A/N: Happy Birthday, SorceressCirce. I’m so honored and proud to call you friend, and to be working with you. I wish you the best of days, sweets, and many more to come.

I know how much you loved these boys last year, and they had more to say so I brought them back, just for you. Hope you enjoy!

Thanks to
kimberlycullen10 and fiberkitty for beta’ing. Thanks to stolenxsanity and bmango for pre-reading.

As ever, I don’t own Twilight – I just like messing with the boys 😉
 

andreadyforloveanibanner
ooOoo
“Alice, are you sure everything’s ready?” I asked for the hundredth time.

A car honked at me as I wove around a bicycle, narrowly avoiding an accident, and I let out a deep whoosh of air.
Great, Edward, that would be perfect, getting into an accident tonight of all nights. Keep your wits about you! 

Alice’s exasperated sigh sounded through my earpiece.
“Yes, Edward, I’m sure. Marcus has everything set up, and Angela is set to have her ‘accident’. We’re all ready, brother dearest, you just need to get your ass here and calm down.” I sighed, nodding even though she couldn’t see me. “I know…I’m sorry, Ali. I just-““Oh shit, there he is,” she hissed in my ear. “Edward Anthony, you be careful out there. Everything’ll be fine. Love you!” 


Before I could answer, she’d hung up. I tossed my earpiece on the seat next to me, needing to concentrate on making it through traffic. There was no one I wanted to talk to right then anyway, other than Seth, and I knew that if I spoke with him now, I’d never be able to follow through with my carefully laid plans.  

Seth. 

I bit my lip, but even that couldn’t keep me from smiling. It had been two years since he and Leah had moved to Los Angeles.  

Two years since he’d taken a huge chance and upended his life.  

Two blissful years that we’d been together, filled with love, laughter, dancing, and acting. He was everything to me, and I could not imagine my life without him now. I didn’t want to, either. 

Our lives were so meshed together now, it would be nearly impossible to render them apart. Not that I’d wish for that to happen. Quite the contrary, actually. I wanted more.

I wanted him.

Forever.   

As I made my way through traffic to the theater, my mind wandered – reaching back through the years to some of my favorite memories of our time together. I remembered the night we’d first gotten together – the very day that Tanya’s little boy, Garrett, was born. It had been amazing, and utterly surreal to finally be with Seth, and it had been the same for him. We still talked about that night from time to time, both of us still a little awed about how everything had played out.  

I’d asked Seth to move in with me right there and then, not knowing how things would be, how he was as a roommate or partner. I recalled the stray thought that had crossed my mind back then, about how I didn’t know whether he put the cap back on the toothpaste – he did. Or if he left his dirty laundry lying on the floor – he did that too, but after a few months I was able to break him of that habit.   

He’d said yes and hadn’t left my side since, a decision neither of us regretted. Since Seth and Leah had only just moved into town neither of them had jobs yet. Leah had started working through a temp-agency, but Carlisle and Esme had asked both her and Seth to come work at the dance school. Seth had immediately accepted, and Leah came on board a month later.  

They’d fit right in there, as well as in our family, and for that I was grateful. Seth and I were both active with the theater, which worked out great since we could practice lines together whenever and had ample space to work on any routines. We worked so well together that Marcus once took me aside and asked me what had changed. I’d always been good at remembering lines and moves, but ever since Seth had come into my life, I’d become even better.   
I grinned at Marcus, my eyes flickering briefly to Seth as he talked with Angela and Alice about the part they were about to practice for A Christmas Carol. Turning my attention back to Marcus, I shrugged.

“Seth and I practice together, Marcus. That’s all. We know each other’s parts inside-out, because we play out everything – not just the things we do on stage together.”

Marcus quirked a brow. I grinned again. “Remember when we did
The Addams Family? He played Gomez? Well, let’s just say I don’t make a bad Morticia.”   

I winked as Marcus’ jaw dropped, and then I walked over to Seth to get ready for his scene.
A car honked behind me, jerking me from my thoughts just in time to see the light change to yellow. God, Edward, pay attention, please. I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.  

Minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot behind the theater. I was cutting things really close, since it had taken me a little longer than I’d planned to stop by the jewelers to pick up the ring. Alice and Jasper had both offered to pick it up for me, but I’d insisted on doing it myself – it just felt
right that I do it. Of course, I hadn’t quite figured in the amount of traffic I’d have to contend with at this time of day, either, or I might have considered taking them up on the offer.  
Allowing myself a moment to gather my thoughts, I took a couple of deep breaths. I was more nervous for what I was about to do than I’d ever been before any show. Probably because this was not just any show we’d be putting on tonight, and it would decide the rest of my life –
our lives.    Everyone’ll be there…

Months ago, I’d wanted to ask Seth to marry me, but I’d waited, wanting it to be special. I wanted to have Seth know that I would take a chance on him, too – go just that little bit further. It took me a while to figure it out, and it wasn’t until Marcus announced that we were to perform
Beauty and the Beast, that it hit me. I’d gone straight to him to ask for his help.  “You want to do what? Marcus asked.  

I’d told Seth I had some errands to run, so he’d already left with Alice
, giving me the opportunity to hatch my plan. Taking a deep breath, I looked at Marcus. “I want to propose to Seth, and I need your help – everybody’s help, really.”We’d sat down, talking things through. It wasn’t something they normally did, and at first Marcus was hesitant to say yes, but after a while he relented. He’d grinned, patted my arm, and told me I’d better put on my best performance ever if I was going to pull this off.

Marcus had been a tremendous help these past few months – as had Alice. It had been so hard keeping everything from Seth, what with living with him, working with him, and being in the same theater company. Hardly a day went by where we weren’t aware of what the other was doing. With the help of my family and friends, though, we managed it.  

According to Alice, everything was set up – waiting for me to arrive and put the plan in motion. There would be no going back. Angela would be waiting on her cue to have her “mishap”, and her understudy would have already called in, stating she was unable to come in due to some emergency or other.  

Since tonight’s performance was a special one, Marcus would insist on going forward. It was more a dress rehearsal anyway, and after all, we wouldn’t want to disappoint our families. For the first time ever in the company’s history, Marcus had sent out invitations to the family of each cast member, giving me the excuse to have both Seth’s and my family here. They were front and center, of course, though Seth’d never realize why until it was too late.   

I went over everything in my head one more time, took a deep breath, and then forced my body to move. “You can do this, Edward,” I muttered softly to myself.   

Alice had promised to keep Seth busy until it was time for the curtain to go up, giving me the chance to keep my head in the game. A good thing, too, because I was so nervous at this point that I felt sure I’d blurt it out and give everything away if I saw him.   

True to her word, I didn’t see Seth until just before it was time to go on. He sidled next to me, and whispered in my ear, “Are you okay? Where have you been?”

He slipped his arm around me, giving me a sideways hug as I said quietly, “I’m fine, Love, just a little nervous about tonight. Traffic was a bitch getting here, that’s all.”    

I sent up a silent prayer, hoping he’d leave it at that and simply assume it to be a minor case of stage fright – not that I was prone to them, but it could happen to the best of us at times. Before he had a chance to ask any further questions though, Marcus announced it was time. He had everyone get to their places before taking the stage himself and said a few words to the crowd. I paid him no attention at all – I was far too busy calming myself down.  

Alice showed up at my elbow right as the curtain went up, and Seth started his scene. My eyes were on him, though my sister held my attention as she spoke quietly. “Everything’s ready. Lauren’s already called in; Seth happened to take the call, so that couldn’t have happened any better if we’d planned it.”   

I nodded.  

She gave my elbow a squeeze, and I glanced down at her. Alice smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Edward. He loves you.”

I couldn’t contain my smile as I nodded again. Alice went backstage again, helping a couple of the other actors with their costumes before they took the stage, and I was left watching first Seth, then Angela as they played out the opening scenes, joining in when it was my cue to do so. It took everything I had to remain focused enough to not mess up my lines, but I did it – barely.

My nerves kicked up another notch, however, as soon as Angela bid Waylon – who played Belle’s father Maurice – goodbye and good luck at the fair. 
This is it.

The story line would follow Waylon for a while, and Angela walked past me with a wink. I went about business as usual, helping out backstage where needed. I knew Angela would go to the changing rooms, supposedly to touch up make up and stuff. Instead, she and Alice would arrange a small “accident” that would make it impossible for Angela to be on her feet. 

Sure enough, by the time that Maurice was meddling with Cogsworth’s insides, I heard a commotion from the back. Alice came rushing out, looking genuinely concerned – I had to hand it to my sister, she
could act – as she accosted Marcus. The two of them stood with their heads together, gesticulating as they spoke.  

Seth – who was at the other side of the stage from me – frowned and looked at me. I shrugged, feigning ignorance, and made my way toward Marcus and Alice while Seth did the same. A few of the other people did so as well, though of course everyone already knew what was going on, except for Seth.  

“Marcus, I’m telling you, she can’t walk on that ankle! Let alone dance or perform!” Alice hissed fervently.

Marcus kept the act up as well, running his hands through his hair in desperation as he said, “But Alice! I don’t have anyone that can take her place! Lauren’s not here, and she’s the only one who’s studied the part!”

Alice sighed, closing her eyes briefly. “Marcus, I’m sorry, but Angela really
can’t go back out there. Lauren’ll be back tomorrow, but I can’t help you tonight – if she remains on her feet, her ankle could get much worse.”

Marcus groaned, covering his eyes with one hand. Alice, who knew about Seth and I always learning the counterparts as well as our own, played her hand deftly as she glanced at each of us in turn. I saw Seth’s brow furrow slightly, certain he was wondering what Alice had up her sleeve.
Oh, if you only knew, sweetheart.   

Alice stood on her tiptoes to whisper in Marcus’ ear, who looked up at Seth and me with raised eyebrows, and a grin slowly forming on his lips. He muttered, “Not ideal, but it’ll do.” He raised his voice, and added, “After all, the show must go on! Seth! Edward! Come here, boys.”

Seth stepped up to them in confusion, and I followed. Marcus put his hand on Seth’s shoulder and babbled, “Seth, Edward, I need you both to take up Belle’s part. I know you know it by heart. It’s not ideal, but it’s the only way we can get through tonight. There’s only a few scenes with both of you in it as well as Belle, but I’ll have one of the girls do her lines off stage. Make it work! I know you can.”

“But-” Seth started, looking at me with wide eyes.

I blinked, working hard to school my expression into a mask of surprise.   

Marcus shook his head and glanced to the stage where Waylon was already being offered tea. “No time to argue, boy! You’re almost up. It’s only for tonight, and I refuse to let this spoil the night. This is a special viewing for your families, so this is
the perfect chance for you all to showcase your talents.”  

Seth looked at me with a hint of exasperation, then rolled his eyes as one of the stagehands came to prod him on – it was his cue to go on as the Beast. “Fine,” he muttered as he donned his mask. 

As soon as Seth was on stage, I let out a sigh of relief. At least
that part had gone without a hitch. Marcus patted my shoulder and grinned, then walked off to go about his business. Alice rubbed the small of my back, smiling at me. “Got the ring?” she whispered.

Patting my pocket, I nodded, swallowing hard. Ben – who played Lefou – walked up to us with a sly grin. “Ready?”

Nodding again, I took a deep breath, and as soon as the curtain went down on Seth’s and Waylon’s scene, I went to help change what little of the set that needed altering. Taking my place with Ben, I closed my eyes for a second and with another breath, tried to push away everything but what I was supposed to do – and right then, that meant playing the part of Gaston.   

I was fine up to the point where Belle answered the door, and then I had to work hard to keep going with a straight face. They had thrown a dress over Seth’s Beast outfit – which I’m sure was Alice’s doing and I almost started laughing.
The little twirp! Part of me had to hand it to my sister, though, it helped calm my nerves just a little.    

As Seth and I played out the act, my heart began to beat faster. Seth didn’t know it, of course, but
the moment was only heartbeats away. As Gaston, I made my advances on Belle, crossing the room from one end to the other. I had to stifle a chuckle at Seth’s upturned nose when I toed out of my boots and put my feet on the table. My man definitely was putting everything he had into the role of Belle. It made me proud of him – and also made me love him just a little more.  

“…and my wife, massaging my feet, while the little ones play on the floor with the dogs.”  
Focus, Edward, Focus…
I got up out of the chair and stalked the two paces to Seth as I said, “We’ll have six or seven.”

Seth took a step back, and with as much wide-eyed innocence he could muster, said, “Dogs?”   

Biting back a grin, I straightened up and patted my chest, “No, Belle, strapping boys, like me!”

Seth ducked around me and walked to the bookcase. “Imagine that…”
He still has no clue…

Following him, I said, “You know who that little wife will be?”

Seth’s shoulders drooped a little as he said, “Let me think…”

I bit my lip, then quickly collected myself and said, “You, Belle.”

Seth turned around in surprise, backing away from me toward the door. “Gaston! I-I’m speechless. I really don’t know what to say…”   

His back was against the door, and he still looked at me with the same wide-eyed expression as his hand inched toward the knob.
This is it. Now or never, Edward.

This was the part where I was supposed to block Belle in with a hand on either side of her, but instead I took a wavering breath and went down on one knee. I quickly pulled the ring from my pocket and smiled tentatively at Seth, whose eyes had widened in shock, his mouth slightly agape as he stared down at me.   

I had to clear my throat twice before I could find my voice again. “Seth…” I took his hand in mine and brushed his knuckles with my thumb, needing the contact. Taking another steadying breath, I smiled. “Ever since you took a chance on me two years ago, my life has been filled with joy, laughter, and dancing. This might not seem like much change to you, but it has been. Before, I enjoyed dancing and theater, but you’ve made it come alive for me in a way I never dreamed possible. You’ve made
me come alive.”    

Seth’s eyes flickered from me around the stage, to the people seated in the house, and back to me again. I could tell he was blushing, and his eyes were glistening with emotion. He bit his lip and gave my hand a squeeze.

Swallowing with difficulty past the sudden dryness in my throat, I went on. “For the rest of my days, I would like nothing better than to dance into every sunset with you, to act out every crazy dream we have, and laugh so hard that we cry. Seth Clearwater, would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”   

I gazed up into his eyes, anxiously awaiting his answer as the seconds ticked away for what felt an hour at a time. Seth blinked slowly at me, his lips forming the words to the question I had posed, as if trying them out for size to see if they could be real.  

Not a sound could be heard in the entire theater, though I was sure the thrumming of my heart thundered not just in
my ears. After an interminable silence, he swallowed hard and whispered, “Yes,” though to me it was as if he’d shouted it off the rooftops. I sure as hell wanted to right then. 

My smile widened as he nodded and again said, “Yes…yes, I’ll marry you, Edward Cullen.”   

At that moment, it was as if the whole house came down. Loud applause, whistles, and cheers filled the air at the same time the score for the wedding march was played – from the musical, of course.

I barely had time to put the ring on Seth’s finger, before he pulled me up and crushed me to him, his lips bordering on frantic as they claimed mine. My fingers were gripping the fabric of his dress tightly in an attempt to get closer to him still. We weren’t allowed to stay in our bubble though, as the stage was rushed by our friends and family.  

It seemed everyone wanted to hug and congratulate us, and we let it all wash over us. I don’t think I even registered what half the people were saying, my focus was completely on my fiance.

I grinned stupidly at that thought.
My fiance.
My soon-to-be husband.   

When Lauren stepped up to hug us, Seth’s eyes flew to mine – wide in surprise, which quickly turned to suspicion. He frowned as he watched Lauren hug me, whispering in my ear that she was happy for us. Lauren turned to him and opened her arms with a questioning look. He hugged her. “You were supposed to be stuck in San Diego,” he accused.   

She grinned, shrugging as she said, “Now why would I want to miss out on this?”   

She patted his arm and walked off with a wink, leaving Seth gaping. He turned to me, reaching for me. He wrapped his arms tight around me, ignoring everyone else as he nestled his face in my neck.

My heart was pounding in my chest as we held each other. I was waiting for him to speak, unsure of what to expect. Finally, he put his lips to my ear and murmured, “You… you planned all of this?” 

I nodded.

“Everyone…?

I knew what he meant and nodded again, biting my lip.

His arms tightened around me as he groaned softly, “The dress?”  

I chuckled, shaking my head slightly. “No…
that was Alice’s doing, I think.”

He growled softly, the vibrations of it rumbling through his chest, making me wish we were home. He pulled away with a sigh, smiling tenderly as he cupped my cheek with his hand. His eyes searched mine as he said, “You really set everything up? All of this?” 

Seth’s eyes flickered across the theater before locking gazes with me again. My hands rested on his hips, my thumbs rubbing along his sides as I nodded in answer. “I had a
lot of help.”

He chuckled. “I can’t believe you did all of this… for me.”

I shrugged. “I love you, Seth.”

His lips brushed against mine as he murmured, “I love you, too.”