Emmett is quick and adept, throwing four stitches in like he could do it with his eyes closed—which he probably can, to be honest. Edward hangs around, chatting up my brother as he works, but I think he just wants to keep an eye on me because I'm still pale and feel slightly nauseous.
"You know the rules," Emmett says. "Keep it dry and don't fuck with it."
"Very nice medical instructions, Em," I say, testing my balance as I slide off the counter. "He is actually a professional, Edward. I promise."
"I've seen him in action." He chuckles, watching me closely. "I think you just get special treatment. I heard the timer go off a few minutes ago, by the way."
I nod, walking a few steps within their close proximity before heading back to the kitchen where Rose has the chicken and sides out and salad done—and an almost empty glass.
Fuck, I miss wine.
"It looks great, Bella," she says. "I think the boys can carry this out to the dining room for us."
Emmett nods, taking the dish of chicken. "Of course, babe."
They get everything into the dining room quickly, and then we sit down for dinner. Conversation flows easily around the table with Ben talking about seeing his grandparents and riding on an airplane for the first time.
I meet Edward's gaze at the mention of a plane, and we both smile, clearly remembering our first meeting.
It's such a wonderful evening—minus the thumb wound, of course. We exchange gifts, and Rosalie says I got Ben too much, but to be fair, Emmett told me what to order. And there's something so sweet about seeing my brother with Ben. He's a natural with the kid, which I never doubted but can't get enough of seeing. It's still early in their relationship, but my brother deserves a family of his own, and I think Rose and Ben could be it.
"We better head out." Rose sighs. "I have to finish some last minute packing, and if this kid doesn't go to bed soon, he'll be a bear to try and wake up in the morning."
"Which is why I said I should stay up all night," Ben says, and we all laugh.
"One day I'm going to let you do that just so you can regret it," Rose says. "Now, let's say goodbye."
He starts with Emmett, hugging him tightly before being gentle with me.
"Bye, Dr. Edward," he says. "It was nice meeting you."
"You too, kiddo. Have a fun trip."
Emmett follows them out, and I'm left alone with Edward for the first time in days, which would be fine except I can't kiss him or even hug him.
"You look gorgeous tonight," he says as we walk into the kitchen.
"You wore my favorite flannel shirt," I say, smiling before grabbing my coat, scarf, and hat.
I offer him a beer before leading him out back and turning on the fire pit. We sit next to each other as I let the warm flames wash over me.
"How's your thumb?"
I look at Emmett's wrapping and shrug. "Stinging some, but mostly numb still. You know, you could have told me you were coming. I probably looked like a deer in headlights when Emmett said it was you."
He chuckles, sipping from the bottle slowly. "It was really last minute. I was checking on you, and he knew I had nothing going on tonight."
"I get it. I'm glad you came though. I mean, not so glad you saw me being a klutz but still. It's always good to see you. I just wish I could touch you."
His expression changes to one of desire, and he starts to open his mouth before the back door swings open, and Emmett comes out with a beer of his own.
"Damn, I'm going to miss those two," he says, taking a seat next to me. "A whole week without Rose seems impossible. I mean, I see her most days at work, and we've gone out every weekend. It blows she had to go back to New York."
I nod, knowing what it's like to be without someone you love. "She'll be back soon."
"Yeah, but not soon enough. What are you guys up to out here?"
"Just talking," I say. "I told him I was sorry he had to see me in full klutz mode."
"Oh, that's nothing." My brother laughs, and I know what he's about to do. Shit. "She broke her arm and got a concussion at Prom, man … dancing."
"How?" Edward asks incredulously.
"She tripped on her date, ran into a table, flipped over said table, and then landed on her head. I was scared shitless, but once I knew she was okay, and she told me how it happened, I couldn't help but laugh. I mean, who dances that badly? Apparently Bella."
I shake my head and know I'm completely red. It was one of the most embarrassing nights of my life. "I swore to never dance again," I say as I see a little smirk out of Edward.
"I have more stories of her hurting herself in hilarious ways," Emmett says. "She tried to ride a dirt bike down on the Res once too. Her boyfriend thought it somehow would be a good idea."
Edward cocks his head. "Boyfriend? Is he still around?"
"Sam? Oh, yeah, he's Ms. Sue's nephew. When Bella first brought him home, I was less than thrilled. He was eighteen, and she was only sixteen. They broke up when she left for college, but I think they still talk."
"Huh," Edward says, and I quickly interrupt.
"We're just friends now."
"Maybe not forever," Emmett says. "He's single again. Did you hear that?"
I smile tightly. "Yup, Ms. Sue told me, but we're going to stay just friends."
I can't give Emmett the, "shut the fuck up," eyes, so I just have to suffer through him telling my current boyfriend how great my ex is.
This is super awesome and not awkward at all.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
I'm sorry about the little break. Real life has just been a pain lately and I needed a break from all the things.
