Hello all! I know it's been awhile, sorry about that. I've been busy with school and crap. So, I'm thinking that the next two chapters will have time jumps, because I'm trying to bring Aftercare and Outerra to an end. But, I'm getting weird about numbers ending in zero or five. and chapter twenty-five is only two chapters away. I don't know, I'm still deciding. But I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Edward kept looking up at me under his lashes after he finished telling me why he and Emmett don't get along. I didn't say anything for a few minutes, I just absorbed the information.
"Are you mad?" He asked quietly.
I shook my head, "No, I'm not mad," I said, "You had a life before I came here, and I understand it. I mean, I pretty much figured you had a couple relationships before me. I just kind of wished you would've told me when I asked."
"I was just worried you'd be mad. I didn't want to ruin what we have."
"You wouldn't have ruined it," I chuckled, "I'm just kind of annoyed at all the secrecy. I thought it was much worse."
He gave me a look, "What he did was sneaky."
I shrugged; apparently the story was, Edward and Rosalie were best friends growing up. Edward liked Rosalie, but she didn't feel the same and Rosalie ended up liking Emmet, and the two of them started dating then eventually made it permanent. The whole situation hurt Edward's feelings.
"I don't understand why Emmett is mad at you though."
He rubbed his hands over his face, "Well, he asked me to stand with him when he and Rosie had their ceremony. I refused and didn't come to the union. That offended him."
"Did he know you liked Rosalie?"
"I don't know. Maybe he did or didn't, but they were so deep into a relationship I couldn't say anything. Rosalie was happy, and I didn't want to ruin that for her."
I nodded and grabbed his hand, "Thank you for telling me. I really appreciate it."
He smiled, "Now will you do the thing?"
I laughed, rolling my eyes, "Fine, come on."
He followed me up the stairs and to the bedroom.
The Next Morning
After Edward and I finished working, we both went to the temple to see his mother. He didn't want to come but I forced him to. Today we were going to resolve the issues with his brother, so everyone can get along.
His mother was finishing up a service when we walked in. She smiled widely and gathered the both of us in her arms. Squeezing tightly.
"Hello," She said, "I'm so glad you two came."
We sat on the sand just as the last few Outerrian's left.
"So, what is it that you two wanted to talk about?" She asked.
"Well, we wanted to talk about getting Edward and Emmett back on friendly terms," I said, "I just think it's kind of ridiculous and it's been going on for too long."
She nodded, "It has been. You're right about that. How do you plan on reuniting them? They fight every time they talk."
"We make them sit down with one another and talk it out. It may not make them best friends again, but it would certainly help. Plus, Edward has a nephew and it's not right that he's not in his life."
"That's a good plan, but we've tried it before," She said, "I will not have them fighting."
"I won't fight with him," Edward sighed heavily, rolling his eyes.
"You've said that before," Esme chided.
"Maybe we can have dinner at my house. It's neutral ground. And Rosalie and I get along. I'm sure if I ask her over for dinner, she'd accept."
Esme nodded, "They might not fight in your home."
"We won't fight," Edward snapped, "I promise we won't. Bella's right. It's time to be done with all the fighting and live harmoniously."
"I'm glad you're ready to move on from the past." Esme grabbed his hand, her tail moving from around her back and looping around his, "I'm very proud of you son."
"Thank you mother, but honestly I wouldn't be considering this if it weren't for Bella."
She smiled at me, "Well, I'm even more blessed you came to our home."
I looked at Edward and smiled, "We actually have something else to tell you."
"What is it?" She asked.
"I've finally asked Bella to tie herself to me." He said.
Esme's smile widened, "That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you two. I was wondering when you were going to finally ask her. Now, I should expect a ceremony soon. And then babies."
"Well, ceremony yes. Babies, might be a while."
Her face fell slightly, "Well, as long as I'm still alive for the babies."
"Don't worry Esme," I smiled, "I promise we will give you grandchildren."
She chuckled, "Tonight you should contact Rosalie and plan the dinner. I'll tell Carlisle about the plan. He'll be thrilled."
Four Nights Later
Edward was antsy the entire day. Tonight, Emmett and his family were coming over for dinner at my house. I made a big dinner; my hope was that everyone would stuff themselves and they'd be to tired to fight.
Edward kept sat at the table watching me cook but never offered to help. Which was unlike him. But, I didn't want to push him today. I knew it was going to be tough for him to face everything and move passed it.
I knew he didn't love Rosalie anymore. I was very confident in our relationship. Edward and I love one another dearly. We wouldn't be committing ourselves to one another if we didn't.
Esme and Carlisle arrived first, which I was thankful for. I wanted everything to be calm. I wanted everyone relaxed and having a good time. Not fighting.
A knock on the door somewhat silenced the lively chatter in my crowded kitchen. I smiled and walked to the open the door.
Rosalie and Emmett were standing there, Emmett was holding his son with a somewhat tense look upon his face. Rosalie smiled and she hugged as she walked in.
"Thank you for having us over." She said.
"I'm glad you three made it. Come on in." I said.
"It's nice to see you Bella," Emmett said.
"Nice to see you too," I hugged him, wanting to try and ease his tension, "Everyone's in the kitchen, but we have to move the table into here, so everyone can sit. My house is a little small."
"Oh no it's cute," Rosalie said, "I like how you've decorated everything."
Emmett put Alec on the floor. He looked around the house and immediately started to run off.
"Alec, no," Rosalie said, "Come here. You can't tear up things in here."
"He's alright," I smiled, "Let him explore."
She laughed, "You say that now, but if you could see our house you'd reconsider."
Edward, Esme and Carlisle walked out of the kitchen. Esme and Carlisle greeted Emmett and Rosalie and Alec with hugs and kind words. Edward stood against the doorframe, watching.
I walked to him and kissed his cheek, "Come on, say hi."
He put his arm around my shoulders. Emmett stood up fully as we took a few steps closer to them, but he didn't look at Edward.
"Rosalie, nice to see you," Edward said kindly, but I could tell the words were somewhat strained.
"It's really nice to see you too, Edward," She walked up and hugged him.
"Emmett," Edward nodded.
"Edward."
I swallowed, feeling the tension between the two. It was strange because this was the first time that I had ever felt such tension, or any tension, between two Outerrians. Usually they were always so kind to one another.
"So, Edward, how did the renovations to your office go? I heard you had a bit of a flooding problem." Rosalie said.
Edward shrugged, "It went smoothly. Everything got fixed in a decent amount of time. The flooding was a big shock. The last rainstorm we had really did some damage to the roof."
"Did you have to replace the roof?" Emmett asked.
"Luckily they were able to locate the damage and repair that spot. I couldn't really afford a new roof right now."
Emmett nodded, "Just keep an eye on that damaged spot. It could get worse. When you have the extra time you really should try to replace the roof."
"Oh I am. I try to check it every week. It hasn't spread, but I'm trying to find someone who'll give me a good deal and could get it done quickly. I don't like shutting down the office for so long."
"You know, you could try asking the guy I use. He'll usually quick."
I smiled, "Are you guys hungry? Dinner's ready, I just have to bring it out."
"I'll help you," Rosalie said; she and Esme followed me into the kitchen.
"So, I think everything is going well." I said quietly.
Rosalie nodded, "I'm just glad they're not fighting."
"Me too," Esme said in relief.
I smiled, and we brought all the food out to the living room and spread it on the table. We all sat at the table, spreading the food around and talking pleasantly.
At the end of the evening
"Bye, it was nice of you three to come over," I sat as I hugged Esme then Rosalie.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Rosalie said, Alec asleep in her arms.
"Okay," I smiled, "I can't wait to babysit for you. It'll be good practice for when Edward and I have our own."
"It may make you not want any kids." She chuckled.
"No way, Alec is a sweetie." I said, Emmett's hand fell onto my shoulder.
"Eh, I don't know if you'll think the same. My boy is uh well, he's a wild one. I hope you and my brother can handle him." Emmett snorted.
"If he's anything like you, I think we'll be fine." Edward chuckled as he saw Rosalie and Emmett out.
"I'll see you in a week, Rose." Edward said, "Just call Tanya, and tell her that I fast tracked you to my officer."
"Thank goodness," She said, "My doctor is fine, but you're better."
Edward shrugged, "I'm only as good as my head nurse and she's amazing." He said with a sideways glance at me.
I shrugged, "I'm alright."
Emmett and Rosalie laughed, "Alright, well, we'll see you later."
"Okay!" I waved as they started down the path.
I shut the door, smiling at the success of tonight. Edward and Emmett were on good terms. I wouldn't call them best friends, but soon. Very soon they'd be hanging out. And Edward adored Alec, as Alec adored him. I don't think Alec got off Edward's knee.
I wrapped my arms around him. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm so glad you didn't fight with Emmett."
"Me too," He said, "It was actually nice. I think I missed my brother more than I care to admit."
I tapped his nose, "See, this was a good idea. I knew it."
"You were right," He said, "Thank you."
"I feel victorious," I said with my chest puffed out, "Let us go celebrate my victory in the bedroom."
He snorted a laugh, "What's gotten into you tonight? You're not usually so cocky."
"Well, I'm very happy. I'm glad our family is coming together, and you and Emmett are on speaking terms again."
He smiled, "Me too. I'm very happy."
I nodded, "Mm hm, now, bedroom?"
"Bedroom." He said before I ran up the stairs. He chased after me, laughing and throwing his clothes onto the floor.
Emmett and Edward are brother's again! Happy family! Bella did a great job. I hope you guys did enjoy this chapter, please review and give me your thoughts I love them!
