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This might seem a little short, but bear with me. We got some things coming to a head, and they start with this chapter.

CMF

CULLEN-MASEN FAMILY

Chapter 26

EPOV

Things were very peaceful for quite some time. Bella was getting a lot of work done for the showing at the Foster White Gallery. I'm not sure how many paintings she needed for the showing, but it looked like she already had quite a few. It looked like she had about ten, and maybe a couple more just about done. That woman could flat paint like a crazy woman, and have a masterpiece in nothing flat.

I did win a couple paintings at the aquarium auction, and plan on hanging them in my bars, or restaurants. I told her when we met I loved her work, and wanted more. My step mom has an over exuberance for her paintings. She has quite a few in her's and my father's house. She also buys them when she does work on peoples homes.

I know things have been awfully quiet for a bit, and I'm not stupid to think Caius, or the Calabrese Family is through with their pitch. I know they are planning something as I've noticed quite a few new faces in, and around my territory. I have people watching, and they come telling me anything new in the works.

Paul has come a long way, and from Emmett and Jasper the talk is he is very much a force to be reckoned with. He has taken to the use of a knife very well, and is quite lethal. I plan on offering him a caporegime position right along side Emmett, and Jasper. I'll continue to watch him through this war I feel coming with the Calabrese Family, and then offer it to him.

I need to step out, and get us some dinner along with trying to get her to take a break. I miss spending quality time with her, as it as been far and between. I know we are both into our work, but she needs a break. She has had to resort to using her wheelchair more often, and I didn't know she had this one she is using now, that practically puts her in a standing position. Now that is something to watch. She doesn't let her disability stop her from doing anything she wants.

We have Christmas coming up, and I do believe I'm fixing to ask her to marry me. I've been thinking about this for quite some time, and I think she would make the perfect mafia wife. I know she has become very important to me, and she has calmed me at some of the most needed times. She's not afraid when she sees the 'Boss' come out. We still go occasionally to the shooting range to keep her well trained. Angela has also gotten quite proficient with a gun, too.

I ask Bella what she wants for dinner, and she just stopped. She stood there looking at me, and suddenly just broke down crying. I pull her from her chair, and take her over to the couch sitting with her in my lap."Baby, what's wrong? Please stop crying. Tell me what it is, and I'll fix it. Just...please stop," as I continue to wipe tears from her face.

She grabs my hands, and tells me she's sorry, and to give her a few minutes to clean things up, and we'll go have dinner upstairs. I offer to help her, but Gianna hops in telling us to go on. She will handle everything down here. I pick up Peaches, Bella climbs in her wheelchair, and Cane falls in beside her. I've noticed Cane watching Bella more...acting more alert. I'm not sure if he feels the tension rolling off of all of us, or if he really senses something. I'm keeping a watch on him.

We go upstairs with Cal, Ant, Liam, Paul, and Eric pulling everyone into the kitchen we discuss what we all want for dinner. We end up with different things...pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and desserts piled up on the counter. Everyone grabs plates grabbing food, and Bella has pulled out waters, iced tea, cokes, just a wide assortment of drinks. We grab napkins, plates, and commence to eat. Everyone is trying to talk, and Bella finally stops everyone and ask what they would like for dinner tomorrow, as she is taking a break and going to cook a big dinner for everyone tomorrow.

So, everyone starts throwing out suggestions, and Bella sits listening, watching, and planning. I'm glad she's going to take a break, and I plan on taking full advantage of it, too. We all sit eating until there are only a few things left, and Bella gets up starting to clean. I help her, and the guys start putting things over near her, or back in the refrigerator. They have pretty much learned a lot about Bella from taking care of her, and in turn she takes care of us.

We get everything cleaned up, the dishwasher running, laundry in the washer running, and everyone finds a place to go. We have men in the living room watching television, blankets piled up, and everyone settling down for the night.

I follow Bella into her bedroom where she is gathering night clothes, and fixing to take a long hot bath to help her aching body. I grab some sleep pants, and we go into the bathroom. We take turns brushing teeth, and I start the bathtub to filling up. Bella looks so tired, so I step over helping her take her clothes off. We both go over to climb in the tub, and she sits right in my lap. I turn on the jets, and she just moans. I can feel her relaxing, and muscles unwinding. I know she works entirely to much, to hard.

We sit enjoying the warm water, and the pounding of the jets. It definitely feels good. I grab a loofah, apply her body wash and wash her body from her neck to her toes. She's almost the consistency of jello she is so relaxed. I laugh at her, and she opens those beautiful eyes looking at me. I just continue to enjoy washing my girl. She needs some undivided attention to her...nothing else. I finish, and wash myself quickly. I start letting the water out as I stand, grabbing a bath towel.

I pick Bella up wrapping her up and step out of the tub. I dry her off, myself next, and take her into the bedroom. I don't even grab any clothes. I'm not finished yet. I lay her out on the bed stepping back looking down at her, and she is so damn beautiful. I lean over kissing her, and she tries to run her arms around my neck. I taker her arms laying them down beside her asking her to just lay there, and enjoy the feelings.

I start at her toes, nip her ankles, kiss and tongue behind her knees, spreading her legs wide, and look up to her beautiful wet pussy. My god I can't wait to taste her. I work my way up spreading her open wide, and take one long lick from bottom to top. She's moaning, squirming around, and begging me for more. I take her clit between my teeth latching down on it, and take my tongue running over it very fast. I dip down to her opening inserting a finger running up inside to that little spongy area rubbing my finger over, and over it. I can feel it swelling, and she starts moving as if she can get away from me. Not going to happen.

I work her over, and she continues to try getting away. I throw an arm over her hips holding her down, and continue. Suddenly she screams, and comes all over me. She ejaculates all over me, and I dive right in licking her clean. She seems to fall back into the bed, totally relaxed. I climb up her, and slide my cock inside. I still feel little quivers from her climax, and it feels so good.

I start moving in, and out at a slow pace. She seems to come to life as she runs her arms up, and down my back. She grabs my ass cheeks pulling me closer, and her legs wrap around my waist. She looks at me, and moves in kissing me, watching me. I feel her muscles grabbing me inside, and I start pounding inside, as hard, and as deep as I can get. She feels so good. I run a finger down between us finding her clit swollen, and I rub over it begging her to come with me. I keep moving suddenly feeling my muscles clench, and I start to come right along with Bella. It feels so good, and all I want is to stay right here.

I fall over to the side bringing Bella to lie on my chest. She runs her fingers through my hair, and tells me she loves me. I tell her I love her more, and we drift off to sleep.

BPOV

I wake before Edward, and I lie there just looking at his face. He looks so relaxed, and peaceful. I'm not sure what this other family has planned, but I'm not going to become a worry for Edward. I'll do whatever he says with no hesitation. I'm not afraid of anyone doing anything to me, as I know Edward will do his damndest to protect me. So will the other guys. They are all so attentive to me. I feel as if I got a bunch of older brothers in them.

I need to get up, get dressed, and go fix some breakfast. We got Christmas coming, and I need to get prepared for it. I've also got a big dinner to prepare for tonight for everyone. I got to call Angela, and see if she will come down to help. Get her to bring Sean along. He's so sweet to her. I'm happy to see them together, enjoying each other.

I come out of the bathroom, and see Edward wrapped around my pillow. Still very much asleep, and I will kick some ass if anyone disturbs him.

I walk into the kitchen pulling out my big coffee pot, and get it to going. I pull out bacon, sausage, eggs, loaves of bread, cinnamon, milk, and I commence to cooking. This morning I'm making french toast, scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage, bacon, toast, coffee, and orange juice for everyone.

Paul comes in telling me he walked the dogs as he fixes him some coffee. He pours me a cup, and I thank him. I ask him how he's doing, and I'm so very sorry about Seth. We've never got to really talk about things, and I tell him I tried to help him, but something got a hold of him right there at the end. Paul say's he knows I tried to help, and he appreciates everything I tried to do. We know now what happened to him, and Paul just wants his rite for vengeance. I understand, and I tell him I know Edward will do everything he can to see he gets that rite.

I continue cooking, and ask him how he likes spaghetti and meatballs. That I was thinking of making it for tonight's dinner. He nods he likes it, and I ask about native dishes he might like, and ask for suggestions. He say's I'd probably find more helpful ideas on the internet, and I say I'll check them out.

Edward walks in grabbing me giving me a big kiss, and then steals some bacon. I slap his hand, and he pouts. Yeah right, I am so not falling for that crap. Cal walks in, and they commence to make some coffee. I squint giving them my version fo an evil eye daring them to mess with me. I turn my spatula around for my weapon. They sit down laughing at me.

Hummmm...

I mention what we're having for dinner, and their all ready for it. I ask Edward to call Sean, and bring Angela up, that there is food ready. They come up in my elevator, which Angela and I both love it. It sure makes things a lot easier. She comes over helping me by gathering plates, silverware, more coffee cups, pours syrup in a bowl, and in the microwave to heat. She get's juice glasses, and fixes everyone some. We start setting everything on the counter, and everyone digs in. I had went through two loaves of bread, and two dozen eggs for starters, and there was nothing left when they all got through.

We all sat around talking, drinking our coffee, and making plans for the day. I was not doing anything except staying right here. I had no plans to go downstairs to work. I needed the break. I done some calling to a company to come decorate my apartment for Christmas. I only wanted a tree, and some lights with garland all around. A couple wreaths on my elevator, over my fireplace, and maybe some norfolk pines to sit beside the elevator, my bedroom, and kitchen.

They said they would be over tomorrow to do the decorating. I'll just take another day to get ready for the holidays. I look out the windows, and it has started to snow. I love the snow, and winter time is really my favorite season. My body however, is another story. Ever since the accident where I was almost crushed...well, I was to an extent. The cold weather does terrible things to my body when I get really cold. Now, I love the cold weather, the snow, as long as I can stay warm. I bundle up like an eskimo, and sometimes it doesn't work. Thus, the expense in the jacuzzi bathtub with all the jets, lots of sources of heat throughout my homes, and my apparel.

When it became to much I retired to bed after a round of moist heat, and a pain pill. There were a few days of this when I didn't pay attention to staying warm, or over working. I had the different tools to help me get around, and do my work. But, enough about my disability...to me it's just a mild hindrance.

Now, I got a lot done for the showing at the art gallery, but still need to do about seven more paintings to have enough. I needed to pace myself though, and this break from all the work is just what I needed. I'm making spaghetti and meatballs, with garlic bread, salad, and I think I'll make a strawberry layer cake. I'm also going to drag Angela into making this meal. Let her show Sean she can cook.

Looking over at Edward, he actually looks relaxed for a change. He has been in a constant turmoil with this mess with this Calabrese family. But if I've learned anything about Edward, he is constantly planning to destroy them, and any plans they have to take revenge against him, or this family. He is loyal to a fault, which in a way is very admirable.

I know I love him more with every breath I draw. I want a future with him...a family if possible. I had been assured I wouldn't have any problems having children, but I would need to be watched closer to the end for problems with any of my past fractures. I wanted it so damn much I have put things into plan, that if he doesn't ask me by Christmas, New Year at the latest I am asking him to marry me. I laugh at myself, as I can so see his men giving him hell for it, too.

"What are you laughing about, love?" giving me a sweet kiss to my temple. But of course, without thinking I kind of jump the gun."Edward..." just standing there looking at him.

"What love? Tell me," he ask as he pulls me close.

"Marry me, Edward. Marry me, and let me have this the rest of my life," I ask him as I look into his eyes. He stands just looking at me.

"Are you serious, my Bella? God knows, I want it above anything, everything. If your serious, then yes. Hell yes...to-damn-morrow. I so don't want to wait." He looks deep in my eyes.

"Fuck Edward, I think we had this a little more planned out, right? But, yes as soon as possible. I don't want no big to do. I just need you, and I'm happy. But, your being a big mob boss, I guess you need something a little more substantial, right?" I stand looking at him. "Aahhh, fuck Edward, just forget it. Let's do this another time. Besides you may not want to be tied down to someone like me. I come with a lot of access baggage with my health issues."

"Hold it right there, before you say another word, and piss me off. There is nothing in this world short of time, and space to keep me from marrying you right this minute. As far as your health issues, I don't even consider them in any shape, or form to be any kind of problem. Except with the way they take shape in your thoughts. I love you, broken bones, heart, mind, and all. I want it all, my Bella. So, no damn more about your 'health issues', or I'm liable to pull you over my lap, and give you a spanking for those thoughts."

Edward sets me on a bar stool, drops to his knee, and before I know what's really going on he pulls out a jeweler's ring box. "I had planned on doing this more around Christmas, but you sprung your proposal on me, and I'll be damned if you out do me, woman. Now, that being said...Marry me, Bella, today, tomorrow, next week...as soon as possible. I love you with every breath I draw, and it only seems to grow more each day. Put me out of my misery, and marry me." He opens the box, and inside is a beautiful big yellow diamond surrounded by white diamonds, and along the band. It is so beautiful.

I look in his eyes, and see our future in his eyes. "Yes, Edward. Yes," leaning down to kiss him. I hear a bunch of hooting, and hollering and just realize everyone was standing around. Edward get's up, pulling the ring out, and slipping it on my finger. Then he lifts my chin, and gives me a searing passionate kiss. Then he pulls me closer, turning looking at everyone with a big smile.

Everyone comes forward shaking his hand, slaps on the back, kisses on my cheek, and Angela pulling my hand up looking at the ring. It is gorgeous, and she is drooling.

With all the excitement she, and I work our way over to start getting things ready for our dinner later this evening. I pull out a big package of ground beef, grated cheese, some latex gloves, and a tray to put the meatballs in once I got them made. I plan on making them stuffed with cheese. Angela is going to start on the strawberry layer cake, and I ask her to also make a chocolate one.

We are so lost in our work I didn't realize it was kind of quiet. I looked up, and it seems they have all disappeared into the living room. I hear the television going, and wonder what they are watching. I look, and they are watching a news bulletin. I pull my gloves off, and walk into the living room. I stand behind the couch watching, and it's about a fire involving some warehouses across town. I look at Edward, and I can tell he is very upset. He is grinding his teeth, and you can see a fire developing behind his eyes.

I ask what is going on, and he tells me it's some of his warehouses. That nothing was stored in them, but they were essential for when they received deliveries from out of the country. He had connections with the fire marshall, and some other people. They were on their way down to check out the cause, and would let him know.

What a hell of a way to celebrate our getting engaged. Damn...

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Alright, another chapter. We have a marriage proposal, an exceptance, and a bit of drama with the fires. WTF?

Well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please let me know what ya'll thought.

Don't forget to go to the group page for some new pics.

Thanks muches...