Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
Just a short one as the next one will be longer. Reviews are love!
Alice didn't leave that night. After spending the rest of the day catching up with her and Esme, who was incredibly not surprised that you and I were together and who whispered in my ear not to be a stranger and to take care of her boy as she hugged me goodbye, she calls Jasper to tell him that she's staying over and I make up a makeshift bed in front of the fire, where we talk well into the night and it's amazing how seamless it is for us to fall back into our friendship.
"So Jasper huh?" I ask with a wink and she beams, the smile lighting up her entire face and she tells me about how they met while you and he started your business and how Carlisle cracked a fit because he was five years older than her and then the last puzzle piece falls into place and I understand your fear more clearly now than ever. Apparently Carlisle had cooled down since they'd eloped, understanding that Jasper wasn't using her and I smile with her as she recalls the Elvis impersonator who performed her wedding ceremony.
"So Edward huh?" she asks slyly and I can't resist the smile that has been firmly planted on my face since we stopped crying.
"Edward," I reply simply, not taking the bait.
"How did that happen?" she asks and I tell her about Rosalie dating Emmett and the bar.
"You invited him to your bedroom?!" she hisses before cackling like the little witch that she is and I groan.
"I didn't have sex with him Alice!" I reply, adding, "I waited a whole day and a half."
We both lose it and roll around on the floor, laughing like teenagers until you come shuffling downstairs from the bedroom, green eyes full of sleep and your hair pushed from lying on your pillow with a glare on your face.
"Hey you," I say, smiling at you and the slight look of irritation you held from us interrupting your sleep leaves and makes way for the most beautiful smile. You don't respond but leave the room for a few moments to come back with your pillow and the duvet from our bed.
"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em," you say, joining us on the carpet.
You stay up with us, laughing at and with me and bickering back and forwards with Alice before she falls asleep next to me, and I'm lighter in this moment than I have been in years.
I snuggle closer to you and we lie in silence for a few minutes, the sounds of Alice's breaths like a lullaby as I soak in everything that has happened today.
"She told me about Carlisle, with her and Jasper and I get it," I whisper, turning to face you.
"They were together for over a year before they got married and he never let up once, he was relentless in letting them know how he felt about it and their age difference is smaller than ours. I didn't want to choose between having my father in my life and having you," you reply. "I'm sorry that I made you doubt me, it was the last thing I wanted."
"I wouldn't make you choose," I say quietly, looking up at your face, your green eyes staring into mine and you smile at me softly before running your thumb across my bottom lip and that is the exact moment that I let myself fall in love with you.
"I know you wouldn't baby," you whisper before kissing me gently.
0-0-0-0-0
As expected, Carlisle calls the next day and Alice and I hover by the doorway, eavesdropping shamelessly, but only being able to hear what you are saying.
"Yes Dad, Bella Swan."
"A month."
"I hadn't spoken to her in seven years up until I saw her last month Dad." your tone is darker than I've ever heard and I feel guilty for listening in on a private conversation but I rationalize that it isn't just about you anymore and when you turn around to see Alice and I standing there, you shoot me an exasperated smile, rolling your eyes to hide your discomfort but I know.
"Okay, we'll see you tonight then." He ends the conversation and my jaw is on the floor. I wanted to see the Cullen's again but more than a few hours warning would have been preferred.
"Family dinner at Mom and Dad's tonight," you tell Alice and I and you both laugh at my frightened expression.
You hug me tightly and my body relaxes fractionally as I inhale the scent of your aftershave.
"Don't even be worried Bella, it won't be you that gets the third degree, it'll be me," you say trying to soothe me and I pull back and frown, placing my hand on your cheek and you smile and nuzzle into it, your gaze affectionate as you look at me and I tell myself to remember that look.
"Edward, that's exactly what I'm worried about."