If you were a third party looking in on how the initial greeting goes once we make it to the door, you would swear I was the stranger being introduced for the first time.
As soon as the door opens, Bella is pulled into a crushing hug from my mother, her high-pitched squeal making me wonder if the neighbor's dog can hear her.
"Oh my god, it's so good to finally meet you. Look at you; you're beautiful," Mom pulls Bella back, with her hands still firmly clasped on her shoulders. She looks like she's about to cry, as does Bella—only in her case it's out of mortification.
Dad and I share a look over the scene in the entryway, one that simultaneously says, 'would you stop her?' And 'as if I could.'
I guess the Cullen men are just destined to be completely whipped by their women.
I mean that metaphorically, but I could probably make that a literal reality if I brought it up to Bella. She'd be down for it, I'm sure.
"Uh, thanks, so are you," Bella finally responds.
"Oh, and she's a sweetheart, too. Come on in; everyone should be here soon." My mother ushers Bella away before I can stop her, and like some forgotten toy, I'm left staring at the retreating forms of two of the most important women in my life.
"I swear, Dad, if she sends Bella running for the hills, I'll never forgive her." I'm joking, of course, but only about halfway.
"Oh, come on, as if anyone has ever not fallen in love with your mother. She'll be just as smitten as we all are," he pats my back in that fatherly way men do, then lightly shoves me towards the backyard.
"You look good, son. Happy. More rested than I think I've ever seen you," he says as we walk.
I have to take a deep breath to compose that part of me that wants to scream, YEAH, I KNOW, CAUSE I'M IN LOVE.
"I am. Both of those things," I say instead, nodding.
"Good. We all need someone to live for."
Fuck if that's not the truth.
The back yard is in a better state than I've seen in a long time—perfectly trimmed and manicured, lights strung up between the trees over us so when night falls, we'll still have plenty of light. The fire pit is ready to be lit, the grill already going, coolers full of drinks lining the patio, and trays of fruits, meat, cheeses, and dips are spread out on the table.
It's a true Esme Party. And seeing that she was up to do all this does something strange to my heart. Even if she did need Dad's help, there's no denying she's feeling better.
"Edward, come sit with your girl. I know you're dying to make sure I behave," Mom says, waving me over to one of the chairs.
Bella seems to find this funny if her laughter is any indication, but I'm too busy taking a good look at my mother to make my feet move.
She's wearing a hot pink summer dress with a cardigan over it, her headscarf matching perfectly. But that's not what captures my attention.
Mom has put on some weight.
She's just a little less frail looking than she was the last time I took a good look at her. Her eyes are shining a little brighter, her cheeks holding just the tiny hint of color.
I don't want to get my hopes up, but I can't help it. For the first time in a long time, I feel hope.
And when I finally do take a seat next to my girl, her smile lighting up my entire goddamn world, I realize that everything just might be falling into place.
