46

"Let's go watch a movie with Ali and wait for Rabbit to get back from her date," Bella offers when I've been standing in the doorway for too long, like I'm hoping they'll come back any minute.

"Nope," Alice sings as she bounces down the stairs with her purse. "I'm going to take advantage of having the car to myself and hang out with Jasper and his coven down at Cora's."

"Ali," Bella starts, but Alice holds her hand up.

"I know they'll go there after the movie. We'll be long gone before they get there, so it doesn't look like I'm your spy. Promise." She kisses Bella's cheek, and then mine. "Peace."

She's off like a rocket, and I'm home alone with Bella.

This hasn't happened since I majorly fucked up and spent two hours buying flowers and trying to hunt down a stuffed squirrel that wasn't a dog toy.

"Movie?" Bella asks. "Or we could play video games."

"A movie sounds good."

We squeeze together on the loveseat, although there are many other places to sit. I sat down first and she followed me, so it's not like I'm forcing myself on her.

We both sit up straight until we're two movies in and finally start to relax. Bella's leg is pressing up against mine, and even through our clothing, I can feel the familiar zing that happens every time we touch.

"Do you feel that?" I ask curiously, looking down at the place where we're connected.

"Yes," Bella replies weakly, staring at the same spot.

"Do you know what it means?"

Bella sighs. Her answer is barely a whisper. "I think so."

I look up and see how dilated her pupils are. Gone is the butterscotch iris. It's all black. I don't know what that means, but then again, I don't know anything anymore.

She shakes her head and moves until we aren't touching anymore. I immediately miss the connection.

"I'm not entirely sure." She runs a hand through her long hair. "I need to talk to my mom."

"Okay."

"I wanted to talk to you about maybe having her and my dad come visit."

I smile. "Angela would enjoy that."

Bella laughs. "Yeah, I think my mom might have some competition if Ben is going to stick around. Rabbit is absolutely smitten with that boy."

I chuckle. "That's true."

Alice gets home before her sister and is trying to decide what movie we should watch next when they pull into the driveway. I try to stand up, but Bella stops me.

"You'll embarrass her."

"As her father, that's my prerogative."

"Give them five minutes, and I'll let you go." She rolls her eyes.

I sit back down and check my watch.

One minute and thirty-six seconds later, Angela comes in, shuts the door, and leans against it with a dreamy smile.

Alice is the first to pounce, and I officially lose my movie watching partners because they drag her up the stairs to talk about her date. There's lots of giggling and a bunch of squeals.

I'm really grateful the girls have Bella. She makes them happy. She makes me happy.

I can't fight this anymore.

I'm going to do something about it. I just don't know what that something is.