A/N: The part about Emmett asking for a man in a bottle was a true story. I still laugh every time I think about it, and it happened probably about 8 or so years ago. Yikes…I'm getting old.
Today in Stranded: Bella gets all of my hopes and dreams wrapped up in one package named Edward. If only…..
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns the characters, but I made Bella much more willing to accept expensive gifts. I always thought she was stupid for being so stubborn about that.
Chapter 29 - Hopes and Dreams
Once they were asleep I snuck downstairs. My blood boiled inside of me as I stood beside the bed watching them sleep. How dare he touch what belonged to me alone. I considered breaking his neck right then, but my rational side took over. I wanted this to be perfect. I couldn't help but brush my hand across her cheek. Feeling her skin against mine propelled me onward.
I left through the sliding glass door, and made my way down the stairs through the rooftop access. I got the few things I would need later and hid them behind the furniture on the balcony. I had to visit my friend Tyler at the county jail's work detail today. I knew he must be anxiously wondering what happened to me. A few other errands to take care of and I would be ready to make Bella mine forever.
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Edward got up early and left for work. I was basically done with my article, and was waiting on the publisher to send a contract for the next one. Emmett was taking the day off today. I guessed he and Rosalie would probably head back to the mall to buy the right cologne. Still I was sad that I wouldn't be able to hang out with my best Shamrock buddy while Edward was busy. I showered and worked on curling my hair the way Alice always wants me to. Edward was so serious about me dressing up tonight, it must be important to him. Maybe we were having dinner with his mom or something.
I picked out a black dress that Rosalie convinced me to buy last week. It was a bit more revealing on top than I was use to, but she also convinced me to buy a special bra to wear with it - one of the spectacular lifter kinds. The dress went down to my mid calf and was made of silky material. Alice would be proud of me for starting to get ready five hours early. The truth was that I just didn't have much else to do. I typed emails to my mom, one to my dad, and then a mass one to some of my friends giving them an update on my life. I looked forward to introducing Edward and Jasper to the rest of our little group of friends when everyone was home. I played solitaire on the computer about forty-five times, before giving up and finishing my hair and make up.
At four, I started watching TV. I could have made over $600 if I had been on Jeopardy that day. I grew more and more anxious for Edward to pick me up, when I finally heard a knock at the door. I jumped up and danced to the door, tripping over the heels I had talked myself into wearing. I finally got there in one piece and opened it. On the other side stood Edward wearing a black suit, black shirt, and grey tie. To say he looked good would be an understatement. He was leaning against the wall grinning at me. At first I didn't even noticed the ridiculously large bouquet of red roses he was holding out to me.
I finally reached out and took them, and started to say thank you. Edward grabbed my other hand, pulled me toward him, and kissed me passionately. "Wow," was all I could mutter when he released me.
"That was my thought exactly when I saw you," he said tracing his fingers down my bare arm. Instead of a vase, I just grabbed a bowl off the counter, put some water in it, and set the rose stems inside of it. They would stay alive, and I wouldn't waste another minute not being able to stare at Edward.
He led me to the elevator, and it was all I could do to keep my hands off of him. Never had I felt such a physical pull toward another human being as I did at this moment.
"Bella, what are you thinking? You have a strange look on your face," Edward looked at me with a smile playing on his lips.
I'm thinking I feel horny.
"I just can't stop thinking how good you look," I said and gave his bicep a squeeze.
"Come on love," he said and pulled me out of the elevator when the door opened. Outside was a limousine waiting for us. The driver opened the door, and greeted me as I climbed inside.
"Edward what is all this?" I asked embarrassed by being treated so lavishly.
"Things have been so crazy since we met, that I haven't had the opportunity to spoil you properly. That ends tonight," Edward pulled me across the seat and wrapped an arm around me.
"Edward," I started to protest by pointing out all the ways I had indeed been spoiled.
"Please Bella, don't argue with me. This is your night. Just try and enjoy it." He kissed me again, probably knowing that would shut me up for sure.
We drove first to a building only a few blocks away. I was disappointed that the ride was so short. Before we got out of the car, Edward handed me an envelope and told me to open it. Inside was a letter addressed to me.
Bella,
Tonight I have planned four surprises for you. Your first instinct is going to be to argue with me and tell me you hate surprises. I promise you that I have put much thought and effort into these surprises, and I would be devastated if you refused me this one evening. Please promise me that you will let me treat you the way you deserve to be treated for this one night. If you promise, say it aloud now.
I stopped reading, rolled my eyes, and mumbled, "I promise." I was slightly irritated that he knew me so well, but that was nothing compared to how excited I felt about what might be in store for the rest of the night. The letter continued,
Thank you love. One of the things I love the most about you is your desire to help those who are suffering. I long to see the world through your eyes. You have told me about the things you've done and people you've seen, but I want to experience it with you. Please allow me to accompany you to the destination of your choice. Whether it is Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Antarctica – I will follow you anywhere. I have already contacted my family's foundation and the board has agreed to provide funding for wells, food, building materials, or whatever you know will help the area most.
With all my heart,
Edward
I folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. Edward stood outside the car and reached his hand out to me. I was too stunned to speak. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't even do that. On all my trips, I had left wishing I could do more. Money was my constant frustration. Now this angel handed me the keys to his treasure and promised to go with me to deliver it. I had no words.
I took his hand and noticed we were standing outside a travel agent's office. We went inside, and I actually got to tell her where I wanted tickets to and picked a date for the beginning of the year. I just kept glancing up at Edward with a face that said, 'is this for real?' He just smiled and held me close to him. I could not believe that I would be going to Burma with Edward. I could just see the faces of the children at the orphanage when we started handing out new clothes and food.
Once we were back in the limo, he looked at me and said, "Please Bella say something."
"Thank you!" I screamed and jumped on top of him kissing his eyes, nose, cheeks, lips, ears, anywhere I could get to.
"You're welcome." He laughed.
This time, I recognized the direction the limo was heading, and I gave Edward a suspicious look. He just shrugged his shoulders and winked at me. We pulled into the parking lot of Edward's office, and he handed me another envelope.
Bella,
The past four weeks, four days, and about twelve hours, have been the happiest of my life. I constantly have to pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming. If this is a dream, I never want to wake up. I can't imagine myself not being near you. I want to hold you, protect you, and love you always. I would not be able to breathe without seeing your beauty. It is my reason for living. You give meaning to my existence.
Please go inside to find your next surprise.
With my unending devotion,
Edward
I ignored his hand this time, jumped out of the car, and ran inside the office. Just inside the door was a model of a building. There was a sign on the front that read, 'The Mayo Hotel - Seattle, WA'.
"You're giving me a hotel?" I asked with huge eyes.
"No silly, I'm building a hotel in Seattle. It's Cullen Enterprises biggest project yet, and I'm guessing it will take at least a couple of years to complete. I'll have to be on site of course to oversee the construction."
I stood there confused for a second. He wasn't giving me a hotel, so what exactly was the surprise…
"Bella," Edward took my chin so that I had to look in his eyes. "I'm going to be living in Seattle."
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" I screamed and jumped into his arms wrapping my legs around his waist. "I can't believe this! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" When he finally put me down we both stared at each other with huge smiles on our faces. "I can't believe we aren't going to be separated! I've been dreading that since the first day we met!" I squealed clapping my hands Alice style.
"Me too. I'm glad you like it." Edward said triumphantly.
"Like it! I can't believe there are still more surprises! What in the world could possibly top this?" Edward looked nervous again all of the sudden. He didn't answer, but simply held his hand out for me and led me to the car.
We were down the lane to his dad's house, but the limo passed the turn off and went a little further down the road. It stopped in front of a path lined with white Christmas lights. We got out of the car, and I was very nervous about ruining my dress. It was almost dark outside, and I could not imagine a worse time for a nature hike. Edward read my mind as usual.
"Don't worry it's not far, and I won't let you fall." He wrapped an arm around my waist, and led me gently down the path. We hadn't gone very far, when I could hear music starting to play. I recognized Claire De Lune, and smiled when I remembered how I told Edward I liked it on the first day we met. We came to a clearing, and I gasped when I saw what Edward had done. There were more white lights on the trees all around us and what looked like a full orchestra playing the music. There was a fancy table set for two and a man dressed in a tuxedo standing off to the side. Edward led me to the table and pulled out my chair. I sat down, and sitting on my plate was another envelope.
My only Love,
When you found me I was stranded. I had been left alone in a pit of despair and could not find my way out. When I looked into your eyes I saw my salvation. You were the rescue I was praying for. I promise to spend every day of the rest of my life trying to repay you for what you've done for me.
With my unending love,
Edward
Finally the tears started to flow. I just stared at the words that I knew I would treasure always. I wasn't just loved; I was appreciated and needed too. It was so much more than I ever hoped I would find in this lifetime. When I finally looked up from the letter, Edward was no longer sitting across from me. I felt him take my hand, and nearly fainted when I saw him kneeling beside me. I was not prepared for this. My heart started beating rapidly and panic started to set in. A million reasons why this was not good ran through my mind at once, before I ordered myself to shut up. Edward looked at me for a long time trying to communicate with his eyes what words couldn't. I saw a single tear fall down his cheek, and I reached up with my free hand to wipe it away.
"Bella, all of my hopes and dreams for this lifetime are wrapped up in this one moment. I want to be with you always. You are my only love, my only reason for living. Please Bella, be my wife. Marry me."
"Uh huh." Was all I could squeak out before I started sobbing uncontrollably. I looked through my tears and saw Edward smiling and crying too. He got on both knees and wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head against my chest.
"Thank you," he whispered. "Oh I almost forgot." He wiped the tears from his eyes and pulled a ring box out of his jacket. He opened it, and I was blinded by the most ridiculously large diamond I had ever seen except on TV.
"Edward, it's huge!" I gawked. "Everyone will think I'm engaged to a rapper or something."
"Well I picked out something a bit smaller originally, but with Alice engaged too, I had to make sure her ring couldn't compete," he admitted. "I promise I've been planning this for awhile, and I'm going to kill Jasper when they get back!"
"Oh you know me so well. I would die if Alice won the ring competition, but I already have the best fiancé!" I beamed as he placed the ring on my finger.
We soaked in the rest of the time there enjoying the meal Edward had catered, dancing under the stars, and kissing…lots of kissing. After a couple of hours, Edward reminded me there was still one more surprise.
"Edward, I don't think my heart can handle anything else. This is already more than I could ever dream of!"
"Bella, you promised," he reminded me.
I sighed and held out my hand in front of me admiring my ring. "OK, let's get this over with," I teased. "But I swear if it's another car, I'm giving this ring back."
Not!
Edward led me about 100 more feet down the lit path, and soon we were standing in front of his dad's house. There was no envelope this time, but he simply led me to a concrete sign that had been built in the front yard. It read, "Bella Cullen International Home for Children." I concentrated hard on the sign trying to understand what it meant. I liked the sound of Bella Cullen, but just how many kids did he plan on me birthing for him?
"Bella, it's your dream for the future. We are going to turn this place into the home for children and families to stay at while they come from other countries to get medical care. I talked to Carlisle about it, and he said that he would be able to help us with getting the hospital on board. Obviously this will take some time to get going, but I can't think of a better use for my father's house."
"Oh Edward," I said before the sobs started forming in my chest. I was weeping again. I was embarrassed at my reaction, but there were only so many emotionally charged gifts I could handle in one lifetime much less one evening.
"Bella, please squeeze my hand twice for a happy tears and once for sad tears," Edward pleaded. I squeezed his hand twice and he started laughing. "Stop scaring me like that."
"I –I have nothing to give you in return," I sobbed.
"Bella, this isn't just about you, this is about us. It's for both of us, and our life together," he tried to comfort me.
I wanted desperately to make a joke or say something sarcastic, but every time I opened my mouth, I just started crying again.
"Are you ready to go home love?" Edward asked wiping my tear stained cheeks.
I just nodded yes, and he picked me up and carried me to where the limo was waiting. When we got inside, I decided to show him just how happy I was, and I began to kiss him fervently. I didn't care if we got carried away this time, we were practically married already. I let my hands roam up and down his back, across his chest, on his thighs; I couldn't get close enough to him. He of course was more reserved, but I could feel his lips form a smile as he returned my kisses.
"Edward please!" I begged for more. Suddenly he returned my passion, and I was excited by his sudden loss of control. The limo stopped in front of his building much too soon. We separated, both out of breath.
"How about if we continue this upstairs," he suggested. I nodded yes and bit my lip.
We walked in the front door, and the phone stated ringing. I went to the closet and got out a low cut silky camisole and shorts to wear to bed. Edward had waited twenty-seven years and I warned myself not to steal his virtue just a few months, hmmm maybe weeks, no more like days before he was married.
I will not take this off. I will not take this off. I will not take this off.
I came out of the closet carrying my clothes and heard Edward talking on the phone.
"I understand Mr. Banner, it's just a really bad time. Ok, Ok, yeah, I can tell you aren't feeling well, your voices sounds kind of scratchy. I'll be there in ten minutes," Edward hung up the phone and sighed. "That was Mr. Banner, apparently a pipe just burst at the house and he needs me to come help him with it."
"No." I stomped my foot and pouted.
"I promise I will be right back. I don't care if I just have to turn off the water to the house and put them a hotel for the night. I will be right back," he assured me.
"OK ….if you promise," I made my way over to him and ran a hand down his chest seductively.
"Gotta go!" He croaked and ran for the door. He took one last look at me, and sighed before shutting the door and leaving.
I let out a long sigh and threw myself down on the couch. I sat there for a few minutes staring at my left hand and smiling. I decided I would shower again before I changed into my lingerie. Bella Swan wearing lingerie, my mom would be so proud. I left some conditioner in my wet hair, knowing it would make the smell even stronger. I changed, brushed the tangles out of my hair, and added some light pink lip gloss.
I was looking through the CD's trying to find just the right mood music, when I heard the sliding door open and footsteps. My heart started racing with excitement as I thought Edward must be back already. I waited until I could sense him right behind me before I turned around flung myself into his arms.
Fear gripped my entire body, and I started shaking uncontrollably. I did not find the emerald eyes I expected; instead I was standing face to face with a monster. James held me firmly by the arms and pulled me into his body. He smelled my hair and then ran his nose up and down my neck and shoulder inhaling deeply.
"Let me go you sick freak!" I struggled to get away from him.
"I'll never let you go. Now you are mine."
A/N: uh oh…..
