Chapter Fourteen
Once in the confines of our bedroom, he closed the door and turned to look at me. I could see that he was trying to gather his thoughts and was clearly editing for my sake.
"What is it Edward?" I asked impatiently.
"Things took a bit longer at the portrait place than I originally expected," he responded. I looked at him skeptically; there was no way it had taken that long.
"Edward," I said eyeing him.
"And I had to pick up a few more things," he answered.
"What kind of things?" I asked noticing he hadn't brought anything in the house.
"Things for my plans," he answered.
"Edward, what do you have planned?" I inquired.
"You'll just have to wait for tomorrow."
"Aw, but Edward," I whined.
"Would you like to hear what I have planned for Esme and Carlisle tomorrow?" he asked, changing the subject. His voice was barely audible to me.
"Yes," I relented.
"Obviously they need alone time, so you and I will be leaving. Before we leave, we will set up the downstairs with candles, rose petals, music, along with the portrait. Esme will be gone tomorrow morning to Home Depot to get some gardening supplies. Carlisle will be at work until around one. So we should have plenty of time to get everything set up before they get here," he explained.
"And you picked up all that stuff tonight?" I questioned him.
"Yes."
"I wish you had informed me that you were going to be out this late," I sighed.
"I'm sorry love. I didn't think I would be out so late," he said as he stepped closer to me.
"You could have called," I reminded him.
"I left my phone here," he said as he motioned over to the desk where his silver flip phone lay.
"Oh."
"Can you forgive me?" he asked as he unleashed his smoldering gaze upon me. Who could say no to that?
"Of course, just don't do it again," I sighed as I wrapped my arms around him, glad that he had made it home.
"I won't," he promised as he wrapped his arms around me.
"How did your class go?" I questioned him.
"Easy as always."
"Good."
"What did you accomplish this evening?" he asked as he let go of me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the bed where we both took a seat.
"I finished my paper, tidied up the room, reconciled with Jake," I answered calmly. At the mention of Jake's name his eyes grew wide. He definitely wasn't expecting for me to say that.
"You spoke to Jake?" he asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"What did he have to say?" he asked as he eyed me closely.
"He called to apologize for his behavior and told me that I was right."
"Right about what?"
"That you would do anything for unconditional love, that you would change everything about yourself if you could," I answered.
"And what made him realize that you were right?" he asked. I found myself smiling as I remembered Jacob telling me about his fiancé. I was extremely happy for him.
"He found love himself. He's engaged to a girl named Heather," I answered.
"How do you feel about that?" Edward asked. I turned to look at him. He seemed to be worried a bout what my answer would reveal. Did he think that I would one day want to run back to Jacob? How could he think that was possible?
"I'm happy for the both of them. I'm glad that they found each other and I can only hope that their love is as great as ours," I replied honestly. I saw his eyes light up with my answer. I was hurt that he thought there was even the possibility that I would want to go back to Jacob.
"Good," Edward replied.
"Edward?" I questioned him.
"Yes?"
"Why were you worried?" I asked him.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, when I told you about Jake and you asked how I felt about it, why were you worried?"
"Honestly? I was afraid of the answer."
"Why?"
"Because I was afraid that you may still have feelings for him," he answered.
"Edward! How many times do I have to tell you before you believe that there is absolutely no one in this world I'd rather be with than you? Neither Jake nor anyone else can change that," I replied angrily.
"I'm sorry Bella," he said looking down at the floor.
"It's ok. Please just trust that there will never be anyone that I will ever want other than you Edward."
"I do trust you Bella."
"And I trust you," I said as I looked over at him. Our gazes met and I knew there was an unspoken agreement. We would never question the other's trust again. We lay back against the bed in a comfortable silence, both of us consumed with our own thoughts.
I thought about Jacob and how he had saved me from myself and how great of a friend he had really been. My mind drifted off to Charlie and I was worried that he wouldn't be eating right. There was no doubt in my mind that he had resorted to fish and eggs again. I missed Charlie. I hadn't talked to him in so long. He probably thought I had forgotten all about him.
"Bella," Edward broke the silence. I wasn't aware of how long we had been laying like that, but I knew it was quite a while.
"Hmm?"
"What are you thinking about?"
"Charlie," I answered.
"Oh."
"I wonder how he's doing," I sighed.
"He's doing fine," he comforted.
"Yeah, probably. If Jake calls back, I'll ask him to look in on Charlie for me."
"Why don't you give him a call?" he asked.
"I guess I could," I replied.
"This evening you can call him. I'm sure he will be thrilled to hear from you."
"What do I say? I haven't talked to him in so long," I asked. Charlie and I weren't much for conversation anyways, so now it would surely be awkward.
"Just ask him how he's doing, what he's been doing, if he's been fishing, that sort of thing," he responded.
"Yeah, but what do I tell him that I've been doing?"
"Tell him you've been going to class, hanging out with the family, fixing up the cabin."
"You just have all the answers don't you?" I joked.
"Why yes, yes I do," he laughed.
"What time is it exactly?" I asked noticing that it was getting light outside. Time just seemed to slip by when I wasn't paying any attention. With it being of little importance, I never seemed to keep up with it. If not for my online classes, I would probably lose all track of time.
"It's seven thirty."
"Already?"
"Yes," he laughed.
"How is it time slips by like that?" I wondered out loud.
"I don't know," he sighed.
"What time will Esme be leaving?" I whispered.
"In about an hour."
"What are we going to do?" I asked.
"When she leaves, I'll go down to the car and bring in the things I purchased. We'll set up the living room and once we're finished we'll write a note explaining what's going on and we will take our leave."
"That sounds simple enough."
"Yeah," he agreed.
"Where exactly are we going?" I questioned.
"Nice try," he laughed.
"Edward, not even one hint?" I asked.
"Nope."
"But," I started, but was silenced by him placing his finger against my lips.
"Bella, are we going to go through this every time I do something for you? Can't you just sit back and enjoy it?" he asked as he removed his finger.
"It's not that I don't enjoy it. I just hate when you spend money on me," I explained.
"You are my wife; of course I'm going to spend money on you."
"Edward," I started but again was silenced.
"Bella, please just understand that I want to do these things for you. You deserve everything I do and everything I give to you," he said.
"Edward, you don't have to give me things. You don't need to. Just being with you is enough," I told him.
"That might be so. But as long as I'm able, I plan on doing little things here and there for you. You have given me so much Bella," he replied seriously. I wanted to tell him that I didn't deserve all those things, that I simply did the things I did because I loved him. But I could see that he was dead set on giving me things. I knew no words, no explanation would deter him.
"Ok. I don't agree, but ok," I gave in. He sighed and pulled me to him. I sat in his lap with his arms wrapped around me in a comfortable silence. Moments like this, the ones I found myself in Edward's arms, I would forever treasure.
Of course, like all the other times I was enjoying myself, time flew by. It was when I heard Esme leave that I realized time had once again tricked us. Right when we were off guard, it had sped up, tugging us along with it.
"I'll be right back," Edward said as we listened to Esme's engine purr out of hearing range.
"Ok," I sighed as I stood and allowed him to go to his car. He got up and walked quickly out of the room. I waited patiently for his return. In only a matter of seconds, he was there with a hand full of bags and a large canvas portrait.
"So, where do we start?" I asked.
"We'll go down stairs and layout the living room," he said as he turned and walked back out of the bedroom. I followed behind him, down the stairs, and to the living room.
"I'm going to set up a sound system with some CD's I purchased. If you don't mind, could you place a trail of rose petals to their bedroom?" he asked as he took a large stack of CD's from one of the bags and pointed to another.
"Sure," I replied as I took the bag and opened it to reveal a bag full of crimson rose petals. I walked to the start of the hall, where their bedroom was located, and started dropping the fragile petals. It was times like this I really had to work hard to control my strength. With one wrong move, I could easily pulverize the petal and leave nothing behind but a fine dust.
I carefully dropped them down the hallway, leaving a trail. I entered their bedroom and continued my trail to the bed. I then took the rest of the petals and made a small pile in the center of the bed.
When I returned to the living room with my empty bag, I could see that Edward had finished loading the CDs into the sound system. He was currently pulling various sizes of white pillar candles out of the last bag.
"Care to help me with these?" he asked as he pulled the rest out. He easily had fifty candles.
"Not at all," I said as I walked up beside him and grabbed some of the candles. I made an arrangement of three different sizes on the coffee table. On the smaller end tables, I placed two candles and I placed a few in the windows. I turned to see that Edward had placed a mass amount on his piano and a few in various other locations.
"Is there anything else?" I questioned as I watched him place a book of matches next to the candles.
"We just have to set up the canvas and write a note," he explained.
" Ok," I replied as I started picking up the now empty bags. The living room was transformed into a romantic get-a-way. He took the portrait and propped it up on the mantle of the fireplace. I stood back and surveyed the piece. It was lovely. The black and white photograph transferred well. Carlisle and Esme stood before us imprinted on the stiff canvas, looking deeply into each other's eyes. I knew both of them would appreciate this gift.
"It's wonderful," I said as he took a few steps back to look at it himself.
"Yes," he agreed. He then led me to the couch. He grabbed the tablet that was located by the phone for messages and a pen and sat down beside me.
"What are you going to write?" I asked as I watched him begin writing in his perfect script.
"I'm just going to let them know that they will have their privacy, that you and I won't be back until tomorrow afternoon and that we both hope they enjoy their surprise."
I nodded my head in agreement and watched as he quickly and flawlessly scribbled down the note. He placed it on the mantle and carefully propped it up against the canvas. It would easily be seen.
"Now, you and I are going to pack a few things and get out of here," he grinned as he took my hand and led me upstairs.
"You're still not going to give me any hints are you?" I questioned him and as we ascended the stairs.
"No," he chuckled at my persistence. We entered the bed room and went to our closet. He pulled out an overnight bag and unzipped it. I took down a pair of jeans for him and a pair for me. He folded them carefully and placed them in the large suitcase. I found a dark grey sweater for him and dark blue one for me. I couldn't be certain, but I thought Alice would be happy with my choices. He put them away and I grabbed socks for us as well as some underclothes.
"That's all we will need," he said as he put in the last of the clothes and closed the bag.
"I just need to get dressed," I told him. He nodded and we changed out of our previous ware and into some fresh garments.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied. He took the suitcase in one hand and my hand in the other and we walked out of our room and back downstairs. Taking one last look around, we left the house locking the door behind us.
I started towards the Volvo, but was stopped.
"I thought we'd take the truck," he said. Eyeing him suspiciously, I followed him to my truck. We had only used it a couple times. The Volvo was our main method of transportation.
"Ok," I replied. He opened the door for me and I climbed in. He put the bag in the bed of the truck and got into drivers side.
"I think you'll like this place," he said as he started the engine.
"Is it nearby?" I asked as he backed out of the garage.
"Yes," he answered as he turned the truck around and started down the driveway.
"Do you think they will like the portrait?" I questioned him after a moment's silence.
"Yes, I believe so. I think they will both appreciate it," he answered.
"Me too. It's amazing," I sighed as I watched the landscaped pass before my eyes. A thin layer of snow was on the ground. It was, of course, cloudy and a bit dreary looking out. But I had come accustomed to such weather.
"Finals are in a few weeks," Edward said after a few moments of silence.
"I hadn't realized," I gasped.
"Don't worry, you will do fine," he said taking my hand in his and giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"I don't know about math," I confessed.
"Bella, you are going to do great. Don't fret yourself," he said as he turned to unleash his golden gaze upon me. I knew he was dazzling me, but I didn't mind.
I felt the truck begin to slow and it turning to the right. I looked to see that we were headed towards the cabin. I gave him a questioning gaze, at which he laughed.
"What? I said you would like the location," he laughed.
"Edward," I giggled as the cabin came into view. Each time I caught sight of this place, I fell in love with it all the more. It looked to be out of a storybook it was so picturesque.
"We aren't going in yet, though," he said as he stopped the car in front of the cabin.
"Oh, and where exactly are we going?" I asked.
"To our Alaskan meadow," he chuckled before he got out of the truck and opened the door for me. Getting out, he closed the door and took me by the hand. We raced through the surrounding woods, towards our newfound meadow. I could sense that he was a bit eager and that he had something planned that waited ahead.
As we reached the opening of the forest, our pace began to slow. At an almost human speed, we broke through the trees and into the opening. It was as beautiful, if not more so, as I remembered. A thin layer of snow dusted the ground. It seemed to be a scene out of a fairy tale.
I sighed in contentment as I walked to the middle of the opening, with Edward following. I looked up at the sky to see the clouds thick overhead. No doubt we would get some snow.
"What are you thinking?" he asked wrapping his arms around my waist.
"I was thinking how wonderful this place is, and that it's probably going to snow," I answered honestly.
"Aren't you wondering what I have surprised?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"Hold on just a second," he said as let go of me and sprinted back towards the forest. I watched as he walked over to an old hollow tree and pulled a plastic bag out of it, he then proceeded to come back to me.
"You are sneaky," I laughed as he neared me.
"I was going for thoughtful," he pouted as he stopped in front of me, mere inches from me.
"Thoughtful too," I laughed.
"So, what's in the bag?" I asked him as I looked down at the bag he held in his hands.
"I was thinking while I was booking the trips for the others how nice it would be to get to do that one day. I know that it is out of the question now, but I was thinking maybe for our first anniversary, that you should be ready," he said as he pulled out some travel guides from the bag. I looked at him in amazement.
"Edward, I don't know what to say."
"Do you like it?" he questioned as he fanned out the brochures. I saw he had acquired one for a lodge in the Alps, one for a fancy hotel in London, one for Paris, and a few other places.
"Yes, where are we going?" I asked looking down at the pamphlets.
"To all of them," he answered.
"Edward," I gasped.
"What? I couldn't decide so I thought we'd take a short visit to all of them," he chuckled.
"Edward, you really shouldn't have," I sighed as I looked up into his golden gaze. It was hard to deny him when he looked at me like that, not that I ever did. I shook my head, trying to collect my thoughts.
"Bella, it's something I wanted to do for the both of us. I have been to all these places, some multiple times. I would like to visit them with you and experience what each has to offer with the one I love. I've only ever visited them alone, or with the others," he spoke. I read deep into his words. He really wanted this.
"Fine, alright," I sighed. He tucked the brochures back into his bag and put them on the ground as he wrapped his arms around me. I rested my head against his chest and listened to his rhythmic breathes.
"Thank you," he said rubbing his hand across my back.
"No, thank you," I replied.
"I really think you'll enjoy it," he said as I nuzzled into his chest.
"As long as your there, I'm happy," I replied honestly. If Edward wanted to go to the slums of Ethiopia, I would follow. There was nowhere on the face of the planet that I would not venture if he were to go.
"I have something else I would like to show you," he said as he pulled me back at arms length.
"Of course," I sighed. At my reply, he began to chuckle. Taking my hand he started to pull me towards the forest. Reluctantly, I followed. We walked through a few trees and came to yet another opening.
This opening was different however. Before us, an almost completely frozen pond stood. I looked at Edward questioningly. Surely, he wasn't thinking of going swimming. Not that it would bother me; I just didn't feel up to jumping into the partially frozen pond.
"In a few days it should be completely frozen over, I thought we could go ice skating," he answered my unvoiced thoughts.
"I don't have any skates," I reminded him.
"Yes you do," he laughed. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the pool of water.
"Will you never tire of surprising me?" I laughed.
"Never," he answered seriously.
"And why's that?" I questioned.
"Because I will never stop loving you," he answered.
"Oh Edward," I sighed as I gazed up at him.
"I love you Bella, more and more every day if that is possible. You consume my every thought and direct my every decision. I just want to make you happy. I know that it is hard for you to be cooped up in the house all the time, yet you have been such a good sport about it. In a way, I give you gifts and surprises you to keep you interested and happy," he said, his eyes locked with mine.
"Edward, I will never grow tired of you. Surprises or not, my heart and existence lie with you. I may grow bored at times being at home, but just your presence makes it bearable. Also, knowing that in the near future I will be able to get back out in the world makes me cherish the time that I have to lock myself away from all of it to be just with you. Believe it or not, this time of exile from humanity holds a special place in heart," I said, my gaze still locked into his.
"How did I get lucky enough to snag an angel like you?" he questioned before pressing his lips against my forehead. I wrapped my arms tight around him.
"I ask myself the same thing about you every day," I sighed.
"I simply could not thrive without you by my side."
"Nor could I," I replied. It was at that moment, that the heavens opened up and unleashed upon us the white powder which the clouds could no longer hold. Beautiful white flakes cascaded from the sky, gently landing around us. A few of the flakes made us their destination.
The frozen flakes littered Edward's hair and a few found themselves stuck in his eyelashes. He was completely beautiful and godlike even now, if not more so. I smiled up at him.
"Do you know how completely beautiful you look right now?" he whispered in my ear before placing a sweet kiss on my cheek.
"I could say the same about you," I replied. The snow, that had started out as gentle flurries, had picked up pace and was now pouring down.
"Let's go back to our cabin," he suggested.
"So soon?" I pouted, reluctant to leave after what had been such a wonderful moment between us.
"I promise you will like what you find," he said as he pulled back.
"Ok," I relented as he took my hand and led me back to the cabin.
"Remind me later to thank Alice," Edward chuckled as we dodged through the trees.
"I should have guessed she had a hand in such a wonderful moment," I sighed.
"She is remarkable," he laughed as the cabin came into view. I couldn't help but wonder what he had planned for when we were in the cabin.
(A/N: Ugh, writer's block. That's all I have to say, it is completely horrible. Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, and Alice are all away on their trips. Esme and Carlisle have the house to themselves. Bella and Edward are at their cabin. Is everything going too well? Is something bound to happen? Review and let me know what you think.)