A/H: I hope you enjoy! =)
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight; that would be the brilliant Stephanie Meyer.
-
BPOV
I never in my life would have thought that the events of tonight would ever actually happen.
At points I may have had hope that one day we would eventually find Aiden's father; but never did I dream to think that our separation was all a misunderstanding and he really wanted us.
And by absolutely no means did I ever imagine he would actually love me after all this time; and it was Edward!
Last night after the realization of who exactly Edward was, we just stayed there on the couch in one another's arms for awhile just absorbing the news.
When we finally broke from our thoughts a lot of time had passed and it was well into the night.
"Well I should probably, umm, get going. I've over stayed my welcome as it is." he said with a forced laugh. It could tell by his demeanor that he was forcing himself to leave. I watched as he ran his hand through his hair - I already picked that up as being his nervous habit; he had done it frequently tonight.
I walked over to where he stood near the exit of the living room. "Edward, I'd really like it if you stayed. It would make me feel better to know you aren't walking the streets in the middle of the night. Plus, I honestly feel like if you leave you are going to disappear again." I say biting my lip.
I had barely finished my statement when he crushed me to his chest in a hug. "You need to realize something right now Miss. Swan; I have zero thoughts of ever disappearing out of you or Aiden's life ever again. And honestly I would love to stay; I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable. Oh, and I promise no morning breakfast runs without your knowledge of it before I leave." he tells me with a chuckle; still holding me tightly to him. He cups my cheek as I look up at him.
"Yes, please promise to stay at least till I'm awake! And I do actually have food now; I'm not a starving college student anymore." I say with a giggle.
"I promise; and that sounds great." he says looking me straight in the eyes.
I figure since he made the first move last time, I could this time. I went up on my tiptoes and pressed my lips to his. I could feel him smile into the kiss, which made me feel a bit less insecure.
We both pulled away out of breath. "Well, now that…was definitely the best good night kiss I've ever had." He says against my lips before pecking them one last time and then pulling away; but still keeping me in his embrace.
"Where are blankets and stuff for the couch?" he asks.
He might not have known it, but I don't think he would ever realize how much it meant to me that he didn't just presume he would be sleeping in my bed; like so many other men would have.
"Oh, umm I'll go get them, if you're hungry or thirsty or anything make yourself at home the kitchen is stocked." I tell him as I make my way down the hall to my room.
I had taken a bit longer than expected finding everything but I finally got everything Edward would need and made my way back down the hall. I looked into Aiden's room to make sure he was alright and couldn't help the tears that welled in my eyes when I saw Edward sitting on the edge of his bed looking down at him.
I didn't want to interrupt him; I've had four years to look down at my son while he looked like an angel fast asleep. I couldn't take away that moment for Edward; he had already missed out on so much.
I made my way to the living room and set up Edward's bed on the couch while I thought to myself.
I felt the tears fall from my eyes when I thought of the things he wouldn't miss out on being there for. All of the good times he will be able to be a part of: Aiden's first day of school, teaching him to drive, graduation, going off to college, his wedding. There are so many things still ahead that he will be there for.
The fact that I wouldn't be alone to deal with all the harder times with Aiden, made me smile. I wouldn't have to deal with those things - like talking about the birds and the bees, his first broken heart, when he breaks curfew, or gets into other trouble – all alone now, and that sounded very appealing. I have to admit how reassuring it feels to know I will have back up for all the hard times ahead.
"Hey, are you okay?" I hear him ask from behind me.
"Yeah, I'm fine; just thinking." I reply without turning around.
"Bella, if you don't want me to stay I can leave; I totally understand." He says in a nervous tone. I'd bet my next pay check that if I turned around his hand would be running through his hair.
I turn around after finishing fixing the couch for him. "Edward, I want you to stay. I'm just thinking about Aiden. I have to ask – I have to make sure, so don't take offence of this." I watch him nod.
"Do you want to have a relationship with him? Because if you don't it's alright, we have been fine; I don't want you to feel obligated." I tell him and release a sigh. I hadn't really realized how much that question has been haunting me tonight until I actually came out and said it. I didn't want anyone in our lives that didn't want to be there; that's why I try to keep as much contact with my mother to a minimum as much as I can.
He stared at me for a moment before walking over to me and grabbing my hand and pulling me onto the couch next to him from where I had been awkwardly standing in front of it.
"Bella, I want this," he said with a sweeping motion around the apartment. "I want my son, I want to be in his life;" he bent down so our noses were touching and he rested his forehead against mine; he looked me square in the eyes and I could see the complete devotion, love and honesty in them. "- and I most certainly want his mother. I want to be a family, Bella. I've wanted that with you since I looked up into your eyes at that stupid party." He said with a smile; never breaking eye contact with me.
"Re-really; you want to be with us?" I asked in such a soft voice I'm surprised he could even hear me.
"Yes, Bella that's exactly what I want. Hell, if I thought you would say yes I would probably propose right now and start planning to buy us a house." He said with a laugh; but looking in his eyes I could see the truth in that statement and that made my heart skip a beat. The funny part was…I might have actually said yes to him; I think I have always loved this man.
I leaned in and kissed him. "Thank you Edward." I tell him before sitting back.
I decided to bring my idea from earlier in the night out in the open. "I was thinking that maybe tomorrow after my short shift at work - if you're not busy that is – maybe we could take Aiden out and do something together. I kind of want him to get to know you better before we lay the whole 'he's your daddy' thing on him. I don't want to overwhelm him; is that okay with you?" I asked, kind of babbling.
"Bella that is completely fine; and starting right now I want you to erase any ideas that I could ever be too busy for you or Aiden. I love the two of you, Bella; I'd drop everything for you both." I think he caught sight of the fact that - in a roundabout way of course - he just told me he loved me, around the same time I did. I think we both had mirroring shocked faces.
I didn't want him to feel awkward because in reality my heart had skipped a beat at his words. "We love you too Edward; and you are welcome here anytime you like." I tell him with a light kiss on his lips that he smiled into and returned.
"Well we better get to bed; we will both be up once Aiden finds you out here sleeping. I warn you that in his excitement you might get jumped on to be woken up." I warned him in advance.
A huge smile broke across his face; "I honestly can't wait." He tells me. What surprises me is he isn't being sarcastic; he is really excited of the thought of it. Which makes me giggle; who wants to be jumped on to be woken up?
"Alright then, goodnight Bella; I'll see you in the morning." He said as I got up and leaned down to place a kiss on his lips. "Night Edward; feel free to wake me up in the morning, and remember no morning breakfast runs." I tell him with a wink and a laugh and then walk to my room.
- - -
I was woken the next morning by a high-pitched squeal and an 'oomph' sound, followed by shrieks of laughter.
I staggered out into the living room – I'm sure my bed head and dragon breath are just soooo attractive; duh Bella you couldn't have stopped into the bathroom first? – and couldn't help the laugh that slipped from my lips at the sight in front of me.
There on the couch was a very disoriented - yet laughing - Edward, and sitting Indian-style on his chest proud as can be was our son giggling his little head off.
Yup, he so got jumped on; welcome to the joys of parenting sweetheart!
"What in the world is going on out here?" I question the two in front of me. I make sure to put my hands on my hips in a scolding manner.
"Oh you know," Edward says with a playful dismissive wave of his hand; than looks to Aiden. "Just being used as a trampoline!" he exclaims and then lunges at Aiden and tickles him crazy; making us all erupt into laughter.
After we had all calmed down I spoke up; "So since you too have been working up an appetite on the trampoline this morning; how about some breakfast?" I ask them.
In response I got two enthusiastic nods from them. "Okay, well why don't the two of you watch some cartoons for awhile, while I get something to put in your bellies." I recommend.
"Are you sure you don't need any help, love?" Edward asked me with an adoring crooked smile on his face; his term of endearment making my heart race.
"No you enjoy some time with Aiden." I tell him with a wink; he smiles gratefully at me. "How does French toast, eggs and bacon sound to you guys?" I ask.
I felt my heart stutter when they both turned to me with perfectly identical crooked smiles on their faces. Between the smile and that hopeful twinkle in their matching sparkling green eyes I felt the tears well up in my eyes again. I just don't understand how I never noticed that Aiden was practically Edward's mini-me.
"Yes!" Aiden exclaimed. I watched with a smile as Edward leaned up and whispered into his son's ear. Aiden pulled away and nodded; then told Edward he was sorry.
"I mean, yes please momma! And thank you very much!" he stated proudly.
I walked over and leaned down to Aiden. "You are very welcome; what fantastic manners!" I bent and kissed him on the forehead; getting a smile in return.
I debated in my head for a moment, but then decided that since he was doing such a great job already he deserved a small reward just as much as Aiden did.
I bent down and whispered, "You're doing great; keep it up." into his ear and kissed him on the forehead as well. I watched a light blush color his cheeks and had to hold in a laugh – I guess Aiden didn't just get that trait from his momma.
"Really?" he whispered sounding so insecure I sort of felt bad for the guy.
"Yes, really; just be his friend, but keep the rules strong, and it looks like that is what you're already doing; so just keep it up daddy!" I whisper to him with a smile; getting a dazzling one in return.
"Thanks Bella." He tells me and I can tell I helped him with my words.
I made my way to the bathroom and cleaned up, then went to the kitchen and made breakfast.
"Okay boys, the food is ready!" I hollered towards the living room where I could hear them scrambling towards the food.
Edward came through the door with Aiden on him for a piggy back ride. I told him to go put Aiden in the dining room and then to come back and help me carry stuff.
Once he was back in the kitchen with me he came over and captured me in his arms and gave me a very passionate kiss; after a moment we broke apart out of breath.
"Well I definitely am not complaining about that but I actually wanted you in here to ask you something." I tell him leaning my head against his chest after pressing another quick kiss to his perfect lips.
"Hmm, well I like my idea better; but I guess I'll have to do it your way." He tells me as he buries his face in my neck.
"Well it is seven o'clock now, and I work from eight until three. We will eat quickly, and then I'll have to get Aiden ready to go to the sitters." I put it out there so if he wanted to watch Aiden he could offer, but so I wasn't making him feel bad if he already had something to do.
"Bella, umm, I don't know if you would go for this or not. I'll totally understand if you don't feel comfortable with it, but, umm, maybe instead of going to the sitter's I could just watch Aiden either here or at my place?" he offered. I have him eating right out of the palm of my hand.
"Oh Edward are you sure you don't have plans? I don't want to interrupt your day." I explain, because I really didn't. Aiden would be fine at the sitter's, but if he wanted to it was a nice idea.
"No, the most I would be doing today is probably working a bit on my paper. But I need to go to my place and shower and stuff anyway so I could just get my laptop and work on it if Aiden is taking a nap or playing or something." He tells me.
"Are you sure it's alright? It's really not a problem for me to bring him to the sitter's. If you have things to do, I don't want you to not get them done because of nothing." I tell him as we make our way towards the dining room with the food.
"I would really like to if it's okay with you Bella." He says sincerely.
"Okay then, after breakfast you can head to your place and get ready, then come back here. If you want you two could drive me to work so you have the car, that way we can go do something right after you pick me up like we planned last night?" I posed it as a question so if he didn't agree he could say so without feeling bad.
By that time we were seated at the table and Aiden and Edward were already devouring their food. Father like son.
"Sounds perfect, what are we going to do after you're done work?" he asks.
"Oh momma park!" Aiden says excitedly, I have to laugh when he stops eating and looks at me and say; "I mean, park please momma!" I look over to Edward who is laughing with me but I can see the pride practically radiating off of him.
"Good job Aiden; just because you have had such good manners today - if it's alright with Edward - we can go to the park." I tell him and then he looks over to Edward with the biggest most sparkling green puppy dog eyes you have ever seen and said, "please Edward, we would have so much fun!" and I practically watched Edward's resolve crumble like the Berlin wall right before my eyes.
"Sounds like a good idea." Edward croaked out; making me laugh.
"Wow he must really want to go to the park; he hit you with the puppy dog eyes on your first day, it takes a lot of will-power to deny those." I tell him laughing.
"I see that." He tells me with a chuckle; while Aiden giggles in the background.
After breakfast was done Edward was getting his coat and shoes on and it almost broke my heart when I seen Aiden start to cry at the sight of him leaving.
"Eward please don't leave. I don't want you too."Aiden sniffled as he wrapped his arms around his legs to stop him.
Edward looked over at me in a panic; I could tell it was tearing him apart that he was making Aiden upset. If I was being honest, watching him getting ready to walk out that door almost had me in tears.
"Aiden baby, Edward is just going to his apartment down the street to get a shower and change his clothes. Then he is going to come back and watch you while momma is at work. He isn't going to be gone very long sweetie." I tell him as I take him from Edward's arms.
"Aid, why don't you go get dressed and ready for the day and then watch some cartoons or play while your momma and me get ready. Then I'll be back before you know it; okay?" Edward tells him.
Aiden sniffled into my shoulder and nodded his head, "Otay, you promise you come back?" he asks through sniffles.
"I promise buddy; I'll be back soon." Edward tells him and gives him a kiss on the forehead and then turns to me. He shrugs and kisses me on the lips, muttering "I'll be back soon so stop freaking out." against my lips. He already knows me so well.
I give him a half hearted smile, "I'll try; hurry back." I tell him as I watch him disappear through our apartment door.
"Okay little man, you heard what Edward said go get ready for the day; and don't forget to brush your teeth." I tell him as I sat him down in the doorway to his room.
"Otay momma. Hurry up you be late for work!" he tells me with a cheeky smile.
"Yes, sir!" I tell him and leave to go to my room and get ready.
I took a quick shower and got into my work clothes; I also packed a bag of regular clothes to change into so we wouldn't have to come back here before the park. I would just change before I left work.
About ten minutes before I had to leave for work to be on time there was a knock on the door. I heard Aiden's high-pitched squeal of excitement and shouted, "look through the peep-hole to make sure it's him before you open it!"
In response I got a "Yay; Eward!" and couldn't help but laugh a little. I stuck my head out into the hall to make sure it was really him; call it the over protective mother in me, whatever.
"Hey, there's my little man!" Edward exclaimed as he scooped Aiden up and threw him over his shoulder. Aiden squealed with laughter.
Edward looked up and saw me watching them and a panty dropping smile covered his face. "Hey, love; ready for work?" he asks as he walked in to my room where I was now putting the finishing touches on my makeup at my vanity.
He threw Aiden down on the bed and then sat on the edge to wait for me to get done. It surprised me how comfortable it all seemed with him.
"Yup, all done." I tell him as I finished off my mascara.
"Good now come here so I can take off that lip gloss!" he tells me with a mischievous wink.
"Paws off; I'm going to be late for work if we don't leave now. Go get your shoes and coat on Aid, we got to go." I tell them and turn to leave my room.
Aiden ran past me towards the door and I felt arms wrap around my middle and a face nuzzle into my neck.
"What time do I get to pick you up and see your beautiful face later?" he asks as he kisses my neck gently.
"Three." I breathe out. "Okay then, we better get you to work so you can get back to us faster." He tells me as he pulls away and grabs my hand. He laces our fingers together and we make our way towards the door.
We went outside and made our way to my car, I tossed him the keys and he smiled over at me. "You sure you want me driving your car, we can just use mine if you want." He offered.
"No its okay, just use mine; we are running late as it is. Plus I don't really mind; I know you will take care of my two babies." I tell him; making us both chuckle.
"With my own life." He vowed; and I knew he was being completely sincere.
Edward pulled up to the space to drop me off. I leaned over and gave him a kiss goodbye, "Take care of my baby; everything you will need is at the house. If you need anything just call my cell phone." I tell him.
"We will be fine Bella, I promise, I'll call if we need anything. I'll be here to pick you up at three. We will go and meet you in there when we get here, okay?" he asked.
I nod, "sounds perfect." I answer.
I got out of the car and open Aiden's door. I lean in and give him a kiss goodbye. "Be good for Edward, baby. You do what he says, I'll see you after work, okay sweetie?" I ask him.
"Otay momma, I be good. I miss you, have fun at work." He tells me and gives me a kiss goodbye on the cheek.
I turn and wave goodbye as they pull away from the curb and make my way into the building. Thoughts of my two favorite boys and how much disaster they will cause in my apartment while I'm gone make me smile. I could get used to this.
-
I wonder if they will run into anyone familiar at the park…hmmm.
And who knows maybe Aiden will find out who Edward really is next chapter...wait and see.
Please Read & Review! =)
Thanks for reading!