A/N: I realize it's been such a long time since I updated and even though I hoped this to be out sooner, I neglected my writing sadly, didn't meet my goal. Please forgive me. Nevertheless, here it is. Short and Sweet...
Three Months Later
Edward's POV
Wearing a suit and tie I stepped into the elevator and pushed the button to go down. I absentmindedly ran my hand through my hair and glanced at my watch. The celebration downstairs was scheduled to begin any minute. I cleared my throat and straighted my necktie once more. I was clearly nervous for what was about to happen.
It had a month since Jacob and Renesmee had announced their engagement. At the time this celebration had seemed so far in the future, however the night was now upon us. In a matter of minutes I would be seeing Bella for the first time in weeks.
My own life had become a routine of work and spending my time off with 'Nes and Jake, as well as my parents. Even though I missed Bella terribly, I had found life without her wasn't as painful as I once thought it would be.
I knew Bella had been dating someone from work and no matter how much it tore at my heart, I had resigned myself to accept the fact that she was moving on. In less than a week our divorce would be final and our marriage would be history.
The elevator bell rang, as the doors opened and I could hear music was coming from down the hall. I enter the ballroom and looked for a familiar face.
"Daddy!" My heart soared as I was nearly knocked down by my exuberant daughter. She had a tight grip on my neck. I took a second to embrace her before she lowered herself to the ground.
When she pulled away from me, I took a moment to look at her. She was wearing a blue dress and her hair was styled softly with her natural curls falling to nearly her waist. "You look so beautiful 'Nes." Just like her mother.
"Thanks Daddy. You look handsome too! Our table is right up front." She turned and pointed toward the far end of the dance floor. Grandma and Grandpa aren't here yet but Coach is right at our table, if you want to go say hello." She kissed my cheek and ran off to greet some of her friends who were just entering the room.
Before joining Coach at the appropriate table I walked to the bar and ordered a drink. I cast him a pleasant nod but he spoke before I could. "Edward," He acknowledged me with what can only be described as contempt.
"Good to see you, Coach." I shook his hand and observed that for a man in his mid-sixties he certainly had retained his strength.
"Wish I could say the same, Edward. I'm glad you could make it." He had only recently developed this condescending tone when speaking to me and I really didn't like it.
"Of course I made it," I retorted. "My daughter's engagement party is a momentous occasion."
Coach scoffed, "It's a good thing something merits a momentous occasion in your life." He shifted his eyes warily as he tipped his beer up to take a long drink.
I smiled at my father in law before deciding what to say. "Every day is a momentous occasion in my life now, Coach. Maybe you haven't heard, but I quit my job at Boeing months ago. Since then I've spent the majority of my spare time helping 'Nes and Jake renovate their apartment…"
He grunted disrespectfully as he cut me off mid-sentence. "Doesn't make up for all the years you spent away from the family you were blessed with. Hell, you might have had more children if you hadn't been gone so much. I used to think that I'd be a granddad many times over but that never happened. Besides the fact that Bella always wanted more …"
"Daddy!" I heard Bella's glorious voice speak up to scold her father. I could tell she was standing right behind me. "Now's not the time for your theatrics. It's 'Nes and Jake's day." Bella join us at our table and she kissed Coach's cheek, causing him to calm down slightly. "Edward." She stepped forward and gave me a casual hug.
I hugged her back briefly, not daring to look directly at her, for fear the pain I was feeling in my heart would show on my face. It took all of my self-control to keep from gripping her too tightly. I desperately wanted to hold her for longer and barely caught a waft of her delectable scent before she pulled away from me. "It's good to see you, Bella." I smiled, finally chancing a glance in her direction. She was so beautiful.
"Your parents just walked in, Edward." She commented, clearly changing the subject.
I turned my head and saw my parents walking toward us. I smiled and waved them over and noticed a cautious glance from my dad. Obviously he saw the embrace between Bella and me. I wasn't in the mood to justify my actions to him. He needed to realize that I had to behave in the best interest of my daughter. After all, Bella and I both had family and friends here who would certainly be scrutinizing the way we interacted. As an afterthought, I hoped my father would keep his sarcastic comments to himself tonight.
Apparently Bella also noticed the stare he was sending our way. She cleared her throat and quickly asked Coach to come with her to meet Jacob's family. Like a beautiful breeze suddenly ended, she walked away, hand on her father's shoulder.
My mother put her hands on the sides of my face and gave me a loud kiss on the cheek as my father spoke, "Getting mighty friendly with Isabella tonight, wouldn't you say, Son?" Before I could comment, our conversation was interrupted by the microphone.
"Ahem. Good evening folks. I want to thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate the engagement of Renesmee and Jacob." the DJ announced. I ignored the announcements for a few minutes as I watched my daughter and the love of her life walk to the center of the dance floor. They both looked happy as they held hands and listened to the DJ. "Don't forget to thank Renensmee for choosing our 1980's theme for the evening. I'm here all night, taking requests. Without further ado, I have my first dedication of the evening. Jake, this one's for you from Nessie. Let's start dancing with Duran Duran's Hungry Like the Wolf."
I watched as Jacob took 'Nes's hand. A whole horde of their friends joined them and the lights in the room went dim, lit only by a disco-ball overhead. My parents didn't waste any time joining the group of couples on the dance floor. I had hopes that I could dance with Bella, but noticed she was already on the floor with Coach. Instead, I walked toward the bar for another drink. The bartender had the drink in front of me quickly and I downed it and ordered another as the music played.
I felt the alcohol start to numb me as memories of my wife and daughter crept into my mind: Marrying Bella; watching her give birth just two days after graduating from high school; the crazy first few months starting college and raising a baby, 'Nes taking her first steps at the end of that first year of college…I became instantly emotional and choked back tears as I walked quickly into the garden outside the ballroom to collect myself. The music droned on from inside and I wondered how long it would be before anyone would notice I had walked away.
I sat for a long time on a bench, overlooking a brightly lit garden and ran my hands over my face in frustration. I had been doing so well until I arrived here tonight and saw Bella. I realized there was nothing I could do to recover our marriage but I hadn't expected to feel this way. The sadness I felt was heavy on my heart. I took a deep breath and walked back into the ballroom where more music was playing. As another song came to an end, I saw Renesmee was still standing with Jacob on the dance floor. When they finally separated, she smiled warmly at me from across the room and walked toward me. She reached her hands out and gave me a hug. "Come with me?" She asked, leading me onto the dance floor. I followed her obediently as she walked across to the stage where the DJ stood.
At the same time, I noticed Jacob was leading Bella across so only the four of us stood at the front of the room. I could feel every eye in the room staring at me and as I looked across at Bella I noticed her blush and realized she was also aware that we were the center of attention.
The DJ handed the microphone to Renesmee as tears formed in my eyes. I could barely see her but her voice carried across the whole room. "I have another dedication," She sighed deeply and looked from her mother to me. "My parents have been my greatest supporters my entire life. They taught me so much but most of all they showed me what unconditional love looked like." She had tears in her own eyes now and I was glad I couldn't see Bella's face from where I stood. "So this song is dedicated to my Mom and Dad. I love you both! Thank you for everything."
Renesmee and Jacob walked off the dance floor, leaving on Bella and I standing there. I smiled over at my wife and reached for her hand, which, by some miracle, she took in hers and joined me in the center of the dance floor. I smiled through my tear filled eyes and said, "I guess we have to keep up appearances..."
Bella's POV
Edward pulled me into his arms as we waited for the music to start. He looked down at me with pain in his eyes and shaking his head, he pulled me even closer, leaning into my neck. "I miss you," he whispered. His mouth was almost touching my ear.
"I miss you too, Edward," I admitted. He pulled his face away from my neck momentarily and looked down at me quizzically. "What?" I chuckled.
"I'm just surprised, that's all. I figured with your new boyfriend you wouldn't have time to miss me." He put his arms around me tighter, and moved his head back into the crook of my neck.
I shook my head at him and whispered, "I don't have a boyfriend. I went on two dates but that was months ago."
I felt his arms tighten even more around my waist. "Really?"
"Really…and I honestly do miss you. But I wonder if that really changes anything." I looked forward at Edward's face as I realized we had been standing there holding onto each other with the whole room watching us, and the music hadn't started playing yet.
Tears filled my eyes as our daughter walked over and kissed first her father, and then me on our cheeks. She smiled widely and flashed me a wink before quickly walking away.
"What was that all about?" Edward asked me.
I blushed instantly, not being able to explain what I was sure was about to transpire. Before I could answer, Eric Carmen's voice sounded over the speakers. Realization dawned on Edward's face and I pulled my head away from him, not wanting to remember, but not being able to forget how this song changed our lives.
…Turn the radio up for that sweet sound
Hold me close never let me go
Keep this feelin' alive
Make me lose control
Baby, baby…
When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever's high with the lights down low
Take me over the edge
Make me lose control…
My tears finally overflowed and he nuzzled his nose into my cheek. "She thinks we still love each other." He whispered.
"She's right." I acknowledged and I heard him gasp in surprise. I shrugged, still close in his arms. "Maybe it wouldn't hurt for us to try to work it out."
"It can't hurt as bad as being without you." He breathed.
"I never meant to hurt you," I told him.
"And I never meant to hurt you. You are my life. I'll do whatever you ask for another chance."
"Will you kiss me?" I smiled up and him, "Because that would be a great place to start." It only took a split second before our lips joined. I was so shocked at the intensity of the kiss that it took my breath away. It was one of the best kisses we had ever shared.
Our song had ended and before I realized, I felt Edward leading me outside to the garden off the ballroom. I wondered briefly whether the crowd was still watching us and then realized I didn't care.
"I love you so much Isabella. Please say you're serious about working this out." His voice was practically begging.
I nodded, "I am absolutely serious."
He smiled widely and his face shone beautifully. "I don't want to let you go."
I pulled my hands up and into his amazing hair, "I didn't say you had to, Edward." I smiled up at him flirtily and pulled him into another passionate kiss.
A/N: Sorry for the cliffy but I figured if I didn't get this part out it would be even longer before I published the update. Hope you all liked the chapter. Probably two chapters left and then that will be the end.
Any guesses what happens next?
Review and let me know what you think. THANKS A BUNCH! XOXOXOXOXO
