Edward

He did not expect Rosalie to kiss him. But it only took a second before he pulled away. He held her hands in his and considered how to phrase this. "No, Rosalie, I can't do this. Not like this."

"What? What do you mean? We're married." Her brows closed in together, and Edward understood that hurt lay in the depths of her eyes.

"It's been an emotional night," he said, trying to diffuse what was turning out to be a very sensitive moment. "And I told you I'm going to support you walking away from your inheritance. It seems like I'm your sugar daddy or something."

"What? But…"

"Rosalie, you want affection, and you want it honestly, right? You respect yourself enough to understand that you deserve it?" Right now, it was painful to even say these things to her, and he hoped she wouldn't just run off into the night. Could any of them stop her?

"But, I genuinely feel…"

"Let's let it rest for now, okay?" He placed a kiss on her head and wrapped his arm around her shoulder but she stiffened and pulled away. From her expression, he couldn't tell what she would do next.

"Okay," she said finally. "Let's get out of here."

A Lexus arrived, and seated in the backseat, they waited for the wrought iron gates to open. Edward didn't know what lay in store for them, but now the cameras followed.

They didn't speak as they got in the car, and Edward had no idea what else to say. She had made a very final declaration, not only to her parents but to America. "Can you do something for me, Edward?" she said finally,

"Of course."

"Can you forget about what just happened? You know…that I kissed you."

"Yes."

"Okay good."

The car pulled onto the wide street where mansions bordered the large trees. She was walking away from all this. Would she regret it in the morning? They entered her condo, and he followed behind as she made a beeline for her bedroom.

She grabbed an oversized pink suitcase from the closet, lifted it onto the bed, and then after throwing a pile of clothes inside it, she stopped.

Edward wasn't sure if he should pack his own things, which wouldn't take long, but he stood for a moment as she faced the enormity of her decision.

"None of this is mine," she whispered. Her gaze traveled to the mirrored ivory dresser, to the chaise lounge, to the bed, and finally landed back on the suitcase. "Daddy's money paid for all this."

"Let's not do this right now, Rosalie. Everything will be clearer in the morning."

It was barely going on 9 o'clock, but the hour felt later.

"I don't know what I'm going to do, Edward," she burst out. "It's not like I can sell these things and get money…and the show isn't going to provide enough…"

"You might surprise yourself with what you can get by on." He'd considered telling her that he had more than enough to provide but given their situation it wasn't the type of assurance she needed. "Let's not worry about this right now. In fact…" He ducked out and grabbed a bottle of wine from the kitchen, and after a moment she appeared in the kitchen. "Corkscrew?"

Her brow shot up, and she removed it from the middle drawer and handed it to him. "What are you doing?"

"We are going to celebrate."

"What? Do you not recall any of what just happened?"

"Don't you? You are walking away from the comfort and security that you've been used to for your whole life. Now, you are ready to start from scratch. That takes guts. And we need to celebrate."

Tears filled her eyes. "Celebrate." She took the glass from him, and when he held up his, he toasted her freedom, independence, and starting over. The look on her face didn't mirror his words, but she clinked her glass to his anyway.

"To my freedom and independence and starting over," she repeated and took a very long gulp.

The cameras flashed green, and Edward imagined this as a triumph from the show's perspective. First class reality show drama. Rich woman gives up her security to pursue her independence. America would be eating this up. He imagined that with an audience, she would have the courage to see it through.

Rosalie

She cried when she woke up, stirring Edward from sleep, but she rushed to the bathroom so he couldn't hear her sobbing.

What in holy hell had she done?

Her face crumpled as she watched the woman in the reflection, standing and staring back at her, her nose and mouth covered by manicured fingers. Tears blurred her vision.

"Rosalie, are you okay?"

Straightening, she grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. "I'm fine," she said, clearing her throat. "I'm just waking up. I'm going to take a shower."

Warm water ran over her head and face, and she imagined this was just the beginning of many lasts in her life. Goodbye to her luxurious rainfall shower. Goodbye to her overpriced sunshine body wash. Goodbye to designer labels, expensive salon visits, and fine restaurants she'd grown used to—not even batting an eye at their price tag. Edward's offer to support her was more than generous, and she had no intention of taking advantage. She cringed as she remembered her father's remark about how high maintenance she was. It was how she was brought up. Was it her fault she was accustomed to nice things?

Goodbye, vanity mirror, expensive makeup. No, wait, she was taking the makeup. What did Daddy need it for anyway? Besides, she had earned some money of her own. Even though she still felt the sting from Edward's rejection the night before, she knew he was right. She was acting out of gratitude. She kissed him when a hug would have more than sufficed. Her emotions had definitely gotten the best of her. Now, more than ever she was grateful he was here to ground her and assure her that she did the right thing— that it was all going to work out.

Tears ran down her cheeks again as she said goodbye to the things that were her favorite— the paintings, the furniture, the clothes and shoes…

"I can't do this." Rosalie already said this twice this morning, and he'd not even flinched.

"Of course you can," he said back to her. His suitcase sat at his feet, and he stood by the door, waiting patiently.

The crew was there observing, the lens grasping every emotion on her face, and she felt like a character in her own story, that an audience was out there beyond the realm of her perception, watching and waiting as the princess of reality shows walked away from her posh little life. Now what, Rosalie Hale?

Deep down, she knew she didn't need any of it, but she sure had become accustomed to it. Edward had promised his support in any way he could. But, what if it didn't work out with him? What if she was depicted as the spoiled actress who couldn't attract her husband? Who traded one bad situation for another? What if? What if?

His hand landed on her shoulder as if he could hear her mental chatter. "It's going to be okay. Do you trust me?"

Trust him? When had it ever been about trust?

Her eyes stung from all the tears she shed, and she didn't want to see her reflection or the bags, or the puffiness she'd not had the chance to combat with some cucumber slices. No, she had to stop acting like a princess. She'd wanted to figure out who she really was, hadn't she? Edward was helping her do that.

Nodding, she turned and allowed his arms to encase her. They stayed like that for a minute in silence, and she sniffled and pulled away. "I trust you. Let's go."

In the limo ride to Edward's house, Rosalie alternated between fits of giggles and tears. "I am so grateful that this is not live."

He smiled. "Me too."

"Gives me time to figure things out…and…I…" Sobs broke from her mouth again, and as he took her hand in his, she was in awe of his patience—how he just allowed her to express her emotions. "You are amazing, Edward. I appreciate you so much. I'm such a basket case."

They turned off the freeway and onto some smaller side streets that wound up into the hills. Older neighborhoods, large homes on cozy streets with tall trees that reached out toward each other. Like a welcoming arch.

"You are grieving. I understand what you're giving up."

Even so, a reality show was not the ideal place to make such rash decisions, but no, she stopped herself right there. This was the beginning of a new life for her, and she was going to be open and look for the good and aim for the sky.

The three story house sat at the back of a long curved driveway, its tan stucco and red tile roof betraying its forty years. Large windows invited views of the valley, and Rosalie found herself impressed by the taste and style of her husband. She was not surprised to find the shiny black grand piano in a room that would have served as the formal dining area, but although its furnishings were more suited to a model home, it lacked any homey touches. They were going to have to wait for the crew to set up the lighting and cameras to capture her reaction to Edward's home. All she had on her was her Gucci purse and an overnight bag. Everything else she'd left behind.

The largest of the five bedrooms was the master suite, and she smiled at how open it was. It led to a wide balcony with a nice little sitting area that looked out into the city. She imagined a breathtaking view at night.

"How long have you lived here, Edward?"

"Two years."

"Did you furnish it?"

"Nope. I bought it this way. Haven't really had time to change much."

She imagined flowers and plants, and some photos…maybe their wedding picture in the bedroom or hallway?

"What do you think?"

She was in awe of it—the privacy, how neighbors didn't surround her at every angle. His home was seated in a corner, tucked away from people and noise. "It's gorgeous."

"Welcome home."

Home. Could this place ever feel like her home? Time would tell.

"We have dinner tonight at my parent's house."

Rosalie shut her eyes. "All my clothes…oh god, Edward. I don't have anything decent to wear." The weight of this was falling on her. No car. No self-respect.

"I'm sure the show will help. The rest we're going to figure out…together, okay?"

"Okay."

For the most part, she had her pick of the wardrobe the show provided, and even a little more support given by the show. For the time being, she didn't need a car, as Edward had his Volvo, and the show provided a limo for other transportation, but still, it nagged at her as they pulled up to Edward's parent's home that she would need to acquire her own vehicle. With less than a thousand dollars to her name, how would she pull it off?

Edward squeezed her hand. "We still have a deal?"

She knew exactly what he meant. They would pretend, in the same way they had for her parents. The Masen mansion sat at the top of the Hollywood hills, and Rosalie became more impressed as the higher they drove, the larger the mansion. Of course she could pretend. That was what she did. Though, she would feel like a bigger phony than ever. None of that mattered as they drove up the winding driveway to the opening of the courtyard where vines surrounded the large columns bordering the entrance.

They waited as the producer gave the cue to enter, and no butler awaited them at the door, but rather Edward's mother. Elizabeth Masen, who had Edward's straight nose and kind smile opened the door as they waited. She met Rosalie's height, rather tall for a woman and confident in stature. Her face lit up as she looked at Rosalie and Edward standing there, hand in hand, with Rosalie holding a vase of flowers this time.

"Hello, Edward! Hello, Rosalie!" Her tone was warm, very unlike the reception she'd received from her own parents. Despite their wealth, the Masens lacked the aristocratic demeanor that Rosalie expected. It showed in the touches of their home, which favored paintings of family and big leafy plants that graced shelves and counters. Dark wood paneling and floors gave it a more rustic cabin feel. "I've been looking forward to this!" she said.

That made one of them. Rosalie didn't love the idea of all the deception, but Edward had done so much for her without any complaint that she owed him so much. The least she could do was convince his parents that the show had done very well for them both. And that she and Edward were blissfully happy. At least she was comfortable in her surroundings and didn't act overly impressed by their wealth. In fact, as Edward Masen Sr, observed the way they wound their fingers together, she felt she played the part of doctor's wife to a tee.

Seated across from them in tan slacks and a teal button-up shirt, Edward Sr. was a preview of what Edward would look like in about 25 years, though with gray at his temples, and lines of silver in his hair, it was neatly styled in contrast to the chaos of his son's slightly longer locks. His high forehead held deep creases, whereas Elizabeth's skin was smooth except for the telltale crow's feet and laugh lines. Edward moved and even sat the same way as his father. "And what is it you do, dear?" Sr. asked.

"I'm an actress, so I work when I want to. Though now that we're married, I expect we will be spending a lot of time together," she gushed, laying her head on his shoulder.

"Oh, I wonder if I've seen any of your work."

"Commercials, another reality show…not my proudest moment."

"Which reality show?" they both asked.

"Bachelor in Paradise," she said, keeping her chin up as though it were her finest body of work. She was determined not to show weakness. These bluebloods could smell it. Besides, it wasn't helping Edward if she shrank away from their questions.

"She wasn't chosen, needless to say," Edward said, bumping her shoulder. "Thank God. Just imagine. We might have never met."

Edward Sr. was a little ruthless. "But still, an actress?"

"Nothing wrong with that," Edward said. "My wife here happens to be a damn good one, and you should see how handy she is! We broke down on our way to Jersey to see Aunt Judith, and Rosalie got underneath the hood and fixed us right up."

His lips pressed together. "Well, I'll remember that the next time we're in need of a mechanic." He turned to Edward. "Yes, of course she was in touch. Told your mom she didn't believe you two were a good fit."

Elizabeth elbowed Sr. and furrowed her brows at him.

Thanks, Aunt Judith.

"Let me explain," Elizabeth said. "Edward has never been able to relate to anyone within our circle. That's all." She put her hand up to her mouth as a stage whisper. "He sees us as a bunch of snobs."

"Fuddy duddies," Sr. said, "is how he refers to us."

Rosalie giggled. She couldn't agree with him more. "That's another thing we have in common!"

"But, see you, my dear, fit perfectly."

"Well, except for all this," Sr. said, referring to the cameras.

"You need not worry because it's my life, and none of that matters," Edward said.

"That's right," Rosalie said, "all that matters is that we make each other very happy."

"So, I can see things have changed for the two of you. That wedding was horribly awkward."

A smile stayed pasted to her lips. "Just a little misunderstanding, all my fault. Certainly none of Edward's doing. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect, sensitive and caring husband." Despite her reply, she saw very plainly that Edward's father was not convinced. "We have quite the rapport now." She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't we, sweetie?"

"You bet, sugar booger."

She shot him a look at which he shook his head. One thing she was finding out was that her new hubby wasn't so good at improv.

"Well, what can I say? Edward has never been one to go with the flow. He would have made a fine lawyer, yet he went and did his own thing."

"It is his life," Elizabeth reminded him. "And he's doing quite well."

A pang struck Rosalie hard. Despite his parents disapproval with his choices, here he was making good of it, succeeding. She could only pretend. The realization washed over her again—how she'd cut herself off from her own parents…despite it all, she wanted to make them proud.

Still, she was determined to make this work. "I am so very grateful to both of you. You have raised an intelligent, handsome man and I am so lucky to have him in my life."

Sr.'s features softened, and Rosalie figured he must have bought it. "Maybe I was wrong. Maybe this will all work out."

"Of course it will, Dad," Edward said.

"I mean, Rosalie's perfectly beautiful—the exact type of woman we might have set you up with. We'd love to get to know your parents," Elizabeth said.

"Oh," Rosalie said, waving her hand at the idea of it. "They're so busy. You know, my dad is a workaholic, and my mom is always doing charity functions and things…"

"Which ones? Maybe we can organize some together."

"I…don't know. I mean, they're snobs. I don't even really like them." The words had slipped from her mouth, and even though they were true, she wished she hadn't said that.

"Just the same, we're family now. Thanksgiving is coming up, and maybe they can join us in Italy for Christmas. At the very least have dinner together. I mean, how bad can they be? They raised you."

Rosalie laughed, trying to make it sound genuine. They raised her. And had done such a wonderful job of it. "We have a lot on our plate in the next few weeks. We just need to focus on our marriage, don't we, honey bear?"

"You're exactly right, Pooky."

"Okay. Okay," said Elizabeth. "Well, I have the most brilliant idea. When this show is over, and you two agree to stay married, we'll have a real wedding, and this way, we can acquaint ourselves in the traditional way with a rehearsal dinner, a reception with the whole family. Maybe a London wedding."

It would have been what her own mother would have suggested. If she was being honest, the two sets of parents would have gotten along famously. If she hadn't walked away from it all. If she actually believed Edward to be her husband, in every sense of the word. Now, she wondered how they would feel if they knew she'd walked away from it all? Wouldn't they think she was after Edward's money and the comfort and security he could provide?

And why did that matter?

After they said their goodbyes, the producer set up an interview for them at Edward's house on his couch. Rosalie wished she could escape it.

"And rolling," the producer said. "So, tell us, Edward and Rosalie, or should we call you two Honey Bear and Sugar Booger? Why put on an act for your parents?"

"Did you not meet them?" Rosalie said.

"Of course, but you know they're going to watch it all later."

Edward spoke up, "Let's say that for now, we're just trying to make it work, and the less opposition we have from our families, the better off we'll all be."

"You mean, like what happened with Rosalie's parents?"

"Okay, well that wasn't in the plans, but we were trying to make it easier. I mean, the goal of the show was to stay married?"

"Of course, but we didn't expect that any other life changes would take place. If you need extra support, Dr. Saltz or Pastor Ray will be in touch. I'm sure with this little complication you've piled onto your relationship that you might need it in these final weeks."

Little complication?

"We appreciate that," Edward said.

Rosalie yawned, feeling the ache of exhaustion in her bones. "I'm ready for bed. I just want this day to be over," she said honestly.

"You're absolutely right. It's been a long day for the two of you with you moving out of your home and then meeting Edward's parents. Plus now, not only are you working on your relationship but also figuring out your life from here."

Figuring out her life from here. Ugh. It had new beginnings plastered all over it, and she didn't want to think of any of it. But, tomorrow was a new day.

A/N: Whew! This was a long one! Hopefully it doesn't come over all jumbled as I had a lot of trouble with copying/pasting this morning. Now that Sugar Booger and Honey Bear have gotten past meeting the parents, Rosalie gets to figure out what she's going to do. Next up, Alice & Jasper and a blast from the past! Stay with me, and so many thanks to those who read, follow, and especially to those who review!