A/N: Hello! I apologize for the delay; last weekend was dedicated to a roadtrip, and very little time for writing. I hope you enjoy this one!
Chapter 41: The Next Steps
Edythe swatted at Beau's hand, which had been trying to divert her attention from the journal in front of her. An approximation of a hiss unconsciously slipped through her teeth, protesting his interference.
"You have to put it down long enough to eat," he reminded her, though he was fighting a grin. She didn't look up at him as she responded.
"Leave me be. I'll eat when I'm done." Beau rolled his eyes slightly, nodding in thanks as Earnest placed their plates on the coffee table in front of them. Edythe sat curled up in Beau's lap, his arms wrapped around her legs. Her knees were folded to her chest as she balanced Beau's latest chapter on them. Archie glanced up at his best friend.
"I told you not to give in to her," the vampire reminded Beau, "She's just going to get worse."
Beau chuckled but did not respond, kissing Edythe's temple soothingly as she looked up momentarily to glare at her brother. Beau had acquiesced to Edythe's persistence, providing her with the second and third chapters, months before he had intended to. Despite his idea to maintain them as a birthday gift, Beau couldn't refuse her. When he had, Edythe was barely aware of her surroundings, completely engrossed in the words, not even willing to come up for air to eat.
"What is it even about, anyway?" Jessamine asked curiously, looking away from the TV.
"The van accident," Beau answered casually, glancing at Edythe.
"You mean the day that you practically exposed us?" Royal interjected snarkily, looking at Edythe. Nonplussed by the jab, she shot back immediately, not even looking up.
"Actually, it wasn't just me," she said.
"Excuse me?"
Edythe glanced up with a smirk before beginning to quote the journal,
"It sounds like you were extremely lucky," Dr. Cullen said, smiling as she signed my chart with a flourish.
"Lucky Edythe just happened to be standing next to me," I amended, shooting another glance at the subject of my statement.
"Oh, well, yes," Dr. Cullen agreed, suddenly occupied with the papers in front of her.
Then she looked away, at Taylor, and walked to the next bed. It made me sure the doctor was in on it."
"Oh, I'm in on it," Carine laughed, her smile bemused while the others laughed. But Edythe wasn't done, and she continued.
"I tuned them out to consider the jumble of absurd images churning in my head—images that were not possible.
When they'd lifted me away from the car, I had seen the deep dent in the tan car's bumper—a very distinct dent that fit the slim shape of Edythe's shoulders…
as if she had braced herself against the car with enough force to damage the metal frame.…
And then there was her family, looking on from a distance, with expressions that ranged from disapproval (Eleanor) to fury (Royal),
but held no hint of concern for their little sister's safety."
"You didn't do a much better job at keeping up the human charade than I did that day," Edythe finished, finally closing the book with a triumphant flourish. Her siblings made faces at her, knowing she was right.
"Only Beau would have noticed that though," Eleanor pointed out.
"Yes, but Beau also noticed everything else," Edythe countered, "From the first glance."
"I guess that just further proves the point that it was fate," Earnest said as he stepped back into the living room, having just cleaned the kitchen. He gently pulled the journal from Edythe's lap, placing it on the side table.
"But now, you both need to eat," he said, his tone adopting a more fatherly tenor, "Especially after your flight." Happy with finishing the chapters, Edythe acquiesced, moving off Beau's lap and pulling the plate toward her.
She was starving, having survived off very little since waking up early that morning to catch their flight. They had arrived home from the airport an hour ago, by which she had been preoccupied with finishing the chapters Beau had given her yesterday. He had said they were an unexpected gift for finishing the interview, but she knew it was really to help her keep her mind off the interview itself.
Of the places she had applied, Edythe had attended a few interviews, predominantly online. To her, they had felt impersonal, but far more convenient than flying all over the country. The only one she had to travel for was based out of Phoenix, a location that she found both intriguing and ironic. Beau had accompanied her for the two day trip, more comfortable with the city than she was. Amanda knew a few of the professors that taught at the veterinary school based in Paradise Valley, having worked under them herself in her early days in the field, and was curious how the school had developed since then. Her mentor was the only reason Edythe had applied originally, but now she found herself enamored by the school.
The interview was stressful, as expected, but the faculty and staff were amazingly supportive and sympathetic. And the description of the curriculum drew Edythe in, structured in a way she felt comfortable and enthusiastic about—despite her decades in high school and college, she did not love lectures, especially when her human mind was prone to wander when she grew bored. This school was designed to alleviate that, as well as employ ample opportunities for hands-on learning throughout, which is rare.
Overall, Edythe's interest had been peaked and, despite not hearing final answers from any schools yet—they still had over a month before the deadline—her mind kept drifting back to Phoenix. She could easily see herself in the facility, equipped with the latest updated models and equipment that she was eager to take advantage. But there was one big hole in the vision, one that would be there no matter where she chose: her family could not be with her, and she and Beau would have to leave.
The idea of it always caused a tightening in her chest, like it was suddenly hard to breathe. She knew that day would come—they all knew—but that didn't make it any easier. For how close she always had been with her family—even before her change, she had never been without them for over ninety years—the idea of living without them, even with Beau besides her, was…strange. It made her uncomfortable, and so she tried to push it to the back of her mind. But it was hard to ignore that fact, when she had just returned from a place that was eighty-five degrees in early March and so sunny the sky was nearly white, the most unsuitable place for a family of vampires.
Edythe shook her head slightly to clear her thoughts, focusing on finishing her dinner and helping Earnest clean up afterward. Feeling the heaviness in her eyes, she decided to turn in early, knowing she would be expected at the hospital the following afternoon. She bid her family goodnight, Beau promising he would follow soon after. Once she was gone, he stayed in the living room, watching the game with Eleanor, Archie, Carine, and Jessamine. Archie was looking after Edythe, his face troubled.
"What?" Beau asked, immediately worried for his mate. But Archie shook his head, already knowing what he was going to ask.
"She's fine. It's just…everything with you two is hazy," he said, rubbing the heels of his palms across his ocher eyes as if he had a headache. "It's been like that for months really; it just flickers every once in a while as the decisions gradually filter out. But she really likes that school."
Beau pursed his lips slightly before responding.
"I know she does," he said, "She spoke of nothing else for most of yesterday."
There was another pause and Carine looked up from her medical text, sensing the unease.
"Is that where she's going to go?" Beau asked Archie cautiously. He had worked hard to honor Edythe's wishes, to not know anything related to where they would end up come fall. But Beau felt inclined that, no matter where, he wanted to be prepared for the impending separation between Edythe and the rest of the Cullens. But Archie shook his head, though not in answer.
"I don't know," he replied, "The committees haven't made their decisions yet, so nothing will clear up until then. We'll just have to wait it out. There's only a few weeks left, at the latest."
Beau nodded and said no more, but he could sense the other Cullens were as invested in the conversation as he was. Jessamine leaned back into the couch and against Archie's side.
"If they do go to Arizona, they'll be close to the Southern covens, closer than I would be comfortable with," she pointed out, eyes on the coven leader. Carine nodded slightly, already knowing that. But she glanced at her newest son, whose eyes were on her as well.
"The sun would provide protection, just as much provide an unfortunate barrier for us," she answered, working to soothe both their fears. They nodded, only partially assuaged.
"We will deal with that if it comes," she added, "It is ultimately up to Edythe, regardless."
As she said the words, she could feel the regretful truth in them. The idea of Edythe and Beau leaving was as painful for her as it was for Edythe and the rest of them. And, like her daughter, she was choosing to ignore the issue until it was staring her in the face. Carine worked to bury the unease and unknown for the moment though, just relishing in the presence of her complete family with her now.
"Can I help you?" Amanda asked playfully as she felt Edythe lean on the back of her office chair. Edythe grinned, reaching over to place her hands on the veterinarian's shoulders.
"I have a smooth noodle for you in room six," she announced. "Slither has been lethargic for three days, after being fed last weekend." Amanda nodded as Edythe recounted the patient history, moving to stand. Edythe followed her to the front of the hospital, her mind easily settled into the predictability of the hospital day. It was nearly mid-day, and after nearly a week, she had finally recovered from the jet lag of the flight from Arizona back to Ithaca. Carine promised to come by today and help in the afternoon—Edythe was still in the brace, and though she was feeling fine, Carine was adamant she not use her hand for any weight- or dexterity-related activities until the full six weeks were up. She didn't complain though; she enjoyed her mother's company at work, and the knowledge of having a vampire restrain for her was just an added benefit.
Amanda worked through the reptile's case methodically, speaking with the owner about potential causes of his python's behavior while Edythe idly allowed the snake to wrap around her arm and behind her neck. After it was decided to send Slither home and proceed with treatment, Edythe returned him to his shoe box and escorted the client to the front. Amanda returned from the front desk, holding a folder filled with client instruction papers, moving to join the client and walk them through the plan for at-home care.
Edythe stood by quietly, but heard her name being called on her earpiece. She politely excused herself, heading to the back to assist in taking blood on an apparently anxious Beagle. Only a minute later, Carine stepped through the front doors of the hospital; she nodded in greeting to Amanda, who was still speaking to Slither's owner, then moved to the front desk.
"Hello, Dr. Cullen," Donna greeted, "How are you?"
"Carine, please, Donna," the vampire corrected with a smile. "I'm doing well. And you?"
"Ah," the middle-aged woman said, "The grind never stops here, as you undoubtedly know." Carine leaned causally against the counter to the side, chatting genially with Donna and Teresa, greeting the technicians and assistants as they recognized and said hello to her in-between running back and forth. Amanda escorted the snake owner to the front counter, wrapping up answering his questions, just before a loud scream broke the relatively calm chatter of the hospital.
Everyone froze, looking around in confusion as other voices joined the first, the high-pitched sound ricocheting through the hallways. Amanda and Carine looked up, the vampire spreading out her hearing to locate the source. But she found she didn't need to, as Donna gasped, her hand going to her earpiece.
"She got in," she said quietly, eyes flickering first to Carine then Amanda. Both doctors were equally confused momentarily before realization hit. Amanda excused herself and followed Carine as they moved toward the ICU, where the screaming originated from.
Pushing through the swinging doors, they came upon a scene where the six staff members were crowded together in the treatment area, both Lex and Gianna with their arms around Edythe, who was holding her cell phone to her ear. The shock in her eyes made the green that much more vibrant, and there were tears leaking from her eyes. Her coworkers huddled around her, some of them on the verge of tackling her in a hug, while others simply relayed emphatic adulation.
As Carine moved toward the group, she heard the slightly-metallic voice on the other end of the phone call. It was bemused, having been witness to the response to the news he had shared.
"Of course, you have until the deadline to give your answer, but we will be sending you some preliminary materials for you to review as you come to your decision. Is your address…" Edythe could barely get up the ability to confirm her home address. The Arizona school representative relayed one final congratulatory message before the call was ended. As Edythe dropped her phone on the treatment table besides her, the warm arms encircling her were replaced with familiar cool ones. She looked up into her mother's face, seeing the proud smile there as Carine took her face between her hands, murmuring her own congratulations.
Edythe didn't seem to know how to respond or speak, still shocked. It was only when she registered that her body was shaking that she seemed to come back to reality. Amanda was the first to intervene, shepherding the others back to their work, while Carine gently guided Edythe to the hall bathroom, closing the door behind her. She grabbed tissues from the windowsill and handed them to Edythe, who wiped her eyes free of the tears she hadn't known were falling.
"Sit, take a moment, breathe," Carine murmured, coaxing her into the single chair and crouching down in front of her. Edythe worked to listen, gulping deep lungfuls of air, as if she had just run a marathon. Her head was pounding, and it wasn't just from the crying; similarly, her hands were trembling. Carine took them in hers, rubbing her thumb over the back of her hands soothingly as Edythe's body calmed down from the emotional shock. After another minute, she seemed to get control of herself, and Carine sensed that, finally glancing down at her phone that hadn't stopped vibrating. She chuckled slightly as she looked at the onslaught of text messages from the group chat she was apart of with the rest of the family, starting with Archie's message.
PERFECT TIMING!
His message was followed by subsequent messages from Eleanor and Beau, wondering what on Earth their psychic brother and best friend was talking about it. Carine wrote back quickly, informing them that Edythe had gotten her acceptance. The reactive vibrations from their responses was eerily on point with their exclamations if they had been present. Carine showed her Edythe their messages and she laughed, her throat tight.
"We weren't supposed to find out until next month," she said shakily, still slightly dazed.
"Didn't they say they were going to release acceptances sooner for the strongest applicants?" Carine reminded her. Edythe glanced her, her eyes disbelieving and skeptical.
"You think too little of yourself, darling," her mother chuckled, reaching up to brush her cool fingers against Edythe's cheek. "I'm so happy for you, and so proud." Edythe couldn't help but smile; there was nothing she wanted more than Carine's approval, and so she leaned into her side, just trying to process everything. The click of the bathroom door made them look up; it was Amanda.
The veterinarian smiled as she met Edythe's gaze, moving forward to pull her into a tight embrace and give a congratulations of her own. Edythe thanked her, more emphatic than she had been so far.
"The others want to know what you want for lunch," Amanda said as she took a half-step back.
"Whatever they would like, my treat," Carine spoke. Amanda grinned and Edythe followed, finally standing up and brushing down the front of her scrubs, moving to the sink to wash her face. As she glanced at herself in the mirror, she could see the shock and excitement and relief in her eyes. But, beyond that, she could sense the forthcoming dread, for the decision she would have to ultimately make, one she had been trying to not think about for months.
The family was absolutely ecstatic for Edythe at her acceptance, and even more so as the rest of the acceptances came in. She had her choice of schools, and she was struggling more than she ever thought she would. Every day, she tried to work through it, to try to find some resolution, some decision she could live with. But she couldn't; no matter what situation she tried to entertain, there was not one that was not painful in some aspect, the large majority of it being the separation from her family.
"You're the one that has to live with the choice," Amanda had told her, "There is no point in going somewhere where you won't be happy."
As much as she knew the truth in the words, Edythe couldn't seem to find complete happiness, as all of her choices required her to leave home. There were better options—ones where cloud coverage was present but not as widely diffuse as in Ithaca—but she found she bore little enthusiasm towards the schools. The only one she could imagine in her head was in Phoenix, where the sky coverage was so minimal it was laughable.
Edythe knew in her mind that she wanted to go to the school in Phoenix; if she had taken the school just by the walls of the institution itself, she would not hesitate. But the distance, as well as the climate, was bringing her to a halt. If she and Beau were to go, there would no way she would be able to get to her family—or for her family to get to her—trapped by the insatiable, never-ceasing sunlight. There were no summers off; she couldn't go home for more than a weekend, except for holidays, which suddenly felt too far apart.
None of the options were optimal, and Edythe was in a state of turmoil, trying and hope to force something into existence that she knew could never be. And it was tearing her apart.
Her family watched her helplessly, wanting to provide anything they could to ease her distress, but knowing that ultimately the decision came down to her. So they settled as best they could by just being there for her, letting her talk it out or rant, or whatever she needed to try to work through it. But they could see how much it was hurting Edythe, having to choose between her career and her family.
"I don't know what more I can do for her," Carine admitted to Amanda and Sky one night after a long day at the hospital. Edythe had done all she could to dodge the questions and the subject, practically running to escape to the back to fill infusions for hospitalized patients.
"It's not a decision she's taking lightly," Sky agreed.
"I just wish she could understand we want her to be happy," Carine sighed.
"But you also know that she's happiest with you," Sky returned, "And none of her choices are in line with that, though some less so than others." Amanda said nothing, staring off absently, before Carine prompted her.
"Has she said anything to you?" he vampire asked. Amanda met her gaze before answering. Carine could sense the reluctance in the dark eyes and felt herself tense.
"She has told me she has not made a decision yet," she said slowly, "But I think she's already decided, whether consciously or not. But she's upset about the choice." The look on Carine's face made Amanda look at her full on.
"You already know too," Amanda accused softly, "You know where she wants to go. But you know it's also the place you won't be able to get to her if you need to. And you don't want to lose her."
"No, I don't," Carine said, but in answer to the last part of her words, rather than the first. "But she has wanted this for years. And I want her to be happy, no matter what it costs me."
"But what it costs her?" Sky prompted, one eyebrow raised.
To that, Carine had no answer.
Beau had been the one with Edythe the most throughout the last weeks, trying to help her as best he could. But he could see she was suffering, and was at a loss. Often, she would say nothing, trapped in her thoughts as he sat besides her or held her, not knowing what to do, but knowing he wouldn't leave her to deal with it alone.
The turmoil and anxiety that exuded from Edythe seemed to bleed into the rest of the house, and they were all affected; everyone seemed to worry for the worst, some desires clashing against others, and the stress was pressing down on them. No one knew what to do to break the cycle, to push them to the next steps. Little did Beau know it was him, with a little help, of course.
Beau got a text message from Amanda, asking him to come in to the hospital. Edythe was unexpectedly working, having worked with her coworkers so she was off tomorrow for their anniversary, but working a double today to compensate. She greeted him with a quick kiss in-between appointments, shaking her head when he asked her if she knew why Amanda had asked him to come in.
He was cautious as he ascended the back stairs, making his way past the saltwater tank to find Amanda's door open. She waved him in from her desk and he obeyed, Amanda swinging her chair toward him as he entered.
"Hey, what's up?" he asked before he heard the click of the door behind him. He glanced around, surprised to see Sky standing against the wall, having just closed the office door to give them privacy.
"What is this about?" he asked uncertainly, eyes suspicious.
"This is an intervention, Beau," Sky said, with a hint of teasing in the tone.
"Not really, though," Amanda added with a smirk. "But we need to talk to you, about you and Edythe."
"What about?" he asked, looking between the women.
"Why haven't you proposed to her yet?" Sky asked, always being the blunt person to get the conversation going. Beau's eyes widened in surprise.
"What?" he said, his jaw going slightly slack.
"Why haven't you proposed to her?" Amanda repeated slowly, but with less crudeness than her wife. "What are you waiting for?"
Beau looked between them, wondering if they were joking; he could see they weren't.
"We're only teenagers," he said, as if that was an explanation.
"We all know that is a stupid excuse," Sky said. "You are not typical teenagers, so cut that crap."
"We're not old enough to get married," Beau began, but Amanda cut him off.
"Says who?" she asked, one eyebrow raised.
"We're younger then my parents were," he pointed out.
"You really think your and Edythe's relationship is anywhere in the same stratosphere as your parents'?"
"Of course not, but…"
"But nothing," Sky said, "You've lived with her and her family for two years already; you're getting ready to move across the country with her. Is there anyone else you'll ever love?"
"No."
"You think you're going to change your mind?"
"No."
"Then what's stopping you?" Beau didn't have an immediate response to that. He could tell the two of them were serious, their faces deadpan.
"We have enough going on right now; I don't think we need something else," he finally said.
"Oh, that's exactly what you two need," Amanda said vehemently. Beau was unconvinced, she could see. And she leaned forward, arms crossing loosely over her as she balanced them on her desk. At the same time, Sky leaned sideways against the desk, eyes on Beau.
"Beau, you love Edythe, and you want to be with her, just as she loves and wants to be with you. You two would do anything fo each other." Beau nodded at Amanda's statement.
"In a few months' time, she's going to be moving far away from everything she's ever known, including her family. She is scared, she feels trapped, she is at a crossroads in her life where it feels like every decision she makes is bad and will cause more pain. And we all know it's going to be hard, on everyone, but especially you two. Let this part of your story have a happier part, to bring some love and light."
"To end it on a good note, if you will," Sky added quietly. Then she added, "You know she wants to get married."
Beau nodded; this he was aware of. Edythe, having grown up in the early part of the twentieth century, was no doubt surrounded by the idea of marriage, as was expected of young girls at the time; her desire for it was propagated in her first human years, and was only strengthened as she took part in all the weddings of her family—multiple times in Eleanor and Royal's case. Prior to her human transformation, one of the things Edythe wanted for Beau was the happiness of marriage; it was a part of the 'human experiences' she had emphasized so much.
"You would do anything for her," Amanda said quietly, coaxing Beau to look at her again, "This is it, Beau." His blue eyes met her darker ones and she added, "All that energy that you had put in before, where you had exhausted yourself trying to make that future happen. Use that energy for this; put that effort into this. You both will be happier in the end." Beau knew what she was implying; for all the arguments and emphatic drive on his part to persuade Edythe to change him, that had all fallen to the way side when she had changed. He had become more passive since then, allowing things to change around him rather than working to alter them himself. Doing this, proposing to Edythe, was a way he could get that back.
It wasn't that he didn't want to marry Edythe—of course he did—it just felt like too soon. All his life, he had watched the tendrils of his parents' marriage, how nothing good had come of it, not even him, he sometimes thought. And the idea of being the center of attention made him nauseated. The look on his face was familiar to Amanda, and she laughed slightly.
"Weddings are more for the bride than the groom, Beau," she said, "All you really will be expected to do is show up. Unlike you, Edythe doesn't mind attention. And you know it would make her happy."
In those words, Amanda knew she had him; nothing made Beau happier than making Edythe happy. But even then, she could see the slight hesitance.
"Don't compare your relationship to Charlie and Renee's," she prompted, "Compare it to Carine and Earnest's, Archie and Jessamine's, Royal and Eleanor's." Beau could; his love for Edythe, and her love for him, was far more than his parents could ever hope to have. Their love was deeper than anything human. Beau glanced at her, and she could see the decision in his eyes.
"This weekend?" he checked; he knew it was not an accident that their intervention was timed just before his and Edythe's second anniversary. Sky nodded.
"I need to…" he began as Amanda leaned back, opening up the drawer under her desk. Before he could finish, she pulled the white velvet box out and placed it on the walnut desktop.
"No need," she said, "Archie was kind enough to have it polished for you. He said it was 'just in case'." Her knowing grin made Beau smile and shake his head indulgently in response. He reached out to take the box. At the same time, he pulled his phone of his pocket, dialing Charlie's number. As he held the ring box in his palm, his fingers tightened around it, resolved.
The Cullen parents' expressions turned confused as Beau shifted nervously as he faced them. Unable to meet their gaze, he stared at the dining table, feeling the ring in his pocket as if it weighed a thousand pounds.
"Beau, what is it?" Earnest asked, sensing his unease. Carine didn't say anything, watching the human teenager's face closely as his blue eyes glanced at them finally.
"You know I was named after my grandfather, right?" he asked quietly. The two vampires nodded silently, confused by the question and wondering where this conversation was going. The obvious uncertainty in Beau's expression and stance put them on edge, and they were cautious as he continued.
"My grandmother, Marie, spoke about him every so often," he said, "she was the one who gave me the nickname Beau, saying my grandfather never liked his full name either. She said she was not in the correct state of mind, given his death, that she didn't object when Renee choose to name me after him." Beau smiled slightly, indulgent of his mother, as always.
"She died when I was twelve," he added then said no more. There was a long moment of silence, and he could feel their gazes on him, waiting for him to make his point. He sighed, running his sweating palms over his pants as he shifted.
"I know technically I only needed to do this with you, Earnest," he said, glancing up at the man in question, "But I thought it would be more appropriate for Carine to be here as well, given she is-slash-was Edythe's creator." Carine glanced questioningly at Earnest across the table, their hands held together. Her husband looked equally as thrown as she was.
"What's wrong, son?" Earnest asked finally, leaning forward in his chair. "What is troubling you? Are you all right; is Edythe all right?" Beau couldn't help but smile slightly at the term, and he sighed.
"Edythe is fine. She…" he began. Then he stopped, finally lifting his head to look at them squarely, taking a deep steadying breath and bracing himself. "She's the most amazing person to me. I love her more than my own life, more than my own soul. And I know she loves me the same way. It didn't take us long after we met to realize we were meant to be together, for as long as we live.
"Whether human or vampire, I know we wouldn't be able to live without each other; I know I can't live without her. And so,"—another deep breath—"I'm asking you both for your blessings…for me to ask her to marry me."
Realization dawned on the eldest Cullens and wide smiles replaced their furrowed brows. In less than the time it took for Beau to blink, they were in front of him, Carine taking his hand while Earnest placed his hand firmly on Beau's shoulder.
"Of course, Beau," Earnest said immediately, "There is no one better for Edythe than you."
"You are already a son to us," Carine added, "You have loved our daughter in ways which we always hoped she would be. For over a century of seeing Edythe alone, the happiness and peace you bring her makes us so elated to see her in such a state of existence. We are blessed she found you, that we have found you, and we are proud to welcome you into the family. You are a Cullen, Beau. You have been from the beginning."
Beau worked not to make it obvious as his eyes pricked from her statement, but he didn't think he succeeded. Carine reached up to place her cool hand against his cheek, her own smile kind. Carine stepped aside so Earnest could pull Beau into a one-armed hug, reiterating what Carine said.
"When are you going to ask her?" Carine asked; the excited light in her eyes made Beau feel comfortable enough to elaborate.
"Tomorrow around mid-day," he said, "It will two years since that Saturday in the meadow, and she has off tomorrow. Archie knows a place he thinks will work best."
"Is that also the reason he kicked the others out of here two hours ago?" Carine asked lightly.
Beau nodded with a nervous half-grin as her future in-laws laughed bemusedly.
"What brought all this on so suddenly?" Carine asked curiously. "Archie didn't push you into this, did he?"
"No," Beau protested, "Actually, it was Amanda and Sky. They spoke to me today, asking me what I was waiting for. And, well, I didn't really have an answer." Beau laughed again.
"I guess marriage has never been high on my radar, especially given how badly it went with Charlie and Renee. But they reminded me how much Edythe wanted to get married. And, well…"
He paused before adding.
"Though I wasn't all that comfortable with it, since it's been basically beaten into my head that marriage is doomed for failure, Amanda pointed out that I'm surrounded by four sets of married couples that it obviously did work for. And it's not like with Charlie and Renee…it's far different." He thought for a moment.
"They kind of worked me through the rut I was in; I guess Edythe and I have become so much apart of each other's lives that marriage just seemed a formality. But I know it would make her happy, and it seemed like…the proper thing to do and, I guess, give us a better send off once we leave. It would make more sense to do it now too, before school starts, and the earlier the better, so my parents don't get suspicious."
Carine squeezed his hand gently as she pulled him into another hug.
"You have no idea what that means to us, Beau," she said as she pulled back. "Thank you, for loving her."
"It's the easiest thing I've ever done," Beau noted and the vampires smiled.
"Do you need help with a ring?" Earnest asked, but Beau shook his head. Hesitantly, he pulled his hand from his pocket, holding the band delicately between his fingers as he passed it to Carine for her and Earnest to inspect.
"Just before my grandmother died, she gave me her ring. She told me to give it to the girl I was going to spend the rest of my life with, and to love her and cherish as my grandpa did for her. They were married for sixty-eight years when he died. They were married in 1919, so I thought the ring would suit her."
As Beau spoke, Carine and Earnest's eyes raked over the ring. The slim silver band was plain but polished around two-thirds of the circle. The final third was adored with precise triangle cuts through the band, interlaced with small stones and adornments toward the center, where three diamonds—two smaller, round brilliant stones flanking the center radiant-cut one—were cut into the piece. It was a very classical style for the era, but that wasn't what drew their eyes.
Across from the diamonds, carefully etched on the inside of the band, was an engraving:
For love to be forever, first it must be true. Always my beloved —Beau
"Oh Beau," Carine breathed, "It's absolutely stunning. It's perfect for her." The assurance made Beau feel relieved, more confident that he would be right in his hope that Edythe would love the ring.
"How are you going to ask her?" Earnest asked now. Beau grinned slightly then relayed his plan.
"Where are we going?" Edythe's green eyes were curious as Beau drove them north of town. One hand was on the wheel of the Honda, while the other held hers tightly on the center console. She didn't think she was imagining the tension in his grip, and her nerves were pushed even further on edge. Carine had removed the brace from Edythe's wrist this morning, still warning her to be careful and ease back into normal use, lest she aggravate the almost-healed bone.
"Just a small detour before dinner," he assured her with an easy smile. "I thought you might like it." She eyed him cautiously but nodded in agreement. Only a few minutes later, he pulled off the side of the paved road, parking besides the dense forest. She stepped out, confused as he came around the car to join her. She pulled back slightly as Beau made to pull her gently toward the woods.
"Beau, I'm not properly dressed for this," she protested, indicating her attire. In preparation for what she believed to be just an anniversary dinner at the nicest restaurant in Ithaca—though no where near fine dining—Eleanor and Jessamine had helped Edythe choose her outfit. She wore a white maxi skit, the band coming up to hug her waist, matched with a cut off top that came just above it.
Edythe was not one to show off her midriff, but her sisters had assured it was tasteful and accepted in this style, in this century. The fabric was comfortable on her, but now she was regretting it—and the open toed sandals—as Beau guided her forward. After a moment, she could see a small trail between the trees, the way flatter and not as filled with branches and trees as the rest of the foliage. She gathered her skirt nevertheless, but moved with Beau off the road and into the forest.
After only a couple of minutes of walking, she could see where the path came to an end and, curious, she stepped out, and was shocked to find herself in a small, open field. The lush bright green grass butted up against the forest that was still struggling against the mid-March weather, in a constant battle between winter and spring. Today, it was abnormally warm, over seventy, and partly sunny. Edythe let the rays of sunshine absorb into her skin, ignoring the reminder of Phoenix in the back of her head, and stepped out, her eyes following the grass out until it dead-ended at a cliff face, with an awe-striking view over the blue Cayuga Lake.
Beau followed behind her, the lump in his throat getting bigger as the time grew closer. He knew their reservation did not leave much room for him to stall, but he suddenly wished he could. Though all the Cullens assured him he had nothing to worry about, he couldn't quiet the fear and nervousness. Edythe looked back at him then, her eyes wide in wonder and lifted her hand for him to join her. He obeyed immediately, stepping to her side and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"It's beautiful," she said quietly.
"It's not quite the meadow in Forks, but…" he amended, trailing off. Edythe hummed quietly, knowing what he meant. She leaned her head against his chest for a moment, enjoying the view and breeze as it gathered under her skirt slightly, her hair fluttering in the wind. After a long moment though, she turned to face him.
"This is what you wanted to show me?" she asked.
"Partially," he said, feeling sweat beginning to build in his palms. He tried to remind himself that Edythe was right there, and there was nothing to be worried about. The anxiety in his eyes was not lost on her though, and her eyebrows furrowed in concern. She reached up to press her palm to the side of his face.
"What is it, Beau?" she asked, worried. He couldn't help a small smile, kissing her hand softly. He didn't say anything at first, and her expression grew more uneasy. He smiled again to reassure her, before looking out over the cliff, out at the water.
"Do you remember when we first moved here, when we spoke about our souls, about heaven and hell?" he asked.
"Yes," Edythe answered uncertainly.
"Do you remember when I told you that I would rather be in hell with you, than heaven on my own?" he prompted. She nodded quietly. Beau turned back to look at her, seeing the confusion in her eyes, unsure where this conversation was leading.
"I still believe that," he said, "If everything else was gone from this world but you, I could live as long as you were with me. But if all else stayed and you were gone, that would be my own personal hell." Edythe didn't respond immediately, but was touched by the words. Beau was always affectionate with her, but rarely did he ever say something so romantic, to the point it bordered on cliche.
"You are my entire world, Edythe," Beau continued, "I love you more than I ever thought I could love a person. You make life worth living; you give my life meaning. You were what I was searching for." Edythe smiled.
"My life felt like it didn't have a point before I met you," she said, "When I realized I loved you, all darkness that had been my existence for the past century turned bright. I could see hope, happiness, love, the same as I had seen through the rest of my family, when they found their mates. And that didn't change when I became human." He smiled, pressing his lips to her nose, her eyelids, but avoiding her mouth.
"That day in the meadow," he said, "It was the start of everything, and far more good came out of it than bad. I wouldn't give it up for anything; I wouldn't give you up for anything." His arms tightened around her reflexively. Edythe reached up once more, touching Beau's face as he spoke, moved by his words. Surprising her though, Beau took her hand and took a step back. She was confused, standing there with only their hands clasped together.
"Our forever started that day in the meadow, Edythe," he said quietly, "I'm ready to move on to the next step of our forever." As he spoke, he flipped his hand to hold hers on top of his. Then, he slid down to one knee. In the same moment, he pulled the ring box from his back pocket, turning back to see Edythe had frozen, her green eyes shocked and her free hand coming to cover her open mouth as he knelt in front of her, the white box opened to reveal the silver ring.
"Edythe Adaline Cullen," he said, working hard for his voice not to crack, "I have loved you since the day I met you, and I promise to do so every moment of every day until we leave this world. Will you do the incredible honor of marrying me?"
Edythe was so surprised she didn't respond immediately; after a moment though, she seemed to snap out of it.
"Yes," she whispered emphatically. Beau smiled then, as Royal and Archie had told him, delicately pulled the ring from its cushion and slid it onto the fourth finger of her left hand. It was a perfect fit, as Archie had promised, the silver band glinting in the sunlight. Edythe gazed at it momentarily, taken by its charm. Then, as Beau stood, taking her hand, she leapt into his arms. He laughed, catching her easily, swinging her around, feeling very much like a scene in a love story. But neither of them cared. Their lips found each other and they shared a deep kiss as Beau stilled, his arms holding her up off the ground.
When they finally broke apart, Edythe giggled, happiness unlike anything she had ever felt flowing through her. Beau gently set her down and she brought her hand up, inspecting the ring. Beau stood besides her patiently, before quietly encouraging her to look at the inside of the band. She did, reading the inscription emblazoned there, and felt tears fill her eyes, and her throat clogged up.
"Oh, Beau," she breathed, but couldn't say any more, just hugging him tighter. Beau smiled, his chin on top of her head, his arms around his fiancée.
"We need to get going, or we'll be late for our reservation," he reminded her. Edythe was surprised, the idea of their anniversary completely leaving her mind at his proposal.
"We need to tell the others on the way," she said, even as he made to escort her back to the trail. But Beau laughed.
"There's no need," he said, pointing out to their right over the cliffside, back toward town. Edythe followed his finger, her eyes locking on her family that was stand precariously several hundred feet away. Even that far out, she could see their smiles and the camera in Archie's hand. She felt no irritation with them though; she was too happy, and just simply laughed, shaking her head indulgently.
"I had to ask Carine and Earnest beforehand anyway," Beau explained, "And, for course, Archie was aware. And he couldn't not tell Jess, and Royal and El helped with planning it out…" Edythe laughed, the sound musical and carefree as she realized how much of a hand her family had in this plan. She was also touched that Beau had thought enough to ask her parents for her hand; though archaic and practically unnecessary, she knew, it made her heart that much more full.
"How many people knew about this before I did?" she asked with an eyebrow raised as they made their way back through the forest to the Honda. Beau grinned a little sheepishly.
"Um...everyone," he finally answered, "Charlie, Renee, Amanda, Sky, everybody at the hospital…"
Her eyebrows lifted further in surprise, and her face twisted with amused annoyance that everyone had been privy to this, and she was the last to know. But she felt she couldn't keep that emotion for long; every time she glanced at the ring on her finger, a giddiness and joy overcame her, making any negative emotions dissipate.
Even through dinner, Edythe couldn't go very long without glancing at the slim silver band. She and Beau spoke intently throughout, about the wedding, the planning, the guests, everything. In that, Edythe seemed to come to resolution, to the decision she had been painstakingly agonizing over. She didn't understand how now it wasn't as scary to her—considering she knew Beau would have been with her regardless—but she felt stronger, more confident and courageous to deal with this next step.
When they arrived home, they were swarmed by the other Cullens congratulating them. Archie thumped Beau on the back appreciatively, while Jessamine and Eleanor crowded around Edythe, wanting to see the ring up close. Royal stood off to the side, nodding with a smile as Beau thanked him for his advice on the proposal. Carine gathered Edythe in her arms and held her close, while Earnest welcomed Beau into the family, officially. The smiles on all their faces was a relief as much as it was a cause for jubilation, after the weeks of anxiety and stress that had befallen them. Recalling that, Edythe gently stepped out of her mother's embrace, taking her phone from the side table where she dropped it before being—for all intents and purposes—tackled by her sisters.
"Who are you calling?" Carine asked.
"Arizona," she answered with a small smile, "I need to accept their offer."
A/N: Adorableness and more adorableness; you're welcome :3 :)
This chapter is also long (more than double a typical chapter), mostly because I wanted to end it at this point. I'm assuming few of you will mind :)
Also, the inspiration for Edythe's ring is under my pictures in my profile (I suck at descriptions).
This is a fake veterinary school in Arizona, by the way; most of the truth of geography and timing around vet school has been excluded for the purposes of this story. C'est la vie.
Also, I may have implied somethings about Amanda and Sky….being far more privy than a normal person may. There is a reason for that, and it is deliberate. One of those side stories that can't make it into the final story. But maybe, after this story is over, I can add it one at the end, as a little side quest. Maybe…
The beginning of this chapter is very….meh, in my opinion. Kinda haphazard and choppy, but it got better as it went on. I hope you guys liked the ending (I know I did). I feel the chapter is named appropriately.
If you enjoyed, please think about maybe dropping me a PM or review to let me know! See you all next time!