THE SILVER LINING

A/N: I inadvertently lost most of this chapter, so it took me an extra long time to get over that mistake. Well, that and I just spent two weeks in Argentina and Chile. Apologies.

My thanks to the lovely Mycrookedsmile for betaing, even in the midst of a mouse-aggedon-caused wiring situation. My cats are on their way to your house as I write this. ;)

Things I own: Approximately 1 million pictures of live penguins from Chilean Patagonia. Give or take 999,950 or so.

Things I don't: Anything Twilight. That's all Stephenie Meyer's.

NOTE: There will be a medical procedure taking place in this chapter that involves needles and sutures. If you're squeamish, you've been warned.

CHAPTER 11

"Silverfox, what is it? Did I say something wrong?"

Bella's alarmed look makes me feel so guilty. The last thing I want her to do is feel badly about not wanting to get married, but I'd be lying if I pretended that it doesn't matter to me. Marriage is the best way I know to show someone that you love them, by creating a true partnership. I believe that's exactly what I have with Bella. I look at it as our chance to get things right this time. I can't imagine anything better than seeking redemption in each other.

I struggle to keep my voice from breaking as I attempt a reply. I'm overwhelmed by a wave of anxiety that washes over me like a tsunami, leaving nothing but scattered damage in its wake.

"No, of course not. I was just a little surprised by your answer. It's fine."

She puts her hand softly on my cheek; her touch is instantly reassuring. "The look on your face tells me that it's not fine, baby. I've disappointed you, haven't I?"

"No, you could never disappoint me."

"But?"

"How do you know there's a but in there?"

"It shows on your face. You couldn't hide it if you tried," she sighs deeply. "Look, if there's one thing I need from you more than anything else, it's your honesty. We can't have the kind of relationship that I think we're both striving for if we can't tell each other everything."

"I'm so new at all of this. My relationship with Jessica isn't something I want to recreate, but it's the only thing I really know. There were a lot of things I had to keep from her during the course of our marriage, simply because she wouldn't keep an open mind about anything. You're the mirror opposite of that, but I'm still uncomfortable sharing my innermost thoughts and feelings with you. Now that I've told you my wildest dream of all—wanting you to be my wife—I feel so naked and raw, and not in a good way."

"Hey, it's not like I'm perfect, either, or that I know exactly what I'm doing. I make mistakes all the time, too, like getting upset about peeing outside of the toilet," she laughs. "I just think it's important for us to be open about both the good and the bad—it's the way to achieve a relationship that will last. I mean, you can't make things better if you don't know there's a problem."

I pause, mulling over her words. I realize that she's right; I need to be completely honest with her, no matter how uncomfortable it feels.

"Okay, then. I'm going to try some of this honesty stuff and see how it goes," I breathe in and out a couple of times before I continue speaking. "I really want to marry you, Bella Swan. It doesn't have to be tomorrow, but one day, I want you to be my wife. You need to understand that this is something that's very important to me. I want you to be mine, and I want to be yours, no questions asked. Forever. Living together will never be enough for me."

"I promise to give you my honesty, too. The very mention of marriage, whenever you say that word, makes my heart stop. It scares me more than anything in the world. I don't know if I could survive another divorce. Losing you would kill me."

"You'll never lose me. Can't you see that you're it for me? Meeting in a Laundromat was no mere coincidence. This was always supposed to happen. I know that you're everything I'll ever want or need. I just know it."

"Are you telling me that you have faith in us, Silverfox? That seems awfully touchy-feely for someone who doesn't even believe in religion," she smiles.

"Faith and religion aren't necessarily the same thing. In fact, I wouldn't even use the word faith. It's something I know down to my bone marrow—we're meant to be together."

"That type of conviction is called faith—look it up in the dictionary. Just so you know, it's also really hot," she says right before she leans in to nibble on my neck, just below my ear.

"Then plan to be sexually aroused for the rest of your life, Bella, because I'm never giving up. I'm all yours, and I want you to officially be all mine. I want to walk next to you, arm-in-arm, and let all the other guys be jealous that they can't have you."

"You're awfully possessive, you know. It's not like I'm planning to go anywhere."

"Am I possessive? I never thought of myself as that type of guy, but then again, I'd never met you before, either. I need more than just your assurances that you'll be here. I need to see my ring on your finger—for me, that's what's really hot. I'm not saying you need to marry me today, but I want you to be prepared for that eventuality. I'm a determined man."

She nods slowly in agreement. "Please just give me some time. I believe I'll get there in the end."

"I can give you time," I assure her. "That's the best of what I can give you."

"No, the best of what you can give me is right in here," she tells me slyly, rubbing her hand against my hardening length.

All I can do is groan. This woman has such tricks up her sleeve and she knows can't say no to her. Unless it comes down to my ring on her finger, of course.

~xXx~

Eventually, we make our way over to Bella's house for my Sex-A-Thon grand finale. I've planned a huge surprise for her, asking our kids to come over so that we can all spend time together. All I told her is that I asked my brother and his wife, Carlisle and Esme, to join us for dinner. She's really nervous to meet Carlisle, who's not only my brother but also my best friend, so she's running around tidying up her place to make it acceptable. I keep reassuring her that her home is perfect, that she's perfect, but that does little to slow her down.

Our relationship is new for everyone, but I feel it's important for our families to understand that the concept of Bella and I together is something they'll have to get used to. I'd like to believe that gaining their acceptance is something that will happen easily. I hope it will make her happy to see everyone gathered together. Her family is so important to her and I want her to see that this is what the future holds for us.

I walk into the kitchen and find Bella bent over, emptying her dishwasher. Her ass is at the perfect height for me to cop a feel, but she has no idea that I'm even here. I stand just inches behind her and my brain goes into full-fledged perv mode—naturally, I'm picturing her naked. I've had her every which way over the last few days, but I want her again. This desire to have her—wanting her, needing her—it still feels strange to be able to acknowledge it so openly.

I've always had a strong sexual drive; from the time I lost my virginity, I've loved having sex. Up until I met Bella, I'd never had the opportunity to have as much sex as I genuinely craved. With Jessica, sex was always the big elephant in the middle of the room that we never talked about. In retrospect, we clearly weren't very compatible sexually. I truly did love her, but was disappointed that our sex life wasn't as incredible as I had hoped it would be. She made me feel like I had impossibly high expectations that were ridiculous and unrealistic. It took finding Bella to recognize that with the right partner, my sexual expectations were just fine—I simply needed to find someone who shared the same drive. The difference with her is everything, and it completes my life in a way could never have imagined was attainable. It's just one more way this amazing woman has wrapped herself around my heart.

I reach out my palm and place it gently on her hip, so she knows that I'm here. I don't want to frighten her. She flinches slightly, but turns her head and looks at me over her shoulder with a beautifully wry grin.

"You can't possibly be horny again. You're 65 and we've had constant sex for three days," she laughs.

"Well then, Ms. Swan, you don't know me very well, because I'm always horny again where you're concerned. You have an incredible effect on my libido."

"If you don't get that libido in check soon, Carlisle and Esme will walk in on us naked."

"I think they'd survive."

"Yeah, well I might not. I'm nervous enough as it is—I don't need to compound my anxiety."

"I keep telling you that Carlisle is going to love you and I sense that Esme will adopt you as a friend the moment you meet."

"They both knew Jessica. You can't discount the fact that I'm going to be held up against that example."

I shake my head at her. "They're not like that at all. I promise that they'll judge you solely on your own merits. They're the best kind of people."

Since I don't get to have my wicked way with her in the kitchen just yet, I opt for the next best thing—a quick bear hug followed by a kiss. The kiss ends up a bit more involved that I had intended, and we find ourselves practically dry humping against the sink. The moment I realize that, I pull away from her. We're both panting in front of each other, speechless.

When she recovers her breath, she takes her pointer finger and pokes it repeatedly on my chest. "You, Mister Silverfox, are a bad, bad influence. Your lips aren't to be trusted. In fact, your hands aren't to be trusted. Or your brain. Or that gorgeous body…" she says as she turns me around toward the kitchen door and pushes me through it.

"There. Shoo. Get away from me for at least thirty minutes so I can get this task accomplished. You're far too distracting."

I shrug and grin at her. "Sorry to be so distractingly irresistible."

She gives me a look then points her fingers in a vee between her eyes and mine. "I've got my eye on you," she warns.

With my hands up in the air in surrender, I go in search of my briefcase. It holds some important documents that I'll need later and I want to make sure that everything's in order. As I retrieve what I'm looking for, a secret smile blooms on my face. I can hardly wait until she sees what I have in store for her.

~xXx~

It's funny how comfortable I feel in Bella's home—it's so cozy and inviting. The home is supposed to be an extension of one's self, and Bella's is certainly no exception. I don't live here—at least not yet—but I do feel like I belong here. While I enjoy my own house, especially when it's graced by Bella's presence, if I had to choose a preference, it would have to be right here by her side.

Knowing how comfortable her house is, it comes as a surprise to me that Bella is fussing over everything being perfect. How can she not know that it's already is perfect?

"It's going to be fine, Bella. Please try to relax," I whisper and give her hand a squeeze of encouragement.

The doorbell rings and Bella's face takes on an instant look of dread. With my hand still holding hers, I place a kiss on her forehead to reassure her. We answer the door together as if it's the most natural thing in the world for us to do—because it is.

Carlisle grabs my hand before I can say anything, while Esme pulls Bella into a full hug. I have to laugh at their enthusiasm, but I'm also grateful for it. I want so badly for everyone to love her just as much as I do.

"Carlisle, Esme, this is my Bella," I announce proudly.

"It's about time I get to meet this mystery woman," Carlisle pretends to grouse as he places a welcoming kiss on her cheek. "My baby brother has been irritatingly short on the details."

One would think that by age 65, the whole big brother-little brother distinction could be put to rest. We're both retired, for crying out loud. He's always loved putting me in my place.

"Carlisle—" I start to warn.

"Bella, all I have to do is take one look at you and I need no further explanation. I can see why my brother has been so preoccupied."

Esme elbows Carlisle in the ribs as a warning. "Bella, don't pay any attention to these two. Once they get going, they're a complete nuisance. Now, I have a bottle of champagne here and I think we should open it and get a glass or two in us before the boys get at it, hmm?"

"Esme, I love you already," Bella beams.

Internally, I beam just as much to know that things have gotten off to such a wonderful start. Bella seems to be instantly at ease around Esme, but then again, that's Esme's M.O.

As the girls make their way to the kitchen, Carlisle whispers in my ear, "How long until the kids arrive?"

I look at my watch. "Another 15 minutes or so. I wanted Bella to feel a bit settled with you two before I spring the whole family on her."

"She's perfect, you know," he says to me matter-of-factly. "Just by seeing the two of you together, it's plainly obvious."

"You have no idea," is all I can say. "I feel like I'm 16 again."

My brother raises an eyebrow at me. "So in other words, you're in the bathroom beating off about 90% of the time?" he grins, reminiscing about my horny adolescent years.

"Fuck you," I glare at him. "Like you never did that yourself. You were always pissed off with me because I beat you to it most of the time."

"Literally," Carlisle laughs at the memory. "All right, point taken. It's really that good though, huh?"

"We spent the last three days in bed."

"What? You're not kidding me, are you?" His face blanches. I smirk, knowing that I just one-upped my big brother. Maybe the whole big brother-little brother competition has some merit after all.

"Nope."

"What is your secret?"

"Bella."

"This is nothing like Jess, is it?"

"I can't even put those two women in the same universe. Completely, utterly, totally, perfectly different."

"Lucky dog. Good for you. I have to admit, though, I'm really surprised to see you with someone else."

"It's not like I went out looking for her. It was just a serendipitous moment."

"Wow, you have changed. Using words like serendipitous makes me wonder if you've gotten in touch with your feminine side."

"Say what you will, brother of mine, but you can't break me. I'm going to refuse to let you get to me on this subject matter."

"I think I need to get some champagne in my hand before you start to crochet a doily for me. Try to hold off on the interpretive dance until the kids arrive or they won't know where their father went."

"Again, not caring what you're saying at all. Three days full of sex will do that to a guy. I know you're just jealous," I reply smugly. He really does look envious, and who can blame him? I'm on fire for Bella and it shows.

We get to the kitchen and manage to get some champagne from our girls. Naturally, Carlisle has to propose a toast, being a strong believer in the importance of time-honored family traditions.

"You're such nerdy guy, brother. While you tease me about interpretive dance, I'm going to razz you for wearing tighty-whities and making toasts."

Esme and Bella look at us with confused faces.

"Brothers," I explain as I laugh it off.

"To Bella Swan, the most amazing teacher I know—the one woman who could get my baby brother to spout out words like 'serendipitous' and also not care about getting in touch with his feminine side."

I give my brother the finger as a salute to his endearing toast. I really need to work on the concept of propriety with him.

Our conversation is interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Bella looks at me in complete astonishment.

"Are we expecting someone else?" she asks with a panicked look on her face.

I can't hold back my smile. "There's only one way to find out, baby," I say as I tug her along toward the door. "It's a good surprise, I promise."

"There is no such thing."

As I open the door, we see that her front porch is loaded up with family. Her jaw drops open in astonishment; it takes her a moment to process the scene in front of her. All of our kids—Seth, Leah and Syd, Alice and Jasper, and Emmett and Rose—stand in front of us, along with our seven grandchildren, loaded down with the contents of our dinner for the evening.

"SURPRISE!" the little ones shout out at the top of their lungs, all giddy and goofy, rushing toward us.

Bella's hand is over her heart while a huge grin appears on her face. Looking at me, she confirms, "Okay, some surprises can be good."

"Told you so," I grin as I yell for Carlisle and Esme to join us.

I reach over some grandchildren to shake Seth's and Leah's hands, thanking them for helping to keep this all a secret, while Leah simultaneously introduces me to her Syd; the introductions are clearly not going to be an orderly affair. As I fight to hear everything over the din, Bella is struggling to do the same as she talks to my Alice and Emmett. It's almost like we're in the middle of a 3D version of Twister, where hands and arms are twisted up into a mess. It's all loud and overwhelming, to be sure, but it's also a beautifully flawed perfection. This is our version of the melting pot and I couldn't be more proud.

After all the introductions have been made, our families mix and mingle together, a tangle of giggling, screeching children running around. As I observe the commotion that's taken over Bella's house, I smile with satisfaction. This happy mess is wonderful and all I could have hoped for.

Most of the women have managed to commandeer the kitchen and our kids are taking care of the meal prep. Carlisle, Emmett, Seth and Jasper are all talking sports. I can tell because Emmett is demonstrating moves on Carlisle who doesn't appear to be an overly thrilled guinea pig. I'd protest on his behalf except for his baby brother comments earlier, so I just look on and grin. Rose and Syd are shepherding kids around better than a pair of border collies.

I remember back to the days when Emmett first introduced us to Rosalie—I wasn't too sure about her because she seemed to be so aloof and high maintenance. Emmett was always such a happy-go-lucky, laid back kid it was hard to imagine how those two could ever get along. It wasn't until her four boys were born that I saw Rose for what she truly is—a devoted, loving, hardass mother with a heart of gold. I found that I had mistaken her reserve and private demeanor for haughtiness. Her family—Emmett and her sons—helped her to relax and bloom into an amazing wife and mother. Looking at her standing next to Syd, they could be sisters. They're both statuesque, beautiful blondes. It makes me smile again to see that Emmett and Leah seem to have the same taste in women. I hope it helps the two of them to bond more easily than she did with me.

"Daddy, you're so different now that you're with Bella. I barely even recognize you," my daughter's voice breaks into my thoughts. "Look at you, smiling over all this messy noise. I can't believe you aren't grumpy or overwhelmed by it all."

Her comments make me feel a bit defensive; I think I'm vastly improved as a result of Bella's influence. "Can't you just be happy for me that I'm so happy? That I've found such a wonderful person to share my life with me?"

"No, you misunderstand me. I didn't mean it as a criticism. It's like the better part of you has been allowed to bloom. Yes, I'm happy that you're so happy," she clarifies, squeezing my hand.

Her explanation leaves me feeling completely reassured. "Thank you for that. I'm grateful your acceptance," I lean over to kiss my baby girl on the forehead in thanks.

You always love your children unconditionally even when they try your patience daily, but it's something altogether different to value your adult child for who they are as an individual. The relationship balance shifts when they move away, get married, and have children. Once they're in charge of their own lives, the inherent tension of the parent/child relationship eases. I suspect a lot of parents are reluctant to cede their role as parent, which only serves to keep the relationship unnecessarily complicated. Being able to treat my adult children as just that—adults—has made my life with them infinitely more satisfying.

My Alice has always had such a beautiful, sunny temperament. Her acceptance of Bella and this new iteration of her father fills me with a deep sense of love and gratitude toward her. I'm learning that I really appreciate her as a friend as much as a daughter.

While I continue to chat with Alice, I'm also turned halfway into the kitchen, where there is a flurry of activity of a different sort. The rest of the girls are talking, sipping champagne, engaged in prepping the meal. I turn my gaze to Bella, who is slicing a tomato. Everyone is laughing and clearly having a great time, and it makes me feel completely satisfied. I just watch her, taking in the view of how happy she is to be surrounded by our families.

It only takes a brief second of inattention for the knife to slip. Naturally, Bella reaches out to grab it with her hand.

The scene unfolds in front of me as if it's happening in slow motion. I see the cut before the pain even registers on her face. I instantly know the wound is deep because of the amount of bleeding.

"SHIT!" Her scream scares me back into the moment.

It doesn't take more than a second for me to act; I'm on her as soon as she drops the knife. I grab a towel and apply pressure to her wound.

Leah is at her mother's side a few seconds after me, looking concerned. Her presence makes me feel anxious due to our previous disagreements, but I don't have any time to focus on that right now.

"Alice," I command. "My kit!"

"Where, Dad?"

With a shaking hand, I dig the keys from my pocket and toss them to her. "It's in the trunk."

Alice nods and runs off to find what I need while I tend to Bella.

I have a medical kit with me at all times in the event something like this should happen. Let's just say that I was a very well trained Boy Scout; I'm always prepared. With children like Emmett and Alice, it seems I was always suturing up one or the other. Now that they have children—my grandchildren—I'm even more vigilant.

"Goddammit, I'm so mad at myself. I don't want to go to the ER," she cries.

"Who says you need to go to the ER when this doctor makes house calls?"

"What? You can't possibly take care of this on your own."

"Now you're making me feel all bad," I tease, trying to break the tension. "I was a practicing surgeon for more than thirty years, you know."

She shakes her head, smiling at me. "You're unbelievable."

"You'll get used to it eventually," I grin back.

"Hang on a second. You will numb it up first, right? I'm not a huge fan of pain. Or needles," she shudders.

I kiss the top of her head because it's the only thing I can do to comfort her right now. "Do you really think I'd do anything to cause you pain? Of course I'll use lidocaine, but the needle will be a necessary evil, I'm afraid."

"I had a friend when I was younger whose father was a dentist. He refused to numb their mouths before they got fillings, because it was a 'waste of good money'."

"Emmett and Alice can both testify that I've always used lidocaine. What kind of father wouldn't do that for his kids?"

"A pretty crummy one."

"Agreed," I say, shaking my head.

It's so hard to remain detached when someone I love gets hurt, but I've never been this upset before; I'm completely panicky. Naturally, I only want to show Bella my cool reserve. It always helps the injured party keep their calm, too. Good thing that I can act well, because inside, I'm anything but calm. It feels like an eternity before Alice returns.

As we speak, I'm applying pressure to her wound to keep the bleeding under control. I'm pressing so hard that my hand is starting to shake. I glance over at Leah, who is sitting close to her mother and me. It feels as though the three of us are in a kind of insulated bubble, all alone. Leah has a look of determined concentration on her face but remains silent. It's clear that she was trained to be level headed and responsive in an emergent situation. It's not lost on me that we share this ability and it makes me feel a bit more reassured that one day, we might actually get along with each other.

"Edward, is there anything I can do to help?" Leah's voice chokes as if she could read my thoughts. I realize that getting Leah involved in assisting Bella right now is probably the best way for me to help both women.

"Yes, actually, it would be great if you could take over applying pressure to the wound. I need to clean up my hands and take a closer look at her."

I position Leah's hands where they need to be. She gives me a small, tight smile that to anyone else might look forced, but I recognize it as holding just a hint of fear. I know that Leah Black doesn't give emotion away easily, so I appreciate the fear at face value. In fact, I feel exactly the same way and try to return my own smile in kind.

Finally, Alice returns and she starts to help me to remove everything I need to suture Bella's wound.

Through the years, Alice has always been my unofficial helper—she's well accustomed to these kinds of situations. More than that, she's uncannily good at it. It's almost like she can see exactly what I need before I can even ask her for it. Today, however, I feel like I need to let Leah be the one to assist.

I glance over to Alice. Looking directly into her eyes, I try to make a silent plea about how important this moment is for Leah and me. She nods just enough so I can see that she understands. I know that I owe her both an explanation and my eternal thanks once this business is over.

I take a moment to get my supplies arranged, making sure I have everything I might need.

"Don't worry, baby. I'll take good care of you. We'll get you all sewn up," I soothe, trying to keep Bella calm. I'm saying it as much for my own benefit as hers.

"I just can't believe I was so stupid."

"Hey now, none of that," I chide. "You're a human being. It's in our nature to want to catch something that's been dropped."

I feel the familiar surge of adrenaline that kicks in before I start a procedure rushing through my veins. It's just what I need to get started.

"Leah, I need you to hold her hand stationary for me please."

"Yeah, of course. Just tell me whatever you need me to do."

"You got it."

"Okay, Bella, I'm not going to lie to you—this is going to burn like hell for a bit, but I need you to hold as still as you can," I warn before I begin to inject the lidocaine.

Leah watches very closely—I can feel her eyes on me. I place the needle deep into Bella's gaping wound to block the nerves in her hand, making sure it's perfectly numb before I begin. She winces with each needle stick. It goes against everything in my being to cause her this pain, but I know that it needs to be done; I don't have a choice.

The good news is that the cut isn't deep enough to require a complex repair, but it's still pretty bloody. Leah is diligent about helping keep her mother still for me.

Leah and I say nothing, but we're still clearly working as a team. It isn't until after I've tied off the last suture and we're cleaning up our hands together in the sink that we finally speak.

"I think I owe you an apology, Edward," she says softly.

"I'm sorry?" I'm taken aback by her admission. What would she possibly need to apologize for?

"I was a total ass to you when we first met," she explains. "I was way too hard on you, and I feel really bad for grilling you the way I did. It's just that my mom means everything to me, and I couldn't stand the idea of her getting hurt again."

"I would never intentionally hurt your mother, ever. Please believe that."

"I do," she confirms. "Now, anyway."

"Well, thank you for that."

"I was watching your face and your body language when you reacted to my mom's accident. Everything I saw convinced me that you care for her deeply, and that's the only thing that matters to me. Thank you for taking such good care of her. Thank you for making her so happy. I know that with you, she'll be safe and loved."

"She's my life, Leah. I couldn't live without her."

"I get it. I really do. That's exactly how I feel about Syd."

I place my hand on her upper back in a silent gesture of understanding and give her a knowing smile. It's as if we now understand each other in a way that makes words unnecessary.

I grab an anti-inflammatory to give to Bella to help with her pain and hand her a glass of water.

"This should help ease your pain for tonight," I explain.

"Thank you, Silverfox. You've always been my knight in shining armor but you really went above and beyond the call of duty today."

I lift her chin up to look her in the eye then place a kiss on her lips. "I'll always be here to mend you. I have a vested interest in keeping you in one piece, after all."

Emmett peeks into the kitchen to check on us. "Everything good, Dad?"

I nod. "I think we fixed the leak," I tease.

"Good, 'cause I hate to break up the love fest in here, but the dinner is ready."

I give Bella my elbow and she wraps her good hand around it and we head to the table together until she gently tugs me to a stop. I turn to look at her, confused.

"I think I'll be ready to say yes to you sooner than I thought," she whispers, and my lips return to hers with a passion I didn't know I possessed. The dinner, our families, her accident—it slips away until all that's left is Bella and me and this kiss.

"I knew if I left you alone long enough you'd finally get to your interpretive dance," I hear Carlisle chuckle.

I give him a three-finger salute—my read between the lines, PG-rated finger—and continue my kiss, vaguely aware that in the background, our families are clanking spoons on glasses and applauding. I take that as a sign to keep on kissing, which is exactly what I do.

END NOTE: Much of chapter 12 is already written, and I anticipate we have two chapters remaining plus an epilogue. Hopefully, we can get this story wrapped up relatively soon. Thanks for your continued patience!