I do not own Twilight.
Betaed by SunflowerFran; remaining mistakes are mine.
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"Look at her!"
Bella couldn't stop looking at their little treasure, who was busily sniffing her way around the living room.
After they'd met Jennie yesterday afternoon, Kristie had let them take a walk with her, and both Edward and Bella had completely fallen in love with the shy, broken-hearted animal that appeared to thaw a little while they walked.
Afterward, they'd stopped at PetLondon. They got a bed, a leash, several bowls, a multitude of toys, and food for at least two months. Edward's eyes were shining the whole time.
Later that day, they went for another walk, in Regent Park this time. Jennie was a lively dog, and although she was still shy, the sadness that had surrounded her at the shelter seemed to be dissipating slowly.
Bella had a very strong feeling that getting Jennie might be the best therapy for Edward.
.
The next day, Edward was terrified. He'd had four weekly meetings with Alec so far, and was finding it increasingly easy to be open with him. Yet Alec had started stressing at their second meeting that Edward should consider attending AA meetings. Standing in front of a bunch of strangers and talking about his innermost demons horrified Edward.
He'd talked with Bella about it, and she had been gentle and encouraging. He had also had a heart-to-heart with his mother. Esme had been understanding, but also told him it was something that he might try.
So he'd found a group in Bethnal Green. He wanted something far away from home, scared he might meet a neighbour or acquaintance.
The meeting was scheduled to be at six p.m., and by two, Edward was going bonkers.
"Baby," Bella whispered in his ear, trying to relax him with a neck massage. "You don't need to go today."
"I know, but the longer I stall, the harder it will be."
He pulled at his hair and gritted his teeth.
"We're doing something nice after, okay?" Bella kissed his ear, her warm lips making him close his eyes.
"I'll meet you at The Summerhouse, what d'you say? It's still warm enough so we can sit outside. You can eat steak, and I have the beetroot risotto. We'll take a walk afterwards, or maybe go and catch a movie…"
Edward caught her small, soft hands in his and kissed them before turning around and pulling her in his lap.
"I love you so much," he whispered into the softness of her hair. "I couldn't do any of this without you." he kissed her neck. "You know what I want to do after the meeting?"
She shook her head, large brown eyes staring into his.
"I'm picking up something from Masala Zone, like some veggie kabobs, chickpea salad, and curry and naan, yes?"
"Hmm," Bella sighed, placing a small kiss on his lips.
"And we'll have a picnic, and then I get to make love to you…" He kissed her in earnest. "Over and over," he whispered.
Their love life had only picked up again over the last two weeks. Before, Edward's injuries, and the side effects from his medication, as well as the general sense of fragility between them, had put a lid on that. He wanted to make it up to Bella, at least in that respect.
"Okay," she murmured against his lips, before pushing him back into the sofa – mindful of his hurt left side – and straddled him.
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Thank you for all the lovely reviews for the last chapter; I'm sorry I didn't manage to thank every one of you. Every word you write means a lot to me!
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