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Chapter Three
Edward looked at his pocket watch again and sighed. Bella should be arriving in just a few minutes and he was still stuck at the hospital. He was hoping to be able to make it to his parent's home before she arrived, but it was not going to happen now. With another sigh Edward went back to work.
"Dr. Cullen is everything alright," his nurse Carmen asked. Edward smiled and nodded. "I was just hoping to be home by now. My betrothed arrives today and I wanted to be there to great her."
Carmen smiled at him and patted his cheek, much like his own mother would. She was beautiful in her own right with long brown hair and hazel eyes. She was kind and had the best bedside manner or any nurse in the hospital. Edward was honored to be able to work with her.
"I am sure she will understand my dear. Being a doctor is hard work and takes much dedication. She will have to get used to your long hours."
"I am sure that Isabella will do just fine."
For the next several hours Edward ran from patient to patient hoping to be finished soon, but every time he thought he could steal away and head home another person would come through the doors. It was as if fate didn't want him to see his betrothed this night.
It was nearing nine hours past midday when Edward finally walked out of the hospital. He was hungry, tired and felt dirty. It was much too late to see Isabella tonight. He was sure she would be in bed fast asleep by now. He slowly made his way back to his parents resigned with the fact that he would just have to wait until tomorrow. He didn't have to be at work the following day so he could devote it to getting to know Isabella. He was just looking forward to getting home to his parents, eating a quick meal, cleaning up and sleeping. He had been at the hospital for nearly twenty seven hours and it was nearly nonstop the entire time.
As he rode up to his parent's home, Edward noticed that the gas lamps were still alight inside. He smiled to himself hoping that maybe he wasn't too late to meet Isabella. He quickly handed his horse off to the stable boy and made his way in the side door.
"Mama?" he called.
A few moments later Esme rushed into the mud room and enveloped her son into a tight hug. Edward smiled and kissed her head.
"How was your day sweetheart?" she asked with real concern in her voice.
"It was long, but nothing too horrible. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get off in time to greet Isabella upon her arrival."
"Oh my dear, we all understand that you are terribly busy. We explained it to her and she understood. Now you must be starving, would you like something to eat?"
Edward grinned and nodded his head while Esme rushed around to get him something to fill his stomach. He sat at a small table in the kitchen and watched his mother. He truly hoped that Isabella would be somewhat like her. She was an amazing woman and had so much love in her heart.
"Here you are sweetheart. Eat up."
"Mama, has Isabella retired for the night?"
"Yes, she retired just an hour prior to your arrival home. Poor dear was exhausted from her trip. Oh and she likes to be called Bella."
"Bella," Edward mused with a small grin. "Beautiful," he murmured.
"She is very much so. More beautiful than any of us could have even imagined. I just know the two of you are perfect for each other my boy. She has a heart of gold and she handled Alice like a pro."
Edward raised an eyebrow at his mother. "Handled Alice like a pro? What did she do?"
"She simply helped Bella get ready for our evening meal. And she went easy on your Bella, do not fret Edward she was fine."
Edward nodded as he finished his meal and cleaned up after himself. Since Bella had retired for the night he was as well. He kissed his mother goodnight and headed to his chamber. In just one short week he would be wed and moving permanently into his new home. Edward smiled to himself thinking of the home that was waiting for himself and Bella just on the other side of the road.
It was pure luck that Edward was even able to get that home. It sat empty for years before the county decided to auction it off. Edward placed a bid much less than the property was actually worth and won. He couldn't believe it. It needed a lot of TLC, but he hired the best workmen he could find and the house was soon better than new. It was a three story brick home with a beautiful garden. It sat on nearly twenty acres of land that had a small pond and several trees that lined the property. There was a barn and small storage house in the back. He was quite happy with his work and hoped that Bella would like it as well.
That night Edward fell asleep with dreams of a happy home and a happy wife.
The next morning Edward woke much later than he had hoped for. It was nearly ten hours past midnight. He quickly washed up, got ready and made his way downstairs to the dining room. Alice and Esme both sat at the table speaking excitedly with the most beautiful women Edward had ever seen. Her brown hair was pulled back into a low bun. And she had the most beautiful brown eyes he had ever seen. They sparkled with her laughter and her smile nearly brought Edward to his knees. She was everything he had ever imagined and more.
Edward smiled as he made his way into the room and kissed his mother and sister on the head. He turned to Bella who was staring at him with those beautiful wide doe eyes. "Perfect," he thought to himself.
Edward walked over to Bella and took her small gloved hand in his and kissed it. "Bella, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Edward Cullen, your betrothed."
Bella's blush covered her cheeks and Edward couldn't help but marvel once again at her beauty. She smiled briefly at him before making eye contact once again. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Cullen," she whispered quietly.
Her voice was beautiful, soft and musical. The most beautiful music he had ever had the privilege to listen to. "Please call me Edward."
She nodded her head and went back to picking at her morning meal. Edward couldn't stop looking at her. Everything about this woman pulled him to her. He was so lost in his thoughts that he almost didn't hear his mother speak.
"Edward darling?"
"Yes mother?" Edward answered finally pulling his eyes away from the women he would soon call his wife. He looked between his mother and sister both of who were smiling broadly at the two of them.
"Alice and I have some errands to run this morning. Will you be alright here with Bella?"
"Of course mama, no need to worry."
"I didn't think so. Now we must be off. Bella we will be home in time for our midday meal."
She nodded her head as Alice and Esme took their leave. Edward knew exactly what they were doing. They were giving them time alone to get to know one another. He was quite grateful for that as he wanted as much time to get to know her as he could.
After a few moments Edward looked over to see that Bella had finished her meal. He smiled to himself and quickly finished before standing and walking over to her.
"Bella, would you like to take a stroll around the gardens with me? Bella looked up and nodded at Edward before taking his outstretched hand.
Edward led Bella outside and into the beautiful gardens his mother so lovingly cared for.
"Are you alright," he asked noticing how quiet Bella was with him.
She simply nodded and Edward let it go as nerves.
"Bella, I would really like to get to know you better. We are to be wed in one week's time and I wish to learn everything about you."
"What is it you wish to know?"
Edward was silent for a moment trying to think of where to start. "What is your favorite flower?
"Lavender," Bella replied. "I love its calming smell."
"How about favorite time of the year?"
"Autumn"
"Why is that?"
"Because everything is so fresh and crisp. I love the way the air smells and the color of the leaves. I love to be able to cuddle by the fire and read when it rains. It's also the time of year for family."
Edward couldn't help but smile at her explanation. It was also his favorite time of the year for the same reasons. It was also now going to be his favorite time of the year because it was the time of the year that he would make Bella his wife.
They strolled for a few moments in silence before Bella gasped and a beautiful smile crossed her face. Edward looked over to where she was staring and noticed the old swing that hung from one of the old oak trees. His father had hung it for Alice many years ago. It was never used now.
Bella strolled over to the swing and sat down before pushing off. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath letting her head fall back to bask in the sun. She was stunning and Edward was sure he could never get enough. He quickly made his way over to her and gently pushed her. He couldn't help the smile the over took his face at the sound of her laughter as it floated through the air.
"Do you enjoy this?"
"Among many other things," Bella replied turning her head to look at Edward.
She couldn't deny his beauty. His bright green eyes and messy bronze hair. He was tall with well defined muscles and firm features. Edward was more handsome that Bella could have ever imagined, but no matter how handsome he was, Bella still wanted her happily ever after and she was convinced it couldn't be with a stranger.
"Tell me what else you enjoy," Edward begged.
A slight smile graced Bella's lips and she thought of all the things that made her happy.
"I'm afraid you wouldn't approve of many of my favorite activities. My parents didn't find them lady like."
"Please tell me."
"I like swim and fish with the boys. I climb trees and have been known to dig up my own night crawlers. I like to read and write. I even enjoy cooking some. I love the piano, but do not play well. And I love the outdoors. I used to go walking in the woods behind my parents home several times in a week. It was my time to get away and just be myself, not what everyone thought I should be. I used to lay under the night sky on the clear nights and count the stars. I also love to ride horses."
Edward stared at this amazing woman in front of him. She wasn't anything he ever dreamed of, she was so much more.
"I think those are all wonderful activities. You will have to join the boys and me on a fishing trip the next time we go." Edward smiled.
Bella looked up at him with wide eyes. "You approve of such activities?"
"I don't find a problem with them. They make you happy, so I would never require you to stop."
Bella nodded her head and went back to swinging.
"What about you?" she asked after several moments of silence.
"Well, I love to read when I have the time. I also like to fish. I play the piano. I think that's my favorite. I've played since I was six years old. Unfortunately with as busy as I have been at the hospital I have not been able to do much that I wish to anymore, but maybe one day."
"Life is too short to put off what makes you happy Edward. You should always take some time out of the day for the things that make you smile."
Edward walked in front of the swing and stopped her movements. "Bella, you make me happy. I am so happy to have you hear and I truly am happy that you will be my wife."
Bella looked away from Edward for a moment. "How are you so sure that you will be happy five years down the road Edward? How are you sure that we will not hate one another for keeping us from finding our true loved?"
"Bella, you are my true love. You have had my heart since I was five years old."
"Edward, you didn't even know me until a mere hour ago. How can you say that I am your true love?"
Edward took a step back completely taken back by what she was saying. "Bella, when did you find out about our betrothal?"
"A week ago yesterday."
"I see. Bella I have known I was to marry you my entire life. I didn't even entertain the idea that there could be anyone else out there for me. It was always you."
Bella looked into Edwards green eyes. He was pleading with her to give him a chance. He knew he would make a good husband. He would care for her; provide her with a good home, love her every day for the rest of their lives. She only needed to give him a chance. He hoped she would give him that chance.
Bella stared into Edwards eyes before finally nodding. She would at least try to get to know him. She knew if she was going to even have a chance at some bit of happiness she would at least have to be friends with him. Even if she didn't think he was her happily ever after.
Edward grinned at her and placed a gentle kiss upon her cheek.
