Chapter 12
Thirty minutes later under an umbrella, Edward walked me very slowly down to the barn. When I walked in to the dining hall, there was a cheer all around. Rose and Edward helped me find a spot to sit down at the end of a table and away from the largest flow of people. They left me talking to other staff and got me grilled chicken and vegetables plus a roll. When they came back with my dinner, Edward sat down and Sarah asked, "What do you want to drink?"
"Water, since I have to go back up the hill tonight."
Once my dinner was finished, we all sat and talked. A couple the ranchers tried to hug me, but all three of us were quick to diffuse the hugs particularly me since I knew how much they would hurt. As we got up to leave, we saw that it was no longer raining out. I asked, "Can I see Flame first?"
"Of course," and Rose led me over to the stalls.
As I got to her stall, I reached in and said, "Hi Flame, you're so beautiful. I promise as soon as I am allowed we will be back out on the trails." I continued talking to Flame and after our visit, I went and talked to all the other horses. And I finally went back to Flame and said, "I miss you and our rides." The three of us started up the hill and I got ten steps up the hill, I stopped and gasped for air and said, "I have a problem; this really hurts my ribs. Taking the deep breaths in my lungs is pressing on my ribs." I was leaning against Rose trying to calm my breathing to relieve the pressure on my ribs.
Rose said, "Bella sorry," then she looked at Edward and said, "Now what do we do?"
Edward asked, "Is there a longer route that is flatter we can go back up to the cabins on?"
"No," Rose said.
Edward walked up to me and said, "Bella, I'm about to scoop you up. I'm only going to hold you as tight as I need to, to get you up the slope." As he lifted me up and I was settled into his arms, he asked, "Is this okay? Are you in any pain?"
"It's less pain than what I was in while trying to take the ten steps up the hill." Very carefully, we went up the hill. In front of my cabin, Edward sat me down. "Rose, can I have a corona now?"
"Sure," I choose to stay out on my patio and enjoy the cool night air. I looked at Edward and he still hadn't said much tonight, I finally asked, "Edward you have been very quiet tonight?"
"Sorry, I was just watching everyone with you. You've everyone enthralled with you and they love you. I felt guilty I took it all away from you. And I had to carry you up the hill without hurting you."
Rose brought me the corona and said, "Bella, I'm going to turn and I have been fighting allergies and I'm tired and afraid it might turn into a cold."
"Ok, I'll see you in the morning." Edward and I sat and quietly drank our coronas. His facial expressions still seemed so tense, so I said, "Now why do you look so different? I'm not mad at you anymore. It's fine."
"Bella, it's not that. Will you go with me to Las Vegas for a week?"
"What? Why?"
It's someplace different and a place to get through your non riding time. Rose has told me how much you enjoy the city and sights. I have a two bedroom suite we can stay in with a view of the fountains at the Bellagio. You can sit and watch the fountains all day if you want. We can go shopping. I'll get tickets for whatever shows we want to see. Eat wherever you want. Place slots basically, whatever you want. Would you go?"
"Well, Edward, there's one problem that I don't know if you can fix."
"What's that?"
"Well, for me to go out, I need to be able to wear my bras or tanks and that is still a problem."
"Bella, fuck it, I'll pay someone to make you bras that work or we can go just shopping for clothes that will work. So does that mean you will go with me in two days?"
"Yes, I will but on one final condition."
"What's that?"
"No, comedies. I cannot handle laughing yet. Sorry I guess there is really two conditions, when I'm allowed to ride again, you' ll go on a horseback ride with just me."
"I would love to go on a horseback ride with just you. If you do recall I tried to do that when I first met you."
"Wait a minute. What Edward will be on that ride with me?"
"Let me show you."
He offered me his hand, I let him help me up gently, and then with my arm stowed safely in the crook of his arm, he led me to my bedroom door. He stopped at my door and then lifted my hand to his mouth and gently kissed it and said, "Now you need to go to bed." Then keeping his eyes in contact with mine the entire time he lowered his lips to my lips and repeated the gentle kiss.
"I will; but I need help." Edward stepped back and he slowly unbuttoned my blouse and undid my jeans.
" Good night Bella. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night Edward. Thank you again. I like this Edward by the way." Edward quietly left after turning and giving me his amazing smile. I slipped into my bed and fell into a peaceful sleep even being all banged up.
