I stretch languidly and yawn before leaning over to plant a gentle kiss on Bella's temple. She's still sleeping soundly, and I don't want to wake her.
I reach over to the nightstand to check my phone for missed calls, and I smile at the picture text from Josh. He's smiling brightly, sporting a toothless grin and holding up a picture of his latest work of art that reads 'Happy Birthday Uncle Edward'. Under the picture there's a message that says he's lost his two front teeth and that the tooth fairy left him five dollars. I muffle my laugh.
I flip through the rest of my messages; there are about a dozen from my extended family, all of them extoling good wishes and telling me to enjoy the day. There's one text in particular that catches my eye, and it brings a smile to my face.
Enjoy your day, wishing you plenty more. EC.
I make sure I save the message and store the contact number for later.
I'm not one to make a big fuss about my birthday. In fact, I barely speak of it. My family, on the other hand, makes a huge fuss each year. To me, it's just a regular day. I told them a while back; no big parties or dinners, just a simple get together with close family is all I'd enjoy. But, knowing the women in my family my request will not be heeded; all I can do is hope that they show some restraint.
It's about eight a.m. and I need to get ready for work. I reluctantly leave Bella's side and head for the shower.
This morning, I meet with the St. Luc's Board of Directors for my first interview for the Chief of Surgery position. Although I do believe that I have as good a chance as any of receiving the promotion, I haven't talked about it with anyone, except briefly with my father.
Other than Mike Newton and myself, there are two other surgeons being considered. But truthfully, I know that Mike and I are the forerunners in a close race. For me, this knowledge fans the flames of our already competitive relationship. I feel certain that he feels the same way.
I have one more patient to see before I head up to my meeting. She's sitting up and reading the newspaper, and I smile at the sight.
"Good morning, Mrs. Cope. You look wonderful."
"Always the charmer, Doctor Masen. Come in." She pats the side of her bed.
"So, do you feel as wonderful as you look?"
"I do actually. I feel well enough to be discharged this morning."
I laugh, shaking my head at her; we both know that won't be happening. She's doing better, but I'm not satisfied that she's completely out of the woods yet.
"A girl can try."
"How about this, I'll clear my schedule and have lunch with you. I'll bring you up to date on all the gossip that's going around the hospital." I wink, and I'm rewarded with her smile.
"Is it any good?" She gasps mockingly.
"Well, there's a big promotion for Chief of Surgery coming up, and I'm up for the position."
She waits patiently for me to give her something worthwhile.
"Doctor Newton is a candidate as well."
"The good-looking, blond doctor?"
"That's him."
"And I take it the two of you don't see eye to eye?"
I smile, but don't elaborate.
"If you can get us cheeseburgers and shakes, then it's a date."
"How about veggie burgers and diet cokes?"
"Always the doctor." She shakes her head, but smiles broadly in acquiescence.
.
.
.
I have about fifty-five minutes before my interview, and I decide to take the time to retire to my office and prepare.
The Board of is comprised of five people; my father being one of them. The other four are retired university chancellor and eminent state citizen, Doctor Lionel Doyle, Doctor William Sutton, a consulting general surgeon, Doctor Robert Jansen, a general practitioner and Ms. Geraldine Brody, an ex CEO of a highly reputable corporation. She also serves on several company boards. Doctor Doyle is the Chairman. I can see how their combined skill and broad experience would lend itself to the efficient running of a highly respected and reputable institution such as St. Lucien Hospital.
I'm acquainted with both Bill Sutton and Robert Jansen as we have, on occasion, met up at medical conventions. I've not met either of the other two. I have, however, made some enquiries and discovered that both are highly thought of and have excellent track records in their respective fields. Ms. Brody, apparently, has a reputation for being a bit of a "ball breaker" in the corporate world. I spend some time familiarizing myself with their backgrounds and consider what approach each of them, including my dad, might take during the interview. I think about what questions they might ask and formulate concise answers so that I can be as prepared as possible.
It's about thirty minutes before my meeting, and I retire briefly to the restroom in my office to freshen up and change into a suit and tie. I give myself a last look-over. It's been a long time since I've felt this nervous. I check my watch, exhale and take another deep breath, then make my way to the boardroom.
I announce myself to the receptionist who smiles attractively and asks me to take a seat and wait. A short while later, a distinguished grey-haired man approaches me with his hand outstretched.
"Doctor Masen? I'm Lionel Doyle; I'm very pleased to meet you. Please come this way."
He leads me into the boardroom where five chairs are arranged along one side of a rather intimidatingly large table. A lone chair, which I assume is meant for me, has been placed directly across from these. Introductions are made, and everyone greets me courteously. Ms. Brody seems more reserved, but I assume this to be her normal disposition. My dad subtly squeezes my hand as he shakes, then gives me a brief, reassuring pat on the shoulder. I can see the pride in his eyes and relax a bit as I remember our conversation in his office.
Doctor Jansen solicitously asks if I would like some refreshment, and I request a glass of water, which he pours from a carafe conveniently placed on the table.
I settle into my chair and briefly amuse myself by considering whether this is what the Spanish Inquisition was like. I try to look as relaxed as possible and turn to Doctor Doyle, questioningly.
"Doctor Masen, thank you for your time. I assume you've read all the literature on the position that you were sent?"
"Yes, thank you, Doctor Doyle. May I say how honored I am to be considered for the role, and also how excited I am at the opportunity it offers to enhance not only my experience but to play a pivotal role in further cementing St. Luc's reputation in the surgical field."
I make brief eye contact with everyone to ensure that they understand that I'm including them in my gratitude. My dad gives me a small, encouraging smile; the other men all have open expressions. Ms. Brody, however, has a slight frown and is staring at me rather piercingly.
"We've all read your resume Doctor Masen, and we're aware of your surgical reputation, but it would be nice to hear about it from your perspective. Would you please tell us a bit about yourself and how you view this role?" Doctor Jansen asks.
I give them a brief rundown on my experience. In response to a follow-up question from Doctor Sutton, I outline one of my most challenging surgeries; what the initial diagnosis was, the pre-op plan and the decisions I had to make during surgery. I detail the involvement of other members of the team during what proved to be a challenging case. I end by stressing how a surgeon is highly dependent upon the entire team to ensure the best outcome for the patient. How, despite the fact that a surgeon's skill is paramount and could mean the difference between life and death, it means nothing without the reciprocal skills, dedication and teamwork of the other professionals in the OR.
Each, in turn, asks me a specific question relating to the role. These include how I view the current skill levels of the surgical unit, how I see it being improved and what role I see myself playing in any improvement. How I'd manage my own scheduled surgeries, whilst managing the day-to-day operations and long-term developmental goals of the unit. How I currently interact with members of staff within and outside the unit, and how I see this changing.
I remain relaxed and focus on responding to each question honestly. Ms. Brody's stance relaxes on occasion, but the slight frown remains. I have no idea what she's thinking.
Finally, Doctor Doyle wraps up the interview. "Thank you, Doctor Masen. You've given us a lot to think about. It's clear just how passionate you are about your work and how much you value your team, and St. Luc's in general. It's no wonder you've built the enviable reputation you have."
He turns to the rest of the panel and asks if they have any further questions. They decline with a slight shake of the head and a smile. Ms. Brody, however, turns back to me, eyebrow slightly raised.
"One last question, Doctor Masen, please. I've heard that you have quite a reputation amongst the nursing staff in this hospital and women in general. What do you have to say about that?"
Well shit, and there you have it!
I take a quick look around the table. Everyone looks a bit taken aback. My father, in particular is looking at me searchingly. I have no doubt that I'll have to answer some questions from him later, but right now, I have Ms. Brody to deal with.
I take a deep breath and look her straight in the eye. "Ms. Brody, I assure you that my professional behavior and my commitment to patient care can never be questioned. What you are touching on is my personal life. And with all due respect, I would suggest that none of us in this room would be comfortable discussing aspects of our personal life in a forum such as this. I can however, assure all of you that my commitment to this hospital is unquestionable and unwavering. If I'm given the opportunity to fill this role, I would do nothing, I repeat, nothing to jeopardize either my professionalism and reputation or those of the hospital."
Her eyes widen slightly, and she nods her head imperceptibly.
"Thank you, Doctor Masen, for your honesty." She looks to Doctor Doyle, subtly letting him know that she's done. He rises from his chair and waits for me. I stand, and they quickly follow. He extends his hand, "Thank you, Edward, we'll be in touch."
I press the button for the elevator, and when I finally enter, I let out the breath I think I've been holding since Ms. Brody asked her question. I wonder whom she's been talking to. I guess, I should have been prepared for at least one them learning about my past. I have to admit; I was taken by surprise. This is something I will have to get used to. I've already told the police the things I most dread, and some of that is sure to come out during the trial. I can't keep hiding from my past. I need to face up to it, and as disappointed as I'd be at being overlooked for this promotion because of my past behavior; it's a consequence I have to be prepared to pay. I know that I'll never go back to being that person, I'm finally free from the toxic relationship with Lauren, and my future with Bella looks bright. She knows everything about me, and I suddenly realize that I owe my family the same honesty. They deserve to know everything before they find out from some stranger, or are ambushed like my dad had just been.
I spend a very pleasant lunchtime in Mrs. Cope's company. She's a really sweet lady, and being in her presence always lightens my spirit.
I've finished my patient rounds and can finally go home. I think about calling Bella to make arrangements for later and smile at the thought of sharing the events of my day with her. I'm even happier, thinking just how wonderful it is to actually have a partner to share things with. Someone whom I care about and respect, and who, in turn, understands how I feel about my job, someone who is not resentful or threatened by it.
My dad interrupts my pleasant thoughts when he puts his head around the corner. "Hi son, got a minute?"
"Sure." I gesture for him to enter and he takes a seat in front of me. "I know you must have a lot of questions."
"I don't have many, but the ones I do have…." He shakes his head as his voice trails off.
"Dad, I've never wanted to disappoint you, and I'm not going to make excuses for my past behavior. The only thing I can really offer; is that the situation between Lauren and me was extremely complicated, and we both did unspeakable things to hurt each other. I'm not proud of the decisions I made, but I can honestly tell you that I'm no longer that man."
"Well, up until today, I've never had any reason to doubt the kind of man you are, the kind of man I take pride in saying I've raised. I don't really have a reason to doubt that, although it was a surprise to hear something so suggestive about your own child, and in a board meeting. Geraldine Brody…she's such a… prissy..." He scoffs as he leaves the sentence hanging in the air.
I smile at my father's attempt at showing his distaste for a person. I wish I could be as controlled in my responses.
"As a member of the Board, she was justified in asking the question, Dad."
"And your response was remarkable. The board members seemed to be very impressed with you. I am proud of you, Edward."
"Thank you, Dad. You don't know what it means to hear you say that, and I do want to talk with you more about a few things regarding me and Lauren, but I feel I should do that with the entire family present."
"All right, Son, I know things have been difficult for you and Lauren. When you're ready, your mother and I will be there to listen and support you."
"Well, I was thinking tonight. Let Mom know that I have something important to discuss with the family, and I'll call Emmett and Alice to meet us at your house."
"I'll let your mother know, but just so you know, I was supposed to get you over to the house tonight anyway. The women are planning a birthday dinner for you, so no need for you to call anyone." He looks at me and shrugs.
"Can't say I'm surprised, Dad." We both stand, and I walk him to the door.
"You'll act surprised, though?"
"Not on your life, "I laugh. "Come on, I'll walk you to your car, and I'll promise not to tell Mom you almost called Geraldine Brody a bitch."
"I did no such thing!" He protests humorously.
"You wanted to curse. Don't deny it."
.
.
.
As forewarned by my father, my family is gathered in the dining room as I enter. As soon as they see me, they excitedly yell, "Surprise". The room is adorned with black and silver balloons and a banner wishing me a happy birthday above the dining room table. At the center, a beautifully decorated black and white tiered cakes takes pride of place.
True to my word, I don't act overly surprised, after all, they try to catch me unawares every year. I am, however, surprised by the presence of one person.
Bella.
She's right in the midst of my family, and she looks breathtakingly beautiful. I enter the room to greet everyone.
"Dad told me about the surprise dinner, but I have to say that I'm truly speechless at this sight."
"Happy Birthday, Bro. I invited Rosalie. I hope that's okay with you," Emmett slips over and whispers to me.
"Of course, it is. She's family, and what can I say, she's a breath of fresh air; keeps me on my toes." I say and pat him on the back.
I know my brother cares for Rosalie deeply, and she's Bella's best friend. I consider her family, even if we do butt heads.
"Uncwle Edward, wook at aw youwr pwesents!" Josh cheers.
"I see them, and I see that you have no teeth," I tease, and he quickly clamps his hand over his mouth and runs into the kitchen. Everyone laughs at his cute embarrassment and gathers around to hug me.
"Happy Birthday, my beautiful son." My mother and I share a long embrace as I whisper, "thank you" in her ear.
"Your father says you have something to share with us?"
"I do, but later. You all went to a lot of trouble to plan this amazing get together for me. What I have to say can wait until after dinner…and cake." I smile at her then wink at Bella who's standing next to us. I know she loves cake.
"Doesn't she look beautiful, Edward? I said you would be thrilled if she were here."
"I am, and she does look beautiful, Mom. Thank you."
She watches on happily as we gaze at each other.
"Well, I'll leave you two to talk, and I'll go and check on the main course."
"Is it my favorite?"
I smile down at Bella, and she returns it rather shyly. She twists the charm on her delicate gold necklace, and my eyes move to her lips as they touch the champagne glass.
"It is," Mom replies.
"Perfect." I respond hoarsely, turning my attention back to my mother.
As soon as she leaves, I practically lunge at Bella. I step close intending to pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless, but she stops me with a hand to my chest.
"I'm the birthday boy. I'm entitled to whatever I want today." I warningly raise an eyebrow.
"That would be a valid argument, but you forget one thing."
"And what's that?"
"You didn't tell me it was your birthday, Doctor Masen." She turns and walks away, smiling coyly over her shoulder. I have to fight the instinct to reach out and gently brush the curve of her ass in that sexy dress she's wearing.
"Restraint," I mutter, before I join everyone at the party. "Hey, is anyone going to get the birthday boy some champagne?"
.
.
.
It's a happy and noisy gathering around the dining room table as we're all enjoying my favorite meal. At times, I simply look around at all the people I love and bask in the warmth of their company. I feel even more joyous that I'm able to reach down and touch Bella's leg or hand. Her presence seems to complete our family gathering. I can't remember when last I felt this happy and content.
After dinner, we all gather in the living room so that I can open my presents.
"This one is from your aunt and uncle. They're out of town, but they send their love."
"And a huge damned present. How come I never get anything like this?" Emmett jokes with mock animosity.
I unwrap the large box, and a smile spreads across my face. "Thank you, Ezzy and Carlisle," I whistle wolfishly at the exquisite set of golf clubs.
"Whoa, they're gorgeous." My father comes over to examine one of the clubs.
"I wanna pway golf too, Gwanpa, lemme see!" Josh runs over and tries to grab the club, but my father holds it out of his reach.
"Easy there, buddy, these are special golf clubs. Uncle Edward won't be using these to actually play."
He frowns up at my father in confusion."
"What's he gonna do wiff thwem?"
"Put them in his house and stare at them," Emmett says sarcastically.
"And polish them meticulously, hoping no one breathes on them," Jasper adds his two cents worth, and I glare at both of them.
"Daddy, I want golf cwubs wike Uncwle Edward's too!"
I carefully place them back in the box and make a mental note to buy a case for them.
"I'll call them later and thank them."
I open the next few gifts and thank each individual. They always know the right things to buy for me.
Josh insists that I open his present next because he's getting sleepy. I open the little box and pull out the shiny Spiderman Pen.
"Coooool" I widen my eyes and gasp for his benefit. "Come, give me a hug." He does and yawns when I put him back down.
"He bought it with his own money," Alice whispers from across the room."
"Thanks, buddy." I ruffle his hair as he rubs his eyes and climbs into his father's lap.
Bella's gift is a little unexpected. It's a pair of monogrammed platinum cufflinks, elegantly scripted with the letters EM MD. They're beautiful, and I thank her with a passionate, yet discreet kiss.
Josh is unable to keep his eyes open any longer, and Jasper puts him to bed in my parents' room.
My mother slices my cake and passes plates around the room, and I seize the moment to start this rather difficult conversation.
"I want to thank all of you for making this day special. I don't normally make a big deal of my birthday, but today has been more than I could ask for, truly."
"Yeah, especially since you came away with a fuck load of extravagant gifts."
"Emmett!" My parents admonish in unison.
"Jealousy looks good on you, Em," I laugh. "Seriously though, I wanted to talk to you guys tonight about a few important things."
They sit and wait patiently for me to begin. I take Bella's hand and pull her down to sit beside me.
"Firstly, I'm being considered for the Chief of Surgery position."
Everyone is thrilled and congratulates me. They talk amongst themselves about how much I deserve this, and how it's a wonderful opportunity for me. It's almost shameful that I have to shock them with the rest of my news.
"When will you know whether you've got the job?"
"There's still another meeting with the Board, but I assume it's going to be a few more weeks before I'm officially notified whether I've been successful or not. The announcement will officially be made at the hospital's annual banquet. I would love for my family to be there, that is, if I'm successful of course."
"I'm confident that you will be, Edward," my mother says and gives me a kiss on the forehead.
"Well, that calls for a shopping day for us ladies," Alice declares, and she and Rosalie immediately get into a discussion about what they're going to wear. Bella senses that I'm a bit uncomfortable and turns to me, squeezing my hand affectionately.
"This is amazing news. Why don't you seem happier?"
"I need to tell my family about Lauren. It's time."
She signals her understanding silently as she looks into my eyes. She lifts her hand to gently run down my cheek, and then she reassures me with that smile that I've loved from the very first moment I laid eyes on it. I squeeze her fingers and turn back to my waiting family.
"I also want to talk to you all about another very important matter." I stand up from the couch and walk over to where my parents are standing. Jasper reenters the room and sits next to Alice.
"Most of you know about my rocky relationship with Lauren, but you aren't aware of everything that's happened between us. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to come you in the beginning, and once I tell you, you'll understand why."
Emmett and Alice both stand and look at me with concern. They know a little about what happened. Emmett knows more. My mother's expression is one of confusion and worry. My father remains stoic.
"As you know, Lauren has been charged and is going face trial for the part she played in Josh's accident. There are things that will be revealed at trial that I want to tell you myself, before some lawyer starts to twist and manipulate things to make me look like a complete monster."
"Christ, you think she's going to bring that up during the trial?" Emmett snaps.
"Yes, there's no way around it, Em."
"Bring what up? What's going on, Edward? Why would anyone want to make you look like a monster?" My mother twists her hands anxiously.
"Before Lauren and I were married…" My voice trails off, and I clear my throat and start again. "The night of the party that Alice threw for me when I passed the Boards exam, Lauren put Rohypnol in my drink and later convinced me that I had gotten her pregnant."
"What?" My parents both rise to their feet in horror.
"I didn't know about it until a little after she miscarried the baby. She confessed it to me under a tremendous amount of grief and stress, and with the need to hurt and humiliate me."
"My God, I can't believe what I'm hearing!" My mother walks away in distress.
"There's a good chance that this is going to come out in court, and there's much more." I go on to tell them about the suspicions I have about the baby not having been mine and about all of the women I've used and disgraced.
I'm surprised, that after having digested this shocking information, my family has shown me nothing but support, and they've forgiven me for my past behavior. I had to speak to my mother privately because she was so upset. She wanted to go over to Lauren's parents' house and throttle her. It took some time, but my father and I were able to calm her down, then she hugged me for what seemed like an eternity.
After a wonderful night that ended in sadness and stress, I finally breathe a sigh of relief as Bella and I drive home.
"I'm proud of you." She rubs my arm affectionately.
"I'm proud of my mother for not showing up at Lauren's door with a bat."
"I'm serious," she giggles. "You've told your family about the most difficult part of your life, and you're going to be the head of surgery at one of the country's most prestigious hospitals. This has been an amazing night, Edward."
"You're amazing." I draw her hand to my mouth and kiss it tenderly. "I don't think I would have been able to do this without you."
"I had nothing to do with your brilliance as a doctor."
"No, but you're a brilliant doctor too. If not for that, I would never have had the courage to tell my parents. I would never have had the courage to face it myself. You had everything to do with that, Bella, and I'm truly lucky to have you in my life."
She smiles silently. There's a twinkle in her eye that I've never seen before, and I silently pray that I'm the reason for it.
As soon as we enter the house, Bella disappears upstairs. I flip idly through the day's mail. My eyes rest on an official looking manila envelope, and I open it immediately. I scan through the legal mumbo jumbo, and one specific paragraph captures my attention.
It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed that the state of marriage existing between the parties should be and is hereby terminated and dissolved…
I hastily read over the rest of the document.
"It's finally over," I breathe with relief.
I drop the document onto the table and race upstairs to share the news with Bella.
I open the bedroom door, and I'm mesmerized. She's standing in nothing but sexy satin and lace lingerie. It's white with black trim. The pale, creamy texture of her skin looks like luminescent and rare pearl in contrast to the lingerie. My eyes finally wander lower.
Fuck!
She has on heels and sheer black stockings. The sight of the lace trim resting against her alluringly thighs makes my throat constrict at the thought of the silky texture of the skin above them.
I swallow hard as I notice something else.
"Happy Birthday, Edward." She says softly.
"Yes. It. Is." I enunciate slowly as my eyes rake over her from head to toe. The click of a button snaps my eyes back hers, and I look back at what she's holding in her hand. I struggle to find my voice.
"What are you doing?" I whisper hoarsely.
She bites her pouty lip seductively. "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille."
She holds a video camera in her hand, and points it at me.
"No, Bella. We're not doing this." I reach over and take the camera from her. She looks dejected as her eyes follow me across the room. I place the camera on the dresser and exhale deeply.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought…" Her voice trails off, and I feel like a jerk for making her feel this way.
"I'm not upset. I just don't…fuck…I don't know what I'm trying to say here. I don't want you thinking that this is what you have to do to make me happy." I gesture toward the camera.
"That's not what I think. Is that what you think?"
"God, Bella, I just spent the evening telling my parents about what I used to do to women. This just feels a little…"
"Oh! I get it," she says quietly and sits on the bed. "It was stupid. I'm sorry."
"Bella, you don't understand. You mean everything to me. I don't want to do that with you and find that you look at me differently in the morning; regret the entire thing, think that I've put you in a class with all those other women."
"You know, you could give me a little credit. I know that what you did with those women was wrong, but it wasn't the filming that was wrong. Your infidelity and the disregard for those women were the things that made it wrong. I don't see this as a bad thing, Edward," she gestures to the camera. "I see it as a way for two willing people, who are comfortable in their sexual exploration of each other, to grow in their sensuality."
I blink at her then chuckle to myself. "Sexual exploration?"
"Mmhm."
I sit down beside her and comb my fingers through her hair.
"I don't want to do anything that will make you feel uncomfortable."
"Same here."
I gently push her back onto the bed and stand, removing my shirt and pants.
"Do me a favor?"
"For the birthday boy, name it."
I take a few steps backward and pick up the camera.
"Repeat that Cecil B. DeMille line."