She said Yes
"I've got a few tablets in here," Carlisle said as he handed me a little peppermint tin. "A couple are cut in half. I want you to start out only taking half and if you need more take the other half. I saw what happened to you last time."
I laughed at his concerned expression as we stood in the middle of the airport. He was just like any other normal father or doctor. "Yes, sir. I got it. A half first."
"Take it right after the plane takes off and you should be good," he reminded me before giving me a tight hug. "Take care of yourself, Bella. And take care of my son."
"I will, with great pleasure," I said, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. He blushed slightly, reminding me of his son so much.
When I looked over, Esme had her poor son in a choke hold. "Mum," he rasped in her tight grip. "Mum, I'll miss you, too. Don't cry," Edward whined in a very twelve-year-old fashion. "It'll be time to visit again before you know it."
"It's going to be too long!" She sniffled, kissing his forehead. What was left was a bright red lipstick mark. "Oh, my baby! I'm going to miss you."
"Mum, please..." he gasped when she finally squeezed too hard. He gently pushed her back and brought his hands up to her face. "I will miss you too. You go have fun hopping around Europe." He very slowly leaned over and kissed her forehead lovingly. "Take lots of pictures, and I promise to email you almost every day. I love you."
Esme burst out into fresh tears, squeezing him again. He laughed, and I could tell it was to keep from crying. "I love you too, my beautiful baby boy. Do you remember when you were little, and you used to sleep in my bed when your daddy had to work nights?"
"Of course," he chuckled. "But Mum, I've grown up. I love you, and I promise I'll see you soon."
She burst into even heavier tears when he let her go and went over to hug his dad. I went to Esme, and she clutched onto me tightly. "Take good care of him, and if he doesn't treat you right, you tell me. I'll keep that boy in line."
"He's not a boy," I laughed. "He's a wonderful man, and I don't think your offer will be necessary."
"You will not be a stranger," she commanded me. "You have our email addresses too. I expect emails for you. You're one of mine now."
"Of course," I said, hugging her again before they called our flight. "See you again soon."
Edward almost melted into the seat once we got inside, his hands over his face. "I wish she didn't do that," he muttered quickly.
"It's because she loves you."
"I know... It's not that I'm embarrassed. It makes it harder to leave. I hate seeing her tears," he mumbled before looking over at me. His eyes were red-rimmed and slightly moist. Without a word, I leaned over and kissed him. "I'm glad you're here with me. I'm glad you came. Thank you."
"My pleasure," I said before kissing the top of his head. I took out the little peppermint tin and showed it to him. "Come on, let's take our medicine and relax. We'll be home soon enough."
He groaned, leaning his head against my shoulder. "I don't want to go back to reality."
"Neither do I," I informed him, "but time marches on."
"Time sucks."
"I couldn't agree more."
I actually woke up before the plane landed. Edward was reading a book, his hand stroking my forearm absently. Sleepily, I leaned up and kissed his jaw softly. He smiled slightly, snuggling into my cheek. "How are you?" He asked.
"Sticky, slightly sweaty, tired, achy, and ready for a shower. Oh, and I'm hungry. You?"
"Same," he agreed with a sigh, putting away his book. "We'll be landing in about ten minutes."
"What time is it here?" I asked, frowning slightly.
"Just after one in the morning. I wanted to ask before I assumed, would you like to go to your place or mine?"
"I don't care, as long as there is a comfortable bed to lay in and a shower."
"Yours then," he said, stroking my cheek. "Do you have to do anything tomorrow?"
I shook my head. "I have my away messages until the day after. I figured I would be wiped out after the flight. What about you?"
"Grocery shopping." He shrugged, and I smiled at him, trying to hide my giggle. Apparently, my face split open in a grin. "You know, you may be able to survive on takeout, but I do actually like to cook. I'm sure you need a few things too."
"I know," I snickered. "It's just funny. I know I'll be enjoying most of the groceries. Do you mind if I go with you?"
"Of course," he said, tugging on my hair gently. "You're always welcome to come with me wherever I go."
Just then a voice came over the intercom telling us that we were about to land.
We got to the apartment about two hours later, feeling utterly wiped out. We stripped out of our clothing and promised to shower in the morning. Edward wrapped me up in his strong arms and kissed my forehead lightly before I once again drifted off to sleep.
I woke up to two phones buzzing with text messages.
"Welcome back. Dinner tonight?" They both read, both from Alice. I looked over at Edward, and he shrugged. So I decided to text her both our answer.
"Sure."
"Great! I'll call you later for details!"
I set the phone down and looked at the clock. It was eight in the morning. I groaned loudly, rubbing my forehead before I looked over at Edward. He was wide awake, looking at me curiously.
"What?"
"You're a beautiful mess," he smiled. I smacked his stomach hard, and he groaned as he continued to laugh. "You're cranky when you have jet lag."
"I just don't want this to end. It feels like a dream," I told him honestly. He let out a heavy sigh before giving me a small smile.
"We still have one more day before we have to return to reality. Let's make the best of it," he said, stroking my cheek. "I'm working a lot the next month or so," he admitted. I just nodded, frowning to myself. "Why don't we go ahead and take a shower? I don't think I'll be able to go back to sleep."
After breakfast and a shower, we went to Edward's place to drop off his things. Then he proceeded to make a massive list of all the stuff he was going to buy at the store. I just rolled my eyes. I insisted on paying part of it, but he refused. When I saw his expression, I didn't push it. But I did let him know that if it was ever too much, to let me know. That I would be more than willing to pay my share since he was doing all the work.
His eyes softened then before kissing my forehead, muttering thanks.
It was amazing how he was a pro at shopping. Hell, he even had coupons. It was astounding.
"You're so doing my shopping for me from now on," I informed him on the drive back to his place. He chuckled.
"It would be my pleasure. One problem."
"What's that?"
"Who's going to cook it?" He asked with a cocky smile. I flipped him off, and he began to laugh in earnest. "You know, I could cook large batches and freeze some for you."
"Ugh, that sounds even more pathetic," I complained. "I can make a few things."
"How about lobster bisque? Or maybe apple glazed pork chops with-" I cut him off, lifting up my hand.
"I get it. I get it," I frowned. "I can't cook. At least I'm good in bed," I teased him.
"Ah yes. That does make up for most faults," he answered as he pulled into a parking space. I opened my mouth in shock while his was in a wicked grin. He was out of the car before I could say anything.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, stomping out of the car. He was red and snickering, grabbing up bags.
"It means a woman like you who is so fucking hot in bed doesn't have to cook. It means," he leaned down and ran a slow tongue over my ear lobe, "that the man who is lucky enough to sleep with you should hop into the kitchen to cook for you whenever you want."
"Lucky... man..." I stuttered stupidly in the middle of the parking lot, leaning my head to the side.
"Very lucky man. The luckiest, really."
And then he was walking towards his stairs. I pouted stupidly, mad that he stopped. I was never going to get tired of him. He was always going to get to me. Edward did things that normal men shouldn't have been able to do, and he knew it.
He wasn't the only lucky one.
So, for dinner that night Alice announced that she would be taking us to a wine bar called Dali in the Arts district and that the whole thing would be on her, so we were to go wild. She seemed so excited, even more so than usual. That was saying something.
Edward looked amazingly sexy in his gray slacks and button-down with a sweater over it. It was a little strange being back in Dallas and not needing the warmer jackets. I dressed in a pair of tight black trousers with a button down blouse and a pair of pearls. To go with it, I put on my red high heels.
It was just to tease Edward, and it totally worked. He kept looking down at my feet before slowly dragging them up my body. And then he would shake his head like he had to dislodge a dirty idea.
I loved it. Payback was fun.
Alice squealed loudly when she met us in front of the restaurant. She threw her arms around my neck, kicking her feet up. "I've missed you guys so much!"
"Missed you too, Al," I moaned from the pain in my shoulders. She was heavier than she looked.
"Oh, gosh! You two look so refreshed and relaxed," she sighed, putting her hand over her heart as she examined us both. I was just glad she had her feet back on the ground.
"It was a fun trip." Edward smiled ruefully, taking my hand. "Not too stressful," he said, though it sounded more like a question. I wasn't going to deny him an answer.
"Not at all," I assured him before smiling over at Alice. "How was your New Years?"
"Awesome! But, I'll tell you about it later. Jasper's at the table waiting for us. We went ahead and ordered a bottle of Merlot but if you want something different we can order something else," she said, practically bouncing. "Sky is the limit tonight."
"Someone's had coffee," he muttered.
"Too much," I whispered back. He almost cracked a grin but kept it to himself.
"Hey, man," Jasper said, bumping fists with Edward when we came to the table. Of course, he came over to me and gave me a great big hug. "Hey, girl! How was England?"
"Amazing," I sighed, looking over at Edward with a small sense of longing. I turned back in time just to see Jasper roll his eyes and smile slightly. "What?"
"Nothing. It's cute. Alice, do you think we looked like that?" He asked Alice.
"I hope we still look like that!" She snickered, causing Jasper to roll his eyes at her.
"Oh, come on, man. You are this woman's slave. Don't even deny it. You love every bloody second of it, just like I do," Edward said with laughter lighting up his face. "You never would have gotten into baking if it wasn't for wanting to please her so much."
"That is true," he said, taking her right hand into his and kissing it lightly. "You just shouldn't be so open with your whipped-ness."
"Whipped-ness?" I snickered. "I didn't know there was such a word."
The banter went back and forth until we ordered our food. Jasper got a pork porterhouse, Alice a lobster pasta, Edward got salmon, and I got the halibut. We just about covered the whole menu.
"Soooo... As much as I just love you guys, we've invited you out for more than one reason."
"Alice, how many times have I told you that I won't play any of your kinky games?" Edward said in the straightest voice possible. Her eyes got wide, and a wild flush covered her cheeks before she threw a piece of cheese at him from the appetizer platter that we got.
"Priceless," Jasper muttered as he tried to hold in his laughter. Alice turned to him angrily, and he tried to hold it in, he really did, but he practically burst into hysterics. She must have done something underneath the table that I couldn't see because his eyes went wide and he instantly went silent.
"Anyway," she said, saying each syllable just so. "As I was saying before I was so crudely interrupted," Alice began, glaring at Edward. She was practically challenging him. It was hilarious. She cleared her throat delicately before she began again. "We have something we want to tell you about."
"Go for it," I said, almost afraid of what she had to say.
"Well, on New year's Jasper and I went out of town for a couple of days. It was so romantic. And on New Year's Eve, Jasper proposed. So, I said yes!" She said, flashing a big diamond ring in my face.
It was huge and just a little bit gaudy. It was PERFECT for Alice. Jasper did a great job. There was just one problem with the whole thing, and I wasn't the only one that caught on it.
"So, did that quickie wedding in Vegas not stick?" Edward asked, smirking slightly.
"No! It's not that," Jasper snorted. "No. It's our tenth wedding anniversary this year, and I know Alice wanted to do something bigger. I'm just giving it to her. The timing is perfect. We'll renew our vows and then go on a small honeymoon."
"Not too small," Alice said with a wicked smile. "Anyway, this is where you two come in."
"Should I be worried?" I asked anyone who would answer.
Yes, Jasper mouthed, but then he smiled over at Alice who was shaking her head.
"Of course not, dear. We wanted to ask if you'd do us the honor of being my maid of honor and Edward, Jasper's best man."
"Sure!" I said excitedly, not having to think about it. Edward was right behind me with the agreement.
"Okay, so there is more," Jasper added in.
"So much more!" Alice said.
"We would like to have a joint bachelor/ bachelorette party in New Orleans. During Mardi Gras. The timing is great and what better way to live it up than in New Orleans at Mardi Gras? It would be us, you guys, and Emmett and Rosalie," Jasper said who then was followed by Alice.
"So, we get to party, and you get to knock a couple of things off your list!"
"A couple?" I asked in confusion. "Mardi Gras I get. By the way, you don't have to do that just to help me mark something off my list. I mean, it's really sweet and all but-"
"Girl, seriously! There is isn't a bigger party in the world! Why wouldn't we want to go to Mardi Gras? And second, formal wear!"
Alice actually pulled out the list from her purse and showed it to me. She was still carrying it around with her.
She was an awesome friend.
"Formal wear?" I said, cocking an eyebrow.
"Of course, Alice is going insane with the wedding stuff already," Jasper said. "Trust me, it'll be formal. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm forced into wearing a top hat."
Edward burst into laughter.
"Keep laughing. If he does, so do you!" Alice said, and Edward's face straightened into a smirk.
Our food came after that, and we each got a fresh glass of wine. I raised my goblet. "Congrats, you two. To be married for ten years is amazing nowadays. I know you guys will be married for another fifty. You were made for each other."
We clinked glasses. Edward cleared his throat. "Here's to Alice not spending a million on the wedding."
"Here here!" Jasper laughed. Even Alice looked a bit bashful about that.
Edward and I went back to his place that night, and I remained in my red shoes, just to tease him, as we sat on his couch. But it seemed like something was on Edward's mind.
"What is it?"
"I've never been a best man before," he said, shrugging.
"I've never been a maid of honor," I told him truthfully.
"It'll be odd to be on the other side of the wedding. I'm usually working it, not in it." He smiled at him. "I don't know exactly what to do."
"Well, we'll set up New Orleans, and then we get drunk with them. And then we'll help them get ready. Stand beside them during the wedding and then get drunk with them again," I laughed. I brought my feet up to his lap, and he gave a soft little sigh as he traced one of them with his finger. "I think that's about it."
"Hm," he muttered unresponsively.
"What else is bothering you?"
"I'm a little jealous," he said, rubbing my ankle. "I wanted to be married by the time I was this age, and I'll be in twenty-six in a few months. I know it makes me sound like a woman, but he's getting to get married twice. I'd be happy with just once."
"It doesn't make you sound like a woman," I said as I moved closer to him. I lightly traced my fingers over his cheeks. "Edward, it makes you a romantic. Trust me, that's so much better. These things can't be rushed. Don't worry," I said as I touched his nose. "One day."
"One day," he breathed in reply before leaning in to kiss me on the mouth. His lips were firm and hovered there for a long moment before bringing me in for another kiss. Gentle hands went to the back of my neck as he deepened it. When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine. "One day."
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