I'm sorry for letting you wait that long for this update. Writer's block is real. If you're still with me - thank you.
As always, merci beaucoup to my pre-reader purpleC305 and my beta extraordinaire, Ninkita.
I sometimes like to add or change things in the end so all mistakes are mine.
Disclaimer: The author does not own any publicly recognizable characters herein. No copyright infringement is intended.
ooo
IPOV
"So, your parents are arriving today?" I ask Edward while I fold freshly washed and dried towels for my salon, balancing my phone between my ear and shoulder.
"Yeah. Emmett and I are going to pick them up at the airport around four." There is noise in the background and I hear the sound of a bell, like the one some stores have above their doors.
"Where are you?" I ask curiously while I walk downstairs to my salon with the towels neatly stacked in a laundry basket.
"Nowhere?" he replies, making it sound more like a question than a statement, so of course now I'm even more intrigued about where he is. "Mogu li ga pogledati?" (Can I take a look?) I hear him saying.
Where is he? "Edward?"
"Sorry, love," he apologizes quickly. "Emmett and I are in Zadar. We decided to look around the city a bit before we have to go to the airport."
"Jeli je ovo prava veličina?" (Is this the right size?) a female voice is asking him. The right size of what? What is he doing? "Izi, baby, I gotta go," Edward says abruptly. "I'll see you tonight, ok? I love you. Bye," he rushes the words out before he ends the call.
I frown at the phone, totally confused and a little bit offended he just hung up on me like that. I don't let this rushed and weird conversation we've just had mess with my mind because I'm nervous enough knowing I'll meet his parents tonight. I don't need additional stress caused by my curiosity about Edward's whereabouts.
I let my mind wander back to the awesome time we had on the island. My body still quivers and tingles at a certain memory involving Edward and my first time together.
But then I cringe slightly when I think about how I shamelessly tried to talk Edward into having unprotected sex. What was I thinking? I obviously wasn't.
And Jesus Christ, could I have been more desperate with how I went about it? It was like my brain - at least the part that mostly kept me out of trouble - just left the room to let me do whatever I had in mind. To be honest though, I was that desperate and well, kind of horny too. Good thing at least one of us acted responsible.
And thank God for brothers who travel prepared. If it weren't for Emmett, I'd still only imagine how sex with Edward might be. Ultimately, it was the best night of my life and I can't wait to do it again.
What I don't want a repeat of is the dream I had that night. It startled me to no end and made me sit up in bed, disoriented and confused because it felt so real. It took me a while to calm down. I watched Edward sleep like the creep I am, but I didn't care because it helped me to get back to a somewhat relaxed state.
I never intended to tell Edward about Petar, at least not so soon, but the instant he woke up and saw me already awake he knew or at least had an inkling that something was not right. There was no use hiding things, so I just told him. It was embarrassing or rather I felt embarrassed but Edward assured me that none of what happened in my dream will ever happen.
And his willingness to "take care" of my ex had scared me for a moment. I'm pretty sure that even though it sounded like he meant it, it's not his way of handling things. Still, I didn't like hearing it.
Being it his intention or not, it will never come to that. Petar hasn't set foot anywhere near me since I kicked him out of my life and I doubt he ever will.
The ringtone of my phone startles me back to the present. The number tells me it's a client. My brain switches from heavy thoughts of my private life to serious business in a matter of milliseconds.
ooo
I'm standing in front of my boyfriend's family's rented home, waiting for someone to let me in after I've rung the bell with one hand. With my other hand I'm balancing a bowl full of mouthwatering fritule. Not a minute later Edward opens the door, his blinding smile making up for the cloudy sky this evening.
"Hey, gorgeous," he greets me and pulls me into a hug, making me almost drop the pastries I've brought. "I'm so glad you're here," he whispers in my ear before stepping back to let his eyes wander up and down my body appreciatively. I love when he does that; it makes me feel beautiful and important.
I put the bowl on the small table next to the front door before I snake my arms around his neck. Burying my face into it, I breathe him in. "Where else would I be, silly," I whisper into his skin.
Our eyes meet again and I pull him down for a kiss. Edward's about to make it a short one but I have other ideas. I hold onto his hair, press my mouth harder to his and push my tongue between his lips. It's been too long, sue me.
"Mmh, Izi, wait, my..." he starts, his words muffled by my lips as he tries to free himself from my grip. I ignore his weak attempt at trying to step back and only tighten my arms around him while I keep on kissing him.
A throat clearing makes me jump away from him. A woman with Edward's green eyes and light brown hair that's put up in a sleek ponytail, is standing between the living room and hallway. Dressed in a sleeveless emerald dress that brings out the color of her eyes and compliments her suntanned skin, she's smiling, and her eyes are wandering between Edward and me, curiously watching our interaction. I realize this must be Edward's mom and I'm mortified. I just attacked her son in front of her!
"Why didn't you tell me your mom's standing there," I hiss and blush furiously but Edward is merely laughing at my embarrassment, which earns him a light jab in his gut from me. He ignores my elbow and my total embarrassment and throws an arm around my shoulder.
"I tried to tell you but you didn't give me the chance to," he states, still amused. He's right but still, it doesn't make my mortification go away. "Mom, this is Izabela," he introduces me to the elegant and sophisticated looking woman. "Izi, love, this is my mom, Esme."
"It's so nice to meet you, Mrs. Cullen." I hold out a hand for her to take. My face is still red from mortification and I'm sure I just behaved like a bitch in heat but Edward's mom ignores my hand and engulfs me in a hug instead, positively surprising me.
"It's so great to finally put a face to the name, dear. And please, call me Esme." She steps back and looks at me, her eyes roaming my face. "You look so familiar, Izabela. Have we met before?"
Her calm and friendly tone helps me to relax immediately. "It's Izi, please and no, we've never met. But I know you met my parents a few years ago, maybe that's why I'm familiar to you. People say I look a lot like my mom."
"My goodness!" Esme exclaims, her hand covering her mouth in surprise. "You're Renata and Karlo Labudović's daughter?" I nod smiling. "I can't believe it!" She beams at me in excitement. "How are your parents, sweetheart?"
"They're fine, thank you." I take the bowl and hand it to her. "My mom made this for you and she told me to say hello."
She lifts the bowl to her nose. "Fritule?" Mrs. Cullen - Esme - asks, her tone hopeful. She slowly removes the aluminum foil on top of the bowl to peek inside. "Oh my! I haven't had them in ages. My mom used to make them. They were my favorites." Her gaze is wistful for a moment. "That was very nice of your mom. Tell her I said thank you and that we will meet for dinner one evening. Maybe at our house?" I shrug, not wanting to decide without my parents. "We can talk later about it. Let me introduce you to my husband." She links her arm with mine and leads me toward the backyard where everyone else is already gathered. "Edward, honey, can you bring the meat outside? The fire should be ready."
"Sure, mom," he says and winks at me before he disappears in the kitchen, leaving me alone with his mother.
Roza is already there, in deep conversation with Emmett and Alice while Jasper discusses something with a notably older but exceedingly handsome grayish-blond man who I assume must be Edward's dad. Esme introduces me to Dr. Cullen, or Carlisle as he insists I call him. The polo shirt Carlisle's wearing stretches over his broad chest and his short khaki pants reveal muscular, worked out legs. I try not to stare at the man but it's difficult because Jesus Christ, Edward's dad is admittedly too good looking to turn my eyes away. Esme is one lucky lady. I can imagine, or at least hope that Edward will age to be just as charming and attractive as his dad.
Beside the physical similarities, father and son share a lot of other things too, like the same attractive smile and the way they seem to constantly seek out ways to touch their partners. As if Carlisle's heard my thoughts he puts his arm around his wife and kisses her cheek. I smile sincerely when Esme tells him whose daughter I am and just like his wife he offers to invite my parents for dinner.
Carlisle is a pediatrician with his own practice and Esme is an interior designer. At first sight they scream 'power couple' with their expensive taste in clothes and posh vacation homes. But as the night wears on, the alcohol flows (I'm sticking to my water, thank you very much) and the conversation and topics never still; and soon they seem to be nothing but the most relaxed, laid-back people. I can easily see how my parents had a great time with them.
Roza and I offer Esme to help with the dishes after dinner. Out of sight and earshot from the others, Esme pulls Roza and me into her arms, surprising us both. "Thank you for making my boys happy," she simply says and kisses our cheeks.
"They are making us happy, too," Roza says genuinely and earns another hug from Esme. One thing I've noticed about Edward's mother this evening is the affection she has for everyone she deems family or friends and she's not shy to show it.
We've finished loading the dishwasher and putting the leftovers in the fridge and are now listening to Esme telling us about our boyfriends' antics when they were younger. Emmett's antics really, since according to Esme, Edward was more the quiet child while Emmett always ended up in some kind of trouble due to his outgoing personality. "Despite everything, Emmett was a good child - always polite and friendly," Esme says with an affectionate smile. "I like to believe that his parents are looking down and seeing what a great young man he's become." She wipes away a tear that's escaped, undoubtedly caused by memories of her friends.
Esme gets herself together and quickly changes the topic to Jasper and Alice's wedding. "Ok, I know it's on short notice but Alice needs a dress. She always said she doesn't want to get married in a fancy wedding gown but rather in something simple. I hope this makes it easier to find something so soon before the wedding," she explains, her expression hopeful. "I'm not familiar with the boutiques and shops here and I had hoped you could help me."
Roza and I nod affirmatively. "We might just know where we could find one. There's a shop in the city I like to visit," Roza explains and I notice Esme visibly relaxing. "The owner has really great stuff. I'm sure we'll find something appropriate for church. We'll have to take Alice with us, though and that means she'll find out what..." A shriek coming from the backyard interrupts me.
"Oh my God, Jasper! Are you serious?" Alice's excited voice carries inside the house.
"It looks like she just found out." Esme grins but there's a sparkle in her eyes and pride in her voice only a mother, whose only daughter is being given away, can emit. "Come on, girls, let's go outside and join the party."
Someone has put on music and Alice is happily dancing with Jasper while the others are standing around and talking animatedly. "Ah, here they are!" Emmett exclaims and pulls Roza to him. He kisses her without pardon and Roza is trying to keep chaste in front of his parents but to no avail. And by the looks of it, Esme and Carlisle, who are laughing and shaking their heads at Emmett, don't seem to be offended by it at all.
"Dance with me?" Edward asks, standing behind me. I turn around and meet his eyes. I nod and even though it's a faster song, he pulls me to him until we're chest to chest. "My parents like you," he says and watches Esme and Carlisle dance with the others.
"I like them too," I confess. Edward turns his eyes back to me and smiles.
"That's good. It's beneficial for the future." Grinning at my confused expression he kisses my forehead and sways us from side to side.
"What do you mean?" I ask, looking up at him.
Edward only shrugs and in that moment we're interrupted by Alice. "Can I borrow your girlfriend for a second?"
"Of course," Edward replies and lets go of me. "I'll get something to drink. Anything for you, ladies?"
We both shake our heads and watch him walk to where Jasper stands, already holding a beer out for Edward.
"Ok, what's up, Alice?"
"Do you want to be my Kuma?" she asks me straight out.
"You want me to be your Maid of Honor?" I'm genuinely surprised at her offer.
"Yeah. I mean, only if you want to." Alice looks like she's not sure it was a good thing to ask me.
"Of course I want to, Alice. I'm honored," I tell her quickly so as not to make her doubt her decision to ask me. "I'm just a little bit surprised you didn't ask a friend of yours or someone close to you."
"Oh, that!" She laughs embarrassedly. "The thing is, since Edward's going to be Jasper's best man I thought it only logical to ask you to be my maid of honor. And to be honest, I don't really have a bestie whom I could've asked, if that's what you mean. I have friends, it's not that I'm not social, but no one I really call my best friend. I know it sounds weird."
"No, Alice, not at all," I assure her when I see the sheepish look on her face. "Except for Roza, I never had one either. But Roza is more a sister than a friend, you know. I was just surprised considering I'm only someone you just met. And through your brother no less. I mean, who knows where we will be in a few weeks, much less in a few years." My last words are almost whispered and it occurs to me that they're most likely true.
Alice puts her hand on my arm and squeezes it lightly. "I have it on good authority that you will soon be a big addition to our lives, Izi," she says with a knowing smile. Before I can contradict her statement, simply because I don't know how Edward and my long distance relationship will work yet, and if it will work at all, Edward joins us.
"Can I have my girlfriend back?" Edward jokes and pulls me to him, kissing the side of my head.
"Of course. We'll talk later, Izi," Alice says before she joins her dad, who's smiling and watching his future son in law twirling around his tipsy wife. Edward chuckles at the display and I can't hide my own smile.
I feel Edward's eyes on me. I turn my head and find him looking at me, his gaze kind of nervous. "Is everything ok?" I ask and caress his cheek, feeling the stubble under my fingertips.
"Come with me," he simply says and takes my hand, leading me inside the house, through the living room and upstairs into his room. The bedroom door hasn't really shut yet when Edward has me already pressed against the wall and his lips to mine, making me squeal in surprise. He uses the opportunity to push his tongue inside my mouth to seek out mine. My surprise at his sudden action ebbs slowly and I relax into his passionate kiss. "I missed you today," he says when he breaks the kiss.
"I missed you too," I admit. Even though we had coffee together this morning - like any other day - it still felt like I didn't see him at all. Edward steps back to look at me and smiles.
"I have something for you," he says and takes my hand in his. There is that nervous smile again and I wonder what it is that is making him act this way. He seems almost restless, impatient. I'm so deep in my thoughts and my eyes haven't moved from his beautiful face, that at first I don't notice that something smooth is gliding along my finger. My ring finger, to be exact. "I wanted to wait before I gave this to you but I figured the more I waited the more nervous I would become." A loud gasp escapes me when I finally look down at my hand and take in the ring he's put there. A beautiful silver swan sits in the center of the ring. Its head is bowed, touching its neck and there are waves on either side. It's a gorgeous piece which causes my breath to stutter and my heartbeat quicken.
"This is... it's… my God, Edward, it's beautiful," I gush and lift my hand higher to see it better. "But what…? I mean, why?" I'm unable to ask him what I really want to know: what does it mean?
Edward leads me to his bed and once he's sitting he has me straddling him. He cups my cheeks and makes me look at him because my eyes are still on the ring. My ring!
"Emmett and I were walking down the Kalelarga," he starts to recount. "We had a lot of time to kill before we had to pick up our parents so Emmett suggested we do some shopping. Well, he wanted to buy something for Roza." Edward takes my hand and his thumb brushes over the ring. Without looking up from it he continues.
"I wanted to give you something too but there was nothing that really caught my attention. Nothing seemed really adequate, nothing seemed worthy of you. Of what you mean to me." His eyes finally meet mine and there's something in them that makes me shiver, in a good way.
"Then I saw this ring in one of the store windows. It reminded me of you; the beauty and gracefulness of it." I blush at the comparison. I shake my head because his words are too much. Edward kisses me softly, his way of assuring me that he means what he says. He breaks the kiss, then swallows thickly. Silence prevails for a moment before he speaks again. "You know what you mean to me, how much I love you." I know he's not really looking for me to confirm but I nod anyway. "When I saw this ring I knew this is what I was looking for. With this piece I want to tell you that what I feel for you is beyond a simple crush. Beyond every 'I love you' I've said to you and every word of endearment I can think of." My hands start to shake from nervousness and his words. If this is what I think it is… As if Edward can read my mind he continues before I can really ask him anything. "This ring can mean anything you want it to mean, Izi. I have no expectations. I know what it symbolizes for me - what I want it to be - but if you're not ready, if you think it's too soon then let it be simply a reminder that I'll be yours. Always." By now hot tears are sliding down my cheeks. His words are the most beautiful words anyone has ever said to me. "You're it for me, beautiful. You may think it's premature but I don't need any more time to be sure of that."
"Edward," I choke out and throw my arms around him, burying my face into his neck, trying to muffle my sobs.
"Don't cry, baby," Edward tries to soothe me. "I didn't mean to make you sad."
"I'm not sad," I assure him. When I look at him again, my sight is blurred. "These are happy tears." Because just minutes ago Alice's words seemed so unrealistic. There was always a modicum of doubt inside me that a tiny chance of him changing his mind about us existed.
"You're happy, yeah?" Edward's whole face lights up and it's a gorgeous sight. He wipes away the wetness around my eyes with his thumbs before he kisses me sweetly.
"Yes, baby. I'm ridiculously happy. You don't know how much this means to me." I take his face in my hands and leave kisses all over his face. "I love you."
"You have no idea how elated I am right now hearing that, baby." He pulls me to him and hugs me tightly.
While we're sitting here, in each other's arms, Edward's words replay in my mind. There is no stupid time schedule when I'm allowed to see Edward as more than my boyfriend. No time limit that tells me when my feelings can change and when not. When you know you know. He's it for me too, and has been for a while. "Edward?"
"Yeah, baby?"
"You're it for me too." The words haven't really left my lips, he has me promptly on my back, hovering above me.
He leans down for a kiss before he whispers a "thank you" against my lips.
"What are you thanking me for?"
"For a lot of things," he says. "Mostly for loving me."
"How can I not," I tell him sincerely.
"And one day," he continues and kisses the tip of my nose. "I will ask you properly. Officially."
I put a hand on his cheek. "And on that day, I will say yes. Officially."
Edward lies down next to me and pulls me into his side. I put my hand on the spot where his heart is. It's beating erratically which puts a smile on my face. I know now why he seemed so on edge before he presented me with the ring.
"We should go back downstairs. They'll probably wonder where we are," Edward breaks the peace. But he's right. They're celebrating Alice's upcoming wedding and we selfishly left the party.
"I have to ask you something, Edward, but please don't be mad at me." He turns to me with a confused look.
"What is it?" he asks cautiously.
"Would you mind terribly if I didn't wear the ring tonight?" I grimace at my own words and prepare myself for any kind of disappointment on Edward's part, so I quickly list my reasoning for asking him this. "It's just that it's Alice's evening and I don't want to spoil everything by displaying my ring because I know there will be questions. I really want to wear it, proudly but…"
Edward's lips on mine cut me off. I'm surprised because it's the opposite of what I expected to happen. "If you ever wondered why people love you so much, you just got your answer, baby. Your unselfishness is adorable. How could I ever be mad at you for that? You can leave the ring here and wear it whenever you want, ok?"
"Ok, but I'll wear it soon, I promise," I tell him, elated at the outcome. "Now we really should go back downstairs before they send a search party for us." I wink at him and with a quick peck to his lips I get up and pull a grinning Edward with me.
ooo
Fritule are fried, sweet yeast dough balls. Only, I make them with baking powder instead of yeast because I feel like they are still soft the next day when I make them like that. There rarely are leftovers in my household though ;)
Kuma - Maid of Honor, Kum - Best Man
Kum/Kuma can also mean godfather/godmother.
Kalelarga is the main street on the Zadar peninsula with various shops, bakeries, cafés, etc.