Previously...
"Bella, sometimes there are things I don't want to talk about just now. Let them go. When I am ready I will."
"Ok, I just wanted you to know I am here, I always have been."
He smiled kissing her hand. "I know love. It's something I need to figure out alone."
"You're not alone anymore."
He sighed standing, "The limo is waiting."
The family was over for dinner. They were planning on leaving for Forks in a week and they wanted to visit as much as possible. Esme, Carlisle, and Timmy were in the living room playing games while Jasper was out front on a business call. Bella leaned out the bedroom balcony feeling the wind blow softly through her long waves.
She could see Edward below he was sitting beside the pool, drink in hand looking out into the night. Alice slipped her arm around her and rested her face on her arm, "He's just in a hard place right now."
"He won't talk to me." Bella tried to control her voice but she couldn't hide the tremble. Alice nodded, "Give him time. He is used to you being far away and he has to get used to you being in his life as his wife. He will adjust."
"So should I leave and call?"
Alice chuckled, "Silly." She looked down placing her hand on her small round stomach, "She need's her daddy. Bella, give him time." She smiled, "Glad I'm not the only on who thinks it's a girl." Alice smirked turning to lean on the railing, "No, it's a girl."
Edward twirled the ice in his glass and took another drink. She bit her lip, "He needs you Bella, why don't you go down. I'll visit with the family and keep them occupied."
"We're supposed to be visiting." She reminded her. Alice shot her a look, "And that is so happening right now, go and take care of your husband. We'll take care of Timmy."
Bella inhaled deeply as Alice walked off. She took a minute to take him in. He has his long legs crossed at the ankles. His shoulders were hung down in defeat and she had no idea why, his face was buried in his right hand. He looked tired and upset. She wished he would just talk to her. He was still not the same Edward as before they were married, too cautious and a little too protective. She kept hoping with time he would break through.
Deciding to take Alice's advice she fixed him another drink and walked out back extending the glass over his shoulder. He looked up taking it, "Thanks." She walked around feeling his eyes on her but she didn't turn. "The stars are beautiful tonight."
"Yes they are." His eyes settled on the knee length pale pink dress she wore. It floated perfectly over her petite frame. She looked beautiful tonight.
He sat his drink on the concrete with a clank and leaned back on the oversized lounge chair, "Come lay with me." She looked at him over her shoulder and smiled walking to his arms and curling against him gently. He kissed her head wrapping her in his arms. "Is Tim ok?"
"He's with the family."
"I'm sorry. I don't feel much like socializing tonight." He whispered as he pulled her closer. She looked up to see his face. He had a days worth of stubble, which she found incredibly sexy on him. His green eyes sparkled in the moonlight but not with life, not the happiness she was used to. She caressed his rough cheek, "I'm worried about you."
"I'll be fine."
"Edward if this is what you want, acting I mean. Please don't give it up. We'll work it out. I want to see you happy, seeing you so sad it's killing me." She patted his chest, "It's not worth what it is doing to you, to us."
He shook his head, "No love, it's not that. I like acting sure, and maybe one day I'll act again in a film or two. Not as frequently so I won't be away from my family as much, but that's not it."
"Then what?"
"I signed a contract to do this film."
She nodded, "I know." He inhaled deeply and his face darkened, "I don't want to do it anymore. They changed the character, they changed the script. I won't do it. It is against what I believe is morally right."
"What do you mean?"
He tensed, "When the script was given to me I was intrigued. It was about a priest who lost is way and fell in love with this woman and she was married, but he never acted on it. He held true to his beliefs. That's what I liked about it. He was so strong, and she was so strong and they fought so hard to stay in love but be apart because it was the right thing to do."
"Wow, sounds very interesting." She spoke softly watching the emotions on his face. He nodded.
"It was then they decided it wasn't enough. I was too sexy to play such an innocent role so they changed it."
"Changed it how?" She asked hesitantly.
He released her rolling onto his back, "Oh you know, the usual. I can't be good looking and the good guy so I have to seduce her into my bed and ruin her marriage and destroy the church and everything I stand for and she stands for. I humiliate her for my selfish pride which is something I would never do. I understand it's a character, but Bella I can't do that."
She sat speechless, what could she say she totally understood his conviction. He sighed, "They are trying to force my hand and sue me for breech of contract if I don't. We won't even get into the amount of money we are discussing here. I don't know what to do."
He covered his face with his hands, "I don't want to lose everything I worked so hard to achieve. I wanted to give my children something."
She felt a tear slide from her cheek and placed her hand on his, "You did give them something you gave them a father." He pulled his hands down and met her eyes his own full of tears. She smiled, "Don't you see, money means nothing to them. It's you they need. They don't care if you wear Armani or Levi's as long as you love them."
He said nothing looking into her beautiful eyes like it was the first time. She smiled, "It's simple really, you do what your heart tells you is the right thing. I will stand by you. We move home and I'll start back at the flower shop, you can go to school and become Doctor Cullen and everything will be fine. Now I can't promise a Lexus or a Rolls Royce or anything, but I can promise a house full of love."
His heart swelled with joy. How could he had ever doubted she would understand or even support him in any decision that he made even if it meant he lost everything? He leaned up cupping her face in his hands, "I love you so much." He whispered huskily as he kissed her deeply. She smiled allowing him to pull her down for a moment and get lost in his little love fest.
Feeling his hands roam to her legs she moaned, "Baby, your family."
"They left a while ago." He said stroking her hair. She raised an eyebrow, "How do you know?" He flashed his famous grin, "You were hugging me and they waved bye from the door after putting Tim down."
"Oh."
He returned his hands to her legs that straddled his thighs. "So if I don't do this film, you are ok with this?" She nodded, "Yes, I will support you. Follow your heart."
He inhaled deeply closing his eyes, "I'm trying to, but it's getting me into trouble." She giggled as he lay back in the chair but continued to massage her thighs.
She bit her lip allowing her eyes to roam the exposed portion of his muscular chest. "You know you really are so handsome." He didn't open his eyes but he did feel his small hands start to unbutton his shirt.
"You think so?"
"I do." She replied back.
"Hmmmm." He moaned then grinned, "I think that's a good thing, I mean if you didn't where would we be then? I would like more children and we have to make them somehow right?"
"Well that is true, but currently I am with child so you can't make another."
He opened his eyes as she finished the last button and opened his shirt fully. He lifted her pulling her so she was fully on him, "That is true, I can't make another, but practice makes perfect. I have to practice to make sure that I do it right the next time."
"You don't think you did it right?" She questioned as he lifted her dress above her head.
"I'm not sure, why don't I try and you tell me." He tossed the dress aside and pulled her lips to his.
"Edward, we can't what if Tim comes down?"
He growled lifting her as she clung to his neck, "What are you doing?" When he didn't answer her she looked around, "Edward?"
He opened the door to the large pool house and shut it then smiled pushing her against it, "Satisfied?"
"Yes, he can't see us." He ignored her talking removing his clothes as she continued. "But what if he comes looking for us then..." She didn't have time to finish before he lifted her chin and kissed her deeply pulling her legs around him at the same time and suddenly whatever she was going to say was soon forgotten.
One week later they were home in Forks. She was happy to be home with Rose and Emmett. She had missed them like crazy. Edward and Emmett were back to their old tricks just like in high school, you would never know Edward was the star he was. He could get under a car with the best of them. He may not know what he was doing, but he could appreciate a fine piece of machinery.
Bella and Rose were watching them from the driveway as they washed Emmett's jeep. She was so happy he had finally proposed. It was about time, and he actually got a ring worthy of Rose which was surprising. Bella didn't know he had it in him. Not that Rose would have cared what he got but it was beautiful and it was definitely Rose.
Rose whispered in her ear and she laughed leaning down, "Timmy, tell daddy mommy needs him." He nodded running over to where he and Emmett were in the garage working. Bella had to admit, when he slid out from under that car in those jeans slung low on his hips and now dirty wife beater with sweat beaded on his forehead, running down his neck and his well muscled arms .... She felt a chill down her spine and unconsciously licked her lips as he ran his forearm across his brow. He smiled as he approached her, "Everything ok love?"
It took her a minute to focus until Rose kicked her shoe.
"Oh, yeah, yeah it's fine you just look hot." Rose laughed from behind her and he raised a knowing eyebrow and Bella shook her head, "No, no I meant like you look like you are hot, sweaty, you know it's hot outside and stuff..." She spoke quickly stumbling over her words.
He nodded, "It's quite hot. Had you planned on helping me out there?" He stepped closer placing a hand on both sides of the jeep pinning her in. Rose slipped her the hose as she leaned closer, "I sure did sexy."
He looked down at her now very visible breasts, prominent not only because she was pregnant, but because she was leaning forward in the tank top she wore. He groaned not paying attention as Emmett had gotten out from under the car to watch the action as well.
"Sucker." Emmett said with a laugh drawing his attention just enough for Bella to duck under his arm and spray him good with the hose. He shook his hair out, "Oh Mrs. Cullen you are so going to pay for that." Timmy ran into Emmett's arms and he chuckled, "Don't worry little man, they won't get you."
"Daddy is mad."
"Nah, he's just playing with your mommy."
Bella couldn't run as fast and she was at a disadvantage because she couldn't turn her back to him. He grinned leaning on the jeep, "So doll where too now?" He teased as she gasped for air. Rose giggled, "This is getting good."
Emmett raised an eyebrow to her, "Foreplay my dear."
She chuckled, "Tim you want some ice cream?" He nodded and followed her inside. Bella nervously held the sprayer in her hands waiting for him to move. He stretched and removed his soaked shirt tossing it on the ground. She let her eyes linger then met his. He smiled, "Come on little mouse you started this."
He started forward as she started to back away, "Edward."
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"Love you too babe." He said as he continued forward. She turned and started to run only for him to catch her gently by the arms. He slid his arms around hers and held her hands, "Odd situation is it not?"
She wiggled but he pulled her back, "No, no you stay still." She gasped when he turned the spray and splashed her jumping and pushing back into him. He laughed, "Now, now you did it to me." He looked down realizing she was now totally soaked and her shirt was sticking to her. He inhaled deeply. "Dear God Bella you look beautiful."
She didn't have a clue what he meant until he turned her and looked down fascinated at her chest and stomach. His hands reached up to softly run over her stomach, "You're getting bigger every day. I keep thinking if I blink I'll miss something."
She smiled as he dropped to his knees her in the middle of the driveway in Emmett's front yard and placed his face on her stomach. It was a good thing Emmett didn't like to live around a lot of people. They certainly would talk about this. He tilted his head up and met her eyes and he didn't say anything, he didn't have to she knew what he was thinking.
Emmett cleared his throat, "You two better go get a shower, why don't you use the guest house. Rose is fixing lunch and I think she's keeping Timmy occupied."
Edward and Bella both turned to look at him in questioned, but he simply smiled and turned away. They already knew what he meant. Edward lifted her into his arms carrying her to Emmett's little guest house out back, it is small but cozy. They liked it. It was cold inside and Bella couldn't get into the warm shower quick enough, Edward either and oddly enough this wasn't about sex, it wasn't about lust. It was about us just being, touching, and being close to one another.
It was Edward lathering up the wash cloth and slowly massaging her, in a tender loving way. Trailing her skin with small intimate kisses, there was no rush to go any further than what was. It was fine just like this. It was perfect. She returned the favor washing him and he moaned, his arms on the cool tile as his head fell in enjoyment of her warmth.
Just her embrace could send him over the edge. He inhaled deeply when she kissed his shoulder blade and turned pulling her into his arms. "I could stay like this forever."
"Me too." She whispered softly.
He brushed her wet hair back. "You want me to get you a towel?" She looked up meeting his eyes, "Are you ready to get out?"
He kissed her nose, "Whenever you are, I'm content if that's what you mean. I feel very happy being here with you like this, blissful." He leaned down kissing her ear, "I love you." His large hand caressed her growing abdomen and he smiled, "I am very, very content."
Leaning back he met her eyes, "We are so much more than anything I ever dreamed I could be. That we could be, I ever even imagined that love could be. I look into your eyes and I see so many endless possibilities and I know I made the right decision. I look into my son's eyes and I see our future."
He looked down at her stomach, "I look at your growing belly and I know that I want to do this again, see you with my child again. See this look in your eyes, the happiness in your face. You are all I think about. All I want. The love I feel radiate from you Bella it blinds me."
She smiled lifting his chin, "I love you."
"I love you too baby, so much." He buried his face in her hair. She pulled him close knowing he needed this, whatever he felt, whatever he needed to say. He needed it. He leaned back meeting her eyes, "We should get dressed."
"Is that what you want?" She asked reading the confusion in his eyes.
He sighed, "I...No I don't."
"Then what do you want?" She asked stroking his chest lightly. He looked at the water as it pounded into the hard tile for a long time. She tapped her finger on his chest, "You know the Edward Cullen I knew wasn't afraid to take what he wanted and he didn't care what anyone said."
He didn't look up.
"He also wasn't afraid to tell his wife what he needed from her he could always tell Bella whatever he needed no matter what it was. He trusted her. You know you can love me and care for me and I can still be what you need. You have to trust me enough to let go otherwise we really will have problems."
"I don't understand..." He said softly.
She bit her lip. "I think when we got married, old self assured Edward with attitude left. Now you are worried all of the time, loving overcautious Edward. Not that it's a bad thing...it's just not you. Not the real you and you are smothering yourself and I can feel you are not happy with it. At least I don't think you are."
"Bella I love you, and I want you safe." He replied stroking her face.
"It's not about safe is it? I am safe. I am happy. We are together, Edward, let go and relax. I want my old Edward back, the one who threw me over his lap and spanked me for the heck of it."
He chuckled leaning on the wall of the shower. "I did do that, but I can't now, you're pregnant."
"So I have a belly, hello I am not dead." She retorted with her hand on her hip.
He raised an eyebrow, "Well hello attitude."
"Someone has to have one, you lost yours a while ago." She spat back. He frowned, "Hey!"
She shrugged, "Just stating the obvious Mr. Know it all Superstar." She knew exactly what to say. She attempted to walk out and he grabbed her hair pulling her back against him, "What did you say?" It was hard, but not hard enough to really hurt, he was still playing, just playing rougher.
"I said you were a know it all."
He released her hair turning her to face him, "Am I?" She shrugged, "You can be." He moved forward until she was backed into a corner. Good, about time he got some confidence back. She smiled grabbing his hair, "So tell me Mr. Cullen if you know the answer."
"I am sure I do, what is the question Mrs. Cullen."
"Do you want to get out of the shower?"
"No."
"What then do you want to do?" She asked grinning. He moved close until he was against her lips and then spoke, "You."
Well hallelujah old Edward is back!
Now Some Fun Begins, Got to have my spicy Edward back! hehehehe ...