Twenty-Three

Within the next few weeks, Charlie was discharged from the hospital and back home. Dr. Harlowe assigned one of the best home care services in the state to help assist him in physical, occupational, speech, and mental therapy. Charlie was slowly progressing but it would take a while for his speech and the movement of his body to be on track again. He was frustrated; I could see his struggle to have a semblance of normalcy. Dr. Harlowe said it was normal for patients to feel helpless and depressed. "You must be patient and understanding; fretting over him won't help nor will it make things easier for him," he told me and my family the day before we brought Charlie home.

Charlie was happy to be back home and out of the hospital. I prolonged my leave of absence from work for a few more weeks until I decided I felt comfortable enough with Charlie's progress. Edward flew back to New York a week after Charlie woke up to help Alice with the plans for Jacob's event. He didn't want to leave me but after some convincing in bed and reassurance on my end, he went home. We talked everyday through video chat but I missed him fiercely. He promised that he would come back as soon as everything was done. Since everything was back on schedule, he should be back in Forks before the month was over.

Renée was leaving tonight with my stepfather, Phil, back home to sunny Florida. Phil came a few days ago to keep her company and she missed him after being away from him for almost a month. Although she was happy to be around everyone, she was going stir crazy being here. She was tolerant of Forks for Charlie's sake but now that he was awake and was progressing, she felt that it was time to leave.

Unfortunately, Jacob was still here in Forks. I dodged the bastard every chance I got, especially when he would come by the house when Billy wanted to visit Charlie. He was like a thorn in my side and it was awkward whenever he was around. He tried engaging conversation with me but I kept my responses minimal. After a while of lackluster responses from me, he finally got the hint and backed off. I knew eventually I would have to have a discussion with him but I wasn't ready nor did I look forward to it.

Speaking of the devil, his car pulled into the driveway. I sighed and rolled my eyes in annoyance, not wanting him to be in my presence. If he wasn't such a dick, I could actually tolerate him. I watched him get out and open his trunk, taking out a wheelchair and set it up before wheeling it over to the passenger side. He helped Billy get settled in and let him take over the rest. We had a ramp installed along with a mechanical chair for the stairs in the house for Charlie until he was able to walk without assistance.

"Good afternoon, Bella," Billy cheerily greeted me, his smile broad and warming.

"How's it going , Billy?"

"It's going. Where's your dad?"

"He's in the living room with mom, Phil and Sue. They're watching the game." I opened the door for him and let him pass through, thanking me along the way. Jacob followed behind him, nodding at me in greeting. I returned the gesture, not wanting to be a complete bitch to the guy. I decided to go inside and spend time with my family before I had to drop Renée and Phil off at the airport.

"Promise me that you and Edward will come to visit us soon," Renée said as she held me in a vice grip.

"I promise."

"I love you, honey."

"I love you too, Mom," I responded. Renée squeezed me once more before finally releasing me, a few tears staining her cheeks. Sniffling, she stepped aside to let Phil hug me goodbye and she waved at me, before they walked away to their gate. I watched them until they disappeared before I left the airport. On the way back home, I decided to stop in Port Angeles at my favorite restaurant and indulge myself with takeout. I wasn't in the mood to cook and I honestly missed eating whatever Edward made. The man spoiled me with his cooking and since he wasn't around, Bella Italia would suffice for now.

The cottage felt different without Edward being around. I sat in front of the fire with a glass of moscato, thinking about my lover. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and saw I had a few messages from him. I had forgotten to take my phone off 'do not disturb' while I was driving to and from Seattle. I immediately hit call, anxious to hear his voice. He answered immediately.

"I thought maybe you were asleep," he teased.

I laughed. "Not a chance. I wouldn't miss out hearing your voice, sleep be damned." His chuckle resonated through the phone, warming my heart. "I had my phone on do not disturb while I drove Mom and Phil off at the airport and I forgot to take it off when I got back."

"It's okay, love. I wish I could've been with you when you dropped them off. It would've been nice to meet Phil."

"Oh trust me , you'll definitely get your chance. Renée made me promise that we'll visit them soon. She was so sad to leave me, she misses me a lot. She cried and it made me upset to see her like that. I wish we all didn't live so far apart, you know?"

"I understand, it's tough being away from the ones you love." I heard the implication and I smiled.

"I really, really miss you," I confessed. And God, did I miss him.

"I really, really miss you, too. . .in more ways than one." The double entendre of his words stirred up the familiar twinge of desire, making feel warm inside.

"I'm gonna hold you to that, Cullen," I teased.

"Trust me Swan, I'll make sure to follow through."

We laughed and talked for a while longer before saying our goodbye's jut after midnight. I swallowed down the last bit of wine in my glass and extinguished the fire, watching the embers glow before they completely died out. I showered and climbed into bed, sniffing the t-shirt I put on that belonged him, his scent embedded in the soft cotton. I felt safe and close to him, like how I felt when wrapped in his arms. Before long, sleep was upon me.

I was awaken by a presence. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up, goosebumps prickling my skin and a familiar scent that comforted me yet turned me on at the same time.

"Edward," I whispered. I was sat up and there he was, sitting in the chaise by the windows. The room was lightly bathed in moonlight, highlighting his features in an angelic fashion. He was even more beautiful and I marveled at him, completely and utterly beguiled by this man. He took a sip of amber liquid from his glass, ignorant of my awakening. He must have felt me staring at him because his eyes met mine and I immediately went to him, my body drawn to him like Icarus flying towards the sun.

He placed the glass on the small table beside him, opening his arms to gather me on his lap. With my legs on either side of him and his hands a around my waist, I leaned forward and kissed him.

"I missed you," I whispered against his lips.

"I missed you, too," he groaned, "so fucking much."

We kissed languidly and deeply, the taste of whiskey and him mixing together to make the most exquisite taste that ignited my desire for him. He picked me up and carried me back to bed. For the next few hours, he showed me exactly how much he missed me, fulfilling his promise.