Chapter 16
It is decided that Edward and Bella will run Dunny's truck home and Carlisle and Esme will bring Dunny and Bob home in the rented SUV.
As they head out of town, Edward and Bella feel a freedom of being on the road together once again. He has her in the middle, snug up against him with her seatbelt just right. It thrills him to have her next to him, a part of him.
She keeps her hand on his thigh and plays with the tear above his knee. When he can take no more of her gentle touches, he captures her hand and brings it to his lips.
She woke up early, keyed up about bringing Bob home. Edward was feeding her Queasy Pops before they were even dressed. But now, Bella is happily riding shotgun, relishing the feeling of belonging, of having the place at his side.
He brings her hand to his lips again, "Baby, do you think we should pick up some groceries before we leave town?" he asks.
"Maybe just some perishables like eggs and milk until we see what Esme has done," she says resting her head lovingly on his shoulder.
He rests his cheek on her head for a moment before hitting the turn indicator to pull into a neighborhood market.
~o0o~
They pull into Dunny's with stunned faces.
"My God, Did the circus come to town?" Edward gasps.
Bella giggles, "I think your mother has been very busy."
"Damn, you think?" he says as he slowly pulls past a row of luxury motor coaches, a large, windowed marquee, and a row of luxury portable bathrooms and showers.
"Wow, very busy," she says with awe.
Edward reaches for his phone and takes a picture of the tent city that has been erected on Dunny's side lot and sends it to Pops.
Mom's been busy.
A text pings back:
She says yours is the charcoal gray. The key is in the jar of nails in the shop.
In a daze, they retrieve the key and enter the motor home. Flipping on the lights, the floor plan of kitchen, dinette and living room illuminated. They can see the queen size bedroom toward the back.
"It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in," Bella gasps.
Edward's heart drops at how little Bella has enjoyed life, but the thought of having a lifetime to rectify that eases him.
"Swank digs," he nods, "I figured we'd be bedding down in the storeroom tonight. This is nice."
He walks into the living room and drops his duffle bag and turns to find her still by the door wringing her hands.
"What is it, Baby?" he asks returning to her.
She looks up at him then over his shoulder at the expansive room.
"Can we afford this, Moondoggie, I—I don't have any money left from the trip," she says with a lowered voice.
Money.
He seldom thinks of it. He works hard and spends little, so when he does have an expense he doesn't hesitate. But Bella has never had money, has always lived hand to mouth. It is a constant background concern to her.
He takes her hand and runs his thumb over her knuckles.
"Come," he says towing her toward the couch. He takes her heavy bag from her narrow shoulders and pulls her down with him. He brings her legs over his lap and wraps his arm snug around her shoulders.
When she rests her head on his shoulder, he knows she's ready to listen.
"Bella, Mom and Pops are very wealthy. They have worked hard to make their own fortune, but it is layered on top of seriously old money. What you see here is nothing to Mom and Pops. They saw the need to house everyone and wanted to make sure everyone was comfortable. This is what Mom does; she's a born hostess. It would bother her greatly to know that someone was uncomfortable or in need," he explains as he runs his hand up and down her arm while resting his cheek on her head.
"So—um—okay, so this makes Esme happy?" She asks quietly as she fingers his shirt button.
He smiles, "As much as cooking dinner for three grumpy old men meant to you."
"Oh—I see," she brightens with understanding. He nods.
"You're not old and they are not grumpy." She finishes.
He shrugs his shoulder for her to look at him, "Oh, but I'm grumpy?" he laughs.
She smiles shyly, "you have your moments, Moondoggie."
They sit quietly, wrapped in each other, enjoying the quiet moment.
"You know, Sweets, I saw a nice large bed right through there," he whispers as he runs his hand down her thigh.
"Did you, now?" she says smiling against his chest.
"Yes ma'am, I think we should take a closer look," he says running his fingernail up the inside seam of her jeans and running his thumb along the crease of her inner thigh.
When her breathing changes, he knows he's got her.
"Groceries . . ." she pants.
Fuck
"Get your sweet little ass in there and get those jeans off and I'll be right back." He stands, practically dumping her onto the floor but catches her at the last moment, nudging her toward the back as he lunges for the door.
After throwing the two bags into the refrigerator, he disrobes as he bounds through the RV. He stops at the threshold with the air knocked out of him.
There she is stretched out before him, naked, with her hair splayed out over the pillows—Aphrodite.
She runs her hands down her thighs before lifting them over her head grabbing the pillow. His fingers twitch to touch her, smooth over her, claim her, and make her scream.
She holds her arms out beckoning him to her like the siren she is.
His siren—just for him.
He lets out a harsh breath and takes a step toward her filling his lungs with new air as he melds with her.
She wraps her arms and legs tightly around him.
Home
They both smile in this moment.
He buries his face in her hair, "I love you, Baby, so much."
She runs her hand down his back, over his ass, running her fingernails along the crease between his thigh and buttocks.
"Show me." She sighs in surrender as the heel of her foot pushes him into her.
~o0o~
"Carlisle, I think something's wrong," Esme says pointing to Dunny's truck and the cab door standing wide open.
Carlisle pulls the SUV to park next to the truck and gets out quietly to not wake up Dunny and Bob in the backseat. He stands still looking around the compound.
Esme outdid herself.
He notes movement out of the corner of his eye and turns his head to see the slight rock of the charcoal gray motorhome as a giggle and a growl float on the afternoon air.
He smiles and leans into the SUV.
"I think everything's all right, honey. They were just in a hurry. I'll close it for them." Carlisle says.
He straightens and is closing the door as Dunny's voice roars, "My God, what have you done, woman!"
~o0o~
"Now, Dunny, don't you be mad at me. You have no room in this little apartment to entertain or board guests," Esme throws over her shoulder as she unpacks Bob's bag.
"Forget for a minute what you did outside," he says rolling his eyes, "look what you've done to my house." He fumes.
She straightens and does as he says, surveying the living room, now set up with a hospital bed center stage with fresh, slip covered furniture lining the walls.
She places her hand on her hip, "Now where else are we going to make Bob comfortable and meet his needs?" she says with exasperation.
"Not that, Bob can have anything he wants," Dunny says stepping aside as Carlisle and Edward come into the living room.
Feeling like back up has arrived he thunders, "I'm talking about those," pointing to the slip covered furniture.
Carlisle and Edward laugh silently, falling straight-faced when Dunny whips around.
Esme waves her hand and returns to her work, "Dunny, your furniture was so torn the foam was showing. This was just a quick fix. I didn't have time to reupholster or buy new."
Dunny looks to Carlisle for help.
Carlisle sighs, giving him a 'you owe me' glare.
"Honey, I think perhaps it's the floral print that has Dunny taking issue," Carlisle says gently.
Dunny nods his head so hard, Edward ponders if he should catch it when it rolls off his shoulders.
Esme straightens and looks at the floral chintz with ruffled throw pillows and then back at Dunny with a hurt look.
"Oh." Esme drops one hand into the other and her shoulders droop.
A heavy hand dropping on the mattress has everyone refocus on the bed in the middle of the room.
Bob is sitting up and glaring at his best friend, "Dun!"
Dunny's ears turn red as he looks back at a crestfallen Esme.
"I'm sorry, Esme, It's—It's pretty, very girly. Um—Bob and I haven't had girly in our home for a long time." He finishes as he rubs his neck and looks at his feet.
"Oh well, I was trying, but maybe I over stepped a bit," She murmurs.
"Jus righ," Bob says from his bed.
"Thank you, Bob," Esme smiles giving Bob's hand a squeeze.
Bob shoots a crooked, victorious grin at his friend.
Dunny huffs and hobbles out of the room.
~o0o~
Dunny stays with Bob to watch TV, which everyone knows by now is code for napping.
"There you are, dear," Esme says.
From their seats at the dining room table situated on an area rug in the middle of the old store room, Carlisle and Edward spin around.
"I'm sorry I was missed," Bella says shyly.
Edward holds his arms out to her, but she moves to the kitchenette to help Esme with dinner.
Carlisle laughs when Edward drops his arms in dejection. Edward smirks at Pops. Both men listen in on the conversation and continue sipping their beers.
"Did you get some rest? After all you've been through, you must be worn out." Esme fussed.
"I just needed a little nap. Can I make the salad?" Bella asks softly.
"Yeah, she's must be worn out all right," Carlisle mutters under his breath and laughs at his own joke as he takes a sip.
Edward's head whips around to Pops.
"What does that mean?"
"Oh well, I think you may have worn her out trying out the new bed," Carlisle says giving him an 'atta boy' pat.
Edward is incredulous at first but breaks out into a strangled laugh.
"You do not get to take any kind of credit for my skills in the bedroom, old man," Edward says before taking a gulp.
"We Cullen men take pride in taking care of our women, thoroughly, in and out of the bedroom." Carlisle lifts his bottle to his son before tipping it back.
Edward shrugs and laughs, leaning toward his father, "I was very thorough," he says smugly.
"Of course, you're a Cullen man, proud of you. Pass me another," Carlisle says before burping discretely.
~o0o~
Dinner is a quiet affair. Away from the hospital the air seems to go out of the group. All will sleep well tonight.
They fill themselves with the comfort food of pot roast and roasted vegetables. The men linger over coffee conversing in hushed tones about nothing in particular while the women do dishes. By mutual agreement all are ready to retire.
Dunny found out while watching TV that his flower-covered couch supports his old bones better now than it has in years. He offers to stay with Bob through the night.
Carlisle will come midway through the night to check on Bob.
The men see the lights go out in the kitchen and watch the women come out to join them. Carlisle throws his arm over the back of Esme's chair as Edward pulls Bella onto his lap.
"HO TO THE HOUSE!"
The men are standing as a large man bangs through the swinging doors.
Carlisle moves in front of Esme, but Dunny shuffles to embrace the intruder.
MAC, you son of a bitch, scared us half to death," Dunny barks as he pulls him into a gruff hug.
Mac flashes a clever smile over Dunny's head at Edward, and Bella finds the tall man charming.
Edward brings Bella with him around the table. As Mac pulls away from Dunny's hug, he steps forward to embrace his friend.
"Edward, I have missed you, man," Mac says with emotion.
Edward smacks his back before releasing him, only to be pushed aside.
"Sweets—you must be Sweets," Mac bends his knees to dip down to Bella's level, "I'd recognize you anywhere," he says softly with a smile flashing bright against his coffee skin.
"Are you Edward's friend," Bella asks softly.
"I am. I am Edward's friend," Mac says looking over her shoulder at Edward.
Before he knows it, his arms are full of Sweetness.
"I'm glad you're here, Mac," Bella says as she pulls back.
Mac clears his throat.
"Thank you, Sweets. I'm glad to be here."
Edward draws her back against his chest, "That's Bella to you."
Mac barks a laugh as he pulls off his beanie.
"Can I get you some coffee, Mac," Esme asks.
"Mac, this is my Mom, Esme and my Pops, Carlisle Cullen. Pops, Mom, this is Emmett McCarty, Mac," Edwards says.
He shakes their hands. "Pleasure to meet you and yes, coffee would be wonderful. I pushed to get here and I'm frozen through."
Esme pats Carlisle and disappears. Everyone else reclaims their seats around the table with Mac sitting next to Dunny.
The men ask about his trip and as Mac talks Bella watches Dunny's face light up and dance. This is another one of Dunny's boys come home. She smiles contentedly at the new addition to their family and burrows next to Edward.
Mac watches Edward pull Bella's chair closer and draw her into him, placing a tender kiss on her head. He catches Edward's eye and smiles, happy for his friend.
Esme appears with a large tray, which Carlisle rises to takes from her. She passes Mac his coffee and proceeds to set his place with a full meal.
"My God, Mrs. C, this smells divine. I'm starving. Thank you." He says as his dark brown eyes fix on her.
She puts her hand to her chest and says, "Well of course you are. It's nothing, just some leftovers. Go ahead before it gets cold."
She smiles as he tucks in with enthusiasm.
She sets out a carafe of coffee and a plate of cookies.
The men return to conversations of winter travel, motorcycles, and road conditions.
As Mac entertains everyone with a story of a truck driver he met in Arizona with the mouth of an old goat after years of chewing tobacco, Bella watched Dunny's eyes dance as he laughs with crumbs on his shirt. She listens as Carlisle asks questions to egg him on. And when Edward joins in, it is as if a large bumblebee is tickling the ear resting against his sweatshirt.
Happy, she is—happy.
~o0o~
"Son, she may be anemic. With her past, malnutrition and dehydration would not be unheard of," Carlisle says as Edward reenters the storeroom after escorting his mother to the silver motor coach and tucking his Sweets into the charcoal gray.
"You thinks so?" Edward asks with concern.
Carlisle shrugs, "It would explain some of her symptoms. Can I look at her tomorrow?"
"I'll ask her in the morning, thanks, Pops," Edward says as he pours another cup of coffee.
Mac leans forward, "Is something wrong with Bella?"
His genuine concern reminds Edward why this man is his best friend.
"She gets tired easily, and stress upsets her stomach. She's had a tough week." Edward shrugs.
Mac looks from father to son across the table, "I hope she gets strong and healthy soon," he looks at Edward before adding, "She's absolutely beautiful, through and through."
"Thanks, man," Edward says quietly.
Mac sits back and picks up his own cup, "How's old Bobby Marcus?"
"Dunny has already gone back, let's go and say hello before the two men settle in for the night and then Edward and I can fill you in," Carlisle says.
~o0o~
Mac sticks his head around the door, like an elf stealing into the room.
"Ho to the house," he says in his low baritone voice.
The room rouses. Dunny stands and moves to raise the bed.
As the bed elevates Bob, Mac stands at the foot of the bed waiting.
"My Gah, Mac!" Bob huffs as his eyes water.
Mac moves to the side and pulls the old man into a gentle hug.
Ah, Bobby you look like shit," he says thickly with a sniff.
Bob lies back against the pillow, spent. After a moment he puffs out, "you too," he pats his chest, "dying," he pats Mac weakly and raises his eyebrows in question.
Mac barks out a laugh. "I look like shit too, what's my excuse?"
Bob nods with a wicked crooked grin before closing his eyes.
Mac smiles candidly at his old friend while his eyes are closed. "Well, you got me there old man." He lays his massive hand gently on the old man's head.
"Sleep in God's keeping, Bob. We'll catch up in the morning," Mac says softly.
~o0o~
"Mac, you can crash in the black motor coach. It's all set-up." Edward says as they walk toward the row of RVs.
"Thanks, your mom sure goes all out," he says.
"Yeah she does." He sobers, "it means a lot to me that you're here man."
Mac pulls Edward into a hug, "I wouldn't miss this precious moment in our friend's life. I'm glad I'm sharing it with you."
"That's something Sweets would say," Edward says as he pulls back.
"She's a smart woman. You picked a good one."
Edward pats his friends shoulder. "See you in the morning."
"Night."
~o0o~
Esme stirs as Carlisle crawls into bed next to her.
"Carlisle?" she says sleepily reaching for him.
"Shhh, back to sleep," he says as he pulls her to him.
She drapes her arm over his bare chest and kisses his jaw.
"Sweetheart?" he whispers.
"Hmmm?"
"You out did yourself today. I want to thank you for accomplishing so much with such a sweet, loving heart. I love you," he says softly as he runs his hand down her soft arm.
She pushes up resting her arms on his chest to see him better.
"I love you too, Carlisle Cullen," she whispers and adds, "give us a kiss."
She squeals softly as he rolls them over and shadows her to comply—thoroughly.