The Twilight Saga belongs to Stephenie Meyer, Summit Entertainment and anyone else who may legally claim ownership. No copyright infringement is intended.
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to review.
I'd also like to apologize for the wait. An extremely close family member died 4 months ago and I'm still overwhelmed by the excruciating loss.
Chapter 9: Declarations
Bella woke slowly. She didn't move; she basked in the feeling of rightness that was waking with her body completely entwined with Carlisle's. Their legs were tangled together. His arms held her close to his body, and she was wrapped in the delicious scent that was pure Carlisle. She smiled as she remembered the night. When they got home, the house was empty. Everyone had gone hunting. Carlisle and Bella had curled up to read together, but this time, she had been in Carlisle's arms. Their reading had been interrupted by frequent bouts of kissing that ranged from sweet and loving to passionate and intense. She opened her eyes to see his face a scant inch from hers on her pillow. They had finally fallen asleep together as dawn began creeping in through the windows. Her smile turned to one of deep satisfaction. This was pure ecstasy. She had never shared a pillow before, but now, she would always want this. She had always wondered if the cosmos really held some place of utter perfection, some kind of heaven. Now, she knew. Her smile turned to one of pure contentment. This was it.
She held herself still and watched Carlisle sleep. She had never seen him sleep before. She'd known that he was able to sleep, even though his body didn't require it. Watching him do it, however, was something very intimate. She didn't worship him with her eyes. Theirs was a relationship that was too real for something so one-sided and superficial. Instead, she adored him with her eyes. She gazed at his relaxed face and sleep-tousled hair. One flaxen lock was draped over his sculpted cheekbone and she longed to brush it back for him. She didn't touch it. She didn't want to wake him and interrupt this bliss. He was so beautiful, he was so very good, and he wanted her. He wanted her in every way possible. He had made that clear last night. They hadn't consummated their relationship, but Carlisle left her with no doubt that he wanted to, very badly.
Her brow furrowed in displeasure as her contemplation of Carlisle's sleeping form was marred by an errant thought of Edward. Edward had never made her feel wanted, not in the way Carlisle did. Where Edward pushed her away, Carlisle pulled her closer. Where Edward demanded, Carlisle requested. Where Edward coerced, Carlisle discussed. Where Edward ignored, Carlisle listened. She shook her head as if to clear it from a nightmare and dismissed Edward from her thoughts. She refocused all her attention on Carlisle. Too soon she was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He groaned and opened his eyes. When he noticed her, and the memory of the previous night became evident in his eyes, he smiled. He reached over and caressed her cheek, without breaking eye contact he felt for his phone on the nightstand.
"Hello, this is Dr. Cullen speaking."
As Carlisle answered his phone, Bella went to move away, to give him privacy, but he drew her back to his side with a smile that told her he didn't have anything to hide from her.
Carlisle's voice was somewhat sleep roughened as he spoke. "Yes, that does present a problem."
Bella's phone vibrated. She glanced at it and held the text up for Carlisle to read. "WA overcast all day from Ellensburg west - Alice"
Carlisle's smiled his thanks. "I understand how important this is, I'd be happy to fill in." Carlisle listened silently for a few moments and ended the call politely. He settled back down on the bed and pulled Bella into his arms. "I have to go to a hospital fundraiser luncheon in Seattle. Would you like to accompany me?"
"Of course." Bella's smile turned contemplative. "Bringing me won't cause problems?"
"We did decide that we weren't going to hide the change in our relationship. Have you reconsidered?"
"No, never. I just want to make sure that's still what you want. Anyone in my life who doesn't want to accept you will either have to learn to, or they will no longer be in my life. Although, I did think we'd tell them ourselves, in our own way." She stroked Carlisle's cheek.
"We will tell your parents and friends when the time is right for you, however, you wish to tell them. This is a general fundraiser in Seattle, so no one you know will be there." He paused and smiled at Bella in wonder. "You continue to amaze me. Your parents are your family. They may disapprove, yet you are willing to fight for us."
"No, Carlisle, I won't fight for us. You are my choice. There is no fight. They will just need to accept you. As for my friends, if they can't accept it, then they aren't really my friends.
"But, Edward and probably Rosalie will be upset. Edward was your first friend in this life, and Rosalie is like a baby sister, almost a daughter to you. They're your family. I don't want to do anything to make this more difficult. I don't want to alienate them from you."
"Can't you see that I feel the same way about you?"
"You have loved Edward and Rosalie for so long. You are so close. I don't ever want to be the cause of stress or sadness for you."
"Rosalie will come around. It may take a couple of centuries." He laughed, "But, I can promise you that she will. Edward. Edward is a different situation. I cannot predict what will happen with Edward. Even if I do lose my relationship with Edward, it will be worth it. Because I will have you, and our relationship is the most important thing to me." He smiled seriously. "This has happened so fast. I should be concerned about that; yet, somehow I am not."
Bella laughed. "It hasn't been that fast. We met a long time ago. We've been spending time together since the first time Edward brought me to this house. All of that is part of the time frame here. We know each other. It's not like we met yesterday and I spent the night in your arms."
Carlisle grinned. "You're right. In all the time since I met you, I've spent more time with you than anyone else. When we weren't together, I found myself looking forward to the next time I would be able to see you, to speak with you. I simply need to make sure that this is what you want."
Bella smiled. "Eternity with you, Carlisle, is all I could ever ask for."
His breath was on her neck and ear as he pulled her even closer. "I thought it too soon despite how our feelings have grown. I don't want to rush you. But, with the threat of the Volturi, everything is moving so quickly. You will be changed in a few short months. Here you are, speaking of eternity, perhaps, it isn't too soon after all." He pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes. "Isabella Swan, I love you."
Bella's eyes swam with emotion. "I love you, Carlisle Cullen. I've loved you for longer than I realized."
Carlisle cupped her cheeks and drew her lips to his. He kissed her with such tenderness that she could have wept for the joy of it. His lips roved along her jaw to the hollow behind her ear. He held his lips there, a gentle caress that caused a shiver of delight to dance along her spine before he languorously made his way down her throat to her pulse point. After several moments Carlisle pulled back and brushed the hair away from Bella's face. He made eye contact and held it as he slowly brought his lips back to hers. His touch was a tender brushing, a worshipful tribute. He pulled back enough to look deeply into her eyes again.
This time, it was she who closed the small distance between them. She returned his kiss with a soft, lingering kiss of her own. When she began to pull back, he kissed her again, a simple kiss that was full of promise. His lips clung to hers as he kissed her again and again. He gently took her bottom lip between his own. The feeling of his inner lips wrapped around hers was indescribably sensual. Her eyes closed in response to the overwhelming feelings of love and devotion that were surrounding her as he kissed her. He softly ran his tongue across the outside of her lips and she parted for him. When their tongues met, a heady liquid desire pooled inside her. She had never felt such overwhelming sensations of love combined with raw electric need. As she pressed her body against his, her phone rang. Carlisle reluctantly pulled his lips away and then dove back to give her one last lingering kiss as she fumbled for her phone.
Bella pushed talk, and they could both clearly hear Alice's scolding voice. "Isabella Swan put Carlisle down this minute! You have exactly forty-seven minutes to get ready for the fundraiser and I'm not there. Get going, I'll talk you through this."
When they arrived at the luncheon they had no time to mingle together. Lunch was served almost immediately, and after that, Carlisle had to do what he came for- charm the rich people of Seattle into giving their money to Forks Hospital.
He was concerned about Bella. They hadn't had time to meet many people before lunch, and now she was on her own. He could hear the beating wings of the vultures, the matrons of Seattle society along with other doctor's wives, talking about Bella and preparing to engage her.
Carlisle had only one ear on what a major hospital patron was saying. Unlike the doctor next to him, who happened to be from a hospital that was competing for donations. That doctor, a prominent surgeon who was from an old and extremely wealthy Washington family, was listening intently to the coffee mogul's conversation. Carlisle should have been vying for the coffee giant's attention, and subsequent funding; but instead, he was far more intent on what he could hear Bella going through.
"So, my dear," a smartly dressed woman in her mid-thirties began, as the group settled around Bella. "You must be so pleased that Dr. Cullen brought you today."
"Excuse me?" Bella's voice was clearly confused.
"How exactly is it that you are related to Dr. Cullen? Are you his niece, perhaps?"
Bella was temporarily wrong-footed. "Uh, no. We aren't related."
"Really? I can't imagine what you are to him." The woman glanced at Carlisle. "Ah, I see he's with my Arnold. Arnold's quite the famous neurosurgeon, you know."
"Yes, I do. Carlisle has often spoken of Dr. Braxton. You must be very proud."
The woman temporarily ceased her calculated remarks and smiled patronizingly. "I am."
"I know from Carlisle that Dr. Braxton is a gifted doctor, but Carlisle never mentioned how kind he is."
"Kind?"
"And you must feel so special." Bella made a show of looking around the room. "I do believe he's the only doctor who brought his mother. You have a very devoted son." Bella smiled.
"Son?" The woman's tone was one of utter shock. "Arnold isn't my son."
"No?"
"Certainly not." The woman bristled.
Bella looked genuinely perplexed. "But, you're too young to be his grandmother, I'm sure."
"I'm his wife!"
"Oh dear, I've jumped to a conclusion from your apparent age difference. I'm terribly sorry." Bella's smile was sweet, but her eyes were unrepentant. "I shouldn't have done that."
The rest of the ladies clustered around Bella and Mrs. Braxton seemed silently pleased with Bella's conversational acumen. They took Mrs. Braxton's uncharacteristic silence as an opportunity to make introductions. They included Bella in polite conversation. Bella responded with poise and grace. She easily charmed all of the ladies, with the exception of Mrs. Braxton. Carlisle was relieved and pleased. He turned his full attention to the conversation at hand when he heard Bella politely extricate herself from their circle.
"No sir, Carlisle, I don't like this new idea of mixing treatments. I'm a firm believer in seeing one through and then-" Dr. Wilson trailed off and gave a low whistle. "Well, would ya look at that, Christopher has set his sights on a lovely young lady."
Carlisle looked in the direction the older doctor had indicated and saw a handsome young man set a chair down beside Bella and smoothly offer her a seat. Bella accepted with a shy smile. Carlisle seethed quietly.
"So the wind blows in that direction does it, son? Good. Good. It's about time you stopped hiding behind your sister, charming though Esme is."
Carlisle didn't notice the other doctor had spoken to him until he felt the hearty slap on his shoulder. He reluctantly took his eyes off of Bella and gave Dr. Wilson his attention. "Pardon?"
"Do you know that lovely young lady talking to my wife?"
Carlisle noticed for the first time that Bella was deeply engrossed in conversation with a wheelchair-bound elderly woman. She seemed unimpressed by the young man who had brought her a chair and was still hovering around her preening."
"That young buck is my grandson. He seems taken with the little lady."
"Isabella."
"A lovely name for a gal with a generous heart. She's been talking to my wife for half an hour, crouched down to her level too, instead of looking down at her. Not one of these others gives my wife more than a cursory greeting unless I'm with her. But that sweet little lady, she's even ignoring Christopher to talk to my Lillie. And I'll tell you what, Christopher has a way with the ladies, just like his old grandpa." The doctor puffed out his chest proudly. "How did you say you know Miss Isabella?"
Carlisle never tore his eyes away from Christopher Wilson as he answered the other doctor. "I'm going to marry her."
Another slap on the shoulder. "Got your ring on her finger do you?"
Carlisle spared Dr. Wilson a brief glance before turning his watchful eyes back on his would-be usurper. "Not yet."
"Well then, son, we best get over there before my grandson begins to work his charms on your lady."
Bella looked up and smiled as Carlisle and Dr. Wilson approached.
"My dear," Dr. Wilson kissed his wife's weathered hand. "Who is your lovely companion?"
"This is Bella." She turned her sharp gaze to Bella. "And this, Bella, is the creature I married, Lee."
As Dr. Lee Wilson bowed low over Bella's hand, his eyes danced with appreciation. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Bella."
"Stop that." Mrs. Wilson ordered with familiar good humor.
"I was just saying hello, my dear."
The rest of the luncheon was spent with the Wilsons. Together they mingled with the group after group of doctors, philanthropists, and their guests. When it was all over, Carlisle had secured more than twice the amount of donations for Forks Hospital than he had hoped he would, and that added up to a lot more than they expected. Bella left with an invitation she had accepted. She would be meeting Lillie Wilson for tea in a few days. Carlisle smiled to himself as Bella took his proffered arm for the walk to his car. A weekly invitation to Tea wasn't all Bella had gleaned from the luncheon. Forks Community Hospital's newly acquired fortune was due in no small part to Bella's genuine charm.
Bella gazed unseeing at the rain as it hit the windshield. "Carlisle, tell me about your first love."
Carlisle smiled in memory, and Bella tried not to let that bother her. "She was the local seamstress' daughter. I would see her on market day. I'd go to the market early every week and secure myself a place from which I could see the road. When I would see them coming, I would make sure that our paths crossed."
"You were quite the stalker."
"I was, wasn't I?" Carlisle laughed. "This went on for months before I had the courage to interact with her."
"What was her name?"
"Sarah. I knew the meaning well and thought it fitting. She was indeed a princess. When she would walk through the market with her mother she was a good and obedient daughter. She was always smiling and had a kind word for everyone who spoke to her."
Bella smiled at the manner of speech Carlisle used as if he were back in time with his memories. "So, what did she look like?"
"I thought her the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. She had a graceful curve to her cheek, a feminine chin, and an elegant throat. She wore her hair pulled back from her delicate face, and it fell in long waves of curls down her back. Her eyes sparkled like the autumn sun on the sea above her delicate upturned nose. But, it was her laugh that first caught my attention, it was simply enchanting."
Bella's smile faded. She knew she couldn't compete with the memory of such a perfect woman. In a small voice, she asked, "How did your relationship begin?"
"It was a sunny spring afternoon. Sarah and her mother were late to the market, so when they arrived her mother made haste to catch up with her sales. That left Sarah alone and approachable. I did the only thing a young man who had waited so long for his love could do. I approached her. When she noticed me, our eyes met. It was then that I knew I had to declare myself. I steeled my nerves and walked right up to her. Before she could utter a word from her sweet pink lips I made my move. I reached out to her and tugged one of her curls as hard as I could. Then I ran like my breeches were aflame."
"How old were you?"
"I was a full seven years old, and my love was six and a half."
Bella smiled.
"We became fast friends. Although, we only saw each other on market day. I believe she married the butcher's son." Carlisle smiled. "Some of my memories have faded a bit. I can't remember how many children they had when last I heard of them. I can't complain, my memory of my human life is clearer than most. I think that may be because my diet has never included human blood, but I can't be sure."
"Well, you'll have another control subject after you change me. I trust you to keep me from eating any humans."
"Isabella-"
Carlisle's phone rang, interrupting him. When he closed it he turned back to Bella. "I had planned to spend the rest of the day with you." His eyes held regret. "But, I'm needed at the hospital."
"It's no problem, Carlisle. I need to talk to the Newtons, anyway."
"Are you going to tender your resignation now?"
"I am. I'm sure that whoever they gave my shifts to while I've been recovering will be happy to take my position."
Carlisle pulled the Mercedes into a parking place that was hidden from the windows of Newton's Outfitters. He switched the engine off and gave Bella the keys. "You take the car. I'll go to the hospital and run home as soon as I can get away."
"Okay." Bella slipped the keys into her purse.
"I can't hear any heartbeats nearby."
Bella smiled and leaned over the console. Carlisle didn't hesitate. Reaching forward, his fingers caressed the back of her neck and then slid around to cup her cheek. At the same time, she buried her hands in his soft blond hair. He leaned down. His breath was soft on her skin as he brushed a kiss against her other cheek. She tugged his hair slightly and their lips met. His kiss was gentle and sweet. She tentatively nipped his lips with her teeth and was not disappointed. Carlisle deepened the kiss. Bella's head swam when her touch elicited a small but needful moan from him. Their tongues caressed more fervently as they strove to get closer to each other in the cramped car. Her hands tugged his hair as his roved over her back. Too soon, she felt him begin to reluctantly withdraw. He kissed her forehead and each of her cheeks. He kissed her chin and the tip of her nose before he allowed himself one last chaste, but lingering, kiss on her lips.
His breath was ragged with desire. "I must go."
Her face was flushed and her eyes shone as she responded. "I know." Before Bella could turn Carlisle had her door open. He held his hand to her. She put her hand in his and stepped out into the damp air. "Go, they need your help."
He smiled in relief at her understanding.
"I'll see you later."
"Drive safely."
"I will." She smiled at his retreating form and turned toward the entrance of the store.
Bella entered Newton's before she could search for her boss, she noticed Ernie Buckley, the school custodian looking at hats. She smiled and put her hand on his forearm. "Mr. Buckley, how is your wife?"
He looked up at Bella and smiled. "Betty's doing good. They say she's going to make a good recovery."
"That's wonderful." Bella's eyes sparkled with genuine happiness. She didn't know Mr. Buckley very well, but when she did see him, he always had a kind greeting and a warm smile. She had heard that he was going through a difficult time; that his wife of thirty-nine years was battling cancer.
"It seems like yesterday you were just a baby, and your daddy was showing you around the town, proud as punch." He looked closer at Bella. "Now you're all grown up. It won't be long before you're showing off your own baby." He fingered the pink cap in his hands.
"Is that for your wife?"
"It is. She wanted me to get her something for her head before she comes into town. She's nervous about people seeing her. Her treatments took her hair."
"Well, it's natural that she would feel that way. Did she tell you what kind of hat she'd like?"
"No, she just said to bring her something pretty. I figure ladies generally think pink is pretty."
"She's not going to play sports right away is she?"
He laughed. "No, I don't think so."
"And she didn't specifically ask for a hat?"
"Well, no, she just wanted something pretty to cover her head."
"Have you looked at scarves?"
"Scarves..."
"Look, over here." Bella pointed down the aisle and led Mr. Buckley to the scarves. "This one has some lovely spring flowers on it, and it has lots of colors, so it should match whatever she's wearing."
"Oh, I think she'd like that better than this cap. Thank you, Bella."
"It's my pleasure, Mr. Buckley. Please, give your wife my best."
"I'll do that, and since you're all grown up, you can call me Ernie."
"Thank you, Ernie. I hope to see you and your wife out and about soon."
"I'm sure you will."
Bella gave Ernie a smile and headed towards the door to the back room. She was stopped by Jessica calling her name.
"Jessica, what are you doing here?"
Unbeknownst to Bella Jessica and her group from school had witnessed her conversation with the school's custodian. Jessica ignored her question. She gave Bella's chic outfit a prolonged appraisal. "So, are you like, planning on running for office or something? Because I think you have to go to college first. I mean, I thought you were supposed to be recuperating from a fall or something, and here you are all dressed up and talking to the janitor like you want his vote."
"I'm much better now. I'm here to quit my job. I have to find Mr. Newton and tell him." Bella smiled tightly. "I'll see you at school next week."
"It's almost graduation, how are you like, going to get caught up? I mean I know you've done some homework, but-"
"Oh!" Bella exclaimed, interrupting Jessica. "Mr. Newton is leaving, I have to speak with him before he leaves. I'm sorry, we'll catch up later."
"Sure, fine... whatever." Jessica turned back to Eric, Angela, Tyler, Mike, and Katie who was working, and mouthed, "What the hell?"
"Alice, Dad, what's going on?" Bella took off her suit jacket and draped it over the back of a chair in the Cullen kitchen, leaving her clad in the matching skirt and a simple silk blouse.
"Look at you, Bells. Alice here said you went to quit your job at Newton's, but you look more like you were applying for a job at, I don't know... a law firm or something."
"Thanks, Dad, but I was just quitting, I'm not looking for a new job right now."
Alice's lilting voice joined in the conversation. "She needed to dress well. You never know, she might want a reference. The last impression is almost as important as a first impression."
"Yeah well, Bells, I'm here for a reason."
"Other than to eat my cherry pie?"
Bella was confused. "You made a pie, Alice?" She looked at the table in front of her father and noticed that he had been having pie and coffee.
"I like to have some on hand in case we have an unforeseen guest. I can't let anyone come to the house and not try my pie. It'll be famous one day."
From Alice's simple statement Bella realized that she must have had a vision of her father coming over. She looked at her father. "Besides the all-important task of tasting Alice's baking, what's up?"
"I need to talk to the doc when he gets home. There's been some sort of outbreak and I'm worried about you. You're still vulnerable to sickness, aren't you? I remember the surgery you had weakened your immune system or something."
"Yeah, Dad, something like that."
The front door opened and closed. "We're in the kitchen, Carlisle," Alice called out for Charlie's benefit.
Carlisle walked in and extended his hand to Charlie. Charlie shook it warmly.
"What can I do for you, Charlie?" Carlisle smiled. "Alice called, she said you need to talk to me."
"Do you have a handle on what's going on?"
"There's been an outbreak of Meningitis at the high school."
Charlie turned to Bella. "Did you see any of your friends or anyone from school today when you were in town?"
"I spoke with Ernie and Jessica. There were a few others around but I didn't get close to them."
"Who's this Ernie kid?"
"Ernie Buckley, the school custodian. He was in Newton's shopping."
"You call him Ernie now, do you?"
"He said that I should."
"I suppose. You've just grown up so fast, Bells." Charlie turned to Carlisle. "Do you think she caught it?"
"There's no way to know at this stage. She is more susceptible, but it doesn't sound like she had much contact today."
"I was thinking, Carlisle, that maybe Bells should stay here for a bit longer. Your place seems far enough out of town to lower Bella's risk of catching anything. I hate to impose like this. I would ask her to go to her Mother's but what with you being her doctor-"
Alice squealed in delight. "You're staying longer, Bella!" She danced Bella around the kitchen.
"I'm not going to Florida, Dad."
"And with her wanting to stay in Forks..." Charlie gave Bella a mock glare.
Carlisle contained his enthusiasm and gave Charlie a professional smile and nodded toward Alice and Bella. "It's no imposition at all, Charlie. As you can see, we're delighted to have Bella with us."
Charlie's radio went off. Alice picked up his jacket and handed it to him. The dispatcher told him there was a disturbance at The Lodge. "I have to go. See you later, Bells?"
"Sure, Dad." Bella nodded.
"Thanks again, Carlisle."
"As I said, Charlie, we are glad to have Bella with us."
Charlie nodded to him. "Alice, walk me out?"
"Sure." Alice shrugged and skipped after Charlie.
Alone in the kitchen, Carlisle moved to Bella. She wound her arm around his thin waist and leaned into his side. He put his arm around her and held her snugly to him. They were quiet while Carlisle relayed the conversation he could hear between Alice and Charlie as he caressed her shoulder.
"She's changing, Alice."
Alice's response was serious and to the point. "Everyone does."
"I know."
"Even you."
"Yeah, I guess even an old dog like me can change." Charlie chuckled.
"It's a good thing, Charlie."
"It's inevitable, I guess. And you're right, Alice, it is good. Bella's doing good, isn't she?"
"She's doing really good, Charlie."
They were silent for a moment. Then Charlie gave Alice a pointed look. "Alice, keep an eye on them for me, will you?"
"Them?"
"Bella and Carlisle."
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb, Alice. I'd have to be blind not to see how close they've become. I just don't want to see her get hurt again. I want... " Charlie rubbed his jaw. "Hell, I don't know what I want. Carlisle is a good man. I don't think Bells could do better. I know he won't hurt her. But she's my little girl. I don't want to think of them..."
"They haven't," Alice told Charlie earnestly.
"That's not what I... They haven't?"
"No."
"Well, that's something, but, I'm a cop, Alice. I've been around the block a couple of times. I've seen a fair share of life. I know they will." Charlie sighed. "But, they seem good together. He's good for Bella."
"She's good for him."
"I don't want to stand in the way. I don't know what I'm asking of you, Alice."
"I tell you what, Charlie, I'm still Bella's best friend. I'll do everything that anyone can to make sure she doesn't get hurt."
"That's really all I want. I can't see her go through that again."
"I know. Carlisle isn't like that. He would never hurt her. But, you already know that." Alice smiled, hopped up and kissed Charlie on the cheek.
"Yeah. Tell Bells I'll be by later in the week, will you?"
"I will." Alice was still smiling as Charlie got into his cruiser and took off.
