oOo
"Relax." Edward smiled at her, taking her hand and kissing it.
"I know." She shrugged self-consciously. "Sorry I'm so mousy."
Edward laughed.
"You're anything but mousy, love. I wish you could see yourself more clearly."
"Are you sure your mum will like the cake?"
She looked at the result of last night's baking. She'd had to transfer some of her kitchen equipment to Edward's house – the man did not possess a single cake-tin!
She had made an almond-chocolate cake, which according to Edward, everyone in his family would love.
It was a mild, rainy day and she'd been nervous since waking. Well, Edward had distracted her directly on waking. She blushed as she remembered how he had kissed his way down her body until his head had vanished under the blanket.
"You look lovely," Edward assured her and rang the doorbell.
A couple of seconds later, a stunning woman in her sixties opened the door. Bella recognized her from photos she'd seen over the years, only she had an aura of warmth the pictures didn't capture. She had Edward's vibrant green eyes and his caramel-coloured hair – only hers was arranged in dainty waves, while his stuck out in all directions.
Her smile was big and genuine.
"Edward. And you must be Bella."
She took Bella's hands into both of hers, which were soft and warm.
"Welcome to our family, Bella. I'm Esme."
"Thank you for inviting me," Bella replied.
Esme hugged her son, who was almost a foot taller, and patted his cheeks, telling him he looked quite healthy, at which he rolled his eyes good-naturedly.
Bella handed Esme the cake and she gushed about it while they shed their coats and followed Esme down the hallway. The interior was elegant, a far cry from the Swans' home. Valuable antiques and precious materials made the house look very stylish and upper class.
Bella tried not to be overawed. She grabbed Edward's hand before they entered the living room. He looked at her, his green eyes warm and compassionate.
"Just be yourself," he murmured against her lips. "I love you."
Feeling somewhat calmer, she took a deep breath and stepped in.
The living room was large and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the garden. Cream-coloured couches and rows and rows of books dominated the room. There was also a grand piano.
A man who had to be in his late sixties closed the distance between them. His hair was silver, but his facial features clearly betrayed him as Edward's father.
"Edward! It's lovely to see you."
Yes, Bella thought, he had that same irresistible smile.
"Dad, meet my Bella."
They shook hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
She had Googled him last night, and had come to know that he had received the Order of the British Empire, which did not make him Sir Carlisle – or did it? No, he would have to be a Knight of the British Empire… Bella felt her cheeks get hot.
"Please call me Carlisle." He smiled again and, taking her by the elbow, led her to one of the couches.
From the corner of her eye, Bella saw Edward frown and pout his lips, which was a very cute combination. He sat down next to her and took her hand while Carlisle retreated to the liquor cabinet.
"Ro and Emmett should be here presently," Esme announced. "And they're bringing a surprise with them!"
"Mum," Edward groaned. "What did I say about surprises?"
oOo
Have a lovely weekend, everyone!