Indelible

A/N: Meanwhile…back to a future in the works…

C-38: In Close Personal Contact

It's a beautiful sunny Monday morning in San Diego—late Monday morning. But after a lovely and lusty Sunday night and two encores this morning, Edward and I are well on our way to making up for lost time. I just hope my crucial body parts can keep up with his.

"What do you feel like doing today?" I ask, removing the damp towel from my hair and hanging it up in the still-steamy bathroom.

He halts the movement of his razor along his jaw. Looking at me in the mirror, a smirk lifts his lips and the smolder flares in his eyes. "You have to ask?" he wonders aloud.

"Besides that!" I laugh, blushing at my sexy man, with his towel slung low on his hips. "We just did that and I'm sure we'll do it again today at some point."

"Promise?" The mirror reflects his loved-up grin and sparkly eyes as he resumes shaving.

"Cross my heart." I give him a loved-up smile of my own as I begin combing out my wet hair. "Now that that's been established, what else would you like to do today?"

He makes a final swipe with his razor before rinsing it off and wiping his face clean of shaving cream. "Well, since we're at the beach, I think we should go to the beach. But I'll have to do a little shopping first."

"The beach sounds good to me. What do you need to buy?"

"Just a few things," he says, turning and resting his hands and towel-clad butt against the edge of the counter, watching me comb through my hair. "I didn't exactly pack for a hot romantic tryst in San Diego, you know?" Cue the crooked half-smile and sex-laser eyes.

"A hot romantic tryst, huh?" I'm flattered and rather proud of myself. He's certainly had me all hot and bothered, but I'm pretty sure I've given as good as I've gotten.

"Definitely hot," he agrees. "Sultry and steamy, in fact." His eyes flit to the shower—the scene of our most recent romp. "So I need to buy some shorts, flip-flops, and a pair of board shorts to keep cool." He ends his comments with a teasing grin—as if he's only been referring to the weather and not the sex. It is warm here in San Diego, but it's certainly neither sultry nor steamy.

"You're a jerk!" I laugh. I'd smack him on the arm but my hands are busy detangling my hair, so I hip check him instead, dislodging his butt from the counter. Knocked off balance, he takes a step, catching himself as he bursts into laughter at my reaction. He reaches for me, laughing and grinning as he steps up behind me, arms wrapping around my towel-wrapped torso, green eyes twinkling at me in the mirror.

I ignore him and go about my hair-combing—as if I'm truly offended—but I'm having a hard time stifling my smile.

"I'm sorry, love. I couldn't resist," he chuckles. Moving my still-damp hair to the side, he kisses his way along my shoulder and neck, his eyes on mine in the mirror as he attempts to get back in my good graces. "You definitely bring the serious heat to this hot romantic tryst," he murmurs. And then his eyebrows lift as he awaits my verdict on his apology.

"That's pouring it on a little thickly. But if you promise me a conciliatory cup of coffee in town, you're forgiven." The boyish grin returns to his face and his arms squeeze me as he plants a noisy kiss on my cheek, making me laugh.

"No problem. I'll even throw in a conciliatory croissant…or a mollifying muffin."

"Now you're talking." I set down my comb, and turning my face to his, we exchange a kiss. And then another. Smiling all the while. He grins happily and pats me on the butt, and then, turning, he removes his towel and hangs it neatly over the shower door. And as I begin blow-drying my hair, my eyes are on the mirror, following his divine behind out of the bathroom.

When I look back at myself in the mirror, I'm still smiling—at him, at me, and at this unexpected reality.

*I*

A short while later, Edward and I head into Coronado on foot to do a little shopping and exploring. I'm already dressed for the beach, in flip-flops, a bathing suit, and shorts and a tank top over it. My straw bag is a purse-beach-tote-hybrid, carrying my wallet, phone, and chapstick, as well as sunscreen and our Mariners caps—my old black one and the one Masen gave Edward yesterday morning.

Edward looks like he's ready to shoot some hoops in his basketball shorts, T-shirt and sport shoes. But he still looks good enough to eat—tall, lean, and muscled, unruly hair, and though his eyes are hidden behind his sunglasses, his strong jaw and expressive mouth are enough to keep my rapt attention.

We walk along Orange Avenue hand-in-hand, checking out shops, eateries and bars, and stop for breakfast at a crowded little coffee shop. Getting in line with other assorted vacationers and locals, we look over our choices and make our decisions, and then Edward tells me to look for a table outside while he places our order.

I stake my claim at a table beneath an umbrella, and once I sit, I decide to give Mom a quick call to wish her a happy birthday, while I wait for Edward.

Thankfully I turned my phone off last night after texting Mom a thank you, because once Edward and I got to our room, my mind certainly wasn't on recharging my phone. Turning it back on now, I see it still has a decent charge. And I see that I've got a text from Mom, sent very early this morning.

It's a group text to both Edward and me—probably in response to our thank-yous and the photo Edward sent last night, of us at the Sunset Bar. I hold my breath as I read, hoping Mom didn't say anything too cringe-worthy.

Hi, you two. I'm so glad this vacation rendezvous worked out for you! Loved seeing your happy, smiling faces together. I hope you are enjoying yourselves, San Diego, and each other!

That wasn't too bad, considering this is Mom. Just the last line where she hopes we're enjoying each other made me cringe, but Edward and I certainly have been enjoying each other and Mom must suspect as much. Looking back into the coffee shop, I can see Edward is just placing our order now, so I go ahead and make the call to Mom.

She answers almost immediately, so I guess she's been waiting for the call I promised last night.

"Hi, Bella!"

"Hey, Mom. Happy birthday!"

"Thank you! Did you get my text?"

"Yeah, I did. And thank you again. This was so incredibly nice of you."

"I'm just so happy Edward was able to join you! You must have been so surprised to see your handsome man."

"Oh, my god…shocked is more like it!" I smile, listening to her gleeful laugh, knowing she's mentally patting herself on the back.

"Well, seeing that photo of the two of you this morning was the perfect birthday gift. All I want is for you to be happy, Bella, and I can tell Edward has been making you happy. After talking to him on the phone last week, he seems like the same sweet young man on the inside. And judging by the two recent photos of him I've seen, he's only gotten hunkier on the outside!"

I'd roll my eyes if I weren't in total agreement. "Yeah he is…and…he has. And I am happy. He makes me very happy."

"Oh, that's wonderful, baby. I'm so glad." I can hear her smiling. I am, too.

"So, how's the hotel? Is the room nice?"

"The hotel is beautiful and the room is just perfect—we have a lovely view of the beach."

"Good. So, have you two made plans to do anything exciting…or…romantic?"

"Um…not yet…really…" Except for Edward's whirlwind plan to move to Forks, which falls into both categories, but which I'm not ready to divulge to her just yet. Edward and I haven't discussed it any further this morning and I'd rather be cautious. So I just tell Mom our plans for the day.

"We just walked into town and stopped for coffee and a bite to eat, so I thought I'd give you a call while Edward gets our order. We're going to do a little shopping and then head back to the hotel and go to the beach. We'll probably check out the pool later, too."

"Well, I won't keep you on the phone long, but that sounds like a relaxing way to spend the day and enjoy some couple-time together. Sometimes the best plans are no plans at all…"

I nod at her words. More than anything else, I'm looking forward to just spending time with Edward, no matter what that involves. But I don't want to give her the chance to offer suggestions as to how we might best spend couple-time together, so I turn the conversation around to her.

"What about you? Are you doing anything special today for your birthday?"

"Phil made dinner reservations at a nice steak and seafood restaurant on the riverfront, but I think that's about it. I doubt we can get into too much trouble in Chattanooga on a Monday night."

She laughs and I smile. If it were the weekend, Phil would probably indulge her with some bar-hopping and dancing with some of the other coaches and players and their wives and girlfriends, but given that it's a Monday night, the nightlife is likely lacking.

"Well, I'm sorry we won't be celebrating your birthday together, but I'm sure you'll have a nice dinner with Phil. I have a card and a gift I'd planned to give you, but I'll put them in the mail as soon as I can." Edward approaches the table and I mouth he word "Mom" to him. He smiles and nods as he sets down a small tray holding our coffees and food, and then pulls out the chair next to mine.

"No worries, Bella. All I really want is for you and Edward to enjoy yourselves and each other—has he come back yet?"

"Yeah, he just did, actually." I smile at Edward, busy distributing coffees, napkins, plastic spoons, muffins, and a fresh fruit and yogurt cup to share. He smiles back, aware we're talking about him.

"Well, I won't keep you. You two have a lovely time, enjoy yourselves and each other, and send me a few photos, and I'll be happy."

"Okay, Mom. We'll make sure we do all of that." Edward's brows lift above his sunglasses, as if in alarm, and I stifle a snort of laughter—like he's sure Mom is giving me helpful romantic tryst tips.

"Thanks for calling, Bella. Say hi to Edward for me."

"I will. Enjoy your birthday, Mom, and tell Phil I said hi."

"Okay. Bye, baby. I love you."

"Love you too, Mom. Talk to you soon." I set my phone down and smile at Edward as I reach for my coffee cup.

"Mom says hi." I tell him before taking a sip of my coffee.

He nods as he removes the paper liner from his banana nut muffin. "Did I miss anything good...and embarrassing?"

I shake my head as I unwrap my blueberry muffin."No, that was actually an unusually normal conversation for my mother. She just said she hopes we have a good time and wants us to send a few photos. Oh—did you see the text she sent us this morning?"

He halts his piece of muffin mid-way to his mouth. "Oh, yeah. Shoot, I forgot to mention that to you. You were still sleeping when I got it. I figured it was Mase at first. After I read it, I went back to sleep and forgot about it when we woke up. You had me a little distracted, if you remember?" Even with sunglasses shielding his eyes, the sexy crooked smile is enough to get the full effect.

I nod, feeling my face heat. "I do remember that. And it's just as well you forgot to mention it—that might have distracted me from being so…distracting."

His nostrils flare as his smile verges on the wicked. "That would have been unfortunate—I thoroughly enjoyed your patented distraction technique." Seriously, I must look like a tomato smiling back at him.

"Eat your muffin," I tell him, thinking I'm putting an end to the distracting innuendo. But that's not the case, of course. He raises his eyebrows and his smile curls into a grin, and before he even opens his mouth, his obvious comeback is already ringing in my ears.

"I'd rather eat your…"

"Stop it!" I laugh, cutting him off before he can finish.

"What?! That thing is chock full of blueberries!" He grins like an adolescent boy as he indicates my actual muffin on the table.

"Just eat your breakfast!" I stuff a piece of muffin in my mouth and look away, rolling my eyes. But out of the corner of my eye I can see him shaking with silent laughter, and I'm right back in that high school Biology class years ago. Flustered and off-balance in the presence of this cute boy—who thinks I'm cute when he gets me all flustered and off-balance.

He reaches for my hand, tugging it over to his lap, enfolding it between his much larger hands as he hunches forward and closer. His smile is dazzling when I look at him.

"I can't wait to do this on a regular basis," he says in a low voice.

"Tease me and make me blush?"

He shakes his head and his smile softens. "Just…everything…"

Sometimes the simplest things he says just take my breath away. Like that. Clearly he isn't having any second thoughts about moving. Closing the distance between us as he meets me halfway, aware of my intent, I kiss that sweet mouth of his.

"I can't wait either. I love you," I tell him.

"I love you," he murmurs, moving in for another kiss.

*I*

After finishing our late breakfast, we continue down the street, where we've been told we'll find a surf shop. My arm is around Edward's waist and his hand—well, half of it—is tucked into the back pocket of my shorts. My phone chimes with a text, and when I take it out of my bag, I see it's from Angela. Two photos with messages. I push my sunglasses up on my head, so I can see what I'm looking at.

The first photo is Beth and Andy sitting on the couch, with Fitz sitting up between them. They're petting him and they all appear to be watching TV—even Fitz. I grin as I read Angela's caption.

Guess who fitz right in with the other kids?

The second photo is just Fitz, smiling his doggie-smile, forepaws stretched out in front of him. His toenails—or maybe they're fingernails in this instance—are painted with bright blue nail polish, and the caption makes me giggle.

Beth's first ever pawdicure. (If Fitz wasn't short-haired, he'd probably have braids too.)

Another message pops up. This one without a photo.

As you can see, everything and everyone here is fine. Hope you and your mom are having a wonderful time. (?)

Angela can't come right out and ask if I'm here with Edward instead of Mom, in case that plan never came to fruition—in which case I wouldn't have been the wiser. But that little question mark tells me she's clearly dying to know if the San Diego-Switch-up happened. I need to text her back, but I'll wait and do it later. In the meantime, I share the photos and messages with Edward.

"Angela's funny and Fitz just goes along with whatever," he observes with a chuckle.

"Yeah. They're both good friends and they certainly keep me entertained."

"Are you going to tell her?" he asks, and I smile. There's more than curiosity in his question and bright sparkly eyes. I get the feeling he'd like me to—and that's just as well, since I've pretty much kept Angela in the loop on everything regarding him.

"That you're here with me? Or that you've decided to move?" I ask, wondering where he stands on the latter.

"Either. Both." He shrugs, smiling that boyish smile, and my heart just melts. It makes his decision to move feel all the more real—like we'd be setting it in motion if we tell others.

"Yeah, I'll text her back and tell her both. She'll be happy for us." Then I think maybe he's wondering if I mentioned it to Mom. "I didn't mention your move to my mom. I wasn't really sure if I should, and it would have just meant endless questions—and I already have plans for my day." He chuckles.

Then I'm curious. "Does Masen know you were thinking about this?"

He shakes his head. "Not yet. I'm assuming he stayed up late last night and slept in, so I'll call him later on to check in and see how his first night in the dorm went. And I'll tell him then." I nod, and looking up, I realize we've arrived at our shopping destination.

Edward ushers me into a colorful, bright and airy surf shop. We're greeted by a sandy-haired youth who looks like he'd probably prefer to be out surfing rather than in here, selling surfing gear and clothing. He offers his assistance and Edward thanks him, telling him we'll look around and let him know if we need help with anything.

I quickly learn that Edward is really picky about his board shorts. They can't be too bright, too wild, too long, or too short. He settles on a black pair with aqua trim that seem to fit his criteria. Next, he browses the shorts, choosing a pair in dark gray and another in a light khaki. With only T-shirts and a polo left to wear for his trip, he decides to peruse the short-sleeved collared shirts, and he wants my input. Together we pick out a soft blue chambray and a light green and gray plaid.

I wait near the dressing rooms while he goes to try everything on, and after a minute or so, I decide I might as well reply to Angela's texts while he's busy.

I'm glad to hear everything and everyone there is fine. Mom and I are having a wonderful time. She's having her wonderful time with Phil and the team in Chattanooga. And I'm having my wonderful time in San Diego. With Edward. ;)

I send the message just as Edward emerges from the dressing room in the khaki shorts and chambray shirt. "What do you think?" he asks.

"That looks really good." He looks ridiculously good, but it's the perfect excuse to ogle him. "Turn around." I smile as he does so. He's all shoulders. And he has the best legs. And don't even get me started on the contents of his pants—front or back. "You should get both of those."

"Yeah, I think I will." He disappears back into the dressing room, and seconds later my phone chimes with Angela's response.

OMG! HE'S THERE! I can't believe you're texting ME while you're on vacation with EDWARD CULLEN! What the hell is wrong with you, Swan?!

I stifle my laugh and quickly type out my reply.

Nothing is wrong with me. We're shopping, he's trying on clothing, and between ogling him in his potential purchases, I can text you!

Edward reappears, dressed in the gray shorts and the green and gray plaid shirt. "Does this look okay?"

No. It looks wonderful. Or maybe splendid. I tell him to turn around again. Because I can and he will. "Yeah. I really like that shirt with those shorts."

"They're not too dark for the shirt?"

"No. They don't have to match exactly—the color is fine." And the fit is even finer.

"Okay. I'll just try on the board shorts and I'll be done." As he ducks back into the dressing room, I look down at my phone as a new message arrives.

You guys must be having a truly wonderful time.

I smile.

The absolute best. So much has happened since we saw you Thursday night. I'm in love. He's in love. And…one of us is moving back to Forks. And since I already live there...

Angela is going to flip.

Edward steps out in the board shorts—shirtless. "I think these are fine," he says, looking down past his toned chest and abdomen and then up at me. And then he turns, without me asking this time. Yep. Everything is incredibly fine.

"Yeah, those are perfect." And this is the most exhilarating clothing shopping trip I've ever experienced.

"I just need to round up some flip-flops and we can go," he says, returning to the dressing room.

My phone rings with an incoming call. Not a text. I answer it quickly and quietly.

"Hi, Angela."

"Seriously?! He's moving to Forks?!"

I nod, grinning at her excitement, even though she can't see me. "Yeah… He is."

"When?!"

"I think he's thinking next month-ish?"

"Next MONTH?! Oh my god! This is serious! He's serious! I mean...seriously!"

I can't help smiling. "Yeah. It feels that way—for me too."

"Oh, Swan… I'm so happy for you. Both of you. I don't even care that I just shrieked my head off in front of my customers and employees."

I giggle as I look up to see Edward approaching, watching me, smiling, eyebrows pulled together as he mouths "Angela?" I nod and his smile widens.

"Can I tell Ben? He hasn't quit talking about how nice it was to see Edward the other evening."

"Can she tell Ben?" I ask Edward.

"Sure." He looks so happy I wrap my arm around his and pull him closer, smiling up at him as I speak into the phone.

"Edward says, sure."

"Aww… You guys have made my day. Seriously. I have a crush on you both. And now I'm going to let you off the phone, so you can get back to your shopping and ogling, and I can go call Ben.

"Okay," I laugh. "Tell everyone we said hi, and give Fitz a hug and a kiss for me."

"Will do. You guys have a great rest of the week!"

"We will. Thanks, Angela. Take care." I tuck my phone into my bag, smiling at Edward.

"So…?" he prompts, taking my hand as we head for the display of sandals.

"So… She was happy to hear you made it here and that we've had such a wonderful time together already. And I'm pretty sure she publicly embarrassed herself at work, screaming about you moving back to Forks. Then she had to get off the phone so she could immediately call Ben."

Edward laughs at my summary, but I'm sure he feels good knowing our friends are happy to hear he's planning to return.

Once Edward selects a pair of sturdy black flip-flops and pays for his purchases, our shopping trip is complete and we're ready for an afternoon at the beach and pool.

*I*

By the time we walk back to the hotel, it's nearly one o'clock and Edward and I have decided to split up to save a little time. He's going to run up to our room to drop off his things and get changed. Meanwhile, I'll go pick up towels and find us a spot on the beach.

"It'll probably be crowded right out in front of the hotel, so do you want to head down to where we walked last night and I'll look for you there?" Edward suggests.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Just don't sit with the wrong woman—I'll be the one with the black Mariners cap on my head." Edward chuckles as he leans in, kissing me on the temple as he pats me on the behind.

"Well, I only have eyes for you, so you'll be easy to find." With a wink and a lopsided smile, he heads for the elevator and I head outside.

Picking up complimentary towels at a cabana, I notice they offer food and beverage service on the beach, in case we get hungry or thirsty or feel like having a cocktail. There are beach luxuries available for full-day rental, too, and I can see them dotting the beach: sand chairs, fringed beach umbrellas, and half-moon mini-cabanas with cushioned beach beds. But they're rather pricey, and Edward and I always managed quite well with just a couple towels at the beach.

It's definitely crowded directly in front of the hotel. I pass couples and families with children, playing along the shore and swimming. Walking down the beach, I see vacationers on the shore and in the water with rental skim boards, body boards, surfboards, and paddleboards.

Setting up camp where we were last night, I spread out two towels next to each other and fold up two more for pillows, creating a little beach luxury of our own. Slipping off my flip-fops, tank top and shorts, I sit down. I put on my cap, place Edward's on the corner of his towel, and I keep an eye out for him as I start slathering on the sunscreen.

Finally I see him, walking along the beach. He's kind of hard to miss—tall and auburn-haired, with that long-legged lope of his. Dangling his new flip-flops from one hand, I realize he's holding his phone to his ear in the other—probably talking to Masen. He scans the beach and when he looks in my direction, he lifts his sandal-holding-hand in a wave. Turning away from the shoreline, he makes his way up the sand, ending his call on the way.

He's all smiles as he approaches. "Hey, you," he says in greeting, tossing his wallet and phone into my tote bag.

"Hey, yourself," I reply as he drops his sandals next to his towel and then drops himself neatly down onto it. He pulls off his T-shirt, tossing it into the tote, and then he stretches out on his side, facing me, head propped up in his hand. He's smiling like the cat that ate the canary.

"What?" I ask, scooting closer and mirroring his position. His grin is infectious.

"So… It looks like I'll be good to go in a month," he announces, still looking like he can barely contain himself. "That'll give them time to fly the position I'll be vacating, and it'll give me time—not much, but enough—to list the house and pack up."

It takes me a moment to catch up and catch on.

"You called work?!" I ask, blinking in surprise. He nods. "Just now?!" He takes a deep breath and exhales a chuckle, nodding again.

"I wanted to give Russ a heads up," he says, meaning his boss, Fred Russell, the director of the Victim and Witness Assistance Unit. "I figured I might as well start the ball rolling now, rather than wait until I get back. Tomorrow I'll contact HR to get the paperwork started, and I'll probably give my folks a call, too—my mom has a friend who's a realtor." His excitement is palpable—a jumpy exhilaration with butterflies. Or maybe those are my butterflies, for him.

"Oh, my god, this is really happening," I exhale, and he laughs as he reaches for my hand, tugging it towards him.

But then his expression sobers, and pulling off his sunglasses, he reaches out and removes mine. Grasping my hand again, he pulls it to his chest, his hand covering mine.

"You're not having any second thoughts about this, are you?" His eyes search mine, his heart pounding beneath my palm.

"No! Oh, Edward, no. None at all. Not about us, or this," I tell him earnestly, and he must feel reassured, because his soft smile returns. "I just worry. Aren't you the least bit worried? About starting over…with everything?"

"It's of a leap of faith, Bella," he says, his thumb softly rubbing the back of my hand. "But I have faith—in myself, in you, and us. And I feel more like I'm coming full circle than starting over—pursuing what I should have continued to pursue years ago. If I have you—your love and support—everything else will work out." His words leave me touched and teary, and I'm amazed again, that life has led us back to each other.

"You do have me, Edward. That's the one thing you don't have to worry about." Tugging my hand free, I pull him over, until he's on his stomach, more on my towel than his, and I pull him down and kiss him thoroughly.

When he finally pulls back, he doesn't go far. Skimming his nose along mine, we smile and exchange soft little nips and nibbles.

"So… Are you available mid-July?" he asks between kisses. "We could go on a date, somewhere in Forks?"

I smile up at his sweet, happy face. "Which July?"

He tips his head back and laughs. "All of the Julys, I hope. But let's start with this one."

"For you, I'm available."

*I*

A little while later, Edward decides to give Masen a call to find out how his first night went, and to tell him the big news. I offer to go for a walk, to give him a little privacy, but Edward looks at me like I'm crazy and tells me to stay. I guess this is where my being supportive in this whole endeavor begins. So I stay, but I tell Edward not to put the call on speaker—he can fill me in later if he wants, and Masen can freely share his thoughts.

With his sunglasses still lying on his towel, I can see Edward's whole face—and fatherly anticipation—as he sits up and makes the call to his son.

"Hey, Mase," he says in greeting. "I thought I'd call and see how you're doing."

He gives me a thumb's up after a moment and we exchange a smile.

"Good. How'd you sleep last night—or maybe I should ask, did you?"

He looks at me, sliding his phone away from his mouth. "He went to bed after four," he murmurs.

I smile. Masen sounds like a typical college freshman, living in a dorm.

"Yeah, I kind of doubted you'd get to bed at a reasonable time," Edward tells him, and then he grins and stifles a laugh before continuing.

"Well, I'm glad you're meeting people. So what time did you get up? I didn't wake you, did I?"

It's got to be after one thirty, but if Masen went to bed after four, he must have slept the morning away.

Edward laughs. "Well, have one of your protein bars and offer one to Riley. Just make sure you don't fall asleep and miss dinner, too."

I stifle a giggle and grin at Edward. His poor son must have slept through breakfast and lunch.

There's a long pause as Edward listens before speaking up again, with a grin on his face. "So, this is meet-the-parents-night?"

He looks at me, murmurs "Bree," and I smile. Masen must have plans with his girl.

"Well, that sounds like fun," Edward says into his phone. After a moment, he glances back at me as he continues speaking. "We're fine—just hanging out on the beach, soaking up the sun."

Edward winks and smiles, so I know the conversation is turning around to us, now. I'm starting to feel just a little nervous, knowing where it's heading.

"Yeah, she was," he continues looking at me and smiling. I'm starting to feel antsy—like I need to find something to do to distract myself. Edward chuckles, his eyes sparkling at me. "Yeah. Definitely."

I smile and look down—having no clue what's being said at this point—but then I notice the sunscreen. Picking it up, I wave it at Edward, silently asking if he'd like me to put some on him. He nods and continues speaking as I move to his side, uncapping the sunscreen tube.

"That's actually the other reason I called..."

I'm just stuck for a moment, watching and waiting.

"I've been thinking…and I've already talked this over with Bella…and I've decided to move to Washington—well, back to Forks." Edward breathes a soft laugh and smiles. "Yeah, I am… Yeah, and maybe I'll see my son once in a while, too."

So far, so good, I think, squeezing sunscreen into my palm to start slathering up Edward's right shoulder and upper arm. It makes me think of that day on Second Beach, just over two months ago, when we were patching up a friendship and rekindling our relationship, without even realizing it.

"No, I'm figuring on just renting an apartment for the time being, until we get everything all sorted out."

I glance up at Edward's face, a little curious, wondering if "we"involves me or just Masen. But I just continue applying sunscreen down Edward's forearm.

"In a month." He pauses. "I'll find work. And I'll sell the house."

He says it like both things are a piece of cake, but I know he'll do whatever it takes.

"Well, I'll get rid of some stuff, but I'll pack the rest and have it shipped out." He pauses again, listening. "I wouldn't dream of that, Mase. I'll just pack it up and move it, and you can sort through it when you come home—wherever home may be. We have time to figure out the details."

Moving around to Edward's back with the sunscreen, I feel a twinge of sadness at him telling Masen he'll basically box up Masen's life and move it to wherever home may be. It sounds so up in the air and indefinite and certainly not very homey.

I had a rather nomadic childhood, but Dad's house was always a constant. It was my home base. That's partly why I feel attached to it now. So I really feel for Masen—their house is the only home he knows. Even though he's eighteen, it's going to be hard to leave his childhood home behind, and a temporary apartment isn't much of a substitute for that.

Edward shifts his phone to his right hand and ear, as I work my way around his back with the sunscreen. "I can fly you home for a weekend before I move, and we'll fly back for visits so you can see everyone. And I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa would be happy to have you, if you wanted to stay for a few weeks after summer session."

I feel better hearing Edward give his son those options. Still, I can't help thinking how much of an impact this move will have on Masen. His home in Chicago won't even be his home base anymore. Some apartment will be. Ugh.

I realize I've stalled out again, thinking. Getting back to business with the sunscreen, I work my way around Edward's left shoulder and continue onto his upper arm.

"Not yet," he tells Masen. "I'll give them a call tomorrow. And like I said, we'll have a little time to work out all the details, okay?"

He sighs and my eyes flit to his face, but I think that was the sound of relief.

"Thanks, Mase," he says softly, smiling. "I appreciate you being so understanding."

He smiles at me as I finish up with his left forearm, and I think Masen must be okay with this.

"Yeah, okay. That's all I wanted to tell you," Edward tells him. And then he laughs. "Yeah, I guess so, huh? Well, you have fun tonight. Let me know how tomorrow goes."

His smile morphs into a frown. "Your orientation meeting. Don't tell me you forgot."

And then the smile returns. "All right. I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow, then. Love you, Mase. Take care."

I toss the sunscreen tube into my bag as Edward ends the call and looks up at me. "He seems pretty okay with it. Surprised, of course. But agreeable. His biggest concerns were that I would throw out his stuff, and that he wouldn't get to see the house or his friends again."

"Well, of course. That's understandable. But I think it's good you're willing to give him the opportunity to fly back before you leave, and to let him stay with your mom and dad for a few weeks, later in the summer."

"Yeah. I want him to realize he can always go back and visit, at least."

I nod. His words make me think of the past, and his own father's decision to move, but I brush those pointless thoughts aside. Edward and I have a future in the works now, and some lost time to make up for.

"I'm curious about something…" I tell him.

"What?"

"Well, last night, you asked if I would help you find a place in Forks, and I told you I would." I pause and he nods. "I assumed you meant a house—that you were looking to buy a home. But just now you told Masen you'd find an apartment to live in temporarily until you get things figured out…?"

"Yeah…?

"Why don't you just stay at my place?"

He hesitates. "Stay with you?"

"Yeah. I can make room. For Masen, too, of course. You know, you can move in, for as long as you need…or…want."

"For as long as I want?" There's a certain tone to his voice. And a little light in his eyes. And a tell-tale lift at the corner of his mouth. And I smile, because he's such an open book, sometimes.

"Yeah." I nod. "For as long as you want…a few weeks…several months…or even…all the Julys…"

His bright green eyes crinkle at the corners as his smile grows. "What about the other months? All the Augusts, the Septembers…Decembers…Mays…"

I can't control my smile. "All those, too."

A/N: Hope you liked it! Share your thoughts and I will send you Edward's call to Masen from EPOV. :)