Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.
*Thanks once again to the lovely Caruso5 for her help with telling the story from Edward's perspective. I have the best betas in the world! Just sayin…
Expectant Daddyward/Drunkward/Hornward/Caveward ahead. (and a big fat lemon, so if you don't like lemons….i'm sorry?)—
Enjoy!
*********************************L&EL***************************
Chapter 2 – Nicknames & Lake Placid
EPOV
As I sat in my small office in the front of the house, I could hear Bella singing in the other room. She would never admit to it,but she had a beautiful voice. It wasn't often however, that she would allow me to hear it.
Another perk to having a baby in the house…
We were sitting for Whit while Emmett and Rose had their 'date night'. Although Bella and I didn't speak of it, we knew that there was no 'date' involved. Whit was six weeks old today, and Rose had been given the okay by her doctor to have sex.
At this very moment, she and Emmett were no doubt screwing each other's' brains out.
I cringed at the thought.
Although, I wouldn't mind it if Bella screwed my brains out…
Where the hell did that come from?
I sighed, disgusted with myself, and flipped through the script I was supposed to be reading.
I couldn't concentrate.
If I was being honest, I would admit that I couldn't focus because all I could think about was the sexy woman in the next room. Ithad been my own damn fault. When I was in our walk-in closet that morning, I'd spotted a bag which Bella had obviously tried to hide, poking out from behind a stack of winter sweaters. Being the nosey bastard I am, I pulled it out.
If I had only put it back without looking inside, everything would have been fine. But no, as soon as my eyes were met with the 'La-Bijou Lingerie' logo, my hand seemed to have a will of its own as it reached inside.
Silky and sexy and, oh fuck me…
As I held each item up to peruse it in the dim light of our closet, I could imagine the little pieces of sheer material gracing my girl's perfect body. Her luscious breasts had grown since the pregnancy and they were definitely more than a handful now. My mind was filled with images of Bella as I peeled her out of each little outfit until she was utterly naked.
Well, maybe I'd have her leave on the stockings…
Fuck me is right…
My horny inner self took over at that point, as I imagined making love, um, having sex, oh hell, let's call it what it is… I imaginedfucking the love of my life on every surface in our house.
I groaned out loud.
No, no, no!
Don't be an asshole!
My groan was followed by a loud sigh of frustration. As much as I'd love to have a little 'untamed' sex with my wife, I knew she deserved better than that. She deserved a better husband and father to our child than someone who would seduce her in our kitchen; lift her onto the counter while spreading her legs, and then pound into her with wild abandon…
Damn that's almost as good as the fantasy of taking her on the washing machine…
What am I thinking?
Fuck!
I took my hand and smacked myself in the face with it, hoping to knock some sense into my stupid head. I glared down to the crotch of my jeans willing my cock to get the message as well.
Bella was the mother of my unborn child. She deserved to be cherished and respected and made love to. She didn't deserve a husband who acted like a sex-crazed animal.
It had been difficult, but somehow I'd managed to be a perfect gentleman these last six weeks. Well, with the exception of the night I went out with Emmett, our Dads, and Jasper, got drunk as shit, and took advantage of my sweet innocent girl by acting like a fucking caveman.
I winced when I remembered my behavior that night.
**********FLASHBACK: two days after Christmas**************
"Come on Eddie, let me kick your ass at pool," Emmett boomed soon after we'd arrived at the bar.
When we'd first parked the cars, I wasn't pleased that Emmett had chosen a bar close to the U-Dub campus. Although, still being Christmas break, the place wasn't very crowded.
Despite that fact, I immediately wanted to run for cover when several of the patrons stared at us, a flicker of recognition in their eyes.
We commandeered a rather large semi-circular booth in a darkened corner, which felt less exposed. Thankfully, even though they may have been eyeing us more than was normal, no one approached our table.
I decided that these U-Dub kids were alright after all.
"Eddie, why do you suck so bad at this?" Emmett asked after he'd done what he set out to do, namely kick my ass at pool. "Your parents have a pool table for shit's sake."
I shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I was always more interested in playing the piano or my guitar than playing pool." I answered honestly.
"How about in college, didn't the other dudes get you to play?"
By this time, we were seated back in the booth with everyone else. "Emmett, I was already making films by the time I went to college. I didn't live in the dorms, and I didn't exactly socialize."
Emmett pursed his lips. "So you never got to enjoy the entire 'college experience'? That's too bad."
I shook my head. "I don't think I've missed out on anything. I'm married to the love of my life, and we're going to have a baby," I let my voice drop to a whisper for the last part. "No, I haven't missed a thing."
***L&EL***
"We should probably be heading back soon, Emmett," Charlie was reminding his son that he had a wife and new baby at home waiting for him.
"Hold on Chief, my sister was the one who insisted that Emmett get out and relax a little; blow off some steam. Evidently this whole childbirth thing took a lot out of him." Jasper said with a chuckle as he downed another shot. "Let's let him enjoy the evening."
"Your sister is one amazing woman," Emmett said in awed reverence. Then he turned to me. "You're gonna know exactly what I'm talkin' about soon enough Eddie," he slurred. I nodded.
We'd been drinking for quite a while, and were feeling no pain by this point. Well, except for the Chief and my Dad, who had decided to be the 'designated drivers'.
"Childbirth is a complete and utter mind-fuck," Emmett continued before running a hand over his face. "I'm telling you that ifmen were the ones having to go through that shit. There wouldn't be any babies."
I downed the rest of my drink, thankful that I had months to wait but, at the same time, impatient to meet our little one.
"When you gonna join the club Jasper?" Emmett asked.
Jasper's eyes grew wide. "Uh... Ask me again after Edward has been through it and survived," he answered before hiding his face behind his beer glass.
"Don't be such a pussy," I admonished. "I'm not afraid."
I was such a fucking liar.
My Dad threw me an incredulous look.
"Edward, you're as full of shit as a Christmas turkey," Jasper challenged, drawing laughter from everyone except me.
"Jasper, why is it that when you drink you seem to become more Southern?" Emmett asked.
Jasper just grinned and shrugged. "Don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes you do," Emmett continued. "It's like, when you're sober; you're this quiet, well-mannered, reserved little motherfucker. But then you get your drink on, and you start singing shitty country songs and walking around naked." Emmett said before barking out a laugh.
Jasper raised his glass as if to toast Emmett, "Fuck you very much," he drawled before smiling sweetly.
That drew guffaws from both the Chief and my Dad.
"Yes, well, we'd better not have any of the 'walking around naked' tonight," Chief Swan said while shaking his head. "Vegas was a damn nightmare." He muttered before shuddering visibly.
We all laughed at Charlie's discomfort.
Jasper started singing along with the jukebox then.
Loudly and off-key.
It was horrible.
Evidently, while Emmett and I had been playing pool, Jasper had made a few 'music selections'.
'I'm gonna kneel and pray every day
lest I should become vain along the way
And I'm just an old chunk of coal now, Lord
but I'm gonna be a diamond someday'
Amidst our laughter at Jasper's horrid attempt at singing, Emmett pointed a finger at our fathers, "Don't you know not to let this asshole anywhere near the jukebox?" He then turned to Jasper, "What did you do, select every country song on there?"
Jasper smirked. "Oh hell, yes." He answered smugly.
"You know Emmett," I began, feeling the need to mess with Jasper. "I don't think you can label the way Jasper acts asSouthern, per se."
Damn, I almost sound articulate…
"It's too vulgar for that. I think when he drinks; he treats everyone to a glimpse of his redneck side. And as you know, rednecks are not exclusive to the south."
Everyone laughed that time, except Jasper who narrowed his eyes at me.
"Watch yourself, Edward," he began in a menacing tone. I, however, knew him too well to be intimidated. He was just showing off.
"Or what?" I teased.
"Let's just say that if you keep fucking with me, you'll be sorrier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest." Jasper said smugly.
We all laughed again, and because Emmett had been taking a sip of his beer, he ended up spraying the liquid across the table; the majority of it, thankfully, landing on Jasper.
"Dude!" Jasper exclaimed.
"Sorry," Emmett was half-choking, half-laughing, "but that shit's funny."
"If you think I'm funny, you should meet my cousin Possum. The boy is hilarious without trying to be, he's also dumber than a bag of hammers." Jasper informed after he'd blotted the beer from his shirt with a napkin.
We laughed again.
"You've got a cousin named Possum? How did I not know this?" Emmett asked.
Jasper shrugged. "Rose hates most of the Hales. I'm not surprised she doesn't talk about them. I've always tried to get along with everyone, but even I can only take them in small doses."
Emmett nodded, thoughtfully.
Jasper rubbed his hand across his chin before continuing. "My cousins Peanut, Tater, Cracker and Mule are decent fellas, but most of our female cousins are evil." He paused, "Except for Chicken, she's okay; and of course Possum's a good guy; stupid but harmless."
The point Jasper was trying to make barely registered, because we were all too busy laughing our asses off at the nicknames.
"Dude, who the fuck named your cousins?" Emmett stuttered out between laughs.
Jasper shrugged again. "My Grandfather, he was kind of a character." He grinned. "He gave all the boys nicknames. Chicken is the only girl he named though."
"So, what's your nickname?" Emmett asked, his eyes dancing with mischief.
Jasper, realizing he'd screwed up and couldn't very well now deny that he had one, looked as if he wanted to run away.
"You know I'll find out from Rose anyway, so you may as well confess." Emmett's grin grew wider.
Jasper glared at Emmett. "Hey, why don't you pucker up and kiss my ass." He muttered.
"Come on Jasper, spill."
We all watched him expectantly.
He took a deep breath and brought his glass to his lips and muttered in a low voice, "Pooh Bear," before taking a long sip of his beer.
"What?" Emmett asked with a laugh. "Did you say Pooh Bear?"
Jasper nodded, frowning. "I used to carry a stuffed bear around all the time, okay? I may have even slept with it. I was a little fucking kid." He took another swig.
And, of course, as expected, we laughed at him.
Again.
"Well damn, that settles it. Rose has been hesitant about going to the Hale family reunion this summer, but I'm going to insistthat we attend." Emmett informed. "Hanging out with a roomful of drunken rednecks would be a dream come true for me." He smiled cheekily.
"Those rednecks could kick your ass." Jasper told him with narrowed eyes.
"Bring it on Gomer, or should I say Pooh Bear." Emmett announced with a chuckle.
Jasper glared before chuckling himself, "Whatever you say Homer,"Emmett scowled. "What? You didn't think I'd forgotten did you?" Jasper said before smiling proudly.
***L&EL***
"G'nite Eddie, see ya later." Emmett slurred as we followed Charlie from the bar to the Hummer. Dad and Jasper had left a few minutes before.
"We're riding together, dumbass." I informed with a snicker.
Obviously I'm more sober than he is.
"Oh, yeah," he laughed as he stumbled his way into the passenger seat.
When we got to my house, the Chief insisted on walking me to the door. "Thanks Chief Charlie," I slurred. "You never know when a crazy fan might be hiding in the bushes. You know that happen…" I took a breath, "nended to me once?"
"Is that so?" Charlie asked. He had his arm around my shoulders.
I guess he likes me more than I thought he did…
Like a son…
A son who doesn't fart or mention his dick in public…
"Yep," I smiled and swayed a little on my feet. "I had to move outta that house. But don't you worry, Chief, I'll never let the crazies get near your daughter."
"Good to know."
I was staring at Chief Charlie's face, when he started talking again.
"Hey Bells. Sorry, he's had a little too much to drink."
I heard a beautiful sound and turned to see my girl standing in the foyer smiling and giggling. "I can see that," she answered.
She looks like an angel…
I turned back to the Chief. "I gotta tell you a secret, Chief Charlie."
"Oookay." The Chief answered, looking at me suspiciously.
I leaned in close and whispered. "I love your daughter more than anything." I said with conviction before patting his chest. "and I would never have sex in an airplane bathroom with her."
I'd like to…
Very much…
Chief Charlie looked uncomfortable.
Damn, I hope he believes me
"I would expect nothing less Edward."
"Oh boy," I heard Bella say with a sigh.
The Chief turned back to her, "Bells, let me help you get him upstairs, I don't want you to overexert yourself."
"Good man." I told him with a nod. "She's pregnant, you know…" I stage whispered.
Bella giggled again. "Thanks Dad."
"Bella!" I suddenly realized that she was close enough to touch. "I missed you so much baby." I leaned down and kissed her cheek before the Chief steered me toward the staircase. She held onto my arm, walking with us. "Baby," I breathed before halting my steps and bending down to kiss her stomach through her t-shirt. My girl started giggling again.
She sure is in a silly mood tonight…
When we got to our room, the Chief turned to Bella again, "You gonna be okay Bells?"
What a strange question? Was she sick?
I frowned and looked at my wife. Aside from the fact that she looked like she just rolled out of bed, she was positively glowing.
"I'll be fine, Dad. Thanks for helping."
"Anytime." Chief Charlie kissed Bella and patted me forcefully on the shoulder, before leaving.
"Edward, I think a shower might sober you up. Come on, I'll help you."
"Shower with me?" I asked as I tried to wiggle my eyebrows, but I wasn't sure if I was successful.
Bella giggled again. "I hadn't planned on it…"
"Come on baby, I may need a lot of help," I smiled her favorite smile, and knew she would give in.
I am fucking irresistible
"Okay," she whispered. That time, I smiled like a homeless guy who'd just won the lottery.
"Fuckin' 'A," I may have said out loud before doing a little fist pump in the air.
I started removing my clothes and dropping them on the floor as I made my way to the en suite. By the time I stood outside theshower, I was naked. Well, except for my socks. I bent to try and remove them, but lost my balance and stumbled into the wall.
"Here Edward, let me," Bella said as she placed her hand on my arm, helping to steady me, before dropping to her knees and going to work on the socks.
I looked down at her, kneeling on the floor, and couldn't help but tease.
"Sweetheart, while you're down on your knees…" I began in a suggestive tone.
Bella's head shot up, a shocked smile on her face.
I smiled back. "Would you say a prayer for me?" I finished before barking out a laugh.
Bella giggled again and shook her head before removing the last sock.
She wouldn't let me turn on the water for the shower, I wasn't sure why, but when I tried, she darted in front of me and started fiddling with the knobs.
"Don't want you to burn yourself," she informed quietly.
My girl is the best…
My grateful smile turned into a frown when I realized that she was still dressed.
"Baby, I think this would work better if you were naked."
Bella closed her eyes and let out a breath. "Okay."
Was she blushing?
As I stood under the warm pulsating stream of water, the fog in my brain began to lift. When I heard Bella slip in behind me and felt her arms wrap around my waist, my body immediately began to react. My cock, which had been rather well-behaved until then, sprang to life, and I knew, from that moment on, I would be utterly at its mercy.
I was no longer wasted, but I was tipsy enough to be more uninhibited than usual. It was a welcome feeling. My career as a professional worrier could be exhausting at times.
I spun around, pulling Bella against me. "Hello gorgeous," I whispered as I pressed my lips to hers in a searing kiss. As soon as I broke away from her mouth, I began to leave a trail of kisses along her wet cheek and then grazed my lips against her throat before kissing her there as well. Her skin was so soft that I couldn't resist sucking gently; knowing that it would probably leave a mark, and deriving a great deal of satisfaction from that thought.
After a moment, I pulled away; taking note of the faint red mark I'd left behind before looking at Bella's face. My movement caused a trickle of water to drizzle over my shoulder and land on Bella's chest before trailing downward. I leaned in close to her before swiping at the water stream with my tongue, earning a surprised squeak from my girl. I smirked before I began to follow the trail downward, lapping and kissing at her skin along the way. "Baby, you're so sexy," I murmured against her breast, being rewarded with a loud moan for my efforts.
"Edward," she whimpered, and I knew that she needed me as much as I needed her; desperately, urgently, and irrationally. As I continued to follow the rivulet of water with my lips and tongue, I gently caressed each breast, never forgetting that they were tender.
"Fuck," I muttered as I circled her naval with my tongue before travelling lower, my cock growing unbearably hard as I did. I knelt on the shower floor and kissed her stomach before moving still lower. I felt Bella's hands in my hair, as I grasped her calf and slowly hitched one of her legs onto my shoulder before leaving a trail of soft kisses on the inside of her thigh. Closer… closer…
When I swiped my tongue between her folds, I was rewarded with the feel of Bella's nails as they scratched against my scalp, as if she wanted to hold me there, and push me away at the same moment. The more urgently my lips and tongue moved against her bundle of nerves, the harder her nails would rake across my scalp.
It felt so fucking good; I could have lived between her thighs.
"I love your pussy, baby," I whispered against her flesh.
"Oh, oh, oh," she whimpered softly, encouraging my movements.
When she started to fidget and her legs began to tremble, she moved her hands to my shoulders and pushed gently. Instead of pulling away, however, I kept up my ministrations, working her most sensitive area with my fingers and tongue until she arched away from the wall and cried out.
The sound almost made me come right there and then…
I stood swiftly, shutting off the tap before grabbing a soft white bath towel and wrapping it around her.
"Fuck me…" Bella whispered; her eyes still glazed, as she sagged against my body.
"I believe that's next on the agenda," I told her with a smirk before plunging my tongue into her mouth as I carried her from the shower, "Baby, I need to be inside you," I panted.
Bella's answering moan spurred me to set her down on the vanity counter.
"I'm afraid we're not gonna make it to the bed," I said as I shifted her until she was sitting on the edge of the counter.
Bella tossed the towel away and I took my cock in hand, lining it up at her entrance. I hesitated, and Bella gripped my shoulders before leaning forward until I felt her teeth graze the shell of my ear. "Edward, please I need you." She breathed out, before gently biting down on the lobe.
Fuuuuuck…
I slid into her wet heat, and was immediately swept away by the feel of her warmth surrounding me. I ran my hands up and down her thighs, needing to touch her soft skin as I began to move. Bella wrapped her legs around me, as my hands settled on her hips, grasping and holding firmly before increasing the tempo of my thrusts.
As I surrendered to the feeling of once again being inside her, both of us wrapped around each another, losing ourselves in one another, I could physically feel my worries and stress melt away, leaving me with nothing but this beautiful woman and the love I felt for her.
Nothing existed outside of that moment. Nothing was more important than her in my arms.
"God, baby, I love you so much," I breathed against her lips as I thrust in and out of her with abandon.
"I love you too," she panted, "more than anything."
I could feel my imminent release building, "Come for me Bella," I asked in a whispered plea, just before she began to tremble. As soon as she threw her head back and I felt her clench around me, I couldn't hold back any more. I climaxed hard, my entire body shaking with the intensity of it. "Oh, Bella," I cried out before emptying into her. I had the presence of mind to brace my hands on the vanity in order to keep myself from collapsing on top of her. I did, however, allow my head to rest against her shoulder as I attempted to catch my breath.
After a moment she spoke, her voice hoarse, "That was… amazing."
I grinned, still feeling the effects of the alcohol. "Just give me a little while to recover and we'll begin round two," I captured her gasp with my mouth before lifting her and carrying her to our bed. "I can never get enough of you, baby," I murmured against her lips before laying her down.
Round two was just as intense. My favorite sound in the world was Bella calling my name as she came, and I was rewarded more than once for my efforts.
****************************END FLASHBACK*********************
I rubbed my hands over my face as I remembered feeling like shit the next morning.
In more ways than one.
I wasn't a fan of hangovers, but worse than that was the way I felt when the memory of the night before hit me full force. I was ashamed of my behavior when I remembered my animalistic need, and how careless I'd been with Bella's safety.
Imagine my surprise when my girl didn't seem angry with me. On the contrary, every time I would look at her, I was graced with a sexy smile. The only time she lost the smile, was when I attempted to apologize for the night before.
She glared at me, and snapped that I had nothing to apologize for. I backed off, dropping the subject immediately, deciding that her mood swings were not something I could handle on top of a hangover. I also regretted the fact that I'd managed to cause that beautiful smile to disappear.
I was a grade A asshole…
Despite the fact that I didn't attempt another apology, I vowed to myself that I would never behave so disrespectfully to my pregnant wife again.
I would think of how much I loved Bella, and how her health and the health of our baby was the most important thing.
I would do nothing to jeopardize that.
My concern for Bella's health obviously extended beyond our bedroom activities, and I'll admit that I'd been extra cautious about almost everything. My behavior sometimes was a little over the top, but until this pregnancy, I'd never realized howhazardous everyday life could be.
Especially for Bella.
Even before the pregnancy, she'd agreed to not to leave the house alone.
Thank God
But there were other things. For example, taking out the trash had always been one of my tasks, and I did it every evening, immediately after dinner. All of a sudden, and with no explanation, Bella had taken it upon herself to take it out early in the day.
At first I thought she was just trying to mess with me. She rolled her eyes when I explained that I didn't want her to lift anything and especially not carry it across the slippery wet lawn.
When I reminded her that she had perfected her talent for falling down into an art form, she glared at me.
I probably deserved it.
After she explained that smells bothered her, and she couldn't stand the trash to sit there an entire day, I apologized for my remark, and began taking it out twice a day.
Simple fix; communication being the key.
After rubbing the back of my neck with my hand, I picked up a copy of Bella's book tour schedule that was lying on my desk.
Her publishers had her covering the first four cities in as many days, which I found unacceptable, but Bella explained that she was comfortable with it, so I didn't press the issue.
After we would return from the BAFTAs in London, the schedule relaxed a bit, only covering six cities in eleven days, with Seattle as the final stop.
Unfortunately, as it stood now, that was the same night as the Oscars.
I knew that Bella was trying to force them to change it, but so far they hadn't budged.
It would kill me inside, if she couldn't be with me on Oscar night, but when I thought of everything she'd sacrificed, time with her family, traveling all over the globe with me, always putting my needs and the needs of my career before her own, I knew what I must do.
I hadn't broached the subject yet, still holding out hope that the publishers would change their minds before it became an issue. But I knew the time was fast approaching when I'd have to convince Bella that I didn't need her with me, and that she, for once, had to put her career ahead of my selfish desires.
As I sat there, reading over her schedule, I was jolted from my seat when I heard Bella scream from the direction of the great room. When I rounded the corner, I found her on the floor where she'd spread a quilt in front of the fire while playing with Whit.
She wasn't screaming anymore, but Whit was crying when I entered the room, and Bella had a bewildered look in her eyes. Itwas only then that I noticed Whit was lying on the quilt in front of her, and he was naked from the waist down.
"Don't just stand there; grab me a towel, a blanket, anything!"
I ignored the way she snapped at me as I looked around, spying a receiving blanket on the sofa. "What happened baby?" I said as tossed it to her.
"I was changing his diaper and he peed on me!" she continued to shout as she covered Whit's junk and proceeded to coo at him in order to calm him down.
"I'm so sorry little man, I didn't mean to startle you, but I wasn't expecting that. You freaked Aunt Bella out a little," she told him in a calming voice as she cleaned him up. Whit stopped crying almost immediately.
I looked at her shirt and noticed the wet streak from the neckline all the way to the waistband of her jeans. I bit my lip, trying my best not to laugh. It turned out to be a futile attempt.
"Holy crap," she muttered. "I feel like I was just hosed down by the riot police!"
That was it; I couldn't contain my amusement for another second as a loud laugh erupted from my chest.
Bella looked up at me and scowled, before she too was laughing at her predicament. She got Whit dressed in a clean diaper and dry clothing before carrying him over to where I was sitting on the sofa.
"Okay Uncle Eddie,"
She knew I hated that name,
"You get to hold your nephew while I get changed." I frowned.
Wasn't she aware that I hadn't held him yet?
That I'd been avoiding holding him…
"Uh…"
"It's alright Edward, you'll do fine," she said in a soothing tone.
I held my arms the way I'd watch everyone else do it, and Bella gently set our nephew in them. I cradled him close to my chest, holding myself stiffly as she disappeared upstairs.
Whit kept staring at me, and then yawned widely. "Hey little guy, are you tired?" I had to admit that I felt weird talking to a baby who didn't understand a word I was saying. And then I remembered the whispered conversations I'd been having with our unborn child, and I sighed. "Um, Aunt Bella will be right back and I'm sure she'll put you to bed then."
As I watched him, and he watched me, it seemed that his little mouth turned up into a smile, which immediately caused me to smile back. "I can tell that you're already a charmer. You keep smiling like that, and some day, when you're grown up; you may be fortunate enough to snag someone as special as your Aunt Bella." I spoke in a low voice as he kept smiling. "She's a rare find, and I will never understand how I got so lucky."
I felt her before I heard or saw her. Two small soft hands grasped my shoulders as she stood behind the sofa; then suddenly her warm breath was in my ear as she kissed my cheek. "That was sweet."
I smiled and turned my head before capturing her lips with mine.
We both turned back to look at the baby. He'd lost his smile, and his eyelids were drooping more than before. "I know Emmett will tell me that it was gas, but I swear he smiled at me." I whispered.
Bella wrapped her arms fully around my shoulders and leaned her head against mine as we watched Whit drifting toward sleep. "How could he help but smile at you? You're already an awesome uncle, and you'll be an even more wonderful daddy." Bella whispered. "I'll have you know that I'm the one who's lucky."
"In that, we shall have to agree to disagree, my love." I grinned over my shoulder at her.
She sighed. "Okay; and I won't tell Emmett and Rose that he smiled. Rose is so emotional because of going back to work tomorrow that she'd probably cry because he didn't smile at her first."
I nodded in agreement, knowing that Rose wasn't the only emotional one. I was slowly adjusting to this strange new world of expectant fatherhood and everything that it entailed.
**L&EL***
"Edward, has it occurred to you that if you win, you'll be the youngest person to ever receive the Academy Award for Best Actor?"
"Honestly, everything's been such a whirlwind since I received news of the nomination that I haven't had time to process much."
I told Rose with a smile. As promised, I was granting my first post-Oscar nomination interview to her.
"So you probably haven't had a chance to get nervous yet either?"
"Not really. My schedule thankfully is so busy between now and Oscar night that I hope when the realization of everything finally hits, I won't have time to be nervous."
Rose smiled and nodded. It was funny. She was my sister-in-law, my wife's dearest friend. The sister of my best friend, and in order to keep this professional, we had to behave like virtual strangers.
As I sat there, the memory of her son peeing on my wife the evening before suddenly crossed my mind and I had to clear my throat to keep from laughing out loud.
One of her assistants immediately brought me a bottle of water.
"I know you've been nominated for a BAFTA as well, and you've already won the Golden Globe. How exciting is this nomination for you?"
"Honestly, I'm blown away by this. I've been excited each time I've received a nomination, and not only for myself. I'm thrilled for the rest of the cast and crew who were involved in making this film. For example, I couldn't be happier for Hal Benson, our director; this is his first nomination as well."
"So, next stop is London?"
I nodded and smiled.
"Yes, for the BAFTAs, then back here, then back to Europe again to film."
"Congratulations Edward and good luck. It would be great to have you back on the show after the Academy Awards; win or lose."
I nodded.
"Absolutely, I'd love to."
Rose grinned happily, and I knew she'd be setting things up with Jasper as soon as the show was over.
***L&EL***
"Edward, you spoil me," Bella said as she lay across the bed, where she'd immediately flopped as soon as we entered the cabin.
"What makes you say that?" I asked as I started to unpack our bags.
"Well, didn't you book this place for three nights when we only needed two?"
"Yes, but that's because we're going to New York City for your book tour immediately after," I explained. "I thought you'd prefer one more night here as opposed to a night in the city."
"Good call," she said with a grin.
We were in Lake Placid for Yves and Crystal's wedding. They had reserved an entire lodge for the event. Instead of opting to stay in the lodge itself, I had made certain to reserve one of the cabins on the lake. Judging by the contented expression on my girl's face, I'd made the right decision.
I looked at my watch. "Come on baby, we've got less than an hour until the rehearsal dinner." Instead of holding the dinner for only the wedding party, Crystal and Yves had asked everyone who arrived on Friday to attend.
"It's so beautiful here, it looks like Christmas!" Bella said excitedly as we trudged along from our cabin to the lodge, the moonlight reflecting on the drifted snow. I smiled down at her beautiful face. She looked so lovely in the moonlight. "This reminds me of when we went to Aspen."
Except in Aspen I was sexually frustrated the entire time…
I slowed my pace to a stop, pulling her with me. She looked up at me questioningly, still smiling. "I just need a moment." I touched her rosy cheek with my fingers. "You've got some color in your cheeks. I know you're not a fan of the cold weather, but you're so beautiful in the snow." I murmured before leaning down and capturing her lips in a quick kiss.
Bella giggled. "You're silly," she said as she leaned into me, "but I have to admit that flattery will get you everywhere tonight."
"Is that so?" I pursed my lips. "You know, now that I think about it, I need to amend my statement. You're beautiful in the snow,"I kissed her lips again, "you're lovely in the rain," another kiss, "you're ravishing in the sunshine," I whispered before kissing her again, by this time she was giggling uncontrollably. "Have I left out any of the elements?"
Bella shrugged. "Hail? Wind?"
I nodded. "Yes, you're gorgeous in hail, wind, sleet and gloom of night."
"Are you sure you're not getting me confused with the mailman?"
I laughed. "Darling, I could never confuse you with our mailman; especially considering the fact that he has a buzz cut and is nearing retirement age."
Bella giggled again. "Edward," she bit her lip. "I may not be the mailman, but I'll unwrap your package if you want." She said sweetly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I blurted out a laugh and pulled her even closer. "God, Bella you are so random."
"Yeah I know. Can't blame that on the pregnancy can I?"
I smiled. "No, I'm afraid you cannot."
"Kiss me for real Edward."
I raised my hand to her face again, resting the palm against her cheek as I bent down and pressed my lips to hers slowly, allowing the kiss to become more urgent before sensuously tracing her bottom lip with my tongue.
Bella's reaction caught me off guard. She threw her arms around my neck and gripped tightly before hitching her right leg up and around my hip. I had to steady myself so we didn't topple over into the snow.
"Whoa, baby. Calm down," I told her with a chuckle.
"I don't want to be calm," she murmured against my lips. "Let's not stay long okay Edward?"
"Okay, love."
She pulled her face back from mine and smiled. "I want to try out that big bed in our cabin."
I chuckled. "Sounds like a plan. And don't think I haven't noticed that you've propositioned me twice in less than ten minutes."
She wiggled her eyebrows. "Keeping track?"
"Most definitely." I kissed her again.
"Bella! Edward!" I could hear Crystal's shouting excitedly from across the room as soon as we entered; suddenly she and Yves were standing beside us. "The front desk told us you'd arrived." Crystal announced as she hugged us both.
"Glad you could make it," Yves said with a smile as he shook my hand. "Tony's filming, so he and Molly won't be here until tomorrow."
I nodded. "I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet on the nominations, Edward. Good luck, but I have a feeling you won't need it."
I shook my head. There were so many things for me to look forward to; winning the BAFTA or the Oscar, although amazing and wonderful all on their own, weren't at the top of that list.
At the moment, everything in my life was perfect; winning or not winning some award wasn't going to change that.
***L&EL***
"Baby, did you need me?" I asked Bella when she slipped into the bathroom where I'd just gotten into the tub to relax.
"No, I'm getting in the tub with you," she was smiling cheekily as she began to remove her clothes.
Fuck me.
Bella had gotten so much bolder since getting pregnant.
Part of me loved it, but the other part, the logical, careful Edward realized that Bella climbing into the bathtub with me wasn't such a good idea. I knew how my body would react to a naked Bella and…
Holy hell her tits look amazing…
How very crass of you, Doucheward...
I meant to say her 'breasts'
"Baby, be careful," I warned as she lifted her leg over the side. I wrapped my hands around her tiny waist and held her steady as she climbed in and settled between my legs.
"Is this okay," she asked as she peeked over her shoulder.
I knew she was referring to the fact that she was leaning back against my erection. My traitorous dick had sprung to life as soon as he realized there was a naked Bella in the vicinity.
"I'm fine Bella."
I am so not fine. I want Bella to ride my cock, right here, right now, no fucking foreplay…
I swallowed back a groan and tried to think of something, anything to help my situation.
Not coming up with jack shit…
To make matters worse, Bella wiggled her pert little ass against my hard-on.
Fuck.
I think she did that on purpose.
I grabbed the soap and began to move the washcloth along her body, making sure to be gentle when my hand neared herbreasts. They were sensitive, so I may have lingered there extra-long. You can never be too careful, or too thorough.
My goal was to get both of us soaped up and rinsed, so I could make love to my girl in the bed, where it was safe.
When Bella turned to face me and then proceeded to straddle my lap, I bit the inside of my cheek so hard, I swore I tasted blood.
And then she said the words that were almost my undoing.
"Edward, make love to me."
Fuck me sideways.
I swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "Sweetheart, let's go to bed. A bathtub isn't exactly safe."
"It'll be fine," she said as she rose to her knees. "I miss being spontaneous Edward." Unfortunately at that exact moment, one of her knees slid on the wet porcelain and she fell against my chest.
I sat up quickly, pulling her with me. "Baby, see what I mean? You could have gotten hurt. Thank God I was here to catch you."
I knew bathtubs weren't safe
I dried us both and carried her carefully to the bed.
***L&EL***
Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
As I watched Yves and Crystal take that first dance as husband and wife, I thought of how appropriate the song they'd chosen was. I remembered how, while filming, Yves had moped around set like a lost puppy during the times that Crystal couldn't be with him.
Sort of the way I behave without my Bella…
I glanced at Bella and watched her eyes dance happily as she took in the scene before her. My chair was close beside hers, so when I moved the hand that had been resting on her knee up to place it on her still flat stomach, no one around us was the wiser. It helped that the tablecloth also obscured my movement.
Bella took a deep breath and then turned and gave me a meaningful look, before resting her hand on top of mine.
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
***L&EL***
"Bella, I am not going to allow you to do this." I told her firmly.
"Allow?" She raised an eyebrow at me. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Uh oh…
"Sweetheart," I could see her getting angry, so I used a soothing tone, "it doesn't mean that I'm trying to control you, far from it. I simply won't allow you to jeopardize your career for my sake. Not after everything you've already sacrificed."
It was the first night of Bella's book tour, and we were seated in a limo in front of what was arguably the largest bookstore in New York City, where Bella would shortly be making her first public appearance as author, 'Marie McCarty'.
She stubbornly shook her head. "Edward, I don't care. I'm simply going to tell them that they can either reschedule the Seattle appearance, or cancel it altogether. I'm not going to force you to attend the Oscars alone."
I grabbed her hand. "Baby, you signed a contract. If you don't do as you promised, they can sue you. I've seen instances of cases like this tied up for years in litigation. And they could block you from publishing anything else until it's resolved."
She let out a breath and her shoulders seemed to sag in defeat.
"I know you would be there if you could." I leaned over and kissed her lips. "But I can't let you throw everything you'veaccomplished away."
She looked as if she might cry. "Don't you want me there?" she asked in a whisper.
"Of course I do," I told her as I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her, "more than anything. But I'm a big boy Bella. Alice can go with me. She lives for this kind of shit."
I was lying through my teeth. It was going to crush me to attend the ceremony alone, but I had to convince her. "I'll fly to Seattle as soon as I can afterward."
I'll hire a private plane if I have to…
She looked at me sadly. "We are not finished discussing this," she said in a warning tone.
It didn't matter what she said. I'd made up my mind.
I smiled my best Edward Masen smile, deciding to change the subject, "Come on sweetheart. It's time to meet your fans."
Bella looked at me with wide eyes, before nodding her head slowly. "Okay," she answered in a whisper.
***********************************A/N****************************
A/N Sorry to leave it there, but I think her book tour will be better told from Bella's perspective.
Song recs: apologies to John Anderson for disrespecting 'I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal'…but have to agree withEmmett: that shit's funny.
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
Back to working on 'Popsicle Sticks' and 'Sugar Cookies' for a chapter each, and then another chapter of this story. At least that's the plan but I have been known to change my mind.
Next chapter will be less fluff and more substance….but still fun.
I'm thinking that when the time comes for the Hale family reunion, we may have to write an outtake, probably from Emmett's perspective. (btw—hubs has cousins with all the nicknames listed except Tater and Chicken. Tater I made up, and Chicken is a cousin of mine—I was a grown woman before I learned what her 'real' name was. Lol. It's a pretty name, and if you're dying to know, I'll tell you in a review response.)
That's all….I'm thrilled with the response to the first chapter and ask that you be just as generous with this one. It truly inspires me when I hear from you!
Mwah! Laters, baby