A/N ~
This is going to be a fairly short story only one more chapter to go. The whole tear fest is dedicated to my cookie monster Butterfly Betty, who keeps promising she will share Edward and never does... LOL x
I don't own Twilight or anyone in it!
This story is rated M for future Lemons. Please review. xx
The Journey chapter 3
Waking up beside Edward had been like a dream that didn't seem quite true.
He really was here beside her...but in a heartbeat she realised it meant loosing Pops was a real too.
Knowing he was dying was something she couldn't deny, but Bella was not about to walk away from Pops when he needed her, or from Edward when she knew they needed each other. They had both become so important to her.
She had not been given the chance to say Goodbye or I love you to Charlie and would not make that mistake again.
Edward felt Bella move in his arms, but didn't open his eyes, hoping to keep her there just a little while longer.
He could easily fall for this beautiful creature, but didn't know if she felt the same way he did. Did she like him or was it just a friendship built on the promise of a family to be part of?
Bella wriggled out of his hold and moved into the bathroom to get ready for the morning ahead. Esme had lent her a dressing gown and Alice had promised to bring some clothes.
She washed her face and pulled her hair into a tidier style.
She stepped over to the bed, Edward had moved into the space she had just left. Bella pushed his hair with her finger tips, it was so soft and the most stunning colour. As she leaned down to kiss his cheek he moved as he sighed and turned his head causing her lips to softly kiss his. They both froze as his eyes opened to find hers staring back at him.
Before she could move away his arms wrapped around her body and pulled her closer. Bella climbed further onto the bed giving herself completely to his mercy.
Soft kisses deepened and lips parted, allowing Edwards tongue to venture into Bella's mouth.
She whimpered, he moaned.
Their kisses stayed chaste, Edward would take this at Bella's pace, and just as she was savouring being treated with so much unknown tenderness.
All too soon they both broke away in need of oxygen.
"Wow..."
"Uh huh..."
Bella rested her head down on his shoulder, aware of his hard body lying beneath hers.
"Good Morning." She giggled.
"It sure is Love."
Bella looked down at Edward and saw him gazing back up with equal affection.
"I have never met anyone quite like you Miss Swan." He whispered as his fingers brushed her bangs back.
"I feel the same..." She could not look away.
"I know you are here because of Pop's"
Bella was unsure what Edward meant.
"But I want you to be here with me too." He carried on, "I should have asked...do you have a boyfriend?"
"No!" Bella made to move away, "Do you have a girlfriend?"
"God no!" Edward started laughing, "Let's start again shall we?"
Bella nodded.
"I want to get to know you Bella, go out on some dates, I really like you. I hope you feel the same way. If not...I want to be your friend."
"I want to be more than your friend Edward."
"Thank goodness for that." Bella squealed as Edward pulled her back towards him and started kissing her again.
In between kissing, they spoke about past relationships, about Kate, and the few boys Bella had dated.
That wasn't a long conversation.
Jake had been her childhood sweetheart, they had shared first kiss, but he had fallen in love with Leah. It had ended friendly enough. Jake had never meant to hurt Bella, and she never stood in the way when she saw the way they both Jake & Leah looked at each other.
James had taken Bella out on a few dates but Bella didn't see it having a future. The way he made her skin crawl when he touched her was enough for her not to pursue the relationship.
He demanded more physically from her, she declined so he threatened to dump her, and she walked away.
Edward listened in horror at the way she had been treated. They both talked about their first times. Edward's was with Jessica who was just as inexperienced; the whole thing had been awkward and embarrassing. They both laughed about it when they met up in a bar years later. Thankfully neither traumatised by the event, and both had gone on to have much more fulfilling sex lives.
Bella had as she put it, finally cashed in her V card to Mike, just because she wanted to know what all the fuss was about and he was a sweet guy she had met at college.
"Was it how you thought it would be?" Edward asked hoping this Mike had not let down the male side like Jake and James had done for Bella.
She shrugged, "It was messy and quick...and..." she hid her face in his shoulder suddenly completely embarrassed at the line of conversation.
"And what you can't leave me hanging like that..." Edward whined.
"Well he left me hanging...!" Bella laughed and then hid again.
"He left you...you didn't...?"
"Nope!" she squeaked.
"Well some girls don't...I know Jessica didn't but we well...I made sure she was ok afterwards." Edward put his hand over his face in horror at how appalling a lover he had been as a teenager.
"How old were you?" she asked.
"We were both just 16" Edward admitted bashfully. "What about you?"
"19...I just thought I would get it over and done with." She shrugged, "It was a bit of an anticlimax...well more of a no climax!" Bella laughed at her own joke.
"Did it get better with practice?" Edward asked hopefully.
"Nope...he fell asleep on me after he came one time...and the other three or four attempts it was not much better."
"Oh Bella...I apologise to you on behalf of all mankind." Edward looked so serious with his declaration that Bella felt bad laughing.
"So you haven't had much luck there then...?" he asked as tactfully as he could.
Bella shook her head. "No ...and not long after I gave up with Mike, my Dad...he was killed."
Edward pulled Bella closer and kissed her head trying to convey his support and sympathy for her loss.
"I kind of lost the desire to try any more... I kind of stumbled on as best as I could. Life was hard enough trying to balance my studies and finances without adding in dating and anything else to be honest."
Edward held her close... neither spoke for a little while. "You must miss your Dad very much." Edward eventually said.
"I do." Bella nodded against his chest. "He was my best friend, my Daddy, well just everything to me."
"And your mother?" he asked nervously.
"No idea. She sent me an email when she heard Charlie had been killed, said she would not be able to come to the funeral as she was finding herself in India on some tantric sex retreat with her new husband."
"What?" Edward felt so much anger at this woman who should have dropped everything to come and support her daughter, but did nothing.
Bella took a deep breath and let it out slowly..."Yeah...best not to ask any more about that...she left when I was little to see what was out there...that's what she told Charlie and I hear more from her since she discovered email than ever before. It is usually in the form of a letter sent to most folk on her address list."
Edward lay there silent in his anger for Bella's abandonment.
"I promise you, that no matter what...I will always be your friend and we will always be here for you as your family. I do not want you to think it has to be as my girlfriend or nothing at all."
"You want me to be your girl?"
"Yes...do you want to be my girl?"
"You don't know me." She whispered.
"I am pretty sure I won't change my mind but I will ask you again in a few weeks if you want?" Edward grinned.
"Deal, you have a deal Edward." Bella giggled.
It was time to get up and join everyone for breakfast. Pops had not got up yet, and Carlisle was concerned about his dad's change in condition and was making an appointment to go in and review medications with Pops and his consultant, when Pops managed to come into the room with just a little support from Alice.
"How are you feeling this morning Dad?"
"A bit better thanks Son. I think I over did it yesterday, hoping to take it a bit easier today."
Plans were made over breakfast to get Bella moved into Cullen House, and to speed up the renovations for the rooms downstairs. Emmett called in extra staff from his contracting company, and cancelled a few meetings so he could over see and work on the renovations himself.
Bella didn't have many items to move so Jasper and Edward hoped to fit it all in their truck and car. Alice tried her best to convince Bella to come shopping, but she really didn't want to go, a combination of lack of money and interest was cited as reasons not to go at all, Rose laughed, impressed at Bella's ability to say no to the shopping pixie.
"Esme...can I talk to you for a moment please?"
Bella approached Esme nervously but determined.
"I know you have a lot going on just now, with the rooms for Pop's. You said about doing up a room for me. I am more than happy to stay in Jasper's old room."
Esme nodded and thanked Bella for her consideration. "Neither you or Edward are children any more, but I want you to be safe. If you need to talk to me about anything, and I mean anything, you come to me?" Bella nodded. "Thank you Esme."
The two women shared a loving hug, when Bella stepped back she knew instantly it was Edward's arms that were wrapped protectively around her and there was no place she would rather be.
The day passed quickly. Carlisle and Pops had a new drug regime planned with the consultant, his cancer was progressing but they hoped this would hold it at bay and make the symptoms more manageable for a while longer.
Esme and Emmett had made amazing headway the downstairs rooms and Pops could move in the next few days. Esme had cleared the last remaining items of Jaspers from his old room and everyone had helped move Bella into it and make it her own. She didn't have many items, but her old record player and vinyl collection that Charlie had left her took pride of place on a unit Esme had moved in from elsewhere in the house. That and her cello made Bella feel at home no matter where she was.
The next few weeks passed quickly and happily. Rose's latest scans showed baby Cullen was growing well, she was glowing with her pregnancy. Everyone continued to make sure she took it easy, doing nothing strenuous or stressful. Rose had never been one to allow anyone to wrap her up in cotton wool, but after Pop's told her his greatest wish was to live long enough to see his first grandchild, she did as everyone asked and focused all her attention on doing nothing but growing her unborn child. She had just less than three months to nurture her little one.
Bella headed up to her room, she hadn't seen Edward very much since he came home today, he had been quiet and she wanted to make sure he was ok.
The shared bathroom door was open. She could hear a noise coming from the room.
"Hello?" she wandered in, but before she could reach the light switch she realised Edward was in the bath, only light coming from his bedroom illuminated through to them.
"Are you ok?" she whispered, torn between giving him his privacy and making sure he was ok.
"Not really." He replied so quietly.
Bella knelt down beside the bath.
"What's happened?"
"I was just thinking about some things." He took the wash cloth and wiped his face. Tears filled his eyes.
"Edward...Talk to me..."
"Bella, I am naked here and you want to talk?" He tried to laugh, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"I will be back." Bella stood up and started gathering things from the room next door.
She returned and poured some foaming bath essence in and turned the taps on giving Edward some bubbles to provide him with some coverage.
A bean bag was thrown beside the bath for her to sit on after she lit some candles subtly light the room. She closed both doors and sat down picking up a sponge and used it to drizzle warm water over Edward's chest.
"When you are ready to talk, I am here to listen." She promised.
Edward told Bella of his fears, loosing Pop's, not knowing if Bella cared for him in the same way he cared for her. How he was worried she would leave after Pops was gone. He was feeling so many emotions it was messing with his head and heart.
"I care for you very much Edward. It is more than being part of this family for me."
"You are my best friend Bells." He confessed.
"I was hoping to be your girlfriend too." She giggled.
"Oh thank god for that!" He grinned like a Cheshire cat.
"We need to take things slowly though please."
"This is enough for me just now Love." He sighed.
"Let me care for you, sit forward and let me wash your hair."
It had been a long time anyone else had washed Edward's hair. It must have been Esme when he was a child.
Sitting forward in the bath he felt his whole body relax as Bella lathered up his shampoo. Her fingers massaged his scalp, and the groan slipped out of his mouth before he could stop it.
"Close your eyes..." She whispered.
He did as she asked; taking the shower head Bella rinsed the lather away and started washing Edward's back. Her fingers worked the muscles that held tension in his neck and shoulders.
Using a bath sponge she poured water over him to wash it all away. Moving round to sit on the edge of the bath, she pushed his hair back from his face. The twinkle was back in his eyes, she leaned forward, closing her eyes as she got closer and kissed him softly with love and affection transferring from her lips to his.
Edward reached up and held her closer, pulling her off balance as she fell into the bath with him. Water sloshed up and spilled over flooding the bathroom floor. Neither cared as the kissed and touched each other's faces with their finger tips.
Edward laughed and Bella blushed as the stopped for breath.
"You have too many clothes on for a bath." He raised his eye brow as he spoke.
Bella chuckled and managed to get herself out of the bath as Edward protested and tried to pull her back in.
She took off her wet tee shirt and jeans as Edward lay back and enjoyed the show. Turning her back to him she pulled off her bra, making sure that her refection in the mirror did not reveal all to her audience. She stood there in just her soaking blue cotton panties, pulled up her hair into a messy bun with one of her numerous hair bands, Edward speechless and enthralled with her teasing. Bella lifted up a huge bath towel, wrapped it around her and turned facing the bathtub. Biting down on her lip she looked Edward in the eye and reached under the towel and shimmied out of her panties, held them up in triumph and threw them into the laundry hamper before blowing Edward a kiss and taking off into her bedroom to recover her composure, hearing Edward laugh after he gasped in shock at her sauciness.
Pop's spoke every night to his Angel Beth, promising he would see her soon, but asking for a little while longer.
"I just need to be here to help Rosie my Darling," he explained one night as he held the photo from his bedside of his sorely missed late wife in his shaking hands.
He took a breath and carried on talking to the other person he began speaking to weeks ago when he realised who Bella was.
"Our girl is doing fine Charlie; I know she will be looked after when I leave this body my friend."
Pop's remembered Charlie Swan fondly, making his pledge to watch over his daughter as long as he could, was an easy promise to make.
He kissed the photo of his Beth, said goodnight and made his wish for another day, just as he had done for the last few weeks.
A short while later Bella came in to do her last check on Pops before she could settle down to sleep. Like a little girl she climbed up carefully onto his bed and snuggled beside him as they spoke about their day.
Pops smiled as Edward walked in ready to escort Bella to bed.
"Hey Pop's can I steal my girl away?" He grinned, delighted that Bella has agreed to be his girl the second time he has asked her.
"She was mine first you young whipper snapper!" He chuckled back as Bella smiled at her two favourite people in the whole world.
She wished him a good night sleep and sweet dreams before kissing his cheek. He smiled and kissed her forehead wishing her the same.
It was her turn to sleep in the room next door, Edward would join her as she did him when it was his turn. The two had not spent a night apart since Bella's first night in Cullen House. Pops gave Edward a hug and promised to press the button on the intercom if he needed anything.
As a couple they had taken things slowly, Edward courted his girl with so much affection and romance, they had yet to go all the way, but Bella had never felt as cherished as she did with anyone else before Edward.
They spent almost all their time together, the sessions Edward had booked to play his piano in various places such as the country club were all delighted to accept him and Bella as a duo and Edward banked their earnings in their accounts each week.
Bella didn't know that Edward was giving her the whole fee. He didn't need the money; his trust fund was more than he would ever need. Bella spent very little money, and was delighted she had enough saved up for her next year's education. She was completely unaware that Pop's had paid for her tuition fees and books. He would face her on that argument when he had to.
Edward snuggled in with Bella, pulling her close, knowing he was getting closer each day to being unable to control his urges for her, but next door to his Pops was not the place to show her the passion he felt for her the first time they made love.
Bella felt the same. The both looked into each other's eyes, his hand moving up and down her spine, her hand cupping his cheek.
At the same moment they could both no longer hold the words back.
"I love you Bella."
"Edward I love you."
They had both chosen the exact same moment to declare their love for one and other.
She giggled and he chuckled in delight for the secret they had shared.
After exchanging tender kisses they fell asleep both thankful for the love they had found together.
Pops smiled, hearing the two youngsters laugh happily together, his heart happier in his failing body.
Just a while longer, he just needed to see Rosie have her baby and then he could go to his Beth, just a few more months. He could do this for his Rosie.
Bella heard Pops talking in the middle of the night.
She got up without disturbing Edward and wandered through to his room.
"Soon Bethie...soon...just need to stay with Rosie till the little one comes."
He had started talking in his sleep a few weeks ago. Bella knew he was talking to his beloved Beth, and never woke him hoping his connection with her was more than just a lover's dream.
She checked he was alright and started to head back to bed when she heard him talk to someone else.
"She is beautiful Charlie, a real credit to you my friend." She stood there, torn between listening in on a private conversation or at very least thoughts, but she was unable to turn around.
"We love her like our own." Pops was nodding slightly, but remained asleep. "Edward loves her Charlie you should see the two of them. Like magnets, they are drawn to each other."
She knew Edward had moved behind her before she heard or felt him, she always knew he was there.
"Is Pops ok Baby?"
Bella nodded pulling Edward's arms tighter around her. "He is dreaming, at least I think he is."
Edward stood for a moment puzzled by Bella's comment.
He was just about to ask what she meant when Pops started speaking again. "I will see you soon Charlie, you look after my Beth and I will make sure Bella is taken care of Son."
"He is taking to your Dad?"
Bella nodded, a single tear fell down her cheek. She wanted to believe that Charlie was close by and that Pops would be with him when he went too. She would hold on to this belief and trust in it when the time came to say goodbye. Turning to face Edward she looked up into his tear filled eyes and smiled.
"Let's go back to bed my Love." He whispered, needing to feel her as close to him as he could.
They never spoke with Pops about his night time conversations, but when they discussed it with Jasper and Alice whose turn it was tonight they admitted they had heard him talking away before.
"He is not upset by it and I have no proof he can't speak to Nana, so I don't see the harm in it." Jasper reasoned.
"I think we should talk to Emmett and Rose about it so they know what is going on, they will be sleeping here in a few nights." Alice suggested and everyone agreed.
More weeks passed, Rosie blossomed and Pops took great delight in celebrating each day that she kept their baby safe.
Pops had started taking afternoon naps. Bella walked him to his room and offered to sit and read as he drifted off to sleep.
"Can you play me something?" he asked softly.
Bella nodded and ran along to the music room where her cello sat next to Edward's piano. Returning she asked his choice. "Anything my sweet child..." He sighed quietly.
Bella helped him settle on the bed, tucking the quilt Rose had finished making for him around him before diming the light leaving her with just enough to play.
She started the soft tune that was in her head...a lullaby that Edward has composed for them. Her eyes closed she could hear his breathing slow and steady as sleep claimed him. Playing the song twice ensured her job was done.
"I love you my dearest Pops." She whispered softly before kissing his cheek. Her hand moved up to wipe away her tear, knowing the strong man who saved her was finding it harder to hold on each day.
The rest of the family were sitting around chatting as a tearful Bella walked into the room. They all looked at her questioning her tears with their eyes.
"Sorry, he is asleep." She said softly before settling herself into Edward lap and letting out a sob.
They all knew they were on borrowed time. Each day way a blessing, they all knew that, but it was not getting any easier facing up to loosing the man they all loved.
"Why have Peter, Charlotte and their boys not been to visit?" Jasper asked.
"I don't know, I spoke with Peter the other day and told him time was running out." Carlisle said, sad that his brother and wife had made no effort to come to see Pops when they only lived an hours' drive away.
"Their boys are too busy working in Europe on something." Esme replied icily.
No one understood why they had made no attempt to call or and spend time with Pops either.
Pops had called them a few times, but Peter had been too busy to talk for long so he never really tried again. He had all he needed here in Cullen House.
Rose rubbed her belly and groaned at the sensation inside her.
"You ok there Rosie?" Emmett asked concerned at his wife's discomfort.
"Yes Honey, Baby is just a little busy just now..."
Carlisle came over and asked if he could check her abdomen out.
"May I?" he asked rubbing his hands together to warm them before touching her precious tummy.
Rose smiled and moved to lie down with her head relaxing on Emmett's lap. The whole family watched in amazement as Carlisle identified the baby's position was perfect for her to deliver in the next few weeks. So far Baby Cullen had been too shy to let them see what sex he or she was. Pops had been convinced it was a girl but everyone just wanted a healthy baby.
"Three more weeks baby...just three more weeks till we get to meet you..." Carlisle spoke as he felt Rose's stomach. He helped Rose cover her stomach again and move round so she was lying more comfortably on her side, Esme pulled down a blanket and they encouraged her to rest for a while. She nodded off to sleep after joking about she should start taking a nap in beside Pops each afternoon.
Carlisle decided to try to explain to his brother one more time how frail their Dad was, hoping to get him to come and at least say goodbye if nothing else.
After an unpleasant conversation with his younger sibling in his study Carlisle wandered into the kitchen to find Bella making soup, tears streaming down her face, he looked at her knowing her heart was breaking at the thought of loosing yet someone else in her young life.
"Bella Honey?" he called out to her.
"Onions..." she sniffed back trying to fob off her tears.
"Come here..." He held his arms out for her, she shook her head but still walked towards him, allowing him to wrap her is a father's embrace, sharing the grief they both knew was inside them. Cleansing tears fell; sobs shuddered from both of them until peace was found in the embrace.
Carlisle smiled as she used the tail of the apron to wipe her face before reaching up giggling to do the same to him.
"Thank you Bella." Carlisle kissed her head and gave her one last hug before turning to find Esme.
Bella kept cooking; she felt the need to make food, and lots of it. A feast was produced over the next hour or so, and kitchen table groaned at the weight it supported.
The family unable to deny the smells that lured them into the kitchen were stunned at the spread before them.
"Are expecting guests?" Alice giggled looking at the feast before her. "Sorry Esme...I got carried away."
"That's ok baby, we can have the left over's tomorrow and freeze the rest." She kissed Bella's cheek before delegating everyone tasks to get the table set so they could sit down to eat.
Just as Bella was setting a tray for Pops the door bell rang. "I'll get it!" She called out and headed towards the front door.
"Hello?" she said politely as she opened the huge oak door. A stern looking couple glared at her before walking past rudely telling her to get out of the way.
Bella stood back, stunned by their entrance; she closed the door behind them and followed them into the kitchen.
Everyone looked at the couple shocked by their arrival. The sullen woman removed her coat, turned and thrust it towards Bella snarling at her. "Oh for goodness sake take this and hang it up!"
Bella nodded and turned to go and attend to the horrid feeling fur coat before Carlisle took it from her. "I will get that Bella."
Charlotte raised her eyebrow and muttered about staff these days before Jasper turned to speak to her.
"This is Bella, Edward's girl not staff Charlotte."
"Are you too old to address me as Aunt Charlotte now Jasper Cullen?" she cackled trying to make light of the way Jasper had spoken to her.
"No...but I think you are old enough not to waltz in here and be so rude to a member of this family." Jasper retorted calmly.
"Don't you dare speak to your Aunt like that boy!" Peter growled stepping forward into Jaspers personal space.
Suddenly all the men stood up and stepped forward taking a protective stance around the room.
"How dare you come here and start your nonsense in our home!" Esme chastised her in-laws, who turned and looked down their noses at her.
"You made it then?" Carlisle said to his brother. "I didn't think you were going to be able to come."
"You made it sound as if we had little choice Carlisle." Peter grumbled.
"What choice was there to make, dad is dying and you have not been to see him since he was told about the cancer months ago."
Bella glanced at the younger brother; he had none of the pleasant characteristics Carlisle had. His eyes were hard and glared at you unlike Carlisle's soft gaze that made you feel better when he looked into your eyes.
Charlotte looked like she could do with a good meal inside her, the numerous plastic surgery procedures she had obviously undertaken had made her face frozen in places and her fake smile looked like a painful grimace.
Deciding to try to play nice she approached them both, "Can I get you some tea or coffee?"
They both looked at her, still not convinced she was not staff, who now speaking out of turn.
"I will get the more cups Bells." Jasper stood up keen to get away from these bloodsuckers.
Normally a clam and placid person, he felt them get under his skin every time he had the miss fortune to be in the same room as them. He even went as far as to refuse to invite them to his and Alice's wedding.
Bella moved plates and added another two settings to the table; she smiled warmly at the two guests who did not even give her eye contact. "Would you like some soup?" she asked quietly.
"No thank you."
"Please help yourself to some sandwiches and cakes."
Charlotte looked at her like as if she had spoken a foreign language. Bella stepped back and sat down beside Edward, feeling awkward and insecure for the first time in a long while.
No one spoke; the tension was almost unbearable when they heard a crackle coming from the intercom in Pop's room. "Hello?"
"I will go." Bella stood up quickly and almost ran out of the room, relived that she a reason to escape from the two guests who were scaring her slightly.
"Hey Pops." She smiled as she walked towards him.
"Hey Honey..." he sighed back.
"Can you help me get sit up please?"
"Sure... do you want a drink before we go through for lunch? Or do you want a tray in here?"
He grinned and tested his pain level moving up the bed with her assistance before decided to have lunch in his room.
"I will try to join you all for dinner this evening." He hoped to conserve his energy for later on instead.
"Peter and Charlotte have come to see you." Bella smiled, even though it was forced.
"Oh have they now." Pops nodded wondering what they wanted.
He had always tried hard not to treat his boys differently, Carlisle had always been easy to love, and Peter had been a little bit more challenging.
Charlotte had been hard work all together.
"Would you like company while you have your lunch?" Bella smiled knowing Pops was not likely to waste time pretending to care about anything he didn't like.
"I would love you and Edward to join me my darling. And tell Emmett to make sure Rose has a rest."
Pops grinned as Bella giggled while shaking her head at him, he knew she would not want to be with the guests any more than he did.
"Would you like some soup and sandwiches?"
"I will try some."
He was not really hungry but he knew how much it pleased Bella when he ate some of her cooking. She had got it into her head it was a way of repaying the Cullen's for their kindness.
She kissed his cheek and told him she would be right back after starting the IPod that Edward had set up playing with recording of the two of them playing just for Pops.
Going back into the kitchen was a bit un-nerving; you could cut the tension with a knife.
"Did Pops need anything?" Emmett asked hoping to find an escape. "He reminded me to tell Rose it was time for her to take a nap!" Bella laughed as she passed on Pops message. Emmett grinned and stood up offering Rose assistance to do the same.
"Goodness Rosalie you have got very fat, that will be difficult to get rid of once your baby is here." Charlotte sniffed in distaste as she criticised poor Rose, how had gained very little weight, and was showing as all baby.
"How dare you!" Esme stood up to defend Rose, but Alice beat her to it.
"Now Charlotte, wouldn't you kill for a set of breasts like Rose's, I know I would...you and I both missed out in that department!"
Alice started laughing as she pointed out at Charlotte's shrivelled chest.
Bella didn't know what to do, she wanted to slap this shrew for being mean to Rose but didn't want to make it worse. Rose smirked and leaned into Charlotte, "They never did sort out your breasts after the botched up that last boob job did they?"
She winked at Esme and set off towards the bedroom next to Pop's with Emmett for a rest. Bella knew they would not say anything to Pops to upset him. It was not worth the stress it would cause the frail man.
Bella turned her back on them and finished the tray she had pre set for Pops with a small bowl of soup, a few dainty cut sandwiches and one of the smallest scones she had made just to try to tempt Pops with.
"Is that all you are taking into him?" Peter said, his tone stating how he thought Bella was starving his father.
"He probably won't manage all of this, but it gives him a choice." Edward defended Bella's offerings.
She set another tray and handed it to Edward with two bowls of soup and a plate with a selection of sandwiches for them to share.
Bella looked at Peter and never backed down. "Please feel free to help yourself, Pops has requested that Edward and I join him for lunch, he will see you after he has eaten."
She smiled at him, picked up the tray and walked out with Edward following proudly behind her.
Pops heard Emmett and Rose talking about their visitors and he was not best pleased as he heard Peter be so rude to Bella. He felt nothing but pride as he heard her stand up to him in a calm and polite manner.
He thought how that would please Charlie, knowing his daughter could stand up for herself.
Bella walked in, head held high and smile on her face as she saw Pops sitting waiting for them to join him.
Not even Peter shouting at Carlisle about the shocking behaviour he had been accosted with would spoil this moment he had with the two youngest members of his family.
A fold down card table was set with a cloth and small posy of flowers, Bella laid out her offerings along with Pops many tablets.
"There is almost a three course meal in medications alone my Dear." He joked.
The soup Bella had made was delicious, she had picked recipes that were easy to digest and highly nutritious, with a few bites of her sandwiches and most of a miniature scone with cream and jam he was full.
"A little rest first I think for my lunch to go down, and then I wonder if you would both play for me?"
"With pleasure..." Edward grinned. Esme had chosen the room nearest the music room, so Pops could hear them practice when they left the door open. Sound proofing had meant he would not be disturbed if he didn't want to be. But he always wanted to hear them play.
"Do you want us to take you through to listen or are you comfy here in your bed Pops?" Edward asked, happy to do anything that gave his Grandpa pleasure.
"I would like to go through; I can take a look at the gardens as well. Would you mind helping me Son?"
Edward grinned and shook his head as he pushed over the wheel chair Pops had resisted using until a few days ago. Edward was able to lift Pop's easily but fear of hurting him made him seek Emmett's assistance. The two brothers gently lifted Pops as Bella situated the chair in place behind them. She used his favourite quilt from Rose to keep him warm and pushed him through to the beautiful sunny music room across the hallway. Esme has found the most comfortable recliner chair she could; Edward and Emmett lifted Pops into the recliner and moved it so he could have the best view out of the French windows looking towards the ground he loved.
"Tell Peter and Charlotte they can come through and listen if they wish, and I will talk to them after you have finished playing."
Edward nodded and left the room to convey the message.
Emmett patted his Pops' shoulder, kissed Bella's head and whispered into her ear. "Stand tall, you are a Swan and a Cullen Bells."
The whole family apart from Rose and Emmett returned carrying chairs from the kitchen and sat listening to Edward and Bella play for Pops.
The only dry eyes at the end belonged to the tearless Peter and Charlotte.