6. Proposition

Edward

After a dinner of crawfish, dirty rice and veggies, Skye made sure the kids had baths then put them to bed. She took a shower, by herself, much to my dismay, then plopped down on the bed. The day had been a long one for the both of us and she seemed a little out of it. I lay next to her and pulled her close.

"So, PJ was happy that Sid left him the house." I kissed her forehead.

"Yeah he was." She smiled. "But the kids weren't when you told them that Archibald couldn't come to Oregon with us."

I chuckled.

"You know as well as I do that it's way too cold in Oregon for an alligator. What is it with this family and the weird pets? First wolves and now alligators." I shook my head.

She looked up at me.

"Why, whatever do you mean, Mr. Cullen," she said in her heaviest southern accent, batting her eyes.

"You know exactly what I mean, Mrs. Cullen." I slapped her behind playfully. "Your love for exotic pets has rubbed off on our kids."

"Has it now?"

"Yes it has."

"So are you going to let them keep the gator?"

"I didn't say that. But I'll think about it." I leaned in to kiss her.

She sighed and snuggled into me when I released her lips.

"You know that you're never going to get him to sell. Maybe we should just try and work with him."

"No, I'll get him to sell."

"How?" she asked. "I know Chevy, and he's as stubborn as a bull."

"Yes, but even a bull can be broken. He'll sell. Trust me." I stroked her hair.

"But I'm telling you..."

"Let me handle it."

She yawned and nodded.

"Okay, but I still think that maybe we should try and get along with him. Maybe he and I can work something out."

"I don't want to work with him." I told her.

"You wouldn't have too, I would. I'm sure that Chevy and I could get along if we tried."

"An even better reason to buy him out," I said.

"Let's say that you do get him to sell. Then what do we do? Because I'll have to hire a stranger to run the place since we live so far away. I don't know if I like that. As much as I hate to admit it, I think he was right. No one could or would run that place better than one of us and he's the best choice. PJ's trying to get his law firm going in Baton Rouge and I can't keep and eye on things from Oregon."

"Alice can. And I'm sure PJ wouldn't mind dropping by from time to time."

"No, but it wouldn't be enough. And I'm not gonna ask Alice to watch my bar. She's already got her hands full with us. It's also a waste of her time," she said as she ran her hand up and down my chest.

"Then maybe we should move here," I said and her hand froze. "We've been in Oregon long enough, and it's about time for a change."

I thought about what I said, after I said it. We had been in Astoria for almost ten years and soon people would realize that while our children aged, we didn't. But moving to New Orleans wasn't something I ever considered before. Honestly, I was thinking we'd move to my childhood home in Chicago next. But now that I thought about it, New Orleans wasn't a bad choice.

It would definitely make Skye and the kids happy. They all loved it here. And her family would be ecstatic that she and the kids were finally home. It would also give me a break from Jasper. I would actually have my family to myself for a little while. The only problem was Chevy.

"Really?" She sat up. "You'd really move here?"

"Yes, but under two conditions."

She narrowed her eyes at me.

"Go on…" she prompted.

"I'll only move here if Chevy is not. I'm not dumb enough to dangle you right under his nose knowing how he feels about you. You know you're the real reason he won't sell? It really has nothing to do with Sidney. He hopes the bar will make you two close again."

She nodded.

"I figured as much. But he would take good care of the bar. He does care about it."

"Perhaps, but I don't want my wife's ex, who's still in love with her, working for, or with her. I'm not stupid. And I'm a man. I know that he'll try everything under the sun to get you back in his bed."

"Well he'll be disappointed, because that's not going to happen."

"Damn right it isn't." I agreed.

"And the other thing?" she asked.

"That's an easy one. I want you to find your happiness. Use the time that we're here to find yourself again. No more moping. I want you singing and smiling again." I stroked her chin. "Will coming home make you happy?"

She closed her eyes and nodded.

"Good because your happiness means everything to me." I kissed her forehead. "Now I know that you'll want to be hands on at Sid's and that's cool, but I want you to be more behind the scenes. Run it however you want of course, but hire someone else to tend bar and manage. If you can do these things for me then we have a deal. I'll get you your bar." I told her.

She climbed on top of me smiling.

"Okay." She smiled.

"Promise?"

She nodded.

"Alright, then I'll make it happen." I ran my hand through her curls.

"You mean it?"

"Yes, mon amour. I'll call Jenks and have all our paperwork redone. We should be able to move within the next couple of months." I shrugged then caressed her cheek. "And I have him drawing up papers for Sid's place as we speak. They'll be faxed to me in the morning."

"You really think you can get him to sell his share and leave New Orleans?"

"Yes, beautiful. I'm a desperate man on a mission to please the woman I love." I kissed her and ran my hands down her back to her ass.

"The things we do for love." She smiled and untied her robe.

"Indeed." I agreed as I slipped it from her shoulders running my nose across her skin and up her neck.

She held the back of my neck and brought my mouth to hers kissing me passionately.

"I thought you were tired," I mumbled, nibbling her chin.

"Can't I say thank you to my wonderful husband?" She teased.

"But I haven't done anything yet."

"You're right." She smiled and tried to roll off me. I grabbed her hips.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"You're right, so I've changed my mind." She feigned disinterest.

I flipped her over and pinned her to the bed quickly.

"Tease... I guess I'll just have to take what I want." I started my way down her body.

"And what is it that you want kind sir?" she asked softly, watching me.

I spread her legs and gave her pussy a sweet kiss. "Everything, your very soul. But I'll start with this."

0~~~~~~~~~~~0

I was sitting in one of the booths waiting for Chevy. He was already ten minutes late and I was getting more pissed by the minute. After fifteen minutes passed I stood up. That was when I realized he had pulled up outside. I didn't bother to sit back down. What I had to say would be quick.

He strolled in and sat his helmet on the bar.

"So nice of you to show up," I said.

"Sorry, overslept." He shrugged.

"Sure you did."

"Where's Angel?" He looked around.

"Home…with our children."

"Yeah, you didn't waste anytime knocking her up and keeping her that way." He said pouring himself a drink.

"It's what she wanted and I always give her what she wants." I watched him.

"I just bet you do. Spoiled ass rich kid." He grumbled into his glass.

"I'm not a child." I assured him.

"No, you're an old ass man stuck in a child's body."

I took a deep breath. I promised Skye I wouldn't kill him.

"You keep believing that if it makes you feel better. But trust me, there's nothing childlike about me. Absolutely nothing." I informed him smirking.

He narrowed his eyes at me.

"And like I've said before, you may have been her first, but I will definitely be the last. You won't ever get another taste of that sweetness. That I promise you."

"Asshole." He growled. "I thought we were here about the bar. As I told you yesterday, I'm not selling. I love this bar. It means too…"

"Cut the shit, Chevalier. How much is it going to take for me to buy you out of my wife's life? How much do you want for the bar and for you to leave?"

He laughed.

"More than you have, rich boy."

"I doubt that. So, I'll ask you again. How much?"

"Hmmm... Five million would cover it I think." He smiled.

"Done," I said and his eyes widened.

I pulled the sale contract from inside my jacket and placed it on the table. "How would you like that, cash, or do you have an account you want me to wire it to?"

"Wait…I …I didn't say that I…" he sputtered.

I leaned into him and growled. "You said five million. I agreed. Now sign the damn papers, get your money, and disappear."

"Or what?" He asked.

"Or I make you disappear and keep my fucking money."

"Really? And what makes you think that I'd be so easy to dispose of? I've dealt with your kind before."

"Yes, but you've never dealt with me. Don't let that little bit of strength you have go to your head. You are no match for me. I've been around a long time and I've done terrible things. Things you would never believe for far less. Things my wife will never know..." I looked at him. "I don't want to be that man ever again, but I will, for her, I will."

"Angel would never..."

"Angelique would never know. Do you think that I would risk losing her for the likes of you? No, I'm smarter than that. And I know some pretty crafty ways to make a body disappear." I grinned crookedly.

He leaned against the bar watching and gauging me. Desperate men did desperate things. He understood that. But he was warring in his head whether or not he should take my threat seriously.

I handed him a pen and the contract.

"You are trying my patience. Sign it! Now!" I growled barring my teeth and letting my eyes change in front of him. I looked every bit the predator. I could see it in the fear on his face.

He threw back his drink quickly then took the pen and grabbed a napkin. "This is my account number. I want the money in there before the end of the day," he said more steady than he felt.

"Fine." I took the napkin. "Now sign!"

He scribbled his name on the lines with the X's and shoved it toward me.

"This is blackmail! Does Angel know what you're...?"

I stopped him.

"Blackmail? How? I'm paying you. And my wife is not your concern. You don't need to worry about her, ever." I grabbed the contract. "By the way… I want you gone by the end of the week."

"I never said I'd leave... This is my home! My mother is here!" He snapped.

I flit and had him pinned to the far wall by the throat so quickly that even I was surprised.

"Oh, but you are," I said slowly. "That was clearly stated at the beginning of this proposition. It's part of the deal and the contract you just signed. It's non-negotiable."

He struggled and tried to pry my forearm from his throat. I applied more pressure, pressing his head into the drywall.

Desperate, he tried to knee me.

"If you try that again, I'll break your fucking leg." I said catching his leg and squeezing his thigh.

His eyes bulged in surprise.

"Do you understand?"

He nodded reluctantly.

"Now...you can visit your mother, but make your visits brief and don't try to contact my wife while you're in town. We'll be moving back soon and I don't want her to even know when you're here. Am I clear?"

He opened his mouth but nothing came out. I adjusted my hold so he could breathe, not speak.

"Just nod, I'm done listening to you."

He nodded and I let him go. He fell to his knees gasping.

I stuffed the contract in my jacket and flit to the door.

"Nice doing business with you, Chevalier."

He gave me the finger before standing up.

I had waited a long fucking time to put that asshole in his place. It felt good. And even though I was sure I'd have to deal with him again I couldn't help but smile as I shut the door.

Skye

I was sitting on the sofa watching movies with the kids and Jazz when Eddie walked in the door. I was still a little peeved that he wouldn't let me go with him to the meeting with Chevy. He thought Chevy would be more difficult if I was there. He was right. He would've been, but I wasn't sure I could trust the two of them to be alone together.

"So, how'd it go?" I asked reluctantly.

He smiled and pulled out the contract. I ran to him quickly and jumped in his arms. I wrapped my legs around him and he cupped my behind to hold me up.

"Careful Love, don't hurt yourself." He smiled.

"I'm fine." I giggled. "Is he still breathing and in one piece?" I asked silently.

He nodded and I kissed him.

"Then I won't even ask how you got him to sign that. Or how much it cost you."

He laughed. "Don't worry about that."

"That much, huh?"

"Skye, you're worth every penny."

"Thank you, baby." I kissed him softly.

"You're welcome." He smiled.

"Soooo…" I sang.

"Soooo…" he replied.

"Are we moving or what?" I asked impatiently.

The question seemed to get everyone's attention.

"Yes, you're coming home."

I squealed and kissed all over his face before finally stopping on his lips and lingering.

"I love you. You're so good to me." I smiled releasing his lips.

"I am, aren't I?" His smile brightened.

The kids ran to us excitedly and Eddie stood me up.

"We're moving?" The twins shouted.

"Yes, we're leaving Astoria. You guys ready for a change?" He asked them.

"Yes!" They exclaimed enthusiastically.

We laughed as they hopped around us.

"Can we go to a real school?" EJ asked.

"And can we keep Archibald?" JR asked.

"And can we bring daddy's four wheeler's and the dirt bikes Uncle Jazz bought us?" Lisette asked.

"I don't see why you couldn't go to regular school. You guys know the rules. You know how you'll have to behave." Eddie said. "But you'll still have lessons at home. Regular school work is going to be significantly behind what you've already studied."

"We know, and we'll act very human and childlike." EJ assured him. "We just want to hang out with kids our own age."

Eddie smiled. "Okay, and I'll think about the alligator thing, JR. I really don't think it's a proper pet for kids."

"He can't hurt us though." JR reasoned.

"He can. You do bleed, remember?"

"Well, he'd have to catch us first. And I don't think his teeth are strong enough to break through our skin. Please Dad!" He begged.

"How will you feed him?" Eddie asked.

"Easy, we'll bring him small game after we hunt. Uncle Sid use to trap 'coons and squirrels for him."

"And he likes chicken." Lisette added. "We can buy that at the grocery store."

"Ugh, I don't know, guys. He's small right now, but once he gets bigger he'll need bigger food and a place to swim."

"Then we'll bring him bigger game and dig a pond out past the pool. Pleaseeee…" JR begged.

Eddie looked at me and I shrugged. "I had one when I was little."

He rolled his eyes.

"Of course you did."

I laughed.

"Alright, we'll try it. But if he becomes too much we're taking him to the swamp."

"Okay!" They agreed.

"And yes, princess. You can bring the four wheelers and your bikes. There's plenty of space for you guys to ride here."

"Thanks, Daddy." She reached up and he took her in his arms to give her a hug and kiss.

"Alright, how bout lunch?" I said and they ran to the kitchen.

Eddie laughed and pulled me to him.

"Are you happy, mon amour?"

"Yes, so very happy." I kissed his bottom lip. "Now let me go so I can feed your children."

He let me loose with a slap to the bottom.

0~~~~~~~~~~0

"So when were you gonna tell me you were moving away?" he asked sitting next to me in the garden, which was starting to bloom.

I turned and shrugged.

"I didn't know. He just brought it up the other night. And it wasn't a definite 'yes' until yesterday."

"He wants us separated you know?"

"No, he doesn't."

"Yeah he does. He hates the fact that we're still friends."

"He does not. He's okay with us being friends."

"No, he tolerates it for you. That's it."

I looked away because deep down I think I knew that. It hurt me to know that something I did almost ten years ago, and would never do again, still affected him so. Sometimes I wished I could take it back. And sometimes I didn't, because it opened Edward's eyes and helped us get to where we were today. After that incident and the thing with the council, he worked hard, and we worked hard, on us, and never took each other for granted again. It saved us and our marriage, but not without scars.

"Well that's enough for me. It's gonna have to be enough for you as well."

"He's taking you and the kids away from me."

"He's not doing this to hurt you. If anything he's doing it because he wants us to himself for awhile. And he deserves that, Jazz. You guys always came and went as you pleased, and he was either alone, or stuck with mom and dad. He loves you guys, and he knows how much y'all love us, but he needs this. We need this. Besides, we're family, you know we'll never really be apart."

"I don't want to go a decade without seeing you or the kids. They'll be grownups."

"Then don't. You and Alice are always welcome here. Come whenever you want." I consoled him. I could tell he was sad. "It's gonna be alright. I promise. Now stop sulking, you're ruining my mood."

He smiled sadly and I hugged him.

"So when y'all leavin'?" He asked in a huff.

"A couple of months. It'll give us time to tie up loose ends. Eddie wants to give the hospital time to find a replacement."

He nodded.

"I bet your family is happy."

"I haven't told them yet."

"Why not?"

"I'm just bidding my time," I said smiling. "I'll deal with my father and my family when I'm ready."

He laughed and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"I'm gonna miss you, Angel."

"Me too, J."

0~~~~~~~~~~0

We were flying somewhere over Colorado when Eddie turned to me.

"Are you excited about moving? I know that they are." He gestured to the kids sleeping in the back of the small plane.

"You know I am." I smiled.

"Your family's really happy that we're moving down."

"And yours isn't." I pointed out.

"They're happy for us. They're just going to miss us is all. We don't separate often."

"I know. Jazz was melancholy."

"That would explain why he was withdrawn these last few days."

"Yeah. I tried to explain things, but you know how he gets. He can be moody." I sighed.

"You know, I've never been able to really live my own life before. I've always been with Carlisle. The one time I tried to… Well you know what happened."

"Well, it's about time for you to give it another go." I smiled.

"Yes, I think so too." He smiled and took my hand.

"So you going to work as a doctor this time?"

"Yes, but I'm thinking of opening my own practice. I'm thinking pediatrics. No big hospital, no surgeries, no pressure. And I can make my own hours. Which means more time for you and the kids. You can fall asleep in my arms every night and wake up there every morning."

"I would really love that. I miss that." I told him.

"Me too, mon amour."

"What did the hospital say when you gave your notice?" I asked.

"They offered me more money. But I told them I wanted to slow down and enjoy my family."

"I can't wait to have you home on a regular basis." I told him.

"I can't wait to be home on a regular basis." He smiled.

I held onto his hand and turned to look out the window. I was nervous and excited about leaving our family. I would miss them, but I couldn't wait to have Eddie to myself and home with me. This would be a good thing. I just knew it.

0~~~~~~~~~~0

AN: BTW there is a pic on my home page of Indie. Check her out. She's so cute. So what do you think? The Cullens in the N.O... See ya'll next Saturday.