Chapter 38 – Toys
Edward
After my talk with Bella, I started to plan in my head what I could do to help Masen know how much I cared for him. I remembered the toys my father had bought for me when I had first told him I wanted to be a doctor. Okay, they weren't really toys, but I had played with them. I was sure my mother still had them somewhere. When I asked her about them, she smiled as she informed me they were in the attic in a box labeled "Edward's toys."
I found Masen sitting with an anatomy book on the couch, while the girls attacked Bella. I knew he would love my toys.
"Masen!" I couldn't hide my excitement, "I have something for you. Come with me."
He looked at me confused and got up reluctantly. He slowed even more when we reached the attic stairs.
"Come on, I promise you'll love it!" I tried to encourage.
He nodded okay and followed hesitantly.
Once in the attic, I went straight to the huge bin that was marked with big black letters, "EDWARD'S TOYS."
I showed the box to Masen, and he looked confused. "Toys?" he asked.
I got his confusion. Regular children's toys didn't keep minds like ours occupied.
"Not just any toys, Masen, my toys," I said smiling. "Since your mom said you want to be a doctor, I thought you might like these," I said setting the box down in front of him. "You can have them if you want them. I found them really cool." I opened the box, and he gasped.
"Oh, my gosh," he paused, speechless. "They're so…" He couldn't complete his thoughts. His eyes were wide with excitement.
"Go ahead, pull them out and see if you can assemble any."
He looked up at me excitedly. "Really, you mean I can play with them?"
"Of course, Masen. I'm not just letting you play with them. I'm giving them to you, Son. They're your body parts now." There was no better puzzle than the entire human body cast and labeled in life-sized plastic!
He hugged me, and I squeezed him tightly. "I love you, okay? And I'm so proud of you already. I love what I know about you so far, and can't wait to get to know you even better. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you before, but I promise to always be there for you now."
I felt his little arms tighten, and my heart soared.
When he stepped back, he surprised me. "I know why you weren't there for us. Mom said you were going to school to become a doctor. She said it was important to you, and that once you were a doctor, she would think about talking to you to tell you about us. She just didn't want to distract you from your work, because becoming a doctor is hard work. That's why I started early."
I held back my tears, as I pulled him into a tight hug. "I would've dropped everything to be with you kids and your mom. Nothing is more important to me than you guys, okay?"
"Not even being a doctor?"
"Definitely not even being a doctor. I would've picked being with you in a heartbeat, and I would've worked out a way to be a doctor along with being with you."
He nodded his head okay, as if he was finally getting it.
"So," I said pulling out the head, "How familiar are you with the brain?"
His eyes lit up, as I pulled the model apart for him to reassemble.
I knew he would love my toys.
Bella
After my talk with Edward, I could see how he took everything I said to heart. I could see his mind working a million miles a minute, as he devised a plan to fix things with Masen. I knew he would be able to handle it on his own. I was so relieved that he had taken to our kids so quickly.
Of course, I shouldn't have expected anything less. He was a pediatrician. He loved kids already.
Once we returned to the house, I was attacked by Alice. She dragged me off, with Elizabeth in tow. Both of them were chatting animatedly about what they were planning to do to me. Needless to say, I was more than a little nervous.
Apparently, they had arrived before us and had set up in Edward's bedroom and bathroom.
Once I had put on the cute little matching bra and panty set Alice handed me, I slipped on a robe and closed my eyes, as I sat on the vanity seat they had waiting for me. I tuned them out as they worked and tried to focus on the fact that I would get to be with Edward again this evening. I loved that idea.
I heard snipping of scissors and tried not to panic. Edward had said she was a fashion guru. She had freaked out at me wearing a tank top and dress pants. She wouldn't make me look bad, right?
"All done!" Alice announced, and Elizabeth clapped her hands.
I opened my eyes, and to my relief, my hair was still long, but somehow looked fuller and fluffy. I had no idea how she had pulled that off.
The makeup they put on me was light and not overstated. Thank heavens I didn't look like a hooker.
I glanced at what was laid out on the bed for the first time. There was a flowing black skirt with brightly colored flowers embroidered onto it. I held the skirt to my waist and was relieved that it actually went almost to my knees. The blouse was plain white cotton with somewhat puffy sleeves. It was tight and fitted, and it showed the serious cleavage the little bra produced. I tucked the ends into the skirt and wondered what the heck Alice had been thinking when she had picked this out. I put on the black flats that were waiting for me and sighed in relief that someone had the sense to make sure I didn't wear heels.
I was finally ready, so I hurried out of Edward's room to the top of the stairs that overlooked the living room. My heart melted at the site. Edward was sitting with Masen, both of them excitedly hunched over a huge old storage bin, pulling something out and excitedly talking to each other. I knew Edward could fix things with Masen.
I quietly made my way down the stairs, not wanting to interrupt their time together. I almost hated dragging Edward away from Masen.
Almost.
When they looked up at me, Masen was smiling widely, and Edward's jaw dropped. Honestly, I didn't find the clothes that impressive that they would be jaw-dropping. Masen looked up at Edward and held his smile at his father's reaction to me. He nudged him, and Edward closed his mouth.
"You look beautiful, Mom," Masen said smirking at Edward.
Edward cleared his throat and nodded yes. I was guessing he agreed with Masen. He jumped up and took my arm. He still hadn't spoken.
"Are you and Elizabeth going to be okay for the night with Nana Esme?" I asked worried.
"Yeah, we'll be fine. She's pretty good at keeping me busy," he shrugged.
I hugged him and kissed his cheek. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Mom, now go have fun." He was so grown up for his age.
Elizabeth and Esme were bouncing by the front door, waiting for us. Esme had her camera ready as we approached. She took a picture of Edward leaning in to me, and I hoped it would turn out good. I wanted a copy of it.
It almost felt like prom night.
Chapter 39 – Mine
Edward
Bella was magnificent. I always knew she was, but Alice had somehow found a way to magnify it. She looked beyond beautiful. I couldn't wait to get her home with me tonight. I was silently praising Esme for suggesting we stay in Forks, so we wouldn't wake the kids when we came in. I think she already had the wedding planned in her head and was just waiting for us to give her the okay to release her minions. I was hoping I would get the nerve up soon.
I was not going to lose Bella again.
When we reached the restaurant, it looked like some sort of realization hit Bella, as her face broke into grin.
"Ah, Mexican, I get it now," she said pointing to her skirt.
"You're too beautiful for words tonight, Bella," I said kissing her hand.
She rolled her eyes at me, not believing me.
I would make her believe me by the end of the night.
Salsa music filled the air as we entered.
"You can dance to this?" she asked.
I took the opportunity to pull her back against me, as I moved my hips against her. "It's all in the hips, baby. You'll catch on," I whispered, kissing her neck. Her skin was flushed, and I knew she was blushing. I loved that I did that to her.
We were in for a wild night.
And I was right.
Bella was driving me insane. The way she dismissed me to go to the bar left me reeling. I couldn't wait to get her home.
Of course, Emmett teased me about being whipped, but he had no room to talk. Rose had him on a much shorter leash.
Then the most dreadful sound filled the air.
Jessica.
Her voice alone was enough to make me cringe in fear of cooties.
I quickly stood and hugged her and her sisters so she would shut up. Lauren was surprised to find me well. Apparently, Jessica had gone on and on about how deathly ill I was and how she was nursing me back to health.
She was full of crap.
I told them I was fine and was relieved when Irina insisted her favorite song had just come on and wanted them to go dance with her. Jessica said she would be back, and I decided I would go find Bella and get the heck out of there before she could come back.
Bella
Edward wasn't joking that he knew how to move to the sexy salsa beat that pulsed through the club. Oh heavens, that man could dance!
Edward moving his body against mine made my body temperature rise. I could feel that I was affecting him as well. His solid body pressed into me, as I bit back a moan. I wanted him and hated that we were still here.
He groaned, as he pulled me tighter back against him. "Little girl, what am I going to do with you?"
"Anything you want to," I answered. I was feeling bold.
Okay, it might have been the margaritas I'd had that were making me feel bold.
We made our way back to our table, and he sat me on his lap. He could try and fake it all he wanted, but it was obvious I was affecting him as much as he was affecting me.
"I'm going to get myself another drink." I slipped off his lap, and he grabbed my waist.
"Let me come with you," he offered.
"You be a good boy and wait here while I get a drink," I chastened him. "I'll reward you later, when we're alone," I whispered the last part.
He immediately sat down and nodded okay.
I heard Emmett laugh and yell something like, "GO, Herman!" but I couldn't be sure.
I shook my head, giggling to myself. I was really having a good time, and I was glad I had decided to go out with them tonight.
I slid onto one of the barstools and waited for the bartender to finish up what he was doing. I looked at the bowl of chips and decided against them, when I saw an unkempt man reach into it, touching most of them as he grabbed a few.
Yuck, and I knew most guys didn't wash. That bowl of chips suddenly looked disgusting.
"Something leave a bad taste in your mouth?" a voice came from behind me. I looked up, surprised to see who I thought was Mike Newton, my old classmate from high school.
"Mike?"
"Bella Swan, you look amazing tonight," he said as a compliment, but it made me feel uncomfortable.
"Oh, well, thank you," I said scooting a little further away from him.
"OH, MY GOD, EDWARD BABY, I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE FEELING BETTER!" a loud female voice filled the bar. I looked over to see who looked like Jessica and two other very beautiful woman circling Edward like vultures.
To my surprise, he stood up and hugged all three of them. They were carrying on a conversation, no longer at a yelling volume, so I couldn't tell what they were saying.
I heard Mike clear his throat. "That chick's a bit loud, isn't she? I've always liked how quiet you are."
I smiled sheepishly at him. He was being kind, but I was still uncomfortable around him.
"Let me buy you a drink?" he waved down the bartender.
"What can I get you, Miss?" the bartender asked.
"I'd like a Coke." I decided if the likes of Mike and Jessica were showing up, I had better sober up a little.
"Would you like some rum in it?" Mike asked me, obviously hoping to get me drunk.
"No, thank you. I think I've had enough alcohol for tonight. Just a plain Coke, please," I reiterated to the bartender. He smiled at Mike's pout.
Mike leaned in a little closer, and I scooted a little further away. "So, Beautiful Bella, what have you been up to?"
"I have two kids," I blurted out, hoping he would be scared off.
"Oh, really? Well, that's wonderful." He moved in closer, and I scooted back again, almost falling off my stool.
His eyes traveled down my body, shamelessly ogling my chest. "How about you show me how you got those kids?"
I couldn't believe how forward he was being! I was about to give him a piece of my mind, when I felt someone come up behind me. I felt the electric hum run through my body as he touched me. I knew it was Edward.
He placed his hands over my chest. "These are mine, and I'll thank you not to look at them like that."
I loved that he was claiming me.
Mike's head snapped up in surprise. "Hey, buddy, I was just talking to my friend. Why don't you scram?"
I held Edward's hands in place, so he would know not to scram. "Actually, Mike, this is Edward, the father of my two children."
"Are you ready to go, baby?" Edward asked, and I couldn't have been more ready.
"Definitely, let's get out of here and get to the good part of the evening," I answered, eager to get away from Mike and thrilled to finally be off with Edward.
Edward
I growled and stood, when I saw some creep leaning in to MY GIRL. She was scooting away from him, trying to escape, but the scumbag wasn't getting the message.
When he stared straight at her breasts, I lost it. I covered them up and told him to back off. He had the nerve to try and tell me to leave, but I felt my chest puff with pride, as Bella's hands quickly gripped mine, holding them in place, hiding her breasts from the douche bag and informed said douche bag that I was the father of her children.
When I asked her if she was ready to go, I loved how she glared right at the douche bag who was ogling her and said she was as ready as I was to get to the good part of the evening.
I rushed her out of there before anyone could stop us, and I didn't slow down until we were a few miles down the highway.
I hit the cruise control button and looked over at her. She was sitting silently looking out the window with a gentle smile on her face.
I touched her leg, and she turned and smiled wider at me. "Thanks for saving me from Mike."
"I don't want anyone looking at you like that but me, Bella. I wasn't really doing it for you so much as me," I confessed.
Bella
I loved the reaction Edward was having to me. The car skidded to a stop in front of a cute little house. Not what I expected from a Cullen at all. I unbuckled my seatbelt and grabbed my purse.
Edward opened my door, but instead of helping me out of the car, he scooped me out and kicked the door shut with his foot. He ran up the stairs to his little porch, opened the door with his knee, and then he kicked it shut. I expected him to put me down, but he didn't. He ran down the hallway to his bedroom, set me on the bed, and then he tore off his shirt and kicked off his shoes, before he jumped on the bed.
I couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm. I loved that he wanted me. He climbed up the bed and paused at my shoes.
"You mind if I remove these?"
"Take off whatever you'd like," I teased.
He growled, throwing off my shoes, not even looking where they went. "That's a dangerous offer," he growled into my lips and kissed me hard.
The first time we were together that night, he was rough and possessive, and I loved it. The three times after that, he was sweet and gentle, whispering how much he loved me through it all. I was his; there was no way I could deny it. I had always been his. That had never changed; even when I had left, I had left my heart with him, and he had done well caring for it, waiting for my return.
The first morning light streamed through the window, waking me. I glanced over my shoulder at the man curled around me. His face was tucked down into my neck. He seemed to be kissing me in his sleep. He lazily started to wake, causing me to smile wider.
I gazed up into his gorgeous green eyes and wondered if we would ever have any more children. I shook my head, trying to get rid of the silly stray thought. He smirked and asked me what I was thinking. I lied horribly and told him nothing.
I had always thought the twins would be it, but with Edward and his family, it seemed like having more children would be possible. Okay, it was ridiculous to even consider. Edward and I had yet to discuss what role he wanted to play in raising the twins and what he wanted from me.
I knew what I wanted from him, but I wouldn't push him. I wouldn't make him feel trapped, as if he had to do anything he didn't want to do.
With that in mind, I decided I needed to see about making my plans to return to Jacksonville. I didn't want to get my hopes up and get them crushed and have nothing to go home to. I needed to take care of my kids and be sure I could support my family. I would have to make a "Plan B" in case everything went wrong.
I prayed I would never have to implement it.
