Thank you all for sticking with me throughout this story. Your reviews and kind words have kept me going! :)
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Disclaimer: These characters belong to Stephanie Meyers.
Bella POV
I'd wished death upon my mother multiple times over the years, but never could I have imagined how much pain I would feel when I actually heard the news of her death.
Memories flood my mind at an alarming rate as events of my life come rushing back to me all at once. I remember not being able to breathe, like I was under water drowning with no way out. I remember thinking, there's no way that I can erase this from my memory. The image of my mom being pinned to the floor by cops, her arms jerked behind her back as she stared at me from across the room. Her eyes set on mine with all of the fiery hatred she'd had to mildly contain for over a decade. She had a right at that moment to hate me. I could not fault her. Because she knew the truth. She's the only one that knows the truth, and now it's burried along with her.
If someone had asked me a few weeks ago how I felt about my mother's death, it's quite possible that I would have had no answer. But now when I think back on my conversation with Mr. Rogers who explained that my mother's death was is under investigation, I know that I am deeply saddened by her sudden death. Mr. Rogers stated that Renee was getting better, so there was no reason to believe that she would commit suicide...but I know better. Renee had tried to harm herself on many occasions, and when Charlie would think she'd gotten better, that's when we would find her slitting her wrist, or catch her making a noose. Renee should have gotten help a long time ago. This is what is most disturbing to me.
I went through a phase of being angry because my dad had not gotten her help sooner. Maybe then they would both still be alive to meet their granddaughter if he had.
Completing the paperwork made everything about the situation that much more real, yet I ignored the pain because I had to be strong in case a court appearance was necessary. I was happy to later find out that I did not have to be present if the investigation went to court in front of a jury, which was a relief. I didn't think I could sit through it, and I was glad that I didn't have to.
"What are you doing, Bella?" Alice asks as she runs toward me looking just as worried as ever. I roll my eyes at her dramatic act, and continue down the stairs.
"I'm just getting a glass of water, Alice."
"Is this a special kind of water? One that I myself couldn't fix for you?"
"No, but I'm tired of lying in that bed. Tired of you and Edward, and just everyone treating me like a porcelain doll." I know the real reason they are all treating me this way. Edward won't admit it, but I know it's because of my mother. They think with any sudden stressor, I will lose it. Not in a dangerous way, but one that will send me spiraling into depression, one that they are eager to protect me from.
Apparently, Carlisle knew more than I was willing to openly confess. He still didn't know how I was responsible for my father's death in more ways than one, but he knew too much. I have no idea how he knew so much, especially since the only other two people that knew the whole story were dead. Carlisle had to have personally talked to Renee to recall such events.
Carlisle knew the truth, and now so did the entire family. Edward was...surprisingly not upset that I had lied to him throughout our entire relationship. He had a right to be mad that I'd told him that my mother was dead when really she was in a mental institute.
It didn't matter that I was a huge liar. The fact remained that my mother was now dead and the Cullens just wanted to be there for me. Edward had been with me every step of the way, caring for me,. loving me, and he will never know how thankful I am for his comfort, even when I didn't think that I needed it.
I thought I was okay, I mean...I never really got to know Renee, but she was still my mother and no matter what I loved her. This was no reason to burst into tears at the mere thought of my mother being gone. Apparently, everyone saw this as a problem, and even after we buried my mom they were still waiting for me to blow up. It's been six weeks, and still they seem to be on standby.
Today however is a little different. I actually have the flu, and Alice is helping out with Lily. She's been a big help, and she doesn't deserve my attitude.
"I just want a glass of water." I tell her, but with a heavy sigh I start back up the stairs to my room.
"I will bring it. You stay in bed." Alice helps me back into bed like I'm a child, and then backs out of the door. "By the way, a guy called your cell earlier. His name was Webber I think." She stands in the doorway with an expectant look on her face.
"Oh. That's my therapist." I tell her, reaching over to pick up my phone. I hadn't realized that I'd missed a phone call.
She walks back into the room with her eyes downcast in deep thought. "Have you not been seeing him? He said something about your mom."
"He talked to you? He's not supposed to do that."
Alice rushes to the bed with her arms outstretched. "I'm sorry. It's completely my fault, sweetie. I pushed. But it's not my business."
"You're right. It's not." I reach back and fluff my pillow, waiting for her to exit. She doesn't.
"I just worry about you Bella. I want you to be okay. You're like a sister to me."
I stare up at her, carefully analyzing her words. It seems Alice is a lot more like her father than I liked to admit. It made me feel uneasy, and often times it makes me question her every motive. It's not that I don't like her. I just don't really trust her.
"I appreciate it, Alice, really I do. But you have got to chill out. I'm not going to lose it."
"Bella, if my mom died I'd lose it, and I would definitely seek help. Are you saying you're a better woman than I am?"
"I'm not saying that at all. I'm telling you not to worry okay? I have dealt with my mother's death in my own way. She's gone, and I've made peace with that fact."
"If you say so. I believe you." She starts back towards the door. "I'll get you that glass. You rest up sweetie."
X
Later that same week when Edward realized that Jasper and Alice had practically moved in, he asked for them to babysit while he took me out on a date. It had been so long since I'd actually stepped foot outside of the house, and even I could admit to going stir crazy.
I really just wanted to spend time with my amazing boyfriend. It has been so long since we have had sex, and now that we are cleared from my doctor, I'm ready to go for it.
Edward's hand is in my hair, and he tugs me close, bending down so our faces are a breath away. "You look amazing baby." He places a smacking kiss on my lips, and pulls back but still our lips brush softly as he whispers. "And you taste..." He kisses me again. "Like honey. You are so sweet." He slowly unleashes his sexy grin.
He then kisses my lips softly as his hand slides from my hair to the side of my face, staring at me like I'm the most important thing in his world.
"I love you. "I whisper against his lips, and he moans in response. That's all it takes for me to react. I wrap my arms around his neck, and moan into his mouth, loving the way that our bodies feel pressed close together.
"Mmmm,. Baby..." His voice is a warning, "if we don't stop right now we're going to miss our reservations."
"Screw the reservations!"
"Slow down." He tells me, and again it's a warning, but I don't hear it. I want him.
I can tell the exact moment that Edward's control slips. Within seconds he has ripped my panties from my body while releasing a loud growl from deep in his chest as he backs me up until my legs hit the bed.
"Get on the bed." His voice is pure sex and authority. I wouldn't dare disobey him. I want this too badly.
Edward lifts my dress up to my hips, and lies atop me but between my legs, kissing me feverishly. I wrap my legs tightly around his waist, needing him closer.
"You have on too many clothes." I tell him, reaching up to unbutton his dress shirt. I hear Edward chuckle softly before his lips attach to my neck and his hands move up my hips, pushing my dress further up. Just as his finger runs along my drenched sex, the door flies open revealing Alice and my baby girl.
"Fucking Alice," Edward groans in frustration dropping his forehead to my chest.
I slap his arm. "Language." I chastise him to which he lifts his head and bites my boob through my dress.
"Stop it!" I giggle, squirming away from him.
"Mom and dad are coming over to see Lily." She announces. "And aren't you guys late."
"We are very aware, Alice thank you." He shifts away from me, standing and turning to face his sister, as I fix my dress. "Give her to me." Edward reaches for Lily, and Alice backs away.
"No. I'm holding her. You two are supposed to be gone. This is our night together." She pokes her lip out, pouting shamelessly and takes another step away.
"Alice!" Edward says in a warning tone, to which she rolls her eyes and huffs at him.
"Fine, but hurry up. I was just about to change her." She says before handing Lily off to Edward.
He holds her and kisses her cheek softly, and gently rocks her in his arms humming as he makes his way out of the bedroom.
I look on silently, not even realizing that a big goofy smile had made its way to my face.
"Oh what are you smiling at?" Alice has a bit of an attitude now that Edward has taken Lily.
"Him. He's so cute with her. "I tell Alice with my eyes still trained in the direction Edward went.
"He's obsessed. That would be more accurate."
"He is not!" I turn my attention to her frowning at her teasing remarks.
"He is! How many times a day does he come home just to hold Lily?" She asks, and I roll my eyes, brushing the idea off.
"He misses his girls. So what? We miss him just as much."
Alice tilts her head to the side, eyeing me sadly, and a little sympathetically. "I think it's really strange how you both rationalize each other's faults. You both think the other is normal, when really you both are nut cases."
"Shut up." I roll my eyes at her, and reach for my clutch to go with my little black dress that dips low in the back.
"I'm serious. You two should consider therapy together so someone can further prove what I'm trying to tell you." She actually begins to laugh at her own conclusion. I want to tell her to go away but I know it's useless, and I don't bother telling her that she's wrong because she's slowly begun to follow me out of the room. Edward and I really are late, and I was promised an amazing steak dinner tonight. Decidedly, I now wanted to make the reservation.
X
"Okay, okay, okay." Rosalie says in a rush, drinking down her margarita. "Tell me why you had to have a C-section Bee? Sweetie, I practiced breathing exercises with you. We weren't prepared for you to go under the knife."
It had been a rough three months without much contact with Rose. She went away to rehab right after the New year. Her goal was to be clean. That was also her new year's resolution, and I couldn't be prouder of her, especially after all she has been through.
Now that she's back and she's clean, we're both looking for jobs, helping each other as we used to. Now we're out for margaritas after a long day of job hunting.
"Lily's heart, they uh, they couldn't find the heart beat, or it was dropping drastically. I can't remember much. I was loopy for the most part, drugged out of my mind. But the crazy part is that they found fibroids and attempted to remove them but I lost a lot of blood and blacked out."
She makes a face, a sad one, before taking a huge sip from her drink. "You're so brave Bella. "She puts her glass down, grabs my hand and squeezes. "You have a baby!"
"I do. And I love her so so much." I tell Rose, who has only seen Lily once since she's been born.
"I do too. And I'm so proud of you. You have the most beautiful baby girl."
X
Bella Pov
Notes have always been our thing. Edward and me. From the very beginning, he has chased me with his notes.
His first note was his way of asking me to stay in his hotel room by telling me to make myself comfortable, and every note since then has been the same...except today. No these notes are demands and instructions. He obviously has plans for us tonight and who am I to foil them.
The first note led me to the bathroom, explaining the soft music, the many lit candles and rose petals. The bath was drawn, but Edward was no where in sight. After I enjoyed my soothing soak, I went into the closet we share and noticed there was a note attached to a silk robe hung in the closet that says, 'For you my love.' I also see a new dress next to the robe with another note saying, 'be dressed by 6.'
I smile down at the notes, then back at the dress, shaking my head at my crazy man. I take the time to look the dress over. It's a black bondage dress with a front cutout that accentuates my full breasts. Thanks to Lily, they will look fantastic in this dress.
I bound back into the room and see that someone has placed a very racy black and gold lingerie piece on the bed surrounded by a circlet of red roses.
After all of this, I should have known that I was missing something. Today wasn't my birthday, and Valentine's Day was weeks ago. What had I missed? Was it sweet hearts day? I'm sure Edward used any excuse to buy something for me knowing how much I hate presents.
I almost call him to ask what has he has planned but decide against it. I don't want to ruin anything by being overly curious. He's given me instructions, and surprisingly, I am looking forward to seeing what tonight at six will bring.
After blow drying my hair, I dress comfortable for a day spent playing with Lily, and watching soap operas on the couch in the living room. Instead, my plans are trampled by Esme.
"Bella dear, let's go. Ali Cat has Lily, and you and I are going out for a bit." Esme calls from the bottom of the steps.
I was just as much of a coward as everyone else in the Cullen family. I'm afraid to tell her no, and not because she's intimidating but because she's so unbelievably sweet. I swear I love the woman to death. I just hate upsetting her and tend to do whatever she says.
That's why I let her rope me into a trip to the spa and a day full of shopping. Esme assured me that the entire day was taken care of. Edward wanted me to relax before our date.
I was able to get a full body massage, and it was my first one ever. I never knew a massage could feel so good. Edward massages my feet all the time which is very relaxing, and arousing- but, this was different...this was like my entire body was soft, and I just felt good. I feel so good. Even now while shopping with Esme. It's like a full body high that just has my body humming. I could definitely see another spa day in my future.
X
When six finally rolled around, Edward made his way to me looking good enough to eat. I greet him with a smile, my hands instantly smooth up his suit to rest on his shoulders.
"Why do you look so fucking good in a suit? I just want to rip your clothes off." My very appreciative eyes slowly roam down his body, only to have my chin jerked upward with his index finger.
He bends his neck and the second his lips touch mine, my entire body catches on fire. Edward's arms move to my back squeezing me close as his pleasure filled groan fills my mouth. His hands make their way down my back to the hem of my dress, as his tongue flicks, and caresses mine so lovingly my head begins to swim.
His hands roam under my dress to my bare ass, and he growls. "No panties?" He whispers against my parted lips, before diving back into a kiss. "Did you see the lingerie on the bed this morning?" His lips barely leave mine as he speaks, and I gasp rather loudly when the tip of his tongue brushes against my bottom lip.
"I thought you would appreciate my initiative." I breathe out in a pant, my brain muddled by all of his hot kisses.
"Oh I do." He groans, taking the chance to squeeze each ass cheek in his strong hands.
"You didn't answer my question." I point out to him, pulling away from our kiss before I actually do rip his clothes off of him. He raises a brow in question, and I feel him squeeze my ass again. He makes an hmm noise as if forgetting the question. "Why do you look so good in a suit?"
"Ahh, yes you did ask me that ridiculous question to which I shut you up with a kiss. One that I desperately needed." He kisses my smiling lips, and I giggle. He exhales into the kiss squeezing me so tightly I can feel the hard planes of his chest through our clothing. "I missed you today."
He is used to seeing both Lily and me at least once during the day. He takes a lunch, and comes home. Sometimes he also takes a break around four just to come home for a second. Sometimes he finishes up work here at home in his office, but the fact still remains that he cannot spend the entire day without seeing us and before today, I didn't think it was possible.
"I missed you too." I kiss his jaw, and I swear I feel him shudder. I always liked how much Edward was affected by me. It made our relationship that much more real. The fact that he is just as affected by me in a dress, me in his arms, me kissing him as I am by him. He doesn't try to hide the fact from me. "What do you have planned tonight for us tonight my love? Esme is still here, so I assume we are going out."
He nods in the affirmative, smiling down at me, before capturing my chin with his index and thumb finger, as he softly runs his thumb across my bottom lip. "What is all this about anyway?"
Edward's smile widens, but it's a dangerous smile that lights me up inside out. "Well, a year ago today someone very special stumbled into my hotel lobby at nearly midnight looking like every man's fantasy."
I throw my head back in laughter. "Yeah right! Ha! I was fucking disgusting and smelled like shit."
"You were beautiful, and special from that moment on. I could feel it. The moment you placed your dainty little hand in my hand you were mine, and nothing and no one can change that fact."
"You're quite the sweet talker." I admonish him, and he grins, before licking his lips. "So this is all to celebrate that ridiculous meet up at your hotel."
"To celebrate the day I found my soulmate and to celebrate the end of my suffering."
I almost laugh at his admission. "You're so amazing. How did I get so lucky?"
"I ask myself that very same question every day."
"You're not lucky, you're stuck. You're stuck and you have no clue how to get rid of me."
"I'm not stuck. I am madly in love with you, Isabella Marie Swan." With that admission he kisses me long, and hard thrusting every bit of love into the kiss.
"Thank you." I whisper softly, not able to look up into his sparkling green eyes. "Thank you for loving me."
Edward lifts my hand, and kisses the back of it. "You don't have to thank me, love. Just promise me forever."
"I think I can do that." I reach up and kiss him again, moaning because this love thing is a rush that can't be controlled. My entire mind body and soul belongs to this man.
"I have something for you." He tells me, taking a step back, then another, but his eyes remain on me. He turns and grabs something from the dresser. I hadn't even noticed the boxes there. "Come here."
I do as he says, stopping right in front of him, my eyes on him, and not the box. God I hope whatever is in that box didn't cost him a small fortune.
"My beautiful girl." He grins in his usual panty dropping way as his eyes sweep across my face. He lifts my arm by the elbow and my hand instinctively rests on his shoulder. He kisses me tenderly, once, twice, only pulling away to give me the box. He glances down at it; his eyes quickly flick back to mine. "Open it."
"Okay." I whisper,. and slowly lift the lid. There lies a pair of platinum one karat diamond studded earrings, and they are so beautiful. "Edward." I breathe. "They're beautiful."
"There's more, love." He passes me a longer box this time, and nods his head towards the box when I make no move to open it.
"You didn't have to do this." I tell him, and he just rolls his eyes, and shoves his hands deep into his pockets.
He licks his lips, and pulls a hand out of his pocket to run his hand down his chin before speaking. "I want to show you how special you are to me."
"I get that. And I love the gifts. The entire day has been...amazing. I'm so relaxed, thank you." I'm so thankful for the entire day but this is too much.
"I want you to have nice things, and I need to be the one to give them to you. Don't fight me on this. You won't win." He says with conviction and I know it to be true. We have had multiple conversations just like this one after he bought me the Audi for Christmas. He always has his way.
"I know," I practically whine. "I'm sorry. I'm very grateful." I open the box, and my hand flies to my mouth at the amount of diamonds that I see on the necklace before me. It's a platinum Victoria's bow pendant full of diamonds that causes my heart to stop in my chest. These aren't cheap gifts. I lift my head to look at him in awe. The entire day has been spectacular thanks to him. I actually feel bad for not realizing today was technically our anniversary if you could call it that.
"Thank you, I love it." I reach up to place a big wet kiss on his smiling lips. "I didn't get you anything."
"Tonight, you will be my present..." He kisses my lips softly. "My dessert..." he kisses me again. "Mine to enjoy all night." he whispers against my lips, and I sigh, practically melting like butter in his arms. "Turn around." he tells me, and I quickly obey. He takes the box from my hand and clasps the necklace in place around my neck. I finger it delicately against my chest smiling down at it. It's gorgeous.
Edward grasps my other hand and pulls me out of the bedroom door and down the stairs waving goodbye to a smiling Esme as we exit the front door.
X
Edward arranged for Ben to drop us off at the dock, and I noticed that there was one lone boat waiting in the water. I turn to Edward my mouth dropped open in surprise but a smile slowly creeps to my face.
"Tell me you did not rent a boat."
"Okay. I did not rent a boat." He repeats my statement, and I release a huge sigh of relief. "This is our boat."
My head snaps in his direction. "As in, my boyfriend owns a boat?"
"We own a boat baby. This is our boat. I bought it for us. Look at the name." He points out the name, and I squint my eyes to see it better.
"The Lily." I whisper and my words are carried away in the wind.
Edward steps behind me, and wraps me in his arms ushering me forward. The air around us is crisp and salty, with a light breeze that fans my body just perfectly. My face is heated, and aching from gawking out of sheer astonishment, and the breeze helps to ground me to this moment.
He really owns a boat. A rather large boat at that.
Just as we step into the cabin, my nose is assaulted by the fantastic aroma of fresh seafood. My stomach growls from the onslaught of delicious smells that accosts me all at once.
"Smells great. I assume we are having dinner here." I turn slowly in his arms to face him, and he instantly ducks his head burying his face in my neck.
"We are." He mumbles against the skin of my neck, peppering soft kisses anywhere he can reach without lifting his head completely as he grips my hips firmly in his hold molding our bodies together as one. "You smell so good baby." He sniffs me and I giggle, my head tilted back as I attempt to pull away from him. "Don't pull away from me love. You know what that does to me."
"Well then don't sniff me. It's weird, and makes me uncomfortable." I tell him, to which he pulls back slightly with his hands raised higher on my back.
"Uncomfortable?" he rolls his eyes, dismissing the thought altogether in a way that lets me know that he thinks I am being ridiculous. "Bella, I can sniff you anytime I want. You belong to me. Never forget that."
I open my mouth ready to smack him with a witty come back when my stomach growls again but this time it's much louder.
Edward's eyes flick down to my stomach with an amused glint in his vibrant green eyes before they flick back up to my face. "I need to feed you."
"What am I? A dog? You don't need to feed me. I can feed myself."
Edward narrows his eyes at me, but the wicked curve of his perfect lips let's me know that he is about to tease me. "So you don't want the seafood, is that it?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Of course I can see shrimp and lobster in my very near future."
"Is that right?" He shifts feet, and his hold on me shifts as well. His hands slide to mine, as he lifts both, kissing the knuckles on each hand. "Come." He pulls me along with him up around a set of rounding stairs to the deck, where a table is set for two, and a man waits patiently.
I take a second to admire my surroundings, the stretch of water that can be seen for miles, the open sky with bright stars twinkling in the night. The evening has just taken a very magical turn, and oddly enough I feel like a story book princess. Deep down, I'm sure I'm more like the wicked witch with my background, and the life I've lived.
With all of my attention on the beauty of my surroundings, I almost miss the soft misty voice of Dusty Springfield being played through the speakers overhead.
"Edward, this is..."I can't contain my excitement. "Amazing. You are-" I quickly turn to face him, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Amazing. You're so amazing, you know that?"
He purses his lips tightly, but a small grin is visible. "You're so good to me." I press my face into his chest holding him close, feeling his heart beat rapidly through his shirt. Seconds later we are gently swaying to the music, and that's when I realize that I'm crying. They are tears of joy, but still. I'm crying. I'm reeling over that fact alone. I can't believe I got so lucky as to meet a man that puts my wants and needs before his own. Someone that only wants to see me happy. Someone that loves me for me, flaws and all.
Again, our moment is interrupted by my growling stomach, and this time we both laugh.
"Okay. I can take a hint. My girl needs to eat. "He smooths my hair out of my face, and gazes down at me lovingly, taking my hand in his again. He stops in front of the table, and pulls out a chair, holding a hand out to help me slide into my seat.
Once I'm seated, I look up at him, smiling at how beautiful he is with his face partially lit by the moonlight, and the dimly lit deck lights.
He reaches for my hand, again kissing my knuckles, his lips linger for long seconds and his eyes close tightly, a crease appearing between his eyes. He can't seem to keep his hands or lips off of me and I am loving the attention. He doesn't release my hand, not even when he pulls his chair close to mine.
Seconds later a male voice announces that our appetizers are being served. I glance over at Edward silently wondering what he ordered for me. He smiles wickedly having read my thoughts.
"I made sure to have your favorite." He says, and my questioning stare turns into a joyous smile.
I turn my attention to the two servers placing our plates in front of us, and a bottle of wine in the center of the table.
I take one bite of shrimp and crispy basil on bruschetta and instantly float away to heaven. It's that good. I watch as Edward takes a bite of his salad and I roll my eyes at the health fanatic, and because he knows me so well, he looks up and winks at me.
"How is it?" He asks, glancing down at my nearly empty plate. "How was it?" He teases, grinning sinfully at me.
"So very good thank you. Do you want one?" I hold my fork towards him giving him my last piece, and he closes his lips around it taking the bite that I offer.
"Delicious." He says while gazing at me. I watch in fascination as his strong chiseled jaw flexes as he chews.
Why is this sexy to me? Why am I still staring?
Edward swallows his bite and licks his lips grinning as he stares at me with hooded eyes full of hidden implications.
"Why are you staring at me?" He asks me, tilting his head a bit and narrowing his eyes, but the smile doesn't leave his face.
"You started it." I quickly reply in my best childish voice. "But if you must know, I was staring because I think you are devastatingly handsome. It hurts to look at you sometimes."
His grin widens, and he drops his gaze to the table. I see his shoulders shake a bit and I know instantly that he's laughing. He looks back up at me, and resumes staring.
"Why are you staring at me?" I flip his own question on him to see how he likes it.
His smile drops minimally and his brows dip low on his face. "I can't help myself." Then he shrugs. "You're a very stunning woman. My very stunning woman." He reaches out and takes my hand in his. "And I have the right to stare at my woman whenever I please."
"Good answer." I smile, and watch in amazement as his eyes twinkle with the flickering candle light. "Your eyes still twinkle." I tell him in a sort of reminiscent voice.
His eyebrows knit together, as he tilts his head to the side in a silent question.
"In your baby pictures, remember? I asked if your eyes still twinkled like that." I tell him, and he blinks at me a few times either having not expected this turn of conversation, or he can't recall the particular conversation. "They still do."
"Is that so?" He questions, his hungry eyes drinking me in. Then he slowly leans across the table to graze his lips against mine. "Enough about my eyes. Let's talk about your sexy lips." He whispers as he kisses me again with unrestrained hunger. I feel a presence near us, and I'm sure it's the waiter, but he is careful not to interrupt us.
I pull away feeling slightly embarrassed, and I look up to see the next course being placed in front of us. Edward's plate holds grilled salmon and broccoli, while mine holds whole lobster, steamed potatoes and mixed vegetables.
We playfully tease each other, share food, and have an easy flow of conversation; both feeling heavy hearted at the thought of Lily. We haven't even been away from her for a full two hours and we miss her madly.
After dinner, we walk hand and hand towards the rear of the boat to look out over the water underneath the shallow moonlight. We watch as the silver highlighted waves crash against each other swaying in an almost poetic way.
I look up to tell him how beautiful this all is but I find him staring at me. "It's beautiful." I gaze up at the sky as I speak,
"I agree." He says, wrapping his arms around my waist to pull me flush against him. He kisses my cheek and I flush. "Happy Anniversary, baby. I'm looking forward to the next hundred or so."
At this, I laugh, but only for a bit when I realize he's serious. "Hundred? You aspire to live that long?"
"Maybe. Do you not? I live a pretty healthy life. Anything is possible. And with the way that technology is advancing..." He trails off.
I shrug and sigh, realizing that he isn't joking. "Well if you want to live that long, so do I. We can have matching fanny packs."
Edward pinches my side, and I giggle, squirming away. "I can't live without you so you have no choice."
"Let's hope my body understands your controlling streak."
"Oh we are well acquainted, Miss Swan. "He says teasing me with a playful smile.
"I bet you are." I lightly nudge him, laughing quietly to myself before repeating, "I bet you are."
X
"They're coming!" I tell everyone, moving around the room telling our friends and family to hide. Edward went to play golf with his dad today serving as a distraction while Alice, Esme and I set everything up for his surprise party. Now he's here and we are all ready to put a huge smile on his face.
"SURPRISE!"
The look on Edward's face when he opened the door to face all of his closest friends and family was the highlight of my day. He surely was not expecting any of this; in fact I'm sure he didn't want anyone to make a big deal. He told me so. This morning, I served him breakfast in bed, and Lily and I spent the entire morning laying around while flipping through the channels on TV.
Then, we gave him his presents- a new watch which I proudly can now afford on my own thanks to my new job. I also bought Edward a new robe, and a framed picture of our little family just days after Lily was born. Edward was content with just that, and he told me this was the best birthday he's ever had.
But the party was still on, and his stunned smiling face was enough to satisfy me for the rest of my life. His face lit up like a Christmas tree, it was mesmerizing.
As soon as he saw me, he grabbed me up in his arms and hugged me close.
"I can't believe you did this." He said into my ear, and then he tilted me back slightly to look into my eyes.
"Alice and Esme helped." I tell him, and his brows drop as he studies me.
"Can I steal him away for a second Bella?" It's Esme who's speaking from behind Edward, and I nod pulling back to face Carlisle. He gives me a one- armed hug and thrusts a bottle of Scotch into my hands.
I turn the bottle around in my hand inspecting it. "Great! I hope it doesn't expire." I joke, and when I look up I see the serious look on his face.
"It's Scotch, Bella. It doesn't expire, it's-" He begins, having not caught my joke.
"I know Carlisle. I was only kidding."
"Oh." He replies, looking away from me, and I see his eyes lock across the room. I turn to see what he's looking at, and note that Edward is cradling Lily in his arms, smothering her chubby little cheeks with kisses.
I catch myself smiling as I am practically pulled into the bubble I often try to keep my little family in. I glance up to see Carlisle is also smiling as he looks on at his son and granddaughter. However he may feel about me seemingly has no effect on his granddaughter which makes me exceedingly glad.
My eyes move around the room where happy guests are mingling with wine glasses in their hands, and eating finger food, but mostly everyone crowds around Lily.
As my eyes scan the room, two figures stick out from the patio just beyond the living room. I stare on in stunned silence watching as Emmett kneels on one knee in front of my best friend. "Holy Fuck!" I mumble, my hand quickly flies to my mouth as my eyes widen.
Rose does the same; she's just as surprised as I am. Seconds later, he stands and she throws herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Did he just...?
My thought is confirmed when Emmett rushes in with Rose clutched to his side. He bellows excitedly, "She said yes!"
It takes everyone in the room only seconds to figure it out what he is saying, but once they catch on to his meaning, they errupt in applause, shouting congratulations, myself included.
Everyone is seemingly excited for Emmett and Rose, but when I glance around for my boyfriend, I realize that he is not at all happy, nor is he attempting to hide his displeasure.
What do you all think Edward is going to do about this? Does he reaction surprise you even a little bit? At least he's consistent. Lol. I hope you liked the chapter. :) Only a few more to go!
I'm not sure if any of you follow my story 'Rough Around The Edges' but since this chapter was late posting I will also be posting that chapter now instead of waiting until later tonight as a small thanks/apology.
I hope you all are gearing up for the cheatward contest. I for one am looking forward to getting my hands on new stories. If you're in the group cheatwards spot you probably already have heard of it. If not here's your chance! You do not want to miss this contest.
Also, I hope you all have given my collaboration with Roxie a chance. It's called Unrequited and we are overwhelmed by the love we are receiving. The story has a confusing beginning, but a beautiful ending, and everyone should give it a shot.
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No Fanfiction recs this week. I have been busy writting, and reading novels. Check out these great books.
If I were you Lisa Renee Jones
Twist Me Series (3 amazing books) by Anne Zaires. I finished the last book on Monday and instantly knew it was one of my favs...a close second to This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas.
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