A/N - Happy Saturday! Thank you all for reading and reviewing! I did not win the Tomato Soup Award for best country/cowboy story, but a big thanks to everyone that voted for me. Enjoy!
Chapter 51 - Presentation and Celebration
EPOV
Bella slept really well the night before her presentation. I was so proud of her. I wish I knew how to express that to her. She was the smartest person I knew, and I loved that she valued education. She was going to be a great influence to our children. I was inspired by her, and her passion.
Just seeing her in the museum and on the battlefield yesterday, was thrilling. I could see the excitement on her face, and it was easy to enjoy myself around her. He enthusiasm was contagious, and I found that I truly enjoyed the experience. And of course, the whole day was made better when Jasper found a new woman to follow around.
I was very much looking forward to watching Bella give her presentation. She was so sexy dressed up in her school clothes. And when she spoke about history, ah, it was such a turn on for me. She was so damn amazing.
Bella was up early that morning, just after I got up. We showered together, before I pulled her over to the bed to rub her neck and shoulders. "Relax, sunshine," I said, softly. "You're going to do great."
"I'm nervous, but I think I know my material," she said, before groaning as I hit a tight spot in her muscles. "Ah, Edward. That feels amazing." I smiled. I was glad that I was helping. I was happy that me being here was beneficial for her.
I kissed her cheek and wrapped my arms around her, hugging her to my chest. "Mm," I hummed, just basking in the fact that I had her in my arms. "We'll have to fit lots of massages in on our honeymoon."
Bella turned in my arms and pushed me back on the bed, before laying on my chest. "Is that a hint?" she asked, smiling mischievously.
I laughed. "How are you going to figure out our honeymoon location based on the fact that I'm going to rub your back?" I asked, teasing her, before kissing her lips.
She giggled, and it sounded like music. "I don't know. I'm just excited," she said, reaching up to run her fingers through my damp hair.
"I know. So am I," I told her, smiling. "I can't wait to see you in that dress."
Bella's face lit up and it made my heart beat a little faster. "I truly love it, Edward," she said.
"Good," I said. "Now, just think of this presentation as a little warm up to saying your vows in front of our friends and family."
"Aw, Edward. I love that," she said, smiling. "I guess I should get dressed so we can get this show on the road, huh?"
Bella got dressed in a beautiful white blouse, a grey knee length skirt and a matching blazer. She had black heels on and her legs look phenomenal. She dried and curled her hair, pulling back the front with some pins. Bella wore this look well. She was a knockout.
I wore my black dress pants and the grey sweater Bella had picked out for me from the Gap. I wanted to look good today. I was there to support my girl, and that meant everything to me. I still wore my black cowboy boots, because Bella liked them, but I think I looked pretty good.
Bella ran her hand over my chest and smiled at me. "You are so, so hot, cowboy," she said, smiling. "We're going to have to celebrate when we get back here to the hotel."
I laughed. "I look that good, huh?" I asked, teasing her, giving her gorgeous bum a squeeze. She nodded so I leaned in to kiss to her pretty lips. "Well, you look phenomenal, Bella. Let's go knock 'em dead."
We stopped for breakfast, but Bella couldn't eat. I noticed her hands shaking a little and her leg was bouncing. I rubbed my hand on her thigh as I ate. I wasn't going to force her to eat. I'd just take her out for a nice big lunch after her presentation.
I held Bella's hand all the way to the university. She had already checked her bag three times to make sure she had her presentation packed. She was fairly quiet, so I left her alone to go over everything in her mind.
I know that I hated to be bothered when I was thinking, so I wasn't going to pester her, by repeatedly telling her she would be fine. So, I just held her hand, showing her I was there for her.
When we parked at the school, Bella turned to face me, and unleashed her beautiful smile at me. "I'm sorry for being so quiet," she said, leaning over to kiss me.
"I understand, Bella," I told her. She didn't need to feel bad. We had come all the way from Canada for her to give this speech, so it was definitely a big deal. "Just try to enjoy yourself up there."
Bella smiled. "I most certainly will. I'll be picturing you naked," she said, winking at me, before opening the car door and getting out. I chuckled to myself. I was going to be marrying such an amazing girl.
We got to the university and a few people that we had met the day before came over to say hello. This whole trip had been amazing, and I really liked that we had a chance to be in a social setting.
Being on the farm so much, I was limited to a very small group of friends. I couldn't complain, though. We were all so close back home; we were like family. But, meeting new people was good for us, too.
Jasper walked up to Bella while we were chatting with Peter and Charlotte. He set his hand on her shoulder and turned her towards him. He leaned in way too close for comfort, and spoke to her softly.
I couldn't hear what he said to her, but Bella smiled politely and stepped back, nodding. She obviously didn't want to be that close to him, but at the same time, she needed to hear what he was saying.
"Alright. Thank you, Dr. Hale," Bella said, smiling, before he walked over to the pastry table.
I leaned my head back, and let out a deep breath. Part of me thought that Jasper pulled little stunts like that, just to drive me crazy. Because, honestly, it worked. I knew I had Bella, and that Bella wanted me, but that didn't mean that I was okay with other men getting that close to her. That wasn't okay with me, but I wasn't going to make a scene. Bella needed me right now.
Bella squeezed my hand, and I smiled at her. She knew he drove me crazy, but she seemed glad that I didn't say anything.
We were all called into the presentation room and took our seats. Bella would be presenting second this morning. I was glad that she wasn't first, so it gave her some time to settle in her seat. Jasper, again, sat on Bella's right hand side.
We sat through an incredibly boring presentation on the colours of uniforms, and I was relieved when it was finally Bella's turn. She would wake this room up. I kissed her left hand and she smiled at me before getting up to walk to the front of the room after she was introduced.
Bella looked beautiful and she carried herself with grace and confidence. She set her notes on the podium and looked up at the crowd. I saw her swallow from my seat, and I said a prayer to God that she would be confident in herself and show everyone in the room her brilliance.
Bella looked up at me and I smiled at her and nodded my head. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face, and I was thrilled that I had that much of an impact on her. She let out a deep breath, and her shoulders visibly relaxed.
Bella looked down at her notes and then began to recite her speech. She spoke confidently and clearly. I was captivated, just watching her, listening to her. I had heard this presentation countless times, but it felt like the first time I was hearing it.
I was probably smiling like an idiot as I watched her, but I was so damn proud. She was amazing. I tore my eyes away from her for a second, glancing at the rest of the room, and the rest of the students and professors seemed just as interested, as drawn in as I was.
I may have been biased, but clearly, I was right. Bella was special and everyone here saw it, even amongst so many intelligent students, she stood out. This was definitely her element.
For a second, I felt a little twinge in the pit of my stomach. It was that guilt that I was responsible for keeping her away from this life. But I had to check those thoughts before they set in too deep.
Bella and I had talked at length about this issue. She insisted that she wanted the life on the farm. I was happy that she did, but I also knew that if we had to, we would move. Bella told me let that go, that we were staying on the farm, but a part of me, in the back of my mind, held onto the idea that one day, we may have to leave.
BPOV
I was so nervous for this presentation, but Edward kept me sane. He encouraged me when I needed it, and let me mull over my thoughts when I needed quiet. I'm not too sure how he knew what I needed, and when, but he did and it was perfect.
Dr. Hale had gone over some points with me before we went into the conference room. Just points to emphasise and things like that. Edward was incredibly well behaved while my professor talked to me. I knew there was resentment there, but I was so proud of Edward for not making a scene. We had really come a long way.
I needed Edward. He kept me sane. As I got up to speak, I could see every ounce of love and support that Edward had for me in his face, in his eyes. I felt brave standing up there in front of my peers and the professors because Edward was here with me.
I read through my material, looking around the room. People looked interested, and I was glad. But the best part was the look on Edward's face. He looked so proud of me. I wished I could just press pause on the moment, and enjoy the feeling.
I loved that I could make Edward proud. I loved that he could see me present my work. I spent the last four months, the whole time that I had known Edward, sitting in his office, working on my paper and my research. This was my chance to show him that my hard work was worth it.
I knew how much Edward valued learning. He loved that I was in school, and that I was here to present my work. I think a part of him wanted me to pursue my doctorate. I mean, he obviously didn't want me to leave, but he wanted me to set my sights high.
And maybe if I wouldn't have met Edward, and I couldn't have found a job, I may have looked into more education. But it wasn't what I wanted. It wasn't my goal in life. I had always sought out what made me happy.
And I had never been happier in my life than I was with Edward. Our lifestyle wasn't what I had planned. But, I adored it. I loved the farm life. I loved it all. Yes, I liked my work, but not as much as I loved my man, our life and our future.
I finished my speech and the everyone applauded for me. I think I blushed, and I remember looking over at Edward. He was beaming at me. I smiled back at him, and he winked at me.
But my excitement was short lived when I remembered the question and answer segment of the presentation. And to my absolute horror, Dr. Mary Randell, raised her hand to ask a question. I was terrified. She was the professor that asked all the tough questions to the students the day before. And now it was my turn.
"Miss Swan," she started, and I think I actually gulped. "I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation." I let out a deep breath. "And I know you are still working on your paper, so I'd like to make a suggestion, as opposed to asking a question." I nodded my head, smiling politely. "Perhaps you may want to briefly look at General Sherman's strategies in other battles, besides Decatur, if only for a brief comparison."
I smiled. I liked that idea, and I would be sure to talk to Dr. Hale about that. "Thank you so much. I'll look into it," I said. Thankfully, there were no other questions, so after another round of applause, I walked back to my seat.
I sat down and Edward leaned over to kiss my cheek. "You were incredible," he whispered, making me smile. I squeezed his hand and I thought it was sweet that his palms were just as sweaty as mine were. He was nervous with me.
"Well done, Bella," Dr. Hale said, quietly. "Don't forget to make notes on the suggestion you received." I nodded and jotted down some ideas on the back of my speech.
I sat back and let out a deep breath. I was so glad that my presentation was done, but at the same time, I had actually really enjoyed doing it. I had been nervous, but it was worth it. It was an experience that I would never forget.
I was so grateful to Edward for encouraging me to come to North Carolina. I wasn't going to come. I didn't think that it was a necessary part of the university experience. I had been nervous. But being a part of this conference, sharing my research, making new friends, listening to others talk about what excited them, seeing the battlefield, it was all unforgettable.
Edward and I had pizza from the cafeteria for lunch. I was starving, because I couldn't eat this morning due to nerves, so Edward went back to the counter to get me a second slice. I loved my man.
Edward and I spent the afternoon watching presentations, one of which was Peter's. He was a lot more nervous than I was, but he was very intelligent, and I enjoyed his presentation on President Lincoln very much. Edward invited Peter and his wife Charlotte out for a celebratory dinner with us. Edward was never very social, so I was impressed that he took the initiative to hang out with our new friends.
We found the Carolina Crossroads Restaurant, a really fancy restaurant in the main floor of an old fashioned inn. It had Southern charm, and I loved the atmosphere. The tables were dressed with crisp white linens and there were beautiful gold framed paintings on all the walls. It was beautiful.
We really splurged. I had the roasted chicken and Edward had a sirloin steak, and for dessert, we had hazelnut souffle cake, and ice cream with mixed berries. I was so full, I could hardly move.
But, the company was amazing. Charlotte and Peter were truly amazing people, and I was so happy that we had become such fast friends. I would have loved for them to come up for wedding, but Charlotte was in no condition to travel. Her baby was due on Christmas Eve. What an amazing gift from God they were about to receive.
We called it a night at around eight o'clock. I was looking forward to celebrating my presentation with Edward in our own way. The minute we got back to the hotel, Edward began slowly undressing me, holding my eyes with his.
"You were so amazing," he whispered, making me smile, as he finished unbuttoning my blouse.
I smiled up at his face. "You know, I couldn't have done that if you weren't here with me," I told him honestly. "I love you, Edward."
He smiled back at me. "I love you, too, sunshine." He lead me to the bed and we made slow, sweet love that night. I didn't think it would be, but today was one of the best days of my life.
The next day, Wednesday, was the last day of the conference. There were only presentations in the morning, and the afternoon was a tour of the school. Edward and I decided that after lunch, we would head back to the hotel and pack. Our flight was at three thirty this afternoon, and I couldn't wait to get home.
"Bella, are you sure you don't want to look around the campus?" Edward asked, as we walked through the parking lot and back to the car. "We have time."
I smiled at him, because he only ever wanted the best for me. "I'm sure. I just really, really want to go home. I mean, I've had fun, it's been an amazing trip, but I miss our life," I explained.
"So do I," he said, almost looking relieved. I closed my eyes. I knew he was still thinking that I wanted to move down here. I didn't know what I could say anymore to convince him that I didn't want this.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, after we had gotten into the car. I looked over at him, and he looked genuinely apologetic.
"I know you worry, Edward. You try not to, but you do. But I can only say it a thousand times. I'm not moving here, I'm not going to pursue a doctorate." I picked up his hand and kissed his left ring finger. "I'm marrying you next Saturday, and we're staying in Alberta. We're going to have a bunch of cute little babies, and have a happy, crazy, sex-filled life. I wouldn't want it any other way."
Edward chuckled, and I was glad to see him smile. "I like the sex-filled part," he said, making me smile. "I just want you to be happy, Bella."
"I am, Edward. I have never been happier," I told him, before leaning over to kiss him. He hummed into the kiss, reaching up to hold the back of my head, as he kissed me deeper. He pulled back slowly, smiling at me.
"I love you," he said, picking up my hand and kissing my engagement ring. "Come on. Let's go home. We've got some horse poop to shovel." I started laughing. Edward was perfect.
We picked up some souvenirs in that airport terminal for our friends. Edward found a fridge magnet for Em, that we had to buy, considering it made Edward laugh so hard. It read 'My friends went to North Carolina and all I got was this lousy magnet.' He ended up buy Em some shot glasses as well and I bought Rosie a box of ginger peach tea, and a North Carolina spoon to hang on her spoon rack in the kitchen. I also bought my mom a beautiful porcelain bell, and I found a snow globe for Jess.
Edward bought us a beautiful hand made clay bowl, because apparently pottery was really big in North Carolina. "I want you to have something, too, Bella," Edward had said. "The only thing I got you so far was old-fashioned candy." I laughed when he said it, because he had already given me everything by bringing me to this conference. But, the bowl was beautiful, and maybe Rosie could show me how to make potpourri to put in it.
The flight home was nice, and I enjoyed it a lot more than the flight down, as I wasn't so nervous. We had a layover in Dallas, Texas, but landed back in Calgary at ten at night. Edward sketched almost the entire flight, and he still wouldn't let me see what he was drawing.
Sketching relaxed Edward, and he seemed peaceful with a pencil in his hand. I liked seeing him so carefree. Edward always carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, wondering what could be, or what should have happened in the past.
He was incredibly analytical and I loved that about him, but I hated it, too. He was stressed a lot of the time, but he seemed to bring that on himself. I decided on that flight that I would try my hardest to always keep him reassured.
That's what Edward needed. It could be as simple as telling him how much fun I had when we got back from a horseback ride, or how much I loved the scenery when we had coffee on the porch. But, I didn't want him to doubt my decision.
I reached over and ran my fingers through his hair right before we landed in Calgary. "I'm tired," I told him.
"I know," he said, leaning in for a kiss. "We're going to have to get a hotel tonight in Calgary. I'm not driving home this late."
I looked out the window and smiled. "It's snowing, Edward," I said, excitedly. "It's going to look so pretty for our wedding."
Edward chuckled. "That, or we get snowed in," he said, reaching over to hold my hand.
"Well, that could be fun, too," I said, laughing.
We spent the night in a motel in Calgary, both of us crashing the minute our heads hit the pillow. I woke up to the smell of coffee and rolled over to see Edward sitting at the small desk sketching, again. He was only wearing a pair of jeans.
I smiled and slipped out of bed, walking over to him and wrapping my arms around his shoulders from behind. He jumped as if I'd scared him, and quickly shut the book. "What are you up to?" I whispered, before kissing the side of his neck.
Edward chuckled guiltily. "Nothing. I was just waiting for you to wake up." He turned around, and smiled as he pulled me into his lap. "And you're naked."
I giggled. "I am," I said, as if I'd just noticed. "You ready to get home? I miss our animal babies."
"Oh, I'm ready," he said, smiling at me. "But, first, my dear bride to be, we're in a hotel and we haven't really christened the bed."
I laughed. "What are you waiting for?" I asked, giggling as Edward stood up and carried me to the bed. What a way to end an incredible trip.
