DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)
Authors Notes:
***REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW The record to beat is 40+.
***Not a particularly long chapter but a good one. :-)
***Sorry for the delay. DAMN you real life taking all my time and energy. lol
CHAPTER #22: Due Diligence
EPOV
*Ring, Ring, Ring*
Fuck... Was my phone always so loud? I opened my eyes and was greeted by the wonderful sight of Bella curled up close to me, front to front. Her face was burrowed into my chest and I could feel her light breathing. At the sight of my personal angel, I couldn't resist stroking her head just once and kissing her hair. Here she is, sleeping in my bed just as perfect as always. I had one arm underneath her so I had to twist to grab my phone and answer it before it woke her up.
"Hello?" I hadn't even read the display and my voice sounded way more aggravated than I had intended.
"Eddie..." Emmett was way to loud for this early in the morning... whatever time it was. "...good morning sunshine."
"Christ sakes Emmett, keep your voice down." I looked back at Bella and thankfully she was still peacefully asleep.
"Awww. Did I wake you? Dude seriously it's like 10 in the morning." I pulled the phone away to look at the screen and sure enough he was right.
"I had a late night."
"Sure you did, old man." I could hear the sarcasm.
"What do you want?"
"So grouchy."
"Actually I was in a great mood until my annoying brother called to irritate me."
"What could you possibly enjoy more than me? I'm amazing in every way."
"No you aren't."
"We've already established that I'm FUCK-AWESOME!"
At that loud yell Bella did start a bit and I actually narrowed my eyes at my phone, strangely irritated at it for disturbing her. "Shhhh, Bella is asleep jackass."
"Ooooohhh a sleep-over..."
"What are you, 15?"
"Just young at heart Bro." At least he lowered his voice by quite a bit. He was still loud by normal standards but actually very quiet for him.
She was still asleep but made cute mumbling sounds while burrowing herself deeper into me. I smiled knowing what she wanted. My girl was a cuddly sleeper and for the first time in a relationship I actually loved it too. In the past I always enjoyed my space but now it's different. I want Bella close, as close as she also seems to want me. I readjusted so that I was on my back, which enabled me to hold her a bit tighter but still talk on the phone. As soon as I was flat and I was able to pull her a bit tighter to me I realized she was still naked. Of course the male ego part of me had to smirk at that but the gentleman in me won out enough to cover her up a bit with the blanket. At least I could still feel her body, which helped make up for not being able to see every inch of her..
Her arm naturally went around my chest in a lose cover and I gave it a few strokes before holding the phone back at my ear. "Not that I don't enjoy my precious few mornings off being interrupted by loud-mouths... but perhaps you can get to the point..."
"I have a favor to ask?" Normally I would expect him to want a guys night out, help with a gift for Rose as he is a TERRIBLE gift giver, or some other small thing but his tone caught my attention. He turned very serious and my brother was NEVER serious.
"Of course..."
"Well actually Rose needs the favor."
"Okay..."
"...but I need it too."
He sounded a little shaky. "Emmett what's wrong?"
"If I tell you, you can't tell ANYONE. I'm dead serious man..."
"Okay."
"I'm talking BFF code, bro-code times 2 since Rose loves you like the brother she never had, and lawyer-client privilege, all of that..."
"Emmett will you please get to the point?"
I heard mumbling and I could hear Rose on the other side of the conversation but I couldn't make out what they were saying.
"Ummm, we kind-of need you at family dinner tonight... BADLY."
"What? I already told Mom that I couldn't make it tonight. Bella and I have plans all weekend."
"I know and I'm sorry but truthfully we need help."
"Yes you've already said that. Can you get to the point?" There was more shuffling and noise on the other end then I heard Rosalie.
"I'm sorry Edward. Your brother is being more vague than necessary."
"Finally the voice of reason in my favorite duo. What's the matter Rose?"
"We just found out... I'm pregnant." The silence was deafening after her quiet voice uttered the sentence.
"What?" I may not be a doctor but I knew enough about Rosalie's health problems to know that her chances of conceiving are practically non-existent due to her ex's past abuse and infidelities.
"We had one of our appointments late yesterday to examine the scar tissue I have and I had to take a urine test beforehand..." I could hear Rose, ever practical and strong, trying so hard to keep calm but I knew how much she wanted to have a baby. I could hear how choked up she was getting, though she held it back well.
"Are you okay? What can I do?" I knew without her explaining that just getting pregnant was not the only battle for them. Her chances of carrying a baby to term with the damage that son-of-a-bitch did to her was even less likely than her getting pregnant to begin with.
God I hope fate grants her a second miracle because she has more than earned it.
"Mom... Esme knows about the appointment. She's so helpful with everything involving... our... my issues. Sometimes all of this really takes it out of me and she's always there for us... for me... and she worries so I tell her how these go... and..."
"You don't want to tell her do you..." It wasn't a question.
"No... not yet anyway. I love Esme, you know I do." I heard her sniffle and I was pretty sure I heard Emmett try to get the phone back but she stayed firm. "I just don't think I can handle her getting so excited... and then … if it doesn't work out..."
"You need Mom distracted."
"Yes. We cant tell Alice because she might accidentally say something." Rose was certainly crying now and it was heartbreaking. All the bull-shit she is going through right now, tied in with the greatest miracle that could simultaneously turn into the biggest tragedy... Yet here she is, worried about everything and everyone else.
"Secrets aren't Alice's specialty."
"No..." Rose was trying to laugh and it broke my heart. She should be able to celebrate this, as all expecting moms should, but here she was preparing to potentially lose the little life she wants more than anything.
"I'll be there Rose."
"You will?"
"Of course I will."
"Thank-you so much." Hearing my sister cry was heartbreaking and I couldn't imagine there was anything I wouldn't do to help her.
"Anything for you... both of you. Bella and I will be there on time."
"You're going to bring Bella?"
"Of course. We haven't had a lot of time together recently and this is our first weekend." I kissed her head again as she continued to sleep peacefully. "Besides, can you think of anything that will keep mom distracted more?"
"That's not fair though. Is Bella okay with this? I don't want her to be uncomfortable..."
I looked down at Bella and gave her another kiss while watching her beautiful face. I'm not going to hide her... I'm not going to hide us. "It's going to happen eventually regardless because Bella's not going anywhere." As she lay in my bed with me, like she belonged here, these words couldn't ring more true. I'm not letting her go.
"Thank-you, both of you." She was still sad but cheering up. "I'm really sorry about this. I know how much you wanted a quiet weekend."
"You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. You're my sister and I'm honored you would trust me with this."
"Thank-you."
"And Rose..."
"Yes?"
"Congratulations. Don't get to lost in all the bad things that may happen. You do deserve to be happy."
"Thanks Edward." I think I made her cry more... dammit
"You're welcome. I'll see you both tonight."
"I can't wait to meet Bella."
"It should be a fun night." Or the very least interesting... How to make the request to Bella though...
After I spoke to Emmett for a bit about the change of plans we hung up and I readjusted to my side so I could watch Bella sleep. Meeting the family... and here I thought we'd already crossed a few huge milestones in the last 24 hours. Her officially meeting my ex-wife and Lizzie's mom in a personal non-school related capacity, We both told each-other 'I love you', and of course we slept together for the first time.
I couldn't resist letting my mind wonder to the intimate moments from last night, touching her, tasting her, feeling her. All of it was better than I could have imagined and I enjoyed every single second. When she told me that she was a virgin admittedly I was more than a little shocked though if I truthfully looked back on our interactions and things she's said, I really shouldn't have been surprised. In so many small ways she'd really already told me. Hell her being so shy about the birth control pills alone should have been my biggest clue. Every woman I've ever dated was on birth control of some kind. It didn't register to me as something to even really talk about, yet she was so embarrassed by it that I should have put two and two together.
She had also told me that she'd felt pressured about sex by boys, not men, in the past and I had interpreted that as her telling me that she had 'caved' in order to keep the boyfriends happy which was a stupid assumption on my part. I know my girl and as timid as she is, she is also very strong. I can't see her allowing someone to bully her, especially with something like her body. That's not something Bella would take lightly. She's the serious commitment type and she wouldn't give up her virginity to an asshole who was anything less than perfect in her eyes.
I truly hope I'm such a worthy asshole. She gave me something I could never be worthy enough for, which meant I need to spend everyday earning the gorgeous woman next to me.
…...
"Good morning Beautiful." She had finally shifted her body and opened her eyes. She smiled at my greeting before of course pinking just a bit under her eyes and around her nose.
"Morning." She tried to hide but I couldn't allow that.
"Oh no you don't." I chuckled as I re-positioned us so that I was over her and she was flat on her back. "No hiding that beautiful blush."
"...it's so embarrassing. I don't know how to make it stop."
"Well Thank God for that. I love your blush."
"Why?" Seriously?
"It's cute and it's hot as hell."
"Sure it is..." Ooohh she's snarky this morning. I love it.
"You know I'm curious about something."
"What?" Her eyes narrowed just a bit as she asked.
"Just how low does the blushing spread?" I trailed my eyes suggestively at her covered chest, which of course made her turn red now, no more pink.
"Not that far..." She sounded timid so I laughed and kissed her cheek. I think I'm getting better and better at reading her silent tells but it's certainly not easy. Since being timid is her standard go-to state its hard to tell if I'm pushing her to much or if she's just being her charming shy self.
"How did you sleep?"
"Good. I may be in love with your bed." I had to laugh.
"Great now I get to be jealous of my own bed..."
"You're the one who introduced us... It's all your fault."
"Hmmm." I started kissing her ticklish neck and she laughed while trying to push me away. "Will you stop wiggling? I'm trying to kiss you." I laughed at her escape attempts. Futile...
"No you aren't. You're trying to tickle me."
"I'm trying no such thing. I'm succeeding." Her hands reached up to try and get free of me so I grabbed each one in my own and pinned them to the bed. "I've got you now." She laughed as I tickled harder, unimpeded now."
"EDWARD... stop!" Her laughter made it hard to take her command seriously.
"No."
"I'm going to end up peeing your bed."
"Hmmm." I pulled back to pretend to consider her threat. "Point taken. Truce for now Ms. Swan." She shook her head at my antics while smiling at me. Her eyes held so much love that I had to kiss her, for real this time.
"I love you." She had reached up to lightly cradle my face to her, making her words feel so much more beautiful.
"I love you too."
"I do need to go potty though."
"Potty?" I raised an eyebrow at her.
"I'm a kindergarten teacher. What do you expect?" She smiled beautifully at my skepticism.
"Fair enough." I rolled off her so she could do what she needed to do.
Despite the easy and playful mood we had just been in, I was almost instantly reminded of just how innocent she is. Both of us were currently naked and had been since last night and it was clear that the realization was just dawning on Bella. I couldn't help fighting laughter as Bella tried to cover up inconspicuously with the blanket. She was not successful... The comforter was of course covering me as well and she seemed to realize that because she was blushing, all while avoiding my eyes at all costs.
She's just fucking perfect...
"Everything okay sweetheart?" She didn't seem to notice my humor because she just gave a small yes while nodding her head. I saw her glancing around and it took me a moment to realize she was looking for her clothes. Yeah... I may or may not have thrown them pretty far from the bed last night.
She was leaning away from me and clearly trying to solve her conundrum of how to get to the bathroom without revealing herself to me. "Bella?"
"Yeah?" She was still looking away from me so I leaned over and pulled her around so we were facing each-other.
"Baby, you don't need to be shy with me." She didn't deny my observation but looked even shyer now, knowing her attempts to hide it had been pointless.
"I know... I'm sorry." I stroked her hair as she lowered her face.
"Beautiful... You don't ever need to be sorry." I continued with soft touches until she looked at me. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. I'm just not used to being seen..."
"No. I mean about last night?" We hadn't talked after having sex and I wanted to make sure she was okay. Women got a pretty shitty deal when it came to their first time, while us men had it easy. Bella had fallen asleep almost immediately afterwards so I hadn't had the chance to make sure she wasn't in any pain or discomfort. I had taken the time to clean her up a bit after she had fallen asleep but only minimally since I hadn't wanted to invade her privacy. "Are you in any pain?"
"I'm okay, I promise." She looked so vulnerable as she answered me, so exposed. I was torn between letting the subject drop to spare her embarrassment and keeping with it so she can start to feel comfortable with me, in every way.
"You're sure?"
"Yes." She wasn't convincing me...
"You're comfortable..." I smirked at her shoulder shrug and small head nod, simultaneous actions and with polar opposite meanings. She's so damn cute...
"In that case..." I decided to play with her. Bella responded well to humor and it seemed to boost her confidence which was a beautiful sight.
"In that case what?" There's those big beautiful brown eyes...
"You won't mind... just getting up and going to the bathroom." I gave her a challenging but smug face. Bella and I have many differences but also some similarities. I had noticed that when it counts she stands up for herself and shows how strong she really is, despite her own doubts. I may be to stubborn to stand down ever, but she's simply to strong to... at least when it counts.
Her lips pursed as she narrowed her eyes slightly... Aaannnd now I'm getting hard. I love when Bella gives me some attitude. "Edward..." Was that a scold?... Hot, hot, hot...
"Come on, it's so easy." Without a second thought I lifted myself up and over Bella to stand next to her, in the buff and unashamed. I chuckled as she reddened but smiled in spite of herself. I held out my hands and she slowly sat up, still wrapped in the comforter. I waited patiently as her eyes stayed low to the ground. I could see her fighting her insecurity.
Come on baby. I'm right here for you.
Gently her hands went to mine, so tentative that I had to smile in the face of how much I truly love all the little things about her. She so very slowly stood up, allowing the blanket to fall to the side, almost in slow motion. I of course appraised every inch of her body, starting low and working my way up her perfect legs, then her center, admittedly gazing there for awhile as I have yet to get a good look in. I went further up, taking in all of her stomach, chest... everything. As I finally pulled my leering away from her breasts I had to smile widely at her neck, one of my absolute favorite spots on her body... obviously.
"What is it?" She seemed to have looked up at me just in time to see my face. Obviously I wasn't exactly sporting my best poker face. She seemed a bit nervous by my gaze.
Oh this should be quite entertaining.
"Mmmhhh." I couldn't resist pulling her close and kissing that same gorgeous neck. "Nothing beautiful." I knew she wouldn't buy that.
"What were you starring at?" I can always count on her curious determination to detract from her nerves.
"Nothing."
"Edward..."
"I'm starring at you..." Her eyes narrowed while my smile only widened.
"I'm serious Edward."
"I was looking at your neck."
"Why?" She reached up to rub her neck, right where I'd been staring.
I pulled her close to me again and smiled for a few seconds before answering. "Because there seems to be a mark." She looked confused for a moment so I just smiled innocently. Okay well it probably wasn't all that innocent, but still...
"A mark?" I nodded and her eyes widened. She scurried off to the bathroom as quick as a blink and I started laughing, trying hard not to be loud enough for her to notice. I however, could hear her loud and clear. "Oh my God..." I slowly followed after her into the bathroom where she was standing by the vanity examining the mark I'd left on the side of her tantalizing neck.
I took a good few seconds to enjoy the view of Bella naked in my bathroom before stepping up to her. I wrapped my arms around her middle and watched her with blatant humor in my face. "Problem?"
"You gave me a hickey."
"Indeed I did." I honestly wasn't trying to sound so proud of myself, I REALLY wasn't... well maybe a little...
"Oh my God, it's huge." She was beat red now and it was taking everything in me not to laugh as hard as I could at the level her embarrassment was taking.
Now I could apologize to her, tell her I'd "try" to refrain from doing it in the future, etc... but we'd both know I'd be very much lying so instead I started kissing the bruise sweetly. Despite any mark I had left, Bella loves me all over her neck almost as much as I do. "Eeedward..." She was trying to keep indignant but she likes this to much. My egotistical ass side LOVED it.
"Baby you certainly weren't complaining at the time..." I whispered the words as I continued kissing my mark.
I winked at her through the mirror and she laughed. "Can't you ever behave?"
"Nope." She turned around to kiss me and I made it linger much longer then her immediate intention. We both smiled into the kiss and I revealed in being with her so casually in the morning. I left the bathroom unprompted to give her some time to do what she needed without an audience. I would be lying though if I said I wasn't worried about any aftermath of our night together. If she was in any pain I just wanted her to tell me. I heard the toilet flush and the sink run so I figured it was fine to go back in.
I wanted both to laugh and cry as soon as I walked in and Bella had wrapped herself in a towel, shielding herself from me. Such trouble... I however had no such desire to cover up at all yet. She looked up from washing her hands with a sweet smile just for me. Did her eyes momentarily shift downwards on me? Her blush suggests yes.
"You know..." I slowly walked up to her, weighing each step, waiting for her to respond to me. "... I'm not sure I like that towel, beautiful." As I stepped closer I appraised her thoroughly in my extra large bath towel that went past her knees... Yeah... I'm definitely not liking that towel. She didn't have a chance to respond as I closed the distance between us, forcing her to back-up against the wall from the speed of my movement. I kissed her hard as I pressed her up against it as much as I could.
She moaned right into my mouth so I took her enjoyment as all the encouragement I needed. I picked her up around the waist and pulled her over to the shower. "This really needs to go baby." I started to slowly tug at the towel, giving her ample time to stop me if that's what she wanted. The choice is always hers.
She put up no fight to my stripping though which I was so very grateful for. As soon as it was off I tossed it out of the shower area as best I could without looking. I couldn't seem to pull myself away from her as she wrapped her arms around my neck and made sexy mewing sounds. I was suddenly in a frenzy and I needed her. We kissed and moaned and breathed each-other in and I fucking loved every second. Just being with her, here, at home. Hers or mine, it didn't even matter. This feeling, it was simply from BEING with her, waking up NEXT to her. It was like a drug that I wanted a fix of everyday. How will I ever let her go back home?
After our breathing slowed just a bit Bella shifted a bit but I was to distracted to notice what she was doing. I went to grab her tighter, not liking the feel of her inching away... and then, out of nowhere, water hit me everywhere!
"Fuck..." I started a bit and pulled back from Bella and the sensation of so much water hitting me square in the back, cold water...
Bella started laughing so hard at my reaction that she honestly looked like she was going to cry. "OH MY GOD... Your face..." she laughed harder as my eyes narrowed. She had turned on the icy cold water on me, and I got the full blast on my backside. So she wants to play does she...
"Oh you really shouldn't have done that Beautiful." She smiled but quickly tried to run out of the shower, oh but I'm so much faster. I grabbed her around the middle and pulled her back inside, keeping her squirming form tight against my body. I adjusted the temperature so that the water would be perfect and doused her under the spray in full.
"Edward!" She laughed while trying to squirm away from me more. At least I doused her with warm water...
"Never try to out-prank me, gorgeous. I have two siblings..." I laughed while getting her wetter. I followed her under the multiple shower heads so that we were both completely drenched now. She laughed wholeheartedly before jumping into my arms and kissing me with her all.
"I'm not afraid of you." She laughed through the challenged statement, giving me small kisses as she did.
"Hmm." I laughed while continuing to kiss her under the hot water. God this is my every fantasy come true right now. I have pictured having Bella in this shower with me everyday since meeting her and now here she is. Of course a big part of my fantasy is exactly WHAT I would be doing WITH her and TO her in here but right now she's still... recovering. I highly doubt she's okay with sex again so soon, but F-U-C-K I want her so bad right now... and right here.
"Edward..."
Fuck me her voice is so needy. She's killing me.
"What is it baby?" I moved back down to her neck and she held on tighter.
"I want you." Christ...
"Bella..." I pulled back so I could look into her eyes. Now the devil on my shoulder knew exactly what he wanted to do to Bella right now in response to her permission... Press her up against the wall and... I shook off the thoughts before I actually found myself in physical pain. The angel on my shoulder however... was reminding me that Bella is probably pretty sore. 'She needs to recover...' "Are you hurting? At all?"
She didn't answer right away and all I could hear was the water drops hitting everything around us and our heavy breathing enveloping everything else. All I could see was Bella as she was pressed against me and watching my eyes. Before she could answer I kissed her deeply, holding her face tight to me, needing her even closer to me. I finally pulled back to look at her, staying as close as I could. "I don't want to hurt you baby." I want her but I do not want to cause her any pain, ever.
"You won't." She was so sure of that, and I was left in shock. Awwed by her trust in me.
"Baby..." I just watched her for a quiet moment, knowing in my heart that I honestly didn't think I could ever bear to lose her. She brings so much light into my life. Completes what I never knew was missing.
"I love you." She kissed me again and I caved. I'll always cave and give her the world, if I can. I lifted her up against the wall, directly behind the water so it felt like being behind a waterfall.
"You have to tell me if it hurts." I wasn't asking this time, I was telling her. Not to be controlling, but simply because I would never want her to 'endure me' out of obligation. I want her to enjoy every second, every time.
Her only response was to nod her head so I kissed her before checking that she's ready for me. My hand lowered and fingers felt around her opening. Her breath caught and her body trembled a bit in excitement. Her small moan told me all I needed to know so I pulled my hand away and looked into her eyes. "I'll go slow baby." She nodded again and pulled me closer, pulling my lips to her. I pulled her up to wrap around me, aligning us just right.
Perfect fit...
I entered as slowly as I possibly could, groaning loudly the whole way. She feels even better than last night. "I love you." Christ, sex has never ever felt as amazing as this moment. My one hand remained on her lower body, holding her as best as I could. My other brushed her wet hair out of her face so I could see her completely. Last night it had been so dark, now I wanted to see everything.
"I love you too." She smiled at me and held on to the back of my neck with both hands. Her forearms were pressed to my chest as I pulled back and pushed right back in. Both my hands held her tight, not letting her go. Her legs were wrapped tight around me, squeezing with each movement I made. The feel of her hot wet skin, the warm water, and the sounds she was making was absolute nirvana.
Each movement I made felt like total bliss and complete agony at the same time. I want to go so much faster but I knew I can't so I kept a slow steady pace, needing her okay more than anything else. Her small noises got a little louder so I angled her face more to look right at me. "Still okay?" I was breathing so hard but I needed to know.
"Yes." She pulled her head away from the wall enough to close the short distance to me, and kissed me deep. I kissed her right back and moved my hand from her face to her center, rubbing above where we joined. I wasn't going to last much longer, curse of having my every fantasy answered, and I wanted Bella to finish with me. She squirmed at first but then shuddered just a bit, her thighs contracting around me. I could tell she's close and just needs that last push. I moved my lips to her ear and started whispering to her.
"My beautiful girl." I can feel her trembling and it's spurring me to the edge. "I can feel you baby. Come for me." Her arms got tighter as her only response then she buried her face into my shoulder and moaned louder. After just a couple more minutes I feel her contract and I thank God as I let go with her.
After we finish I remain holding her against the wall for just a moment before slowly pulling out of her. Her breath catches as I do so, clutching me tighter. I lower her to the ground as slow as I can and brush her hair to the sides of her head so I can look into her eyes. "You really are my dream girl." It's honestly the first words I can think of while I look into her perfect eyes.
She smiles beautifully and we kiss again.
…...
After we finally got ready for the day, almost immediately I got another call, this one from Lizzie though so it was more than welcome. She was of course calling on her watch and thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I laughed listening to her tell me about the plane ride. Bella was trying to get something together for a very late breakfast for us while I talked to my little girl from across the kitchen. I had told her we could go out to eat but she said breakfast tastes better at home.
Such a small town girl I've fallen for...
"I love you baby girl. Make sure to be good for your mom okay?"
"Okay, Daddy. Luv you."
"I love you too baby." I hung up and noticed Bella smiling at me from the stove. I was sitting at the counter as I watched her work.
"What is it?" I smirked threw playfully narrowed eyes. "Why are you watching me, Beautiful."
"You're just so cute with Lizzie."
"I'm always cute." I smiled wider and she shook her head and rolled her eyes, still smiling though.
"True."
…...
After breakfast I insisted on cleaning the kitchen, which was a difficult battle to win since apparently Bella liked to clean. I won eventually with a few well placed kisses and whispered naughty promises, all of which made her blush and let me have my way.
"When will you get your piano back?" We were watching a movie in the living room and she was laying next to me as I sat, her head rested on my lap.
"Hopefully before Thanksgiving, otherwise it could be after Christmas. The holidays slow down everything."
"Is it going to go there?" She pointed to the only real empty space down here.
"Yes." I smirked at her eagerness to hear me play.
"How long has it been since you've played?"
"Way to long. About 6months, and it wasn't much then. Since I've played on my piano, it's been over a year now. I used to play just about everyday."
"I'm sorry." She rubbed my arm and I was surprised by how reassuring her touch was.
"Hopefully I'm not to out of practice when you do get to hear me. I want to WOW you." Her head had been facing off to the side to watch t.v. but she looked up and gave me a big smile.
"You'll always WOW me." I laughed and leaned down to give her a small kiss.
…...
"Did you still want to go to the pier for dinner tonight?" Originally we hadn't made any solid plans for our weekend as we both just wanted to relax and be together since we'd both been working so hard. We had talked about going to the pier though and seeing the shops and restaurants there.
"Ummm" Well I guess I just found the perfect leeway to bring up dinner...with my siblings... and my parents... and my girlfriend... together and for the first time.
She sat up at my hesitation and looked at me curiously. "What's wrong?"
"Actually something came up tonight with my family."
"Are they okay?" She seemed so worried and I had to smile while stroking her sweet face.
"Actually everyone's great but my sister-in-law and my brother have some personal things going on and they asked me to be there, as moral support, and to... distract my mother."
"Distract her? From what?"
I took a deep breath as I tried to explain what I could so Bella wasn't in the dark, but also without disrespecting my families privacy. "My sister, Rose, she has had some health issues in the past related to abuse she endured when she was in a prior relationship, before meeting my brother." Bella's eyes widened and she honestly looked like she would cry.
"Is she okay...now?" It was so sweet how she didn't push for details. She just wanted to make sure Rose was okay.
I pulled my sensitive girl to my lap and kissed her cheek, rubbing her thighs in reassurance. "Yes baby. She's good." I smiled and kissed the relieved face Bella wore. "Anyway her and Emmett are dealing with some private things that they want to deal with as a couple, without interference or having to try and explain anything to the rest of the family."
"That's understandable."
I nodded before rubbing her legs more and taking a deep breath. "Anyway they asked me to come to dinner tonight, to help keep the attention off them..." I let my sentence trail off and kept my eyes on her to see how she reacted.
"I understand." She didn't seem sad or upset, maybe just a little disappointed. "I know how much you love your family." She smiled and kissed my cheek. "It's only a few hours right. I can eat here or something while you spend time with them."
"Uh." Okay she's not getting that I want her to come too..."
"What?" Those adorably curious eyes...
"Actually I want you to come with me."
"What?" It was like her mind wasn't registering what I wanted for a moment.
"I want you to come and meet my family." She took a deep breath and to my surprise smiled and blushed. Well the blush wasn't a surprise of course, but how happy she looked was.
"You want me there?" I smiled before pulling her face down closer to me.
"Yes baby. I want you to meet them and for them to meet you."
She kissed me and held me close. I could feel her smile as our lips moved together. She pulled back first and looked at me through nervous eyes. "Will they like me?"
"Not as much as I do." I winked and she blushed, still to nervous to relax though. She held her hands in front of herself and was playing with her fingers as she thought through everything. I still had her in my lap but felt no need to rush her. I wanted this to be something she wanted too. Yes I may have done this because of the phone call earlier but the whole reason I had said I'd bring Bella was because I want her there. I want to show her to them. I want to show everyone that she's mine and that she's...
"What if they think I'm to young for you or... it's to soon... or"
"Bella." I watched her seriously and she waited for me to speak."None of that matters, to them and definitely not to me." I may have been stupid enough once to let small insignificant things about us bother me but I wasn't making those same mistakes. I lowered my face to make eye contact with her lowered shy eyes. As soon as those hidden eyes met mine I smiled and she returned it, brighter than before."I want you there baby."
"Why?"
I kissed her before answering, whispering into her ear. "Because I love you and I have no intention of ever letting you go."
END NOTES (PLEASE READ):
-Don't forget to review
-Tell me your thoughts...
-Yes Edward loves the F-word when angry, and definitely when EXCITED... ;-) We all have our 'passionate' tells.
- My first "shower scene". Hope it was enjoyable. ;-)
