about me Bella? Don't I look lovely?" Carlisle play pouted at my girl. I rolled my eyes at Carlisle as Bella assured him that he was almost the most handsome man in the room.

She walked back into my open arms. I gave my father a challenging look.

He laughed and conceded with his hands up in surrender.

Damn right, I am the most handsome man for my girl!

Just then a tiny pretty young woman in a server's outfit carrying a tray of Bella's delicious food walked up to us.

"Hello Bella, you look nice. Thanks for letting me work tonight."

"Hello Bree. You look great in your outfit. How is college going?"

"Really well, I just have too many assignments and so much reading but I am keeping up. Glad for the night's work though."

"How's your mom doing?"

"She's pretty good right now. She's been out of hospital for six weeks. That's the longest without a hospital admission in two years."

"That's fantastic." Bella reached up and placed her hand on my upper arm. "Edward, baby, can I introduce Bree Tanner. She works as part of the catering team with Zafrina. She's also in her last year studying Law at UW. Bree, this my boyfriend Edward."

I loved it when she called me baby but I hated it when she called me her 'boyfriend'. It just wasn't enough.

I nodded at the pretty young woman. I realized she was actually older than Isabella. She was very small, had large brown eyes, long brown hair and was quite pale. She also looked quite tired but then again she was studying law. She was holding a tray so I couldn't shake her hand so I simply nodded. "Good to meet you Bree. How long have you worked for Bella?"

"Good to meet you too Edward. I've been with Zaffy's team for almost a year. It's great work because it is shifts rather than set hours so it is easier to fit in with my studies and caring for my mom. Bella subsidises my College fees which is fantastic because my scholarship doesn't really cover my costs. I'd better keep moving or this food is going to get cold. Would you like something?"

Her tray was covered with savoury treats, so I took a napkin from her and piled it up with Bella's cooking.

"Now Edward, no noises!" Esme warned and Bella giggled.

"What noises? Are you a sloppy, noisy eater Edward?" Victoria asked as she piled up her napkin too.

"No, Vicky he just makes sex noises when he eats Bella's cooking." Esme winked at Bella. Vicky laughed heartily and then popped one of Bella's savoury pastry bites in her mouth.

"...oh god… mmm.. oh my…"

"Vicky!"

"Sorry Esme but have you tried this, it's fucking amazing! Bella I think I love you! Seriously Bella, what do you put in this shit?"

"It's a secret Vicky. Maybe one day, if I get to know you better, I'll tell you my secret recipe."

We all laughed. I could see Bella was pleased that Vicky liked her cooking. Yeah, I think these two are going to be good friends.

Carlisle took Esme's arm. "C'mon Esme, let's go schmooze. With all these lovely society types here maybe we can raise some extra funds for my department at the Hospital. We'll see you later everyone."

Bella gave my parents a little wave as she was still chatting with Bree. "Have a good night Bree. Let me know if you need anything or if you want a ride home, okay?"

"Thanks Bella." She went on her way with her tray of treats and I noticed people were loading up just as we did. The food was very popular, of course.

Bella leaned in to talk with just me. "Bree's such a sweet girl. Her mother is very ill, in and out of hospital all the time. Bree has a scholarship but it doesn't cover everything and with her mother's medical costs there wasn't any family income spare to help Bree. She was going to have to drop out but we're helping her out through the Helping Hands program. She's a great little waitress too."

Damn I love this woman. I leaned over kissed her on her shoulder and leaned my lips close to her ear. "You are a stunning and wonderful woman, Miss Isabella and when you talk business you get me all hot and bothered." I kissed her shoulder lightly again.

"Keep it clean bro'. You're in public." Emmett. Cheeky fucker.

Emmett came over with Rosalie, both dressed up but also just a little dishevelled. What have they been up to?

"Emmett, you're looking pretty dapper there, bro'?" I reached over and straightened his bow tie.

Bella obviously also noticed their slightly dishevelled appearance, "You look beautiful Rose, I love your dress." Bella reached up and straightened the collar at the back of Rose's neck. Rose had the decency to blush.

"So where have you been Emmett?"

He grinned like a the cat with the proverbial cream and pulled Rosalie even closer to him, "Enjoying an evening with my beautiful lady."

I smirked at her. "It's good to see you Rose. You look very beautiful."

"Thank you Edward. It's lovely to get all dressed up. Emmett bought me the dress and Alice helped me pick it out. I haven't worn anything like this in a long time."

I think Rosalie has had a hard life so far. No wonder she loves my Bella so much, they are so very close and have been family to each other for a while. I am glad that Emmett has fallen for such a strong and, yes, very beautiful woman.

"Vicky, I'd like you to meet Emmett's better half, Miss Rosalie Hale. Rose, this my cousin James' wife but more importantly my friend, Victoria Volturi."

They shook hands. Rose went over to join Vicky and Bella, while I moved over to stand with Emmett.

"I usually hate these things but it is actually bearable with Bella here."

"Yeah, Rose was so excited to get all dressed up. Alley helped her find a dress and I treated her to an afternoon at the hairdressers. You'd think I'd lassooed the moon, she was so grateful. She's not used to little luxuries but she's going to have to get used to it 'cos I plan on spoiling her as much as she'll let me. She's the one Edward. I know it. I can't move as fast as you have with Bella because of Rose's experiences with her abusive ex, but I can be patient. Believe me, if it were up to me we'd be on our honeymoon right now. I fucking love her."

"That's great man. I am truly happy for you. This ex of hers sounds like a nightmare. There's no way he's still a threat to her is he?"

"Well, threat or not. If he ever finds her he'll have to come through me and I won't hesitate to put that man down. Fucking pig, abusing a woman."

"You ever need me, bro' and I am there. Just say the word."

"Thanks Ed. She's my one and only from now on." His eyes were bright and I realised he too had found his mate. Now all we had to do was find someone worthy of our Alice. I hate to see her alone.

"Edward?" My sweet girl was standing close and looking up at me. I loved it when she did that. "The girls and I are going to find a seat ready for the parade. Will I save a seat for you?"

"Sure, love. I'll be along in a little while." She walked off with the girls and as I watched her walk away from me I noticed how many men were watching her and checking her out. I must have growled louder than I thought as Emmett hit me in the arm.

"Settle down man. You're in love with a beautiful woman. You better get used to other men looking at her but you've got nothing to worry about. That girl is the real deal. You have a winner there man."

I nodded and smiled. "She's my one and only too, Em."

The lights started to dim and Alice's voice could be heard around the room, "Ladies and Gentlemen please take a seat and prepare to enjoy 'Ethereal Fantasy' by Dominic."

Emmett and I rolled our eyes and made our way over to our girls. I noticed James has finally arrived and was seated with Victoria with my Isabella on his other side. Fuck that!

When I made my way to them, he was leaning over and whispering in her ear and she was leaning away from him. She saw me. I opened my arms and she stood immediately, walked over and straight into my embrace. "You okay, love?"

"Just glad to be with you baby." She leaned in to whisper, "Would you mind if we swapped seats. I don't want to sit with your cousin. I think he's had a few too many."

Good girl.

"Of course, love. I was actually going to suggest that myself."

We made our way over to the seats which were in the front row and I sat Bella on my left with James on my right.

"James." I couldn't bring myself to even make polite conversation with him.

"Edward." Clearly James felt the same way. Good. Fucker.

On each of our seats was a catalogue with a pen attached, I turned to Bella and we starting looking through the images in the catalogue.

"So do I mark the ones I like?"

"Yes, love. It makes it easier if you want to buy any."

She wriggled in her seat and I realised how excited she was to be here. I've been to so many of these things I've become quite jaded. It was actually fun to watch Bella get so excited. The lights dimmed further and the music got louder with sort of tribal drums playing. The models came out one at a time and the clothes were actually quite lovely. Flowing and feminine with asymmetrical lines. The were quite sensual, I could well imagine Bella in several of them. Each time Tanya came out to model an item I deliberately looked away and focussed on Bella.

The music changed to a slower rhythm and the models paraded in lingerie. I really like these ones and I marked several that I'd like to get Isabella. Nothing slutty for my sweet girl, these were soft and sensual. My favourite was baby blue satin with chiffon waves or so the catalogue said. Whatever. It looked soft and sensual just like my girl. The other one was dusty rose satin with embroidered roses along the very low dip in the back. I could just imagine Bella's soft mahogany locks cascading down to the satin. Fuck. I definitely want that.

Bella looked at my card and smiled at me, holding up her card. She'd marked the same two items on her list too. I leaned down and started nuzzling her neck and I whispered in her ear, "I can't wait for you to wear these and for me to slide them off your gorgeous body."

She breathed in and leaned her head to my shoulder. I knew she was imagining just what I was imagining. Luckiest. Fucker. Ever.

I was so caught up in our little bubble I hadn't realised that Tanya come out. I was watching another model wearing yet another lingerie piece I'd like to buy my Bella. I looked down to mark my card when I noticed that a model had stopped directly in front of me wearing a rather nice forest green satin wrap. It was Tanya. Fuck. She looked me directly in the eye, untied the wrap and let it slide to the floor. Bella let out a small gasp. As the wrap fell to the floor Tanya was left standing in a completely see through deep forest green lace negligee and she was completely naked underneath. She smiled at me with what I assumed was supposed to be a sexy smile.

I wanted to get up and walk away but being in the middle of the front row there really was no way to do that and I didn't want to drag Bella out that way.

So I put a completely bored expression on my face and yawned a large loud yawn. People all around us laughed included Bella who held the card up to cover her mouth as she chuckled.

I reached down and picked up the wrap and held it out to Tanya. I tilted my head, pursed my lips and raised my eyebrows as if to challenge her to say anything. She snatched the wrap and walked off in a less than elegant manner. People snickering at her the whole way.

I turned to Bella, rolled my eyes and shook my head in disbelief. She smiled at me and placed a small kiss on my cheek.

We continued to watch the rest of the show and I did my best to calm down. I wanted to fucking kill that bitch Tanya. I knew she'd try something tonight. Fuck. I could only hope Bella wasn't too embarrassed. She seemed to be okay but she could be putting up a good front.

I was about to ask her when the lights dimmed a little more and the music changed to a softer more romantic sounding folk tune. At the entrance to the runway was a model looking like a greek goddess in a soft romantic dress which actually must be a wedding dress. It was stunning. Then everything went black and I couldn't see anything. Bella had held her card in front of my face and then a woman's pair of hands were over my eyes. I reached up to remove the hands from my eyes.

"Sorry dumpling but the minute I saw that dress I knew Bella would love it."

"Thank you Esme. Isn't it beautiful? Oh Edward, you mustn't look baby, it's bad luck."

I knew then what was happening my sweet one just found her wedding dress.

My mother leaned down and whispered in my ear, "She is going to be a beautiful bride, dumpling." She kissed my cheek and after a few minutes she removed her hands.

I looked at Bella and she had tears in her eyes. She smiled at me and was blushing her beautiful blush.

"Ahh, my blushing bride?" I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry Edward. I didn't mean to presume. I just saw the dress and I knew… "

I took her left hand and held it to my lips. I kissed her fingertips and when I got to her ring finger, I rubbed my finger at the place where very soon I hoped to place her engagement and wedding ring. I kissed that finger slowly and locked my gaze with with Isabella's.

"We know where we're going love. Our love will be forever. We're going to have it all. Consuming, intoxicating, exhilarating, frustrating, frightening, thrilling. And we will have it together as a family."

We looked at each a long time, not realising the lights had come up and that everyone was mingling again. Finally, we broke from our private bubble and found the others.

"What the fuck is the story with that slutty model Edward? Bella, I would've tripped her as she passed me if I'd known she was going to try that with my man."

James coughed and choked on his drink hearing Vicky's comments. Guilty fucker.

"She's not worth it Vicky."

"Gotta say you handled it well Edward. Did you see she was completely naked under that lacey thing. Shit. What a slut! Alice will be furious."

"Edward, I'm going to go find Alice and talk about… well… to see if she'll introduce me to the designer, okay. But I need you to stay here so I can… um, …. talk about … y'know the dress."

I chuckled. "That's fine, love but I want someone to go with you."

"Rosie and I'll take her, Edward." Vicky had her arm linked with Rose's, I knew those two would hit it off.

"I'm coming too Bella. I want to talk to the designer about that dress too." Esme rushed up to Bella. I think Esme can sense a wedding in the not too distant future.

"Okay, sweet one, well I'll be here trying to stop Emmett from eating all your food. I love you."

"I love you too baby." She leaned up and gave me a sweet kiss to my lips. I licked my lips as she walked away.

James was holding the bar up in case it collapsed and I could see he was really pretty drunk. So Emmett and I decided to get coffee instead of another drink so we could avoid him. I had little interest in James when he was sober but drunk he was a nightmare. But we didn't move fast enough.

"Ed.. Eddie… c'mon cousin come and have a drink with me, man. Let's let bygones be bygones." Yeah like that was going to happen. I signalled for Em to wait for me and I walked over to James.

"What the fuck do you think I want to talk to you about… cuz? You cheated on your wonderful wife with my slutty girlfriend and you try to steal from me. You're lucky I didn't sue you. You stupid fuck. You and Caius both. Don't talk to me ever as though we don't know what really happened."

I went to walk away, when he grabbed my arm.

"Don't make me punch you again James. Why don't you stop drinking, get your shit together and try to make it up to your beautiful wife. You don't deserve Victoria, James. She is far too good for you but the least you could do is try and act like a decent husband. Are you still screwing Tanya?"

"What if I am. She's great in the sack and sucks my dick like her life depended on it."

"She's using you for the money, you stupid fuck."

"Fuck you Edward."

At that I turned and headed back to Emmett. I rolled my eyes at him and shook my head. I need to find a way to get him away from Vicky. She deserves better and if she and Bella are going to be friends, I can't have my sweet one anywhere near that sleazy fuck. Cousin or no cousin.

Emmett and I headed over to join Carlisle get coffee and enjoy some of Bella's petit fours. What? They're tiny and they go perfectly with coffee. I'll just have to run a few extra miles tomorrow on the treadmill. Mmm, damn…. so good.

After our coffee and cakes we all headed off to find our girls. As we approached the backstage area we saw a small group gathered together, all women. There was Esme and Alice, Victoria and Rose, Bella and Tanya. Fuck. Bella and Tanya!

"Hey missy. What was that stunt you pulled out there tonight with Bella's man?" Vicky had her hands on her hips and looked ready to get into a catfight with Tanya. So Vicky, she's loyal to a fault, ready to go to battle for a friend she's known for a couple of hours.

Tanya looked at Vicky in shock. "Bella's man. My Edward? Who the hell is Bella?"

At this point my little sweet girl stepped forward right up into Tanya's face. "That would be me."

Damn, my girl was sexy as hell when she was jealous.

Tanya looked Bella up and down and snorted, "Her? You think she can compete with me for Edward? Ha. He wouldn't look at twice at that little girl." She waved her hands to gesture up and down Bella's body. "Not when he could have this woman." She pointed back to herself and snorted again, mocking Bella.

Bella took a step back. I was about to step in to rescue her and tell her how perfect she was compared to Tanya.

"And how many men have had that?" Bella gestured her hands up and down Tanya's body.

"Perhaps Edward is more interested in a less used woman?"

Damn, Bella! She didn't need my rescue so I stood back with Emmett and Carlisle. James came in witnessing my girl giving back to Tanya as good as she got.

"Used! You bitch! I'll have you know I had Edward and his cousin for months. Edward had no complaints. He enjoyed my experience several times a night whenever he wanted me. Tanya was the name he called out when he came, little girl."

Fuck. I looked at Bella expecting to see her upset and hurt by Tanya's words. But my girl was calm. She tilted her head to the side and smiled. Huh? What was she up to.

"Tanya. Tanya Denali?"

"Yes, that's my name. What's it to you?"

Bella cocked her eyebrow and tilted her head to the other side. She waited a moment to answer. "I was only checking because I thought your name might be Tanya Vasilii? There was a girl who looked remarkably like you named Tanya Vasilii from Alaska. You wouldn't know her would you?"

What was Bella talking about? Tanya obviously knew because she went white as a sheet and stepped back from my girl, shaking her head no.

"I only wondered because Tanya Vasilii is wanted on charges of prostitution and car theft by the Anchorage Police. You wouldn't know anything about that would Ms Vasilii, oh sorry, Ms Denali?"

"No," Tanya almost whispered.

"Really?" Bella stepped forward and I could see she was going in for the kill. She was standing with one hand on her hip and I'd never seen anything so sexy in my life as Bella just laying out the facts to Tanya.

"This is what is going to happen, Ms Visilii. My lawyer is going to wait three days and then he's going to contact the Alaskan authorities and tell them that Ms Tanya Vasilii, prostitute and car thief, is in Seattle under the name of Tanya Denali. I suggest that unless you want to give yourself up to the authorities that you use those three days to leave Seattle. I don't care where you go. I don't care what you do. But you are never to contact my Edward or his … any of his family again."

She was probably going to name James but decided not to so as not to humiliate or hurt Victoria. Good girl.

Vicky blew out a loud breath, "Whew. Well Shit Bella. Remind me to NEVER piss you off."

I walked up behind Bella. I snaked my arm around my girl's waist and pulled her back to press against my body. I dropped my lips down to plant a small kiss on her bare shoulder, "Well done sweet one. Let's go home so I can make love to my fierce little kitten." I dropped another kiss on her neck just below her ear.

Tanya stared at us in shock at what just happened.

"You're still here Ms Vasilii? I thought you'd be heading home to pack." Bella asked. Tanya turned on her heel grabbed her bag and headed towards the back door.

"Tanya, wait." I turned to see James following after Tanya.

Vicky stepped forward, drew her arm back and hit James with a powerful right hook to the jaw. James flew back before landing flat on this back on the ground. Fuck, that was a big hit.

"James! You shit." Vicky stood over him shaking out her punching hand. "You've been cheating on me with this cheap slut. Telling me I'm not good enough and this is what you've been banging."

She reached down and grabbed him by his shirt, "We are fucking through you weak shit. Remember that pre-nup you signed? Well you better invest in some industrial strength lube mister, because I am going to ram that pre-nup right up your arse. You won't get a cent of my money. Go ahead and take off with your cheap slut. You deserve each other. Good riddance."

She dropped him back to the ground and stepped over him walking back to us.

"Vicky, I am so sorry." Bella reached out and took her hand. All the women came and circled around her to wrap her in their love and comfort.

I moved in and took Vicky into a hug. I brushed away the tear rolling down her cheek, "Vicky, you are a strong, beautiful, loving women and that man may be my cousin but he's not worth one single tear. Not one."

A/N: ….. so that happened! Poor Vicky. Good riddance with James don't you think? I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one….