A/N - I still don't own Twilight, I just like to play in Stephenie Meyer's world!
I do, however have three very whiny kids who are sick with a nasty summer cold, something they graciously shared with yours truly. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 14 - Shoals of Herring (Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem)
The rest of Saturday passed in another blur of activity with people and things coming and going. Sue moved in, her kids helped. Of course I knew Leia already, but seeing her in her family dynamic really brought home what an asset she is to Eclectic. She organized her mother's move down to the smallest detail, with everything labelled not only with content but also where it was to be stored. Her brother, Paul, helped as well and we were glad to have another big guy for moving the heavy stuff.
Paul and Leia stuck around for dinner afterward, though to hear Paul tell it we'd have had to kick him out after spending the day sniffing the "fuck-awesome" smell of my lasagna. That comment earned him a smack on the back of the head from Sue and a plate of leftovers from Esme. He came off kind of jerky but I think it's just his sense of humor is a bit dry. I made sure Sue, Leia and Paul all knew to get comfy, I really wanted them to see this as Sue's home.
Amidst all the moving and shaking was Charlie. sigh. Charlie is normally a fun-loving, low-key kinda' guy. I knew Alzheimer's Disease makes people agitated, but damn, Charlie was ready to crawl out of his skin while biting off our heads! I think he felt invaded. I reminded him Sue was moving in to help and he understood it just made him really agitated.
This should've been the blinking warning sign, alas, with hindsight we would see that we all missed what should've been as clear as the "red alert" sound and blinking red light a la Star Trek, but we didn't and boy did that make Sunday a challenge...
Sunday started out great, Esme and I had loaded the guys coolers the night before and even had Edward and Emmet load them into the back of Emmett's Jeep so the men would simply have to roll out of bed and take off.
I got up early and made breakfast for them; omelets with home-made hash browns and pancakes. I made enough to feed an army, or at least Emmett and Edward. Seth packed away quite a bit as well, of course he ate the special chocolate chip pancakes I made just for him. Edward stuck out his bottom lip and pouted until I made him a few too. How could I resist? Though I did roll my eyes at him a bit, for good measure. Couldn't let him think me too big a pushover.
The guys chowed down and headed out by 5 a.m. and I crawled back into bed for a bit. Esme had told me to be there by 10 a.m. for our girly activity. Sadly plans had drastically changed by 6:30. The guys had gotten to the harbor and hired a water taxi to get out to where the boat was moored, alas Charlie didn't recognize his own boat, "Slainte," nor did he remember the combination to access the hatch. Carlisle was able to smooth things over with Charlie and the taxi guy but it got a little ugly when Charlie started yelling at Emmett. Worrying about Seth's frame of mind, Edward took him up to the bow and called me.
I gave them the code then decided it'd probably be best if I joined them. So I called Esme to back out of whatever her super-secret plans were. She was so cool about it, said we could get a rain check. Then I slipped on my favorite bikini, a cute yet sexy black halter-style tankini with matching low-rise bottoms, and some cutoff jeans, and Keds, then grabbed my sunblock and a hoodie because you never know how the wind will be on the lake, shades then headed out. Since it was a gorgeous day I also took Charlie's Camaro and put the top down.
I got to the harbor surprisingly fast and got to the guys fairly quickly. Charlie looked pissed to have me there but everyone else's faces showed relief. I also don't mind saying that Edward's jaw dropped when he saw what I had on, despite his sunglasses hiding his eyes, I could feel them grazing up and down my body.
"Hey guys! Mind if I tag along?" I asked.
"What are you doing here?" Charlie groused at me. "Today's supposed to be guys only, Bella!"
"Aww Dad, I wanted to spend Father's Day with you, is that so bad? Plus I figured I could spoil you by taking over the duties so you could just enjoy your time out on the water."
Charlie smiled and acquiesced while Edward mouthed the word "smooth" at me with a grin.
"So let's see, what needs doing?" I asked and Carlisle filled me in on just how little had been done in the hour they sat there with Charlie arguing about what needed to be done that really ought not be done, including nearly dropping the outboard motor into the brine! Yikes.
With me barking orders to my new crew, aka Emmett and Edward, we got underway. I was glad I'd brought that hoodie as it was chilly on the water. When I covered up Edward stuck out his pouty lip at me again, making me chuckle at him. Seth was excited but cold and tired so I told him to go to the bow with a blanket and sit for a bit wrapped up. The thing about salmon fishing is most of it's really flippin' boring! He giggled when I said that but was enjoying watching the scenery up front. I told him I'd call him back when it was time for some action and he was pleased. It was only 10:30 a.m. and the poor kid had already been up for 6 hours!
While we got the boat underway Carlisle dragged out the poles then he and Charlie prepared them with the down riggers and lures and do-hickeys that attract the fish. Charlie has had it down to a science for years. All I ever did was steer the boat and keep him company, so I was useless there. Thankfully Carlisle had been Charlie's fishing buddy in recent years so he knew the drill. Emmett was like a kid with ADD going over the fish finder and charts while Edward snuggled up to "keep me warm," though I suspect it was more like cop a discreet feel, not that I minded.
Soon the poles were ready and the fish finder was beeping so I called Seth back to us so he could help me steer the ship. Boy his face lit up like it was Christmas morning! He had a hard time maneuvering back to me with his bulky life vest so I had him toss the blanket down the hatch to the cabin before heading back to the cockpit. Seth was so cute, all arms and legs and ribs, so gangly with his coppery hair, freckles and missing front teeth. I couldn't wait to take him and Emily out on the Irish Rover with me.
I took a few minutes to teach Edward and Seth how to steer the boat for salmon fishing and drastically lowered the speed because apparently salmon don't like speedy lures. And we all got settled in waiting for the fish.
Despite it being such a beautiful morning there were surprisingly few boats out on the water. It was a nice treat, usually it's somewhat crowded. With the crisis averted up top, I decided to use the head and get the food out because there is nothing like fresh air, sunshine and boating to create an appetite. I set everything out on the table below so people could graze and FINALLY settled down with a coke to enjoy the day.
"Did you guys hear the city cancelled the fireworks display this year?" I asked.
"What, that su-stinks!" Emmett said.
"Nice save, I smirked. They did, budget problems, it really bites, but it's the right thing to do. Can't look irresponsible with money paying for expensive fireworks displays when you're laying off cops. I was really looking forward to hosting everyone on the Rover!" I pouted a bit.
Seth looked like he might cry, "Does that mean we can't go sailing and spend the night on your boat, Bella?"
"Nope." I said making sure to really pop that p. "That just means our plans have to change. Don't you worry, Kiddo, I'll get you out sailing my boat. You'll really like her, she's fast and pretty, not to mention cool! I'll show you when we get back to port, k?"
He smiled his toothless grin at me and I turned to Edward to talk about our options.
"I wouldn't mind going anyway, usually you can see other city's displays up and down the lakefront when you're out on the water." I said.
"Like which cities? I remember Milwaukee used to have some great shows for Summerfest," Edward said.
"Well you wouldn't see Milwaukee from here, but we could sail up there if you want to make it an extended trip? We could sail up the day before and spend the day at the festival with the kids then sail back the next day, make it a long weekend, what'cha think?" I asked.
"That sounds really fun," He said. "I wonder if my boss would let me take that day off, the Fourth is on a Sunday this year." We both laughed.
"I bet she'd be amenable, if you make it worth her while," I said with a smile and started blushing thinking of ways he could make it up to me.
"Really? And what, pray tell, has you blushing like that? Hmmm? Are you thinking of ways I might make it worthwhile?" I blushed even more, then changed the subject.
"As big as the Rover is, I don't fancy having a full boat for a whole weekend, I get cranky when it's too crowded." He smirked at me, probably thinking what he could do to me on an empty boat. Gah!
Edward nodded then whispered in my ear, "I love the idea of just the four of us spending the weekend away." Yep, just as I thought. I shivered, both from his words and the way he kissed below my ear after saying that. And that made him chuckle at me, so I elbowed him in the side for laughing at me.
"OW! Must you be so violent, woman?" He said as he laughed again.
"We'll have to spread the word about our change in plans, I suppose if people wanted to drive up and meet us for the show, they could," I said. And we both shook our heads and said, "Nah!" and laughed together. We both loved the idea of time away with just the kids and each other.
"If we're going to do an extended trip, we'll need to get the kids on the sailboat once before then to get them familiar and to be sure Emily doesn't get seasick," I said and he nodded his agreement. "We'll have to check the weather, The Fourth is in two weeks, it'll have to happen soon."
I made sure to reapply my sunscreen and Seth's. Things had heated up so the guys started stripping off our layers and well, nothing could've prepared me for the site of Edward in his board shorts and a white wife-beater. The man is ripped, but not bulky. I think my swimsuit bottoms melted! He smirked at my reaction so I took off my hoodie and shorts then enjoyed seeing his jaw drop yet again.
My suit wasn't slutty or obvious, it just showed off the goods in a tasteful way, not like I'd wear a skimpy suit out on the boat with my dad, or in general for that matter. I like the notion of less is more, it leaves something to the imagination. I like that it had a built-in bra, not a shelf thingy or even little foam circles, but an actual push-up bra built in. My girls aren't saggy, but this puts them front and center where they belong and the cut of the suit frames my shape nicely. Yep, Edward seemed to be enjoying that tremendously based upon the protrusion digging into my hip as he hugged me. I couldn't help but smirk right back at him.
Fortunately before anyone could take notice of our moment of UST, the fish started biting. Four of the six poles on the back started jumping. I quickly took the helm so Seth could help Edward reel one in. All the guys jumped up and got into action. I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures while trying to stay out of the way. They reeled in some whoppers, too! All four were huge, Seth couldn't even hold the one he and his daddy hauled in, we nearly lost him and the fish overboard when Seth tried to net him after Edward got him out of the water. The adrenaline and testosterone was pretty thick after that. We tossed them in the fish cooler and reset the poles but our luck had been tapped. After a couple hours of trolling we decided to cut the engine, drop anchor and swim a bit.
Naturally Emmett was the first in doing a cannonball over the edge, splashing us all with the frigid water. In June the lake is still pretty flippin' cold, the best is August when the sun has had time to warm it. As it was the lake was about 66 degrees F that day. Emmett had the right idea though, when it's cold like that you have to just jump in so you get used to it right away. I dove in next, followed by Edward. Carlisle and Charlie just looked at us like we were nuts. They were probably right but I love to swim, especially out in the lake.
Even with his life vest on Seth was a little scared of swimming in water too deep to touch the bottom. Add the cold temps and the fact that he has zero meat on his bones and well, we decided not to push him that day, there'd be plenty of other days to try.
After plenty of horsing around and lots of splashing Emmett went back in the boat to eat and hang out. I started to swim to the ladder but Edward stopped me. Well more like scared the crap out of me by swimming up below me and blowing bubbles up my legs! I nearly jumped onto the deck! He laughed then pulled me away toward the bow where there were no prying eyes then kissed me passionately.
"Baby do you have any idea what you're doing to me in that swimsuit?" he said to me. "You're so beautiful and seeing you here and in charge of the boat, damn, Bella you're so sexy!" He kissed me harder and I wrapped my legs around his waist as I tread water with my arms he grabbed the anchor line with one hand and pulled me to him with the other grinding my center on his hard cock.
I couldn't help but groan a little. Fortunately he was still kissing me so the sound was muted but Seth had come to tease us. Fortunately we heard him coming and were able to break apart before he saw us.
"Dad are you gonna come back out soon, Grandpa and Charlie said you needed to come up for air. I think it's 'cause it's so cold in the water, you need warm air."
Everyone laughed, gee guess we weren't so subtle. "Yep, Kiddo you're right, I'm gonna get out," I said.
Edward would need a minute to compose himself so he said he'd be out in a minute, muttering something about cock-blockers under his breath. He dove under water and swam away from the boat a bit. When I climbed out Carlisle was grinning, Emmett looked smug and Charlie wasn't making eye contact with me, at all. I quickly dried myself off and grabbed a sandwich from below. I made plates for Charlie, Seth and Edward too. The others already had food. After Edward dried off and got settled we headed back to port, we still had a dinner to attend.
Once we were back to the harbor I pointed out my "Irish Rover" to Edward and Seth. Edward whistled and Seth looked really excited. I couldn't wait to get them out sailing with me. It's such a rush, I just knew Edward would love it.
We quickly packed everything up and got the boat secured and called for a water taxi to take us ashore. Seth asked to ride in Emmett's "massively cool jeep" with the his Grandpa and Charlie, leaving Edward to ride alone with me in the Camaro. We didn't complain.
Edward was suitably impressed with Charlie's Camaro but we decided we'd had enough wind for the day and kept the top up so we could chat.
"Boy you swans sure like your modes of transport!" Edward said, fawning over the car.
"You still haven't seen our bikes," I said with a laugh.
"Bikes, as in bicycles or motorcycles?"
"Well we have both, but I'm talking motorcycles, though I guess we'll have to store Charlie's away since he has no business driving now."
He gave a low whistle, "That was really intense this morning, I'm so glad you were able to come so quickly, and he gave in to you where he was fighting us."
"Sorry about that, I wondered if he'd be okay, clearly not so much. I appreciate you trying though. Fishing is a really big part of who he is, he loves to go and I don't know how many more trips he'll get."
"You handled him like a pro though."
I laughed, "I didn't even have to break out the duct tape or threaten him with the plank!"
We both laughed. "Seriously though, that was quick thinking making it about him enjoying himself. You let him save face instead of being a problem."
I blushed. "He's my dad, I want him to enjoy the good things life offers while he still can. I'm really glad I got to come with, too. I had fun with all you guys, I think I've proven I can handle the testosterone." I said with a laugh.
"No doubts there. So what kind of bikes do you guys have, you never mentioned," He asked.
"Oh well you know us, we've got oddballs, Charlie's is a 1972 750cc BMW with a toaster tank and the huge carburetor sticking out the side," I said.
"You're kidding, those are so cool!"
"I know I love riding that one, no matter what other bikers are riding they appreciate it, from the wanna-be bikers on their Sportsters to the real deal on their Hogs, even the rat bikers love it. It's a great conversation starter!" I said.
"I'll bet. What' s your bike then?"
"Oh I've got a 1979 Honda CV750."
"The original crotch rocket, I'm impressed!"
"It's the bike Arnold rode in Terminator," I said. "It's a lot of fun to ride, I don't need a gazillion ccs, I'm not out to get killed, I just want to throw my leg over once in a while and enjoy the breeze. Do you ride?"
"I do, though I haven't for a while, I'd love to start again," he said. "It seems like you're an adrenaline junkie, could that be?" he asked with a grin.
"Probably, I love to be active. I run, I Rollerblade, sail, water-ski, snow ski, ride motorcycles and mountain bikes. I suppose I am a bit of a junkie now that you mention it!"
"Have you ever been sky diving?" he asked.
"No, it's on my list. I need to do it soon, I think I'm getting too old to be jumping out of planes." I said with a laugh. "Have you?"
"No I really want to though. I haven't because of the kids, they wouldn't have had anyone if something happened to me."
"Good point. I never thought about it like that."
"You wouldn't have to, having kids really changes your mind set."
"So if I went would it be upsetting to you or would you want to jump with me?"
"Oh I'd so jump with you, now that the kids are close with my folks, I worry less about that stuff, not that I'm in a hurry to die or anything. It'd have to be a reputable place."
"No kidding, I found a place nearby just never took the time. You'd be surprised how little time I've taken for things I enjoy or want to do, I've been all about my business. Hell I've barely spent any time on my own boat!"
"I think we should definitely go skydiving this summer," He said with a firm nod.
"Really, you don't think it's crazy or reckless?" I asked.
"No way, I think it'll be fun. And that you want to go with me is really hot! I honestly can't wait."
With that we pulled into the driveway and headed into the Cullen's house where Charlie and Carlisle made Emmett, Edward and Seth clean the fish before we grilled one. Everyone got some to take home as well.
Dinner was delicious and Edward loved his cupcakes, Emily was positively beaming as she told him how she helped make them. We handed out gifts and visited for a short while, everyone was wiped from all the fresh air and a very long day. All in all it was an excellent Father's Day. Edward made sure to thank me for everything and quite thoroughly, too, as he walked me home later that evening. Oh that man could thank me any day!