Chapter 63 - Reality Shows & Apparitions

Edward had reserved a private dining room at a restaurant overlooking the water. As we waited for our food, I sat there soaking in the sheer joy of the moment. It was hard to contain my happiness. I was finally through with school, and was surrounded by the love of my family and friends. My breath hitched with the realization that a few short days ago I had been in serious danger of losing this forever.

The thought made me shudder. Before I could blink, Edward's hand was on mine, grounding me. Calming me. Letting me know that as long as he was alive, I'd never have to face anything on my own again.

I glanced around the rather large gathering in amusement. Alice was chattering on about how much she hated reality shows, most of the members of our group nodding their heads in agreement.

"I call bullshit Alice." Chris informed with a smirk.

"If we polled everyone at this table, I guarantee that we'd get every person to admit to watching at least one reality show regularly including you." Chris continued with a smirk. "I know you too well Mrs. Whitlock." He whispered as he narrowed his eyes.

Alice gave him a dirty look.

In the next ten minutes, I learned that Carlisle, if he could help it, never missed an episode of Mythbusters. Prison Wives was Esme's guilty pleasure.

Rose loved Nanny 911. My brother, no surprise, was a devoted Jackass fan. Go figure? Dad, Lou and Sidney admitted to being in awe of Bear Grylls in Man vs Wild. Christopher adored Celebrity Apprentice. And yes, Alice had to eat crow after admitting that she and Jasper were probably American Idol's two biggest fans.

My choice was simple: any show starring Gordon Ramsay.

"Ew, you're on your own watching that one Edward." I said as I wrinkled my nose at his admission to being fascinated with the show Dirty Jobs. He chuckled at my reaction.

It struck me that this was such a normal conversation for a normal family to have, although we certainly didn't define 'normal' family. That was, unless most families could boast a movie star and a professional football player among their ranks.

The relaxed afternoon soon turned into evening as we found ourselves making our way to the Cullen's home where we were treated to celebratory Graduation cake.

Of course, I was also inundated with graduation gifts. Most were in the form of gift certificates, which I appreciated due to the fact that Edward and I would be moving soon, and I didn't need more things to have to pack. The ones that were actual purchased gifts were all things I could use in my new career as 'Marie McCarty, author of children's books'. Charlie gave me a beautiful leather case for my laptop to that end.

After the gifts, we drifted into the dining room for cake and drinks. I was starting to learn that the Cullens were big on celebrating things. Carlisle opened a bottle of champagne and filled our glasses, Rose of course opting for a soft drink.

The Cullens were big on toasts too. I expected Carlisle to be the one to speak, but surprisingly, it was my Dad who cleared his throat then.

"Bells" He said as he tapped his flute glass nervously. "You know I'm not one for public speaking, but I figured we're among friends" He cleared his throat again "family" He corrected with a smile. "I just want you to know how proud I am of you. Not just today, but every day." I felt Edward's thumb brush against the back of my hand, where it was clasping his. "A lot of people wouldn't have been able to overcome the things you have in order to attend school, much less excel at it." He let out a breath as I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Then, after the week you've had, well, I'm not even going into that." He shook his head. "You decided you wanted to attend the ceremony. That may be the thing I'm most proud of; the fact that you faced that crowd today. I know now that there's nothing stopping you from having the future you deserve. Congratulations baby." He said as he raised his glass. After my sip, I gave him a hug.

"Thanks Dad. I love you." I whispered.

"Love you too Bells." He whispered back.

Esme started to serve the cake. "Now, Edward and Bella, don't eat too much of this, because I had the bakery deliver several cake samples. I was hoping you could choose the wedding cake flavors today."

After our slivers of graduation cake, Edward and I went into the kitchen to sample the wedding cakes. "Wow" was all I could find to say after tasting the first couple samples. The Chocolate Sin Torte was so decadently good that I was certain it should be illegal. "Oh my God." I moaned as I tasted it, earning a strange look from Edward.

He immediately reached over and stabbed my sample with his fork. I watched his tongue slowly lick the chocolate ganache from his lower lip. I fought against the next moan trying to escape as that tongue teased me, suddenly very pleased that Esme had left us alone in the kitchen.

I certainly don't need to make a spectacle of myself in front of everyone.

"You've got a little something." Edward said as he pointed to my chin, and that cursed tongue reappeared as he licked his lips a second time. I was suddenly feeling very hot and bothered.

I made a feeble attempt to lick the chocolate off my chin, and the next thing I knew, Edward leaned over and licked it off for me.

Fuck me.

Right here. Right now.

"Got it." He smirked before standing suddenly and reaching for my hand. "Come on, let's go for a walk." He smiled the panty dropper, so my reflex reaction was to quickly force my knees together.

These panties aren't going anywhere. Ha!

I took a couple slow sips of my iced tea as he continued to wait, before standing and taking his hand. "Oh before we go." He said as he grabbed a pen and with his free hand began to fill out the form. "So I'm going to say Chocolate Sin Torte for the bottom layer?" He grinned at me and winked.

Evil sexy bastard

I nodded.

"Second layer?"

"Um. Sugar and Spice?" I asked.

He smiled and nodded, noting the choice on the form. "Top layer?"

"Hm" I thought about that. This was the layer that would be just for us.

Not that I'd want to eat it after it sat in the freezer for a year. Ew.

"How do you feel about the Tiramisu flavor?"

He smiled. "Perfect." I watched as he jotted it down before throwing down the pen and pulling me out the French doors.

After we'd taken approximately five steps, I knew where we were headed.

The boat.

It was the perfect time of day, the sun just beginning to set over the water.

We boarded, and a feeling of déjà vu came over me as we returned to the scene of our first I love yous, and our first kiss. As soon as we sat down, Edward pulled me to him.

"You know I was thinking about all this." I said as I gestured around us. "While I was lying in that field waiting for the emergency crew." It was difficult to think about that morning. "Our first kiss, when you told me you loved me, I was remembering it all."

He nodded solemnly, "Bella, I need to tell you something." He looked worried. "There are some photos of me online that I really don't want you to see because I think they'll upset you, but I honestly don't think it can be avoided."

I thought about that. I couldn't imagine what photos there could possibly be of Edward that would worry him. Then a horrible thought occurred to me.

"Edward what are you talking about? Are there naked photos of you circulating the internet or something?" I asked with a quirked eyebrow. "Because you told me you always kept your package covered. I'd hate for that to have been untrue, and now there's a million chicks out there drooling over your you know what." My voice dropped to a whisper as I avoided saying the word 'penis' out loud.

After all, his parents and my Dad were lurking around there somewhere.

He was grinning crookedly and shaking his head.

"You should totally sue whoever put those out there and demand the originals. And then give them to me, yeah, that would be the smartest thing to do. Give them to me and I'll purchase a safe." I babbled on, oblivious to his presence by then.

And keep the safe under my bed. And only look at them when necessary.

Yeah, only on days that end in 'y'.

I snorted at the thought.

"I mean seriously, can you imagine the damage some computer hacker could do with those photos. You need to do whatever you have to, threaten whoever you have to, in order to get them taken down from the internet immediately. You don't know where your man business may show up next."

I was horrified by the possibilities as I tapped my lip in thought.

"One day some poor unsuspecting office worker at say, the United Nations, could log onto their computer and there would be a photo of your peen for all the world to see Edward. It could turn into an international incident." I gasped in horror.

My attention was drawn back suddenly to Edward who was laughing so hard he couldn't speak.

"I fail to see the humor Edward." I snarked as I folded my arms across my chest.

"Bella, the photos don't show me naked."

Why was I mesmerized by the way his tongue and lips moved in synchronization in order to utter the word naked.

"Bella, they were taken while you were missing. I was arguing with a cop." He managed to sputter out amidst his laughter.

Edward argued with a cop? What could be so bad about that?

Then I remembered my bout of verbal diarrhea just a moment before.

Oh my God. He must think I'm an idiot. A perverted idiot.

I cringed. "Uh" I began, disgusted that I hadn't held my tongue. "Forget what I said. Um, I'm not really myself."

He was laughing harder.

"I have a head injury!" I defended as I glared at him.

"I can't" Edward laughed. "Bella, I…" He tried to speak as he gasped for air.

I was not amused.

When he finally composed himself, it took another five minutes for him to get serious again.

"I don't even know if I'll be able to do this now." He was trying not to smile.

"Would you just tell me already." I demanded, still not entirely happy with myself.

He blew out a breath then. "Okay" He leaned over and pecked my lips. "I suppose we'll have to address your bizarre thought patterns at a later date." He smirked before clearing his throat. "I thought you were dead." He whispered.

I looked at him with a puzzled expression.

He pulled me close, and I felt his warm lips press against the top of my head.

"They, the reporters, said that there was a body at the crash site. I was certain it was you." He choked out the words. "I confronted the cop. I had to know." He laughed without humor. "I guess he didn't like my attitude."

"He cuffed me and made me sit in the back of the squad car. There were several news crews at the scene, and they filmed everything."

I tensed as I thought about Edward in handcuffs.

"So that's what's all over the internet?"

He nodded. I wrapped my arms tightly around him, holding back the urge to cry.

"I knew I couldn't live if you didn't come back to me Bella. At the same time that you were lying in that field remembering our time together, I was doing the same thing. The one difference was that I was despairing of ever seeing you alive again." He took a deep breath.

I could feel the tears welling in my eyes as my heart broke for him.

"I need to tell you one more thing." He continued in a whisper. "I was making plans to end my life."

I looked up at him then, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Knowing you as I do, I suspected as much. It was one of the things I held onto as I fought the Ranger. I fought him so hard Edward, part of the reason I have so many bruises." I smiled ruefully. "I just kept thinking how you wouldn't want to live without me. You've said it often enough." I smiled genuinely then. "I couldn't let that happen."

He hugged me to him and tucked my head under his chin. "Oh Bella." He breathed, before giving me a sweet kiss. "When you're here with me like this, it's easy to forget about anything that could threaten our happiness."

"Unfortunately, we have to live in the real world, which is full of real dangers." He sighed. "You'll have to forgive me if I go a little crazy for a while making sure you're safe." He said with a grimace.

I smiled at him. "It's okay. I'm not going to fight you on this Edward. I try to learn from my mistakes. I should have never left my apartment, but at least it's over." I let out a breath. "I believe that if the ranger had been unsuccessful, he'd have tried again."

We sat in silence for a while before Edward spoke again. "This is completely off subject, but I was wondering if you planned on keeping your car?"

I answered quickly, I'd actually been thinking a lot about this particular subject. "No. There's no point really. Especially now that Lou or Sidney will be accompanying us most places." I played with a nonexistent thread on the hem of my dress. "But even if that weren't the case, I don't want it any more. It would remind me of that night." I whispered the last part.

"Okay, so we'll get rid of the car." He agreed quietly. "You know Bella, we can still go out alone, just as we did before."

I nodded. "That's true. You have the Vanquish."

He nodded contemplatively before standing. "Come one more place with me?"

"Of course." I said with a smile as I took his hand again.

He led me through the house and out the front door. I found it odd that all our family followed us wordlessly outside until we were all standing on the front steps. As I looked around, I noticed that Rose was missing. "What's going on?" I asked Edward.

He grinned. "Just wait."

About a minute later, I heard the distinctive sound of a loud car engine. I glanced toward the sound, only to see a 1966 Mustang approaching from the direction of the garage. As I looked closer, I realized that this car was not just any '66 Mustang, this was a Poppy red Mustang convertible, and it was gorgeous.

This was my dream car.

I was so enraptured with the sight of the car that it took me a minute to realize that Rose was the one driving. I finally took notice of her when she stopped directly in front me and stepped out of it smiling like the cat that got the cream.

I looked around bewildered until Edward bent down and whispered in my ear. "Congratulations sweetheart." Rose gave the keys a little shake before handing them to me.

I peeled my eyes away from the beautiful car and looked at my more beautiful fiancé. "You bought me a car?" I gasped out in shock.

He bit his lip as he nodded slowly, unsure of my reaction.

I thought back to the conversation we'd had almost six months before when we were just getting to know one another. It had been the one and only time I'd mentioned my dream car to Edward. He'd remembered every detail.

I didn't think I had it in me, but I actually squealed in delight. This was not me. This was not Bella Swan. To accept an expensive gift without argument was something I'd never done before.

If I needed further proof that old Bella was gone, this had been it. New Bella was now in command and, evidently, she was a squealer.

I threw my arms around Edward's neck and kissed him passionately, I didn't care that my lip hurt. I didn't care that we were giving our family a show. All I cared about was this man who never ceased to amaze me with his thoughtfulness. I broke the kiss and smiled. "Thank you." I whispered.

"Come on" I urged as I tugged on his hand, pulling him toward the car. I then turned to everyone else. "We'll be back soon." I chirped happily.

It was dark, so we left the top up. We didn't venture too far from the Cullen's house, but there was no way I could go home without trying out my new car.

As I pulled into the garage and cut off the engine, I knew I was smiling from ear to ear. I turned to Edward, who looked just as happy as I did. "Is it okay to leave it here?"

He nodded. "Of course. Bella there are more spaces in this garage then my parents can ever hope to fill."

After exiting the car, I ran my hand along it. "I guess I'm okay leaving it here with your Vanquish."

Edward smirked. "I'd say it's in good company." He said as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

"Happy?"

I smiled. "Very much so. It's a wonderful gift Edward. Thank you." I snuggled my head against his chest breathing in the scent of him, and wondering why he always smelled so good.

It dawned on me that we'd spent most of our evening like this, sneaking around and stealing moments alone.

"It's getting late." Edward said quietly.

"mm" I mumbled not wanting to move. "How many days?" I whispered, hoping he'd understand my question.

"Sixty-three." He murmured before kissing the top of my head.

We said good bye to everyone, knowing that we'd see them again the next weekend in order to celebrate Father's Day, and Edward's birthday together.

                          -V&V—

I was finished with school, but was supposed to work at WIRI until Thursday, which would be Rose's last day also. After having a long talk with Rose on Sunday afternoon, we both decided that I didn't need to be there for those last few days. Anything she needed help with could easily be done by Jessica, her replacement.

So it turned out that I was out of a job a few days earlier than expected. We spent Sunday afternoon relaxing before we were scheduled to go have dinner with Emmett and Rose.

While Edward showered, I pulled out my laptop, deciding to take this opportunity while alone, to view the photos we'd discussed.

After surfing through a ton of information about my kidnapping, I finally found an article discussing Edward and the police officer, along with a few photos.

Without bothering to read the article, my attention was drawn instead to the photographs and the haunted expression on Edward's beautiful face. I clutched my hand to my throat as I glimpsed his pale face and lifeless eyes.

In the last set of photos, the officer was cuffing him and putting him in the back of his police car. There was only one photo of him sitting in the back of the vehicle; Sidney blocking most of the view with his body.

I committed the look on Edward's face to memory, vowing that I'd never do anything again that would cause that look to appear on his face again.

By the time he emerged from his shower, all traces of my tears were gone.

                                  -V&V—

As we ate dinner with Rose and Emmett, we discussed what the police had discovered about the ranger. The abandoned cottage evidently yielded a lot of frightening information.

Rose, ever the reporter, knew the most. "So it seems that he was a lot closer to Geri than we knew."

"Ew." I said as I imagined the Ranger and Geri Chance having some kind of affair.

Rose chuckled. "No Bells, nothing like that as far as anyone knows. They were just like-minded people. He arrested people on outrageous charges, and she fed off of that when she prosecuted them. They were both sadistic and cruel, with a twisted view of the world. Geri was secretly helping him with his court case before she was hit by the bus."

"Anyway, he was only a few days away from his trial for the charges brought against him by the federal government, so you see; he was getting desperate to take out his revenge on you. He was running out of time."

I shook my head as I tried to absorb this information.

He was planning to torture me, but I wasn't going to live much longer after that.

I shuddered. Edward, Rose and Emmett gave me sympathetic looks.

"I still don't understand why he went after me." I said in a quiet voice.

"Who knows? My guess is that because it was your case that finally got him in trouble with the feds, he viewed you as the cause of his troubles."

"I don't give a shit. His ass is burning in hell right now, just as it should be." My brother said through clenched teeth.

Rose had recorded Edward's appearance on Letterman, which I'd never gotten to see. Edward was helping Rose carry dessert into the living room so we could watch the show, when Emmett lightly touched my arm. "Come with me for a minute?" He asked in a somber tone.

I followed him back to their office. As soon as I walked through the door, I realized why he'd called me back there. Piled on their leather sofa was a mountain of flowers, cards, balloons and little gifts which had obviously been left at the hospital for me. "I had to bring them home Bells. I wanted you to see this before any of it got thrown away, but I knew you weren't ready the day you were discharged."

My fingers ran across the cards lying on top of the pile.

We love you Bella, please get well soon.

Please feel better

We're praying for your speedy recovery

There were photos of me and Edward, some of me alone, even ones of me with Emmett and Rose or Dad.

The flowers were dying, so I knew I'd need to throw them away, but I also knew I wanted to keep the notes. "Thank you Emmett. I want to read them. Not tonight, but someday soon."

He put his arm around my shoulders as I stood staring at the pile. "I was so afraid Bells. On the phone, I heard you screaming." His voice broke before turning hard and cold. "Then I heard that fucker yelling at you." His arm tightened around my shoulders and I wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Emmett, we don't need to talk about this…"

"I've got to get this out." He interrupted wiping his eyes with the back of his free hand. "I was so scared." He whispered. "It was different than with Mom. By the time we heard anything, Mom was already gone. This…" He rubbed his forehead with his fingers. "I felt so fucking helpless. I kept hearing you scream in my mind. It didn't go away until I saw you in the hospital."

I wrapped both my arms around his waist. "Emmett, it's okay, I'm okay." I soothed.

He nodded and swallowed hard. "Thank God." He whispered as he held my head against his chest with his big hand and rubbed my hair.

We stood there for a minute holding on to each other before he spoke again. "Rosie just about collapsed when she realized what had happened to you, and I was fucking useless."

"No you weren't Emmett." A quiet voice spoke from behind us. We turned to see Rose and Edward standing there. Rose, with tears in her eyes, was looking at my brother lovingly before turning her gaze to me. "He called the doctor and explained what happened. He prescribed a mild sedative, and then Emmett put me to bed."

I felt awful. "Oh Rose, that much stress, you could have lost the baby."

She walked over and put her arm around me. "Now don't you start Bells. Everything is perfect now, and Baby Swan is going to be perfect too." She said with a smile.

My brother grinned down at me then.

The Letterman show was just the distraction we all needed. Edward grimaced when Dave showed the photo of him in a dress. "Oh Andy, I had no idea. First I find out you're a very talented rapper, then your proclivity for dressing in women's clothing is revealed. Holy shit, you're a complicated guy."

My brother was definitely back to normal. I quirked an eyebrow. "What do you mean Edward's a rapper?" I questioned.

Edward stopped smiling to turn and glare at Emmett, who actually managed to look a little sheepish. "You didn't show her that?"

Edward shook his head. "Emmett" He said in a warning tone. "I doubt she will find it humorous."

Emmett just shrugged.

I decided to let it go, knowing that Edward would show me whatever they were arguing about when he was ready.

                               -V&V—

The week was spent preparing for the following weekend, and for the Route 66 trip.

On Monday, I called my father to wish him a happy birthday. We had planned to celebrate Dad's birthday, Edward's birthday and Father's Day all together on the next Sunday.

We slept in every morning. Edward brought me breakfast in bed twice. It consisted of fruit and bagels because he was determined not to burn down my kitchen. The other mornings, I cooked for him.

Every day, my bruises faded just a bit more, and I held out hope that they would all be gone before our trip.

We spent our afternoons shopping, doing laundry and packing for our trip. And, of course I made sure we went to visit my car at least twice.

"Edward, stop being such a wuss." I scolded as I drove my fabulous new/old car along I-5 with the top down.

"Bella, I am not a wuss. Would you please keep your eyes on the damn road rather than me, and would you please go the speed limit." He barked.

I chuckled. "It's kind of hard to miss you when you're white-knuckling my dash. And I'll have you know I'm only going five miles over the speed limit." I turned and raised an eyebrow at him. "You shouldn't have given me this car if you expected me to go slow."

He grimaced. "I've created a monster." He muttered.

He let out a huge sigh of relief when I finally pulled into his parent's garage. He leaned over toward me, at first I thought he was going to kiss me, but instead he pointed to his hair. "I want you to tell me how many gray hairs I have, because after that trip there's no way I didn't sprout a few."

"Wuss." I snarked as I pushed him playfully away and laughed.

                           -V&V—

On Wednesday afternoon, as we were folding laundry, my phone rang.

Rose

"Hey Rose" I answered happily.

"Hey Bells. Look, turn on the television, you've got to see this. Jill Richardson just made a statement to a group of reporters, CNN keeps replaying it."

I cringed. Anything Jill Richardson had to say couldn't be good, but Rose didn't seem upset.

"Why would I want to watch that?" I asked, glancing at Edward who now had a concerned expression on his face.

"Trust me, you will. I've got to go. Talk to you later sweetie." She said before hanging up.

I picked up the remote and switched on CNN. Two reporters were discussing Jill Richardson.

We were just talking about this statement that unemployed actress Jill Richardson made to reporters not more than twenty minutes ago in which she apologizes to Edward Masen and Isabella Swan. One has to wonder if there is a motive behind this, or if she is truly remorseful.

Brian, I don't see her being remorseful. One minute she's implying that a man who never actually laid a finger on her is the father of her son, the next she wants us to believe she never meant to hurt him. I think that she, just like everyone else in America, has gotten caught up in the drama of what Bella Swan went through, and now she's trying to salvage what she can of her reputation.

We're going to replay the statement for those just tuning in, as I mentioned, here is Jill Richardson in front of reporters a short time ago.

The video switched to Jill Richardson standing in front of an office building which was, I presumed, in downtown L.A. Edward sat on the sofa and pulled me down beside him.

'Good afternoon. As you all know, I gave birth almost two weeks ago to a healthy baby boy. Since that time, I've been working to repair my relationship with my baby's father Spencer Wyatt.'

'Because of remarks I made before my son's birth, which I now regret, Edward Masen had requested a paternity test. The results of that test have been widely reported, I won't go into that here except to say that they showed without a doubt that Edward Masen was not the father of my child.'

'Back in September, I had been so intent on my career, that when the studio offered me a movie part in exchange for the arranged date with Mr. Masen, I jumped at the chance, even though it jeopardized my relationship with Spencer.'

'Let me be clear, Mr. Masen was a complete gentleman during the date, which lasted only for the duration of the award show. After that show, I saw him from a distance at a couple of parties, but that was all. There never was any sort of sexual relationship, tryst, or encounter between myself and Edward Masen.'

'Like everyone else, I was horrified when I learned of Isabella Swan's kidnapping, and relieved that she was able to escape. I can only imagine what she must be going through, and I hope the love of her family, friends and fiancé will help her through this time.'

'I want to apologize personally to her and to Edward Masen for my previous statement. My misplaced anger when denied the promised movie part because of my pregnancy, and my irrational state of mind at the time, contributed to my decision to make that statement and I regret any pain my selfish and thoughtless act may have caused them. I wish them nothing but happiness in the future.'

'Thank you for your time.'

And with that, the video switched back to the hosts in the studio. I turned off the television and looked at Edward, thoroughly confused. He smirked. "Maybe she's learning how to play the game after all."

The next day we heard that she'd landed a spot on a reality show.

                                 -V&V—

Friday promised to be a busy day. Alice and Jasper were arriving in the afternoon, this time without Chris. I supposed someone had to stay in L.A. to run the business. Because of me, he and Alice had missed a lot of work recently.

Before they arrived though, I was supposed to meet with my publisher. Kyle had gotten a buddy of his, well-versed in contract law to peruse my contract. Between he and the publisher, they'd finally come up with an agreement that suited us both.

A clause had been added to protect my identity, and I'm sure the publisher was still scratching his head over that one. When we met face to face, everything would no doubt make sense.

We had also changed the location of our meeting to a private room at the Dahlia Lounge. I forbade Edward from coming with me. After all, I was trying not to raise a lot of attention, and he being with me would defeat that purpose.

"I promise to keep Lou with me at all times." I said as I kissed him goodbye. I was nervous about the meeting, but also worried about him. "Edward, you know this is for the best. If we both show up, so will the paps. With just me, the chances are a lot less." I told him as he sat dejectedly on the sofa.

"You're right." He murmured. "I'll miss you."

We had gotten very used to spending all our time together. It was wonderful, although it was probably a little unhealthy. After what we'd both gone through, I didn't have the heart to suggest we spend an afternoon apart now and then.

The separation Friday afternoon was a necessary evil, not something I wanted.

I was seated in the private room with Lou when Mr. Corday arrived. As he approached the table, I could mark the exact moment when my face registered, and he knew I wasn't Marie McCarty, but Isabella Swan.

"I'm sorry; I was supposed to be meeting with Miss McCarty?" He looked confused.

I smiled. "Hello Mr. Corday, it's nice to finally meet you. My penname, if you don't mind, is Marie McCarty." I said as I held out my hand.

He shook it while frowning and nodding his head slowly. "Well, I must say that a lot of things are beginning to make sense now." He said before giving me a big smile.

"Such as the request for no mandatory book tour."

I nodded and gave him an apologetic smile.

"Yes Mr. Corday. I'm not opposed to a book tour per se, but I wouldn't want to do one right away. I'd like to keep my identity a secret for as long as possible."

We took our seats at the table. There was an awkward silence before Mr. Corday spoke again. "Miss Swan, er Miss McCarty, do you mind if I ask why you don't want the public to know you're the author of Francisco and the Swallow?"

I cleared my throat. "From the beginning, I've wanted to do this on my own. I don't want people to buy my book because of who I married Mr. Corday. If people buy this book knowing it was written by Isabella Swan, I'll never know if they really wanted it, or if it was because they were a fan of my husband."

My husband..I just referred to Edward as my husband for the first time.

I've got goosebumps.

Don't get distracted. Pay attention Bella.

He smiled then and nodded. "I think we can work with that."

The rest of the meeting went smoothly. I gave Mr. Corday some ideas I had for future books, and we discussed the possibility of doing an entire children's series. It would be months before my book hit the stands and Mr. Corday hinted that he would like a second book to be either finished or in the works by that time.

I left the meeting a very happy woman. On the way back to the apartment, I pulled out my phone and saw a text from Edward.

My love-


Your brother is forcing me to go shopping for 'road trip supplies'

Pray for me

Miss you

-E

I chuckled.

Rose's last day of work had been the day before and her farewell party at WIRI was tonight. I dropped my things at our apartment and shot a quick text to Edward.

.
Take your time

I'm going to hang out with Rose for a while

Miss you too. Love you

-B
.

"Hey Bells." Rose answered the door with a smile.

"Are you ready for tonight?" I asked.

"Are you?" She asked with a quirked eyebrow. I knew what she meant. I hadn't seen any of our co-workers since my kidnapping, and wasn't sure if I would be up to the barrage of questions they were sure to ask that night.

"I'll be fine." I answered.

"You know if you become uncomfortable, you can leave early." She reassured with a pat on my arm.

I smiled. Rose was always taking care of me. She was going to be a wonderful mother, even though she didn't realize it.

We spent the next hour talking about Rose's bachelorette party which would be held in Vegas at the end of our Route 66 trip, the rest of the bridal party would meet us there. The details weren't a surprise; I'd booked a spa day at the Bellagio Hotel.

Neither Edward nor I were precisely aware of what Dad had planned for Emmett's party which would be happening at the same time.

The talk then turned to Rose's wedding. Almost everything was complete, so Rose had nothing hanging over her head to worry about, and could really enjoy our vacation.

Alice and Jasper arrived while Rose and I were talking. Alice was bursting at the seams for me to see the calendar. As soon as I told her Edward was out with Emmett, she pulled it out of her bag.

"Oh Alice, I can't believe this. It's amazing." I said as I looked at each page.

If I'd seen it a week before, it might have depressed me. Now, with most of my bruises healed, I was thrilled.

When I saw the photo for June, I blushed. Alice had insisted that the perfect shot for Edward's birthday month would be one of me in my 'birthday suit'.

Actually, I was only topless, but even that was covered.

No way was I going to allow the photographer to see my tits. All my girly bits were strictly off limits to any man but Edward.

The photo itself was an homage to Natalie Wood as Gypsy Rose Lee. It was an over the shoulder shot of me in sequined panties, topless, as I clutched a fur stole to my chest, my hair piled on my head. It was certain to drive Edward absolutely mad.

Alice was grinning at me as if she could read my thoughts. We chatted with her and Jasper for a few more minutes before they stood to leave.

"Well" Alice began. "We're due at Mom and Dad's for dinner; I just wanted you to have the calendar Bella. Alice explained as she and Jasper hugged us goodbye. We'll see you both on Sunday."

A few minutes after they left, Emmett arrived. "Hello ladies." He said with a grin as he hauled in a couple of bags filled with what I assumed to be 'supplies'.

I looked around. "Where's Edward?"

"He went to your apartment. Bella, that guy is one moody motherfucker." He said with a grin. "He was perfectly fine until the drive home, and then he was really quiet. I couldn't get him to say two words." He said with a shrug.

I frowned. I hoped he was okay. "I'd better get over there. Bye Em and Rose."

"Bye Bells"

Upon entering my apartment, I found Edward seated on the sofa frowning. At first he was staring off into space. When he looked at me, the fog seemed to clear, and he gave me a pained smile.

Before I reached the sofa, he was on his feet pulling me into his arms. "I love you so much Bella." He whispered before kissing me passionately. There was a desperate edge to the kiss.

It wasn't like him. Not at all.

When I was finally able to pull away to breathe, I spoke. "Edward, what's happened, what's wrong?"

He dropped his gaze as his head dipped a little and the pained expression returned. He cleared his throat. "I saw Meghan." He answered in a strained voice.

*****A/N******
okay..that was kinda mean of me. The next chapter will start with Edward's explanation of what happened when he saw his old girl friend. If you want the expanded version, read the next LRM.

Next chap will also include Rose's farewell party at WIRI. Should be interesting.

Photos of the cabin and Natalie Wood in Gypsy(above) and posting to the facebook.

Love in the form of a review is very much appreciated. Also, I've been nominated for several 'Avant Garde Awards', Round 1voting begins May 22…please vote for me if you so desire. (When I next update LRM and V&V I'll probably beg again).


As always, you guys are the best!