Put the Past Away
Hello everyone ...
This is a piece I did for a contest that never went anywhere lol. I would love to hear what you all think. I would be happy to continue this at a later time, but currently, it is a complete O/S.
Special thanks to Frannie Walsh for diligently working on all of my stories ... I could never repay her for all of her help. Come visit: It All Started With Twilight.
You can find me on Facebook: JM Gaff or Where Stories Are Born
Thanks so much for reading ... Hope you enjoy the vision. Please let me know what you think ...
Please Review...
Bella stared down into the face of her daughter. She was as cute as a button. Bella had never understood that phrase, but she felt it in her soul at this precise moment—that feeling when you would do anything for someone, even if that meant taking a bullet for them.
Yeah, that's how she felt right this second. If given the option between her life and that of her daughter, she would definitely choose Emma to live above herself.
Tweaking Emma on the tip of her nose, she grinned down at the five-year-old with her daddy's gorgeous dimples. "Have I told you how cute you are today?"
"Mommy, you say that every day," Emma giggled, shrieking when Bella showed her the monster claws. "No…no…no tickling."
Bella continued, however, until her daughter squirmed on the bed, cackling with laughter. When Emma gasped for breath, Bella paused, watching her beautiful glowing face. "Are you ready to go to Uncle Edward's?"
Just saying Edward's name made Bella's heart skip. Ever since her husband, Emmett, died in a car accident two years ago, Edward, who had been their mutual best friend, stepped in to fill the void Emmett's death left. Whenever Emma needed anything, Edward was right there to provide whatever it was. Last year he'd taught her to ride a bike, and this year, he'd taught her how to fish. When Christmas day came, Edward was there first thing in the morning to sit around the tree and open presents. On Halloween night, he walked on Emma's opposite side, holding her hand.
While a considerable part of her still missed Emmett, lately, her thoughts were entirely consumed by someone else. How unfortunate for her, it happened to be her husband's best friend.
Hell, their best friend. They'd known each other since college and nearly spent all their free time together. There wasn't a single aspect of Edward's life that was a mystery to her. And the more he did for Emmett's five-year-old daughter, hell for her, the more she thought of him.
Staring down into Emma's midnight eyes, she felt a tug at her heart, almost as if she were looking directly at Emmett. Even as young as she was, Emma had Emmett's wit and charm.
What would her husband think if he knew she was developing feelings for their lifelong friend? Would he be angry with her—was his spirit cursing her?
Or would he be happy for her?
It was these questions that kept her awake at night. Despite how Emmett would've felt about these feelings growing and swirling deep in her heart, Bella started to forget why she resisted them.
"I packed my Barbies; do you think Uncle Edward will play Barbies with me?" Emma sat up in the middle of her mommy's bed, pushing her thick curls to the side of her face, her dimples on full display. "He still has to play tea party with Bubba and me. He pinky promised, he would."
Bella's eyes fell closed with a laugh. She could just see Edward Cullen sitting at Emma's table that didn't even reach his knees, with Emma and her favorite teddy bear, Bubba. When her laugh fell away, she pinned Emma with a serious stare. "You have to pack something besides Barbies. You need an outfit and maybe a swimsuit."
"Is he taking me swimming?" She asked in a surprised hushed tone. With a squeal of excitement, she leaped from the bed and ran from the room.
Bella came to her feet, intent on following her daughter when she heard the rustling of clothing being thrown from drawers. If she didn't get in there and stop her, Emma would have all her belongings upside down. On her way out of the room, a gleam of sunlight reflecting on gold caught her attention. Slowly, she wandered to the dresser.
There, staring back at her, was Emmett's smiling face. Pausing briefly, she took in his even white teeth and the dimples in his full cheeks. Maybe it was time to put his pictures away, she thought with a sad smile. Picking it up, she looked at him, tracing the features she'd committed to memory years ago. Biting her lip, she set the picture aside and hurried from the room.
"Should I take this one?" Emma picked up the Hello Kitty swimsuit she'd bought her at the mall last Saturday. Indecision warred on her puckered little face when she grabbed the bright yellow Minion suit, and she whispered, "or this one?"
Bella's arms crossed over her chest, and she leaned against the doorframe, watching her daughter. She sat before her dresser with her legs tucked beneath her, rifling through her swimsuit drawer, pulling out one that looked like a tutu. "Should I take this one, Mommy?"
"I don't know, Emma, you pick. You might want one if you go to Aunt Alice's, or Grandpa Carlisle's." When Bella's voice trailed off, a ping from the other room alerted her to an incoming message. Stepping out into the hallway, she said, "Pick quickly because Edward should be here in ten minutes."
Bella left Emma with the most significant decision a kid her age had to make. Lucky girl, Bella thought, heading to the coffee table to retrieve her cell. Pushing the display screen, she smiled when Edward's name popped up.
E: I'm on my way. We're going to Dairy Queen. You want to join?
B: I should stay back and just let you two spend time together.
E: I was thinking about stopping at Alice's… She'd like to see you.
B: You know how much I love Alice… why must you tease me?
E: Grab a swimsuit, Bells… you know, you want to go.
B: Only if you buy me mint ice cream
E: Get ready, woman.
The thing about best friends is they knew everything about you. He knew the way to get to her heart. What would Alice think if she knew her brother was using her this way?
She didn't contemplate Alice's reaction long. Sticking her cell into her back pocket, she headed to her room. Of course, going to Edward's sister's house would give her the perfect opportunity to wear her new swimsuit. Pulling the top drawer of her dresser open, she shuffled through the contents until she came to the black bikini with sunflowers splashed across the bottoms.
Stuffing the suit into her bag, she went to her closet and pulled the matching wrap from the hanger. She was just pushing the wrap in her bag when Emma appeared dragging her suitcase behind her. The corner of Bella's lip lifted. "Are you planning on moving out?"
"I want all my suits," she said with a shrug. "And I put my pants in there 'cause we might go see Prissy."
Prissy was Edward's pride and joy. She was a two-year-old, purebred Arabian, and besides, her daughter, she was the most beautiful creature ever created. Bella had only seen her twice, but the filly was spectacular with her silk white mane and tail. Watching the animal in motion was like watching poetry come to life; her tail arching with every fluid movement. Bella shrugged, not wanting Emma to get her up hopes, "I don't know. He didn't say anything about going to see Prissy this weekend."
"I just want to see Apple. She's Prissy's best friend, and they go everywhere together. Uncle Edward will let me ride Apple. He said Prissy is too big for me." Emma made a sad face to emphasize her meaning. "But Apple is soooo sweet. She gives kisses."
Apple was a Shetland pony and perfect for her daughter. If she ever had enough money to care for a horse, she'd definitely buy Apple for Emma. Nodding, Bella agreed, "She really is. Do you have everything? Edward will be here pretty…"
Before Bella could finish speaking, the doorbell rang, making Emma drop the handle of her suitcase as she went flying down the hallway. Bella heard a lively conversation coming from the foyer before she rounded the corner with Emma's suitcase in tow.
By the time Bella stepped into the entryway, Emma was being lifted into Edward's arms, her legs automatically circling his waist. She stepped onto the white tile, her sneaker squeaking on the glowing surface, just in time to see Edward drop a kiss to Emma's forehead, saying, "I thought we'd go get ice cream, and then, go see Aunt Alice and JP."
"JP is mean. He pushed me off the slide," Emma told Edward, her hands in full swing, as she explained. "I told him I was supposed to be first cause I'm a lady, and he just pushed me off."
"I'm sure JP feels bad about pushing you down," Edward explained, his gaze darting over Emma's head to meet Bella's with a grimace. "I think he cried more than you did."
"You wanna bet?" Emma's hand went to her side with a stubborn tilt to her head. "He hurt my leg."
"I know, butterfly," he stated, setting her back on her feet. He combed long fingers through her hair, brushing wayward strands away from her forehead. "But he said he misses you and wants to see you."
"Oookay," she said with a huff, crossing her arms over her chest. "But he better be nice this time."
Edward stared at Bella as she came to stand behind her daughter. Bella was always Emmett's girl. He'd met her first, and therefore struck a claim before Edward knew she'd existed. While they'd all been very close friends in college, Edward maintained a certain distance from Bella while Emmett was alive.
Now, sadly, there were no obstacles, and after two years, he was free to stare into her green eyes as long as he wanted. Now, he could spend as much time with her as she'd allow. And, damn, he wanted to spend all of it with her.
There was just one small problem. A problem he'd been wrestling with for twolong years. How did Bella feel about him?
Uncomfortable by the direction of his thoughts, his shoulders rolled, attempting to ease the tension pulling at his muscles. As difficult as it proved to be, he pulled his gaze away from her heart-shaped face pausing briefly on the sharp angle of her cheeks. "Are we ready?"
"Mommy, are you coming too?" Emma wanted to know, an excited light entering her eyes. Without waiting for a response, she went to her mother and wrapped her fingers around Bella's. Tugging desperately, she urged her toward the door.
"Emma," Bella laughed, easily holding her daughter back. "I'm coming, sweetie. I thought I'd go visit Aunt Alice for a while."
"Did you bring your swimsuit?" Edward asked, opening the front door and stepping over the threshold, patiently waiting as he held the door while Bella and Emma came outside. Bella then turned to lock the deadbolt. "I'm pretty sure Alice and Jasper will be out at the pool. They never miss an opportunity to take a dip."
He only asked because he didn't want Bella left out if everyone else were swimming, at least that's what he told himself. It couldn't be because the woman looked like a goddess in a bikini, or because he wanted to see the delicious golden glow of her skin. Nope, he just wanted her to be comfortable while they visited his sister.
Yet, when she simply nodded as they walked across the lawn, a thrill shot through his veins, causing a ripple effect. When they reached the car, and she looked over the hood at him, her mesmerizing gaze locked with his, sending another jolt of awareness through his chest, his blood turning hot.
"Uncle Edward, can I sit up front with you."
The voice of his best friend's daughter was just the cold splash of reality he needed. Instantly, his eyes dropped away from Bella's. "Butterfly, you have to sit in the back. You're not old enough to go without your seat."
"When will I get taller, so I don't need a seat?" Emma pouted up at him. Using both hands, she pulled the door open and climbed up in her safety seat.
"Probably in the next couple of years," Edward explained, waiting for her to finish adjusting in the seat before buckling her. When she smiled brightly up at him, he dropped a kiss to her forehead. "You will certainly be the most beautiful girl in the world too."
For the first time, Bella envied her daughter—what she wouldn't give to have Edward look at her with that type of adoration. Scoffing at her reaction, she busied herself with settling into the passenger seat and buckling the seat belt. Bella felt the weight of the car shift as Edward sat next to her in the driver seat. Her breath caught in her lungs as his arm brushed hers. Pretending she didn't notice, she propped her elbow on the center console, merely hoping to feel it again.
Her mouth went dry as his arm settle next to hers. Trying to calm the reckless patter of her heart, she dug through her purse for her sunglasses. Even while she searched, her mind turned foggy, her lashes dropping a fraction. She was seconds away from turning to a soggy mess on his freaking floorboards. For fucking sake, she chided silently, choosing to focus on a spot out the passenger window.
"Feel free to put on whatever station you want," Edward told her softly, tossing a glance in her direction. She was uncharacteristically quiet today, he noticed, trying not to read too much into it.
The corner of his mouth lifted when she immediately turned away from the window, her hand reaching for the dial, her burgundy painted nails catching his attention.
Wait a minute.
Bella didn't normally paint her nails, he thought, his brow drawing tight. Curiosity getting the better of him, he gave her another quick look. "When did you start painting your nails?"
Wonderwall, by Oasis, filled the car as Bella shrugged. "I did them last night. What? Don't you like them? The color just talked to me."
"No—no, they look good." They looked so good he was having trouble keeping his fucking eyes focused on the road before him. That sounded just pathetic. He was enthralled by her fucking fingernails of all things. "I'm just not used to seeing you paint them is all. Is there any particular reason?"
Bella's fingers instinctively curled around themselves, suddenly very self-conscious about having painted fingernails. "Why do I need a reason to paint my nails?"
He hadn't meant to make her feel any type of way about it. When he attempted to smooth things over, however, his tone turned a bit harsh as he said, "I just thought you might have a date or something."
"Edward, it's been two years since Emmett died. If I want to date, I can date." Bella shifted awkwardly in her seat as she defensively replied to his statement. She knew he'd been Emmett's longest male friend, but he didn't need to protect him any longer. She had a right to move on with her life.
"Bella, I wasn't saying anything bad. I—I was just asking." Damned if he hadn't boggled that whole situation. His fingers tightened over the steering wheel, the sensitive skin burning with the force of his grip. Wanting her to understand his position, he chanced a look in her direction. Her lashes were fluttering profusely, and she nervously chewed her lip. "Hey, I admire your dedication to Emmett's memory by waiting so long to get back out there. I also think it would be awesome if you felt comfortable dating."
"I—I just … I—I," her mumble drifted away. "I've been thinking about it—you know, dating."
An ache formed in Edward's chest, his throat squeezing the protest into silence, nostrils flaring in an attempt to calm the fiasco. As his fingers tightened on the steering wheel once again, he spoke as casually as he could manage. "Anyone specific come to mind?"
How awful of a wife would she be if she told Emmett's best friend these cravings she was fighting? What would Edward say if he knew she thought about him sometimes? Would he find her utterly despicable?
Sometimes she felt someone watching her and would look up to discover Edward's undivided attention. Even now, the thought caused a delicious shiver to dance down her spine.
Was it possible … did Edward think about her?
No, she was being silly.
Edward was a gentleman. He thrived on being here to help her raise Emmett's daughter. That was it. He couldn't possibly have a thing for her. With this thought lingering in her mind, she shrugged, "No, not really … just been flirting with the idea."
X
"Bella, it's been forever since you came by," Alice squealed with excitement, rushing to greet her friend. Since Emmett's death two years ago, Bella had pulled a disappearing act, and now she was like a rare solar eclipse, only popping up here and there. Wrapping her arms around her dearest friend, she dropped a wet kiss to her cheek. "What have you been up to, chickee?"
Awkwardly, Bella returned her embrace before wiggling free. She'd never really been one for a whole lot of touching, and the attention caused a weird sensation to grip her. "The usual … work, Emma … Emma, work …"
"Well, that just sounds like heaps of fun," Alice grinned with a hint of sarcasm. "We should do something about that. Maybe have a lady's night sometime soon."
Edward carried Emma's bag and dropped it inside the door. Seeing his sister flanking Bella like a second skin, he groaned, "Couldn't you at least let the woman get in the house before attacking her?"
Shooting an annoyed look to her brother, Alice shook her head. "Nope. Sometimes when you love someone, you need to show them."
A muscle in Edward's temple worked as he caught Alice's meaning. He knew he'd made a mistake when he'd told Alice about the feelings stirring within him regarding their lovely guest. Passing her a warning stare before he turned away, he glanced down when Emma's fingers curled around his.
"Come on, Uncle Edward," Emma didn't waste time tugging him in the direction of the balcony's sliding doors. She wrestled Bubba along behind her. "Can we play tea party?"
If anyone had asked Edward if he envisioned playing tea party with a girl no taller than his knee a year ago, he would've laughed in their face. Yet here he was being led through the house by Emma, intent on doing just that. Knowing Emmett the way he had, Emmett would've bent over backward to make this little girl happy. And since his friend wasn't here to fill that role …
Well, that left him.
Even if it meant looking like a fool in the process, if Emma wanted to play dress up, requiring him to wear a dress, then he would put on a freaking tutu. He swung her arm to capture her attention, and he grinned in response as she smiled up at him. "Of course, we can play whatever you want, butterfly."
Alice's inquisitive gaze missed nothing. A smile lifted her lips when she noticed Bella watching Edward with her daughter. Amusement was apparent in her expression, yet there was a particular light shining in Bella's eyes that made her curious. Did Bella also have a secret attraction to Edward?
Of course, considering how Edward treated Emma like a queen, it would make any woman's heart melt. It was something she would have to pay closer attention to. With this new development creating exciting ideas, Alice tugged Bella's arm. "You should change into a swimsuit and take a dip. The water's warm, and the sun's hot."
"I don't know about swimming, but I wouldn't mind getting some sun."
"The bathroom is down the hall to the right," Alice explained, turning to follow Edward. "Whenever you are done, come on out."
Bella quickly changed into her swimsuit. Taking a moment to stare at her reflection, she examined the bikini she'd selected. Liking the fit, she slipped the black mesh wrap over her shoulders before stepping into matching flip-flops.
Edward's tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth when Bella stepped out from the sliding doors. Currently, he sat cross-legged in front of a wooden bench next to Bubba bear with Emma holding a plastic teapot. Thanks to Alice's quick thinking, he and Emma sipped lemonade from her teacups. He'd just taken a sip when he heard the slide of glass doors and glanced up.
The sight that befell him took him by surprise. The last time he'd seen Bella in a bikini was six months before Emmett died. Now, as she came into view, he was utterly spellbound. Unable to look away from the image she presented, he followed her lithe form across the deck, cursing the wrap she wore.
He'd give a million bucks to see the skin she hid from view. He clenched his teeth to keep from speaking, his intent stare roaming the length of the portion of her legs visible to him. He was so enraptured by Bella's intriguing shape; he didn't at first notice when Alice stepped out behind her until his sister spoke. "Edward, put your tongue back in your mouth."
With all the effort he possessed, he ripped his gaze from his best friend's wife and found Alice's smirking-ass grin. "What?"
"You have drool on your chin." Alice rolled her eyes when Edward's lips dropped into a frown. With a laugh, her voice dropped in volume as she murmured, "You are so obvious. Both of you are as blind as bats."
Edward contemplated Alice's statement when she turned away and followed Bella to the opposite side of the pool. Under the veil of his lashes, he watched Bella shrug from her wrap and lay across the fold-out chair. With determination he didn't know he possessed; he forced his attention back to Emma.
"Do you want more tea, Uncle Edward?"
Her little voice was like sugarcoated candy as she called to him, a sound ever so sweet. Even as adorable as she was, the temptation was pulling him in another direction entirely. Perhaps when he died, he'd go straight to hell for using a child in such a way, but even the thought of facing the devil wasn't enough to keep him from getting nearer to Bella.
"Butterfly, don't you want to go swimming?" Even before she replied, he was standing, stretching the kinks from his legs. "We can play with the noodles and floaties."
Her chin tilted as she squinted up at him. "Do they have a horsey like Apple?"
"I don't know, but we can go pull JP off his game and have him help us look," he offered, holding his hand out to Emma. The victory was his when her fingers willingly wrapped around his forefinger. "Let's go get your bag and put on your swimsuit."
Bella slid her dark shaded sunglasses over her eyes. Knowing her pupils were concealed under the tinted glass, her gaze followed Edward as he took Emma inside. Anxiously, she waited for their reappearance, her foot waving with impatience. Her attention shifted to Alice as the woman came to rest in the chair next to hers. "Where's Jasper?"
"Oh, he ran to the store to get some beer and hamburgers. We figured we'd have a cookout and watch some movies later. When Edward said he was bringing Emma, we thought we'd make it a little family get together." Twirling her hair around her finger, she watched the water ripple like shining diamonds. "You should hang out for the day. Have a few drinks, watch some movies, we've missed having you around."
When Emmett was alive, they'd spent many days, nights, weekends, and holidays here at the Cullens. They were his extended family, and, therefore, hers as well. "I know. When Edward suggested I come, I suddenly realized how alone I've been. I feel like it—it's time to—to you know … move on."
"Bella, you aren't doing you or Emma any favors by hanging on to the past. I knew Emmett all my life, and he wouldn't want you clinging to his memory as a shield for getting on with your life. Actually, I think he'd be pretty pissed about it." Alice grabbed the sunscreen from the table between them and squirted a drop in her hands. Spreading it up her arms, she glanced at Bella, saying, "You never know what you might find if you give yourself half a chance."
Licking dry lips, Bella contemplated what Alice said. Shrugging, she replied, "What are the chances I might find that type of love and devotion twice in one lifetime? I was incredibly lucky to have found it once … but twice?"
None too subtly, Alice glanced in the direction of the house. "I think it might be a little closer than you think."
Bella's gaze followed Alice's toward the house before turning back with an air of doubt. She couldn't possibly mean what Bella thought she did. "What are you trying to say, Alice?"
"What do you think I'm trying to say?" Alice wanted to shake Bella and Edward. Neither of them was stupid by any means. Why were they finding this so hard to understand? "Surely, you aren't that blind."
Self-consciously, she nibbled her fingertip. "Let's say I am blind, and I need you to spell it out. What exactly are you saying?"
"I don't know … How many guys do you know would stick around for two years to raise their best friend's kid?"
None. Bella silently replied but remained quiet … waiting for her to elaborate further.
"If that isn't enough of a hint, then consider this one, Bella. Edward hasn't dated for two years, not even once."
Pulling her hair out from behind her, Bella twisted the thick strands and placed them over her shoulder as the heat from the sun beat down on her. The sudden flash of heat coursing throughout her body had to be due to the sun burning her skin. She was positive it had nothing at all to with the man now stepping out of the balcony door with her daughter sitting on his shoulders.
A tingling sensation came alive in her belly as he walked across the deck and came ever closer. She'd never noticed before, but Edward's chest was right on point. Perfection lined his abdomen, a thin streak of hair dipping down into the V that disappeared beneath the waistline of his swim shorts. Only by a narrow measure of strength did she keep her gaze PG-rated, even though her body was begging her to take her exploration a bit further—just a little freaking bit.
"Edward hasn't dated in two years."
Were the women in this city blind?
Was it possible, Alice was right? Was Edward into her?
As she contemplated that question, his head turned in her direction, and if she weren't mistaken, those fantastic eyes just skated down her entire length. A prickle of sensation skimmed the surface of her skin, causing her to shiver with awareness.
How the hell was she ever going to look at him the same?
If she were delusional, and Edward didn't have some buried affection for her, how would she ever let go of this sudden need for more?
He'd been an amazing support system for her over the last couple of years. He'd been her rock when the fucking world felt like it was sinking. If he hadn't been there to hold onto, she would have drowned in the agony of it all. When she'd needed someone to look after Emma so she could break down into a million pieces, Edward had been there to take her daughter.
Even with his loyalty as a friend, how was she supposed to shake this—this agonizing desire for more. Recalling the conversation they'd had on the way over here and Edward's reaction to her possibly dating—well, it definitely had her reconsidering his coarse tone.
Her brain came screaming back to reality when a shadow fell across her legs. Hidden by the sunglasses, she let her gaze slowly follow the line etched in the center of Edward's chest, his gorgeous pecs lifting with every breath.
Holy freaking crap—she was in so much trouble.
"Hi, Mommy, Edward is pretending to be Apple," Emma called from the perch of Edward's shoulders, her fingers locked in his toffee-colored hair.
Bella laugh came out a bit shaky when Emma tugged on his hair, causing him to wince in response. She'd never been nervous around Edward before, but all of a sudden, she couldn't stop this insane pattering of her heart. "Which swimsuit did you choose?"
"Hello Kitty," she squealed, her heels kicking against Edward's pecs, "Giddy up, Apple. Time to go swimming. Are you coming, Mommy?"
Edward lingered there, waiting next to her chair, his brows lifting in question. "You coming, Mommy?"
How the fuck could she resist that look of expectation?
Before Bella realized she was moving, she lifted from her chair and pulled off her sunglasses. Carefully, she set the frames on the table before turning to follow Edward and Emma into the pool. When she tossed a look over her shoulder, catching Alice's smirk, she stuck her tongue out at her.
Before they could even reach the pool, JP came running at full speed and leaped into the clear water. Bella gasped as the splash from his cannonball coated her chest. "Holy crap, that's cold."
"You'll get used to it once you get in," Edward told her as he headed toward the toy box next to the deck. He pitched several noodles in the direction of the water before setting Emma on her feet. "Pick some floaties, butterfly."
By the end of it, every toy in the box was in the pool. Finally satisfied, Emma ran toward the pool and jumped in. Quickly, she sprang to the surface, pushing her hair out of her face as she looked around. "Hurry up, Mommy … swimming is so fun."
Bella took a moment to watch her daughter glide effortlessly through the water. Thankfully, Edward had taken it upon himself to teach Emma how to swim over the last year. Now, Emma floated on the surface like a little sea urchin, and her face was pointed to the sky. Suddenly, she rolled over and disappeared beneath the water. "She swims like an otter."
"She is a quick learner. Smart like her mother," Edward offered, before stepping around her and heading to the steps.
Bella teetered on the steps behind Edward, still hesitant as she eased into the cold water. Every time another inch was submerged, she'd let out a tiny gasp of shock. Edward must have found her reaction amusing because a wicked grin spread across his face. Her gaze dropped into a glare as she regarded him, knowing what was going through his mind. "Don't even think about it."
"Think about what? This?"
Before she could escape, he put his hands together and skimmed them across the surface of the water, spraying her. Bella gulped down a shocked breath, her entire front drenched as she let out a shriek that turned into a laugh. "Oh, you are going to pay for that."
"I'm shaking in my boots." As if to emphasize what he said, he once again splashed a steady stream of water at her, backing away as she descended the stairs. Before she could reach him, he dove beneath the water and quickly shot across the pool. Breaking the surface, he stuck his tongue out at her. "What are you waiting for, Bella? Come make me pay."
While he instigated a reaction from her, she too dipped below the surface, swimming in his direction. Before she could reach him, however, he evaded her pursuit, changing directions. When she would have chased after him, Emma floated toward her, saying, "Mommy, can you toss me?"
Bella lifted her daughter in her arms, spun her fast, and then tossed her into the water. While her attention was on Emma, an arm snaked around her waist, and Edward lifted her off her feet. A squeal of surprise erupted from her just before Edward pitched her into the water. She broke the surface sputtering, her gaze darting around until she located the object of her blight. "Edward Cullen—I—I … you don't play fair."
"All's fair in love and war," he chuckled as he studied her intently.
"Is this love," she asked, unable to take the double-meaning out of her question. "Or war?"
His nose wrinkled as he considered her inquiry. The humor still etched his features as he said, "I think it's a little of both."
"Oh?" A smile pulled at Bella's lips as she stood there studying him. "Which part is love, and which part is war?"
Biting his lip to keep from grinning, he shrugged, "To be determined."
As a spectator, Alice watched Edward and Bella play in the pool. There definitely was some flirtation happening between them. Now, she just had to figure out how to get these two together. Of course, the sexy byplay happening was excellent groundwork. She just had to figure out how to build off it. Movie night would be a great steppingstone, especially if she could get them to sit together.
"Looks like everyone's having fun."
Alice tipped her head up, spying Jasper a few feet away. "Hi, babe, when did you get home?"
"Just now." Dropping a kiss on Alice's lips, he sat on the edge of her chair. "Is everyone staying for dinner?"
"Yep. I told Bella we were going to have a movie night. Right now, I'm trying to figure something else out, though." Perplexed, she let her gaze wander back to the pool, smiling when Edward wrapped a hand around Bella's ankle and pulled her toward him. Bella, of course, splashed water in his face and made a quick escape. "How do we set those to up?"
Jasper contemplated Alice's query, his brow raising with interest as he turned his focus on the couple laughing and chasing each other. "I think they're halfway there."
Alice sat there in turmoil as she considered her next move. "Maybe we should have a bonfire. Nothing like snuggling up in front of a warm fire."
"Babe, movie night would accomplish the same thing," Jasper told her, his hand rubbing the smooth skin of her calf. "Either way, snuggling and blankets are in the equation. After a while, we'll just excuse ourselves."
"I knew there was a reason I love you so much." Alice pulled him down for a quick kiss, saying against his lips, "You're as sneaky as I am."
"Baby, you have me beat by volumes."
Bella and Edward stood on the opposite sides of the pool, breathless and laughing. Slowly the laughter died away, leaving them staring at one another. The intensity in his gray eyes caused a flash of heat to shoot through Bella. As a tingle rippled through her belly, awareness was born, and spellbound, she watched him closely.
Something was definitely happening here. Edward had never openly regarded her in such a way. Bella was grateful when Emma swam up to Edward, breaking the fascination holding her immobile. When his gaze dropped, she swam toward the steps and quickly exited the pool. Without a backward glance, she padded across the concrete to her chair, taking the towel Jasper offered. her.
X
The smell of cooking meat drifted on a breeze as Bella coated her arms and legs with sunscreen before turning onto her stomach. Wiping the sweat accumulating on her brow, she turned her head in Alice's direction. "I hope the food is done. It smells so good."
"I know, my stomach is starting to protest." Alice propped her head on her folded hands. Casting a sidelong glance to Bella, she asked, "Are you staying for movie night?"
"I rode with Edward, so I'm on his schedule … whenever he feels like going …" Bella liked the sound of movie night. The thought of snuggling up on a couch with great friends and spending an evening away from home had more appeal than she would have first guessed.
"I don't think my brother is in any hurry to drive you home."
"What do you mean?" Bella cushioned her head on her folded arms. "He's just a nice guy—always has been."
"Bella," Alice groaned with a roll of her eyes. "I know you are oblivious, but he hasn't stopped looking at you since you left the pool. He is on his way over here as we speak."
A thrill at Alice's observation coiled within her, springing out throughout her limbs. The sound of feet padding toward her echoed in her ears almost to a deafening degree. Pretending she was unaware of his approach, she focused on Alice's sly smile, anticipation prickling her skin when he came to stand next to her chair. She was content to ignore his presence until cold drops of water landed on her spine. "That is so freaking cold, Edward!"
He didn't have a chance to respond, Alice, pinning him with a quizzical look. "Are you guys sticking around for movies later?"
Bella was taken off guard when his weight came to rest on the side of her chair, his cold, wet shorts pressed against her side. She gasped in response to the cold material, her head tipping in his direction, and his gaze locked instantly with hers. "You wanna stay for some movies?"
Normally, having Edward so close wouldn't have affected her. Now, as her feelings toward him started to shift, she was hypersensitive to every move he made. As he rested against her, every cell within her popped with sizzling heat.
Wow … why hadn't she noticed this transformation before now? Her tongue curled in her mouth with a 'yes' on her lips, yet no sound came forth. Instead of speaking, she gave a nod as she turned away. Once she finally tore her eyes from his, she gave a little tip of her head. "Sure."
"Hand me that sunscreen, your back's starting to burn." His lip curled when her fingertips trembled as she reached for the bottle. Was it possible his nearness affected her? A moment ago, when their gazes connected, he could swear there'd been a crackle of friction between them. Was he just imagining things? Or did Bella, formerly Emmett's wife, share his attraction.
Taking the bottle, he squirted the lotion in his hand and rubbed his fingers together. Bella's skin was like silk, his hands started on her lower back, sliding the length of her spine. Rub lotion on her, his ass. At that particular moment, he would've used any excuse to touch her. As he smeared the tanning cream over her smooth skin, he had to remind himself of his task, because what he really wanted to do was … so many fucking things.
He wanted to caress every visible inch of her. His fingers flexed against her back when the thought played through his mind. A soft moan of pleasure reached his ears. His jaw tightened, and he repeated the movement, eager to please this vexing creature. His good intentions went straight to hell. The light rub of Edward's fingers turned into a firm massage down her spine, and his thumbs skimmed the dimples above her tailbone.
Bella's bones melted into his massaging hands. Weakly, she slumped into the chair, soaking in every single caress of his strongfingertips. While her muscles appreciated the firmness of his touch, her blood pulsed with a rush of sensation she'd never quite experienced before. Lost to the moment, she let the rapture spiraling from limb to limb overtake her. Warmth sizzled through her, captivating and wild, the fire burning deep in her soul.
Pleasure consumed her, and she couldn't keep the whimper from slipping out. When Edward's fingers reached the back of her neck and ground into her flesh, her eyes rolled into the back of her head. "Oh my—awww."
Alice's eyes went wide at the moaned response from her friend. She took the scene in as a silent observer, a sly smile pulled at her lips, and as quietly as she could manage, she rose from the chair. She would've laughed, but she feared disturbing the couple. She spied them over her shoulder, her head shaking as she reached Jasper's side. "You see that."
"I'd have to be blind not to," he chuckled, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. "Are they staying tonight?"
Breaking off a piece of the cooked hamburger, Alice popped it into her mouth and chewed. "Mm-hmm."
"If you want my advice, go find the scariest movies we have. Nothing better than a frightened woman clinging to you," Jasper encouraged, patting her butt. Sending her a charming smile, he said, "It worked for me."
"Yeah, but the difference is, I knew what you were up to—Edward and Bella both act like they just met or something."
Jasper turned his attention to the couple. Edward was still rubbing Bella's shoulders, and he shook his head. "They're just still trying to resist one another. They won't be able to much longer."
"If you ask me, I think Bella's still holding on to the past, and Edward—Edward feels guilty as shit right now … or did." The whole situation was a tricky and sticky one. Perhaps if they hadn't waited so long to pursue one another, things would be a lot worse than they were. "She needs to put the past away."
Edward had a serious problem going on here. The more he touched Bella, the more he wanted to keep feeling her. Staring at the sting tied around her back, the urge to pull the end of the bow and slip the material free was overwhelming. Then there was the effect she was having on him. If he were to stand, he'd be sporting a very noticeable tent. Even that wasn't enough to curb his appetite for her silken flesh.
Plus, her response to his hands on her was only adding to the havoc battling his senses. The tiny gasp when his fingertips traveled down her spine, and the little moan when he rubbed near the base of her neck, sang to his lonely soul. He could have stayed at her side for the remainder of the day. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Emma came running toward him, all sopping wet from the pool. "Uncle Edward, I'm hungry."
Reluctantly, Edward withdrew his hands from Bella's warm skin and pulled the towel from the end of her chair. Opening it wide, he enveloped Emma. Pulling her against him, he proceeded in drying her the best he could manage. "Aunt Alice and Uncle Jasper just took the food from the grill. Why don't we go get a cheeseburger?"
Bella's body cried out at the loss of his touch. Since Emmett's death, she'd been alone—alone, like no man at all for two freaking years. While her resistance may have been admirable to most, her insides were mush from Edward's touch. She'd been on the brink of seriously embarrassing herself if his fingers had just slipped down a few inches—only a few inches …
What the hell was she thinking? Her daughter had been in the freaking pool. Even so, her blood still hummed with a spark of interest she couldn't ignore.
"Bella, are you coming to eat?"
Bella forced her gaze to meet Alice's. Her lashes dropped a fraction, glaring at the smug smile pointed in her direction. Currently, her muscles were jelly; she noticed when she sat up. Even as pleasurable as Edward's touch was, she couldn't smother the smidge of guilt worming its way into the middle.
X
All through the meal, Bella had a difficult time focusing. Edward sat next to her, and every time he moved, his elbow bumped into her. Then his leg pressed against hers, and when she attempted to shift away, he only moved closer. If there'd been any question as to whether it was by accident, the mystery was answered when he threw his arm around the back of her chair. When she felt his fingers hovering above her hair, she nearly choked on a bite she was chewing as indecision warred within her.
Part of her wanted to wait for him to touch her, yet another aspect wanted to kill the anticipation and lean into his fingers. It didn't help matters when Alice kept shooting knowing looks toward her. Clearing her throat, she took a sip of water and pushed her plate away. Consuming anything at the moment was impossible while her stomach was doing these insane flips.
Searching for something to say, Bella went with the first thing to come to mind. "Um—um, what are we going to watch?"
"I figured we'd put JP and Emma in JP's room to watch a kids movie. We can go downstairs to the theater in the basement. Jasper wants to watch something horror. Don't ya, babe?" Alice nudged Jasper when he didn't immediately answer.
"Yep. They're my favorite," he agreed with a nod, laughing. His gaze danced between Edward and Bella. Stretching, Jasper pushed his chair back and rose, gathering the empty plates around the table. "You like Paranormal Activity? We have all of them."
"I've never seen them," Bella stated with a shrug. Pushing back from the table, she wiggled her fingers to Emma. "Let's go get changed, muffin."
"You can take a quick shower if you want. Rinse off the chlorine. There's shampoo and body wash in the guest bedroom."
Once she was freshly showered and dry, Bella led Emma into JP's room. JP rested on his belly, facing the TV, and Bella lifted Emma to his bed. Instantly, Emma fell to JP's side, reaching for a gummy worm; she stuffed the candy into her mouth. Around the gummy worm, she said, "What movie are we watching? Can we watch Frozen? Pleeeease."
"How about The Lion King first?" Alice asked as she set up the movie.
When the children were finally settled, Alice followed Bella toward the kitchen. Heading to the blender, she pinned Bella with a hopeful glance. "Wanna margarita? I have your favorite—mango."
"That sounds fantastic. I haven't had one of those in soooo long." A drink was what she needed to calm her nerves. Hopefully, the tequila would do the trick and loosen her up. Heading to the freezer, she filled the blender with ice and handed it to Alice. Curiosity getting the better of her, she looked over at her friend. "So, whose idea was the scary movies?"
"Jasper's. He loves them." Elbowing Bella, she continued with a wink, "I think he just likes snuggling up with me."
"That might be great for people with someone to snuggle."
"You have someone to snuggle with. Edward, duh." Alice glared at Bella with no real animosity. "Don't think I didn't see that whole flirty thing at the pool. Or how ready he was to put lotion on your back."
A laugh slipped past Bella's lips when Alice threw up air quotes around the word lotion. "You can stop with the air quotes, Alice. He's just being Edward. He's always been sweet and helpful."
"To whom? He barely told his ex-girlfriends his last name, and he never ever brought them around the family."
"Maybe he treats me differently because of Emmett. He's just looking out for me." Bella wasn't sure why she denied Edward's feelings for her. Of course, if she faced them, she would also have to face her growing affection for him as well. Plus, there was always the possibility she perceived things all wrong. She was creating affection where there wasn't any. Yet she couldn't deny the way he'd been rubbing her back moments ago. "How do I know for sure?"
"How obtuse can you really be? He likes you. It's written all over his face." Alice hit the button on the blender. "Apparently, he's liked you for a long time. Least, that's what Jasper says."
"Oh really, what else does Jasper say?"
"That you need to put the past away. Embrace what is in front of your face before it's too late."
Bella took the margarita glass from Alice's nimble fingers. Following her downstairs, they came to find Jasper and Edward sprawled on opposite ends of the sectional. Alice sat next to Jasper, which left Bella lost as to where to go. She wanted to sit next to Edward—she really did, yet uncertainty filled her.
What if he didn't want her to sit with him? What if she was reading too much into his generosity? What if that light in his eyes had nothing at all to do with her?
So, she took the safest route. Plopping on the cushion, she left a few inches between them as she gulped down the icy drink. Maybe the tequila would help. She downed two large sips before she felt a tap on her arm. "Can I get a drink of that?"
He didn't wait for her consent. Reaching out, he took the stem from her hand and lifted the drink to his lips. A thrill shot through her when his tongue darted out to lick the salt on the rim. Her lips parted with a smothered gasp. She was ever grateful when the lights went out, and the TV came on.
Why was facing uncertainty in the dark so much more comforting?
Everything Edward had done up until this point was a test of sorts. The playfulness at the pool, rubbing lotion on her back, placing his arm around her at the table. If she'd given him any indication of opposing his interest, he would've backed off instantly. When she didn't push him away, he took her reaction as a cue to proceed. Shifting on the couch, he closed the distance that separated them, encouraged when she allowed him to press his leg into hers. When the movie started, she seemed to wiggle closer, and Edward grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and laid it across her lap, his arms lifting, creating a space for her.
Yeah, she could've used the movie as a reason to cozy up to Edward, but honestly, she needed no more encouragement than him wrapping her in the blanket and his embrace. The second her head fell against the pillow of his shoulder, his head dipped close to her ear, keeping his voice low, he murmured, "You good?"
Oh, she was so much more than good. Holy crap … She just wanted to give in to this urge to wrap her arm around his midsection and discover the ripple of those abs she'd witnessed at the pool. Then she had to ask herself why she was hesitating. He'd given her every indication of his interest.
Why was she still holding back? At this point, her fear had very little to do with Emmett, and everything to do with the possibility of rejection. What rejection? Edward was the one making all the moves. Why was she finding this all so difficult?
Taking a deep breath, she swallowed the lump of doubt clogging her throat. As her jaw clenched with apprehension, she decided right there and then to take the plunge. With Edward's warm breath tickling her ear, she snuggled deeper into his embrace, her arm coming up to circle his waist. Somehow through the buzzing in her ears, she managed to whisper, "I'm good."
When the baby levitated from the crib, Bella gasped and buried her face into Edward's welcoming chest. Easily, his arm slipped down around her, drawing her in close to his form. A chuckle rumbled from him, even as his thumb skimmed her waistline. Instantly, he lost focus on the movie, and all that mattered was the woman in his arms. His free hand slid up her arm curled around his waist, and he freely petted her silken flesh.
She heard his heart beating beneath her ear. The sound of his vessels pumping blood through his chest and the warmth radiating from his body was mesmerizing. She couldn't pull away to save her life. The comforting rhythm had her seeking the peace Edward Cullen offered her with every breath he inhaled.
Edward was in heaven when she sunk into his arms. Heaven with a capital H … he was in that type of heaven, and he wasn't sure it got any better than that. Yet, when she burrowed deeper into his shoulder in reaction to the horrific images in the movie, he was on cloud fucking nine. Flying higher than he'd ever flown before.
Fuck the movie on the screen. All that mattered right at this precise moment was Bella finally in his arms. He wasn't even conscious of what the hell was going on in the movie anymore. When her fingers curled into his shirt, her nails scraping against his abdomen, every thought in his head scattered. Edward felt his pulse increase in tempo, his heart threatening to burst as a thunder of emotion crackled through his blood. His heart wasn't the only part of his anatomy, responding to the feel of her against him either.
The tighter she pressed into him, the harder he was finding it to resist the temptation to take things to the next level. Was it too soon to kiss her? Did she want him to kiss her? What would she do if he just let his hand slide up the back of her shirt? If he wound her hair in his fingers and tilted her face up to his? Holy fuck, the indecision was nagging him to no end.
If he wasn't mistaken, her breathing had turned up a notch as well, and every time his thumb brushed over her side, Bella's exhale was shaky. Was she struggling with the same dilemma? Was she unsure of his progressing feeling for her? How would that even be remotely possible? He'd spent the entire day staring at her like a lovesick puppy, touching her any chance he was afforded. How could she question his intentions?
His nerves teetered on the edge when her breath skimmed the flesh of his neck. Edward shot a glance in Alice and Jasper's direction to ensure they were focused on the film. He was pleased to find them wholly enraptured with one another and oblivious to his problem. His breath stalled in his throat as he decided to throw caution to the wind. His finger curled below her chin, lifting her face to his.
Bella watched in fascination as his gaze dropped to her lips, and he grew ever closer. Nothing could've prepared her for the warm press of Edward's mouth on hers. Bella was startled by the electric current passing between them. Her lips parted on a gasp as his lips played over hers, drawing Bella into his kiss. Experimentally, she followed his lead, her mouth opening to accept the tip of his exploring tongue.
Heat crackled and popped as her tongue joined into the foray, eagerly winding around his before sinking between his teeth. Hunger she'd never experienced shot through her body, consuming her being. Bella's hand lifted, her fingertips grazing the flesh of his jaw as they journeyed to his hair, locking in the deep mass, anchoring his lips to hers.
Edward had never felt such a rush of sensation. A blaze of desire erupted through his blood, turning the fluid in his veins to molten lava. His breath turned shaky as the yearning within him was building to staggering degrees. The taste of her was intoxicating, compelling him to take a drink of her essence until he felt drunk with longing.
He nipped at her bottom lip, groaning as she gasped in surprise. When she returned the gesture, a shaky smile pulled at his lips as he continued to kiss her. He felt the daze of desperation consuming him, his hand opening on the small of her back, his fingers slipping over the exposed flesh beneath the hem of her shirt.
Bella's fingers dug into his hair when his lips broke away from hers. She whimpered when his tongue licked down the line of her jaw, nipping at her tender skin before latching on to her earlobe. Tingles coupled with heat flashed through her, settling in her lower body with a heavy flutter as his breath swirled in her ear.
When Edward's mouth returned to hers, she gave in to the passion in his kiss, hungrily sinking into it. Just as his tongue slipped back between her lips, a thought occurred to her—a very troubling, vexing thought. Startled by this sudden enlightenment, she ripped away from his kiss, staring at him like a doe caught in the headlights.
For a troubling moment, she could only gap at him with a mixture of want and horror.
How could this be?
How did she experience more sensations from one kiss then she had in three years of marriage? Horrified by the notion, Bella pulled out of his arms and shakily climbed to her feet. When she finally felt able to move, she dashed across toward the staircase and up the flight of stairs.
Before she reached the kitchen, tears flowed down her cheeks, dripping off the edge of her jaw. She didn't make it to the sink before she heard the footfalls of someone behind her. Wiping frantically at her wet cheeks, she turned around in a flurry to find a hesitant Edward standing a few feet away.
"Bella, I'm sorry—I—I shouldn't have … God, fuck, I didn't mean to …" Self-loathing filled him as he stared at Bella. "We—we should talk about this … I won't touch you again. I promise."
Remorse filled her when she saw the self-hate shining bright in his eyes. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't find the words to comfort him, mostly when she felt the weight of this guilt gnawing at her stomach. "I need to go home. Right now … I want to go home."
"Bella," Edward tried, moving a step closer. When her hand came out to stay him, he paused in mid-stride.
"No—no … don't come close to me," Bella hollered as tears burst down her cheeks once again. If he came near her, there'd be no chance of resisting his embrace. "I need to go. I need to go home."
"Wi—will you let me take you?" Edward staggered back against the wall, needing something sturdier than his own two legs. Confusion beat in his chest, his heart was cracking as he watched the woman he loved, shrinking away from him. The crack in his heart fragmented into a million different directions when she frantically shook her head in the negative.
"N—no, I need Alice." Bella gulped down a breath as she struggled for air around the sobs. "I want Alice to take me home."
"I'm so fucking sorry, Bella."
His apology only made the sorrow in her chest deepen, and she felt like she was drowning. Hiccupping past the emotion choking her, she said, "Go get Alice, please. I want to go home, Edward."
Tears filled his gaze as he ducked away, slowly descending the stairs as if doom awaited him. When he finally reached the basement, he threw a thumb in the direction of the stairs, murmuring, "Alice, Bella needs you to take her home."
Alarmed by this sudden change in events, Alice pulled out of Jasper's arms, and with a worried glance toward Edward, she hurried up the stairs. His sister barely disappeared before he collapsed against the wall, sliding down the structure, his head fell into his hands. Swallowing tightly, he cursed, his fingers knotting in his hair. "What the fuck just happened? I could have sworn … what the fuck?"
Jasper stared at Edward at a total loss. "Maybe she just isn't ready … but—but I never would've guessed she'd react—like that."
X
Alice threw the car in park and turned her attention to Bella. Her heart squeezed in her chest as she studied her puffy eyes and red nose. Nibbling at her lip, she reached out a comforting hand. "You want to tell me what happened back there?"
Bella shook her head, her hand reaching for the handle of the door. How could she look Alice in the eye and tell her she'd felt more in one kiss from Edward than she had in her whole marriage? What kind of lowlife scum was she? She'd loved Emmett with her entire heart. So, how was it possible to have these overwhelming feelings for someone else? Especially his fucking best friend? Shaking her head, she whispered, "I gotta go in, Alice. I—I …"
Unable to explain, she fell silent, yet made no further attempt to leave the car. While she desperately wanted to bury her face in her pillows and cry her eyes out, she also felt the need to be near someone else. She was all sorts of fucked up right now. Honestly, she didn't know what the hell she wanted.
Patiently, Alice remained silent. After a few minutes of utter quiet, she searched Bella's gaze. "Tell me what happened. Did Edward do something? Did he not do something? I don't understand what happened, Bella."
"H—he kissed me," Bella murmured, her eyes darting away.
Alice saw the flash of guilt on Bella's face. "Are you sorry it happened? Didn't you feel anything? Is this about Emmett?"
When she and Emmett made love or had sex … there'd always been this feeling of comfort. Yet when Edward merely kissed her, Bella felt as if she had dived into a pool while holding a toaster. Every fucking nerve in her body came alive, and craved more, even as shame filled her. "I can't explain it. I'm just a terrible person."
Alice watched the tears begin again. Pushing Bella's hair away from her forehead, she said, "Bella, I don't think you are terrible. I think you like Edward more than you are willing to admit right now. You have to put the past away, Bella; you're allowed to enjoy your life. Don't beat yourself up about it."
"I have to go in." With that final statement, Bella pushed the door open and exited the car. "Can you just have Edward bring Emma home at the end of the weekend?"
Trying again, Alice said, "Yes, but Bella, Emmett wouldn't think any less of you for this. He'd probably be happier if it's with Edward versus some random guy."
Bella thought about what Alice said all the way into the house. Heading straight to her bedroom, she retrieved the picture of Emmett and sat heavily on her bed. Lightly, her fingers drifted over the image before her, a tear falling down her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Emmett. They keep telling me to put the past away, but—how the hell am I supposed to do that? You are everywhere."
When no reply came from the framed picture, she fell back onto the bed, tossing the photo to her side. Lost, she stared up at the ceiling, Alice's words singing through her head. "Put the past away."
What was the sense in fighting these feelings for Edward? Did she want to pursue something with him? The heat curling in her belly at the thought—said hell, yes, but she was still hesitant. How would Emmett feel about these delicious feelings and thoughts consuming her?
Just because she experienced this new rush of pleasure where Edward was concerned didn't mean she hadn't loved Emmett with all her heart. She'd been faithful to him and never once thought about stepping out of her marriage. Petting the gold frame, she said, "You knew I loved you, right?"
She thought over all the time they'd shared—laughing on the beach, Emmett hugging her to him at Thanksgiving when she'd announced she was pregnant. How he held her hand and brushed the sweat-soaked hair from her face while she'd given birth to their daughter. His gaze glowing back at her when they'd said their vows. The warmth and love he'd poured into every single kiss. Hell, even when they'd disagreed, and he'd pissed her off, he would give her that cheesy fucking grin she couldn't resist. "Yeah, you knew, didn't you babe."
Sniffing, she sat back up and wiped the tears from her face. A weight seemed to lift from her chest in that instant, and she picked up Emmett's picture. Staring down at him for a long moment, she finally dropped a kiss against his forehead and walked toward the closet. Opening the door, she whispered, "I'll always love you, baby. You gave me a beautiful daughter, and I will cherish her always."
With that, she laid the picture on the shelf in the closet and backed away. Casting a final glance over her shoulder, she closed the door, putting the past away.
Feeling freer than she had in years, she crossed the room and grabbed her cell from the table. "Emmett would be happier if it were Edward than some random guy." Alice's parting comment tickled her consciousness as she located Edward's contact.
"Can we talk."
Please Review ...