Surprise, surprise I'm back! I know it's been forever since I updated this story (or any other for that matter!) but I'm finally back.

Thank you for all the lovely reviews and encouragement I've received despite my long absence from fan fiction.

I have never left my stories for so long! I have no excuse except to say that real life has a way of taking over. I've had a tough couple of years where I just didn't have the heart to write anything.

However, I'm back now and writing again. This chapter is in no way perfect- I just needed to get something out. It's completely unbetaed so I'm sure there are numerous errors.

I hope you can get past that. I'm looking for beta if anyone would be willing to offer assistance.

I thought I'd start with this story first as it seems to be the one people are missing the most. I'm planning a few more one shot so hopefully it wont be too long a wait until I'm back regularly posting. No promises but I'll try my best not to leave it years this time!

~Chapter 3~

Still in a bit of daze from the unexpected way the night had turned out, I had changed into my pajamas and was in the process of scrubbing the make up off my face when there was a knock on the door.

I peeped through the door cautiously given the time, and was shocked to find Edward had returned. I hurried to answer it, finding him waiting nervously outside.

"Bella," he smiled, sending my racing heart into overdrive.

"Hi Edward," I awkwardly replied back.

He appeared just as nervous as me and we stood there staring at each other like a couple of teenagers for a moment, not seeming to know what to say.

Luckily Edward soon found his voice and broke me from my haze. "I hope it's okay me turning up like this," he asked, uncertainly creeping into his tone.

"I'm not ready for the night to end so I thought we could get to know one another a little better." He sounded hesitantly, as if he thought I would turn him away.

Like that was ever going to happen.

"Of course you can come in. I'm just confused about what bought on such a sudden turnaround." I had to ask when only a few minutes prior he had turned down my offer for more time together.

"I couldn't do it. I got two blocks away before I was already turning around," he said suddenly in a rush. "I know this is fast but I can't stay away from you Bella. The last five days have been hell waiting to see you again. Spending time with you tonight has only made it worse. Don't sent me away, please".

"I don't want you to go." I paused, struggling to find the right words. "But I'm not ready for more Edward." No matter how strong my feelings are I didn't want to rush whatever this is between the two of us.

Understanding dawned on Edwards face immediately.

"That's not what I'm here for Bella. I want more time with you, that's all." he sounded sincere. "Although, I can't promise I wont steal a few more kisses along the way." He teased.

"I won't stop you," I took his hand and led him inside, feeling slightly nervous as Edward gazed around the room.

"You have a nice home," he commented more out of courtesy. My home was nothing fancy and certainly not the standard he was probably used to. I'd been to the Cullen house enough times to know he was slumming it in my humble home, but it suited me just fine.

"This is a surprise," I commented once we had settled on the sofa. While I was delighted to see Edward again, I'd never seen him look so nervous. So unsure of himself.

"Whats wrong Edward?" I worried.

"Before we go any further you need to know what you are signing up for, Bella." He said suddenly, his shoulders slumped and he took an uneven breath before continuing.

"The truth is I feel more passionate about you than I've ever felt about anything in my life. But the thought of you getting hurt scares me more than you can imagine. You know who I am Bella, you know what we do. My family live in a dangerous world. We're dangerous people to be associated with." Edward groaned, unable to hide his guilty.

I reached out to him, running my fingertips across the taut line of one high cheekbone. "Not to me. You would never hurt me." I said with conviction.

"Of course not, but others may try to get to me, my family, you. Women are off limit but there are still times when the life we live is dangerous for those around us. I couldn't bare it if anything happened you because of me." The raw emotion in his voice silenced me.

"I know it's incredibly selfish of me to plunge you into this situation, but I wanted you and I didn't care how I got you," he intoned with regret.

"Edward you're not forcing me into anything. I want to give whatever this is between the two of us a chance. However, I do have some concerns," I started uncertainly.

"So get them out of the way."

"I don't want to know the specifics about what you do but there are limits to what I can handle you being mixed up in." I admitted hesitantly. "Are you involved in drugs? People trafficking? The sex trade?"

"Bella, we do a lot of questionable deals but under no circumstance would we get involved in any of those things. That's not so say it doesn't happen. The Russians maybe have a hand in them but we'd never get involved in anything like that. If Carlisle even suspected anything like that was going on in our patch he'd soon put an end to it, trust me,"

I took a moment to absorb what he'd said.

It was a lot to take in.

I liked Edward. There was no denying that. And despite his families activities I wanted to see where this could go.

But what were the chances of this working out with our lives so physically far apart?

"What are you thinking, Bella? Clearly something else is bothering you." Edward observed.

"How is this going to work with you in Chicago and me here?" I worried while he appeared unfazed by the logistics of a long distance relationship.

"We'll figure it out. At least let me take you out on a date before we worry about any of that. If tonight has proved anything, it's something we will need to address sooner rather than later. It was a challenge for me just to be away from you for a couple of minutes." He joked.

"Okay, I think we've had enough drama for one night, lets watch a movie or something shall we?" I suggested.

"I'd like that," Edward agreed and we made ourselves more comfortable on the sofa. By comfortable, I mean me curled up against Edward side, his arm draped around my shoulder, anchoring me to him.

I tried to watch movie. I really did. Except it was an impossible ask when the movie was nowhere near as interesting or compelling as the handsome man besides me. We quickly lost interest in the generic comedy and soon the two of us were chatting away once more.

Turns out we had a lot to talk about.

I knew very little about Edward besides what he had told me on the flight all those days ago, and only now did I realize he had been very careful about what he'd told me back then.

Now was a different story and he seemed more than willing to fill in a few of the blanks. He was a very open and he told me all about his family and certain aspects of his life.

We talked about everything and anything. I lost track of time when I was with Edward and I couldn't remember the last time I had smiled or laughed as much. Not only was he gorgeous, but he was intelligent and witty. Most importantly he was clearly devoted to his family and consequently I felt myself falling for him the more time we spent together.

"So what was it like growing up as part of one of the biggest crime organisations in Washington state?" I asked genuinely curious about what his life had been like given his somewhat unconventional upbringing.

At first I thought I may be overstepping and I worried Edward would think I was being nosy but he answered without any hint of annoyance.

"Believe it or not it wasn't half as exciting as you would think. My dad was ready to get out by the time I arrived so Carlisle was practically running things on his own. To some extent they kept me out of it. My mom was tired of Dad putting the families connections first so she instigated his early retirement."

"Why weren't they at the meal? I'd liked to have met them."

"Dad has been enjoying his free time over the last few years. My parents have properties all over the world so they tend to spend a lot of time abroad."

I noticed the ease at which he spoke of luxury. Edward was not bragging, but it was a far contrast to my humble upbringing in Forks. Yet I suppose that was what life was like when you had both the money and influence which the Cullens clearly had.

"They're vacationing in the south of France at the moment but they wouldn't miss their favorite Granddaughters big day for anything. You'll get to meet them at the wedding." He stated then smiled widely.

"No doubt my mother will try to ambush you. I wouldn't put it past Esme to have already told her all about you."

"What! She knows about us" I exclaimed, uneasy at being the subject of gossip to Edwards family.

"Not exactly, but Esme's a smart woman and she was making hints about us all night so I wouldn't be surprised if she'd figured it out."

"Of course my mom will be delighted. She's been on at me to find a nice girl and settle down for some time now." He told me seriously.

I must have looked startled because Edward was quick to reassure me.

"Relax Bella, I'm joking. Well, sort of. My mom is somewhat of a traditionalist. She's a massive believer in the importance of family marriage, kids; the whole nine yards"

"And you? What do you believe in?" I asked barely above a whisper.

"I'm here spilling all of my families secrets to you. That should tell you something about how serious my intentions are."

The sincerity in his tone silenced me. I felt my cheeks flush at his words and when I finally met Edward intense gaze, I really didn't know what to say. It turned out that I didn't need to worry as Edward leaned down to kiss me sweetly on the lips.

His kiss temporarily distracted me but I wanted answers more than a moment of passion. I pulled away, albeit reluctantly and when Edward pouted I couldn't resist stealing a quick kiss on his all too addictive lips.

"So Carlisle, he runs the family business now?" I felt uncomfortable talking about the families affairs but I was in need of answers and Edward was in a chatty seemed like my best chance to get answers.

"Family business I like that," he laughed, amused by my phrasing before explaining how Carlisle had been head of the families affairs for as long as Edward could remember.

"He is so much older than me. I'm sure you noticed the age gap between us. My parents had him when they were pretty young. Jasper and I are much closer in age."

"Yeah, I did wonder."

"Why not ask me then?"

"You said earlier that you couldn't tell me too much." I reminded him.

His expression turned serious and he sounded hesitant as he began.

"I can't tell you much but I know you must be curious. I don't want to scare you off but it's only fair that you know what you're signing up for if you."

"So back to your brothers. You and Jasper seem close," I pointed out.

At the mention of his brother, Edwards smile returned and it continued to shine as he told me tales of the mischief they got up to as children. I could feel the genuine affection between the two of them.

"We have always been close. Jasper can read me like no one else can. That's why he was giving me stick all night when you were shooting daggers at me across the table" he kissed cheek as I playfully nudged his side.

"It was my own fault of course," Edward said shaking his head ruefully. "I made the mistake of telling him all about you before tonight and he took great pleasure in ribbing me for it."

"You told him!" I exclaimed. "Does all of your family know about us too?"

"I didn't say who you were, only that I'd met someone but he figured it out the second I walked in the door." He revealed.

"But how?" I was confused. I thought Edward had played it cool, barely even acknowledging my presence when he'd arrived at the restaurant, let alone shown any interest in me.

Edward meanwhile, seemed to find my confusion humorous. "You really didn't see huh?"

"See what?

"How happy I was to see you. How I could barely keep my eyes off you. How desperate I was for you to talk to me."

I was blushing a brilliant red but still Edward continued. "Before you had even made it to the ladies room he'd pulled me over to demand an explanation."

"So you told him everything?" I asked nervously.

For some reason I wanted to keep the details of mine and Edward relationship, if you could even call it that, between the two of us. At least while it was all so new.

"I only told him that we'd met previously and you were the girl I'd told him about. I promise you Bella, everything you told me about Rosalie and Emmett was, and is strictly between the two of us. You do believe me don't you?"

"Of course I do," I answered without hesitation.

It was well past midnight and our final bottle of wine lay idle on the table, long since drunk but we kept talking about everything and anything before deciding to call it a night.

"I should probably get going." Edward told me suddenly, but he seemed as reluctant to go as I was for him to leave.

Looking down at my watch, I was stunned to discover that we had been talking for hours, and it was close to 2 am in the morning.

Where had the time gone and why didn't it feel like enough?

I watched as Edward stood up slightly gingerly, and realized how much he'd had to drink-certainly too much to contemplate letting him drive home.

Thankfully he seemed to be on the same page and he was about to call a taxi when I forced myself to bite the bullet and invite him to stay.

"You could stay here tonight if you like," I offered before realizing how that sounded. "That came out completely wrong," I added, blushing and trying to look everywhere other than at Edwards amused face.

To say he was surprised would be an understatement.

"So you don't want me to stay?"

"Yes, I do but not in the way it sounded." I replied when I finally met his gaze.

"Relax Bella, I'm only teasing," Edward replied before graciously offering to take the sofa.

I went to get him a pillow and a few blankets to make my old sofa more comfortable. When I returned Edward had striped out of his suit. It should have been awkward him stood practically naked except for a pair of boxer shorts but far from feeling intimidated by his state of undress, I felt no such thing. I trusted Edward so explicitly I never questioned his intentions.

I realized I was being silly making him sleep on the sofa when I had a perfectly good bed and insisted he joined me in my room instead.

"You sure?" Edward appeared surprised by my forwardness. "I'm more than happy to sleep out here," he offered me a way out.

"I'm sure," I replied and led him towards my bedroom.

I didn't realize it was possible to fall asleep in a mans arms and feel so safe and protected. But then again Edward was no ordinary man. I'd slept peacefully, better than I had in a long time and the next morning I rolled over and opened my eyes and looked at Edward. He was awake and staring back at me, a lazy smile on his handsome face.

"Morning beautiful," he whispered before leaning down to kiss my cheek and pulling me even closer against him.

I closed my eyes, put my head on Edwards shoulder and listened to steady beat of his heart, basking at the moment before we would be forced to get up and face the day.

"What are you smiling about up there?" I wondered when I saw the grin on his face.

Edward didn't seem troubled by my observation. If anything, his smile widened.

"Just that this isn't where I imagined I'd be only a week ago," he revealed.

"What did you think would happen?"

He looked almost hesitant. "Truthfully? Edward asked looking uncertain but at my nod he continued.

"Basking in the glory of foiling the wedding," he revealed.

"Edward! You're terrible!" I explained, nudging him playfully before conceding when he grabbed my hands, lacing his fingers in mine.

"I had it all planned out you know? I was going to do whatever it took to stop the wedding. Be exactly the evil uncle you painted me out to be."

"What happened to your plan. What changed?" I asked.

"You happened Bella," He said honestly.

"All the times before I'd had to endure Rose telling me what Emmett was to her. I didn't think it was possible to feel that way so soon. Then I met you and I knew what it was like. Of course I was initially attracted to you, but as soon as we started talking I felt something I've never felt before."

The sincerity in his tone silenced me. I felt my cheeks flush at his words and looking in Edward intense gaze, I really didn't know what to say. I simply stared at him shocked by his boldness and honestly. Thankfully he didn't seem to mind my hesitancy.

"Relax Bella, I know all this must be a shock to you. But when I want something I don't hold back."

We kissed again and cuddled for a while before drifting back to sleep. When the need to pee couldn't be held off any longer, I rolled out of bed even though I didn't want to and headed to the bathroom. I quickly brushed my teeth and freshened up and when I returned Edward was sitting up casually against the headboard, rubbing his eyes.

"You can wear these if you like," I rambled, trying to distract myself from the half naked god in front of me.

"They're probably a bit big but at least they should fit you." I said, offering him the t-shirt and joggers.

Edward took them from me reluctantly, a strange look on his face.

"Are you in the habit of wearing mens clothes or do these belong to someone else?" his gruff voice asked.

I couldn't contain my smile when I realized the reason for Edward's mood; he was jealous.

"They're Emmetts. Sometimes he and Rose stay over." I didn't see the need to drag out his discomfort.

The relief on his face was satisfying and I was rewarded with another kiss on the lips before he headed to the bathroom.

Whilst Edward was freshening up I went into the kitchen to make a start on our breakfast. I'd only got as far as filling up a glass of juice before he walked into the room.

He was so staggeringly attractive he could pull on an old pair of sweatpants and T-shirt two sizes too big and still look sexy.

"Coffee?" he offered, smoothly moving around the kitchen to my coffee machine.

"Yes please," I happily agreed while taking a moment to observe him. Even in the morning with his wayward hair and a five o'clock shadow, he was more shockingly handsome than any man had a right to be. It should have been worrying how at home he looked in my apartment, fiddling with the coffee machine like he'd used it a hundred times before but I wasn't. Far from it. I could imagine him here.

Almost as though he could sense I was thinking about him, Edward caught my eye, lifted his eyebrow in amusement. "What are you smiling at over there?"

"Nothing," I denied, blushing and looking everywhere other than at him.

I returned my attention to gathering together whatever ingredients I could find to make some form of breakfast when Edward came up from behind, wrapped his arms around my waist, pulled me close and kissed my neck.

A simple touch could set my heart racing.

Edward turned me around to face him, he gave me a mischievous grin.

"I don't think it's nothing. Your cheeks tell me otherwise."

He wasted no time in claiming my lips. Loosing myself in the kiss, I wrapped my arms around his neck to anchor him to me. He was so tall I had to stand on my tip toes to meet him. Noticing my struggle Edward lifted me up, effortlessly placing me onto the kitchen counter.

"Ohhh!" I gasped, surprised at the move and ease at which he lifted me.

"Much better," he whispered before his lips claimed mine in a heated kiss. He kissed me until I was breathless and even then he was relentless. He moved his kisses to my neck where I could feel him smiling against my skin.

"So are you gonna tell me or am I will have to find some way to get it out of you?"

I was confused for a minute before remembering what he was referring to. He nudged my legs apart with his thigh, trapping me against the counter, as his lips continued to explore.

"How do you plan on doing that?" I was breathless by this point. I barely managed to get my words out.

"I have my ways," he added with another kiss, lingering longer this time. He teased me with his tongue, drawing the kiss out until I hung limp in his arms, practically.

He began placing long drawn out kisses that started on my neck, then worked their way up to my he finally reached my lips I was practically begging.

"Edward please," I whimpered. It was embarrassing how desperate this man could make me.

Again, his mouth captured mine, and his hand grasped either side of my head, holding me close and kissing me deeply but still softly. He kissed the bump of my chin and around my throat while one hand twisted in my hair. Once again he lowered his head and drew my lower lip into his mouth, before trailing hot kisses down the column of my throat. I felt his other hand against my hip again, his fingers splayed against the fabric of my pajamas and gripping my skin tightly.

We were in danger of getting carried away, as was often the case with Edward, when a pounding knocking sounded from outside my front door.

"Ignore it, they'll get bored and go away," Edward said dismissively and immediately went back to kissing that spot right below my ear that was my undoing.

He was right to be optimistic and thankfully the banging seemed to decrease in its ferocity before eventually stopping altogether.

"See, what did I tell you". Annoyingly smugness suited him as much as any other look did.

"Now where were we?"

Before he had the chance to pick up where we left off I reached for him first, fiercely bringing his mouth down to mine. Something about Edward made me feel desperate and reckless: something I'd never experienced before.

In the past I'd always worried that there was something wrong with we me because I'd never felt drawn towards another man in this way. My past boyfriends were mostly friendships that didn't work out as anything more, and the handful of dates I'd been on had left me with no burning desire to search out Mr Right.

I often worried that when I met someone I really cared about I wouldn't know what to do but with Edward it felt different. It felt natural, instinctual almost.

"I want you so much," Edward moaned, drawing my attention back to him. I felt him press against me, confirming I wasn't the only one getting carried away by the connection between us.

"Tell me to stop me," he told me.

"I don't want you to" I admitted, pulling him flush against me.

"You really shouldn't have said that," Edward almost growled before pinning me with another toe curling kiss.

We were both so lost in kiss, it was the reason why we didn't hear the front door open or the unwanted visitor march into the kitchen.

"What the hell!" An outraged voice broke through our passionate embrace. I looked up, shocked and mortified to see Rosalie standing in the doorway her mouth hanging open in confusion.

Instinctively I pulled away from Edwards embrace, clutching his shoulders for a moment of comfort before my hands fell limply to my sides. Perhaps I should have attempted to rectify my appearance, but really what was the point? She'd walked in to find my top hanging off my shoulder and I didn't even want to think where Edwards hands were currently resting.

While I was mortified, he appeared as composed as ever and completely unaffected by Rosalies presence. He simply pulled my shirt down and threaded his fingers through mine, squeezing them lightly.

"Hey Rose," he said casually as though he hadn't just been caught with his hands quite literally down my pants. Almost absent-mindedly he kissed my forehead then pulled away before adjusting his own clothing back into place.

"You're just in time. I was making coffee." He added thoughtfully.

If I wasn't so mortified, the look on Rose's face would have been amusing.

"Coffee!" she spat, looking exasperated.

"On second thoughts, maybe the caffeine's not good for you," Edward added as an after thought before a puzzled look appeared on his handsome face.

"How did you get in here anyway? Do you have a key or something?" He appeared totally at ease as he made a start on our forgotten coffees.

"I don't need one. Bella leaves a key hidden outside," Rose revealed before turning her accusing glare on me. "I only dropped by the check you were okay after last night and instead I find this!"

"What?" Edward angry tone drew my attention to him. His gaze focused to me, his expression became serious, bordering on angry. "You leave a key hidden outside?"

"This is Forks, not Chicago," I patted his arm but Edward was deadly serious and the stern look he sent my way told me we would be discussing this later.

"You are being ridiculous," I argued.

"Hey! I'm still here!" Rosalie interrupted our bickering. "You can discuss that after you've told me what the hell is going on here. Last night you hated each other and this morning you're all over each other."

She marched over and poked Edward sharply in the chest, focusing her fury on him. "Just last week you told me you'd met someone and now you're moving in on my friend! As for you," she turned to me accusingly. "What about the guy you were hung up on? Does someone want to tell me what the hell is going on here?"

Edward sent me a meaningful look, clearly asking permission to fill Rosalie in. I nodded back, smiling widely as his arm slung around my shoulder, drawing my body flush against his side.

"Rose, Bella's my girl. We met on the plane last week."

I couldn't keep the smile off my face. I liked the way that sounded and the ease at which he'd said it.

Rosalie appeared flabbergasted before realization dawned on her face. "That's why you were so off with him at the restaurant."

I nodded back, confirming her suspicions.

"I can explain everything but I think you need to calm down Rose. All this shouting can't be good for baby," Edward warned.

"Baby! You know?" Rose appeared confused before realization dawned on her face. "You told him about the baby?"

Rosalie turned her fury on me and marched towards the two of us.

"Leave her alone Rose," Edward snapped, his tone sharp.

She didn't seem bothered by his warning, and came towards us once again, sending a warning look my way. I was slightly relieved when Edward shifted his position to stand in front of me.

"No way, Edward. I don't know whatever the hell this is but she's my friend first and she broke my confidence,"

"I'm sorry Rose" I started to apologize before she cut me off.

"So you should be. I trusted you Bella, and you go blabbing to my uncle of all people." The accusation in her tone hit me but I could understand her anger. I felt incredibly guilty. It was lucky things had worked out as well as they had, otherwise I could have seriously ruined her and Emmetts relationship.

"Hey, don't you go making Bella feel bad. I drew it out of her," Edward defended me. "You should be thanking her. It's because of her the meal went so smoothly."

Rosalie paused to consider his words.

"Come to think of it, I did think it was strange how you were suddenly so supportive about the wedding. I was sure you were going to kick off. Just what did you say to him?" she asked, softer this time.

"Nothing but the truth." I answered truthfully.

"In that case I suppose I forgive the two of you then, "she sighed dramatically, a playful smile tugging on her lips. "How about you make it up to me. Go make yourself useful and feed me. I am eating for 2 after all" she teased.

"Geese thanks, how gracious of you," Edward replied sarcastically.

It was really funny to watch the playful banter between the two of them, but behind their teasing, it was obvious that there was genuine affection between the two of them.

"I guess I can stretch to breakfast. What do you want?" Edward thoughtfully offered.

Rosalie then proceeded to list off what sounded like food to feed triplets, not the one baby she carried but who was I to judge?

Edward came over to me, promising to get us some pastries and real coffee. When I tried to hand him some money he simply kissed me hard on the lips not mindful of our audience, and forced the money back in my hand before promising to bring a selection of delicious treats.

He was out the door before I could protest.

"Get used to it Bella. Cullen men are notoriously generous, Edward even more so. He's going to spoil you rotten," she said in glee while I shuddered at the thought.

Clearly Rose read the unease on my face.

"I mean it Bella, you gotta get used to being taken care of it you want a future with Edward."

It wasn't in my nature to be taken care of. As the product of young doomed marriage, followed by a messy divorce, I'd spent most of my own childhood looking after my mom before she packed her bags up and went off to Europe to go find herself. She'd sent me to live with Charlie, who had also been shall we say less than domesticated before marrying Sue. During that time I was use to taking care of myself but for Edward I could live with a bit of pampering.

"How much has Edward told you about the family ?" Rosalie quizzed me.

"Not everything but enough." I started hesitantly. "I'm not stupid Rose, I've always known your family had a lot of secrets. Edward just filled in a few of the blanks."

"And you're happy to turn a blind eye. To be a part of it? Because that's what you are signing up for," she said harshly.

If I didn't know Rosalie as well as I did, I'd think she was trying to turn me against Edward. In fact, the opposite was true. She wanted to make sure I knew what I was signing up for. I imagine her and Emmett had the same conversation not so long ago.

"You need to be sure Bells, because once you're in, you're in for life. " She took my hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. "I know it must seem very exciting but I don't want you to get swept up in the moment and wake up to a very different reality."

"Believe me I know this fast and unexpected but it feels right. I want Edward. I only want him," I answered honestly.

"But are you happy to turn a blind eye to the families lifestyle?"

"I'm not sure happy is the right word but I can get passed it." I declared. Rosalie however, looked dubious.

"I mean it. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I don't want to scare Edward off but he's really important to me. Too important to me."

"Have you told him that?"

"Of course not. It's too soon to be confessing my undying love for him. He'd freak out." I tried to joke but the truth behind my words startled me.

"Don't be so sure, Bella. Edward is just as besotted with you. I can't believe I didn't work it out sooner. At the meal it was amusing how he hung off your every word. Even when you were being a bitch to him, which by the way was fucking hilarious, he couldn't stop staring at you. Edward isn't the type of guy to rush into things lightly so I know he's thought this through. The fact that he's here with you now, already trusting you tells me a lot more than you can ever know."

"Surely there have been other women in his life." I was being sneaky, trying to get information on Edwards past relationships from Rosalie but I couldn't help myself.

"Not as many as you'd think. Sure, he's had girlfriends but I've never seen him the way he is with you. Edward was always so focused on the family first before his own happiness. Of course that didn't stop women trying to gain his affections, he just never seemed bothered by them,"Rosalie revealed. I shouldn't have felt relieved, but I did.

"So there's no crazy ex girlfriends I need to worry about?"

"Hardly," she laughed heatedly. "Sure Edwards no saint but I can assure you have nothing to worry about there. Sure our family is somewhat traditionalist none more so than Edward. I always wondered why he was in no rush to settle down but I can see now that he was waiting for you."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, sensing there was more to what she was saying.

"I'll let Edward explain it to you!" she winked.

I was desperate to know what she was talking about, but if Rose was blushing then I could only imagine how uneasy I'd be by her revelation.

"What has Rose been saying that has you so tense?" Edward appeared behind me.

He had a habit of sneaking up on me.

"Nothing," I answered while Rose impatiently grabbed the bag of goodies straight out of his hands, opening it up to reveal a collection of delicious baked goods.

"These smell delicious," I praised, desperate for a distraction away from the direction the conversation was going.

Rosalie was having none of it.

"I was just filling Bella in on some family traditions," she sounded smug and appeared to be taking great pleasure in Edward's discomfort.

I looked curiously across and was shocked to note that his cheeks had a slight pink tinge to them.

Edward blushed a little which had me a little worried.

"I'll leave you guys to it. It looks like you have a lot to talk about." she declared, grabbed herself a croissant and handful of cookies from the table before shouting bye.

"Do I want to know what that was all about?" I attempted to sound light hearted but the look on Edwards face had me on edge.

Though his crooked smile remained, he sounded uneasy.

"Let's sit down shall we."

Okay, so now I really was nervous...