Author's note: Alright, boys and girls, this is IT, the final chapter of my "one-shot" turned multi-chaptered. I want to thank my beta, bleed4her, for her fabulous work and for always being honest with me and helping me along. Not only is she a great beta, she is an awesome cheerleader! Also, many thanks to those that took the time to review, to those that put this story on their favorites and alerts, and to those that kept encouraging me to finish. I hope you like this final installment as it is the longest. I honestly never expected such a wonderful response to my story. While I started posting a new HP Fleur/Hermione story, rest assured that I'm already working on chapter 2 of my next Bellice story!

Again, thanks and enjoy!

To Love You More

Part Eight – The End

I'll be waiting for you

Here inside my heart

I'm the one who wants to love you more

You will see I can give you

Everything you need

Let me be the one to love you more

To Love You More - Celine Dion

Two months later…

Bella

It's been a wild ride for the last few weeks of the summer break and I've been meeting a lot with Jake without the others knowledge. If Alice found out what I was up to she'd probably kick my ass and she would have every right to do so. I mean, I was planning on coming out to my father for a second time. It was one thing when I told him I was gay and in love with Alice, but another entirely to tell him I was now a vampire and would live for eternity.

Since Carlisle was right about the Volturi hunting us down if our secret got out, Jake and I had plotted on how to give Charlie enough hints to have him figure it out. We had even discussed it with his pack and with Billy and the tribe. No one cared that Charlie found out about the wolves since he was now dating Sue Clearwater and it seemed like the logical thing to do. He knew them all well and everyone figured he had a right to know since things with Sue looked to be getting serious. I wanted nothing more than to see him happy with a woman that could truly love him and appreciate him for the good man he was.

So far, Billy had given him the book I had read all that time ago that helped me in figuring out what Edward was. Billy and Sue had also been telling him more stories of their tribe and Charlie seemed quite interested in the tales. He was a smart man and I was counting on him being able to figure most of this out on his own.

I know you're wondering why I didn't tell Alice or the others. I guess if things went wrong, I could be blamed and no harm would come to the Cullen's. She would be beyond pissed, but I loved her too much to get her in trouble with Aro and his court. I would not put any of them in a compromising position. I would deal with Alice's wrath later if need be.

I knew for a fact that Charlie had been reading the book the week before and we were all planning a campfire on the beach with the elders and the pack. It had been decided that if Charlie had figured some of the details out, Jake would turn into Takoda to demonstrate what they could do. He said he would still do it even if Charlie had not figured things out just to speed things along.

Alice knew I was going with them tonight, but since everything involved the pack, she could not tell what we were up to. If there was one thing I loved about my little pixie it was the liberty she gave me. She didn't question me when I wanted to spend time at La Push, nor did she resent my time with Jake and the pack. Nothing had changed much since my transformation and since my control was still remarkable, I had been able to see Charlie after a month of being changed. He did comment on my pale skin, but the contacts hid the color of my eyes and we blamed the color of my skin to spending time in Europe where it was colder and not sunny.

Jake and Seth were constantly at the Cullen's mansion and Esme just loved having them around so she could cook for them and mother them to death. Jake and Seth loved the attention and the company. Emmett did as well since he had willing partners to play with him for hours on end. Surprisingly, Rose and Jake started bonding over cars and even got his Rabbit all "hooked up" as they liked to say. So all in all, my life was wonderful.

Edward had basically taken off after our fight and had decided to take time for himself abroad. No one knew for sure where he was or what he was doing, but he called his parents dutifully and they seemed appeased by that. I couldn't really care less if he came back or not, and I think most of the family missed him but preferred that he was gone for the time being since he was too stubborn for his own good. I had felt guilty at first, but Carlisle and Esme had taken me aside and made me understand that he was responsible for his actions, an adult, and he needed to grow up and learn to be accepting. After that, my guilt went away.

Alice couldn't be a more perfect partner in every single way. I'd never felt so loved and cared for since I had decided to be with her. She showed me her love in so many ways I had no doubt it was the forever kind. It was to the point that I was contemplating the idea of marriage for the first time in my life. I've been looking into it when I was with Jake since I didn't want her to know and I knew we could fly to Canada and marry legally there. The more I thought about it, the more the idea appealed to me. Jake was all for it and I was just waiting for the right time to discuss it with the family before talking to her about it. I knew I would be with her forever, but I would not mind seeing my ring on her finger. If that doesn't tell you how in love I was with my little star, nothing ever would.

But back to Charlie and tonight. Alice and Rose went out shopping and to catch a film both of them had been dying to see, so I was at Jake's planning the last of the details. Charlie was due to arrive in about an hour and Sue was over getting things ready for a fish fry they wanted to have before heading down to the beach.

"So we're ready to do this, right?" Jake asked me.

"Yeah. I want him to know because I can't keep hiding. Before long he will notice I'm not aging, and wearing the contacts when he's around make my eyes burn. It's uncomfortable as hell."

"I hear you. I think he'll be okay with it. Sue's going to be there to take care of him when he freaks. I mean, he's either going to faint or blow a gasket."

"I'm thinking he'll do both." I paced up and down his living room with a frown on my face. "Jake, what if it's too much for my old man and he ends up in the hospital with heart failure?"

"Bells, I don't think that would happen. He's read the book because he's been asking Sue questions about it. He's an intelligent man and I think he's probably figured most of it by now. He just needs solid proof to be sure."

"It still worries me."

"Hey, we don't have to do this. Hell, I don't want to be near Shortie when she finds out we did this. That is going to be one annoyed little vampire and you're not going to get any for a long time!"

"Jake!"

"You know it's true, Bells!"

"Shut up! Oh my god, I don't think I could stand her being mad at me for more than a day. It would seriously kill me."

I couldn't keep the horror I felt out of my tone and he got up from the couch and hugged me. "Shortie could never be mad at you for long. She loves you too much, Bells."

"I sure as hell hope you're right."

"I think I know her enough to know that for sure. I've never seen Alice keep a grudge."

"She refuses to speak to Edward still."

"Well, hell, Bells! No one blames her for that. He's an asshole and who wants to associate with those? She has my full support there."

"I know."

I sat down next to him and he put his arm around my shoulder, pulling me to him. "Look, Bella, it's going to be alright. Charlie is stronger than you give him credit for and he's going to be surprised at first, but then he'll deal with it. He's going to eventually come to his senses and marry Sue, which means his step-kids will be wolves. He has to know regardless, so it might as well be tonight."

"You're right."

I sighed and leaned against him. It was going to be one hell of a night, of that I was positive.

0-0

Alice

"I know she's up to something, Rose."

"You've been saying that for a couple of weeks now, Alice. What makes you think that?"

We were driving back to Forks after having spent most of the day in Seattle. We had shopped to our hearts content, we had seen a movie and we had even managed to go hunting for a little bit. It had been the perfect day of sisterly bonding, but throughout the entire day, I kept thinking something was going on with the love of my life and she was keeping me in the dark.

"I know my Bella, Rose, and she's hiding something from me."

"Something like what?"

"That's the damn thing, I can't figure it out. I keep looking into the future, but I don't get anything. That means she's doing whatever it is with the damn mutts!"

"Since when are they mutts?" Rose asked me with a smirk.

"Since they are fucking up my visions! Bella uses that to her advantage like a sneaky devil and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it!"

"It might have something to do with you, a surprise of some kind. Why are you assuming this is a bad thing?"

"It's just my gut feeling. She's been seeing Charlie a lot, too, and it worries me that she might slip and he'll notice something is totally different. And she's been going down to the reservation a lot more than usual. So I'm thinking she's either planning on telling Charlie what's going on without us knowing or getting tired of being with me all the time," I confessed in a small voice.

"Alice, now you're being completely ridiculous. That silly girl lives to love you. She would never be bored or tired of you. Stop being so insecure."

"Do you really think so?"

"Really, Alice? You're seriously asking me that question?"

I had the decency to look down. Shame was clearly visible on my face and I didn't want to show it to her. "I guess I'm being silly."

"You're being daft and it doesn't suit you at all, pixie. Bella loves you and if she is planning to tell her dad what's going on, it might ease things a bit and she will be able to spend more time with him. He's dating the mother of two wolves, so that has to come up soon as well. Might as well tell him the truth all at once so it's one big hit instead of two."

"That still doesn't make me feel better. What if Charlie's heart can't take it? It might be too much of a shock," I insisted worriedly.

"From what I know of Chief Swan, he is an intelligent man with a strong character. He's not going to die of a heart attack. He'll probably be surprised and it will come as a shock to him, but I think, once he has time to process things, he'll deal with it just fine. When he found out about you and Bella he was cool with it right away and he had figured it out before you guys told him. He might know something is different about us and the wolves for all we know."

"You might be right about that."

Before I could continue, my phone rang and I saw that it was Bella. By my smile, Rose knew who it was, too.

"See? She misses you."

I smiled at her and answered the call. "Hey, darling."

"Hi, baby! How was your trip?"

"Wonderful. We shopped like crazy and saw the movie."

"I'm glad you had fun."

"What are you up to?"

"I'm at Jake's. Sue is preparing a fish fry and Charlie is due any minute. Then we're going to the beach for a bit to do a bonfire and the elders will tell their tales of the tribe."

"Oh, sounds like fun. I guess I won't see you until much later tonight, huh?" As much as I tried, I couldn't keep my tone of voice happy and I'm sure she noticed.

"Aww, baby girl, I'll be home before you know it."

"I've already gone a whole day without seeing you," I pouted and ignored Rose as she rolled her eyes.

"I miss you, too, baby. Do you want me to come home instead and spend time with you?"

I felt ashamed of my neediness because I knew she would drop everyone and come straight home if I asked her to. I wasn't about to become some possessive girlfriend that had to have her glued to my side at all times. I refused to act like Edward used to. And I loved her even more for wanting to please me.

"No, darling, you enjoy your time with Charlie and your friends. I'll be busy putting things away and I'll just see you when you get home. No need to hurry, either."

"Are you sure?"

"Very sure, sweetheart."

"Okay. I have to go, though, since everyone is getting here and I have to figure out what to tell Charlie when he asks why I'm not eating."

"Honey, just tell him you were too hungry to wait and Sue fed you earlier."

She chuckled. "I don't know what I would do without you, baby."

"Don't worry; you'll never have to find out."

"I'm counting on that. Love you."

"Love you, too, sweetheart. Have fun and I'll see you soon."

"Bye, baby."

I hung up the phone and looked at Rose. "I still think something's going on, Rose. It's my gut feeling. Bella is up to something."

I sighed and leaned my head back. Closing my eyes I prayed that she wasn't about to get into major trouble.

0-0

Bella

After lying to Charlie about eating prior to his getting there, the rest of them ate while I watched TV in the living room. I could hear them talking about the legends of the wolves and the tribe and from the tone of Charlie's voice, I could tell he was genuinely interested in the ancestors of his "girlfriend's" people, which was actually kind of cute to watch. I knew he was interested in her because he'd even asked Alice for advice on new clothes and where to take Sue for a date. You know Alice; she had him in the car in no time and a shopping spree followed, including a trip to the barber shop. Now he had a closet full of new clothing that made him looked younger and hipper, a shorter cut and she had even talked him into getting a new truck since she had mentioned taking Sue on a date in the cruiser was a big no-no.

Needless to say, by the time it was all said and done, he was exhausted but a huge grin was on his face. I had waited for them at his house with Sue and when they got back, the matching grin on her face said it all. She more than approved of the changes and the new Ford F-150 he came in with, not to mention the huge bouquet of wild flowers her handed her. She thanked him by kissing the hell out of him, which scarred me for life, but since he was happy, I moved on. The smile on Alice's face was priceless, as well, and she looked so damn proud of herself I couldn't help myself and kissed her as well while my dad was busy kissing his own girlfriend.

Nothing like bonding time, eh?

But back to the present, I could tell dinner was over and dishes were being done. Jake came out a moment later and sat next to me.

"Ready?" he asked as he patted my knee affectionately.

"As ready as I'll ever be. I'm worried about Alice, though. I think she knows something's going on."

"Why do you say that?"

"A gut feeling I have. I'm sure she can tell when I'm lying to her, and she knows spending time with you messes up her visions. I've been doing it on purpose and I think she's aware of that."

"Did she mention something?"

"No and she won't. She's too supportive for that. Not to mention she trusts me more than she should." I was feeling ashamed of myself and he could tell.

"Bella, if you want to, we could call them and invite them over."

"Really?"

"Yes. I think we should tell Charlie about the wolves and the vampire legends being true and then when he calms down, we can call them and have dad and Carlisle chat with him a while about it. That way, if Aro was to find out your father knows, they weren't here when he was told. I think it would work."

"I like the idea. Let's get this over with so I can call her."

"Give Carlisle a heads up before we leave so he makes sure everyone is at home and ready to head this way when you call."

"Okay. I'll go outside and call him."

So that's what I did an hour ago and now we're down at the beach, the campfire is roaring, and the elders just finished their tale. Charlie is sitting there is awe and I figure now is the time to tell him, so I nod at Billy.

"It's all true, Charlie."

Charlie frowns a little at him. "You mean to tell me you turn into a wolf when there's a full moon, old man?"

"No, you fool! That's just in the movies. Our people are shape-shifters. The chosen ones can turn into wolves at will and they form a pack with an alpha that guides them. They can communicate with their minds when in wolf form."

"Are you telling me there is a pack of wolves in your tribe right now?" he asked aghast and Sue put her hand on his knee supportively.

"That is what I'm telling you, Charlie."

Charlie scratched the back of his neck in confusion and awe. "But if I remember correctly, the legend says the wolves only appear if there is a threat of the cold ones, or vampires from what I've been told. Are you seriously telling me there are vampires too?"

I saw Sue squeeze his knee and smile at him. "Honey, there are many things in this world that are true and not pure legend. Vampires and wolves being two of them."

"So you're saying there is a coven of vampires living in Forks?" By his tone, it was clear he was having trouble digesting the information he was being given.

"Yes, there is a coven living on the outskirts of town."

I could tell he was close to figuring this out, but he also looked sort of furious.

"Wait a damn minute. All the killings and disappearances were caused by this coven? And that's why the wolves came back? Did you kill them all?"

Everyone exchanged glances around. Jake spoke next.

"Charlie, the coven we have living here is what would be called "vegetarians". They don't feed on humans, but animals. At first we thought they were the problem, but we're actually allies with them now and worked together to get rid of the vampires that were causing all the havoc."

"Oh, sweet Jesus, it's the Cullen's, isn't it?" he asked as he glared at me.

"Yes, Charlie, the Cullen's are the vampire coven that make Forks their home," Billy confirmed.

Charlie shook his head in disbelief and looked over at Jake.

"When you say we, does that mean you're a wolf, Jake?"

Jake looked at me and I nodded. Billy did the same. Jake faced my father.

"I'll just show you. Excuse me a second."

Before anyone could blink, Jake undid his jean shorts, took of his sneakers and dropped his pants when he was a little ways from us and the light of the fire. A moment later, his entire body started shaking and the next thing you knew, Takoda stood before us. Charlie let out a curse word I'd never heard him use and literally fell backwards from the log he was sitting on. Sue was immediately at his side as I sent a quick, one word message and walked over to Jake.

"Bella," Charlie screamed as he tried to get up and come to rescue me, "get away from it! It's going to kill you."

"Takoda won't harm me in any way," I said as I reached Jake and put my arm around his thick neck. He nuzzled my head with his nose and my hand came up to pat his muzzle. "Takoda is my friend and protector."

Charlie just stood there and moments later we all turned at the sound of running footsteps coming closer. Seconds later, the Cullen's were at our side, Alice's arm going around my waist immediately. I leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"Hi, baby girl," I whispered to her.

"Don't you baby girl me, Bella Swan. You have plenty of explaining to do when we get home," she whispered back. At least she kissed my cheek when she was done speaking, so I knew I was in trouble, but would live to tell about it.

"I will."

I looked over at Charlie, who was standing there, pale as a sheet while Sue held his hand and talked to him softly. He shook his head and let go of her hand as he started walking over to me.

"Bella? Is there something you need to tell me as well?" he asked in a voice I didn't recognize. I couldn't tell if he was more hurt or angry at me.

I felt Alice's arm tighten protectively against my waist and Jake moved closer to me. Neither action was lost on Charlie and then the rest of the pack got up, changed before his eyes and moved to stand by all of us. Charlie stopped moving and just stood there, his jaw hanging open, his eyes about to pop out of their sockets and unable to utter a single word. Sue, bless her heart, was once again at his side, trying to talk to him. Billy wheeled his chair next to Charlie and also spoke to him.

We all waited for his reaction. Depending on it, I would have a father or I would be disowned. I'd rather he be angry, but talked to me eventually. I leaned against Alice for support and waited for him to speak again.

"This is some crazy shit and I don't even know what to fucking think right now," he finally yelled while looking right at me. "Are you a vampire?" he screamed even louder.

I simply nodded. I was afraid the words would not come.

His face got so red I thought for sure he would pass out. "I can't fucking believe this! Renee is going to kill me when she finds out!"

That's what he's worried about? Well, hell, I don't know my father as much as I thought. I thought for sure he'd start blaming the Cullen's for changing me, but no, he was worried about my mother. Go fucking figure!

"I'm not going to tell her this. This is all on you!" he said while pointing a finger at me and then running a hand over his face. Next thing I see is Billy passing him a flask which he took gratefully and took a long sip. He gasped a little when it burned his throat, but took another sip and then another. No one tried to stop him and Sue was just rubbing his back. As if remembering she was there, he turned to her, then to the rest of the people still sitting around the fire before his eyes widened again. He peered closely at the pack before turning to her again.

"You mean to tell me my step-kids are wolves and my daughter is a vampire?"

Sue took a deep breath and nodded while trying to contain a smile. I heard Billy chuckle and then my father glared at him, which only made him laugh harder.

"Welcome to the real world, Charlie Swan!" he guffawed and took the flask from him and took a sip as well.

"I need a moment," Charlie said and walked away from the group in the direction of the water.

I looked at Billy and Sue and she started pushing Billy's chair to follow Charlie. Carlisle stepped up to them and took the chair from Sue. We all turned and watched as they followed Charlie and disappeared in the darkness.

In the next few minutes, the pack was back in their human forms and dressed and we all sat around the fire one more time. I pulled Alice between my legs and held her close to me.

"Do you think he'll speak to me again after tonight, baby?"

She could hear the sadness in my voice and leaned closer to me, her arms covering mine around her waist. "I think that once dad, Billy and Sue talk to him and he has time to calm down, he'll be okay. He's actually taking this well enough, considering all he found out tonight. A lesser man would have either died of heart failure or lost his mind."

"I hope he doesn't change his mind about Sue now. She's really good for him and having wolves as kids isn't that bad. I'm sure Esme would be willing to teach him a thing or two since she's basically adopted Jake and Seth."

"I don't think he'll change his mind. He's a smart man and he's in love with her. I can see it in his eyes and his words tonight proved it. He called Seth and Leah his step-kids. So we're all going to be related soon enough!"

"That's a positive way of thinking about it, love."

"We have to be positive."

"How mad at me are you?" I asked her timidly, afraid of the answer.

"Honey, I know you so well that I knew you were keeping something important from me, but I figured you had your reasons. I won't lie to you; it hurts me that you couldn't come to me with this."

I sighed because I hated hurting her. I kissed her neck once. "Ali, I did it to protect you and our family. It might sound lame, but it's the truth. If Aro and the Volturi find out about this, it's all on me and none of you knew about it before hand, so none of you can be blamed for any of it. I'm sorry I hurt you, baby, but I wanted to keep you safe."

"Silly Bella, don't you know by now that where you go I'll always follow? You are my mate and I don't want there to be any secrets between us. We have to trust each other."

"I do trust you, baby. It was never about trust, but me trying to protect you."

"I don't need protection. I need you to come to me when things like this happen. Otherwise, what is the point of being together? It's not all about happiness and laughter, sweetheart; we have to share our problems and issues as well."

I thought about her words for a few minutes in silence and I realized she was right about everything she had said. I tightened my arms around her petite form and brought her even closer to me.

"You're right and I'm sorry, Alice. I promise you it won't ever happen again."

She turned her head back and I kissed her softly. Since we had lots of company, I kept it mild and moved my head back.

"I love you more than I'll ever be able to show you, baby."

"I love you, too, sweetheart. Always will."

And just like that, we were back to being us.

Another hour passed in silence as we waited for Charlie and company to come back. The rest of the elders had gone home and just the pack and the Cullen's remained around the campfire. I was getting worried now, but a bit later we saw them coming back. Charlie had his arm around Sue's shoulder and she had hers around his waist while Carlisle pushed Billy's chair.

When they got closer to us, Charlie looked up and just stared at me for a full minute. I nudged Alice a little and stood up when she moved to my side.

"Dad?"

"Are you happy?"

His question floored me and for a moment I could not speak. I suddenly felt Alice's tiny hand holding mine and I smiled gratefully at her and then I looked back at my father.

"Yes, I am. I've never been happier."

"And this is the life you chose for yourself, willingly? No one pushed you towards the decision?"

"It's all on me because they fought me about it every step of the way. However, Alice is my soul mate and I could not fathom getting older and not being able to be with her. I asked her to change me."

"Did you want to change before? When you were with Edward?"

I cringed at his question, but answered him honestly. "Yes, even back then. When I thought I was in love with him, I figured I wanted to be with him forever, but then Alice happened. The love I felt for him is nothing compared to the love I feel for her, and that's when I knew for sure this was the only life I could live."

"You sound so sure of yourself I don't even recognize you, Bells."

"I know, dad. I guess I matured more since they came into my life. But don't doubt for a moment that I'm not happy."

"I guess you truly do love her."

"I do, more than I could ever tell you with plain words, dad. There's only one thing that would make me happier, but that's probably for later on."

"What would that be?" he asked me curiously.

"If she'll have me, I want to marry Alice someday. That would complete my happiness and I would consider myself the luckiest woman in the world."

The word stunned wouldn't even begin to cover it. The silence that descended on the beach was unbelievably loud and I waited for someone to react. I hadn't meant to just throw that out there, since I had wanted to talk to Carlisle and Esme first, but there it was and no way in hell would I take it back. I wanted to marry Alice Cullen and I was not ashamed to admit it.

0-0

Alice

If my heart had still been beating, it would have surely stopped. If my lungs had been working, they would have collapsed. As it was, I felt paralyzed. Never, not even in my wildest dreams, had it occurred to me that Bella would want to marry me. For as long as I had known her, she had been appalled at the idea of marriage, something that had irritated Edward to no end. So not only had she given me all of herself, virginity included, she now wanted to make me her wife.

And you know what, until this very moment, until she had said it out loud, it hadn't occurred to me that I wanted to marry her more than I wanted anything else in my life. There would be no waiting on this. There would be no couple of years of engagement before we married. She would be my wife by the end of the year if I had any say in the matter.

But before the planning began, I guess I should let her know I was all for the idea, since she was looking at me, terror filled eyes waiting for my reaction. I smiled at her and cupped her cheek tenderly.

"You want to marry me?" I whispered.

"More than anything, I want you to be my wife because I will never love another as much as I love you, Alice Cullen. So yes, if you'll have me, I want nothing more than to make you my wife."

So what do I do to let her know I'm on board for this new adventure? The usual!

I squealed like a little girl and jumped into her waiting arms, my legs going around her waist as I peppered her face and mouth with kisses.

She laughed at me as the tension around us broke and held me closer.

"Is that a yes?"

Silly Bella!

"That's a HELL YES, darlin'!" I told her before I kissed her like I wanted, mindless of the people surrounding us.

0-0

Bella

We're back home now, in bed, very naked and satisfied for the moment. After my outburst, Alice saying yes, and us having to calm Charlie down, we finally called it a night. We had to remind him I would be this age for the rest of my life, so it didn't matter if I married young. I would forever be young and a legal adult, so I didn't need anyone's approval, not that I said that to him.

Alice and I agreed to go see him the next day and have a chat, and then we came home, and the moment we were through the doors of our room, we were tearing each other's clothes off and devouring each other with so much lust and passion it didn't last long, so we did it three more time, each taking longer than the previous.

"Are you truly happy with me, sweetheart?"

I frowned at her. "Why are you asking something that you should know by now? Do I not show you enough how happy I am?"

"I just want to make sure this is beyond a doubt what you desire."

"How mad is Esme likely to get if I beat the answer into your brain?"

She had the gall to chuckle. "She'd be a little pissed since I'm the littlest one."

"Also the most conniving and sneaky, so she might forgive me if I plead my case. I can tell her you drove me to temporary insanity because you didn't believe my love for you was the forever kind."

She cupped my cheek and kissed my lips softly. "Aww, baby, it's not that I don't believe you. I know you love me, but you don't have to marry me to prove it to me. I know the idea of marriage is sort of repulsive to you."

"That statement was true in the past, I won't deny it. But then you came along and made me see that with the right person, marriage works. I know I'm going to love, adore and desire you, and only you, for the rest of eternity. With you, marriage makes sense. Like it does with Carlisle and Esme or Emmett and Rose. Like it will for Charlie and Sue. I want to be your wife more than anything."

Tears filled her beautiful amber eyes and I couldn't help but lean closer and kiss her. It was a soft kiss, unhurried and sweet, filled with promises of tomorrow and wishes and desires to make each other happy. I pulled back and cupped her face while I got lost in her eyes.

"Nothing in this world, no one, is more important to me than you are, Alice Cullen. I gave you my heart and my soul, and I know the best thing I've ever done in my life is to fall in love with you. You truly make me happy, and you make my heart fly and my dreams come true. You complete me in ways I didn't know were possible. You make me laugh and you make me so happy sometimes I even pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. And when you make love to me, it's the most sublime experience in the world. You make me feel beautiful and wanted. You make me feel sexy and desirable. You melt my bones with one kiss and heat up my blood with a single touch. My heart doesn't have to beat to belong to you. Do you see now why I must marry you? Do you understand that my life is meaningless without you? Marriage to you is the greatest idea I've even had, baby, and no one can change my mind about it. I truly and hopelessly love you."

She took a shuddering breath and let it out slowly. "Oh, Bella, you truly know how to make me soar with your words. I've never doubted your love or commitment to me, and it will make me happy and proud to be your wife. I want nothing more than to wear your ring and have the world know I belong to you and only you. The day you came into my life, so did true love and I'll never regret a single thing that's happened between us. Call me selfish if you will, but I would have moved heaven and earth to make you mine, even when I knew others would be hurt. I loved you that much. I love you even more now and I plan on showing you every day just how devoted I am to you, to us."

"Alice," I whispered softly as I captured her sweet lips in another kiss.

0-0

One year later…

Alice

I called the family into the living room to tell them about a vision I just had. Bella bounds into the room and right into my arms, kissing me like she hasn't seen me in weeks, when in fact we were just cuddling in bed an hour ago. I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm kissing her back with abandon when we hear a few throats being cleared. We break apart and smile sheepishly at the rest of our family and Bella pulls me over to our recliner and sits, pulling me onto her lap.

We've been married for six months now, and you'd think we'd cool off by now. You would be very wrong. Every day that passes we seem to love and desire each other more. We can barely keep our hands off of each other, to the point that we're worse than Rose and Emmett. Thankfully, our family is supportive and don't mind it at all. Carlisle and Esme confessed to acting the same when they first got together and they're still loving with each other, so that gives us hope that our love and affection will never wan.

"Alice, did you have a vision?" Carlisle asks when we're all gathered around.

"Edward is coming home and he's not alone."

The silence that follows is expected as each of them digests the news. Carlisle and Esme exchange a look and I'm a little confused. I expected more happiness to reflect on their eyes, but all I see is worry. Emmett is cracking his knuckles as Rosalie rubs his back in soothing circles. She doesn't look that happy herself. My Bella seems tense.

"When will they get here?" Carlisle asks me after several minutes of edgy silence.

"This evening from what I can tell. I haven't seen the other person, but I guess it's a woman by the name of Tracy."

"Have you seen how the visit goes, dear?" Esme wonders.

"I didn't get a lot on the vision. He just made the decision to come by and say hello. Nothing else has been decided so I can't tell you much. He seems happy, though, so I hope that means the past year has served him well."

"Well, all I'm going to say is if he comes here and starts bothering you and Bella, I will forget he's my brother and I will beat him to a pulp. I'm tired of his ass!" Emmett boomed.

"Calm down, babe," Rosalie cooed.

"I'm sorry, Rosie, but if he comes looking for trouble, trouble is going to bite him in the ass. I won't let anyone bother Bella and Alice or mess with our family. He decided to leave and I hope he changed his mind about them because if he hasn't, Jake and I will be ready to rumble."

Bella giggled behind me and I smiled. She loved Emmett and he loved her like a little sister and protected her as such. Rose was smiling as well. I turned to look at Carlisle and Esme and they had amused looks on their faces.

And then it finally dawned on me. Our family supported us above anything, even Edward, and I had never felt so loved and protected in my entire life. As I cuddled back into Bella's arms, I felt a sense of security and love that only family and loved ones can provide. No matter what the visit was like, no harm would come to me or my wife because we had a lot of people ready to defend us. It was the best feeling in the world and I know Bella felt the same since her body was relaxed completely.

"We should probably go hunting just so we're all relaxed for this visit," Carlisle finally suggested. "Bella, you might want to call Jake and tell him to come over with Seth. I'm not expecting any trouble, but just in case, I want them here."

Bella nodded as she took out her iPhone and walked towards the back porch. I followed behind her so we could take off to go hunting right after. Her conversation was brief and Jake and Seth would be by in a couple of hours, giving us time to hunt and Esme to cook for them. They'd taken to calling her "Mama C" and she loved it.

By the time evening rolled around, everyone was gathered in the living room. Jake and Seth had feasted on spaghetti and meatballs and ate a whole chocolate cake. They were currently playing with Emmett some new game that had come out. Rose was reading a car magazine and Bella and I were cuddling in our chair.

"They're here," I whispered so low, only the ones in the living room would hear me.

I could see everyone tensing up right before there was a tentative knock on the door.

Taking a deep breath, Esme got up, but Carlisle put his hand on her arm to stop her. "I'll get it, darling."

He walked over to the door and we watched. Esme stayed standing, smiled at all of us in turn, and then turned towards the door. I could see the tension in her body and wanted to kick Edward's ass for coming back and ruining the peace we had all found. If he so much as made a derogative comment to any of my family members, especially my wife, I would seriously hurt him.

0-0

Bella

I watched as Carlisle opened the door and tightened my arms around Alice. She was sitting sideways on my lap, her head resting on my shoulder. I had both of my arms wrapped protectively around her waist and her arms were around my neck. She dropped a quick kiss on my neck as the door was opened. I felt her tense against me when Carlisle stepped outside instead of letting them in.

Esme frowned a little, but waited like the rest of us. We couldn't hear a thing which meant Carlisle was keeping it below a whisper. I wondered what was going on, but figured Carlisle was doing his part to keep the peace.

A few minutes later, the door opened again and they walked in. I heard Alice's surprised gasp when we saw Tracy. I understood the surprise. Tracy was a guy! One that was standing closer than usual to Edward and who looked more than nervous. Edward seemed tense to me as his eyes were running over each of us. Then they focused on the sapphires and diamonds band on my ring finger, then on Alice's rubies and diamonds band and his eyebrows rose a bit. It was barely discernible, but since I was watching him closely, I noticed. He knew we had married, because Carlisle had told him, but he had never gotten invited to the wedding. Like we would be so stupid!

And I begged him in my mind to make one stupid comment just so I could get up and beat his ass again. One comment is all it would take.

"Hello, everyone. It's nice to see you all again after so long," he said softly and actually sounded sincere.

There were a few murmured hellos back, but no one seemed to be welcoming considering how things had been when he left.

"Look, I didn't come back to cause any trouble. I came to apologize and make amends, and to beg you all to take me back."

We all watched intently as Tracy put his hand on Edward's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. I looked over at Jake and as if sensing my gaze, he looked at me with raised eyebrows.

Pansy? I mouthed at him.

Sure as hell looks like it, he mouthed back.

Holy shit! I mouthed again, wide eyed.

He sniggered and I tried to contain my own giggle when Alice looked at us and frowned.

"We think Tracy is gay!" I whispered in her ear so low only she would be able to hear me.

Her eyebrows shot way up as she looked at me and then at Jake, who was nodding like an idiot. Rosalie noticed our exchange and raised an eyebrow in question.

Tracy is a pansy, I mouthed to her and she looked shocked as well.

We all turned back to Edward and his companion, looks of interest in our faces, as we tried to make sense of what was going on. Then Alice stiffened in my lap and went into another one of her visions. She wasn't out long and when she snapped out of it, she turned to me, a look of incredulity on her face.

"You're right," she mouthed. "He and Edward are together!"

"Holy shit," I said too loud and covered my mouth with a hand, but everyone had already turned to look at us. Figures!

"Something wrong, sweetheart?" Esme asked me lovingly.

"Um," was all I could come up with in my shocked state.

"Everything is fine, mom, just something I saw." Oh, Alice, always saving my ass. Is it a wonder why I love her as much as I do?

"Care to share?" Carlisle asked and I felt her stiffen.

"I'm sorry, dad, but it's not my place to say anything," she told him as she glared at Edward.

I can tell you right now what she's thinking. After all that bastard put us through, he goes and falls for a guy himself. How ironic is that? I mean, seriously, what the fuck! I should get up and beat him again. I should have known when he acted all cold towards me and never wanted to go beyond a few chaste kisses. He wasn't kissing what he liked! And then he was acting all hurt when I broke up with him, trying for months to get me to go back to him and do the right thing. What a fucking nerve!

"If this doesn't beat it all so far, I don't know what will," I said out loud and everyone turned to look at me. I just looked at Edward and noticed how he stiffened. "You might as well tell them about your little secret. Ironic, isn't it, Eddie boy? I guess perversion runs in the family."

I had the satisfaction of seeing him swallow hard. Good! I didn't want to make anything easy for him. I was still mad at his sparkly ass for everything he put us through.

"What secret is she talking about?" Carlisle asked as he turned towards Edward.

Tracy moved instinctively closer to Edward and that wasn't lost on anyone, either. I saw Esme's eyes narrow as she played with the pendant on her gold chain. Carlisle put his arm around her and she leaned into him.

"How long have you been with Tracy, Edward?" she deadpanned.

Edward had the decency to look stunned. "Six months."

"When mom says been, does that mean you've turned gay? Because if it does, I might just have to kick your sorry ass for everything you put Bella bear and Alice through," Emmett said in a voice so slow it was scary as all hell.

Did I mention I also adore my big brother?

"Now wait a minute!" Tracy finally spoke. "No one is beating my baby as long as I'm here."

"No problem there, bro. Just step outside and we'll tell you when you can come back in. It shouldn't take us long," Jake said.

Gotta love teen wolf!

I sniggered behind Alice and I felt her chuckling as well. Oh, revenge, how sweet thou art!

"Edward, Tracy, my study. Now!" Carlisle walked in that direction knowing full well he would be followed.

Edward took Tracy's hand, laced their fingers, took one more look at us, and then followed Carlisle. They weren't gone long before we all burst out laughing. Even Esme joined in.

I mean, seriously, how the hell did this happen?

"Edward is a fucking pansy!" Emmett boomed and we all laughed harder because we knew they could hear us. "All this shit with Bella and Alice and he goes and falls in love with some guy!"

"Emmett," Esme tried to reprimand him between bouts of laughter. "Language!"

"We should have figured this out a long time ago. For God's sake, he hardly ever touched me!"

Alice actually growled. "That's a good thing."

"Oh, I know, baby," I cooed. "I'm all yours now."

"Damn right you are," she said with a nod. "Just like I'm all yours."

"Oh, here we go with the sugar high," Rosalie commented with a smile.

We kept joking and fooling around for a good hour. Just when we were getting bored of waiting Carlisle walked back to the living room followed by a very subdued Edward.

What followed was a series of apologies to all of us individually, but I won't bore you with the details. Since we'd had a good laugh already, we decided to forgive him and take him back. I mean, he was an asshole, but he was family still. Can you seriously tell me you don't have assholes in your family you'd like to get rid of but know you'll never be able to? Yeah, that's what I thought!

I'm sure we'd have plenty of fun with him for a while, though, even if we found it in our hearts to forgive him. It's the least he deserved.

After the apologies were said and accepted, he went on to tell us about his travels, how he had met Tracy, how things has slowly developed with them, and how life had taught him a lesson in humility and he had finally grown up. Well, thank you, Tracy, for fucking him and making him see reason, I wanted to shout with glee, but bit my tongue.

Really, Edward? It took a dick to make you see reason? Wow, that was harsh, even if it's him, so I'll stop now. Tracy seemed like a decent enough guy. They planned on traveling for a while longer, but would stay for a few weeks so we could get to know him. Esme seemed pleased with the idea of having the entire family around for a while and asked Alice to call Jasper so he and Kate could come down for a couple of weeks too.

Later that night, I was lying in Alice's arms, my favorite place to be. We were in our bedroom, soft music playing and candles flickering in the semi-darkness. It was perfect.

"Interesting day, love," I said as my fingers traced her abs softly. Alice naked in candlelight was a sight to behold and one I enjoyed immensely.

"If that isn't an understatement I don't know what is, sweetheart. It never would have occurred to me that he would go that route."

"But it makes sense. He probably knew all along but never wanted to accept it. I seriously think most homophobics are gays in denial."

"Interesting observation."

"Well, why else would they be so hateful unless they wanted the same and are too afraid or ashamed to go for it. Society and our parents really do a number on us when we're growing up. Instead of teaching tolerance and acceptance, they just want to keep living in the dark ages and be all puritan and shit. Seriously, there is nothing wrong with living your life as you see fit and letting others do the same without judging and being complete assholes when you do something they don't agree with. Like politicians that make their entire platforms on denying gays their rights during the day and at night are on all fours while some handsome and fabulous man fucks them from behind. It's all bullshit!"

"Wow, baby, you feel really strongly about this," she said with a smile.

"Well, love is love, right? Doesn't matter if it's a man and a woman, two women or two men, people of different races and cultures. Love is just love."

"I agree, and when more people learn to see it that way, things will be easier. Just think, we'll be there to see it."

"Yeah, I just hope it doesn't take another few decades. Seriously, how dense can people be?"

Alice took my hand and turned me so I was laying on my stomach. She straddled my ass and started massaging my shoulders.

"You're too tense, honey. Let me make it all better for you. Don't think about any of that anymore. We're together, happily married, and no one is ever going to be able to break that bond. Let's just love each other."

Well, hell, how can I refuse her when her naked center is pressed tightly against my ass and her hands are working their magic on my back? I'm not stupid, you know! I just close my eyes and enjoy the feeling, all the while getting wetter and wetter as my wife moves suggestively on top of me. And when she moves lower and lifts my waist, I can tell you I'm beyond reason. When she lays between my parted legs and her tongue runs through my wet slit until it reaches my clit, I let out a low moan and my body shudders. I love it when she takes me like this from behind. I love every little thing we do together.

I love Alice Cullen and it's a given I'll spend all of eternity showing her just how much. Just like she will show me in every sweet and delicious way she can come up with.

I would seriously tell you more, but right now my brain is not functioning and my hormones have taken over. Suffice to say that in my case, she was waiting for me and I saw that she could give me everything I need and she's the one that got to love me more.

The End