To my guest, asam75, I agree! Forgiveness and love are the very
heart of the gospel that Christians claim to believe, but so many
seem to miss the actual freedom that gift bestows. That we may
"have life, and that more abundantly."
I want to thank everyone for your kind words last chapter. We all
seem to be on the same page about MamaC, and her wise words.
That, and the fact that everyone wants to see Chocolateward put
that advice/demand into action. Let's see wat this chapter brings!
Many thanks to Fran. She's awesome!
-LWTC-
Chapter 11
Edward threw on his coat and stuck his feet haphazardly into his boots at the first sound of tires crunching on the snow-covered gravel. Bella had barely managed to shift into park when Edward flung her door open. She sat stunned—and slightly amused as he reached over her to unbuckle the seatbelt.
"Slow down, Edward," she giggled as he hastily pulled on her arm, tugging her out of the Durango. "Happy Thanksgiving?"
"Yes, Happy Thanksgiving," he murmured and pulled her into a hug. "A very Happy Thanksgiving."
Bella slowly reached her arms around his shoulders, and timidly patted his back. His closeness was clouding her mind, and she struggled to hold back from melting into his embrace. It was an effort in futility as he slid a hand up her back until he pressed her head against his chest, and dropped the other to the small of her back, pulling her firmly against himself.
He smelled of cinnamon, spice, and a hint of evergreen … all man. Her eyes rolled back, and she closed them for a moment, breathing in his sensual virility. She allowed him to hold her close for a while before pulling back slightly to look up at him. What she saw startled her. His expression was one that she had only ever seen in movies, or on the television. It was fantastical, and certainly was not an expression that Bella had ever seen directed at her before.
Edward's eyes were hooded as he gazed at the woman in his arms. Every cell in his body was thrumming with love for her. He hadn't been kidding this morning. He had resolved to show Bella exactly what she meant to him. With every fiber of his being, he wanted to kiss her, but he could see the uncertainty in her eyes. He didn't want to frighten her off … he wanted to make her see her true worth.
"What's wrong, Edward? You're kinda scaring me."
He squeezed a smidge tighter before releasing her from his embrace, but not from his grasp. He clasped her hand, and twined their fingers, gazing at their joined phalanges with a soft grin.
"Don't be afraid. I just …" Edward's voice trailed off as he searched for the right words. "I'm so glad you're here."
Bella felt the warmth flooding her cheeks as she blushed under his soft gaze. Her heart fluttered in her chest. There was something different about Edward tonight. His eyes seemed brighter, his smile softer. She was terrified to believe what her instincts were screaming to her … this man is in love with you! She had resigned herself to loving him from a distance some time ago, but this? Could she possibly be reading this right? No, she thought. He's just happy I'm here so that the feasting can commence. Her heart lurched and begged to differ.
Ultimately, Bella smiled, and extracted her hand from his, and stuffed them into her pockets as she inclined her head toward the house. "Looks as though we have an audience," she mumbled.
Edward looked over his shoulder to see a trio of short people straining to see out of the glass panels of the door.
"Are you cold?"
"A bit," Bella giggled.
Edward muttered something about mittens and a hat, and Bella could have sworn she heard him say something about a real spanking, but she saw a serene smile on his face when she turned to look at him.
"Let's get inside then, shall we?" Edward held his elbow out in a sweet gesture. "The fireplace is blazing, and there's mulled wine to warm you."
Bella accepted his arm and allowed him to walk her into the house. Everything about his welcome that evening felt like … more. There was something hiding in his eyes and smile. Every word, gesture, and expression seemed flooded with impossible possibility. Bella had never wanted to belong to a man before, never felt desire like this. Never been tempted to throw caution to the wind, and put her heart on the line. If Bella was being honest, she would have had to admit never having been attracted to any man before. At that moment, on that night, she wanted nothing more than to belong to one Edward Cullen—to be possessed by him completely.
Such thoughts terrified her … and filled her with sheer exhilaration.
-LWTC-
So, do we think he got off to a good start? He was certainly eager
to see her, and wrap his arms around her.
*huggles*
Don't forget to check out Twilight Fanfiction Pays it Forward's new blog. Each month, it helps to promote a new author, a great fic that needs more attention, a classic that everyone loves, and a new venture by a beloved author. If you are just starting out, and need help with editing, or advice on a character, or you just need someone to be a sounding board, make contact! Frannie Walsh on FB, her group, Twilight Fanfiction Pays it Forward, also on FB, or the blog; Picficsofthemonth. blogspot. com.