Gifts.
Some people would call them presents and immediately think of them as things one received on holidays and other special occasions.
But he saw gifts as so much more.
Looking around his life, he was able to recognize all of the many wonderful gifts he had.
The gift of life, the gift of his daughter, family, good health, a good job...and, perhaps the biggest gift of all.
Her.
~O~
"Mama!"
Bella felt a weight plop down on her side, where she was lying in her bed. When she did not move fast enough, she felt a little hand tap her side, "Mama!"
"Shh, baby girl, we weren't going to wake Mama up!" Edward whispered to his daughter.
Molly was quiet for a moment before asking in a loud whisper, "Aw' you awake Mama?"
"Molly!"
Bella rolled onto her back, moving her face away from the pillow she had had it burrowed in.
"Morning," she said, blinking the sleep out of her eyes and seeing an adorable toddler and a very handsome man looking down at her.
Edward leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Happy birthday," he said quietly, his eyes twinkling.
Bella grinned sleepily. "Thank you. How old am I again?"
"Younger than me," he smirked.
"Fair enough," she said before letting out a large yawn.
Edward looked reproachfully at his oblivious child. "See Molly, Mama loves her sleep; which is why we were going to let her sleep in on her birthday."
Molly smiled brightly at Bella. "Happy birfday!"
Bella smiled and lifted her hand in order to run her fingers through the girl's soft hair. "Thank you, honey bunch."
"I go get Simba!" Molly exclaimed, turning and sliding down from the bed. She ran out of the room before either adult could object.
Once she had left the room, Edward looked back down at Bella, meeting her gaze and sharing a smile.
"That kid will be the death of both of us," he said, shaking his head.
"Trust me," Bella grinned, "I'm fully aware."
"Okay," Edward said, "About tonight, since it's your day, I'm going to let you have a say in what we do."
"You're actually going to tell me what we're doing on a date?" Bella asked in surprise with just a twinge of sarcasm. Edward was incredibly fond of surprising his girlfriend and not telling her things beforehand.
Edward smirked, "I'm feeling generous, but no, not telling per say."
"Then what say do I have?" she asked.
"Well, there are several options for the evening: one involves a lake, one involves a very nice restaurant, and the other involves a zoo."
"Do I get to ride an elephant in the zoo option?" Bella wondered.
"Probably not."
"Damn…"
Edward looked at his girlfriend with raised eyebrows.
Bella shrugged. "Eh, what the hell, let's go with the zoo."
He laughed and leaned in to kiss her. Bella met his lips but kept hers closed, knowing perfectly how dreadful her morning breath was.
Once they had broken apart, Bella propped herself more into a sitting position as Edward reached for a Starbucks cup he had set on the dresser a few moments ago.
"I would have done a breakfast in bed type of thing for you, but since your parents are taking you to eat, I settled for a fabulous latte," he said, handing her the warm cup.
"Bless you," Bella muttered, taking the cup into her hands with a reverence that made him chuckle.
"Speaking of the Swans, Alice will be here in about an hour," he reminded.
Bella yawned loudly as she nodded.
Edward surprised her then by going and wrapping his arms tightly around her, pulling her snuggly against his chest. He held her there for just a moment and gave her a quick squeeze before releasing her.
It was little things like that that continued to take away Bella's breath. Edward was such a compassionate person, and he tried his hardest constantly to make sure Bella knew how cherished she was.
"I love you," she said with a sleepy smile as he stood up.
Edward turned and winked before leaving the room.
True to Edward's promise, Alice arrived to their household just about an hour later. Her older sister was buzzing about her quickly approaching nuptials, but made an effort to acknowledge that it was in fact, Bella's birthday.
They met their parents at a local restaurant and the four of them had a lovely meal. Charlie and Renee had been concerned for their daughter ever since Taylor's death, and they were each so pleased to see the newfound happiness Bella seemed to be emanating.
At one point in their conversation, just after their food had arrived, Edward was brought up.
"Are you going out with some friends tonight then, Bell?" her mom asked.
Alice smirked over at her sister, blatantly informing the latter that she knew where Edward was taking her.
"Edward's taking me out somewhere," Bella replied.
"Is Miss Molly going along?" she further inquired.
Bella shrugged. "No, I don't think so."
"Just the two of you then?" Renee asked, the question with more weight than it appeared.
"Just the two of us."
Renee looked over at her husband with thoughtful glance. Charlie did not appear to have much of a reaction, but Bella didn't miss the upward twitch of her father's lip.
And no more was said about it.
When Bella arrived back home later that day, she was met with the sight of two…well, giant ass bouquets. It was really the only description to fit their size which she could find.
"Who are…wow," Bella said as she saw them.
Edward was helping Molly with the last of her lunch, and looked over at her with a grin.
"Since I'm hogging you for the night, they wanted to do something apparently," he supplied.
Bella set her purse down on the counter and looked at the two giant arrangements of flowers. The first one had about every possible color under the sun. It was like someone had spit out a rainbow on some flowers. The other one was more subtle, but incredibly beautiful with whites, creams and greens.
The bright one, she soon discovered, was from none other than Emmett and Rosalie. The card informed her that it was Emmett who personally picked the arrangement and that he hoped she had a "wicked ass" birthday.
The other one also had a card, which was signed Esme and Carlisle. They too wished her a happy birthday and also wrote the other part of their gift was taking their energetic granddaughter off her and Edward's hands for the evening.
"We're ditching the kid for the night?" Bella asked Edward, grinning down at Molly.
"They insisted," he replied with a shrug. "So yeah, the kid is being ditched."
"I'll go pack her things," Bella laughed.
"Already taken care of, birthday girl."
Bella just grinned and shook her head. Edward wiped Molly's face of crumbs and stickiness before scooping her out of her high chair. He set her on her feet and then crouched down in front of her.
"Do you remember what we talked about, pumpkin?" he asked seriously.
She nodded. "Yup!"
"Where are you going to take Mama?"
"To da pawk!" she said excitedly, looking over at Bella with such wide eyed innocence that Bella laughed.
"She's going to keep you entertained while I get things squared away for this evening," Edward said with a smirk.
"Well let's get going, kiddo," Bella said, holding her hand out for the little girl. Edward kissed her head before letting her run over. "Are you going to drive me as well?"
Molly's head bobbed in a nod.
Bella and Molly spent a couple hours in the park, and Bella found herself not wanting to leave, even after Edward had texted her. Molly was at such a young and special age, that Bella wanted to spend all the time with her. She adored the little girl, and watching her grow had been the most exciting and amazing thing she had ever done.
Just when they were getting ready to leave, and Bella was shaking all the sand out of Molly's tiny shoes, an older woman came up to her. Her and her husband had been sitting at a picnic table just a ways away for about an hour.
"I'm sorry, I just have to tell you something," the gray haired woman said in a gushing tone of voice, her hand on Bella's shoulder. "You are such a good mom. I've watched you with this little girl, and I just wanted to tell you that, honey, you're doing it right."
Bella was so taken aback she almost couldn't muster a response. But she thanked the woman in a stunned sort of way, smiling and wishing her a good day.
The comment from a stranger meant more to her than so many praises she'd heard in life.
When Bella returned home, there was an Escalade in the driveway, one she recognized as Esme's. Bella got Molly out of the truck and gathered their things before ushering her inside with the promise of seeing Grandma.
Esme was waiting inside for them, wiping the already clean counter. Molly ran over to her in excitement and was gladly scooped into her arms. Esme gave Bella a tight, one armed hug. "Happy birthday, dear."
"Thanks, Esme," Bella smiled.
"Wait until you see my son," she said conspiringly, a twinkle in her eyes. "I know I'm his mother, but he is quite handsome, especially this evening."
Bella rolled her eyes at the teasing.
"Why don't you go shower and get ready? I'll take care of the little one," she said.
Bella leaned in and kissed Molly's nose. "Be good, honey bunch. Love you!"
"Wuv you!"
Bella left the two Cullen's alone in the kitchen and headed upstairs. Coming down the stairs was Edward, wearing a black dress shirt and pants, the shirt rolled up to his elbows and the top unbuttoned.
"Your mother and her understatements…." Bella muttered as she walked by.
"What?" he asked with a confused grin.
"Oh nothing," she replied, continuing on her way to the bathroom.
It took Bella about an hour to get ready, especially since she was somewhat unsure of what to wear. However, since Edward enjoyed surprising her, this wasn't an uncommon occurrence. She put on a black dress with a sea foam green wrap and heels. She tried to curl her hair, but ended up pinning a lot of it in random places. Much to her surprise, it didn't turn out too badly.
Edward was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. He turned when he heard her heels hit the top of the wooden stairs. He didn't say anything, but Bella saw him mouth the word "Wow" to himself.
"You look gorgeous," he said when she reached the bottom.
"Thanks," she said with a smile, admiring him as well. He had put on a black suit jacket over the shirt, and in Bella's opinion…it was working for him.
"What's that?" she asked, looking at the cloth in his right fist.
"A blind fold," he replied with a grin.
"You're kidding me," she said disbelievingly.
"No, I'm not," he insisted.
"I'm a publisher, Edward. I can't tell you how many times I read the cliché of the guy blindfolding the girl and then whisking her off to the most perfect evening imaginable."
"Have you ever personally done it?"
"Well…no."
"Then shut up and enjoy it."
"What's enjoyable about having one of your five senses taken away?" Bella asked, turning as he requested.
"You'll see," he promised, securing the soft cloth around her eyes and tying it carefully.
With her hands around Edward's arm, she followed him out of the house and was helped into the passenger seat of the car.
"Have you really read this scenario that many times?" Edward wondered after they had been driving for a few minutes.
"Yes…that and I like giving you shit."
"I've noticed," he chuckled. "And I love that about you."
"You know, some people don't always appreciate it," she replied.
"Some people don't know you as well as I do," he said.
They drove on what seemed to be a highway for about ten more minutes before Bella felt the car slowing down and turning. The car continued to slow until finally it came to a complete stop and she heard him turn the engine off.
"Can I take it off now?" she asked.
"Based on everything you know about me, what do you think?"
"I'd say the odds are, not."
"Smart girl."
Edward helped her out of the car and then wrapped one of his long arms around her tiny waist, pulling him into her. Bella walked with him and through a door which he led her through.
"Mr. Cullen, good evening, sir. If you would follow me," a voice said.
"Does he think you're kidnapping me?" Bella asked in a whisper.
"Well," Edward said close to her ear, "Based on his laughter at your question, I'd say probably no, he doesn't."
Bella blushed and her eagerness to take the blindfold off only rose to a new level.
"Here you are, sir," the man said before his footsteps receded.
"Alright, let me see those eyes, beautiful."
The blindfold fell away from her eyes and Bella blinked to adjust to the sight around her. When she heard a squeak, she turned to the left and gasped.
"You weren't kidding about the zoo!" she exclaimed.
They were standing in the middle of a large patio of sorts, with an entire huge exhibit of monkeys on their left and upon further exploration, elephants on their right, in their own habitat. The golden sun was nearing the sunset, painting everything in a beautiful warm light. In the middle of the patio was a round table, set for two.
"Oh my God," Bella laughed when an elephant sounded.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart."
Bella turned and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, standing on the tips of her toes. "You have got to stop renting out such extravagant venues just for me. It's probably getting expensive."
Edward settled his hands on her waist and smiled. "I can afford it."
"Tell that to Molly's college fund," Bella said with a smirk.
"You're worth it, Bella," he said, kissing her forehead.
Bella looked around and realized they truly had the place entirely to themselves. "I kind of want to dance," she admitted, as their position was so.
"Funny you should say that…" Edward trailed off, a twinkle in his greens eyes. He turned and hollered over his shoulder, "Hit it, Harry!"
There was a moment's silence as Bella looked at Edward in confusion. She was about to ask when a voice came over the speakers near them.
"Happy birthday, Bella. From what I've heard about you, you're really something special. This one's for you."
Bella did not recognize the voice off the top of her head, and was confused until guitar strands sounded.
"So, about that dance?" Edward said, holding his hand out to her with a soft smile.
Bella, let out a breath and looked at him in amazement as the song started to play. She put her hand in his and moved in close as the man sang.
"It's not always easy, but somehow our love stays strong. If I can make you happy, then this is where I belong….And I'd just like to say, I thank God you're here with me. And I know you too well to say that you're perfect, but you'll see oh my sweet love, you're perfect for me."
They danced through the soft song, Bella's eyes watering as she listened to the lyrics of the song Edward had had recorded for her. She rested her head against his chest, overwhelmed by how lucky she was.
Once the song was over, Bella looked back at him, a smile on her lips as she looked at him in wonder.
"His name is Ron Pope. He's a client of mine, because of some issues he was having with licensing and Pandora. I asked him if he would record you one of his songs."
"What's the song called?"
Edward smiled.
"Perfect For Me."
The two of them eventually sat down at the beautifully set table and were served dinner. They talked, but Bella found herself mostly laughing. She felt so silly and so in love. There was not a moment during the dinner where she was without a smile. Edward just watched her with a type of adoration which made her heart flutter.
They went and fed the elephants after dinner with some help from a zoo keeper. Bella wished Molly had been there for that, as the little girl would have loved it.
They drove home, and Bella noticed that Edward still wasn't quite relaxed. He looked anxious about something, but Bella didn't comment.
They pulled into the driveway of the farmhouse and Edward helped Bella out of the car. "I have one more gift for you," he said softly.
"Edward, you've already done too much," she protested.
They walked inside the house, Edward ignoring her objection. He flipped on the light switch and then looked over at her. "Close your eyes," he said with a grin.
Bella did as she was told, in an odd twist of events. She heard his footsteps crossing the space of the living room and stop before coming back to her. "Okay, you can open them."
Upon opening her eyes, she saw Edward with a stack of three leather bound books with gold letter etched onto the side. "I didn't want to take this one to a zoo," he explained quietly.
Bella picked up the top book and gasped when she read the side. It read Pride and Prejudice I, Jane Austen. "Oh my God."
Edward watched as Bella opened the front covered and read one of the first pages which read: Printed for T. Egerton , 1813.
"Oh my God!" she covered her mouth with one of her hands.
With wide eyes, she met his gaze. "Edward, this is a first edition copy," she said slowly, looking at him in shock.
He nodded, watching her.
Bella shook her head. "These cost thousands and thousands of dollars."
"It's your favorite book," he said softly with a shrug.
"Oh m God! Oh, Edward!" she cried, her eyes tearing up. Edward set the rest of the volumes onto a nearby table and was able to catch her when she threw herself into him.
Edward wrapped his arms around her tightly. Yes, the books had been expensive and he could have paid for almost a year at Harvard with that money, but she was so worth it. So much more than worth it.
Bella leaned up and met his lips with her own, each of her hands coming to the sides of his face. She kissed him because she was at a loss for words, and some way she needed to show him how much she loved him.
They broke apart gasping. He rested his forehead on hers as he breathed deeply.
"Come upstairs with me," she whispered.
Edward looked at her in surprise, as they had not taken that step. But upon looking at her, and seeing nothing but love, lust and sincerity, he could do nothing but swallow and nod.
Bella laced one of her hands with his own and led him up the stairs. Once they reached the top, he surprised her by scooping her up into his arms and carrying her the rest of the way to the bedroom, where their new, huge ass four poster bed was.
He brought her over to the bed and sank down. She adjusted on his lap, wrapping her legs around his torso and going back in to kiss him with a ferocity he could not complain about. She grinded against him as he cupped her cheeks and helped guide her steady motion.
Bella felt him move his hands to her thighs and run them against her bare skin. He pushed the bottom of her dress higher, letting his fingers brush against her lace panty line. She pressed her lips back against his harder.
He shifted and pressed her back into the bed. She kept her legs wrapped around him and adjusted to the new position by arching her back and pressing further against him. Feeling the contact there for the first time in nearly a year and a half made his eyes roll back in his head. He groaned and thrust back against her.
Bella reached up and grabbed his shirt collar. She unbuttoned the 2nd button down and he was able to yank the shirt over his head after that. Bella ran her fingers over his pecs, her hands trailing over the hard muscles which had developed over the past few months.
Edward captured her lips with his, and her hands traveled to tug on his hair. He moved his hands up her sides before finally cupping her breasts in his hands. He slowly ran his thumbs over her nipples, causing her to let out a soft moan. He kissed down her neck and across her shoulder until he reached where the straps of her dress were. He locked his eyes with her as he pushed the strap down her shoulder. They worked together to get her out of her dress, him sliding it slowly down her body until she was in nothing but panties in front of him.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, knowing no other words.
Bella let out a sigh as Edward leaned forward and sucked on her pink nipple, swirling his over tongue over it and nibbling occasionally. His hand echoed his mouth's movement on the other nipple. She bucked her hips against him at the sensation. He licked his way across her chest to the other nipple and gave it the same attention, as his hand slowly moved down her stomach and touched the scrap of fabric between her legs. He stroked her gently over her panties while she moaned loudly.
"Edward," she gasped as he reached inside her panties and was touching her hot wetness.
She felt him move his fingers in and out of her, slowly at first before moving more quickly. He then bent down and sucked her clit into his mouth, nibbling gently before working with his tongue and fingers. Bella groaned and writhed against him, weaving her hands in his hair and holding him there. She came apart soon after, riding the waves and sensations.
"Holy shit," she breathed as she gasped for breath. Edward moved back up to her and allowed himself to be pulled back in for a kiss. Bella tasted herself on his lips and the thought left her ready for more.
"Would it be cocky for me to say happy birthday after that?" he asked with a smirk.
"Cocky but fully justifiable," she said with a breathless laugh.
Soon after, she was undoing his belt and sliding his pants and boxers down his legs, helping him kick them off as his cock sprang free. She took it in her hands and was quiet as she stroked it. He thrust up to meet her a few times before repositioning himself at her entrance.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked.
She nodded. "I love you, so, so much."
"I love you too, baby," he said, kissing her softly. "Tell me if I hurt you."
She nodded and he slowly entered her. He went slow, knowing his girth and her tininess. She pulled him to her and kissed him, long and slow while he moved inside her in the same way.
Their hips moved together as if they had done it so many times together before. They continued to kiss each other with a slow gentleness which made Bella want to weep.
When she started to tighten around him, he reached between them and fingered her clit as they began to move faster. The pressure built until together they came as he held her hips and kissed her gently.
Edward collapsed onto her, trying to keep some of his weight on his arm as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Bella continued to breathe heavily, her chest falling and rising with his.
She felt wetness on her shoulder and stiffened immediately.
"Edward?" she whispered, turning to trying and see him with panic.
When he didn't lift his head, she spoke shakily, "Edward, please let me see you."
Unable to deny her anything, he lifted his head and she saw that there were a couple tears which had leaked from the corners of his eyes.
"I'm sorry," she said, her heart clenching. "It was too soon. I'm so sorry."
She stroked his face, wiping away the tears that had betrayed him. She felt a strong urge to cry herself.
"No," he shook his head, "No, it's not that, Bella. Never."
"Are you okay?"
Edward closed his eyes and exhaled through his nose before nodding. Bella continued to soothe her thumbs over his cheeks as she stared up into his vivid green eyes.
"I just, never thought…after Taylor…I never thought I would find it again," he whispered.
Bella nodded in understanding, leaning to kiss one of his closed eyes and then the other.
"You've given me everything, Bella," he said, brushing his fingers over her cheek to tuck a strand of hair behind her cheek. "You're everything to me and I…I don't deserve you, and I don't deserve this second chance and life you've given me, but I wouldn't trade this for anything.
"Thank you, Bella, you've given me so much happiness and I can't imagine another day without you."
Find me here, and speak to me.
I want to feel you, I need to hear you.
You are the light, that's leading me,
To the place, where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light, to my soul.
You are my purpose, you're everything.
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in, take me deeper now.
And how can I stand here with you,
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be,
Any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, you're all I need,
You're everything, everything.
Everything, Lifehouse
*This song is in addition to Perfect For Me, by the incredible, Ron Pope.
AN: SO...that was a wowza of a chapter. I totally enjoyed writing it tho! Definitely one of my favorites!
For those who were asking about E&B's friends and their knowledge/reaction to their relationship...they're fine with it. They want their friends to be happy, and I didn't think I needed to do a whole chapter about that acceptance, but I probs could have mentioned it! haha
Have an awesome and safe 4th of July for those in the states! Hope you loved this chapter with Sweetheartward! :)