A/N Happy As Young As You Feel Day! Seriously, I looked it up. It's also National Goof-Off Day (which might trace back to feeling young) and World Water Day. So, drink up and goof off! Works for me on a Sunday!

In sports news, how's your bracket? My Final Four are still intact, but that's about all the bragging rights I have. Busted on the first game like much of the nation. Ah well, that's what makes it fun! And I couldn't be unhappy that GA State won because their coach is hilarious. Did you see his interview? His son hit the game winning shot and he said he should have more kids. haha I like that dude.

More below, but I'll let you get to it. A certain little miss is back :) I know she's been missed! Enjoy and I'll see you next week!

Getting Blitzed Chapter 28

"She's pissed at me." I didn't know why in the hell it bothered me so much, but it did.

"She just needs a little time," Reed Girl assured me.

I looked in the rearview mirror, seeing Rainbow sitting on the backseat. I wasn't sure if cats understood the concept of mirrors, but I swear she knew I was watching her and she glared at my ass. That before turning her back on me and starting to lick herself.

It was weird. Rainbow never rode in the back of the car. She'd either ride on Reed Girl or climb up and lie behind my neck, looking out the window and making me look like an insane person to people we drove past. I should be happy that she wasn't all up on me, but I wasn't.

"You know, I'm the one who wanted to include you in the wedding. I shouldn't be punished."

Rainbow, of course, continued to ignore me.

"Look, I would have loved to have you there. You could have scratched the shit out of Renee when she spouted her fucked-up views on marriage. You could have freaked the fuck out of the high grandmonster." Just the thought of that had me smiling. God only knew what she'd think of Rainbow at the wedding.

"She could have taken down those bitches you slept with in your misguided youth."

Oops. That was a danger tone. Time to diffuse it. "Come on, baby, you know I didn't invite them."

She huffed. "They still shouldn't have shown up. It's just rude."

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "They'd have considered it rude not to show up. They're Mom's friends after all."

Reed Girl didn't look placated.

"Besides, if you asked me to point out which one I was with and which one Emmett was, I couldn't even tell you. They didn't matter then, and they sure as fuck don't matter now."

She sniffled, and I jerked the car into the nearest parking lot. I pulled her into my arms.

"I'm sorry, baby. Do you want me to call and give my mom their names? I'll make sure they're never at anything that we're at ever again." I wouldn't have to. Mom would totally throw them out of her society bullshit.

Reed Girl just held on to me and shook her head. Crap. It wasn't enough. What could I do? I couldn't turn back time and throw them out of the wedding.

"No, that was just so sweet."

Fuck. She'd nearly given me a heart attack, and she was crying those happy tears again. Hormones were insane. She'd been insatiable all night, to the point that I was going to have to take a nap when we got back to Tally because I was tired as fuck. But those were hormones I'd never complain about. These hormones, the ones that made her cry at the drop of a hat, freaked me out. Reed Girl was not a crier, and I loved that about her.

Reed Girl pulled back and smiled at me. Crisis averted. Thank fuck.

"So it was sweet that I'd get my mom to kick their asses?"

"Yes."

I'd never get women. At least not pregnant women. I got Reed Girl, most of the time. Before hormones.

"She'd be happy to do it."

Reed Girl laughed. "I have no doubt of that, but I wouldn't want to diminish her mood right now."

That was true. My mom was on a natural high, unlike Grandmonster. The wedding had gone off beautifully, despite her earlier food and flower freak-outs. Emmett had given Mom the video of Grandmonster at the reception, which I was pretty sure had made her entire life.

"She's never going to take one word of shit from Grandmother ever again." We all had fantastic blackmail, thanks to Jasper. I really needed to plan that guy's weekend. He deserved it.

"None of us is. Although I wouldn't mind getting the number of Jasper's dealer."

I gaped at her.

"Just so we'd have a supply to keep her high if the need arose."

Thank fuck. "Baby, you scared the shit out of me."

She laughed. "I'm not turning into a pothead, Edward. I promise."

Good. I may be cool with Jasper now, but I couldn't imagine my wife acting like him or the grandmonster. It just wouldn't work for me.

"Besides, I wasn't talking about her being high from the wedding or your grandmother."

I raised an eyebrow at her.

"I'm talking about her reaction to the baby's picture. I think she made about a hundred copies."

I laughed. That was true as hell. "I wouldn't put it past her to include it in the family Christmas card this year."

That set her off. "Oh my God. That would be hilarious. I hope she does it!"

I shook my head. "Don't encourage her, baby. You know that now that our wedding is handled, she's going to shift focus to baby showers, don't you?"

Reed Girl giggled. "She already asked if I'd prefer March or April."

Go figure. Mom wasn't happy if she wasn't planning some sort of party. Thank fuck I didn't have to be involved in that one. Fuck that noise. Baby showers were for girls. That was my story and I was sticking to it.

"Let me know what weekend you pick, and I'll arrange a trip for the guys to go to Atlantic City or something."

"You don't want to go to the baby shower?"

Oh shit, her lower lip was poking out. Fucking hell.

"I'll go, if you want." I'd make Jasper, Emmett, and Sammy come. If I had to be there, so did they.

The pouty look held for a few more seconds before Reed Girl dissolved into giggles.

"You were fucking with me, weren't you?"

She grinned. "Yes. But I love that you'd go if I wanted you there."

I was so fucking whipped. "Just don't tell the guys I said that."

"Too late."

She held up her phone. I reached for it, but she yanked it back.

"I'm kidding! When did I have time to text?"

Like I knew? She could be sneaky if she wanted to.

Speaking of phones…

"Hey, baby, can you check my e-mail?"

I had to get us back on the road, so I handed it over. Rainbow was watching me again, no doubt wondering why we'd stopped and started.

"You have something from Alec titled It's done."

Good! That was the one.

"Can you open that one and read it to me?"

Reed Girl shrugged but did as I asked. She read in silence for a few seconds before sending me a blinding smile. "You did this?"

"I told Alec to. What does it say?"

She sat up and cleared her throat. "Page Six. Ladies of New York and New Jersey, we really fumbled the ball this time. Edward Cullen, the hottest prospect to hit the NFL in ages (and I'm not just talking about his football ability), married his longtime girlfriend, Isabella Swan, in a beachside ceremony in Florida yesterday. We're told that several of the groom's teammates were on hand and the lovely ladies of Florida were doing their best to make them forget about the girls back home. Could we be losing any more of our beloved Giants to the Florida sun? Time will tell, but we can't let those southerners score any more of our men. It's time to play some defense and score a touchdown of our own. Go get 'em, girls!"

I had to laugh. "The boys will love that. Especially if girls start throwing themselves at them." They'd eat that shit up with a spoon.

She joined in my laughter. "No doubt! Too bad they didn't run a blurb about Colin and my mom."

I snorted. "Renee will probably send one in herself."

"True. Hey, there's more! That wasn't the only big news of the week. Our handsome quarterback also announced that he and his new wife are bringing a new addition to the Giants family later this year. You know us, dear readers. We'd be the first to snark at this information if we thought there was a shotgun involved, other than the shotgun formation. But the lovebirds have been engaged since the draft, and little birdies tell us that they're the real deal. So, join us in congratulating the Cullens on their wedding and their little bundle of joy. Maybe our sons and daughters will stand a better chance than we did in twenty years. Here's hoping!"

She sat in silence for several moments. It freaked me the fuck out.

"That didn't bother you, did it, baby? You said that Alec could release it."

"No, it didn't bother me." She took my hand in both of hers. "I just needed a minute to absorb it. The world knows now, or they will, when the sports radio people get to talking."

And? Wasn't that the point?

"It just makes it even more real." She brought my hand to her belly and held both of our hands against it. "I love it."

I moved my thumb against her stomach, stroking it lightly. "I'm glad. I wanted everybody to know I was yours and that we're a family now. All of us."

No sooner had I said that than Rainbow stuck her head between my arm and the seat. It was like she fucking understood what we were saying.

Reed Girl giggled. "Yes, Rainbow. You're included in that as well. We're a legally bound family."

Rainbow head-butted my arm. Reed Girl let my hand go, and I gave Rainbow a pet. She gave Reed Girl a bop as well before jumping onto her place behind my neck. She settled in, purring away.

"I think we're forgiven," Reed Girl observed, sounding amused.

I had to admit, I was glad. The wedding had been awesome, the wedding night even better, but being here with both my girls felt right. Rainbow had been the one thing missing. Not that I'd ever admit that shit out loud. Even to Reed Girl.

"Everything is as it should be," she said, telling me that maybe we were on the same page, as usual.

"Yes, it is."

"Let's get home. I want to continue our honeymoon."

The way she was looking at me was enough to have me putting the pedal to the metal. Reed Girl was right, as always. We may not be going anywhere fancy, but as long as I was with her, I was exactly where I wanted to be. All we needed was a bed, or at least a private room, and each other. That was all a honeymoon needed to be.

Xoxoxoxoxo

"Are you sure you want me to come into class with you, baby?" I had no problem waiting outside if she didn't want me to be a distraction.

She laughed and squeezed my hand. "Yes, I do. Remember that I said I had a wedding present for you as well? This is it."

I thought about making a sarcastic comment about how going to class was hardly a present for me, but the gleam in her eyes and the excitement on her face had me holding back. My wife was up to something, and I couldn't wait to see what it was.

I walked with her into the music building. All eyes were on us, but I wasn't sure if that was because of me or because of Bella. She was pretty big shit in the music program, after all. I fucking loved that. She was so talented.

We walked into the auditorium, sitting with the students in the front few rows. There was a piano on stage, and a chair that sat off to the side. Reed Girl spoke to a few of her classmates but held my hand the whole time. I saw a few people who'd been at our wedding and gave them a smile and a nod. We sat in the front row, and she kept my hand in hers.

"Good morning, class!"

The professor walked across the stage. He looked positively giddy as his eyes fell on my girl.

"I'm thrilled to announce that our own Isabella Swan has already completed her final composition. She's asked to be able to perform it today."

I got another hand squeeze as my girl stood. "Actually, it's Cullen now."

Fuck if I didn't love hearing her say that. Maybe that was her present for me. It was perfect.

At his blank look, she continued. "My last name. It's Cullen now."

"I see." His mouth formed a thin line, and that's when I knew that that fucker had the hots for my wife. "Congratulations."

Ha! He couldn't have sounded less sincere, but my girl totally ignored it.

"This is for you. It's us," she whispered, kissing my cheek before she made her way up onto the stage and sat at the piano.

The song started out loud, with two sounds that didn't really go together, but then it smoothed out and became harmonious. Separate but together. I couldn't contain my grin because it really was us. Clashing in the beginning but then becoming one.

It continued that way for a bit, before a new sound came in. It took me a few seconds before I realized what it was. A heartbeat. Our baby. And then, somehow, she made that sound join our sound and it all became one.

It was fantastic. Fucking perfect. She'd written songs about us before, but this was the best. And I wasn't the only one who thought so, because as the last chord faded out, her fellow students gave her a standing ovation. I was right up there, applauding with them. Even Professor StandsNoChance was smiling and clapping.

Reed Girl blushed and smiled, giving a quick bow before she hurried off the stage and straight into my arms. I didn't give a damn that we had an audience; I planted a big kiss right on her to thank her for my present. She sighed and melted into my arms.

We finally came up for air when the teacher cleared his throat. "Yes, well, thank you, Isabella. That was an incredible piece."

We sat back down. She was practically in my lap, which got us the beady eye from the jealous prick, but I didn't give a fuck. We were newlyweds, damn it, and my wife had just given me an amazing gift.

He started yapping, and I kissed her cheek. "Thank you, baby. That was so perfect. It was us, just like you said," I whispered.

She smiled and linked her fingers with mine. "I wanted to record it for us to play at the wedding, but it wasn't quite done yet. I couldn't finish it until after we were married. I actually wrote the rest in my head while lying in your arms."

No wonder it was so fucking awesome. I couldn't tell you what the rest of the class was about because I couldn't keep my eyes off my wife. Finally it was time to go, and we made our way out, though we got waylaid several times by admiring classmates.

As soon as we were out of the room, I pulled her to me and kissed her hard, pressing her against the outside of the building, not caring that there were students milling about everywhere. I had to have her, right then.

When we broke apart, she grinned up at me. "Wow. If that's how you react, I'm going to write you a million songs."

I laughed. "Go right ahead, but I don't know if you can top that one. It was incredible."

She blushed again. "I'm glad you liked it."

"I didn't like it. I loved it." I cupped her face, running my thumb over her cheek. "I've never said this before. Are you ready?"

Her eyes widened but she nodded.

"I've never had to be number two before, but this once, I'll gladly accept it. You, Bella Cullen, are truly the most talented Cullen of us all."

A giggle escaped her lips before she threw her arms around me. "Yes, those are words that I never expected to come from your mouth. But I love it. And I love you."

"I love you, too, baby." We kissed again before some asshole bumped into me as he walked by. "Can we get the fuck out of here?" I wanted-no, I needed to get her naked.

"Yes."

I took her hand and headed toward the car.

"By the way, that was one of my finals."

I stopped and stared at her. "Really?"

She nodded. "That was the hardest one. Since that's done, I'll likely be able to finish up a few days before graduation."

I grinned. "Fucking awesome, baby! I'm happy for you."

She smiled. "Be happy for us. That means I'll get to you a few days earlier."

Those words had my heart beating faster. "Really? But what about graduation?"

She shook her head. "College graduations are boring as hell. They last for hours, and you know about three of your classmates. My Dad already traveled down here for the wedding, and you know my mother won't give a damn. You won't be able to be there. I'd rather skip it and move up to be with you sooner."

Sooner. I loved hearing that. I swept her into my arms and twirled her around. "Are you sure, baby? Be sure." I wanted her in Jersey as quickly as I could get her, but I didn't want to rob her of an important experience.

"I'm very sure. I want to be with my husband. That's where I belong."

Yes. We belonged together. I kissed the hell out of her.

"So, what, like a month to go?"

She grinned. "Yes. And since I got my composition done early, I can come up for Thanksgiving as well. So, basically a couple weeks until I see you, and then a couple weeks after, we'll be together forever."

That sounded so right. "I can't wait, baby."

"Me either." She stroked her fingers through my hair. "Now, take me home and make love to me. The most talented Cullen wants to be worshipped as she should be."

Hell yes. She was fucking perfect for me. "Your wish is my command, Mrs. Cullen."

I loved saying that. And she loved hearing it. Her grin lit up her whole face. I was sure mine was doing the same. One month, and finally everything would be as it should be. I couldn't wait.

Xoxoxoxox

It wasn't fucking right. I stood next to the plane, Sammy at my side, and my wife standing in front of us doing her damndest not to cry. I knew she wanted to. Hell, I fucking wanted to. We were married now, and we shouldn't have to be apart, even if it wasn't for that long. I fucking hated it.

"You have to get going," she said, pushing her hair out of her face as the wind whipped it around.

"I don't want to."

She sighed. "I know. I don't want you to either."

Sammy cleared his throat. "I'll just take Rainbow and go inside." He gave Reed Girl a hug. "Your wedding was beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to be part of it."

She smiled at him as he released her. "Thank you for coming. I'm truly glad that Edward has a friend like you on the team. It makes it easier to be away from him, knowing you're there."

Sammy shook his head. "Lucky fucker. I'll keep an eye on him for you. You get your stuff done, take care of the little one, and I'll see you soon. We'll welcome you to Jersey in style."

She laughed. "I look forward to it."

Sammy nudged me, and I handed over Rainbow. She went eagerly enough. Reed Girl gave her a few kisses before Sammy turned and climbed into the plane.

Bella put her arms around me. Sad brown eyes looked up at me. "I love you."

"I love you, too, baby. I don't want to go. This is fucking killing me."

Her lip trembled and she blinked several times. "I know. Me too. But I'll see you in a couple weeks. And then two more after that, I'll be there permanently. I have finals and packing-"

"Like hell you do. I'm hiring people to pack for you. No heavy lifting." No way was she doing anything strenuous. It wasn't good for her or our baby.

She laughed. "I meant clothes. It's not like I'm bringing much more than that anyway."

That was true. We were donating or giving away most of our shit. Jasper wanted my old chair for some reason. I didn't really want to know why. Probably something about being closer to me. God only knew. He was still weird, even if he was my best friend and someone I could count on.

"Still. You don't need to bother with that. Just get yourself up there. I'll buy you anything you could possibly need." I tightened my hold on her. I didn't want to let her go. Not ever.

She smiled sadly. "We'll have to do plenty of shopping, I'm sure. I don't have much in the way of winter clothes, not to mention the fact that most of my stuff won't fit soon."

That was a valid point. "Whatever you need."

"You're all I need." She burrowed into my chest, and I buried my head in her hair. I wished I could bottle the way she smelled. Even having her shampoo and shit at home wasn't quite the same.

"Same goes, baby."

The plane's engine started that high-pitched noise. It was time.

"You have to go." She looked up at me again and tried to put on a brave face. She failed, but I appreciated the effort.

"I do." I'd never regretted being an NFL player until this very moment. Leaving her had always been difficult, but this was worse for some reason.

"You already said that." Her smile got a little brighter. "Thank you for marrying me."

I forced out a laugh. "I think I'm the one who should be thanking you for taking me on. You're in for it, you know. I'm not easy."

She laughed. "I look forward to it, Mr. Cullen. And you're plenty easy for me."

I couldn't argue with that. "Yes, that's true."

She stood on her tip toes and brushed her lips against mine. "Two weeks."

That was going to be my mantra. "Being with you will definitely be something to be thankful for."

"Agreed."

The plane made another loud noise.

"I can't keep you any longer." Reed Girl planted a deeper, longer kiss on me.

I held her as tightly as I could, wishing with everything I had in me that I could carry her onto the plane with me.

"You'll always have me, even when I'm not there."

She smiled, but the tears started down her face. I wiped them away with my thumbs.

"I love that. I love you. Call me when you get there?"

"I love you. That'll be the first thing that I do. I promise."

"You keep your promises."

"I do. Just like my vows." I kissed her again. "Take care of yourself and the baby for me until I can officially take over next month."

She laughed. "You've already taken over, but I will."

We kissed one more time.

"Make sure Jasper drives carefully," I reminded her as she pulled away. I hadn't wanted her to drive herself home. I knew she'd be sad and likely crying. No way was I risking her having an accident.

"He will. He takes his promises to you very seriously."

"I love you."

"I love you. Go kick some ass on the field for me."

"I will. Go kick some musical ass for me. And tell Jacob to fuck off if he talks to you again."

Reed Girl smiled sadly. "I'll just show him my rings." She threw her arms around me again. "Go. I can't walk away with you standing here."

So I kissed her again and did as she asked. I didn't want to make it harder on her than it already was, even if I wanted to keep my eyes on her until she was out of sight.

I got on the plane and hurried to a seat by the window. She was standing there and lifted her hand in a wave. I waved back.

"Here." Sammy handed Rainbow over.

I held her up in the window and saw Reed Girl smile through her tears. Jasper got out of the car and walked over to put an arm around her. He shot me a wave that I returned. The plane taxied away and eventually turned. She was out of sight. I fucking hated it. I buried my face in Rainbow's fur and took some deep breaths, trying not to lose my shit in front of Sammy and the flight attendants.

He waited until we'd been in the air for about ten minutes to speak. "It must really suck to leave her."

I let out a hard laugh. "You don't even fucking know."

Rainbow purred and burrowed closer to me, like she knew I needed her. She probably did. She was smart like that.

"Everyone will keep an eye on her."

I turned to look at him. "I know. It's not the same, though."

"Yeah. I figured."

It hit me, then. "You knew how hard it was going to be. Is that why you asked for a ride back?"

He shrugged. "Maybe. It's not like I didn't have a good time, though." He flashed me a wolfish grin. "Kylie is a lot of fun. Those musical girls have good lungs, if you know what I'm saying."

This time my laugh was real. "Seeing as I married a musical girl, I think you know that I know. But no comment."

He snickered. "I bet. Anyway, I figured you could use some company so you didn't wallow the whole way home."

He was right. "Thanks, man."

"I should be thanking you. The team never offered me the plane. This is the shit."

I chuckled as Rainbow, sensing that I was okay now, hopped out of my arms and over to her pillow. I swear she fucking shot the flight attendant a look and had her tuna presented to her moments later.

Sammy laughed. "Shit. That cat gets treated better than I do."

"Well, she is smarter than you."

He smacked my arm.

"Watch it. Coach'll have your ass if I can't play."

"I'll blame it on Bella. Tell him you injured yourself on your honeymoon."

I smiled just thinking about it. It was rather surprising I hadn't pulled a groin with all the action I'd gotten. Fuck. How was I supposed to go two weeks without her? And then two more?

"So, I'm thinking we should grab dinner and have a beer at your place. Celebrate your non-bachelorhood."

I glanced at him. "Are you looking out for me, Sammy?"

He grinned. "You're my quarterback. That's my job."

I nodded. It was good to have a friend with me. I knew Reed Girl wasn't going to be left alone tonight. Shorty and Blondie were planning a sleepover. I supposed hanging with Sammy and drinking a beer was the male version of that. It sucked, but we'd get through. There wasn't that much time left. We'd make it. We always did.

A/N

Been trying to do some reading lately (real books and fic, go me!) and wanted to make a few recs since I've had the time to read. Shout out to Tarbecca over at A Different Forest who goes fic diving and posts links every week. This is where I get new things to read. All of these are on FF.

Reality Imagined by SammieRobicheau, Two Blue Lines by Payton79, On The Line by NewTwilightFan, Welcome to What-A-Burger Number Unknown by jane-with-a-y, Off the Cuff by Maplestyle & Play, Pause, Repeat by RRose. If you're looking for some new stuff, check them out. Happy reading!