BPOV.

My morning began with the faint smell of coffee. When you get used to living alone, it was quite an unusual start to the day, so it made me wake up. My sleepy brain started to recall the events of the previous day and I let out a groan. I ran my hands over my face, trying to get rid of drowsiness, as I suddenly remembered that I fell asleep in the arms of my boyfriend. I quickly opened my eyes and looked at the right side of the bed. Instead of Edward, I only found a rumpled blanket, which was quite logical, since the coffee machine couldn't start working by itself.

I quickly went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and comb, and then headed to the kitchen. There were already two cups of coffee on the table, and between them a gorgeous bouquet of white eustomas and freesias was placed in a vase. Edward stood with his back to me and put the orange peels in the trash can.

"How did you know these are some of my favorite flowers?" I moved closer to the bouquet to smell the freesias.

Edward turned to my voice and smiled.

"Maybe I have a secret source of information." Rosalie, of course. Meanwhile, Edward stepped closer to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Good morning. I hope you slept well."

"Like you don't know."

"It's not my fault that I love hugging in my sleep. It's an unconditioned reflex." I made a displeased face, although we both understood that this was all pretense.

I had woken up in the middle of the night because someone had tightly hugged me from behind. Jacob had never liked to cuddle, and always slept on the opposite side of the bed. Therefore, by surprise, I hit Edward right in the stomach with my elbow. After that, we couldn't fall asleep for another thirty minutes, laughing and joking. Edward had fallen asleep first, then drew me back into his arms. At first, I had been extremely pleased, I liked the feeling of calm and security that his embrace had brought, but then I became hot. Sleeping with Edward was like sleeping with a heater. For the rest of the night, I woke up several times to free myself from the embrace and cool down a bit.

" Next time we sleep with the air conditioner on." I pulled Edward in to kiss him.

"Mmm, next time. I like your ideas." Edward kissed the top of my head. "I'm almost done with breakfast. I hope the pancakes are edible."

I looked in surprise towards the stove, where was a stack of ready-made pancakes.

"Recipe from the Internet. So, all claims to the author." Edward nervously ran a hand through his hair. "I operate on people almost every day, but the process of frying pancakes turned out to be much more stressful than I expected."

I laughed at his facial expression. Edward looked at me in mock annoyance.

"You could wait until I get up, cooking doesn't cause such horror in me. You know that I love to cook."

"First, I wanted to make breakfast as part of an apology for yesterday." Edward almost winced at the memory. "Secondly, I get up before you, it seems reasonable that the breakfast was cooked by the one who got up earlier. And thirdly, breakfast dishes are probably the only ones that I can cook."

"How did you survive in Chicago? You don't look too skinny."

"Let's just say that after I moved, several food delivery companies lost a major customer."

"Poor GDP of Illinois. But our local restaurants are probably getting rich now." I sat down on a chair and turned to Edward. "I'm extremely pleased, but I told you, I already forgave you."

I had been angry yesterday. Dumping me in the middle of an event to chat with an ex was not his brightest decision. But after I got home and calmed down a bit, I realized that I overreacted a bit. I still think Edward was wrong, but to my surprise, I found myself trusting him. I was shocked by such an unexpected feeling of trust in another individual. Even that strange SMS that we hadn't yet had time to discuss didn't bother me.

"Trust me, I know. I guess otherwise we wouldn't have had our best night."

Edward clearly said it as a joke, realizing that I hadn't slept for half of the night. I smiled and rolled my eyes.

Even though my quality of sleep has suffered, I'll still remember my first night in Edward's arms. Maybe I can even get used to his habit. I wasn't kidding about the air conditioner.

"I can think of a couple of ways to make our night together better." I innocently leaned over to sniff the flowers, but out of the corner of my eye I saw Edward freeze with a frying pan in his hands. I bit my lip to keep from giving away my smile. "Maybe watch some TV show before going to bed so we have something to talk about later. You know." I closed my lips tighter as I saw Edward narrow his eyes in suspicion. "You don't like my idea?" I tried to make a sad face.

"Of course, we can watch a couple of episodes. But then there are more interesting things." Edward set a plate in front of me and leaned down to kiss the corner of my mouth.

I chuckled at his response. Edward realized that two people could play this game.

"Breakfast looks more than just edible." I looked at my pancakes. I was certainly pleased, no one cooked breakfast for me for a long time. Even if they tasted disgusting, it wouldn't ruin the surprise. "I can get used to this."

"With our work schedules, I'm afraid we rarely get breakfast like this. But of course, I'm all for it." I smiled and continued to eat my pancakes.

We ate in silence for a couple of minutes. Then Edward brought glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice.

"Did Rosalie also tell you about coffee with orange juice?"

"She's my trusted informant."

"I dread to think what else she could have told you." I shook my head.

"In her defense, I can say that she worried about our relationship as if it were her own. And she also asked me to tell you that I'm an idiot and you have the right not to forgive me." Edward ran a hand through his hair and smiled guiltily. "I hope your forgiveness is irrevocable."

I looked at my breakfast and flowers.

"I forgave you yesterday, in the morning I didn't change my mind. But such breakfast, of course, didn't hurt."

Edward chuckled. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Rosalie also sent me a video from the camera. So, I hope all doubts about that SMS should be completely gone."

I frowned and looked at his phone. Apparently, Edward didn't believe me when I said that I trust him and his words.

"I really believe that there was nothing between you and Tanya on the balcony."

"I'm certainly pleased. But it was Rosalie's decision, we agreed on it back there."

I almost laugh at Rosalie's efforts. She really wanted us to succeed with Edward. Luck was on her side, because so far, I liked her cousin very much. I reached out my hand to watch that unfortunate video from the security camera. I didn't know with what facial expression I was watching the whole conversation, but inside I was torn with anger. Why can't some people just leave other people alone? I watched Edward's face change on the screen as he realized his mistake. Tanya's logic was meaningless, she was trying to punish our with Edward relationship for her mistake. I smiled for the first time when Rosalie appeared on the screen. I didn't know what I did to deserve such a loyal friend. I turned off the phone and silently handed it back to Edward. I leaned over the table and kissed him on the lips. I wanted to show once again that I was no longer angry.

"I don't know how Tanya got my phone number. And even more I don't understand what she wanted to achieve with this SMS. You discussed right in front of her that there were cameras."

"Maybe she thought we were bluffing. Or maybe she just wanted to annoy us once again. This is Tanya, I wouldn't look for logic in her."

"I can't even imagine what you saw in her." My words flew out of my mouth before I could stop myself. But then I thought and decided that I actually was interested to know the answer.

Edward let out a low groan and covered his face with his hands. The reaction was funny but I wanted to hear the answer. Finally, Edward put his hands on the table and looked at me.

"Tanya met me at one of my mom's events. I can't say that I liked her right away, but I didn't mind making new acquaintances. It turned out that we both lived in Chicago and we agreed to meet there. That's how it all started, Tanya was a pretty and obviously interested girl, I was young and mostly focused on my career. It was just convenient for me to date her." Edward looked down at his hands on the table and pursed his lips. "Tanya never complained about the fact that I was constantly at work. All my colleagues' girls were always whining that they didn't have enough time together, and in comparison, with them, it seemed to me that Tanya was so understanding. She always found time to meet with me, came on the first call. Then she offered to start renting an apartment together and I agreed. I paid for our rent in an elite area, it seemed to me that this is how adults and responsible relationships should look like." Edward sighed heavily and looked sadly to the side. "Tanya began to drop more hints about the wedding, at first I didn't react to them at all, but then I even seriously thought about it. I can't believe what an idiot I was. It was all so obvious."

I reached out my hand and squeezed Edward's hand.

"We both know that some people can hide their intentions expertly. It's not our fault."

"Yes, but now I realize that I was extremely naive. Tanya and I were so indifferent to spending time together. Because we didn't care about each other. It's so obvious, especially now that I'm ready to cancel all my planned operations, just to spend some extra time with you. The only thing that stops me is my responsibility to patients." Edward sent me his signature smirk. "But you know the rest. Once I returned home early and saw Tanya in our bed with another man. She, of course, threw a tantrum, swore that she didn't know what had come over her and that it was for the first time. I didn't even want to listen to anything, I was more than sure that this was not the first time, most likely not even with the same man. I silently packed all my things that evening and moved out temporarily to the hotel. I didn't return to the apartment. It was unpleasant to be there. The rent was paid for another half a year in advance, Tanya seemed to continue to live there. Therefore, what shared memories she tried to remind me of yesterday, I sincerely do not understand. "

"Did you let her live in the apartment that you paid for? I would have thrown her out right into the street. Maybe her lover would have sheltered her for the night. Or at least I would have given her a day."

"The whole day? You are kindness itself this morning."

"People like Tanya don't deserve even an ounce of kindness." I frowned as I remembered my breakup with Jacob. Then I remembered my conversation yesterday with the Black family. "I take it it's my turn now." I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that in the same night, Edward and I managed to both run into our exes. "My yesterday's meeting was no less pleasant." My voice was laced with sarcasm, and Edward visibly stiffened. "After you left me, I first decided that I would wait for you there. But after a couple of minutes, I got very angry and decided to find Rosalie. I couldn't even imagine that she was with you almost all this time. As a result, my search ended in a not very pleasant meeting for me. Billy Black saw me before I saw him, so I didn't have time to hide in the crowd. He tried to justify his son's act, said that we were a wonderful couple." Edward clenched his hands into a fist, but continued to sit silently. "I didn't even understand why he was telling me all this, I let go of this whole situation a long time ago, I'm finally moving on. But he continued to talk about how Jacob cared about me. At one point I was tired of all this and I wanted walk away, but standing behind me was none other than Jacob Black himself." His name came out of my mouth like a curse. "It looked like Billy made Jacob start hinting that we should get together and get to know each other all over again."

"What?" Edward looked furious. "After everything he did, he just suggest you get to know each other again? I definitely should have come back yesterday. He would really learn something new about you. For example, that you have a boyfriend with a lot of experience in boxing."

"You have experience in boxing?" I couldn't hide surprise in my voice. This was a new information even for me.

"It was kind of a rebellious thing in my teenage years. I wanted to do something cool, a distraction from the eternal preparation for entering the medical school. Emmett and I still train sometimes, even though we are in completely different weight categories. So, trust me, I still remember the most painful ways to hit a person." For the first time I saw a new side of Edward, something darker. Perhaps I should have tensed up, but the only thing this new information caused in me was arousal. I forced myself to stop staring at Edward and get on with my story.

"Then things got even weirder. I wanted to leave again, but Jacob grabbed my arm." Edward closed his darkened eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers. "He said that even though he was an idiot in the past, he won't make the same mistake again. And that even you can't stop him."

"What? He didn't calm down even after you told him about me?"

"That's the odd thing. Edward, I didn't tell him anything about our relationship. He somehow found out about us himself. Maybe he saw us that evening earlier. I have no other explanation. He hinted that he hadn't forgotten me all this time. I don't know how I can interpret this information, but I don't think I'll like either version."

"Bella, maybe we should go to the police?"

"And what are we going to tell them? Edward, I won't hide the fact that I'm a little uncomfortable, but that's no reason to go to the police."

"I understand." Edward took a deep breath. "That doesn't mean that I'm not burning with the desire to tell someone about this. You are not a media person, information about our relationship is not open."

I nodded silently, indicating that I agreed. I couldn't bear the mere thought that Jacob Black was once again the number one problem in my life. I thought about the steps I could take, but I didn't have any obvious solution. Except maybe one.

"I can call my dad." I sounded unsure. Dad was a bit of a radical decision.

"I still don't fully understand what exactly your father does."

I laughed at Edward's frightened face. He feared not unreasonably, Charlie Swan could be a scary man.

"I told you before he's a businessman." I smiled sweetly. "But seriously, dad has a lot of different friends. He will definitely take my words seriously. Although, I certainly don't want to stress people for no reason."

"Bella, of course, tell your father about everything. He'll be able to decide whether there is a reason to do something or not." Edward was right, but he also underestimated Charlie's initial level of anger towards Jake. Any action on Jacob's part would be viewed extremely negatively. "Just describe your conversation. Even the fact that someone else will be aware of your concerns can help in the future."

"Okay, you're right. I'll call my parents tonight. Do you want to call Esme by the way? I'm so embarrassed about last night. We didn't even get to see her yesterday. She tried so hard to organize everything."

"I think Rosalie has already explained everything to her, otherwise the two of us would have had a hundred missed calls from her. But we can call to tell her that everything is fine. I think she will be glad to know that you have forgiven her brainless son."

"Stop it. I also wouldn't have guessed that Tanya would decide to take revenge on you for her mistakes. I propose to forget yesterday evening altogether after today."

"Okay, this will be the best decision." Edward took out his phone again. "I suggest we sit on the couch and call my mom."

We sat on my couch, or rather Edward sat down normally, and I put my head on his knees. Esme picked up the phone almost instantly.

"Edward! Finally, you called. I already wanted to dial myself, but Carlisle talked me out of it. Are you and Bella okay? I can't believe that this girl did something again. If I spotted Tanya first, I would yank her out by the scruff of the neck immediately. How does Bella feel? Rosalie said she felt bad?"

"Mom! Mom, we're fine. Bella can hear you now, you can ask her directly."

"Esme, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern. I'm so sorry we didn't even get to come over and say hello yesterday. Everything was top notch."

"Thank you, dear. My biggest mistake was not checking the guest list. I can't believe Tanya had the guts to show up at my charity event."

"By the way, mom. Did you say something to your friends? Tanya tried to convince me that she was taking revenge on me for your false accusations. It turns out now no one wants to date her now."

"Of course, I discussed this with my girlfriends. No lies, I'm not at the age to invent any gossip. Perhaps they prejudice their sons, this is their right. How the information reached other people, I don't know, but I think that's how it should have happened."

I agreed with Esme, cheaters in my understanding don't change. If I could, I would like to warn all girls about Jacob so no one gets into my situation.

"I understand." It was funny to watch Edward nod his head even though Esme couldn't see him. I didn't think he was too happy about the fact that his mom discussed his personal life with her friends, but on the other hand, I guess all moms did that. "I thought so, Tanya was obviously exaggerating. You would be the last person who could spread rumors about anyone. Even about someone like Tanya."

"In her case, I wouldn't even have to think of anything." Esme took a deep breath. "Okay, I won't keep you any longer. I still have to pay the cleaners and sort out a couple of issues. I'll call you later."

Edward put the phone next to me and smiled.

"Why do I have the feeling that after the short last night I have another trillion calls to make."

I laughed at his feigned fatigue.

"This evening was a complete fiasco for us. But who else were you going to call? You have obviously already chatted with Rosalie. She gave you all my secrets so I could forgive you faster."

"Secrets? Maybe you're right, she told me a lot of things in a panic. Some of this is stuff worthy of blackmail, in my opinion. Perhaps the next time I mess up, instead of apologizing, I will just threaten you with this information."

I laughed nervously. If anyone had such information on me, it was definitely Rosalie.

"You're lying, Cullen. This information is protected by a sister code. Chicks before dicks, you know."

Edward laughed, throwing his head back.

"Where are we? In high school?" Edward laughed again. But then he remembered our topic of conversation and became a little more serious. "Apart from your father, I also promised to call Garett." Edward hesitated a little, turning his gaze to the side. "Before Tanya got involved in our conversation, I was going to tell you something important."

I immediately remembered how Edward's friend confidently said that Edward loves me. And I also remembered his reaction to these words.

"Edward, I understand. We don't have to discuss this now if you don't want to." My reaction to the situation with Tanya and my trust in him opened my eyes. If before that I still had some doubts about the depth of my feelings for him, then after that I didn't have even a fraction of a doubt. I was in love with Edward. I think my feelings were mutual, but maybe it was a little fast for him.

"But I want to! And I was ready to say it yesterday, but happened what happened." Edward looked down into my eyes, and I decided to change my position for such a serious conversation. I sat next to him so that our eyes were on the same level. "Bella, what Garrett said yesterday is absolutely true. And the fact that my friend, whom I hadn't seen for a long time, was able to see it so quickly, should only confirm the veracity of my words. Bella, I love you. I-I have never had such strong feelings for anyone before. These two months have been the best of my life."

I could barely hold back my tears. No one has confessed their love to me so sincerely. From an overabundance of emotions that my feelings were mutual, I pounced on Edward with a kiss. He responded with no less enthusiasm. I didn't know how long I showed my joy, but soon Edward pulled back cast a last look at my lips and then grinned.

"It's not that I'm not happy with this reaction, but is there anything you want to say to me?" Despite Edward's mockery, I heard notes of concern.

"Oops." In my joy, I completely forgot to confess in response. I smiled broadly. "I love you too Edward. I didn't even know it was possible to feel like this. But now that I know it's mutual, my love has only grown stronger."

After such a long period of time, I was so pleased to open up to a man again. And I didn't feel a grain of doubt either in us or in Edward. Even then, in the darkness of the night beach, listening to the ocean breeze, we both had felt this attraction. These feelings felt right, as if my life was finally filled with harmony. My thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Edward's beaming smile.