Disclaimer: i do not own anything
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Chapter 25
Proposals
EPOV
The drive back home was... interesting to say the least. This was mainly because Bella fell asleep and she would mumble certain phrases like, 'I love you Edward', or 'Edward more', and the most interesting would be 'harder, Edward'. When I heard that, man did I get a raging hard-on.
I drove at my usual speed, which was about ten miles over the speed limit, being careful not to get caught, which cut our two and a half hour drive to two hours. We arrived at my parent's house at 6:00 on the dot. I gently shook Bella's shoulder trying to wake her up. "Bella, love, we're here," she stirred a bit before opening her eyes.
She stretched out and gathered her thing as I got out of the car and jogged over to her side to get her door. I held out my hand for her to help her out of the car. As she stepped out I noticed she shivered a little. "Are you cold love?" I asked.
"Yes, can you hold this for a bit?" she handed me her bag and pulled out a shawl. She wrapped it around her shoulders then took her bag from me and slung it over her shoulder. I again took her hand and we made our way to the front door.
As we were about to knock, the door swung open and we were met by the open arms of my mother. She first grabbed Bella into a hug before turning to me and putting kisses on both my cheeks. "Oh, you're just in time. Come on in, it's getting cold," she said as she stepped aside so we could pass.
"Oh, Bella, you're here!" Alice said as she jumped on Bella with more force than necessary, causing her to fall back onto me. "Hello Alice," she greeted. "Okay, now we're all here, come into the living room. I have an announcement," Alice said as she pulled both of us into the next room.
When we entered I was immediately met by Carlisle, "Hello, son, how was your trip?"
"It was good Dad. I got all my tasks accomplished. Thank you for lending me the house," I replied.
"Non-sense son, you don't even have to ask," he said.
"Okay, everyone, Jasper and I have an announcement to make," she said as she clung onto Jasper's arm. We all waited in anticipation and Alice was hyper while Jasper was serene. "Jasper," Alice called his attention.
"Oh, sorry. Yes, we have an announcement. I have asked Alice to marry me," he said as he looked over to Alice with such adoration. "And I sad... YES!" Alice shouted as she bounced up and down showing us the ring.
She got hugs all round and Jasper got pats on the back from the guys and hugs as well from the girls. I made my way to the kitchen to get myself a drink. I found a bottle of Snapple in the fridge and opted for that since I thought it was too early for alcohol.
"So, how did it go bro?" Jasper suddenly called from behind me.
I turned and leaned on the center island before I answered. "It went very well actually. She was able to open up and I think I was able to reassure her that her worries were unfounded."
"That's good. So are you going to propose soon?" he asked which caused me to choke on the gulp I took of my Snapple. I started coughing and Jasper slapped me on the back. When I had composed myself I thought of my answer.
"Yes, maybe in a few months. I want everyone that matters to her to be around. And I want to make sure she won't reject me. I mean we have talked about our future together but I still want to be sure," I said.
"I think that's a good move. But honestly, from an outsider's point of view, the first time I saw you staring at her in Seattle, I knew she was it for you. And after our first meeting for the wing I knew you were it for her. Alice agrees with me too," he told me just as Alice came into the room. "What do I agree with?" she asked.
"That Edward and Bella are it for each other," Jasper said. "Oh, yes, totally. So will you be next?" she asked me.
"Next what Alice?" I asked innocently, even if I know what she was getting at.
"To be engaged silly," she giggled.
"I hope so Alice," I said as my mother came into the kitchen. "Go sit down children, I'm about to bring dinner out," she said. Alice went ahead as Jasper and I helped my mom carry out the plates of food.
Dinner was fantastic as always. My mother really outdid herself. I offered to help clear out the plates as my mom made coffee and prepared strawberry shortcake to be served. When we were alone in the kitchen I decided to tell her about my plan.
"Mom, can I ask another favour?" I asked.
"Anything darling. What is it?" She put the finishing touches on the cake.
"I think I'm ready to propose to Bella," I said but was not allowed to finish as she threw me into a tight hug.
"Am I missing something?" I heard the voice of my father call from the door way. My mother pulled away and I saw she had tears in her eyes. "Carlisle, our beautiful son thinks he is ready to settle down," she told my dad, her voice just above a whisper.
"Is that so Son?" he asked as he turned to me.
"Yes Dad. I think, no I know, Bella is it for me. She has opened up a lot this past week which just made me fall in love with her all over again. We have talked a bit about it and I think we're on the same page. But not in the near future, I'm giving it a few months. Just to be sure and to set things up," I explained.
"That is wonderful Son. If you need anything just let me know. I'll take this and you can come out when you're done talking," he said as he took the tray and headed to the living area.
"What do you need help with dear?" my mother then asked.
"Well, when I'm sure I'd like help to set it up. I want to fly her parents out as well and the Brandon's and the Hale's. And I might need help with the ring. I'll do as much as I can but I'm not sure how tied up I will be at the hospital." I explained.
"Of course dear. Just let me know what you need. I know how busy you can be. I am married to a doctor after all," she said then hugged me again. When we were all set I took the tray with the coffee and we joined our family to celebrate the engagement of Alice and Jasper.
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2 months later... EPOV
It has been hectic the past couple of months. Between the ER and the clinic I always made it a point to spend time with Bella at least every other day. She had been busy as well. A lot of new projects and she had to do a quarterly check of the past buildings they did, to make sure everything was in tip top condition.
I have finally decided to propose to Bella. I want do it over Memorial Day weekend. Since we are approaching the end of April, that will give me about a month to prepare. First I have to ask Charlie and Renee for their permission again and make sure the Brandon's and Hale's will be free as well. I had today and tomorrow off so I decided to head to my parents house and plan with my mother.
I parked my car in the available slot and put it in park. I stepped out after grabbing my computer from the back seat then headed to the door. I knocked and my mother answered the door immediately. "Hi, Mom, did you know I was coming?" I asked.
"Of course, its mother's intuition," she said as she pulled me into hug and led me into the house and straight into the kitchen. "What brings you over darling?" she asked as she took out an apple pie from the oven.
"Well, I have decided to finally propose to Bella." I swear she almost dropped the pie when I said this. "Wait mom, hear me out before you say anything," she nodded and gestured for me to continue. "Okay, so I plan to do it on Memorial Day weekend so we don't have to take any more time off. I want to fly everyone from Seattle over and spend the time with us. I'll also invite some of our friends. I think my friends from Hanover would be happy to come, they really liked Bella," I explained and booted up my lap top.
"May I speak now?" my mom asked as she cut a piece of pie. I nodded and she continued, "Have you found a ring? And what do you plan to do about it?"
"Yes I have," I said as I showed her the picture on the computer. It was a simple 1.5 carat brilliant cut diamond with two trapeze cut diamonds on either side, simple but elegant. "I have called the store here in Boston and they can have it ready for me in about two weeks."
"That is beautiful dear. And what do you plan to do for your proposal?" she inquired as she handed me a piece of pie with whipped cream on top and a mug of coffee.
"Well, I was thinking of a cruise around the harbour. We can get on in Central Wharf, just us family, then head to the Quincy docks to pick up the friends. I plan to propose somewhere in between that. Then we can all go to the Boston Harbour Islands. I'll charter a whole boat," I explained.
"That is a wonderful plan. Always the creative one," she took a bite of pie. We started planning and after lunch I started to make my calls.
Charlie and Renee were ecstatic and said they would come over. They were also kind enough to get the Brandon's and the Hale's to come along. After them, I contacted my friends in Hanover; I was glad that most of them were in pairs so it saved me a few calls. They all said they would make the time; Stefan would be my point person from there.
Next I called Angela, she answered after three rings, "Hello Dr. Cullen, what can I do for you today?"
"Hi, uhm, I need your help...again," I said which caused her to laugh. I explained my plan to her and to say she was excited was an understatement. She tried to stay calm but I could tell she wanted to jump up and down. She also volunteered to take my friends to the dock, which was really nice of her. We laid out a plan and I said I would keep in touch when all was set.
Before I knew it, it was already time for dinner, my mom said I should stay but I promised Bella we would get to spend time together tonight. Of course, my mother said that I should just bring her over, so I gave her a call. "Hello?" her angelic voice came over the phone.
"Hi beautiful, what are you up to?" I asked.
"Hello, handsome. Well, I was just fixing up. What's on your mind?" she asked.
"You of course," I replied and she let out a laugh. "I was wondering if you were up for dinner at my parents' house? I went to visit my mom and she invited us to stay for dinner."
"Oh, okay, that would be fine with me," she said, I could pick up a bit of uncertainty in her voice.
"Is there a problem love? We could go somewhere else if you're uncomfortable?" I suggested.
"No, it's just I don't have my car today since I thought you would be picking me up. No worries, I'll just walk. It's not that far from here," she explained.
"Don't be silly. I'll come get you. Wait for me. I'll be there in five minutes. And no arguing," I said. But of course she had something to say. "But you're already there. Just wait for me." Was she nuts? I wouldn't want her to walk alone at night. I decided to make a compromise.
"I don't want you to walk alone at night. I'll compromise with you, wait for me, ten minutes then we'll walk back together. Please, for me," I said, I knew she couldn't resist that line. "Okay, I'll be waiting in the lobby, be careful," she said. "Okay love. See you in a bit."
1 month later... BPOV
I was sitting at my desk looking over the news on . They said there was a fire in one of the buildings near Boston University. I was almost certain that it would keep Edward very busy, or so I thought. "Bella, the handsome doctor is on two for you," Angela called over the intercom.
"Hey handsome," I said as I brought the receiver to my ear.
"Hello beautiful. How is your day going?" he asked.
"Better than yours," I replied which caused him to laugh.
"So you heard huh. Well, I took a five minute break so I could call. I might be caught up here tonight so I'm not sure if I'll get to see you," he told me.
"It's okay sweetie. I understand. Just be sure you eat okay," I reminded him.
"Of course love. I have to go. I'll try to call again later. I love you," he said.
"Okay, you go save lives. I love you too," I said then put down the phone. I looked at my desk clock and it read 4:00. I decided to make something for the guys at the ER. I'm sure they'll be busy and I want to make sure Edward and all of them are fed. I decided to leave early from work and make lasagna and salad for them.
I passed the grocery to pick up my ingredients and headed home to make the meal. It was quick and I was out of the house by 7:00. I got into my Volvo then headed over to the hospital. I decided to park in the visitors parking and use the main entrance so I wouldn't get caught up in the emergencies coming in.
I gathered the bags then headed for the ER. As I entered I was met by the slutty nurse, I couldn't remember her name. But anyway, I guess my food started to smell in the ER since Mark immediately approached me. "Hello, Ms, Swan. Oohhh, is that food? Please say yes," he said, looking at the basket and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, it is," I replied. "I hope I made enough for all of you," I said as Mike came out from one of the curtains. "What is that that smells so good?" he bellowed.
"Some kind hearted soul brought us sustenance," Mark answered pointing to me.
"Edward! There's an angel here with a basket of food for us!" he called out loud. I couldn't help but laugh again. The past few months had caused me to become close with some of Edward's colleagues, Mike, Mark, and Garrett in particular. The females were not fond of me, but who cares? Definitely not me.
"Mike, would you keep it down. Some patients are on nothing per orem, the last thing they need is to hear about food," he said as he exited a curtain filling out the chart without looking up. "Just say thank you and bring the food to the lounge," he ordered.
"Uhm, you might want to do it yourself. You are ER head after all," Mike told Edward. "Just kiss and hug him or her and say thank you Mike," he said still not looking up from his chart. I tried my best not to laugh out loud. Mike was about to say something when Garrett came out of another curtain.
He looked at me and smiled before standing next to Edward. "I don't think Mike would want to suffer your wrath dude. You might have his balls and I'm sure he wants to procreate in the future." Edward looked at him puzzled as he handed the chart to the nurse.
"What are you talking about?" he asked.
"I think the said angel is spoken for, and I believe it's by you. Unless I missed a memo that you two broke up," he said as he pointed over to me. Edward then looked towards my direction and his crooked smile suddenly appeared on his face. He walked towards me and dragged me to the doctor's lounge.
Once we were inside and the door was closed, he crashed his lips to mine and kissed me with so much fervor. Once we pulled away he just held my face in his hands and stared into my eyes before he spoke, "This is a surprise."
"Well, I wanted to make sure you eat something. And I found it rude to just bring you food so I made lasagne for everyone. I hope it's enough though. I also brought salad and some bread and butter," I told him. As he was about to kiss me again Garrett came bursting in.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt," he said.
"No not at all. Here, start digging in," I told him as I handed him the basket. He set out the food on the table and then called several people go ahead and eat. I stayed until Edward had finished eating then I decided to head home. "I'll let you get back to work," I told him as I gave him a peck on the lips.
"Okay, thank you so much. You can leave the things; I'll take care of them and get them back to you tomorrow. I love you," he said as he walked me to the ER door. Everyone said thank you and then I was on my way.
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I was sitting at my drafting table finishing a drawing for the renovation of a theatre when there was a knock on my door. "Come in," I called out.
"Hello baby," said a very familiar female voice. I quickly turned around and saw my parents standing in my office doorway. "Dad! Mom!" I said as I ran into their arms.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, the surprise clearly evident in my voice.
"Well, the Cullen's were kind enough to invite us over for Memorial Day weekend. They were a bit persistent since we had them for Thanksgiving and Christmas," my dad explained.
"Wow! This will be so much fun!" as I finished I heard squealing from down the hall. "I assume the Brandon's and Hale's are here as well," my mom just smiled and nodded. We spent the afternoon in the office talking about everything under the sun. My parent's informed me that they would be staying with the Cullen's, and that Esme would not take no for an answer.
We all had dinner together, all fourteen of us, and talked about the plans for Memorial Day. The adults said we would be chartering a boat and sailing around Boston harbour. I hoped we would get to see some whales. I really enjoyed that time that Edward and I went whale watching.
The weekend was spent going around Boston. We went to the common and even walked the Freedom Trail; we also took the Trolley around Boston and visited Harvard and MIT.
Finally Monday came around. We were supposed to board the boat in Central Wharf near the aquarium at 2:00 in the afternoon.
I was awoken by banging on my door. "Bella! Wake up, we have to get ready," I groaned then took a look at my clock and it read 8:00 in big green numbers. "Bella! Come on."
"I'm up! I'm up!" I called back. After doing my morning rituals I went out to the kitchen to grab some coffee. "You have to be showered by 9:30. The guys will come and get us at noon," Alice informed me. I just nodded since I was in no mood to argue because I know I would be pointless.
After my shower Alice came into my room with her beauty tools and sat me on my vanity. She started on my hair then did my makeup. "Okay, I'm done," she announced after about an hour. "Your dress and underwear are on the bed, the shoes on the floor."
I walked over to my bed and found a royal blue, silk, halter wrap dress on my bed. The underwear she picked for me was a black lace bikini set, the bra was strapless. I put on the set then the dress. It fit me perfectly, fitted on my torso and the skirt flowed from my waist down to my knees. My shoes were my black sling back Christian Loubutin heels.
I took my black Louis Vuitton hand bag and transferred my wallet, phone, and pen from my tote. I also made sure to have a hanky and some makeup in case I need to retouch. When I was ready I headed to the living room and waited for the guys to some and get us.
Rose came out wearing a brown one shoulder dress which was silk in the bodice and the skirt was made of lace while Alice was in a white strapless dress that had black floral prints on it.
At exactly noon, our doorbell rang. Alice ran to the door and we found our three men who looked like they just walked out of a GQ magazine. Jasper was wearing a white oxford shirt with a gray vest over it and black slacks, Emmett was wearing khaki slacks and a light green long sleeved polo which he rolled up the sleeves and my Edward was wearing black pants with a royal blue long sleeved polo.
We all got into our respective cars and headed to the Chart house where we would have lunch before heading to the dock for the boat. Most of the men had steaks while we ladies opted for seafood. Lunch was again delicious as always. After settling the bill we headed to the Wharf where we were to board the boat.
When we got to the dock, Carlisle and Esme talked with the crew to be certain which boat was ours. When they were certain, they called us over and we started to board. We had a huge boat; a catamaran I think is what it's called.
There were two decks on the boat. The first deck held the main cabin which had booth-style seating and a walk-around deck space. There was also a galley which was manned by three men and two ladies. The second deck included a partially enclosed space with benches and tables as well as a large open-air sundeck.
When we were all settled the captain notified us that we were to pull out of port. About five minutes into the trip I headed for the restroom. "Edward, I'll just head to the restroom," I told him and he nodded in acknowledgement.
When I got back to the group Edward pulled me away and we headed to the rear of the boat. I stood by the rail and Edward stood behind me, resting his hands on the rails with me in between. We then looked out into the water looking for whales. I leaned back into him and he bent down and whispered 'I love you' in my ear.
Not long after, we spotted one humpback whale breach out of the water. "Bella," Edward said.
"Yes, Edward," I said as I turned around so I was facing him.
"Isabella Marie," he started. I knew that when he started like that something was up. But I didn't say anything and waited for him to continue. "Since that day I saw you in Seattle I was already captivated by you. I'm very thankful that you took up my offer to do the hospital wing because I got to spend time with you and get to know you better. And every day that's passed since then, I just keep falling deeper in love with you."
Hmm, this is a long speech. I had a feeling in my gut where this was heading but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. I tried to stay calm and just look him in the eyes. "Bella, you have been the shining light in my life for the past year, you have been my strength, inspiration, and driving force. At this point in my life, I think I would be lost without you. And somewhere between our trip to Dartmouth and the opening of the wing, I realized that you are it for me and I hope I have proven myself worthy to spend the rest of my life with you."
After saying that I saw him take something out of his pocket as he got down on one knee, "Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me and do me the honor of being my wife?" he said as my hand flew over my mouth. There it was! My gut was right. I was trying to hold back my tears so all I did was nod my head up and down.
Apparently that was not enough for him, "Is that a yes, Bella?" he asked.
"Yes! Edward Anthony Cullen, I want nothing more than to be married to you and be your wife!" I said as the tears started to roll down my face. He then took the ring and put it on my left ring finger before standing up and crashing his lips to mine.
I was still trying to control my tears as he took me in his arms and held me tightly. He then started humming my lullaby before whispering the lyrics in my ear. The song sounded vaguely familiar.
Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks, now I'm tryin' to get back
before the cool done run out I'll be givin it my best test
and nothing's gonna stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some
But I won't hesitate no more,
no more, it cannot wait
I'm yours
It was I'm Yours by Jason Mraz. After a while I heard a guitar playing in the background and then Jasper started to sing.
Well open up your mind and see like me open up your plans and damn you're free look into your heart and you'll find love love love love listen to the music at the moment people dance and sing with me Were just one big family And it's our godforsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved Then they sang at the same time. So, I won't hesitate no more, no more, it cannot wait I'm sure there's no need to complicate our time is short this is our fate I'm yours
They continued to finish the song then he took my face in his hand and gave me another kiss. "I love you," he said. "As I love you," I replied then gave him another kiss on the lips. As we pulled away I heard clapping from the rest of the group.
Not long after this I saw we were pulling into another dock. As we got close I was able to make out those standing on the dock. First person I saw was Angela, Melanie, and Ashley. Ben, Tyler, and Eric were there as well.
Behind them I saw Edward's friends from Hanover. I couldn't remember all their names but I recognized their faces. Mike and Garrett were there as well. Garrett had a tall, blonde by his side who I assumed was his girlfriend.
They all boarded the boat and congratulated us as we sailed towards the Harbor Islands. I pulled Edward to the front of the boat where we watched the sun start to set. I took his arms and wrapped them around me as I leaned into his chest. He in turn gave me a kiss on the top of my head.
"So I take it that you were behind all this and not your parents," I accused.
"Well, yeah, sort of. My mom helped me plan and get the reservations in order," he said.
"In that case, thank you. You didn't have to go through all this trouble. A simple dinner and coffee would have done the trick," I said.
"But I wanted everyone who mattered to us to be here. And this way we don't have to go for an engagement party. It's a two in one thing," he told me and he was right. If this would save me one party then I'm all for it.
"Are you happy, love?" he suddenly asked.
"Yes Edward, I'm very happy." I answered.
"This is not too fast for you?" he asked a bit uncertain.
"No, it's not. I guess when you find the right one, nothing is too fast or too slow. I'm happy and content; I wouldn't have it any other way," I said with conviction.
"I love you, Isabella Marie," he said.
"As I love you Edward Anthony," I said then turned to face him. "Forever," I said then reached up to give him a kiss on the lips. "Forever," he said as we pulled away for air.