Chapter two
I'm dreaming. That's the only thing that can make this scenario plausible. I mean, the man I have been hung up on for the past, gee, I don't know, twenty-seven years is standing only ten feet away from me. I let my fingernails dig into my palms, wanting to know if I am dreaming.
Nope, still here.
My breath picks up, my bottom lip begins to slip between my teeth, slightly sinking in a bit. I get up from the stool and before I know it, I flung my arms around the silly man. I obviously struck him by surprise, a moment later he responds, his arms wrapping around me and giving me a squeeze. He still smells the same, like sunshine and mint…God I hope I'm not crying… I pull away, leaving my hands on his upper arm, keeping him at arm's length, "God Edward you look so…"
I take in his features once more, his face still has a boyish look to it, a bit more masculine, but the same. He's taller, a foot at the least, and judging by the muscles my hands are squeezing, he does some sort of sport. He has a slight five o'clock shave, giving him a bit more character and making him look more dark and mysterious, though something about him…I dunno, makes him look older.
How could he have gotten any more prefect? It should be illegal!
He chuckles, his hands going to my arms as mine are on his, rubbing them lightly, "Yes, you look much differently from the last time I saw you."
I crooked my head, "I was going to say 'the same', but you know…"
Shaking his head, grinning, "You've grown into a beautiful woman Isabella."
My cheeks grow warm, how does he have this affect on me after so long?! I smile shyly, "Thanks…You too Edward."
"Don't say hello to your pregnant sister, jerk." Alice teases, breaking Edward's and mine's concentration. My heart thumps under my sternum, any faster and I will be playing a live concert for the household. Edward walks over to Alice and wraps his arms around her shoulders, awkwardly trying to hug his baby sister. She laughs, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Whoa baby sister, you are gigantic." He laughed light-heartedly, Alice instantly shoves him away playfully, jabbing him in the chest.
"Well maybe it wouldn't have been that much of a stretch if you'd at least came over here for the holidays!" I'm not too sure if Alice is mocking her anger or if she is generally upset that Edward hasn't been in Washington for twelve years. At least I know I am.
Edward frowns, "Come on Alice, I barely get Christmas to myself let alone getting out of Illinois."
"Just be glad I love you and accept your excuse big brother, but you'd better visit your baby nieces before she's one or I swear to god." Alice threatens. I swear her being pregnant doesn't make her look more fragile, it makes her look more scary!
"Okay, I promise." He grins, before looking down at me, noticing that I'm staring.
Blushing, I look away instantly.
"Bella…" I look up at him, he gives me his genuine, heartwarming smile, "Happy Birthday." He leans down and kisses my cheek, they instantly growing hotter by the simple featherlike touch.
I mutter a thanks, before Alice announces that dinner is ready. Edward is speechless, "You cook?"
Alice pokes her tongue, "Esme has been given me a few cooking lesions."
Jasper instantly jumps in before Edward makes any comical jokes, "How about you help me set the table Edward."
Nodding, he walks past me and around the bar, grabbing the plates while Jasper grabs the cutlery, Alice starting to strain the peas. I feel so out of place, "Can't I help out at all?" I whine.
"Nope." Alice answers instantly.
Edward chuckles, walking past me with the plates, and grabs my arm, pulling me to the table and pulls out a chair for me, "Sit birthday girl, you're not allowed to lift a finger."
I groan, "But I'm bored."
He snorts and rolls his eyes, placing a plate in front of me, beside me, and two on the other side of the table before heading back to the kitchen. I sit there, now drowning in my thoughts.
Whoa, Edward is really here, not only here, but here on my birthday. Don't give your hopes up Bella, chances are he doesn't even realize it's your thirtieth. I sigh, he hasn't changed, his personality is exactly the same, his old, playful, fun loving self. It's like he's never left, yet, he had. I'm so confuse, he hasn't made any effort to contact me for the past ten years and here he is, laughing, joking, kissing my cheek for heaven's sake! He can't just do that!
Yes, he can. I let my elbows sit on the table, one of the supporting my forehead, the other just laying limp on the table. He can, I can't deny it, he can have broken my heart, stomping and spitting on it, and I still won't think twice about letting him come back into my life. God, how pathetic am I?!
Before I know it, Alice sits opposite me, smiling, "How do you like your birthday present?"
I smile, "How do you think?" She's psychic, she already knows.
Alice beams, before she can say anything, Edward and Jasper make their appearance, Jasper bringing the chicken, and Edward brought the vegetables. They lay the trays in the center of the table before sitting in their seats, Jasper taking his rightful seat besides his wife, Edward sitting in the seat beside me.
"So, what have I missed out on since my departure?" Edward asks, reaching for the chicken wing.
"Well, you missed my engagement, my wedding, my first place, our graduation, Jasper's book's being published, my shop's grand opening, Bella's first job, them going bankrupt, Bella's second job with a boss she despises, and her truck dying on the way to the hospital after she feel down the stairs. And that was just the first five years." Alice speaks, a bit bitterly.
"Alice." I hiss, embarrassed that she said a few things that I'm rather glade he doesn't know. There's a few moments of awkward silence, I bit my lip before asking Edward, "What about you."
Giving me a sad smile, he speaks, "Well, I've just been working. Nothing exciting."
"Nothing else? I mean, Edward, you live in Chicago." He must do something else with his time than just work.
"I'm serious, I'm the CEO of Andrew & Masens Enterprise, I barely have time to sleep." He jokes, though I don't find it entirely funny.
It's now that I realize the light rings under his eyes. There's something about his facial features that makes him look older, and it's the rings. I want to run my fingers under those emerald jewels, smoothen them out, and make him look more like a thirty year old instead of him being mid-thirties. I suddenly feel disgusted with myself, here I am bitching to my mind that he hasn't been keeping in touch with me when he looks like he's barely been able to leave the office for a nap. I don't want to think of how much work he's missing and how much he'll be having to catch up on for being here.
"How's the company, Edward?" Jasper asks.
Edward tears his eyes from mine and turns to Jasper, "It's doing quite profitable, the times are calling it an up and coming."
Andrew & Masens Enterprise is an architecture firm that Edward's biological parents had created, Edward was entrusted with the company when Edward Sr. and Elizabeth had died from influenza A, bird flu. They'd caught it while at a conference meeting in Hong Kong when they caught it, from what I recall, they died in quarantine. The company had the deputy director leading until Edward became of age, even then, he had to study part-time a double degree in architecture and business administration while trying to run the company without any slip-ups. I still remembered when he first started off, I used to be on the phone with him for hours, trying to comfort him verbally because he was so stressed. It pained me to remember his pain. Edward was- is so strong and admirable.
"That's great." I encouraged.
He smiles, "Yeah, I'm here in Washington for business as well. I'm trying to land a deal with the government, they want to open a new university here in Seattle. If my idea's are good enough than I'll be here for a few months getting the project up and running."
My heart skipped a beat, my smile widened, "Oh my god, congratulations!" Instinctively, my arms flew around him, hugging him.
Edward laughed, patting my back as I let go, embarrassed at my actions, "I haven't even landed the deal yet, so congratulate me when I do."
"What about you Bella? Where do you work?" Edward asked, his glaze intense, though calming.
I blushed, "Um, well, I'm the creative director of Hale's publisher's."
His eyes widen, "Really? That's amazing! Do you like the job?"
I nod, "Yeah, not the boss though, she's a pain in the ass."
He bursts out laughing, surprising me by ruffling my hair, "If you're ever looking for another job, let me know." He winked.
My eyes widened, he doesn't really mean that…Does he?
"What about you Jasper?" Edward bit down on a piece of roasted potato, "How's your practice doing?"
"Great actually, because of Iran most of the soldiers are in need of therapy. I mean, I'm not saying it's a good thing, but it's business." Jasper speaks. He run his only psychology practice in the center of the city, he's quite popular. He's written a few psychology books in the past, he's writing one at the very moment, but won't tell anyone what it's about, not even Alice.
"And you baby sister?" His eyes directed to Alice while taking a sip of his water.
She grins, "Vague magazine are interested in offering me a photo shoot for my new designs. The shop is being swamped with new orders and business."
"Wonderful!" He grins, "What about Carlisle and Esme, how have they been?"
"They've been good, dad just brought mom an Island in the tropics for their twentieth anniversary." She starts to chew on her chicken.
I still remember the day Alice told me that Carlisle brought Esme an Island, I couldn't believe it, I know that a twentieth anniversary is big, considering my parents didn't make it till their fifth, but an Island?! Seriously! I still cannot get my mind wrapped around that.
"How's the baby?"
"Anna is fine, she's kicking around a lot more than I'd prefer, but I guess she is my kid." She laughs.
I laugh, shaking my head at her, "Yes, just don't spoil her rotten Alice, I already have to put up with Rosalie's kid when he's not in day-care."
"Rosalie?" Edward asks.
"Dragon lady." I mumbled.
Jasper laughs, "Her boss."
"Something tells me that there's a bit of hostility there." Edward smirks.
I grimace, "Yeah, no idea why though."
"I could only imagine." He suppresses his smirk, teasing. My mouth falls open, I shove Edward lightly with my side.
The next few hours were much the same, we caught up with Edward about all the things in life we missed and when it was time to have the cake, I noticed that Alice went overboard with decorating it, as usual. Both Edward and I were staying here for the night, tonight being Saturday, I didn't have work tomorrow morning, but Edward did have a lunch date with the governor. After cleaning up and hanging out for a bit, Alice and Jasper decided that it was about time they both went to bed, leaving Edward and I in the living room with each other as company.
"I can't believe you actually have a new car Bella. I could have sworn that you would've brought another pick-up truck as soon as the old one died." Edward smiles.
I restrain myself from poking my tongue at him, "It's not my car, it's the companies."
"Ah, that explains it!" He laughs, nudging me in the arm.
"I've missed you." My eyes widen, I shouldn't have said that.
I hear Edward, breathing a sigh. I feel the couch shifting, I turn my head to see Edward sitting only inches away. His head rests on his hands, I can't see his facial expression, "I missed you too."
My breath hitched, I gulped, "But you lost contact with me Edward. I mean, one day we were talking all the same, the next I couldn't get hold of you on your mobile, through e-mail, even when I tried to call your office, you were always out." I remember waiting on hold for three hours one night, and I still didn't get through to him.
He lets out a breath, turning his head to me, "I wanted you to get on with your life."
"What?" Okay, now I'm confused.
Edward sighs, "Bella, the night before graduation, do you remember?"
What does that have anything to do with- Oh! "Yes." I speak softly, Edward gets off the couch, making It lift significantly, as he takes a seat on the floor. His backs resting on the couch, though his body is twisting around to face me, his arm on resting on the cushions.
He smiles, "I thought you would have forgotten."
I want to laugh at his words, how ironic that I've been telling myself that all through dinner, "No."
"I don't know about you, but I'm not involved with anyone."
My heart, oh god my heart, it's pounding against my ribs, "No, I'm not involved with anyone."
"It's your thirtieth birthday today Isabella." He speaks so calmly, do I have any effect on him at all?!
I gulp, "Yes."
His hand goes to his black slacks pocket, pulling out a little baby blue box, white ribbon wraps around that cardboard, "This, is your birthday present from me."
If I can't slow down my heart, I swear I'm on the verge of a heart attack. That box can't possibly be…? Slowly, my hand reaches for the small object taking it from his, my fingers brush against the tips of his, goose bumps erupt on the surface of my skin. I bring it to my lap, pulling at the ribbon. Usually I put up more of a fight up when someone gives me a present, but right now I can't seem to verbalize anything, not to mention my heart is in my mouth. Placing the ribbon to the side, I slowly lift the top off the box, I gasp.
Inside, a ring. A ring! Nestle in the white satin is the most beautiful crafts ring, sparkling in the dim light. The face is a long oval, set with slanting rows of glittering round stones. The band is gold — delicate and narrow. The gold makes a fragile web around the diamonds, making it look more lovely. Moisture builds up in my eyes before I can stop it, the lump in my throat grows. I can't speak so I look over to him, his gaze burns a hole in me, studying me. I crook my head, hopping he understands.
Edward smiles lightly, "I know how you don't like presents that costs a lot of money, and this present hasn't cost me a dime. It's my biological mother's ring, but if you don't like it, I can go and get you another-"
I cut him off, "No! No Edward, god it's perfect…"
His smile grows, "I figure for your birthday, I would give you…me."
My breath hitches, oh god, oh god, oh my god – I'm going to hell for my cursing. I've dreamt of this moment ever since I started going over Edward's place and saw Carlisle and Esme and realized what marriage was supposed to be. My hands shake; growing sweaty, my heart going at a starting paste. What am I suppose to say to that?!
"Please say something." Edward whispers, his hand reaching out and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear, making me blush deeper.
"Like…?"
His features soften, "Speak your thoughts."
"Why- How could you possibly want-"I breath a frustrating sigh, "If you are just doing this because of the deal, than you don't have to. I don't want you to feel as if you are obligated."
Edward frowns, "This has nothing to do with obligation."
"Then what?"
Without warning, taking me by surprise he grabs my hand, tugging me forward till I'm inches from him. His eyes burn into me, a hand comes to my cheek a creases it sweetly, "Bella…I've missed you so much, you and your sass." He jokes lightly, "I want you- no, I need you in my life again. In any shape or form."
My breathings erect, though it feels like even if I stand in the center of the rain forest I still won't have enough oxygen to breath, my cheeks burn brightly, "But marriage?"
He smirks, "Well, it stops us both from buying a cat, now doesn't it?" To my surprise, I laugh, here I thought I can't feel anything but excitement and doubt, "Don't over think this Bella."
"it's hard not to." I say honestly.
Instantly, he pushes himself from the couch and knelt down in front of me, his hands grabbing mine and resting them on my knees, "Answer the question Bella."
"Technically you didn't ask me a question." I point out, whoa, smooth Bella.
Grabbing the box from my gasp, I feel as if maybe it was a mistake to say that, but he just grabs the golden band from the box, letting it drop limply on the ground. His right hand reaches for my left, he slips the ring effortlessly over my finger. A perfect fit. Edward seems to be admiring the jewel on my hand, he lifts his head, his eyes eyeing me lazily.
"Isabella Marie Swan, I've known you since as far as I can remember, and I will continue to do so until the end of my days. I can only think of one way to keep you by my side till that day." Does he know how to build suspense or what. The silence hung between us for a moment before he says it.
"Marry me, Bella."
