So, this short story is dedicated to Carey Anne and the ladies who were in on my Zoom call, Clo, Aileen, Emma, Consuelo, Alyscia, Trina, Brier Lynn and Krida. It will be a drabblish story, with shorter chapters. Shorter chapters mean quicker updates! :-)

This is not mine. I don't own Twilight, but I wish I did. Sigh …

We're getting close to the end, kids. I'm thinking, maybe, we'll have one or two more real chapters and an epilogue. Up next will be Bella's birthday. Say it with me … CITRUS ALERT!

Also, starting next week, I don't have a day off until November 16th. With that being said … ALL updates are suspended until I'm done with my production of Little Women. I'm sorry about the delay, but I'm going to pull three eighty-hour workweeks in a row. Leave at half-past six and getting home around ten. I'll barely have time to shower, let alone post updates.

So, things will get back to normal after November 16th. Thank you for your patience.

Chapter Nineteen

August 30th, 2020

After the hearing, it was presumed that JR tucked tail and left Seattle. Miss Alice spent time talking to Mariah and Thomas on Zoom, using Bella's iPad. Their relationship was fractured, but both of them wanted to heal that relationship with their mother.

The day after the hearing, Edward had to go to the gyms to do a routine walk-through with Emmett and the managers. Bella was working on the last video of their São Paulo video series, documenting their flight back home. After finishing that video, she was going to start editing the question-and-answer session that Edward and Bella filmed while they were in quarantine.

Edward came back after driving all over the city. His eyes were weary. "You okay?" Bella asked.

"Just tired," he answered. "I've gotten used to interacting with you and Miss Alice. Hell, I could handle Emmett." He kicked off his shoes and flopped down onto the couch. "But, some of the managers are not fulfilling their jobs. Our gyms are falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance and also because of the protests this summer. We're lucky that we have the online platform, and that people are willing to pay for that service. However, we may still need to downsize, closing the gyms that are not …"

"Why not fire the managers?" Bella frowned, opening a bottle of beer for both of them and sitting down next to him.

"Oh, they've been fired. One is claiming unfair labor practices, but after providing proof of how we've adapted for the pandemic, it was thrown out," Edward snorted humorlessly, taking a pull from his beer. "Are you one of those pumpkin people? You live for pumpkin spice latte?"

"No," she giggled. "I saw this on sale and figured I'd try it. It was this or some other autumn stout. I'm not a fan of heavy beers. This one appealed to me. Do you like it?"

He took another sip. "It's growing on me."

"But, I do love autumn," Bella replied. "I have a ton of fall décor and I'll be pulling it out this weekend. Be prepared for some insane pumpkin decorations, Cullen." She tucked her feet up under body. "When I lived with my mom, it was still so hot in Phoenix during the fall. I didn't begin my love of all things autumnal was when I moved in with my dad. Seeing the leaves change? The scent of burning leaves? Pumpkins? Halloween? It's awesome. So, I'm slightly obsessed. I also love Christmas and snow."

"I like snow, but after the new year? It can go away," Edward quipped.

"I agree with you there," Bella said. "So, what are you going to do with the gyms that are having issues?"

"We'll make the repairs as needed, but we may have to cut our losses and sell the locations," Edward shrugged. "We won't make any decisions until after the first of the year. That's when our leases are up for renewal. It would be far more expensive to break the lease than just remain." He tugged Bella's legs over his lap, idly running his fingers over her calves. "Though, my heart isn't in it anymore."

"Owning the gyms?" she pressed, arching a brow.

"Dealing with the day-to-day upkeep and handling all of the minutia of it all," he shrugged. "I've been thinking …"

"Halt the presses," Bella giggled, leaning over to kiss his jaw. "Is the hamster working overtime in your brain?"

"You're funny, Bella," he deadpanned, reaching over to tickle her sides. She squealed, wriggling away from his fingers. He managed to pull her onto his lap, straddling his thighs. "Can I finish, Ms. Swan?"

She smirked at him, rocking closer to his body, and kissing his lips. "I'm sorry, Sparkle. What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that I maintain part ownership of the gyms and help Emmett, but I loved traveling with you," he murmured. "I also loved the idea of driving all over the country."

"Really?" she asked. "Edward, it's a big commitment and … I'm only now starting to make good money on my YouTube channel. I still have to maintain my employment with the publishing house as an editor to make ends meet. Plus, this whole pandemic thing … it's not going away anytime soon."

"That's why I want to suggest we do the driving thing. Listen to this … after the first of the year, your lease is up, right?" he asked.

"That's right," Bella said slowly.

"We can use my condo as a home base and purchase a converted van," he said. "They're expensive, but I think that within a year, it'll pay for itself." He reached down to his bag, pulling out a stack of papers. "I typed up a business plan."

"You're serious," Bella whispered, flipping through his proposal. She blinked up at him, seeing the excitement in his eyes. "What about Miss Alice?"

"She was the one who suggested it," he answered. "She's considering moving out of this place. One, because the upkeep of her apartment. They would need to completely renovate her bathrooms due to some water damage from an upstairs tenant. Two, the security here is lackluster, at best. Miss Alice doesn't want another run-in with her son. You and I both know that he's not going to let this go. He's determined."

"JR just needs to go away …" Bella grumbled, rolling his eyes. "What happened with the water damage?"

"It happened while she was in the hospital. She called the super when she first got back because there was water damage on the ceiling of the master bathroom. He did some inspection and the man's bathroom the floor above was completely disgusting, flooded and gross. So, both bathrooms would need a complete overhaul," Edward explained. "I went up to the apartment above hers and the guy was a hoarder."

"What happened to him?" Bella asked.

"He caught COVID and passed away. He had no living family, and the apartment needs to be completely gutted," Edward frowned. "Anyway, there's a condo in my building. She's put an offer in and it was accepted. You won't lose Miss Alice. She'll live right down the hall from us in my place. Our place …"

"So, is this your way to ask me to move in with you? Officially?" she whispered.

"We've been living together, for all intents and purposes, since March. I can't imagine not spending … I want to travel with you, live with you and make a life together," he said. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she grinned, leaning forward, and kissing him tenderly. "I feel the same way, Edward."

"With that out of the way, let's talk about your birthday," he chuckled.

"Ugh, no … Let's just forget about my birthday," Bella scowled, moving off Edward's lap.

"I promise you orgasms, Glitter. Lots and lots of orgasms," Edward purred. "Shall I show you?"

xx DD xx

September 7th, 2020

Bella and Edward were curled up in her bed. It was Labor Day and they'd stayed up a little too late drinking more of the pumpkin beer Bella had purchased. It led to some sloppy sex well into the early morning. A loud bang woke them both up. "What the fuck?" Edward growled.

"Ignore it," Bella mumbled from underneath her pillow. "Maybe, it's the super starting the work on the guy's apartment upstairs."

"On Labor Day?" Edward grumped, curling around her body.

There was another bang and a sharp yell. That woke both of them up. Edward pulled up a pair of shorts, tossing his t-shirt to Bella. They both fell asleep, naked as the day they were born and obviously something was happening. Bella grabbed a pair of shorts, following Edward out into the hallway.

"JR! Stop! You're hurting me!" Miss Alice yelled.

"Oh, fuck no!" Edward snarled, stomping down to Miss Alice's apartment. "Bella, call the cops!"

JR had his hand around Miss Alice's wrist. He looked out of control, sneering at his mother. "I don't care. You're not right in the head. I have a nice place for you in Austin," he hissed. "I have the right to take you."

"No, you don't," Edward barked. "Let her go, JR."

"I don't think so, Mr. Cullen," JR growled. "This place will be emptied out and everything that she has will be mine." He glowered at his mother, tightening his hold around her wrist. "I found a doctor who said you were mentally unfit and that the judge was fucking wrong. You are not capable of taking care of yourself, Mother."

Miss Alice sobbed out in pain, trying to get away from her abusive oldest son. He went to slap his mother, but Edward pulled him back. The power of Edward's grasp forced JR to let go of Miss Alice's wrist. She fell onto the floor with another sharp cry of pain. Bella scurried into the apartment, blocking JR from Miss Alice as she spoke on her cell phone. Edward had him pressed against the wall with his forearm. "You really lost your fucking mind," Edward spat. "We have proof that you've abused your mother."

"I need the god damned money," he yelled in Edward's face. "If I don't come up with three million dollars, I'll be dead."

"That's not your mother's problem," Bella hissed. "Did you forget to pay your bookie?"

JR's angry gaze fell to Bella. She must have hit the nail on the head. JR was in over his head in debt. "You're so far under water that you tricked a doctor into believing that your mother is senile. All the while, you're causing her pain … emotional and physical pain."

Bella helped Miss Alice up, cradling her arm. "I think it's broken, Miss Alice," Bella murmured.

"I don't want to go back to the hospital," Miss Alice whimpered. "I don't want to be exposed to COVID again."

"We'll have my dad take a look at it," Edward said as the cops entered the apartment.

It was the same pair from earlier in the summer. JR was taken into custody for assault, elder abuse, attempted burglary, and a slew of other minor charges. With the court systems being shut down for the time being, JR would have long stay at the county jail before he could be arraigned.

After Miss Alice, Bella and Edward gave their statements, Miss Alice got a permanent restraining order against her oldest son, if he should get released on bail once he was arraigned.

Carlisle and Esme arrived shortly after the cops and as Bella feared, Miss Alice's wrist was most likely broken. Miss Alice was very upset at the prospect of going to the hospital, but Carlisle assuaged her fears and said that he'd take her to his office, which had an x-ray machine. Following the x-ray, Carlisle and Esme were going to take Miss Alice back to their home to help her recuperate while Edward, Bella and Emmett packed up her belongings to move her into her new home in Edward's condo complex.

Despite the fact that JR was behind bars and would be for some time, Miss Alice did not feel safe in her apartment anymore. Plus, the wrist that he'd grabbed was her dominant hand. Bella and Edward wanted to help, but when Carlisle and Esme opened up their home in a secured neighborhood on Mercer Island, she eagerly agreed.

Carlisle left with Miss Alice. Esme and Bella packed a bag for her as Edward went down to the super's office to say that Miss Alice was moving out. Immediately. To everyone's surprise, Edward managed to get the last few months of her rent waived and her entire security deposit back. From the look of ire on his face, he was not playing any games. Miss Alice's home had been invaded by her flesh and blood and there was nothing that the management company did to stop it. Hell, JR's keys opened the doors, even after there was a request that they be changed.

It was mid-afternoon when everything had been settled. Bella, Edward, and Esme brought over the bags of Miss Alice's clothing. Bella's jaw dropped when she saw the house on Mercer Island. It was huge! Balancing an overnight bag and Miss Alice's medications, Bella stumbled up the steps. Carlisle and Esme's home was also immaculately decorated with modern touches. It looked like a homier version of Edward's condo, but with a feminine touch.

"It's just a house, Glitter," Edward whispered behind her, lifting a large suitcase into the foyer. "Come on. Miss Alice is staying in the master bedroom on the main floor."

Bella followed him through the large house to a cozy bedroom suite that was the size of her apartment. Edward hefted the suitcase onto the bed and unzipped it. "You should probably handle the clothes. You know how Miss Alice likes her stuff. I'll get the rest of the bags."

"This is where you grew up?" Bella whispered.

"No, I grew up in Redmond. My parents bought this place after I moved out, when I was a freshman in college," Edward explained with a wry grin. "My parents have money. I do not. Well, I do, but not the extent of what they have. I worked my ass off since I was thirteen, having some sort of job or another."

"But, I have nothing," Bella frowned.

"That's where you're wrong, Bella," he said, walking over to her. "You have a loving heart, strong spirit and tenacious attitude. You're smart, sexy and everything I've ever wanted. I don't value wealth as materials. I value relationships. I love the relationship you have with Miss Alice and how much you adore her. I love sharing my life with you. You make me laugh and want to try new things. Every day with you? It's an adventure."

Bella walked to Edward, sliding her arms around his waist. "I love you, Sparkle. I'm sorry that …"

"Don't apologize," he chuckled. "I saw everything in your expression, love."

"You know me better than me," Bella quipped. "I am truly shocked at the size and beauty of this home."

"My mom will probably want to give you a tour. We've been invited to stay for dinner. We're already here …" he trailed off.

"That sounds good," Bella smiled, walking over to the bed to unpack Miss Alice's things. "Once I'm done, I'll help your mom. Where's the kitchen?"

"I show you. I'll be right back with the rest of the bags," Edward laughed. He leaned down, kissing her lips. Bella melted against him, gripping his t-shirt. He slid his arms around her waist and that's when he felt her trembling. "Bella? What is this?"

"I'm just so angry on behalf of Miss Alice. Her own child … look what he did?" Bella hissed. "How could he do that?"

"The same reason why your mother blamed you for her husband's poor choices," Edward frowned, holding her close to his body. "Obviously, JR and your mother are cut from the same cloth."

Bella nodded, burrowing closer into his arms. "I'm sorry that I'm a mess, but seeing him grab her? I wanted to pummel his ass."

"Well, he got what he deserved. He's behind bars and will stay there for the foreseeable future," Edward explained. "Miss Alice is getting the care she needs and will be safe here until she can move into her new condo." He cupped his hands around her face. "Miss Alice adores you, just like you love her. What's not to love?"

"Edward, I don't know what I would have done without you today," Bella sighed, pressing her cheek to his chest. "I love you so much. You've restored my faith in … goodness. In humanity …"

"I'd do anything for you, Glitter," Edward said fervently. "Now, I'm going to get the rest of Miss Alice's things and we'll spend some time with my parents and Miss Alice." He brushed his lips over hers before ducking out of the bedroom. He came back with two more suitcases, and they worked together to make the guest bedroom into a welcoming oasis for Miss Alice. By the time they were done, Miss Alice arrived with Carlisle. She hadn't broken her wrist, but it was severely sprained. It was wrapped in a support brace. Bella hugged her neighborhood, ignoring all social distancing protocols. She returned Bella's embraced, grateful for such a wonderful friend and adoptive daughter.

Before leaving, Miss Alice asked if they'd brought her jewelry box. Edward remembered grabbing it at Miss Alice's insistence before she was dragged out of her apartment by his father. "Come with me, Edward." Edward followed Miss Alice to her room, and she pointed the jewelry box he'd put on the dresser. "Grab that for me, sweetie."

"Miss Alice, your jewelry collection is exquisite, but I don't think that …" he trailed off.

"It's not for you," she quipped, giving him a wry grin. "Bella's birthday is less than a week. I want to give you something to give to her."

"Miss Alice, I have a gift for her," Edward argued. "Granted, it's …"

"What is it?" Miss Alice asked.

"I put a deposit down on a converted van," he explained. "We made the decision to travel the country, driving everywhere. We're going to use my condo as home base, but after the first of the year, we're … moving in together and then traveling."

"You are so good for her," Miss Alice said softly, running her fingers down his scruffy cheek. "But, that's not a present. I want to give you something for her. Inside, there's a sapphire ring. It's Bella's birthstone."

Edward opened the jewelry box, easily finding an elegant, but antique sapphire ring. It had a large sapphire stone in the center, with diamonds on the flank. It sparkled beautifully under the dim lights of the bedroom. "This is gorgeous, Miss Alice."

"It needs to be cleaned and polished, but I want you to give it to the daughter of my heart," Miss Alice said. "My Jasper gave it to me for our fifth anniversary. I wore every day until he passed away. So, give it to your Bella."

"I will, Miss Alice," Edward smiled, kissing her cheek.

xx DD xx

September 13th, 2020

The morning of Bella's birthday, Edward got up early to make breakfast for his girl. They'd spent the week working on emptying out Miss Alice's apartment, putting her furniture into storage and boxing up her belongings. Miss Alice wanted to help, but she couldn't because of her wrist injury.

Bella wanted to ignore her birthday, but Edward wouldn't hear of it. So, they decided to take the weekend off. He wanted to take her over to his parents' place for dinner, to make a big to-do of her birthday. After speaking with her while they were working, he knew she just wanted to spend time with Edward. Her inner introvert loved spending one-on-one time with Edward.

So, that's what he gave her. That's what he would give her.

Putting finishing touches on breakfast, he carried the tray into the bedroom. Bella was buried underneath a mountain of blankets, save for one leg that was kicked out. He put the tray on the dresser, crawling back into bed. "Glitter, my beautiful, sexy Glitterella. Wake up, my love," he cooed, brushing her hair over her shoulder to kiss her neck. "Happy birthday, Bella."

"Hmmmm, it would be happy if I could sleep in," she laughed roughly, shooting a scowl at Edward.

"It's almost noon, baby," Edward explained. "I made you breakfast."

Her head popped up and she inhaled deeply. "Waffles?" she asked, sitting up and covering her upper body with the bedding. Neither Edward nor Bella liked to sleep with clothes on. Easy access was a must since they loved to show how much they needed each other.

"I used the waffle iron from Miss Alice's place," Edward explained, sitting down next to her after he put a tray over her legs. "Enjoy, birthday girl."

She cracked a sarcastic smile, tucking into her breakfast. "So, what's the plan for today? We're not working on Miss Alice's place. We can't really go out thanks to the 'Rona," she snickered.

"Well, we can go out, but not a restaurant. I figured we could go for a walk on Alki Beach and then, I ordered some food from that Italian place that will be delivered around six," Edward explained.

"Okay," she smiled. "I like that."

"I'll pack a picnic and we can do some exploring," he grinned crookedly.

"I'll bring my vlog camera," Bella nodded. "Thank you for … making today special."

"Anything for you, Glitter," Edward murmured, kissing her gently.

He got out of bed and that's when she noticed he was fully dressed. She smiled softly, finishing her breakfast. Putting the tray on the dresser, she picked out some clothes. It was chilly and cloudy, so she picked out a sweater and jeans. She took a quick shower, dressing comfortably in her clothes, but wore some sexy lingerie underneath her light-weight cream-colored sweater and burgundy skinny jeans. She applied some light makeup, piling her hair on top of her head. With a smile, she picked up her camera and a fresh memory card.

In the kitchen, Edward had finished the dishes and was waiting for Bella. "You look beautiful, Bella," he whispered.

"Thanks," she blushed, putting the memory card into the camera. "Have you been outside? Do I need a jacket?"

"Probably," Edward said. "It's cooler along the shore." He was dressed in a pair of black jeans and had a tan sweater on. Draped over his arm was a black peacoat along with an insulated backpack with their picnic.

Bella got a navy jacket and picked up a cloth mask that coordinated with her outfit. Picking up her camera, she held it up, sidling up to Edward. She pressed record, kissing his cheek. "Hey everyone … long time no talk. We've been back in the states for some time."

"We got back in the beginning of May and quarantined for a couple of weeks," Edward added.

"And, being inside for so long has made me yearn for traveling. I'm jonesing for a fix," Bella quipped. "Unfortunately, things are still up in the air with the pandemic. So, today, in honor of my birthday, we're going to explore our hometown. It's not the same as hopping onto a plane and traveling to places unknown, but it's better than being stuck within these four walls. We're going for picnic on Alki Beach. While we're out, we're also going to talk about our plans for the future."

"I also plan on giving Bella her present," Edward quipped. "At least, one of her presents."

"I'm just happy spending time with you, Sparkle," Bella cooed. He gently kissed her, nipping at her lower lip. She sighed happily. "Okay, I'm stopping. If not, this will not be posted, unless it's up on Redtube."

"There's an idea," Edward laughed.

Bella stopped filming and elbowed him. "Really, Edward? Filming our sexcapades?"

"You said yourself that you're an exhibitionist," Edward purred, turning her in his arms and squeezing her ass. "It could be something. Just for us."

"Let me think about it," she huffed. "Come on. I want to play today. Going outside? It sounds like so much fun."

"It's your birthday, Glitter," he grinned, kissing her deeply. "You're in charge."

The walked down to the street level and got into Edward's car. Putting the picnic in the backseat, he drove off toward Alki Beach. Bella filmed their trip until they arrived at Alki Beach. Because of her filming, Edward took the scenic route, passing some famously Seattle places. Once he parked, they put on their masks and took their time filming on the beach.

Settling on the beach, near the water, they opened up the goodies Edward had packed. "You are obsessed with this beer, babe," she laughed, holding up the pumpkin beer she'd purchased.

"It's grown on me," he shrugged.

Bella rolled her eyes, filming as they unpacked the food and shared the meal of munchies. Once they finished, Bella set up the vlog camera using the tripod. Bella was pulled onto Edward's lap after she pressed record. She laughed, snuggling into his arms. "You are a man obsessed," she teased.

"I'm obsessed with you, love," Edward grinned, nuzzling her cheek. "Are we ready to share our big news?"

Bella nodded. "I know a bunch of you offered suggestions as to what we should do with my YouTube channel and blog. We made a list of ideas. A lifestyle channel, cooking, makeup …"

"Bella, I love you, but you are not putting makeup on my face," Edward teased.

"I hate putting makeup on my own face," Bella snickered, rolling her eyes. "Obviously, that's not where we're going with our channel. A lot has changed, and I think those changes are for the better. I've traveled the world, but always on my own. Now? I have a partner whom I love. He shares my love of traveling and deals with my weird quirks."

"Your quirks are not weird," Edward argued, giving her a wry look. She kissed him, melting into his arms. "Anyway, we weighed our options. After discussing it, at length, Bella and I are going to do this travel thing together. Bella's lease is up after the first of the year and we've decided to travel the entire continental United States in a converted van." He grinned, pulling out his phone and handing it to Bella. "I've put a deposit down on this one."

"Edward," Bella breathed, flipping through the pictures of the van he'd picked. "This is …"

"You'll see pictures after Bella edits this video," Edward said. "Happy birthday, Glitter. To the beginning of a wonderful adventure and an amazing life." He pressed his lips to hers, humming happily. Pulling back, he stopped the recording. "Do you want to stay for the sunset?"

"Yeah. It's really pretty out here," she murmured. "What about the food? You said that it's being delivered at six."

"I can send them a text, asking to deliver the food at eight," he said, taking out his phone. Bella nodded, curling back into his arms after he'd sent the message. Bella positioned the camera to look out over the sound. The sun made its trek across the sky and dipped below the horizon. The sky was a beautiful mix of blues, purples, pinks, and oranges. Edward leaned forward, whispering in Bella's ear, "The sunset was gorgeous, but you outshine it. Every time."

"That was so incredibly cheesy, but I can't help but loving you for it," Bella snickered, kissing Edward's jaw. She shivered. "Come on, babe. I'm getting cold and we have a lot to talk about with that van."

Getting up from their picnic, they folded the blanket and walked back to Edward's car. Sliding inside, Edward drove them back to their shared apartment. They arrived at the same time as the food delivery service came with their dinner. Edward paid them, forking over a hefty tip and he carried the food up to the apartment.

Over dinner, they talked about the van and their plans to travel after the first of the year. Edward had already spoken to Emmett, explaining his exit strategy. Edward would still be an investor, and help where needed, but he would have the freedom to travel with Bella. He also used his business knowledge to set up an account for Bella's and now, his YouTube account. They set up an LLC with the help of Jenks, Edward's attorney.

Putting a candle into the tiramisu, Edward sang to Bella for her birthday. With a warm grin, she blew out the candle. "Thank you for a wonderful day, Edward," she whispered. "It's been the best birthday I could remember."

"I have one more present for you," he said, taking out a beautiful wooden jewelry box. It was a decorative box that she'd seen in the gift shop at the resort in São Paulo. "I didn't spend a dime on this, love."

"Edward …" she frowned.

"Your birthday … it's my prerogative as your boyfriend to spoil you," he quipped.

She gave him a wry look, opening the box and seeing an antique sapphire ring. "Is this …?" she trailed off.

"I'm not proposing, Glitter. When I propose, you'll know," he snickered. He plucked the ring out from the box and held it up before sliding it onto her right hand. "This is a promise. A promise of happiness. A promise of forever. I love you, Bella. So much …"

She looked down at the ring, tears welling in her eyes. "This is Miss Alice's ring," she murmured.

"It is, love," Edward nodded. "She gave it to me to give to you. She loves you so much and called you her daughter of her heart. This ring is from both her and me."

She launched herself at Edward, toppling them onto the couch as she kissed his face. He laughed, holding her to his body as he eagerly accepted her kisses. Then, their kissing grew heated and so much more. "I want you," she whispered. "Take me to bed, Edward. Make love to me. All of me."

A/N: I had every intention of getting to the birthday citrus during this chapter, but I wanted to really make it juicy. So, it'll be in the next chapter … which also happens to be the last real chapter of this story. We'll have that and the epilogue. And, that's what she wrote …

Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. You can access that through a link on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

With the last chapter, we'll have the juicy citrus, resolution with JR and moving forward with their new plans as full-time travelers. Leave me some loving! Thanks for reading!