Chapter 25

Hello everyone,

So glad to have you back for Broken Wings. This story is starting to wrap up and it has been a beautiful journey. I have taken several reviews to heart and you will all get your wish, yet I won't spoil it by saying at the moment.

This story has 5 chapters left, and will end probably in May. I have enjoyed every word I have written for this.

If you aren't reading Cutie Chronicles I urge you to do so. Some major things are starting to happen there and you won't want to miss it.

There is also The Cullens: Bella that has just kicked off and you will want to read it. I promise there will be several beautiful moments in store for that couple.

While this story is ending soon, I have several that will be starting soon, so hang tight and I will keep you entertained.

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Bella was a series of nerves for the rest of the weekend. Every waking minute was consumed with a triad of different emotions.

First, thoughts of Lester's unexpected generosity left her in wonderment. When she had befriended the older gentleman, she had never expected him to give her anything in compensation. All those visits were made from the bottom of her heart, and every second Bella had spent with him had led to an unwavering friendship.

Second, Bella had to deal with the grief from losing the very first friend she'd made after coming to Georgia. No matter how much time passed, Bella didn't think she would ever get over his death. While it had been expected, considering where they'd met and under the current conditions, Bella would always miss his witty comments and those deep conversations she'd never felt comfortable talking to anyone else about.

Then, there were these new and wondrous feelings coming to life where Edward was concerned. After the carnival on Saturday afternoon, Bella's heart dove headlong in love, and she honestly didn't believe there was any coming back from it. Of course, Bella found she genuinely didn't want to come back from these feelings. Suddenly, for the first time in Bella's life, she felt warm and happy. Edward had a way of making her feel safe and secure in her affection for him.

After their outing, even though Bella wanted to spend the night with Edward, she had forced her feet to cross his porch and head to her own house. Every freaking step was taken with dread because all she wanted to do was lay against his chest and let his warmth seep into her. She wanted to wake up immersed in his scent.

Yesterday, despite wanting to give Edward some space, she'd found him standing in front of her front door dancing around with what appeared to be anxiety. Apparently, they were both wrestling with the desire for one another's company, yet both fearful of smothering the other.

Bella had bit back a grin and stepped aside, allowing Edward into the living room, and every second from that moment to when she'd walked him across the street Sunday evening had been spent with a case of nerves and awareness popping between them. Her father, on the other hand, had merely rolled his eyes, giving up his spot on the couch so Edward could sit next to Bella.

While her father's candor was laughable, Charlie didn't seem to have any objections to her growing relationship with Edward. Surprisingly, Charlie was more than friendly toward Edward, actually conversing with him on a personal level while Bella started dinner.

The kiss Bella and Edward shared while saying goodnight Sunday evening had left Bella aching for his embrace. All night long, she'd tossed and turned, wanting to slip out of bed and jog across the street. Instead, Bella had forced her eyes closed as this prickly sensation rippled across her skin. Her entire body was alive with anticipation, and she was utterly determined to be rational about this new connection.

Now, here she stood on her front porch Monday morning with a cup of coffee in hand and another on her railing. When Edward's front door opened and he appeared at the threshold, her entire being came alive. Bella's blood instantly simmered in her veins, and an intensity she'd never expected overcame her. When his silver gaze clashed with her mossy green, he pulled the door closed behind him and headed in her direction.

Edward never broke stride as he crossed the street and climbed her stairs. Effortlessly, he slipped the hot cup from her hands and set the mug aside as his fingers slipped around her waist. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

Bella wound her arms around Edward's neck as he pulled her against his chest. Tilting her head back to look up at him, Bella lifted on tiptoes to press a kiss to his chin as her fingers dove into his hair. "I didn't sleep much. Probably dozed around two this morning and was up as soon as the sun peeked through my curtains."

Edward nuzzled her upturned face, his arms tightening around her until her breast flattened against his chest. Groaning next to her ear, he pressed a kiss to the shell, whispering, "You should've come across the street and crawled under my covers. I don't think I will ever get a good night's sleep again without you next to me."

Bella couldn't deny herself another moment without having his taste on her lips. Curling her fingertips in his hair, Bella directed his mouth to hers. As soon as Edward's lips locked with hers, she was lost to their surroundings. The man just had that effect on her, and everything blurred in comparison. Breath rushed from her lungs as his lips played over hers. And when their tongues entwined, Bella became a puddle of melted muscle.

Without hesitation, Edward gave himself up to Bella's kiss, his fingers sliding down her trim form, his fingertips caressing the curve of ass, resisting the urge to slip further down. His toes curled when Bella sucked his tongue deep into her mouth, drawing wantonly into the appendage. With a low rumble building in his chest, he nipped her bottom lip before withdrawing. Edward pressed one last peck to her lips before creating space between them. "Baby, we have to stop because if I don't, I'm going to be in a world of misery all day."

"I made you a cup of coffee," Bella stated, gesturing toward the steaming mug. "I wasn't sure how you liked it, so I just poured a cup. If you want some cream and sugar, we can go inside."

"Nah," Edward murmured as he took the cup in hand and sipped the brew. Her thoughtfulness left Edward awestruck as he rested against the banister, silently regarding Bella. Her dark locks were pulled over her shoulder, and she stood before him in a simple pair of pajama pants and a T-shirt. Still, the light of happiness shining in her eyes pulled at his heartstrings. "This is great. I guess if I couldn't wake up with you in my arms, I'll settle for sharing a cup of coffee with you in the morning."

Shifting nervously, Bella gulped down this need to step closer and feel the strength of his arms around her once again. Edward must've been feeling the space between them as well because he reached out until she took his hand.

"Grab your coffee, babe, and come sit with me before we're forced to start our day." Edward led Bella to the steps and sat on the first one; holding her fingers when she would've sat next to him, he directed her to the step below. His knees parted, creating space for her; Edward's fingers settling on Bella's hips to ease her down until she sat between his legs. Edward's arm curled around her torso and pulled until she rested against his thighs and chest. "Much better," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple.

These were the moments that made Bella comfortable sharing her soul with the man wrapped around her. Her heart swelled to the point of bursting. She supposed the spear of fear she felt would always be present considering her disastrous marriage. Yet the more significant—the better part of her, basked in the comfort Edward unknowingly offered.

Edward combed the hair from Bella's face, his fingertips coasting over the smooth line of her jaw. While his heart was dancing a jig, he sipped his coffee before setting the mug aside. "What time is your appointment with Lester's attorney?"

Bella's arm wound around Edward's leg as she pressed a kiss to his knee. "At one. I have no idea what to expect. All of it is kind of wrecking my nerves. Why would I deserve to inherit his entire estate? Surely there is someone out there more worthy."

"Lester didn't think so," Edward explained, his fingers playing down the slope of her neck, his lips tipping as she shivered beneath his touch. "I think your friendship meant a lot to the man. As you said, he was on his deathbed, and no one ever came to check on him. That has to be on a whole new level of selfishness if he did have living siblings."

"I don't know," Bella shook her head, turning against Edward's chest until she could look up at him. "He said he had a son that died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. So, he spent years alone. He said he did so many things he regretted over the years, but it had all been too late to fix."

"Do you want me to come to the meeting with you?" Edward offered as he watched anxiety play across Bella's beautiful face. His finger traced her bottom lip, saying, "I can take half a day at work. You don't have to do anything alone. I'm here whenever you want or need me to be."

Where did this man come from; his level of dedication was foreign to her and continuously took her by surprise day after day. Bella had never seen someone so determined to be at her side. Swallowing, Bella shoved the tightness from her throat as she studied him, and suddenly, a bright smile pulled across her lips. For reasons beyond her understanding, Bella didn't want to hide what she felt. While she wasn't ready to put words to the welling emotions consuming her, she was utterly comfortable allowing Edward to see his effect on her. "You would do that?"

"Of course," Edward nodded as if it were inconceivable that Bella didn't know it. "What did I tell you the other night? You are my best friend, and I am here whenever you need me to be."

Bella considered having Edward there at the reading of Lester's will. While she didn't anticipate any adverse outcome for this upcoming meeting, having someone there to lean on was comforting in a way she couldn't adequately describe. Her fingers caressed the leg she held and nodding; she said, "I think I would like you to be there. Would you want to meet me here or at his office?"

"Hell," Edward started, winding his arms around her chest and pulling her back into him. "I don't even want to let you go." Dropping a kiss to the top of her head, he eased back. "We could just meet here and ride together. That way, I can drive home. I don't think you'll want to be thinking about traffic afterward."

His considerate nature took Bella on a whole new ride. Tipping her head back, she listened to the thunder of his heart as she snuggled deeper into his arms. "You are so thoughtful. What did I ever do to deserve you in my life?"

"I could ask the same question," Edward noted as his head dropped within inches from hers. Using gentle pressure against her chin, he urged her mouth to his and dove into a deep kiss. A drunken haze took over his senses until his blood quickened in his veins. Nibbling her lip, he whispered, "I really have to go, but I really don't want to. Addictive. Everything about you is so fucking addictive. These lips … this tongue … the feel of you in my arms … your sweet scent … shit, baby, you have captivated every nerve, cell, and vessel that makes up this body."

Bella's lashes rapidly blinked as the world came back into focus as Edward slowly withdrew. Licking the taste of him from her lips, she slowly stood and regrettably said goodbye to the man rocking her world. With joy in her eyes, Bella watched him cross the street, throwing several longing looks over his shoulder as he climbed on his bike. With a pouty bottom lip, she waved as he disappeared down the street.

Bella was on pins and needles as the day progressed. By the time one o'clock rolled around, she was fairly sure she might leap right from her skin. Now, they sat; their fingers wound tightly together as they stared at the receptionist, trying to ignore their presence. Finally, a door cracked, and an elegantly clad gentleman stepped into the hallway.

With a smile, he turned toward her and Edward and held out his hand. "Good afternoon. Isabella Swan, right?"

"That would be me," Bella nodded, nervously biting her lip as she shook the man's hand.

"I am Jerry Parker, Lester Holt's attorney. It is my pleasure to meet the person that managed to get under the skin of that prickly old pear," Jerry laughed softly as he directed the couple down the hallway. "If either of you would like a cup of coffee, I will have my assistant bring it in."

Bella lifted a brow toward Edward in silent question. When he shook his head in the negative, Bella said, "No, I think we're good for now."

"Excellent," the attorney nodded as he opened the door to his office and ushered them inside. "If you would like to have a seat, we will get started."

Bella threw a glance around what looked to be a conference room. Taking a seat at the large oak table, Bella was ever aware of Edward at her side as he slipped into the chair next to hers. His fingers lightly squeezing hers in reassurance. Bella watched the lawyer circle the table and sit on the opposite side. Her gaze landed on the very thick manila envelope sitting before Mr. Parker.

Her skin tingled as the attorney's gaze locked with hers, and he cleared his throat before beginning to speak. Bella attempted to focus, but currently, she felt like she was staring down at this little meeting from another dimension.

"I just want to start by saying, I have known Lester for years, and I have never seen him speak so fondly of another person as he did you, Mrs. Swan. He was more alive in those final weeks than I have ever seen him, and I can adamantly state he enjoyed your visits." Jerry softly smiled as Bella blinked back tears as he spoke. Opening the folder before him, Jerry withdrew a slip of paper. "This is a letter Lester had me write before the preparation of this will. Would you like me to read it for you?"

Bella's throat was already thick with unshed tears, and she was ever grateful when Jerry pushed a box of tissues toward her. She didn't even need to reach for them because Edward handed her several. Wiping a tear from her cheek, she gave a simple nod, saying, "Okay … I am ready."

Jerry felt his own eyes well up as he returned his attention to Lester's letter. Clearing the emotion from his throat, he began.

"'Hello Sunshine,

If you are receiving this letter, then you already know of my passing.

I wanted you to know how much your visits and conversations meant to me. I spent many years alone, as we have often discussed. I admire your strength and tenacity. I never had a daughter of my own, but if I had, I would hope she would have been just like you. I don't think you give yourself enough credit for everything you have accomplished and will in the future. I wanted you to know what your friendship has meant to this dying old man, and I wouldn't have traded a second of it for all the family in the world. You gave me something blood could never provide, a true friendship with no expectations, and that means more than you will ever know.

In thanks and friendship, I am leaving you everything I rightfully possess. The day I had you sign the card for Mrs. Beets, well, I used your signature to give you power of attorney over everything.

I only ask three things of you, Sunshine. One, after you have received my estate, if you could take flowers to my son's grave on Memorial Day and his birthday, I would be eternally grateful. Second, set aside a third of what you receive for that sweet little boy. He will probably need it in the future. And third, take risks, lots of chances… you never know what will happen if you never reach for what you want. Do what this old man failed to do and cherish every second of your life, and don't think so hard about every decision.

Thank you, Bella, for being my friend, and with all the love I possess, I leave you all my worldly assets.

Goodbye, Sunshine, until we meet again.

Lester

By the time the attorney finished reading Lester's letter to her, Bella was bawling like a baby. Several times along the way, she tried to stifle the tears, yet by the end of it, she'd given up. She was crying freely as Edward's arm wrapped around her waist. Easily, he maneuvered the chairs so he could hold her, pressing a light kiss to her forehead.

Jerry gave the couple several moments in silence. When the young lady looked back at him with swollen red eyes, he lifted a brow. "Are you ready to continue?"

Bella silently nodded as Jerry recited a bunch of legal mumbo-jumbo she had no clue about. Then he pulled a packet of papers from the bottom of the stack.

"Lester had several stocks and bonds he sat on for years. There are fifteen in total, and each is estimated to be worth ten thousand dollars apiece. He had a house on the outskirts of town valued at one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. He took it upon himself to pay five years' worth of taxes. But the house is yours to do as you wish. You and your family can live there, or sell it. He also had a Mustang he rebuilt, estimated to be worth fifty thousand dollars and two cars. And his life insurance, after covering his hospital and funeral expenses, leaves a total of three hundred thousand dollars. The funds can be spent in any fashion except for the sum set aside for Lucas."

Bella was only half aware of the listed items the attorney recited. When he stated how much was left to her, she nearly swallowed her damn tongue. "Holy cow. What? I don't even know what to say or do."

"Well, Mrs. Swan, Lester's final words were for you to live every day to the fullest, and he left enough for you to do whatever you want."

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