35

BPOV

"a stranger's car"

My new hobby has turned into a small obsession, and I can't even be mad because Wanda is happily reaping the benefits.

In just over a week, I've managed to convert her to an all-homemade, entirely organic diet, and although she's noticeably gained a few pounds, she seems to have a lot more energy. She's part of the Clean Plate Club, licking the bottom of her bowl, making sure she's gotten everything.

My kitchen has been turned into a dog bakery, keeping my hands busy and my mind from wondering when Charlie is going to turn back up.

Sure, Edward scared him off that afternoon, and there's a "no trespassing sign" on my lawn. I doubt that's enough to keep my stepdad away. Not until he gets what he wants.

Edward. Just thinking his name makes me sigh. I can't explain how much he means to me without coming across as a little crazy. I mean, we've only known each other for a short while, but he's easily become my closest friend and the best thing that's ever happened to me, and that's saying a lot, considering I won the lottery.

Our relationship is easy; we've managed to fall into step together. Falling for the funny guy who would drop everything if I asked him to is so easy.

We haven't been officially dating for long, but he treats me so well and adores my dog. How could I not develop feelings for him? Isn't that the goal of dating though? The eventuality that one day you're going to give your heart away.

I don't know. Like I said. Crazy.

Edward and I spend a lot of time together, but since I've picked up baking, he's been spending time at his place, getting settled. It's nice to have some time to myself, and it's comforting to know he's just a short walk away.

I'm slaving away in my kitchen, working on a recipe that isn't dog-related—a surprise for Edward—while he cleans his garage. I was heartbroken to find out he didn't have a favorite meal, but considering he grew up with personal chefs preparing all his meals, it's not surprising. I figure it's safe to say that he'll enjoy anything home-cooked. Oven-roasted turkey breast, garlic mashed potatoes, and homemade mac and cheese are on the menu. I have a bunch of fruit from the farmer's market that is going to spoil, so I plan on throwing together a quick berry cobbler for dessert.

He originally wanted to take me on a date—something we do frequently—but we've been doing a lot of eating out lately. I'm not the best, but I love cooking, so I'm happy to make a nice home-cooked meal for us to enjoy. A night in with dinner and movies would be a nice change of pace.

I'm straining the noodles when my phone rings. Alice must be calling from the antique store she planned on visiting today. She promised to FaceTime if she found anything interesting.

"Hi, Alice."

Her panicked face fills the screen. "Bella! Where are you?"

I frown. "I'm in my kitchen. What's wrong?"

"It's my dad. He found out where Edward lives. He's in Bremerton, and Edward hung up on me. He's not answering his phone, and I'm worried."

I drop everything and head for my front door, frowning when I see the fancy car parked in Edward's driveway.

"Bella?"

"Yeah. I think he's still there."

Barefoot, I cross the street and catch the tail end of Carlisle Cullen's threat.

"—I'll cut Alice out of our lives. She won't have her parents anymore."

Alice gasps, so I know she heard him clearly.

Edward looks green and at a loss for words, so I step in, informing the bastard that Alice heard everything and knows now he truly feels.

In a matter of minutes, Carlisle is in his car, and I'm trying to calm down a now sobbing Alice when Edward sways on his feet and throws up in the bushes.

He needs me.

"Alice. How soon can you get here?"

o o o

The sound of Wanda's nails tapping on the hardwood floors takes my attention off basting the turkey breast, and I watch a confused Edward stumble into the kitchen.

I don't know how I managed to get him in the house and upstairs to his bed, but when I did, I ran home and grabbed everything, planning on finishing while keeping an eye on him.

Alice and Jasper made it in record time, and I tried to keep her busy by helping me cook while we waited for her brother to join us.

Edward and Alice have their moment, crying and promising each other that they're in this together.

Alice is the one to break the moment. "You should have kicked his ass."

When Edward makes it to me, I voice my concern and kiss him firmly on the mouth, making him smile.

He's appreciative of my effort, and my worries abate when he goes back for seconds.

Alice announces that she and Jasper are staying for the rest of the weekend but didn't come prepared. I offer to take her shopping for some clothes and necessities to last them through their visit, but she's not ready to leave Edward.

That's how we find ourselves at the mall, dragging our boyfriends around to carry our purchases.

The weekend ends on a good note, and I just hope we have a break from all the drama.

My thoughts are interrupted as Jasper's Jeep pulls out of Edward's driveway right as an alien green Kia Soul pulls into mine.

"Jess?"