anyway.
Watching Edward as we explored the house was enlightening. Never before had I seen him acting so…childlike. It was as if, for a moment or two, he really was just a seventeen year old boy, showing his girlfriend his room, his toys, his history. I couldn't help but smile. Until he hoisted me over his shoulder, that is.
The stairs bounced away behind us as I hung against his back, praying I wouldn't be sick. Thankfully, it was only one flight of stairs, and a moment later Edward was skidding to a stop in the front hall. He set me on my feet, and I tried to look reproachful, but couldn't quite maintain the scowl long enough as his enthusiasm crept over me.
"I want to show you everything, but first, lunch!" he exclaimed, pulling me by the hand down the narrow hall to the back of the house. We passed the parlour, the kitchen, and an office. I was expecting Edward to turn into the kitchen, but instead he led me to a very formal dining room. To my delight and surprise, the table was already laid, another extravagant spread.
"Edward, no. It's too much!" I said as I took in the crystal chandelier, which had been refitted with electrical wiring, the lace tablecloth, ornate silver flatware, and an entirely different set of china from this morning's setting. The crystal was delicate and beautifully patterned, complimented by a small decanter in a matching motif. The table glittered with silver platters covered by domed lids inlaid with gold in intricate designs. The effect was staggering. He really was getting a little carried away with things, though. Camping trip indeed!
"For you, Bella, nothing is too much. I only wish there were more I could give you, that you would let me give you," he said, a note of sadness in his voice. I couldn't understand him, even after all these months. He still didn't get it that just having him was enough for me, so much more than I would ever deserve.
"Edward, don't be an idiot. You've given me everything. You are all I want, now and forever, and the more you give me, the less I can…" my irritated reply was cut short as his cold lips landed gently on mine. He kissed me soundly, then pulled my face slightly back from his. Keeping his eyes locked with mine, he looked at me, very seriously, then leaned in close again, his mouth very close to my ear. I could feel the tickle of his cool breath on my neck, his lips brushing my earlobe. A small shiver ran up my spine, and I trembled, my body leaning in closer to his, unwilling to have him let me go.
"Your lunch is getting cold," he whispered, then leaned away, my favourite crooked grin in place, his eyes lit with suppressed mirth. I was tempted to punch him, but having tried that once before, albeit on a werewolf, not a vampire, I knew it was a losing proposition. Sighing in resignation, I reached for the back of the chair, but before I could lay a finger on it, Edward had slid it away from the table, and was holding it out for me. I sat gingerly on the fragile looking seat and was immediately swept back into place before the table. With a flourish, Edward lifted the first of the many covered dishes.
"Waldorf Salad," he said, "prepared according to the original recipe, as created in 1893. Esme found a box of old recipes at an estate sale several decades ago, but nobody ever tried any of them. What do you think?" I couldn't do anything but nod and smile, as my mouth was, at that precise moment, full of crisp apple, celery, tender walnuts, and a rich, creamy mayonnaise. Wonderful stuff. I had barely finished the salad, when Edward whisked the plate away, replaced it with the next dish, and uncovered another mouth-watering concoction. A warm wave of steam rose to meet my appreciative nose.
"I didn't know you could cook," I said as I tucked in to the prime rib and Yorkshire pudding. The roast was so tender it practically melted in my mouth. It was ambrosia, heaven…Edward, if he was edible.
"I've watched a few cooking shows. I figured, since we were getting married, it wouldn't really be fair for you to have to cook for yourself all the time. And it's a skill I'd been meaning to learn for a while, now," he explained, sitting next to me, leaning one elbow on the table, his head propped in his hand.
"I think you've nailed it," I said, wiping up the last of the au jus with the rest of the pudding. Although I was full almost to bursting, I still wished there was more. "When did you have time to pull this all off, anyway?"
"Well, I guess I do have a little confession to make. This camping trip wasn't really ever meant to be a camping trip. I really just wanted to show you the house," he said, grinning sheepishly. "I may have made a prior trip up here to stock the place. Also, you are a very sound sleeper. I ran over just before you woke up, so I could get things ready."
"You, sir, are a sneaky fellow. I think I like it," I said, trying not to look so surprised at the devious plans he had laid. He kissed my forehead, took the dirty plate away, and placed the last dish in front of me.
"If I recall correctly, I believe these are your favourite?" he lifted the dome to reveal the most luscious looking lemon bars I had ever seen in my life. Stuffed as I was, there was no way I was going to miss out on those.
"No fair. You know all my weaknesses," I sighed, my eyes closed in delight with the first mouthful.
"Well, you are all of mine, so maybe we're even," he said, so softly that I wasn't sure I was meant to hear. I would have made a face at him, but before I could, he was scooping up dishes and making them disappear into the kitchen at an alarming pace.
"Do you want any help with that?" I asked, but he only smiled and shook his head, the last of the fine china and crystal already disappearing around the corner in his capable hands.
"Just wait there for a moment, please," he said. I heard the splash of water and the clink of dishes, and then the sound of cupboards opening and closing. Less than two minutes later, Edward was back by my side.
"The rest of the house awaits you, Milady. Are you ready to continue the tour?" he asked with a deep bow, his arm extended toward me. I laughed out loud, but took his hand anyway.