I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.
None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …
I apologize for not updating on Christmas. I was dealing with some significant personal issues, depression, anger, sadness and … yeah. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm hopeful to have the update schedule return to normal beginning on New Year's Day … It's my resolution.
Up next will be Edward's return to Los Angeles, along with his conversation with Alice. Will she finally see the error of her ways and make a concerted effort to make amends. We'll also move forward in time, to Seth's musical performance.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Edward
I rubbed my chest as I stared out the window of the airplane. My heart was shattering, knowing that I left Bella in San Francisco. I wanted to be next to her. I needed to have her by my side. Now that I'd been with her, being away from her broke my heart.
"We're making our final approach to Los Angeles Airport where the temperature is …"
I sighed, stuffing my phone into my carryon bag, and clicked up my tray table. I finished my gin and tonic as the earth got closer. I sighed as the plane landed smoothly, slowing down and taxiing to the gate. After the fight attendants made a few announcements, the door was opened, and I followed the herd of humanity out of the plane. I tugged out my cell phone, dialing Bella.
"Hello?" she answered.
"I'm back in Los Angeles," I replied glumly. "I'm tempted to get on the next flight to San Francisco."
"As much as I'd love that, you have a job to do, Edward. I love you and we'll see each other soon," she cooed.
"I love you so much, gorgeous," I whispered, leaning against a wall, and rubbed chest. "Where are you?"
"I'm at the publishing house, working on some publicity for my latest novel along with finalizing travel plans for the book conventions I'm attending this year," Bella answered. "Once I'm done with that, I'm going to work my latest book. I hope I can finish it by the end of the week. Fingers are crossed."
"Keeping yourself busy?" I asked.
"Yeah," she chuckled humorlessly. "Have you spoken to your sister?"
"I'm calling her next," I answered, wrinkling my nose. I was more than willing to get a car, but my sister all but insisted that she pick me from the airport. "Can we Skype tonight?"
"Rose and Emmett are adamant that I spend time with them tonight since it's been so long," Bella quipped. "So, we're having a family meal with them, along with Jasper and Caius. We can have a Skype date tomorrow. Okay?"
"Ugh, fine," I sighed, rolling my eyes as I pushed off the wall. "I love you, gorgeous."
"I love you, too," she whispered. "I miss you so much."
"I miss you more," I breathed. "If you want, call me when you get home from dinner. I'll be unpacking, doing laundry, and pining over your absence."
"We're pathetic," she laughed. "Have fun with Alice and I'll talk to you tonight before bed."
I ended the call, slipping my messenger bag over my head and checked my messages. There were a few texts from Alec, Elliott, and my parents. I found a message from Alice, reading it as I walked through the airport. I'm at baggage claim. I've missed you, Little Brother ~ Ali
I tapped out a response. I'm heading to the baggage claim now. See you in a bit, Alice ~ Edward
Stuffing my phone into my pocket, I walked through the airport. Some people tried to get photos with me or stop me for an autograph. I obliged the people asking for autographs, but I didn't want to have my picture taken. What felt like an eternity later, I made it to baggage claim. My sister was waiting for me, leaning against my luggage. Her long brunette hair was gone, and she wore an adorable pixie cut. She also wore a pair of jeans and loose tunic. "Edward, it's been too long," she said, smiling. She pushed away from the luggage, hugging me tightly. "You look good, Little Brother."
"So do you, Ali," I murmured. "What happened to your hair?"
"I needed a change," she said, running her hand through her short, cropped hairdo. It stuck up every which way, looking a lot like mine. "Come on. Let's get out of here. We have a lot to talk about."
I grabbed my suitcase and followed her out to the short-term parking lot. I noticed she brought my Range Rover. "Did you break into my house, Alice?"
"It's not like your bag could fit in my Porsche," Alice quipped. "I got your keys from Mom, and I picked up your Range Rover. I'll leave your keys with you when I leave."
"Alice …" I sighed.
"No, I betrayed your trust and Bella's, as well. Yes, we're family," she murmured, sliding into the driver's seat. I got into the passenger's seat, buckling up. "But, I need to prove to you that I'm not going to sabotage your relationship with Bella."
"And, giving me back my keys is going to do that?" I asked.
"I used to have cart-blanche access to your home because I was your lawyer, sister and friend. Now, I'm not," she explained, starting the car and backing up. "Well, I'm still your sister, but I'm no longer your lawyer and our friendship is questionable at best. I betrayed you and I have to come to grips that our relationship has irrevocably changed because of my actions and behaviors. I love you, Edward. I always will. It was my job to protect you and in doing that, I crossed a line and hurt the woman you adore. I was so fucking blind to not see how much you love Bella."
"Alice, we're still friends," I argued weakly.
She sighed, paying for parking, and pulling out into traffic. "Edward, I did a lot of thinking and way too much drinking while I was in Italy," she laughed humorlessly. "I was so driven and needed to make a name for myself, separate from our family but still aligned with our values. I still am and I love being an attorney. It's my way of performing, like you, Mom and Dad. Along the way, I forgot that I was also your sister. I lost sight of the bigger picture. I was more focused on your career and less on our relationship as siblings, as friends." She got onto the freeway, driving toward my home. "I'm … I'm going to move. With what happened to you and how I let my opinions of Bella cloud my judgment, I'm going to move to New York. I've interviewed for a position at prestigious firm, working with representing actors, models and talent on the East Coast."
"You shouldn't have to uproot your life, Alice," I frowned. "You can stay. You should stay. I don't want you to go."
"I have to go," she shrugged, her lips curling down into a scowl. "I'd been too comfortable, and I need a place where I can spread my wings." She changed lanes. "Mom and Dad also think it's the best choice, for me and for our family. So, I've put my place up for sale and I'm going to be out in New York by the end of February. I'll start working at the firm in March. It's what's best for me."
"I really don't want you to go," I said as she got off the highway. "How are we supposed to heal our relationship if you're in fucking New York?"
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder," she quipped, arching a brow. "Edward, we have a couple of months. Besides, you can always come a visit me in the Big Apple. Bring Bella and Seth."
"I don't think …" I sighed. "I mean, I'll come visit you, but it will take some time with Bella and Seth. You're still not high on their list of favorite people."
"I assume I'm probably just above Bella's ex, Jacob," Alice quipped sadly. "It was my actions that brought him back into her life with my shady business practices. I should have looked up those emails and taken them to heart. I hope that, in time, I'll be able to prove myself to her and to her son. I'm so sorry."
"You're right in that assumption. Though, I know Bella will be upset that you're moving. She'll probably blame herself," I said, a frown marring my face.
Bella was going to blame herself. She believed that family was more important than anything and Alice was my family. Bella was also my family. I wanted forever with her. I wanted her to have my last name … to be the mother to my children. Our children. I wanted Seth to be my son. I wanted to be his dad. I wanted him to call me 'Dad'.
"It's not her fault. It's mine. I've made peace with my choices and the consequences of those choices," she said. "For now, I want to spend time with my brother. I have gifts for you from Italy. I also have some things for Bella and Seth. You can give them to her the next time you see her."
"Even though you're not her biggest fan, you got her gifts?" I asked.
"Distance made me realize that I do like her, and I like her with you. You're genuinely happy, Edward. You've never been this happy. Ever," she said, turning into my subdivision. "I know that it's because of Bella and Seth. I saw a picture of the two of you at Aro's holiday party. You both looked beautiful."
"Thank you," I blushed. "She was a vision. I don't know how I'm going to be away from her for six weeks."
"You'll be so busy with casting the film, rehearsing with the main characters and getting behind the camera, you won't have time to miss her," Alice said, pulling into the driveway and parking in the garage. She turned off the car, handing me the keys and slid out of the driver's seat.
I got my bag, walking into the house with Alice on my heels. "Alice, I will busy, but I left a part of my heart, my soul up in San Francisco with both Bella and Seth. You're my family, but so are they."
Alice gave me a soft look. "I know that. I'm sorry that I alluded that they weren't your family or that you'd forget about them. God, I'm such a fuck up."
"You're not a fuck up," I chided. "A little misguided, but not a fuck up." I turned to her, pulling my sister into my arms. "I'll always love you, Ali."
"I love you, too, Edward," she whispered, sliding her arms around my waist.
I kissed her forehead, stepping back. "Stay tonight. I need to do laundry and …"
"You want me to cook for your sorry ass," she snickered.
"Well, yeah. I got spoiled by Bella's amazing cooking. I don't want to eat takeout," I grumbled, walking upstairs.
By the time Alice left, after she'd made us dinner, we were in a better place. Would we be the same as we were before she decided that my girlfriend was not worthy of me? Probably not, but she atoned for her sins. She apologized and she's taking strides to make things right between us, as well as with Bella and Seth. The latter would take time, but hopefully, we could have a family holiday without fear of bloodshed.
A couple of days later, I was at the Summit offices with Alec, Elliott, and the team of casting directors. We were looking for the child actor to play the part of Peter. We needed three ages … a newborn, a boy of three and another at age eight. The newborn would be hired locally, with the help of local talent agents. We were looking for the three-year-old and the eight-year-old, focusing on the older boy. He'd be in the movie the most.
With Amelia reading with the child actors, we found our two 'Peters'. Ironically, they were actual brothers. When I sent Bella a video of the boys, she responded with an enthusiastic yes.
The rest of the week, we managed to the supporting characters hired and scripts distributed. The extras and minor roles would be day workers, hired locally, like the baby Peter. Once we had everything settled, I scheduled the first table read.
The following week, in one of the large conference rooms at Summit, I sat down in front of the cast. Amelia, Ethan, and Sebastian were seated to my right, with Alec and Elliott to my left. The only people who were not in attendance were the boys. After discussing it with their mother, their agent, and Bella, they'd only get their scenes and not have the entire script. There were parts of the movie that were not appropriate for children. So, Alec was reading for the children with the rest of the main characters.
"Good morning, everyone," I smiled. "I'm eager to begin this journey. We have a stellar cast and amazing source material with the original novel for the movie, Long and Winding Road. You've received the full script, along with a rehearsal schedule and shooting schedule. We will begin shooting, on location, beginning in April. Accommodations have been made for you while we're on location, with short-term secured apartments. I'm hoping to have location shooting completed by the end of June. We'll have some studio work to complete after Independence Day, wrapping the movie by the end of July. Fingers are crossed, we'll have the movie ready to go by Memorial Day weekend next year. Now, let's read the script. Any of 'Peter's' lines will be read by Alec since the boys, Daniel, and Damien, will not know everything about the film, save for their scenes. Does anyone have any questions?"
"The scene where John hurts Charlotte, how graphic will that be?" Sebastian asked.
"Alluded violence, very abstract," I answered. "Part of it is because of the MPAA and the other part is respect of how the story was described in the novel." I blinked to Sebastian, who's eyes were swirling with concern. "It's going to be shot in shadow. I refuse to glamorize violence against women."
"Good," Sebastian nodded.
"Any more questions?" I asked, looking around the table. "Okay, let's get started."
xx Blockbuster xx
Bella
"Edward, you have to give me more than just pack a bag," I said, angling my cell phone on my pillow as I tugged out the smallest bag to pack for my long weekend trip to Los Angeles. "Are we staying at your place?"
"We are staying in California," he teased, sliding his glasses up into his hair. He normally wore contact lenses, but one tore in his eye and he needed to get his eye checked out. Hence, this spur of the moment of trip to Los Angeles to get his eyes checked. "I need to get out of the frozen tundra, gorgeous. You never told me that the Pacific Northwest is so freaking cold!" He was in Beaver, Washington, scoping out locations for exterior shots with Alec, Elliott and a few locals.
"Compared to Los Angeles, it is cold, but mild compared to everywhere else in the world," I snickered. "How are your eyes?"
"Contacts may not be an option until I get this thing fixed or get Lasik," he snorted. "Glasses suck in the cold. They fog up! Not easy when you need your eyes to do shit, like film a movie." He gave me a crooked grin. "You're beautiful, Bella. I miss you so fucking much."
"I miss you more," I murmured, blushing at his intense gaze. "Seriously, though. What do I need to pack?"
"If I had my way, not much," he purred. "Bella, I may have to deal with this eye thing, but I want to take you away. Just a weekend away, just the two of us. These FaceTime dates are not the same thing as holding you in my arms, love. So, thankfully, Elliott and Alec are manning the helm while I get my vision squared away and reconnect with my sexy, amazing, smart, funny, beautiful girlfriend."
"Essentially, I should pack sexy lingerie," I quipped.
"If that," Edward snickered. "Maybe, a dress, too. I want to take you out for dinner while we're together for Valentine's Day. I reserve the right to spoil my woman."
"Edward," I chided. "I don't need anything. I …"
"Too bad. You were denied so much and it's my right as your boyfriend to spoil you," he admonished. "Besides, I already got your Valentine's Day present. No take backs."
"Are you twelve?" I teased, rolling my eyes.
"Nope," he laughed. His gaze sobered as he stared at me. "Bella, let me … I want to give you everything you ever denied because of what you lost. I love you."
"All I want is you," I whispered, sitting down on the bed, and picking up the phone. "You've given me so much, by giving me you. You love me. You love my son." Tears welled and I hastily wiped them away. "You make me feel safe, protected, for the first time since … ever. That's all I want. I don't want that feeling to change."
Edward's eyes softened as he stared at me. "It won't, my love. I promise you. Now, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll be at the eye doctor. My mom will be picking you up and once I get back from the doctor, we're going on a short road trip. Give Seth a hug and kiss from me. I love you both so much," he murmured.
"I love you, too," I smiled, pressing a kiss to my fingers before waving at the camera. "Safe travels back to Los Angeles and good luck tomorrow." We ended the call. I spent the rest of the evening packing. I checked on Seth, who was studying in his room. "You have an overnight bag packed to stay with Uncle Jasper?" I asked.
"Yeah," Seth nodded, taking out his Air Pods. "He said he'd help me with my lines for the musical, along with working on the music."
"Are you ready for the show? You've got about a month of rehearsals left," I said, sitting down on the edge of his bed.
"I'm terrified that I'm going to mess up," he frowned.
I lay down next to him, sliding my arm around his shoulders. "Here's a little tip. No one besides you and your castmates will know if you made a mistake. Do I have a script? Do the other audience members?"
"True," Seth said thoughtfully. "But, I still want to do good. You know?"
"Regardless of what happens, I'm so proud of you, baby," I grinned, kissing his temple.
We talked for a little while longer before Seth yawned exhaustedly. We said our goodnights and I left him in his bedroom, with the door cracked open. Bear liked to wander between Seth's room and mine. Padding back to my room, I finished packing my bag and checked into my flight that Alec, Edward's assistant, had booked for me. I changed into my pajamas, a button-down that Edward had sent me that was doused in his cologne. With that shirt, I felt like I was wrapped in his arms, even while he was up near where I used to live.
Yeah, that was a mind fuck. The first few days that Edward was in Beaver, Washington, a town that was nine miles from my hometown, I had numerous nightmares, calling him in the dead of the night. I had to make sure that he was safe and that Jacob or his father hadn't hurt Edward. After three nights of me calling him, he started sending me the shirts, along with a suggestion that I make an appointment with my therapist.
Both helped.
"Up, Bear," I commanded, and my furry bed companion joined me on the bed. He put his head on my stomach. "You're going to be a good boy for Seth and Jas, right?" Bear growled lowly before woofing in reply. His butt was wriggling, indicating he was happy. "Love you, buddy."
Early the next morning, I saw Seth off on the bus. Jasper came to drive me to the airport, and he reminded me of the book convention I'd been signed up to attend a week after Valentine's Day. I wrinkled my nose, but thanked him with a hug. "Don't feed my kid junk food or expose him to porn."
"I'd never, Bells," Jasper snickered. "Besides, it would be Emmett who would corrupt Seth's mind."
"Not helping," I deadpanned, smacking his shoulder. Jasper just laughed, parking the car. "Will you be coming with me to the convention?"
"I'm planning on it. I've never been to Savanna, Georgia," Jasper grinned. "Have fun with Edward, Bells."
"I will," I answered, trying to hide the giddy smile on my face. "Thanks, Jasper."
Taking my suitcase, carryon, and purse, I sailed through security after I'd printed out my boarding pass. I sat down at the gate, checking in with Edward and Esme. Edward did not reply, which I assumed he was with the eye doctor. Esme did answer, eager to see me again.
The flight was quick. When we landed, I walked through LAX and found Esme easily, standing in baggage claim. Her blonde hair was curled to perfection with beaming grin on her timeless face. She eagerly hugged me and asked me how things were going with me, Seth, the film, and the latest publication of novels.
When we arrived at Edward's home, I grinned when I saw his car in the driveway. He was getting out, wearing a pair of chic sunglasses. His gaze found mine and a beautifully crooked grin spread over his face. He darted to the passenger side of his mother's car and pulled me into his arms, crushing me to his chest. I burrowed as close to him as possible, relishing in his warmth, strength, and protection.
"I see how it is," Esme quipped blandly. "Not even a kiss hello to your poor, decrepit old mother."
"I saw you this morning," Edward said, nuzzling my neck with his lips. "I haven't held her in a month." He pulled back, kissing me deeply, which caused his mom to giggle. Looking up, over his sunglasses, he glowered at her. "Really, Ma?"
"I've never seen you like this, Edward and I like it," Esme said. "Now, be helpful and get Bella's stuff out of the back of my car. I have a date scheduled with your father." She purred the word date, making Edward groan. He kissed me again, walking to the back of Esme's blue Bugatti SUV. "You weren't conceived by Immaculate Conception, Edward. I have sex."
"I don't need to know that, Mother," Edward grumbled, sliding next to me, and snaking his arm around my waist. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She blew us both a kiss, hopping into her car and backing out of the driveway. "I love my parents, but they did scar me."
"I can imagine. Did you ever walk in on them?" I asked.
"Too many times to count," he snickered, picking up my bag and putting it into the back of his Aston Martin. "Are you ready?"
"We're not even going inside?" I questioned.
"Nope. We're going to Palm Springs," he answered. "Four days, just the two of us. No interruptions and complete privacy. Though, I may have you drive once we get out of LA. My eyes are dilated, and the sun is killing me." He threaded his fingers with mine, guiding me to the passenger seat.
"What did the doctor say?"
"What I anticipated. I've got a gnarly scar on my cornea. Contacts are out for the foreseeable future, but I can get Lasik and the scar repaired all in the same procedure. I just need to let my eye heal since the wound is so fresh. I'm getting it done before we begin filming in April. Probably, at the end of March, or so," he answered, caressing my cheek. "Fuck, I've missed you, Bella. You are …" He leaned down and kissed me so tenderly, making my heart take off. "I love you."
My heart slammed against my ribs as my fingers gripped his jacket, trying to get closer to him. We kissed deeply until we both needed to breathe. Panting heavily, Edward dropped his forehead to mine. I inhaled in his scent. "Being separated sucks, but the reunion is amazing. I love you, baby."
"Yeah," he chuckled, kissing my nose. "In you go. We've got about two hours to our destination."
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive?" I asked, lowering his glasses to reveal huge pupils.
"You can drive a standard?" he asked.
"My old truck was a standard," I chuckled. "You just sit and let me handle the drive." I could see the struggle in his eyes, but he nodded and covered his too large eyes with the sunglasses, getting into the passenger seat. He pressed his keys into my palm before I closed the door. Jogging around the front of the car, I eased into the driver's seat and adjusted it so I could reach for the pedals. Edward was so much taller than me. "Okay, where do I need to go?"
"Get onto I-10," he said. "Head east."
While I drove us to Palm Springs, Edward told me about the trip he'd taken to Beaver along with rehearsals for the film. His eyes were closed behind his sunglasses, obviously trying to prevent light from coming in. "Okay, we're coming up to the Palm Spring exits," I said.
"We're going to a private home," Edward explained, handing me his phone. He pressed start and his navigation system guided me toward the place where we'd be spending Valentine's Day. In another twenty minutes, I pulled up to a mid-century modern home in a gated community. "Park in the driveway. I have to look up the code for the garage."
Edward opened the garage and darted inside. I arched a brow until he walked out the front door. He swept me in his arms. "What are you doing?" I laughed, gripping his shoulders.
"Carrying you over the threshold," he smirked.
"We're not married, Edward," I murmured.
"Not yet," he countered. "I wanted to keep this a surprise, but my stupid eyes prevented that. At least, I can sweep you off your feet, gorgeous."
"You've done that and then some," I smiled, pressing my lips to his. "Spending the weekend at your place would have been just as perfect."
"True, but this is better," he smirked, placing me on the couch. "I'm going to get our bags. Don't move." He pointed at me with a crooked smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes, watching as he pulled the car into the garage and bringing our luggage into the house. He walked into the kitchen. I heard him puttering in there, walking back into the living room with a bottle of wine and two glasses, along with a pretty red bag. He sat down next to me, draping my legs over his. "Hold this, gorgeous."
I took the two glasses, and he poured the wine into them, putting the bottle on the table. "This is one of my favorite wines," I said.
"Nothing but the best for my girl," he said. "A toast … to the first of many Valentine's Days. I'd wait forever for you, Ms. Swan. I love you."
"I love you more, Mr. Cullen," I grinned, clinking my glass with his. We took a sip and Edward put the bag on my lap. "What's this?"
"Your present," he answered.
"This trip is more than enough," I argued, putting the glass down. I picked up the bag, pulling out a sleek black box. I arched a brow. He just grinned at me. His eyes had returned to their normal size, and they twinkled beautifully. He leaned in, nuzzling my cheek, and pulling me closer to his body. "You really did miss me."
"Bella, love," he began, "Being away from you was like missing a part of myself. I know that I have to travel for work, but coming home to you makes it all the more better. What I'm giving you is a promise that you are my home. Both you and Seth are my home, my forever." I kissed him again before opening the box and finding a beautiful ring nestled inside. "Before you get upset about the cost, it's a family heirloom." He took it out of the box, sliding it onto my right hand. "A perfect fit …"
"This is exquisite," I murmured. "What is the center stone?"
"A ruby surrounded by diamonds," he answered, running his finger over my knuckles before bringing my hand up to his lips. "Now, this weekend is about us as a couple. You do not need to stress out about cooking, cleaning, or anything. I made all the arrangements."
"Meaning, Alec made the arrangements," I teased.
"It was actually Alec's assistant who made the arrangements," Edward quipped. "The rest of today and tonight, we're going to just veg out. Tomorrow, we're going to explore Palm Springs and we have reservations at Miro's. The day after tomorrow, we can do whatever you want …"
"Really?" I sang, shifting so I was straddling his waist. "Anything?"
His pupils dilated and it wasn't because of medication, it was desire. Suffice it to say, he lifted me off the couch and we were quickly a tangle of limbs, kisses, and bare bodies. When we came together, I barely contained my cries of joy and need.
As much as I wanted to explore Palm Springs, Edward and I explored each other more. We explored our bodies, reconnected on an intellectual level, and just bonded as a couple. We also spent an evening talking to my son on FaceTime. As much as we loved each other, Edward wanted to show Seth that he loved him, too. It was everything we both needed.
Early on the fourth day, we drove back to Los Angeles. Edward had rehearsals with the cast, and I had to fly back to San Francisco before I had to turn around, flying to Savannah, Georgia for the first book convention I'd be attending. Before I left, I was going to check in on the rehearsals. Amelia and the boys were working with Edward. In the rehearsal space, Amelia walked over to me and gave me a hug. Then, she introduced me to the boys who were playing her son. Daniel was the younger of the two and was extremely shy, reminding me of Seth when he was that age. Damian had the stronger personality, warming up to me immediately. Seeing his brother getting close to me, encouraged Daniel to talk to me. By the end of my time with them, Daniel was sitting in my lap and telling me his life story. I listened with rapt attention, grinning at the adorable baby babble. Blinking up, I saw Edward staring at me with a sad look in his eyes.
We left the rehearsal space, walking out to his car. "What is that expression, Edward?" I asked.
"You're such a good mom," he murmured, taking my face into his hands. "I wish you could …" He crashed his lips to mine and held me tightly. "You deserve children, gorgeous."
I gripped his shirt and tried not to cry. "There are more ways to have children," I whispered. "Adoption … fostering … surrogacy."
"But, you had," he trailed off. "A hysterectomy."
"My uterus was removed, not my ovaries," I said. "It would take a lot of help, but …" I pressed my lips to his. He crushed me to his body as we kissed until we were both breathless. "I should be going to the airport."
"I don't know if I can leave you," he whispered, holding me to his body.
"We'll be okay. I'll see you in a month," I vowed. "For Seth's performance."
"I'm driving you to the airport, love," he said. "Let me just … talk to Amelia …" He kissed me once more, ducking back into the room. He came back out, threading our fingers together. He didn't say much. He just held my hand while he drove me airport. Parking in the short-term lot, he walked me to the gate, caressing his thumb over my knuckles. After I printed out the boarding pass, Edward walked with me to the security line. "I'm going to miss you, gorgeous. I know that … you deserve so much happiness. You have so much love to give."
"Hey," I whispered, brushing my fingers through his messy hair. "I am happy. So happy. I haven't felt this happy in my entire life, and that's because of you. I love you. I love that you're in my life. This separation? It's temporary."
"I love you, too," he smiled, kissing me deeply. "Call me as soon as you land. Promise me?"
"I will," I nodded. "Don't work Amelia and the boys too hard."
"Never," he chuckled. "Be safe and give Seth a kiss for me." He brushed his lips against mine again before stepping back, out of the security of line. I stepped through the scanner, looking back at Edward. He slid his phone back into his pocket before blowing me a kiss. When I got my bags back, I saw a fresh text from Edward.
That ring on your right hand is my promise that you're my home, my forever, my love. It's also my heart. Take care of my heart … I've left it with you ~ E
You have a way with words, Edward. It's taking all my control to not sob and to run back into your arms ~ B
No complaint from me, gorgeous. I love you and call me. I'll be waiting with bated breath ~ E
A/N: First time writing this in almost a month. I need to build up more of a surplus of chapters for this bad boy, but I set a goal to finish this in December. Fingers are crossed that I can … I apologize for the fade to black, non-citrusy Valentine's Day. I don't want to focus on their sex lives. Citrus can be fun … don't get me wrong. I just didn't want to shift the focus of the story from their relationship to them getting it on.
Anyway, pictures for this chapter, including the ring that Edward gave to Bella, are on my blog. You can access that through a link on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.
Up next will be the book convention, a flashback, the musical performance, and some drama … leave me some loving!