A/N: First and foremost...I want to say that my heart goes out to the people of Moore Oklahoma that are dealing with the aftermath of the devastating tornado on May 20th. I went through the Andover Kansas tornado of 1991 and it is heartbreaking to see the kind of destruction that has occurred. Prayers go out to all of Oklahoma.
Previously in Chapter 19
"Thank you for taking a leap of faith and trusting me to take Leah on this trip to Disneyland. I love looking into her eyes and wondering what she's thinking when her eyes light up at everything new she is experiencing."
"I haven't seen Leah this happy ever I don't think. She's really never known much outside our home so thank you." I smile at him as my eyes twinkle.
"Are you ready to go back to the hotel and have our second dessert?" He asks with a mischievous smile.
I cock my eyebrow at him and shake my head playfully a smile forms on my face.
On the way back we take the scenic route and I marvel at the beauty outside. The ocean is rolling in and the beaches are quiet. The lights of the city are twinkling and I'm holding my man's hand. Life is so great right now. How could it ever get better than this?
….Chapter 20….
BPOV
Our trip to Disneyland was amazing. I loved gazing at Leah each time she saw something that excited her. I knew her sweet little looks even though to the outsiders they wouldn't be able to tell how excited she was. Her facial expressions were limited to just her raising her eyebrows and opening and closing her eyes…but it was in the way she did it that told me she was happy. A very minuscule twitch at the side of her mouth was also another way to tell she was smiling but only I ever noticed that sign. I loved her little signs and happy noises. I thrived off of them.
We ended up staying in California for seven days, four of which were at Disneyland, mostly early morning to early afternoon. It was perfect. Edward and I even had a few afternoons to explore some places around the hotel from where we were staying. I felt carefree knowing that I had excellent nurses and a doctor staying with Leah while Edward and I were out.
One day we ended up at the beach lying on beach towels holding hands. The sun was shining brightly overhead and a small breeze was coming off the ocean. People were everywhere on the beach, building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball and of course cooling themselves off in the blue green waves of the ocean. I wondered how out of so many people that Edward and I ever came together. I knew it was fate all along, but it amazed me that we had fallen so hard for each other in such a short amount of time.
Lying on my pink chevron beach towel in my two piece black and white bathing suit, I stared over to my man sunning himself. I loved looking at his defined stomach rising slightly as he breathed in the ocean air. His bronze hair was swaying in the slight breeze. It was the simple things that I loved most about being with Edward. No words needed to be spoken because we read one another like a book. At times he would reapply my sunscreen and hand me bottled water. It was as if he read my mind at those moments because had he waited another few minutes I would have asked him for those same exact things. I also knew what he needed at times and I took care of him as well. I could do this for the rest of my life. I was truly happy, the first time in many years.
Once we arrived back in Forks our everyday lives took over. It was back to our normal routine with Leah and I started working more taking reservations for Cullen Suites. Edward was needed at the hotel site a little more than before and was meeting with the interior designer more frequently since the hotel would be completed in about two months. Edward also had meetings that he needed to attend in Seattle since he hadn't been there for quite some time. He talked about moving here permanently and selling his condo. I was happy that he suggested that because I hated when he was gone. I couldn't imagine having a long distance relationship, I knew people that did it but I wasn't one of those people that ever could. I wanted my man here right next to me every evening.
Jacob had been visiting Leah almost every day after work. She really loved her daddy and they reestablished their bond that had been broken when he started dating Victoria and stopped coming around. I knew that he was sorry for all that had happened in the last few years and I was able to forgive him, especially seeing how happy Leah was.
A few times Jacob tried to speak with me about what happened between the two of us but I had moved on and wanted to forget the past. I knew in my heart he regretted his decision to leave us but he was dealing with demons then that he couldn't tackle at the time. It was his way of dealing with the situation. I keep thinking that things happen for a reason and for what ever reason it may be, it is right at the time.
I never would have met Edward and I never would have been this happy. I thank my lucky stars everyday for Edward and Leah.
I was also thankful that Edward and Jacob had established somewhat of a friendship between them. It made life that much easier where Leah was concerned.
TWO MONTHS LATER
"Baby hurry, we will be late."
"I'm trying Edward; my damn earring just went down the drain…ugh."
"Shit, sorry Bella. I just don't want to keep everyone waiting. Just don't wear any okay?" Edward is rushing around the room trying to tie his tie and slip on his shoes at the same time.
"Well if you wouldn't have attacked me while I was in the shower and insisted we make love then we would be on time." Bella giggles.
"But damn it felt right at the time." Edward smacks her butt then walks by to spray on his heavenly cologne.
Bella shakes her head and finishes up applying her lip gloss.
Edward chuckles. "I never mind when your naked…ears or body." She smiles. He takes her hand and they leave to meet their friends and family at the hotel for the grand opening, after saying goodbye to Jacob and Leah.
The hotel is grand for such a little hole in the wall town. Television and newspaper reporters are here because this is big news, almost as big as when the local grocery store finally upgraded to self checkout lanes.
They see Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett standing by the entrance of the hotel waiting to get in. Edward needs to do the official ribbon cutting and welcome everyone inside. Carlisle and Esme are talking with some friends as well.
The crowd is fairly big and some guests are even from Seattle to wish Edward the best for the newest addition to the Cullen Suites hotel chain. He waves politely to a few faces as he approaches the mayor for the ribbon cutting.
Edward says a little something about being honored to be doing business in such a great small town and then he cuts the ribbon. Applause from the crowd is heard, and then they enter the hotel and head for the banquet room. The catered event was fun with champagne, wine and hor d'oeuveres. There were guided tours of the different rooms and the hotel grounds as well.
"Hey Eddie, you think Rosie and I should christen one of the rooms for ya?" Emmett loudly guffaws and slaps Edward on the back.
"If you'd like to pay for said room, then more power to you." Edward returns the chuckle and holds his champagne flute up before taking a sip.
"Alright, I'm going now to book us a room Rosie baby." Emmett saunters off.
Edward leans toward Bella and whispers in her ear, "Emmett's idea about christening a room sounds pretty good, what do you think?" Then he plants a kiss on her cheek.
She raises her eyebrows, "I think we need to get home to Leah later instead of dirtying bed sheets." She squeezes his hand. "But we can do that at home anytime you like." Bella bites her lip, Edward groans with need.
Edward has a little surprise for Bella that he doesn't intend on her finding out until after the party is over.
"I need to make a quick call and I'll be right back sweetheart." Bella nods then resumes talking with the girls about the latest things going on with them.
"I told Jasper that I'd think about marriage as soon as he agreed to have at least three kids with me." She giggles. "He said he only wanted one and I'm not giving in for that." Alice takes a big swig of her red wine and reaches for another glass from the server that walks by with a tray of beverages.
"Alice, why don't you just play it by ear and see what happens. You and Jasper are meant to be…you are so in love with one another that it's almost sickening." Bella sticks her tongue out at Alice playfully.
Rosalie adds, "Alice if you don't let him put a ring on it then I'm sure there are others that would jump at the chance." We all laugh knowing how insane that is. Jasper is so pussy whipped by Alice that he probably doesn't even know the opposite sex even exists.
"I know I'll give in, it's just that I love kids so much. I've always wanted a huge family since I'm an only child. It sucked growing up and not having a live in friend or two." She sticks out her bottom lip."
Jasper and Emmett stroll over to the girls.
"What's the pouty lip for Ali." Jasper kisses it and sucks it into his mouth.
"Nothing...I'm just talking shit on you honey." The girls giggle knowing exactly what was said a few minutes earlier.
"Hmm, it better have been good shit then." He scrunches up his face playfully.
"Where's ole Eddie boy?" Emmett asks.
"He needed to make a call; he should be back in a few minutes." Bella replies.
EPOV
"Hey Jacob, is everything going okay with Leah this evening?" Edward asks.
"Yep, we are having a great time, reading, singing and I'm dancing for her. I think she's hysterically laughing at me." Jacob chuckles.
"Okay, sounds awesome. Are you still okay staying at the house with Leah until tomorrow morning?"
"Of course, Irina comes in at eleven right?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Yep, I don't mind, I'll just sleep on the couch."
"Thanks man."
"Have a good night Edward."
"You too Jacob, tell Leah we love her."
"I will, talk to you later Edward."
I go back to where Bella is standing with our friends.
"Hey, what did I miss?" Everyone is laughing at something that Emmett just said.
"Nothing really, you know Emmett…always inappropriate and always at the wrong time." Bella is still laughing and Rosie crosses her arms looking embarrassed and slightly upset.
"Okay, enough said. I won't even ask because I'm sure I do NOT want to know."
Bella snakes her hand in my pocket where my hand is resting. We smile at one another; I'm wishing this would be over soon so that I can give her the surprise that I've kept secret from her for a few weeks.
It's about ten o'clock when the final party guests leave. We thank our friends for coming and Bella starts to leave as well.
"Hey." I tug her hand and pull her body back to mine. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Leaving?" She gives me a confused look.
"Well, we are staying here at Cullen Suites my dear." I give her my most sexy crooked smile.
"What about Leah?" Her voice shows concern.
"All taken care of…Jacob is staying there tonight."
"Really?" Her eyebrows rise really high.
"Yep, it's just you and me baby." I pull her toward the elevator to our own suite on the top floor.
"You are just all full of surprises now aren't you?" She kisses my cheek.
If you only knew. I say under my breath.
When we reach the top floor we walk to our suite and I slide the key card in the door. When we walk in she gasps.
"Edward!" Her hands cover her mouth.
I have the room filled with roses and candles and the lighting is just right. The bed has been turned down and a silky red negligee laying on the bed.
"Surprise!" I say to her as I scoop her up into my arms, carrying her over to the bed sitting her down gently.
"Oh my gosh baby….this is beautiful. All of it! You are so romantic." Her hands are over her heart and she's still looking around at the gorgeous room full of roses and romance.
When she looks at me I'm down on one knee looking straight into the most beautiful blue eyes imaginable.
Bella leans into my lips and gently places a soft kiss there; I cup her face and press a little harder making her aware of just how much I want her.
As I'm reaching into my suit pocket, I say to the love of my life.
"Isabella…I want you to know that you are my everything. My life. My love. My heart." I take a hold of her left hand and place it over my heart.
"You've made my heart beat a different kind of beat from the first time I heard your voice. I knew then that you would rock my world and I wanted to be with you. Before even seeing your pretty face you had my heart." I swallow hard and fight back tears of happiness. Bella's eyes are wide, her mouth is parted and her chest is rising quickly. I take her hand and kiss the top.
" I love you Bella, I can't live without you being my wife another minute. As much as I love you being my girlfriend, I want you to be my wife….will you do me the honor of saying yes and making me the happiest man alive?"
I open up the black velvet box with the diamond ring that I had specially made for her and she takes a quick peek.
Tears are rolling down both of our cheeks; she wraps her arms around me so tight that I can barely breathe.
"I love you Edward." Her face is nestled in my neck.
"Is that a yes sweetheart?"
She pulls away and cups my face with both of her tiny hands. "That is a yes baby….YES...YES…YES!"
I slip the ring on her finger; she doesn't give it much attention. She stands and pulls me up to her. Her sweet full lips touch mine in a delicate kiss. Her hands are in my hair at the nape of my neck and my arms are tightly wrapped around her small frame. I feel and taste the salty tears that are still escaping from her blue eyes. I want to be her protector and lover and everything else in the middle. My heart is so full of love for this woman that it's almost bursting.
"I love you baby. Let me love you."
I gently unzip her cream cocktail dress letting it fall to the floor. I take my jacket off and unbutton my shirt. We are going slow enjoying the sight of each other's bodies being bared. I lay my clothing over a chair then embrace my lover once again. I slowly unfasten her bra and slip her panties from her body laying her down on the soft sheets. I continue to undress myself and then slip into the bed next to my girl. Her eyes are full of love and wanting. My eyes reciprocate her sentiments.
Our naked bodies embrace but this time it feels different. We don't make love right away, we only hold and touch and kiss, feeling the emotions of our love. We don't speak but know exactly what the other is thinking. She smiles at me and I mirror her smile. I don't know how one human being could have affected me the way that she has but I'm a better person with her in my life. Being able to love her for the rest of my life will be a gift within its self.
I see our future, our family our love blossoming to something bigger than what either of us could ever hope for. A rose bud gradually opening into a beautiful fragrant full bloom, that's how I see our love.
I want a full life with Bella and Leah. My love for them is beyond fathomable.
My hands glide over her soft skin feeling every part of her body. Her hands stay on my chest, lightly rubbing, feeling the hair playing with it gently. Our kisses are wet, sucking and nibbling but never hurried or anxious. The love we made was sweet and sensual. We fell asleep with our arms wrapped around the other, her head on my chest tucked under my chin. I inhaled her sweet scent imagining waking up like this every morning for the rest of my life. I brush her long soft hair from her face, rubbing small circles with my thumb over her cheek.
The morning light seeped through the curtains covering the big floor to ceiling windows. I could see the rays of light bouncing off of Bella's creamy smooth skin of her back. She was nestled into my side, my arm still around her body. Her engagement ring sparkled in the light making prisms on the ceiling and I marveled at the way it shone there like tiny stars. If that were any inkling of how our love would shine for all to see then I would be forever happy.
"Hi." Bella's magnificent ocean blue eyes began to open.
I kissed her lips, "Hi beautiful. Are you hungry?"
She nodded. "A little."
"Let's take a shower and then we can go downstairs for breakfast. I have another surprise for you."
"Baby…you have surprised me enough don't you think?" She flashes her big diamond in my face, giggling.
"Yes and no. I think you will really love this surprise too."
"You are full of surprises aren't you?" She taps my nose with her index finger.
"Yep!" I laugh and roll on top of her kissing her neck. "Now come on 'future Mrs. Cullen', it's time for a shower." I pull her from the bed, tickling her all the way to the bathroom.
…
A/N: Another cliffie….what in the world is the other surprise? Guesses anyone?
Is everyone happy that they are now engaged? I am! They are very sweet together…I hope their love will last through better or worse. There will be some difficult things happening in some chapters ahead. I'll forewarn you though.
Please review…I'd love to hear your thoughts.