Chapter Info

Title: Cake and Ice Cream

Number: 24/34

Warnings: Angst, brief intense language, slight dubious consent content, slight voyeurism content, slight sexual content

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! I would love to hear your reviews, thoughts, comments, and questions about this story!

animexchick: I'm pretty sure that's the consensus, about Brett I mean. :D I don't like him either honestly, lol. But you're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoy this story! Thanks for reading and commenting!

Sachiko Kaneko: Well you're definitely right about that! The perv part I mean... And I'm glad you liked the chapter! ;) Thanks for reading and commenting!

EclipseRosen: I don't think this chapter will make you like him any better, LOL. xD He's definitely going to have a wakeup call, I just won't say what or when. As for his name, I needed an asshole-ish sounding name so I went with Brett. xD But it's okay, yelling at fictional characters is fine, I do it all the time. Thanks for reading and commenting!

AHealingRenaissance: I'm not sure this is what you're looking for, but here's the next chapter! xD I hope this one posts, but if not, I'll definitely message you. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Mrs. VampDiva Belikov: Those words were just Brett's internal thoughts so he wouldn't have heard them unless he woke them, but too bad Edward wasn't there or he was surely to have heard them. :D Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!

Goldielover: I can send you the link to it once it comes time for that, which will be next chapter for AO3 as it was set to be chapter twenty-five. :) Unfortunately they don't know yet exactly what Brett is like. Dx But they will soon enough. Thanks for reading and commenting! That site is much more open to smutty things than this one I think, and I was going to put it on a separate story like as an outtake, but I think I'll just put it on AO3 and keep it there for now. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!

-Brett-

The video loaded up rather slowly so he got his usual night cocktail of whiskey and tequila while he waited. The piece of shit junker was something he had gotten from a thrift shop when his other computer broke. He wanted to toss this one, too, but considering his last pay check went to Mikey in Seattle for the game of Texas Holdem that he lost thirty grand in, he knew there was no chance in the luxuries anytime soon. Even though this "new" one was probably an original Dell; it still ran Windows 98, and he was lucky he could use it for the shit he needed to.

Finally the fucker made the completion noise and he went over to look, as usual naked as a jaybird in his nightly ritual of getting off to the sight of the lovely Abigail Goodwin in her natural habitat. The camera above her bed got her sleeping, there was one above her mirror on her dresser which usually was good for watching her change, and one in the corner of her shower that got the whole bathroom as it was that small. She hadn't been there for awhile—his teeth clenched as he realized she had been with Cullen this whole time—but he knew that he could get some kind of glimpse of her, or even her pretty little blonde roommate. Part of him wished he put a camera in that girl's bedroom, too, but her boyfriend wasn't something he wanted to see either.

He hit the jackpot with the camera in the shower, slouching down in his chair with a sick smirk on his face as he watched her shower and then cover her delectable little body up in a sinfully delicious dress. He slowed it down and put it on repeat, working himself up quick enough that he groaned, her name leaving his lips as he thought of pushing that whore against the bathroom wall and fucking her against the tiles.

He thought he might get something in the bedroom, but instead he got two different angles of her and Cullen making out against the wall. He yelled in rage and stood up, kicking his chair over and going to smash some bottles in his sink. He barely managed to contain himself before he smashed the TV—again—or his shitty computer.

Bitch is just digging herself a hole, he thought as he downed the glass of alcohol and got another one. I will have her, mark my fucking words. That little whore is mine.

.x.x.x.x.

-Abigail-

The first clue that Alice went all out was the fact the fairy lights twinkled on the trees again just like they did for the wedding. Horror washed through her and she slouched in her seat as Carlisle laughed. "Oh god, please tell me she didn't," she moaned through the fingers that had crept up to cover her face.

"Cut her some slack, she missed her mother." Abigail's heart swelled, but she still grumbled and made him laugh louder. The three mile driveway wasn't long enough and soon the meadow opened to the house. Her lips parted in shock as there was a small tent to the right with what looked like covered dishes. A few other tables sat around behind that. There were some speakers and a radio behind them and a smaller version of the dance floor that was at Bella and Edward's wedding. Between the tent and the music table sat a smaller one piled high with wrapped gifts.

"Oh my god," she whispered in horror. Carlisle chuckled.

"Smile, you'll have fun," he said as he pulled up into his usual spot. No sooner had he done that then Alice was at her door, yanking it open and pulling her out, grinning happily and throwing her arms around her.

"You're here!" she squealed and Abigail found herself melting. Alice was her daughter and the girl simply wanted to do something for her now that she's back. A cake and ice cream would've been fine, but that wasn't Alice's style. Abigail simply hated so much attention, but Alice was happy and a peak at Carlisle told her that he was happy, so she supposed it wouldn't kill her to have a little fun.

"Sorry we're late, I lost track of time."

Alice waved her hand. "Sure you did." She smirked. Abigail scoffed.

"Don't even start that again." Alice simply laughed and dragged her towards the party. "Why so much? Do we know this—"

But then she stopped as she spotted the Quileutes, even Billy, Sue, and Old Quil. And finally Charlie. Her eyes went wide with excitement and she squealed, causing everyone's attention to directed towards her, but she went right to Charlie. He was taken by surprise, but laughed and squeezed her tightly.

"Well, hello to you, too, kiddo," he said affectionately. "Been awhile."

She nodded against his shoulder, giggling as he picked her up just like everyone else. "I know. I've been so busy... But I'm so glad you're here."

"Like I would miss your twenty-third birthday," he said with a scoff. "'Bout time you let someone throw a party for you."

"I'm not sure 'let' is the right word..." He chuckled and she heard someone clear their throat and pulled away to look at Billy faux-glaring at her.

"What am I, chopped liver?"

She snorted and wiggled away to hug Billy, who tugged her into his lap to squeeze. Next was Old Quil and then Sue, then the packs who sang to her right away so Alice would allow them free reign to the cake.

"Save at least one piece for me!" she admonished them. None of them heard her, at least they pretended not to, and she rolled her eyes as she pressed herself to Carlisle's side. She missed the startled looks from the other humans, but she was too busy watching Jacob and Emmett start a game of cards while Bella and Seth worked at the music table, Rosalie and Jasper played chess, and Alive kept the food coming. Alice also played hostess and mingled around quickly, never sitting still for longer than a couple moments.

Abigail smiled and shook her head, allowing Carlisle to pull her to a table where Charlie joined them, his face pressed into an odd line and Abigail raised an eyebrow.

"So," he said, trying to be casual and failing. Abigail snickered.

"Yes?"

"This happened." He gestured to the two of them.

"Yes, it did," she said. Charlie merely grunted as sipped at the champagne he had, wincing some, but didn't complain. Honestly, she wasn't surprised he was acting like this. She knew if her dad were there, he would've done the same and Charlie was merely falling into his place. Though she wasn't naive, he was like a second father to her and cared for her.

"You happy?" he finally mumbled, refusing to look at her and she grinned.

"Very." He grunted again.

"Good."

And that was the end of that conversation, it flowed much easier after that, and she could see he had more respect for Carlisle than he was letting on. Of course, it was hard not to see that Carlisle was a good man. She gazed up at him lovingly every time he spoke, his soft voice—one she knew that could flare with power and dominance, but was usually always kind and quiet—filled the next couple tables and even some of the pack came over to listen to him as they ate their fifth or sixth helping. She hadn't eaten yet, but a pointed stare from Alice behind the food table had her blushing and excusing herself, quickly massaging Carlisle's hair as her mate immediately grew restless, and headed over to see her oldest daughter.

While Rosalie was with them first, Alice was older, around the same age as Edward. (At least that's what they assumed as she had told them she waited twenty-eight years for Jasper, finding him in 1948. And she was seventeen or eighteen when turned, as she didn't look any older than that.) While they hadn't changed her or Jasper like they had the others, they were still her children. And Emmett, though he looked the oldest of the kids, was their youngest and she had a feeling that's one reason he clung to her so much.

Youngest child syndrome, she thought wryly.

"I was planning on eating," she said defensively as she arrived in front of Alice sheepishly. "But I didn't want to be rude and leave the conversation."

"It changed four times." She pointed to the plates. "Eat." She turned away and Abigail frowned, picking up a plate to fill even though her attention was now on her daughter.

"Alice," she said quietly and the girl froze. "I'm sorry I didn't remind you." She paused. "How did you even find out?"

"I saw you decide on the bear—nice choice, by the way—and figured out the date."

Abigail sighed and set her plate down, rounding the table to hold open her arms to her. "I'm sorry, sweetie. I didn't mean to forget. There was so much..." She trailed off and shrugged. "It won't happen again."

She could see Alice thaw before her eyes and a second later, she had her arms full of lovey Alice hugs. She smiled and pulled the girl closer, tightening her grip.

"It's okay, Mom, you're forgiven." There was a catch in her voice and so Abigail held her tighter for a little while longer before pulling away and she reached up to cup Alice's cheek.

"Why don't we plan a party for the next holiday together? Memorial Day, isn't it? We'll hold it right here. Maybe a barbecue?"

Alice's eyes lit up, but blurred a second later, and then sparkled even more when they came back into focus. "I would love that! But I don't think that's the next event."

Abigail frowned, mind moving over the dates between February and May, and coming up empty. "I don't understand," she said. Alice simply smiled wider, winked, and moved over to help Bella with some more salsa dip.

She was still trying to figure it out as she went back to Carlisle's side and she heard a small sigh of relief and his arm crept casually across the back of her chair, though she knew he wanted it closer. She smiled at him lovingly and used one hand to eat while the other hand found his and that seemed to satisfy his craving, at least for right then. She finished off her plate and Alice brought her a piece of cake and some champagne. But Carlisle swiped away the champagne, winking at her as she frowned. He sipped at it, at least pretended to, pouring bits onto the ground when Charlie—the only one who didn't know about vampires—wasn't paying attention.

By the time ten rolled around, the humans were dragging and they said goodbye pretty soon after the packs headed into the woods to start their patrols. Charlie and Billy hugged her again, and Sue and Old Quil got their chance for one, before they headed out. The Cullens were left and with all of them helping, even Abigail with her human slowness—which Emmett smirked and teased her for—they managed to get everything cleaned up in about half an hour.

Abigail was exhausted and wound up being carried inside by Carlisle after a tired goodnight to her family. She was nodding in and out of consciousness as she felt his feet climb the stairs and turn...away from the bedroom. She frowned and opened her eyes, watching as Carlisle took her into his study.

"I'm sleepy," she complained as he kicked the door shut behind them and set her carefully on the couch. She immediately moved to cuddle to his side, but he held her still and her eyes filled with more than just tiredness... They filled with fear.

"Carlisle, what is it? What's wrong?" For a moment her heart stopped and she wondered if her worst fear was coming true: she wasn't Carlisle's actual mate, there was a mistake in the call, and he's leaving her. She looked for any sign of that, but all she found was devotion and love and she let out a breath, feeling her heart beat raggedly again.

"Don't fret, my love. It's nothing to be afraid of." But he looked afraid. Afraid and worried and...terrified. She didn't understand. What has him so upset? Why is her beloved so scared? Her fear came back, this time adding in that it was a mistake to change her the first time and he never would this time, and she choked. Still, her instincts had her jumping up to try and soothe her agitated mate, but he gently set her back down.

"Carlisle, please..." she whimpered, trailing off as he knelt in front of her and reached to cup her cheeks, sorrow taking the place of fear.

"Please don't cry, beautiful girl," he whispered, wiping at tears she hadn't realized had fallen. He took a breath and it was shaky. "Do you know how much I adore you? I'm devoted to you, fully and completely. There's nothing in existence that will ever change that." He paused. "Not even if you're taken from me." He paused again and she saw him fight back a swell of emotions, but he wouldn't let her hands go to stroke her hair. "I love you with every part of me, every breath I take is for you. Every second of this life is spent with you on my mind, with the hope you're happy and that you feel loved. I promised you a long time ago to always protect you and to always look out for you. I failed once." He put a finger to her lips when she parted then to disagree. "I will do everything in my power to never let that happen again. I will fight to the last of my life, with every drop of venom, every ounce of my love."

He wiped more tears as she realized she had been wrong, very wrong. He wasn't sad because he was letting her go...he was afraid she was going to reject him. He had the same fears she did and she thought it almost comical since it was clear neither could bear to be apart from each other even for a couple hours. She knew he loved her, and she hoped he knew that she loved him.

"On March third 1776, I gave you this promise. And...I gave you this ring." He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and she gasped as he pulled out the ring he gave to her at their wedding, just as he had said. He had slid it onto her finger, practically levitating with the excitement as he waited for that moment. It was a claim on her, the sign that she was his wife. His. And they would be each other's eternity as she slid a ring on his finger as well.

It was as shiny as it was back then, and she realized he kept up care of it even after she died. It was made of pounded copper, shaped into a rose with a vine that twirled along the outside of the ring, and in the middle of the flower sat a simple single diamond. He wasn't nearly as wealthy back then as he was now and she knew he spent a lot to have that handcrafted for her. It was even more beautiful now that she was seeing it again for the first time in fifty years.

"I devoted myself to you, without question and with the greatest hope that you would allow me to keep you. And so I devote myself to you once more, I pledge my life and protection and love to you, in hope that you would do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife once more. Abigail, will you marry me?"

There was no stopping the tears and even Carlisle had given up because his fingers had moved to lovingly cup her cheek, his thumb stroking the apple as he poured his heart out, yanked it from his chest and left himself vulnerable. And though she knew that he understood her feelings for him, she still saw that raw terror in his eyes that she would, for some reason, decline his proposal.

How she managed to push a vampire onto his back, she'll never know. But a second later she had flung herself off the couch and into his arms, feeling the way his body easily caught her fall before she could hit the floor, his arms tight around her and she had known even before she had done it he wouldn't even let a bruise appear on her.

She was sobbing and kissing all over his face, trembling from the emotional jumble piled up inside her, all lining up to escape.

"Yes," she finally whimpered, feeling every bit of tension and fear drain from him and his arms tightened around her. "Yes yes yes yes... Yes, Carlisle, I'll be your wife. I can't stand not being Abigail Cullen anymore. I need you, I love you. Yes yes yes..." She went to repeating just that word, kissing him all over where she could reach, feeling his beast whimper as it gave into their mate, and her words were only silenced by his lips claiming hers.