Stephenie Meyer owns all these characters. I just wanted to take them to play somewhere different for a while.

My beta Beachlover and my pre-reader Vampyregirl86 know how much I value them and the time they give me.

Thank you for being patient with me. The chapter just wasn't ready in time so here it is - one week late.

Anyone care for a motorbike ride?

...

Chapter 21 – Triumph America

Edward

When I woke up alone, I was feeling disappointed because Bella said she had a surprise for me, and I had my heart set on a first-thing-in-the-morning kind of surprise. I had turned into this petulant child, getting everything I wanted, and it was time I snapped out of it. In just a few days, I had to go back to the real world, don my suit and act like a 'National Client Manager'. Since last weekend, I had become the teenager who wants to fuck his girlfriend at every available opportunity.

If we stayed together and ended up married, I don't know if a honeymoon could ever compare to this trip.

I found the note on the night stand that said, "Gone to the markets, sleepy head. I'll call you so we can meet somewhere for breakfast."

What time is it? Eight thirty, surely she can't have been gone very long. The markets were just opening now. I figured I could lie around for a bit longer, so I grabbed the iPad and came back to bed, seeing Jasper's email there to greet me. The man was efficiency itself, just as she said. He didn't waste any time with unnecessary social talk, and he was the same in his emails.

'Sorry this took so long. I had to pull it from the closed files. The notes on the report should answer your question, as it does seem there was some debate before they decided the cause. If you have any questions, just email me back. Hope you two are enjoying yourselves. Alice says hi.'

I scanned the report and looked at the handwritten notes. The electrical fault that started the fire was at the back of the building, but in this area, the flames did not spread much because of the lack of consumables. The fire tracked across the building and enveloped the front right corner, destroying the first two apartments and half of the third. If they found a gas spill on the ground, that may have explained it, but the vehicles had all been damaged from above and there was no gas on the floor. They reached a consensus only when there was no trace of incendiary material found on site. The lack of exploding gas tanks suggested the fire had somehow made its way across the ceiling in the upper airflow of the garage and done the most damage from that point on.

The other problem was the speed with which the fire fighters arrived on site. The fact that there was fire damage to only two and a half apartments and the swift control of the blaze in the underground garage suggested they were there before the fire reached the second floor. With every resident stating they were asleep or absent, someone passing must have called it in from a very small amount of smoke showing, unless they had broken into the garage itself and there was no evidence of forced entry. One of the investigators commented that it was unusual, but there was still not enough evidence to investigate arson, so they ruled it as electrical fault.

This was the second time where the new information did not clear up the mystery. The James/Jimmy puzzle had kept me awake last night, trying to work out the possibility that these two babies, born on the same day, in the same small town, could have a biological connection. I wondered if James' birth certificate showed the name of the father or 'father unknown', and I had this weird idea rolling in the back of my skull that the two women were surrogates for somebody called James, producing more babies called James to keep the line going.

Yes, my mother did let me watch too much television when I was a child.

The ADHD was one thing that really bugged me. I knew from some of my friends at high school that it was a hereditary condition, and far more common in men, but only one person I knew ever had an actual diagnosis.

The other thing was the truck. Whether or not James was driving that night, he must have been very close to the family for Brad to allow him the use of his truck. I could not think of a single person I knew who would offer me their parent's vehicle to drive while they were away. Then I thought that could be because of the way I drive. It seemed like I was the only one who thought I was a good driver.

Anyway, it pointed to a connection that was stronger than just friendship. Admittedly, the truck was getting on in years, but it was in immaculate condition and a new one was worth fifty grand. It wasn't your junky old farm vehicle that you lent to just anybody, and the truck itself was so unusual; it was probably the one that came at us that night.

I needed a coffee, so I pulled on some shorts to go over to the kitchen. As I opened our front door, Aro was coming out of the other section.

I jumped when I saw him and his creepy high forehead. "Is there a problem?"

"No, no, no. I am just checking the Wi-Fi."

What is he on about? I don't get a connection that good in Seattle. "Honestly, Aro, it's been great. It's always on and it's fast."

He put his hand up as if he was dismissing me. "I must open the business, Edwin."

Oh okay, fuck off, whatever. Why did he look so awkward? Did I catch him stealing Victoria's priceless first editions or something?

The door clicked and he was gone. I shook my head and went to make a strong coffee.

At 9:00, I was cleaning my teeth when my phone went off. I raced in to grab it, still with the toothbrush in my mouth.

"Urro?"

She started giggling at me. "What are you eating, handsome?"

"Oothaste!"

"Okay, can you meet me by the big water wheel around 9:30 and wear some jeans and boots?"

"Ahah."

She was still laughing. "See you then. Oh, and Edward?"

"Hmm?"

"I adore you!"

"Gud."

She hung up and I took off to end the burning sensation that had enveloped my whole mouth.

- bURN -

At 9:35, I started wondering what she had planned. There was no sign of her and the place was crawling with backpackers, checking out of their rooms and off to their next adventure, walking around, looking for bus stops and train stations. A young man came up to me with his translation book and in the most appalling French, asked me where he could find a trainer.

I tilted the book to see the cover and then said, "I'm American. What are you after? You just asked me to find you a trainer."

"Oh, sorry, I was after a coach. You know a bus."

I nodded, remembering how green I was when I was his age. "Lose the book because it won't help you unless you can speak a little French anyway. Use the internet and the information offices. Just be polite and people will help you."

"You live round here?" he said as he put down the backpack. He looked like he was getting comfortable, ready to start a conversation, so I didn't speak. I just shook my head and scanned the town for some sign of Bella, hoping he would get the idea that I wasn't interested in a chit-chat at the moment.

"Man, these country French girls are gorgeous don't you think? They're friendlier than the ones in Paris."

I nodded and gave him my bored look, running a hand through my hair.

Where is she?

"Look at this one coming into town. That's a chick on that bike. Maybe I should stay for one more day and check her out."

The girl he was referring to was riding a big bike, a Triumph, and she did look hot – long legs, just like Bella's. She pulled in and whipped her leg over like a pro. Then she pulled off the helmet and a cascade of chocolate hair fell down her back as she smiled at me.

"Is she…is she looking at me?" the boy said nervously.

I shook my head slowly, feeling the smirk on my face. "No, that's my girl, see ya."

"Oh, well done, man. Well done."

I turned and gave him a quick salute and wink, absolutely loving this. I jogged over to her and fanned my hands out in question.

Her teeth grazed her lips as she said, "I got it in Remy and we only have it for one day. You want to drive?"

I nodded, took the key she was offering and pulled her in for a kiss to thank her. She smelled like the inside of a helmet but I didn't care. Every time I thought this week could not get any better, it did. I couldn't stop kissing her. She had to push me away as she was blushing, glancing around.

"So you thought you would ride this Triumph America all the way from Remy did you?"

She was beaming. "Well we forgot something yesterday. It was Fourth of July, so I thought this was the perfect one. It's only 20 miles, Edward, and I have a picnic lunch to celebrate."

"Jeez, we missed the Fourth of July?"

Her shoulders rose and she said, "No biggy. It's only just finished back home anyway."

"Okay, so do you have the ride planned as well?"

She pulled a folded map out of the front pocket of her jacket and opened it up on the seat.

"They made some suggestions." She pointed to the map but I couldn't take my eyes off her. "Edward?" I cleared my throat and tried to concentrate. "We go north through Carpentras to Bedouin, where we pick up the road that goes up Mont Ventoux. Apparently, the view is incredible. Then we come down the other side to Sault through the lavender and down to Apt and the national park for our picnic. If we have the time, they said to visit Bonnieux and Lacoste on the way back to Saint Remy de Provence. It's over 100 miles but we can do that in one day, can't we?"

"That's nothing, Bella. Yeah, why not, that sounds like a great trip. Let's do it." She was bouncing as she put her arms round my neck. Then she stopped and looked serious.

"Edward, we cannot let this bike out of our sight all day, okay? I just put a 2,500 Euro security deposit on it."

I gulped. "How much did this cost you?"

"Uh, it's nothing. Don't worry about that." She waved her hand in the air, as if that would stop me.

"How much?"

"Two hundred and twenty-five with the jackets and helmets," she said as she tried to avoid me.

"You're incorrigible, Puss." I grabbed her jaw and kissed her nose.

"No, I'm in love. I wanted to do this for you…and for me if I'm telling the truth."

I put my arm around her shoulder and said, "Come on Suzi Quatro, let's ride."

"Who?" She handed me my jacket and helmet.

"Nothing. Let me get on first and get her steady. Hang on, where do we go?"

"D31 heading north, D49 to Carpentras, then Route de Bedouin. We'll check the GPS after that." The girl knew her shit. She was impressive.

She climbed on as if she did this every day. She was up higher than I was so her arms came round my chest. I set the bike up, turned the key and then kick started, hearing that fantastic noise only a big bike can make. After a few revs I felt confident enough to walk it back and turn. I kept both feet on the ground until there was a break in the traffic and we were off with me grinning inside the helmet, feeling the hit of adrenaline.

We got lost in Carpentras three times until we found the Route de Bedouin. After that, it was easy. We just followed the road through the vineyards until we arrived in the town of Bedouin and saw the roundabout with the sign to Le Mt Ventoux.

From here on, there were pine forests either side of the road but as we started heading up the mountain to the summit, the dense forest gave way to a more spartan landscape, rocky and white. The higher we climbed the fewer trees we saw and we glimpsed what looked like a lighthouse at the top, probably a weather station. There were these super fit athletes on bikes everywhere. I somehow remembered they used Mont Ventoux as part of the Tour de France when I watched it from my couch one year.

We hopped off the bike to stretch, and to free our heads of the helmets for a while. The view from the top was simply astounding, the highest point as far as you could see. It seemed like you were looking over the peaks of the Alps. The blue of the hills blended with the same hue in the sky and the haze was the only thing breaking it, for there was not a cloud in sight. I took several photos of Bella with a spellbound look on her face and knew I would treasure this memory forever. She did likewise, asking me to pose sitting on the bike and asking a passing tourist to take a few of us together.

It was much cooler up here with a breeze and I imagined it during winter, enveloped in snow clouds and fog, making it impossible to see more than a car length in front of you. She was still leaning on me, her arms round my neck and her little ass pressed against my thigh. I pulled her closer and felt her cheek wet against my jaw, so I pulled her chin up to see and she shook her head and looked away, wiping her cheek. I kept watching and she laughed as she cried, still trying to wipe away the tears that kept seeping from her eyes.

Of course she was emotional. This was amazing, experiencing a perfect day with my perfect girl on a motorcycle in Provence. She turned her head away and leaned it on my shoulder while my arms circled her waist again, feeling emotional myself. We had come a mighty long way in less than two weeks.

She wiped her eyes again and sniffled before yanking her helmet back on and nodding as if to say she was ready to move on. We rode another circuit around the top, and then headed down the mountain, taking a left towards Sault this time. We travelled through more thick forests before coming upon a sea of purple as far as the horizon. We caught the heady smell of the lavender even through our helmets and had to stop for more pictures right in the middle of it. Neither of us would probably ever be here again at the height of the lavender crop, before harvest cut it away to brown stalks at the end of this month. I waited until there were no cars coming and took a video of Bella walking through the lavender, with the cicadas deafening and wonderful, forming her musical accompaniment.

When she turned around and saw what I was doing, she smiled the most genuine smile I had ever seen and I honestly felt my legs go. I would have to check the video later to see if it actually happened. In that moment, she had me - body, heart and soul. I called her my girl, but really, I was her man. I would do anything at this point to keep this relationship going. She filled up my life and my soul like no one ever had before or would again. I knew it. She was the one, and it would only be a waiting game now to see how long it took me to ask her to make this more permanent, like live with me forever permanent. I was not a bit scared because for the first time in my life I was sure of my love for a woman who wasn't my mother or sister. Bella would be my wife one day. I was certain. I could feel her love for me now and the feeling was exhilarating.

We rode through the small town of Sault and stopped for a coffee, enthralled by the spectacular view over the lavender fields. It was staggering how beautiful this part of the world was. You could stop anywhere and be amazed at what you were seeing.

We avoided the major provincial town of Apt and continued on the road south to the Parc Nationale Regional Luberon, where we found no reviver stops like you would find back home. We simply came round a corner and I felt her squeeze me, telling me this was the place. It was like a meadow with short grasses, flowers and a superb panorama of neighboring hillsides.

We parked in the shade under a massive tree and Bella produced a large linen tablecloth she had bought early this morning as the vendors were setting up. It was dark red, ochre and bright pink, and when I asked her why we were sitting on it, she told me she could wash it back home. It was our picnic blanket today. I didn't argue, especially when she started producing the picnic lunch for us. There were short baguettes, various cheeses, delicious ham, tiny tomatoes and olives. When I finished, she handed me a custard tart with black cherries on top, seedless and delectable. I lay with my head in her lap, stuffed and happy, humming to myself as she played with my hair.

"Edward, you know I think I've worked out what I'm going to suggest for Victoria's book."

"What have you come up with?"

"Well, she skirts around the relationship with her husband falling apart, and then they don't split, they have a sick child. The last three chapters are about their struggle to hold the marriage together while coping with this tragedy. When you finish, you feel like you need a happy epilogue or a next book in a series."

"She's never done a series before, babe."

"No, she hates them." She started to run her fingers through my hair again.

"So, what is your take?" I looked up at her, admiring her dreamy look.

"Well, I think the relationship should fall apart completely for a time and that's where the major struggle should lie. I've only just realized the real reason she doesn't want to commit to him is the woman. I think she has sexual feelings for her best friend. It fits with Victoria's personality and I think she could write it tastefully. I want to convince her that you don't need the sick child. Oh hell, Edward, is this going too far?"

I sat up and looked her straight in the eyes, showing her I had complete confidence in her. "Absolutely not, that's your talent. You can find a way to introduce ideas and use them to improve it. Dad said to be brave after all. You go girl."

She cupped my face and kissed me before saying, "I just feel so loved up at the moment that I want to share some of it with Victoria's book."

I slid my arm round her waist and told her, "Well there's plenty to share, baby. I'm overflowing."

Her tiny finger traced from the side of my eye down to my jaw and her lips curled in the sweetest smile. "You know you are the nicest man I have ever met?"

I thought about that for a second, pulling at a few blades of grass. "Nice…I'm not sure that's how I want you to see me."

Suddenly she pushed me down, biting my ear. "And the sexiest fuck I've ever had."

"That's better." I chuckled, pulling her knee up so her thigh was over mine, and just lay there, gently grazing the side of her breast with one finger, looking up at the tree and trying to commit this exceptional day to my memory forever.

I felt her sigh without actually hearing anything before she leaned up on her elbow and looked at me. "I'm not going to edit James' book. I don't want you worrying about him any more and I don't want him causing a problem between us." A rush of air came out of me and I squeezed her so tight; I thought I had hurt her when she squeaked.

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that but I'm not sure he's going to go away so easily. How is he going to take it?"

"I think he knows. My silence has told him everything already. He's pissed at me and that's why he's taken off. I probably won't see him now for another six months. I didn't sign anything so I'll just rip up the contract when we get back – end of story."

"Ha ha – end of story. This day just gets better and better," I said with a smile, trying to make light of what she just told me. My fears would not go away because of a piece of paper. The fact that James was angry and on the loose made me shudder when I thought about it, but I wasn't going to spoil this day by letting her know how I felt. "Come on, Puss." I stood and pulled her up by her hands. Her groan showed me she was feeling the effects of the long bike ride, just as I was. "You know we might have trouble walking tomorrow."

She laughed and said, "Then we can rest, handsome."

"Hmm, that's a point," I said as my hand circled one of her ass cheeks. "Might need a butt massage day!"

She flipped the tablecloth in the air and started to giggle. "Bring it on, Cullen." Then as she folded the cloth I heard her mumble, chuckling to herself, "Butt massage day. Silly."

- bURN -

We were both exhausted when we arrived back at Victoria's house. Bella dumped her bag and said she was having a shower and then going to lie down. I chuckled when she walked out of sight. She was so damn cute, especially after the special surprise she sprung on me for our belated Fourth of July celebration.

I was chugging down a bottle of water when my phone started to ring. It was my mother.

"Darling, have you heard from Charlie today?"

"No, we spoke to him yesterday, why?"

"He was on the news his morning, Edward, on television. There has been a massive wildfire up there and he was thanking everyone for their help. It's still burning but I think it has passed them now. I'm sorry I am the one to tell you. I thought you may have known."

I turned on the iPad and unplugged it from the charger. "No, we haven't seen any news at all. Is he okay, Mom?"

"I think so, but he looked so tired, Edward. Does he have anyone up there to look after him?"

I opened up the King5 site to see if there was anything and there were thumbnails about it everywhere. It was obviously the top story in Washington now. "He's pretty tough, Mom." Bella was going to flip.

"Oh Edward, this was a very big fire. It must have been terrible."

My hand was already in my hair as I said, "Mom, I'm going to watch the news on the internet, and then we'll call him."

"Yes, of course darling. Give him my love and tell him to call if he needs anything at all."

"Thanks, Mom. I'll talk to you soon."

When she hung up, I clicked on the large image and played last night's major story.

"A wildfire is raging in the north-west of Washington State as we speak. An area of 10,000 acres is alight and high winds are hampering firefighters' attempts to control the blaze. We're crossing to Mark Volturi who is live on the ground in Forks."

"Good evening Dennis and Jane.

Well firefighters expected this wildfire to burn itself out in the deep forests south of Lake Crescent yesterday, but a wind shift towards the southeast today turned the inferno towards the Bogachiel State Park. Of extreme concern is the welfare of the residents in the usually sleepy and isolated towns of Forks, La Push and the tourist areas in the Lake Crescent area. The region's driest months of the year are June and July, and this year's record low rainfall has created a nightmare for local park rangers and volunteer firefighters who struggle to back burn and remove dry fuel from the undergrowth of these vast forests where hikers and campers have been enjoying the fine weather. 300 families have already been evacuated, as the forecast is for 50 mile an hour wind gusts overnight. There is rain forecast, but not until later this week, so these communities are on extreme alert tonight. Residents should continue to check local radio announcements for evacuation notifications. Back to you Dennis and Jane."

"Thank you Mark.

Wow, that's a big fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with the folks up in Washington tonight. Let's hope they get the rain they so desperately need."

I clicked on the thumbnail picture of Charlie and an ad came up for some stupid building app for smart phones. When it started playing, he had at least a dozen microphones shoved in his face. He looked so old and weary. I don't know if the television version was longer, but this was very short and sweet.

He was thanking the firefighters and volunteers who had worked together tirelessly over one of the worst and most frightening nights of his life. He was filthy and sweaty and he looked like he could sleep for a week. At one point he looked to the side and I thought he was going to break down, but he cleared his throat and took another question.

A reporter asked how many people the fire took and he shook his head, obviously in emotional pain, saying it was too early to tell, that they would have to wait until the threat of the fire returning was over. He just hoped everyone got out in time. Someone then asked if it was true that the fire was deliberately lit and he said he wouldn't comment on that now. He just finished it with 'Thank you,' then turned away and pushed through the crowd.

That's where it ended and that's when Bella walked in and put her arms around my shoulders.

"Whatcha doing, handsome?"

I squeezed her forearms and then turned before saying, "Come and sit down here, babe."

Bella

I dragged myself back to the kitchen, having given up pacing outside while I argued with my stubborn father. I huffed in disappointment and looked at the phone I wanted to slam down on the counter. "He doesn't want me there, Edward."

Edward shook his head and stated, "I'm not surprised. You can imagine it will be chaos. I don't want you there either."

"He hasn't had any sleep yet and he told me what they will be doing for the next few days. They are… they are going from house to house; to find anyone who is dead." I broke down at that point. It was that moment when I really let myself understand what this fire would do in such a small community. Edward pulled me into his arms, brushing his hand over my head, shushing me and telling me everything would be okay.

"There will be people I know without homes, people who have lost their family," I said sniffling. "There might be people still there I went to school with."

He squeezed me tighter and rubbed my back. "Oh baby, you don't know that. Maybe everyone got out. Did he say there was anything we can do?"

I nodded, still sniffling, and said with my cheek on his chest, "He said in a week the real work will start, moving things, and shoring up damaged buildings. I don't know how to do that stuff."

He pulled away and smiled, tipping my face up. "No, but I do, and so does my brother. We've hammered in a nail or two in our time. We can go up next weekend and help."

"Would you really help out?" I asked incredulously.

"Yeah," he said honestly, "And I'm sure Bigfoot will too!"

"Oh God, I love you so much." I cupped his jaw and then pushed the soft hair back over his ears.

He kissed me sweetly and said, "Come on, it has been a very big day. We'll sleep and everything will be better in the morning, you'll see."

I nodded and then stood there helpless, watching him lock the front door, flicking switches off and joining me before saying, "Time for a cuddle, Puss."

I hugged into him and let him guide me into the bedroom. I knew this wonderful man, my lover, was a true friend who I could lean on, who had my back no matter what, and it was the most secure feeling in the world.

...

Beach's Rec = The Soul Mate Medallion by WeeKittyAndTAT - a drabble. It is complete now. Anything they write is awesome.

Thanks to my lovely reviewers for your feedback and speculation and I'd like to hear from more of you. Leave me a review and let me know what you think of this fire in Forks.

See ya next week!