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Things I own: a dog that uses my apartment as her personal toilet, snotty middle schoolers, and bad attitude.
Things I don't own: Twilight and all characters associated with it. They belong to the esteemed Stephenie Meyers
Chapter Twenty-Five: Danger in our Midst
The drive back to Seattle was quiet. I was still in my Zen state. Bella was just tired. She dozed off as soon as I got onto the highway. We stopped halfway to get some lunch but managed to get back to Seattle in good time. We pulled up to the house and went inside. We were working side by side to make dinner and do the laundry. As we were working my cell phone rang from my pocket.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Mr. Cullen? It's Peter, your landlord," he said nervously. "Um, there's no easy to say this, but our apartment complex has been burned to the ground and it started in your apartment…"
There goes my sense of peace.
"Nothing was salvaged?" I asked. Not that I cared about the damn apartment. In there, I just had second-hand furniture. Everything of value was with me at the house in Bellevue.
"No, I'm sorry."
"Did the cops say anything about it being deliberate or accidental?" I asked, leaning against the counter in the kitchen.
"There was an accelerant used. It was intentional. Arson," Peter replied. "I was calling to ask if you wanted to file a claim with your renters insurance?"
"No, but I'd like to speak with the investigating police officers," I grumbled, rubbing my face with my hand.
"They should be on their way to you, now," Peter responded. "Whoever started this wanted to send you a message."
"Damn right, Peter. Thanks," I sighed heavily. I hung up the phone, turning to Bella who was sautéing vegetables for a stir fry. "My apartment burnt down."
"What?" she shrieked.
"The cops think it was arson," I growled.
"James. He's getting closer," Bella whimpered. Her knees buckled. I ran to her and scooped her up, placing her on the island of the kitchen. Turning off the veggies, I hugged her to my chest. Bella's sobs filled our home. I held her as she broke down. James needed to go the fuck away. Asstard. "Why can't he just go away?"
"I know, love," I soothed. Bella's hands clutched at my shirt as she sobbed against my shoulder. "I wish I could take you away and never come back."
"Someplace tropical sounds nice," she mumbled, playing with my hair. "Edward, I'm scared. He's gone after me. Now he's after you. You're not safe."
"Bella, I'm stronger than I look," I said, pulling away, looking into her cinnamon eyes. Bella pursed her lips. "I'd do anything for you, love. Even die for you…"
"No, you won't," she spat. "I've finally found the one person that I want to be with and you're not going away." She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head petulantly. "If you die, I die. Simple as that." She wrapped her arms and legs around me, pulling me to her warm body. "I can't lose you, Whip."
"I can't lose you, either, Bella," I murmured into her skin, gently kissing her 'E' tattoo. We were pulled from our little bubble by a loud buzz from the telephone. We jumped apart. Sullenly walking to the phone, I picked it up. The police were here and the front gate was informing me that they were here. I allowed them entry into the subdivision and waited in the foyer. Bella stood with me, gripping my hand tightly. The police officers arrived and asked us both a few questions. I was surprised that the investigating officer didn't have any knowledge of the restraining order on James and Victoria.
That raised huge red flags for me. After some searching, 'Barney Fife' managed to find the paperwork on the restraining order on the computer. As he read the information, his fat face paled at the description of Bella's attack along with his menacing that he had done with the help of Riley.
"Mr. Cullen, we'll increase patrols in your neighborhood. Erm, rather around your neighborhood. In addition to that, we'll add more police presence around your place of work," 'Barney' sputtered.
"What about while you're at school, Edward?" Bella asked, gripping my arm.
"Are you a student?" Barney asked.
"I'm enrolled at University of Washington," I answered. "Working on getting my degree in psychology." Barney nodded and added that information to his notes.
"Now, apparently this James character is out for blood," Barney said nervously, shifting uncomfortably on my couch. "You need to keep your eyes peeled and if you see him, call 911 immediately. Inform your friends and family to do the same. Is there anyone else that is working with him?"
"Riley Biers and Victoria," I answered. "But, her last name is slipping my mind right now. She's got red hair and was a doctoral student at UDub. Or least pretended to be."
"Ah yes, we have a picture of her. Her name is not Victoria," Barney said. "It's Virginia and she's James' sister. Same mother but different fathers. Virginia Thomas or Ginny likes to change her name. Victoria is one of her twenty known aliases. She's wanted by the FBI for identity theft and grand larceny. She's a genius and quite slippery when it comes to being caught. Evasive, that one."
Barney described the increased patrols and plans if we saw either James or Ginny. He also said that neither one of us should be alone. Always be with someone. It's imperative that we don't walk around unattended. After that, Barney described the damage to the apartment and showed me pictures. It started in the bedroom, on my bed. It was charred and looked like hell. Bella cried quietly. After nearly three hours of speaking with Barney, he left. He gave both Bella and me his card. We were to call him, personally, if there was an appearance of James or Ginny. Ironically enough, his name was Barney. Barney O'Hara.
But he did act like Barney Fife.
xx EC:AWIP xx
The next few weeks passed without any further incident. Bella and I were ghosts though. I went to school and went to work. Bella went to work and therapy. We were never alone. It was a bit stifling. At school, Jasper followed me around, walking me from class to class. At work, I was never allowed to close by myself. Bella was always with either me or Emmett. When she had therapy, I usually drove her and waited for her to finish. On the rare occasions that I couldn't, Emmett stepped in.
I was working at Dreamstyle when Alice skipped into the shop. Bella was working on a tattoo. I was ordering some supplies that we needed like paper towels, toilet paper and latex gloves. "Hi, kids," she chirped. She sat down on the counter next to the computer I was working at. "Christmas is coming soon. We need to plan the big party."
"Alice, we never have a party," Bella said. "You usually go to Texas with Jasper while I stayed here with Emmett. We got sloppy drunk and had sex."
"New traditions, Swan," Alice growled. "Besides, if you get drunk and had sex with Emmett, Edward would probably kick your ass along with Emmett's."
"You got that right," I grumbled.
"Maybe he can join in the fun," Bella giggled.
"No," I snarled. "McCarty's cock is not coming anywhere near you, Bane. I know he had before but you're mine. You hear me?"
"Yes, Possessiveward," Bella said, rolling her eyes.
"Can I join?" the client she was tattoo asked. He was a large, hairy fucker with a minor gas problem.
"No, jerkwad. You see that guy by the computer? He's my bitch. And he's got a black belt in tae kwon do. He can kick your ass," Bella said, turning into the woman that I remembered from when I first started. "Edward, do you want to practice your kung fu on this guy?"
"Probably. I'm pretty rusty," I said, narrowing my eyes at the douche sitting in Bella's chair. "Do you value your balls?"
"Yeah," he gulped. "I'm sorry, Bella."
"You better be sorry or I'll turn this devil into a fairy with a pink tutu," she said. He nodded and shut up for the rest of his time on the chair.
"Back to the party," Alice chimed. "Why don't we have it at your place, Edward? There's enough room for everyone and your living room would be perfect for a massive tree."
"Alice, Christmas is a week away. Where am I going to get a tree?" I asked.
"The last time I was over, I went snooping," Alice said, biting her lip. "In your basement there's an entire corner devoted to Christmas décor. You've got a tree. We just need to put it up."
"We can do it on Christmas Eve," Rose suggested as she looked up from her sketch. "When I was a kid, that's how we celebrated Christmas Eve. Putting up the decorations. Christmas Day was spent opening presents and eating a shit-ton of food."
"Please, Whip?" Alice begged.
"Fine," I acquiesced. "I am inviting my friends from Portland, Garrett and Kate Burke."
"The more the merrier," Alice chimed. "We have two weeks. Edward, you get all A's on your exams. Bella, you are responsible for the cooking. Rose and I will handle the shopping."
"Alice, you are not shopping for everyone for Christmas," Bella said, arching a brow.
"Yes, I am. I'll keep it reasonable. You two are too busy to go shopping and honestly, I have the time. Rose, you have any clients today?"
"Nope. Let's go get some presents," Rose smirked. "Later!"
They pulled on their coats and headed out of the shop. Bella and I sat in silence while she finished up tattooing the horny fucker in her chair. I had a few walk-ins but nothing too taxing. After closing up the shop, Bella and I went back to our house. She was quiet. On her face, she had a frown. "Talk to me, Bella."
"Christmas is very tough for me," she murmured. "Emmett and I would always get fucked up and go at it like bunnies on Christmas. It would help me forget…my son."
"We can go at it like bunnies, instead," I said with a suggestive waggle of my brows. "I bet I'm better than McCarty."
"You are. But, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that you love me," she said wistfully. "Emmett and I were just fuck buddies. Nothing more. Nothing less."
"There's more, though," I said as I parked the car. We headed inside. She put her bag on the floor near the counter of the kitchen and leaned heavily against it. "Really, talk to me."
"Where do you see us in ten years?" she asked.
Married to you with our children in this house…?
"Honestly?" I replied. She shot me a look that said, 'no shit, Sherlock.' "Okay, okay. I see myself with you. Forever. In ten years, I imagine this house decorated to the gills with holiday finery. The sounds of screaming children filling the hallways and rooms of this house. I see you with my ring on your finger, baring my last name. Bella Cullen has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"You want to marry me?" she asked, tears filling her eyes.
"I've told you this before, Bella. I do want to marry you. I want it all with you. Do you want to marry me?" I asked, almost afraid of the answer. What if she doesn't? I'm screwed.
"You've seen me at my worst, Edward. You've given me everything that I could have ever dreamed of. I can't imagine my life without you," she whispered.
"Don't move," I said as I kissed her lips. She furrowed her brow as I left the kitchen, darting into the office. I removed the painting and unlocked the safe behind it. Finding the engagement ring that my mom showed me, I lightly ran my fingers over the diamonds. Do it. I put the box back in the safe, covering it with the picture. I walked back. Bella had moved from the kitchen to the family room. "You moved," I teased.
"I was tired and wanted to sit," she challenged.
"Well it makes what I have to do a little easier," I quipped, falling to one knee next to her. I picked up her hand, running my finger over her knuckles. Bella squeaked. "I know that our relationship has been…unconventional…but, I can't imagine my life without you. You've made me a stronger man and I love you, so much, Bella. You challenge me on a daily basis. You drive me crazy, in a good way. But sometimes, you make me want to stick my head in the oven. I wouldn't change any of it. I would do anything to ensure your safety, your happiness and your love, Bella. Marry me?"
I opened the small box with the engagement ring. She gasped as tears fell down her face. Her hand shakily went to touch the ring. "If this isn't what you want, then I'll re-do it, Bella. If you want hearts and flowers…"
"It's perfect, Edward," she sobbed.
"Then give me an answer. Yes. No. Go fuck yourself," I wailed. "Don't leave me hanging here."
"Go fuck yourself sounds good," she giggled. "But, it was a perfect proposal, Edward. Yes. Yes! I'll marry you!"
I fell onto my ass and blew out a breath. I collapsed onto the floor. Bella laughed and crawled onto my lap, kissing my face. She took the ring box from hand and removed the ring. "Hold on," I said as I sat up. "I want to do that." I kissed her hand. Looking into her eyes, I slid the ring on her left ring finger. "A perfect fit."
"How long have you had this?" she asked as she looked at her ring.
"It was my grandmother's. If you don't like it, I can get you something different," I said as I looked at the ring on her hand. It was made for her.
"No. It's perfect," she smiled. "Your grandmother's? Shouldn't this belong to Esme?"
"All of the family jewels were left to me, including this ring," I said. "Esme was the one to show it to me and she encourages it. She loves you, you know…"
"Let's call her," Bella said.
"Can't I make love to my fiancée first?" I pouted.
"No. We call your mother and then we make love," she said as she reached into my pocket, pulling out my cell phone. She found Esme's phone number. Putting it on speaker phone, we sat on the floor waiting for her to pick up.
"Hello?" Esme sang.
"Hi, Mom," I smirked.
"Oh my god. He lives!" Esme snickered. "Why didn't you call me over Thanksgiving?"
"Too busy working. Sorry, Mom," I said, frowning. "How are you?"
"I'm good. I missed you on Thanksgiving," she chastised. "Perhaps, we can make it up on Christmas."
"That sounds perfect, Mom. All of our friends are getting together on Christmas Eve to put up the tree and celebrating here in Bellevue. We'd love it if you could come."
"That sounds lovely," she crooned. "But, I can hear the excitement in your voice. The only other time I'd heard you like this was when you got accepted to Juilliard. Spill it, Edward."
"Well, in a surprising turn of events, Bella and I were talking," I smiled, kissing her lips. "The discussion of our futures came up and well…"
"He proposed," Bella squealed. Yes. Squealed.
"And what did you say, Bella?" Esme squealed back.
"Yes. I said yes," Bella breathed.
Esme let out a resounding yell, congratulating both of us. Once the yelling and screaming calmed down, Esme came back on the phone. "Bella, please let me help you plan your wedding. Please?"
"Nothing big, Esme," Bella murmured. "Just our friends and you. Perhaps in the backyard of our home?"
"I can work with that," Esme cooed. "I'll bring up some ideas when I come for Christmas, okay?"
"Thank you, Esme," Bella sniffled. She wrapped her arms around my neck and sobbed quietly.
"We're going to go, Mom. I love you," I said as I held her.
"I love you, too, Edward. Congratulations," she said excitedly. I hung up the phone, placing it on the cocktail table. Bella was still crying on my shoulder. I rubbed her back until my ass reminded me that we were still on the floor. I was cold and my ass hurt.
"Bella, love, talk to me," I crooned.
"I'm fine," she said as she wiped her eyes. "Your mom is so sweet. So unlike my 'incubator.'"
"Your mom?" I asked, arching a brow. She nodded. "Well, my mom is your mom. But that would make us siblings and incest is NOT best. But she will be your mother-in-law once you become my wife."
She giggled and smiled at me. "You always know how to make me feel better, Whip."
"I try, Mrs. Cullen," I purred. "Can I make love to my fiancée now?"
"Um, duh!" she said as she kissed me fiercely.
Sleep didn't come that night. We spent all of it making love and celebrating our engagement. When we left for work and school, we were both exhausted but so happy. I couldn't wait to make her my wife.
xx EC:AWIP xx
The next two weeks moved quickly by. I took my finals and got my grades. Surprisingly, I maintained my 4.0 GPA. I was fearful that abnormal psychology would kick my ass, but I did well on the final to pull up my grade.
Despite our excitement about being engaged, Bella and I decided to wait until Christmas Eve to announce it to our friends. Bella wanted to replace the sad moments of Christmas with something happy. She insisted on it. The morning of Christmas Eve dawned snowy. Bella and I were cleaning up the guest bedrooms for everyone who was staying. We were going to have a full house. The only couple not staying was Rose and Emmett since they had decided to visit Rose's parents for Christmas day. They were taking a red eye to New York.
I drew the short straw and was driving them to Sea-Tac at midnight. I'd rather be spending it with my fiancée, but oh well.
"Edward, Alice gave me clothes for you to wear," Bella called. "It's nice but still okay to wear while we're setting up the tree. It's on our bed, Whip."
"Did she dress you too?" I asked. Bella growled and stepped into the room I was working on for my mom. She wore a sexy red top with a tight jeans. On her left hand was my ring. It was the first time she was going to wear it in front of our friends. I couldn't be more thrilled. "Damn. You look hot, Swan. You want to know the hottest accessory?"
"My boots?" she asked, holding up her black heeled boots.
"Sexy but those aren't the hottest accessory," I said as I strode over to her. I picked up her left hand, kissing her ring. "This is."
"It is," she smiled softly. "Who do you think is going to freak out first?"
"My guess is probably Emmett," I answered.
"Not Alice?"
"Nah. She'll freak out but Emmett is going to shit his pants when he sees my ring on your finger," I said as I nipped at her throat. "Alice will just make noises that only dogs can hear." Bella giggled and laced her fingers with mine, nestling into my arms. "Can't we just tell them that we want to celebrate Christmas Eve at home, by ourselves? Naked?"
"Tempting," she cooed. "But, Kate just texted. They were like a half-hour away. Our guests are on the way, Whip. Get dressed. I'll get the food ready." I reluctantly let her go. She blew me a kiss and scampered out of the bedroom. Dragging my feet, I went to our bedroom. On the bed was a pair of jeans and a light gray shirt. I changed into my clothes and padded down to the kitchen. Bella was arranging cheese, pepperoni and crackers on a platter. I swiped a few pieces before she slapped my hands away. "For our guests, pig."
"I'm a growing boy," I mumbled with my mouth full. Bella rolled her eyes. I smiled at her sweetly. "Love you, Mrs. Cullen." She melted. Who would have thought that tough as nails Bella Swan would melt at the sound of me calling her by my last name? Total shocker.
The phone rang informing us that Garrett and Kate were here. I let them into subdivision. Garrett and Kate were the first to arrive, followed by my mom. I chuckled at Kate's outfit. She wore a red sweater and green shoes. But in her ears were a pair of wreath earrings. "Looking very maternal, there, Kate," I chuckled. She twisted my nipple.
"I'm festive, asshole," she snipped. "Where is your Christmas spirit?"
"My Yule log," I said as I swiveled my hips.
"Gross, Cullen!" she screeched. Esme and Bella looked up with matching expressions of confusion. "Your son is foul, Esme. Pervert!"
"I'm not a pervert! That's your husband," I said. "At least you showered today, Garrett. And combed your ponytail."
"Fuck off, douche," he chuckled, swatting at my head.
"Make yourselves useful," Bella said. "Start bringing up the crap from the basement. We need to test the lights and stuff." She arched a brow, begging to be challenged. I smiled as I grabbed Garrett's sweater. I led him downstairs and we began lugging up the shit-ton of Christmas decorations. When we came up, Jasper and Alice had arrived. I dragged Jasper down with me and Garrett. After six trips up and down those damn stairs, all of the decorations were on the main level.
Emmett, who had arrived as we were coming up the last time from the basement, was put in charge of assembling the tree. The girls were putting the holiday decorations around the house. Jasper, Garrett and I were in charge of checking the lights. After the seventh strand that was dead, I was ready to chuck it all out the window. "Come on, Edward. Let's go get some new lights," Jasper suggested. "You ladies need anything?"
"No," they all answered, Emmett included.
"Can you get me some antacid, Gar?" Kate asked. "I ate too much of Bella's buffalo chicken dip."
"Yes, love," Garrett chuckled. We piled on our coats. The snow had picked up and made it difficult to drive. The trip to the store was slow going but we got our lights. We were heading back. I was driving so slowly because of the weather. However, much to my chagrin, the flashing lights of a police cruiser appeared in my rear-view mirror. Jasper growled while Garrett sent Kate a text saying that I was not obeying the traffic laws.
I pulled over and took out my driver's license and registration to the car. Rolling down my window, I looked up at the officer. He was wearing Barney O'Hara's jacket but it wasn't Barney. Staring back at me was the sneering visage of James. His hands held Barney's service revolver. "This was honestly too easy…" he smirked.
The next thing I knew, I heard a loud bang and a searing pain in my chest. I heard three more loud bangs before I felt coldness wrap around me. "Edward! Fuck! Stay with me!" Garrett yelled. I think…blackness consumed me as Garrett continued yelling.
A/N: Chant it with me…HEA! HEA! HEA! Yes, Edward did get shot. He will be fine, though. So, please don't throw things at me. Also, I'm planning on updating this story over the weekend so you can know what happens. It will be in Bella's POV. Edward will be unconscious and in surgery. Leave me some love…more love means faster recovery for Edward. Oh, also, what do you think happened to James? And Barney? Leave your thoughts…