Hi All,
I hope your all having a fantastic weekend and its not too cold for you all.
I've changed beta for a while because my lovely friend Lucy is due to have her baby any day now. So a big thank you to Janine for taking over the reins and looking after this for me.
As always any people that review will get a sneaky peak at the next chapter. I might even start doing picture teases again as I have lots of pictures saved for the upcoming chapters.
I won't keep you any longer I know I'm a little boring lol ;) I hope you enjoy it let me know what you think.
Kirsty.
Made For Each Other
Edward's Point Of View
The weather turned bad just before we left the gym for the night. The sky started to rumble loudly and the rain, which was just a drizzle when we went in, had intensified making the parking lot look like a riverbed.
''I'll see you for Floaties Wednesday if I don't see you at mom's before. Give me a text when you get home; I don't like the look of this weather.'' Emmett can be sensible and this is one of those times when he worries.
He turned his car over a couple of years back with Claire in the back seat in weather just like this and it really shook him up. They both escaped unharmed but it took along time for him to forgive himself and even longer for him to trust himself to have the kids in the car again.
''Will do. Be safe, okay?''
''Don't worry about me, little brother. Just get yourself back to your wife and kids before this really kicks in.'' We both jogged out to our cars and I could hear Emmett mumbling about "the fucking weather" and "fucking Forks" as I shut my car door. He really hates the rain but he loves this town too much to leave. He's a lot like Bella in that way.
Following Emmett's instructions I drove home more carefully than usual. I have to admit it did get a bit hard to see at points. I'm just glad it was close to home otherwise it could have been dangerous. As soon as I was safely parked in the garage I sent out a quick text to Emmett to let him know I'd made it home without any problems. He'll only be sat at home biting his fingernails if I keep him waiting too long.
''Right now I can go into my wife.'' After making sure everything was locked up behind me I walked through the dark house and up the stairs toward my Bella. When my foot hit the top step I heard a soft cry coming from the direction of Lizzie's room. Instinct took over and I dropped my bag on the floor as I rushed towards her room.
''Lizzie, baby, are you okay?'' The night light I checked before I left provided a soft glow so I could make my way into the room without worrying about turning on the light.
''Daddy?'' Oh no my baby looks scared stiff.
''Yeah, baby, it's Daddy. Did you have another bad dream?'' Walking over to her I sat down on the edge of her bed and pulled her into my lap.
''No, I don't like the thunder but I didn't want to be a baby and go get Mommy. I got told off before when I got scared.''
''You can come get me or Mommy whenever you get scared, baby. Never stay on your own. We're always here to look after you and we'll never tell you off for being scared.'' Standing with her in my arms I gave her a soft smile and then kissed her temple. ''Now lets go get in bed with Mommy until this storm passes, she doesn't like them either.''
''M'kay.'' Putting her head into the crook of my neck she let out a sigh and snuggled close.
''I love you, baby girl.''
''Love you too, Daddy.'' Lizzie didn't say anything else as I walked out of her room to ours. She seemed content enough being in my arms so no more reassurance was needed to make her feel better.
When I pushed the door open to our room my heart was warmed by the scene in front of me. The storm must have woken both Faith and Seth because they were cuddled together in bed with Bella. Faith under the comforter and Seth under his Ben 10 blanket.
''Hey, baby. You got room in there for two more?'' Bella looked up from her book and smiled the most breathtaking smile I've ever seen in my life.
''Of course I have room. How long has she been awake? Seth got scared and heard Faith crying so he went and rescued her and brought her into me.''
''Even though I was a scared Mommy.'' Looks like Faith has her own knight in shining armour.
''I know, baby. Shh okay? It's sleep time.''
''kay.'' Seth closed his sleepy eyes again and didn't even stir when I laid Lizzie down next to him. Once she was adequately tucked in I walked around to Bella's side of the bed and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
''So how long had she been awake? Did she have a bad dream or was it the storm that woke her?''
''It was the storm. She didn't want to get told off for leaving her room past bed time.''
''Did you tell her she can come in any time she gets scared?'' Bella turned to look at Lizzie with a heartbroken expression on her face.
''Of course I did, baby. She knows she can come get us any time she needs us.''
''Have I told you lately that I love you?'' Yes but you can say it again and again and again. I'll never get sick of hearing those words from her mouth.
''Yes but I love hearing it so you can say it again.'' Taking my hand she placed a kiss on it and then leant forward slightly so we are just inches apart.
''I love you, Edward Cullen.''
''I love you too... Now I need to go change then I'm going to try and find some space in there with you guys.'' We really need a bigger bed none of us are going to have any space to move tonight.
''Good luck with that, Daddy. I think it's going to be a bit of a squeeze.'' I changed as quietly as I could and then made my way back into the bedroom. Bella still has her nose in her book and my children are all snuggled up close. I might just get in with them now I just hope no one kicks in their sleep.
Once I got in next to Lizzie she turned and snuggled into my chest. Letting out a sigh she said something unintelligible in her sleep before going quiet again. ''Night, night beautiful girl. Dream good dreams.''
xxxxxxxxxxMFEOxxxxxxxxxx
When I mentioned Floaties to Bella on the morning after our storm camp out she was all for it. She was slightly gutted that she'd miss one of Faith's firsts but I assured her that I'd invite mom or Rose so they could take pictures to document it for her to see once he got back from school with Lizzie.
Lizzie and school is an entirely different worry. She was really quiet yesterday evening before bed. It took both myself and Bella a full half hour of coaxing before she'd talk to us. Turns out she's more than a little nervous about being in school without one of us with her, and it's not the kids she's worried about it's the adults. I should have been expecting it and I may have called Mr Black this morning to go over Lizzie's background and worries again just to give myself and her some piece of mind.
I wish I could be there with her and Bella did give her the option of me going with her instead but she was adamant she wanted her Mommy to go with her this time. She was kind of cute when she insisted that she didn't want her plans to change at the last minute. Mr Black assured me that he'd do what ever he could to make Lizzie's transition into mainstream schooling as easy as possible. I just hope it's enough.
''That's it, Dr Cullen. You're done for the day.'' Leah put her head through the crack in the door with her famous mischievous smile on her face. ''You know at this rate you may as well go part time we've hardly seen you lately.''
Way to make a guy feel guilty. I had a good reason my girls needed me. ''Oh you look like someone just ran over your dog I'm only joking.''
''Thank heavens for that, what's up?''
''Well one of my boys has a school thing coming up on your early finish Friday and I was wondering if you'd mind covering for me?''
''Yeah, my telephone manner is amazing. I think I can help you out.''
''Thank you, thank you, thank you. You're a life saver. Quil would have thrown a right tantrum if I'd missed his play.'' Like I'd say no, she should know me better than that. ''Okay we'll I'll leave you so you can get going have fun at swimming club.''
''I will, I just hope Faith does.''
''She will.'' If she freaks out about water I'm fucked the whole afternoon will go up in smoke.
''Fingers crossed huh. Right, I better get going I don't want to be late in case I have to deal with a mini freak out at the pool edge.'' Leah gave me an I've been there look that didn't make me feel any better. I'm actually nervous about this how stupid is that.
''Have fun.'' As I drove home a million different strategies passed through my head. I'm positive if I get her in the water she'll love it. It's just getting her past that first fear barrier. I really want her to have some carefree fun.
''Bella, Lizzie, Faith where are you?'' I know this house is big but there's only so many places they can be.
''Dad-dy, Dad-dy.'' Faith descended the stairs with a big smile on her face when she got to the bottom she reached her arms up to me. I gave her pouted lips a kiss as I lifted her. ''Look, my hairs.''
'Wow that's so pretty baby.'' She's blushing she's so adorable.
''Mommy did for me's.''
''And where is Mommy?' Faith pointed up the stairs so I made my way up towards Lizzie's room.
''You nervous, baby girl?'' I know it's rude to listen in but I don't think now is the right time to interrupt.
''A little bit. I just want everything to be okay, just one time.''
''It will be and I'll be there with you today so you don't have to worry about a thing.''
Momma bear will protect her cubs no matter what she's born to be a protector and a mother.
''I know Mommy, just don't leave me okay?''
''Okay, I won't go anywhere you can't see me.'' Knocking gently on the door I entered the room to say my hello's and goodbye's.
''Hey, you all ready to go?'' Lizzie nodded with a small smile on her face and stayed close to Bella. ''You're going to be great. Me and Faith want to hear all about it when we get back from Uncle Em's gym.''
''Okay, I'll remember everything so I can tell you.''
''Cool and look after Mommy, okay? She always gets into mischief at school.'' Lizzie giggled and looked up to Bella.
''Did you Mommy?''
Between her an Emmett I was constantly in detention they got me into so much trouble.
''No, that's not true. I didn't get into trouble at all.'' Bella pulled a funny face at me making both girls giggle some more.
''That's funny. I remember you getting into lots of trouble in high school.'' Especially when she got together with her friends they were a force of nature.
''Shut up and kiss me, husband before I tell the girls some of your and Emmett's high school stories.'' Now she never has to ask me twice to do that and those stories might give the girls some ideas that I don't want them having. ''Now shouldn't you guys be on your way to Floaties?''
''YES'' Faith clapped in my arms and then Bella took her from me to give her a hug and a kiss goodbye. I leant down to Lizzie and took her hands in mine.
''You're going to be fine. All the other children are going to love you and you're going to make lots of friends.''
''Okay.'' She doesn't sound convinced, believe in yourself baby girl.
''You will, I promise. You're too beautiful and lovely not to.''
''Okay Daddy.''
''Now give me a hug and a kiss cos me and your sister have to get going.'' She held onto me tightly until I peeled her fingers from around my neck. ''You've got this baby girl. Me and Mommy believe in you. And we love you, Faith and Seth more than anything in the whole world.''
''I love you, Daddy.'' I get the best feeling ever when she says that.
''Have fun, okay?'' That sounded way to much like a question.
''Okay.'' Standing I held my arms out to Faith she happily came to me and started bouncing in my arms.
''Come on then little one. Lets go to Floaties.''
''YAY.''
''Your gym bags are on the floor by the front door. I packed Faiths tracksuit so she can come back in it.''
''Thanks, baby. I'll see you both in a couple of hours, okay?'' I gave Bella and Lizzie one last kiss and left them to their afternoon together. As much as I want to stay and go to school with them I know Bella has this. They'll be fine without me, as much as that pains me I want to protect them always.
''Dad-dy, I gots Nemo in my bag.''
''You have?'' My baby is so cute I love how excited she is right now.
''Yeah, Mommy gots me fours my daddy date.''
Daddy date I like that... And it's the only kind of date she'll be going on until she's 45. Yes I uped it. She's too special and mine no one's hurting her again. Especially not a boy.
''She did?'' When did Bella get the chance to shop? I swear she's like super mom or something.
''Yeps.''
''Well' we better get going on our date, hadn't we?''
Faith nodded with a shit load of enthusiasm I actually thought her head my fall off at one point. ''Let's go swimming.''
''Yay.''
After loading Faith into her car seat and checking her seatbelt twice I pulled the car out of the drive.
''Are you excited, baby?''
''Yea, Mommy saids it's likes a big tub.'' Nicely done Bella I would never have thought of using that as a comparison.
''That's right, it's just like a tub but lots more fun, and you get to wear a pretty bathing suit.''
Lizzie's getting an all in one whether she likes it or not.
''Pitty like mommy.'' Pretty, gorgeous and beautiful, like Mommy.
''And Lizzie.'' Can't leave out the big sister.
''And you.''
''Daddies and boys aren't pretty. They're handsome. That's boy pretty.'' Boy pretty, really Edward, is that the best you could do?
''Uh okay your rerry huh-some.''
''That's a very nice thing to say. Thank you, baby.''
Faith chatted all the way to the gym. I can't actually figure out when she actually had time to take a breath. She pointed out Seth's school, Sue's café and Pappy's work and waved at each of them. I think she may have got some wave backs from some of the people walking down the street by the way she giggled beautifully from her place behind me.
''We there yets?''
''We are now, baby. You see that big white building? That's Uncle Em's place.''
''YAY. Gets me, gets me. Let me outs.'' I love her enthusiasm.
''Two minutes, baby.'' Driving straight into my spot at the front of the building I turned the ignition off and turned to face my small one. ''Right, little miss, you have to hold Daddy's hand, okay? No wondering off.''
''Okay, I haves carries anyways.''
She shrugged like I hadn't given any rules at all and smiled at me like I was favourite person in the world.
''I better get you out then, hadn't I?'' There's the well duh look again.
She quietened down as we walked towards the entrance to the gym looking around taking everything in. I wish I could get inside head and know what goes on in her three year old brain when new stuff like this happens. It must be odd for her to go from having assholes as parents to having so much love surrounding her. She's adapting so well though she takes everything in her stride like she knows she's meant to loved.
''Well, well, well if it isn't hotty Mc daddy.'' Oh no Julian. ''Eddie boy, it's been too long.''
''My daddy Eh-wood no Edd-die.'' That's my girl she gets it. I hate being called Eddie.
''Oh aren't you just precious.'' Faith looked at Julian like he'd grown another head and put one of her hands on her hip. ''Did she just give me the Bella Boop brow? How is that even possible?'' And now she's giving me that exact same look or is that a save me Daddy look?
''Julian, stop annoying my niece.''
Thank god for Alice. Wait Alice. What's she doing here? I thought mom was coming?
''Hey big little brother, hey Faith.'' Faith totally ignored Alice not breaking her evil eye of Julian. ''It's okay, Faith. Julian is a little strange.'' I poked Faith and she turned towards Alice as she made a silly face which made her laugh in my arms.
''Yeah he weirds.'' Don't laugh. Don't laugh. Must teach Faith to be nice to everyone even someone that pinches my ass at every chance he gets.
''Faith, that's not very nice. Julian is just different. Some people are different.'' Great explanation Dad! I need to expand my vocabulary.
''What Daddy boo means is I'm totally awesome and I know it.'' I need to get my child away from him before she starts asking questions I don't need to be explaining Julian's sexual preference to my three year old.
''Okay, it's time for us to go change. Alice, we'll meet you by the pool, okay?''
''Okay.''
A lot of dad's come to Emmett's because of his family changing rooms. The bigger gyms in town just have large cubicles as Emmett found out when he was away with Rose in the city and wanted to take Claire swimming. He had a total panic attack when he realised Claire at 19 months would either see his ass or his dick. He ended up going home without actually changing at all. So when he opened this place he made sure all his family cubicles were lockable and had a small separate section for the mommy's and daddy's to change in without having to worry about leaving the children alone outside... Or in Emmett's case flashing them.
After Faith was happily in her costume she looked at herself proudly in the mirror whilst I got changed. She seems happy enough at the moment, I just hope it lasts.
''You ready, baby girl?''
''Yeps. Carry 'gain?''
When we'd showered and sorted out Faith's floaties life jacket I carried her out to the pool. Alice sat waiting on a lounger chair with a book so I handed her our towels and Faith's juice.
''What do you think, baby?''
''Is pitty daddy. Big.''
''Just like a big tub, remember?''
A lady with blonde hair started to approach us and smiled warmly. ''Hi, you must be Edward and Faith?''
''We are.'' I shifted Faith up a little on my hip and kissed her head.
''That's great. A little birdy told me this is the little ones first time in a pool. Is that right?''
Emmett must have filled her in. ''Yeah, that's right we're here to learn to swim like Nemo.''
''And Dory.''
God bless Walt Disney! Faith's little face lights up when she talks about that fish.
''Awesome, well whenever you're ready if you'd like to join the other people in the pool we spend the first ten minutes just getting used to the water and go from there. Just give me a shout if you need any support.'' It's now or never.
''Go have fun you guys. I can't wait to see you swim.'' Alice squealed and clapped before giving me a gentle push.
''Okay, don't forget Bella's pictures.'' She waved her camera at me as I walked away and winked at me.
''So you want daddy to carry you in or do you want to walk down the steps?''
''Um walk then carry.'' No idea what she means but I'll go with it.
Once I put her down on the edge by the entrance to the pool I took her hand and moved onto the top step. She looked a little apprehensive at first but followed me in anyway a little smile tugging at her lips when she got her feet wet and made a little splash.
''You're doing great, baby girl. Look at you in the big tub.'' She came with me step for step until the water was up to her belly then she stopped and put her hands on the water.
''Carry now.'' Pulling her into my arms I carried on until I was standing on pool floor. ''Big, big tub.'' She climbed up my body a little distancing herself from the water slightly.
''Yeah and remember your special jacket will keep you up. You won't go under, you'll float and Daddy will keep you safe too. Always.'' She looked around at the other children already playing and smiled shyly when another little girl around her age waved at her. ''See that little girl is floating.''
''Okay, I floats too.'' As soon as she was in the water and I let go of her I knew I had a water baby on my hands. She giggled like I've never seen before and splashed me when she hit her hands down on the surface of the water which she found even more hilarious. I hope Alice is getting all of this on film, Bella will love it.
The swim teacher called us in a few minutes later ''to get the party started''. Faith took part in everything during the lesson and even made friends with the little girl who waved at her. They were paddling around together after five minutes leaving myself and Peyton's dad, Lucas following them around like the over protective dad's we are.
''Okay, everyone thank you all for coming that's our lesson over for today. I hope to see you all again next week for some more fun.'' Faith groaned along with Peyton when the swim teacher who had introduced herself as Jessica ended the lesson.
''Come on P. we have to get home before Mommy so we can set up her surprise. It was really great meeting you guys. I guess we'll see you next week?''
''It was good meeting you too, man. See you next week.'' Lucas held out his hand for me to shake and then winked at Faith.
''Say bye to Faith and her daddy P.''
''Bye, bye.''
That's one cute kid. Not as cute as my girls though, obviously.
''Bye Peyon, bye Luke.''
Faith waved as they left the pool and then paddled towards me. ''Daddy, we done now?''
Who taught her the pout? I'm going to kill Claire and Alice.
''Yep but we'll be back next week, okay?''
''Okay, I has some joose now?''
Well that's one way to get her out of the pool. ''Yeah, lets go see Aunt Alice, she has the juice Mommy packed.'' After I wrapped her in her towel she snuggled into the crook of my neck and drunk down her juice like it was the last coke in the desert.
''Did you get some good pictures Ali?''
''Yep and I uploaded them all to Facebook so Bella can see them as soon as she's out of school. I tagged her.'' She looks as pleased as punch right now it's nice to see her happy again.
''Once I'm changed do you want to grab a coffee in Em's office?''
''Yeah that sounds good I'll meet you up there beware of Julian. He's still looking to pinch your butt.''
Oh great. ''Come on, baby. Lets go get you dry.''
''Okay.''
''I'll see you guys in a minute.''
''Yeah we have a lot to talk about. We won't be long.''
She looks a little apprehensive about talking to me when she really shouldn't. If she's faced Emmett and come out happy I'll be a push over. She knows my family is the most important thing in my life I'll look after her no matter what she does good or bad. Nothing will change that ever.