Ohai. Do you even remember that once upon a time, you put this story on your alerts? Yeah, well, sorry is not even an adequate thing to say for this kind of fail. RL is my priority, sorry to say. Family stuff trumps all, but now, as that settles down and I get my shit together, I hope to be able to focus on this little piece of fluff. I won't abandon it. All I ask is your patience and understanding in case RL takes me away again.
Did you know that I have some pretty fantastic ladies who give me their undying support and red pen skills? TwiSherry, valenid, myheroin1, and nitareality have all secured a place in my heart forever. Thanks you so much ladies!
I don't usually do song recommendations. Maybe I should. Whatever. Anyway, there is a song called "Natural Reaction" by Gomez. I am a big fan of theirs, and it has always been a fave of mine. It also dovetails nicely into Bella's life in this chapter. Listen to it if that's your thing. I'm pretty sure you can find a slew of their stuff on YouTube.
I truly appreciate all of you taking the time to read my words. I hope that you enjoy this chapter—and the rest of the story when we get there!
Oh, and just in case you were wondering:
Twilight isn't mine. It belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
I'm not making money off of this.
Plagiarism is just not cool. Please don't copy or translate. Thanks.
Edward
When I was little, I remember wishing that time would pass quickly. Christmas couldn't get here fast enough, or the car trip was always excruciatingly long. When I would complain, my parents would caution me about 'wishing my life away' and that one day, I would learn patience. And, of course, they were right. I matured, gained perspective, and settled into the adult mindset that things will go at their own pace, and there wasn't squat shit that you could do about it. That being said, it seemed all of my patience had been obliterated the moment I met Bella Swan.
Maybe I was just too infatuated for my own good, but I missed Bella when I wasn't with her. I felt strange admitting that to myself, but it was the only reasonable explanation for the slightly grumpy feeling that lurked when I was alone. Her smile and laugh buoyed me, which was a surprise, since I thought I was a pretty happy person to begin with. And all of this in just a few days' time! That was the truly frightening thing to me.
I jogged home after seeing Bella at her door. She seemed a little tired, but excited about her night with Vicki and the girls in OB. I knew that she would have a good experience there. I had toyed briefly with the thought of specializing in OB/GYN, but Emergency Medicine won out. Ultimately, I think it was my dad's influence that swayed me. His influence over my life, both personally and professionally, is something I am not ashamed to admit. He is a good man, and I consider it an honor to be his son.
I had really pushed myself on my run, so after I showered, I collapsed on my bed. As I laid there on my back, my thoughts naturally turned to Bella. I was excited to be taking her to meet my mom. I really wanted them to like each other, but wasn't worried. The two of them, along with my sister and Rose, would be thick as thieves by the time noon rolled around.
I was ready to pick Bella up about an hour before I needed to. Jeez, Cullen, anxious much? I looked around my room and sighed. My thoughts were taken back to yesterday, Bella in my bed. The way she felt next to me as we slept was sublime. The most surprising thing that I discovered as her beautiful body was wrapped around me in slumber was that Bella had a tendency to talk in her sleep. It wasn't anything Earth-shattering or scandalous, what she said, but it had a profound effect on my feelings that were building. As I held Bella close, she smiled and murmured, "Edward." At first, I thought she was awake, but when I noticed that she was asleep, and that I occupied her thoughts, even as she slept, I couldn't help but smile.
When I had wasted enough time to turn the clock to 9AM, I decided I could wait no longer. I needed to see her as soon as possible, so I dialed her number, and she picked up after the first ring.
"Good morning, Dr. Cullen," Bella said, the smile evident in her voice.
"It is, Nurse Swan. Are you decent?" I asked, trying to disguise my eagerness, and doing a horrible job at it.
"I am," she said with a laugh. "Do I want to know why you are asking?"
"Well, at the risk of sounding totally pathetic, I looked at our schedules for the coming week, and we will not get much time to spend together until Thursday, at best. I was wondering if I could swing by a little early, even if it is just to talk to you while you finish getting ready. There. I said it. I understand if you feel like I'm being a little stalkerish, or clingy, or…" I managed to mumble before she cut me off.
"Get your fine ass over here, Edward. I'll leave the door open for you. I'll just be drying my hair."
I did a fist pump and laughed. "Have you been checking out my ass, Swan?"
"Goodbye, Edward," she laughed back and hung up.
Approximately four minutes later, I was climbing the stairs to her room two at a time, listening to Bella sing some old George Michael song that poured through the speakers of her iHome.
She shut off her hair dryer and turned around, smiling. She then lowered the volume on the catchy tune and crossed the room to me, lifting up on her toes to peck my lips.
"Interesting choice of songs, Bella. 'You gotta have faith?''' I said, my eyebrow raised.
"Maybe. Or maybe it's just a good shake your ass song!" And with that, she turned around and continued her singing and dancing as she walked into the bathroom. It was a nice view, to say the least.
Now I was used to Alice and her preparations for hair, make up, and clothing. It was always a flurry of activity. It looked like Bella's regimen was the polar opposite. After drying her hair, she swept the sides of her hair up in a clip, applied some mascara and grabbed a yellow tube of Burt's Bees tinted stuff that made her lips look incredible and declared herself done. The cotton sundress she wore was white with pink, orange and red poppies scattered all over. She grabbed a lightweight red sweater off the foot of her bed and then beckoned me with her finger. I walked toward her and stood between her legs as she sat on the edge of her bed. She wrapped her arms around my waist and sighed heavily. I dropped my head and pressed my lips to the top of her head.
"Tired?" I asked, rubbing her arms, all soft from her shower and whatever lotion she used to make her smell delicious.
"A little. Mostly my mind is still running from all that I did last night. It was fulfilling in a whole new way for me, and I have to say that I never would have expected to be swayed from years of Emergency and Trauma nursing. What is it with this town?" Bella said with a laugh, turning her slightly sleep deprived eyes up to mine.
"What do you mean? What other unexpected things has Forks forced upon you?" I inquired with a raised brow. I had a pretty good idea that she was referring to the crazy feelings that have been flying between us since our rather interesting meeting in the call room.
"Gee, I don't know, Edward!" Bella giggled. "A week ago, I was so sure of everything, just going along, everything according to The Plan. I don't mean to be rude, but Forks was kind of just another stop, another step toward the end of my travels before I started something new. I wasn't expecting to just click here. I wasn't expecting to feel connected in ways I have never been in the past five years. And I certainly wasn't expecting to fall in—like—with a fun, smart, handsome man. Feel free to stop me if I say too much."
Bella's face was a beautiful deep pink after her little soliloquy, but she kept her eyes on mine. Quintessential Bella, bold and shy all at once.
I sat on the bed with her, each of us turning to face the other. "Bella, would it help you to know that a week ago, I thought I was a happy guy. I had a job I love, a great family and wonderful friends. Then I fall in like with a beautiful, confident, intelligent woman I found lurking in the call room. This past week has been amazing for me, too. I wasn't expecting you, either, but I'm not going to ignore the pull I feel when I'm with you, Bella. You feel it, don't you?"
Bella closed her eyes and smiled. "I do, Edward. I don't know what it is, but I feel it. And I want to see where it leads," she said as she looked in my eyes and ran her small hand over my scruffy jaw. "I just worry about what will happen when I leave," she began.
"Don't you worry about that now, beautiful. Let's worry about that when that time comes. Right now, it's not even June, and we have the whole summer and most of the fall. What do you say we see how things go?"
"And you're not scared that I said that I'm in like with you? Most guys would be running the other way, you know."
I pulled Bella into my arms, resting my chin on her shoulder, and breathed a deep sigh. "I hope that you have noticed by now that I'm not most guys, Bella. And did you forget that I'm in like with you, too?"
Bella giggled at that, pulled back and kissed me. "Thanks, Edward. This really has been a bit of a surprise for me, albeit a good one. I might not always get it right, but I'm really looking forward to seeing where it all goes."
Bella leaned in again and placed a lingering kiss on my mouth. As I snaked my arm around her waist to draw her nearer to me she pulled back.
"Not a chance, Cullen! I'm going to be meeting your mom in half an hour and you are not going to go getting me all worked up! Now, on your feet, and let's get going."
"You sure are bossy when you don't get your beauty rest, Swan. Jeez!" I teased, placing her hand in mine and escorting her down the stairs.
Bella and I drove toward my parents' house. At one point, we came to a stop sign, with the choice of either turning left or right. Our destination was to the right.
"Where does the road lead if you turn left?" Bella asked.
"Eventually, you will end up at the Pacific Ocean. That's the way to La Push," I said. "As kids, we would go there and hang out, have bonfires, and try to impress the girls with our mad surfing skills."
Bella snickered. "I could see you and Jasper on boards, but Emmett? Isn't that kind of like giving ballet slippers to an elephant?"
I laughed out loud at her comment. "Actually, he was the best of the group. Who knew that the Hulk would be able to center his mass and be pretty graceful as he rode the waves?"
"Oh my! You're not kidding! That's hilarious! Well, we'll have to make it over there some time, because I have never seen the Pacific. I have to at least wade in the surf for a few minutes. I went to the Atlantic when it was twenty degrees and did one of those Polar Bear Plunges. I'll show you the pictures sometime."
Hearing Bella tell me that she had never been to the Pacific gave me an idea. One that would require my twin's help. I'd have to sneak away and ask Alice for her input later.
We made it to my parents' home a little early, and we were the first ones to arrive. I parked near the house and hopped out quickly to get Bella's door for her. It would not do to have Esme see Bella opening her own door. She was the one who would tell me, over and over, that good manners are a reflection of a person's character, and the kindnesses you afford others will be repaid a hundredfold. Plus women are suckers for chivalry-her words, not mine.
As I reached in to help Bella from the car, she offered me a somewhat nervous smile. I drew her into my arms for a reassuring hug. "My mother is about the least intimidating person you will ever meet. I should be worried about all of the ribbing I'm about to endure!" I said before bending to kiss Bella's forehead.
"I know. It's just been a while since I have done the 'meet the parents' thing. It'll be much better when everyone else gets here, I suppose," she sighed, leaning into me a bit. "Let's do this, Cullen!"
Bella's tiny hand found my own as we walked the short distance to the back porch. Mom's green thumb was evident as we passed by her raised-bed herb garden that she and Emmett had designed and built one year for Mother's Day. Gestures such as that were more Mom's style than jewelry or other gifts. Somewhere in the corner of my mind, I had the feeling that Bella was the same in that respect, and that thought comforted me in ways that I could not explain.
The door opened, and Mom greeted us, wearing her apron that simply said "The Help" in fancy script. Jasper had gotten it for her one year after one of his more snooty clients referred to Esme as 'hired help' when she was redecorating his offices. It had become a family joke since then.
"Well, hello, you two! You're a little early!" Mom said as she stepped toward us, reaching up to kiss my cheek.
"Yeah, we got a little head start this morning. Mom, this is Bella Swan. Bella, this lovely woman is my mother, Esme."
"Bella, darling, it is a pleasure to meet you!" my mother exclaimed.
"Thanks so much for having me today, Mrs. Cullen. I'm glad to meet the woman behind the best peanut butter cookie recipe ever!" Bella began, offering her hand to shake. I smiled because I knew what was coming next. A handshake simply would not do.
"First of all, it's Esme, dear. Second, the recipe was my grandmother's, and I'd be happy to share it with you. And third, welcome to our home, where we hug, not shake hands," Mom said and enveloped Bella in her arms, holding her tight and squeezing her eyes shut as she embraced her guest. When Mom finally let go, Bella laughed.
"Definitely Alice's mom. She hugs the same way!" Bella quipped.
My father came to the door, dressed in jeans and a button down shirt the color of a faded tomato. Alice must be supplementing his wardrobe these days.
"Hello, Carlisle," Bella said as we headed to the door. The scents of coffee, bacon and something sweet greeted our noses.
"Hello! How was your night with the babies in OB? It had to be more exciting than the ED. We didn't have one patient come by the whole twelve hour shift!" Carlisle said as he walked to the counter where the coffee pot sat.
Bella gave my father a genuine smile and giggled. "Sorry to hear that you were so bored! We had a busy night, but it was one of the best shifts I have ever experienced. I learned so much, and everyone was so welcoming. I hope that they'll have me back!"
"Uh oh. I don't like the sound of that! You were supposed to hate it and demand to never be floated there again, Bella! We don't want to lose someone with your skills this early in the game," Dad said, placing a cup of coffee in front of both Bella and me. She and I both reached for the creamer at the same time, our hands brushing together. I grasped hers for a quick squeeze and let her use it first, while I placed a bit of sugar into my cup. I looked up to see my dad with a bit of a smirk on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Obviously, he and Mom talked after my visit with her the other day.
"Oh, I don't think one night will change my whole life's plan, but it has given me a bit to think about," Bella said after taking a sip of her coffee.
Carlisle disappeared for a moment into the dining room, and I leaned down to whisper into her ear. "Allow me a few more nights then, Nurse Swan, and perhaps I can begin to get you to see Forks in a different light." I grazed her earlobe with my teeth and then stepped away just as Dad was entering the kitchen again.
"You don't fight fair, Cullen," she whispered, her blush pinking her cheeks beautifully. I winked and gestured toward the breakfast bar, pulling out a chair for her.
Mom came into the kitchen with a few empty trays and placed them on the counter in front of Bella and me. Her smile was wide as she looked between us, to which my eye roll seemed an appropriate response.
"So, Bella, tell me about yourself. Your family is in Phoenix, right?" Mom asked as she turned to the SubZero to get containers of fruit.
"Yes. I grew up there and went to Arizona State for my nursing degree. My dad is a detective with the Phoenix Police Department, and my mom teaches kindergarten. My Grandma Swan is down there, too."
"I've never been to Arizona. I'm sure that our weather here has you all out of sorts!" my mom said as she continued to bring things out of the refrigerator. I almost had forgotten what is required to feed Emmett.
"It's a lovely place. There are times I miss the desert, but I have gotten to see so much more. It has been amazing to make my way across the continent. I don't think I have many regrets in the last five years. But I think it's time for me to find a home of sorts, so after Forks, I have one more assignment in San Francisco, and then I will start graduate school, provided I can find a place to take me," Bella said with a shrug. I had never seen Bella with a lack of confidence in herself.
"What do you mean, 'if you can find a place to take you?' I'm fairly certain that you will have your choice of programs, Bella. The hard part will be deciding which to turn down," I said, wanting to reassure her with an embrace, but settling for a gentle squeeze of her shoulder.
Bella took a drink of her coffee and smiled up at me. "You found my weak spot, Edward. I have this irrational fear that after all of my planning, I won't get admitted to a good program. And you know how I am about my plan." She turned to Mom and sighed. "I am terribly anal retentive, I'm afraid. Everything about the past five years has been orchestrated well in advance, and sometimes, going out on a ledge and altering The Plan scares the crap out of me."
Mom let out a little laugh. "Oh, Bella, try not to get yourself all worked up over nothing. I'm sure if you were to sit down and analyze things, you'd find that you are more prepared for the next part of your journey than you initially led yourself to believe."
Bella seemed to reflect on that for a moment. I could see what Mom was trying to do, and I was grateful for her efforts to encourage Bella to concentrate more on the present, rather than the next stop. I made up my mind to help Bella to see that Forks could be more than a six-month assignment.
Bella
Just like everything else in this corner of the world, Esme Cullen, within a matter of moments, made me feel completely as if I belonged here. That feeling was something that I could discern way down in the marrow of my bones. I closed my eyes and shook the feeling off for the time being.
"Thank you for that, Esme. Maybe it is time to live a little," I said as I smirked at the green-eyed god next to me.
"Bella? Would you mind if I dragged Edward away for a few moments for a little shop talk? I have the CVs of the applicants for the position in the ED. HR forwarded them to me, and I thought I'd go over them with both Edward and James before they made it here for the interviews." Carlisle said, apologetically.
"Nope. I can handle myself with this wicked woman you call a wife," I said, winking at Esme. She laughed at my attempt to malign her. "I think we have an Emmett to feed!"
Esme continued smiling as she prepared all of the ingredients for crepes next to her cooktop. "You are very perceptive, Bella. My eldest son is a bottomless pit. I think he must have inherited it from my Uncle Adam. He made a career out of eating as a food critic."
"That explains a lot, Esme!" I snickered as I began to look at all of the food that was laid out over the surface of the huge island. "What do you need me to do?"
Esme handed me some skewers. "We'll start with some fruit kabobs, I think. I have a breakfast casserole in the oven, plenty of bacon and sausage for the boys, blueberry and banana nut muffins, and we'll have lemon crepes as well. And of course, mimosas! The crepes are already made, but I have to make the filling and make some whipped cream."
"Whipped cream? There's a job for Emmett. I taught him how to make that the other night when the gang was around for dinner. He did well, and was very serious about the sprinkles!"
"Oh yes, Emmett can be quite particular about those, I'm afraid. One time, when I bought a container of rainbow ones, he insisted upon sorting them by color. His plan was to make a mosaic on his birthday cake. I have a picture in the hall. It was spectacular!"
I was placing the fruit onto the sticks, chatting with Esme about decorating and the house I currently occupied. She launched into an animated speech about the condition of the place when it was bought, and the joy of discovering all of the hidden treasures covered up from a bad renovation in the '70s. She and Emmett were able to restore most of the original elements of the house, with such modern enhancements such as the kitchen and the master bath. I couldn't help but gush about how much I loved the house, and about how fortunate I felt to be spending my time in Forks living there.
"Well, I'm glad that you like it so much, dear. Emmett and I created the spaces to be used and adored. I always envisioned myself sitting on the porch swing, enjoying a drink and a book."
"That's exactly what I thought when I first drove up! I haven't had the chance to do that yet, but the summer is young," I said wistfully. Esme smiled a bit and looked at my progress.
"You know, kiwi, watermelon, and strawberries are Edward's favorite, if you want to make a few for him. He will pick the others off anyway," Esme offered with a knowing smile. I blushed a bit and heeded her suggestion, making three kabobs for Edward.
Just as I was putting the last skewer onto one of the antique-looking trays that Esme had set out, I heard the sound of cars in the driveway. I followed Edward's mother to the porch, where we were greeted by a jubilant Alice.
"Hi, Mom!" Alice said as she enveloped her mother in a hug. "I can smell the casserole from here! Jasper will love it! I brought a few swatches for you to look at for your dress. I know the wedding is a year away, but the simple details I'd like to get out of the way early so that I can concentrate on the big stuff."
I smiled at Alice's stream of conscience conversation with Esme. I briefly imagined Esme being much the same way.
"Bella! I'm so glad to see that you made it this morning! Did you have a good night at work?" Alice asked as her little arms squeezed me, freakishly strong.
"Good to see you too!" I replied, returning the hug. "I was floated to OB for the night since the ED was so slow. It was a busy twelve hours, but I learned a lot, and got to help in a delivery."
"And… Edward made peanut butter cookies for her and surprised her with them," Esme said with a smile. When Alice heard this, her face lit up with a smile as well, while mine just lit up with a blush.
Jasper joined us on the porch and we all exchanged greetings. Rose and Emmett had arrived as well, but seemed to be talking on the phone with someone. Emmett waved and indicated with his hand that they'd be in shortly.
As we entered the kitchen, Alice linked her arm in mine.
"Bella, I have some pictures from the other night for you. You'll have to give me your email so that I can send you the files. I think you'll like them!"
Alice then gave me an envelope. Inside, I found about twenty pictures taken with Alice's camera. I really hadn't even had time to download what I had taken that evening. Esme and Alice looked over my shoulder as I took the photos out and began to peruse them. The first one was of Jasper and me with our favorite As Seen On TV items. Next were a few more random shots, and then a picture of Emmett, hard at work on the ice cream cake. Another one of him and the sprinkles had Esme laughing out loud. Alice had managed to capture one of Rosalie looking blissful as she gazed at her man, his brow furrowed in concentration as he completed his task of decorating the dessert. One I remembered taking of Alice and Jasper was next, her eyes closed in laughter as he pressed his forehead to her temple.
The next picture caused me to gasp, then blush. Edward was sitting facing me, his arm casually around my waist, and I was facing the camera, a goofy, happy smile on my lips. What had made me gasp was the look of utter adoration in Edward's eyes. It was the look of someone in love.
Esme looked at Alice, then she walked around to the other side of the island, busying herself with the ingredients for the crepes while Alice gave me a quick squeeze and leaned in close.
"I've never seen him so happy, Bella. You put that look on his face. Thank you."
"Um, you're welcome?" I said, as if asking a question. I wasn't sure what to say, my eyes still looking at the picture with wonder. How on earth can I be the one to make him that happy after a week? How has he made me this happy? I pushed those thoughts aside as I placed the pictures back in the envelope and turned to Jasper, who was getting coffee for both Alice and himself.
"Good to see you, Jasper! Have you convinced Alice to let you register for a Slap Chop and the industrial pack of ShamWOWs yet?" I asked with a giggle. Alice shot me a look of mock-horror and Jasper just sighed.
"From your lips to God's ears, Bella. I do believe my fiancée is a little on the snobby side. But I will try my best to sway her opinion. How was work last night? Alice said that you had traded with Ange so that she and Ben could go to a club. And before you ask, yes, Alice knows everything, sometimes even before it happens," the Texas boy said as he ducked a blow from Edward's twin.
"Now Jasper, that just isn't fair. The only reason I knew Bella was on last night was because Ange dropped by the shop and mentioned that she and Ben were headed to a show, and she was so grateful that Bella was able to switch with her."
Jasper smiled behind his mug, watching Alice become more animated as she tried to defend herself. In the end, she gave up.
"Fine. I can't help it if people tell me things. And it's good business sense to remember the little things and file them away. You never know when things might come in handy, and people appreciate it when you recall details. It makes them feel special!" Alice half smiled, half pouted.
"I understand, Alice," I said, attempting to make her feel better as I carried a tray of fruit kabobs to the table. "I do the same thing as a nurse. It's about gaining trust. A lot of the time, I have only a few minutes to try to assess the situation and use any and all information I have to make the situation better. Even the little things are important."
"That's so very true, Bella," Esme said from her spot by the stove. "I mean, I guess that listening to what your patients tell you, and sometimes don't tell you can be as much of a diagnostic tool as an x-ray is."
"Yeah, Mr. Bigshot Lawyer. What she said," Alice said and stuck her tongue out at Jasper.
"Darlin', I never said that there was anything wrong with your ability to recall even the tiniest detail. I just like to see you get all worked up, that's all," Jasper smirked.
Just then, the door opened, and Emmett walked in.
"I do NOT want to hear about my little sister getting all worked up from my soon to be brother-in-law. That's just wrong on so many levels," Emmett said. The comment was immediately followed by a smack to the back of his head that knocked off his ever-present Mariners ball cap by Rosalie.
"Good morning, everyone. Please excuse Emmett's lack of verbal filter. Birth defect, right Esme?" Rose said, taking her sunglasses off and placing them into her leather bag.
Esme wiped her hands on a towel and came across the room to hug Emmett and Rose, pausing to reprimand her son with a gentle tap to the back of his head as well. "We love him anyway, Rose."
As Alice and I continued to load the table with the brunch items, Rose sidled up next to me and gave me a hug.
"It's good to see you, Bella! What's up?"
"Nothing much, just coming off a very busy night shift. I'm glad I won't be missing much today while I sleep since it's supposed to rain."
Alice giggled. "Bella, it always rains in Forks! But I hear it is supposed to clear for tonight. The rest of the week is looking soggy."
"Alice, you watch too much of The Weather Channel, honey. Esme, where are Carlisle and the young Dr. Cullen? Emmett and I want to share our news. And no, I'm not pregnant," Rose said, rolling her eyes at Jasper as his eyes bulged from their sockets a bit at the mention of 'news.'
My back was to the entryway where Carlisle and Edward had disappeared earlier. As I continued to help Esme finish setting all of the items out for brunch, I swear I felt Edward's presence. I casually looked over my shoulder and was greeted with a captivating stare from a pair of green eyes. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as he winked at me.
Edward stood in the doorway and I took note of how he looked. He certainly wasn't as muscular as Emmett, and was slightly shorter than Jasper, but his ability to take the very air from my lungs with his dangerous good looks remained. He stood casually, his hands gripping the top of the doorframe, and his right knee bent with the toe of his shoe touching the heel of his left foot. My eyes travelled up his frame, noting his toned runner's calves, the small amount of hair on them looking almost golden in the light. His longer, baggy shorts hid the delicious thighs I knew to be there. Those shorts hung low on his hips, and the way he stretched his arms overhead made his shirt ride up, flashing the cut of his V and the strip of hair that meandered from his navel to points south of his waistband. My eyes continued upward, drinking in the defined curve of his biceps as they flowed to his shoulders. Finally, I noticed his collarbones, his neck, and his jaw, scruffy as he hadn't shaved in a few days. I closed my eyes briefly, as if I was steeling myself to look at his achingly beautiful face. When I opened my eyes, a ghost of a smile passed over my lips as we stared at each other. Edward was unbelievably hot. And I had totally just eyefucked him in front of his mother. Oh, I was so going to hell.
"What's this I hear about non-pregnant news?" Carlisle asked from behind Edward, who had given me another wink and made his way into the kitchen, sparing the cells responsible for my blush from any additional effort as I gazed at his delightful form. I looked up to see Rosalie and Emmett looking at me, then saw Emmett elbow Rose. And then they both smiled at me. Did Emmett hear us yesterday morning from my front porch? Oh, just kill me now.
"Well, Rose and I went to see a property out west of town. The old Williamson orchard? The orchard itself is in pretty decent shape, despite having been neglected for the past fifteen years or so. The house needs quite a bit of work, but nothing I can't handle. There is a separate building that housed the business end of the orchard that needs minimal work, as well. Rose and I have made an offer to buy it. We fell in love with the land, and the old house is something that you and I will be able to work our magic on, Mom."
Esme clapped her hands. "I know the orchard. I visited there a few times before you were born. I can't wait to see what you both have planned!"
Esme recruited Emmett to show off his new skills at making the perfect whipped cream. The conversation then fell into a comfortable buzz about modernizing plumbing, converting one of the six bedrooms into a closet for Rose, much like what was done in my place, and the prospects about leasing the orchard to someone interested in such things. It took me a minute, but I noticed that Edward and Alice were absent. I looked, and saw through the window Edward placing something in his trunk and shutting it. Alice then linked her arm in his as they came back to the house.
Edward
"I think Bella will love a picnic dinner on the beach, Edward! You are a romantic who is just a late bloomer. Scratch that. You were just waiting around for the perfect girl so that you could bloom," my sister babbled as she opened her car and retrieved the special picnic blanket I knew she always kept there.
I rubbed the back of my neck and smiled. "At the risk of sounding like I need to hand in my Y-chromosome, she is perfect for me, I think."
"Now why is it that guys automatically think that if you do something romantic or caring for someone, in particular, a woman, that it is unmanly? I happen to think that showing someone that you care for them is one of the most selfless things you can do. People can't read minds, Edward. You cultivate relationships, cultivate love, by actions and communication. You are being more of a man by letting Bella know that you enjoy her company. And there is not one thing wrong with that. There. Rant over."
I laughed and took a step away from Alice the Love Doctor. Offering her my arm, we walked back to the house after we placed the blanket into the trunk of my car.
My eyes sought Bella before Alice and I even made it in the door. My sister looked up at me and squeezed my arm and headed to the bar area in the dining room, no doubt to prepare her famous mimosas. I found Rosalie and Emmett chatting with Bella about the orchard. As I got closer to her, I reached out to Bella, lightly massaging her shoulders. She seemed to melt into my touch, looking up at me and winking. I stood behind her, continuing my efforts on her muscles and briefly burying my nose in her hair. Emmett looked at me, and with a wink and a smile, I knew that he wanted to engage me in further discussion. I politely rolled my eyes at him and gave Bella's shoulders a final squeeze. She, however, remained close to me, and she reached back to tangle her fingers with mine.
"Okay, everyone, grab a plate and help yourselves. Alice is on mimosa duty," Mom instructed us as she began to fill the crepes and put them on the platter in front of her.
"I made a few fruit kabobs with only your favorites on them," Bella said softly to me as she handed me a plate. She winked and continued, "Esme may have filled me in on a few secrets."
"Should I be afraid?" I chuckled. Bella looked up at me with a smirk.
"Not too much. I think I still have lots to uncover," she said as she placed a piece of melon between her lips, licking the juice suggestively. It was at that time Emmett joined us. Unfortunately.
"So, Bro, where were you yesterday morning? Rose and I stopped by before we dropped off the lawnmower at Bella's. I didn't think you were scheduled to go in," Emmett said a little loudly. I noticed a brief look of panic flash across Bella's face, and the curious eyes of my sister.
"I was out," was all I managed to say before Alice butted into the conversation.
"Did you get in that run you were talking about, Edward? I'm so glad that you aren't the stereotypical doctor golfer, out at 6AM hitting the links," Alice said without missing a beat. She did shoot me a look that told me that I would have to 'fess up to her.
"Hey, baby girl, I happen to be one of those stereotypical doctor golfers, thank you very much," Carlisle said as he loaded his plate with fruit and crepes. "It keeps me sane."
Esme laughed as she continued to put together more crepes. "Yes, and I think it also keeps the wives in their right mind, as well.
Bella smiled a bit nervously as she finished getting her food and we all made our way to the dining room, where Alice had placed very generous portions of mimosas out for us.
Rosalie sat next to Emmett, who shamelessly had two plates in front of him. To her left was Jasper, then my dad at the head of the table. Alice, myself, and Bella sat on the other side of the table, with my mom at the other end.
Conversation flowed from one topic to the next seamlessly. We filled Bella in on life in our small town, touching on subjects as varied as you could get. The food my mother had prepared was delicious, as usual, and Emmett filled his plates a second time as we began discussing one of his and my dad's favorite shows.
"I still think you should try out for the show, son," Dad said, pushing his plate back and resting his forearms on the table. "I would be such a fun trip!"
My father and Emmett were obsessed with Ninja Warrior, where competitors try their luck at the ultimate obstacle course. It was a Japanese show, but occasionally, there were Americans who try out.
"I've looked into it, but there aren't any tryouts anywhere in the States. Maybe I will make my own course out at the orchard. There's gotta be a website that shows how to make the various obstacles. I think you and I could come up with something great, Dad!"
Bella laughed, because her friend Jake was a big fan as well. Apparently, Emmett and Jacob could have been separated at birth, they were so much alike.
Dad and Emmett continued to discuss their plans for their obstacles while Jasper eagerly added his opinions as Alice exchanged seats with our big brother and settled herself next to Rose.
"I am so glad that Glenda is going to foster Janie and her baby," Bella said, changing the subject.
"Glenda and Johnny have so much love to give. I couldn't think of a better place for them," I said, giving Bella's knee a squeeze. I knew that Janie's situation had been weighing on her mind.
"The whole situation touched me. It is a difficult enough situation, but to be all alone," Bella said, her voice trailing off.
"Without saying too much, Glenda and Johnny are going to foster a young girl and the baby that Bella delivered the other day. There are some family issues that need to be sorted out, but essentially, the girl is all alone," I explained to the ladies.
"Well, the girl will be in good hands, for sure," Mom commented.
I sat back and listened to the conversations around me, Bella fitting in seamlessly with my family. From time to time, I caught her eye. She would wink or smile as she bit her lip as she smiled at me. Mom was watching us as well, and as she got up from her chair, she patted my hand and kissed my head with the affection of a blissfully happy mother.
"Ladies, I am going out onto the porch to enjoy the beautiful day before the rain clouds move in. Would you care to join me?" Mom asked. Bella smiled and Alice pecked Jasper on the lips as she moved toward the other room
Dad, Jasper, Emmett and I all helped to clear the dishes and clean the kitchen as we encouraged Mom to sit and enjoy the company of the Bella and Alice. They exchanged their mimosas for water or tea and headed out to the porch while Rose stayed behind, her arms wrapped around my brother's waist as he told us about the orchard and the timeline for completing the work on the house.
After a lull in the conversation, the Spanish Inquisition began.
"So, Eddie," Emmett began. "Did you have a nice run yesterday?"
"I'm not going to bite, Em."
"You don't have to," he said with a wink.
"What are you boys talking about?" my dad asked. I gave Emmett the death glare. It seemed to work, for the time being.
"Nothing. I'm just giving Edward a hard time. He and Bella have been spending a lot of time together and I thought that he was going to ask her to be his running partner, that's all."
"I think it's nice that you two have hit it off, Edward. Bella is such a nice person. She's strong and funny, and not intimidated by the stupidity that comes from this one here," Rose said as she squeezed Emmett tightly. "She seems to fit in seamlessly here with us, don't you think?"
Jasper smiled as he finished putting the last of the food into the refrigerator. "Alice and I were talking about that last night. We were printing out pictures from dinner on Friday and just laughing about how much fun we would have had if Bella had grown up here with the rest of us. Alice already considers her a sister, practically."
I groaned. "Does Bella know this?" I chuckled as I looked again to her on the porch with Mom and Alice. She seemed to be having a great time, laughing at my expense more than likely. I caught her eye and she gave me a breathtaking smile that I couldn't help but return.
Rose kissed Emmett on the cheek and went to join the other ladies on the porch, the roaring laughter coming to a crescendo as the door opened and Rose exited.
Wiping the island down from all of the crepe ingredients, Dad looked at the three of us standing in front of him and said, "Boys, Grandpa Platt gave me many bits of advice over the years. Some were solicited. Some were not. This ranks in the top three, I'd have to say: a happy woman means a happy home. And I'm not talking about sex, although that is important."
Emmett immediately spoke up for Jasper and me. "Dude, my ears! They are BURNING! Stop the sex talk about my mom!"
Dad winked and threw the washrag into the sink, rinsed it and hung it over the center, just like Mom liked it to be done. "Son, just keep Rose happy and life will be good. Sometimes, it's the little things, like the toilet seat and the dishrag. That's all I'm saying. And Edward, when were you going to tell me about you and Bella?"
I scrubbed my hands across my face and ran my hands through my hair. Dad smirked at me and I could tell he was kidding. There wasn't any policy forbidding fraternization amongst staff members. He was simply reminding me that he shared genetic material with Emmett by giving me a hard time.
At that moment, a loud roar of laughter came through the door as the ladies entered the kitchen.
"Let me get your email and I will forward all of Ginger's information to you. I know that she'd love to have you out to show you her space and to set up some times to throw some clay. She's such a fantastic person!" Mom gushed. I think her mimosas were reaching their peak effect.
"Sure!" Bella giggled. Mimosa victim number two. "It's andabagofchips at gmail dot com."
The rest of us all either laughed or gasped.
"Shut. The. Hell. Up!" Mom squealed, slapping the table emphatically.
"Mom! My God!" I said loudly. Alice just snickered and Dad placed a glass of water in front of my tipsy maternal unit. Bella's eyes went wide and looked toward me with concern. I smiled sheepishly at her once everyone began to laugh harder.
"I think I should explain. What would you say if I told you that my email address is at gmail dot com?"
"All that and a bag of chips?" Bella half mumbled half laughed. "You have got to be kidding me! There is no freaking way! How did you get that address?"
Alice just smiled at me knowingly as she wrapped her arms around Jasper's waist. Emmett hugged Rose from behind, his chin on her shoulder. Dad sat next to Mom, as I took the seat next to Bella.
"When I started med school down at Stanford, one of the guys in my Gross Anatomy lab group, Marcus, started calling me Dr. All That and A Bag of Chips, but it got to be too wordy. He was so sad to find out that I was straight, but decided to keep calling me Dr. All That. It stuck. He and I are still good friends," I explained with a smile. I was looking forward to introducing Marcus and Bella when she went to San Francisco, if only so that he could be a friendly face for her at the large medical center.
"Oh, that Marcus! He is such a dear heart! When will he and Alistair be visiting again? Those boys are like family, Bella. Truly, just gems! Oh, and if your last assignment is in San Francisco, then you can have some friends when you arrive. Well, that settles it. I will call them tomorrow and try to find out when their schedules are free and…"
"I think we have plenty of time before Bella goes to California, Esme. Here, drink some water. I think you got a little ahead of yourself with the mimosas, dear. How many did you have, anyway?" my dad asked. I shot him a look of gratefulness and turned to Bella with a silly smile.
Bella grinned back. "What makes you 'andabagofchips' then, Nurse Swan?" asked Alice, who was doing her best not to fall over in hysterics with Mom and her inebriated ramblings and Dad's efforts to gracefully save face.
"I got that nickname from two very dirty old men. One was a well-respected judge who had been retired from the bench for about ten years and the other was a rabbi. They were roommates in the rehab facility where I was doing one of my nursing clinical rotations. I was, apparently, the talk of the rec room after the students left that first clinical day. Judge Reece, who by the way, is friends with my father, taking the 'eew' factor of this story up a few notches, was telling all of the other male patients about his student nurse that was a 'purty little thing.' Rabbi Cohen told the other old perverts that I was 'all that and a bag of chips' when the others looked to the Holy Man for confirmation."
"A judge and a rabbi? This sounds like a really bad joke! I hope you put them in their place!" Rose said, rolling her eyes and barely disguising her disdain. She had an especially low tolerance for sexist men.
Bella nodded furiously, buzz still in place. "Charlie Swan didn't raise a fool! I reminded them that I was in charge of their care, including their sponge baths, for the next few weeks, and I could easily change assignments with Freddie or his boyfriend, Dave. From that moment on, Reece, Cohen and I were best friends. Actually, I still correspond a couple of times a week with them. I helped them set up their email accounts, which is where I got the name for mine."
My mom let out a ladylike snort and started to giggle again. She looked straight at Bella and said, "I like you, Bella. You're so good for my Edward. I can tell that already. And you will make beeyootiful grandbabies, won't they, Carlisle?"
Bella's eyes went wide with embarrassment as she blushed. Jasper flat out laughed, loudly, as Dad gently helped Mom to her feet, patting her back with a smirk on his face.
"You know what, Dear, why don't we go and sit inside for a while, or maybe go rest a bit? I think the kids were just getting ready to head out. Bella needs to sleep and I know Rose and Emmett have their plans for the new place to firm up. Jasper and Alice have all those wedding details to check off as well, right kids?" Dad jabbered as he guided Mom out of the room, smiling over his shoulder. We all burst into laughter once we heard the door to their room click shut.
Bella
Esme and I may have indulged a bit too much in Alice's mimosas. I don't know what she put in them. I mean, I thought they were just champagne and orange juice, but I was beginning to understand that "ordinary" was not in the Cullen vocabulary. The cocktails were probably made from thousand-dollar bottles of champagne and juice squeezed by cherubs summoned by God Himself. They were just sooo good and it helped take the edge off the nerves, I will admit.
As Esme, Alice, and I sat on the porch, taking in the late May blooms, we seemed to talk and laugh about most everything under the sun. I sank into the rocking chair and felt as comfortable as if I had just slipped on my favorite pair of jeans, soft and worn in all the right places. We talked excitedly about the orchard as Rosalie joined us, more about the dreams that she and Emmett had for the property. It was impossible not to share in their enthusiasm. The closing date was soon, and the couple wanted to throw a party as soon as possible, even though they were months away from being able to live there. Rose suggested that she and Emmett host a birthday party for Alice and Edward, which Alice immediately loved. There was quite a bit to do in the three weeks before their birthday, but Emmett and Esme had worked on tighter deadlines. They were more than up for the task.
After my mortification over Esme's comments died away a bit and my buzz effectively killed somewhat by Emmett's loud guffaws and him ruffling my hair like a kid as I hid my perma-blushed face in my hands, Edward's family pretty much let out a collective sigh.
"Bella," Edward began in a soft, tentative voice, "I think that between the drinks and your lack of sleep, now might be a good time to get you home."
"Oh, shut it, Emoward. She's just fine. Esme was drinking from the bottle out on the porch, and we all know how bubbly she gets with the bubbly. We were passing it around like a good old La Push bonfire out there," Rose said with a grin. "Gotta say, B, you and Mama C make for some good drunken chatter!"
My eyes went wide and I put my head in my hands again. Edward patted me on my back, seemingly not knowing what else to do. We all stood and made our way out the door and over to the cars.
"Rose, quit embarrassing the girl! Edward, take Bella home so that she can get back to some regular sleep schedule. And don't forget the pictures I brought for you, Bella. They are by the door. I emailed the files to you, Edward. I'll be in touch about the birthday party. A cookout sounds like a bit of fun. You think Dad and James can work it so they can split a shift or something?"
"I'm sure that we can work something out, Alice. But you are right. I think Bella is about to fall asleep. Rose, Emmett, let us know what you need us to do for the party. I have some mornings free this week, so maybe you can take me out to show me the property."
Edward slid his arms around me from behind, and damn if it wasn't the most secure, natural feeling in the world. I felt myself sigh as I sunk into his chest.
"That sounds like a plan. J, you in too, man? We can start scouting out where we want to put our obstacle course. Did I tell you that there are two ponds?" Emmett's face was lit up like a boy's on Christmas, dreaming of all of the possibilities.
"I think my schedule is pretty light this week and next, with the holiday and all. Just let me know when you'd like to go. Bella, it was great seeing you again. Don't let these Cullens embarrass you. It really is some twisted form of love for them. As for Esme," Jasper said, shaking his head, a smile gracing his lips, "she certainly is special. If she didn't feel comfortable with you, she wouldn't have cut loose like that. Hell, I think it took her at least a year before she started calling my parents by their first names. You're in like Flynn, girlie."
I smiled the last of my mimosa buzz at Jasper, gave hugs to Alice and Rose and blushed at Emmett as he mentioned something about catching Edward early one morning and hoping that he could find him before he went "running."
"That was fun," I said with a tone mixed with exasperation and chagrin as we drove back to town through the beautiful evergreen forest.
"Jasper's right, you know," Edward said as he reached for my hand across the center console and pulled it to his leg. "If my mom had the slightest hesitation about you, she would have only had orange juice and would have kept you at arm's length. She likes you, Bella. She likes the idea of you with me. So when she pulled me aside and told me, and I quote, 'Don't screw this up!' I have to believe that she was sincere."
I laughed. Esme was sincere. This I knew. She couldn't keep from gushing about how happy Edward has been since we met, or about how their heart to heart the other day just made her smile to know that someone had captured his heart so quickly and thoroughly. To which I responded, with Alice and Rose in attendance, that I had never felt this attracted to anyone, either. The whole conversation was aided immensely by the bottle of champagne that was being passed from woman to woman. I think the frankness and honesty would have been present even if the alcohol hadn't, though. Those women had a way of dragging it out of you.
"I know, Edward," I replied with a squeeze of his fingers. I lazily leaned my head back against the headrest and watched him as he navigated us back to our neighborhood. "I had a wonderful time talking with all of the girls. They made me feel very welcome here in Forks. I'm going to lunch with your mom sometime this week and she is going to introduce me to a friend of hers who has a pottery studio. I can't wait to get my hands dirty again."
Edward turned his head and smiled at me. He really was a beautiful specimen of a human being. Waking up next to him had been such a treat yesterday morning. In my sleep-addled mind, I had a flash of waking next to him, only to be trounced by children in the early morning sun, giggles and deep belly laughs thrown in the mix.
Where did that comefrom?
Edward let go of my hand for a moment to adjust the air conditioning, then placed it on my shoulder, weaving it in my hair. I settled mine in a comfortable place on his thigh, half on his shorts, half on his leg. I was feeling so naughty, but also was exhausted beyond belief. I let my fingers tickle his leg anyway.
"So what are your plans for the rest of the day? It looks like it is supposed to rain soon, but it's supposed to clear for dinnertime. Were you going to sleep through to tomorrow?" Edward asked as he gently massaged my scalp with his long fingers. I was putty in the man's hands. It was damn near orgasmic, and if he kept it up much longer, I was going to have to ask him to pull over so that he could finish what he started.
"Mmmm, no," I half purred like a cat in heat before I came to my senses. "I will just catch a nap and then try to get back to a normal sleep schedule since I'm on days this week until the weekend. If I need a nap tomorrow, I'll get one. What about you?"
"Well, I work night shift tomorrow night and Tuesday night, then I have Wednesday off, then day shift with you on Thursday. Then we both have Friday off before working nights on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday."
"Oh, that's right. I almost forgot it was Memorial Day."
"Yeah. But I was hoping that if you weren't too tired, I could take you for a one of a kind experience this evening for dinner after your nap. Maybe around 6 o'clock or so? Will that give you enough time to get refreshed from the drunken state you've gotten yourself into?" Edward said with a laugh.
"Watch it, Dr. Cullen. You do realize I haven't said yes to your date," I said in mock sternness as I attempted to squeeze his thigh. Sweet baby Jesus, it was doing me absolutely no good getting all horned up because I was truly about to pass out from exhaustion. His thigh was muscular and adorned with the perfect amount of hair and, just, unffffff. "Besides, it was the Cullen women who got me drunk!"
He gave the back of my neck a light squeeze as he turned the Volvo onto my street. "I had no idea that they didn't know how to play well with others."
"Unlike yourself?" I teased, a sleepy smile floating across my face as we pulled in to my driveway.
"Now, Bella," Edward said in a low voice low and full of sex after he put the car in park and turned off the ignition. Interesting. Was he staying? Perhaps walking me up to tuck me in? "I think you are well aware of my ability to play."
I leaned over and kissed him softly on his delicious bottom lip, sucking on it as he pulled on the hair at the nape of my neck. His groan let me know that either we needed to stop what we were doing or take ourselves inside so we didn't give the neighbors some kind of show.
"Tell you what. As much as I really would like to continue this, I am so tired that I am barely even able to keep my eyes open."
Edward smoothed my hair away from my face, which was so soothing that I felt my resolve weakening, and was close to begging him to come nap with me. I smiled at him and used all of my strength to slowly pull away from him.
"I know, Sweetheart. I'll walk you to the door, though, ok? I have some things to do to get ready for our date tonight, anyway," Edward said with a happy grin.
"That sounds like a plan, Dr. Cullen. Maybe we can snuggle later on this evening?" I asked, my voice full of hope.
"Definitely, Nurse Swan. Anything you say. But for now, to bed with you! Sadly, without me," he said as he opened his door.
As we climbed the steps of my porch hand in hand, I sighed. "I had a fantastic time today, Edward. Truly. Your mom is a peach. Not many girls can say that they got tipsy with their boyfriend's mom the first time they met her."
Edward drew me into his arms after we entered the foyer, placing his mouth near my ear. "Boyfriend, huh?"
Blushing, I just let go. "Yes. Boyfriend. You are my boyfriend. I am your girlfriend. It's been a ridiculously short time and I have decided that I don't care. I'll pass you notes between patients and leave them in your locker as well. It's all terribly high school, isn't it?"
"Not at all, Love. I'm looking forward to doodling your name on my notebook. I've already marked you with my name on your back with my t-shirt. Next up, hickies and fooling around in the backseat, okay?"
"You're on, handsome," I said and leaned in to kiss him as he walked me to the stairs. I stepped up the first one so that I was a little closer in height to him and continued to nibble on Edward's lips, his jaw, his neck as I felt his hands rove all over my hips and ass.
"Bella," he said in a semi-warning tone, "go to sleep so that you'll be able to go out tonight."
"Okay, okay. Here. Tuck me in, but take my keys to lock up after yourself, alright?" I begged, trying my best to pout.
Edward rolled his gorgeous green eyes at me and took the keys. "Fine, but I'm just tucking you in. Not something else that rhymes with tucking, got it?"
I let out a loud laugh as I jogged up the remaining stairs to my room and tossed my sweater and the envelope of pictures Alice gave me on my dresser. Edward took his shoes off and sat on my bed, making himself most comfy as he leaned back against the pillows.
"Um, dude, I thought you had details to attend to? I seem to remember the phrase 'tucking and not something that rhymes with it' falling from your lips not three minutes ago," I snarked as I picked up a pair of sleep shorts and a cami, heading for the bathroom.
"I know, but I thought I would just snuggle you until you fall asleep. Research shows that people sleep better with a partner."
"Cullen, you are so full of shit!" I called from the bathroom. I finished using the facilities, washed my hands and face, and gathered my dress to hang back up. Upon opening the door, I spied Edward lying curled on his side, smiling, waiting for my return. It was something I wanted to see forever.
He patted the space beside him and pulled the light summer blanket I had at the bottom of the bed up around his waist. It was the lazy, sleepy, crooked smile that did me in, though.
I slid into bed, fitting into Edward, just fitting. He kissed my head and murmured something, but I didn't hear exactly what he said, because I was too busy falling asleep, thinking that San Francisco was probably not going to be my next stop, but rather, I had reached the end of my travels and found a home.
Thanks again for sticking with me. I'd love to hear from you, whether through a review or via twitter. I'm aciepey there. I'm locked, but will follow you back, ok?
Go read these:
Evermore Experience by de Jean Smith on FFn.
No Choice by glasscannonlj on FFn.
In the Deepest Space by loss4words on FFn and Twilighted.