AN: The other half of Thanksgiving, more family time and little bit of citrus.
My never-ending thanks to my lovely team of ladies, wonderful MeteorOnAMoonlessNight, and Midnight Cougar who has been voted in 1st place as Beta of the Year in the Golden Onion Awards 2022. It's well-deserved as she's been a fantastic beta to me over the last few years and I'm so grateful for her friendship.
Also a hundred thank yous to ghostreader24 without whom none of my chapters would make any sense at all!
Counting these three ladies as friends is a great feeling.
This has been one of the saddest weeks of my life as my wonderful mum passed away on Sunday. It wasn't entirely unexpected as she'd been in an out of hospital, but still a shock. I'll miss her forever and her encouragement to write meant everything.
Disclaimer: SM owns Twilight and all the characters. I just want to play with them, especially Edward.
Deceit and Destiny Chapter 54
Bella
Dinner was a mixture of good food and lively conversation. Plates were piled with the delicious food offerings, and glasses were filled with wine, water, or non-alcoholic liquids before Esme called for everyone to say a few words of thanks.
"Edward, can we start with you? Then Carlisle?" Esme requested.
Edward took a deep breath and looked at me. "I'm thankful for the good luck that sent me to the very town where Bella lives, so we could find each other again and reconnect. I'm thankful for meeting Connor, who I have come to love like a son, and for the gift of a daughter."
"I love you, too, Mr. Edward, and my momma, and my sister."
I was so proud of Connor. He was such an outgoing, loving child even after the lack of affection from his own father. I had Mom and Dad to thank for that, and I'd never been afraid to lavish him with love. The talk he and Edward had earlier really brought out the absolute best. Edward leaned over and hugged him, whispering, "Thanks, buddy," quietly in his ear, to which Connor beamed.
"That's perfect, Connor," Carlisle began. "I'm thankful for my family and the love they bring to our house, and especially for the new additions of Emmett, and now Renée, Charlie, Bella, and Connor."
Rose cleared her throat. "I'm thankful that my brother, Edward, encouraged me to take a chance on Emmett, even though dating and falling in love with a police officer was the last thing I expected when I decided to move here."
Emmett reached for her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed the back. "I'm thankful to Charlie and Renée for being my family, and to the Cullens for deciding on Port Angeles for their home because I would never have met my Rosie."
Rose blushed, and Mom patted his free hand saying, "You're very welcome, Emmett. You're like a son to us.
"Hmm, I'm thankful for a lot of things this year," Renée shared, "not the least of which is Edward who has given my daughter back her sparkle. I've never seen her so happy. I'm thankful for our continued good health, for Charlie, and for Connor, and now, a new baby to spoil."
"To good fishing, wonderful family, greatest grandson ever, and now a granddaughter."
As always, Dad's thanks were heartfelt, though short and sweet.
"Oh, goodness," Esme began. "I'm thankful that for the first time in years, all my family, except James—who may be visiting soon—are together on this Thanksgiving Day. And to Bella and Edward for bringing a new life into our lives, as well as new friends, and a grandson to spoil."
Then it was my turn, and like Mom, I had so much to be grateful for despite the uneventful start to the year, and the heartaches. They brought me to this wonderful place.
"I'm thankful for Connor—he's the best son a mom could have—and for Edward, the love of my life. I'm also thankful for good friends, especially Jess, and special thanks to Didi for forcing me to take a vacation, without which I have no idea where I'd be right now."
"Is it my turn now, Momma?" When I nodded, Connor carried on. "I'm thankful to Pops for taking me fishing and hiking, and to Mr. Edward for my new baseball glove. I'm happy to get a new baby. Getting a sister is okay, but I would've preferred a brother. I still love her, though. Oh, and I'm thankful for my new treehouse."
Everyone laughed good-naturedly at Connor's announcement about the baby, then we raised our glasses, saying cheers to each other.
Conversations broke out around the table, and everyone continued eating.
Rose had heeded Esme's words and said nothing about Edward and me, or the house. Instead, she spoke about how the boutique she and Alice owned was doing so well, and that they were thinking of opening another in Port Angeles.
"Why don't you extend your range and cover maternity clothes. I'm sure there are a lot of women who want fashionable clothing when they're expecting a baby."
"That's not a bad idea, Bella," Rose answered. "Alice was thinking along those lines. Not everyone wants to go to Seattle for more choices."
"Have you thought about adding baby and toddler clothes? I know Alice is pretty talented because I've bought a few of the things she's created, but I'd be interested in baby stuff, too."
"I'll have a talk with Alice, and see what she thinks."
"What about you, Edward? Are you ready to be a dad to your baby?"
"Yeah, Em, I'm ready for cuddles, diaper changes, and sleepless nights—everything. It's just over three months away until she's here, and I can't wait. There's a lot to arrange, but I'm looking forward to it immensely."
"Mr. Edward, is our baby your baby, too?" Connor piped up, tugging on Edward's sleeve.
Edward looked at me over his head for a few minutes, and I could see the concern in his eyes. I nodded, and he took a deep breath, turning his attention to Connor.
"Yes, Connor, I'm your baby sister's daddy, just like Jake is your daddy," he said gently.
"Will my Pops and Nana be hers, too?" Connor didn't say anything about his own father, and Edward and I had covered the main ideas, but it was likely Connor would have more questions later.
His eyes drifted to Carlisle, then Esme, but I wasn't sure he knew what question to ask though I could see his mind working.
"They, will, Connor. We'll be one family. Doesn't that sound good?" Edward answered him.
Connor nodded. "And Uncle Emmett? He'll be my sister's uncle, too?"
"He will, Connor. And you'll have Auntie Rose, like you have Auntie Angela and Jess and Alice. You'll have Carlisle and Esme for grandparents, too, though I think we have to come up with some good names, don't you?"
He looked at the two of them again. Esme smiled in encouragement.
"Well, you already have a Nana and a Pops, so you can call Carlisle and me whatever you want, sweetheart."
He frowned for a moment. "I have Grandpa Billy, too, and I can't have two Nanas and two Pops, 'cos people might get confused. We have two Stevens and two Marys in school, and sometimes they don't know who we're talking to. What do you think, Momma?"
"I think you're right, so we'll have to choose some other names, won't we?"
The conversation around us resumed, as everyone turned their attention away from the three of us, giving us a little bit of seeming privacy. I could hear Charlie discussing deep sea fishing with Carlisle, and Mom talking to Esme about returning to work.
I looked up to find Edward's warm, soft gaze on my face. My heart flipped and beat a little faster at the look of love he gave both Connor and me. A thrill of pleasure ran up my spine and into my head, and I had to blink back a tear or two. I was so lucky to have him in my life.
He mouthed, "I love you," at me, then looked down at Connor to make some suggestions.
"Well, you could call Esme Nannie, or Gram, and my dad Paw Paw, or Gramps. What do you think?"
Connor looked at Carlisle, who nodded in encouragement. "Whatever you want," he confirmed. "We'd love to be your grandparents, Connor."
Connor looked back at Edward. "Can you write them for me please, Mr. Edward? I can't decide what I like."
Edward confirmed he would find some paper and a pen as soon as dinner finished and write them down for him.
I looked over at Mom. "I heard you talking to Esme about returning to work. Were you thinking about going back to teaching?" I asked.
"Yes, you know how much I loved teaching. I was talking to Principal Greene last week while I was waiting for Connor. We got to talking about teaching, and I happened to mention I'd been a teacher before we moved to Maple Grove. She said that one of the teachers was going on maternity leave around Easter next year and asked me if I was interested."
"With Connor at kindergarten, and the baby coming, it leaves you with a lot of time on your hands, and unless you're going to take up fishing alongside Dad, it makes a lot of sense."
"I'll probably take Principal Greene up on her suggestion and apply for the position. That's not going to cause difficulties for you, is it?"
"No, Connor should be fine in the after-school club, but it's not going to matter until next summer, so I have plenty of time to check out the situation."
I had no idea yet how long I was going to be away from the office, and it was something I would need to discuss with Edward. While I talked more to Mom about her idea of returning to teaching, Esme talked to Edward.
"How are you getting along at the hospital, Edward?"
"Good, Es. I'm really enjoying it though early mornings and twenty-four hour shifts are a killer. You'd think I'd be used to that with my residency not long over."
"I remember those days well; snatching sleep wherever and whenever you can, living on coffee and cafeteria food. Mount Sinai was a great place to work, but incredibly busy with such a steep learning curve. How does the Olympic Memorial compare to California Pacific?"
"It's certainly less busy, and of course we don't get quite the same variety of issues, but the great thing is being able to spend more time with each patient without feeling rushed."
"I know what you mean, and I really like the work at the clinic. I found I missed the contact I had with patients, so I decided I didn't want to retire after all. Working full-time wasn't quite what I envisioned, though. Unfortunately, Dr. Gerandy is likely to be away for at least another few months, so for now, I'll have to continue working full-time. I wonder if, with the conflict of interest issue resolved, would you consider coming back on an on-call basis?"
"I don't know, Es. When I agreed to take the on-call position back in August, it was only meant to be for three months. Things have changed a lot since then, and I like the extra time I have when I finish early."
His gaze caught mine as I looked at him. His eyes told me he wanted that extra time for us . . . for me, for Connor, for our daughter.
I smiled, and his hand dropped to Connor's head and ruffled his hair. He kissed the top of his head, then went back to eating his food.
Esme caught the look between the two of us, and grinned in happiness and approval, not at all disappointed with his answer.
I looked around the table at all the people who had come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. When Edward had first mentioned meeting his parents over Thanksgiving, I'd been somewhat nervous, but here among those who were family, and those who would become family with the birth of this baby, I felt at home.
~ oOo ~
Once the meal was over, the table cleared, and the dishwasher loaded, we all retired to the living room. Edward took one of the armchairs and pulled me down onto his lap, while Connor leaned against the seat at our feet, and produced a notepad and pencil.
"Please, can you write the names down for me, Mr. Edward?"
"Sure. Come and sit here." Edward patted the arm of the chair, and wrote down the names he'd suggested earlier.
"So, that's Nannie or Gram for Esme, and Paw Paw or Gramps for Carlisle." He gave Connor the piece of paper, repeating the names so Connor understood them. "What would you like to choose?"
"I like Nannie and Gramps. Will Esme and your dad like that?"
"I'm sure they'll love whatever name you choose, Connor. Why don't you ask them?" he suggested.
Mom and Esme were seated together on the sofa, and Dad and Carlisle on the other end of the sofa and the second armchair respectively, while Emmett and Rose sat on the loveseat, talking quietly. Carlisle and Dad were still talking about deep sea fishing, and Mom and Esme about her plans for the house. Connor walked across the room to stand in front of the two prospective grandparents.
"Esme, can I call you Nannie, please?" he asked her.
"That would be wonderful, sweetheart. And what have you chosen for Carlisle?"
"I like Gramps. Will Ca'lil like it?"
Esme laughed at Connor's pronunciation. "Let's ask him then, shall we? Carlisle," Esme called out. "How'd you like to be Gramps?"
He stuck his thumb up in the air. "Perfect, Connor. I love it."
Connor came back to us, his face flushed with pleasure. "Nannie and Gramps," he confirmed. He then sat down on the floor in front of the chair again, and turned his attention to the television to watch the kid-friendly movie showing on the screen.
I half curled up in Edward's lap with my arm around his neck and his hand caressing my stomach, though the baby wasn't kicking at the moment.
"That was really sweet of you," I said quietly.
"It was no problem, Bella. I love seeing him happy."
We were quiet for a while, Edward's hand resting on my stomach, my head on his shoulder.
"I like the idea of you being around more," I said. "I want you there, with us, as many evenings as you can—for bath time and bedtime, and everything in between. It would be perfect . . . for our daughter and for Connor, if one day it was possible."
"Of course, I want to be able to be there and help with both of the kids as much as possible. I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted to be there for it all, and Connor deserves that as much as our daughter does."
I was interested to know whether Edward would consider something like a clinic for the future, as it would mean he was home more often. My head tried to keep away from the idea of a home together, but my heart wanted it badly.
"I still have almost two years on my contract," Edward continued. "And as I told Esme, I'm really enjoying the hospital environment, even with the hours I have to work. It's all part of being the new guy. Maybe one day it's something I'll consider. Is that okay?" he said anxiously.
"Of course, you need to do what's good for you and your career, and we can work with whatever you decide to do. I'm happy for us to be together however it happens," I reassured him, giving him a quick kiss. "I love you."
"I love you, too, sweetheart."
"When can we have some pie, Momma?" Connor asked, turning around.
Checking the time, it was almost an hour past dinner. "Now, I guess."
Esme stood and held out her hand to Connor's. "Come and help me get everything on the table. What pie would you like?"
Connor readily took her hand, then turned to speak to Edward.
"Come on, Mr. Edward, come and get a piece of the cherry one before Uncle Emmett eats it all. He eats a lot of dessert."
"Hey," Emmett called from the other side of the room. "I'm a growing boy, so I need all the food I can get."
He stood and charged at Connor, scooping him up and over his shoulder, accompanied by screams of excitement.
"Emmett," I called. "You'll make him . . . sick," I finished my sentence after Emmett and Connor had disappeared out of the door. "I'm never sure who's the oldest out of those two," I remarked to Edward.
"Well, if Connor's right, we'd best get in there or there'll be none of that delicious smelling cherry pie left."
I stood, letting Edward out of the chair, then we walked hand-in-hand to the dining room. Edward fetched the pies from the credenza, and Esme slid them into the oven to warm through, then we helped her set the table with dishes, flatware, and a selection of cold and savory desserts.
Slowly, everyone else filtered into the dining room, taking their original seats at the table. With the pies warmed sufficiently, Esme and I set them in the center of the table, along with crackers, cheese, fruit, and nuts. Carlisle offered coffee and tea for those who wanted it, and hot chocolate for anyone who wanted something different.
It didn't take long for the pies to disappear with Emmett eating three slices and Carlisle two.
"You'll have to make this again," Edward said, also finishing off his second slice of cherry pie. He leaned back, undoing the button on his pants and blowing out a breath. "I'd eat a third piece, but I just don't have enough room."
Before I knew it, the clock had ticked around to nine, and Connor was half asleep in Edward's lap, and I couldn't stop yawning.
"Shall we make our way home?" he asked as Connor's eyes drooped closed yet again.
"I really should help Esme with the dishes before we go," I said.
Esme, overhearing me, insisted that she and Carlisle would get that, so we gathered shoes and coats ready to leave. Mom and Dad, since they had a longer drive, said their goodbyes at the same time.
The temperature had dropped, and the sky had cleared to reveal the stars. Edward carried Connor to the car and strapped him into his seat while I said goodnight to Mom.
Dad shook Edward's hand. "Bella and Connor usually come to our place for dinner on Christmas Day, and if you have no other plans, Renée and I would like to invite the three of you to spend the day with us."
"Yes, please, Edward. We'd love to have you." Mom pulled Edward into a hug.
Edward looked at me, and I nodded. "We'd love to," he answered. "We'd best be going, since Connor is already three quarters asleep. It was nice to meet you, Charlie."
"Nice to meet you, too, Edward. See you soon."
There were goodbyes all round as Mom then Dad climbed into their car, after promising Carlisle they'd get together for fishing some time.
Edward opened my door for me, then rounded the car and climbed behind the wheel and turned for home.
~ oOo ~
It was less than ten minutes until we were home, but Connor was fast asleep within five, and I was dozing. Edward parked the car in the drive and shook me fully awake.
"I'll get Connor. Do you want to meet me upstairs?"
"Yes, okay." I yawned widely.
Edward climbed out and opened my car door for me, helping me out before opening the rear door to unbuckle Connor's seat. Lifting him from the car, Edward cradled Connor in his arms, pushing the door shut. He followed me up the path, into the house, then up the stairs where he placed Connor on his bed.
Connor roused enough to help me tug off his pants and shirt and slip on his pajamas. Edward stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame, watching us as Connor climbed into bed. Edward stepped into the room and leaned over to kiss Connor goodnight.
"Goodnight, buddy," he murmured, then stood and moved back a little to give me space to do the same.
Edward left the room, and I switched off his bedside lamp before heading for the door.
"Momma," he said sleepily, his eyes closed. "Can Mr. Edward be my dad too?"
Both of us stopped and looked at each other, and Edward reached for my hand, squeezing it encouragingly. I covered my mouth with my other hand, forcing back the sob that threatened to break free. I swallowed over and over until I could speak.
"But you already have a dad."
"He doesn't want me, so I want Mr. Edward to be my dad."
Edward looked at me, and I nodded, trusting him to tell Connor the right thing. I moved to sit on the end of the bed, and he stepped back into the room, crouching down beside Connor's bed.
"Jake will always be your dad, Connor," he began. "But, I can be here for you like a dad would be, and I can love you like a son."
My eyes filled with tears at Edward's soft words. I watched as Connor's face creased into a huge smile, and he launched himself into Edward.
I stood and put my hand on Edward's shoulder. "I'll be downstairs," I said quietly.
Leaving him to reassure Connor, I quickly changed into more comfortable clothing, and walked downstairs. It was past nine-thirty before Edward joined me on the sofa.
"He's asleep?" I asked.
Edward nodded, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Yes, finally." He chuckled.
"Do you need to go?" I asked.
"Not yet, sweetheart, but it's been a long day."
"Why don't you lie down for a few minutes?" I suggested.
Stretching out on the sofa with his back pressed to the back of it, he pulled me down with him and into his arms. Snuggling into his body, my nose buried in his neck, I inhaled his scent, unable to resist the impulse to breathe him in at the point where his skin met the collar of his shirt.
"It was a good day, today, wasn't it?" I murmured against his skin. "I like your dad, and it seems he and mine have a lot in common. My mom and Esme hit it off, too."
"I said it would be fine, didn't I?" His voice rumbled through his chest. "Although, Connor's question threw me for a loop for a second. Did I do okay?"
I leaned up on one elbow to look at him. "Are you kidding me? You did absolutely perfectly today. I loved how you explained the family connections when we were at your parents' house, and upstairs, I couldn't speak, but you, you stepped up and gave Connor the answer he needed. I'm so proud of you, and I love you so very much."
His lips formed that crooked smile I'd come to adore, and I couldn't resist kissing him. Sliding back down, I planted a kiss in the dip between his collarbones, nipping at the skin over his Adam's apple and the edge of his jaw.
His large, warm hand cupped my jaw, angling my head as his lips descended on mine. Seeking entrance, his tongue swiped along my bottom lip, and my eyes fluttered closed as the sensation of his tongue curling around mine sent heat rocketing through me.
I slid my arm over his hip, tugging his shirt free of his pants, and finding the warm skin underneath. My hand traveled up his spine, my nails lightly marking his skin. He shivered lightly and deepened the kiss, a sexy grunt from his throat exciting me further.
Drawing back to take a breath, I murmured, "Touch me, please, Edward."
From his hesitation, I thought he might withdraw, but a few seconds later his hand slid down my neck, brushing over my collarbone, then caressed my nipple. Instantly hardening under the light touch, I pushed my breast further into his hand, asking for more.
His pointer finger and thumb tweaked the hard tip, and I groaned as my clit throbbed in answer. Withdrawing my hand from under his shirt, I slid it between our bodies, rubbing his cock through the fabric of his pants.
I hitched my leg over his body, trying to get as close to him as I could, and whined in frustration as my belly prevented me from feeling his hard length where I wanted it.
Edward pulled me in for another kiss, his hand smoothing over my waist. Mentally, I urged him to slide it lower, and touch me where I was burning for him.
"More, please," I mumbled against his lips.
His hand dipped into the back waistband of my leggings, toying with the elastic of my panties, pulling me a little closer. The touch of his palm on my bare skin was electrifying, and I desperately wanted him to move them around to where my clit throbbed.
I pulled away from his bruising kiss and buried my head in his shoulder.
"Please, Edward."
It had been a long time since I'd felt his touch, but my body remembered. My hormones had been on fire for the last few weeks as the last traces of sickness and overtiredness fell away.
"Please," I repeated.
The moment I felt him relax, I knew he'd given in, and his hand slid around to the front of my leggings, caressing my belly on the way. Dipping beneath the elastic of my panties, his fingers found their way between my legs, brushing through the light curls of hair before unerringly finding my clit.
"Oh, God." I shuddered.
His fingers stroked me once, then again, and my muscles were already clenching in anticipation. Heat spread over my skin and my breath caught in my throat as I hovered on the edge of my orgasm. My hand pressed harder on his cock before moving up to fumble at the buckle on his belt.
"No, Bella, it's fine. Let me make you come."
Edward's voice was husky and warm, enveloping me. He slid a finger inside me, gathering lubrication before sliding back over my clit again and again until my body clenched, my skin tingling as I shattered in his arms.
It took me a few minutes to gather my thoughts, and despite having been naked in Edward's arms before, I found myself inexplicably shy. His finger under my chin lifted my face, and he caught me in his gaze.
"Beautiful," he breathed and kissed me again.
"What about you?" I said, lightly stroking him. "I want you to stay; I want to feel all of you surrounding me, and inside me."
"I would love to stay and make love to you, Bella. Believe me, I want you," he said, pressing his still hard cock into my hand. "But we'll all benefit from taking this slowly, and despite Connor's words earlier about him wanting me to be his dad, finding me sharing a bed with you might upset him, and I don't want that. I want him to know that he's part of a family—you, me, the baby and Connor. I need him to be okay with me being here and to feel secure in your love and mine. I want you to trust me implicitly, and to know you can rely on me for anything."
"I do trust you, Edward. I trust you with both my heart and Connor's. Do you trust me?"
"Yes, I trust you to love me as much as I love you. It's okay, sweetheart, we'll get there," he assured me, pulling my hand up around his neck. "I want so much to be the man you deserve."
Cuddled up against him, I could hear his slow, steady heartbeat lulling me to sleep.
~ oOo ~