Author's Note:
Good morning! Here is the next chapter. I have no idea what happened with the last chapter with the chapter repeating itself. The original word document didn't have the additional paragraphs. Weird. Hopefully it is fixed.
I will be MIA next week as it is my birthday and I won't be home for a good part of the week.
As always thank you all so much for reading and commenting and adding. It does make me smile!
Have a good day!
-Lisa
Chapter Twenty Five
"Carlisle!" Molly screeched as she ran full speed to Carlisle who was waiting at the airport for the arrival of Molly and of course Bella. She ran for his arms as she held her Molly doll. As promised, he picked them up.
He reached out his hands and scooped up the little girl. He hugged her tightly but gently as she wrapped her hands around his neck. He had missed her it seemed almost as much as she missed him. "Molly, how are you?"
"I'm good. I missed you. A lot of people read me stories in Washington but no one can read like you. I missed you reading to me, even if it was just Silverlisous again."
Carlisle chuckled and held the little girl closer. He placed a kiss on top of her head. As he did that he felt arms reach around him. He was happy to see Bella.
"Hi," she smiled as she stood on her tip toes to kiss him. "I missed you," she said as she leaned into him.
Carlisle placed an arm around Bella and pulled her in. He left like he was on cloud nine. He was excited to see both of them.
"Hi yourself," he said kissing her. "I've missed you too. I'm so glad you're home. I really missed both of you."
The three continued to talk while they walked over to the luggage claim. Carlisle felt bad that Bella was gathering the suitcases. He felt like he should do it, however Molly wouldn't let him put her down. Bella laughed and said she was fine.
On the way home Carlisle took them out for dinner. He asked about their trip. Bella caught him up on everything that had happened, which wasn't anything too serious or even noteworthy. Molly of course talked about all of her new toys that were being shipped to her. When dinner was over, Molly began to get sleepy. They skipped dessert and headed to Bella's house. By the time they reached it, Molly was fast asleep. Carlisle insisted he take the luggage inside so Bella could carry Molly into the house. He promised Bella that he would be right back. He needed to get Zoe and walk her.
When Carlisle left, Bella put away her clothes. Renee had been up the night before washing them as a surprise so Bella wouldn't have to do laundry when she got home. She hopped into the shower. When she was done, she dried her body and quickly dressed for bed. She walked out of her bathroom as she was brushing her hair. When she walked into her bedroom, she spied Carlisle changing into his night clothes too. She brought the toothbrush back into the bathroom and sat on the bed.
"I didn't hear you come in. I'm so happy to see you," Bella said as she cuddled up by his side.
He kissed her. "I'm happy to see you too. Zoe is so predictable. We walked into the house and the first thing she did was take off for Molly's room. The door was shut and she whimpered outside until I opened the door. I left her door open a little in case Zoe wanted to get out."
"That's fine," Bella told him as she traced his arm with her finger tips. She looked up at him. "I really did miss you so much. I love my family, but I just wanted to be back here with you."
Carlisle looked down and kissed her. "I missed you too. Badly. I said it before but I didn't realize how much we have a routine together. I missed that. I hated the feeling that I was lonely. I love what we have and I love you."
Bella sat in front of him and kissed him. "I love you to." She bit her lip and smiled devilishly. "Can I show you," she paused to kiss him again. Her mouth lingered on his as she continued to speak. "How much I've missed you?"
Carlisle returned her look and gave sweet kisses on her chin and neck. "I would like nothing more."
The morning after they repeatedly made love, Bella was in the state of not being fully away yet but not being asleep. She didn't want to get out of bed. Although she wasn't in Carlisle's arms, she felt his warmth next to her. She was content staying where she was. She was comfortable when she felt a slight dip in the bed. She felt a small body crawl up between her and Carlisle. She didn't have to look to see it was Molly. A few seconds later, Zoe jumped on the bed and plopped down on the foot. Bella couldn't help but beam at everything around her. She felt such joy. She turned over to say good morning when she heard Carlisle speaking softly to Molly.
"Do you want to help me make breakfast?" Carlisle whispered.
Molly shook her head. "Yes! What are you making?"
"Maybe just some toast and eggs, what so you want?"
"Waffles!" Molly laughed.
He nodded his head. "I guess we could make those too. Do you want to surprise mommy?"
Before Molly could replay, Bella cuddled close to Carlisle and Molly. Bella sat up and kissed Molly and then Carlisle. As she looked at Carlisle, she was very thankful that they had showered last night before putting on clean pajamas. They hadn't expected a morning visitor but she was glad they prepared for her.
"I'll tell you two what. Why don't you two take the dog out and I'll make you two breakfast. I'll make waffles like you wanted Molly. When you guys get back and the waffles are done, we can eat in bed and be lazy all day. We can play some games and watch some movies."
"Really?" Molly asked excited.
"Really. You don't have school today so let's make it a fun day," Bella smiled at her daughter. "You just have to get dressed and be ready when Carlisle is ready."
"Oh thank you mommy! I love fun days!" Molly said as she danced off in search of clothes to wear.
Carlisle wrapped his arms around Bella and pulled her close. He placed a kiss on her head. "I was going to make you breakfast in bed. I wanted to surprise you."
"Well, I guess I liked surprising you. Get up," Bella smiles as she unwrapped his arms from around her. "You'll have a four year old ready to go and I need to cook breakfast. I want you guys to hurry back."
Carlisle reached up and pulled Bella back into his arms. "Fine, you win. I love you."
While facing Carlisle, Bella kissed him and stood up. "I love you too, but you have to get up!" She smiled as she threw a pillow at him.
All too quickly Molly came bouncing back into her mother's room ready to go. Carlisle took the hint and got up to get ready. Within a few minutes, he was all set to go.
Breakfast was ready when they returned. As promised, Bella served breakfast in her bead. The three sat cuddled for most of the morning watching Disney movies. When the movie marathon had ended, Molly chose to a few games, also on Bella's bed. When Bella returned with lunch, both Carlisle and Molly had fallen asleep. The image melted Bella's heart. She thought to herself that life couldn't be any better.
The next morning, Carlisle and Molly decided to let Bella relax and stay in for the morning.
Molly dressed herself as Carlisle made her breakfast and packed her lunch. He walked her to school and returned to Bella after he walked Zoe.
He made Bella's favorite omelet with toast, fruit and juice and brought it upstairs for her. He sat it on the nightstand before he crawled into bed where she was still sleeping and began to sweetly kiss her neck and cheek.
"What time is it?" Bella asked barely awake.
"Almost nine," Carlisle replied continuing to kiss her.
"Nine! I have to get Molly to school and pack her lunch and-"
Carlisle pulled Bella into his arms. He kissed her again. "It's all been done. She had a good breakfast and has a good lunch and is at school."
"You did that?"
He nodded. "You looked so peaceful sleeping I didn't want to wake you up. You spent the day yesterday taking care of us, I just wanted to return the favor."
Bella stretched and rolled over into Carlisle. "Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me. I am pretty sure I'd do anything for you," he said kissing her again.
Bell sat up as she spied the tray of food. "What's all of that?"
"You're surprise breakfast that I tried to make you yesterday. Let's eat."
After the couple ate their breakfast, the fooled around and eventually fell into making love again. Unlike two nights ago, they were loud.
Finally, after taking a shower, Bella and Carlisle headed to the grocery store. The entire time, they were lovey dovey. They held hands and chuckled. Carlisle even stole kisses from her. Neither one had been that affectionate before, especially out in public. Bella couldn't help but fall for Carlisle a little more.
"Hi," Carlisle said answering the door.
"Um, hi," Jacob murmured. He was at Bella's to pick up Moll for their skiing trip.
Carlisle moved away from the door. "Why don't you come in Jacob. It's cold out there."
Jacob cautiously walked into the house. He could hear Bella upstairs talking to Molly. Carlisle led him into the living rooms and looked at him. "Could I offer you a drink?"
"I'm fine thank you," Jacob said emotionless. He stared at Carlisle for one minute before he spoke again. "Listen, I know I wasn't fair to you before. I really don't trust you because I don't know you; however, my sister loves you. She is important to me. After much time and consideration, I would like to get to know you a little bit. Maybe when I come back to drop Molly off we could grab a few beers and talk a little bit."
Carlisle smiled. "I want you to know that I know you are uncomfortable around me. I think you are being a protective big brother. Even though I think your sister finds it annoying, I'm glad you are the way you are. You love her and it shows. She is a special woman. She is amazing. Molly is nothing short of extraordinary herself. She is just like her mother."
Jacob's face lit up as he laughed. "You've got that right! Has she ever scolded you?" Carlisle laughed as he shook his head no. "Wait for it. Wow, she can lay it on thick!"
Carlisle continued to chuckle as he continued. "She is just like Bella. I love them both Jacob and I want to take care of them. I love the relationship I have with both of them." He paused as he took a breath. "I would really like to grab a beer with you, however I have to take a rain check. I'm leaving tomorrow for a conference and won't be back until the end of next week. Can we do it when you come again?"
Nodding, Jacob looked at him. "I think that can be arranged."
Before Jacob had the chance to continue, Molly's stomping feet were heard flying down the stairs.
"Uncle Jake! Did you miss me?" She asked as she flung her arms around her uncle.
"Of course I did princess. How are you doing?"
"I'm good but I think mommy is sad I'm leaving. She double checked three times to make sure I had everything." Molly explained.
Bella came down the stairs carrying her suitcase. "She has never been away for more than over night. You better take care of my baby Jacob. Don't act stupid."
"Mommy, you said a bad word," Molly said as she walked over to the banister to get her jacket that was hanging there.
Carlisle and Jacob both couldn't help but laugh. Carlisle reached his arm around Bella and kissed her head. "You did say a bad word. She caught you."
"This is what I mean!" Jacob laughed. "Are you ready princess?"
Molly nodded. She walked over Carlisle. "You won't be here when I get back, will you?"
"No I won't, but I promise to bring you back something. I'll be back by the end of the week."
"Okay. Mommy, will you be okay by yourself?" Molly asked concerned.
Bella laughed as she bent down to talk to her daughter. She took her hands in hers and squeezed them. "I'll be fine honey. I love you and have a good time. I want to hear all about it when you get home. Remember you have to keep Uncle Jake in line, okay?"
"Hey!" Jacob interrupted.
Molly nodded as she hugged her mother. "I promise mommy. I love you."
"I love you too baby. I'll see you on Sunday," Bella promised as she squeezed and let her daughter go.
She watched sadly as Jacob and Molly left. Bella stood on the stoop and crossed her arms and watched the car until it was no longer in site. Carlisle wrapped his arms around her. "You should come inside, you're freezing."
Taking a deep breath, Bella rested her back against his chest. "I hope they are all right."
"They'll be fine. You need to come inside before you catch pneumonia."
Bella nodded as she walked into the room. She looked up at Carlisle as he closed the door. "What time are you leaving?"
"Three."
"In the morning?" She asked disappointed. He nodded his head. "Really? This sucks. My daughter is gone and my boyfriend will be gone. Rose and Emmett are visiting her family and Alice has gone to New York to visit Jasper. What am I going to do this weekend?"
Carlisle laughed as he held Bella's hand. "You'll be fine. I promise. I survived two weeks without you, you can go a few days. You'll be fine and I'll call you whenever I can. You know if you just came with me, you wouldn't be so lonely," he said as he placed his hands on her waist.
Bella huffed. "You know I would be on that plane with you tomorrow if I didn't start classes on Monday."
"I know. I don't like seeing you so sad. Come here," he said as he pulled her into him. "Do you want to go out for dinner?"
Bella shook her head. "No. Let's order in and watch a movie and snuggle together, please?"
Placing a kiss on Bella's head, he nodded. "Whatever you want sweetie. I'll order dinner and you can take shower." Bella shook her head again. "No, Molly isn't here and I want to do something we don't get to do often enough."
Carlisle raised an eyebrow. "But we do do that, a lot."
Bella cracked a smile as she playfully hit him. "Not that you perv! I want to take a bath and relax with you."
Carlisle couldn't help but grin as he pulled her into his arms. "Okay. That sounds like a better plan. Let's go and relax a bit."
Bella pulled Carlisle by the hand and pulled him up the stairs. Once in her room, she kissed Carlisle and walked into the bathroom. She pulled her hair back in a messy bun and ran the water. She added bubble bath to it and began to undress. She got into the tub. Carlisle soon joined her and leaned back in her arms. They talked about the upcoming days. Bella was anxious because had yet to hear about her grade from Esme's class. Carlisle told her not to worry and that things always have a way of working themselves out. Bella then whined about being alone for the weekend. Carlisle suggested calling Edward. Bella said she'd consider it but she wasn't sure. Instead of starting a fight, Carlisle dropped it. He decided that it may not have been the smartest thing to say, however he didn't like the idea of Bella being alone for a few days.
After their bath, Carlisle prepped and made a quick dinner. They ate a quiet dinner and did watch a movie and got ready for bed early since Carlisle had to leave so early. Bella had insisted that she take him to the airport. He told her not to worry and he had all ready ordered a car to pick him up early. Bella was disappointed.
Carlisle got up early and took Zoe for a walk so Bella could sleep in a little longer in the morning. He kissed her shoulders and cheek before leaving to retrieve Zoe from Molly's room. He thought he did a good job sneaking out, but Bella was awake. She stretched and walked downstairs to make coffee and a quick breakfast for him. He was surprised to see Bella sitting at the table wearing only is grey t shirt. The shoulder was hanging off of her shoulder. He smiled and was very happy to see her.
"What did you do?"
"I just whipped something up quickly. Sit, I know you don't have a lot of time." Bella insisted.
Carlisle sat as Bella walked over to the stove and picked up the plate. She placed it on the table in front of Carlisle.
"Thank you. Could you hand me a fork?" Carlisle asked.
Bella smiled as she held the fork in her hand. "It's right here."
Carlisle just looked at her. She wasn't moving. "Are you going to give it to me? I need it to eat my food my dear."
Bella walked slowly over to him. She sat on his lap and began to cut up the eggs. "I can do that for you," she smiled as she placed a piece of food onto the fork.
Carlisle laughed as he enjoyed being fed by Bella. "I feel spoiled."
"Well, I felt bad for being so whiny last night. I wanted to make it up to you."
Carlisle leaned up and kissed her. "I can think of other ways you can make it up to me when I get back."
"Oh really now?" Bella asked as she placed the fork on the plate. She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Please tell me what you were thinking about."
"I'll take you out for dinner when I get back. Maybe wine and dine you a little before I show you how much I missed you."
"I'm going to hold you to that mister." She said kissing him.
Carlisle looked at the clock. "The car's going to be here any minute."
Bella pouted again as she stood up. "Thank you for ruining my morning."
"Hey, it'll all be fine. I promise. I love you."
"Yea, yea, I love you too. Hurry and leave so you can come back to me quickly. Are you all packed?"
"Yes, it's all been down here since I took Zoe out." Carlisle was interrupted by a knock on the door. "That's the car."
Bella took a deep breath and kissed Carlisle. "Fine, go but hurry back." She pulled him into a hug and looked up at him. "Seriously I love you and hurry back to me." She kissed him once more. "Have a safe flight."
Carlisle hugged her and kissed her once more. "I'll be back before you know it. I'll call you when I land. Go back to bed." He let go of her hand and picked up his suitcase. He stared at her intently. "I love you too. Get some rest. I'll see you soon." Carlisle said as he walked out into the darkness.
As she did when Molly had left, Bella watched the car drive out of site. She made her way upstairs and laid down. She had a hard time falling back to sleep. She all ready felt lonely. She sighed, rolled over and decided the next few days were going to be tough.
"I was a little surprised when you called," Edward said as he sipped a glass of wine. Bella had invited him out for dinner on Friday night. She didn't like being alone. Carlisle seemed all right with the idea, after all he was the one who had suggested it.
Bella smiled. "I don't like being by myself. Plus Carlisle suggested it. So here we are."
"So you're hanging out with me because there is no one else you know who would hang out with you?" Edward asked sipping his wine again.
"That sounds terrible, but I guess yes, something like that. Honestly, it's just an excuse to hang out with you and get to know you better.
"Okay, I'll buy that," Edward laughed.
They continued to talk about current events and things of that nature. Edward had ordered a beer. One beer lead to two, plus he had three glasses of wine. Once he and Bella were back at her house, she opened another bottle of wine, which she and Edward finished. Bella was holding her own. Edward, however was more than a little drunk. They were talking about Molly when the conversation just ended.
Edward cocked his head and looked at Bella. "You have pretty eyes."
Laughing and realizing Edward was drunk, Bella shook her head. "Thank you."
Edward reached for her hair and smelt it. "You're hair is really pretty too. It smells nice too. Brunettes are way hotter than blondes you know." Nervously, Edward tried to retract his statement. "Not that you're hot, because you're not. No! No! I mean you are hot, it's just-shit, I suck at this crap."
Bella couldn't container her giggles. She waved her hand in the air. "I know what you are trying to say. Thank you."
Edward blushed. "I always end up putting my foot in my mouth. I'm so bad at the compliment thing when it comes to women. It's late, I should really get going," Edward said as he stood up. He was unbalanced and fell back to the couch.
"I don't think should go anywhere. You can stay here for the night in the guest room."
"Are you sure?" he asked as he stood up again and stumbled.
"Yes. Put your arm on me and I'll help you up the stairs. Come on," Bella said as they began to walk up the stairs slowly. It seemed like the walk to the guest room was taking forever. They finally reached the room. Bella reached over and turned on the light. "Good. Let me go and get you some pjs to put on and then you can go to sleep."
Edward shook his head and laughed. "You're so silly Bella! I can't wear your clothes! You aren't the same size, however I guess I'd look good in purple. You're more of a purple girl than a pink, right?"
"I was talking about getting a set of Carlisle's pajamas for you."
Edward's face soured. "Right. He kind of lives here, right?"
"He spends a lot of time here, yes." Bella replied honestly.
Bella exited the room to grab the clothing. She also stopped in her bathroom to grab Advil and a bottle of water she always kept in there. She brought everything into Edward and sat them on the bed.
"Wow, you think of everything, don't you?"
"I try," she answered as she watched Edward open the bottle of medicine. Bella grabbed it and opened it for him. She handed it Edward. Once in his hand, he dropped the pills all over the floor. Bella and Edward both got on the floor and began to pick up the spilt pills. Edward bumped into Bella and laughed. They didn't exchange any words as Edward leaned in and kissed Bella. For a split second Bella kissed back before backing off. She quickly stood up and walked towards the door. "Good night Edward. I'll see you in the morning."
Around noon the next day Bella sat at the kitchen table making a list of groceries. She was reviewing it when she heard footsteps coming towards the kitchen.
Itching his head, Edward sat in the chair next to her. He placed his head in arm and leaned on the table. "I feel like I got hit by a mack truck and then run over by a lighly smaller hummer. What time is it?"
"Eleven forty six. I hope you had a good nights rest. There's coffee if you want it and I made eggs. They are in the oven on warm for you. I didn't want them to dry out."
"You do think of everything. I didn't know you were Wonder Woman. I'm so impressed and so thankful."
"Thank you, but I'm not Wonder Woman. I am a person who likes to take care of people."
Edward walked over to the coffee pot. As he poured his coffee, he could remember vaguely trying to kiss Bella the previous night and felt embarrassed. "Was I too much of an ass last night?"
"Nah, you were fine," Bella said turning her attention back to her list. "What are your plans for today?"
"I was going to go for a run this morning but I'm thinking not so much now. It's afternoon now and I'm clearly hung over, running may not be a good idea right now. How about you? What are you doing?"
"I'm going food shopping, you know it's how much fun you can have without actually having any fun."
Edward sipped his coffee before he looked up. "Do you want some company? I could go with you. I can reach the stuff on the high shelves for you."
"Charming," Bella smiled. "Sure. It'll be nice to have company."
Edward finished his breakfast and showered quickly. He walked with Bella down to the store. They kept bumping into an older woman throughout the store.
"You two are a lovely couple," she smiled.
Bella smiled politely and wanted to walk away. Edward smiled devilishly and placed his arm around Bella. "Sorry miss but she isn't mine, however, if she plays her cards right she could one day be my step mother." The elderly woman looked at him in confusion. Bella smacked him.
"That wasn't very nice Edward."
'No, but it's true isn't it?"
Bella shook her head and continued her shopping. Edward made good with his promise to reach the stuff that she couldn't reach. He even carried her groceries home. Once back at her place, Edward even put it all away for her..
As a thank you, Bella asked Edward to stay for dinner. She promised not to serve any booze. Edward thanked her and promised to help her with the preparation for the meal. They decided to make a stir fry. They stood side by side dicing veggies up. Edward had leaned into Bella closely to try and reach for something. He turned his head and tried to kiss her again. Bella threw her knife down and shook her head.
"Edward, no. This isn't a good idea."
He shook his head. "Come one, don't you feel that? There is something between us Bella."
Bella backed up. Her back was touching the wall. "Honestly, I felt nothing. I like you, you are a nice guy but I don't want this kind of relationship with you. I think it's best for you to leave."
Edward stood in front of her and put his hands up on the wall on either side of her. "Bella, no. I think you're just afraid. You're afraid to be around me because you just might have a feelings for me too."
"You're delusional Edward. I want a friendship with you. I'm in love with your father, not you. I want you to leave. I did try to be your friend and it isn't working."
"I want more with you."
"Well I don't! I am perfectly happy with Carlisle. I love him."
"You're settling with him."
Bella looked at him in the eye and shook her head. "No I am not. I love him."
Edward reached and placed a strain of Bella's hair behind her ear. "Do you really believe that?"
Bella nodded. In a low voice, she looked into Edward's eyes as she spoke slowly. "Please leave, now."
"Bella, no. I-"
Bella yelled as she pushed him away from her. "LEAVE NOW! Get out of my house! I don't want-" she paused as she heard the phone ring. She looked at the color idea and saw that it was a number she didn't know. She almost didn't answer it but something told her to pick it up. "Hello?"
"Can I please speak to Isabella Swan?"
"This is she. How can I help you?"
"Ms. Swan, I'm a nurse from New York-Presbyterian Hospital. You are listed on Jacob Black's emergency contact information. Do you know him?"
Bella walked into the living room and sat on the couch. "He's my brother. What happened?"
"Miss Swan, did you know he was with a little girl?"
"Yes, that's my daughter Molly."
"Molly Swan?"
"Yes. What is going on?"
"Ms. Swan, I regret this call but there was an accident."
"Wh-what kind of an accident?"
"I can't get into details but it was serious and I suggest that you get here as soon as possible."
"What happened to my brother and my daughter?" Bella snipped on the phone.
"I can't give that information over the telephone, but Ms. Swan if I were you I'd get here as soon as possible."
Tears flowed down from her eyes. "Can I talk to either one of them? Are they all right?"
"I'm sorry. I can't answer that on the phone. Please just get here soon. Once you are here, go to the information desk in the front lobby and they will direct you where to go."
"Can you just tell me what I am walking into?"
"I'm sorry I can't give you details, but I can tell you there was an accident and it is best if you get here as soon as you can."
"Thank you," Bella cried as she pressed the end button on the phone. She put her elbows in her knees and leaned her head in as she began to ball.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked.
Bella began to cry uncontrollably. "There was an accident and Jacob and Molly were hurt." She paused and stood up. She tried to dry her tears but they kept rolling out of her eyes. "I don't know how serious it was, but the nurse says I need to get there as soon as I can. I have to gather some clothes and I'm going to drive. By the time I fly and get into the city, it won't save any time. Maybe I'll take a train. Shit, I don't know what to do." She said as she fell into the couch.
Edward was at her side and held her as she cried. "Don't do any of that stuff. I-I'll take you. I mean, I know you told me to get out, but I'll drive. I'll take Zoe with me and stay at a buddy's apartment. Let me do this for you. Let me try and make up for being a jackass."
"I don't want to argue with you. I want to forget all about crap that happened earlier. I don't want to talk about it again."
Edward nodded sadly. "Okay and I promise not to do it again. Just let me help you."
Bella nodded. "I'll be ready in ten minutes. Do you want me to pack your dad's clothes for you?'
Edward laughed. "No way! I'll just pick something up when I get to the city." Edward paused and looked at Bella.
"Do you need any help?"
"No. Let me pack and I'll be down here soon."
"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere."
With that conversation ended, Bella ran up the stairs. She ran into her bathroom and threw up. She was scared and nervous. She had the fear of the unknown with the conditions of her daughter and brother. She had to pull herself together and try to be strong. She almost called her mother and Carlisle too, but she wanted to see the seriousness of the situation before she called and worried them. Within minutes she was ready to go. She looked around her room, took a breath and walked down the stairs.