I can hear the exclamations of shock from here, in the great white north, where surprisingly it feels very spring-like. OMG, she's actually posted another chapter!?!?! I know...I. Am. Fail. Completely and totally. I have a miriad of reasons for the lengthy delay, not the least of which were a mean case of writer's block, some hefty projects at work (yes, who knew one is actually expected to work while at work!) and the new poster child for the terrible two's taking up permanent residence at my house (and in my bed!). Now that the 2-year-old has somewhat settled down (or I've gotten accustomed to the sleepless nights, tantrums and meltdowns), and work has settled down a little too, I've found some time to pound out this chapter, which was actually pretty fun to write. We get to see a bit more of our other characters, get some foreshadowing into their stories (fodder for future outtakes, perhaps?) and a cute little ending. At least I hope you think so. Be sure to let me know!!
Much thanks to all my loyal readers, and those wonderful reviews. You guys really do make it so exciting to put BITCHOK (butt in the chair, hands on the keyboard)!
As always, I own nothing of Twilight. I do own a new hair straightener, a winning "Roll Up The Rim" for a free coffee, and a whiney 7 yr old who keeps beggin me to put together the easter gingerbread house kit (yeah, can you see the aforementioned poster child keeping his mitts off that???)
Enjoy!
EPOV
That evening, my apartment was comfortably full of people, the party in full swing. First to arrive had been Emmett and Jasper, quickly passed by their significant others who immediately flitted to the kitchen to help Bella. Rosalie began organizing bottles and glasses while Alice surveyed the room and began minor adjustments of furniture, sidetables and lamps. For someone so tiny, she was remarkable strong, waving off any offers of assistance. I shot a quick glance at Jasper who merely threw up his hands and shook his head.
"You don't mess with Alice when she's on a mission," he mumbled, unsuccessfully trying to hide a smirk.
I played what I hoped was the perfect host, greeting guests at the door, most of whom I knew from the firehall or the bar, quickly being introduced to those I didn't know, all the while sneaking looks at Bella across the room. She was chatting amiably with friends who gathered in the kitchen, pulling trays of appetizers out of the oven that were disappearing as quickly as she plated them. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, laughter occassionally ringing out as I circulated the room joining in on various conversations, people congratulating me on the apartment, thanking me for the invitation. I edged my way closer to the kitchen, where Bella was leaning against the counter next to Alice while Rosalie started yet another batch of some concoction going in the blender. Bella met my eyes and smiled warmly, reaching out for me as I approached, stretching up and planting a light kiss on my lips before pulling back, leaving her hands resting on my chest.
"Looks like the party's a hit, Edward," Rosalie stated, motioning to the room full of people as she began pouring.
"Well, I certainly can't take much credit!" I replied, my hands resting comfortably on Bella's waist. "Bella has succeeded in single handedly feeding an army, and you've done a bang-up job of bartending tonight, Rose! Thank you, really." She winked at me as she handed Alice and Bella a glass of some frothy, orange drink, which they both eagerly accepted.
I watched as Bella took a sip, engrossed in the way her tongue licked her lips, causing memories of the day's activities to flash through my mind and go straight to my groin. The corners of her lips twisted up and she raised an eyebrow at me, completely aware of what she was doing to me.
"Yo, Edward! Bro, grab a couple more beers from the fridge, would you? And snag a plate of those spinach thingies on your way," Emmett bellowed across the room, immediately snapping my thoughts back to the present.
Rosalie glared at him. "Manners?!?" she exclaimed, propping her hands on her hips.
Emmett cocked his head to one side, bringing a hand up to his chest. "Rosie, baby, love of my life. Could you please ask Edward to bring Jasper and I another beer and some spinach...thingies?" She merely rolled her eyes at him. I chuckled at the whole exchange, turning to grab the beers from the fridge, sneaking another kiss from Bella as she handed me a plate of the appetizers, and made my way over to the guys.
"I think they're called Spanikopita, Em," I explained as he practically ripped the plate from my hand, popping three of the morsels into his mouth before grabbing a beer bottle from my other hand. Jasper accepted his bottle, raised it to me in a grateful gesture, took a long swig and then cleared his throat. It was only then that I noticed he looked nervous and slightly uncomfortable. I was about to ask what was wrong when he opened his mouth to speak.
"Speaking of love of one's life...Emmett, I, um..." Jasper started. Emmett glanced at him while he licked his fingers, and stopped short at the look on Jasper's face. He slowly released the last finger from his mouth with an audible pop. I could only look back and forth between the two of them in total confusion.
"Jasper," Emmett started. "Why do I get the distinct impression that the next thing coming out of your mouth has something to do with my sister?"
I looked quickly as Jasper who shifted his weight back and forth from one leg to the other, took a deep breath and then levelled his gaze directly at Emmett.
"I'm planning to ask Alice to marry me while we're in New York, and I know I should be asking your dad and all, but frankly you're my best friend, and well...I'm kinda scared you'll kick my ass or something, but I'd really just like your blessing," he fired off, visibly cringing when he finished, as if waiting for Emmett to haul off and hit him.
Emmett put down the plate he was holding, stood still for a moment while he finished chewing his food, took a long swallow of beer, crossed his arms and fixed his stare on Jasper.
"'Bout fucking time already, man! I was beginning to think I'd be stuck with the damn pixie forever!" Emmett finally stated, breaking out into a wide grin and clapping Jasper on the shoulder before pulling him into a hug. Jasper looked stunned for a moment before returning the hug quickly, pulling away and swiping his hand across his forehead.
"Seriously, Jasper. Yes, of course you have my blessing, and I'm sure mom and dad will have no objections either."
"Thanks, Em. Means a lot. Let's just hope she says yes!" Jasper replied, visibly relieved.
"Well, do you have a ring and all that?" Emmett asked, reaching back for the plate of appetizers.
Jasper just smiled and shook his head. "No, not yet, but it's all part of the master plan."
Bottles were raised and clinked together in a silent cheer as we all surrepticiously looked over at the trio of women standing across the room, oblivious to the conversation that had just taken place.
-*-
BPOV
"So ladies, what are we toasting to tonight?" Alice inquired merrily, hoisting her drink in the air and glancing at me as Edward retreated across the room.
Rosalie nudged my elbow. "I'm guessing our little Bella here got laid last night."
I felt the flush rise in my face, but I shook my head as I took a sip of my drink.
"What? Mr. Wonderful couldn't close the deal?" she stared at me, feigning shock, as Alice giggled.
"Well, considering she fell asleep on the couch after dinner, I'd say not! Poor Bella!"
I kept my eyes glued to the glass in my hand, but I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.
"Oooh, she did get some! Ok, girlie! Spill it!" Rosalie demanded.
I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly and mumbled. "Well, maybe not last night...but this morning...and this afternoon."
Alice squealed as she put her drink down on the counter and hugged me tightly. Rose clinked her glass to mine as I tried not to spill my drink.
"Well then we do have something to celebrate," she stated softly, her eyes momentarily clouding. She took a long sip of her drink and turned around, mixing another round of drinks in the blender.
My eyes met Alice's, and both of us turned to Rosalie, Alice reaching out to touch her shoulder softly.
"Rose, honey. No luck yet?" Alice asked quietly.
Rose took a deep breath and sighed. "Nope, another negative this morning." She turned around and looked at the both of us, tears in her eyes. "It's okay though. Emmett was really sweet about it. Blamed it on working out too hard and wearing out his "boys"," she explained, smiling and dabbing at the corners of her eyes so as not to mess up her mascara.
"It's gonna happen, Rose. You are going to make such an amazing mother!" I claimed.
"Thanks, Bella. I know, it takes time. I just wish it would hurry the hell up already!" she laughed, rolling her eyes. "So, Alice. Any movement from Jasper on the 'getting engaged' department yet?"
Alice shrugged and frowned slightly. "No, nothing. I mean we've talked about it and everything, but lately we've both been so busy with work that the whole thing has kind of been shelved. I'm starting to think he's never going to ask me!" she pouted. "I know he's the one! I'm just not sure he thinks he is."
I didn't know what to say. Both my friends were in such different phases of their relationships than I was, I couldn't even contemplate that with Edward yet. Or could I? Glancing at him across the room, I had a momentary flash of a future with him, getting married, being pregnant with his child, and I sucked in a sharp breath. It shocked me only because it felt so natural, so right, not a foreign feeling to speak of. Did that mean he was the one, like how certain Alice was of Jasper?
"Well, enough of the pouting, girls! We are going to have fun tonight!" Rose stated, raising her glass in the air. "To getting laid, having babies, and getting engaged! In that order!"
We all burst of laughing at Rose's choice of words, but clinked glasses anyway before downing the frothy drinks.
-*-
A few hours later, the party having wound down, Edward was just saying good-bye to the last of the guests, and I was trying to tidy up the kitchen. Alice and Jasper had left early, their flight to New York leaving in the morning, and Alice was nowhere near finished packing. After practically inhaling most of the remaining food, Emmett had literally thrown Rose over his shoulder, stating, rather loudly, that he was bound and determined to "slip one past the goalie". Rose blushed and playfully smacked his ass, but I saw her fingers crossed behind Emmett's back, and I held up my own crossed fingers when I waved goodbye, silently wishing her good luck.
I was standing at the sink rinsing off some dishes, when I felt Edward's arms circle around my waist and he nuzzled his nose against my neck.
"Mmmm, you smell so good," he mumbled, slurring his words ever so slightly. I grinned as I shut off the water and grabbed a dishtowel, turning in his arms to face him. He immediately began kissing me, starting with my lips, then making his way across my jaw, settling on the sensitive skin just below my ear. It was easy to melt into his embrace, and I threw my arms around his neck, threading my fingers through his tousled hair.
"Mmmm, and you taste even better," he added, his kisses becoming a little sloppier, his hands groping. I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my lips.
"Are we a little drunk, Mr. Cullen?" I teased, gently tugging his head back to look in his eyes. He flashed me a goofy grin and nodded his head.
"Absl...asbutely, Miss Swan, ab-so-lut-e-ly," he stumbled out in reply, over-enunciating when he couldn't speak clearly.
I rolled my eyes in return, grabbing his hands from behind me and tugging him with me down the hall.
"Let's get you to bed, drunk boy," I laughed as he stumbled behind me.
Once we reached the bedroom, he flopped face first down on the bed, burying his head in the pillow. I ducked into the bathroom to brush my teeth, grabbing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts from my bag, slipping out of my jeans and putting on the comfy clothes. By the time I returned to the bedroom, I was sure Edward was sound asleep, but he surprised me by mumbling something incoherent into the pillow. I crawled in bed beside him, yanking the comforter down and somewhat around his dead weight as best I could.
"What was that?" I asked. He turned his head to the side and ran a hand over his face, before resting his cheek on his arm, squinting one eye open at me.
"D'you know Jasper's gonna ask Alice to marry her?" he slurred.
"Marry him, you mean?" I asked in return. Inside, I did a little happy dance for my friend.
"Tha's what I said. D'you know that?" he continued on. "Would'you marry me, Bella?"
My mouth dropped open and I turned to stare at him, only to see both his eyes closed. I waited to see if he would clarify that last statement, but there was only the soft sound of his breathing. Sighing, I realized he was definitely drunk, half asleep, and his words were simply alcohol induced. Running my fingers across his cheek, I leaned in a kissed his forehead.
"I probably would, Edward. If you asked me when you were sober!" I whispered, and snuggled into his side.
Come on, say it with me....awww! So, I am working on the next chapter, and an outtake of Alice and Jasper's trip to NYC. I promise it won't be 7 months till I post again, and I swear, I am not giving up on this story. I hope you all understand that writing is a hobby for me. I am a single mom of two very energetic boys, I also work full-time, and my real life responsiblities have to come first, as much as I love Fireward. But please, leave me some love!!