A/N I know it's short for someone who has been gone for over a year, but it's a filler. Thanks to anyone still reading. Of course, SM owns it all.
Most of the following month passed in the same manner. I'd leave in the mornings for Charlie's with Alice in tow. Bella and I would sip coffee and cuddle as we watched the leaves fall from the trees. Luckily, winters in the south didn't get too terribly cold. After less than a month, Alice was established at a nearby women's clinic, although she wasn't a nurse, but she enjoyed the clerical work and rarely complained.
"Edward!" I jumped and my eyes shot to my sister.
"What, you pest?"
"I've been calling your name for two minutes! Dr. Cullen invited us to dinner with the family tonight. I was supposed to tell you Tuesday, but I forgot."
"Tonight? I don't know, Alice, today is my only day off. I'd like to have a few hours to rest. Besides, I've gotta be at work early Monday morning."
"Charlie and Bella will be there," Alice chirped.
"Well, I guess I could make time for it. Give me about an hour and I'll be ready to go." I guess if Bella is going it can still be relaxing. Not that knowing she'd be attending in any way influenced my change in decision, of course. Alice hopped off with a little smirk on her face. She's always been a know-it-all.
We arrived at Dr. Cullen's around 6 p.m. and Alice was bouncing in her seat. My excitement didn't match hers until I noticed Bella's red truck following me into the driveway. She caught my eyes in the rearview mirror and smiled a big, beautiful smile my way. Maybe dinner would be nice after all. I jumped out to open Alice's door, then met Bella at her own.
"Hello, sweetheart," I kissed Bella's cheek before meeting her eyes, she then rose to her tiptoes and gently pressed her lips to my own.
"Hi, handsome. I wasn't sure if I'd see you today." I told her about my conversation with Alice, although I left out the unnecessary bits like declining the invite until I knew she'd be in attendance. A quick glance at Bella's toes told me she was feeling the fall weather, as she'd painted little flower leaves on her big toes and an orange beaded anklet. Once my gaze fell to her ankle, then back to her face, she smiled.
"Your toes are very well dressed today," My teasing made her giggle, but she didn't respond, she just led us inside where Dr. Cullen stood on the doorstep. With Bella's hand nestled in the crook of my elbow, we made our way to meet Alice at the top of the driveway.
"Alice! Bella! How are you all doing? And where is Charlie tonight? That stubborn man knows he was invited too right?" Dr. Cullen waved us inside, greeting Alice and Bella with kisses to the cheek.
"He did, but he's been under the weather since yesterday. I practically forced him to stay home tonight, especially since he's adamant he'll be workin' tomorrow," Bella didn't hesitate in reciprocating her kiss to Dr. Cullen's cheek.
"Well, I might not be a specialist, but if he needs to see me, you just call me and I'll be there in a flash. Now, you must be Edward. I'm Doctor Esme Cullen, it is so nice to finally meet you. These ladies have nothing but sweet things to say about you. Come inside and meet my husband and nephew." Dr. Cullen wrapped me in a hug, like she'd known me all my life. Together, we walked to the kitchen where a blonde man stood against a counter, sipping a cup of coffee.
"Carlisle, come meet Edward, darling," she motioned us to the dining area where a feast was assembled. The food almost looked as good as Bella's and I had to keep myself from drooling a bit.
"This looks wonderful, Dr. Cullen! Thank you for inviting us." Alice chirped, making herself right at home.
"It's Esme when we aren't at work, Alice. I've told you a dozen times. To you, too, Edward. Now, make yourself at home, I'm going to get Jasper from upstairs!" I shot a glance at Alice, who's eyes lit up at the mention of this Jasper fellow. My curiosity was piqued and when Esme made her way back down the stairs, followed by a young gentleman, about my age.
"Alright, everyone's here! Let's eat!"