It's Time

Chapter 27

Thanks to Gail, K, and Fran.
Much love to the readers.

Nonno POV

I slowly paced the room as Gianna got Bella settled on the sofa.

"How are you feeling today, sweetheart?" Gianna asked as she tucked a throw around Bella's legs.

"Better than yesterday. I can't believe I fell asleep as soon as I got home from the hospital."

"I'm sure you haven't rested well since the accident, and there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed."

"That's the truth." Bella lifted a cup of tea and took a sip before continuing, "And the mattress at the hospital was so uncomfortable." She looked around the room. "Where's Mike?"

After sitting in the chair next to her, I answered, "He went into town to get groceries."

She wrinkled her nose. "Mike went shopping? Voluntarily?"

I laughed. "Yes, it seems he can't say no to you or your nonna."

Gianna lightly swatted at my arm. "Oh, hush! He offered to go."

I shrugged and nodded my head. "Sure, he did."

The soft sound of Gia's voice floating from the baby monitor interrupted my teasing. The three of us smiled at her nonsensical babbles and giggles.

"Someone's awake," I said.

After fetching a bottle from the kitchen, Gianna said, "I'm on my way, Patatina."

Bella placed her palm over her face and groaned. "She's still calling her that horrible pet name?"

"I'm afraid so," I said, gently patting her on the knee. "While we have a moment, sweetheart, I need to talk with you about something."

Her eyes widened, and she chewed her bottom lip. After a moment, she said, "Why do I have a feeling this has to do with Edward?"

I released a sigh. "It does." I proceeded to tell her that Edward was currently at the Pacific Inn with Austin Marks.

"What?" she exclaimed. "He...he had no right to do that! Austin hasn't even met Gia! He said he didn't want her! What if he changes his mind? What if he tries to take her away from me?"

Her breathing became rapid as she began to panic. I moved to sit next to her, gathering her into my arms.

"Relax, sweetheart. No one is taking Gia away from you. I would never allow it."

After she calmed, she looked at me, her eyes wet with tears. "But why would Edward bring Austin here? I don't understand?"

"I think it would be best for him to explain his reasons, but I will tell you this...he had good intentions."

"Yeah, right," she scoffed. "Can't you call Edward and tell him that I don't want to see Austin?"

"Bella, if you truly want nothing to do with Austin Marks, you need to at least have his parental rights terminated. Let's have the boy come over so we can get that taken care of. After that, I promise, you will never see or hear again from him."

"But we don't have the paperwork ready..." she said before pausing and raising an eyebrow. "You already had the papers drawn up, didn't you?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm protecting my family."

"I don't want him meeting Gia."

"Whatever you think is best." My face showed no emotion even though I rejoiced at her decision. When I heard what Austin had said upon learning about Gia, I wanted to squash the little bastard like a bug, eliminating him from existence.

"When are they coming?" she asked, pulling at the hem of her shirt.

"How about sometime this afternoon? Gianna can take Gia to the park."

"You'll be here though, right?" She peeked at me through her lashes.

"Of course, I will, and Mike can as well."

"Okay, thanks, Nonno."

I leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I love you, sweetheart."

-IT-

BPOV

By the time Gia finished her lunch, the both of us were covered with a mixture of peas, applesauce, and buttered noodles.

"Did any of the food make it into her mouth?" Mike joked as he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

"I wondered that myself," I laughed. Gia giggled along with us as I tried to wipe her face and hands. "You're still a sticky mess. Someone needs a bath."

Nonna stood at the sink washing dishes. After turning off the faucet, she toweled off her hands. "How about I clean up Gia, so you can get ready for your visitors?"

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Bella, I'm getting very tired of you asking me that. You know I love every single moment I get to spend with my Patatina." She lifted Gia from the highchair and exited the room.

Mike chuckled. "Come on, Bella. You know how much she loves spending time with her potato."

I glared at him. "Shut it, Newton."

He pulled out a chair and sat next to me. "In all seriousness, kid. Are you sure you want that creep coming over today?"

After yanking a piece of pasta from my bangs, I said, "No, I'm not sure, but Nonno was right. I'll feel better once I have Austin sign the termination papers."

"Who said I was talking about Austin? I was talking about Edward."

"Yeah, I haven't even thought about having to deal with him," I said, lying to us both. The truth of the matter was, Edward had been all I had thought about for days. The image of the last time I had seen him still haunted me. I could picture the hurt etched across his features, the way his bright green eyes glistened with tears, and the sound of desperation resonating in his voice.

Unconsciously, I flexed my right hand - the one he had held in the hospital. My skin felt as if it had been sunburned by the heat of his touch, yet somehow, I knew he was the only one who could offer any relief from the pain.

"Bella? Are you all right?" Mike asked with concern.

I snapped out of my stupor. "Sorry. Yes, I was just thinking." I stood from the table. "I better take a shower before Nonno and...the creeps get here," I added the last part in an attempt to wipe the worried look off Mike's face.

"Okay," he said in an unconvinced voice as he watched me leave the room.

-IT-

Precisely at three o'clock, the doorbell rang. I sat on the sofa and watched with trepidation as Mike answered the door. Nonno entered followed by Edward, Austin, and a fourth gentleman who I didn't recognize.

"Jasper," Mike said with a nod.

"Hey, Mike."

Edward stood at the doorway. I could feel the weight of his stare.

My skin buzzed with his nearness. I laced my fingers together to stop myself from reaching for him.

Nonno walked over to me. "Sweetheart, this is Jasper Hale. He's an...associate of Edward's."

Associate. I rolled my eyes before looking at Edward. He gave me a small smirk. I quickly turned my attention to Jasper. He offered his hand, and I accepted.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, darlin'," he said with a wide grin. A set of dimples formed on each side of his mouth.

I smiled at his boyish Southern charm. "You, as well."

"That's enough, Jasper," Edward said in a low hiss. Jasper chuckled and shot me a wink. Lifting his hands in the air, he backed away and stood next to Austin.

Dear Lord. Austin.

I hadn't even taken a good look at him since he had entered the house. There was an angry, red gash along his left temple, and his eye was swollen shut.

"What happened to him?" I asked Edward, surprising both of us.

"Fell down." He shrugged. "Right, Austin?"

"Yeah. Yeah. I fell," he sputtered.

As I watched Austin squirm, I was amazed by the lack of compassion that I felt for him.

Nonno sighed. "Bella, Mr. Marks has agreed to terminate his parental rights."

I glared at Austin who was looking at the floor. Even though I wanted him to sign the termination forms, I became pissed that he would give up Gia so easily. "Do you even want to know anything about your daughter? Do you even care?"

He met my gaze with his one good eye. "Bella...if it was up to me, you would have gotten an abortion."

Two things happened simultaneously. A sob escaped my throat, and Nonno stormed across the room and bashed Austin in the mouth with his fist.

"YOU LITTLE FUCKER!" Nonno roared as he stretched his arm back and threw another punch directly at Austin's nose.

Jasper and Mike stood to the side watching the spectacle with amused expressions.

"Are you okay?" A voice whispered softly in my ear.

Startled, I placed my hand against my chest. "Edward, you scared me. I didn't see you come over here."

"Your attention was occupied elsewhere." He gestured to where Nonno now stood over a crumpled Austin who lay on the floor moaning. "I haven't seen him that angry since…" He paused.

"Since when?" I asked, intrigued. I had never seen Nonno so upset in all the years I had known him.

Edward ran a hand through his hair. "Since he sent me away to rehab."

Unsure what to say, I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

His eyes popped as soon as I touched him. When I realized what I had done, I quickly withdrew my hand and sat on it to keep myself from doing it again.

Nonno walked over to where Edward and I sat. As he calmly wiped the blood off his hands with a linen handkerchief, he said, "Sweetheart, I apologize for my behavior. It's just when he said...when he said..." Nonno's voice cracked with emotion. I stood and enveloped him in my arms.

"I know." Tears rolled down my cheeks. The thought of not having Gia in my life was too much for me to bear.

He looked back at the doorway where Mike and Jasper were lifting Austin from the ground. "Will you be okay with Edward for a few minutes? I'm going to take Mr. Marks back to his hotel and make sure he signs all the paperwork."

I gave Edward a brief glance. "Yes, I think we need to talk. I'll be fine."

After wiping a tear away from my cheek with his thumb, he said, "I'll be back soon."

"Thanks for everything, Nonno."

Once they left, I sat back down, but instead of sitting next to Edward on the sofa, I chose a chair. Call me a coward, but I didn't trust myself. The close proximity of his body had me on edge; I wasn't thinking clearly.

Disappointment flashed in his green eyes when he noted my seating selection.

An awkward silence filled the space between us. Finally, I cleared my voice and asked, "Edward, why did you bring Austin here? I don't need a man to take care of me. I can take care of myself. Why can't you understand that?"

"I do get that, Bella, but it doesn't make it right. That motherfucker should own up to his responsibilities. Gia deserves to have everything in the world including a father. I just wanted to make sure she was given the opportunity. Yes, maybe I overstepped my bounds, and for that, I'm truly sorry. But, I just want you both to have everything you deserve. A father for Gia. A husband for you. Even if that means you're with Austin or whoever else that might be in the future."

"But Edward, that's my decision, not yours. Don't you realize the damage you could have caused today?"

He looked at me dumbfounded, so I explained. "What if Austin would have decided he wanted to fight for custody of Gia?" Tears welled up at the thought of even having to share joint custody with him. I knew it was selfish of me, but I couldn't imagine living a day without Gia at my side.

Edward scoffed. "Like I would ever let that happen."

"See, there you go again. You can't control everything."

EPOV

"I swear, I'm not trying to control you, Bella. I just want what's best for the both of you."

She cocked her head and stared at me.

"You really mean that, don't you?"

"I do. Does it hurt like hell that you will never be mine? Yes, I won't lie, Bella. Even though you don't feel anything for me, I still feel everything for you. And the thought of you living your life with another man… shit, it's unbearable, but if that's what you want - I will learn to be okay with it, because ultimately, all I want is for you to be happy. Both you and Gia. I don't know if Nonno and Nonna told you, but I saw Gia the other day when I visited you at the hospital."

She looked at me with surprise.

"It was only for a second, but Bella, she had to be the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen in my life."

"Thank you." she choked up. "So, you thought I still had feelings for Austin?"

"I wasn't certain, but I wanted to make sure your relationship had a fighting chance. Even though I believe, no, I know you're my soulmate, I would never stand in the way of your family."

"Ugh! You can't say things like this. I'm not used to you being so…so..." She threw her arms in the air and stood.

"So what? What do you mean?"

Turning to face me, she said, "Selfless! I only know you to be a controlling prick!"

"Well, you know what, Bella? People do change. I know I've had my share of failures, but I've worked my ass off the past three years trying to pay for all those mistakes. But you won't even give me a chance! I'm not talking romantically either. I'm talking just as a person. You've obviously changed over the years as well. I always heard what a sweet, loving person you are, and you've turned into some type of cold-hearted bitch."

Her teeth clenched. "How dare you! You and your family ripped me away from my father. My home!"

Standing, I released a bitter laugh. "Oh, please! Will you quit playing the victim card for five minutes! Your father was an asshole! I know you know the truth about him. He offered you up to my father like a sacrificial lamb! What kind of sick fuck does something like that? If my family hadn't ripped you away, as you so eloquently put it, who knows what would have happened to you? Charlie Swan was so deep in debt; he was a ticking time-bomb."

She hunched her shoulders and appeared smaller. I hadn't meant to be so harsh. A wave of regret crashed through me.

"Shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so cruel. My pops is no better. He's fucking insane. The stories I could tell you." I pointed to a faint line above my right eyebrow. "See this scar?"

She gave a tiny nod.

"Pops threw a plate at me when I was six-years-old. And all because I wouldn't eat my fucking, green beans."

Before she could respond, I rolled my sleeve and showed her the two, angry red circles on the middle of my forearm. "I got these when my brother and I were caught trying Pop's cigarettes."

She released a small gasp before saying, "He burned you?"

I shrugged. "I only recently realized what a shit my father truly is, but I've also realized how lucky I am to have my grandparents. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have Nonno and Nonna."

The mention of their names brought a small smile to her lips. "Yeah, they are pretty amazing."

"I just wish you would give me a chance to at least be your friend." Walking to where she stood, I grasped her hand in mine. For a brief moment, I wanted to relish the scorching energy that coursed through my body at our contact. As I drank in her scent and the soft feel of her velvet skin, I suddenly became overwhelmed with raw hunger. When her eyes met mine, I knew she felt it as well. The longing. The desire. She could deny it all she wanted, but I knew the truth. Reluctantly, I released her hand, but instead of backing away, I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to me, slamming my mouth against hers.

She placed her palms against my chest and gave a half-hearted push in an attempt to break free from my grip, but I held her tight against me, my kiss becoming even more demanding. Her protest quickly ended, and her fingers found refuge in my hair, yanking me closer as she began kissing me back. My tongue swept across her plump, cherry lips. I groaned when she willingly opened her mouth and let me in; her taste exquisite. Intoxicating.

Nothing could have prepared me for kissing Bella. It was as if my whole life was leading up to this moment. As soon as my lips met hers, my entire being was flooded with a sense of belonging. I finally felt as if I had found my home. My place in this Godforsaken world.

"Don't you see?" I whispered as I pulled back from her luscious mouth and began peppering light caresses along her neck. "We were made for each other."

Bella became rigid at my words. With a shove, she removed herself from my grasp. "No, Edward. We can't do this. It's wrong."

I reached for her hand, but she pulled it away, crossing her arms. "Bella, I know you felt it too." My words were said with a sob. "You can't tell me you didn't."

Her chocolate eyes filled with tears as she gazed at me. "I won't deny I felt something, Edward, but too much has happened between us. The past...it's too painful. I don't think I can ever get over it."

Just when I didn't think my heart could break any further, I felt it splinter inside my chest. However, as I turned to head toward the door, I paused. After taking a deep breath, I twisted around and faced her.

"No."

Her brow furrowed. "No what?"

"I'm not accepting your rejection."

Her faced flushed in anger before she placed her hands on her hips. Glaring at me, she said, "Of course, you're not! There's the controlling dick I've always known!"

I took three steps until I was mere inches from her face. After tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, I said, "I'm sticking around, Bella, and I'm going to prove to you that I'm a changed man. Your soul already recognizes it, and hopefully, with time, your heart will as well."

Her mouth gaped open and close like a fish at my words. "Well...well don't you dare try to kiss me again, Edward Cullen. Mike taught me how to shoot a gun, and if you do, I won't think twice about putting a bullet straight up your ass!"

I barked out a laugh, before running my fingertip along her soft, bottom lip. "Oh sweetheart, the next time we kiss, you'll be the one doing the asking."

And with that, I walked to the door, leaving her standing in the middle of the room with an astonished look on her face. I could have sworn when I left her house, I heard her shout an expletive, followed by the crashing sound of glass against the interior side of the door.

AN:

I have to say my favorite part of this chapter is when Nonno calmly wipes blood from his hand with a linen handkerchief. He's so suave. *Swoon*

Thanks to all who read and voted for Edward Cullen: Tree Murderer for the August Top Ten Completed Fics. I never expected for my little birthday story to get so much love.

And finally, today is the last day to make a donation for the Babies at the Border fundraiser. This thing is epic. The compilation has over 120 stories, including one of mine - The Beach House. :) I cannot wait to get my hands on my copy! I am going to lock myself in my room and read for days! (A girl can dream, right?)