Once upon a time, I was sane.
It's been a few months, but I was calm, composed, and rational in most aspects of my life. But now … now, I'm friggin' crazy. I'm about to knock on my neighbor's door for food, not because I'm starving, but because the tiny human inside of me demands it. This dude moved in a week ago, and I know absolutely nothing about him. I've only seen the back of his head a few times as he walked to his car. He could be a murderer who eats little kids for all I know, but somehow, that doesn't deter me. With my feet planted firmly on his doormat, I lift one hand and knock as I hold a plate against my belly with the other hand.
At least, I came prepared.
The smell is only stronger here, and the few seconds it takes for him to pull open the door are torturous. What in the world could smell this good? I'm no cooking expert, but I know my way around a stove. I've never made anything that comes close to this. Distracted by the scent, it takes the guy clearing his throat to get my attention.
And attention he gets. I can't help the way my eyes widen and my mouth falls open as I take in the very lovely man in front of me. He towers over me at six-foot-something as green eyes meet mine, and he smiles pleasantly. God, it's me, Bella. I know I've been pretty shitty toward you lately but … thank you for this eye candy. Suddenly, the food isn't the only thing I'm craving.
"Hey, uh … this is going to be weird," I say, laughing nervously as I clutch the plate to my stomach. "As you can probably tell, there's a tiny human growing inside of me." I show my bump off, turning to the side. "And she really wants whatever you made because it smells incredible. Again, this is weird. She made me come and ask this, and I would never do this if I weren't being controlled by hormones and such, but, uh, yeah, please?"
His lip curls into a cute crooked smile, and I melt a little. Fuck, he's really, truly probably the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on. Sorry, Matthew McConaughey. He regards me for a moment, moving his eyes between the drool most likely dripping from my chin and the plate against my stomach, before busting out laughing and nodding his head. "I, uh, can't say no to a pregnant woman. I see you brought your own plate."
"Is it soup? Should I go get a bowl?"
"No, a plate works," he says, stepping back and holding the door open for me. "I'm Edward, by the way. Excuse the mess—I'm still moving in."
I shrug, knowing what it's like as I tell him my name. After I found out my baby daddy didn't want a baby, I hauled ass out of Seattle pretty quickly, and it took me a while to make Port Angeles my home. That's a story for another time though. I'm happy, I'm pregnant, and I'm about to eat the best smelling thing in the entire world. God, I hope it tastes as good as it smells. I'm salivating at the thought.
"So, what exactly is it that smells so good? I swear it wafted next door and my nose went straight into the air. You must be an incredible chef."
He chuckles, leading me into the kitchen, which is slightly more put together. "Hardly. It's a family recipe from my mom's side. Paprika Chicken. I've always thought it was one of the best things I've ever had, so I'm glad your tiny human agrees."
I nod, placing my plate on his island counter as I slide onto one of his stools. "She definitely does. I am sorry for barging in on you. It's just that I keep my kitchen window open because holy hot spells, and the smell drifted over, and well, I've kinda lost my mind a little lately. I like your house, by the way. I took the tour when Mr. Crane put it up for sale. That bathtub looks to die for."
"Haven't gotten a chance to try it yet," he says, bringing the pan over and putting a chicken breast on my plate. He grabs a fork from a drawer and holds it out to me. "Give it a taste. I have to know if it's as good as it smells to you."
I don't mind if I do and quickly dig in. My. God. It's exactly what I've been craving and can never quite satisfy. The sounds coming from me probably terrify Edward, but I can't help it. I'm in heaven. "Mhmmmmmygosh," I mumble with my mouth full. Swallowing, I try that again. "Holy shit, this is incredible."
He just grins, taking a bite from his own plate. "Tiny human agree?"
"Give it like two minutes and she'll start doing somersaults." I laugh, waiting for the incredible feeling. "You're an amazing cook. Do you do this for a living? Because you should."
He shakes his head. "Nah, I'm really not that good. My mom taught me how to make it before I moved out because it was always my favorite dish. It's not all that hard if you want the recipe."
"Please. And give her my compliments; she taught you well. Did she also teach you not to deny things to hangry pregnant woman?"
"Oh, yeah, I learned that one when she was pregnant with my little sister." He chuckles, running a hand through his bronze hair. It's wild but perfect for him and falls effortlessly back into place as his hand drops. "So, Bella, tell me a little about yourself. What do you do when you're not hunting for delicious meals?"
I feel my cheeks heat up as I shake my head. "This is the first time; I swear!"
"Sure it is," he teases. "But I'm glad you came over. I haven't had a chance to meet anyone in the neighborhood yet."
"That's surprising. Mrs. Jamison usually greets newbies with her god-awful fruitcakes. Even in summer when I moved in, she gave out the worst Christmas dessert possible."
"Ah, no, she actually did leave that on my doorstep while I was at work. I just blocked it from my memory because it looked horrific."
I laugh softly, finishing the last unbelievably amazing piece of chicken and savoring it as the somersaults start. "You have no idea how happy and satisfied you just made this pregnant woman and tiny human."
"Do you want more?" He pulls the baking dish over, and I shake my head.
"I couldn't impose anymore. I mean, I could. Obviously, I'm very good at imposing, but I do want to sleep tonight without a volcano spewing from my mouth." I realize how disgusting that sounds once it leaves my lips and groan. "Sorry. My filter isn't the best lately."
He shakes his head, waving me off. "You couldn't gross me out if you tried. Iron stomach." He proves his point by grabbing another chicken breast and digging in. "How far along are you, if you don't mind my asking?"
I grin, rubbing my bump. "Twenty-six weeks and two days. She's loving your chicken, by the way, and very much appreciates your kindness. Seriously, somersaults." I laugh. At first, the feeling was so strange and foreign, but now, I live for these movements. She's snug as a bug and perfectly safe and happy in there.
He lifts his hand tentatively—a motion I've most witnessed in sweet old ladies—and I scoot a little closer to grab it, laying it on my side where she's most active. He laughs softly and moves his hand in a slow circle. "Yeah, I'd say she's pleased with herself. That's incredible, Bella. Thank you," he says earnestly as I notice something in his eyes. A sadness I've seen myself, in fact. I nod as he takes his hand away and quickly plops the last chicken breast on my plate. "Now, I insist you take this home. Maybe the craving will hit you again tomorrow for lunch or something."
I could say no, but it was super delicious, and I'm a hungry penguin lady. It seems like I've taken a Hobbit-type eating style. Breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, luncheon, and so on. Who knows when the urge for the spicy dish will strike again? My daddy always told me not to look a gift horse in the mouth, so I don't and agree.
He opens a few drawers before pulling out Saran Wrap as I glance around his kitchen. It's nice and modern with shiny new appliances and granite countertops. When I first moved here, Mr. Crane was still renovating the place. He moved down to San Francisco to be close to his son and grandkids but wanted to get the most he could out of the sale, so he could find a decent place there. It wasn't as if the four bedroom sold for millions, but he made a decent profit even with the reno costs.
He had been so kind to me when I first moved in next door—letting me cry to him a few times, even—and I missed him, but Edward is much nicer to look at, to be honest. Maybe he's also cool with listening to me cry because I do that a lot now.
"You're all set," he says, pressing the Saran Wrap firmly on the underside of my plate. "It was nice to meet you, Bella. I'm glad to know at least one friendly face here now."
I smile. "Technically two, but she's gonna keep hers hidden for a few more months. Thanks again, Edward. I am seriously sorry for barging in and eating your food."
"You're welcome to do it anytime." He chuckles.
I wake up at four in the morning with some of the worst heartburn ever, but it's worth it. I pop three Tums before it calms down, but since it's always at its worst when I'm lying down, I decide to just stay up. I have an appointment with Dr. Leah Clearwater at eight-thirty anyway, so in the meantime, I feed my fat cat, Alexei, and then grab a book and head out to my deck to enjoy the cool autumn air.
My tiny human loves the fresh air, after all, and it's my job to give her everything she needs.
I may be doing this without a baby daddy, but I've accepted that. Riley doesn't want anything to do with us, and it took a lot of time to accept that, but I finally have. I'll be a single mom, but that's okay. My job as an editor allows me to work remotely and pays well, so we'll make it work. It's her and me against the world. I'll be everything she needs, and she's all I need.
When I realized I was pregnant, I went through so many emotions. I wasn't sure about the timing, wasn't sure I even wanted a kid, and wasn't sure how Riley would feel. And when he told me he didn't want the baby, I realized how much I did. I tried to convince him it was a good thing, but he wasn't hearing it.
So, I left—still hoping maybe he'd change his mind.
I called my dad, crying, and he told me to come home. I stayed with him in Forks for almost two months until I closed on this house in Port Angeles. I did love the small town of Forks, and it wasn't as if Port Angeles was a massive city either, but it was much bigger and offered more. I've made it my home, and I can't wait to raise my daughter here.
Hearing a screen door close, I look over the fence separating our yards and find Edward coming out onto his deck. It's a little before six and the sun is starting to light up the sky, so I can clearly make out literally every inch of him. He's dressed in a pair of black shorts and a gray T-shirt with running shoes on. There's a trail behind our houses that he must be about to go on. As I admire his very fine form, he suddenly glances over and notices me gawking.
He grins, lifting his hand to wave. "Good morning, Bella."
"Morning," I say, smiling as I rest my open book on my bump. "Thanks again for dinner last night. I owe you, like, a thousand cupcakes."
"It was my pleasure, but I'll never turn down sweets. I haven't seen you out here this early yet. Sleep okay?"
I nod and decide not to tell him about the heartburn, fearing it'll make him feel bad. To be fair, pretty much everything gives me heartburn these days, and I'd easily eat that again and deal with the pain. "Yeah, she just likes the fresh air. Besides, it's a chance to catch up on my reading list."
"Well, that's never a bad thing. By the way, if you're around tonight, I'm thinking of grilling. Does the tiny human like steak?"
Okay, I might be in love. Like actual, I'd probably let this man in the bedroom, love. Jesus, I'm horny. It's not fair that I'm hornier than ever before and have no one to fuck. "Um, she fucking loves red meat, actually, but I can't impose on you. You know, again." I laugh.
He just smiles, putting an earbud in. "How about you make the sides then. Sound fair?"
I eagerly nod. "I make some mean green beans and mashed potatoes."
"Then it's no imposition. Seven sound good?"
"Sounds perfect." I grin and then wave him goodbye as he takes off from his deck and heads to the trail, flashing his own pearly whites back at me as he goes.
Once he's out of sight, I look down at my bump. "I adore you, truly, but if it weren't for you, I'd be trying to climb that man like a tree."
I might be a terrible mother, to be honest.
I get to Dr. Clearwater's office almost a half hour early, which isn't unusual for me. I can't seem to show up anywhere on time—and refuse to ever be late—which is why I always bring my laptop with me to get some work in. My company does a lot of historical nonfiction, which isn't my preferred reading genre but gives me something new to learn with each book I work on. World War II is a popular topic though, so this book hasn't taught me anything new yet. It's not bad, of course, but somewhat boring.
"Hey, Bella?" I hear Tia, one of the assistants, say as I look up at her. "Dr. Clearwater had to call out today, but our new doc, Dr. Cullen, can see you though—if you're okay with it."
I shrug, not really caring too much about who I see. Leah's dad and mine were good friends before he passed away, but I never knew her very well since she was older. When I moved back, he mentioned her practice to me, and it just seemed obvious to pick her, but as long as I get to hear my tiny human's heartbeat and know she's safe, I couldn't care less who I see for these appointments.
"Yeah, that's fine with me."
"Great," she says. "Maggie will be out for you in a minute then."
I close my laptop as the door to the back opens to reveal Maggie and maneuver myself out of the somewhat uncomfortable chair. "Sorry, it's getting a little harder to get up lately." I laugh softly as she smiles.
Maggie is probably my favorite nurse here, reminding me of my late grandma Swan, and she waits patiently for me to waddle toward her. "You look great, sweetheart. She's really making her presence known, huh?"
"Ugh, you have no idea. If it's not a foot in the ribs, it's the heartburn. I love it though, truly. It's just so weird sometimes."
She laughs, nodding, as I follow her into the back to a scale. I haven't gained that much weight, but the number is definitely higher than last month—good for my tiny human but bad for me when it comes time to lose it. It's worth it though. Maybe I'll take up running with my hot next-door neighbor once I deliver.
"I think you'll like Dr. Cullen," she says, leading me to one of the exam rooms. "He hasn't been here long, but I adore him. He brings us doughnuts nearly every day—probably still buttering us up—and he's great with his patients."
I whip my head around. "He?"
She nods. "Yes, but trust me, he's very professional and highly educated. If you're not comfortable though, we can reschedule once Dr. Clearwater is feeling better."
It never crossed my mind about a male OB, but I suppose it doesn't matter. It's just for one appointment after all. "No, it's fine. As long as she's doing well and I get to hear her, I don't care. You promise he's not a jerk though, right? Because I have a habit of being a bitch to jerks."
"No, he's very kind." She chuckles, motioning for me to get on the exam table. "But if he is even the least bit jerky, just let me know, and I'll put him back in his place. Arm?"
I do as she asks, holding my arm out for the blood pressure cuff as I get a little more comfortable on the paper-covered table. I mean, not that comfortable because the crinkling of the paper alone is technically uncomfortable on the ears. But I make it work.
The cuff tightens around my arm, and I look at her and notice a fall in her kind smile. It's still kind of there but not by much.
"Is it high?" I ask as it finally loosens. "To be fair, you just told me I'm seeing a man."
"It's one-forty-six over ninety-two, but you're right. We'll check it again before you leave. I'm sure it's just nerves."
She pats my hand before finishing with the rest of my vitals, and then grabs a cup out of the cabinet for me to give a urine sample. Once I finish up in the bathroom and give her the cup back, she leaves me be, promising the doctor will be in shortly. I doubt that, considering Leah usually runs a few minutes behind, so I fiddle with the paper while swinging my feet before pulling my phone out and checking through emails. A sharp knock on the door comes quickly, and I put my phone down, telling him to come in.
My jaw literally drops when he does.
No fucking way.
"Edward?" I gasp, taking in his business attire and white lab coat.
I don't own Twilight.
Thank you, Ashley for prereading, Alice's White Rabbit for beta'ing, and The Lemonade Stand for allowing me to give you all a sneak peek of this!
Hello! So, this is going to be a mini fic with about ten chapters. Half of it is completely written and beta'd, so updates will be weekly. I hope you enjoy this story! Thanks for reading!
