A/N - Happy Saturday! It is literally my favourite day of the week! I absolutely love sharing this story with you. I really hope I'm not pushing the teen rating with this one, but it's nothing graphic, so I think we're safe! Please let me know what you think. As a bonus, this chapter is the longest I've written so far. Thanks so much to everyone who has given this story a chance. Until next week, enjoy!
Chapter 8 - Union
EPOV
The look on her face when she drove up to the farm broke my heart. Bella looked absolutely lost and helpless. I was expecting smiles and kisses and maybe tears of joy. For a minute, my insecurities reared up, and I was afraid she had come to break things off. But, she whispered something about her parents kicking her out of the house. I hadn't even realized that she was living with her parents.
We laid down in my bed and she pressed her body into mine. She was so warm and soft and I felt like I was alive again with her in my arms, and then she kissed me. I knew in that moment that I wanted her here. So, I asked her. I asked her to stay with me. She looked surprised as first. I watched her face, trying to read her. I wanted her to want to be here with me.
"How would that work, Edward? I mean, I still have school and my car is falling apart," she said. I could tell she was thinking out loud. She sat up and I sat with her. "And, are you sure you'd want me here all the time?" She shook her head. "I couldn't ask you to do that for me."
I let her vent out all her concerns. I took her hands in mine, and pulled them to my chest, over my heart. "Bella. I want you here. I want you here all the time. I love you," I told her. And I meant it. If it was up to me, she'd never leave. "We can figure out all the details over the next couple of days, but you only have to be at the school for one day, every two weeks, right?" She nodded in the affirmative, a small smile starting to appear on her face. "Well, I've got an office downstairs you can have to work in. It'll be all yours. I can give you as much space as you need. I've always got work to do on the farm and Em's going to be needing help on the ranch. I've got a computer and printer and the internet all hooked up in there."
She took one of her hands back and wiped her eyes. She gave me a watery smile. I think she was almost convinced, but I wanted to address all of her concerns. "You can stay with me in my room. It'll be ours. We can get all new blankets or whatever you want, Bella. You can redecorate and make it girlie. Or, you can have my parents' old room, and do what you want with that. I want you to feel at home here." I took a deep breath, before I continued.
"And, sunshine, I just fixed my truck, so I can drive you wherever you need you to go. I'll take a look at your car and if I can't fix it, we'll find you something else, okay? You can go back to the city whenever you want to, Bella. We're only an hour out." I moved closer to her and pulled her into my lap. "Never feel that you don't have a place to go, Bella. This is can be your home. I want you here." I reached up and rubbed her back. I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "What do you say?"
She looked up into my eyes and smiled at me. It was the smile that I had wanted to see when she got here. She wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed me so tight I could hardly breath. "Thank you, Edward," she whispered. "I love you."
She pulled back and smiled at me again, before kissing me. Hard. She pushed me back on the bed, so my head was at the foot of the bed, and she straddled me. I took the time to really look at her. She was wearing a black dressy shirt and a pair of grey pinstriped pants. Her hair was pulled back into a pretty twist. She looked so professional and intelligent.
I reached my hands up to hold onto her waist as she pulled the pins out of her hair, letting it fall to frame her beautiful face in curls. She was gorgeous. She smiled at me as she undid her shirt buttons, revealing a peak at a pretty, black lace bra. "So, is that a yes?" I asked, smiling back at her.
She giggled and I revelled in the sound. "Yes, Edward. I want this to be my home," she told me smiling. She leaned forward, pressing her chest on mine, and began kissing me, with so much passion, it took my breath away. I wrapped my arms around her body, holding her close.
We kissed, we touched, we whispered words of love. Bella sat back up and slid her shirt off of her delicate shoulders before running her fingers under my t-shirt, up my body, pulling my shirt off of me. She leaned down and tasted my skin, paying special attention to my tattoos. Nothing could compare to the feelings this girl, my girl, stirred in me.
We spent the rest of the afternoon in my bed, in our bed, celebrating and connecting with each other. The outside world didn't matter. It was more than just two bodies coming together physically. It was a showing of unconditional love and unending support. I had never felt anything so spiritual. I had been waiting my entire life to find this emotional bond with another person, and I had found it in Bella.
I was so glad that we had waited. I was glad we didn't rush into anything the first night that Bella was here. I had been afraid of a one night stand. Bella was too important to me to risk our relationship. But, this. What we just shared, was amazing. And it was well worth the wait.
Bella was absolutely gorgeous. She was clearly the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her skin was smooth and soft, and her body was fit, but curvy. I loved a girl with a little something to hold onto. But, my absolute favourite thing about Bella in bed, was her confidence.
I thought back to the day I had first laid eyes on her in the diner. She was so gorgeous, but looked so shy and self conscious. But the way she straddled my body and took charge was sexiest move I had ever seen. It made me feel good about our relationship. Bella was comfortable with me. She trusted me enough to show me what she wanted or to just take it herself.
It was clear she was turned on by my tattoos. She couldn't keep her hands and mouth off of them. It made me want to get my whole body tattooed. I'd been thinking of getting something else done. I'd have to let Bella pick out something she liked. After all, my body belonged to her now.
I laid in bed, on my back, my arms folded behind my head, my skin sticky with sweat. Bella was on her side, facing me, her hair stuck to her forehead, her leg thrown across mine. She was absently tracing patterns on my chest, her fingers creating the same burn in my body as they had the first night we had spent in this bed.
I loved that we had shared this afternoon together. I loved that this wouldn't be a one time thing. I loved that Bella would be in this bed with me every night, and going by her voracious appetites, it was likely that some of the day would be spent here as well. It seemed as though she couldn't get close enough, couldn't kiss me deep enough and couldn't touch enough of my body at once. I was not complaining in the least, but she needed to know that I wasn't going anywhere. She could have as much of me as she wanted, whenever she wanted it.
I loved her. This love was more intense than anything I had ever felt. Seeing her for the first time intrigued me, meeting her captivated me, spending time with her solidified the bond I felt with her. But, making love to her, almost overwhelmed me. It was a union of more than bodies. She had my heart and soul.
She was smiling now, her tears long dry. I realised that as much as I loved being here with her, with literally nothing separating us, that other people loved her, too. "Bella. Rosie is making you a birthday dinner tonight," I told her.
"Oh, Edward. She didn't have to do that," Bella said. The smile on her face, however, showed me how touched she was by the gesture.
I laughed, reaching up to trace my thumb along her beautiful, bottom lip, which just made me want to kiss her again. I couldn't get enough of her, either. I rolled over on top of her, pulling her into another passionate kiss. When I leaned back she giggled, again. I was overjoyed to see her this happy. "You know, Edward," she said reaching up to run her fingers through my hair. "I don't want to change anything."
"What do you mean, Bella? What don't you want to change?" It was so nice to have someone to love. I wanted to know everything she was thinking.
"You said, we could change the blankets and the room. But, I like it here. I like the house the way it is. It's you, and I love everything about you," she explained. "So, I don't want to change anything."
"Okay." I laid back down beside her, and reached over to lay my hand over her heart. "Bella. Do you want to talk about what happened to make you so upset?" I asked, regretfully. I didn't want to spoil her mood, but the longer she ignored it, the more it would upset her.
She brought her arm over her breasts, her skin flushing. I didn't mean to make her uncomfortable and I really wished I hadn't brought it up. It seemed as if she retreated into herself. "Can we talk about it later?" she asked, closing her eyes.
"Of course, Bella," I said, bringing my arms around her body and pulling her close to me. "You don't have to hide from me," I whispered. "You don't have to hide your thoughts and fears. I'm not going anywhere, Bella. I'm not going to judge you." I wanted her to feel comfortable enough with me that she could tell me anything.
She laid in my arms quietly for a while. She didn't say anything and neither did I.
BPOV
I was going to live with Edward. When I drove out here I was feeling lost and alone. But, Edward wasn't just there to hold me and comfort me when I was upset. He actually wanted me here with him. To stay. I knew I loved him before, and that love had grown over the past few weeks, but now, knowing that he would take care of me, that he wanted me with him, my heart had never felt fuller.
I had to show that to Edward. My love for him was so great, it couldn't just be expressed in words, or even through kissing and touching. I had an overwhelming desire to give myself to him completely. I was already connected to him emotionally, mentally and spiritually. All that was left, was to consummate our love in the physical form.
I was always a little shy and not very experienced in the bedroom, but with Edward, I felt free. Free to show him how much I loved him in every way I could. I wanted all of him and it felt like I couldn't get it fast enough. Edward had no trouble matching my desire. He made me feel loved and beautiful and wanted.
I actually surprised myself with my own boldness, but I wouldn't change a thing about that afternoon. When I saw Edward, all of him, I was in awe of his beauty. He was a sight to behold. And he was mine. Edward was physical perfection. He was incredibly strong and muscular, but at the same time, he was in control of himself and his touch was so gentle. He made me feel safe.
But, when he asked if I wanted to talk about what happened to make me so upset, I felt vulnerable, again. I knew what my parents said, that Edward was using me, wasn't true, but I knew that Edward had insecurities. I was worried that telling him what was bothering me, would end up hurting him. I knew he wouldn't want to come between my parents and I. But, what I hoped he would understand, was that they were the problem, not him.
He gave me a moment to myself and I appreciated that he never seemed to rush me, or push me. Finally, I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his chest. "I told my parents about you," I whispered. He deserved to know why I was upset. He deserved everything I could give him.
He let out a deep breath and I knew that he was already blaming himself. I couldn't let it go on. "Edward, stop it," I said, sternly. That got his attention and he looked up at me, apology written all over his face. "Listen to me," I told him softly. "This is how they are. They don't approve of me being is school. They never wanted me to go on with my education. To them, working is success. They don't care that this degree could lead me to career that I might actually want. Over the last year, they've come to terms with my decision, but they think if I'm going to study, then I shouldn't be distracted."
Edward propped his head up on his hand and looked at me. "Do you think that?" he asked.
"No, Edward. Of course not. I love you with all of my heart and I have never been happier. And, honestly, I can't wait to finish this degree. It feels like a distraction. It's what has been keeping me from you these last few weeks." I hoped that made sense to him. I wanted him to know how important that he was to me.
"Bella, don't you see. If you want to be with me, more than you want to finish your degree, then maybe they're right. I am getting in the way." He looked so sad when he said that. He looked like he actually believed it.
I was so mad at his family, or whomever made him doubt that he was worthy of happiness. "Being happy should not come second to anything. You make me happy, Edward. I want to be with you." Tears welled up in my eyes and I sat up, bringing my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around my legs.
I heard him swear under his breath. He got up and walked around the bed to stand in front of me. He gently pulled my hands from my legs and picked me up, bridal style. I hung onto his neck, tightly. I had no idea what he was doing, or where he was taking me.
He walked down the hallway to the bathroom. He set me down to sit on the lid of the toilet and walked over to the old, claw-foot bathtub, turning the water on to fill it. He started rummaging through the cabinets, still swearing to himself. I was covered in goose bumps. I felt confused and upset and angry and just sad.
Finally he turned around with a small jar of blue bath crystals and poured them into the water. The room started to fill with steam and the smell of lavender. He stepped into the tub, and I was momentarily distracted by the beauty of his muscles as they moved with him. He sat down in the water and looked at me, with hope and fear and regret written all over his face.
I got in the tub and sat with my back to his chest. The water was warm and soothing and Edward's heartbeat on my back relaxed me. "Edward," I breathed. "I'm not mad at you. I just wish you saw how amazing you are."
He leaned forward and nuzzled his face into my neck, before taking a deep breath. "You're living the life I always wanted, Bella. Surrounded by friends and classmates. You're studying and pursuing a life that you chose for yourself." He ran his hands down my arms. "I don't want you to have any regrets."
"Thank you. I really do appreciate your concerns for me." I took his hands and brought them up to my body. "But, I have never felt so content with my life than when I'm with you." I brought my hands to his legs and traced my fingers over the bare flesh of his thighs. "I'll finish school, Edward. I love what I'm studying, but I'm not going to lose you for it." I leaned my head back on his chest and looked up at his face. "My parents expected me to make that choice. And it was an easy one for me. Losing you was never an option."
Edward smiled and my heart skipped a beat. "I'm sorry, sunshine," he said. "I love you and I just want the very best for you." He chuckled, seemingly at himself, making my body move with his. "And, while I may never understand what you see in me, I am forever grateful that you want to be here."
"But, you really do want me to live here?" I clarified. I chose to ignore his self depreciating comments for now.
"I never want you to leave," he admitted and my heart soared at his words.
We enjoyed our little bath, letting the warm water soothe our overused muscles. We had survived our first little misunderstanding. It was clear to me, though, that we both had issues that we needed to work through. But, we had each other and we had love, and I knew we could make this work.
We reluctantly got out of the water when it had cooled too much to tolerate. I honestly didn't want to get out, but Edward reminded me of my birthday dinner with Emmett and Rosie, and I didn't want to be late. I couldn't get over how sweet they were to go to this amount of trouble for someone that they had only known for such a short time. I knew, though, that they would do anything for Edward, and I was sure he was behind this in some way or another.
Edward walked over to the linen closet and pulled out a huge blue bath towel. He walked over to me and wrapped it around my shoulders. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, Bella," he whispered in my ear, as his hands trailed over my body.
I laughed. I just threw my head back and laughed. I felt so incredibly excited and energized about my life right now. I knew Edward intended this to be another intimate and romantic moment, but just hearing how much Edward loved me and was attracted to me, and thinking about our future together out here on the farm, I was over the moon.
Edward looked down at me, smiling. "What?" he asked, pressing a kiss to my lips. "That's not the reaction a naked man is looking for when he's whispering sweet nothings in his girlfriend's ear."
"I'm sorry," I said, the laughter still bubbling out. "I'm just so happy." I moved my hands down his wet skin and grabbed his bum in my hands, giving it a squeeze. "This body is nothing to laugh at." I leaned forward and kissed the tattoo on his chest. "I love you."
He smiled at me, before lifting me up and tossing me over his shoulder. I looked down at his beautiful back side. Edward was laughing as he walked down the hallway back to his bedroom. I felt him bite my hip making me giggle. I slapped his bum, playfully. I had never felt this comfortable with a man before. I felt completely free. It was an amazingly liberating feeling. The Bella I was a month ago, never would have felt comfortable enough to be carried around naked, but Edward made me feel perfect and confident.
He tossed me on the bed and crawled over me. "I'm so glad you're happy, because I have never been happier in my entire life," he said, laying down beside me. He took my hand in his. "And, I'm so sorry about before. I'm not taking their side, Bella. You're parents had no right to kick you out of the house. You're an adult. You are entitled to make your own decisions."
"Thank you, Edward," I said. "What upset the most though, was that I was trying to tell them how happy you make me, and they wouldn't even listen. They just said no."
He leaned over and kissed my lips. "You make me happy, too. Maybe they just need some time, you know. When they see that you're doing well in school and living with me, maybe they'll realize that they made a mistake." I didn't see that happening, but he was trying to make feel better and I appreciated it.
"Maybe," I said, kissing him once more. "We should probably get dressed, right?" I giggled.
"I would rather you didn't, but I guess we should head over to Em's," he said with a sexy smirk on his lips and a smouldering look in his eyes.
"Actually, my bags are still in my car," I said, picking up the towel from the bed, wrapping it around my body and tucking the end in just above my breasts. "Will you get them for me?" I asked.
"Of course, sunshine," he said, getting up and pulling on his jeans and a black t-shirt. He sat on the bed and pulled on some socks and his work boots. He just tucked the laces in the sides. It took him all of two minutes to get ready, but he looked like a model. "Be right back." He got up and kissed me, before turning and walking out the door.
I walked down the stairs, wearing only Edward's towel, so I could explore my new home. I walked into the kitchen and smiled, remembering Edward eating so much before the harvest. Next year at that time, I'd be making his breakfast and kissing him on his way out the door in the morning. I squealed a little at the thought. This whole year with Edward would be amazing.
"What's wrong, Bella? Spider?" I heard Edward's voice behind me. I turned and saw him standing there with his arms full of my things. He looked so sexy and strong.
I may have swooned a little. This tough, rugged, country man thing was almost too much for me. I smiled at him. "No. I'm just excited, that's all. I can't believe I live here, now."
"Well, get used to it, because, I don't think I'll be able to let you go," he said with a smile, making me giggle. "Jesus, you're so damn beautiful," he said more to himself than me. I blushed a little at that comment. There was something so raw and primal about Edward when he swore. I loved it. He cleared he throat. "Come on you. We'd better get you in some clothes."
Edward left the room and I heard his boots stomping up the stairs. Seth walked over to me wagging his tail, before sitting at my feet. I think he knew I was staying. I petted his head and scratched behind his ears, making his back foot tap on the worn, hardwood floor. Edward came back down into the kitchen. "Chose someone younger and cuter?" he asked, with a laugh.
I patted the dog's head one more time, before I walked over to Edward and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I love you," I whispered into his skin.
"I love you," he said back. "But, if you don't go get dressed, my two best friends are going to disown me for showing up late for your birthday dinner." He reached down and spanked me, making me giggle, again.
"Fine. It's not my fault, you're so distracting," I said, kissing him once more, before turning and running up the stairs. I heard the screen door creaking again, so Edward must have been going to get the rest of my things.
I combed my hair before I opened my duffle bag and pulled out a pretty cocktail dress. I was going to wear it out with Jessica for my birthday, but never had a chance due my unplanned eviction. I pulled on a black lace bra and panty set and then shimmied into the dress. It was a black lace, sleeveless dress with a v-neck and a nude underlay. It hit me mid thigh and had a black belt around the waist.
I had no idea what I was supposed to wear to this birthday dinner, and I knew this dress was probably a bit too dressy for a small get together with friends, but I really wanted to look good for Edward. My wardrobe was limited and I didn't want to wear school clothes, either.
"Wow," I heard Edward whisper from the doorway. I turned and smiled at him.
"You like it?" I asked.
"I love it." He walked over to stand behind me and slowly pulled the zipper up my back. "But, now I feel underdressed." He said chuckling, looking down at his jeans and t-shirt.
"Oh my god, Edward. I'm sorry. I thought I was supposed to dress up. Unzip me. I'll change really quick," I said, feeling really insensitive. I could feel the blood pounding in my cheeks. I felt like I had insulted him.
Edward looked amused by my sudden mood swing. "Bella, calm down," he said softly, as if talking to a skittish animal. He set his hands on my arms. "I love the dress. You remind of the Emerson quotation; 'Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.'" He stepped closer to me, leaning down to kiss my neck. Edward quoted poetry to me. I may have melted right on the spot. "I'll put on a better shirt, sunshine."
He slipped his t-shirt off and went to the closet, putting on a black, western, button up shirt, with white piping across the chest. He left a couple of buttons undone and then tucked it in. He looked gorgeous. I smiled at him. He was amazing.
I slipped on some black flats and took Edward's outstretched elbow. "Shall we?" He was such a gentleman.
This dinner would be more than a birthday celebration. We would be celebrating the start of our future together.
