Chapter 19

Edward

"Why the formality? You're already shacked up with her. What kind of father would I be to tell you no? Yes, please keep living in sin with my daughter," Charlie mocks as he blows gunpowder out of the chamber he's cleaning.

I didn't tell him I was stopping by so I doubt he's cleaning them as a threat. More like a happy coincidence. So, of course, I decide to press my luck.

"Like you are? When are you gonna tell her that Sue is living with you by the way?"

"Blackmail is illegal, Son."

"So is pointing a gun at me," as I look at said weapon now looking pointedly at me.

He grins. "Maybe I'm trying to make you shit your pants. You do seem to have a problem with that."

"My incontinence is not up for discussion. And you're not nearly as scary as your daughter is, I hate to tell you."

He perks up. "Hey, isn't the groom supposed to supply a dowry?"

"What year and country do you think we're living in? Besides, in that case, you'd be giving money to me for marrying your daughter."

"Fuck that noise. I'm just trying to get some season tickets to the Seahawks," he grumbles.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but I kinda need an answer so I can at least say I asked for your blessing."

"Fine, marry her but no refunds!" He scowls for good measure then smiles broadly. "I can't think of one man I'd rather have as my son-in-law. I'm thankful everyday that she didn't meet your brother first."

"You and me both," I laugh.

"When are you gonna do it?" He asks.

"I'm not sure. But I do know where," I smile as I linger in the doorway. "And just so you know, my father has a suite at Lumen Field." And with a wink and a smirk, I leave.

But not before I hear him mutter, "I'm liking him a little more right about now."

I look around to make sure Bella is otherwise occupied before taking the ring box out of my pocket to put it in my sock drawer. I tried to think of the last place Bella would look and let's face it, laundry isn't something Bella does on the regular.

I close the drawer and join Bella in the living room where she is screeching at Tanya to get her fat ass off the island. Since putting Tanya on a diet, all that cat does is linger in the kitchen and howl at the top of her lungs for food. But at least she's finally leaving my poor couches alone.

I pick her up off the counter and she allows me to pet her only because she thinks I'll give her food. Once she realizes that is not the case, she hisses and bites my hand before scurrying off to destroy another room.

"Have you ever tried to calm her ass down with catnip?" I ask as I wave my hand around trying to help the sting.

"Yes, it affects her like a crackhead on meth. Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's methamphetamine," she quotes, laughing.

"So, scratch that off the list."

I sit down next to her only slightly worried by the crashing sound in the laundry room.

"What did you do today?"

"Worked, then went shopping with Rose and Alice."

"So, she and Jasper finally came up for air, huh?"

"Yeah, it was a struggle listening to her today but she's happy and I'd rather hear about her sex life than the shit your brother and Rose practice."

"Yes, but did you tell her how long it took for me to bleach every inch of my bathroom?"

"Edward, let it go. They invited us over to Jasper's house for dinner this weekend and we're gonna go and not mention that at all."

"Ugh, fine."

"You'll be rewarded."

Her tone makes me look at her. "Oh, do tell."

"Good things come to those who wait," is all she says as she focuses on the tv screen.

So on the night of the dinner, I don't mention it at all. It's a great time with great people, great food and lots of laughs. It's nice to see how our friend group has meshed so well, literally speaking. This time last year, we were all single but looking for love in all the wrong places. Damn, Bella's personality has seeped into mine, giving it a good infusion of song, movie and book quotes. Seeing her laugh with her best girlfriends, I know I wouldn't have it any other way.

Especially forty-five minutes later when I'm pumping in and out of her, her moans loud and proud as she's perched on Jasper and Alice's bathroom countertop.

"Shhh, they'll hear you."

"That's the idea. What did you think I meant by good things cum to those who wait? And why did you think I wore a dress to this shindig, my guy? Now quit talking and keep fucking me."

Did I mention how much I loved this woman?

Bella

"I'd much rather stay in. I thought moving in and becoming a boring old couple meant no more bars?" I whine.

"We met at a bar," he points out so rationally. "We don't have to go. The guys just thought it would be fun since we try to get together every couple of weeks. That's all. You could fake a headache."

I love that he would automatically drop any plans he made just so I'm happy. I can do the same for him.

"No, it's fine. But I'm not dressing up."

He shrugs and I go to my closet to find my rattiest, holiest jeans and an old Aerosmith t shirt. Add my Chucks and chuck my hair into a rats nest on top of my head and I'm ready.

He smiles at me like the first time he ever saw me, all squinty and happy. I detour to the island and grab his glasses, gently putting them on his face before kissing him. "That's better. I want you to have the full effect of my fabulousness."

We arrive at the bar about an hour later and go in to find our friends who are in rare form. Drinking, laughing and dancing happen for the next couple of hours and I'm actually having a good time. Edward is very tipsy and I know I'll be driving us home but I don't mind. He excuses himself to go to the bathroom and I gesture for Jasper and Emmett to help as it looks like a two man job.

Rose doesn't even wait until they are out of sight before she starts in. "I know you're all loved up but did you forget how to use your phone?"

I roll my eyes. "Rose, we see each other at least once a week. We're dating brothers."

"Yeah, but I mean one on one time." She side eyes Alice, who is content to just sip her cocktail. "Three on three time," she corrects. "You know like we used to do before we all had boyfriends."

"We can still do that. Just call me."

"Why do I have to be the one to always reach out? I swear to God, Bella, if you would just put some effort into anything, that would be great. I thought getting into a serious relationship would help that, but obviously not."

"I put effort into lots of things, Rose, like not cold cocking you out of that bar stool."

"I dare you." She stands up and looms over me. "Come on! Do it!"

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Even Alice is looking at her, mildly alarmed.

"Nothing is wrong with me. It's you, it's always you."

I stand up and face her. "You know what? I'm not doing this. Call me when you sober up. Alice, tell Edward I'm waiting outside for him."

Then I walk away. Call it growth, call it not wanting to make a scene, call it whatever but not tonight, Satan.

I lean on the side of the building and wait for him. Maybe I should pull his car up so they don't have to drag his drunk ass so far. I reach into my pocket for the keys I confiscated when he started slurring his words so adorably. I walk to where I know we parked the car but it wasn't there. Confused, I look around and am more so when I see Myrtle.

What the fuck is going on? I had one drink. I walk over to my truck to make sure I'm not hallucinating. I'm not.

"Hey."

I startle at the quiet sound of Edward's voice. "Don't come up on someone like that! Are you ready? Rose pissed me off and I think I need to take a break from her. Where's Emmett? I know you didn't sober up that fast," I ramble.

"We met right here in this spot, outside of this bar, six months ago."

"Yeah, I know. Why is my truck here and where is your car?"

"We met here six months ago.' He repeated. "I wanted to see your beautiful brown eyes and you almost shot me. And this whole thing started. I never thought I would find someone, never mind someone like you."

My breath rushes out of me with a whoosh but instinctively I know I need to let him talk. So for once in my life, I'm quiet.

"My life was mundane, boring, clean. And now it's lively and cluttered in the best way possible. From the disaster that is your closet to Tanya's scratch marks on every piece of furniture I own, my house is now a home. And that's thanks to my poor eyesight, Angelina, and you. And Craigslist," he smiles sardonically. "I guess what I'm saying is, will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?"

I gape at him as he lowers to one knee and opens a black velvet ring box revealing a simple oval solitaire. Not too big, not too small- just right. Like Goldilocks.

"Bella?"

I realized I haven't answered him so I breathily stumble out a 'yes'. He grins so big then sweeps me off my feet, swinging me around until I'm dizzy. I slowly become aware of cheering and once I've regained my footing, I realize it's coming from our family and friends who are here, with Rose laughing in the forefront.

That whore. She winks at me as if she knows what I'm thinking before coming up to hug me. "I had to think of a way to get your ass to leave the bar," she whispers. "I'm so happy for you."

"Don't think this engagement ring means I won't get you back," I warn.

"Looking forward to it." She makes way for Charlie, who gathers me in a big bear hug.

"I'm so proud of you, Kid."

"And all I had to do was get engaged? The bar is low, Pops. Did you get a dowry?" I whisper loudly, hearing Edward laugh.

"I tried like hell. Turns out I'd have to pay him and the pension ain't so great with my job."

"Well, you tried. Besides, with Sue living with you, you have to be more responsible with your money," I say knowingly.

He stammers a bit but I rescue him. "I'm happy for you. You deserve someone better than Renee. But you better marry her before she escapes. Those handcuffs only hold for so long. Trust me."

"I'm gonna go over there now," he points towards Emmett before making his escape. Jokes on him, Emmett is worse than I am.

"You're terrible," Edward chastises, wrapping his arms around me as we watch our families intermingle.

"I know," I smile satisfactorily. "Are we getting married here, too?"

"No," he snorts into my neck.

"I mean, the invitations could be lit. We could have guns and poop emojis under the venue at The Dam Bar. It would be original for sure. Like we are."

"No," he says, more firmly this time.

I sigh. "Just as well, I guess. After all, we don't want you to go viral again."

"Hush." I laugh and in answer I kiss him deeply and let him sweep me off my feet for the rest of the evening.

Two more to go.