Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. However, I do own this plot and storyline. I also own my own original characters.

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Chapter 10: Something Old

EPOV

I wake up to the sensation of something tickling my nose and gently swat it away. Hearing a sweet giggle, I decide to play along. I turn my head and peek through my eyes. The same sensation tickles me again, so I quickly reach up and carefully grab her hand, pulling a playfully squealing little girl down in the bed with me and tickle her. Lleu starts barking, and Bella is laughing from the doorway.

"Did you catch the tickle monster?" Bella asks, coming into my room.

Since Bella came home from the hospital, we've been getting closer. She stays in the house a little more since the days are getting hotter, and she's not supposed to be in the sun for too long. We flirt and banter, but I'm still working up the nerve to ask her out.

"I did, but this monster smells like syrup," I remark as Cassie catches her breath from being tickled.

"That's because she got into that jar of syrup you made yesterday," Bella giggles out. "She was coming to wake you up because she wants pancakes. Apparently, I can't make them like you."

"Well then, let's go see 'bout some pancakes," I sigh dramatically, throwing Cassie over my shoulder and grabbing a T-shirt from the chair by the bed.

Lleu and Bella follow me and a shrieking Cassie as I run down the stairs with her still over my shoulder.

"Goodness, what's all the racket?" I hear Sarah comment from the kitchen as we rush in. "And where's your shirt, son?"

"I was attacked by a tickle monster," I answer, depositing Cassie on one of the bar stools and slipping my shirt on.

"Did you wake Edward up over pancakes, baby girl?" Sarah asks Cassie with a smile and receives a soft 'yeah' in response.

After a huge breakfast of pancakes and sausage, my mother and Sarah turn into the wedding planning dictators they have become over the last week.

Today is Seth and Jessica's wedding. The ceremony is being held in what used to be a small grassy area close to the pavilion but has now been turned into a garden escape thanks to everyone's hard work. It's actually really beautiful with a vine covered arch, water fountain, pole lights, and white garden benches.

There're raised flower beds lining the edge of the grassy area and huge concrete planters at the entrance and on each side of the arch. Stone pavers make up a walkway leading to the arch, and the fountain is the centerpiece, bringing it all together.

Another project Jasper and Sam have been working on is getting the guest house ready because Bella is giving it to Jessica and Seth. I can't wait to see the look on their faces when she tells them.

We're holding the reception under the pavilion, which now has twinkling lights wrapped around the rafters. The picnic tables have been moved and there are large round tables covered in green tablecloths circling an open area for dancing.

Jessica decided to have the wedding in the evening so Bella wouldn't get overheated, or be in the direct sun. I think everyone is starting to drive her nuts with the hovering and just being overbearing.

Once I have all the food prepared and the cake set up at the activity center, I head back to the house to get myself ready. The wedding is country chic, whatever the hell that means. Bella finally told me to just wear nice jeans and a button-up shirt.

An hour later, I'm sitting in the garden next to my parents as Seth and Jessica exchange vows. I can't tell you anything about the wedding because I never take my eyes off Bella. She is absolutely the most beautiful sight in her green and brown strapless dress. When I saw her walk down the aisle, I was stunned stupid. Right now, I'm staring at her beautiful shoulders because there is a tattoo on her left shoulder blade that I can't wait to get a closer look at.

We eat and dance under the cover of the pavilion. I get a closer look at Bella's tattoo, which is Cassandra written in script with vines and two ladybugs running through it. Seth and Jessica cut the cake Sarah and I had made together, and they open their gifts with so much gratitude.

"Bella, no," Jessica starts, with tears in her eyes when she opens the small box and pulls out the keys to her and Seth's new home, "this is too much."

"It's nothing in comparison to everything you've done for me and you know it," Bella chides. "That house sits there untouched and you'll still be close." Jessica rushes into Bella's arms, hugging and crying together.

The newlyweds have gone off to spend the night in their new home as we clean up. Cassie is tired and it's showing in the way she's giving her mother hell.

"Bella," Billy finally interjects. "Take her to the house; we've got this. You look dead on your feet."

"Come on, dear," my mother urges, "my feet are killing me in these shoes."

Seth and Jessica leave the next morning for their five day honeymoon. They are taking a cruise courtesy of Sue, Billy, and Sarah. They'll be back Thursday in time for Bella's birthday because Jessica vehemently refused to miss it.

The week leading up to Bella's birthday and Jessica's return was chaotic, to say the least. My mother is covering for Jessica, and it's like having a new sheriff in town. She's gonna make Jessica's job easier, if it is the last thing she does. She's been computerizing everything from the animals' records to the ranch's inventory. She had Jasper doing project budgets and my father writing safety plans. Everything Jessica had told her she is trying to implement over the next few years, my mother wants done yesterday.

Thursday afternoon, I'm doing inventory in the activity center kitchen when Sarah rushes in. She is flustered and breathing heavily. "I love that woman to death," she growls out, "but I'm fixin' to lock her in the tack room."

Rose, who is doing inventory in the learning center, busts out laughing even under Sarah glare.

"She's trying to make herself feel useful," Rose states softly. "She feels like if she can fix this, it'll fix Bella."

"What?" both Sarah and I exclaim. "She's already an asset to this ranch and Bella," Sarah chastises.

"When Edward was going through all that shit back in Seattle, she did the same thing," Rose explains, giving me a small smile. "She couldn't do anything to help him, so she organized everyone's life. It's her way of coping. Once she deals with it in her own way, she'll become our Esme again."

"OK," Sarah sighs out. "I can understand that. She and Renee were close, so she probably feels like she's losing Renee all over again just by seeing her daughter suffering."

"Exactly," Rose agrees. "Once Bella's new medicine gets adjusted to the right dosage and she starts feeling better, then so will Esme."

"Well, I came to tell you, Edward, that we're leaving first thing in the morning to go get the puppy, so be ready," Sarah directs toward me. "Cypress in only a couple hours from here, and I want to see Janice."

"Yes, ma'am," I confirm. "Can I drive my truck though? I haven't gotten a chance to take it out yet. Oh, we need to stop at a pet store, too."

"Sure thing, sweets," Sarah calls as she's walking out the door.

Everyone is excited to see Seth and Jessica at dinner. They're both tan and smiling from ear to ear. They regaled us with stories of swimming with dolphins and parasailing.

Friday morning, after breakfast, Sarah and I are walking out the door with Cassie when Bella stops us. "Where're you going, Edward?"

"Sarah and I have some errands to take care of after we drop Cassie off at school," I explain, making sure I don't lie to her. "And I want to drive my truck, which is just collecting dust."

"Fine," she sighs out, clearly frustrated with having to still rest.

Once I have Cassie's booster seat strapped in correctly, we're on our way to town. I pull into the school drop-off line, and Sarah helps Cassie out of the truck. Kate waves at us as she takes Cassie's hand and leads her into the building.

Sarah directs me to the highway and we head out of town. Next stop Cypress. We chat about Bella's birthday dinner and the cake. I tell her in more detail about what happened in Seattle and how everything came to light regarding Cole Cheney. She's ready to murder the Denalis by the time I'm done explaining everything.

She tells me more about Renee and Charlie, the ranch, and everything Bella has been through. I have to wipe my own tears away a couple of times.

Before I know it, she's directing me down the drive of a beautiful ranch. It's set up similar to Swan Lakes but with less barns and land. Before I'm even out of the truck, a woman I can only assume is Janice pulls Sarah into a hug, squealing in excitement at seeing her friend.

As Sarah introduces me to Janice, an older man walks up leading the most unique-looking horse I've ever seen. The coloring looks like it was originally white then someone splattered it with brown and black paint.

"That horse is gorgeous," I blurt out, slowly walking up to it. I reach my hand out and pet its neck.

"She's an Appaloosa, and a sweetheart," the man explains. "I'm Peter; you must be Edward."

"Yes, sir," I stutter out, still petting the horse. She nuzzles my arm when I go to pull my hand away.

"She likes you," Peter surmises. "Do you know how to ride?"

"Um ... a little," I answer honestly. "Billy's been teaching me. I love it though; it's relaxing."

"Wanna ride her?" he asks with a smile. "She needs the exercise, and it's gonna be a while for those two women to catch up," he states, gesturing toward the two ladies huddled together, whispering.

"I'd love to," I reply in excitement. "Are there trails around here?"

"We don't have the acreage for trails like y'all do, so we'll just ride the fence line. Here, hold her and let me saddle up my horse, and we'll take a short ride around the property."

I mount up when I see him riding a large black horse toward us. We ride side by side as he points out the different sights on the property. When we're on our way back toward the barn, he tells me about Mist. The Appaloosa is actually for sale and has been approved for breeding by the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International. She's retired from dressage and has already produced two foals, which have gone on to make their own name in the horse world.

Janice and Sarah are waiting when we ride up, and I dismount Mist. "She's a beauty," Sarah comments.

"And rides like a dream," I remark. "Her name is Mist. She's for sale and approved for breeding."

"Listen to you," Sarah laughs out. "A month on the ranch and you already know horse talk."

I hand Peter the reins and wave Sarah over so I can whisper to her. "We're a perfect fit. I'd really like to purchase her, but I don't know what to look for, or any of the questions I need to ask."

"Slow down, son," Sarah giggles. "Let me talk to Peter and Janice, but we need to have Billy or Bella look at her first. I only know so much and don't understand the pedigree papers at all."

"Can we call Billy? If I need to put a deposit down or something so they don't sell her, I will," I rush out.

"Come see the puppy and let's talk to them then we can call Billy and see what he says. OK?"

"All right," I concede with a pout.

We walk over to Janice, and she's smiling at us. "You fell in love with Mist, didn't you?"

"Edward is just like Bella when it comes to animals," Sarah answers. "He just knows when they need him."

"Let's me show you Bella's baby then we'll talk horse," Janice states, waving us to follow her.

"Oh my goodness," Sarah blurts out when Janice hands me the tri-colored spaniel. He's trying to climb up my shoulder and lick my face.

"A hyper little thing," I comment, trying to calm down the rowdy little guy. "She's going to love him."

After Sarah completes the paperwork and we get his registration and vet records, I carry him to the barn office where Peter is looking through some files that are scattered on the desk.

He looks up as we all take a seat in the chairs in front of the desk, "Hey, y'all, he's a cutie right?"

"He's perfect for Bella," Sarah answers. "But I want you to tell me about this horse Edward fell in love with."

He just laughs, shaking his head, "Her full name is Miracle in the Mist, and she's a retired dressage champion. Daughter of Blue Moon. RPSI inspectors loved her and approved her for breeding Knabstruppers, with high marks for her movement and type."

"And how much are you selling her for?" Sarah takes over the conversation again.

"Forty-five hundred dollars and she is worth every penny even if you only breed her one time," Peter confirms.

Sarah pulls out her cell phone and places it on speaker as it rings, "Yes, dear?" Billy answers; you can hear the smirk through the line.

"You're on speaker, so you better watch it mister," she rebuts. "Takin' Edward somewhere is like takin' Bella."

"Gracious, what do you want, son?" Billy sighs out.

"A horse," I answer hesitantly. "But she fits me and is so gentle to ride."

"Tell me about her, and I want you to tell me, not Sarah or Peter," Billy demands.

"Her name is Mist or Miracle in the Mist, and she's the daughter of Blue Moon, born in 1999. She has a spotted, blanket coat, and she's approved to breed by the RPSI inspector. She's already produced two high-achieving foals. Oh, and she's a little over sixteen hands tall." I explain everything Peter has told me on our ride.

"Peter," Billy calls out; you can hear him take a deep breath through the speaker. "Is she retired from dressage or hunter ring?"

"Dressage," Peter relays. "She was given high marks for her movement and type by the inspector. Edward rode her for well over an hour, and they were like one. I was surprised because he told me you had just started teaching him to ride."

"I'm not saying you shouldn't purchase her, Edward," Billy starts. "I just don't have the time to come get her or check her out myself with Bella's birthday tomorrow. I trust Peter, and know he wouldn't sell you anything but the best, but we're just short on time around here with Bella laid up."

"I have an idea," Janice cuts in. "If you really want her, Peter and I can haul her to the ranch in the morning then stay over for Bella's party. I would really love to see her and the munchkin."

"I want her Billy," I state in excitement. "Can I send you pictures and maybe fax you her records?"

"Yeah," Billy concedes. "Email it to Jessica, and I'll head to the office. I need her feed and health records too so we can be prepared."

"I'll take care of it right now," Peter agrees as he hands Janice a camera, and I follow her out of the office.

She takes a few pictures before returning the camera to Peter. I sit as patiently as possible while he sends Billy the email. Janice and Sarah are chatting away on the couch in the corner while the puppy runs around the office. As soon as my patience starts to run out, the phone rings.

"Sonesta Ranch," Peter answers. "Hold on and let me put you on speaker, Billy."

"Edward?" Billy calls through the speaker.

"Yes, sir," I answer, a little nervous about what his answer will be regarding Mist.

"I'd say you found yourself a really good horse," he states, and I breathe out a sigh of relief. "I can tell you Bella's gonna wanna breed her, but either way, she's a good investment."

"Thanks, Billy," I say, grateful to him for taking the time to review her papers. "We'll be leaving here soon."

Billy talks to Sarah for a minute before disconnecting the call.

I turn my attention back to Peter, "Do you take credit cards or would you rather have a check?"

"How about I get all the paperwork together and bring it with me tomorrow; you can write a check or get a cashier's check," he states, handing me a card. "I know y'all need to get back on the road."

Sarah and I stop at the pet store on the way home for puppy food and a collar. We decide to let Bella purchase what she wants for him. It will also give her a chance to get out of the house. I also make a quick stop at the bank for a cashier's check.

I drive around to Sarah's cabin so we can hide the puppy until tomorrow before going to the main house.

Alice and Angela have already started dinner while Bella and Cassie sit at the table coloring.

As we sit down to eat dinner, Bella keeps questioning where Sarah and I went today. So Billy throws me under the bus to change the subject, "So, Edward, don't you have some news to share with everyone?"

I send a glare his way but only get a snort in return.

"What news, son?" my father questions. "Does this have something to do with where you were today?"

"Um … I … kindaboughtahorsetoday," I rush out, looking at my plate.

"Slow your roll, dude," Emmett retorts. "Now, can you say that so we can understand you?"

"I kinda bought a horse today," I reply softly. "She'll be here tomorrow, so I have to get her stall ready in the morning."

"Shut the fuck up!" Bella blurts out, shocking us all. "You bought a horse today? As in you went and rode it, checked it out, and everything? And I couldn't go? Why?"

I didn't think she would be so upset about this, and now I feel terrible. She thinks I lied to her.

"Wait, wait, wait," Sarah jumps in, seeing her so upset. "Edward did not set out to buy this horse. And no one is keeping secrets."

"Then what's going on? And why am I being kept inside with nothing to do?" Bella asks, clearly annoyed. "I'm starting to feel locked up or something."

"Sweetheart," Billy sighs, getting up and kneeling by her chair, wiping her tears away. "We're just planning your birthday not keeping things from you. And we certainly didn't mean to make you feel like we were keeping you prisoner in your own home."

"Edward and I had an errand to run today, for your birthday surprise. We stopped by an old friend's place to invite them out for the weekend, and that is where Edward saw the horse," Sarah explains. "He's just like you, dear. One look and he was a goner. So he rode her around the property, and we sent her information to Billy so he could make sure she is a good investment."

"Sorry," Bella apologizes even though there's no need for it. "I didn't mean to breakdown like that."

"It's perfectly normal for you to feel this way," my dad tells her. "And you will probably continue to feel off until you get use to this new medicine."

"I'll help you prepare the stall in the morning if we start early enough before the heat sets in," Bella suggests, looking at me. "If you don't mind, that is?"

"I would really appreciate that," I offer a smile. "I also need to see if Dr. Gerandy can come take a look at her, too. Oh, and the saddle I used today was so much more comfortable than the one of Seth's I've been using. I want to get one of those," I say, turning to Sarah.

She holds up her hands like she's surrendering, "I told ya I don't know as much as Bella and Billy. I know it wasn't a western saddle, but other than that, I can't tell you anything 'bout it."

Jessica gets up and grabs Bella's laptop from the kitchen then sits beside me, "I can't tell you much either, but I can show you pictures, and Bella can help you figure it out."

"There's only a few types of saddles; it's the size and shape you need to worry about," Bella states, coming to sit on the other side of me. "Did it have a tree?"

"No, and the back of the seat came up more than the one Rose used of yours," I answer, trying to think, "And the side flaps weren't as long either."

After looking through the pictures, Bella determined it was a type of English saddle I rode with today. "Looks like we'll need to make a trip to the saddlery shop. Maybe next week we can go to Dallas."I would go anywhere with you is what I wish I could say. Instead, I settle with, "I'm ready whenever you are."

I know the double meaning behind my words, and she would know them soon as well.

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