We're in the third and final installment in the Renovations trilogy. I'm happy for those of you who stuck with me throughout all of this. This was a challenge to write, but it helped me grow as an author. I hope you see that, too. Now, the story will update on Wednesdays and Sundays, with teasers on Mondays and Fridays. It's pre-written and complete. Thank you to Christina Downs for her help with this – guiding me with suggestions for the story, editing and just being a sounding board for this journey – you rock, girlie! MWAH!
Chapter Nine
"I think that this will be all finished by the beginning of next week, Mrs. Banner," Edward said, looking at the renovations. "We're just putting the finishing touches and fine tuning all of the new appliances."
"I'll be so happy once I'm able to use my new and improved kitchen," Mrs. Banner beamed. "Eating out all of the time is too expensive and not good for Mr. Banner's cholesterol."
"Or you waistline!" Mr. Banner grumbled from the basement.
Mrs. Banner flipped him off, but he couldn't see it. "A crew will be here tomorrow?"
"Seth, one of our project managers, will be here with a paint crew. They should be done by early afternoon. When we come back on Monday, all we'll need to do is finish the backsplash, install the appliances and set up your new furnishings," Edward said, his mouth quirking up into a crooked grin. "Now, it's been a long week and I'm going to go home and veg out."
"No special lady?" Mrs. Banner asked, giving Edward a little grin.
"It's complicated," Edward said, wrinkling his nose. "Seth will be here at ten. Happy Valentine's Day." He slid on his coat and walked out to his truck. As he was settling in the driver's seat, his phone chirped. "What now? All I want to do is go home." He picked up his phone and saw a 911 text from Garrett.
There's some sort of flooding issue at the Seaview Condo. The property manager called me since Esme is out of town. Come quick! ~ G
Do you know how much flooding? ~ E
I'm not sure. I'm driving there now. Will be there in 10 ~ G
On my way. I'm just leaving the Banner's now ~ E
See you soon ~ G
Edward tossed his phone into a cup holder and drove toward Esme's condo. He parked outside, next to Garrett's Jeep, once he arrived. Pulling out the keys, he let himself into the lobby and rode up to the top floor of the condo. He unlocked the door, preparing to see a flood on the floors. But, what greeted him was not a flood.
He saw candles on every flat surface of the condo. Twinkle lights were hung all around, warming the condo with a soft, romantic glow. Hanging from the rafters, there were sheer white curtains.
"What the hell?" Edward asked, his brows furrowed. He walked into the condo, seeing more candles and romantic lights. When he turned the corner into the main living space, he saw her. "Bella …" he breathed.
She stood stock still, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She wanted to run into his arms, but he had to come to her. She was too nervous. Bella wore a bright pink dress that fit her like a glove. It had one strap and her other arm was bare. Her chocolate brown hair was curled and pinned away from her face. She wore simple makeup and jewelry.
Edward didn't know what to think or how to act. The woman he loved more than his own life was standing in the middle of a romantic dream. Her posture indicated that she was afraid and sad. He noticed that she was much thinner than when he last saw her, her arms delicate and fragile-looking. He wanted to run to her, enfold her in his arms and lose himself in her. He also wanted to run away from the pain and suffering she'd caused.
She's the victim in all of this, Edward. She had her choice taken away. Esme's voice resounded in his head, replaying that conversation where she described what happened to her. Could he forgive her and forget what happened? He stared at her, seeing tears track down her pale cheeks. She was crumbling and fearing the worst. He was going to walk away.
No. I'm not giving up on her, on us without a god damned fight. She didn't have a choice in being videotaped. Her trust was breached and he would not let that happen again. He ran to her and pulled her into his arms. "Don't cry, love," he soothed, pressing her ear to his chest. "Please, don't cry. I can't bear to see you cry." His own voice broke as tears brimmed in his eyes.
"I was afraid you'd run," she sobbed, her fingers gripping the lapels of his coat. "That you'd hate me."
"I could never hate you, Bella," Edward said, moving them to the couch. He sat down, holding her on his lap. "I was hurt by your breakup, but Esme and Garrett helped me understand why you did what you did." He tightened his arms around her too-skinny body.
"I'm so sorry. I was ashamed. I was afraid and ashamed. I shouldn't have hurt you and Garrett," she said, looking at him. "But, James …"
"Don't ever speak of him again, Bella," Edward said, pressing his finger to her lips. "He was a monster. A cruel, vindictive monster who had no right to hurt you like he did." He moved his finger from her lips and cupped her face. She was still heartbreakingly beautiful despite her puffy eyes and swollen red nose.
"I shouldn't have given up," she whispered, her eyes dropping to her lap. "Essie, Garrett, Aro, Marcus … they all rallied behind me and made me see what I was giving up. What I was losing. You and Garrett gave me so much more than a renovated house. You showed me how to open my heart again. I was afraid of being hurt, but the one person who can hurt me the most is me, by closing myself off and putting up walls. You may have rebuilt my house, but you tore down the walls to my heart, Edward. I'm in love with you and have been since you brought me home from the hospital when I sliced my hand in the oyster bathroom."
"That fucking bathroom," Edward laughed, his thumb caressing her cheek and capturing more tears as they fell down her face. "I'm in love with you, too, Bella. I think I loved you from the moment we shook hands at your house."
"You got to one-up me?" Bella giggled.
"You may be an attorney, but I will this argument," Edward quipped. His other hand reached to her face. "Can I kiss you?"
"Please," she breathed. He dipped his head, his lips brushing hers tenderly. Bella shuddered and angled her head, her lips moving freely with his, tasting his soft, sweet skin and letting the walls crumble all around her, freeing her from her pain and opening her up to be loved. Her fingers moved from the lapels of his jacket and to his messy, bronze hair. She moaned quietly, remembering how soft it felt between her fingers. Her memories of it had not done it justice. Edward used her moan as an opportunity to slide his tongue between her lips and taste her sweet mouth. His hand moved down to her waist, pulling her ever closer to his body.
"It's about fucking time!" Garrett laughed as he walked into the condo. Edward and Bella broke apart, both blushing. "So, did you both say that you loved each other? Kissed and made up?"
"Yes, Garrett," Bella said, smiling sweetly and snuggling further into Edward's arms.
"Good because I can't handle seeing your sourpusses anymore," Garrett said, sitting on the table across from them. "My job as Cupid is done."
"Edward and I have a lot to talk about, but I owe you an apology, too, Garrett," Bella said, getting up from Edward's lap and moving to Garrett's. "I know I hurt you and I know that you've forgiven me, but I want to say it again. I'm sorry. I was ashamed of this." She gestured to the three of them. "I'm not anymore. I love you, too. Granted, I love Edward more, but you hold a very special place in my heart and my head." She smirked at Garrett before slyly looking Edward. "My heart wants one more time with the three of us since we did have something magical. Is that alright with you, Edward?"
"As long as I know that by the end of the night, you're my girl," Edward said. "I don't want to share you. Not anymore."
"I'm yours, Edward," she smiled. "But tonight, you're both mine."
A/N: Oooh! They're all together again! YAY! They confessed their love and are having one final moment together! Pictures of the finished condo are on my blog along with some pervy pic teasers that are forthcoming. Link for the blog is in my profile. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation and twitter: tufano79. Thanks for reading! ;-)
