Okay it's been a crazy week or two of rec's. This story was listed on teh lemonade stand, thanks nic for that, it meant the world to be featured on the blog! To all the new readers, welcome.
Theladykt wrote review #100 on twcs, and Nissa-Cullen posted review #250. I still can't believe I'm 10 chapters in and I have these kinds of numbers...it's something new as half my stories have this at completion, 25-40 chapters in.
Mizzdee is my girl, these chapters wouldn't be coming this fast without her. That being said, chapter 12 of "Needed" will be posting on Wednesday, but I'm posting this a day early since it does answer some of the questions you had after it's cliffy.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 11
It took me another fifteen minutes to realize that I needed to hear Bella's voice to know that she truly wasn't pissed. Dialing her number, I was grateful when she answered on the second ring.
"Hey, I may lose you when we go through the tunnel, but what's up?" she said, so I jumped right in.
"Bella, I just wanted to apologize for Heidi. I promise you that nothing is going on, and I told her that plainly after you left. She was annoyed by it, but I think she took the hint." I knew I sounded clingy, but I couldn't let her think I was cheating on her.
"Edward, it was so obvious that she was putting on a show for my benefit that it wasn't funny. I trust you, I love you, Edward. I wouldn't be in this if I didn't. Please don't worry about what happened, because I'm not. Now, you go enjoy your day with the kids tomorrow and I will see you Sunday," she said and I couldn't help but smile. She loves me.
"Okay, love. Have fun at the wedding and give my best to Angela and Ben," I told her before she hung up.
I sat back on the couch, Alice already more focused on her little puzzle than me when Garrett came in.
"Gia called me and asked that I check on you, it seems there was a whole lot of drama in this room a few minutes ago."
"Heidi tried to piss on my leg, but Bella saw through it. Now I just need to do some thinking."
"About what?" Garrett asked.
"I'm tired of hiding Bella. Now, while I can't go completely public, I can start to show her that I'm serious. Take her places and be romantic. We can build up to the big reveal," I explained.
"It might help if you tell her about me," he offered.
"Why would that help?"
"You said she told Ben's soon-to-be wife, so if she knows you told a co-worker that you're close with then she'll see that you're taking steps to move towards a normal relationship. Plus, we need to plan this, because you're hopeless on your own."
"Thank you, but I've got it covered," I told him, but he just sat down in front of my desk.
"Okay, first, you need to make a gesture, something she won't expect," Garrett started, but I cut him off.
"It has to be my idea, Garrett, and I know what I'm doing. I just need to figure everything out. I'm going to head out for a bit, so call me if you need anything," I said, collecting Alice's things, taking out the umbrella stroller and getting Alice ready to go.
I stopped by the house long enough to get my car and then Alice and I took a drive to what seemed to be my go to store for Bella. I didn't know what I was going to get her, but I wanted something to mark the occasion.
Alice was in love with the glitter and sparkle, and the sales ladies loved her, so as I looked through the various cases hoping inspiration would strike, I had plenty of help.
When I was about to give up, I noticed a ring that seemed simple enough not to freak her out, that would actually mean something to us.
"Can I see that bow ring?" I asked the woman who had been following me around.
The woman droned on about the quality and prestige that came along with the Tiffany and Co. name while I mostly ignored her. When she finished, I asked for it in a size seven, letting her go to get me what I needed.
I paid for my purchase and left with Alice, heading back to the house to hide her ring in my room until I had a chance to give it to her, then called Jared, telling him that I was bringing Alice home so he didn't have to stop by the office after all.
While Alice nursed her doll, babbling about her ouchies, I tried to think of what to do tomorrow night. Then I realized that I couldn't do much with the kids here, so I called Esme in hopes that she could save me.
"Edward, are you calling with a special request for dinner tonight?" she asked as soon as she answered.
"No, Esme, I'm sure whatever you make will be delicious, but I have a favor to ask for tomorrow, if you could."
"What do you need?"
"Is it possible for you and Carlisle to take the kids? I have a date Sunday morning and it would be easier to have them staying with you than trying to get them up and ready to go to your place and have me be on time."
"Of course we'll take them, but what about Bella? I thought the wedding was early?" Esme questioned and I quickly covered my bases.
"It is, but she mentioned not being sure if she would be making it in Saturday night or Sunday morning, and even so, it's the weekend and the day will be long for her since she's the Maid of Honor, so I didn't want her to come home from one type of crazy and into another," I told her semi-honestly.
"That's sweet, but don't think you're getting out of the interrogation about your date, Edward," Esme started, but I cut her off.
"Es, it's new, but when there's something to tell, I promise you and Carlisle will be two of the first people I tell." That was the truth, I was anxious for the day she could know about Bella and I, but it couldn't be now.
"Fair enough, and don't forget about next weekend out on the island," she warned.
"I won't. And we'll figure something out, maybe I can take the girls so you and Carlisle can have a date night?" I offered, knowing they'd appreciate it.
"That's something I will gladly take you up on. See you tonight, Edward."
With that obstacle out of the way, I tried to figure out the details. I had a gift for Bella and the story to explain it, the ring truly being perfect for the situation. I just needed to come up with the rest. I would know when she was coming home, around eight tomorrow, so I could do something special here, or I could…
"This is either going to be perfect, or the cheesiest thing you've ever done, Cullen," I told myself as another piece of the puzzle came into place.
The biggest thing would be the date on Sunday, but that I needed a little more time to figure out. I heard a commotion outside as I realized that it was already three-forty and the kids were home. I gathered my things and said my hellos before reminding Rosalie that Esme would be over in a few hours and I would be back for dinner.
"Call me if you have a problem, and I can be here in ten minutes, fifteen tops," I told Rosalie and she rolled her eyes.
"We'll be fine, Dad. There are two TV's we can use if it gets ugly," she teased.
I left them in her hands and headed back to work, more focused on tomorrow than any work I might get done.
Garrett was waiting for me when I walked into my office, but I ignored him as I did a search of Southern and Soul Food in the outer boroughs. I thought that since she grew up with it, and loved to cook it when she wasn't experimenting with new recipes, that it would be a safe choice. There were a lot of choices, but a few pages in I found one that might be a winner.
"Okay, I think I found us a place to eat, but I'm not entirely sure she'll like it. The picture on the review is of chicken and waffles," I said, a little unsure.
"Dude, that's totally a thing down south, go for it," Garrett urged so I called to make a reservation for Sunday brunch.
"So how much of this is set, Edward?" Garrett asked as I sat back.
"I know where I'm meeting her, and how we're getting back home. I've got something to give her once we get home, and I have our first true date planned. I think I'm set," I relayed confidently.
"And you aren't giving me any of the details?" Garrett whined.
"Nope, but I'm sure you'll get a post mortem out of me on Monday," I reassured as we both got ready to go home for the weekend.
Dinner at home was great, and Esme promised to pick the kids up around five tomorrow evening so that she could feed them dinner before starting the various nighttime rituals. That meant that whenever Bella arrived, I'd be ready for this.
Saturday was a great day with the kids. We went to Bryant Park and hung out on the lawn, enjoying the sun and the whimsy that surrounded the library. Alice even dragged me inside to show me where Pooh and his friends sleep, and sure enough the original stuffed animals were in a glass case in the children's' room.
It was so nice to be able to bond, just the four of us, without attitudes or fighting. I wondered about when Bella became an active part of this, as someone other than the nanny, but I knew that particular adjustment would take some time to work out.
The afternoon passed, and soon I was packing an overnight bag for the kids so that they could head to Carlisle and Esme's. She loaded up the kids and told me to have fun, not teasing me too much because the kids didn't know I was dating yet.
After I had the house to myself, I decided to get myself ready first, in case something happened and I needed to leave sooner. I showered and shaved, taking extra time to make sure I looked good for Bella. I picked out a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt. I didn't bother wearing a tie, but instead put on my socks and shoes, messing with my hair until I finally gave up. I dug out Bella's ring and slipped the box into my pocket.
My phone chimed with Bella's alert and I smiled, reading that she would be home in less than ninety minutes. Knowing her, that meant that she was likely boarding her train, so I headed out. Halfway to Penn Station, I walked past a florist and went in to get Bella some flowers.
"Is it possible to get a bouquet of red roses and lilies?" I asked the woman at the counter.
"Did you want Calla Lilies or regular ones? And what color?"
"White, and both if you have them," I answered and she quickly got to work on the arrangement. I happily paid her for the beautiful flowers and then continued on my way. I got there with plenty of time to spare, only I didn't really know how to pass the time or what to do. I found the train schedule for Mineola and saw that if she texted me at the train station before boarding, then she would be in about ten after seven, so I looked at my watch and saw that I still had twenty minutes until then. I paced for a while, but then started to panic, this train station was huge, how would I know where to find her.
It was around then that I saw the information window and decided to at least try and narrow down the track.
"Hello, do you know what track the 6:31 train from Mineola will be coming in on?" I asked the woman behind the glass.
"It should be Track 21, Sir," she said, referencing the sheet in front of her.
"Thank you," I said and walked towards the large stairwell at the end of the concourse, seeing as it was the most prominent one.
I prayed that she used this exit as I waited, eventually hearing he train pull in. The doors opened and I held my breath as I waited to see if she came into view. A large crowd of people walked past me, but when I saw a vision before me in a coral dress, I couldn't help but smile.
She was mine.