CHAPTER 38 - EDWARD

"Two down, two to go!" Pop cheers. Ma nuzzles into his side once we all pile into the back of the car. I know what Pop has on his mind. It's the same thing every single time I have a show. I'm grateful that he's managed to not completely embarrass us in front of our dates.

Bella has been quiet since she emerged from the washroom. I don't know if I should be worried or not. Ma keeps giving me looks that tell me that it's all good, but until Bella shows me it is, I can't help but worry.

I squeeze Bella's hand, mainly for my own reassurance. She squeezes back and offers me a small smile in return. I lean over to whisper in her ear and am immediately surrounded by her—her scent, her warmth, her softness, just pure Bella.

"Are you all right, love?" I ask as I brush my thumb along her jaw. She sighs heavily and her bottom lip trembles as if she's on the verge of tears. "Bella, please. Is everything okay?"

She looks up at me with glassy eyes and nods tentatively. "Just...can you take me home? Please, Edward? This whole day has been so much to absorb. I just need to be someplace familiar right now."

I don't even know how to respond except to nod and place a small kiss on her cheek. Uncertainty weighs heavily in the air. Pop gives me a sympathetic look as he pulls Ma closer to him.

Sometimes he's a real smug pain in the ass. I do not need a reminder of how he has a sure thing in his arms, nor do I need a reminder of how fragile Bella and my relationship is. Pop kicks his foot out, tapping mine. I glare at him, wondering what his problem is. He mouths "Is she okay?" while his eyes dart between Bella and myself. I give a small shrug in response because I truly don't know.

"Um, Dr. Cullen, if you could just tell the driver that I live at Sherman and Gaffield. I can get out of your guys' hair," Bella says in a barely audible tone.

In the six months that I've been watching her, I've seen her like this a few times. She seems so small and unsure, and dare I say, confused. Just the thought of saying goodbye to her has my heart aching.

"Will I see you tomorrow?" Ma asks, her voice full of hope. "Maybe we can tear Rosalie away from Emmett long enough to have lunch."

Bella finally looks up from her lap and gives my mother a sad smile. "Of course, Esme. I'll call you when I'm ready."

With so much tension hanging in the air, I hardly notice that the car has stopped until the driver is pulling open the door. I climb out, suddenly my hands are sweating and my mouth is dry. Reaching for Bella as she stands, I feel that familiar pull. The energy that pulses between us is undeniable.

Bella lives in an old Victorian that has been converted to flats. We walk to her door in an awkward silence and stand on the porch just staring at one another.

"Thank you for an amazing day, Edward," Bella says, breaking our minutes long staring contest.

"It's been the best day of my life so far, Bella." I brush a few flyaway hairs back and tuck them behind her ear. "May I kiss you goodbye?"

Bella looks up at me with something I can't explain. She's swaying like a tree branch in the breeze. Poor thing must be exhausted, so I lean forward to kiss her forehead. Bella shakes her head in protest. Now I truly don't understand.

"Don't say goodbye, Edward." Bella places her palms on my chest. The heat of her contact sends fiery signals throughout my entire being. Bella snakes a hand up and into my hair, pulling my face close to hers. "Say goodnight." Bella presses her lips to mine and I lose all sense of control.

I groan as I draw her sweet, plump bottom lip into my mouth. Pressing my hands firmly against her back, I pull Bella closer to me, so close that I'm sure she can feel the staccato rhythm of my heart. Our tongues caress and our hands explore. I cannot get enough, and I tell Bella as much.

"I'm not ready for this night to end. Stay...with me, please?" Bella whispers between our frantic kisses.

I pull away to assess the honesty in her words. She hasn't drank that much, so she's definitely not drunk. "Are you sure? I don't want to rush things," I respond, offering Bella an out.

She laughs and wraps me in a tight hug. "Everything about us is rushed, baby, but I don't think I've been more sure about anything in my entire life. My question to you is, are you sure?"

Things are getting serious for our couples. What do you think Edward's answer will be?

A huge thanks to Jparke19 & hmmille for their help with this story. They're really great ladies. I've been around here for a couple of years, mostly as a reader. I've only been on social media for a few months, but have made some really great friends in that short period of time. Without their support, I doubt this fic would be as successful as it is. Thanks to you all for consistently reading and reviewing. I can't believe something I wrote has been so warmly received! I'm truly blown away.

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Until next time...