Warning: Anything Twilight is SM's. No copyright infringement intended. TSS works are mine and Rated Mature. Story may contain some graphic content.
Chapter 20: Handling It
Edward Cullen
I walked into my father's office prepared for a fight. Jacob Black was going to answer for all of the trouble he put Bella and I through in the last week, hell in the last two months.
I was finished. Through. I wanted to handle this shit and move on.
Our time had been so great together, I didn't want any more drama trying to rip us apart and putting stress on Bella. She had enough to deal with in her life, with Harper and her job and still working through past issues, she didn't need any more of this crap.
I strode through the lobby not even bothering to check in with Chelsea.
I wanted to meet with my father for a few minutes prior to Jacob arriving anyhow. I knew I was about thirty minutes early but I didn't care.
I knocked on his door only to find he wasn't in his office. I decided to just take a seat on his couch and check my emails while I waited. I was going to be calm and collected. Even though I really wanted to gear up for it like it was a prize fight.
I had a text from Bella telling me to call her after the meeting and let her know how it went. It was Friday and due to campaign schedules, we weren't able to arrange a meeting between myself, my father and Jacob until today. It had been five days since the mockery of a story on page six and three days since we released our statements.
I thought back on my week, reflecting on our plan of attack for handling the situation.
I thought about my conversation with Tanya on Monday, and to say I had some trepidation about the meeting was an understatement, but she completely and totally surprised me.
"Edward, it's good to see you. Come on in and have a seat."
"Tanya. Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice." I said tentatively. I was nervous about working with her on this press release, based on our past interactions.
She nodded and I could tell she was a bit uncomfortable as well.
"Edward, first of all, I realize we need to take care of this press release, but there are a few other things I want to talk about."
She looked nervous, which was strange considering I always found her to be very confident, and even cold and shrewd.
"Edward I want to apologize."
"What for?" I said confused.
"Well, for how I acted at the Fundraiser for one, and also because of my behavior the last few months. If you couldn't tell I was avoiding you a bit." She almost blushed.
"I don't understand." Well this was unexpected.
She took a deep breath. "You see, I was led to believe that you were interested in me. Very interested in fact and so I may have acted a bit…out of line at the fundraiser. And then having the photographer take that picture and release that information to the press. It was wrong of me and I apologize. I should have asked you before I ever did that."
"Wait, you were led to believe I was interested in you? By who?"
"Jacob, who else." She shook her head.
"That…God, I am so tired of his antics." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "But why, that's what I don't understand."
"Well, I think he was interested in Bella and he got wind of the fact that Esme wanted to set you two up. So he tried to head it off at the pass." She drew a breath again. "And of course, I have to admit I was pretty excited by the possibility. I mean, you are a very attractive and smart man Edward. And I truly enjoy working for your father and can see the integrity your whole family has. You're quite a catch…" She smiled shyly, "And let's face it, I'm thirty-seven and not getting any younger, I am ready to settle down and I was led to believe by Jacob that you were as well."
"Tanya, I…" I didn't know what to say. She had been duped in this whole charade as much as anyone else.
"It's ok Edward, I just wanted you to know that I am very happy for you. I see how much you and Bella love each other and how wonderful she is. I guess I was a bit jealous at the Fundraiser. I could tell you weren't interested and I knew there was something between you two. But I want you to know I would never act the way Jacob has acted. I've cut my losses." She smiled.
"I appreciate that Tanya. And as far as the first news story goes, that's water under the bridge. We took care of it and moved on."
"Still, I shouldn't have put you in that position, or put the Senator in that position and for that I apologize. I have already discussed this with your father and explained everything to him as well."
"Thank you for that."
"Ok, why don't we get to why we are really here. I want to help you."
"How so?"
"I want to help you prove that Jacob is behind this whole mess. I am angry with him as well for leading me to believe that you were interested in me and putting me in such a precarious position. Not only that, but that story was awful. I know what really happened. I have to, because like Peter I have to protect your father and that includes protecting his family. So I knew about what really happened in Bella's past and that story was disgraceful."
"How exactly are you going to help?" I was curious now, and shocked with the direction this conversation was moving.
"Well, let's just say as a PR person, I have found my ways of getting some serious dirt on people. And I can use those resources to track Jacob as well."
"I don't want any ties to anything." I said shaking my head.
"Don't worry, that's my job. I am the buffer. There won't be any ties between you or your father and my resources. You leave that to me. But I do need to know everything that has happened up to this point so that we can get as much ammunition as possible.
We discussed all of the events leading up to the article. Tanya never told me how she was going to look into it and I didn't really want to know. But I welcomed her help and I felt like the two of us were able to start afresh knowing where we both truly stood.
We prepared my press release, which wasn't much, but I wanted to make it clear that Bella and I were happily involved in a relationship and the comments about her in the story did not give the entire truth and painted her completely inaccurately. I also included that she was very close with my entire family and that she was intelligent and experienced and a valuable part of the CARE Foundation.
I stood up to leave and shook Tanya's hand. I also wanted to convey to her my appreciation for her help and for the way she cleared the air between us.
"Tanya, I hope this can be a new start for us. For what it's worth, it takes a lot to come out and say the things you did today and I am truly grateful for your help in this matter."
"Edward." She sighed. "I'm glad. I can only hope I do find someone like you someday." She smiled sadly.
"Don't worry, it will happen." I smiled, flattered by her comments. "When you least expect it."
She smiled and we said our good-byes.
I felt better that day knowing we might be able to resolve the problem sooner rather than later with Tanya's help. Things didn't look as bleak as they had on Sunday and I cooled off a bit.
Then I came home to find some random woman standing in Bella's kitchen yelling at her as Bella clutched onto a sobbing Harper and I almost lost it.
Who the fuck did Leah Clearwater think she was?
I would never hit a woman. But I was close to literally kicking her out of the condo. I couldn't believe the things she said to Bella and I knew it would only make the situation worse. And the fact that their dispute upset Harper, I wanted to kill her. I hated it when she cried; I would do anything to make her feel better.
Then when Charlie called later that night, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I was tired of the collateral damage around us and I wanted to take care of it for Bella. I was not going to be afraid of the Chief anymore. I grabbed the phone from Bella and told the Chief in no uncertain terms that I was handling the situation and we were going to get to the bottom of it. I told him everything, editing the sexual history of course, but from Tanya and the first story, my conversation with her, my suspicions of Jacob, Lauren and Jessica and the pictures, and even our suspicions that Jacob wanted to run for Senate. Everything.
The Chief was quiet for a long time and I thought he was going to give me grief. But then he responded in a manner that stunned me.
"Well Edward. It sounds like somebody has it out for you two. I appreciate you telling me this." I breathed a sigh of relief and I instantly heard the type of response which I would expect from Bella or Jasper. He had listened to everything I had to say before making a decision on it.
We discussed my father's thoughts as well as Jasper and Emmet's. I even mentioned the encounter with Leah which he wasn't too happy about either.
"Well, I think I need to have a chat with Billy and find out what he knows."
"Thank you Charlie. I think that would be very helpful."
"No more Chief huh?" He chuckled on the other end of the line and I felt like, maybe, we were making a little progress.
"Well, it seems a bit strange considering you will most likely be my father in law someday."
"Is there something you want to ask me Edward?"
"Not quite yet." I smiled into the phone. "But soon. And I will be asking you that in person."
"Very well." He paused. "Please keep me apprised of the situation." He sighed on the other end. "I am just very protective of my little girl, and I always will be, regardless of how old she is."
"I understand Charlie, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
"I think you just might understand a bit now." And he left it at that.
We said our good-byes and I felt like Charlie and I took a huge step. He essentially acknowledged that he knew I wanted what was best not only for Bella, but also for Harper. He also implied that he was accepting of our relationship and, just maybe, of me as well.
I looked up just then to see my father walk into the office. I knew this was going to be a tense discussion and it put my father in a difficult situation.
"Hi Dad." I blew out breath as I stood up to shake his hand.
"Well, are you ready to do this?"
I nodded.
"You just need to keep your cool Edward." He gave me a look of warning.
"I know Dad. I just want to be done with this." I said in a frustrated tone.
He nodded as well and buzzed reception to have Jacob sent back. I walked over to the window and crossed my arms and looked out over the sky line.
Keep your cool Cullen. He wants to piss you off and get under your skin. Don't give him the upper hand.
I heard the door to my father's office open and my Dad greeted Jacob. The room was thick with tension and I simply turned with my arms crossed and looked Jacob right in the eye.
"Jacob."
"Edward."
He glanced back and forth between my father and I and then put his hands in his pockets.
"So, does this have something to do with the campaign?" I wanted to roll my eyes and glare at him, but I just remained silent and stared straight ahead.
I decided it would be best to let my father do the talking.
"No Jacob. Why don't you have a seat?" He motioned to the couch, but I stayed standing.
"Okay…" Jacob moved to the couch and I could see him flexing his jaw. I was watching him intently, letting him know my eyes were on his every move.
"Jacob, I am sure you are aware of the article that was released about Bella and Edward."
"I saw it." He said too coldly.
"Edward has also informed me that he and Bella have received some strange photographs and such." My father took a deep breath. "Jacob, you have always been very loyal to me and an exceptional strategist and worker. But they have suspicions that you might be behind this for some reason."
He wouldn't look at me. I just stood there watching him as he looked right at my father.
"Carlisle, I can assure you I am not behind it. I have no idea where it came from or how the paper got the information."
My father sighed. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place and I was pissed because I knew Jacob was outright lying to my father. The fucking Senate Majority Leader.
I gritted my teeth and dug my hands into my upper arms.
"Well, I have to let you know. If you are and it comes out that you are. I would have to terminate you. I don't want to have to do that Jacob, but putting my family in the press like this or contacting them in this fashion would be grounds for removal."
"Of course Senator." Jacob said without emotion.
"Good. I need to get back to work because I am attending a fundraiser with Esme this evening." My father walked back behind his desk and Jacob walked out.
"That's it Dad?" I was fuming.
"Edward, there is nothing I can do. There's no proof."
"You can believe me over him, your family."
"Edward you know that is not the issue here." He said sternly.
"I've had it with this." I spun on my heels and stormed out of the office and sped toward the reception area. I heard my father call after me, but I didn't care.
I got to the reception area and spotted Jacob waiting for the elevator.
"Black!" I called to him and glared as he turned to look at me.
I moved right in front of him so that our faces were only inches apart.
"I know you are behind this and I swear I am going to prove it. I thought you were done with this after the tongue-lashing Bella gave you in Olympia. But you just can't seem to get it through your head that she is not interested."
"You don't know anything Edward." He said as he drew out my name.
"I know you are responsible and once I have proof you are going to be packing your bags and your ass will be out the door. I told you to back the fuck off and you didn't. I will make sure you never work in the Party again."
"Of course. You think you can do anything don't you. Just because you are the good little Senator's son. But what everyone doesn't know is that you aren't perfect. You have skeletons in your closet just like everyone else."
What the fuck does that mean?
"Back off Jacob. If you know what's good for you."
I could feel the anger rolling off of both of us. When I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Gentlemen. This is not the appropriate place for this." My father firmly pulled me back.
Jacob glared at me and stepped back and straightened his suit. He turned to look at my father.
"My apologies Senator. I will see you in Spokane."
Fucking poser.
My father nodded but gave him as stern look as well.
I took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of my nose again. Once Jacob left on the elevator I turned to my father.
"As soon as we have proof of this he's over. Finished." I demanded in a low voice. "I'm leaving. I'm going to take Bella to lunch."
My father set his jaw and looked at me and nodded.
I stepped on the elevator to ride down to CARE to see the one person who could make me feel better at the moment.
*&^%$#
The next few weeks, luckily, were uneventful and I was able to spend Labor Day with Bella and Harper and our families. Unfortunately, after Labor Day in the week before Bella's birthday, I had to travel to Washington D.C. with my father. I was not looking forward to being away from Bella and Harper for a week.
I still hated flying. I thought about how if I ran for office in six years I would either be flying back every weekend like my father did or Bella and Harper would have to move to D.C. with me. When I took the job as State Director Bella and I weren't together yet and I didn't know about Harper. But I definitely wouldn't change that for anything. It just meant I had more considerations with every choice I made.
I turned and shuffled trying to stretch my legs.
God these seats suck.
I grimaced and tried to find a comfortable position and I leaned my head back to attempt to relax for the next three hours until I arrived in D.C.
One thing I was looking forward to in D.C. was getting a gift for Harper. I had been buying her charms for her bracelet from around the state and the more I grew to know her, the more I tried to personalize the charms. I bought charms to represent places I wanted to take her or ones that represented things she liked.
On a second trip to Yakima I bought her a one with of a bunch of grapes, first because she ate fruit like it was her job, and secondly for the wine in the region. From Port Angeles I got her a boat for the Port and because I couldn't wait to take her out on my parent's boat. I got a little peak for Mt. St. Helens from Vancouver and because it was a sight every Washingtonian should see, and something I hoped to be a part of when she did it.
There were others as well, but the one I enjoyed the most was the one for Seattle. I left it for her this morning before I left at 6:00 A.M. It was a harp. I bought it for the obvious reason of her name, but also for a more special reason. I knew I could have bought her the space needle, or a mariner's symbol, but I remembered from the first night I met Bella her love of going to the symphony. It was something we both loved. I thought of the day when Harper could appreciate the music and join us as well.
Maybe I should get us tickets to go after the election…
I let my thoughts drift back to Harper. I couldn't believe how much I loved her, how much I enjoyed spending time with her and watching her grow and learn. She was so good-natured and her face was so expressive like Bella's. Her eyes and her smile could light up a room and I would do absolutely anything for her. It was crazy, because the thought of choosing to spend time with a two year old was the farthest thing from my mind even six months ago. But we had grown close. It was an indescribable feeling when she asked for me to carry her, or read to her or put her to sleep. I felt like we had a bond and I knew that, even though she couldn't put a name on it, she was starting to view me as her father as much as I thought of her as my daughter. And that thought made my heart soar. I thought about the card for the adoption attorney in Bella's drawer and whether I wanted to adopt her. I was certain I did, I just needed to figure out a way to bring up that conversation with Bella.
I sighed still uncomfortable in the seat.
Or maybe you are uncomfortable with the situation.
I didn't know what to do. I truly enjoyed the campaign trail when I was on it. It was different from fundraising alone and I really enjoyed the policy side, so much more than I thought. I expected after spending the week in D.C. with my father at more formal Senate events and meetings I would enjoy it as well. But the thought of being separated from Bella and Harper, and God willing more kids in the future made my heart wrench. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do yet. I knew I had time, but I also knew this was a grooming of sorts and I didn't want to waste the Party's time or money if I wasn't serious about running in six years.
Finally I felt myself drift off to sleep.
*&^%$#
I awoke abruptly when the plane landed at Reagan International.
Luckily, being in D.C. no one cared who I was even if they did know me. Seeing a political figure was a common event and I would be able to get to my hotel without incident.
My father had flown out two days prior and I met my driver at the baggage claim area. I hopped in the car to head to the hotel and checked my texts and voicemails from my flight. I had one from Peter regarding the meetings over the next few days. I had one from Tanya about a press conference my father was having later in the week. Finally I had one from Bella.
"Hi Babe. I just wanted to call and let you know I was thinking about you and see how your flight went…(shuffling)…Oh someone here wants to say hi."
I heard Bella mumbling to Harper in the background and I got a big cheesy smile on my face. Then rustling and finally Harper had the phone.
"Hi Bud."
"Can you tell him thank you for the present." I heard Bella say in the background.
"Tank oo Bud. So pwetty." Then the phone mad a thud sound and I laughed. She must have dropped it.
"Hey, sorry she wanted to say hi and then got shy." She sighed. "We miss you already. Call me when you land. I love you."
I ended my voicemail call with the huge smile on my face but also a pain in my heart. I looked up to see the driver grinning at me.
"Message from the wife?"
I cleared my throat. "Um. Girlfriend and her daughter."
"Looked a little more serious than that?" He quipped.
I smiled at him. "It is."
*&^%$#
The week passed relatively quickly considering I hated being so far from Seattle and missed Bella and Harper like crazy. It was the longest we had been apart. But I had meetings and events all day every day and was allowed to sit in on some strategy meetings with other Senators and Party members for different bills. I met lobbyists and legislative affairs directors for organizations and for other Senators. I learned more about several policy issues in a week than I had in the entire preceding four months.
It was finally Saturday, my last day in D.C. and I was set to fly out that evening. I was walking to my father's office for a wrap up meeting and thinking about our reunion that night. Needless to say, Bella and I handled our separation in the evenings through…verbal and manual stimulation. I was always amazed at how just hearing her voice in that sexy low tone would make me as hard as a fucking rock.
And then she would come up with different ideas to give me visuals of. Like one night when we had sex on the dining room table, or when she gave me a fan-fucking-tastic blow job in the bathroom at Alice and Jasper's house when we were there for a barbecue.
Fuck she was really good at that.
I found myself trying to come up with new things to surprise her with as well. Her birthday was the Wednesday following my trip to D.C. and we were going to celebrate by going away to a beach house on Bainbridge Island. She didn't know the details, just that we were leaving on Friday night and coming back Sunday. She didn't want to be gone from Harper for longer than that. It was just across the sound and she would be able to return easily if anything happened.
What she didn't know was the house was right on the beach and had a sauna, hot tub, massive fireplace and master suite and I planned to worship her in all of those places.
And anywhere else she will let me.
I was almost as excited for her birthday as my own.
God that was just...
Ok, I needed to stop thinking about this because I could not be walking into my father's office all…flustered.
I rounded the corner and saw Jacob at the end of the hallway talking on the phone. He didn't see me and he kept looking back and forth like he didn't want to be heard.
I walked closer to see if I could catch what he was saying. I'm an ass. I knew I was eavesdropping, but I thought maybe I could catch something incriminating. Tanya hadn't found anything to tie him to the pictures or the story in the Seattle newspaper yet, even though I knew he was involved. Also, up until my trip to D.C. I continued to avoid him on the campaign trail.
I snuck closer and hid in a rather deep door frame on the other side of him. He would likely walk back to my father's office without coming past me, but I could hear his side of the conversation rather easily with the acoustics in the hall. He thought he was whispering but it was clear as day for me.
"I told you I am done with this. I never wanted to risk my career and this has gone far enough. It didn't work, they are together and I don't foresee that changing."
He continued to pace back and forth and rub the back of his head, his nervous habit I had picked up on.
"But I never condoned publicly humiliating her. That was uncalled for."
He let out an exasperated breath and shook his head.
"No. I said that I am done. You're going to have to find another patsy."
He ended the call and ran his hand across the back of his head.
"Fuck!"
He all but yelled in the hallway of the Hart building.
What the hell did that all mean? Wait, publicly humiliating her? I began to replay his side of the conversation in my head.
It was about Bella. I was sure of it. And he mentioned something not working and being together anyhow. It had to be about the pictures and the story.
The next revelation hit me like a freight train. He was in on it, but he wasn't the one behind it. He was only a puppet or a patsy as he called it.
But then who the hell was behind it?
Lauren?
No. I was sure she was done after Bella put her in her place. She left Washington with her tail between her legs.
Aro? My father's opponent?
Again, this didn't fit. Why would he care about breaking us up? Everything sent seemed too personal.
I was racking my brain for other possibilities, when a very disturbing one struck me.
Jane.
But how would they have met? How would she know Jacob and how would she know that he wanted Bella? How would she know if he wanted to run for Senate? None of it made sense. She didn't run in political circles and as far as I knew she didn't live in D.C.
But who else could it be? I was wracking my brain for answers and I was more than certain there was a mastermind behind all of this, because as Jacob said, he had too much to lose. But who? I didn't have any enemies. I never slept with someone's wife or serious girlfriend. Hell I had hardly been with anyone in the last few years.
Fuck! This was all confusing. Confusing and terrifying and my mind was racing because the person on the other end of the line obviously didn't want to give up. So what was coming next?
The first thing I wanted to do was confront Jacob about it, but at the same time, I wanted to see if we could find information to definitively tie him to the pictures and the story first. I wanted the proof in hand so I could force him to give up the person behind it all.
Shit. I needed to get in contact with someone. I needed to call Emmett.
Fuck! No. I have to go to this meeting and act all cool even though I want to wring Jacob's neck even more.
I sat through the meeting refusing to even look at Jacob. I knew if I looked him in the eye I would instantly want to jump across the room and strangle him. Instead I seethed in silence and when my father gave me strange looks I yawned like I was simply tired.
Which I was. But not only from lack of sleep; it was from all of the bullshit dealing with Jacob Black and whoever the mastermind was behind it.
I said my good-byes and made my way back to the hotel so I could catch my flight back to Washington. I didn't want to discuss this new development with anyone while I was in public. It was Saturday afternoon and my flight left at 6:00. I decided I would call Emmett from a private area in the VIP flyer's club at the airport.
I was pensive and on edge the entire ride to the airport and as I checked my bags. I was lucky the TSA personnel didn't flag me for my strange behavior. I could have ended up naked as a jay-bird and being subjected to a cavity check.
Now there's a headline. Senator's son cavity searched for acting shifty.
Yeah. That would definitely not be good.
I made my way through security and into the VIP lounge. It was only 2:00 out West, but it was Saturday afternoon so I was hoping Emmett would be available to talk.
Fortunately, he picked up on the second ring. I gave him the run down on everything from the conversation I heard to my thoughts on who Jacob could have been talking to. He knew everything about "crazy Jane" as he called her and listened to my other theories.
"Emmett, what do you think I should do?"
"Have you told Bella?"
"Not yet, it only happened a few hours ago. I was planning to tell her tonight."
"Well, I would start there. But until then, I think you're right, you need to hold off until you have some more information. Black will screw up somehow and once you have the evidence then you can force him to turn over the other person."
I nodded in agreement even though he couldn't see me. I just had to trust that Tanya's "resources" would turn something up.
"Can you think of anyone else it could be? It just seems too personal to be a campaign opponent or someone at odds with Cullen Enterprises." Another thought I had on the way to the airport. There was a remote possibility it was tied to my family's company. But I was hardly involved with the company.
"I agree. Just sit tight and something will turn up."
"God. Why does this shit always happen to me. First with Jane and now all of this crap with Jacob and Lauren." I was shaking my head.
"Well if you weren't such a pretty boy Ed then all they ladies wouldn't want their paws on you." He jabbed.
"Thanks a lot asshole. Kick me while I'm down."
"I'm just saying, you don't see this shit happening to me."
"Whatever Em…" I sighed. "Thanks for your help. We'll talk again when I get back."
"All right bro, have a good flight…and a good reunion if you know what I mean." He said suggestively.
"Oh trust me, I will definitely have a good reunion." I smiled at least I would see Bella in less than six hours.
We said our good-byes and I boarded the plane for another long flight to Seattle.
*&^%$#
I had Eleazar drop me off at Bella's and didn't even bother to take my suitcase up to my apartment. Hell, I had half of my clothes at Bella's anyhow.
I all but ran to the elevator and then down the hallway to her apartment when I pulled out my key to enter.
Just as I was fumbling with my keys at the door it swung open and before me was my beautiful Bella in a simple blue cotton dress and ballet flats.
I stepped in and dropped my stuff in the entry and picked her up and gave her a passionate kiss.
"Hi gorgeous. God it's so good to see you." I set her down and put my hands on her face.
"Hi. It's so good to see you too, I missed you so much." She whispered as I hugged her. I stood there relishing in the feeling and just breathing her in. I felt like I had been gone for a month after the way the trip ended and it felt so good to have her in my arms again.
She leaned up to give me another kiss and I brushed a hair out of her face.
"Where's Harps. I have something for her."
"She's in the…"
"Bud!" Harps took off toward me, her little legs scurrying across the hardwood floor. It seemed she was getting faster and more coordinated every day.
"Hey Harps." I scooped her up and gave her a butterfly kiss on the cheek and she giggled and squirmed in my arms.
"Bud. Momma pway moosic."
"Music huh. What was Momma playing you?"
"Tinkle!"
I looked at Bella confused.
"I got her a little miniature keyboard. So I was playing her Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. That's all she's done all afternoon. I think I might have to 'accidentally' lose the batteries or something." She smiled.
I just chuckled. "I didn't know you played piano."
She snorted. "I don't Edward, there are little color notes on the keyboard that match the music, I was following it and trying to teach Harper."
I realized I never told her I played the piano. I hadn't played in a while since I lived in D.C. and didn't have a piano there. But I generally played a bit at holidays. My mother would have been upset if ten years of lessons went entirely to waste. I always hoped to get a piano once I had a larger home.
"Well maybe I will have to teach her how to play the real piano someday." I winked.
"You play the piano?" She asked shocked.
"Possibly." I smirked at her.
She slapped me on the arm. "Edward, you never told me that." She huffed. "Of course you would play the piano is there anything you don't do."
"I can think of something I want to do later." I lowered my voice and whispered in her ear so Harper couldn't hear.
She shivered and gave me a devious smile. "C'mon, let's go have dinner and then maybe you can have a special dessert." She said as she sashayed to the kitchen.
Oh this is definitely going to be a good reunion.
After we finished dinner and alternated playing on the keyboard with Harper before putting her to bed, we sat on the couch finishing our bottle of wine.
I decided to tell Bella about the conversation I overheard. I didn't want it to ruin our night, but I knew it would bother me more if I kept it in any longer. She listened and nodded, but genuinely agreed with mine and Emmett's thoughts on the matter.
"Well, that's a little bothersome, but I don't think we can do anything with it right now."
I sighed. "I know."
She stood up and grabbed my hand. "C'mon. I have a surprise for you in the bedroom. Maybe you can work out that aggravation another way." She said in a husky voice.
"Mmmm, Ms. Swan I can most certainly think of better ways to be aggravated." I grabbed her around the waste and pulled her into me.
She spun away and swayed her hips as she walked down the hall to her room. I gave her a moment and took a final swig of my wine and followed, only to find strawberries and chocolate on a tray next to the bed and Bella standing before me in a red lace nighty.
God I loved this woman. And reunions.
*&^%$#
The next week passed uneventfully. Again, nothing happened on the Jacob front and there were no indications of interference from whomever might be behind it.
I couldn't help but have a sense of foreboding, like something was going to happen and I was just waiting for the ball to drop.
Things had returned to normal. Well by normal, spectacular, fantastic and the happiest I have ever been because of my relationship with Bella. It had been over a month since the article and our press releases seemed to effectively take care of any damage it may have caused. Bella was settling into her job well and I was still busy campaigning but trying to keep my nights away at only one or two at a time.
I pushed aside my fear of what could happen and tried to focus on one of Emmett's suggestions. He said maybe Jacob convinced this person to back off because there was too much to risk.
God I hoped so. I was so happy otherwise. I really didn't want to deal with any more crap from Jacob and the mastermind, as I had come to call the person.
The weekend following Bella's birthday we boarded a ferry to Bainbridge Island. Of course it was after a teary good-bye with Harper who was staying at Jasper and Alice's place for the weekend. Bella was the one crying as she hadn't been away from Harper for more than a day in over a year.
I would just have to think of plenty of things to keep us busy.
We arrived at the house I rented and Bella immediately gaped at the home. It was a beach house with a private beach and full amenities.
I had given her the present I bought her on her birthday. It was a bracelet that had the same infinity design as the pendant I bought her. She fought me on it, but I could tell she loved it. And I of course loved to see her wear it, as she was that afternoon.
I decided to give Harper the gift I brought back form D.C. that night instead. I wanted her to have something to open when Bella did. It was a stuffed Donkey this time. It wasn't original. But I didn't care. I thought it was only fitting that she have her first Democratic symbol from me and Bella just laughed at it. I tried to think of something more special. But I kept coming back to this little shop near Capitol Hill and the stuffed donkey in the window. I decided it was perfect for her age and I would get her something more serious when she was older. Because let's face it, I planned on being around for awhile.
"Well Love what do you think?" I asked as I opened the door.
"I think this is way too much Edward, how much was this place." She gawked at the marble countertops and the giant fireplace in the living room area.
I walked up and wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me.
"Nothing is too much for you Love." As much as I wanted to take her right there, I had plans for the evening. Special plans. I wanted to romance her for once. We hadn't had a date night sine the night of the park incident, and we hadn't had a very romantic night, just the two of us, since our first real date to Canlis.
I was going to make up for that.
"Go change for dinner and then meet me on the terrace."
"Ok." She said quietly and smiled. For all of the sexy vixen and confident woman that I knew her to be, she still had a hint of shyness that I found so endearing.
I walked out to the terrace to ensure that the meal was set up as I requested. I ordered a full meal, but I didn't want a waiter interrupting us. So I had text the manager as we boarded the ferry and let him know our ETA.
I poured our glasses of wine and took a sip to try it when I looked up and my breath caught in my throat.
Bella walked onto the terrace in a champagne colored dress that fit her glorious curves perfectly. The color set off her creamy skin and when she blushed it gave her brown eyes an unbelievable glow with the shimmer in the dress. It had only one shoulder, like the dress from the night of the fundraiser. But it was short and showed off her exceptional legs. It had jewel encrusted waist that made her waist look even smaller than it was and I just wanted to run my hands along the length of her body. She pulled her hair part way up, leaving her mahogany locks to tumble down her back but her neck open so that I could have access with my lips.
And God did I want access.
To everything.
Jesus, the things this woman does to me.
"Too much?" She asked tentatively. "Alice insisted that I had to have a special birthday dress. I told her this was going to be too much, but you know Alice she never listens and…" I stopped her by pressing my lips to hers and wrapping my arms around her feeling the silky skin of her back. I could taste a mixture of mint and wine and Bella and I wanted to lose myself in it.
I was never going to make it through dinner with her looking like this. I had to retreat now or else I was done for.
I pulled back and turned her in front of me.
"Bella," my voice was thick. "You look amazing. Seriously Love, I don't care if you dress in a t-shirt and jeans or an evening gown you always look amazing. But I think Alice was right in making you buy this."
"Really?" She asked trying to hide her smile and biting her lip.
"Really really." I smiled at her just drinking her in. I didn't know what I did to deserve this sensational woman. "C'mon, dinner will get cold."
I led her to the table and pulled out her chair for her and she gasped again at the spread before us. I served her as the food was kept on warmers. There was a wild mushroom soup for starters, a harvest salad, and braised lamb with new potatoes and fresh asparagus. The dessert was a specialty caramel cheesecake.
We finished our dinner and chatted. I couldn't take my eyes off of her and I couldn't not touch her. I had my hand on her leg or rubbing the back of her hand or on her arm during the entire dinner. I needed to feel the electric current that seemed to constantly hum between us, but it was even more intense in our touch.
After we finished our dessert I stood up and walked Bella to the edge of the terrace. A cool breeze flittered from the water and Bella shivered. I pulled her in close to me and the scent of her strawberry hair and freesias on her skin instantly made me aroused. I wanted her. I wanted her like I did the first night we met. And I wanted to take my time with her.
Tonight was her birthday celebration and I was going to worship her. I needed to keep myself in check so I could do just that because I had a plan.
"What do you say we go inside Love?"
"Mmmm, that sounds like a great idea." She looked at me with her beautiful chocolate orbs and smiled.
I grabbed her hand and led her to the master suite where I gave her the second gift I bought for her.
"Here, this is for you."
"Edward, seriously, you have gotten me way too much with the bracelet and the weekend and…" She huffed.
"Bella, trust me, it is almost as much for me as it is for you." I smiled at her mischievously.
She quirked her eyebrow and grabbed the box and opened it. She pulled out the garment and held it up.
"Edward its…it's beautiful." She looked up at me and I walked over to run my hands up her arms.
"It's my favorite color on you. And I want you to put it on because even though I would like nothing more than to slowly take you out of this dress. I have other plans."
"Is that so?"
"Well it is your birthday, Isabella." I used her full name, knowing what it did to her. I bent down and nibbled her ear lightly and she shivered again. But this time I knew it wasn't from the cold.
She slid away from me and walked into the bathroom and I hurriedly set out the candles I brought and lit them and prepared the bed with towels. I set the massage oils on the night stand and removed my clothes as well. I put on a robe and waited.
Bella stepped out wearing the silk babydoll set and I gasped. The dark blue was amazing as always against her skin and it scooped low showing off her incredible breasts over a pair of silk panties. The back had a tie, so that she could lie on her stomach and I could easily untie it to give her a massage.
"Wow Love, you look…unbelievable."
She bit her lip and looked up at me shyly through her lashes. "Thanks." She murmured.
I walked over to her, just soaking in the incredible sight before and ran my hands lightly over her bare arms. I bent down to whisper in her ear.
"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You take my breath away every time I see you and I can't believe that you are mine."
She smiled up at me her eyes were glistening. "I don't know what I did to deserve you."
I shook my head at her. "No. I'm the lucky one. If anything I don't deserve you." I kissed her ever so lightly on the lips. "Now come here, I have a surprise for you."
I clutched her hand and led her over the bed. "Make yourself comfortable."
"Edward what is all this?" She looked over at the candles and the oils I set on the night stand.
"Just relax and let me make you feel good."
Suddenly, she got a dark look on her face. Her warm demeanor turned contemplative and almost sad.
"Love, what's wrong?" I looked down at her and lightly rubbed my hand across her cheek.
"It's. It's nothing. Don't worry about it. I really appreciate everything you have done." She smiled sadly.
"Please tell me. Did I do something wrong?"
"No. Not at all, it's just…what you said, it reminded me of something."
It automatically clicked. Seth must have done something like this for her. I felt terrible. I had only wanted to give her a massage and relax her and it was something she had shared with him.
I sat down on the bed next to her and pulled her close to me. "It's ok Love. We don't need to do the massage. I understand if that's a memory you want to keep as yours and Seth's."
She blew out a breath. "No. It's not that so much as, I had a dream about it. It was a memory actually. He did something like this. But the dream I had reminding me of it, it was the day we met. Or the night before actually." She shook her head. "That seems sort of crazy to me now."
I smiled and kissed her forehead and lightly swept her hair off her shoulder. "You know I don't want to make you forget him. I just want you to feel loved. To show you how much I truly cherish you. Every second of every day that I have with you."
"I know." She said quietly and a tear slipped down her cheek and I wiped it away. She leaned in and gave me a kiss and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Thank you. I love you so much. And I want you to know that I am completely devoted to you. I am ready for my life with you."
"Me too."
I held her to me, just feeling her chest rise and fall with her breaths. Finally she pulled back and looked up at me.
"I think I'm ready for that massage now."
"Are you sure?" I asked concerned.
"Yeah." She smiled.
"Ok." I kissed her lightly and then picked her up and laid her on the towels and motioned for her to turn over.
I bent down to undo her tie in the back and grabbed the bottle of oil. I poured it in my hands and then rubbed my hands together to warm it. I gently placed my hands on her back and caressed the tight muscles.
"Mmmm. That feels good."
"I'm glad, now just relax and enjoy it."
I slowly kneaded out the knots in her neck and upper back, taking care not to get the oil in her hair. I poured more oil in my hands and worked my way up and down her spine, slowly using the palm of my hand to massage the tension away.
Bella hummed and ahhed as she relaxed more and more. It was such a sensual experience to be able to touch her body like this. I could see every curve and muscle. She truly was exceptional and the magnetism between us pulsed with every touch. I lathered my hands up again and this time worked my way to her lower back, barely grazing the top of her ass. There were no words spoken, only the light music I put on the background and the sounds of our breathing and Bella's slight moans of appreciation. But suddenly the mood shifted and the electricity between us started to crackle.
I used more oil as I lightly moved my hands up her sides and barely skimmed her breasts. I worked my way back down pressing harder this time to where I could feel she was complete putty in my hands. I leaned down and kissed her neck and then her shoulder and down the middle of her back until I reached the top of her ass.
"Love, do you care if I remove these." I asked as I lightly tugged on her panties.
"Please…" she rasped, and I gently pulled them down her legs.
I poured more oil in my hands and worked my way up her shapely legs, massaging her calves and hamstrings until I reached the apex of her thighs. I bent down and moved her legs apart and kissed her inner thigh and she shuddered. I was impossibly hard now, but I was determined to worship her, every inch of her body.
I then worked my way to her fantastic ass and savored the feeling of it in my hands. I leaned down so I was hovering over her and then firmly drew my hands down her ass to her legs and back up again, this time working my way around to the side and grasping her hips.
Bella whimpered and I could tell she was turned on by my touches as well. I made one more pass with my hands and my lips along the length of her gorgeous body when I flipped her over. Her eyes were closed and she slowly opened them. Her look was smoldering and the intensity made me quiver in anticipation.
I sat her up and slowly removed the rest of the negligee. Her glorious body was now completely bare and lay before me. I was dying with my want for her but I wanted to worship her even more. She closed her eyes again and I grabbed more oil. I sat between her legs and reached up to caress her shoulders from the front and the tops of her breasts until I worked my way down her stomach, purposely avoiding her breasts. She squirmed under my touch and I clutched her hips to still her. Then I grabbed her leg and slowly massaged the muscles of each thigh and I could tell she was dying from the anticipation as well.
"Edward." She whimpered.
"Yes Isabella."
She whimpered again. "Please."
"Tell me what you want Isabella, I want to make you feel good."
"Uh. I want your hands on me." She whispered.
I slowly worked my way back up her body, this time taking her breasts in my hands and slowly caressing them. She arched into my touch and bit her lip. I took her hardened peak in my mouth and she arched again and whimpered. Her hands were instantly in my hair. I was now slick with oil and we were sliding against one another, the unusual friction causing a magnificent sensation. The oil had a bit of mint in it and I could feel the tingle of the spice.
I paid purchase to her breasts slowly caressing and sucking her peaks as she pressed into me. I worked my way back down her stomach kissing and stroking a trail to her center. I spread her legs and lightly kissed her inner thighs. She was so wet for me.
She shuddered and let out a breathy moan. There were no words between us, just moans and breaths of anticipation. Finally I kissed her right over her nub and she bucked into me. I could see how much she wanted it and I wanted to make her soar with pleasure.
I slowly licked up her slit and her hands shot back to my hair. I used my hands to caress her thighs as my tongue plunged into her, tasting her sweet nectar and relishing at the way I was pleasing her. Slowly I used one finger to penetrate her and she moaned loudly and moved into me again. I continued to kiss her and lap her nub with my tongue as I pumped in and out of her. I added another finger and she began writhing beneath me and moaned louder. I could tell she was getting close, her walls were starting to clench and I curled my fingers to hit her sweet spot and pressed my hand down on her lower stomach to intensify the sensation.
I hummed into her nub and looked up. Her head was thrown back her hair splayed across the pillow and I was enamored with the sight of my incredible Goddess in the throes of ecstasy, knowing that I was the one giving her pleasure.
I hummed into her again and curled my fingers, "come for me love." I said and it sent her flying over the edge, her entire body shaking and quivering.
"Edward." She let out a breathy moan and I took all of her in. I slowly kissed my way back up her body and bent down to kiss her. I knew she didn't care and I found it erotic as hell to taste a mixture of the mint flavored oil, her nectar and our own flavors all mixed together.
She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me down onto her. We began gliding along one another again due to the slickness of the oil. Our tongues danced and moved in rhythm as our bodies pulsed together. I was insanely hard; the friction of being pressed into her stomach was making me all the more aroused.
I pulled back and cupped her face in my hands and she opened her eyes.
"I'm going to make love to you Isabella."
She nodded and I saw the forming of tears in the corners of her eyes as I moved myself to her entrance. I used my thumb to lightly wipe the tears and she gave me a sweet smile.
"I love you Isabella. More than you will ever know."
"I love you too Edward. So much." I leaned down to kiss her and pressed into her at the same time. We both moaned at the feeling of our connection. Every time it was impossibly strong and it felt like our bodies became one being.
I slowly began to move in and out of her as she wrapped her legs around me. It wasn't hurried, or quick or a race to our releases. We were moving together, thrusting together, savoring the feeling of being one together. I never took my mouth from her as I kissed her deeply and then worked my way down her neck causing a breathy moan to escape her lips again.
I loved the feeling of being inside of her, of being so impossibly close, and knowing there was no one I could ever be closer to. I wrapped my arm under her lower back pulling her tighter to me and she gasped at the deepening the movement caused. I continued my slow steady movements and our hands were all over one another, caressing and feeling each other's bodies slick with oil.
I sat up on my hunches, driving into her deeper and she shuddered and groaned again. I used my other hand to massage her breasts and my lips to make worship to her long neck. Her head was thrown back and her eyes were closed, her hair cascading down behind her like a mahogany waterfall.
I could feel my release spiraling through me, but I wanted to get her there first. I pulled her tighter to me again and she cried out this time.
"Oh. Edward." Her voice was thick and raspy and I grabbed the back of her head and pulled it forward to kiss her pouty lips. I pumped into her harder and I could feel her walls clamping down again.
I squeezed my eyes shut focusing not to let go until she was there.
"I will always love you Isabella." I whispered into her ear as I kissed her passionately again and I felt her fly over the edge. She clutched my shoulders her orgasm overtaking her and I follow with a long groan into her mouth. I felt like my body shattered into a thousand pieces and my muscles went completely limp.
I laid us back down on the bed and continued to kiss her as we came down from our peaks. I felt wetness on my cheeks and I slowly pulled my head back and she opened her eyes. I noticed the tears streaming down her face. She placed her hand on my cheek and we just stared into each other's eyes. I knew they weren't sad tears. It was pure emotion from the closeness we just shared. I bent to kiss her again and lightly whispered in her ear.
"Happy Birthday Love."
*&^%$#
We cleaned up the bed and showered, kissing and touching each other and climbed into bed completely sated. The moonlight was pouring in from the magnificent windows that overlooked the water from the master suite. I held Bella close to me and listened to her breathing. We didn't say anything for a long time, but I thought she was still awake.
I decided I wanted to bring up the issue of adopting Harper. I knew would never feel about anyone the way I felt about Bella. And I knew that I loved Harper more than life itself as well. I wanted both of them in my life forever. I wanted to marry her, have more children and provide brothers and sisters for Harper and spend the rest of my life lying next to her as I was in that moment.
"Bella?"
"Hmmm." She hummed.
My voice was thick and I couldn't decide how to approach the topic. So I drew a deep breath and decided to forge straight ahead.
"I want to adopt Harper." I said as I exhaled.
She turned so that she was now facing me and put her hand on my chest.
"You…you what?" Her eyes were full of both surprise and what appeared to be happiness.
"I want to adopt Harper. And once we get married I want to give her brothers and sisters and a real husky and all of it. I want it all Bella, with you." I stared at her intently.
She bit her lip and looked into my eyes. "I want it all too. I had hoped you might feel that way, but I wanted to leave that decision to you." She paused and a tear slipped from her eye again as she contemplated what she wanted to say.
"You are the closest thing to a father she's ever had." Her voice was shaky.
I rubbed her cheek. "I want to be her father. And I want to be your husband and have more kids with you, more than anything I have ever wanted in my life."
"Oh Edward." She leaned up and kissed me and I hummed into her lips and pulled her closer. She released my lips and ran her fingers down my face.
"How many?" She asked.
"How many what?" I was confused.
She giggled. "How many more kids do you want?"
"As many as you will give me." I joked and then I thought for a moment. "I don't know. Two more would be good. I would have ten kids with you if I could but I think we are too old for that." I teased again.
"As much as I love you Mr. Cullen I am not having 10 kids with you." I laughed. There was the wit and banter I had also come to love about her. "But two sounds good." She smiled and I kissed her again. Then I contemplated something else I had been considering.
Might as well go for the whole enchilada while we're at it.
"There's something else I have been thinking about too." I said as I ran my fingers through her hair. "What do you think about moving in together?"
She smiled and looked at me. "I have been thinking that for a while now too. You are over at my place every night anyhow."
"You wouldn't mind if I moved in with you? My lease is only six months anyhow and will be up in a month. I thought it would make more sense for me to move since I don't have much stuff and you own your condo."
"That's what I was thinking too."
"Perfect. When should we start?"
She thought for a moment. "Monday is fine with me. You already have half of your stuff at my place. What are you going to do with the rest of it?"
I shrugged. "Put it in storage. We can pull it out when we buy a house."
"So we're buying a house now too Mr. Cullen?" She teased and I got excited because she kept calling me 'Mr. Cullen.'
"Well of course, where are we going to put all those kids otherwise." She laughed.
"When do you want to start having all these kids?"
"As soon as we're married. I don't want to wait, if that's what you want." She nodded in agreement and bit her lip.
"But of course I will settle for practicing right now." I said as I rolled her over and she squealed.
Yes, practice is always good.