All things Twilight belong to the talented Stephenie Meyer.
Everything A Special Life belongs to me.
Thank you to Kare831 for her support and help to get me through this chapter. Without her this chapter would have never been written.
Chapter Twenty
As I walked out of the courthouse and let the cool air hit my face, a feeling of relief washed over me. After a year of what ifs, I no longer had to look over my shoulder and wonder. I was finally going to be able to move on with my life.
Tanya was out of our lives getting the help she needed and I would be able to raise my son how and with whomever I wanted to. Of course Bella came to my mind in that instant. Without her, I wouldn't have been able to get through this. She has been my rock, my lifeline and brought so much to my family.
Right now Bella was at my house with Riley waiting for me; probably cool as a cucumber on the outside but shaking on the inside. She knew me better than I knew myself so without even asking she took the day off from work just to be there for me. She knew when and how I needed her even when I was too shy to ask.
In that moment I knew what I needed to do and couldn't get home fast enough to my beautiful Bella.
"Edward, hey, did you hear me?"
In my euphoria I forgot that Jasper had walked out of the courthouse with me. I turned and looked at him and he had a damn smirk plastered on his face. It was like he knew exactly what I had been thinking about.
"Sorry Jazz. My brains just scattered. What were you saying?"
He shook his head and gave a little laugh. "Alice expects you, Bella and Riley to be at our house at six to celebrate. She invited the entire family."
Of course my sister would go to all this trouble. I shook my head. "Tell the little pixie we'll be there. Oh, and Jasper? Thanks again for everything you did for me. I'm not sure what I would have done without you."
Jasper gave my shoulder a slap. "It's what family does, Edward. It was no problem at all. Now go home and give Riley and Bella a kiss for me and I'll see ya at six."
I turned and walked to my car with a little more pep in my step and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
The drive home was like a slow torturous ride. I tried my best not to break any traffic laws but it seemed I was traveling at a snail's pace. When my house finally came into view I couldn't have been happier to finally be home.
As I walked up the steps, the door flew open and my beautiful Bella was standing there waiting. She must have been standing guard at the door pacing waiting for my arrival. Although she had a smile on her face I could still see the concern and worry in her eyes.
I smiled as big as I could, trying my hardest to covey just how happy I was. "It's over Bella."
"Like really over?"
"Really."
"Oh, Edward …" She flew into arms wrapping her arms around my neck and started peppering kisses all over my face.
"Baby, I'm so happy. I was so worried she was going to take Riley from us," I said, finally voicing my fears.
Bella gripped my cheeks in her hands. "Edward, I was worried too but I knew deep down that she didn't have a chance."
"Do you know how much I love you?"
I lowered my head to pull Bella's lips in mine. My tongue pushed past her lips into her warm wet mouth. She tasted like sweet yummy peaches. Our kiss was a long, deep tongue-twining kiss that had me breathing deeply and wanting so much more.
"Mmm …"
"I missed you, baby."
"I missed you, too."
I wrapped my arm around Bella's waist pulling her into my side, kissing the top of her head as we walked in the house.
"Daddy!"
I let Bella go and caught Riley just as he jumped in my arms. "Hey buddy. Were you good for Bella?"
"Um hmm. She picked me up from school, made me grilled cheese for lunch and played Yahtzee with me."
"Sounds like you had fun."
"We did. I like when Bella picks me up."
My heart melted at Riley's confession. Bella was so good for my little boy—and me. I looked over at Bella and saw so much pride and love in her eyes.
"Alice invited us over to celebrate. Actually she invited the entire family."
"That sounds about right for Alice."
"I'm gonna change and then we can leave."
"Come on Riley, let's get your shoes on while daddy gets changed. Then we get to go to Aunt Alice's."
"Yeah!"
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"Edward! Bella!"
As soon as I walked in the door the little pixie excitedly threw her arms around my neck trying to hug me as close as she could but her baby belly just got in the way.
"I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks sis." I rubbed her belly getting a sigh from her. "So, how's my little niece doing in there?"
"I swear she's gonna be a soccer player. I' m not sure my belly can take any more of this kicking."
I kissed Alice's cheek. "Not too much longer now."
Alice turned to Bella and gave her the same enthusiastic hug as she gave me. She was never short on energy and it's what I loved most about her.
"I missed you Bella. We have to get together for some much needed girl time. Especially before this little bundle comes," Alice said, as she rubbed her belly lovingly.
"Definitely."
"I'm stealing her, but we'll be back."
Alice grabbed Bella and flitted back toward the kitchen pulling Bella along for the ride. Bella looked back at me whispering "sorry" just before she disappeared.
Riley had disappeared himself, searching out his cousins as soon as we stepped in the house. So I was left standing in the doorway alone, lost in my thoughts.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"Mom, how are you?" I wrapped my arms around her waist kissing her cheek.
"I'm good now that this mess is behind us."
"Me too."
"So, do you want to tell me what's on your mind?"
"I'm just in awe at how lucky I am."
"Sweetheart, luck had nothing to do worth it. You're a Cullen and nobody messes with our family."
I laughed. "I love you mom."
"Love you too, sweetie. Now let's go celebrate."
I followed my mother to the dining room where everyone was bustling around doing something. Bella, Alice and Rose were helping to bring the food out while Jasper and Emmett seemed to be gathering the kids. My dad must have had to step out because he was nowhere to be seen.
Speaking of my dad, he entered the room when he noticed me and approached. "Son, it's good to see you. How are you?"
"I'm doing great dad. Really great."
"I'm glad. You deserve to be happy."
"Thanks Dad."
Emmett handed me a beer. "Thought you could use this."
"Thanks, man."
"So the bitch is really gone?"
"Emmett …" my dad scolded.
"What?"
I laughed. Emmett really was an oversized child with no filter whatsoever. "Yeah she is."
"Good. I never liked her any way. Now don't go fuckin' up with Bella because I do like her."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, bro."
Emmett shrugged. "I'm just sayin'."
I slapped a hand to his shoulder. "Well, I have no plans of screwing up with Bella."
Just then Bella walked up and twined her fingers with mine squeezing them gently. I pulled her close to my side and inhaled her vanilla and spice scent.
"Hey, Emmett."
"Bella. This jackass treating you right?"
Rose came out of nowhere and slapped the behemoth upside the head.
"Oww, Rosie. That hurt."
"Well stop being a jackass to your brother."
Rose came over and gave me a hug and just like my sister her baby belly got in the way. "How're you doing?"
"I'm doing really good, Rose. How're you? How's my niece or nephew doing in there?"
Rose rubbed her belly lovingly and said, "She's doing good."
"She?"
"Emmett didn't tell you? We're having another girl."
"No he didn't." I looked at him questioningly and he just shrugged his shoulders. "Well congratulations. I wonder how he's going to handle all that estrogen in your house."
"Don't remind me," Emmett mumbled.
That comment landed Emmett with another slap to the head.
"Dammit, Rosie."
Emmett rubbed his head as Rose scowled at him. The scene was so comical, I had to laugh. Rose was hormonal, rubbing her belly and my brother was digging a deep ditch for himself. Did he not learn already that women always win?
If looks could kill my brother would be dead on the spot. Very slowly he softened and must have realized his mistake.
"I'm sorry, Rose. I was only joking," Emmett rubbed her belly gently. "I love all my girls."
Rose kissed his lips softly and said, "That's better."
Bella whispered in my ear, "I better not be like that when I'm pregnant."
An image of Bella round with MY child popped into my head. She was smiling down lovingly at her protruding belly as I bent down to place a kiss on her warm skin. Bella was absolutely stunning and I knew I'd never seen her look more beautiful. I knew without a doubt I wanted to make that vision a reality. I wanted a family with Bella.
"Never baby. You'll be perfect," I whispered only for her ears.
Bella looked up at me lovingly and I knew she had been thinking the same thing.
"Everyone, come eat," Esme said.
I wrapped my arm around Bella and pulled her close. I softly brushed my lips to hers, a touch of lips and a mingle of breath. I only lingered for a moment.
"I love you, baby."
"I love you too, Edward."
Dinner was filled with casual chatter and I loved every bit of it. No one was worried about exes or court dates or custody hearings. It was a time to relax and enjoy each other with teasing and laughter. I couldn't think of any other place I would rather be than in this room with my family. I was the luckiest man in the world.
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Since the weight of the battle over my son's custody had been lifted from my shoulders time seemed to fly by. The next few weeks were a testament to that. Bella and I grew closer with each passing day and settled into a familiar routine—more familiar then before.
Bella was becoming more comfortable with the idea of us as a family. She started doing more with Riley and stayed at the house more often. I really wanted her to move in with us but I just had to figure out how to approach her with the idea.
Before long we were well into April and spring was upon us, bringing warmer weather. Bella and Riley were on break next week so I decided to take some time off myself so we could spend it together. I made arrangements so we could spend a few days in Seattle, spending a day at the Aquarium and a day at the Pike Place Market. Riley even suggested we take Bella to dinner which I thought was an excellent idea.
Sunday, Riley and I picked Bella up and we made the ride to Seattle. I had made reservations at Inn at the Market for three nights. It's a very nice upscale hotel set in the Pike Place Market that had a beautiful view of Seattle's waterfront and spacious guest rooms.
As soon as I opened the door to our suite I could see Bella's eyes light up and I knew it was worth every penny.
"Oh my God, Edward, this is beautiful."
I dropped our bags on the bed and, wrapped my arms around Bella.
"I'm glad you like it, baby," I said as I peppered kisses on her neck.
"I do love it Edward, but you shouldn't have gone to this much trouble."
"I wanted to do this Bella. Let's just say this is our long overdue celebration. Just, you, me and Riley."
I kissed Bella on the temple as I watched Riley looking out the sliding doors at Elliott Bay. He was so captivated by the water and the boats passing by. I loved seeing him so happy.
"Daddy, look. There's a boat."
"I see, buddy."
"Do you think we can go on a boat?"
"Not this time, Riley. Another time maybe."
"But I really want to go on a boat."
"Well I have something better. Tomorrow we're going to the aquarium. Don't you want to see all the fish and other animals?"
"Yeah," Riley said flatly.
"Riley, this summer, I promise we can go on a boat. Okay?"
"Okay."
"I have an idea. How about we order in some food and rent a movie," Bella said, trying to get Riley's attention away from the boat.
"Can I pick the movie?"
"Sure can."
"Cool."
I wrapped my arms around Bella tightly and brought my lips to hers. It was a sweet passionate kiss as I moved my lips slowly over hers. Slowly I pulled back knowing we couldn't go further with little eyes in the room.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For always being there and knowing what to do."
Bella's cheeks flushed a beautiful pink color. "You're welcome."
"How about I order the food while you and Riley get changed and pick a movie?"
"Sounds good."
By seven o'clock Riley was exhausted and ready for bed. We had eaten a late lunch, watched a movie and played a few rounds of Yahtzee on top of the four hour drive here, didn't help the little man.
Bella tucked Riley into bed while I grabbed the wine and stepped onto the balcony. The sun had long ago set and there was a glimmer on the water from the bright full moon that made the view even more beautiful. In the distance I could see the Space Needle and Seattle skyline lit up.
I hadn't heard Bella approach as she wrapped her arms around me from behind and kissed my shoulder.
"It's beautiful."
"It is, but not as beautiful as you."
I pulled Bella around and tucked her into my side enjoying her in my arms as we watched the water.
"Riley get tucked in okay?"
"He was out as soon as he hit the pillow," Bella laughed.
I settled into a lounge chair bringing Bella with me. She curled up on my lap as we relaxed sipping our wine and enjoying each other.
It had been a while since Bella and I have been intimate and her being so close was not helping. After a few minutes she started fidgeting on my lap causing a fire in my groin. I set my glass down and grabbed Bella's hips to stop her torturous movement.
This only encouraged her to wiggle more on my lap making my cock extremely hard now.
"Bella …"
Bella set her glass down then turned to straddle my lap. She grabbed my cheeks and lowered her lips to mine. Her tongue swept along my lower lip crease to crease then plundered in my mouth. She was taking such pleasure over the kiss; sucking and tasting as if she never tasted anything more delicious.
Searching for bare skin I let my hands wander under her shirt rubbing along her sides until I rested just below her breast. I cupped two perfect mounds as I squeezed her nipples till they hardened.
"Edward …"
I lifted her tank up and over her head and bent to take one pert nipple into my mouth. My tongue stroked it pulling with my teeth. Bella gasped and grabbed hold of my head urging me on.
Suddenly I became conscious of my surroundings and knew we couldn't continue where we were.
"Wrap your arms and legs around me."
Without hesitation, Bella did as I asked and I stood with her wrapped around me.
"Edward, what are you doing?"
"Taking you to our bedroom where I can properly love you."
Bella giggled. "I guess I got carried away."
I carried Bella to the bedroom, closing the door with my foot then gently placed her in the middle of the bed.
As fast as humanly possible, I shucked out of my shirt and pants then slowly slid my hands up Bella's legs and slid her shorts and panties down. I crawled up the bed to lay next to her as my hands wandered up her body. I caressed each breast as I licked and sucked the other nipple.
"Edward, please."
My body was ready to explode even if I was taking great pleasure in torturing Bella. I sat up and grabbed the condom from where I placed it on the nightstand. Bella took it from me and lowered it on my straining cock.
Once the condom was on, I gently lowered Bella back on the bed and aligned my erection to her entrance. I glided my cock up and down her slick folds coating it with her juices before finally pushing forward. Inch my inch I pushed until I was all the way to the hilt. I sat there not moving, reveling in the feel of being inside Bella once again.
"Baby, you feel so good. I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too. Now, Edward, please move."
"Pushy thing, are we?"
"No … just turned on."
I laughed then kissed her lips as I started thrusting in and out in a slow rhythm. Every time I hit the right place Bella let out a long breathy moan. She wrapped her legs around my waist digging her heels in my ass causing me to go deeper.
"Jesus, Bella."
As I pumped harder, I covered Bella's lips with mine possessively; taking everything she gave me conveying that she was mine.
Bella met me thrust for thrust, bringing us both closer to the edge. I could feel my orgasm building in my balls and the sudden quickening of Bella's breathing and the trembling of her thighs told me she was just as close.
I fingered her clit as I drove faster and more urgently, bringing my orgasm right to the edge but wanting Bella to fall first.
"Bella, let go. Let me feel you come."
With another thrust of my hips, Bella's walls were clenching around my cock as her orgasm hit her and I wasn't far behind.
After discarding the condom, I laid beside Bella pulling the blankets up as I went. I wrapped my arm around her pulling her against my chest where she rested her head. Eventually I heard her soft breathing that alerted me she had fallen asleep. I closed my eyes and fell into a deep peaceful sleep.
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"Daddy! Bella! Wake up."
"It looks like he's ready to go to the aquarium," Bella whispered, as she drew circles along my chest."
I groaned as I tried to adjust my eyes to the morning light as I felt my chest vibrate with Bella's laughter.
"Daddy, open your eyes. We have to go to the aquarium."
I sat up making sure my lower half was covered as well as Bella. I really didn't need my son asking questions why we were naked under the covers. It was bad enough we forgot to put clothes back on before falling asleep. Bella looked up at me as if she knew exactly what I had been thinking.
Next time I was going to have to remember to lock the door.
"Riley, how about you go put the TV on and I'll be right there."
"Okay."
As soon as Riley left I jumped from the bed and hurried to put a pair of lounge pants on.
"Take as long as you need. I'll go take care of Riley." I kissed Bella's temple then left to take of Riley.
Two hours later we were on our way to the Seattle Aquarium where we saw fish, sharks, seals, otters and so many more creatures. Riley had so much fun and I loved how he held Bella's hand dragging her from exhibit to exhibit. By the time we made it home that night we were all exhausted and fell asleep as soon as we all hit the bed.
When morning arrived we decided to go for breakfast and visit the Pike Place Market. There were so many stores and places to see that we knew we couldn't do it all in one day so we picked our favorites. Riley wasn't too excited to walk around shopping, but once we stopped at 3D Wood Puzzles his eyes perked up at all the different puzzles.
By four o'clock we were all tired and hungry from walking all day. I suggested we eat at Alibi Room since they were the only restaurant that had anything Riley would eat. We ordered a plain pizza for Riley while Bella and I settled for a margherita pizza and caesar salad.
The server had just brought our drinks and I was sipping my beer when I almost choked from what my son had just asked.
"Bella, will you come live with daddy and me?"
I hope I still have readers out there.
Make sure you check out my colab account TwoTwiMoms that I share with kare831. (Link on profile) We have been continuing Irishward and have 2 new stories posted that were entered in the Hot Summer Night Contest & For the Love of Man In Uniform Contest. We are also working on 2 more stories for Pick a Pic contest and for the FGB fundraisder.
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