It's Time

Chapter 35

Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong solely to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

A second disclaimer:

I'm not a professional writer. I write Twilight fanfic simply because I love this fandom.

I apologize in advance for any errors.

NONNO

Two days after his surgery, Edward was weaned off the ventilator and breathing on his own.

The doctor was encouraged by Edward's progress. "If your respiratory therapy goes well, I don't see any reason why you can't go home sometime early next week."

"Great. Thanks, Doc," Edward said, his voice still scratchy from the tube that had been removed from his throat.

"You're welcome. I'll stop by to check on you tomorrow."

Once the doctor left, I sat in the chair next to Edward's bed. "Is there anything I can get you?"

He gestured to the glass of water that sat on his bedside table. "Do you mind?"

"Sure." After handing him his drink, my chest constricted as I recalled the sight of my grandson lying in a pool of his own blood. His selfless act had not only saved my life, but also, almost cost him his own. "Son, I can't even begin to thank you—"

"No, Nonno," he interrupted. "Don't."

"But, Edward, I would have been dead if you hadn't taken that bullet. You saved my life."

"And you have saved mine … in more ways than one." He rubbed his palm across his face and sighed. "What happened after I was shot?"

I had been expecting this question. After learning all the details about Esme's visit to the bookstore, I hoped he wouldn't be too upset by my response. "After the shooting, Eleazar and Mike brought a physician to the cabin. Once you were stabilized, an ambulance came and took you to the hospital. I went with you, while Eleazar, Mike, and your mother remained at the cabin. Your uncle paid off the doctor and sheriff, so the shooting was ruled as accidental."

He nodded. "Where was Pops while all this occurred?"

"At some local dive, drinking. . ."

Edward scoffed. "And where are Ma and Pops now?"

"Son, I didn't have a choice," I rubbed the back of my neck. "I've sent them to Italy. Eleazar accompanied them on a flight the night of your shooting."

His brow furrowed. "What does that mean?"

"It means they've been banished from the family, and they won't step foot in the States ever again."

His eyes widened at my declaration.

"Not only did your mother almost kill Bella, but she also threatened Gia. Not to mention, she tried to kill me and would have succeeded if not for you. I can no longer ignore your father's abusive ways. It's time for them both to pay for their crimes."

"Crimes?"

"Against you … and your brother."

He yanked at his hair. Uncertainty flashed in his eyes. "But Nonno, Pops will never stay in Italy …."

"Edward, don't you trust me?"

"Of course, I do."

"Well, believe me when I say they've been dealt with." I leaned across the bed railing and patted his hand to indicate the subject was closed. "Now, I have one more matter to discuss with you. Eleazar has agreed to go to Chicago and help run operations while you recover."

His lips thinned as his body stiffened. "But, I can still work—"

"I have no doubt you can, but right now, your priority needs to be your health. The doctor said it could take up to three months before you're fully recovered. Nonna and I want you to stay with us while you recuperate."

Edward stared across the room as he considered my words. A few moments later, his gaze met mine. "Are Emmett and Jasper good with this arrangement?"

"Of course, they are. They both want what's best for you, and they both respect Eleazar."

"What about Eli and Carmen? He's been out of the business for years."

"Edward, we both know your father was the reason Eleazar didn't return after his accident. And yes, Carmen was apprehensive at first, but she realizes things aren't as dangerous as they were a decade ago."

"Then I agree … although, I may drive you and Nonna bonkers just from sheer boredom."

"Oh, I highly doubt that." I smiled. "And who knows … perhaps, you can use the time to catch up on some light reading. I happen to know of an excellent bookstore in town."

A glimmer of hope flashed through his eyes. "Hmm. Now that does sound like a fine idea, Nonno."

BPOV

A week passed before I summoned the courage to visit Edward at the hospital.

When I arrived at his room, the door was open. After tapping lightly on the frame, I peeked my head inside.

Edward sat in a chair next to his bed. His startled eyes met mine.

"Bella, come in."

Heat filled my cheeks. After walking to where he sat, I smoothed an imaginary wrinkle from my blouse and muttered, "Hi."

A wide grin pulled at his mouth. "Hey."

"Am I interrupting?" I gestured to the ballgame playing on the screen.

"No, never." After grabbing the remote, he turned off the television. "Please, have a seat."

As I settled into the chair next to his, a stark silence followed. My stomach clenched as I willed myself to look in his direction.

"Hey." His finger drummed my crossed knee. "Are you okay?"

I looked up at him as his green eyes scrutinized me. "Just nervous."

He leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair. A grimace marred his features. "I see. I suppose I can't blame you after everything that's happened."

"No," I argued, realizing he misunderstood me. "That's not what I meant."

His brow wrinkled.

I placed a tentative hand on his forearm. We both paused, staring at the spot where my skin met his. My flesh prickled at his touch. I felt my face redden as heat uncurled in my abdomen. Overwhelmed by the sensation, I released his arm. "I'm not scared of you, Edward. Just anxious."

"So, you don't blame me for my parent's actions?"

"No, of course not. Why would I?" I licked my lips before continuing. "You're a hero. Nonno would be dead if it weren't for you."

He shook his head. "I'm no hero, Bella."

"I guess we'll have to agree to disagree then."

"Let's move on to a happier topic. How's Gia? Is she walking yet?"

At the mention of my daughter's name, my face melted into a smile. "As a matter of fact, she took her first step two days ago." Grabbing my bag, I removed my phone. "Mike caught it on video." We gravitated toward each other, our foreheads almost touching as we watched Gia take six, wobbly steps into my awaiting arms.

When the clip ended, he sighed. "She didn't take her eyes off you the entire time. It's amazing to see how much she trusts you."

After putting my phone away, I said, "I can't describe how wonderful, yet terrifying, it is to be a parent." My eyes welled with tears. I wiped at them and mumbled, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to get so emotional; it's just, she's everything to me."

Edward placed his fingers under my chin, tipping my head to meet his gaze. "Hey, never apologize for loving your daughter. That's one of the many things I admire about you … what an incredible mother you are."

My throat constricted at his compliment. "Th-thanks, Edward."

After tucking a stray hair behind my ear, he ran a fingertip gently along my cheek. My heart hammered against my ribs as his focus landed on my lips.

"God, I want to kiss you so much." He dropped his hand with a groan.

Embarrassed, I mumbled, "So, are you enjoying the rain?" Once I realized what I had said, I did an internal facepalm.

He laughed. "Wow, Bella. You're asking me about the weather?"

"Yeah. I … I guess I am."

"Well, I've been cooped up in here, so I haven't really had the opportunity to enjoy it."

I blushed. "Of course, I don't know what I was thinking."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I know exactly what you were thinking about, and it wasn't the weather." His lips curled into a smirk.

My mouth dropped into the shape of an O, and I gave his shoulder a light smack.

"Ouch!" he said in a playful tone. "I'm still healing from major surgery over here."

"Oh, my God! I'm so sorry, Edward." I stood and gently rubbed the area I had hit. As soon as I placed my hand on his shoulder, my pulse quickened with forbidden longing.

When Edward released a soft moan, I attempted to pull away, but he grasped my wrist. "Don't stop."

Even though I didn't want to, one of us had to remain in control. I eyed him skeptically. "Does it still hurt?"

He shook his head. "My shoulder's fine. I was just teasing you."

I gave a playful huff before returning to my seat. "But really, how are you feeling?"

"I'm doing well. Doc said I should be able to go home in a day or two. He thinks I'll be good as new in two to three months."

"Who will take care of you once you get released?"

"I think Nonna is planning on having me stay with them," he answered. "Unless …" He arched an eyebrow. "Are you offering?"

My eyes widened. "I … I … I don't know if — "

"Relax, I'm kidding." He chuckled.

I crossed my arms against my chest. My breath hitched as Edward's eyes followed my movements and lingered on my breasts. After clearing my throat, I scoffed. "You're quite a jokester today."

"What can I say? There's something about you that makes me feel lighthearted." He winked.

Warmth spread throughout my body. "Well … I'm sure you'll enjoy Nonna's caretaking over mine anyhow."

Enclosing my hand in his, he gently ran his thumb across my knuckles. A shudder passed through me at the contact.

One corner of his mouth twisted upward. "Hmm ... somehow, I don't think that's possible."

AN:

Thanks to Fran, K, Kay, and Gail for their help with this chapter.

Much love to all my readers. Have a wonderful weekend.

Until next time,

HE