So, not so new story ... I'm reposting this. This story was pulled years ago by FFn. That decision (without any sort of warning, really) forced me to move from just posting on FFn to Stars (then The Writer's Coffee Shop), AO3, and FictionPad. After doing some thinking, and FicPad turning into a for-profit platform, I've decided to repost this here. I may also repost A Ilha Do Amor, too ... we'll see.
This is ALREADY COMPLETE! PREWRITTEN
I will be doing some editing for content, but this is written in its entirety on Stars, AO3, Wattpad and FicPad (when it's not being a pain in the butt).
This is different from the norm. In all of the stories that I've read or that I've seen, all of the characters are disgustingly perfect unless they are written with very clear flaws. This story is about love (um, duh! Look who's writing it. I'm the queen of romance), and finding it in the least likely place with the least likely person.
Now, this story is based in a hospital. My medical training comes from…WebMD. I'm not a doctor, nor do I claim to be. I'm a music teacher who has a wild imagination and a penchant for all things Twilight (and with this story, added in a mix of ER! I loved Luca Kovac…) Which brings me to my disclaimer: None of this is mine. I'm not, nor ever will be, Stephenie Meyer. If was, I'd be rolling in the dough from her insane imagination that gave us Bella and Edward. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter Twenty-One
BPOV
"You suck, Rosie," Edward growled playfully.
"You won't be thinking that when Bella's done with you," she cackled, shutting the door.
"What?" Edward squeaked. I giggled at the sound that came from his mouth. However, I shook it off and tried to look alluring on the bed. Not an easy feat when you're trying to suck things in and hide imperfections. I heard Edward's feet shuffle up the stairs. In a last minute decision, I shook out my hair and plastered on a seductive smile. "Bella?"
"In here," I replied breathily. I sound like a moron. Edward walked into the bedroom and he looked around. His eyes were darting at the candles, the lights, the sheets and finally, me. I smiled slowly. "Take off your clothes, Dr. Sexward. You're in for the ride of your life. Are you truly ready for your birthday surprise?"
"Uh," Edward muttered intelligently. His eyes were trained on my body as he stood unmoving in his bedroom doorway. He blinked a few times but seemed to be shell-shocked.
"Perhaps I wasn't clear," I said sternly, easing off the bed, putting my hands on my hips. "Take. Off. Your. Clothes."
Faster than a blink of an eye, he began fumbling with his clothes. Edward's hat was tossed onto the ground. He was toeing off his shoes while he pulled off his jersey and undershirt. I bit back a giggle as Edward got caught in his shirts. His muffled curses rang through the quiet house. Once he got his shirts off, he threw them onto the ground with a scowl. "I love that jersey but damn…it was attacking me, sweet girl."
I arched a brow. "I said take off your clothes. Not to speak. Not one word until I tell you can talk, Edward. Do you understand me? Nod if you do."
His mouth fell open and he stared at me like I was crazy. Perhaps I was. I was trying to be all domineering but it wasn't working as well as I'd hoped. Edward was testing my patience and I was not feeling confident about this at all. After a moment of his blank, shocked stare and began to fidget nervously. Edward walked over to me, capturing my chin with his fingers. His green eyes stared into mine and he nodded; one forceful, definitive nod. He was willing to play along.
"You're still dressed, Edward. The clock is ticking," I said as I sat down on his bed, crossing my legs demurely in front of me. He smirked, reaching for the belt on his shorts. Soon, his shorts along with boxer briefs were added to the pile of growing clothes on the floor. He smirked at me, standing proudly in his naked glory. His hands wrested casually on his hips as if he was waiting for a bus or talking with a coworker, not standing in his bedroom without a stitch of clothing on his perfect body. "Hmmmm," I purred as I got up from my perch on the bed. I walked toward him, lightly running my fingers along his muscled arms. "It's like your chiseled from the finest Italian marble, Edward. You're so beautiful."
"You're the beautiful one," he whispered.
SMACK! Right on his left ass cheek. "No talking, Edward," I snarled. "I did not give you permission to speak." His head fell to his chest. "Your punishment is that you lost the privilege of touch. Get on the bed. Now." He moved quickly to the bed and lay down. "Scoot down and put your arms up by the headboard." He opened his mouth, ready to challenge me. "Do you want to lose your sight, too? You may answer without using your voice." He shook his head 'no.'
Edward moved down the bed and placed his hands up by the headboard. I crawled and straddled his waist. With a smile, I reached into the nightstand, finding the first of my surprises. With an evil grin, I snapped a pair of handcuffs around his wrists, effectively preventing him from touching me. His green eyes were panicked. "Relax, lover. I have the key," I smiled as I dangled it in front of his nose. I placed it on the nightstand and sat down next to him, idly running my fingers over his legs. "Now, today is your birthday, Edward. I will grant you three sexual favors before the end of our night together. They must be specific, baby. You can't tell me to fuck you. I won't do it. You need to describe to me exactly what you want me to do to you or what you want. Do you understand?" He nodded. "I'm going to give you some time to think. I want to get us some refreshments because I just know that we'll need them. Okay?" He licked his lips and stared at my mouth. "Do you want a kiss, Edward?" He nodded fervently. "Is this one of your sexual favors?" He bit his lip, stressed out at my question. I chuckled. "Don't worry, Edward. It's not. I want to kiss my birthday boy."
Straddling over his waist, I leaned down, caressing his warm skin. He was sweating slightly and his skin was flushed. "I can't deny you a kiss, baby," I cooed as I brushed my lips with his. He moaned loudly, pulling at the handcuffs. With one more sweet kiss one his mouth, I moved away from him. "You're not in control tonight, Dr. Cullen. I'll be back in five minutes. Be ready to share your first sexual favor you want from me."
I winked as I sauntered out of the room and down the stairs. I sat down on the stool in the kitchen. Breathing deeply, I gathered myself for what Edward could possibly want. I blew out a breath, grabbing several water bottles and some fresh fruit from the fridge. With some mental cheerleading, I sashayed my fat ass (okay, not so fat) up the stairs. In the room, Edward's head popped up when I put the water bottles and fruit on the dresser. He was so tense. His cock was standing at full attention, red, swollen and begging for some sort of release. "Have you figured out what you want, my love?" I asked as I ran my fingers along his belly, moving the dangerously close to his very prominent erection. "You may answer. I want to hear all of the delightful things you want me to do for you, Edward."
"Can I say something first?" he asked, staring at me with lust-filled eyes. I smiled and nodded, tracing my finger up the vein underneath his shaft. His eyes rolled back in his head as he shuddered. "Dear God, I'm so close to exploding, sweet girl."
"I know," I purred, staring at his twitching arousal. "Now, you wanted to say something before you told me your three wishes."
He was breathing heavily, barely maintaining his control. His body was moving and his hands were itching to be released. He closed his eyes for a moment before turning to me. His eyes were smoldering black fire as he regarded me. "I wanted you to know that today has been the best birthday I've ever had, Bella."
"Says the man who is currently handcuffed to his bed," I quipped.
"Such delicious torture," he growled. "Seriously, though, you've given me the most amazing days I'd ever had and I'd had some great days. I love you so much and I'm so fucking lucky to have you as my future, sweet girl. Thank you. So much, love. So, so much."
"You're welcome," I replied, leaning down over him. I gently caressed his cheeks before I brushed my lips over his. He tried to deepen the kiss but I pulled away. "I love you, too."
"Tease," he pouted.
"Now, you're three sexual favors? What delicious things do you want me to do to your fucking sexy body, Dr. Cullen?" I snarled, staring at him as he was laid out for me. "After you tell me your desires, no more talking except to stop if it becomes too much."
He pouted slightly but nodded. He swallowed and shifted on the bed before he began talking. "My first desire is to see you…make yourself come without me."
I blushed and bit my lip. I'd only ever masturbated a handful of times. I never did it when I lived with Charlie. The walls were too thin and I know I was loud. I only ever did it when Angela wasn't home. "Play with myself?" I asked.
"Yes," he said. "With the toys I know you own. I've seen them, Bella."
"You can pick one," I said as I went back into the drawer. Rose brought my vibrator and Squeeler. I personally liked my vibe because it was perfect for playing with my clit but thick enough to bring me to orgasm with penetration. I held them both up.
"The vibrator," Edward choked out. "I want to see you fuck yourself with it, Bella."
"That's one," I said as I tossed the vibrator on the bed. "Next?"
"Erotic massage," he rasped. "I want your hands on me, touching me everywhere."
"Anywhere in particular?"
"Well," he chuckled, looking down at his straining cock.
"You want a happy ending?" I laughed.
"Not necessarily. I want to be inside of you when I come," he said quietly. "I seriously hope that you don't expect to sleep tonight, sweet girl."
"I'm fully charged and ready for whatever you've got, Dr. Sexward," I purred. "Final desire?"
"I want you to fuck me. Ride me. I want to feel your tight pussy surround my cock and I want you to take me as hard as you want," he said lowly, in the most seductive tone.
"Your wish is my command," I said as pressed a searing kiss on his lips. He moved on the bed, wanting to hold me but his cuffs caught on the headboard. As I kissed him, I crawled over his body and positioned myself on the opposite side of the bed. I bit down on his lip, sucking it between my teeth before I sat back. "Now, no more speaking, Edward. If you speak, except to say 'stop,' our game ends. Whimpers and groans are okay but you cannot tell me what to do. You are under my control. I promise you that you will not be unsatisfied." I licked my lips and removed my hair from my hair tie, gliding my fingertips down my body. "Neither will I."
He groaned, wriggling on the bed. His cock bobbed as his hips shifted. "You're so turned on, Edward. So big. I bet you wish that you could rip my nightie from my body and bury your cock, balls deep in my soaking, wet, tight pussy," I quietly. He whimpered and nodded. "You will, lover. You will feel my pussy clench around your cock as I come all over you, baby. I promise. But now, I want to grant your first wish. You want to see me play with myself?" He bit his lip. "Sit back and enjoy the show, Edward."
I closed my eyes, steeling myself for what I was about to do. I do not know where this sex kitten, dominatrix thing was coming from but Edward was eating it up. His eyes were trained on me and he looked like he was about to explode. My hands moved up to my hair and I moaned quietly. One hand moved down my face as I opened my eyes, staring at him. Using my palm, I slid it down to my chest. My fingertips reached the lace of my nightie and I lightly played with the strap, causing it to fall off my shoulder. "Do you want me to take this off, Edward?"
He nodded, staring at my eyes for a moment before moving them to my heaving breasts. "Do you want me to play with my tits? Pinch my nipples? I can imagine that it's your hands on my body. Hmmmm…" I moved my hands to push off my straps, revealing my breasts. "Oh, Edward. I wish this was you," I purred. His body jerked and the bed jumped. "But it's not. Watch me as I fondle my breasts like you would, baby." I straddled his waist. "You need some further restraint, lover. You might break the bed. If you're good, you can suck on my nipples after I've pinched and played with them."
"Ugh," he moaned.
I chuckled and removed my nightie, tossing it onto the floor. My fingers moved along my pale skin, inching closer and closer to my breasts. "Do you like my breasts, Edward?" He growled and nodded, bucking underneath me. "I'll take that as a yes." I palmed my breasts and massaged them slowly. My head fell back as I moved my hands over my chest. "They're so sensitive, Edward. It's like my body knows I have someone watching me. Do you like watching me? Do you want me to do this more?"
What tumbled from his mouth was a combination of a groan, cough and wanton moan. I swiveled my hips over his body as I began pinching my nipples. "Feels so good, baby. I bet you want to touch me, right?" He growled. "I know you want to feel my tits in your hands. You want to suck my nipples with your mouth, flicking them with your tongue. Like this." I brought my nipple toward my mouth and I licked it slightly. "You do it better, lover." I leaned over him, my breasts in his face. "Suck on them, Edward."
With a snarl, he wrapped his lips around my right nipple. "Fuck!" I spat as his teeth grazed it. "Just like that, Edward. I love your mouth on me." He moaned against my chest and I could feel it travel through my body, reaching my dripping pussy. My panties were drenched. He kissed across my chest and latched onto the other breast, biting down my distended nipple. Letting out a quiet yelp, I twined my fingers in his disheveled hair. I pulled on his hair, removing his lips from breast. "Enough, Edward. You'll get more later."
I moved from his body and sat next to him. I stared at him and he was wild. His eyes were glittering with unabated lust. His face was pink and his lips were wet from his constant licking. "Now, I promised I'd get myself off with this," I said as I picked up my vibe. "I will but I can't just jump in with it. I have to fantasize a bit before I play with my toys. Do you want to know what I fantasize about? I imagine you. I imagine your body, your hands, your fingers, your tongue, your cock…all of that bringing me to ecstasy."
"Fffff…" he hissed out, quickly catching himself.
"Tonight, I'm going to vocalize my fantasies for you. Everything my fantasy Edward does; I'll do to my body. First, you run your hands over every inch of my skin," I whispered. He grunted and glared at my panties. "Did I forget something, Dr. Sexward?" With his jaw, he indicated to my thong. "It appears I did. Should I take these off? Do you want to see my pink pussy? Do you want to see how wet I am for you?"
I didn't give him a chance to answer before I turned around, wiggling my ass at him. I lowered my panties and he got a full view of my ass and my dripping pussy. I removed them and placed them on his chest. He looked down at them and bit his lip. "Do you want feel and taste how wet I am?" He nodded and I dangled the panties over his mouth. He inhaled deeply, licking at the soaked satin. "Do you like my taste, Edward? Does my pussy taste sweet?" He bit down on the panties and tugged them from my hand. "Look at me, Edward. Watch me as I touch myself. I do this whenever you're working and I need you. You make me come so much better than me but imagining your hands on me, your cock inside of me, loving me; it works."
I spread my legs, leaning back slightly to give Edward a clear view of my body. He was panting heavily as he stared at my soaking wet core. "Your hands are so gentle, lover. I love the way you touch me. You tenderly caress my lips with just your fingertips." My hand snaked down my body until I reached my slick folds. "Oh my…I'm so wet, Edward. Look." I ran my fingers along my folds gently before I showed him the wetness on my fingertips. "You do that. I want you to do more. So you will. Perhaps, I'll make myself come with just my hands first and then fuck myself with my toy. I'm that turned on, Edward." I moved my hand back to my body, swirling my fingers along my lower lips. "Yes, I'll be doing that. I'm so fucking close, right now. If I just pinch my clit, I'll scream. Do you want me to scream, Edward?"
His brows furrowed and he nodded.
"This is torture for you, isn't it?" I asked as I languidly ran my hand over my pussy. "You want to talk, don't you?" He whimpered. "I'll make you a deal. I'll make myself come with my hands and then you can tell me how to fuck myself with my toy. Deal?" He grunted. "Good. Oh, baby…" I moaned as my hands moved faster over my slick lips. "You make me so wet." I slid my middle finger inside of my body. The squelch of my body filled the room. "So wet. I wish your hands were fucking me, Edward. Your tongue would licking my little clit as I come. I love your tongue. It brings me so much pleasure." I moved my hand from inside of me to my swollen bud at the top of my slit. I spread my lips and watched him, watching me. "Should I touch my clit? Should I make myself come?" He shifted, staring at my pussy intently.
With my fingertip, I barely touched my clit. "FUCK! Oh, baby!" I screamed as I began circling it between my fingers. "I'm…fuck! I'm fucking coming! Edward! Edward! AHHHHHHhhhhhh!" I fell back as my body exploded. Slowly, I continued rubbing my clit as my body calmed down. I sighed, sitting back up and looked at him. "Was it good for you? You may answer, love."
"I want more," he growled. "Pick up that toy, Isabella."
"Not wasting any time, huh?" I chuckled as I picked up my vibe.
"I want to feel your orgasm all over me," he said. "Straddle me, facing the other direction. I want to see your ass." I arched a brow, straddling his body. My knees were pressed on either side of his torso. "Now, turn that on, Isabella." Flipping the switch, I turned on the vibe. I balanced on my knees and one hand, moving the vibe between my legs. "Press it to your clit, baby."
"Hmmm," I moaned as I moved it to my swollen bundle of nerves. I was still aroused from my earlier orgasm. My belly muscles clenched and I knew my impending orgasm was going to be big. "How do you like the view, Edward?"
"Your pussy is a thing of beauty, Isabella. I want to see your body quiver as you come all over me," he said. "You're so wet. It's dripping out of your body and onto my chest. I want to taste you."
"Not tonight, baby," I chided as I circled my vibe on my clit. "Fuck, this feels so good, Edward. What more do you want me to do?"
"Put it inside, Isabella. Use your other hand to pinch that pretty little clit," he said seductively. "Put your head on my thigh."
I moved the vibe from my clit and slid it between my lower lips. I could feel the strong vibrations inside of me. I maneuvered my body carefully, placing my head on Edward's thigh. With my right hand, I swirled my fingers over my clit. With my left, I began pumping my vibe in and out of me.
"That is so perfect, Isabella. Fuck yourself with that toy," he moaned. "So beautiful."
"Ungh," I panted as I pushed against the vibe. The feelings inside of me were building and growing.
"Describe to me what you're experiencing, Isabella. Tell me how you are feeling as you make yourself come," Edward purred.
"The vibrator is filling me, Edward. I can feel it throughout my body," I panted, twisting my clit. "I am so close. My orgasm is going to be big. I can feel it. My hands are covered with my cum."
"Stop, for just a moment," he demanded. My movements ceased and I sat up. "Turn around and sit on my chest."
"Edward…"
"You're not too heavy. Do. It," he commanded. I did as he asked and spread my pussy lips in front of him. "Give me your fingers. I have to fucking taste you." I smirked, placing my hand at his mouth. He drew my fingers inside of his mouth, sucking on them. As he did that, I slipped the vibe between my pussy lips. He growled around my fingers as I began moving, swiveling my hips with the toy. When I felt he had had enough of my fingers, I moved them back to my clit, slapping it slightly. "We are so doing this again, Isabella. Seeing you touch yourself is like the best fucking aphrodisiac. I want you to fucking come all over me. All over that vibe. All over your hand. Don't hold back, Isabella. Fuck that toy."
"I'm close, baby," I cooed. "Do you see how wet I am?"
"I do, Bella. I can feel it on my chest," he whispered. "I want to feel more of it." I moaned, dropping my head back as I began slamming the toy inside of me. The scent from my arousal permeated around us like a musky perfume. The sound of the vibe in me was the soundtrack for the single most erotic thing I'd ever done. And I wasn't even done. "That's it, Bella. Let go."
"Hmmm…fuck," I moaned as I bucked my hips against the toy and my hand that was swirling over my clit. "Fuck! Fuck! Yesssssss! I'm…Edward…shit! YESSSSS!" I screamed as my body began to quiver. Edward was moaning wantonly as I was bringing myself closer and closer to exploding all over his chiseled body. "Oh GOD!" I removed the toy and I felt my body respond to my orgasm, drenching my hands and Edward. I quickly moved off his body. I was boneless, the consistency of Jell-O.
"Wow," Edward said. "That was intense, Bella." I held up one finger because I had no energy at the moment. I had control my breathing and get my body under control. I was still twitching from the aftershocks from my orgasm. Edward chuckled and turned on his side, staring at me as I regained some sort of semblance of control over my body. "You okay?"
"Yeah," I breathed as I sat up. I wrinkled my nose when I noticed that my 'release' had showered Edward and drenched his hair, face and upper body. "Baby, I'm sorry…let me get a towel."
"I'm fine," he smiled. "It's why I had you move. I wanted this, sweet girl."
"I'm still getting you a towel," I chided as I went into the bathroom, grabbing a few towels and some massage oil for the next part of his wish. I wet a wash cloth and walked back into the bedroom. Tenderly, I wiped down Edward's face, chest and arms. "All clean," I smiled.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
I reached for the key to the handcuffs. "I'm taking these off but you still have not earned the right to touch me, Edward. Once they come off, you need to roll over onto your stomach and I'll give you a massage, lover." He nodded and his eyes darkened. I leaned forward to kiss him as I released the lock of the cuffs. He lowered his arms and deepened our kiss without touching me. However his clenching hands on the bedspread indicated how much he wanted to. I pulled back and spun my finger. He rolled onto his stomach.
I put some warming massage oil into my hands and began running my hands along his skin, starting at his feet. My palms moved effortlessly over his skin thanks to the massage oil. Edward's voice carried with his moans of pleasure and contentment. Slowly, I moved my ministrations up his strong legs to his perfect ass. He yelped and looked over his shoulder at me. "You said an erotic massage, Dr. Cullen. No part of your body is going to be ignored," I said, giving him an innocent grin.
"Just don't give me a prostate exam," he chuckled nervously. "One way only, love."
"I know," I laughed as I moved from his ass to his muscular back. I straddled his legs and used my body weight to continue my massage of his body. He was riddled with knots. "Jesus, Edward."
"I've been a mess," he sighed. "I know I have knots and nastiness in my back."
"Until things calm down, I'll give you a massage each week, Edward. This is too much," I said. "In fact, I'll give you a proper massage tomorrow."
"Does that mean that this one is done?" he pouted.
"No. It means you're getting another massage tomorrow," I quipped. "Turn over."
"Can I touch you?"
I bit my lip as he flipped over. "Since you've been so stressed and been so good, yes," I smiled.
"Perfect," Edward purred. As my hands glided over his midline, his fingers found my folds. I let out a surprised gasp. "Still very wet, Isabella."
"I'm always wet when I'm around you, Edward. Especially when you're naked," I smirked, wrapping my hand around his cock. My slick hand moved up and down his shaft. He had softened slightly from being squished but it was hardening quickly.
"As much as I want to finish my massage, I can't. I need you, my Bella," he said. His voice had a deep yearning. It pulled at me and I felt it, too. "Take me, love."
"Yes," I breathed as I straddled his thighs, twisting my hand over his quickly hardening arousal. "Are you ready, Edward?"
"Please, Bella. Please?" he begged.
"Don't beg, Edward," I soothed as I grasped his cock, placing it at the entrance of my sex. With a moan, I slid down his cock. "Holy fuck!"
"My Bella," he breathed as he took my hands, twining his fingers with mine. "My beautiful Bella. I'm so yours, sweet girl. You own me, body, mind, heart and soul. I have never loved someone as much as I have loved you." His green eyes were staring directly at me and the sincerity behind them was soul-crushing. My heart felt like it was going to burst. Tears fell from my eyes and I leaned forward, crashing my lips against his. Edward said he wanted me to take from him but I couldn't. We needed each other desperately. I needed him. He needed me. Our bodies slammed against each other as his hips thrust against me. I held onto him, grasping at his hair as I rode him, taking him so deep inside of my body. Our hands were grabbing at each other.
"I love you. I love you so much," I panted as I swiveled my hips. "I can't imagine…I need you forever, Edward. Baby, I love you."
"My Bella," he crooned into my shoulder as he kissed my sweat soaked skin. "I'm never, ever going to leave you. I love you more than my own life. My love…I'm so close. Can you feel how much I want you?"
"Yes, love. Yes! I need you to come with me, baby," I pleaded with him, pressing my mouth to any available spot on his body. "Come inside of me. Fill me with everything, Edward. PLEASE!" What we were doing was fucking but the underlying love behind it was plain as day. Edward's arms were holding me tightly as moved above him. His hips ground against mine and his eyes were staring into mine.
"Bella…Bella!" he chanted. "Oh, baby…my sweet girl…I'm… FUCK!" He roared as his body spasmed. His cock twitched inside of me and I felt his warmth fill my womb. His release triggered mine and I screamed his name as my muscles clenched around his cock. I stopped moving and slumped against him. His hands were idly running up and down my back. My fingers were toying with his damp hair. "My love, that was amazing."
Too tired to respond, I nodded, pressing a sweet kiss to the hollow behind his ear. "Did you like your birthday, Edward?"
"It was the best one, ever," he whispered. "Now, let's shower because I'm covered in massage oil and sweat. You, my dear, are covered in the same. That way, when I wake up in the middle of the night to make love to you, it won't be as sticky."
"No," I giggled. I pulled back and looked at him, brushing his hair from his face. "I'm glad I was able to spoil you for your birthday. You've done so much for me and I feel like I've repaid you, a little bit, today."
"You don't have to repay me, love," he said as he took my face in his hands. "I do everything for you because I love you."
"I know. I do the same, but you've given me so much, Edward. It's about time I did the same for you. You deserved to be spoiled and today I did it. I plan to do it again as soon as I am able, but I'm with you in needing a shower. I'm sweaty, sticky and wet. I love making love to you, but the aftermath is…"
"Messy," Edward chuckled. "But, I love it. I love you."
"Love you more," I said as I leaned forward, kissing his lips.
"Love you more and I'll always win, Swan," he teased, nipping at my neck. "Shower, bed, make love, bed, make love, bed, massage, make love, repeat…"
"Am I going to be able to walk at work the day after tomorrow?"
"Nope. Neither am I," he snorted.
xx APFL xx
Edward kept his promise. We made love three more times during the night of his birthday. Sometime around three in the morning, I remembered I had Rose drop off a cake. Despite the hour, I lit a candle and sang to him. We ate his cake in bed. Then, ended up spreading the icing all over our naked bodies, licking it off with our tongues. The caloric intake of that activity was high but so fucking worth it.
However, Edward also kept his promise about me not really being able to walk at work when we got back. My cooter was barking. We had made love no less than ten times over the course of a twenty-four hour period. Edward's penis was also quite raw. Before we went to bed, I noticed that he had an ice pack on his family jewels. He tried to deny it but I watched as he stiffly moved around.
Suffice it to say, we won't be having another marathon love making session like that for a while. Our bodies need to recuperate.
Back in the ER, things had settled down some. Edward had hired his friend Dr. Garrett McGovern. He'd be starting in the beginning of July. The new nurses were getting their footing and we had several doctors from the ICU floating down to the ER until Edward could hire some more attending physicians.
Crowley was fired with his license revoked. He was facing jail time but since he was cooperating with the authorities, it could be minimal. He'd never be able to practice medicine, though. Newton was found dead from an apparent suicide in some hole in the wall motel in Nebraska. According to his suicide note, he couldn't fathom facing jail time and his dream had always been to be a doctor. He couldn't live without his dream. So, he took a lethal combination of drugs and he fell asleep, never to wake up again. Jessica turned herself into the cops, stating that she was the 'mule' for Crowley and Newton. She lost her job. She's facing several felony charges and will spend a good number of years behind bars.
I was standing at the circulation desk, logging some information in the computer when I heard a quiet cough. I turned and saw Lauren standing behind me. The woman who had made my life hell was now a shell of her former self. Her tight scrubs were gone and her overly made up face was now clean of all makeup. "Bella? Can we talk?"
My hackles went up but I figured I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. "Let me just finish this. I'm due for my break anyway. We can go to the cafeteria and get some coffee."
"You mean nuclear sludge?" she chuckled.
"True," I said as I turned back to the computer, finishing my notation. I logged off and walked with Lauren into the cafeteria. We got some coffee and sat down at one of the tables. "What's up, Lauren?"
She spun her coffee cup nervously. "I wanted to apologize, Bella," she whispered, looking up at me. "I was a horrendous bitch to you and because of my hatred of you; I got mixed up with this crap with Crowley, Jessica, Newton and Jacob."
"How were your feelings about me forcing you to deal with drugs and those morons?" I asked, arching a brow.
"Jacob wanted to peg it all on you and Dr. Cullen," she said. "When that started floating around, I knew I had to say something."
"Why would Jacob do that?"
"Well, he hates Dr. Cullen. With a passion," Lauren snorted. "He also hates you but he said that your involvement is not related to Dr. Cullen. Someone needed his help and that person is related to you or knows you or something. I don't know. He only rambled on about it when he was higher than a kite. I thought he was being stupid but he truly hates you, Bella."
"The feeling's mutual," I grumbled. "Jacob was my first boyfriend and well, he hurt me more than he could ever imagine."
"I'm sorry that he hurt you. You're such a sweet woman and it took this crap to make me realize it," Lauren sniffled, wiping her face. "I was so horrible to you and I know that we could probably never be friends but you have to know that I am so, SO sorry for treating you the way that I did. It was immature and rude and completely uncalled for."
"You're right, Lauren. We will probably never be friends but I do appreciate your apology. I also accept it and forgive you. I guess the best we can hope for is to be professionally courteous towards each other. Will I ask you to stand up for my wedding? Probably not. But, we can move forward," I said, giving her a small smile. Our cell phones beeped and we both looked at them. "Shit. We got incoming. Gang shooting."
"Crap. I hate those. They are so brutal," she said. "These kids should be playing with their friends. Not shooting each other."
"I'm in total agreement on that. Come on," I said as I got up, tossing my coffee into the garbage. We walked back to the ER. Edward was speaking with a tall man with a short blonde hair cut and scruff on his face. He was incredibly attractive.
"Who is that?" Lauren hissed.
"I have no clue," I replied. "Dr. Cullen, we were paged back to the ER."
"Yes. Bella, I want to introduce you to my dear friend and new hire, Dr. Garrett McGovern," Edward said as he indicated to the man. "Garrett, this is my girlfriend and one of the nurses here at County, Isabella Swan. Next to her is Lauren Mallory."
"Nice to meet you, Dr. McGovern," I said as I shook his hand. "I thought you weren't starting until July first?"
"I was here for my meetings and such when the call for the shooting came over the scanner. Edward asked me to help out," he said, giving me a warm smile.
"Bella, can you work with Garrett? Show him the ropes?" Edward asked.
"Sure, Edward," I smiled. "Do you want something to cover your clothes, Dr. McGovern? You're not wearing your lab coat and I'd hate to see your suit get ruined."
"What's the ETA of the bus?" Edward asked Carmen.
"Ten minutes out," she replied curtly.
"I'll change," Garrett said as he looked at me. "Scrubs?" I grabbed him a pair and pointed him to the locker room. He dashed off. Edward handed me his extra stethoscope as we waited for the ambulances to pull up.
"How many victims?" asked Lauren.
"Three," Edward said tersely. "One critical."
"Are you going to take the critical?" I asked.
"No. I want Garrett to take it. You and he will make a good team," Edward said as he gave me a crooked smile. "I only wish Alice was here."
"Okay, Yente," I snorted.
"What? She deserves some happiness and I know that Garrett will treat her like the princess she is," Edward whispered in my ear. "He's lonely and a really sweet guy despite his model good looks."
"He is very pretty," I giggled. I stood on my tiptoes, kissing Edward's nose. "You're prettier, though."
"Damn right, I am," he growled, pinching my ass.
"God, you two are worse than horny teenagers," Garrett laughed.
"Shut it, ass," Edward snapped, glowering at his friend. Garrett flipped him off as he put on his ID badge on the pocket of his scrubs. I handed him the stethoscope.
"Thank you, Bella," he said. "Ready to save some lives?"
"Definitely," I smirked. Two ambulances pulled up and we jumped into high gear. Garrett and I took the more critical patient into trauma one. The fifteen year old boy had five gunshot wounds in his body. Two were superficial on his leg. Three were on his torso, with one passing right through his lung.
"We need to insert a chest tube," Garrett said as he listened to the boy's chest. I grabbed the kit for a chest tube and together, we worked to reinflate the lung. Unfortunately, as the chest tube was inserted, his heart rate spiked. "I need a portable x-ray and ultrasound machine!"
One of the nurse techs got it and we saw what the problem was. The bullet was lodged right near his heart, filling his pericardium with blood. "Shit," Garrett spat. "I hope it's not near any of his major arteries."
"Do you want to crack his chest?" I asked as held the screen in front of Garrett.
"Not yet. We'll try to drain the blood around his heart," Garrett said. "I want him more stable before I open him up."
"Good call," I nodded. Working quickly, I readied the pericardiocentesis kit. With a steady hand, Garrett placed the needle into the boy's chest. He removed a great deal of blood from around his heart but it was still working too hard to pump the blood. "What do you want to do next?"
"Call upstairs to get a vascular surgeon consult down here."
"Already did that," I said, looking up at Garrett.
"You're really good, Bella. I can see why Edward loves you so much," he smiled. "You probably anticipate his every step in life."
"Pretty much," I laughed. The alarms began going off. I felt the boy's neck. "No pulse."
"Starting CPR," Garrett said, his jovial face gone and it shifted back to the business-like visage of a doctor who was trying to save the boy's life. He stepped onto a stool and began pounding on the boy's chest. I flew around the room, readying any possible drugs that Garrett may need as he ran the code. I pulled the crash cart to his side. "Take over with compressions, Bella."
I assumed his spot and began pushing on the boy's chest. Garrett administered epinephrine, hoping that it would jump start his heart. No change. "Charging to 100," he said. He placed the paddles on the boy's chest and when the machine beeped, he looked at me. "Clear." I moved my hands and body away from the victim as he was paddled.
I checked the boy's pulse, watching the screen. "No pulse," I said.
"Charging to 150," Garrett frowned. He put the paddles on the boy's chest again. "Come on, man. I don't want my first day on the job to start with a fatality. Work with me buddy. Clear!"
A faint heartbeat filled the room. "Sinus rhythm," I said as I put my stethoscope on his chest.
"Dr. McGovern, here's the surgical consult," said the nurse tech.
"Thank you," he said. "Victim is a fifteen year old boy with five bullet wounds. Three of those wounds were in the torso. One collapsed his left lung. Nurse Swan and I placed a chest tube to reinflate the lung. I performed a pericardiocentesis to relieve some blood off the boy's heart but his heart rate dropped. The bullet is lodged near his heart. I didn't want to crack his chest unless absolutely necessary."
"Good call, Dr. McGovern," said the surgeon. "We'll take it from here. Good work and welcome to County."
"Thank you," he said as he nodded to the surgeon. The boy was wheeled out of the room. He peeled off his gloves, tossing them into the garbage and leaned against the counter. "I'm so going to kick Edward's ass."
"Why? Because he challenged you?" I quipped, putting the unused supplies away.
He pursed his lips. "Yes." I shot him a look. "But, I'm happy he called me. I think I'm going to like it here. Are all of the nurses as fucking awesome as you?"
"Fucking awesome?" I laughed. "I don't know. I wouldn't go that far. Besides, there are some nurses that are questionable. We had a situation where we lost some senior staff members and we're 'rebuilding.'"
"The drug scandal? I know. Edward told me," Garrett shuddered. "That shit scares me. Doctors peddling controlled substances…that's so many shades of fucked up. It goes against our most sacred oath."
"First do no harm," I quoted.
"Right," Garrett said.
Edward burst into the trauma room and looked at us. "So, did he kill the patient?" he asked.
"Nope. Sent him off to surgery," I replied. "I like him. I think we should keep him."
"I don't know," Edward said, arching a brow at his friend. "Looking at this ugly mug day in and day out, that's going to be tough."
"Fuck off, fucker. You called me. You begged me. 'Garrett? Please, I need a right hand man! Please? I can't do this without you!'" Garrett squealed.
"Don't make me hurt you," Edward deadpanned.
"Nah, you love me," Garrett smirked. "That's why you want me to be your right hand man. I'll make you smile and make sure that you get your shit done. Just like in med school."
"Sure, douche. But remember, I'm still technically your boss. You're my associate head of the ER. I'm the head," Edward said.
"God, you two are too much," I laughed. "You bicker like brothers."
"Edward is my brother. Brother from another mother," Garrett said, smiling fondly at my boyfriend, fluttering his eyelashes. Edward smacked his arm. "But, that gives me the right to give him shit and prevent his mopey, sullen ass from being too serious. I've seen 'Sullen Cullen' too much. Eddie needs to smile. You've got such a good one." Garrett pinched Edward's cheeks before he left the trauma room.
"I really like him," I said. "Definitely keep him. He'll make working in the ER fun."
xx APFL xx
"Do you think that today is going to suck with a ton of morons trying to blow up their heads with illegal fireworks or dead with no patients?" Angela asked from the circulation desk.
"Suck," Ben said. "Last few years have been fairly quiet. We're due for some idiots."
"I don't know," Alice murmured. "I think it's going to be dead. Bells?"
"I think it's going to start slow and then pick up to be sucky," I replied, wrinkling my nose.
"Shall we place a wager?" Angela asked, waggling her brows.
"That's a bit twisted, Ang. Betting on how many people we get in the ER," Ben snorted, kissing her forehead.
"What?" Angela shrugged. "Moving isn't cheap."
"Tell me about it," Garrett grumbled as he put a chart on the board.
"Yeah, you just moved across country. That shit definitely ain't cheap," I said. "Edward said you got a great deal on a condo, though."
"I have. It's a sweet place," Garrett smiled. "Once I get settled, I want to invite all of my new friends and family over for some drinks, food and overall debauchery."
"No debauchery for me. Junior prevents me from drinking and well, peeing every thirty seconds is not my idea of fun," Angela said, shooting Ben a sharp glance. "Super atomic sperm."
"It takes two to tango, cupcake," Ben chuckled. Angela smacked him then hugged him close. "Love you, Ang. Take it easy, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," she said. Ben kissed her before he grabbed a new chart, darting to curtain area three.
"Just because you're pregnant, doesn't mean that your social life has to end, Angela," Alice chided. "My sister, Cynthia, she was a party animal when she was pregnant with her kids, except she didn't drink. She ate. A lot."
"I'll even make sure you get the seat closest to the buffet line, Angela," Garrett promised.
"Grilled cheese. You better have grilled cheese," Angela said as she poked Garrett's shoulder. "And lots of jalapeños." She waddled away, swiping a chart as she left.
"I don't want to know," Garrett said, wrinkling his nose.
"Angela marches to the beat of her own drummer," I replied.
"And she's never in step with the rest of the world," Alice chuckled. "But we love her. Anyhow, speaking of moving, when are you moving, Bells?"
"The lease is up at the end of July. I've been slowly trekking stuff to Edward's on my days off. Angela is struggling because of the baby belly and her need to nest in an apartment that we're leaving. Anyhow, we need to be out by July 30th."
"Moving in with Cullen. Brave woman," Garrett snorted.
"I can't exactly afford my own place," I blushed. I bit my lip and felt my anxiety build. My insecurities about the differences in Edward and me were slowly escalating. For the most part, I was okay but I'd randomly get hit with these 'moments.' "Excuse me. I'm going to take my break." I darted away from the circulation desk and into the locker room. I could hear Alice and Garrett talking, in concern, about me.
"Is she okay?" Garrett asked.
"She's fine. Bella didn't have the happiest life prior to being with Edward and sometimes she feels…inadequate," Alice said. "I love her to pieces. She's one of my dearest friends and I hate that she struggles with this. She deserves to be happy. For the most part, she is. But, every so often, her eyes deaden and…" Alice sniffled.
"I'm sorry that she had to deal with that," Garrett said softly. "Bella is an amazing nurse and wonderful woman. She makes my best friend smile like a loon. I already love her like a sister. Hell, she made some delicious meal for me when I moved into my place and my kitchen was a disaster area."
"She'll do things like that. Bella's got the biggest heart," Alice said wistfully. "She cares about everyone else. Anyhow, she'll get it together. She always does."
"Good," Garrett replied. "Now, Miss Brandon, where can I find a good cup of coffee? This slop in the cafeteria tastes like ass and I need a pick me up if I'm going to make it to midnight."
"The Perkalator. It's just down the street. I'm due for my break. I can show you," Alice said quietly.
"It's a date," Garrett replied.
They left the ER and I sat down on the couch in the lounge. The nagging feeling I was experiencing was not going away like it normally did. I wanted to talk to Edward. However, I couldn't run to him whenever I felt lost and broken. I pulled out my promise ring from under my scrubs. I wore it on a chain so it wouldn't get ruined from all of the craziness I put my hands through. I twisted it on the chain. "Get it together, Swan."
The normally soothing motion of twisting the ring didn't help. I got up and went to my locker, picking up my journal. I turned to the next page and began scribbling.
July 4th, 2013
I'm feeling wholly inadequate right now. I was talking to our new associate chief of the ER, Dr. Garrett McGovern. He made some comment about me moving in with Edward. I made mention of not being able to afford my own place and my anxiety began building. My insecurities are coming back for some bizarre reason. I don't know why!
I mean, I'm thirty years old, turning thirty-one in September and I SHOULD be able to afford my own place. The fact that I can't is causing me issues. I mean, I'm excited to move in with Edward. Very excited. Part of me, though, is pissed off that I'm using Edward as my cushion. Is this moving too fast? Should I not move in with Edward? I don't understand these feelings and it's pissing me off.
Do I feel shame it not being able to afford my own place?
Am I ashamed of my relationship with Edward?
Am I ashamed of my upbringing?
UGH! I hate this feeling of inadequacy. I know it's all in my head. I know that it's all me thinking this but it doesn't make it any less irrational.
I closed my journal and curled up on the couch. There was a quiet knock and Garrett poked his head inside. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," I said, giving him a sad smile.
"Bullshit," he said as he strode into the locker room. He thrust a cup of coffee in my hands and sat down next to me. "I recognize that look, Bella. That 'I'll-say-I'm-fine-but-I'm-not' look. You can talk to me. I know that I'm just this recently divorced goofball but I'm a good listener. Plus, Edward would kick my ass if I made you sad. Okay, not really. I'd kick Edward's ass, but that's neither here nor there and I'm fucking babbling."
I giggled. "You are a lot like Edward. I can see why you two are friends," I said. "He said the same thing to me when I first met him." I sighed and looked at my new friend.
"Bella, you know why I came here. I got divorced from my high school sweetheart. Apparently, I wasn't good enough for her and she betrayed me," he sighed, running his hand through his cropped blonde hair.
"What happened?"
"Kate and I got married right after college. We had dated all through high school and college. I proposed my junior year and we were married right before I started medical school. The first five years of our marriage sucked. Hell, if it weren't for Edward and his girlfriend, Tanya, I probably would have lost my shit."
"You knew Tanya?"
"I did. She was a sweet girl but I always knew there was something off about her," Garrett said. "I was not surprised when Edward told me he was getting divorced and that Tanya liked chicks. Anyhow, Kate and I survived through medical school, residency and my fellowship. I got a position at Seattle Grace and my life was starting to slow down, I guess. I wanted to start a family. Kate and I were both only children. She knew when we got married that I wanted children. I thought she did, too. So, I told her about starting a family and she said she'd talk to her doctor about getting off birth control. I was over the moon happy.
"On our seventh anniversary, we decided to start trying. We made love and I just knew we had made a baby that night. No dice. We kept making love and each month, Kate would get her period. After a year of trying, I suggested we see an infertility specialist. Kate shook her head and said no. I asked why. Kate never stopped taking her pills. My heart shattered. I asked if her she wanted children. Her eyes deadened and said 'no.' Then, she went into this story about how she got pregnant while I was in my last year of medical school."
"She didn't," I seethed.
"She did," Garrett said as he wiped his cheek. "My wife aborted our baby without even telling me. After that, I couldn't stand to be in the same room as her. I packed my bags and moved into a tiny apartment near Seattle Grace. She begged me to come back but I couldn't be with a woman who would so callously end the life of our unborn child without even fucking telling me. I had divorce papers drawn up and after nearly three years of fighting with her, I was granted the divorce along with everything I had asked for. I was out celebrating my divorce with a few buddies when I got the call from Edward, asking me to come interview for the associate chief position. I jumped at the chance. I had to get away from Seattle and the memories that it held for me."
"That's awful, Garrett," I said as I took his hand. "I can't believe…I mean, I'm prochoice and all but she didn't even tell you?"
"Nope," he said. "She said that I hadn't even noticed that she was 'sick.' Hell, I was in classes a majority of the day, doing field work and living on minimal sleep. I barely even knew my own name, let alone anything else. But that's not the point. Kate betrayed me. She took away the one thing I wanted: to be a daddy." I wrapped my arms around Garrett's neck. He hugged me and gently rubbed my back. Releasing him, I sat back on the couch. "Thanks, Bella. I needed that."
"Everyone needs a hug," I chuckled.
"They do," he replied. "Now, the reason why I told you my story is because I was that guy who'd respond, 'I'm fine' when my life was in the shitter. Alice kind of told me about you and she feels awful, like she was betraying your confidence…"
"She wasn't," I replied. "My life sucked. My dad emotionally abused me for nearly fifteen years. I was tormented and teased here at work and it wasn't until Edward gave me the time of day that I realized that I was worthy of more than just the dregs of life. However, there are moments where I feel like I'm not good enough for him. I mean, look at him, Garrett. He's smart, attractive, loving, kind and perfect. I'm not."
"Bella, now, I'm saying this as your friend and as your adoptive brother," he said as he took my face in his hands. "Edward shits like the rest of us. Yes, he's smart but he had to work his ever-loving ass to get through medical school. He's attractive in that pretty-boy, model way but he's too pretty. Loving, I'll give you that one. He loves everybody. Edward can be kind but when he gets mad, whew! Steer clear. He's like a bull in a china shop.
"You are good enough for him. You make my best friend smile and I hadn't seen that in forever. You are quite honestly, the best nurse I'd ever worked with and I'll personally pay for you to go to medical school because you're that good. Now, I know that a lot of what you're feeling is due to what your asshole of a father did to you. You're worthy of so much, Bella. Edward loves you so much. It's sickening," he laughed. "Nauseating, really."
I snickered and nodded. "We are pretty nauseating."
"But don't lose that. Love each other and love yourself, Bella. You have so much good in you," Garrett said as he crushed me to his chest. I hugged him and let a few tears slip out. "No more feelings of 'I suck?'"
"I'm good," I sniffled.
"You better not be snotting up my scrubs, Swan," Garrett snorted.
"I'll get you a new pair," I laughed, wiping my face. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. That's what brothers are for," he smiled boyishly.
"You're my brother?"
"From another mother, little sis," he smirked. "Now, come on. I don't want Edward to think that I'm stealing you away."
"I love him very much, Garrett. And you're right. I love you, like a brother," I replied. "But, I got the looks in the family."
His jaw dropped and I giggled as I stood up. I walked toward my locker, tossing my journal inside. Garrett was still glowering at me. I ruffled his hair as I headed back onto the floor. "You take that back, Swan!"
Edward was standing at the circulation desk as I went to pick up a chart. Garrett stomped out onto floor and glared at me. "Your girlfriend is mean. She said that she's prettier than me."
"She is, Garrett," Edward snorted.
"Looks," I said, pointing to myself. "Brawn." I pointed to Garrett. "Brains." I sidled up to Edward.
"No way. Looks," Garrett smirked, pointing to himself. "Brawn…kind of," he said glancing at Edward. Massaging my head, "Brains."
"You both are wrong," Edward snorted. "Bella's the total package. She's got the looks, the brains and the brawn. She's the strongest woman I know."
"Ugh, gag me," Garrett said as he stuck his finger down his throat. However, the affection he had for both of us was plain in his eyes. "I'm going to be a doctor and yeah…get away from the cavity twins." He loped away, grabbing a chart.
"Everything okay, sweet girl?" Edward asked.
"I'm…" I paused. "I had a moment where I felt like I was not worthy of you but I journaled and Garrett got me out of my funk. He's going to be a great friend."
"He is an amazing man and he got dealt a shit hand of cards," Edward said. "But, he's still Garrett." I nodded, cuddling up against Edward's body. "And you are worthy of me. Don't ever doubt my love for you, sweet girl."
"I know. I just had a moment, Edward," I murmured. "I'm good now."
"You sure?"
"I'm positive."
After my mini-breakdown, the ER exploded with a ton of minor incidents. Men burning themselves on the grills. Some drunk and disorderly patients from the Taste of Chicago. Kids with minor burns and cuts from running around and playing with sparklers. However, a majority of the cases were heat exhaustion and issues related to the heat. It was a scorcher today. The heat index was in the triple digits and the air was thick with humidity.
We all worked until nearly eight when there was a lull in the never-ending parade of patients. All of us where sitting the waiting area, beat to hell from the barrage of the sick.
"My feet are the size of my Aunt's Bertha's cats," Angela grumbled.
"Have you been monitoring your blood pressure?" Edward asked Angela.
"It's been fine, Edward. My feet are swollen because I was on them for a better part of twelve hours," Angela chided. "It feels so nice to sit and relax."
"I'll rub your feet when we get home, Ang," Ben said as he patted Angela's thigh.
"Where's Garrett?" Edward asked.
"He went upstairs for a bit," Alice replied. "He and I worked on a mom who was having a miscarriage and he kind of lost it."
Edward and I shared a look. Without speaking, we got up from our seats and went upstairs. Edward usually went on the roof when he had a particularly hard case and I'm certain that he told Garrett about the same location. Sure enough, the door was propped open and we walked outside. On the roof, there were some tables, a grill and coolers. "Garrett?" Edward called out.
"I'm okay, Edward. I just needed a moment," Garrett said but the sadness lacing his tone was evident. We found him curled up on the ledge of the building, holding a bottle of water. He saw both of us and he frowned. "There are still moments when…"
"I know, Gar," Edward said.
"You don't, Edward," Garrett muttered. "Sorry. I don't mean to be a dick. Just the mom with the miscarriage…it struck a chord with me. Besides, you finding me up here kind of ruined my surprise for the staff."
"You did this?" I asked, gesturing to the barbeque.
"Yep. Working on a holiday sucks and well, I figured I'd make it somewhat tolerable with a barbeque. Unfortunately, we got slammed," he shrugged. Edward kissed my head and he left. "I bet that Alice thinks I'm sort of pussy."
"No. She was worried," I said as I sat down next to him. "You know, Ali's single."
"I know," he chuckled. "She told me when we got coffee. She was quite the flirt."
"And?" I asked.
"I like her but I'm terrified of putting myself out there. I do not want to be burned like I was with Kate," Garrett growled. "Alice is a cute girl with a lot of fire but…I'm scared, Bella."
"You don't you're worthy of her," I asked, arching a brow. "That you're damaged goods?"
"Yep," he said. "Now our roles are reversed, little sis."
"We're all damaged, Garrett. Alice has her issues, too. She had her heart broken by Edward's brother but she deserves a good guy. Perhaps a recently divorced goofball with a huge heart and good looks."
"A huge heart, huh?" he snorted.
"Yeah. Not everyone would have done this for the staff," I said gesturing to the barbeque. "The fact that you're hurting over the mom who was having a miscarriage indicates that you're human. If you didn't feel, I'd be worried."
"Well, my heart isn't the only thing that's huge," Garrett winked.
"Gross, Garrett. I do not need to know that," I said, wrinkling my nose. The sounds of the staff filled the roof.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Swan. Feet. I've got HUGE feet," he said, putting his foot in my face. "Size fourteens, baby!" I swatted at his foot, scowling at him. He chuckled and hopped up. "You're right, Bella. I'm going to try it with Alice."
"Good. But, if you break her heart, I will chop off your balls," I said, elbowing him in the ribs. "You may be my brother from another mother, but she's my friend and…"
"I got it, Bella. I promise that I won't intentionally hurt her," Garrett said as he kissed my cheek. He turned and walked to one of the grills, turning it on. "Who wants burgers and who wants hot dogs?"
Edward walked over to me and he wrapped his arms around my waist. "You were awesome with him, baby," he purred.
"I was just repaying a kindness. He did the same for me," I said, looking up at him.
"You're not falling for my best friend, are you?" Edward asked jokingly.
"What? Never. I love you," I said as I turned in his arms. "Garrett is the goofy, obnoxious older brother that I always wanted. You are the love of my life."
"Really?" Edward asked as he smiled down at me. "The love of your life?" I nodded. He leaned down and kissed me deeply. "You're the love of my existence, Bella. I'm so lucky to have you." He kissed me again and the sounds of the fireworks over the lake exploded. I jumped and watched them light up the sky. "Happy Fourth of July, love."
"Happy Fourth of July, Edward," I whispered. "I love you."
"I love you more, sweet girl," he said as he put his chin on my head, watching the fireworks with me. Soon, everyone joined us watching the fireworks and it didn't escape my attention that Alice was cuddled next to Garrett, with his arm around her waist. I smiled as I looked all around us. These people were not just co-workers and friends. They were my family.
And I was worthy of all of this.
A/N: What. A. Beast! Lots of stuff happened here. We finished Edward's birthday and lots and lots of sexy times. It was one of the hottest lemons I'd ever written. I needed a cold shower after that one. Plus, we met Garrett. I love him. Garrett is so stinking adorable and sweet and deliciously goofy. Check out my blog and you'll see what Garrett looks like. (Link in my profile).
Up next will be the addition of some new attendings at Cook County Hospital, Bella's move into Edward's brownstone, Garrett's welcome to Chicago party and the return of Jasper. This chapter will take us up to Bella and Edward's vacation in Hawaii. I'm warning you all that after the vacation, things are going to turn angsty. Just saying…
Pictures from the chapter are on my blog. Check out my Facebook group: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or find me on Twitter: tufano79. I also apologize for taking so long to update. I was sick and for a week, I could barely pay attention to anything, let alone write. I'm better now (just sniffling and hacking up my right lung). Leave me some loving!