Edward

It had become easier to leave the ring off his finger. By the end of the week, he'd found that the ring had been left on the dresser…accidentally and because he'd been so preoccupied with texting Bella as he left for work that morning, he went the whole day without worrying about it.

Camp Minnetonkwa was 3 hours outside Portland, and he was already looking forward to having Bella to himself on Saturday and then spending time with Nessie at camp.

Edward wondered if he was becoming obsessed with Bella. She'd taken to making shorts as well as posting clips from interviews she'd done. It gave him a lot to think about because this woman, always on his mind, was as accessible to him 24 hours a day as her fans. And she had much to share with her world, even if her notions and beliefs tended to be a little heavy handed.

It didn't matter, right? As long as it served him?

When he showed up at her door and she had her overnight bag, he smiled in anticipation. Were they moving too fast? Was this just an excuse to spend the night together? Couldn't he just pick her up in the morning and then drive the 200 miles? Of course. But did either want to wait before seeing each other?

Edward took her bag and set it in the back of his Volvo. "Good morning, gorgeous."

Bella threw her arms around him and kissed him. "Good morning to you." She breathed in. "I have been looking forward to seeing you."

He'd been looking forward to doing everything to her, including the seeing.

She buckled her seatbelt, and he took her knuckles and pressed his lips to them.

"Wow," she said, "I can't believe that you're kissing me."

The engine rolled over as he turned his attention to the rearview mirror and backed out of the driveway. "Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Because it wasn't that long ago that you hated me."

"I didn't hate you," he said, "I was in resistance to the idea of you."

She laughed. "No. I think you hated me."

Edward looked at her, regret gnawing at his chest as he grabbed her hand. "I apologize for the way I treated you, Bella. You really didn't deserve it."

"Thank you, Edward. I appreciate that. I knew on some level that it wasn't about me, and for the record, I always liked you."

"Oh yeah?"

"Oh yeah. I had another dream about you."

He turned to her and she swept her long brown hair away from her face. "Oh, was I a vampire trying to suck your energy again?"

"No. You were a werewolf, trying to carry me off into the night."

"What is it with you and vampires and werewolves?"

"It's the symbolism. Werewolves symbolize darkness, hunger, a need to be fulfilled."

"How is that different from the vampire?"

"I don't know…the energy is just different. They both have darkness, but the wolf is the more human element, forcing you to look at the animal side that we often suppress."

"So, do you see me as a wolf who is trying to prey on you?"

"You didn't want to eat me. You were trying to claim me, to take me to your den."

He chuckled. It sounded accurate. She looked good enough to eat, and her jasmine scent was intoxicating. "You're very insightful. Cuz you know once I get my claws on you, I may never let you go."

"That's it. There's the warning: it isn't about you claiming me, but rather our agreement to be together."

He avoided rolling his eyes. "I thought I was the overthinker."

"What does that mean? This is what I do, Edward. I consider things from all angles. I want this to be beneficial for both of us."

Beneficial for them both. "How did you feel about me carrying you off to my den?"

She smiled. "I didn't resist it."

Well, that was good. "Hey, I have news for you. I put the ring in the jewelry box. It's been there for over 24 hours."

Bella set her hand on his knee. "That is great news."

They checked into a hotel, a rustic lodge about a 15 minute drive from the camp. He wondered if he shouldn't have found another place because she wouldn't be impressed by the moose and deer heads on the walls in the main room. With its large fireplace and wood paneling it looked cozy and cabinesque, and thankfully their room didn't show any remnants of when they entered their room, there was a large plaque sporting a big fish on the wall.

"I'm sorry," he said with a sheepish tone. "I didn't know they would have dead animals and fish on display."

Bella set down her bag. "It's okay, Edward. I try to make it a practice not to judge things."

"How do you do that?"

"Because everyone is just doing the best they can at whatever level they are living."

This made Edward laugh. "Well, you wouldn't make a very good lawyer."

"Well, that's the difference between the two of us, I guess. I don't feel I have anybody to answer to…except myself."

"Oh really? You're not worried that God or whatever you believe to be your higher power will strike you down?"

"Of course not."

"That could be very dangerous for a person to think that way."

"See…it could be…if you didn't believe that we were all connected and that feeling of empowerment could be used in ways that could hurt others."

He wanted to connect to Bella. In a very physical way. She peered out the window, which overlooked a setting of pine trees and a picnic bench. She then ran her hand along the white coverlet of the bed.

She hadn't said anything when he told the clerk they wanted one bed.

"Is this okay, Bella?" he asked, hopefully.

"Yes, it's very beautiful here."

"I mean, that we're sharing a room…the bed. I guess I was assuming…"

"If you're assuming that I want you, Edward, then you assumed correctly."

He took her into his arms just then and kissed her. But then he pulled away. "I just wasn't sure about the more than friends thing where we agree…and moving forward…"

Her eyes stayed closed as he placed kisses on her neck, tilting it for better access. "I don't want to rush you. Just tell me to stop."

She set her hands on his cheeks and covered his lips with her own, pushing him toward the bed until he was seated. "Stopping is the last thing I want from you right now." Bella sat on his lap, facing him, with her legs kneeling on the bed. "All I want is for you to be here with me in this moment." She pulled off her blouse, leaving a lacy bra exposed.

He couldn't think of anything better than staying with her in this moment and the next and the next…

When they fell asleep later, he'd had her comfortably curled against his chest. Bella was the second woman he'd ever slept with, and she fit nicely against him. She'd fallen asleep quickly in his arms, and he'd just relished the comfort, the perfection of her back against him.

She mumbled a bit, and he kissed her on the top of her head. At first it was gibberish, but then the words came out.

"I love you, Edward. You are probably not good for me, but I love you."

He stiffened, wondering if she was awake or not. "Bella?" he whispered. As she slept, he was taken by the words that had not been spoken aloud. He echoed her sentiments exactly.

Bella

Once they finally arrived at the benches outside the cottages assigned to Renesmee's living quarters, they looked around for her, trying to spot her among the dozens of other brown-haired pre-teens.

"Is that her?" Bella started to ask, pointing to a girl who'd been looking in the opposite direction when a hand was placed against her back.

"Boo!"

Bella and Edward turned to face a smiling Renesmee, who looked like the Cheshire cat as she caught their two hands looped together. Edward released Bella and took his daughter into his arms.

"Ness! I missed you so much!" he said.

"Me too," she said, and then met Bella's gaze with hers.

Nessie didn't comment on their closeness but kept a close watch on any and all contact between Edward and Bella. "I'm so excited that you made it! Both of you!"

Bella smiled. "'Wouldn't miss it!"

They joined her in a picnic and were led to a stage area nestled inside a background of trees and foliage. Edward and Bella took a seat at the end of the front row, marveling at Nessie's natural talent in front of an audience. She shined, and her voice was loud and strong, and in tune with the music. Edward's daughter had a natural stage presence, and while she didn't have a powerful singing voice, her enthusiasm and charisma made up for it, making her a natural as one of the leads.

After Nessie said goodbye to her new friends and gave hugs to the camp counselors, Bella stayed behind for a moment as Edward and Nessie walked arm in arm back towards the car. She watched briefly as father and daughter reconnected after so many weeks apart when Nessie stopped and turned to face Bella. She quickly waved her to them to grab Bella's hand in hers.

When they got to the car, Nessie bounced in the back seat as Edward placed her suitcase in the trunk.

"So…?" Nessie asked.

"So…" Bella said…knowing exactly what Renesmee wanted to know. Yet, she didn't know what to tell her. They'd agreed to keep things casual at this point, and Bella resisted pushing Edward for more, though her heart was telling her that she was way past the point of being friends.

"So…you and my dad…"

Edward entered, hearing his daughter's words. "Bella and I…have an agreement."

Bella decided not to interrupt, curious as to what his interpretation of their relationship was.

"Does that mean you two aren't pretending to be together because you really are together?"

"What that means is that we're taking things slowly. We're going to see if we're better than friends or not. And that we don't want to be pressured to be more either…by family, and especially by you."

She sat up straight in her seat. "No pressure!"

Bella thought to add that whether it worked out or not was perfectly okay, only she was finding that she wouldn't feel so perfectly okay if it didn't. But, now how to navigate their relationship? Nessie would be back home, and more often than not, they would be spending time as a threesome than as a couple. As much as she adored Renesmee, she couldn't wait to spend more time with Edward alone.

That turned out not to be such a problem because Nessie hung on Bella, resting her head on Bella's shoulders, and Bella couldn't help but be taken by the young girl's affection.

When they arrived at Bella's house, Nessie begged to see the interior, remarking on all the bits that made it home to Bella—the crystals in the bowl at the entrance, the long aloe plant that sat in a rainbow etched planter at the front, the airy drapes that covered the windows. The young girl gasped in delight as Bella showed her the recording studio and Nessie pirouetted before the faux background of ocean blue.

Renesmee was a natural. Bella had the impression then that Nessie, if she wanted, could begin making her own videos and soon develop her very own following. Who wouldn't want to watch her?

Then when Edward said it was time to go, Nessie hugged her so tightly and announced she would wait in the car…and for Edward to take his time.

Renesmee was cooperatively orchestrating her manifestation to come true. Bella hugged her again and told her she looked forward to spending more time together.

The girl squealed in excitement and hugged her again before throwing her arm around Edward's waist and pressing her head against his chest.

Bella raised her eyebrows, and when Edward returned through the front door, she smiled.

"Well, that went well," she said.

His brows drew together. "Yeah, she's a little excited. A little too excited."

He almost sounded apologetic.

Bella covered the distance between them, and Edward squeezed her against him, and she reveled in his earthy scent.

"I guess we're both a little excited," Edward said. "I hope we aren't scaring you off, Bella. I know we're supposed to take it slow."

"I'm not scared at all. Yes, it's happening fast, but it feels good right now."

"I like how you feel in my arms," he said, leaning down and kissing her. "I can't wait to spend more time with you alone."

How? She wondered. Though she adored Nessie, she did look forward to having Edward to herself. She wished it wasn't Sunday and that he didn't have to go to work the next day, but she had her own errands and duties that needed tending.

"Me too. You should manifest it."

His grin took over his face. "I think I will."

A chirp sounded on his phone. Apparently, Nessie thought she'd given them enough time and he said his final goodbye for the night.

They had a 2 hour drive home, and he promised to text when they were safe and sound. But the text that she received wasn't from Edward.

Nessie wrote: Bella, we made it back safely, all is well, and I'm so excited that you are seeing each other. My dad said that you two are dating and not to rush you, so I agreed. Oh. And my grandma wants to meet you. She heard about the fake engagement and my dad doesn't know how to tell you.

Bella exhaled as she took in the weight of the text. She wondered if Edward was thinking this would be scaring her off.

Thanks, Nessie. I had a great time today, I really enjoyed watching you in your play today—you are very talented! Thank you for allowing us crazy grown ups to figure this all out. And as far as your grandma, I will allow your dad to handle it. :)

Ending with a good night, Bella sent the message and then lay down in her bed. No, she didn't think it was smart to rush. And no, she didn't think it was okay to lie to Edward's mom, but it put an unnecessary strain on their relationship that was still so new. She decided it was not good to worry about something that may never be a concern. Besides, what if Edward decided to tell his mom the truth on his own? Bella sent him a text, wondering why he hadn't texted her yet.

Goodnight, Edward.

Goodnight, Bella. Thanks again for going with me to pick up Ness. And for everything else ;)

I really enjoyed the "everything else." Let's do more everything else soon. She giggled.

Very soon.

They set a date for the end of the week when Alice would watch Renesmee and then they would have another date with the three of them together.

As the weekdays passed, Bella kept in contact with Edward, avoiding asking what had transpired with his mom because Renesmee probably told that to her in confidence as Edward hadn't said a word to her about it, and she shoved that concern to the back of her mind. There had to be a reason he hadn't, Bella's rational mind told her. It wasn't something that should bother her, should it?

When he showed up at her door the following Friday night, he took her breath away as he stood with red roses in hand, dressed in a suit, and looked good enough to eat.

"Hi," she said and pulled him inside the house, letting the door slam behind them.

"You look more beautiful than I imagined," he said as their lips met. He set one hand on the back of her waist, pulling her against him. "I have flowers for you."

She halted her urge to kiss him, and acknowledged the red buds. "They're beautiful," she said, inhaling the scent. "Now, allow me to show you my thanks." Bella pulled him towards the kitchen, grabbed a vase and filled it with water. Satisfied that the flowers were settled on top of her coffee table, she returned to his lips.

"You're welcome," he said, as she took him by his tie, leading him to the couch and attached herself to his lips again. "But we have dinner reservations."

"Hmmm…I'm so hungry," she said, once she finally pulled away from him, but then pulled him on top of her. "But food can wait."

Edward's grin took over, and his hands brushed through her hair. "Yes, food can wait."

As they lost themselves in the hunger of each other's bodies, their dinner reservations were forgotten as well as the worries about daughters, fake engagements, and food.

There would be time for all of that later. Right now, she made herself present for everything that was Edward. Yes, everything else could wait.

A/N: So, now they have found themselves more invested sooner than intended. How to navigate the real feelings that are coming up and now this new complication of Edward's mother? Stay with me for more. So many, many thanks to my amazing beta EdwardsFirstKiss, who is much more caught up than I am. Thanks to you all for reading, and much love to the reviewers! I always love reading your comments!