Well hello xDI'm gonna need to set an alarm or something to remind myself to post these. So I guess you're getting three today. Enjoy!Thanks to Fran, my girls, and you! xxx
-90-
"So, son, Aro tells me you've been spending less time at work lately?" At my dad's words, my fork, piled high with Mom's potato salad, freezes halfway to my mouth. I had been dying to get it in me since I saw the bowl on the counter.
"Uh, yeah, I guess I have. Is he upset about something?" I inquire, a little upset that the chief has been mentioning these things to my father rather than me.
Plus, I'm still hyper-aware of Bella's reaction to everything that's happening. She knows I'm in the FBI, but that's all she knows. She doesn't know what branch I work for, and I'd really appreciate it if Dad keeps his fucking mouth shut about this particular topic of conversation.
"No, actually, quite the opposite. He's glad to see you spending time doing things outside of the office," his eyes cut to Bella, a smirk on his lips, and I'm suddenly aware of exactly why he's bringing it up.
He's trying to give me his blessing. After the bumpy ride in the beginning, I appreciate it. But fuck, man, dude needs a little lesson on subtlety.
"I just don't want you making my mistakes," he adds.
"What mistakes, Dad? We had a good life." My fork clinks against the plate Mom insisted we use, although paper plates and plastic utensils would have done much better.
"You did. And I can thank your mother for that," he and Mom share a sickening lovestruck look I try not to gag at. "All I'm saying is, family should come first. About everything. Even your job, no matter how important it is. Bella, you don't let this boy get too into his work, okay?"
"Yes, sir," Bella nods, laughing lightly before leaning into my side. Her arm brushes against mine, and I have to resist the urge not to shove my tongue down her throat when I look at her. Shoving potato salad in my face instead seems to be a good plan. "Besides, I'd have to know exactly what you do in order to do that."
Her voice is light, teasing. She's not accusing me of anything. We're just getting started, and there's a lot we still don't know about each other. Besides, we've been a little occupied.
But it still scares the shit out of me. She knows I work for the FBI; she doesn't know what branch I work for or that said branch even exists.
Thank God that for the first time in my sister's existence, her timing is impeccable, and she and her brood come bursting around the side of the house.
"Holy shit, Edward, you didn't tell me that your sister is a model. Or that her husband is a linebacker. Jesus," Bella's eyes are wide, looking at the picture-perfect couple while the kids all pile on top of Mom.
"What, you got the hots for my sister?" I tease, giving up the battle just a little to kiss her cheek.
"Who wouldn't?" She actually gasps, clutching her chest.
"Uh, me. I wouldn't. Stop checking out my sister; it's weird," I laugh, shoving her arm playfully.
"Unca Ed!" One of my nieces, Luna, makes her way over to me excitedly. This kid loves me, and she's cute as can be. She's got her dad's dark curls, but her mom's bright, blue eyes, and she's so sweet I want to eat her up. I hate kids, generally, but these kids are family, and Rose and Em are all right parents, so they're not little shits. "Mommy said that...that if...if I asked real nice, you might...you might...maybe you'd hook up the sprinkler for us?"
"Yeah, kid, you got it. But let's eat first, all right? Want me to help you make a plate?" I pull her into a one-armed hug, holding my food away from her, giggling and squirming when I kiss her cheek.
"No, tanks! Mommy gots it!" Before I can respond, Luna runs off, and I have four more similar conversations with my other nieces and nephews.
By the time I'm done, I feel eyes boring into the side of my skull, and my head turns to find Bella looking at me with a mixture of that look that only belongs to me and one that's positively ravenous for something that's not food.
"Oh, you're getting laid so hard tonight," she says, crossing one leg over the other and rubbing her thighs together.
But before I can ask her what suddenly has her in the mood, Rosalie and Emmett come bursting into our little bubble.
"Well, if it isn't the girl that personally removed the stick from my brother's ass. So good to finally meet you." Bella's posture is off when she hugs my sister, and I wonder if it's because of me or because of Rose's apparent hotness level.
"Future sis-in-law!" Emmett bellows because he can't do anything quietly. And when he picks her up off her feet in a bear hug, I have to severely tamp down the fiery jealousy in my chest.
Because it's Emmett. Not only is he so madly in love with Rose, but she'd have his balls if he ever so much as thought about another girl.
Just like that, introductions are made, and the party descends into that sort of chaos you only get at family cookouts. One that will only get worse as the night goes on and the grown-ups pound more drinks, and my family interrogates my girlfriend more.
Jesus fuck, I hope we survive.
