Disclaimer: Twilight and its characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. Everything else is original and belongs to me, Cosette Cullen. Thank you for the inspiration, SM.
A/N: Just a refresher on the timeline: this chapter occurs on Friday, May 18, 2007. Bella and Edward met in Europe a few of months before in February 2007.
A heartfelt thank you to my betas for seeing this thing through to the end: Pickwicksociety, GuitarGirl, and Mel/mcc101180.
Chapter 29 – Are Black Diamonds Forever?
~*~ Bella ~*~
"Ah, Bella, darlin', that's not your best smile," Jasper chided, attempting to take yet another picture. "Show me how happy you are about graduating!"
"I can't help it, Jazz," I whined. "We've taken so many pictures my smile muscles are spasming." I wasn't exaggerating—my lips quivered as I pushed them up into another grin.
After an obscenely long commencement ceremony at Arizona State University, we'd gathered on the green lawn outside Gammage Auditorium to take pictures. Alice insisted we get pictures of every combination of the various people in our group: me with Charlie; me with Renee and Phil; me and Alice; me with Jasper and Angela; Alice with her parents; Alice with Emmett; Alice, Emmett, Edward and me; and the entire group together.
It had only been two weeks since the "incident," which is how I'd begun referring to the shooting, and my physical stamina was still not what it used to be. It would take time to regain my usual energy, the doctor had explained at my last appointment.
Finally, under Alice's direction, it was time for me to have some pictures taken with Edward. The tension in my face melted away when I felt Edward's large masculine hand envelop mine, his arm encompassing my shoulder and pressing me to his side. Tired smile muscles or not, I couldn't help but grin when I looked up at him.
"Well, hello, Miss Swan. Finally, I get you to myself."
"Yeah, I'm going to have to shut Alice down in a minute. She goes a little bananas when it comes to preserving memories."
"Eyes on the birdie, you two!" Jasper instructed.
We looked over at him and smiled until we heard the click of the camera, and then I let out a dramatic sigh. "I really want to get this thing off," I muttered to Edward, in between smiles for the camera. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the mid-eighties, but I was burning up under my burgundy cap and gown.
"I'd like you to take that off as well. It's hiding your lovely, blue dress and your even more beautiful body."
My face instantaneously melted into another genuine smile, and I heard Jasper snap several pictures.
Edward squeezed my waist, pulling me closer to his side and whispered in my ear, "Now that you're officially a teacher, I'm looking forward to indulging the teacher fantasy that I've had for a very long time." He looked very serious, his eyes seductively mischievous. "Can I be your student, Miss Swan?"
"You are so cruel, Mr. Cullen." I looked up at him, narrowing my eyes in an attempt to appear stern, but I knew the warm blush I felt on my cheeks would give me away. "You deny me every day, always citing doctor's orders, and then you say things like that?"
He shrugged, a pleased smirk creeping up at the corner of his mouth. "Well, the relationship experts always say how important communication is. I'm just letting you know what I want . . . in two more weeks, that is." He winked, grinning devilishly.
"That's it, Jasper. No more flippin' pictures," I hollered, turning to face Edward.
I slipped my hands under his suit jacket, gripping his hips. I'd never seen Edward dressed up before, and damn, could that man wear a suit. Dapper was the word that came to mind when he'd sauntered into the kitchen this morning dressed to kill, his hair still damp from his shower. Yes, he was dapper and effing gorgeous in his charcoal suit and light gray dress shirt. Without a tie, his button-down shirt was open just enough to tease me with a light sprinkling of chest hair. I gently dug my fingers into his back muscles and gazed longingly at the hair decorating his chest and collarbones, suddenly struck with the urge to lick said collarbone all the way up to his jaw.
Instead, I sighed, looking into his eyes. "Well, in the name of communication, I have a fantasy of my own. It involves you wearing Army fatigues—pants only, thank you—with dog tags around your neck and combat boots on your feet."
Edward's eyes went wide, and he pulled me flush against his body. "That doesn't have to be a fantasy, you know. Once I'm active duty again, it will be reality—a regular occurrence." He smiled and then kissed me softly. "Any time . . . all the time."
"Well, probably not all the time . . . if you're in Iraq," I said softly.
The playfulness in his eyes drained away, and he just stared at me. I held his gaze, already regretting having said it. But it was true and was the first thing that popped into my mind.
"I know," he mumbled, touching his forehead to mine. "But I won't be leaving right away, baby. It'll take some time to get my orders." He pulled back and looked at me, his eyes questioning. He looked vulnerable and—almost scared.
"Yeah, okay," I whispered, pressing my lips to his reassuringly.
"Edward, I can't believe you did this." I twisted around in my chair, taking in the elegantly posh surroundings of the restaurant where he'd made reservations.
"It's too much," I whispered to him as I eyed the massive crystal chandelier hanging from an ornate octagonal ceiling bordered by skylights.
"Shush. Nothing but the best for you," he said quietly, kissing my cheek. "This is a big deal, Bella. You're a college graduate, so let's celebrate."
Edward had informed me this morning that he'd made arrangements to treat everyone to dinner following the graduation ceremony. I'd told him he shouldn't feel that he had to foot the entire bill, but I hadn't pushed the issue too much, figuring we were probably going to a run-of-the-mill, moderately priced restaurant—like normal people do, or at least normal for people like me.
He'd refused to tell me the name of the restaurant, so I didn't know until we'd driven up to The Phoenician Resort that he'd chosen Mary Elaine's, one of the most expensive and renowned restaurants in the city. I couldn't help but appreciate the fact that Mary Elaine's was a French restaurant, considering Edward and I had met in Paris. It seemed fitting—but still too damned expensive.
My fingers splayed over the crisp white tablecloth while my eyes continued taking in the décor. Crown molding bordered every edge while neutral beiges, whites, and creams lent a subtle elegance to the large dining room.
"Miss." I turned away from Edward to see the host set a small footstool type of thing next to my chair. "For your purse."
It took a moment for it to register in my middle-class brain what the hell he was talking about. "Oh! Oh, okay, thank you," I stuttered, picking my purse up from the floor and setting it on the cushioned stool. I looked at Edward incredulously, my eyebrows arched. He smiled, chuckling softly as he opened his menu.
"Oh, how cute. Thank you, sir," Alice said excitedly when the host offered her a similar stool for her own purse. I grinned at her, shaking my head in disbelief. I guess the French don't mess around with their handbags, providing them with their own seats at the table.
Taking a much needed drink of ice water after standing in the sun for Alice's photo op, I opened the menu. My stomach rumbled its approval, but I felt my eyebrows involuntarily raise and my eyes bug out after perusing it for just a few seconds. Most entrees were fifty bucks each, without an appetizer or a drink. I quickly calculated that the bill would probably be around $700, possibly more if any in our group of twelve decided to imbibe, which was probable. I conspicuously glanced at Edward, looking for similar signs of horror at the prices, but he appeared rather relaxed. His eyes roamed over the menu, his teasingly full lips pursed.
Why would he bring us to the most expensive restaurant he could possibly choose? I returned my gaze to my menu, deciding that we were going to have a little chat later today. I needed to know whether I was in a relationship with a financially irresponsible man, perhaps using a credit card to pay for an unnecessarily ostentatious dinner, or with a man who had excess money at his disposal. I had a feeling it was the latter based on his previous VP job with his family's company and the fact that he'd bummed around Europe for a month, which definitely costs money.
"That view is spectacular," Angela said dreamily, gazing at the floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the entire length of the restaurant. Ben smiled down at her as he rested his arm around the top of her chair. Their initial contentious interactions had finally revealed an intense attraction underneath. She'd told me they'd gotten very serious, very quickly.
Angela wasn't exaggerating about the awe-inspiring view. The windows held a panoramic scene of the entire valley at dusk. Various shades of oranges and pinks swirled across the horizon, accented with dark silhouettes of buildings, palm trees, and Saguaro cacti.
"Oh, yes, it's beautiful," Renee agreed. "I remember how surprised I was when Phil brought me here for our anniversary last year." Mom smiled sweetly at her husband, resting her hand on his arm before looking at Edward. "Wonderful choice, Edward."
"Thanks, Renee. Only the best to celebrate Bella's and Alice's graduation. It's a big accomplishment."
"Yes, I was quite pleased to hear we were meeting at Mary Elaine's," Mrs. Brandon added, tucking an errant strand of dark hair behind her ear that had fallen from her elegant chignon. "We come here several times a year, and it's never been less than exquisite."
Edward had wanted Alice and Emmett to celebrate with us today, so he'd suggested that we invite Alice's parents to join us. They were nice enough people—after all, they allowed me to live in their house with Alice rent-free—but I really didn't know them very well.
Two glasses of champagne and a melt-in-the-mouth lamb loin later, I was feeling wonderfully satiated and just so damn happy. The only worrisome blip on my radar screen was the always present concern about my little brother, Seth.
I drained the last of my champagne, making a mental note to visit him at the county jail as soon as my dad went back to Forks. Charlie had been less than approving of my desire to see Seth. Of course, I was angry with him, too. His actions had indirectly almost cost me my life—of course, I was pissed at him. I wanted to scream at him for betraying me like that, for breaking into my house and putting my and Alice's' lives at risk. I hoped that perhaps that horrible event might have been rock bottom for him. Would it be the wake-up call he needed to face his addiction head-on and get some help? I definitely needed to see him—I had a freaking lot to say.
"Would you like some dessert?" Emmett asked, looking at Alice like a lovesick puppy. Anybody with eyes could see he was gaga over her. I glanced at Jasper. He wasn't looking at them, fortunately. His eyes were trained on finishing the last bit of food on his plate. I hadn't had much opportunity to talk to Jasper privately. I should do that soon, to see how he was holding up. I sighed, my heart empathizing with how much it must suck for him to have to sit across from his ex and her new lover.
"Oh, I wish I could, but I'm at maximum capacity." Alice patted her belly, softly groaning as she gazed up at Emmett.
"All right. Well, would you like some presents instead?" Em looked so excited; you'd think he was the one getting the gifts.
Alice giggled, clasping her hands tightly in front of her. "Oh, I always have room for presents."
Edward raised a finger in the air as he nodded at the waiter who was standing at attention nearby. He hurried over, and Edward whispered something to him before he quickly left the dining room.
Edward's hand floated down to rest on my upper thigh. "Presents are on the way," he said with a smile, looking at Alice.
"It feels like Christmas, huh, Bells?" Alice downed the last of the champagne in her glass, smiling giddily.
I grinned, but before I could answer, the waiter reappeared. He pushed a cart draped with a white table cloth that held multiple boxes all wrapped in a kaleidoscope of colors. I knew my dad and Edward had brought presents to the restaurant, but I had no idea that others had as well. Maybe most of them were for Alice; her rich parents might have gone crazy buying her graduation gifts.
Alice gasped, her eyes wide as she took in the bounty on the cart. "Holy wow! Maybe I'll go for my Master's Degree if I'll get presents and a five-star restaurant again." Everyone chuckled.
After the waiter cleared away the dishes, my dad reached over and picked up a gift from the table. "This is for you, sweetheart. I hope you like it."
"Of course, I'll like it." I carefully slid my finger along the seam, breaking the tape. I didn't want to go crazy ripping paper in such an elegant, quiet restaurant.
I pulled a book out of the box. It wasn't just any book—it was a beautiful, leather-bound copy of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. My eyes pricked with tears, realizing my dad had remembered that he's one of my favorite authors. My hands reverently ran over the smooth leather. "Oh, my, god. Wow. I love it, Dad!"
I jumped up, walking around the table to him. I leaned over and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much. It's amazing."
Dad chuckled, patting my back. "That's a relief. It's not the easiest thing to figure out the right gift for such an important accomplishment. I'm really proud of you, Isabella."
I snorted, smiling. Dad only used my full name if he was upset with me or feeling emotional and sentimental—two opposite extremes. I quickly settled back in my chair beside Edward.
"I'm impressed, Charlie." Edward turned the pages of the book that rested on my lap. "Did you figure this one out all by yourself?" His tone was playful. I glanced up to see that delicious smirk of his as he looked at my dad.
"Yes, I did, and I'm pretty impressed with myself actually."
"It's Alice's turn," Emmett interjected. He sat a large box on the table in front of her. It was wrapped so beautifully I almost didn't want Alice to tear into it. Clearly, Emmett had paid for the professionals to wrap it.
"From you?" Alice asked demurely, looking up at him through her lashes.
He nodded, a soft smile on his lips.
A minute later, she held a red leather attaché case with her initials etched into a silver plate on the side. It was stunning. Emmett apparently knew her pretty well already. Red was not only her favorite color, but it fit her personality. She was not a dull brown attaché case kind of gal, and Emmett knew that.
She'd barely pulled it from the box when she twisted in her chair, wrapping her arms around his neck. "It's perfect. I love it, Em. Thank you so much." Emmett held her tightly, a giant grin plastered on his face.
Fifteen minutes later all the presents had been opened except for one small box that still sat conspicuously on the cart. Angela had given me a gift card to Barnes and Noble. She knew me well; I could spend all day in that store. Mom and Phil had given me a nice graduation card filled with three, crisp hundred dollar bills. Jasper had chosen the same gift for both Alice and me: a coffee mug and t-shirt that said "Live, Love,Teach." Edward had given me a book of Pablo Neruda's poems. Between teaching the sonnet that inspired me to look at things differently to watching Il Postino with Edward a few days ago, it seemed that Neruda's poetry had become an important part of our relationship. It was a meaningful gift.
Alice had squealed inappropriately, drawing stares from others in the dining room when she'd opened a card from her parents and found a voucher for an all-expenses paid trip for four to Las Vegas. Alice immediately informed me, Edward, and Emmett that we'd all be going to Vegas this summer. I was pretty psyched about it, especially since it wouldn't cost me anything except incidentals. And I knew how well our foursome had traveled together in Europe, but to do Vegas together? It was going to be so flipping fun! We'd have to go soon though because Edward had to report for duty in two months. Before that thought had time to deflate my blissful mood, Edward held the small, solitary gift in front of me that had been left on the cart.
My heart pitter-pattered in my chest, wondering what could possibly be in such a tiny box. "What's this?" I smiled at him. "You already gave me something."
"You didn't really think all I got you was a book, did you?" His brows crinkled, and he looked genuinely distressed at the thought.
"Um . . . well, yes? It was an awesome present. I love that book."
Edward shook his head, chuckling. "Open it, please," he said softly, resting his hand on my shoulder and tracing circles with his thumb.
I tore off the paper and gently removed the lid from the small, white box. Oh, my. Inside the box sat a smaller, blue velvet box. Velvet boxes meant only one thing—jewelry. I gingerly picked it up, stroking the soft velvet between my fingers. Oh, my, oh, fucking my. It couldn't be. Could it?
My pitter-pattering heart was now thundering in my chest like Secretariat in the last race of the Triple Crown. The silence in the room became deafening, and I glanced up to see everyone at the table looking at me way too seriously. No . . . no way. He wouldn't do this here, like this, with an audience, would he? And it was too soon, right? Yes, it was definitely way too soon.
"Open it already! The anticipation is killing us here," Alice playfully coaxed.
"Edward?" My voice came out all whispery and crackling, likely from the lack of saliva in my mouth, sucked away by my anxiety.
"What's the matter?" His familiar crooked smile appeared as he gently took the velvet treasure from my trembling hands. He held it so that it faced me and quickly opened the hinged lid, revealing the unexpected.
"Edward!" My hands flew involuntarily to my mouth, covering my open-mouthed gasp. "It's . . . ohh . . . god! Edward, it's so beautiful."
My eyes darted away from the gift to see his perfect face all lit up, his mouth in a full-on smile and his eyes wide and lively. Silently, yet still beaming a grin as big as mine, he removed the necklace from the box and stood up. With the silver chain dangling from his fingers as he stepped behind me, the jewels sparkled, eliciting a multitude of comments from the peanut gallery. I heard everything from gasps to comments about how stunning it was to Jasper's quiet but distinctive "mother of fuck" exclamation. I gathered my hair in my hands, pulling it to the side.
"It's so unusual. Where did you find it?" Alice blurted out, breaking the silence.
"I had it sent over from London," Edward explained as he secured the jewel-encrusted swan pendant around my neck.
His intoxicating, velvet voice wafted over me from behind, his soothing tone and cadence warming me from the inside out like my favorite steaming caramel latte. He was my like my own personal Edward Latte. Or Edwardian Latte. Latte-ward? I was pretty sure I was hopelessly addicted to Latte-ward.
I giggled inwardly at my silliness, tilting my head back so I could see the beautiful man standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders. He leaned down, his eyes locked on mine, until his lips settled gently over my mouth. He kissed me chastely but oh-so-slowly that I felt it down to my toes and back up again where it settled right between my legs. Oh, my. He pulled away and gazed at me. "I love you," he whispered.
I reached up, placing my hand on his neck and pulled his face back to mine, kissing him once more. "I love you. It's too much, you know," I whispered, touching my fingers to the diamonds around my neck, "but I adore it. Thank you."
He sat back down next to me, taking my hand in his and resting them on his leg.
"What kind of stone is in that, Edward? Onyx?" Angela asked.
"No, they're black diamonds set in sterling silver."
"Black diamonds!" Alice repeated dramatically. With a snort, she laughed loudly. "Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Alice, language!" Mr. Brandon scolded.
Black diamonds? Holy crap! That just sounded outrageously expensive. I was grateful, and I was touched that he'd give me something so beautiful and so meaningful, but how the hell could he afford all of this?
"Excuse me, but would anyone like an after-dinner cappuccino or espresso?" The waiter stood to the side of the table awaiting an answer.
"Everyone, feel free to order something." Edward turned his watch around, squinting at it. "I think we'd better pass on the coffee though." He glanced at me and then Charlie. "We've got to head to the airport soon."
Dad was flying back to Washington tonight. His luggage was in the car, so that we could drop him at the airport on the way home. I'd really enjoyed having him around, but if I was honest, I was looking forward to more fully enjoying Edward without a fatherly presence.
Angela, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon, and Renee all ordered cappuccinos. I was insanely jealous. "That's too bad." I sighed. "I'd bet a place like this has some ridiculously great coffee."
"I'm sorry, little swan," Edward said quietly, leaning in close so only I could hear. "I'll bring you back here anytime you want, okay?"
My eyebrows shot up. What did that mean? That my Edward has money growing on trees? That he's planning on staying in Phoenix long-term? Before I could get my brain in gear and articulate a reply, Dad spoke up.
"Speaking of the airport, when are you boys going to head back to Seattle?" He looked at Edward and then over at Emmett.
Good question, Dad. Edward and I hadn't talked at all about how long he'd be able to stay in Phoenix. I looked at him, very curious as to how he'd answer. I was perplexed to see that he looked about as uncomfortable as I'd ever seen him. His eyes darted from my dad over to Emmett and then to me before settling on the linen napkin being twisted around his fingers.
Everyone quietly waited for one of them to say something. Emmett and Alice huddled together, whispering conspiratorially.
Finally, Emmett cleared his throat, looking around the table. "We were planning on talking to both of you about this real soon." His eyes held mine briefly before looking at Edward. "But since it's come up . . . um, I've decided that I'm not going back to Seattle."
What the hey? I looked at Alice, offering her a big smile because I really was so happy to hear this. Those two were amazing together; they shouldn't be in two different cities. Not to mention, I adored Emmett myself and would love having him around as my friend.
"Well, not to stay anyway," Alice clarified, her voice calm but clearly happy. "He's going to go back in a few days to pack his things so he can move here permanently."
Mrs. Brandon sat her coffee cup down with a clang. "What about your work, Emmett? What is it that you do again?"
"I'm a freelance writer, ma'am. I can work from anywhere." Unflinchingly, he held her gaze and smiled big enough to flash her those damned dimples of his.
Mrs. Brandon nodded approvingly. "Well, that sounds wonderful, you two." Yeah, the dimples worked every time.
"It'll be nice to be able to get to know you better, Emmett," Mr. Brandon added.
"Excuse me for a moment, please," Jasper mumbled, his eyes cast downward as he scooted out his chair. He was halfway across the dining room before I had a chance to say anything. Not that there was anything I could say in front of everyone. As I was contemplating going after Jasper, my dad continued his line of questioning.
"Okay, then, so Emmett's staying. What about you, Edward? Are you going back to Seattle?" Charlie sat back in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest.
I stared intently at Edward, willing him to say the words I wanted to hear. At one time, before I'd foolishly walked out of his life, he'd said that he wanted to move to Phoenix to be with me as much as possible before deploying. I hoped that he still wanted that. I was pretty sure he did, but I didn't know it without a doubt.
Edward slowly looked up, meeting Charlie's stare. "I'm not quite sure, sir," he finally answered, his voice subdued.
I felt my jaw literally drop open. He wasn't sure. He wasn't sure if he was going to stay with me. How could he not be sure after everything we'd been through together? What about the things he'd said to me? The way he always looked at me? What about the freaking black diamonds around my neck? I thought diamonds were forever—isn't that the jingle? Forever diamonds seemed pretty sure to me.
I stared at Edward, still slack-jawed, but he kept his eyes on everything and everyone at the table except me. I looked over at Alice, needing the comfort of my best friend. She gave me a sad, empathetic smile.
How had I gone from the high of having my prince drape diamonds around my neck to the low of uncertainty, realizing that my prince wasn't sure about me after all?
A/N: You can find pictures, including one of Bella's swan pendant, at one of the following sites:
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