~Edward~
I stared at Bella over my glass. She'd been telling me all about her appointments and what had happened. "Your dad did what?"
"The house is paid for and is being transferred to my name. There was a small life insurance policy; it's not huge, but it's enough I can fix a few things up." She sighed. "I guess he worked really hard to pay off the house."
I wrapped my hand around hers. "He wanted to make sure you were taken care of if he wasn't around." I squeezed her fingers. "He sounds like a great man."
Her eyes misted over. "He was. I wish I had seen him one last time. Been able to tell him to his face how much I loved him."
"He knew, Bella. I'm sure of it. You told me you talked to him a lot."
She wiped under her eyes and nodded. "I did." She straightened her shoulders. "And I told him every time we spoke."
I smiled at her affectionately. "Good."
"Mr. Jenks told me the town is looking for someone to run the library."
"What about school?"
She sat back, sipping her coffee. "I think . . . I think I want to put that off for a while."
"Why?"
She looked around. "I want to stay here."
I studied her for a moment. "I could help you fix up the house, you can sell it, and we can move closer to where you want to go to school, Bella. I don't want you to give up your dream because I've come into your life." I drew in a deep breath. "I'd go with you anywhere you wanted."
She smiled at me. "Sometimes your dream can change, Edward. Evolve. I want to stay here with you, and make a life. I can do courses online if I want."
I winked at her. "So I've become your dream then?"
"I suppose."
"I might be a bit more of a nightmare at times."
She grinned. "I guess we'll see."
"I guess so."
~o0o~
When we got back to the house, I wandered around, making a list of things that had to be done. I marked the items as I went in priority—the sagging porch and leaking ceiling were first on the list. They would have to wait until spring, though, since the ground was frozen, but I could at least go up on the roof and patch it for now. I was hoping when we went for supper, I could check out what tools Carlisle and Esme had that I could borrow, so I wouldn't have to buy so many. I'd give her a deal on the work she needed done, so I could do things around here for Bella.
For us.
I glanced toward the kitchen where Bella was checking out the contents of the cupboards. A week ago, I thought I'd be in my father's office, selling insurance and already hating life. I had no idea I'd be standing in a small living room, planning a new life with a pretty brunette I found fascinating. I watched as she stood up on her toes, trying to reach something, and not quite able to touch it. Twice she tried to lift herself to the counter and failed. Her co-ordination was horrendous, and I was pretty sure it was a good thing she didn't make it. Setting down my list, I hurried to the kitchen and stood behind her, easily reaching over her head, grabbing the box she'd been attempting to reach, and handing it to her. She smiled up at me in thanks, and I dropped a kiss to her forehead.
"Stay of the counters, Bella. I don't think climbing them is a good idea." I lifted the edge, showing her how broken they were. I didn't want her falling.
She chuckled. "I did it all the time when I was younger; although I admit, they are a worse for wear now." She traced a long crack with her finger. "I always wanted to fix the kitchen up. I love to cook."
She sounded wistful. I looked around the room. It was a good layout, but had certainly seen better days. The cupboards sagged, the handles mismatched, and the hinges rusted in places.
"We can plan it, Bella. Keep our eyes open for sales and people getting rid of appliances."
"Yeah?"
I nodded. "You never know what you're going to find. We can be patient. I can install a counter and floor—if we watch for bargains, and do the work ourselves, it's doable."
Her eyes shone with excitement. "Really?"
"Yep, and I was thinking how easily we could add a small bathroom to the laundry room over there. We could do it all at the same time. Maybe I can convince Em to fly out and help when we're ready."
She threw her arms around my neck, hugging me close. Chuckling, I lifted her to the counter, still holding her. It was easier than bending down—she was so tiny, my back ached from bending too long. She felt so right in my arms, though.
She tilted her face up and I stared down at her, thinking of how it felt when I opened my eyes at the airport and saw her. My little guardian angel, already taking care of me.
The air around us changed, warming. Her eyes widened, growing soft and filled with desire.
"Bella," I murmured, pressing closer.
She sighed, sliding her hands up my neck, pulling my face down. "Edward."
Our lips met—softly at first. Brushing, touching, stroking. Her tongue slid along my bottom lip, and with a low groan, I yanked her tight, winding my hand in her thick hair and tilting her head, now ravenous for her. My mouth was demanding, tasting, and exploring her. Her legs wrapped around my waist, the quietest of whimpers deep in her throat as we kissed unendingly. I slipped my hand under her shirt, running my fingers up her spine, feeling the delicate bones and soft skin of her back. She fisted my hair, tugging gently.
With a low growl, I leaned closer, flexing my hips, my cock pressing into her. She stretched her legs drawing me closer. In a heartbeat, I had her off the counter, striding toward the stairs, our lips never separating.
The phone rang, startling us both. I paused on the stairs, looking down at her. Her kiss-swollen lips beckoned me, but I could see the ringing of the phone had broken the moment. With a smile, I turned back, depositing her on her feet by the phone.
"To be continued," I murmured.
~o0o~
The next evening, we crossed the road to have dinner with Esme and Carlisle. Bella had made a cake, slapping my hands away when I tried to steal icing from the bowl. Finally, she gave me the beaters to lick, pushing me away. I sat on the counter, licking and teasing her as I told her the icing would taste much better if I could lick it off her skin. I loved the way she blushed at my words; although, I decided it was something I wanted to try—and soon.
Esme greeted us with smiles and hugs, explaining Carlisle had been called in, but would be home soon. She handed Bella a glass of wine and told her to sit and relax. "I can show you all the things I want done while we wait!"
Laughing, I agreed, and followed her around. Most of the jobs were simple—things I could repair or install easily. In the garage, I checked out the impressive array of tools she owned; though she told me with a laugh Carlisle had bought many of them. "It makes him feel manly—even though he has no idea how to use them." Then she smirked. "He tries, the poor dear."
When I asked her about borrowing some, she was quick to agree. "Anytime, Edward. I'll give you the code to the garage and you can borrow them anytime." She flashed me a smile. "As long as you fix all my stuff, too."
"You just hired a handyman, Esme."
"Great."
"Make me a list and I'll start next week."
She clapped her hands. "Now I can order those cupboards I wanted for in here!"
I looked at the vast array of white cupboards already lining the walls in the large garage. "What's wrong with these?"
She wrinkled her nose. "I want stainless steel and wood—dark, thick wood."
"What are you doing with these?"
She shrugged. "Any ideas?"
I went closer, inspecting them. They were simple, white and still in good condition. They would be easy to match, and with new handles and a coat of paint, look like new. I could add new trim and molding, and they would be perfect. "If I pull them out without charge, can I have them?"
"For Bella?"
I nodded. "She said how much she'd love to update the kitchen." I grinned. "Our budget could handle these."
She held out her hand. "You have a deal."
"Can we keep this a secret? I want to surprise her."
She smiled warmly at me. "Edward, we're going to get along just fine."
I laughed and followed her back into the house, already feeling at home in this new life I was creating.
~o0o~
We had sat down to dinner, and were enjoying some wine, when Carlisle arrived. He rushed in the side door, calling his apologies, kissing Esme, shaking my hand, and hugging Bella, telling her how pleased he was to finally meet her. He attacked his dinner with gusto, sipping wine and telling tales from the hospital. He was entertaining, charming, and effervescent.
He was also obviously in love with his wife, and the feelings were returned tenfold. The shared glances, the way he leaned over to stroke her cheek or touch her hand—they left no doubt as to their feelings. I could see Bella and me years down the road, being the same way. I was already very attached to her, and it had only been a few days. I was certain she was my future. As I picked up my wineglass I caught her eye, smiling and sending her a wink. My smile grew wider as pink flooded her cheeks and she bit her lip.
Esme and Carlisle both chuckled and it was my turn to feel the heat in my cheeks. Carlisle pushed his plate away with a contented sigh. "Esme, my love, that was delicious."
"Agreed." I nodded.
She smiled graciously. "Bella brought dessert—your favorite Carlisle, carrot cake." She stood up, and Bella jumped to her feet.
"I'll help, Esme."
"Thank you, Bella."
They gathered the dishes and left the table, chatting amicably.
Carlisle smiled at me. "So, Edward—Esme told me how you and Bella met."
I stiffened, waiting for his lecture. I was prepared for a long drawn out diatribe about how foolish I was to give up a sure job and safe life for a new life with a girl I barely knew, no job and no guaranteed future. What he did say surprised me.
"Insurance, eh? What a horrid thought." He reached over and clapped me on the shoulder. "And the added bonus of a girl who adores you? Who wouldn't jump at the chance of a new start?"
"My father didn't think so."
He studied me for a moment. "I understand your last name is Cullen. And Esme tells me you come from Vancouver."
"Yes."
"My last name is Cullen, too."
"I've heard."
"May I ask your father's name?"
"Edward Anthony Cullen."
He took a long sip of his wine. "And your Grandfather's name—your father's father, was it Anthony Masen Cullen?"
I frowned. How did he know that?
"Yes. How—"
He cut me off. "And you—you are Edward Masen Cullen?"
Now I was downright anxious.
"How did you know that? How do you know my full name? Or the name of my grandfather?"
Carlisle didn't say anything for a moment. Then he leaned back and laughed. Big guffaws of mirth echoed off the walls. I stared at him wondering what could be so funny about my father's, or grandfather's names. Esme and Bella came in, carrying cake and coffee and sat down, looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders, having no idea what was going on.
Esme shook her head. "Carlisle," she admonished him. "It's not that funny."
"But it is," he insisted.
Esme glared at him, and with a final guffaw, he stopped.
He wiped his eyes, added cream to his coffee, and took a bite of cake, chewing it slowly.
"Great cake, Bella."
She glanced at me, puzzled. "Um, thanks, Carlisle."
He sat back and looked at me. "Sorry, Edward. I know you're confused. It's just . . . the situation. Karma is indeed a bitch at times."
"You're right, Carlisle, I am confused. What situation?"
"What do you know of your family?"
"There isn't much to know. My parents were only children. My grandparents are deceased. My mother passed when I was a teenager. I have no siblings, or any other family. That I know of, anyway."
He shook his head. "You do have family, Edward." He leaned forward, earnest, his elbows on the table. "You have me."
I gaped at him.
"I'm your uncle—well, half-uncle, I suppose."
"What did you just say?"
"Let me explain."
"I wish you would," I huffed. "I don't know how you can be my uncle when my parents were only children."
"You mother was, but your father had a half-brother, Edward. Me. Your grandfather was my father."
"I don't understand?"
"My full name is Carlisle Anthony Cullen."
"But you're . . ."
"Too young? Your father is fifty-eight, and I'm forty. I assure you, it's true."
"Why didn't I know this?"
"Why are you in Riverstoke?" he countered.
"Because I couldn't live the life my father insisted I lead."
"Your father didn't approve of me, either—I was the result his father's second marriage. He didn't approve of his father's new, younger wife, or me. He made that apparent my whole life, and when I was old enough to understand, he made sure I knew I wasn't welcome in his life." Carlisle chuckled. "Not only was I a tainted blip on his perfect family, I was rather, ah, wild. I liked to live life to the fullest in my younger days. He made sure I knew I would never amount to anything, and I was certainly not fit to carry the Cullen name."
"I knew my grandmother died young, but I didn't know my grandfather had remarried. My father never mentioned that."
"That doesn't surprise me—he pretended we didn't exist, and no doubt, chose to leave out a lot of family history that didn't suit his superior attitude. When your father found out my mother was pregnant, apparently the news was not well received. He refused to live with us after my parents married, and he had as little to do with us as possible. After my father died, we moved to Alberta. I saw your father a couple times when I was older, but he refused to even try to have a relationship." Carlisle rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "He was very…"
"…rigid," I finished for him. "Once he makes up his mind, there is no swaying him. He won't forgive me for coming here, and not giving into his demands."
"I'm sorry he did that to you." Carlisle grinned. "But can you see the humor? He didn't want me anywhere near him or his family. And now his son, my nephew, is living next door, and having dinner with me." He shook his head. "What are the odds?"
I sat back, completely blown away. My father had lied to me all my life. I thought he was all the family I had. "Did you ever meet my mom?"
"Yes. Once. She was a lovely woman, Edward. You remind me of her a great deal."
"Your dad died before I was born. I never met him."
Carlisle looked sad for a moment. "He was older, but he was a good dad. He loved books and learning. He adored my mother and she, him. They had a good marriage. It always bothered her that your father wouldn't even try to get to know her."
"Is she, ah…?"
He nodded. "She is alive. She's in a retirement place in Calgary. She is going to be amazed to hear this, and I know she'll want to meet you." He paused. "If you want that, of course."
I sucked in a deep breath. "I would, Carlisle. I'd like to get to know you, too. My father always refused to talk about his father much. He spoke of my grandmother often, and I assumed he had the same sort of relationship with his father that I had with him. I always thought I had no other family."
Carlisle smiled. "Well, you do. Esme and I are your family. My mother is a half grandmother to you and I assure you, once you know her, you'll love her."
Esme chuckled. "Shelly is a hoot. She and I are great friends. When she finds out she has someone new to spoil, she'll go crazy. And wait until she meets your girl."
I looked over at Bella, who had been silent this whole time. Reaching for her hand, I held it tight, not sure what to say. She smiled at me, squeezing my fingers and I knew she understood. We'd talk this all out when we went home.
"Are you in contact with your father at all?" Carlisle asked.
"He told me not to bother." I stated, remembering the sting I had felt when he uttered those words. "But I think he might be interested in finding out who my new neighbor is." I sniggered. "It would certainly get a reaction."
Carlisle began to chuckle. "Maybe we should do a photo Christmas card." His chuckles turned into guffaws. "I can only imagine the look on his face when he opened it. His no-good half-brother and his errant son living across the street from each other."
I couldn't stop myself. "We should add your mother into that picture."
He lost it. Once again, gales of laughter bounced off the walls. This time I joined him.
It felt good to laugh.
~o0o~
Bella had been quiet since we got home from Carlisle and Esme's place. Carlisle and I had talked more, and he told me to come back when I had time. He'd show me some pictures, and we could get to know each other more. Bella made us some tea and we sat on the couch, watching the snow that was beginning to fall.
"I've got some jobs to do for Esme starting Monday. I need to make a list of things to pick up." I sighed. "She insisted on giving me an advance so I could buy them."
"Is there a lot of work?"
I chuckled. "I think she likes to change things. I have a feeling it will be a non-ending process. Carlisle says she loves to decorate and fix things. I think he's a very patient man." I grinned. "Who adores his wife."
Bella hesitated. "How are you feeling about tonight? What you found out?"
I drew in a deep breath. "A lot of things. I'm furious with my father for lying all these years. I'm rather relieved I'm not the only person he has found lacking. I'm thrilled that I have a chance to know both Carlisle and Esme." I set down my tea and turned to face Bella fully. "And once again, I am so grateful for whatever divine being sent you in my direction."
Her eyes widened as I reached for her mug and set it on the table. I gathered her hands in mine. "Bella, you have been an angel to me since I woke up and found you looking down at me. Because of you, I was brave enough to tell my father no. Because of you, I feel as if I have something to work toward in my life, and because of you, I found out I'm not as alone in this world as I thought I was."
"You have a new family," she whispered.
"No. You became my family the day you invited me into your life. Carlisle and Esme are bonuses, but you're what matters. You are the most important thing to me."
I pulled her onto my lap, holding her close with my arm around her waist. I cupped her face. "You, me—us, Bella. You're my life now."
"Edward," she breathed. "I want to be yours."
"You are, Angel. All mine."
Yanking her tight to my chest, I captured her mouth with mine.
It was time.
Thank you for reading, and for all good wishes. Update next week!
