A/N: REVIEWS HIT 1100 TONIGHT! THANK YOU!!!
HERE IS THE ONLY NOTE I HAVE TONIGHT: THIS PART OF THE CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO MY ONE AND ONLY BRITKAT! YOU DESERVE THIS EDWARD!!
BRITKAT IS ONE HELL OF A SPECIAL FRIEND AND BETA. I AM CONSTANTLY AMAZED BY HER SUPPORT AND GENUINE LOVE.
THIS EDWARD IS FOR YOU BABY.....
Chapter 33 - Birthday Boy, Part 3
EPOV
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Bella had been amazingly quick to pick up on some of the finer nuances when it came to riding. I was astonished with how quickly she had become at ease on the horse. It felt like something clicked into place when I realized that this was another part of my life that I could share with her.
We rode back up to the house and we could see the line of caterer's trucks parked all along the side entrance. I checked my watch and realized that the party was still several hours away. The garden was being set up with additional white tents which could allow the guests to enjoy the evening outside if they chose to. I noticed a small chamber orchestra setting up under one of the tents. Of course Esme thought about everything.
"This is going to be madness in a couple of hours. I can already tell they've gotten off to a slow start. Esme is going to have an embolism if they don't step up the pace." I took Bella by the hand and we went in search of Esme.
We found her in the main salon arguing with the florists on where certain arrangements needed to be placed.
"Esme!" I called out to her over the cacophony of people milling in and out, tables being set up and another orchestra setting up on a small stage.
Esme turned around and impatiently pushed a strand of hair that had fallen into her face out of the way. Her eyes lit up when she saw both Bella and I and she made her way across the room.
"Edward!" She exclaimed as she hugged me tightly. I returned the hug with just as much fervor. She quickly broke from my embrace and swept Bella into her warm, familiar embrace.
"Bella! Obviously riding agrees with you. You look beautiful. Tell me that Edward is taking good care of you?" Esme gushed.
Bella was almost shocked at the very positive reception that she had just received from Esme.
"Edward has been nothing short of spectacular Esme. It's good to see you again." Bella answered as she hugged Esme back.
"Good. I'm glad to hear it! Your mother sends her love. " Esme smiled warmly at Bella as she gripped her upper arms in an embrace of reassurance.
I watched as Bella relaxed infinitesimally. I had to admit that I too was just a little nervous as to how we were going to be received by Esme. Everything seemed relaxed and normal.
One look at Esme though and I knew I was in for a private conversation later.
"Oh Edward…please tell me Karl has arrived from London! I can't do this by myself. Plus Carlisle is waiting for you in the conservatory. Bella? Rose and her stylists arrived a little while ago. You'll find them upstairs with Alice."
Esme kept rattling off her instructions. Like a true mother hen she directed all her little chicks into place. I leaned over and kissed the top of Esme's head.
"So glad you are here." I hugged her tightly for just a moment.
"Happy Birthday Beautiful Boy." She smiled at me and sent both Bella and me on our way.
Bella and I left the salon hand in hand. I snagged two canapés from a tray that passed by us and I fed her one. She laughed as I shoved the tiny delicacy into her mouth.
"That's for the party you know?" Bella delicately chided me while her mouth sprayed tiny bits of flakey pastry as she chewed.
"My party, my food. No foul on my part whatsoever. Besides -- what good is a royal title if you can't act privileged every once in a while?" I answered back smartly.
We reached the main staircase and I knew it was time to let Bella go. Bella had made it to the third step when I grabbed her wrist sharply. She turned around and smiled and I knew at that moment that she didn't really want to leave me either.
"It's just a couple of hours until I see you again." She whispered.
She cupped my jaw with her warm palm. I leaned into her touch. I could smell the rich warm fragrance of her skin. It mingled with the fresh air from being outdoors and all I could think of was laying her down on the green earth outside and taking her as my own. I pictured her naked and writhing in my garden, wildflowers woven as a crown through her rich chestnut hair. My own Titania, Queen of the Fairies.
Bella had fully bewitched me. Images of her in every room of this house flashed through my mind with lightening speed. I was staggered by the very images.
I kissed her palm lightly. "Tell me the color of your gown."
"What? Why?" She smiled and defiantly crossed her arms over her very pert breasts in a gesture of challenge.
"Humor me Bella. Just tell me the color of your dress." I raised my eyebrows at her and I knew she was going to give in. I was beginning to realize that there were definitely ways I could overcome her stubbornness.
She sighed in mock resignation because I knew all too well that her curiosity would get the better of her.
"Fine. It's green. Emerald green." She finally admitted.
I winked at her and smiled widely. "Thank you. That wasn't so hard was it?"
"If you're getting me a corsage just give it up now Texas because those days are way over for me!"
I laughed out loud. "No homecoming corsages that drop to your knees. I promise. Not even a grandmotherly orchid corsage for the wrist."
"What are you up too?" She eyed me suspiciously.
"Bella -- Go! Alice and Rose are waiting for you. I need to see to my family and help Esme with some of the final arrangements. Meet me in the conservatory at quarter till seven?" I asked her.
"Are you going to leave me a map? I don't think we've explored this whole place yet. I could get lost and you wouldn't find me until next year. I'll just be a dried out skeleton in a green dress and an orchid corsage." She jabbed a pointed finger into my chest.
I gently pushed her towards the next step on the staircase. "Go! Get ready. I'll be waiting for you. I promise."
I laughed silently as I heard her mutter to herself all the way up the stairs.
***
I made my way to the conservatory eager to find Carlisle. It had been a long time since we had been able to spend time together in each other's company. It was his opinion that I always valued the most and I had much to share with him.
I walked into the conservatory just as Carlisle had lifted the lid on the piano in the middle of the room.
"Do you still play Edward? You were always extremely talented." Carlisle asked me.
"Yes. I do. As a matter of fact I wrote a new composition not too long ago." I answered. I crossed the room and sunk into an effortless hug with the man that I fully accepted as my father.
"Good to see you son." He said as he clapped me on the back.
"Good to see you too Carlisle." I returned the sentiment just as strongly.
We made our way over to the comfortably overstuffed chairs off to the right side of the piano.
Carlisle sunk down into the chair and pinched the bridge of his nose for just one moment.
"Tired from the flight or just work?" I asked him.
"A little of both" He admitted. "I'm just going to cut to the chase Edward. Esme wants me to speak to you about recent events."
Ah Esme. Nice move.
"What exactly does Bella Swan mean to you son? Esme is just a little concerned. You could put her into a terrible position with Bella's mother if all you are doing is fucking around."
I about choked when I heard Carlisle drop the "F" bomb. It was the first time in the full twenty seven years of my life that I heard that man swear.
Carlisle laughed out loud at the look on my face and put his hands up in a surrender type gesture. "I'm just the messenger. You know how much Esme loves you and wants nothing but the best for you."
"I appreciate that Carlisle. I really do. It's just that for the first time in my life I am involved with someone who isn't fully hung up on my royal title or the wealth that comes with it. I genuinely believe that Bella likes me for who I am." I explained.
"What about you? How do you feel about Bella?" He asked me as he shifted forward in his chair.
"I don't want her to leave any time soon if that's what you are asking."
"You didn't answer my question Edward." Carlisle was staring right at me. Was I ready to admit my feelings to another person besides Bella?
Just say it. Out loud. Say it.
I took a deep breath and thought about all the arguments that Esme would no doubtably make about it not being a good match as far as my title was concerned. I also knew that I would argue with her to the end reminding her of how happy she was that she married for love.
"I love her Carlisle. I can't even begin to imagine being separated from her right now."
Carlisle expelled a breath and laced his hands behind his head as he sunk back into the chair. "You do realize what the ramifications of pursuing Bella could mean to the Duchy?"
"I'm aware of that Carlisle. But I'm also a little angry that everyone seems to think so little of me that I could not manage to find a way for this to work on my own. My time spent with the Queen after the Royal Windsor Horse Show was quite productive."
"Edward you are talking to the one person who understands what it means the most when it comes to sacrifices. I watched as Esme went through a really depressing period right after we got married. She missed her home and her family. She put on a brave face but I knew she wasn't fully happy. Do you think you could ask the same of Bella?"
I stood up and walked over to the piano. I ran my fingers down the ivory keys lightly. I started to feel like a selfish prick. I had done everything to keep Bella by my side because it was what I wanted. I had tried to convince myself that I was being romantic and giving her a whirlwind trip to London. I berated myself over the fact that she and I hadn't even fully discussed what was going to happen after Emmett and Rosalie's engagement party.
Carlisle could sense that I had become tense. He walked over and clapped his hand down on my shoulder.
"Edward, I trust you. I know you will make the right decision. I do have some final advice for you though. If you love this girl like I truly think you do, don't let her go." He walked toward the door of the conservatory. "See you at the party."
Tomorrow. I would talk to Bella tomorrow.
BPOV_________________________________________
I sat patiently as one of the stylists wound my hair into tight spirals and fastened them to my head with tiny crystals. Rose was standing back watching and giving a little direction every now and then. Rose wouldn't let me see the end result until it was complete and I had already been sitting in the chair too long for my own liking.
"Rose! Please. I need to stand up and stretch my legs." I pleaded.
"Promise you won't look?" Rose extracted my sworn promise from me.
"I wanna see Bella!" Alice called from the other room. Alice was currently having her makeup done by another stylist. Rose was already dressed and watched the rest of the preparations while sipping a glass of champagne.
"Are you sure you don't want a glass of champagne Bella. It will calm you down. Your are as jumpy as can be." Rose went to refill her glass. She looked absolutely stunning. It was going to be hard standing next to her during the party.
"No! No alcohol. Last couple of times I've consumed alcohol I've either ended up in a fountain or in the middle of some melee. This is Edward's birthday party Rose. I can't fuck it up by getting drunk."
"If you are worried about what the guests are going to think of you, I wouldn't. I know enough skeletons in the closets of all the families invited. Stick close with me and those damn vituperative biddies won't have a chance to say anything."
"Why are you being so nice to me?" I asked her. Just two weeks ago it was if we were rivals.
"Because Bella, I've never had a close female friend that I could confide in. And personally, I figure if I help you out this evening that you being who you are shall return the favor."
"Okay. That's a fair deal." I agreed. "What favor can I do for you Rose?"
Rose waved the stylist away from my hair. "Please go check on Miss Brandon's hair and see if it needs any final touch ups."
Rose waited until the stylist left the room. "This is sort of embarrassing Bella and I don't need rumors to be spread around."
Rose dropped her head and studied her manicure. She turned the immaculate diamond on her left hand.
"Emmett is going to be my first Bella. I'm still a virgin and I'm frightened senseless that I won't be able to please him on our wedding night."
I was stunned by her admission. Then I started laughing. Really hard. Hard enough that I started snorting. Alice's curiosity got the best of her and she stuck her head in the door.
Rose was just standing there completely mortified.
"What's going on? I haven't heard Bella laugh that hard in a long time. It's something really good isn't it?" Alice practically bounced into the room.
"Get a hold of yourself Bella. It's not that funny. I find it to be extremely embarrassing." Rose begged.
"Oh Rose! It's not …it's just….Oh damn! You really do live up to the nickname I had for you." I howled out in between snorts. My eyes were filling with tears I was laughing so hard.
"Okay. Somebody spill what's going on. I'm dying over here!" Alice pouted.
"What nickname?" Rose said at the same time.
Alice chimed in. "Ice Princess"
"Rose is still a virgin!" I exclaimed. I watched as Rose wrung her hands and Alice started giggling with me.
"Fine Bella. I'll just throw you to those wolves downstairs." Rose snapped.
I finally calmed down and went to put my arm around her. "Oh Rose, I'm so sorry but that got me to relax better than any damn glass of Champagne. I promise you that when we get back to Houston for your engagement party, Alice and I are going to give you a bachelorette party and school you in a few things."
Rose seemed mollified at the moment. Alice jumped over and gave Rose a hug as well. "Seriously Rose. We would love to do it! You have been so wonderful giving us this treat today. Besides, I like you even though you can be an icy bitch."
I waited for a second not sure how Rose was going to react to Alice. "Thank you Alice. This bitch needs another glass of champagne. I think tonight is going to be the first time I will truly enjoy myself. Even if I do have to spend time with Edward."
I smiled at Rose as she winked at me. Lady Rosalie Hale and I had just officially become friends.
***
I nervously checked the clock on the wall. I had just slipped into my shoes when I noticed that I only had about five minutes before I was to meet Edward. One last look in the mirror and I was ecstatic with what I saw. The tiny crystals in my hair caught the light making it seem as if there was a net of stars caught in the carefully pinned curls. Alice came up behind me and put her arms around my waist and peered around me at my reflection.
"You look stunning Bella. He won't be able to keep his eyes off of you. That color green looks beautiful against your skin."
"The gown is fantastic Alice. I can't thank you enough. I'm surprised that's even me!" I said as I pointed towards the mirror. The girl that was reflected back seemed poised, confidant and sexy. The mermaid cut of the gown hugged my curves and when I moved the satin of the gown seemed to shimmer.
"It's time." Alice said as she pointed to the clock. "Go Bella. Go find Edward. I'll see you at the party." She gave me a quick hug and left in a hurry. Alice was stunningly beautiful this evening in a flapper style black gown that made the most of her tiny stature. I took one last look in the mirror and made my way towards the conservatory.
***
Most of the house was ablaze with strategically placed candlelight. Floral arrangements decorated every room. Esme and the decorators had created a seductive ambience. I could hear the strains of the orchestra in the main salon. As I made my way towards to the conservatory I could hear other music.
It was a piano. Edward was playing. I hurried my steps not wanting to miss seeing him play the piano. I pushed open the door to the conservatory and lost my breath at the sight of him. He quit playing and stood up.
"Bella are you okay?" He started to come towards me and I ordered him to stop.
"Edward? A kilt? You're wearing a kilt?" I managed to stammer.
Holy Christ. He looked spectacular.
Edward smiled at me knowing that he took me by surprise. "Yes Bella. I usually wear a kilt here for formal occasions. The tartan is from Esme's side of the family. It was specifically designed for the Whitlock-Platts. I do it as an honor to my mother and Esme."
He moved toward me looking like something out of a freaking romance novel. I could see his beautiful shapely calves accented by the knee length hose he wore. His brogues were not traditional but still looked the part. The dark greens and reds of the tartan were intricately woven together. Black leather straps on each side of his hips were accented with shiny silver buckles. His kilt pin winked in the candle light. I noticed the dragon crested sporran that was slung from his slender hips and rested right over his… Omigod. I was going to be staring at that all night. His broad shoulders were accented by the tuxedo style jacket and vest all decorated with bright silver buttons.
Edward raked his hand through his hair and managed to make it stand up in several different directions. I took my bottom lip in between my teeth and nervously stood there waiting for him to come closer. My brain overcompensated for my utter case of nerves and the words slipped from my mouth before my filter could process them.
"So Geez Texas -- if I had known you'd be carrying a purse, I'd have let you carry my lipstick."
My eyes couldn't pull themselves away from the blatant display of masculinity. Who knew a dress could make a man look so hot?
Edward chuckled slightly. "You look magnificent Bella. But I think you are a little underdressed."
Uh oh. I looked around for the corsage. Fuck. The whole room was full of flowers. He could have hidden it anywhere.
Edward took a rolled up piece of fabric from the top of the piano, slipped the tie loose around it and slowly opened the roll to reveal something very sparkly encased in black velvet.
"Bella, please come here." He asked me. His eyes were dancing within the candlelight, the gold flecks becoming more prominent in the green.
I walked over to join him at the piano. The most spectacular diamond and emerald cuff lay on the black velvet. Edward picked it up and slid it onto my wrist.
"These pieces of jewelry were my mother's. It would mean a lot to me if you would wear them tonight." Edward held out the matching diamond and emerald earrings in the palm of his hand.
"Edward. This is too much. I couldn't possibly…"
He cut me off mid sentence. "You can and you will. As a birthday present to me?"
I reached for the earrings. "That was pretty smooth."
I went over to where a mirror was hanging on the wall. I clipped the earrings into place and turned to face Edward. "They're beautiful. Thank you. This was a lovely surprise."
Edward held out his arm to me and began to escort me out towards the main salon.
"It's been a long time since a Masen duke had such a beautiful woman at his side in this house. My mother would whole heartedly approve. Shall we?"
And with that we made our way to our friends, family and guests to celebrate the twenty seventh birthday of Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, Duke of Cumberland.
SO ANY GUESSES AS TO WHAT IS UNDER THAT KILT? YUM!!!
One last worthy note....for any of you who saw the Comic Con New Moon Panel footage....? My good friend AngryBadgerGirl was the first person to ask Rob "His Holy Freaking Hotness" Pattinson a question.
The best question in my honest opinion.....
Her epic phone call to me tonight just made me giggle and live precariously through her....SHE GOT TO SEE ROB!!! AND SHE MADE HIM LAUGH AND SMILE!!!! She rocks me....
Leave a review and you can take a peek under Dukeward's skirt.....