I don't own Twilight or any of the characters etc...all belong to the fabulous Stephanie Meyer and Summit. I just wanted to play with them a bit Happy Reading

Title: We Met by Chance

Summary: Preschool teacher Isabella 'Bella' Swan loves her job but wants nothing more than to settle down and start a family of her own. Could a chance meeting with Hollywood superstar Edward Cullen give her exactly that?

Rating: M for later chapters

Chapter 1:

BPOV

Ever since I was a little girl all I dreamt about was becoming a mother. The warmth and comfort of a mother's hug, a kiss goodnight and a loving smile were something I'd never really known. My own mother had walked out on me when I was just two years old, leaving me with my beloved dad. Over the years Charlie and I had had our struggles but he always tried so hard to give me everything I would ever need; most importantly he loved me and was there to hug me and kiss me goodnight.

Growing up my friends in senior high thought I was mad. Here they were mapping out futures in advertising, sport and medicine. Not me. I wanted to be a mum.

Flashback...

"What about you Bella? We know you'll never be some famous sports star," laughed Mike Newton along with everyone else.

Co-ordination had never been my strong point although it provided plenty of entertainment for my peers.

Without a trace of hesitation I answered, "I'm going to be a mum."

The laughing stopped and smiles were replaced with confused stares.

"Well yeah me too...one day, but Bella what are you going to do for a job? You know to make money?" asked Lauren Mallory flatly, "and for that matter, who's gonna be your baby daddy huh? You've never even had a boyfriend!"

Well that hurt, thanks for reminding me bitch! I thought.

My rescue came in the form of my best friend, Angela.

"What Bella means is that she's going to be a teacher, a preschool teacher in fact, right Bells?" Thank god for Angela.

"That's right...sorry...I um...I just love kids and well...yeah...teaching is where I'm headed." I said a little too unconvincingly resulting in curious stares from around the table.

End flashback...

Right after graduation and summer vacation I headed off to Washington University without my best friend Angela. It was horrible for both of us. Mr. Webber had been offered a position in California that was too good to refuse and Angela wasn't in a position to support herself financially so she had to move with them and complete her teaching degree at UCLA. Four long years we were separated but our friendship never faltered. We took turns visiting one another whenever we could, her to Seattle, me to Los Angeles. It was these visits that led me to where I stand now, outside of Angela and my little baby. We'd made a pact to graduate and I'd move to Los Angeles with Angela where we'd open our own preschool.

Now here I sat in my car outside the gates leading into a place full of love and laughter, Little Piper's Long Day Care, my joint 'baby' with Angela. We opened our doors three years ago and had since gained a very strong reputation; we even provided care for numerous celebrity families. We were well respected and trusted within the community and were highly regarded for our educational programs and assisting the children with their transition into kindergarten. To say we or our families were proud would be an understatement. My Dad rang without fail each Sunday night to see how my week had gone and to ask that dreaded question, "So Bells, got yourself a fella yet?" and every week he got the same embarrassing answer; a resounding "Nope!" God knows I'd tried, I'd even gone as far as dating sites! Turns out not many men in this day and age were interested in just talking and getting to know someone first before jumping into bed with them! My last relationship had been over a year ago with a guy named Paul Bishop. He worked in the field of photography and we seemed to get on really well...until I shared with him that I was still a virgin. He'd laughed at me and declared how would I ever satisfy him if I had no idea what I was doing. Needless to say that was the last time I ever saw Paul Bishop, that was after his face had met my fist. There were upsides to being the daughter of the police chief.

"Miss Bewaa!Miss Bewaa!" a small but very familiar voice brought me out of my reverie.

"Miss Bewaa is u isening to me?" the little voice said curiously.

I turned my head to the passenger side window where the most gorgeous little chubby face was straining to see in the window. Little Madison Alice Cullen was a beautiful little girl who resembled both her famous fashion designer mother, Alice Cullen-Whitlock and her equally famous actor father, Jasper Whitlock, both of whom were extremely friendly and down to earth.

"Madison, let Miss Bella get out of her car please," encouraged Jasper gently in his southern drawl.

"But-," started Madison.

"No butts little missy," he affirmed gently before slowly putting his head into the opened window.

"Morning Bella, you okay in there?" he questioned concerned.

Am I okay? Why wouldn't I be okay?

As if reading the confusion on my face he added quietly, "You've been staring out the window since we pulled up behind you...that and little Maddie here has been trying to get your attention and she can be a little hard to ignore," he finished chuckling.

Suddenly my brain finally kicked into gear. "I'm...um...I'm sorry Jasper I didn't mean to be rude I-"

"Hey," interrupted Jasper holding up his hand, "none of that, no offence taken over here," he said kindly gesturing between himself and Madison who was now preoccupied with the flowers poking through the preschool fence.

I watched her intently silently longing for my own little girl I'd dreamt about for years.

Jasper's soothing but concerned voice once again brought me back to reality. "Bella honey, are you sure you're okay?"

Always the gentleman was Jasper Whitlock. Alice Cullen was one very lucky lady.

I sighed before nodding, "Just thinking about life and how desperately I want," I stopped myself and closed my eyes briefly. Jasper Whitlock, as nice as he was, did not need to hear my sob story; he was at the end of the day a client. "I'm sorry I should really be getting to work not boring you with my life story! Are you ready for another fun filled day Madison?" I questioned changing the subject. Jasper smiled kindly and dipped his head before moving out of the window space so I could put it up. I gathered my things and took a calming breath before getting out of the car. Madison and Jasper were waiting at the gate for me, Madison holding something in her hand.

"Miss Bewaa," said Madison in a hushed but excited voice, "wook what I finded! It's a catapiwar! See!" she held out her tiny hand for me to see. There within lay a small but wriggly caterpillar on a leaf.

"He is so small, you'll have to be very gentle," I replied.

"Can I sow my fwends? Can I!" she asked her little eyes nearly bulging out of her head.

"Of course," I encouraged smiling, "let's go inside and find a container for him before you show your friends."

"Yay! Come on Daddy!" she instructed before walking off talking to her new little discovery.

Both Jasper and I laughed before following Madison into preschool.

We went inside and were greeted by Jessica who worked in the babies room.

"Good morning Madison, how are you today," she asked bending down to Madison.

"Wook what I finded outside Miss Jesca, it's a catapiwar! Miss Bewaa said I could sow my fwends!" Her little voice was full of such excitement.

"That's a great idea. How about you say goodbye to daddy and we'll go find a container for him," suggested Jessica gently taking the caterpillar and leaf out of Madison's hand.

Madison spun on her heels and was wrapping herself around Jasper's legs before we had time to blink! "Bye Daddy! I wuv you!"

I had to turn away and compose myself when Jasper lifted Madison into his arms and hugged her in a way that would have many think he'd never see her again. "I love you too my gorgeous girl," he pulled back a little and looked lovingly at her. "Have a great day at school and remember to be good for Miss Bella and Miss Angela and remember Uncle Edward's going to pick you up today so be good."

Madison clapped her hands excitedly.

"Pomise! I dwar you a picture okay daddy?" Madison more so told her dad rather than asking him.

Jasper's laughter filled the room. "I would love a picture from you princess."

With that said Madison was wriggling out of Jasper's arms and running to her classroom door calling out a last "Bye Daddy," before entering the room with Jessica in search of container.

"I've got a casting call this afternoon and Ali's still in New York for fashion week so her brother Edward will be picking Maddie up at around 5pm I think."

"Edward Cullen?" I asked.

"The one and only," he replied with a smirk.

I'd heard things about Edward Cullen from Angela, she was addicted to trashy magazines whilst I was happier with my well loved copy of Romeo and Juliet. According to People magazine Edward Cullen was a bit of a ladies man.

"That's not a problem just remind him to bring his driver's license with him as identification," I smiled as naturally as I could as the realisation hit me that I would likely be the one to meet and greet Edward this afternoon due my rostered late shift.

"Will do Miss Bella, you enjoy your day now,"

"You too Jasper," I answered politely before entering my office and grabbing my coffee mug from the desk. "Oh I'm gonna need a coffee today," I said to no one in particular making my way towards my classroom door which currently held Angela and a group of rowdy 4 year olds...but god knows I love each and every one of them.

EPOV

"Finally!" I said to know one in particular.

I'd been driving around for what felt like forever searching for my beloved niece's preschool. I was thrilled when Jasper had called last night and begged for my help. I was supposed to be attending a meeting with some director about a new film but his people had called Seth to cancel; something about someone being sick Seth my P.A had explained.

It looked like a cute little place, bright colours that screamed 'Look at me'...it was very much Alice. Little wonder Maddie attended here, 30 minutes from home rather than the ones five minutes down the road.

Should I knock?

My mind was made up for me when the door suddenly opened and two small boys came barrelling out. I stepped back to let them through and almost ended up in the damn bush!

"Jason! Patrick! Slow down!" came a stern voice from the doorway. He took in my startled state before patting my shoulder.

"Sorry about that pal, those two only have one speed...flat out!" he laughed before adding, "wish me luck."

I laughed as the image of this man trying to wrangle these two boys into the car came to mind. Thank god Maddie was nothing like that!

"Yeah, good luck," I replied before turning and making my way cautiously inside.

It was so quiet I had imagined places like these to be a lot louder. My almost involuntary venture into the garden out front told me that it was still open. I quickly checked my watch.

5:45pm

Shit! Late as usual Cullen, surprise, surprise.

I rolled my eyes at my own incompetence. Being on time was not my strong point. Glancing around the foyer my eyes fell upon a painting. The name at the top read Madison Cullen. The picture below appeared to be a person. I moved in closer.

I love my Uncle Edward. He plays catch with me.

She'd painted a picture of me. I fell in love with my niece all over again, I'd do anything for that little girl. My ears pricked up at the sound of a very familiar little laugh. I moved toward the closed door that Maddie's laugh was coming from. The glass window that made up the top half of the door gave me a clear view of my gorgeous niece sitting at a table, crayon in hand sitting opposite a blond haired woman. The woman was holding up a piece of paper which Maddie was closely inspecting.

She began to laugh and shake her head, "No Miss Jesca! Catapiwars don't have sues!"

"Really? How do they keep their feet warm?"

"Them's just do silly!" giggled Maddie.

Just like her mum, through and through.

"Excuse me sir, can I help you?" asked a sweet voice from behind me.

I turned to find the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen standing in the doorway of a room across the foyer.

Wow.

I stood there taking her in. She was short compared to me but taller than Alice, but then again everyone was taller than Alice. She was brunette, her hair pulled back and she had the most beautiful, captivating brown eyes. God she was stunning.

"Sir?"

Busted! Crap

"Um..yes..sorry I was just...I'm um...I'm Edward Cullen I'm here to pick up Madison Cullen," I stammered, "I'm sorry I'm late...I um...I got lost."

So not smooth Cullen! Idiot

The woman before me smiled and I swear I've never seen anything more beautiful, natural and most importantly real. I'd been surrounded by fake women almost my entire life with the exclusion of my Mum, my sister and my cousin's soon to be wife.

"Yes, Jasper mentioned this morning that you would be picking Maddie up today," she explained as she walked towards me, "and don't worry about being late, we're here until six-thirty."

She was now standing just a few feet before me. She was so small, so delicate yet had a sense of determination about her.

"I'm Isabella by the way, I'm one of Madison teachers," she said sweetly as she introduced herself, holding out her hand.

"Nice to meet you," I replied taking her hand in mine. A shock wave ran up my arm as our fingers touched.

What the hell...

Isabella seemed to notice it too as her face gave her away. She gently yet quickly pulled her hand away and tore her eyes from mine. Her cheeks blushed the cutest shade of red.

Gorgeous

"Um...I'll show you where to sign Madison out for the day," Isabella spoke softly directing me to a folder near the door to the room.

Once there Isabella pointed out Maddie's name and where to put the time and my signature. I smiled my acknowledgement and completed the form quickly.

As if seeming to remember something, Isabella suddenly turned her attention away from the window and back to me.

"I'll um...need to see some identification too please."

Seriously? I'm Edward...Jackass! Not everyone knows who you are, she's probably just doing her job!

I smiled as I slowly fished out my wallet, "Sure, no problem."

Isabella waited patiently before examining the licence that I held in my hand. I noticed she didn't reach for it.

The corners of her mouth twitched and she thanked me before opening the door into Maddie's room. Was she trying not to laugh? I'll admit it wasn't my best photo but hey, no need to laugh.

I was about to question her when a very loud, and very excited little voice caught my attention.

"UNCLE EDWOOD! UNCLE EDWOOD!"

I laughed out loud and bent down with my arms stretched out before me ready to scoop her up as she ran towards me.

"Hello my beautiful princess," I greeted her as I held her close before kissing her on the head, "how was your day?"

"Wots of fun! I finded a catapiwar and Miss Bewaa wet me sow my fwends and then we put him in the garden! And I payed wif my fwends on the swings and..." she stopped suddenly and lent her head to the side, her face very serious.

"Uncle Edwood, why are you wate? Daddy said when the tick tock got to 5 you come get me," she asked in the cutest little voice.

Alice and Jasper had insisted upon everyone referring to clocks as 'tick tocks' as Maddie had trouble pronouncing the letter l, hence resulting in her calling clocks 'cocks'. Uncle Emmet and I had found it hilarious, Alice, Jasper and the rest of the family not so much.

"I'm sorry gorgeous girl, I got lost," I started to explain.

Maddie started giggling before turning in my arms to look at Isabella and the other teacher whose shirt read "Miss Jessica."

She giggled again, "Mummy says Uncle Edwood's orways wate. She said he be wate for his on foonel!"

This time it was my turn to laugh. Jessica and Isabella joined in.

"Your Mum's so funny kiddo," I replied sarcastically before seriously adding, "but I did try, I didn't mean to get lost gorgeous, I really didn't."

Maddie hugged me placing her little head in the crook of my neck, "It's okay Uncle Edwood, I does wuv you wots!"

This girl could make even a tough old geezer like Emmett melt. She had us all wrapped around her little finger.

"I love you lots too kiddo," I said sincerely.

I caught a glimpse of Isabella who was looking at us longingly, her eyes showing a sense of sadness and vulnerability. She noticed me watching her and blinked before her walls were back up and she was offering a reassuring smile.

"Oh Maddie, don't forget your caterpillar that you made today," Jessica said kindly as she walked towards a drying rack.

"Uncle Edwood, can I take my catapiwar in your car," she asked shyly, "I put ots of gitter on it."

Glitter? Just great.

As much as I wanted to say no, I couldn't. "Of course you can, he or she..."

"He," answered Maddie

"He," I continued, "can sit in the back with you okay?"

I swear one day her head was gonna fall off. Nod, nod, nod, nod...

"How about I get you a tray for your caterpillar, it could be his seat in the car?" suggested Isabella from our right.

"Oh yes pease Miss Bewaa," agreed Maddie with lots of enthusiasm as she wriggled out of my arms to go and search with Isabella.

Jessica approached with what I assume was Maddie's school bag.

I laughed on the inside.

Pink and sparkly...naturally

"Thanks," I offered as I took the bad from Jessica. She seemed to want to say something but was fighting with herself not to.

"Is something wrong?" I asked curiously.

She looked down shyly before answering, "Um...no...I just wanted to say congratulations on the golden globe nomination...um...Water for Elephants was fantastic," she said nervously.

I chuckled, "Well thank you, I appreciate that."

"Would it...um...would it be okay if I got your autograph?" she stammered.

I smiled my most dazzling smile, "Sure, you got a pen and paper?"

She nodded vigorously and almost ran to the nearby bench and back, paper and pen at the ready.

Jessica was the kind of fan I liked; polite, enthusiastic but not over bearing.

I took the pen and paper from her shaky hands with a chuckle and began to write.

For Jessica,

Thanks for the support, all the best!

Love Edward Cullen

She smiled a huge smile as I handed it back and she read what I'd written.

She beamed up at me, "Thank you so much!"

Before I knew what was happening she was hugging me. I laughed out loud before hugging her back gently. Suddenly she tensed and released me before backing away slowly her face tomato red and the look on her face clearly indicating she was embarrassed.

I took pity on her, "It's cool, no harm done."

She seemed to relax a little before excusing herself to clean the babies room.

I returned my focus to Maddie and Isabella who were walking back towards me.

"Thanks Miss Bewaa," said Maddie looking up at beauty before me, "my Daddy gonna wuv it!"

Isabella smiled back. God she was beautiful.

Ask her out Cullen! Don't let her walk away

"I'm sure he will," she answered kneeling down and smoothing back Maddie's hair, "now you go home and show him and I'll see you on Monday morning."

"Bye Miss Bewaa," replied Maddie reaching up on her tippy toes to kiss Isabella on this cheek.

I watched Isabella close her eyes and once again I saw that look of sadness and longing spread across her gorgeous face. Was she okay?

Say something!

Man that voice in my head was irritating. I ran my hands through my unruly hair, my 'nervous and frustrated' trait as Alice liked to call it.

"Wet's go Uncle Edwood before we get wate for dinner!" warned Maddie as she grabbed my hand and began pulling me towards the door leaving a very cute giggling Isabella standing in the middle of the room.

Oh my god you're strong for a midget! Something you obviously get from your mother

I turned as best as I could to face her, "It was...nice to...ah meet you Isa...Maddie stop for a second," I said as I grabbed her around the waist, "Let me say goodbye."

She stopped and looked at me curiously.

Too much like your mother!

"Manners remember," I quickly explained.

She smiled and stood waiting.

Great! I'm gonna get questioned the whole way home

I looked toward Isabella who stood looking at me with a cute little smirk on her face, "It was nice to meet you Isabella...really...I um...wow um..." I stumbled over my words. Her expression changed to one of confusion.

Get a grip Cullen!

"What I want...what I mean is to say is..." I hesitated before taking a steadying breath, "would you like to grab a coffee one day...um...maybe next week?"

Her face went blank and I could no longer read her expressions.

Oh god you've scared her off you idiot...too much too soon like you just met her!

I attempted to fix my mistake, "You don't have to, I just thought...um...it would be nice to get to know you...um sit down have a chat you know..." I rambled nervously once again running my hand through my unruly hair.

"You want to get to know me...you want to actually have a conversation with me, over coffee?" she answered slowly as if trying to confirm for both her benefit and my own what I'd just said.

I nodded, unsure of where to go next.

I watched her as she seemed to have some sort of internal debate with herself. I was about to stop her in fear she might have some sort of aneurysm but her soft voice floated across the room.

"That sounds nice...I um...I'd like that," she replied hesitantly.

I smiled my most dazzling smile.

That blush is fucking sexy...

She looked up at me nervously biting her bottom lip

Oh god, focus Cullen!

"Can I um...can I have your number so that I can contact you...or I could call you here," I gestured around to our surroundings.

"Um...sure," she answered nervously before giving me her number which I programmed into my phone.

We stood looking at each other for a moment before a little girl made her presence known.

Shit! Maddie

I laughed nervously at Maddie who looked at me with a knowing look to rival her mother; she was only three for god's sake!

"Um...how does McDonald's sound for dinner kiddo," I asked in the desperate hope of distracting her already ticking brain.

"Yay! McDona's for dinner!" she said excitedly grabbing my hand once more, "Bye Miss Bewaa! I'm goning to MacDona's!"

Isabella laughed, "Enjoy your dinner little Maddie," she paused as she looked at me, "You too Edward."

I smiled in return, "I'll call you soon," it came out as more of a question than a statement.

She nodded, "I'd like that."

As we reached the door I turned one more time, trying to memorise every detail of her face silently cursing myself for not taking a photo for my caller ID but I'd thought that might be a bit awkward.

"Bye Isabella," I called really not wanting to.

She raised her hand just a little and gave me a small wave in return, "Bye Edward."

I had been right about Maddie, she'd questioned me the whole way to McDonald's, during dinner, and all the way home. I tried distracting her but we'd always end up back on "Miss Bewaa."

At 8:00pm she'd finally fallen asleep. She'd been so excited when Jasper called and asked if she could sleepover the night. I picked her up in my arms and cradled her close staring at her gorgeous, innocent little face. I suddenly wondered if this would one day be my life, putting my own son or daughter to bed. I laughed at myself. To have that I'd need to find someone who wanted that with me, not just someone who wanted to sleep with a Hollywood superstar.

Images of Isabella flooded my mind from our time together tonight. I'd met hundreds of women before, slept with more than I was willing to admit...but none had stayed with me like this and we'd only been in the same room for a mere 15 minutes.

This was a chance meeting. If Jasper hadn't have called I'd probably never have met her. For the first time in a very long time, I actually wanted to see where this went...I wanted it to go somewhere.

I smiled down at the sleeping beauty before me, tucking her under the covers. She stirred just a little. I kissed her forehead before whispering, "Thank you kiddo..."

Authors note: Madison's speech is based upon a little girl I know...her parents do insist upon 'tick tocks' lol...

Please review...honesty is appreciated but please don't be nasty. Depending on how this first chapter reviews, as this is my first ever fan fiction, will determine the posting of future chapters. Let me know if I should continue. Thanks heaps xo