A/N: Thank you for some amazing reviews last chapter! This chapter is dedicated to dreamskribbler, the author of an amazing fic, You Shouldn't Judge a Book by its Cover. Read it!
Chapter 5: The Lullaby
BPOV
Edward and I had been dating for three weeks when we decided that it was time to let others share our happiness. The thing was, even though we had literally spent all of our free time together over the past three weeks, I wasn't quite ready to share him. I had been so busy with a new case that I hadn't seen Edward all week, although we talked every night on the phone before we went to bed. To that end, I wanted nothing else but to spend Friday evening curled up on my couch, cuddling with Edward and watching a movie. However, Alice and Jasper would no longer take "no" for an answer. So here it was, Friday night, and I was hopping around trying to get ready so Edward and I could meet them for dinner. We were actually taking them to The Meadow because Alice had been bugging me about it constantly since mine and Edward's first date. Of course, being the creature of habit that I am, I had already pre-ordered the soufflés for all four of us.
I was looking for my other Jimmy Choo when I heard someone buzz up from downstairs. I smiled upon hearing it was Edward before buzzing him in. I was still running around trying to find my shoe when I heard him knocking on the door.
A-ha, I thought, as I finally found it and slipped it on, running to open the door. I nearly tripped on my rug I was in such a hurry but then I was opening the door and jumping into Edward's waiting arms. It had been too long. He lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around him, kissing him like my life depended on it.
Immediately, I could feel him growing hard and he didn't hold back kissing me, deftly using his tongue while caressing the curve of my butt. I shivered with desire.
We were both breathing heavy and moaning when I remembered dinner. Alice. I was so frustrated by that little pixie right now.
I realized I hadn't even said anything to Edward yet. I pulled back from our kiss and looked up at him.
"Hi."
"Well, hello to you, too. If that's the kind of greeting I get, it might be worth not seeing you all week, Bella."
I giggled, knowing he couldn't be serious.
He stroked my cheek with his thumb. "I missed you, Bella."
"I missed you, too. But we're going to be late if we don't leave now."
He groaned. "Do we have to go? I want to meet Alice but—" he slid me down the length of his body so I knew he was still hard for me before setting me down as carefully as if I were glass—"I can think of a few other things I'd rather do right at this moment."
Edward and I hadn't had sex yet but it wasn't for lack of desire on both of our parts. We weren't exactly waiting but there also didn't seem to be a real rush. Given the incredibly busy week I'd had, I was really hoping to relieve some of my tension this weekend with Edward, but it was almost as if we were both waiting for a sign. I knew we cared about each other and I knew we were together, but it just hadn't happened yet. Sometimes it's no fun having a busy, stressful job.
"Well, if you're on your best behavior, Mr. Cullen, maybe later we can pick up where we're leaving off." I winked at him.
He clasped my hand in his and kissed my cheek. "Deal. Let's go now before I really do change my mind."
I giggled with him, swinging our clasped hands as we left my condo, making our way down to his car.
Earlier that same day
EPOV
"Hello?"
"Alice?"
"Yes, this is Alice. Who's speaking?"
"Hi, Alice, it's Edward . . . Bella's boyfriend? I got your phone number from Jasper."
"Edward! Hi! To what do I owe this pleasure? I'm really looking forward to finally meeting you tonight!"
"Well, Alice, I was wondering if you could help me with a little surprise I have planned for Bella tonight."
"Oh my god, you're going to propose, aren't you? What will I wear? Bella better not pick out ugly bridesmaid dresses . . . She would look amazing in this vintage dress I saw just the other day . . ."
Her words were flying out of her mouth now, and I couldn't imagine anyone thinking that quickly, let alone being able to speak in such a manner.
"Whoa, whoa, Alice, we've only been dating three weeks . . . I'm, uh, not going to propose tonight."
"So, what, Edward, are you telling me you don't care about Bella? Is that why you called? You want me to let her down gently for you? Well, I won't do it. Bella is my best friend and I won't let you hurt her like this. Don't be a coward."
"Gee, Alice . . . I think we got off on the wrong foot here. Of course I care about Bella, I care about her more than you could know. She—she's my life now, Alice. Which is why I need your help tonight. This is my plan . . ."
BPOV
We were speeding along to the restaurant, Edward's hand never leaving mine. I couldn't help but reminisce back to our first date. Had it really only been three weeks? It seemed like we'd known each other our whole lives and we were just returning to our favourite restaurant like any old married couple.
Wait, married? Where did that come from?
Edward parked, coming around to open my door. Always the gentlemen, I thought, as he took my hand and kissed my wrist, helping me out of the car.
"Bella, I'm sorry I was so preoccupied earlier that I didn't get to tell you how beautiful you look tonight."
He held onto my hand, his eyes raking up and down my body and smiling with appreciation. I was wearing a simple black pencil skirt and had actually chosen a top that wasn't blue for the first time in ages, instead wearing a silk fuchsia shell.
He wrapped his arm around my waist, intertwining my fingers with his on my hip and guiding me into the restaurant. I melted into him and let his momentum carry me through the door, my head resting on his shoulder.
My eyes quickly adjusted to the candlelight, coming in from the harsh unnatural glow of the streetlights outside, and I looked around the tiny restaurant for Jasper and Alice.
"Bella, Bella, over here," I heard the pixie's twinkling voice call as I finally spotted them. Alice was waving her hands and smiling while Jasper just basked in her glow, the love between them evident even across the room.
I whispered in Edward's ear, squeezing his hand. "You ready?"
His only response was to kiss my cheek and lead the way
After quick introductions which included Alice hugging Edward for all that he was worth, causing even him to blush and pat her on the head, we were now all seated, perusing the menus.
I was trying to talk myself out of having the mushroom ravioli, again, instead thinking about a goat cheese and spinach tart when Alice piped up.
"Edward, this place is amazing. How did you ever find it?"
"It was just pure luck, Alice. I was going for a walk one night, something I like to do when I'm in the middle of a case and really need to collect my thoughts, and I just saw the name and had to check it out. Aside from Bella running in to me, it was probably the most fortunate day of my life."
He grabbed my hand from under the table, placing a kiss on my knuckles and I knew I was blushing, once again.
I looked across the table at Alice, and then at Jasper, and they were both beaming at me. I could tell they were so happy for me.
The waiter took our order and Edward took a cue from me, engaging Jasper in a conversation about a book they had both recently read on the Civil War. Alice took the opportunity to probe.
"Bella, I'd like to freshen up before our entrees arrive, come with me please?" She asked, rising from the table and tugging my hand so I would get up and follow her.
We hadn't even made it all the way to the bathroom when she pulled me into a hug.
"Oh, Bella, he is perfect for you. If you could only see how's he been looking at you all night."
We entered the bathroom and Alice busied herself in front of the mirror, touching up her make-up.
"So, Alice, how exactly has he been looking at me?"
"Well it's a cross between hunger and love." She said, laughing.
"Hunger and love? As, in he wants to eat me and then hold me?"
I clapped my hand over my mouth, realizing what I'd just said.
Alice was giggling uncontrollably now.
"Yes, Bella, I'd say that is exactly what it looks like. But beyond that, there's just such tenderness when he looks at you or when he touches you—which, if you haven't noticed, is as much as possible. What are you thinking?"'
"I'm just. . . I'm really happy, Alice. Happier than I've been in a long time."
"Well, then, let's not keep our men waiting."
EPOV
I was already starting to get nervous by the time Alice and Bella returned to the table and our entrees arrived.
I tried to relax so as not to give Bella any indication that something was up. I tried to remind myself that I virtually performed in front of people all the time, even if those people were usually a group of twelve jurors and a Judge.
"How's your meal, love?" I asked Bella, trying to distract myself with the sight of her eating.
"Mmm," she moaned, "amazing, as usual. I think this is now my favourite restaurant, too, Edward."
"It can be our favourite restaurant, Bella."
Dinner was going swimmingly and I would have really been enjoying myself had I not been so distracted by what was supposed to happen after dinner. Jasper was a great guy and the conversation between us flowed easily when Alice and Bella were having their own conversation. More than once, I found myself wishing that the guys I worked with could be more like Jasper. He was so affable and not self-involved at all like those jerks that I worked with, Mike and Tyler. I didn't know if Alice had told him anything about my intentions regarding Bella or tonight but he never questioned me or tried to intimidate me. It was like he knew my feelings for Bella were true and constant. Instead, he just emitted a wave a calmness which I could tell was helping me make it through dinner.
Even though we mostly talked about this fascinating book we both had just read—it turned out that Jasper was a Civil War buff—the conversation drifted into work territory more than once. Jasper's eyes lit up as he told me about a verdict he'd just won against a corporation who manufactured a faulty toaster that burned a ten-year-old boy's hand beyond recognition. I almost thought I detected tears in his eyes as Jasper told me how hopeful the little boy's family was now that they had enough compensation to pay for the reconstructive surgery and long recovery in the burn unit. I had never experienced such empathy from another lawyer, aside from Bella, and it made me long for the days when I first became a lawyer, when things were really about my clients rather than money. I remembered when I felt good about my cases like Jasper did, when I used to feel like I was actually helping people instead of keeping corporations and insurance companies happy.
I shook my head clear of those memories, bringing myself back to the present, back to dinner.
"Edward, my man, I have to say, I'm really digging this restaurant." Jasper said, bringing me out of my funk.
"Jasper and Alice, I'm really glad we were all able to meet up tonight and that you've enjoyed the restaurant." I said, continuing, "Although, I will say, just wait for dessert."
Alice's eyes grew wide and she appeared to be bouncing up and down on her seat, grabbing Jasper's hand and whispering something in his ear. They were a really cute couple and I hoped people saw Bella and I like that—meant for each other.
The waiter brought out the soufflés, much to everyone's delight, but especially Bella's. I would have to tease her about her undying love for soufflés later, but as everyone got closer to finishing the dessert, the more nervous I felt, wanting the rest of the night to end perfectly.
I had already called the restaurant earlier in the day, arranging to pay for dinner so that there wouldn't be a fuss when the bill arrived. I figured it would be one less thing for me to worry about as the night progressed and we got closer to the big reveal. Besides, I wanted to make a good impression on Bella's best friends.
Jasper and Alice were slightly furious at this arrangement, however, insisting that they be able to pay for dinner. I waived them off, telling them that they could treat the next time and desperately hoping that there would be a next time, my thoughts once again condensing into a ball of nerves in the pit of my stomach.
As usual, Bella brought me back to earth. "Well guys, dinner has been amazing but I've had a really long week and I need to catch up on my sleep. Jasper, will you be in the office tomorrow? I think I might have to go in, I just thought of something I want to research in the Prado case."
"Tsk tsk Bella, the night is young." Alice said, her eyes gleaming like she knew a secret, which she did.
Jasper echoed Alice's sentiment.
"I know you've had a long week, Bella, but we found this little piano bar last weekend and we know you'd love it. Come out for just one drink? If you do, I'll meet you in the office on Sunday and we can get cracking on that research. I know this case is big but one little song and drink can't hurt. You could stand to unwind a bit more tonight. Don't you think, Edward?" Jasper asked, radiating more calm feelings to me and Bella, now.
I almost felt bad that I was involving Jasper and Alice in my plan but I hoped that once Bella found out about it, she wouldn't be upset.
"I think that Bella should do whatever she wants." I said, putting my arm around her and kissing the top of her head. "I do know she's had a really long week, though."
Please say yes, please say yes, I thought inwardly, trying to project the thought to Bella.
Bella was pensive, looking at both Alice and Jasper before leaning over to whisper in my ear.
"Would you mind terribly if we went out for one drink? Alice knows that I love hearing the piano, it really soothes me."
I shook my head, mentally reminding myself not to grin. I brushed Bella's hair aside from her face, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"Not at all, love. Let's go." I stood, pulling Bella's chair out and brushing my fingers up her arm before helping her up.
"Jasper, Alice," I said, turning to them, "Lead the way."
BPOV
Edward and I followed Jasper and Alice to the bar as it turned out to be just a few blocks away. It was a tiny hole in the wall place without even a sign overhead and, like The Meadow, I found myself wondering how Alice and Jasper had found this place and why I hadn't heard about it sooner. I then remembered how busy my week had been and that I had barely spoken to either of them.
We entered the bar and I smiled, thinking that the pixie and Jasper knew me so well. This was just my kind of place—small, cozy and dominated by a stage with piano being played by a woman, crooning away.
We found a table and ordered drinks. I let out a big sigh; I was finally starting to relax. I found Edward's hand underneath the table and grasped his fingers in mine, lying my head on his shoulder.
I closed my eyes, just listening to the music and clearing my head of all work thoughts, of all thoughts, really, except for Edward's hand, warm in mine. The song ended and I didn't let go of Edward's hand, instead using our clasped hands to applaud with my other hand. The clapping subsided and the woman on stage started the next song.
"Bella," Alice hissed across the table.
"Not now, Alice, I'm just enjoying the music." I said, taking of sip of my newly arrived drink.
"Bella, come with me to the bathroom. Please?" Alice hissed back.
My eyes snapped open, and I saw that Alice was truly imploring me, using her best puppy dog eyes and pouting lips.
"Okay, Alice," I said, kissing Edward quickly and getting up from the table to follow her to the back of the bar.
As soon as we were out of earshot, I spoke.
"Okay, Alice, what's up?"
"Why does something have to up Bella? I just want a little more girl time; I haven't talked to you all week. Actually, I feel like I haven't talked to you for the past three weeks. I just miss you."
"I'm sorry Alice, work has just been crazy. I haven't even seen Edward all week, either."
I hugged her before following her into the bathroom, leaning against the counter while she entered the stall.
"I like Edward." She said. "He's good for you and I know he loves you."
I nearly choked on my laughter.
"I think it's a little soon for the L word, Alice. But, I agree with you, we are good for each other."
Alice was now washing her hands, and I turned to look in the mirror, briefly checking my hair. She was staring back at me in the mirror.
"Bella, trust me, I just know these things. The L word will become part of your vocabulary very soon. Don't you feel it?"
"I . . . I care about Edward, more than I thought I could care about someone so soon and I know I'm falling for him but . . . love? I'm trying not to let myself say it out loud, Alice. It doesn't matter now, though, let's head back. I think I've got one more song left in me before I completely crash."
"Well, then, let's enjoy that last song!" She said, excitedly, pushing the door open for me to follow.
We exited the bathroom and Jasper was standing in the hallway, waiting.
"Jasper? What's wrong? You left Edward alone?" I asked, trying to step past him.
He and Alice exchanged a look.
"I'll go keep Edward company, Bella." Alice said, flitting back to our table.
"Jasper? What's going on?"
"Bella, I just want to tell you, now, without anyone around . . . Edward is a good guy."
"Jasper, I know that already. What's really going on?"
"Nothing, Bella, we just haven't talked much since you guys started dating, and I know it sounds corny but I just wanted to give you my blessing. Being around you both tonight, I can feel that his intentions are true. He really cares about you, Bella."
This evening was turning out to be a bit more emotional than I anticipated, as I held back a single tear of joy from falling. I hugged Jasper, tight.
"Thank you Jas. I don't need your approval but it makes me feel so much better to have it. You're the best friend a girl could have."
"Aww, shucks, ma'am." He said, turning up his latent southern accent to full blast and walking in step with me back to the table.
We arrived back at the table where Alice was sitting, alone.
"Where's Edward?"
Alice didn't say anything, merely tilting her head to the stage and smiling smugly.
I turned around and there he was—Edward—sitting down at the piano and adjusting the microphone to his height.
I turned back to Alice and Jasper. "Guys, what is going on?"
They both just smiled at me and shrugged.
I took my seat, pulling the chair even closer to the stage and wondering what was going to happen.
My eyes were glued to the stage as Edward's hands hovered over the keys. He seemed nervous, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"This was inspired by my Bella."
He found me in the crowd, then, his eyes locking with mine as he began playing.
It started slow, and his fingers moved like magic over the keys, his gaze penetrating me with each note he played. There was so much of Edward in his playing and I just knew he was telling me that he wrote each and every chord only for me tonight.
I could feel each and every lilt in the melody down to my toes and soon it felt like we were the only two people in the place.
It was so intimate that I barely registered Alice's sharp intake of breath beside me as the crescendo of Edward's playing came to a close.
I think I had been holding my breath the entire time, mesmerized and so filled with love. Is this really happening to me? A tear escaped my eye and I wiped it away just as Edward stood up from the piano. I couldn't stand to not be touching him for one more second. I rose from my seat, automatically moving toward him as he stepped off the stage.
We met in the middle of the room and I didn't hesitate to take him in my arms, stroking his back. I didn't care who saw. He pulled me so close, then, and I could tell he was shaking. I couldn't be sure whether he was just coming down from the adrenaline or if it was something else, but as I looked into his eyes and saw such vulnerability, I knew. I could no longer contain the sobs that shook free from me, my shoulders racking up and down in Edward's arms as he held me closer, making soothing sounds.
"Bella, what's wrong? Did you hate it?"
"N-no, Edward." I stuttered, still trying to contain myself. "You're mistaking my tears."
"So . . . you liked it?"
"No, Edward, I loved it."
He smiled wide then, wiping away my tears.
"You inspired that song the night of our first date, Bella. I think even then I realized . . ."
"You realized what, Edward?"
His voice came out in a whisper. "I realized that I love you."
Edward looked up then, staring directly into my eyes and I could tell they were shiny with tears, too.
"I love you, Bella."
"And I love you."
A/N: So, you can probably guess what this means, but . . . lemon next chapter! Please, please review and let me know what you think about this chapter. I was really nervous writing it because it's a lot of dialogue and I didn't expect it to come out so emotional. And, again, you're warned: lemon this weekend!