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
***I got so many new followers after posting the last chapter. Thanks everyone :-)
***Nice and long chapter because I had a lot I wanted done from Bella's POV.
CHAPTER #25: Willful Assets
BPOV
I looked over at the sexiest man in the world as he slept face-down next to me. He had one arm hanging over the side of the bed while the other held me tightly, so close to him that I could feel the warmth of his body as it touched mine. My comforter was pushed down to his waist almost like it was placed there perfectly by a photographer wanting to show off a top models muscles in vivid detail. Luckily for me his face was pointed towards me, which allowed me to enjoy watching him sleep. Every other time we've slept together he has always woken up first so I was enjoying being able to openly peruse every part of his beautiful face without interruption for the first time.
I couldn't resist stroking his jaw and cheeks a bit as I watched him, smiling ridiculously as I did. I was almost afraid of waking him except that I doubted he'd even moved one inch in the night. He had fallen asleep almost immediately after we had sex and I'd enjoyed feeling him pull me closer and closer to himself subconsciously. The feeling of him nestling into my neck and hair to the point that I was able to fall asleep to the sound of his breathing was the most incredible sensation and I honestly couldn't of asked for a better night.
I glanced over his shoulder at the alarm clock and was grateful that I'd somehow managed to wake up over an hour earlier than usual. I leaned in to give him a quick kiss before slowly trying to extricate myself from his iron grip. I really didn't want to wake him because he looked like he needed the sleep desperately. Luckily I managed not to disturb him as I got up and tiptoed over to the alarm clock and turned it off so it wouldn't disturb him. I had no idea what time he needed to get up but figured I could wake him around 6:30 to be safe.
I grabbed my robe and inched over to the bathroom to take a quick shower. As the warm water sprayed onto me I couldn't stop smiling. I had started yesterday feeling incredibly miserable, but then as he always does, Edward made it all better. Monday had been an awful day, being without Edward for the first time in almost three days, and each day since had gotten worse. I missed him and I felt so selfish for feeling that way. I wanted to try and see him but I didn't want to bother him in any way. He had so much going on right now, a lot of which he'd told me all about. Nothing was hidden from me so I knew I shouldn't be surprised by his occupied time but I just felt so pathetically lonely without him no matter how much logic I tried to use.
When he had texted me asking me to distract him and to tell him about my day I honestly felt my whole world brighten. We had been texting everyday like usual of course but his tone yesterday showed he really missed me and it made me feel so much better about how much I missed him too. I never thought it possible to live for such silly inconsequential things like our text conversations yet here I was. Every single laugh he caused made me fall in love with him just a little bit more.
Is it normal to feel like this about a man I've only known a few months? Dating for just a couple? I shook my head of the questions because I honestly didn't care. The most important thing I knew was that one silly joke from Edward, his nickname of 'beautiful', or even just one of his smiles was more exciting and gave me more butterfly's than the best of times with every other guy I've ever met in my life.
What else do I need to know?
I turned off the shower after using far to much hot water and wrapped myself up in my fluffy robe before drying my hair. I made note to inventory myself as I've learned that Edward can easily sneak little marks on me without me ever noticing. As I appraised myself in the mirror I almost couldn't even recognize the person looking back at me. The flushed cheeks from something other than embarrassment along with that impossible to lose smile. I was happy, bright, and confident. This was how I look whenever Edward so much as smiles at me and I love how it feels. I may never know how he does it but I don't even care. I just know I never want to lose what he does to me every single moment we're together.
I inched back to my room and Edward still hadn't moved at all As much as I wished he didn't work so hard, I couldn't deny how good he looked sleeping that deep. I smiled to myself as I watched him for a few more moments before I decided to let him rest in peace. I closed the door and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. I felt really bad that I hadn't fed Edward when he came over last night but we both seemed to have other things on our minds. I blushed at the memory of Edward's one-track mind.
As much desire as he'd come into my apartment with I was amazed at how quickly he shifted to worshiping me. I bit my lip as I thought of everything we did, before, during, and after sex. He got me to actually say what I wanted and it was so terrifying but also incredibly empowering. He always makes me feel so much stronger than I am while also rendering me helpless to his every whim. I love him for all of it. Everything that makes Edward, Edward.
I decided I had plenty of time to make a nice breakfast so that I could make up for Edward not eating last night. I hadn't made my cinnamon rolls in awhile so this seemed like the perfect chance. They were a bit messy but I knew Edward would love them. I prepped the dough and left it to rise as I cut up some fresh fruit and made the filling and icing.
"Gotta pee. Gotta pee. Gotta pee..." I heard Angela as she entered the apartment doing the potty dance. I laughed at how much stuff she was carrying while dancing and trying to latch the door.
"Go, before you have an accident. I've got the door." I came up and latched the door as she thanked me and ran to her bedroom to use the bathroom. I expected her to come out and talk to me but instead I heard her shower turn on. I guess I'd tell her Edward was here when she came out.
I had just stuffed and laid out the rolls and was letting the dough rise again when I felt arms wrap around my waist, making me blush and giggle. "Beautiful it's way to early for you not to be in bed with me."
I laughed ridiculously before turning in his arms. He was ready for the opportunity and held my face up just as his lips gave me the sweetest and lightest of kisses, making me absolutely melt at his feet. The kiss lingered which was more than okay with me. His lips went to my upper lip than my bottom one, sucking gently.
Without consciously telling my body to do anything I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, using my fingers to comb through his hair as I did. He was topless but wearing pants, allowing me to enjoy his amazing chest and arms. He moaned and kissed back with a bit more eagerness as soon as he knew he had me under his spell. I could feel his smile before he pulled away a bit and I saw fire and mischief in his beautiful emerald pools. "What's underneath the robe, beautiful?" His fingers rubbed underneath the weakly tied sash and I blushed before shooing away his hands, making him chuckle.
"Nothing."
"Oh that's what I was hoping you'd say." He tried with a bit more success to loosen the tie and I squeaked at him trying to undress me in the middle of my kitchen.
"Edward..." I protested weakly and he laughed deeper before kissing me passionately again.
"Bella?" How does he make my name sound so sexy?
I was about to say we couldn't do any of that out here since Angela was home but he had lifted me onto the counter before I realized what was happening. The change of position allowed him to get right between my legs. I could still feel his fingers toying with the sash again but I held strong and was able to keep him from untying it.
"We can't." I spoke with what little firmness I could manage before I lost my nerve. It was unimaginably hard to deny Edward anything that he wanted, and certainly hard to deny myself him.
"We can't?" He was deeply amused as he shifted his tactics to pure seduction. His lips went to my neck and I moaned at the suction of his lips right before I could feel the coolness of his tongue.
"Angela's home." I whispered the words and he chuckled before pulling back and smiling at me.
"Such a shame." He gave me one last evilly sinful kiss, letting it grow and grow, despite knowing it could go nowhere further.
"Well good morning love birds." Do people have things timed to always disturb us?
"Good morning Angela." Edward never pulled away from me as he greeted her. He was still right in front of me with his hands rubbing my hips and his lips ghosting my neck. Apparently PDA's first thing in the morning wasn't something he was exactly shy about. I however cowered into him and held him close to me for cover. He chuckled and continued to give me sweet kisses.
"Awww you two are freaking adorable." Edward laughed and pulled back, giving me one last kiss on the forehead before helping me down from the counter. "And may I just say Edward..." He looked over at her and she gave me a naughty smile before looking back at him. "...NICE, very very nice." She gestured to his body, making me hide my face in my hands.
"Oh God." Why oh why does my boyfriend have to be so hot?
"Thank-you." He sounded so casual as he thanked her. How does he do that? He rubbed my neck and jaw until I looked back up at him. He tilted my head up as much as possible so that his tall frame could kiss me properly, he still didn't seem the least bit concerned by Angela's presence. "I'm going to take a shower okay." He was quiet enough that only I would hear him. I nodded while smiling wide at his tender touch and sweet voice.
One more kiss and he was gone and Angela was staring at me with a huge smile while resting both hands under her chin as she sat at the counter watching me. "What?" I knew I was smiling widely and blushing heavily. Plus my breathing was still a little jagged.
"Oh, nothing." I turned around and used the obscurity to re-tighten my robe. I could feel the heat in my face but preyed Angela hadn't noticed just how loose it had been. Edward was nothing if not efficient with his hands. I placed the rolls in the oven and tried to ignore the eyes burning into my back.
"I can feel you staring at me." I was cleaning up my mess and doing everything I could to avoid her eyes.
"Have I told you just how much I hate you?"
"What?" I turned around quickly in surprise, while holding the bowl of mixed fruit I was going to bring to the table.
She gestured emphatically toward my bathroom where Edward had just turned on the shower. "Seriously, you finally, finally, and I do emphasize FINALLY get a real boyfriend and it's THAT PERFECT SPECIMEN of the male species... Seriously B he is FUCKING HOT."
"Ummm." What could I say? Edward was certainly hot and I was the first to admit it.
"I know people, and by that I mean your mother, have given you a lot of shit for your lack of dating history." I placed the bowl on the counter and brushed my hair behind my ears, hiding my discomfort. "HOWEVER..." She grabbed a grape and ate it while giving me a sweet smile. "...clearly you know what you're doing. Way more than all of us mere mortal women anyway." She pretended to fan herself and I smiled at her complimenting me, well and Edward.
"Because he's so hot?" I laughed.
"No because he puts that stupid smile on your face every-time he even looks at you." I couldn't even get offended because I knew she was right. "AND because he's HOT." She laughed and I did as well.
She helped me set the table as the cinnamon rolls cooked. "So..." She smiled cutely with eager eyes.
"So...what?"
"Should I be expecting more sleepovers?" I tried to ignore her but I still had that same stupid grin on my face she had just been talking about. I really hope he stays over more.
"Well last night wasn't exactly planned." She furrowed her brow. "We've both had lots to do. Well Edward especially has. He was working most of the week at the hospital and..."
"Hospital? I thought he's a lawyer."
"He is."
"Then why was he working at a hospital?"
"He works at the law firm most of the time but his family also owns a hospital so he oversees some of the legal stuff. I'm not sure of all the details." Or any details really. The only thing I knew was that he works way to much and I wished I could help him more.
"Wait a minute. Your boyfriend owns a freaking hospital?" She stared at me in disbelief.
"No, his family does." She rolled her eyes.
"Which hospital?"
"We own Caden Hospital." Edward walked in looking way to good for first thing in the morning. He was of course wearing his clothes from last night but despite not having done much of anything else to his appearance he looked incredible.
"Seriously?!" Angela's eyes bugged out and she looked at me slack jawed. All I could do was shrug because honestly I hadn't asked about any details on the subject and in fact I'd avoided the topic of his family's hospital purposely because it served as a reminder of just how out of my league he was.
"Yes seriously." He chuckled before grasping me around the waist and giving me a sweet kiss and brushing my hair aside. "Morning, Beautiful." I blushed at him re-doing our morning greeting. He smelled really good after a shower and I could feel the warmth of his skin where we touched. Of course that thought reminded me of our Saturday morning shower, which made me blush more.
"Morning. I made breakfast." My eyes implored him to please eat something and he smiled at my expression before kissing me again.
"Always trying to take care of everyone." He shook his head at my eagerness.
"Only my favorite people." He chuckled and kissed me again, keeping it short and sweet. I gestured to the table and he sat down at the end, with Angela and I having a place setting on either side of him.
"I can't believe you own Caden." Angela was still flashing looks between us. I shrugged again and sat down the cinnamon rolls, fresh from the oven.
"Why?" He seemed politely interested in her shock.
"You were almost my boss. I applied there but they weren't hiring I guess."
"Pediatric nursing right?" She nodded and he seemed to think about that before turning to me. "Beautiful, these smell amazing." I smiled as I brought over juice and the coffee pot since I wasn't sure how he wanted his coffee. Angela had already set out cream and sugar so hopefully he'd enjoy it. He turned back to her as I turned off everything in the kitchen and sat down next to him. "We had temporarily shut down quite a bit of that section of the hospital due to the expansion. So hiring would have been pointless. The new pediatrics and maternity sections wont open until probably March or April, unless there's delays."
"Will you guys be hiring then?"
"Angela." Was she honestly trying to get a job from him? My cheeks flamed as I scolded her silently with my eyes.
"What? I'm just asking." He laughed before leaning over to kiss my embarrassment away.
"I have zero say in personnel. I oversee the legal department but only with the big issues."
"Don't you work at Roman and Volturi?"
"Yes."
"Then how do you also work at the hospital?"
"Carefully." I laughed and she narrowed her eyes.
"Enough interrogating my boyfriend. Eat."
…...
Edward ended up eating three of the cinnamon rolls which made me smile smugly, glad he finally had something on his stomach. Of course then the worst part of the day happened. Edward had to leave for work. Angela had made herself scarce so we could say goodbye properly. As soon as she was in her room Edward wasted no time in giving me a real good bye. Just like last night he kissed me up against the wall by the door and held me in an unbreakable hold as he did so.
"Are you sure you need to go to Forks this weekend?" A weak whimper was my only response to such an unfairly seductive question. I could feel his smirk against my skin, as he sensed my weakness. He knew I didn't want to leave him for the weekend and was more than happy to make this harder for me then it already was. He really doesn't play fair asking me something like that while using his skills against me.
"Edward..." He chuckled and kissed me even more, now on my neck. "It's not fair when you do this to me."
"I fail to see how that's my problem, beautiful." And now he was brushing his tongue against my neck. Chills and warmth spread to every part of my body as he did.
"Behave."
"Never." He chuckled into my neck as he spoke making me laugh outright. I smiled when he finally pulled back and kissed me soft and sweet now. I loved his intense kisses so much that they made it hard for me to even stand but his soft kisses stayed with me forever, cemented into my heart.
"I'm going to miss you." Pathetically I actually miss him already. I wouldn't see him until probably Tuesday and definitely not before Monday, considering I'd be out of town all weekend and he had Lizzie until then.
"When will you be back in Seattle?" We never stopped kissing as he asked and his hands were all over me, just like mine were all over him.
"Sunday night, late probably." His lips moved up to my temple before he pulled back and starred into my eyes for awhile. Something was on his mind. "What is it?"
"Beautiful I don't want to go another 3 or 4 days without seeing you." I had to smile at the confession.
"Well what can we do?" I honestly didn't know what choice we had. I think we had silently agreed to see each-other, at least for sleepovers, on the weekends he didn't have Lizzie but that meant only 2 maybe 3 weekends a month. Clearly that wasn't working for either of us if we couldn't go even a couple days.
"On Monday..." He kissed my neck again just once before pulling back to watch my eyes again. "...instead of staying here, come to my house."
"When?" Did he want a family dinner with me and Lizzie again? I smiled at the thought. I loved being included in his time with her.
"After work. I'll make sure I'm off early, I promise."
"Okay." I could hear how eager I sounded.
"And pack a bag." That threw me.
"You want me to spend the night?"
"Yes."
"What about Lizzie?" I didn't want to overstep in any way. Not only was she his daughter but I was also her teacher. Was it okay with her? With him?
"Lizzie loves you. She'll be happy to have you home with us."
"I know but..." He stopped my objections by giving me a searing kiss, stealing my breath.
"Baby I wont go a week or more without seeing you. Without touching you." The intense kiss turned sweet but still deep. "Without having you." My breath caught at his words and he smirked at my expression. "Say you'll stay with me." He never asks, he states. His lips were right there, ghosting my own.
"I'll stay with you."
…...
"So...Can I be blunt?"
"Of course." Jasper was eating his sandwich while looking at something on his desktop. He was giving me some more tips on how to improve my proposal, specifically to appeal to the school board. He was even nice enough to help me through lunch since I was leaving as soon as the school day was over.
"Um, it's kind of personal." His eyes drifted over to me and his brow quirked.
"Kind of personal?" I nodded. He put his sandwich down and his eyes watched me hesitantly as he finished the bite in his mouth. "As opposed to completely personal?" I rolled my eyes but nodded. "Okay, lay it on me."
"So my boyfriend..."
"Edward Cullen?"
"Yes..." I was trying to weigh his feelings carefully.
"What about him?"
"It's okay that him and I are involved right?" I had no idea why the question came out like that or why it sounded so stupid.
"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?" He smiled at my nervous face.
"Because his daughter is my student."
"So?"
I shrugged because I honestly had no clue how to explain my concerns. "It's just that I know there's some tensions between his ex-wife and him and therefore custody issues..." I trailed off, still having no idea how to explain what I was worried about.
"Why would that matter?"
"Tanya, Ms. Denali, Lizzie's mom..."
"I'm guessing she's aware of your relationship with him?"
"Yes."
"And probably less than pleased about it?"
"That's probably putting it nicely."
"Well she doesn't have to like it but it's certainly not anything she has any say over."
"Can she try to do anything?" I felt like an idiot.
"Bella do you honestly think you are the first girlfriend to a divorced parent?"
"No but I'm also Lizzie's teacher."
"So long as all custody agreements are being honored..." He trailed off now, leaving me the opening to nod in affirmation. "...then you have nothing to be concerned about. Follow all policies and rules to a T and you'll be completely fine, okay?"
"Thanks Jasper."
"No problem. How are things going with the two of you?"
"Great, really great." I smiled, unable to hide how happy Edward makes me. "How about you and Alice?" I smirked at him and he rolled his eyes. He was almost as private about his personal life as Edward and considering he was dating Edward's sister it was a source of tremendous joy for me to give him a hard time.
"Really great as well." I laughed and we both continued eating.
…...
"DADDY!" Lizzie ran to Edward like she hadn't seen him in a month and he greeted her just as excitedly.
"I've missed you Princess." He kissed her all over her face making her laugh. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of the two of them. Edward was much earlier than usual so I still had most of my class in the my room so I couldn't exactly greet him. He was in a fresh suit so I gathered he'd changed at work to look his best, as usual. He once again was in all black but this time wore a dark collared jacket that somehow was able to make him look better then he already did.
"Ms. Swan?" Henry had his hand raised up as high as possible. All my students were required to sit in a circle until their chaperons showed up so they had to raise their hands to get my attention.
"Yes Henry?"
"Can I give Lizzie a hug goodbye?" I smiled at my little charmer. Ever since Lizzie had been bullied and her toy broken, Henry had taken it upon himself to be her little protector. It was honestly adorable. This boy would have no trouble getting a girlfriend once he's a bit older. I gave him permission so he went right up to the Cullen's and gave Lizzie a very sweet hug.
I immediately noticed Edward's eyes narrow slightly and it took every bit of restraint I had to not laugh as hard as I could. Edward was well aware of Henry's skills with women and he clearly didn't want any of that aimed at his daughter. Lizzie hugged him back happily though and even held his hand for a minute, a gesture I doubted Edward missed.
…...
"Beautiful." Edward and Lizzie stayed until everyone else was gone. Almost immediately he wrapped his arms around my waist and gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek. I kind-of wanted him to kiss me properly but at the same time I knew where we all were.
"I'm going to miss you guys." We hugged for a moment, neither of us wanting to part for the weekend. Lizzie started talking to Edward about school that day and smiled as I enjoyed listening to them together.
"Can Bella come over for dinner?" She seemed so eager and I hated that I would have to disappoint her. I lowered myself down to my knees and grabbed her hands in mine.
"I'm so sorry sweetie but I'm going back home today, to see my parents."
"Why?" She looked so sad.
"It's my dad's birthday tomorrow and I want to give him his birthday present."
"Oh." She looked so disappointed and the sight of her big beautiful eyes looking so sad was heartbreaking. This was why this little girl almost always got her way. She was highly skilled at the puppy dog face. "I hope he has a happy birthday." I smiled at her sweet manners despite obviously not being happy with the situation.
"Thank-you sweetie and I'm sorry I can't hang out with you guys tonight. Next time okay?"
"Okay." She still seemed sad so I reached for a hug which she accepted and returned.
"What are you and your Daddy doing this weekend?" I knew nothing made her happier than talking about her dad so I figured the topic should cheer her up.
"Lazy weekend." She was happy as she answered even-though I didn't understand what she meant.
"Lazy weekend?" I glanced up at Edward who was laughing at Lizzie's excitement.
"Daddy and I watch movies and eat the best snacks."
"Wow. Who gets to pick the movies?"
"Me." She looked so smug as she answered and I honestly had to do a double take at the sight of her. She looked so much like Edward when she got cocky.
"Really? Does your dad ever get to pick?"
"Nope." She was so cute as she spoke with finality, again reminding me of her dad. I laughed as she finished her drawing and gathered her stuff. Edward wrapped his arms around me, this time from behind as I directed Lizzie on what not to forget.
"Will you be able to have last without us, sweetheart?" He whispered into my ear and I laughed.
"Will you be able to last without me?"
"I believe a certain someone always says it's rude to answer a question with a question." I laughed at him correcting me.
"Maybe I want to be rude."
"Why would you want that?" He whispered even quieter, directly into my neck and I fought shivering at the sensation.
"To see what you'll do about it." Edward always says he loves a challenge and I was really trying to be more confident with my flirting but it wasn't easy. Of course having him behind me instead of having to stare into those eyes of his, did make things significantly easier.
"You're an evil woman Ms. Swan."
My only response was to turn my head enough to kiss his cheek quickly, before pulling away to give Lizzie one last hug goodbye. As they began walking out Edward leaned in and spoke in my ear.
"I will get you for that baby. Consider yourself warned."
…...
"Angela are you packed and ready?" I was on my way to our apartment and wanted to head out to Forks as soon as possible so we could make good time. We would already be leaving a bit later than I'd originally hoped.
"Yep, however..."
"What?" I didn't trust her tone.
"Well I really don't think everything is going to fit in my car." She drove a VW bug, her pride and joy. A cute little car but not the most spacious.
"Mine is in the shop still, remember?" Rose said it should be ready Monday or Tuesday next week. If I was being honest I was really gonna miss Edward's Escalade but at the same time I was happy to be able to return his car safe and sound. It was way to rich for me.
"Well... what about the SUV?"
"Angela we're not taking Edward's car." I frowned at the phone, annoyed by her question.
"Come on it's so comfy" She exaggerated the last word.
"That tends to happen when a car is a Cadillac." My sarcasm showed my displeasure at her statement.
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
"I'm sure you're right, but I would."
"Why?"
"Angela, you know why. I have no intention of taking advantage of Edward's money."
"Bella it's a loan and it's not costing him a thing."
"I don't want to put that kind of mileage on his car. I feel bad enough using it as long as I have."
"The trip to Forks takes forever B. It's not going to be comfortable to drive with a bunch of stuff on the floor between legs and stuff."
"Your car is nice." It's nicer than mine anyway.
"I promise to drop it if you simply ask him."
"No."
"Please."
"I'm not going to ask him."
"Because you know he'll say yes?"
"Yes." It was true, in fact he would probably insist on it.
Somehow I lost the debate and the next thing I knew I was sitting in the SUV, parked outside my apartment, calling Edward. "Hello Beautiful." I smiled despite how uncomfortable I was.
"Hi."
"Miss me already?" I blushed thinking of the sight of him and Lizzie together. I really did love seeing him fawn all over her. It was such a beautiful thing.
"Well I miss Lizzie." I smirked as I teased him.
"Hmmm, not me at all huh?"
"What's there to miss?"
"Well I am quite Hot." I rolled my eyes but had to smile too.
"If you do say so yourself."
"Are you saying I'm not Hot?"
I smiled as I silently held the phone. There was no way I could say he wasn't hot with a straight face and he probably knew that, as cocky as he is.
"Well I guess you are pretty nice to look at..." It was so hard to not laugh right now.
"So you do have reason to miss me then?"
"I suppose I do."
"Well it's nice to be appreciated, even if just for my flawless form." He was laughing now.
"You are way more than just your 'form'."
"True." So smug. "There's also my charm, confidence, intelligence,..."
"...and as always your awe-inspiring modesty." I interrupted him but he ignored me.
"...power, charisma, sex-God capabilities..."
"OH MY GOD, did you just honestly call yourself a Sex-God?" I couldn't even be embarrassed by his statement. All I could so was laugh outright at how absurdly amazing he is. He always does this, makes me smile and lifts all burdens off me no matter how weighed down I'd felt. I love him so much for that.
"Do you object to that, beautiful? Am I not your Sex-God?" Wow, and I thought he sounded smug before. There was undeniable challenge in his question that there was no way I could deny.
"You're impossible you know that."
"And yet you miss every impossibility about me." The clear reference that I do in fact miss everything about him was there and I couldn't deny it anymore, not even playfully.
"Of course I do."
"You know it's not to late to play hooky. Stay with us this weekend." I could hear the humor in his voice.
"Next time, I promise."
"I'll hold you to that gorgeous." I had no doubt in my mind that he would.
The easy energy lessened as I remembered why I made the call to begin with. "Ummm..." Why did I give into Angela?
"What's wrong?" He sounded a bit alarmed now, no humor left. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to ask you something."
"Of course. What is it?"
"Feel free to say no okay?"
"Just tell me what you need." The firm velvet of his voice made me smile through my nerves. He has such a great voice.
"Just know you're free to say no. I wont be upset at all." I was rambling now, great...
"Baby if it's something you need I can guarantee I'll say yes. Anything for you."
"Would it be okay if we use your car to go to Forks this weekend?" I felt my face inadvertently wince as the question came out. I had no idea why the request made me so uncomfortable but it did.
"What?" He sounded confused.
"Your car, ummm SUV? Can Angela and I take it to Forks?"
"You weren't already planning to use the Escalade?" Now he sounded even more confused.
"Well the original plan would have been to take my car since it's a decent size but it's still in the shop and..."
"Bella why would I mind you using my car?"
"Angela has a Volkswagen bug and it's a bit cramped for longer trips but it does get decent gas mileage." I never should have called him with this. Angela's car was fine. I didn't mind it being a little tight.
"Baby of course you can use my car. You don't need to ask me for something like that."
"Yes I do. It's your car."
"I don't care. As I said, anything for you Beautiful." I blushed but couldn't fight off the insecurity that crept up on me. I hated feeling so separate from him financially, in addition to every other way. I would never have the means to lend him a car, or really anything even a fraction as nice as this. I hated feeling so inferior, and the worst part was how little I could do about it. There was no way I would ever make anywhere near the money he does, and therefore no matter what, I would always be worlds apart from him.
"Thank-you."
"Beautiful, talk to me. What's wrong?" Apparently I wasn't hiding my upset very well.
"Nothing."
"Tell me."
"I just don't want to take advantage of you."
"What do you mean?"
"Your car is expensive and I don't want to add more mileage to it than I already have."
"Baby, it's a lot cheaper than my Maybach is." He sounded amused but slightly guarded, like he was weighing how to handle my slight break-down, that apparently despite being over the phone was still quite apparent.
"I know." I sounded so small that it almost seemed like I would cry. I know his statement was meant to make me feel better about using his SUV but instead it reminded me that he had 2 cars worth about $200,000 together.
"Bella..." He sighed heavily and I was worried I was annoying him. He so rarely used my actual name.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize." I had to stop myself from apologizing for apologizing to much. Suddenly I feel like such a mess. "Why do you always get like this about money?" I had no idea how to answer that question. Yes I could give him the answer I'd already given about my dad teaching me self sufficiency but somehow that didn't seem to be what he meant.
"I'm never going to make the kind of money you do."
"Why on Earth should that matter baby?" His question wasn't rude but gentle.
"I don't want anyone to think I'm with you for your money."
"I know you aren't." I smiled through my insecurities.
"I love you."
"I love you too, silly woman." His voice lightened before growing firm as well. "So you are going to take my car right?" He sounded fully authoritative now, bossy. I laughed into the phone outright.
"Yes Sir, Mr. Cullen." Part of me wanted to salute mockingly at my own tone.
"Hmmm, I do like the sound of that."
"What? Mr. Cullen?"
"Well that and Sir."
"You're ridiculous." I continued laughing.
"I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you in that lingerie yet beautiful. Next time, and you must add in that Sir stuff."
"Never." I laughed through my blush at the image he was painting in my mind.
"Never, who?" I could hear how wide he was smiling despite the authority in his voice.
"Never, Mr. Cullen, Sir."
"So fucking Hot." I laughed again and our voices calmed down.
"Thank-you for letting me use the car, and for listening." I tried to sound light.
"Anytime beautiful, and thank-you for letting me help you."
…...
"So this is how the rich live." I rolled my eyes at Angela as we pulled out of my parking space. "I could get used to this." She playfully leaned her seat back a bit and stretched her legs out.
"Enjoy it while you can. I'm giving it back Tuesday."
"Boo." She pouted her lips and I laughed. "Maybe he'd let me borrow it next." I shot her an annoyed look and she smiled sweetly.
"No." She waved off my firm words before picking up her book to start reading. We talked off and on for about an hour before our conversation switched off from small talk to bigger topics.
"Are you worried about discussing the 'boyfriend' with the 'parentals' this weekend?" She used quotations with her fingers and I shrugged nervously.
"Maybe it wont really be an issue. This weekend is about Dad's birthday not me."
"My parents use every face to face meeting as a jumping off point to monitor, critic, and guilt-trip about my life."
"No they don't. They love you."
"Of course they do, but I'm not wrong. It's what parents do. Rain or shine."
"So you think they'll push the subject?"
"Renee sure as hell will." She laughed and I shook my head. "She's been preying for this moment."
"What moment? Me to have a boyfriend?"
"A serious one anyway."
"What about dad?"
"He'll probably behave as well as any father trying to come to terms with his only daughter growing up."
"Do you think..." I bit my lip as I considered the concern I'd been having since meeting Edward's family. "...that they'll want to meet him?"
"Renee sure as hell will." She repeated herself and I laughed, perhaps a bit nervously.
"And Charlie?"
"Ahhh, what will the Big Bad Chief of Police want to do to the man currently seeing his daughter?"
"Angela, I'm not a child and neither is Edward..." She interrupted what I was going to say by laughing.
"No You aren't, and Edward sure as Hell isn't." I flinched at the age reminder. "How are you going to handle that little obstacle anyway? The age thing? They don't know how old he is yet do they?"
"No they don't know. I'm not really sure how to bring it up."
She seemed to think about it before shrugging. "Maybe you don't have to. It's not really any of their business right?"
"They'll find out eventually."
"So, it's still not anything that matters in any real way. It's not going to change anything for them to know his exact age. They'll still have to accept him." She spoke so matter-of-factly that I had to smile. Her casual loyalty and support meant a lot.
"They will." I spoke firmly in this one regard. They would have to accept him and everything about him, including his age.
"Exactly, so it really doesn't matter."
"Do you think it will go well? The talk with them?"
"I dunno. Charlie is a hard man to read and who knows how he will take everything about Edward."
"Such as?"
"Well take Edward's job."
"What about it?" Edward's highly successful. Who could object to that?
"Charlie could take it as 'well clearly this man went to school and is hardworking enough to have worked his way up in life'..."
"Yeah?" I liked the sound of that. There were few things my dad had more respect for than hard work.
"However it's Charlie we're talking about here. He's always been a quiet little enigma."
"What do you mean?"
"He might see Edward's ivy-league education as a situation of 'being handed the best opportunities on a silver platter' and immediately dislike Edward because of it. I groaned as I listened to her words. That did sound a lot like Charlie.
"Or for instance finding out just how wealthy Edward is." Her eyes bored into me as I cringed at the thought. I hated how much like my dad that sounded like as well. He was a good man but also a small town one. He was quiet but could be a little to judgmental at times.
"Or finding out that Edward is a single dad..." I interrupted Angela by shaking my head rigorously.
"My dad had better not step over the line with that. Lizzie is innocent in all of this and I wont have my dad or anyone else speak of her like she's baggage. I love her and she's absolutely perfect." I glanced over at Angela after my little rant and she was starring at me wide eyed with a small smile on her face. I looked back to the road with my brow furrowed. I really doubted my dad would ever say anything of the sort about Edward being a dad but Angela even posing it as a slim possibility upset me. I wouldn't handle anyone speaking ill about Lizzie, however inadvertent it may be.
"Wow, get-a-look at your inner Momma-bear B." I bit my lip but smiled at her praising tone. "Anyway I don't really think he'll judge Edward for being a dad, well not exactly. I think he's just more likely to be concerned about what that might mean for you." I glanced at her in question and she seemed to puzzle over her words. "Like I said your dad is an enigma and I'm sure whatever arguments he makes, more than a few will blindside you."
"What do you think will be the biggest issue?" I couldn't help but ask her this. Personally I felt it was the age thing which is why I liked the idea of dodging the subject as long as possible.
"I can tell you right now Charlie will absolutely loathe that Edward has been divorced." I winced as she stated what I already knew. My dad would hate that as he was 'traditional' when it came to marriage. Not in a religious way or something but more in the sense of believing it's not something people should enter lightly. He believes marriage is a once in a lifetime thing that people should treasure more. In this one thing he's a bit of a romantic.
"Tanya and Edward are so different and would have made each-other miserable." I stated weakly and she reached over to rub my hand.
"I know that, as do you and Edward, but Charlie is... well... Charlie."
"I don't see why it matters." I sounded small and defensive but I couldn't help it.
Angela shrugged before picking up her book again and leaning up against the door so she could read and still look towards me. "I know and besides marriage doesn't mean the same to everyone anyway so what does it matter if he's been divorced."
"What do you mean?" Something in her off-handed comment felt ominous.
"Just that marriage isn't even necessary to be committed to someone."
"Well no but it's still beautiful." I loved the idea of marriage and standing up to tell the world that this person was who you choose to spend your life with. I didn't really fantasize about a huge ceremony but I do hope to say 'I do' to that special someone.
"Sure it can be, but not everyone has a great outlook on marriage, thanks to their own experiences."
"Are you talking about yourself?" Angela's parents have had a rocky marriage through most of her life and more than once she has confided in me that she wished they would just divorce so that they weren't making each-other so unhappy.
"Not really me. Honestly I'm pretty much undecided on my views about marriage but I can understand people's opinions that are in situations similar to Edward's."
That threw me through a loop and I stared out the window in confusion for awhile, just as the rain began to fall. What did she mean by that? Edward? "What does that mean?"
"Well you told me that here he is, 2 years or so after his divorce and he's still dealing with custody battles with his ex-wife."
"But that's about their daughter, not their marriage."
"Having children is a fairly common aspect of marriage though isn't it? Plus that's just one more thing for the courts to have to split up 50/50. Dividing children, property, assets, money. For someone with Edward's wealth and stuff..." She gave a shake of her head as though she was trying to drown out an image. "... it's honestly surprising he came out as well as he did through his divorce. It would be more than understandable if people in his shoes kind-of gave up on the institution altogether right?"
She added in more words along the lines of Charlie just needed to accept that everyone has different views in life, but truthfully I couldn't absorb anything else she said. I had absolutely no words in response to her comments about Edward and marriage. Nothing she'd said was unreasonable and in truth it all made sense when I actually stopped to think about it all.
Granted Edward and I hadn't talked about the specifics of how his divorce had gone but I do know it had been a year or longer process. I couldn't imagine the stress that must have caused or how relieved he must have been to put it all behind him.
What did all that mean for us and our future? Would Edward never want to get married again? If not, could I really blame him? I've never gone through the ugliness of a high profile divorce and therefore I couldn't see marriage in the ways he very well might.
I continued to stare out the windshield as I drove silently. Angela didn't seem to realize how much her words had shaken me as she was yawning and fighting sleep as she read her book, off and on. Would he never want to marry me? Could I live with that? The thought made my heart hurt instantly and it seemed to beg me to forget the whole conversation. Unfortunately I couldn't and the idea that one of my deepest dreams may never happen was a reality just now occurring to me as a very real possibility. I had always, ALWAYS assumed I would get married someday. It had seemed like an obvious fact, easy and beautiful in it's simplicity. A home with my husband, our careers, kids, a dog,... maybe even a white picket fence. I wanted those things, and I still want them. I brushed my hair out from behind my ear so that I knew Angela wouldn't be able to see my face or whatever expression I wore.
What if Edward doesn't want any of those things?
What if he wants some of it but not the marriage piece?
What would I have to potentially give up for him?
What was I willing to give up?
"Hey, I'll take a turn driving if you want." I supposed Angela took my silence as exhaustion which is why she's offering. I nodded before pulling over to the side of the road so we could switch places. I was grateful for the chance to be alone in my thoughts without risking our safety behind the wheel. Equally though I wished I didn't have to be anywhere near my own head.
"Thanks for driving."
"Hey no problem, thanks for letting me. This car is amazing." I tried to smile though it felt forced.
She continued with small talk again and I was relieved I didn't have to talk about any of my new found insecurities. About 30 minutes before we were due to arrive at home I got a text. I looked down and saw a picture message from Edward. I couldn't fight the wide smile as I looked at the picture of Lizzie and Edward stuffing their faces with chocolate ice cream. They looked to be at a restaurant of some kind but I could barely see past their messy faces. Of course Lizzie was still beautiful and Edward was as perfect as always. I responded with a remark about being jealous and sent a smiley face.
After a few more minutes there was a new text, this one just from Edward.
"We just got home beautiful. Have you made it to your parent's yet?"
"Not yet. We're close though."
"I really wish I was bringing you with me to bed tonight."I blushed as I read that.
"I wish you were too."
"I do want you to enjoy your weekend, but at the same time I want it over with so I can get you back to myself." I blushed more as I read the text.
"You have to share me Mr. Cullen."
"I adamantly refuse to do that gorgeous. You're all mine."
"I am." I was in complete agreement with him. I was his and that wasn't something I could ever even want to change. I thought about my worries regarding marriage and my life with Edward. Of all the questions I had about what the future may hold for us, or what I was willing to give up, one thing was 100% clear.
"As I'm all yours."
I'm definitely not willing to to give up Edward.
…...
"My baby." I hugged my mom as she held me in a tight grip before pulling back to hold my face between her hands. We were on the porch and I'd barely lifted my hand to the handle when the door swung open revealing my exuberant mother. "Oh my girl gets more beautiful everyday."
"I've missed you mom." I chuckled as I endured my mom looking me over and fretting in her classic mom way. I was wearing a dark blue top with black pants and my simple ballet flats. I loved these shoes but I rarely wore them anymore since dating Edward. He was so much taller than me that I'd taken to wearing heeled or at least raised shoes most of the time now just so I could kiss him easier. I blushed at the thought.
"Your Dad is so happy to have you home."
"Happy to be home." I really was too. I loved Forks and everything about it. It's so much quieter than the city and nothing beats the smell of fresh rain in the wooded area.
"So..." Without any small talk or leeway my mother guided us over to the patio swing and sat us both down. "...tell me absolutely everything there is to know about this boyfriend of yours. Edward right?"
"Mom..." I blushed but had to smile too. She was so overly excited about the topic that it was actually pretty funny. "...shouldn't I say hi to Dad before you start your interrogation?"
"Oh never mind Charlie." She waved off my stalling technique before leaning conspiratorially with me. "I sent him out for a few 'last minute' things so I would hopefully get a chance to talk to you alone for a minute.
"You evil genius." I laughed as she gestured in an 'Oh shucks...' kind of way.
"Come on he wont be gone long. Spill."
"What do you want to know?" Honestly I wasn't worried to tell my Mom anything she wanted to know about him. She had always approached parenting in a different way than most. Above all else in our relationship she always wanted me to see her as an understanding ear. While I'm sure every parent claims to feel like that she truly meant it. She never once judged my choices in life and was always more than eager to go above and beyond for any whim I had, big or small. She was hair-brained and a big hippie but I couldn't have ever asked for a more supportive mom.
"Everything. Come on."
"Well his name is Edward Cullen, he's a lawyer. He's tall, green eyes, and he's really close to his family. He has 2 siblings, a brother and sister, both younger than him. He's also very close with his sister-in-law and refers to her as his sister all the time. He's really good looking..." She cut me off before I could continue.
"Pictures?" I hesitantly pulled out my phone to show her the picture I had of the two of us we'd taken on our second date. It was just a sweet simple picture a passerby had taken of us in front of a fountain in the shopping complex. He had his arms around me with our fronts pressed together and my head laying against his chest with a big smile on my face. I loved the picture though because Edward looked amazing in it.
"Oh my God." She grabbed the phone from me. "This supermodel is him?"
"You sound like Angela." I laughed before taking the phone back.
"Okay tell me more."
"Um, he's a musician too. He plays the piano better than anyone I've ever heard, and that includes professionals."
"Ahhh, a fellow artist. You must love that." I smiled thinking of when I'd listened to him play at his parents for almost 2 hours. Honestly I could have watched him forever. He had shifted so seamlessly from one song to the next and never once needed any sheet music to do so. I had no idea how he had so many pieces memorized but he did. Clearly he was a prodigy.
"Mom." I took a deep breath. "He's amazing in every way." I really wanted her to know how perfect Edward is. The way he treats me, the way I feel whenever he's around, how wonderful of a father he is.
"I can't wait to meet him."
"You will." The words were out before I realized what I'd said.
"Oh My God!" She hugged me again really quick before smiling in triumph. "I was expecting you to dodge that subject, but you didn't."
"Mom..." She cut me off.
"You must really like this guy. Tell me more." She was bouncing like a kid on Christmas morning.
"I've never met someone like him before. He's so smart, powerful, funny, caring..." Wow I need a filter.
"Wow." She was just starring at me with a small smile and big eyes.
"What."
"I've just never seen you so entranced by a man before."
"I love him Mom." She starred at me for a moment while processing what I'd said.
"You've never said that about a man before." I was never a fickle type of girl, and I've always known my own feelings.
"I've never felt any of this before him." And I know I never will again but I kept that fact to myself.
"Wow." For the most part I'd been watching her lap or our intertwined hands as we spoke but at her statement I looked up at her. "He must be truly incredible to have earned a heart as beautiful as yours."
I couldn't fight the sniffle that came out as she said that. She pulled me in for a hug as I sobbed just a little bit. Why am I always so soft? Because she's my mom though she's used to me and was ready with a loving embrace, like only a mother could be.
"Well I already know I'm going to love him too."
"I wish Dad could feel like that." I pulled back and wiped my silly misty eyes.
"It's a dad's prerogative to overprotect their daughters. And it's a powerful woman's preogative to ignore those fathers." I laughed as did she. Only my mom... God I love her. "I'm not sure you remember but my dad hated Charlie for the longest time."
"In all fairness to Grandpa Higginbotham, Dad did get you pregnant at the age of 17."
"Oh I turned 18 like 3 weeks after that stick turned blue." She waved off that little nuance and I laughed. "He had to warm up to Charlie eventually though. He was a wonderful husband to me and an amazing father to you." She rubbed my hand and I saw a great opportunity to bring up another detail about Edward.
"That's something Edward and Charlie have in common then."
"What is?"
"Being great dad's."
"Edward's a father?"
I nodded and had to smile wide before scrolling through my phone to bring up my folder of Edward and Lizzie pictures. I held the phone to my mom as I cycled through them for her to see. I absolutely love this album in my photo gallery and kept it close to my heart. There was nothing more beautiful than seeing the two of them together.
"She's adorable."
"Her name is Lizzie. She's 5 and one of my students. That's how Edward and I met."
"Bella?" I looked up at my mom who looked like she was searching through her thoughts carefully to choose her words.
"Yeah?"
"How old is Edward?"
"Does it matter?" I hated saying it like that, especially to my mom but I didn't know what else to do.
"Sweetheart I wont judge. I just want to know." I knew she was telling the truth so I took a deep breath before getting it over with.
"He's 35."
"So a little older than you." She chuckled playfully and held out her pointer and thumb in the 'little bit' sign. I had to smile at that.
"Just a bit."
"Well he sounds wonderful."
"He's perfect." She laughed.
"Now I want the dirt." Her eyebrows raised while she sported a naughty grin.
"Dirt?"
"Come on, all the bad stuff."
"Bad stuff?"
"Intimate details." I blushed and lowered my head.
"Mom, you're awful."
"Just nosy." She rubbed my thigh quickly to get my attention. "Have you two had sex?"
"Oh my God."
"What? Have you just met me?" She had no shame whatsoever.
"Mom, stop."
"Look at that blush, and don't think lowering your red face is hiding that smile of yours."
And just like that my dad saved the day like my own personal superman when I saw his cruiser pull up to the house. Ignoring my mom entirely I stood up and waved to Dad as casually as I possibly could through my mortification. Leave it to my mother to ask for details about my sex life as casually as asking for a weather update.
…...
"I've missed you Bells." I hugged my dad fully around his middle while he did his standard one arm hold that I loved.
"I've missed you too, both of you." My mom smirked at me and I dutifully ignored her.
"Well we have the whole weekend to catch up on absolutely everything." My mom was watching me with eyes that said 'You can't escape me'.
"It's a weekend not an interrogation Renee." My father chuckled as she narrowed her eyes playfully. Apparently he'd picked up on her none-to-subtle facial expressions.
"Actually it's a birthday weekend." He grumbled but didn't respond to my playfully excited correction.
"And it all starts tonight with just the three of us then tomorrow the real fun begins." My father seemed less than thrilled but he would never discourage my mother. He loved her, crazy and all. He grumbled something along the lines of 'Can't wait' and my mom was to excited to even notice how unenthusiastic he seemed.
Unfortunately my father insisted on helping me with my bag even-though I only had one small one in the car. Because he wouldn't be swayed to rest up in the house he saw Edward's car and had to ask about it.
"This seems like an expensive rental." Despite my discomfort over discussing Edward in any way I loved my dad's subtle ways of expressing his concerns for me. Worrying about my finances was just one of those ways.
"It's not a rental."
"Where did you get it?" He walked around to the back to get my bag out of the hatch.
"Umm, Edward."
I heard the hatch close a little sharply, although that may have been my imagination. He walked up to my while holding both my bag and an expression somewhere between incredulous and irritated. "Your boyfriend?"
"Yes." I figured short answers would help me not to inadvertently reveal to much.
"Doesn't he need it?" How can he ask such basic questions that reveal so much? Is it a Dad thing or a Cop thing?
"No, he has another one." He didn't say anything else as we walked inside. It felt a little awkward but I tried to push past it.
I helped my mom finish making fried chicken and potatoes for dinner since Charlie was useless in the kitchen. He stayed in there with us though and listened as mom and I talked about anything that we thought of. He didn't respond to much but every-time something even remotely regarding Edward came up I caught him glancing at me meaningfully. Luckily the food was done pretty fast and the topics changed to easier stuff like the antics of the Forks teenage population as well as anything new from the Rez.
"Jacob will be happy to see you tomorrow." My mom tried to bring up a neutral subject that could keep Charlie interested.
"I miss him too. It feels like forever since I've seen him or Billy." I did care a lot for Jake and at one point thought I could actually LOVE him but the feelings just weren't there. I never should have dated him just because we were such good friends. It sounds like a great idea to date someone who's like your best friend but in actuality it just hurts the friendship once the romance isn't realized.
"He may not be the biggest fan of you having a boyfriend though. You know how protective he is of you." I rolled my eyes and tried to laugh off her statement.
"I don't need protecting, especially from Edward."
"Hmm." My eyes went to Charlie as he made the non-committal sound. He had always liked the idea of Jacob and I together even if friendship was all the relationship was to me.
"What are the plans for Thanksgiving this year?" I appreciated the subject change however they probably wouldn't like my answer.
"Well, I know we always do something but I think I want to stay in Seattle this year." I hoped they took this easily.
"What?" They didn't seem upset at least but my mom looked confused.
"Instead of coming here I was thinking about staying in Seattle this year, you know just do something simple there. I'll come home for Christmas instead."
"Why would you not want to come home for Thanksgiving? You know how big it is for everyone." About two months before Thanksgiving one year Billy and his wife had been in a car accident that ended her life and left him in a wheelchair. Billy, who was such a light hearted man up to that point completely changed after losing her and leaving his three children without their mother. My parents had been so concerned for him and the kids that they organized a big Thanksgiving feast with friends and family of both the Blacks and the Swans to cheer him up. It had worked wonders and each year since the party had continued with us alternating between hosting it at our home or his. Everyone helped cook and plan and it had become a pretty big deal for both our families.
I had no idea how to explain my reasoning to them in a way that they would understand. "I just really want to stay home this year."
"This is your home too." My mom looked both soft and indignant, pouting cutely. I smiled at her.
"I know mom but..."
"Is everything okay?" My father seemed concerned as he knew I wouldn't miss something like this unless it was important.
I took a deep breath while alternating looking at each of them. I really hope they understood. "It's Edward." My father's brow really furrowed now and I took another deep breath. "He doesn't get to have Lizzie this year for Thanksgiving because it's her mom's turn with her so I was hoping to stay with him to cheer him up."
"Who's Lizzie?"
"Edward's daughter."
"Edward has a daughter?" It seemed like he was processing.
"Yes, named Lizzie." I smiled timidly through my sarcasm and he frowned.
"Lizzie is one of Bella's students. That's how she met Edward." My mom caught my dad up on the basics while deliberately leaving out any details he wouldn't like.
"What happened between Edward and the mother?" Great, straight to the point.
"They got divorced." I thought about mentioning how long ago it happened or something to ease any fear my dad had about Edward having unresolved issues with Tanya, but I felt it wasn't really my place to give such details.
He just kept a contemplative look before glancing at my mother briefly. I had kept my eyes on him so I didn't know what expression she shot back at him but he seemed to decide not to focus on the newest facts. "And her mom gets her for Thanksgiving?"
I smiled at the idea of my dad accepting Edward's divorce so easily. "They switch off Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Tanya gets her for Thanksgiving this year and Edward gets her for Christmas."
"Hmm" No matter how well I knew my dad I would never be able to decipher his grumblings.
"That's so sad that he doesn't get her this year but at least he'll have Christmas." My mother tried to sound encouraging but I think she sensed the awkwardness.
"That's what happens in a divorce." I didn't like my father's word choice but I didn't exactly know why.
"Edward hasn't said anything to me about it but I know he'd love it if I stayed with him."
"Stayed with him?" My father's normally soft eyes zeroed in on me.
"Umm." I blushed. "Yes, he's such a devoted dad and hates it when Lizzie isn't home so we'll probably do something to keep his mind off things. Maybe celebrate with his family or something." That sounded innocent right?
"You've met his family?" Oops. My mother, who was always happy, frowned which was never a good sign.
"Once, well I've met his sister twice."
"When did this happen?"
"Last weekend." I tried to defend myself.
"So when do we get to meet him?" My mouth opened but nothing came out. When should I introduce Edward to them? Would he even want to? At least right now? It would mean either a trip for them to Seattle or me bringing Edward here. A meeting with my own parents would probably be a weekend long event. That would be a much bigger deal than a simple family dinner, like when I met his parents.
"How about Thanksgiving?" I couldn't have been more shocked that my dad of all people suggested that.
"That's a great idea." My mother's big smile showed her clear approval of my fathers idea. "He can come see Forks and get out of the city for the weekend. I bet he'd love a change of scenery."
"Ummm." Honestly what could I say to that?
"What's wrong?" My mother seemed concerned now and rubbed my hand.
"Nothing, I just don't know if he will be able to." I hadn't even talked to him about my idea of staying with him for the holiday, let alone broach the subject of him coming HERE. He did have his own family that he probably wants to see.
"Do you think he wont want to?" Again my mouth opened and no sound came out. I could feel my flush but my completely blank thoughts helped to divert how nervous I felt.
"I don't know." I whispered the honest words as I had no idea what Edward would want.
"So ask him."
…...And just like that I found myself once again calling Edward to ask him something that I was really uncomfortable asking. It was nighttime and I was curled up in my childhood bed with my phone pressed to my ear as I waited for the line to be picked up.
"Hello beautiful."
END NOTES:
- Bella has some concerns about where her and Edward's future may be heading someday.
- What does the Chief of Police really think about our Mr. Cullen?
- Will Bella have the courage to ask about Thanksgiving? What will Edward say?
