A/N: Many thanks to pre-reader Sam1Am for all her encouragement.
Beta's owlsarebirdtoo and thalia_csing from PTB, this would suck so much without you guys.
Special thanks to Scarlett71177 who betas, encourages and helps with the flow so much.
To everyone reading, you rock, thanks so much.
Love Comes Last
Chapter 10
Problems and Solutions
June first.
Damn, where has the year gone?
I had been thinking about taking a few courses during the summer but with the wedding coming up next month Alice had threatened my life. She told me I had to be available for stuff; whatever that means.
Alice and Jasper are expected home early next week. They are driving up from Southern California and are taking time to enjoy the sights.
Alice has nearly every moment of every day planned out from the time she arrives home to the wedding day itself. The list she emailed makes me dizzy. Vegas is starting to sound better every day.
Wedding plans are moving quite quickly; there have only been a few hitches along the way. One is that Alice insists someone walks me down the aisle. I want this to fall on Edward. Since everything else is nontraditional, why can't this be as well? But no, Alice insists that someone close to me should be my escort.
I call Jake and ask him to meet me. He is going to be in Port Angeles on the one day that I have school, so we agree to meet at one of the seafood restaurants down by the wharf. I haven't been as close to Jake since Charlie died and it's my fault.
Charlie and Jacob's dad Billy, had been best friends. I had played with Jake every summer that I stayed with my dad. He is the closest thing to a brother I will ever have. After Charlie died, I shut off a part of my life. My mom is gone as is my dad. I still talk to Jake at least once a month, but I haven't seen him since Charlie's funeral.
When I walk into the restaurant I spot Jake right away. He's hard to miss; six feet seven inches with his russet colored skin and a million watt light smile. He walks up to me and picks me up like I am a toddler and swings me around.
"Loco, where have you been hiding? I've missed you, girl," he grins at me.
"Jake, I can't breathe," I sputter out.
He puts me down and leans me back. "You look good. You look happy. What's going on with you?" he asks, raising his eyebrows.
"Come on. Lets a get a table and I will fill you in."
The hostess sits us at a table by the window overlooking the river and we order some drinks. I place my left hand over my right arm and wait. I wiggle my fingers and Jake looks down.
"No way!" he yells. I shush him as several patrons look over at us. I can't help but laugh at his expression.
"Yep," I giggle. "I'm getting married."
Jake stares at me for the longest time. Then he lets out a whoop and almost knocks over the table giving me a hug. "Bells, that is wonderful. I know how picky you are, so this must be quite a man. Okay, dish. I want all the details."
"Well, he's incredibly handsome. And he's a doctor. And I love him," I tell him. "What else do you want to know?"
"Um... his name would be nice," Jake laughs.
I look down and I feel myself blushing. "Edward Cullen."
"Wait, Edward Cullen as in the Cullens?"
I nod.
"The Cullens you've been living with since Charlie-?" he says softly.
"Yes, but he wasn't living there when I moved in. He was still in med school, so he has only been there for the last few years or so. It happened so slowly; we were friends and then something just clicked." I knew I was rambling, but I hated lying to Jake.
"Wow," Jake says
"I know right?" I giggle. "Who would have thought that little, mousy Bella Swan would end up with someone like Edward?" I reach for Jacob's hand. "But he's wonderful and kind and everything I could ever want in a husband."
"You're happy." Jacob says. "I can tell because you are positively glowing."
"I am, Jake. Happier than I ever thought was possible. But I have one problem."
Jacob frowns at me. "What problem? Do I need to kick his ass or something?" he grins at me.
I smack Jacob's hand. "No, of course not. I have no problems with Edward. I... um... kind of need someone to walk me down the aisle. I was hoping, maybe, that you could do it."
I look up at Jacob through my eyelashes, not sure of what his response will be. We have always been close, but it has been quite awhile since we'd seen each other. He is staring at me with a look I really don't understand.
"If you don't feel comfortable, it's okay. It's just that you are the closest thing to family I have left and I always thought of you as my big brother, even if you are younger. I would be honored, but if you can't, will you at least come to the wedding? You and Leah and Billy, of course. "
I feel Jacob place his hand over my mouth. "Ssh... at least I see you can still talk a mile a minute. How does Edward stand it?" Jake says, laughing.
"Sorry," I mutter.
"You have nothing to be sorry about Bella. I would be honored to walk you down the aisle. I can't wait to tell Dad, he's going to be so happy for you. He's really been worried about you since Charlie died."
I smile at Jacob and proceed to tell him all about Edward and the Cullens over lunch. I don't remember laughing and feeling so happy in a long time.
Jake stands up and pulls me into the biggest hug. "So, when do I get to meet this wonderful man who stole my Bella's heart? You know I have to approve of this union; make sure he is good enough for you."
"Oh, please," I tease Jake. "If anyone isn't good enough, it's me." I lean against Jake as we walk to the parking lot.
"I will be the judge of that," he says, puffing out his chest.
I can't help but roll my eyes. Jacob has always taken the role as my protector. It's a nice feeling to know that, even though I have basically been avoiding him since Charlie's death, that Jake still has my back. It hurt too much to be reminded of the good times; things were easier just being ignored.
"I'll talk to Edward. Maybe we can have dinner soon. Which evening is good for you and Leah?"
"Hey, we're free anytime. Give me a call after you talk to Edward," Jake says, pulling me into his chest.
"And promise me you'll stay in touch more, okay? I've missed you Bells." He leans back and looks deep into my eyes. "Plus, I'll need details about what penguin suit I need to get so I can walk you down the aisle." He laughs, loud and long.
Jacob hugs me tight and kisses my forehead after making me promise to be in touch soon.
I sit in my car for a long time after Jake leaves, thinking about how lucky I am to have him as a friend. He's always been there for me, keeping me company while Charlie and Billy were fishing, so I didn't have to go since I was a disaster in a boat. Scaring possible boyfriends away when I still thought boys had cooties. I can't help but smiling at the memories. Now since I didn't have my dad to walk me down the aisle, my dad's best friend's son would do the honors. I probably would have asked Billy, but he was in a wheelchair and it would be awkward.
It amazes me to think that Jacob is married and I'm about to be. I didn't go to Jacob's wedding. No one did. Jake and Leah eloped to Las Vegas. Lucky them. Everyone was shocked. Jake and Leah were always fighting, putting each other down. Who knew they were really in love? I laugh out loud as I think back on the memories. I smile as I start the car and head for home.
XXXXXXX
I finish running the few errands I have in town and return to the Cullen house. It still seems weird to me to call it home. It's a little after five in the afternoon and I'm surprised to see that Carlisle is home. I walk into the kitchen and Carlisle looks up from his paper and smiles at me.
"Bella, I was wondering if you have a few minutes to talk with me?" he asks.
I can't read his expression, but Carlisle makes me extremely nervous. "Um... sure," I tell him, as I follow him into his office. I sit on the small couch across from his desk as he stares at me. I am beginning to fidget and sweat a bit, not sure what he could want to talk to me about, unless it's about the pre-nup. Then a terrible thought enters my mind. What if he has found out Edward and I are faking? I am about to start freaking out when he finally speaks.
"How are you, Bella?"
"Good, really good," I answer.
"Everything is going well with the wedding plans?" he asks, in an eerily calm tone.
"Yes. As far as I know. Alice is handling most of it. Things will really come together when she gets home.
He doesn't say anything for a few minutes. I get the impression he's trying to make me sweat, like he knows something I don't, but he is waiting for the right time to drop it on me.
Carlisle leans back in his chair and lowers his steely stare right at me. I feel a shiver of fright run through me.
"Bella, you know I have always thought of you as a daughter."
I nod.
"I have considered you a part of this family, even before Charlie was killed. You and Alice were joined at the hip," he reminds me.
Again, I nod, as he takes a deep breath.
"Now, you're marrying into the family," he pauses for a second. "And with that comes certain obligations and expectations, if you will."
I sit quietly, waiting, because I have no idea where he is going with this conversation.
"As a Cullen, there are certain things that are frowned upon; certain actions that people look down on," Carlisle tells me.
I am stunned. What could I have possibly done to bring this consternation down from Carlisle? I am trembling at this point, tears stinging my eyes. Carlisle leans back in his chair and glares at me.
Very quietly, he continues. "I was in Port Angeles this afternoon, having lunch with several of my colleagues," he pauses, "at the Waterside Seafood restaurant." He raises his eyebrows at me.
"I was there...," I start to tell him about my reasoning for meeting Jake there, but he cuts me off.
"I know you were there," he says angrily. "What I saw was absolutely disgusting. You are engaged to marry my son. Do you have any idea how embarrassing it would have been if the people I was dining with saw you, hanging all over and kissing another man?" he is yelling at this point.
I cringe back in my chair unable to believe what I am hearing or seeing. The man in front of me is truly a monster. He will not even let me explain; every time I open my mouth to speak, he cuts me off. He has no desire to hear what I have to say.
"I will not say anything about this to Edward, but I would suggest you decide if you want to be a member of this family or you want to throw yourself at all the available men there are in Port Angeles. Because, as a Cullen, you are expected to be loyal. If I ever see you acting like that again, I will tell Edward, because I will not have my son being made a fool of. Do. You. Understand?" he yells.
I am shaking and crying so hard at this point, I couldn't explain even if he would allow it. I sit there frozen, unable to move.
Carlisle looks at me and glares. "You can leave now."
Somehow, I get my feet to move and run from the room. I don't stop, flying past Esme, until I reach my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. I try to stop myself from hyperventilating; I roll myself into a ball and try to slow my breathing. I am crying so hard, it hurts. I cannot remember a time I have ever been so humiliated or angry. I didn't do anything wrong and he accuses me of cheating on Edward. He doesn't want Edward hurt, that's a laugh since that is all he has done to Edward since he was a child.
I am beginning to calm down a bit when I hear footsteps on the stairs. I freeze, thinking Carlisle is coming to continue his tirade against me. I can't remember if I locked my door or not. Apparently not, as I hear it open. I'm still curled up on my bed, facing away from the door, when I feel my bed sink as someone settles on it.
"Bella?" Edward says, quietly as I feel him touch my back.
I jump and twirl around, slamming into Edward. He curls his arms around me as I continue to sob uncontrollably.
"Hey, hey what happened? Mom said you flew by her in tears; didn't even stop when she called you. What happened Bella?" Edward asks, concerned.
I shake my head, because I'm unable to say a word at the moment. Thankfully, Edward understands. He holds me tight to his chest and runs his hand up and down my back until I calm down enough to answer his questions.
I tell Edward about meeting Jacob and everything that happened, including the hugs and the kiss on the forehead. Then, I tell him about Carlisle and everything he told me. I start to shake again as I look up at Edward.
"It was nothing like Carlisle made it out to be. I would never do anything to make you or this family look bad. God, Edward, he was awful." Once again, the tears are flowing.
Edward pulls me tight, but I can feel how much tension is in his body. He rocks me, never saying a word.
After a while, he pushes me back and looks at me. "You do know you did nothing wrong, right?"
I nod.
"Carlisle has no right to accuse you of anything. He knows you well enough to know you would never do anything to hurt me. I think he knows his back is against the wall and that his little ultimatum is coming back to bite him in the ass, so he's lashing out." Edward wipes the tears from my face, as we hear a soft knock on the door.
Edward gets up and opens the door. He and Esme exchange a few words so quietly I can't hear them, then the door closes and Edward comes back and sits down beside me.
"Dinner is done and Mom would like us to join them," Edward says, softly. "I know Carlisle is the last person you want to face right now, but we can't let him think he has the upper hand in anything, okay? We are going to go down for dinner with our heads held high and I will deal with Carlisle, believe me."
"Please, don't do or say anything to make things worse," I beg Edward. "As long as you believe me that is all that matters."
"Everything will be fine. Go wash your face and we'll go face him together." Edward looks at me, with such determination; I nod and do as he asks.
Edward and I walk into the dining room hand in hand. I can tell how hard Edward is trying to hold in his anger. I know I look a mess; my eyes are swollen from crying and I am shaking a bit. Esme touches my arm as I sit down.
"Are you alright, sweetheart? You ran by me so fast I thought you were in pain," Esme asks.
"I'm okay, now," I tell her, looking at Edward, so she knows that he fixed whatever had me upset.
We eat in silence. Esme looks confused, Edward looks angry and Carlisle looks satisfied. Bastard. My respect for Edward has multiplied by millions after this afternoon. If this is what he had to put up with his whole life, it's a wonder he isn't a serial killer.
We're almost finished eating, not that I was able to eat much since my stomach is still churning with nerves; Edward touches my arm. "Bella, don't you need to tell Esme that you are adding a few more names to the guest list for the wedding?" he asks, looking at me expectantly.
"Oh, yes," I look over at Esme. "Um... do you know the Blacks from La Push?"
"Of course, Bella. Billy Black and your father were the best of friends. We used to run into them all the time, didn't we Carlisle?" she responds.
Carlisle looks up, surprised, but nods, not saying a word.
"I had lunch today with Jacob, Billy's son. They are the closest thing to family I have left. I asked Jacob if he would walk me down the aisle. I also invited Billy and Jacob's wife, Leah," I tell Esme, glancing over at Carlisle.
"Oh, Bella," Esme says, reaching over and squeezing my hand, "I think that's wonderful. I can remember you playing with Jacob when you were babies. I think that's perfect. He'll be a welcome part of the wedding party."
Esme comes over and give me a hug before she starts to clear the table. After she has left the room, I look at Edward who is glaring at Carlisle. I feel myself tense as Carlisle leans back in his chair.
"Well Bella, I'm glad you have an explanation for your actions this afternoon. But you must remember, people don't always hear explanations; they only have what they see and draw their own conclusions. As a Cullen, you must remember that and conduct yourself accordingly," Carlisle states.
Edward starts to say something, but I stop him because this is my battle to fight. "Carlisle, I mean no disrespect, which is a lot more than you showed me this afternoon. But you had no right to accuse me of the things you did. I have never, nor would I ever, do anything to hurt this family, especially Edward. You didn't even ask me what happened, you just accused me of cheating on Edward and threatened to tell him, like I was some low life floozy..." I had to stop as the tears were starting again.
Edward pulls me tight against his chest as I hear a gasp and look up to see Esme standing in the doorway. "Carlisle, you didn't," Esme says astonished.
Carlisle glares at Edward and me before he turns to Esme. "I know what I saw and it's not acceptable behavior for a member of this family."
This only causes my anger to return. "You know what, Carlisle?" I yell, "Contrary to what you believe; I am not marrying you or your name, I am marrying Edward, and I love and respect him. If you have a problem with that, tough, but I will not change my life to fit into your idea of perfection. If you're ashamed to have me as a Cullen, I will gladly keep Swan as my name. Maybe Edward would even consider changing his to Swan, because Charlie, if he were still alive, would be damn proud to have Edward as a son, unlike you!" With that, I storm out of the room, but not before I hear Edward address Carlisle with such rage in his voice.
"You can hurt me all you want, but don't you ever speak to Bella the way you did this afternoon. Do you understand?" Edward states, calmly. "You ever hurt her again you can take your name and your corporation and shove them up you ass, because you will no longer have a son."
Edward catches up with me on the staircase. When we reach the third floor he pulls me into his bedroom and locks the door. He doesn't say a word, just holds me and lets me cry out all my frustration.
I must have fallen asleep because when I open my eyes, I am still curled up tight in Edward's arms. He looks down at me with such sadness in his eyes. I pull away from him and sit up.
"I'm sorry," I mumble.
"For what? You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for, Bella."
"I shouldn't have gone off on your father that way." I bury my face in my hands, totally ashamed of myself.
"I think you let him off too easy," Edward says, as he pulls my hands away from my face. "He deserved much worse. What he did was unforgivable! He knows you better than that. To accuse you the way he did..."
I place my hand against Edward's cheek in an effort to calm him. "It's okay. It's over now, I hope. Although, I really have no desire to be alone with him anytime soon."
"We really need to find some place to live," Edward says, standing and running his hand through his hair. "The sooner we get out of here the better." He looks down at me. "Maybe we should take Jasper up on his offer."
Edward and I had spent the past month looking at every available rental there is between Forks and Seattle. There seems to be something wrong with all of them. If the location was good, they weren't livable; if they were livable, the location was bad. During one of my nightly conversations with Alice, Jasper had offered us his townhouse, but we didn't want to put Jasper out of his home for the summer.
"Let's keep looking for at least a little while longer," I tell Edward. "We'll find something. If not we can stay here until we do, I really don't want to put Jasper out."
I hear Edward sigh deeply. I know he really wants to get out of here. And, after this evening's confrontation with Carlisle, I'm sure he wants to get out of his father's house even more.
The next morning Edward and I enter the kitchen together. Not sure what we were walking into when we saw Carlisle sitting at the kitchen table. Esme sat across from him, looking extremely upset.
Carlisle glances up at us, takes a deep breath and folds his newspaper, lying it down beside him. I notice Esme nod indiscriminately at Carlisle.
I freeze when Carlisle looks at me. "Bella, it seems I owe you an apology. I was having a bad day yesterday, and I took it out on you. Please forgive me."
I feel my mouth fall open in shock. Carlisle never apologizes to anyone. I feel Edward squeeze my arm and I glance up at him. Unable to speak I nod at Carlisle.
Edward looks from Carlisle to me. He starts to say something when Esme stands up and places her hand on his arm. They seem to have a silent conversation; and Edward sighs deeply.
"You have no idea how much you upset Bella," Edward tells Carlisle quietly. "All I ask, is if you have a problem with something Bella or I do, ask, before you accuse."
Carlisle glares at Edward, but quickly changes his expression. "Of course," is all he says, before he gets up, kisses Esme and leaves.
The three of us stare at each other. Esme pulls me into her arms. "He means well, Bella."
"I don't know how you did it, Mom," Edward says, "but thank you."
XXXXXX
The chaos really begins when Alice and Jasper arrive home. Alice is all a twitter about getting everything perfect for the wedding, which is still over three weeks away. She spends most of the day with a phone glued to her ear making sure all the arrangements are to her specifications.
The second day, she corners me and drags me up to her bedroom. "Time to see if your dress fits, even though I know it will," she giggles, positively giddy. "I can't wait to see you it in."
I have to admit I am a little excited about seeing my wedding dress. I'm also nervous, knowing how over the top Alice can be, even though she promised to keep it simple. She walks into the her enormous closet and pulls out a white vinyl garment bag.
"I had it pressed before we left California and it laid on the back seat of the car all the way here, so it wouldn't get wrinkled," she states, like she is talking about a national treasure or something.
She unzips the garment bag and something falls on the floor. "Damn them, if they left something in this bag that leaves a mark on this dress, I will have someone's head!" she exclaims as she bends down and picks up a dime. "A dime! How the hell does a dime end up in a garment bag?"
"Wait, Alice!" I yell. "Let me have that." She hands me the dime and I get all teary-eyed.
She is looking at me like I am crazy.
"You know how if you find a penny it's good luck?" I ask Alice.
She nods, still not sure what my problem is.
"Well, when I was a little girl, right after my Gran died, Charlie told me that every time you find a dime someone is smiling down on you." I look up at Alice through blurry, tear filled eyes.
"Oh Bella. Maybe it is from your Dad or your Mom." Suddenly, she jumps up. "This gives me a great idea; I need to make a phone call. No wait, first we need to get you into this dress."
Alice puts the energizer bunny to shame. I would hate to live inside her head because it must be traumatic to all brain cells, the way she flits from one subject to another without ever taking a pause.
The bag containing the dress is hanging from her closet door; she removes the bag and steps back.
"What do you think?" she asks.
I'm speechless. It's perfect. Simple yet elegant. Soft white satin, empire style waist, yet the bottom flows almost in waves. It has a curved neckline with lace Juliet sleeves than end in curved bows at the wrist. The train is short but long enough to resemble a wedding dress.
"Oh, Alice, it is magnificent," I tell her.
"Well, of course it is. Now let's get you in it."
She very delicately slips it over my head. The back closes with what seems like a hundred little pearl buttons. After she has me buttoned up, she makes a few adjustments with the flow of the gown and leads me over to the mirror.
I look at my reflection and I can't believe it's me. I look like a bride. I look like a bride, worthy of someone like Edward. I feel my eyes start to tear and I am unable to speak, so I hug Alice tightly so she will know how much I love this dress.
"Don't you dare get tears on that dress Bella Swan, not before the wedding," Alice barks at me, making me laugh. We were about to slip the dress off, when there was a faint knocking at the door.
"Edward Cullen, if that is you, go away," Alice yells.
Esme peeks around the door and asks, "May I come in?"
"Of course, Esme," I say blushing.
"Bella, it's beautiful. You're beautiful," Esme gushes. "There is one thing I would like to add, if you will allow me?"
I look Alice, who is grinning like a Cheshire cat, so I know it can't be anything that would upset the dress Alice has worked so painstakingly on.
"Sure," I tell Esme.
Alice turns me around so I'm facing the mirror as Esme approaches me from behind. She reaches up and places the most beautiful veil on my head. It's made of the same lace as the sleeves and is cathedral length.
"This is the veil I wore when I married Carlisle. I would be honored if you would wear it when you marry our son. It can be your something borrowed," Esme explains as Alice fiddles with the veil.
"Oh, Esme, I would be honored. But shouldn't you save this for Alice?" I ask.
"Alice can wear it too, if she chooses, I would like it to be a Cullen wedding tradition, but since Edward is the first of our children to marry, the tradition starts with you, if you so desire." Esme tells me.
"I will wear it with pride," I tell Esme, as she pulls me into a hug.
"Alright, that's enough. You are going to wrinkle the dress! Off with it Swan," Alice orders.
I very carefully remove the veil and the dress which Alice places back in the garment bag, as she states, "I do believe we are ready for July fourth." She smile triumphantly.
XXXXXX
"Do you have any idea what this is about?" I ask Edward as he drives toward Lake Crescent about thirty minutes outside of Port Angeles.
"No clue, but it can't be bad if Mom is in on it," Edward tells me while checking the GPS.
Carlisle had called Edward and Esme had called me to tell us it was very important that we meet them tonight at an address in Port Angeles. The address meant nothing to Edward or me.
"Mom didn't say anything to you either?" Edward asks.
"No, only that it was important that we meet them," I told him.
Finally the GPS beeps that we have arrived at our location. We both look up the building in front of us.
Twin brick towers that seem to go up forever. The top of each building looks almost like a mushroom. I glance over at the huge sign in front that simple says "Greystone Towers."
I look over at Edward as he says, "This must be the place; there's Carlisle's car."
We walk up toward the lobby of the first building and spot Carlisle and Esme talking with a tall man dressed in what appears to be a doorman's uniform.
We enter into what almost looks like a ritzy hotel lobby, but without a sign-in desk. There is a bank of elevators to the right and a long hallway that leads who knows where, to the left.
"There you are we were beginning to think you got lost," Esme says as she hugs us both.
"What's this all about, Mom?" Edward asks, looking around the lobby.
"You'll see very shortly." She takes him by the elbow and leads us over to where Carlisle is still talking to the uniformed man.
"Alfred," Esme addresses the man in uniform, "this is my son, Dr. Edward Cullen and his future wife, Bella Swan."
Alfred shakes both our hands and tells us what a pleasure it is to meet us, before Carlisle and Esme start down the long hall to the left. We follow, looking at each other, still confused.
The hallway leads to another elevator. Carlisle punches in a few numbers on a keypad and the door opens. We all enter, then Carlisle places a key card into a slot inside the elevator and we take off so quickly, I believe my stomach stays on the first floor.
There aren't any lights to indicate what floor we are on and when we stop the doors open to a small foyer. Carlisle smiles at us and leads us to a set of double doors. They are the only doors on this floor. Carlisle opens the door and ushers us through.
We enter into the most magnificent apartment, condo, penthouse...I am not sure how to describe it. At the doorway are three raised steps slightly rounded. Down the steps is a massive living room, decorated with an L-shaped beige colored couch, a matching recliner, a huge flat screen television, and several miscellaneous tables. Straight ahead are floor to ceiling windows, with a balcony that overlooks Lake Crescent.
Edward looks at his parents. "Are you moving?"
"No, silly," Esme tells Edward, taking him by one arm and me by the other. "What do you think of the place?" she asks me.
"It's beautiful," I tell her, still confused as to why she is so excited about it if she is not going to live here.
"You must see the kitchen dear, you will absolutely die when you see it," she says, pulling toward the side of the apartment.
I walk into the most state of the art, gourmet kitchen ever built. Stainless steel appliances, everything is placed in the perfect spot for a chef. It is truly unbelievable.
"I don't understand," I say, as I look at Esme. "Whose home is this?"
I turn around and look at Esme and Carlisle grinning at each other. Carlisle tosses some keys to Edward and says, "It's yours."
Edward and I look at each other and we both say, "What?" at the same time.
Esme is beaming as she tells us, "It's our wedding present to you; I hope you like it. I decorated it myself, so if there is anything you don't like, let me know and we can change it."
Edward and I look at each other dumbfounded. Esme takes each of us by the arm and gives us the grand tour. There are three bedrooms, each with its own balcony looking over the lake, three huge bathrooms, plus a dining room that could probably seat twenty.
Esme leads us to the final room that is at the very back of the huge apartment. There are double doors that she stops at. "This is the room I am the most proud of. I want you each to have somewhere you can relax and enjoy each other, so this is the room for that."
She throws open the doors and we enter another huge room. On each side are bookshelves, filled to capacity, a fireplace on the right and straight ahead, sitting right before a set of French doors leading out to another balcony, is a beautiful baby grand piano.
Edward walks over to the piano and looks back at Esme. "Is this what I think it is?"
"Yes, that is your Grandma Masen's baby grand. I was going to have it refinished but I thought you would prefer it the way it is. I did have it tuned though," Esme tells Edward.
I watch Edward as he plucks a few of the keys. When he turns around, he has tears in his eyes. "This is the piano I learned to play on. My grandma insisted we be well rounded. I spent many a day playing this. I thought it was gone," he says to both Esme and me.
Esme walks up and puts her arms around Edward's waist. "It's been in storage since Mom died. I could never bring myself to part with it. Since we have a piano in the house, I didn't know what else to do with it. I'm so glad I kept it; it looks perfect here."
Edward bends down and kisses the top of his mother's head.
"So, what do you think of the place?" Carlisle asks.
"It's beautiful," I respond, "But really, it's too much." This place must have cost a small fortune.
"Nonsense," Carlisle says. "Consider it an investment. You can never go wrong with real estate. You two kids need a place of your own to start your married life. It's yours free and clear, no conditions attached."
"Okay, we old folks will get out of here and let you enjoy your new home. All the information you need is in the folder on the kitchen counter; key codes, elevator codes, etc. You may want to change them to something you'll remember. If you want to stay here tonight there are the basics in the kitchen, bread, milk..." Esme tells us, pulling Carlisle out the door. "Enjoy yourselves, kids." And they're gone.
Edward and I stare at each other, both of us in complete shock.
"Wow," I say.
"Wow, is right," Edward states.
We walk over and look at the view.
"I guess we have a place to live," Edward announces.
All I can do is nod my head.
A/N: So, they have a place to live. I know I took some license with locations, I don't know the area of Forks, Port Angeles or Seattle, so if you are from that area, just pretend...okay...good.
Let me know what you think.
