"Are we there yet?" I quipped from the back of the truck. We had only been driving an hour, and I wasn't at all impatient, but I thought it was an appropriate comment given the present company. Bella let out a little laugh at my childishness as she ran a hand through my hair.
"Do you want a hint?" She whispered softly in my ear. It was killing her that I had completely dropped the interrogation as to our intended location.
I shook my head as it rested on the back of the seat, and then let it roll to the side to connect our eyes. Her golden eyes sparkled in the flickering light that came through the window, as the Adirondack forest past beside us. The sun was low on the horizon even though it was now mid-morning, just filtering through the thin, barren trees that lined up like soldiers on the side of the road. At that moment, my own amber eyes taking in hers, I felt so utterly loved and understood. It meant more to me that I could put into words that she had taken the time to plan a family trip and the fact that she kept it a surprise from me for who knows how long, made it all that more special.
"I love you Bella." I murmured to her as I leaned over to kiss her cheek. I felt her face tilt down next to me as her gaze fell to our hands entwined in her lap.
"I love you too Edward, more than you could ever know." She quietly answered back. I honestly didn't care where we were going – as long as she was by my side. Not a moment later, I heard a high-pitched squeal from the seat in front of us.
"We're here! We're here!" Alice clapped. I turned in my seat to see a building, typical Adirondack style with a square simple shape, cedar siding and a green metal roof, with a carved wooden sign on the side reading Adirondack Whitewater Rafting Outfitters. I quickly turned back to Bella. She wore a glorious grin on her face as she read the excitement on mine.
"Are we really going whitewater rafting?" I asked with a bit of disbelief. It was always something that I wanted to try, but never made the time to do. I certainly didn't think it was something that Bella would be interested in experiencing, or convince Rose and Alice to do. She nodded her head in excitement as we made out way out of the truck.
"Alice, it is pretty sunny out right now, do you see the weather changing soon?" I asked, knowing full well we couldn't all be out, even covered up, with such direct sun light.
"Yes, by the time we go in and register and get instructions from the guide, it will be completely overcast." Alice answered with her undeniable confidence.
With that, we all walked into the one-room building in front of us that appeared to pose as both a store and educational center. Bella walked up to the young man perched at the counter. He was studying a mountain climbing magazine and slowly drew his gaze up to meet hers. His eyes instantly grew wide as he took in the sight of my beautiful wife, who stood there patiently while he worked through his lusty thoughts. Since her change, she had always been empathetic to humans' reactions to the sight of us, having experienced it first hand. She may have patients, but in the twenty seconds since he had seen her, he was already undressing her and was thinking of actions only I was allowed to perform on her.
I quickly walked up to the counter and put a stop to the young man's sexual ranting. "We are the Cullen party." I said while draping an arm around Bella's shoulders. He immediately glanced down to her hand and noticed her wedding ring.
Good call Edward. That boy was ready to jump your wife. Jasper commented from behind me while he inspected some of the rafting gear for sale. Alice was trying to figure out which life jacket would look cutest on her. Rosalie was annoyed she had to wear one at all since it didn't match her outfit.
"Right," he replied slightly shaking his head to clear it, "the part of eight, right?" I nodded in confirmation.
"Okay, let me got get Jim, who will be your guide and we can get started." He said and then walked down the length of the counter and disappeared through a doorway at the end of the room. Within a minute the clerk and a well built, middle-aged man, who I could only assume was Jim, walked out into the showroom.
"Hi folks. I'm Jim." The man said while looking around at all of us.
"Hi Jim, I'm Bella Cullen. We spoke on the phone a few weeks ago." She said while holding out her hand to shake his. A few weeks ago? My family had been keeping this outing a secret for that long. I didn't think that was possible. I wasn't sure whether I was impressed or horrified. I had always assumed I knew everything that was going on in the inner-workings of the Cullen clan. Apparently I was sorely mistaken.
Don't worry Edward. We planned this a few weeks ago, but then agreed to not talk or think about it so that we didn't slip up around you. Alice thoughts said to me, obviously seeing me asking Bella about it.
Jim continued, "I'm the co-owner along with my brother. I am going to be your guide today. Brian here," he said while holding a hand up to the clerk, "will get all of you fitted for gear. We will go through a few different training and safety points and then we will be on our way. Given the size of the party I think it would work best to break you into two groups of four if that is okay with everyone. That way we can be in smaller rafts that are more maneuverable." He asked while scanning our faces. We all nodded in excitement.
"Jim, given that it isn't the rainy season like in the spring, what are the rapids like right now?" Emmett asked eager to see some higher-class waters.
"Well, you are right…" he paused, waiting for Emmett to say his name.
"Emmett and this is my wife Rosalie" He smirked while pulling Rose over to him. She feigned a smile in response. She was being a very good sport considering the events that lay ahead.
"Well, Emmett, you are right. The spring is traditionally our busiest time and when the rapids are the highest. But, we have had quite a bit of rain this fall, along with that snow last week that has since melted, and they are fairly active right now. I think we will have a pretty good ride today. Hope you're up for it." Jim said with a hearty chuckle. Emmett responded by nodding his head in affirmation and rubbing his hands together – as if he were a kid in a candy store.
During the next thirty minutes we were all fitted for dry suits, considering is was just above freezing, technically we should need the protection from the cold, life preservers and helmets. We then watched a short video on rafting safety and what to do if someone goes overboard.
I bet you can't get Jasper overboard Edward. Emmett challenged to me. As tempting as that bet would be to accept, I had no doubt I would win, I did not want to take the chance in disrupting the day. Plus, if we were human, I am certain is would be a very bad thing if we went in the water. If Jasper got thrown in, it would be difficult to contain our laughter knowing he could never come to harm from mere water.
"Okay, judging by everyone's sizes, to make the boats even in weight, I going to put Alice, Jasper, Esme, Carlisle and I in one boat. Edward, Bella, Rosalie and Emmett in the second. Given the time of year and the temperature, we should have the water to ourselves today." Jim commented as he headed out the back door of the store and down the path to the river's edge.
Bella grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "Are you excited?" she asked with a sweet grin. I leaned over and quickly kissed her cheek. "Very! This is such a great idea. Thank you love." I responded.
"Well, I know you guys like roller coasters, but I still don't think I could stomach them. And I wanted to go skiing, but none of the resorts open until December 1st. So, I thought this seemed like a good compromise. I glad there has been some rain so Emmett can have his fun." She grinned up at the back of her brother's head.
"You really are too good for this family." I whispered in her ear as we all came to stand on the edge of the water. I felt her cheek pull up in a familiar shy smile against mine.
Quit it you two. Can't you see this is serious business? We are supposed to be worried about how not to drown today. Alice jokingly chastised. I turned around and gave her a knowing smirk.
We all loaded into our respective rafts, with Jim's boat in the lead. Alice was right. It was completely overcast with a threat of rain at this point. Perfect weather. Bella and Rosalie were in the front on either side with Emmett and me in the back.
"Okay, we are going to push off and stay close to shore for a little, until everyone gets comfortable with the paddles." Jim said in a raised voice from the boat in front of us.
"Remember, if at any time you are uncomfortable with the speed, tell your boat-mates and we will direct the rafts closer to shore where it is calmer. If you feel like you are getting bounced around too much, you can sit closer to the center on the floor." He finished while turning around and pushing off.
The rafts were quickly picked up by the current and traveled down the river without any assistance. I watched Bella as she became acquainted with maneuvering her paddle, trying hard to only use human-level strength. After about five minutes of drifting along, the rapids picked up considerable and we were getting bounced all around. At one point a big wave crashed over Jasper's side of their boat and soaked him to the core. He turned around to smirk at us, his hair all plastered to his forehead.
"Ha! Look at Jasper's lovely locks." Emmett chortled just as a big gush of water came over his side of the raft. "Ah crap!" He yelled. Rose was highly amused at her husband's misfortune.
"That will teach you Em." She yelled over her shoulder. "Ah, who am I kidding? No it won't" She finished with a grin before she turned back around.
I looked forward at the other boat. Alice had given up and was now sitting in the center. She turned around and smirked at me. I'm too little, I was getting thrown all over the place – and I am not going in the water.
"Up ahead about two-hundred yards the rapids are going to pick up a bit. Remember to dig your paddles in deep to keep control." Jim hollered from his front position in the boat. "You guys are doing great!" He added.
We spent the next two hours on the water, paddling, laughing and getting generally soaked. It was one of the best family activities we had ever done, and all thanks to my Bella. We paddled the boats to the dock and Jim pulled them up on shore. We walked up the path to see Brian waiting with a van to take us back to the shop.
Jasper came up and put an arm around Bella shoulder, "Thanks for planning all of this Bella. It was well worth the weeks of blocking Edward," He turned around to smirk at me then he planted a kiss on her cheek.
As I said jokingly, "Go kiss your own wife Jasper," Alice came running up behind me and jumped on my back. "Yes this was definitely worth reciting Webster's Dictionary." She laughed kissing my cheek then dismounted and scurried past Jasper, grabbing his hand in the process, pulling his arm off of Bella.
"Is that what you were doing?" I asked with surprise. I had heard snippets of her thoughts, but since they were so random, I would quickly block them out. I should have known better than to assume they were innocent. But at the same time, I am very glad I didn't catch on. This was one of the few times in my long existence I was truly surprised.
We all loaded into the vans and drove at a very slow, but humans' pace, back to the shop. We changed back into our clothes, thanked Jim and Brian and headed for our cars. It was late afternoon by now. "Where to now?" I inquired to Bella.
She gave me a smirk as we got into our vehicle. "You'll see Edward," placing her delicate hand on my cheek, "patience." I rolled my eyes at her. She knew patience was not one of my strong suits. We drove for another twenty minutes then pulled up to a large cottage style hotel with white siding and dark green shutters. I saw as we came into the valet area that there were several buildings all of the same style, but off to the back of the property there was a sizable house with a stone façade.
We walked into the lobby. It had a high peaked ceiling and dark wood on every surface. Bella approached the front desk. "Hi, we have a reservation under Cullen for two nights for the Colonial House." I put my arm around her waist as we waited for the clerk to look up her reservations.
"Yes. We have you here. And you have a tee time and appointments at the spa tomorrow morning at nine, is that correct?" The young woman inquired as she looked up from her computer, stealing a brief glance at me, and then settling back on Bella.
The Colonial House, they must have some good money. And look at how attractive all of the men are, lucky girls.
"That's right." Bella responded.
"Will be you be dining with us this evening?" She asked.
Bella shook her head, holding back a smirk, "No, we are all set for dinner, thank you." The clerk returned to her computer to complete the check-in. I took a moment to look around the lobby and into the lounge. I was certain this was a structure that had been renovated, possibly from the 1920's. It certainly had Adirondack charm but with an understated elegance.
"Alright Mrs. Cullen. Here are four keys to the Colonial House. Brad the bellhop will take your luggage over to the house and show you around. We will see the ladies tomorrow at the spa, please arrive fifteen minutes early for your appointment and the gentlemen can report to the golf course at nine. Please let us know if you have any questions about the facility and enjoy your stay." She finished.
"Thank you." Bella replied while turning to me. The rest of the family was wandering through the lobby and lounge area.
In barely above a whisper, "Come on, we are going to our rooms." I said. My family members all looked up and followed Bella and I, who followed Brad, out the front door to the left on the path to our accommodations.
"Do we have this whole house to ourselves?" I asked Bella.
"Yes, there are four suites and a main living area. And the best part is that there is a big hot tub on the back deck overlooking the lake." She practically squealed with delight as she pulled me towards the stone house. We entered the house and Brad put our bags in each of our rooms and briefly showed us around the house. All eight of us were milling around checking out the accommodations.
"How did you find this place Bella?" Inquired Rose.
"Someone from school recommended it. She said it was rated as one of the top ten romantic lodges in the country."
With that comment, I quickly eyed the hot tub and pulled Bella out to the large back deck. The sun was just starting to set and although it wasn't sunny, the clouds were beginning to break on the horizon, just above the tops of the mountains. There was a pink glow cast through onto the lake. It was magnificent. I closed the sliding glass door behind us.
I pulled Bella to me, my arms around her waist, hands locked at the small of her back. Her arms were around my neck, running her fingers through the hair at the nape of my neck. "Do you have any idea how amazing you are?" I said.
She didn't say anything in response, just shook her head shyly as she looked down. I unclasped my hands and placed a finger under her chin, drawing it up to meet my gaze. "You are. You are the most amazing creature I have ever known and still to this day I can't believe I am lucky enough to be loved by you." I whispered to her, holding her gaze with my own smoldering amber eyes.
She shook her head ever so slightly again, but didn't look away, "No, you have that backwards. It is me that is lucky." She paused for just a moment. "Without your love, I don't know where I would be now, still some boring human." She grimaced. "I would never have experienced the all-consuming and fulfilling love and passion that I have with you. Loving you, Edward, is easier than you think. It was as if I was made to do it. It comes as natural to me as breathing." We both let out a little chuckle at the irony. "And I am so happy that I could finally do something for you, because you have done more for me than I can ever put into words."
I didn't know what to say in response. The depths of her love for me never ceased to amaze me. How could I have ever doubted, all those years ago, that she wasn't capable of loving me to the level that I loved her. And at the time, that level was nothing compared to how I feel now that she was my wife, my equal, the very air that I so unnecessarily breathe.
For lack of words, I let my touch portray my thoughts. My hand lingered along her chin them moved along her jaw to her ear, pushing her hair back behind her shoulder, pulling her closer to me as her eyes seductively slid closed. My other hand came up to caress her porcelain cheek as I pressed my lips to hers. She readily granted me access as I let my lips and tongue explore hers, dancing in a slow, rhythmic pulse. The feel of her sweet lips on mine sent a warm tingle right down to my toes. Her hands dropped down my shoulders and arms to my waist, firmly gripped my sweater, pulling us even closer together, blurring our physical boundaries into one. I felt as though I couldn't taste, smell, enjoy her enough. My hand reached up to gently run my fingers through her hair. The physical and emotional connection exchanged in that one kiss was the same as if I had ripped her clothes off and had my way with her right there on the deck.
When we finally released from our tantalizing dance, we were breathless. Her gaze on me was dark with desire. I wanted the world to disappear for the moment so I could selfishly relish in every inch of her, breath her in and let the love that she emanated warm my long-cold core.
Edward, we are going back to the lounge for a while. Come over when you two are ready. Carlisle said in his thoughts. Bella and I stood there embracing each other for several more minutes; the pink glow on the horizon finally surrendering to the mountain's peaks.
She took in a deep breath as she buried her face in my chest. "I guess we should go join everyone else." She said reluctantly.
I chuckled, "I suppose so considering this is suppose to be a 'family vacation'. Only a few more weeks and I will have you all to myself." We both smiled at the idea.
We made our way over to the main lodge and into the bar area. There was just a small group of humans enjoying drinks. Our family was off to the left at two small bar tables with high chairs. I quickly took stock walked over to them and realized that someone was missing.
"Where's Alice?" My brow knit with concern. Jasper simply raised his hand at the stage located at the back of the lounge. Alice was up there, flipping through a three-ringed binder, with a microphone in her hand.
"Please tell me that is not karaoke?" I groaned.
"Yup it is Edward and you and Bella are up next." Emmett exclaimed. Bella began shaking her head profusely while squeezing my hand tight.
"I'm not going up there Edward." She whispered to me as we took a seat. I just smiled and nodded. Even with Bella's enhanced abilities and general improvement in her self-confidence since her change, karaoke would be pushing her a bit.
For the next hour and a half we listened to Emmett, Rose, Alice and even Esme belt out seventies and eighties tunes with no shame. Alice and Rose did a duet of I've Got You Babe. By the end of the evening my stomach muscles hurt from laughing so hard at my family's antics.
The next day we left our rooms at quarter to eight, up the path to the main lodge. Bella had scheduled a tee time for Jasper, Emmett, Carlisle and I on the golf course. It again was a perfect overcast day in the low forties. Rosalie, Alice, Esme and Bella left us in the lobby to go to their spa appointments. As much as massages were appealing, the masseuse might break their fingers trying to knead their rock-like skin. And given our perfect complexions, facials were unnecessary as well. Therefore the ladies settled on pedicures and manicures.
Carlisle and I were in one golf cart and Emmett and Jasper were in front of us in the other. I was still slightly overwhelmed by all that Bella had done for our family and me.
Carlisle must have sensed my somber mood. "You okay son?"
I let out a sigh before I responded. "Yes, more than okay, but I feel a little overwhelmed by all that Bella did for me."
"She loves you very much Edward. You have surprised her many times over the years, she wanted to do something for you in return." He said while we drove along the course to the first hole.
There was a moment of silence while I pondered my thoughts. "I feel sometimes, even after all of these years with her…" I struggled slightly to put into words the all-consuming love I felt for her and how I couldn't comprehend that it kept growing, maturing. But Carlisle must have been the mind reader that day.
"You can't believe that every day you love her more." He said with certainty. I nodded my head in affirmation as I looked out over the greenery.
"Sometimes the intensity of it consumes me to the point where all I can do is just be around her, nothing else, I feel pitiful. It's not like we are newlyweds any more. Does it ever stop being this way?"
"For your mother and I, no, it hasn't ever stopped. And the dull ache that you feel when you are separated doesn't subside either – though I have to admit I have grown to like that in a strange way. It's like a physical representation of my connection to her." He paused for a brief moment before continuing, a small smile played on his face. "I loved her from the moment I laid eyes on her when she was a teenager laying in a hospital bed with a broken leg. After I changed her and she grew to reciprocate my love," he took in a swift breath, "well that is all I had ever dreamed of.
"Edward, you know I have never regretted changing any of you, not for one moment, even if our darkest hours. You have been a wonderful companion and son. But Esme, your mother, she is the only reason I have existed for as long as I have. For the over two hundred years before she came into my life, I was content, but not complete by any means. Since we have been together, I have experiences joy that no other being, human or vampire could ever dream of. I know you have found the same thing in Bella. And although our kind loves with an undying passion for their mate like no human could, Bella was different even before her change – her change has just intensified it. She is capable of love like no one I have ever seen other than Esme. And all of that is for you." I bowed my head, examining my hands while he spoke of the undeniable truth. Once again feeling unworthy.
"To have someone love you the way that Bella does, it can feel…overwhelming at times, like an enormous responsibility. I know. I have felt the same. But, Bella was made for you just as your mother was made for me. Loving your mother has been my greatest accomplishment, it is as natural as breathing." I let out chuckle at his wording.
"That is exactly what she told me last night. That loving me was as natural as breathing." I smiled at the memory.
"She's right. You have come a long way over the years Edward, both of you. Now you just need to get through this one last hurdle together and you will have some time alone."
"I am really looking forward to taking her away for awhile. We haven't been separated from the family for more than a few days in three years." I grinned at the image that Alice placed in my head of Bella in the blue string bikini. Yes, I truly was lucky.