A/N: So, we are about to reach the end of this story, and we both wish to thank you for sticking with us through the entire story and our bouts of delays due to writer's block, time restraints and health issues for both of us. We truly appreciate your patience and all your lovely words and thoughts along the way. It means the world to us.
We have a couple announcements that we would like to share with you all.
Firstly, and very dearly to both our hearts, we have teamed up to do a one-shot together for the Babies at the Border compilation. More than 100 wonderful authors have already signed up to contribute, and all that is asked is a $10 donation to a variety of different charities in order to receive this compilation in October. It's a wonderful cause to assist in reuniting children with their families, who have been separated at the border. Over the years, the Twilight fandom has done amazing things with fundraisers for various causes from hurricane/natural disaster relief, to research for diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma, and to such things like domestic violence and autism awareness. We are both very proud to be a part of a fandom that rallies together to give back to the world around us.
And secondly, for any of you who also read Stupid Volvo Owner, that story is also coming to its conclusion, however, there is a sequel already in the works that we have plotted out and discussed at length while Erica was in Arizona visiting this summer (brave woman, in this heat! Lol) We have already begun writing it, so it should start posting shortly after Stupid Volvo Owner completes, which will be in the next week or so.
Chapter 11 ~ While Away
Hey baby. I'm sorry. Something came up suddenly and I won't make it to dinner. I promise to make it up to you. I love you.
Bella tried to fight the hint of tears threatening her eyes as she read Edward's text, just as she was gathering ingredients to start cooking. She knew that unforeseen circumstances could crop up at any time, especially with a project as large as his, but she couldn't help the disappointment that came over her, nonetheless.
For the last six weeks, Edward had been in Tokyo. The vetting and legal process of assembling the team had taken longer than expected, and even she could hear the frustration in his voice when they talked at times. While the sixteen-hour time difference was difficult to work around, they always managed to squeeze in a ten-minute call every day, and on Fridays, they would have "dinner" together over Skype. Since it was already Saturday in Japan, it was his day off and they didn't have a time limit, where all they could manage was a little business and quick I love yous, before he had to return to the site during the week. He'd never missed a single one before, and this was the last chance they would have to talk until he finally returned on Wednesday, since he would be busy tying up loose ends before finally heading home.
It's okay. I'll see you Wednesday. I love you too, she texted back and then returned the food to the fridge and decided on a quick sandwich instead.
Five days isn't that long to wait, she tried telling herself, and not too convincingly at that.
Bella had handled the separation from him better than she thought she would, to be honest. She had plenty to keep her busy at work, and even made a two-day trip out to LA again for a meeting with Jane. However, after quickly becoming accustomed to sharing a home with Edward and being beside him every single night, it was too quiet, and the bed was so cold. She missed him terribly and always looked forward to Friday nights. What could possibly have needed his attention on his day off?
Her phone dinged again with a message on the shelf, and she wiped off her hands before reaching for it.
I know you're disappointed, Bella. I promise this is really important. I'll talk to you soon.
He knew from experience that when her replies were short or clipped, that she was upset about something—she was never able to mask her moods well.
I know it is. I'm sorry. I just miss you so much.
I'll be there before you know it and holding you until you're sick of me.
Bella chuckled with a tear escaping the corner of her eye and shook her head.
Not soon enough, and that's literally impossible. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, haven't you heard? It also makes the bed grow colder and I need you to warm it up for me. And my lingerie drawer is feeling neglected.
She could just imagine him groaning, possibly even pinching the bridge of his nose after reading her text, but at least he wouldn't be too worried about her if she was teasing him. However, six weeks was a long time; more than just her heart was lonely, and she knew she wasn't the only one. With their Skype call canceled that night, there wasn't even a chance for some temporary tension relief to hold them over until Wednesday. She could tell she wasn't far off the mark when she received his reply a minute later.
I would call you if I didn't have somewhere to be right this second, my little tease. But I'll remember this and get you back for it. I have to be in a very public place in quite an uncomfortable state.
I'll make it up to you Wednesday. Love you!
She watched her phone for a few more minutes, but when the screen remained dark, she set it aside to eat her sandwich. He likely had a meeting or something where he had to at least silence it, and she knew how aggravating it could be, having your phone buzz repeatedly while you're trying to concentrate on something important.
Yet, when there was still no word from him three hours later and she was about to climb into bed and call it an early night, she gave in and left him one more.
It's been a long day so I'm going to sleep. Any way we could possibly squeeze a quick phone call in tomorrow? I just want to hear your voice. Let me know. Goodnight and I love you.
Even with as tired as she was, it still took her a while to fall asleep. His scent had long dwindled from his pillow that she hugged at night in place of him, and though the temperature in the room was normal, she was freezing her ass off. Edward's body always kept her so warm, and even after six weeks, she still had not gotten used to being alone in the bed.
His longer trips coming up in the next couple of years were going to be torture. She'd definitely be looking into visits to Japan on occasion while he was over there. The exorbitant airline costs would be worth it; if six weeks felt like forever, she didn't even want to think about what a year without him would feel like. Though, it would probably be best to learn how to work the frequent flyer system.
Bella stirred hours later, and from the lack of light filtering through her lids, it was clearly still the middle of the night.
"Go back to sleep, stupid brain," she grumbled sleepily into Edward's pillow, turning her face into it.
Suddenly, the bed dipped behind her, and she felt a warm, strong arm circle around her, followed by a soft pair of lips against her neck. "Is this soon enough for you, my love?"
Bella turned her head quickly, narrowly avoiding her forehead colliding with his, and a wide smile stretched across her face. "Am I actually dreaming?"
Edward gave a soft laugh and kissed her gently, and she shimmied her body around to face him and snuggle close to his warmth. "No, baby, neither your eyes or brain, for that matter, are deceiving you. Though it is far from stupid. And I must say, I'm really enjoying your attire, even if it's not from your hordes of lingerie."
Bella felt his hand slide beneath the latest t-shirt of his that she had been wearing to bed for the last few nights, skimming along her skin from her waist to the small of her back. She shivered as his fingertips ascended her spine and then slowly worked their way down to her bare thigh, that she had since hitched up to his hip. "Well, I had to do something while you were away to make the bed feel a little less empty. Didn't really work too well, but at least they smell like you for a night or two. And you weren't here to appreciate the lingerie, so why bother?"
"I am definitely not complaining. Plus, you wear Nirvana well." He grinned before capturing her lips again, and her fingers trailed over his shoulder and down his back, until they brushed the bare skin of his ass.
Bella grinned as she gave him a gentle squeeze, her eyes still heavy with desire at the realization that he was completely naked beside her. "Can't say I mind your attire, or the lack thereof, much, either. Eager, baby?"
"Always." Their soft moans mingled together as they clung to one another, unable to get close enough. "I have missed you so much, Bella."
"I've missed you, too," she panted breathlessly, tracing along his jawline as she took him in for a moment. Even in the dimness of the room, she could still make out most of the details of his face. He definitely looked tired, but there was no denying the happiness in his eyes as he gazed at her. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming home? I would have waited up for you."
"You think you're the only one capable of surprises?" He arched an eyebrow at her, and she hid her face in his chest, recalling her return from LA a few months back. He was never going to let her live that down. "Besides, there was no way I was going to have you waiting up until after four in the morning for me to get home."
Bella looked over his shoulder to glance at the clock on his bedside table, and sure enough, it was 4:32 a.m. She laid her head back down and began twirling his hair with her fingertips. "You still could have told me. So, that was what was so urgent? You were catching a plane?"
Edward nodded and smiled down at her. "I am honestly surprised you didn't figure it out sooner. I was sure you would since you're always at least two steps ahead of me. What else could have possibly had me occupied on a Saturday?"
If he was any other man, there could have a dozen answers to that question, but it was Edward. She trusted him implicitly, and she knew that he'd made that verbal agreement with Toshiro to have Saturdays off to make time for her before he'd even left for Tokyo. However, there was always something that could come up unexpectedly, even if it hadn't in the six weeks prior. She shrugged and pressed herself closer to him. "Things can always come up, Edward. And this deal is really important, and I would understand, even if I was a little disappointed."
"A little?" he inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"Okay, I was pretty damn disappointed about losing that time with you, but I did understand. It's just been so long."
"I know, but understand this," Edward started, bringing his hand to her face and lightly stroking her cheek with his thumb. "Nothing is more important to me than you are. This Tokyo job may be a big deal for my career and our business, but if it all disappeared tomorrow, we'd be fine. If I lost you, I wouldn't be. At all. You are always my priority, Bella."
The intensity in his eyes and voice shook her, and she ran her fingertips along his jaw and then lowered her arm to wrap around his waist. "You don't have to convince me of that. I know, and the same goes for me. However it happened, I'm just glad you're home."
"We got everything finalized last night, and I was able to bump my ticket up a few days. I needed to see you," Edward explained in a husky voice, resting his forehead against hers and lacing his hand into her hair.
"Well, I couldn't imagine anything better to wake up to at four-thirty in the morning," Bella whispered and recaptured his lips, pulling him with her as she rolled onto her back until he was almost completely on top of her. His hand skimmed down her bare thigh and then back up, sliding underneath the t-shirt and sending shivers through her body. His fingertips were so cool against the warmth of her skin, once again shocking her into the realization that he was really there, and it wasn't just a dream. "I really have missed you so much, Edward."
"I've missed you, too, Bella. Even six weeks is far too long to be away from you. We definitely need to come up with an alternative plan when it comes time for construction to begin. I can't go months without you there at all."
Bella smiled, running her fingers through the hair at the base of his neck. "I was just thinking the same thing earlier. An occasional trip to Tokyo would be nice, I think."
His responding groan was deep as his lips returned to hers, his hand brushing down her leg pressed along his thigh. Higher and higher, he pulled until their hips met, but before he could roll their intertwined bodies, she surprised him by pushing him onto his back.
"Bella," he murmured, pushing her hair from her face and watching her sit back and smile. "You mentioned something about making it up to me." His grip on her hips tightened, rolling his under her enough to elicit a moan.
"I did say that, didn't I?" She bent low and brushed her lips along his neck and shoulder. "Hmm, I think I'll look for my own personal nirvana." He grunted at the gentle scrape of her teeth over his nipple. "Where could it be?"
Fuck, Edward thought. She was definitely making it up to him, but if she didn't hurry, he would lose his mind. Six weeks seemed like a lifetime with someone as gorgeous and loving as his Bella waiting at home for him.
"Oh, there's a long, sexy map leading the way." Bella was being playful. As if she wasn't sexy enough already—when she was like that, she was downright irresistible.
Edward laughed but moaned as her tongue familiarized itself with the shape of his hips. He rubbed his hands roughly over his face, nearly swallowing his tongue when hers teased the tip of his cock. He shook his head and groaned when she took him in her mouth, humming and driving out of his mind.
After two more deep strokes and a swirl of her tongue, he quickly pulled her up, kissed her hard and rolled until she was under him. "Another time. I don't have the patience today. I need you." He hands slipped under the shirt she'd worn to bed, tossing it somewhere behind him.
"Please," she gasped, her thighs parting to welcome him, urging him to take her nipple between his lips. "More, more."
Edward pushed up enough to slip her underwear off, his fingers brushing over her warm, slick skin. He reveled in her response, a soft moan, the arch of her back, the thrust of her breasts to the hiss of pleasure at his elicit touch.
"Need you inside me. You're not the only one who's impatient," she murmured, pulling his mouth to hers. Her arms came around him as he slid inside her, their mutual groans mingled between them, lost in being connected again.
"I missed you, Bella."
She gasped, her back arching further off the bed. "So much."
Words escaped them as their bodies did all the talking, moving in sync. For every thrust, there was a moan. Every touch of their lips reawakened and lit up nerves, the sweep of their tongues heightening every other sense. They rolled across the bed and made love until dawn filtered through the windows.
Only then did they sleep, but just long enough to replenish their energy to make up for lost time.
.
.
.
Bella stretched her arms over her head, loving the hint of an ache in all the right places. She was alone, but she didn't mind. The unmistakable smell of coffee and bacon would be worth it, as was the fact that Edward was cooking. He'd gotten a lot better at breakfast when she moved in, and it was nice to take turns making it so that the other could sleep in a little more.
She hummed and whistled as she got ready for the day, though he had promised they could spend it at home doing nothing but be in each other's company. What more could she ask for on a lazy Saturday morning? Or afternoon, as was their case; it was after one. She walked into the kitchen, desperate for a cup of coffee and a glimpse of Edward.
He didn't disappoint, already there waiting with her favorite mug that poked fun at her loathing of early mornings in his hand.
"Thank you," she said, pressing a kiss to his stubbly cheek. Her free hand slipped down his naked chest, a fingertip or two skimming the waistband of his lounge pants. "I had hoped to make you breakfast. Shouldn't you be asleep, still?"
He grinned and settled a hand on her hip. "The time difference will take some time getting used to. It's five in the morning in Tokyo, so I'd just be getting up anyway. Never slept in over there. So, I figured since I couldn't sleep, there was only one way to entice you out of bed."
"With coffee and bacon, you know me so well. Although, I could think of a few other ways, too." He held her hand and guided her to the dining room table, and her mind drifted to the couple of times he'd made love to her there. She wondered if she could convince him to go a third time.
Wow, six weeks really is way too damn long. My mind is completely in the gutter, she thought and then looked at the table again with more decent thoughts. The table was set with fresh flowers, orange juice and a small pile of wrapped gifts. "Are those for me?"
"Do you really think I would go all the way to Japan and bring you home nothing?" He leaned down to give her lips a gentle kiss, enjoying the way her eyes lit up in anticipation.
Bella enjoyed bites of food and sips of her coffee while she began opening her gifts. Knowing her as he did, he had set the largest one in the front, anticipating her excitement, and the moment she opened the box, she gasped. Something she had always wanted since she was little was a real Japanese, silk kimono, but she couldn't ever remember mentioning it to Edward. Yet, there in her hands was one more beautiful than she ever could have envisioned, in shades of lavender and blue. She immediately wrapped it around herself, reveling in the feel of the smooth fabric against her skin. "Edward, I love it. They're so expensive, though. And in addition to all this…"
Edward stepped behind her, sliding his arms around her middle and lightly kissing her neck. "First of all, I got our first payment from Toshiro three weeks ago, so that alone would far more than cover it, but I do have a small confession to make. I can't take all the credit for this particular gift."
Bella turned her head to look back at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I may have gotten a little input from an outside source." Edward smirked, but his eyes cast downward for a moment, almost shyly, and she rotated in his arms to face him with a curious raised brow. "Your dad suggested this and pitched in for it."
"Wow, I'll have to make sure to thank him, too. But since when are you talking to my dad?" Bella asked, linking her hands behind his back. "What is he checking up on me or something?"
Edward shook his head and kissed the tip of her nose. "He knows you're a grown woman and can make your own decisions, Bella. He just happened to call while you were in the shower, a couple nights before I left for Tokyo, and asked me for a favor."
"Well, it's really beautiful. I almost don't want to wear it, it's so nice."
"You've still got more," Edward reminded her, nodding toward the table.
"And you're going to spoil me if you get into this habit." He laughed at her teasing smile as she reached for the next gift, unwrapping the small box and gazing at its contents. It almost looked like a luggage tag, but it was covered in red fabric with intricate gold stitching decorating it. Down the middle was several Japanese characters, and she looked to Edward again. He reached over and removed a small slip of paper from the bottom of the box that read "Omamori Charm" with the same characters written below, along with the English translation. "'Bind your love tightly'. We have that covered already, don't we?"
Edward shrugged. "A little good luck charm never hurts, right?"
"Not at all," she whispered, brushing a soft kiss on his lips.
Bella continued opening her presents which included a hand painted fan, a gorgeous glass windchime with Japanese apricot flowers etched on it, a hairpin that matched the colors of her kimono, and a pair of pearl earrings.
At that, she began shaking her head with tears beginning to well. "Edward, this is too much. They are gorgeous, but you know you don't have to do all this."
"I wanted to. I missed you so much, Bella. When I would actually leave my hotel room to go somewhere other than a business-related meeting, I'd see little things that I thought you would like. Believe me, this is minor compared to what I could have done."
"You are too good to me," she replied, pulling him in for a longer, more languid kiss. "I'm almost afraid to open the last two."
Edward kept one arm around her waist while picking up the next small box and handing it to her. She opened it and again looked at him quizzically. It was a photograph of a wooden heart with a painted design on it that almost looked like a Christmas ornament. "It's called an Ema Wishing Plaque, and you write a wish on it. Then you hang it up at a shrine, and once the wish comes true, it's burned."
"Okay, so you made a wish and gave me a picture of it?" Bella inquired, still a bit confused. "What was the wish?"
"It's a secret. Kinda like a birthday wish." Edward grinned wickedly, pecking her on the cheek, to which she rolled her eyes and muttered "men" under her breath. "It does coincide with you last gift, though."
Bella looked down to the small wrapped present as he set it in her palm and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "If this is another pair of extravagant earrings, we are going to have words. You have already gone so far above and beyond the spoiling me rotten stage. Anything more like that, and I'll be ruined for li—"
Bella's words froze in her throat the moment she opened the small wooden box, concealing within the most gorgeous diamond ring she had ever laid eyes on. The band was simple, yet the stone was anything but an average diamond. The cut was extraordinary—a hexagon shape laying on its long side, with every facet creating an almost tunnel like illusion in the middle. It was both fascinating and stunning. Her eyes only left the ring when she caught Edward's movement in her peripheral vision, as he lowered onto his knee.
"I know this probably isn't exactly what you meant by not making you wait long," Edward paused with a chuckle, pressing a kiss to Bella's free hand that he held in his. "I've known in my heart that you were it for me, even before I had any hope that it was a possibility, but the last six weeks has made one thing more abundantly clear than ever. You're my life. You are everything I never want to be without. And the next time I have to leave, I want to go knowing that I will be coming home to my fiancée, or better yet, my wife. I told you that I was going to do this right, and propose properly, so Isabella Swan, will you marry me?"
"You know I will. Yes," Bella replied with the most radiant smile he'd ever seen, which grew as he took the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger. He stared for a moment at her hand before she gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, drawing his gaze back up to hers. "I love you."
Edward rose from the floor and pulled her into his arms, whispering "I love you, too," and then sealing his lips over hers. After a moment, he pulled back, resting his forehead against hers. "Guess I can burn that plaque when I go back to Tokyo."
Bella opened her eyes to look at him, running her fingers through his hair. "Why, what did it actually say? You can tell me now."
"I wished that you would say yes."
"Why wouldn't I?" she asked, feeling his arms tighten around her, and she kissed him gently. "Nothing is ever going to change how much I love or want you, Edward Cullen. No matter how far away you go or how long you are gone. I'll always be here waiting for my husband to return to me. Unless I get too impatient and hop on a plane myself."
"Oh, Mrs. Cullen, I hope that you do quite often," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her lips.
She sighed when they had to pull away enough to breathe. "That's Mrs. Swan-Cullen, mister." They had already agreed that she would hyphenate for the sake of their business and designs.
"I stand corrected," he answered with a grin and kissed the ring on her finger.
She cocked an eyebrow. "Just how many karats is this thing?"
"Just as they say not to ever ask a woman her age, that's another question you should never ask, Bella." She tried to claim for insurance purposes, but Edward laughed, not bothering to answer since she would never let go how much he had spent. She'd find out sooner or later. She giggled as he set her on the table, their breakfast soon forgotten as they got lost in each other.
A/N Part 2: Hope you all enjoyed. Just an epilogue left after this. Again, thank you for all your support :)
