A/N: My thank yous to Team Jazzward for your help with this chapter. xx

DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, but if you're here, you knew that already. ;)

-FONO-

Dinner was a complete whirlwind, leaving my head spinning in an effort to keep up with each conversation. And it's my own fault since I sat at the wrong end of the table.

Located between Dr. Cullen and Mary Alice with Felix across from me, I should have been more involved with the conversation of how Jack Dempsey defeated Tommy Gibbons in fifteen rounds to retain the World Heavyweight Boxing title recently. Or how Harry Houdini freed himself from a straitjacket while hanging forty-feet upside down in the air above New York City.

But I wasn't.

While Mary Alice hung on Felix's every word, I was invested in how the United States Attorney General proclaimed it legal for women to wear trousers everywhere—much to Mrs. Cullen's disappointment, while Miss Swan couldn't be happier. As I tried to picture Miss Swan wearing men's clothing, I had to agree with Mrs. Cullen, but probably for different reasons. There's nothing quite like the view of Miss Swan in a dress.

I also listened to every detail of Mrs. Cullen's famous peach cobbler recipe, which turned out to be Miss Swan's favorite fruit. While I didn't voice my interest in Miss Swan's peach or fanny, I'm confident that a peach will never pass my lips in the future without thinking of her in some way.

All too soon we moved from dinner to dessert before our party of six retired to the main lawn for a spirited game of croquet. Currently, Mrs. Cullen can't contain her laughter as she looks on from the side, waiting for her turn.

"Did you find it, Edward? I think it went more over there." She waves toward the juniper bush full of prickles, sitting in ambush, and ready to draw more of my blood.

"No, not yet," I answer as the game continues without me.

Carefully, I search through the heavy groundcover with my mallet for my ball, which, for the third time, has been hit out of bounds by Miss Swan. It's all in good fun and I don't mind her playfulness at my expense. Seeing Miss Swan in such a relaxed way is without a doubt the highlight of my week.

With my ball in hand, I place it back inside the playing field. I'm shocked to find that thanks to the other balls still in play Miss Swan's turn appears to be never-ending, as she has learned the rules of croquet quickly. We all watch as she taps her ball for the last time through the final two wickets, hitting the stake, and finishing first—again.

"Bella!" Mrs. Cullen exclaims. "I can't believe you've never played croquet before this evening. You're an expert."

"I wouldn't say that. I believe it's more beginner's luck." She chuckles, replacing her mallet on the holder.

"Isabella is a fast learner and has been for as long as I've known her," Felix offers with a wink in Miss Swan's direction. "Trust me, don't ask her to play bridge unless she's your partner or you will find yourself on the losing team in no time at all."

A round of laughter from all participants fades as the hour has arrived and this evening's guests prepare to take their leave.

"As much as Felix and I have enjoyed our time together," Miss Swan says, "we should call it a night. We have an early departure tomorrow morning."

Mrs. Cullen reaches out, holding Miss Swan's hand, and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Oh, Bella. It has been such a wonderful visit, and if you are ever in the area again, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to see you both."

"I'll be eating well for quite some time, thanks to you," Dr. Cullen adds with a knowing smile.

"Thank you, Esme and Carlisle, for welcoming us into your home. It has been a pleasure."

Hugs and good wishes for a safe journey are exchanged freely between all guests. I'm patient and wait until I can have a moment alone with Miss Swan. We follow behind Felix and Mary Alice who are walking ahead of us and toward the front yard, with Mary Alice hanging on his every word.

Miss Swan looks out past the Cullens' perfectly groomed hedges and at the setting sun. "It's a lovely evening."

I nod my agreement, but while the warm colors of the sky fascinate Miss Swan, my eyes are focused only on her. "It is. I hope you've enjoyed your time in Chicago."

She chuckles, glancing my way. "It's been . . . interesting."

"It surprised me to see you here today."

"I could say the same thing," Miss Swan counters, giving me a questioning look.

I know she's recalling our final words last night as Felix whisked her away while I was wedged comfortably between Mary Alice's friends. She has no idea they mean little to me, but if there's an ounce of jealousy anywhere inside of her, I'm not about to dispel those thoughts.

"You never mentioned you would be accepting Mrs. Cullen's invitation."

"I thought it was appropriate to reach out to her personally before I agreed to attend."

"I'm glad you did."

A warm smile spreads slowly across her face at my words. "I have something for you before I go."

"Oh?"

"Yes, had you not been here today, I would have left it for you at the front desk of the hotel." I watch as Felix gives her something. "It's a thank you for stepping in when we needed you."

She hands me a large envelope with my name on it. Inside I find two pieces of sheet music.

"Scott Joplin?"

"Do you already have the sheet music?"

"No. I'm not familiar with his work."

"He was a piano teacher from Missouri, but came to Chicago for the World's Fair thirty years ago, sharing his brilliance with everyone in attendance. His ragtime music is like no other, and I thought you would enjoy two of his most popular works. His style differs from yours as you are trained classically, but musicians can find inspiration everywhere, right?" she asks, but of course, she already knows the answer.

"You're correct." Little does she know that standing here with her is beyond inspiring as I attempt to drag out this conversation, delaying her departure for as long as possible.

She grins. "I'm positive these two will become the most requested pieces in your set list."

"Miss Swan, thank you for your generosity."

"Please, call me, Bella, and you're welcome."

My heart soars at the liberty she's allowing. "I suppose the next time I see you will be on the silver screen."

"If all goes according to plan."

"I know it will."

"Isabella? Shall we?" Felix interrupts, standing with the door open to their car and ready.

"I'll be right there, Felix." She holds out her hand, which for once is missing an ever-present glove. "Good bye, Edward."

There's no way I'm leaving her with a handshake when I'm this close to touching her skin for the first time.

"Have a safe trip, Bella." I take her hand in mine, lifting it to my lips. "I wish you all the best."

Her beautiful brown eyes observe me closely as I place a soft kiss on the back. Her hesitant smile leaves me wishing for more moments like this evening, but she pulls away all too soon, breaking the spell between us.

"You, too," she says over her shoulder, as she slides into the passenger side of the Silver Ghost.

For the first time since meeting a week ago, I wonder what life will be like for her in New York. I know firsthand how Miss—how Bella will dazzle audiences and charm everyone who crosses her path. My own pangs of jealousy and longing never fade, as Mary Alice and I watch their vehicle disappear into the night. I'm such a sorry sucker, as I'd give anything to be one of those lucky bastards again.

A/N: During the 1920s and 1930s, croquet was the most popular sport in socialite, literary, and Hollywood circles, but it became known in the 1800s with origins possibly earlier. Croquet is considered the first modern coed sport, and typically, it was played after lunch or dinner parties. Also mentioned in this chapter is the trick-taking card game bridge that requires strategic thinking from start to finish. What could that say about Miss Swan? Have you ever played either? I added photos to the gallery for this story on my website, kayrichard dot com of Jack Dempsey, Tommy Gibbons, Harry Houdini, and (gasp) women in 1924 wearing knickerbockers, which were a slightly shortened version of trousers. Thank you for reading. xx