I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
Cheryl and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and April, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.
Ch. 19
My brain was slow in processing what I just heard, 'Marry me first, and I will change you.' There was no way I could've heard him properly. I blinked and raised the seat into a sitting position.
"Did you just say, you'll change me but only if I marry you first?" I asked bewildered.
"I did." He frowned. "Is that a no?"
"That wasn't even a question, it was a statement, borderline order," I told him.
"Do you need me to get you a ring and get down on one knee?" he asked.
I felt a pang of disappointment. I don't know what I was expecting, I hadn't even imagined him proposing to me before. But from the man who wrote me a song and played it for me when we were first dating, I would've thought it would've been better than this. It had to be the worst proposal ever. There was nothing even remotely romantic about it. Proposals were supposed to be sweet, romantic, and filled with love.
"No, Edward, I don't need an expensive piece of jewelry. You know me better than that. But something…" I sighed. "What does one have to do with the other anyway?"
"Before you're changed, you should have all the human moments possible. I also would like to give your parents the peace of mind that I will take care of you," he explained.
"As good as your intention might be, I don't think us getting married young will give Charlie or Renée any peace of mind—it didn't end well for them. My mother is already not pleased I'm pregnant, getting married will probably only further disappoint her," I told him.
"We aren't your parents though. I think you'll find vampire marriages don't end in divorce. Besides, I disagree on your father, I think he'd be open to it," he said soothingly before his smile became more hesitant. "You do know if you become a vampire, you won't be able to see your parents again," Edward reminded me softly.
I pressed my lips together and nodded. "I know, and I would miss them both terribly." I wrung my hands. "I guess it seems selfish I'm choosing this path. I also know you don't believe me but, in my heart, I know it's the right one."
Edward remained silent, staring at the road ahead. He seemed lost in thought as we drove out of Forks. He reached over and picked up my left hand, rubbing circles on the back. I became hyper aware how close he was getting to my ring finger. His phone broke the silence, causing me to jump in my seat. He kissed the back of my hand before getting his phone.
"Alice," Edward answered. He became silent and listened to her. His lips narrowed into a thin line, but I didn't see any trace of anger in his features. "Yes…thank you. We will see you then."
"Is everything okay?' I asked as I watched him put his phone in the drink holder.
"Yes, she was just warning me of a traffic jam and to seek an alternate route. Also where the closest Wendy's was," he told me. "It will be a while before we get there, if you'd still like a nap," he suggested.
I had a feeling it wasn't the complete truth. I lowered the seat to get comfortable. Before I could close my eyes, I reached out for his hand. He laced his fingers through mine without turning his focus away from the road.
"Please, forget what I said earlier. You were right, one doesn't have to do with the other." He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
A thought occurred to me and I started to smirk. "Alice chewed you out didn't she." I fought a giggle.
He grimaced and gave a short nod. "That would be putting it mildly. Don't get me wrong, I still want us to get married before I ever change you. However, I promise the next time I ask you it won't sound like a business deal."
I started to drift to sleep with the lull in the car when suddenly I felt wide awake. Edward had agreed to change me, and my heart swelled with happiness. My thoughts turned toward marrying him. Marriage was never something I gave a second thought to. Renée drilled into me early on how I should never marry young, and I didn't want to let her down again. I peeked at Edward through my eyelashes as I recalled his disappointed look when I didn't say yes right away. If it became a choice between making him or Renée happy, there would be no question what my answer would be.
SS
The week went by without any sign of Jacob. The family decided to stay Tacoma for now despite a wolf had gotten close to the house. I noticed no one left by themselves. Even Carlisle traveled to and from the hospital with at least two of the others. I was getting a bit stir crazy in Edward's room. Edward was attentive, and I enjoyed spending time with him, but I hated staying sitting for so long.
He told me the first day I should consider his room my own and if I wanted to redecorate it, I could. The only request I made was for a comfortable seat by the window since I missed the one in my apartment.
I ended up dropping two of my college classes. Since they were lecture-based, it would be hard to keep up. My other professors made modifications, so I was able to do most of my work online.
When the weekend came, I didn't mind sitting in a chair as Alice did my hair and light makeup. I was looking forward to getting out of the house for a while. Edward seemed a bit on edge, so his brothers dragged him out to hunt before we left for the shower.
"What do you think?" Alice fluffed my curls.
"It looks great, Alice, thank you." I gazed at myself in the mirror.
She beamed. "I'm glad you like it. Go get dressed, and we will leave in about fifteen minutes."
When I arrived in the room, Edward still hadn't come back from his hunt. My blue dress hung on a hook on the bathroom door. I slipped off my robe and pulled it on. I only managed to get zipper partway up before I started to struggle.
"Alice, I'm going to need your help," I huffed, dropping my arms to my side as I gave up.
"I can help you," Edward responded.
I looked over my shoulder to see him standing in front of the open window. His eyes were a light gold, and he looked more relaxed. He stepped behind me and zipped my dress, and his fingers brushed against my skin.
Instead of backing away, he moved closer until he was flush up against me. He brushed my hair to the side and began to pepper my neck with light kisses. His fingers gripped my hips, and I melted into him.
"You look beautiful. Are you sure I can't convince you to stay here?" he whispered, and his tongue licked my earlobe.
"I have to go, I'm carrying two-thirds of the guests of honor," I moaned as his hand traveled up and covered my breast.
"Don't make me send Emmett up there, because I will." I heard Alice shout.
Emmett barked out a laugh from somewhere in the house. I blushed and stepped away from Edward. He smirked at me and pulled off his shirt, displaying his chiseled chest, my fingers itched to touch him. I took a hurried few steps away and focused out the window, trying to ignore the fact Edward was half-naked behind me.
"Are you ready to go?" Edward asked me.
I cautiously turned back to see him in a new button-down shirt. "In a moment, I need to put on my shoes."
I went back to the corner where Alice placed them yesterday for me. I slipped on the ballet flats, relieved Alice didn't try to sneak in heels. As I headed for the door, Edward moved to pick me up.
I placed a hand on his arms, stopping him. "I think it would be best if I walk on my own."
He reluctantly nodded and followed behind me. The others were outside waiting in Emmett's Jeep. The back of Edward's car was filled with presents. Jasper, Esme, and Carlisle were going to remain at home. I had agreed to let Emmett come after all, since we might need him.
There was very little traffic heading into Seattle this time of day, and we found ourselves at the restaurant with plenty of time to spare. Jessica and Lauren were decorating the banquet room as Mike and Tyler were moving some tables around. Austin was in the corner, appearing to be setting up a sound system.
"Bella, you're here." Jessica smiled at me, then her eyes shifted over to Edward. "Edward, glad you could make it. See, Lauren, I told you they were back together."
Lauren gave us both an unimpressed look. "Wow, Bella, you have gotten huge. You should really lay off the donuts."
I was taken aback by her rudeness. Lauren and I had never been friends, but I would have thought in a few years, she would have matured out of high school. I heard Edward growl under his breath at her. Jessica shot her a look of embarrassment.
"Excuse us, we should finish up before Angela and Ben get here." Jessica grabbed Lauren's elbow and started to pull her away.
"Can I help with anything?" I offered.
Jessica shook her head. "No, you're doing enough, carrying twins," she emphasized. "You should sit and relax."
"Where should we put our gifts?" Alice appeared out of nowhere and asked.
"Oh wow!" Jessica's eyes widened, taking in the Cullens. "You all came, that's great. I was going to set up the gifts over there, but I haven't placed a tablecloth on it yet."
"I'll do it. Here, Edward, hold these for a moment." Alice handed over her stack of gifts and bounced over to the table with Rosalie trailing her.
I took a seat in a chair and watched the others work around me. Jessica half-dragged Lauren across the room. Jessica seemed to try and speak with her quietly, but Lauren didn't seem to care who heard her.
"I don't see what the big deal is? Pregnant or not, she should watch what she eats or a guy like Edward isn't going to stick around. Remember how pathetic she was Senior year." Lauren tossed her hair over her shoulder.
Edward flinched from beside me and looked away, taking a deep breath. Rosalie narrowed her eyes at Lauren and took a step toward her, but Alice grabbed her arm, stopping Rose.
"What a little bitch," Emmett muttered under his breath.
"Grow up, Lauren. That was years ago and things change. Bella is doing a wonderful thing for Angela and Ben," Jessica defended me, not worrying about whispering anymore.
"I don't have to grow up, and I am acting my age. We're supposed to be young and getting drunk and partying, not setting up baby showers," Lauren scoffed.
"If that's how you feel, why did you even come? There's not going to be any alcohol, most of us aren't twenty-one, and there will be parents here." Jessica gave her an annoyed look.
"Fine. I'll leave. Tyler, I'm going." Lauren spun to him.
"See ya." He shrugged and went back to fixing chairs around a table.
Lauren narrowed her eyes and glared at his back.
It ain't no lie
I want to see you out that door
Baby bye bye bye
Lauren's head spun sharply as she cast Austin a withering look.
"Hey, I got the music to work," Austin announced, then caught Lauren's glare. "What?" he asked innocently.
Lauren stormed from the room, leaving the rest of us in a moment of silence. It broke when Mike, Tyler, and Emmett started laughing. Even Edward looked slightly amused.
"Nice man." Mike went over to give Austin a high-five.
"I don't know what you're talking about. It was purely coincidental." Austin smirked.
"Tyler, did you cheat on her again?" Jessica gave him a dirty look.
"You can't cheat on someone you're not dating. And for the record, I've never cheated on her," Tyler defended himself. "She wanted to get back together, but I met someone else. She got even angrier when…" Tyler stopped and glanced at Mike, who looked very nervous.
"When…" Jessica demanded, oblivious to Mike's reaction.
"It's not anyone's business but my own. But I didn't cheat, end of story. Can we drop it please?" Tyler asked, throwing up his hands.
"Yeah. Sorry." Jessica sighed and went back to work.
"Well, that was entertaining." Emmett chuckled, then glanced at Edward. "What is he hiding?"
Edward shook his head unamused. "Everyone will find out soon enough. But it's nothing as bad as you're imagining. In fact, it's pretty good."
"Darn. Nothing like teenage drama to break up the monotony of a day." Emmett snickered.
"Emmett and Edward, don't just stand there. Put those presents on the table," Alice ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," Emmett deadpanned, carrying his load over with Edward following behind.
"Hey, Bella, it's good to see you." Mike stood in front of me.
"Hi, Mike," I said pleasantly.
"I wanted to apologize personally for Jacob finding you. Jess told me what happened and…" Mike gave me an apologetic smile.
"It isn't your fault," I interrupted him.
"Is he still bothering you?" Mike asked.
"He disappeared, but I've moved in with the Cullens and I'll be never left alone," I explained.
"Cullen." Mike scowled slightly, looking over his shoulder at Edward and then at Emmett. "Well, I guess someone would have to be a fool to mess with his brother."
"I have to go move my car so Angela doesn't see it. I'll be right back," Jessica announced.
When she was gone, Mike turned back to me. "Can you keep a secret?"
"I have been known to keep a few." I nodded.
Mike pulled a ring box out of his pocket, and he quickly opened it to show me a small diamond solitaire.
"I know it's nothing fancy, but I wanted to ask her before she left for her semester abroad. Am I crazy?" Mike asked.
"No, I don't think it's crazy at all," I told him. "I think Jessica will love it."
Mike smiled nervously and quickly hid the ring. "I talked to Ben, and he didn't think Angela will mind if I ask here in front of everyone. What do you think?"
"I agree with Ben. Besides, she already thinks it's an engagement party anyway. I'm sure Jess will say yes," I told him.
"Good." Mike took a step back when Edward appeared by my side. "Edward, nice to see you."
"Mike." Edward nodded his head. "Good luck. I don't know what you're exactly planning, but after hearing ER stories from Carlisle, I recommend against not putting it in her food or her drink."
Mike paused a moment and nodded. "Please don't say anything. I thought Lauren was about to blow it on me. She found the ring when snooping at Tyler's and thought it was for her."
"Well, that explains a lot," I said.
"I won't say a word," Edward agreed. "Good luck."
"Thanks." Mike ran his hand through his hair nervously and hid the box back in his pocket.
SS
A few hours later, the shower was winding down. The presents had all been opened and the cake was being served. Angela had been surprised and happy to see everyone here for her and not Jessica. Now she was sitting beside me, staring at the pile of gifts, while the guys went to get us a slice of cake.
"Are you okay, you look like you're far off in la la land," I asked her.
"Yes. We got a lot of things. I never knew a baby needed so much, let alone two," she commented.
"Well, be thankful we reigned in Alice," I joked.
"This is her reigned in?" Angela suppressed a giggle and then became more somber. "I have made a decision…I'm going to contact Dr. Cullen. I don't have anything to lose, right? Things will either stay the same or they can get better."
"I think that's great, Angela," I said, reaching over and giving her a hug.
I glanced over at Alice, who paused so suddenly Ben almost walked into her. Edward's face tensed and then relaxed into a grin. Alice met my eyes and gave me a wink. I hoped that was her subtly telling me it would all work out. Jessica came over and sat with a bounce in the chair on the other side of Angela—the smile on her face was the biggest in the room.
"Alright, let us see it," Angela teased.
Jessica covered her left hand. "No, this was supposed to be your day. It can wait. I'm sorry if Mike ruined anything."
"Mike didn't ruin anything, and you know you want to show us." Angela reached over and grabbed Jessica's hand. "It's so pretty."
"I love it. I know we had the pretense of it being an engagement party, but I never thought he'd actually ask," Jessica gushed.
"Congratulations, to you both," Edward told her as he handed me my slice of cake.
"Thank you. Who knows, maybe the two of you will be next." She stood up. "I should go apologize to Tyler for chewing him out earlier. Excuse me." She hurried across the room.
"Angela was telling me she wants to talk to Carlisle," I told Edward.
"I think you're making the right decision. He will do his best to help you," Edward said to her.
"I agree. I have a very good feeling about it." Alice joined us at the table.
A/N: Song blurb is from *NSYNC, it was rather fitting it wasn't it. How was the brief visit from the old gang? Most of them have grown up some.
Bella didn't say yes, but technically he didn't really ask.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.
