Author's Note:

Hello! Thank you for all the reviews! I'm relieved that most of you seem happy they are together and making some progress.

Let's see what happens next.

Chapter 14

BPOV

Friday night out with Edward was amazing. It was our first official date, and he went all out. A beautiful bouquet of flowers when he picked me up, reservations at a fancy restaurant, a walk along the pier after dinner, the whole nine yards. If it had been a first date with anyone else, it would have ended with the sweet goodnight kiss at my front door. Because it was Edward, that kiss moved inside and quickly grew heated. I'd already determined that I could spend days just kissing the man and be perfectly happy, but it didn't take long to figure out that having his hands on me was even better, although we had agreed we weren't in a huge rush to take the final step to becoming lovers. We wanted to let this relationship take as natural of a course as possible, but that didn't stop us from exploring each other in other ways. After we were both satisfied, we cuddled up in bed and drifted off, content just to be in each other's arms while we had the chance.

Saturday morning, we ate a leisurely breakfast together before Edward had to pick up Maggie. While we ate, Edward asked me to join him and Maggie that afternoon to shop for her Halloween costume.

"Sure, I'd love to come," I told him. "You're cutting it pretty close, though, aren't you? Halloween is next week!"

"Yeah, don't remind me," he grumbled. "It's going to be a madhouse, and it'll be a miracle to find what she wants. She was going to wear one of her princess dresses, but she informed me yesterday that she'd changed her mind. And I'm the 'meanest dad ever' for trying to make her be a princess, even though it was her idea in the first place."

"Aw, you're not mean, but you are a sucker," I snorted. He grinned, letting me know he was perfectly aware his daughter had him wrapped around her little finger. We discussed where to look for a costume and Edward told me he and Maggie would be by to pick me up a little later, then he left to go get her before going home to change.

Three hours later, I was dressed in jeans, brown leather knee high boots, and a soft cream-colored sweater, riding toward the mall in Edward's truck and Maggie was telling me all about her sleepover.

"Bella, did you know that my friend Emma has a baby brother?" she asked.

"No, I didn't know that," I replied.

"Well, she does, and he's really cute, but he's loud," she said with a scowl. I laughed lightly when I glanced into the backseat and saw her expression.

"Is he fun to play with, though?"

"Sometimes," she told me with a shrug. "He crawls everywhere, and it was fun to play with him, but then he got tired I guess and cried a lot. And Emma's mom had to change his diaper and it was really stinky."

Edward and I laughed at that, and I looked over my shoulder again when Maggie was quiet for a moment. She looked like she was thinking really hard, then she spoke up again. "Daddy?" she said.

"Yeah, Mags?" he asked as he flicked his eyes to her in the rear-view mirror for a second.

"I think you should get us a baby. But I want a little sister. Girls don't smell as bad as boys," she stated matter-of-factly. I snickered quietly and looked at Edward, waiting for him to answer.

"It doesn't really work that way, baby girl. I can't just go get a baby anytime I want, Maggie," he told her.

"Well, then, how does it work?" she asked innocently. I looked over at Edward and couldn't contain my laughter when I saw the expression on his face. He looked like a deer in headlights, and I could only imagine the internal struggle he was having, trying to figure out what to say.

"Well, um, to get a baby, it takes a mommy and a daddy who love each other, and you don't get to decide if it's a brother or a sister," he said carefully as he maneuvered the truck into a parking space.

"Oh," Maggie said. Edward glanced warily at her in the mirror again as I glanced over my shoulder. It was obvious she was thinking hard about her next question, but before she had a chance to ask, I jumped in.

"We're here. You ready to go find your costume?" I asked enthusiastically.

"Yeah, let's go!" Maggie said as she fumbled to unbuckle her seatbelt. I grinned at Edward's relieved expression as I got out of the truck and circled around to take Maggie's hand to set out to find a costume.

We had a fun afternoon shopping. We hadn't been able to find a ready-made costume, so we'd gone on the hunt for individual pieces to put together our own version. Maggie had been thrilled with the outcome, so Edward and I considered it a success. To celebrate that success, we went out for pizza at a local place we all loved. While waiting for our pizza, Maggie was coloring her placemat and Edward and I were chatting when my phone chimed followed by his just a few seconds later. I picked mine up to check the notification and discovered a text from Esme. I smiled a little as I read it but was apprehensive at the same time.

Lunch tomorrow with the fam. Noon. You are family, so no arguments! - Esme

"I've been summoned," I said as I looked up at Edward. He finished typing a reply into his phone then looked up at me.

"My mother, I presume?" he asked, indicating my phone and I nodded. "I got the same order. So, I guess we're going to lunch tomorrow."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I haven't confirmed yet." I said softly, glancing at Maggie to make sure she wasn't paying attention, but she was distracted by the waiter delivering our food.

"It'll be fine. We can talk more later," he responded just as quietly. "Now, text her back so we can eat!"

I was still nervous, but like making plans with Alice earlier in the week, I knew I couldn't avoid the entire Cullen clan forever. I shot a reply to Esme confirming I'd be there the next day and asked if I could bring anything, then slid my phone back in my purse and reached for a slice of pizza. After dinner, Edward and Maggie dropped me off at home, where Edward promised to call me later and Maggie shouted, "See you tomorrow!" just before the truck door closed. I waved and then went inside, trying not to stress too much about the next day. Edward called a little later, after Maggie was in bed, as promised.

"Hey, baby," he greeted when I answered. "I'm ready to talk you down."

"You know me too well," I laughed. "But seriously, I'm nervous about tomorrow."

"I know you are, but it's going to be okay," he assured me in a soothing voice.

"How can you be so casual? We are lying to your entire family!"

"Bella, I'm not casual about lying, especially to my family. I hate that we have to lie, but unfortunately, we don't really have a choice right now. I understand if you don't - ," he said, but I cut him off before he could finish.

"Don't even go there, Edward. I know you're about to give me an out, but I don't want it. I'm just nervous. Even after only a week, it's hard to be around you and not touch you or look at you the way I want to, and I'm afraid I'm not a very good actress."

"I get it, baby, believe me. But let's try not to think of it as putting on an act, but more like acting like we always have. No, we can't make out or jump each other in front of them, but we don't have to keep a strict distance between us. We've never been stiff or formal with each other in the past and we don't have to start now."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. And just for the record, even if they all knew we were together there would be no making out in front of them!" I said with a laugh.

"True," he laughed in return, "but you know what I mean."

We talked a little longer and by the time we hung up, I felt better about the next day. Edward was right, I was making this harder than it needed to be. This is what I'd signed up for, and I needed to come to terms with that. I didn't regret being with Edward, but keeping up this charade would take some getting used to.

I got up Sunday morning and baked an apple spice cake to take to the Cullen's for lunch. Regardless of Esme's insistence she had it all under control, I wanted to contribute, and it gave me an excuse to bake something I'd been craving. I also knew it was Carlisle's favorite. After the cake was finished, I ran upstairs to shower and get ready to go. As I was putting the finishing touches on my hair, I got a text from Edward saying they were already there, along with a quick pep talk in case I was still nervous. I smiled at how well he knew me. I was nervous, but not as much as I'd been the night before. I glanced at my appearance one last time and was satisfied with the sweater, jeans, and boots I'd chosen, so I grabbed the cake and headed out.

I was a little early when I pulled up to Esme and Carlisle's and I noticed that Edward's truck was the only vehicle in the driveway. I was relieved to be able to ease in and not be faced with the whole family at once, especially Alice. I grabbed the cake off the passenger seat and made my way to the front door. Just before I could ring the bell, though, the door opened to reveal Carlisle. A smile lit his handsome face as he drew me into the house.

"Bella! So glad you could make it. Come on in," he said as leaned down to kiss my cheek.

"Hey, Carlisle, thanks for the invite. It's good to see you as always," I said and hugged him with the arm that wasn't holding the cake.

"What did you bring me?" he asked as he led me to the kitchen, eyeing the cake pan hungrily.

"Apple spice cake," I said, shooting him a grin. "One of your favorites if I recall correctly."

"Indeed, it is! How about we just take that to my study, and we can sneak away later and keep it for ourselves," he suggested hopefully.

"Not a chance, mister," Esme said as she stepped out of the kitchen, clearly having overheard our conversation. She took the cake from me and handed it to Carlisle. "Now take this into the kitchen and behave."

She then turned to me and pulled me in for a hug, "Hello, Bella dear. I'm glad you came! And thank you for the cake."

"You're welcome, I was in the mood to bake," I said as we followed Carlisle into the kitchen, only to find him with the lid off the cake pan and a fork halfway to his mouth. He popped the bite in his mouth before Esme could protest and grinned.

"Oh my gosh, I swear your sweet tooth is worse than the kids," Esme scolded as she took the fork from him and dropped it in the sink. "Really, Bella, it's a wonder the man doesn't weigh a ton."

Carlisle laughed and patted his trim waist as he wrapped an arm around his wife. "I get plenty of exercise with you, my love," he said with a waggle of his eyebrows, causing me to laugh as he leaned down and kissed Esme soundly on the mouth.

"Oh gross, can you people please control yourselves? There are children present," Edward groused as he walked into the kitchen behind me. I laughed even harder at his pained expression.

"Maggie's not in here," Carlisle said as he looked around for his granddaughter.

"I don't mean actual children, I mean me. Remember, I'm your child, old man," Edward snarked. Esme, Carlisle, and I all just laughed as Edward shook his head, then leaned in and kissed me on the cheek and said, "Hey, Bells."

I felt the buzz I always felt when Edward touched me, but I managed to refrain from throwing myself into his arms. I smiled up at him and returned his greeting before turning back to Esme and asking if I could help with anything. Carlisle and Edward escaped back to the family room as Esme and I pulled out the makings of a salad to go with lunch. A few minutes later, we'd just put the finishing touches on the salad and Esme was checking on the chicken she'd prepared when we heard the front door open, and Emmett bellow his arrival.

"Oh, that boy, I swear he's always at full volume," Esme muttered, just as Tyler and Katie came running in the kitchen to hug their grandmother.

There were greetings all around as we all made our way into the family room to await the arrival of Alice and Jasper. Before we could even settle into seats, though, we heard the front door again and Esme declared lunch ready. A few minutes later we were all settled around the dining table with full plates. The kids had gravitated toward the end of the table together and were discussing Halloween. Katie asked Maggie about her costume, and Maggie answered, then launched into the tale of our shopping excursion the day before. I heard Maggie mention me, and I didn't think too much of it, but I noticed Alice's head shoot up for second. I watched for her reaction out of the corner of my eye, but after a moment she went back to her food. After we'd all finished eating, Esme declared the boys were on dish duty to earn their dessert. Carlisle shot out of his chair and started gathering our plates, causing the rest of us to laugh at his eagerness. While the boys went into the kitchen to clean up, the kids went into the playroom and Esme, Rosalie, Alice, and I went into the family room to relax. I'd nearly forgotten about Maggie's mention of me at the lunch table, but Alice had not. I'd barely settled into a chair when she started in.

"So, Bella, did I hear my niece say you went shopping with them yesterday?" Alice asked with her arms crossed and foot tapping impatiently.

"Oh, yes!" Esme exclaimed. "Maggie was telling us all about her costume before you arrived, Bella. She's so excited."

"Yeah, we had fun finding the pieces and I told her I'd go over and do her makeup that night," I said with a smile. I turned my gaze to Alice, knowing she wouldn't be happy with this revelation, but I felt no need to hide this aspect of my relationship with Edward and his daughter.

"Don't you think that's highly inappropriate?" Alice asked sharply, drawing the attention of Esme and Rosalie. I saw Esme raise her eyebrows in surprise and Rose's eyes narrow toward Alice, but neither said anything.

"What's inappropriate?" I asked calmly.

"You know what's inappropriate, Bella. Spending time with a married man is not acceptable," Alice snipped.

"Last time I checked, even married people are allowed to have friends," I replied. "And how could it be inappropriate? We were in a mall with a six-year-old as a chaperone, not to mention hundreds of other people." I remained calm and kept my voice quiet, not wanting this to turn ugly in front of Esme and Rose.

"Bella, don't be obtuse. I've told you before; it is not appropriate for you to spend time with Edward. You know, considering your husband cheated on you, I'd think you of all people would have more respect for a person's wedding vows. Or was Jacob not the only one straying outside of your marriage?" Alice asked snidely.

I heard Esme and Rosalie gasp as I took Alice's barb straight to the heart. I fought back tears as I rose to my feet and faced down the woman I thought was my friend. "You know damn well I never cheated on Jake, not that I'd answer to you if I had. Nor do I answer to you about who I spend my time with now. I will not feel guilty for spending time with a friend or his daughter. We shopped for a Halloween costume, Alice, I'd hardly consider that some sort of sordid activity."

Alice rose from her seat and stepped toward me with a thunderous look on her face. "It doesn't matter what you did, Bella, it's not your place," she bit out. "You are not his wife, and you are not Maggie's mother. She has a mother, and you will never fill her shoes." Alice's voice had risen so she was yelling by the end of her statement. I shook my head sadly as I blinked back tears. I knew I'd never get through to her, so I turned on my heel and walked out of the room, heading straight for the front door.

"Mary Alice Cullen, that is more than enough. You are way out of line," Esme snapped as I left the room, but I didn't stick around to hear any more.

I heard Rose follow me, but I didn't stop. She reached me just as I got to the front door and grabbed my purse.

"Bells, she's just being a bitch, don't let her get to you," Rose said. I just shook my head and slipped out the door. I couldn't stick around to go another round.

Driving home, I couldn't get Alice's words out of my head. She'd been deliberately hurtful with the comment about Jacob, but wasn't she right about everything else? She may not actually know Edward and I were anything more than friends, but that didn't make her point any less valid. Was I as bad as Jake? I loved Edward and we hadn't entered into this relationship on a whim. We'd fought our feelings and attraction, but the pull had proved too strong. Also, Edward wasn't happily married, nor was Tanya the typical jilted wife. Was it really different, though, or was I just trying to justify my behavior? My heart said what we had was special, but my head wondered if that was enough. Maybe I needed to end this before we got any deeper. It may rip my heart out, but by the time I arrived home, I knew what I needed to do.

Author's Note:

Uh oh…Bella let Alice get to her. What do you think will happen? I won't keep you hanging long…I'll try to get the next chapter up tomorrow. We'll be back with Edward to get his view of the latest drama.

Let me know what you think!