My Bella cooked like nobody's business. Her fried chicken was a dream and her macaroni and cheese alone made me want to marry her. And she's the only human alive that can make asparagus appealing.

"Bella, this is awesome. It's so-"

"Alice! I just had the best idea! Let's have a girls' night! Me, you, and Rose!" She cut me off with an excited smile at Alice. I'd be offended, but it was nice that she was inviting Alice to be a part of their friend group.

Instead of interrupting their conversation filled with girly words, I turned to Charlie. He seemed content to eat in silence and watch the rest of the table interact. He smiled every so often at something that was said. Alice was coming back alive right in front of me. It felt like that was Bella's superpower.

She made people feel like they belonged. Her sweet smile and soft voice swallowed you up and made you a part of the Swan family. And her cooking made you stay forever. My pretty girl was the sweetest.

"Well, it's gettin' pretty late. I'm hittin' the hay. Edward, I'll see ya tomorrow, son. It was a pleasure to meet you, Alice. Don't be a stranger." Charlie patted Bella's shoulder and made his way up the stairs. Oddly, I felt like I'd lost my only ally in the room filled with talk of sleepovers and stuff from the world of women. All I could do was smile, regardless of my discomfort.

Another hour or so passed and I didn't interrupt, other than to reach over and refill their glasses when they'd sucked down their water after talking too much. I let out a yawn and was finally noticed again. Bella's eyes drifted to me and widened a little, like she was surprised at the dinner table.

"Oh, baby, you've got to be up early in the mornin' for work, I'm sorry. Y'all, we should probably wrap this up. Alice, you're welcome to come over in the mornin' with Edward and I can take you around town." She walked over to me and wrapped her arms around my neck, placing a sweet kiss on my cheek. I turned my head to meet her lips, unable to help myself. She smiled into the kiss and hugged me a little tighter.

I couldn't help falling for her more.

"C'mon, brother, time to stop locking lips and head home. Your sister needs sleep and so do you." Alice's annoying voice burst into my Bella bubble. Ugh, aggravating little ogre. I released Bella from my hold and standing.

"Well, you heard her. The princess has ordered our departure. Bella, love, I'll see you in the morning?"

"Of course, coffee in hand." I pulled her in for another brief peck and then turned to Rose.

"It was good to see ya again, Rose. I'm sure I'll see you around a few more times." I tipped my head kindly to her. Even as I was walking out the door to my truck I wanted to turn around and give my Bella another kiss. We weren't in the truck for more than a minute when Alice spoke again.

"You love Bella." There was no question mark at the end of the sentence. It was a matter of fact and she said it with a grin.

"Yes, sister. I love Bella. What's it to ya?" My confession led Alice to let out a squeal.

"She's going to fit in great with the family. Mom's going to go gaga over her. You've found the one," Alice was excited for me and it was obvious the romantic in her hadn't died after her last relationship. It was true. Without a doubt my momma was going to love Bella. They had the same sweet spirit. While my momma married a city man, she was a country woman at heart.

"Well, maybe soon we'll invite them to come for a visit and they can meet my girl. Right now though, we're gonna take care of you, little sprite. Got it?"

"You're a good man, big brother. Bella is lucky to have you." I smiled because I knew it was the other way around. I didn't plan on letting my girl go now that I'd found her.