A/N - Edward is back! I apologize for the lack of our favorite boy last chapter, but sometimes it need to be done! Summer Vacation got 400 hits yesterday! So exciting! Thank you all!
Chapter 12 - Dinner with my Boys.
After watching my dad shoot a few targets, and give me demonstration of how to use the 12 gauge shotgun, we decided to head in to the diner for a quick lunch at around one o'clock. We talked easily about some of our most memorable stories over the last years.
I told him how laughable I was in ballet class when I was six, and he told me about how he and Carlisle had flipped their boat last summer.
After lunch, we went to the grocery store to stock up on supplies for dinner. I decided to make tomato basil chicken with roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables. I chose not to go with the fish, like I had originally planned, because I had no idea if Edward liked it. I knew Esme didn't, but I thought chicken was a safe option.
We got home at around three, and after unpacking all the groceries. We sat at the table together and I watched as my dad took apart and cleaned every nook and cranny of his .40 cal. He explained all the pieces and how they worked. While anyone else might be bored, I paid very close attention. I was interested in this because my dad was.
After about an hour, I decided to get the chicken in the oven. Nothing like slow roasting. My dad laid down on the couch for a nap, and I got to work in the kitchen. I wanted this to be perfect. This was the first time I'd be cooking for my two favourite guys.
After putting the chicken in the oven, I sent Edward a text. 'Two hours. XOXO.'
I got out all my ingredients and started coarsely chopping my potatoes. I seasoned them and put them on a baking sheet.
I headed upstairs to change. I pulled on a knee length black skirt and a pink sweater with a scoop neck and three-quarter length sleeves. I brushed out my hair and pulled the front back with couple of pins.
I came back down the stairs and set the table. I was just setting out the last of the silverware when my dad walked into the kitchen.
"Good nap, dad?" I asked, laughing quietly because he looked a little rumpled.
"Yeah." He stretched. "You look nice. I'd better go make myself presentable." He laughed.
"Supper will be ready in about an hour." I called.
I walked back over to the counter to prepare the tomato sauce and vegetables.
My phone beeped. I grabbed it off the counter. 'I can't wait. Can I come early? E.' I laughed. He was so sweet
I wrote back. 'Of course. B.'
Just as I set my phone down, the doorbell rang. I ran to the door and opened it. Edward was standing there with a single red flower in his hand. "You really missed me, huh?" I laughed.
"Every second." He chucked, stepping closer and pulling me into his arms. "You look stunning, sugar."
I pulled back. "Thank you." He gave me the flower. "It's beautiful, Edward. What kind is it?" I asked, knowing it wasn't one he had picked from the garden.
"It's an aster. They symbolize patience. Thank you for being so understanding and patient with me." He traced the back of his finger along my cheek. "I tried not to bother you too much today. But, Bella, being apart from you today illustrated to me just how much I love you."
"Aww. I love you, too, Edward. I missed you today." He leaned down and kissed my lips softly.
"Okay, sit down. Out of my way, Edward. I'm cooking and you're distracting me." I laughed, only partially joking.
"Yes, darling." Edward chuckled, as he sat down sideways on a kitchen chair so he was facing me.
I turned back to the counter, mixing up the sauce and then opening up the oven and pouring the mixture over the chicken.
I put the vegetables in the steamer and turned back to look at Edward.
He had a lazy smile on his face. "I could watch you all day, angel. Did I tell you how beautiful you are, yet?
"Um, no. Stunning, yes. But, I don't think you've said beautiful, yet." I joked.
"Then I apologize. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on." He said smoothly.
I laughed at his attempt at flattery, even though inside I was squealing in excitement.
"Hello, Edward." My dad said as he walked into the kitchen. "Couldn't stay away, huh?" He chuckled.
"No, sir." Edward answered shyly, his face turning a little bit pink from my dad's teasing. My dad patted Edward's shoulder as he came around the table to sit in the other seat. I thought it was cute that Edward was acting a little shy around my dad today. Normally, he seemed so relaxed around him.
"So, what are you making us, Bells. It smells amazing." My dad asked.
"Oh, thanks dad. It's tomato basil chicken, roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables."
"That sounds so good, babe, um, Bella." Edward stammered. I couldn't hold back and I burst out laughing. My dad was chuckling, too. "What?" Edward asked nervously, rubbing his hands on his legs. That was the first time I had seen him do that since we had been home.
"You are so cute. Relax, Edward." I said, coming up behind him and rubbing his shoulders. "Now you know what I felt like meeting your family on Friday." I said softly by his ear.
He laughed. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"So, Edward, how was baseball practice?" My dad asked, trying to get Edward to feel more at ease.
"Oh, It was great to get out there and play again. Jasper is incredibly talented. He's going to go far in this sport, for sure."
"Did you play baseball in high school, Edward?" I asked. The more I thought about it, today, the more I realized that I didn't know about him. And I wanted to know everything. It was weird for me to think that my dad knew more about my boyfriend than I did.
"Yeah. I played second base in high school for all four years. But I've been playing all my life, really. I was in little league since I was six. Both Em and Jazz were, too. But when he got to high school, Emmett switched over to football. He still likes to play baseball with us, but he likes the contact sports more."
"That's really cool, Edward." I said. "I would love to watch you guys play sometime."
"We'll be playing all summer if I have anything to say about it. I had really missed playing. Today was amazing. I loved just getting out there in the fresh air." Edward sounded so excited when he talked about baseball. I couldn't wait to learn more about his past.
"When's Jasper's next game?" My dad asked.
"Saturday afternoon." Edward answered. "I'm excited to see him play competitively."
Who would have thought that getting him talking about sports would have relaxed Edward so much.
I got from the table and took dinner out of the oven. I put everything out on the table. "Dig in guys."
"Thanks, Bells." My dad said.
I felt Edward squeeze my knee and smile up at me. "It looks so good. I can't believe I've never tried your cooking before."
"That's because there's no stove in the dorms, Edward." I laughed. "I wish there was. I really missed cooking." It was true. I had always cooked for myself back in Phoenix, as my mom was rarely home. "You know, it's nice cooking for someone other than myself." I said.
"Well, you're welcome to cook for us anytime, right Edward?" My dad laughed. I knew he didn't like to hear about how my mom had left me alone.
"I'll have to agree with that, sir." Edward answered with a laugh. "This is amazing, honey."
I blushed at all the attention, yet I loved every minute of it.