Stolen Dreams
Disclaimer: Sigh. Do you really need this? Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I own this plot.
A/N: A huge thank you goes out to KareBear for helping me so much with the Reserve information. That and for her service to our country, both in active duty and the Reserves. She's a gem and the world is a better place with her in it.
Thank you to each of you that took the time to read and review this week. I read and treasure each and every one. JenRar made this mess better and encourages me every day. On with the show.
Chapter 27
I froze. In all the times that we'd talked about getting married, the concept was abstract to me. Logically, I knew that he would ask one day. I just never thought that day would be today—here in the Forks Community Park.
And yet, staring down at the man before me whom I loved more than life itself, I mused that it couldn't have been more perfect and that I couldn't wait to be his wife.
"Yes," I whispered, my throat clogged with tears. I pressed my right hand over my racing heart as Edward slid the ring on the third finger of my left hand. As he stood, his own grin as wide as mine, I held up my hand and looked at the ring he'd chosen for me.
It was beautiful in its simplicity. A platinum band wound around my finger like waves on a rolling sea, leading to a sparkling round diamond in the center. Underneath the diamond, the band was held up by a delicate filigree inlaid with three tiny diamonds on each side. In a word, it was exquisite.
"Wow," I whispered, and then giggled at the phrase that didn't do it justice.
"Do you like it?" Edward asked nervously, wrapping me in his arms from behind and peering over my shoulder.
"It's gorgeous," I said with a trace of awe in my voice. "Did you pick this out on your own?"
"What? You didn't think I could do this by myself? Actually, I did. I had to have it resized, though. I used your sapphire one when I bought it, and then realized you wore that one on your right hand," he said, still grinning like a loon.
"When did you do all of this?" I asked, glancing back toward the pavilion with the picnic basket and realizing that this wasn't a spur of the moment decision.
Edward laced his fingers with mine and swung our clasped hands between us. "I had Ryan help me with it this afternoon. I had a hard time keeping him away from you when we got home; I was afraid he'd spill the beans before we ever got out of the house. It felt a little weird to be talking to our kid about us getting married, but he's all for it. Wants to be part of the wedding, too."
"Of course he will be. When, um, how long do you want to wait?" I asked, suddenly nervous.
He laughed at me. "If I said that I'd only be willing to wait the three days as required by law, would that be a problem?"
I smacked his arm with my free hand. "I think it takes a little longer than that to pull a wedding together. Seriously, though, did you have a time frame in mind?" We started walking again and ended up at the swings. We sat down on them, side by side, and floated back and forth with our hands still joined.
"Bella, I've wanted to be married to you for the last ten years," he said with a touch of seriousness to his voice. "I don't want to wait years more. That said, however long it takes you to plan a wedding with which you will be happy, that's how long I'll wait."
"Would you be disappointed if we did something small? I mean, not too small, but I don't want to invite the entire town of Forks." I could feel my cheeks flush. I'd always dreamed of getting married in Angela's dad's church in Forks. Of course, the last time I really thought about it seriously, I lived here full time.
"Bella, as long as you meet me at the altar, I don't care where we are. We can go to Vegas if you want," he responded, his lips curved into a soft smile. He leaned around the swing chain and kissed me, making my toes curl.
We decided to stop at the station on the way back to the Cullens' house to tell Charlie. I could call Renee later, and Edward didn't care when he told his parents. He assured me that he would call them before the weekend was out, but things hadn't improved much where his feelings for them were concerned.
"Hey, Mark," I called to the deputy behind the desk.
He lifted his head, clearly not expecting to hear his name. "Well, hey there, Bella, Edward. I didn't know you were coming in town this weekend. You wanna go back and see your dad? He's in his office, catching up on some paperwork."
"Thanks, Mark." I flashed him a wide smile and lifted the countertop to slide behind the desk.
Edward took it from me and closed it behind him. He trailed behind me as I weaved my way through the desks, all empty for the weekend.
"Knock, knock," I said as I knocked on the door jamb to my father's office. As usual, his door was open and some game droned on from his small television in the corner.
"Hey, guys! What are you doing here? I didn't forget something, did I?" Dad's brows knit together in concern.
Edward shook his head. "Nah. The Cullens invited us down for a barbeque tomorrow. You're welcome to join us, by the way." We moved into the room and sat in the chairs on the visitor's side of the desk. I didn't want to think about the last time we'd sat here.
"And you just thought you'd come visit your old man at work?" Dad said, a touch of amusement coloring his tone.
"We might have some news," I countered teasingly.
His eyes darted down to my hands, and he grinned. "It's about time, boy."
I gasped. "You knew?"
"Of course he knew," Edward retorted. "I called him and asked for his permission."
Dad rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but that was months ago."
Suddenly, a conversation about Edward's plans to propose when we were in town for our reunion flittered through my mind. At the time, I hadn't really thought he was serious. Apparently, I'd been wrong.
"Anyway," I cut into their banter that I wasn't listening to. "We wanted you to be the first to know, so here we are."
Dad smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in his happiness. He stood and came around his desk, meeting me with a hug as I rose from my chair. "I'm happy for you, Bells," he whispered. Our physical affections never lasted long, but when he released me, he held out his hand and shook Edward's.
Seeing his support and his true care for us as individuals and as a couple solidified my resolve to have a wedding where my dad could walk me down the aisle.
"Charlie," Mark called, his voice on edge. "Sorry to interrupt, but I need you to get over to Mark's. His boy just called in some suspicious characters at the pumps."
"Call when you get done?" I requested. I knew my voice sounded small, but I wasn't prepared to lose my dad to some idiots looking to rob a gas station.
"Will do," he said, patting my shoulder on his way out.
Edward and I followed him as far as the parking lot and watched him pull out onto the street in a hurry.
"He'll be fine," Edward murmured. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and rubbed his large hand down my arm.
We stared off into the direction he'd gone for another minute, and then got quietly into the car and started the drive back to the Cullens' house. I thought about calling my mom, but I wanted Ryan to be the next to know, even if he had known the proposal was coming.
Thankfully, Forks was a small town, and it didn't take long before we were turning onto their driveway. Ryan must have been watching for us, because he ran out on to the porch before we even got the car into park.
"And?" he yelled.
Edward held up his fists triumphantly, and Ryan let out a loud whoop. He ran down the steps and high-fived Edward, who was closer to him. I laughed at his antics and saw Esme shaking her head and laughing from the porch. Ryan then ran over to me and hugged me so hard, I could barely breathe. I slung my arm over his shoulder once he let go, and together, the three of us walked up to the house.
"Congratulations," Esme offered with a smile, holding out her hand to see my ring.
I let the boys go into the house without us as I showed it to her, and she oohed and aahed over it appropriately. When we rejoined them in the living room, Carlisle was offering what appeared to be hearty congratulations to Edward, and then he gave me a big smile.
We all sat around the room and Ryan brought out the controller for his Wii. I wasn't sure what he was playing—it looked like some strange version of Zelda that I'd never seen.
"What do you all have planned for next week?" Carlisle asked. His tone was friendly and interested.
I shrugged. "We planned to work on Ryan's room some, I think, but there's not anything major. I thought about seeing if Ryan wanted to go to zoo camp while he's in Seattle, too."
"Zoo camp?" Ryan asked, perking up a little and tilting his head to the side.
"Yeah, they have these programs where you can spend a few hours each day helping the zookeepers and learning about the animals," I told him. "It looked really interesting, but I didn't know if you'd want to do that."
He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Sounds cool."
Esme rolled her eyes and suppressed a smile. "He'd love that," she whispered. "What are you going to do with him during the other days? Not that it matters—it's been so easy with me being at home that we never had to worry about it, but Charles and Christina had to go the camp route every year until the girls got older."
"My schedule is pretty flexible," Edward said, his eyes leaving the screen and focusing on Esme. "Once I get the internet lines installed, I can work from home, or I can take the night shifts. The only time we might have a problem is when I have one of my training weeks later this summer. I'm not sure when or if it's going to fall within our two weeks or not."
"Don't worry about that. Just let us know when it is, and we'll work around it. Switch out a week here or there to make up for it," Carlisle said. His sudden change in attitude struck me as odd, but I didn't want to call him out on it in front of Ryan.
Edward must have had the same thought, because he gave Carlisle an odd look. Carlisle didn't catch it, though. He was too busy instructing Ryan on how to get something in the game. This was a side that I hadn't seen, Carlisle playing with Ryan and Ryan acting as if it was totally normal. Then I considered that every time we'd all been together, it had been chaotic or emotionally stifling. Clearly, something over the last few weeks had loosened Carlisle up to the point he was allowing us to see something that was normal for them.
The rest of us watched them for a few minutes. Until, that is, my bladder made it known that I really had to go. I excused myself from the room and practically ran to the bathroom down the hall. While I relieved myself, I couldn't help but stare at the gorgeous ring adorning my hand. Edward really had done a fabulous job. It was simple, but still had flair.
My next stop was the kitchen, and I was surprised to find Carlisle in there, getting drinks for everyone else.
"We've got to stop meeting like this," he joked, flashing me a smile.
His joviality reminded me of my earlier suspicions, and I pinned him with my stare.
"What's changed?" I asked simply, hoping that he would understand without me having to spell it out.
Carlisle sighed and set down the glass he was holding. "Certainty. I know now what to expect. You aren't some random people popping back into my son's life to create havoc. You love him as much as we do and only want what's best for him. I didn't see that before." He held up his hand to stop my retort. "It's not that it wasn't there, Bella. You have to see things from my perspective. After ten years, this young couple shows up out of the blue, claiming that my son is actually theirs. Other than the fact that he looks exactly like Edward, there was no proof of it. And when that proof came in, it didn't erase the concrete evidence I had in the form of signed affidavits relinquishing your parental rights. I had a paper stating that you didn't want him. All I could see was that now that the hard part was over, you wanted to swoop in and play house. I didn't know if it was 'seller's remorse' or just some urge you had to pretend, but regardless, I could see Ryan getting caught in the middle and hurt when playtime was over. And if it wasn't that and your story was true, then my wife and I were going to be devastated when our son was ripped away from us. We love him, Bella. Now, though, I know that isn't going to happen, at least not right away, and that allows me some level of comfort."
I nodded, finally able to understand where he was coming from. I hadn't considered things from that perspective, and now that he'd put it out there, I could see why he'd been so cautious and negative where we were concerned. I didn't like it, but I could understand. "Thank you for telling me. You have to know that we'd never do anything to intentionally hurt him, though."
"I do know that now," he assured me. "Otherwise, I wouldn't let you in his life if I could help it."
I smiled at him and shook my head. We'd found common ground, it seemed.
"Help me with these?" he requested, holding up three of the five glasses he'd poured.
I walked around the counter, grabbed the two he'd left, and followed him back into the living room. Edward was trying to play the game with Ryan, and Ryan was correcting him almost constantly. Carlisle strode toward them and got in on the action.
"So," Esme started when I sat down and handed her a glass, "what are your plans where this wedding is concerned?"
"I have no idea. I'd like to get married in Forks, if we can, and we both want something small. I guess it all depends on how quickly we can pull it together," I told her.
She grimaced slightly. "I'd be happy to help if you like, but I'm not sure if you really want to do it here."
"Why not?"
"The gossip has gotten . . . extreme. Most people try not to repeat it to me, but there are a few that haven't been so quiet when I'm standing behind them in the checkout lane," she said quietly. I could hear the sadness in her voice.
"What are they saying?" I asked, unable to believe that the people I grew up with could be malicious. Gossipy, yes, they'd always been that way, but to be deliberately mean about us was something else all together.
"There's one rumor that Bob Gerandy had Ryan taken from you because you were an unfit mother and you are retaliating now that you have your life together. There's another one that you broke up Edward's engagement to another woman and are holding him to you with threats that he won't be allowed to see Ryan. One lady even accused me of buying Ryan from a black market baby dealer, saying that Bob Gerandy would never have been involved in something so sinister. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how small towns are," Esme said sadly.
"You've got to be kidding me," I gasped, appalled.
She shook her head. "I wish I was. Most people have been nice, at least to my face. A few have said that we should go to jail, too, for buying a stolen baby. A few have told us that we should keep Ryan, as we seem to be better parents than you would be. It's frustrating, mostly because these people don't really know any of us. We just moved here, and you've been gone for ten years."
For one second, I thought that it would be better to get away from these small minded people and not to have them anywhere near me on what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Then, another idea occurred to me and a slow smile spread across my face. "Let them talk. If they have nothing better to do than make up stories, so be it. It's my wedding day, and they won't be invited. Instead, they can watch from outside as you all are invited and we all get along just fine."
Esme laughed loudly and patted my hands. "I think that'll do just fine. If it's small, do you want to have the reception here? We can set a tent up in the back yard or do it in house if need be."
I wanted to immediately dismiss the notion, but the truth was that I could see it. We could hang fairy lights in the trees and put a small dance floor underneath a tent. In fact, it was a beautiful scene and one that I couldn't imagine any other way. At the same time, our peace was still fragile, and I didn't want to put her out.
She must have seen the indecision on my face, because a knowing look swept over hers, and she smiled slyly at me. "And just think, when you are ready to leave, Ryan can just stay here with us while you are on your honeymoon. He won't have to go anywhere, and he'll be somewhere he feels comfortable."
Dammit! She already knows my weakness! I thought as I felt the last bit of my resistance fall away. "If you're sure you don't mind," I hedged, trying in vain to hold onto the last shreds of . . . whatever.
Esme grinned, and there was a maniacal gleam in her eyes. "Of course I don't mind. I love throwing parties, and I don't get to do it nearly often enough now that we moved here. You just let me know when you want to get married, and I'll make it happen."
It was like having another Alice in my life, only this one was already another parent to my son. The day took on an even more surreal quality, and I slumped against the couch cushions, needing something—anything—to ground me.
Edward caught the movement out of the corner of his eye. "All right, buddy, it's time for bed," Edward announced as soon as Ryan lost another life.
"Aw, man, I don't wanna. It's not bed time," Ryan whined.
It was bed time, though. It was already well after ten.
"Ryan," Edward said in a warning tone.
Carlisle sat back and watched Edward get parental for the first time. He didn't seem put out, but it seemed like he was interested to see how Edward handled it.
Ryan huffed and threw his controller in the floor, and then crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.
Edward stood to his full height and looked every inch the Army officer that he was. "Pick it up now, and put it away properly," he said in a deadly calm voice.
The room got so quiet you could hear every squeak of Ryan's seat.
From my vantage point slightly behind, I couldn't see all of Ryan's face, but I did see one of his eyes get really large as he stared at his dad. I didn't know if he just wasn't expecting Edward to take on discipline in the Cullens' house or if Edward's tone was scaring him, but whatever the cause, he nodded and leaned over to pick up the controller he'd thrown in his tantrum. Quickly, the game was shut off and the controller properly stored.
"Tell everyone good night, and go get ready for bed," Edward ordered. I had to hand it to him . . . He hadn't relaxed his stance at all.
Ryan, for his part, met each of us in turn and hugged us good night, his previous attitude completely absent. He trudged up the stairs, obviously not happy about having to go to bed, but no longer actively protesting.
As soon as he was completely out of sight, Edward collapsed on the couch. "Dear God," he breathed out, running his hand over his face.
Carlisle let out what sounded like a snort, and his shoulders shook with his repressed laughter. Once he got himself under control, he patted Edward on the shoulder. "You did well. He was testing you, and I think you passed." Carlisle rose from his seat and followed Ryan upstairs, where we heard him fuss a second later about Ryan still not being dressed.
"Carlisle's right, you know," Esme said quietly. "He's testing his boundaries with the four of us, trying to figure out what we'll put up with from him."
I nodded, having expected this at some point, but not so soon. "I'm sure he's picked up on the tension over the last couple of months and didn't think any of us would want to discipline him and look like the bad guy in front of the others. Have you been having more trouble with him when we aren't here?"
She shook her head. "No, not at all—the opposite, in fact. He's always a good kid, but this week, he's done everything he can to be helpful."
"We need to get that therapy started, and soon. When he's up with us, I can have him talk to one of my partners, if that's okay with you, since it'll only be for a few weeks for the summer," I said.
"Will they talk be able to talk to his therapist here?" Esme asked.
"Yes, of course. If you're still considering the practice we talked about, my partner, Zafrina, knows them well," I told her.
"Elise Martin recommended Jacob Black, one of her new guys. He's still getting his PhD, but she thought he might relate better to a man. I don't know if you know him. Jacob is younger than you, but he grew up around here, down near LaPush." She seemed comfortable with this guy, and that was important. I'd probably call him and check in, as well, but I'd trust her judgment.
"There are Blacks down in LaPush, but the only one I ever knew was Rachel," Edward interjected. "She used to come down and surf with us at the beach when we were younger. The last I heard, she went to college at University of Hawaii and married some professional surfer."
I vaguely remembered the girl. She was one of the native Quileutes—exotically beautiful and graceful with her long limbs and shiny hair. There were flashes in my memory of a little boy trailing after her on occasion and playing in the surf while she rode the waves.
"When does he start going?" I asked. With him due to come to Seattle at the end of week, it didn't leave much time for him to get acquainted with this Jacob guy.
"Wednesday morning," Carlisle said, coming back into the room. "Bella, he suggested that if you wanted Ryan to talk to someone in Seattle while he's there, to let him know when the appointment times are and he can conference in so that when Ryan's here and then when he's back in school, he'll have continuity of care."
It wasn't actually a bad idea, but Zafrina or Kate wouldn't have the same benefit for when he was here, and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. "Let me talk to Zafrina and make sure that is okay with her."
He nodded in understanding, and then held his hand out for Esme. "Come on, Mae, let's let these people go to bed and spend some time together. I'm sure they'll want to celebrate on their own for a little while." He winked at us and smiled kindly.
Esme giggled. "Good night," she said, joining her husband at the foot of the stairs.
After all pleasantries were exchanged, Carlisle and Esme retired to their room, and Edward and I retired to ours. As soon as the door closed behind us, Edward wrapped me in his warm embrace. His lips trailed kisses up and down my neck.
I moaned quietly. His body was lean and hard behind me. Add that to seeing him truly behave as a parent tonight, and it all made me so incredibly hot.
"I want . . . my fiancée," he whispered into my ear.
I was sure that I made some sort of needy sound, but I had no idea what it was. I was completely lost in the haze of him and us.
Edward's hands skimmed up my sides, pressing lightly against those spots that he knew needed some extra attention. My nipples were so hard by the time he reached them, they were straining against the fabric of my bra and the thin cotton of my top. His large hands cupped my breasts while he breathed on and nipped at my neck. In short, he was quickly turning me into a pile of goo.
Without fanfare, we divested each other of our clothing. I paid special homage to his muscled chest once it was bared to me, and he did the same to me. Though we were well acquainted with each other's bodies, we took our time exploring. When we finally came together, it was slow and soft, and so full of our love for each other, I wondered how I didn't explode from the sheer emotion of it.
My life had completely turned upside down from the moment I'd gone for a run during our reunion weekend. Laying here in my fiance's arms with my son sleeping upstairs, my last thought before I fell asleep was that I wouldn't change a thing.
I'll be posting a picture of the ring on my profile sometime in the next 24 hours or so and I will also put it on the forum. Let me know what you think, as usual!
Recs this week:
Glory by bandmum—I don't normally rec one shots but you just can't miss this one. I don't think I've ever been so moved by a o/s in all the years I've been reading. It's simply beautiful and very well written.
Unrequited by Perry Maxwell—Edward leaves Bella, only for her to get a call from his sister, Alice, 10 months later, asking her to come to her dying ex-husband's bedside. I read it all today. I just couldn't put it down. It's still a WIP, but she seems to update regularly.