Chapter 7: Renee's Wish
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in my story. They belong to the great Stephenie Meyer. Neither do I own the poetry written in this chapter. I also don't own any song or lyrics that are sung, played, or quoted in this chapter. No copyright infringements are intended.
Chapter Summary: Charlie talks to Bella about Renee's last wishes before she died. Bella and Edward have a conversation at dinner.
This is Beta'd by Dee. No... I'm not telling you her real name. You might try to take her and she's MINE! :0) Thanks Dee for your kick ass editing and whipping my raunchy ass into shape. I feel like I've learned so much with you. She's a comma hound and made my poor paper look like it was bleeding - it had so much red on it. Love ya, Dee. Mwah!
A/N: To my Readers/Reviewers: I first want to thank you for taking out your precious time to read my story. I know there are thousands of great fics out there, but you chose mine, and I'm honored. Second, I love to read your reviews. They warm my heart and make me feel all warm and tingly inside. I try to answer each one.
Thanks to everyone for the sweet reviews from the last chapter. *big teethy grin.* I flove you all! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Things'll start pulling together and making better sense after this.
Oh, I got some great news this morning and I'll tell you all about it at the end of the story. Don't forget to read my A/N at the end.
Smooches! Now read…
Bella felt bad for the way she'd treated Edward… just a little. She knew how Charlie adored Edward and was sad that she'd caused Charlie sadness.
Charlie knew that she'd done something but was unable to voice to her his frustration.
After a couple of weeks, Charlie was doing better. It was time to go home. He was able to walk with help and was able to communicate. His words were slow but understandable. Bella was excited that he had recovered almost a hundred percent and was even happier to be bringing him home.
When they got home, she noticed the bills on the table that she'd been stacking over the weeks and dreaded having to sit down and open them. She knew that she'd not be happy after, so she put then in a stack to the side and committed to doing it the next day.
She helped Charlie up the stairs, fed him, and read him a page out of his favorite fishing magazine. The doctor had told her to read to him and encourage him to read also. It would help his mind stay focused.
They next morning she helped Charlie get dressed and put him back in bed before feeding him. After she finished with Charlie, she sat at the table and began sorting out the bills. Just as she began her sort, the phone rang.
It was her editor who'd been very supportive of Bella's need to help her father but she had received a call from the owners. They were demanding that Bella either come back to work or be fired. Of course, Bella couldn't do that. There was no way she could go back to work right then, so she promised her editor that she'd resign with the hope of returning some day.
Bella was really upset but didn't allow herself to come to tears. She'd already known that call was inevitable.
She called her bank to check her and Charlie's accounts to see what they had available.
Both accounts together had plenty to take care of the bills for months but it still wasn't enough because of the impending doctor's bills.
She wondered if the department would hold Charlie's position while he was sick.
She was afraid and worried about Charlie's health. She knew that once the hospital found out Charlie couldn't pay, they'd deny treatment. She knew she had to do something.
After she paid the bills, she stuck them in the mailbox and sat on the porch. She tried to imagine what would help her and Charlie's situation. First, if she could get an aide to help with Charlie during the day, she could work. Second, if she held two jobs, she could pay the extra bills that came in. There were many flaws to her perfect world, like, who would pay for the aide until she could earn money, and how long could she last working two full-time jobs?
She went back in to find the prescriptions the doctor had given her for Charlie. None was the same as what she'd already purchased, plus, they'd told her to discontinue most of his present medications anyway.
She called Billy to sit with Charlie while she went to fill the prescriptions. The four prescriptions cost her over six hundred dollars.
When she made it to the car, she freaked out. Charlie was starting chemo the next week, and she knew the medicine would probably change again. She didn't know what to do.
Out of nowhere, she thought about Edward and the last conversation they'd had. He'd angrily told her that he'd pay for Charlie's doctor bills if she married him. She wondered if he'd really do it. She quickly dismissed it. She knew she could never do something like that – especially with someone she didn't respect.
When she got home, she found Billy holding Charlie as he sat hunched over next to the bed. When she asked what had happened, he said Charlie had gotten really upset about something, and immediately became ill right after. When she asked what it was, he just told her they were talking about going fishing, and eating at the cafe, and Charlie got really angry, then sad, then sick.
That confused Bella, but she let it go for the moment. She helped Charlie back in the bed and offered him ice for his throat.
Later that evening, after Billy left, she asked Charlie what had upset him so much. At first, he ignored her, but after she persisted, he told her.
"Bells, I worry about you. I've lived a long, happy, love-filled life with your mother and my career. You're my only daughter, and I hate seeing you alone and thinking about you being alone."
"Dad, I'm not alone. I have you."
"No, Bells. Granted, I am fighting for my life, but we need to accept that I may not beat this. I may die, Bells."
Tears came to Bella's eyes as she shook her head. "Dad, please, don't talk like that. You'll beat this. You have to."
"Bells, look at me. I have so many things wrong with me. I need you to be realistic and I need you to prepare yourself, just in case."
"No! I won't have this conversation with you! This is ridiculous! You're all I have and you're ready to just leave me – now?" Bella screamed.
"Of course not. I promise you that I'll fight, but, Bells, I can't control what this body wants to do no more than your mother could."
"Oh, God, ohmygod, ohmygod," she said quickly. "Dad, please. I need you. Don't do this." She fell to her knees by the bed and cried.
"Bells, I want you to be happy. I need to see you happy. I made your mother promises before she died, and I've done all I could to ensure that, but I see that you have a mind of your own and you just have to learn things the hard way. Go over there and open that drawer, then bring me that pink notebook." She did as he asked but was confused. He opened the book and she noticed her mother's handwriting. "Bells, your mother wanted all these things for you. She made me promise to push you in these directions. She was sure that if you did, you'd find love and happiness."
Bella looked at the list. Most of it was reasonable, but the rest seemed ridiculous to her. She wondered why her mother was so convinced that those things would bring her happiness. The list was:
Kiss Bella everyday, twice. If you don't see her, call her, and tell her you love her.
Remind her that happiness is acceptable, and she deserves it.
Don't let her marry Jacob Black. If you let her marry him, I'll haunt you from my grave.
Give her a portion of my life insurance money to get a good start after college.
Keep in touch with Edward. Keep him close. Love him.
Don't let Bella ruin her life with debt and wrong decisions. Keep her close. Know her.
Encourage her to love and have children. She's stubborn, but she has a big heart, and can love the right man the way he needs to be loved.
Pay for her wedding. Make it was big as possible. She won't agree, but tell her I insisted. You know where the money is for that. Don't give it to her or tell her.
Ensure that Bella knows Edward. Make them spend time together, even if she refuses. She'll eventually see in him what I see. He'll make her really happy.
Kiss my grandkids for me. Tell them I love them already, and I'll see them again.
Charlie, be happy. I love you, and I miss you already. You were my first and only love, and I'm taking you with me in my heart. Don't worry and please don't mourn me too long. We'll see each other soon. I love you.
While Bella read the checklist, she slid down to the floor by Charlie's bed. It took her longer than it should've to read, for tears blurring the words. When she finished, she put the notebook down and sobbed into her knees.
Charlie had been trying to do all of those things over the past few years, and had succeeded at most. She felt bad that she wouldn't be doing as her mother asked. She hated Edward and couldn't understand what Renee had seen that was so wonderful in him.
"Bells, look at me. Your mother was rarely wrong in relationships. That is a fine boy and he cares for you. You're just so damn mean and spiteful to him that I'm afraid that you've run him off. I've spoken to him every other week or seen him since your mother died and now he won't even take my calls."
"Dad, I wish you'd stop. You're hurting my feelings. You make me feel like you love him more than you do me."
"Bells, don't be ridiculous. Granted, I've grown a serious affection for the boy but it's been over time. I was only trying to do as your mother asked of me."
"Dad, I despise that man. He's not who you think he is."
"Actually, young lady, I do know him, all about him, and he's everything I think he is. Whatever your issues are with him are misled. You should confront him about it and listen to his explanation then believe him."
Bella looked over at him, curious. "You're acting like you know all of his deep dark secrets, Dad."
"Actually, I do, and he'll tell you if you let him. Bells, please, consider what I'm asking you. I can't tiptoe around this any longer."
"Ah, Dad, I can't."
"You can, and you will... for your old man?"
Bella left the room to go to bed. That night was the first night she dreamed of Edward Cullen.
It was the Edward that Renee and Charlie spoke of. He was kind and loving and affectionate – and she adored him. Everything was perfect.
In the middle of the night, she woke up to an empty bed. Her heart was racing and she felt sad. She wondered, as she hugged herself tightly, if Edward could be the man she needed. She had to admit to herself if no one else that his presence made her feel… sexy, wanted, protected.
It was all of the past bullshit that kept getting in her way. She committed to do as Charlie'd asked. She'd ask Edward about what she'd been told and let the chips fall where they may.
The next morning, Edward's office called and reminded them of their follow-up visit. Bella wished she could change doctors but she knew Charlie wouldn't have it. The appointment wasn't until one-thirty. She had time.
She washed a few loads of laundry, cooked breakfast, helped Charlie get dressed then got the mail. Of course, she found the bill from the oncologist right on top. She opened it and found a bill for thirteen hundred and fifty dollars. She shook her head and threw it on the table.
On the way to Edward's office, she attempted to get her mind right. She didn't know what his attitude would be like so she wanted to be sure that hers was right. She committed to being nice and play fair no matter what he said to her... for Charlie.
They waited a little longer than usual in the waiting room then again in the room. It angered Bella that he was acting rudely to her father. He had promised Charlie that he'd keep his wait short.
When Edward walked in, he was really polite and apologized for the wait. He hadn't realized they were coming for the appointment. Charlie's face lit up and Edward caught up with him on his health. Edward was really nice and respectful to Charlie, but Bella could tell there was a distance that wasn't there before. Charlie didn't care. He was happy to see Edward again and told him several times during the conversation that he'd missed him. Before Charlie left to weigh in, get stuck, and give urine, Edward had completely softened. Bella could tell he'd really missed Charlie.
When Charlie left, Edward stayed and wrote down what had happened with Charlie since his last visit, and what Charlie had reported that day. When he finished, he got up, never looked at Bella, and walked out, closing the door behind him.
When Charlie finished, he came back in and a few minutes later so did Edward. Edward told them that Charlie's urine test was good and so was his blood sugar but his blood pressure was higher than the last time. He wanted to put Charlie on a new drug that would help drop his blood pressure in addition to what he was already taking. Bella's face dropped but quickly recovered before they saw. Edward handed Charlie the prescription, promised to call and check on him that evening, then left.
When they got home, Bella left Charlie at home with Billy again to get the medicine. It wasn't that bad, but a hundred and fifty dollars was still a lot.
That evening, Edward called as he'd promised. When Bella answered, he introduced himself then asked for Charlie. Bella gave Charlie the phone and they talked for a whole hour. Charlie laughed more that evening than she had heard him laugh since before her mother died.
She sat back down at the table and paid the few bills that had come in that day and thought again about Edward's offer. She had to do something and quick. The way things were going, she'd be out of money in a little over a month.
She pondered the idea for a while then called Edward after he and Charlie had gotten off the phone.
"Charlie! Did you think of another of Renee's jokes?" Edward warmly greeted her.
"Edward, it's Bella."
He paused. "Alright."
"Can we go have dinner or lunch or something tomorrow?"
"For what, Bella? I don't have the energy to argue with you or be insulted. I've left you alone just like you asked. I'm only talking with Charlie. If you have a problem with that, talk to him."
Bella sighed. She knew she deserved that. "No, Edward. I'm not wanting to argue with you or insult you. Will you meet me or not?"
"Bella, I don't know. Every time we get together, we can't get on the same page and it drains every bit of energy I have. I'll call you tomorrow after work to let you know."
"Edward, please. I'll be on my best behavior," she practically begged.
"What's this about?"
"Will you just meet me? We'll talk face to face."
"Alright, Bella, whatever. I'll be there at six o'clock."
"Thank you," she responded.
When she hung up, she hit the table with her fist. Was that her third or fourth time humbling herself to that man? She hated that she needed him and hated him even more for possibly being a willing participant to her plan.
That Saturday she did her daily chores and called Billy to sit with Charlie for most of the day. She left to buy something nice for the evening, did her hair, and even put on makeup. Her stomach was in knots, and she felt almost like a prostitute. She talked herself out of it three times but continued on.
When Charlie saw her, he smiled from ear to ear. "Bells, where are you going all zooted up like that?"
"It's a surprise, Dad." She forced herself to smile.
Edward showed up in his uniform at six o'clock sharp. He was surprised to see Bella dressed like she was. His eyes became large and his breath caught. She was dressed in a beautiful royal blue, knee-length dress made of a t-shirt looking material but very feminine.
"Oh, I didn't know I was supposed to get dressed up. I can go change."
"No, don't worry about it. You look fine."
Edward smiled. "Can I see Charlie first?"
"Sure, he'd love to see you."
Edward went up while Bella washed the last dishes in the sink. When he came down, he told her that Charlie couldn't stop smiling and was asking what was going on.
"I didn't know what to tell him. Can you give me a clue?"
"Edward, we're just going to dinner at Sam Uley's new Italian restaurant."
"Huh, alright. Since we're going there, I'd like to get changed at my place. I'll just be thirty minutes. Would you like me to come and pick you back up?"
"No, I'll go with you. I'll wait."
They climbed in his Volvo and headed to his cottage on the lake. It was quaint but very beautiful. It didn't seem to belong on the beach, though. It was so formal. So… Edward. She wondered who could live in there. Who lived in a house with white carpet? She just shook her head.
He was ready soon enough then they headed to Sam Uley's place.
Edward was way more excited about their "date" than he should've been. He was really talkative and never stopped smiling. Bella often looked at him and felt bad for what she was about to say to him. What made it worse was that she was sure he'd do it. She could tell just from his demeanor that night – way too happy.
When they got to Sam's Place, Sam greeted them at the door and gave her a huge hug. He knew her from the Reservation where Jake was from.
"I'm so glad you dropped that asshole like a hot potato. Don't let him back in, whatever you do," Sam whispered in her ear. Bella halfway smiled and introduced Edward. Sam was really cordial to Edward and escorted them to a private table.
They ate some wonderful food that night and Edward told many of his and Charlie's corny jokes that usually had them both laughing uncontrollably. Bella was barely entertained but occasionally smiled and laughed for show. She did admit, though, that Edward was very charming and cared about what she had to say when she spoke. It was getting harder and harder to not like him.
At the end of dinner, Edward noticed she had become distant and remembered that the "date" wasn't really a date and she wanted to talk to him about something.
"Bella, thank you for coming to dinner with me. I've had a wonderful time. But I know you wanted to talk to me about something, so what is it?"
Bella paused then blushed. She had many times gone over the words that she needed to say to him, but now it seemed there were no good words to describe what she was offering and she was embarrassed.
"What is it, Bella?" he asked curiously.
"Do you remember our last conversation at the hospital?" Edward nodded his head then furrowed his brow, afraid to hear the rest of what she was about to say. "Well, um… do you remember what you said before I… um... slapped you?" He just pulled his eyebrows farther down, squinting at the memory. "Well, would… um… well..." Bella stuttered through every word.
"Get it out Bella," he demanded. "If it's about Charlie, you already know I'd do anything for him."
"Yes, I know, but, Edward, what I'm trying to ask is… um… would you be willing to do what you had suggested?" His mouth fell open in complete surprise then he visibly became angry. "Now, wait, Edward, don't get angry." She put her hands up, palms facing him. "I know you could have any woman you want, and you'd never need to pay one for anything, but I'm willing to pay Charlie's debt anyway I can, even by marrying you."
"Bella, that's ridiculous. Why would you want to marry a man that you despise? Plus, I'd help Charlie without marrying you."
"Edward, listen. I can't have you giving us that much money and not get anything in return. I just wouldn't have it. Plus, you have no idea what Charlie and I are facing."
"Bella, no. It doesn't matter. Furthermore, I won't marry you and force you to fake loving me. I care for you, and we'd only end up hating each other. Your mother saw something in us that she wanted, but I won't do it like that."
"You know about my mother's wishes?" she asked baffled.
"Well, yes. Your mother adored me and I loved her. She is, to date, the only person ever in my life that I loved so much that it hurt me to see her go. Charlie and I mourned together for months."
"What the hell? I feel like I've been left out of my own family for years," Bella said, pretty perturbed.
"Don't look at it like that. You were young and still in college. Your father had a hard time with her death, and your mother made us both promise to look out for each other, so we did. That's how we got to be such good friends." Edward's eyes filled with water talking about Renee. He missed her. She always encouraged him and had changed his life with her wonderful promises of his future.
"Oh, my, God. Are you crying talking about my mother?" Bella asked surprised.
He wiped his eyes. "Bella, look, you have no idea what Renee did for me. She changed my life forever. I'm not the same person I was before I met her so you can laugh all you want. She was very special to me."
"I'm sorry. I know my mom was contagious. She was my best friend. When she set her mind to something, she'd pursue it until she got what she wanted – that was just my mom. It looks like she got to you hard."
"She did – your father, too. Those are some really amazing people."
"So, Edward, are we doing this?"
"No. I'm serious, Bella. Neither of us would be happy in an arranged marriage. If I marry you, I want to be for you what your mother expected me to be, not just be with you because of some agreement, plus, I have lots of money. Charlie's bills don't matter. I'll still pay 'em."
Bella saw that she was getting nowhere with him. She was getting frustrated and didn't understand why he wouldn't just do it – let her pay her and Charlie's debt. She knew he wanted to be with her. Then she got an idea.
She rose from her seat and walked around the table to Edward then sat on his lap. She placed her arms around his neck and looked right into his eyes. He immediately softened to her touch.
"Edward, please. I just wouldn't feel right taking that much money from you. I'd do whatever you wanted. I'd even try to love you. Please," she said very flirtatiously.
His emotions were all over the place. He realized he had the opportunity to have the girl of his dreams, and she was willing to love him – well, to at least try. As he looked into her eyes about to answer, he heard Bella's name called by an all too familiar voice.
"Bells… Bells… is that you?" Jake asked. "What are you doing here with… him?"
Bella quickly go up from Edward's lap and sat back in her chair. It pissed Edward off that Jake had that much power over her. He wondered for a moment if Bella was like the other women… weak.
"Bells, you know I would've brought you to dinner. You don't have to go out with him, and dressed like that?" Jake shook his head. He had completely turned his back to Edward and had taken a seat facing Bella. She never said a word. She just looked away almost embarrassed. "Bells, say something."
"I have nothing to say. We're not together anymore." She looked behind her. "Is that your date?"
"Well, yes, it is, but she'll find a ride home if you want me to sit with you or take you home. She means nothing to me. You know that, Bells."
She looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "Jacob, go to your date. I'm with mine. Goodbye."
"No, I won't leave you here with this… leech. Who knows what he'll do to you," Jake stated rudely.
"Excuse me? First of all, I don't think you have room to call anyone a leech, Black, further, we're here on a date and you're disturbing us. Bella and I are together now, so you need to get the hell away from my table, now," Edward stated forcefully. He wasn't playing. His eyes were flaming red and Jacob knew if he persisted, they'd only get in a fight.
Jake looked at Bella who looked away. "Fine, but this is far from over, Cullen. She's mine. Always has been, always will be, regardless."
"Black, get the fuck away from my table!"
Jake left but not without placing his hand on Bella's shoulder and whispering in her ear. "You know I love you, baby. You're mine. Remember us." Then he kissed her on the forehead.
Edward jumped to his feet to forcefully remove Jake's hands from Bella, but Jake left before he could.
Bella was visibly shaken from the conversation.
"Bella, are you alright?"
"Look, Edward, I need you to do this. I need my father taken care of and I need to pay you back. Will you or not?" she said with her voice shaky. "You don't love me and I definitely don't love you, but we could learn to."
"So, let me get this straight? One moment, you're kind to me then Black comes over here and suddenly it's business as usual. Does that sum it up?"
"Goddamn it! I'm so fuckin' tired of this shit. Forget it." She jumped to her feet. "I'll figure it out on my own. I don't need a damn man to always fix my shit. Take me home."
Edward looked over at Jake's table and Jake smiled at him then mouthed, "She's mine."
Edward remained seated then told her to be seated. When she refused, he became rude also.
"Bella, you know there's no other way to "fix" this situation, and you'll never make enough money working to pay those bills, now, sit your ass down and let's talk."
Bella paused for a moment then sat and crossed her arms.
"Look, I see that you're obviously still in love with that motherfucker, so if I agree to do this you can't have any contact with him whatsoever. Not even chaste conversation like just now."
"You don't know anything about me or who I love and I never had a conversation with him. You did."
"None, Bella!"
"Fine."
"Also, for this to work, you can't walk around town acting like you hate me. I'm well respected around this community and I plan on staying like that. In the public, we'll act like a happy couple newly in love. Plus, we'll date at least three months before we get married."
"Whatever you want. Can we go?"
"No, I'm not finish yet, and you may not want to do this when I'm finished. If you still want to do this after I finish, then fine."
"Alright, what else?"
"Next, when we date, I don't want to fight with you all the time. I need you to put an effort into this like I'm willing to. I don't understand what I did to make you hate me so much but you need to get past it. Whatever it was, it definitely wasn't against you."
"Huh," she said shaking her head.
"Now, here are the rest of the rules. I want us to stay married at least ten years and we live together from the day we get married."
"Wait, it'll take ten years to pay the debt? Damn, Edward. And how will we live together if Charlie's sick? Our house is too little. We only have one bathroom."
"Ten years and we live together. I could care less where. I can live with you, you can live with me, or I'll buy us a home that's more comfortable."
Bella just sighed. "Ten years?"
"Bella, listen. I don't plan to ever divorce you. If you like, I could change it to twenty years." Bella gasped. "So which is it? Ten or twenty?"
She sighed again. "Ten," she whispered.
"Bella, I already care for you. Do you think it'll be that hard to love me?"
"Yes."
"Well, you'd better think long and hard about this, because ten years is a long time to live with someone and not genuinely love them. Anyway, the next rule is that you have to open yourself up to try to love me. Actually, you made that rule up but I expect you to try."
"Fine. What about sex?"
Edward sighed. "Would you have a problem with me having someone on the side to take care of that? She wouldn't have to be from here."
"I don't know. I probably would, eventually."
"So, you want us to have sex?"
"No… not really."
"So, you don't want to have sex with me and you don't want me to have sex with someone else either for ten years?"
"Edward, I don't know. Whatever you want."
"I want us to fall in love and get married, make love, have babies, and live happily ever after. Can I have that?"
Edward would never disgrace himself or Renee by having an affair with another woman but he had to make his desires known to Bella. She was important to him as the marriage would also be and he knew he could work to have her heart. He also needed her to be open to talk about things later.
"For ten years you can. Wait... did you say babies?"
"Hell, yeah, I said babies. Would you want another woman to have my kids and have to deal with her and my children?"
Bella started shaking her head. "Ah, man, this is getting way too complicated."
"Bella, I'm not saying you have to get pregnant right away and start kicking out kids, but I'd like to be able to talk to you about it in years to come. Hell, I'll almost be forty in ten years."
"So, I guess we're having sex."
He sighed. "Can we at least talk about it after we get married? If you're too uncomfortable with it, I can always have someone else take care of that but I'd prefer being with you only. Plus, making love helps bond two people together. It may help us."
"Huh, it hasn't 'bonded' you yet."
"You know what I mean. Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, my sweet to-be-husband," she said sarcastically.
"How many men have you been with?
"Anything other than that." She blushed.
"Why, Bella? I have the right to know what I'm getting myself into."
"You mean who you're getting yourself into."
"Whatever. So, how many?"
"Next question," she said, blushing again.
He leaned his head down, looking at her in the eyes for a moment across the table. He pulled his eyebrows down. "Bella, you're not still a virgin? Are you?" She looked away toward Jake's table, trying to divert Edward's attention. "Bella, look at me. Are you?"
"No. I'm not a virgin."
"So, Black was your first?"
"Next question."
"Do you like sex?"
"Next..."
"Have you ever performed oral sex on someone?"
"Edward!"
He chuckled. "Alright. I was just messing with you anyway. Can I tell you about me?"
"Whatever."
"I've only had sex with four women. My first, who was older than me, my first girlfriend in high school, one in college, and one since medical school. After I met your mom, I cut the last one off and haven't done anything since."
"Why?" she asked sarcastically.
"Well, before I met your mom, I never imagined myself in a committed relationship, let alone having children. I wanted 'friends with benefits' and that was it. I always thought of myself as a hopeless bachelor."
"Edward, do you have any children?"
"No. Never."
"Any abortions?"
"Of my children?" She nodded her head. "Oh, hell no. I would never do that to one of my children."
"So, you're saying you've never impregnated a girl then paid for her abortion?"
"Hell no! Why would you ask me something like that? Is that what you've thought I did all this time?"
"Whatever, Edward. I thought we were being honest with each other. Never mind."
"No, 'never mind.' Tell me what's been told to you."
Bella stood up. "Are we finished here?"
"No, sit your ass back down. Look, my life is an open book. I've done a lot of things that I'm not proud of and would love to go back to redo most of it, but I promise you, I've never done anything like that. I wouldn't have done that even in my worst rebellion. My mom would kill me if she ever found something like that out."
"Edward look, whatever you did or did not do is your business and I don't have to like it so let's just move on."
"Bella..."
"Are we done?"
"Yeah. Oh, do you want to pick your ring out or should I?"
"It doesn't matter. When does all of this start?"
"All of what? The marriage? Or Charlie?"
"Both."
"Well, get all of Charlie's bills and prescriptions together and I'll start paying them now. There's no need to have him under any extra stress. I'll also replace anything you've spent to date. As for us, I'd like to take you out on some dates and spend some time together. Plus, it'll give you time to be sure you want to do this. Bella, I can make you happy if you let me." He leaned over placing his hand on her hand but she slowly removed her hand from under his.
"Edward, one thing at a time. I appreciate what you're willing to do for Charlie and all but please don't expect any sudden changes in me. I'll do as you've asked, for appearances, but I won't be falling in like with you next week. Before we go, I have one rule of my own."
"What's that?"
"I want all of this in writing. Nothing formal, just your promise and if you want to hold me to a dollar value, that's fine also. I need to know that you'll financially help my father no matter his needs."
Edward agreed. They left right after that. Edward walked Bella out with his hand around her waist. When they passed Jake's table, they both ignored him. In fact, right before they walked out, Bella stopped, turned toward Edward and kissed him passionately. She knew Jake was looking and this was her keeping her first promise to Edward. She wanted Jake to know she was serious about Edward and wanted him to back off.
"Wow, what was that for?" Edward asked.
"That was for Jake. He needs to start getting used to me being with you, so that was me keeping my first promise to you."
"Bella..."
"Let's go."
The ride home was quiet. His mind was on that mind-blowing kiss that he thought meant nothing to her, and her mind was on how wonderfully soft and sweet his lips felt in addition to the butterflies that were still in her stomach. She was confused and angered and happy all at the same time.
When they got back home, Charlie was so happy. Edward went up to visit with him before he went home and described to him the wonderful food that Sam's Place had.
Bella walked Edward to his car. "Edward, I don't want Charlie knowing what we're doing. Please don't tell him."
"I wouldn't. Don't worry." Bella exhaled a quick breath. "Bella, I do care for you. I hope we can work this out."
"Yeah, we'll talk more about it later." He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. She wanted to stop him but she decided to let him. She figured she should just go ahead and get used to it. Besides, the kiss from earlier was still on her mind – she was still feeling weird about that.
The very next day, Edward drew the papers up himself, signed them in front of Bella then gave them to her to keep. He didn't care anything about any of that. All he knew was that he was getting his Bella, and he couldn't have been happier. He knew that she could change her mind before the wedding but he saw no need in allowing Charlie to suffer for some stupid agreement, so he looked over the bills, added them up with Bella then wrote her a check for the full amount.
Bella never gave a response to what he did. She only took the check and tucked it in her purse. She never said thank you or smiled or anything. Edward noticed but he reminded himself that she may need time to cope so he didn't push.
He would've done this willingly if she would've asked. He cared for her deeply, and promised himself to show her that every day for the next ten years. He knew somehow that eventually, she would love him back the same way he loved her.
In Bella's heart, she really hated him – or so she thought – especially now that she needed him and was practically forced to marry this "horrible" man. She committed to make this as horrible for him after she married him as she possibly could. After all, she only had to be nice in front of people, right? At home, it would be a whole different issue. She'd make him pay for what he had done to her friend.
Well, there ya go! I hope you enjoyed it. I have most of the next chapter written already so review. It'll get me off my lazy ass to proof it.
MY NEWS: Alright, I checked my e-mail this morning and I've been nominated at The Lemonade Stand for fic of the week! I'm a new writer and It's an honor to be nominated by you… my readers. I'm very happy. Now… I need you again. You gotta vote. Go to the link below and vote for "My Heart's Redemption." I'll give you lots and lots of Kisses and Hugs. 3
http: / tehlemonadestand . blogspot . com /p/tls-index-of-featured-fics . html
P.S. Don't forget to take the spaces out.
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FIC PIMPS: I'll start pimping two stories that I'm reading at the end of my chapters so be watching for it.
Outside the Box by Sexylexicullen
This is just your basic New York City love story. Crappy apartments, menial jobs, and low standards place Bella Swan in the pathway of love. Rated M. Canon couples with my usual OOC cast. AH. E/B
My thoughts about the story: I began reading this story with great expectations. From reading Sexylexicullen's other work, I knew I'd be laughing (uncontrollably), getting angry at the dumb shit they do (which is what really goes on in real life), feeling the emotions of the characters and just all out happy when I finished. Well, needless to say… I got all of that. The story is only two chapters in and I'm needing more already. Read this. Read it, read it! You won't be disappointed. When I think about the things that happened, I'm still laughing…
Marital Psychosis by AELGP
Bella is in a complicated marriage with Jake. Their business is going under and she's ready to throw in the towel, until Edward walks into her life. I want him bad but I'm married...what do I do? Lots of Lemons...Edward/Bella/Jake/Jasper/ and many more
My thoughts about the story: I've been reading this story since the beginning. I'd never read April's work but after talking to her on Twitter, I gave it a try. It was definitely not what I expected. It's a story about Bella who's in a DV relationship with Jake. (It's bad and she's all emotionally messed up,) but right from chapter one, her savior, Edward, steps in (out of nowhere) and helps her on her road to being emotionally healed again. It'll piss you off – royally, make you laugh and give you all kinds of lemony ideas. Read it. You'll enjoy it.
Be looking out for my next review of fics. They're new authors that need your love. They and their stories are:
"Is This Really It" by Roinsff
"Outside In" by Pixie-belle88
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Now, it's time to review. I've loved your words from the previous chapter and you all keep me encouraged. Mwah!
Reviewing is better than having your mom pick your perfect mate and leave instructions to make sure you're happy. (Sigh)
