51

I come home the night before the big visit and find my vampire standing completely still at the kitchen sink, just staring out the window.

She doesn't notice my presence until I'm standing right behind her.

"What are you staring at?"

She jumps three feet in the air, literally, and turns, clutching her non-beating heart in fright. "Jesus, you scared me! How do you do that?"

"You were preoccupied. What's going on?"

"Did Rabbit ever mention that Ben is gifted?"

I throw my head back and groan. "These girls are killing me with the guys they bring home."

Bella laughs and helps me out of my suit jacket. "You should go see for yourself. It's actually pretty neat."

I prepare myself for the worst before opening the blinds covering the sliding glass door. "Huh?"

The girls are out of school for Spring Break, yet it's snowing in my backyard.

"He can physically manipulate the alchemical elements," Bella whispers, her cool breath in my ear making me shiver and break out in goosebumps. "Earth, wind, fire, and water."

She's gone just as fast as she appeared, and I watch Angela dance in the snow falling around her and see the look of utter devotion on the vampire causing her such happiness. It makes my stomach hurt. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad she's found someone who appreciates her. If I'm being honest, I'm jealous.

I decide not to bother them when Ang shivers and the snow immediately stops falling as she steps into Ben's waiting arms. I close the blinds to give them their privacy.

Perks of being the easy child.

"They're really cute together," Bella says.

She's standing at the stove, stirring something that smells wonderful.

I grunt. "They're definitely easier to tolerate than Alice and Jasper, that's for sure."

Bella laughs. "True. Rabbit doesn't push buttons quite like Ali can." She offers me a taste of what she's cooking.

Spaghetti sauce from scratch. "Hmm. That's really good."

Bella wipes sauce off of my top lip, and then realizes what she's done and takes an exaggerated step back.

"Alice tried to convince me she and Jasper should be allowed upstairs now that I'm here. I told her I would discuss it with you, and she told me you'd say yes, but I still wanted to ask. Maybe we can start with an open door policy? I can shoot upstairs at random to make sure they behave."

"Sounds good to me."

"Mom and Dad will be here around eight tomorrow." Bella gives me a hesitant look. "I'm just warning you they're going to bring gifts. For everyone."

"Bella—"

"You and the girls are the closest thing I've ever had to a family besides my parents, Edward. Let them spoil us. Please."

And she pulls out this pout that I've never witnessed before. I couldn't fight it if I tried. I crumble like a cookie. "We'll try your idea with Alice and Jasper. I don't think I'll ever be okay with the door being closed, and I'll try to be understanding when it comes to your parents and their generosity."

She throws her arms around me. "Thank you!"

I wrap my arms around her waist and hold her to me. She's so much stronger than I am. If she wanted to, she could pull out of my embrace without even trying. Instead, she molds herself to me and gives a heavy sigh.

"Bella," I whisper.

She looks up, and it would take nothing to lean down and press my lips to hers. I'm about to give in to all of my urges when the back door slides open, and Bella's on the other side of the room before Angela steps foot into the house.

"Dad!" She giggles when she sees that I'm home.

Ben follows her inside, but his eyes are only on her.

"Hi, guys," I greet.

"Mr. Cullen."

I remind him I'd prefer it if he just calls me Edward, and he nods, but I know it's a lost cause. He's very respectful and set in his ways.

"Watch." Angela points to a lit candle sitting on the island and pushes him with her shoulder. "Go ahead, Ben."

Ben smiles, his eyes not leaving her for a second while the flame forms a heart, and then extinguishes itself.

"That is really impressive."

Angela hugs her boyfriend. "He's so awesome." She proudly states.

They stare at each other, and I stare at Bella, who's found great interest in polishing the tea kettle. Ben asks for permission to take Angela to Cora's for drinks, and I nod.

"I'll be home early," Angela insists. "I need my rest because the list of questions I have for Madam President and The First Gentleman is a mile long."

Ben chuckles. "She exaggerates. It's only half a mile long."

Angela playfully smacks his chest, and he leads her out the door.