I don't own anything except millions of fantasies that include me, Edward, and lots of nakedness.
12
bpov
I'm nervous as fuck and slightly hungover. Great combination there.
Last night had been a great night. The whole gang met at a Greek restaurant in downtown Seattle and I'm pretty sure we wiped them out of booze, thanks to Emmett. It's hard to turn down alcohol with him around.
Edward and I stumbled in the door around one a.m. and spent the rest of the night making sweaty, clumsy, passionate love.
So here I am, getting dressed to go meet Esme and Carlisle. I realize that Esme wants to apologize, but I don't think she realizes how much she hurt me. Esme had become my second mother since my real mother was hardly in my life, and hardly seemed to care.
She helped me pick out a wedding dress, and helped me finalize all the wedding details. Listened to me vent out my frustrations. She was there in every way that seemed to matter. Then she punched me. Fucking humiliated me. I'm not sure I'll ever get over the verbal lashing she gave me in front of all the wedding guests.
I really need to stop thinking about that. I need to go into this with an open mind. And if I forgave Edward, it's only fair that I forgive Esme. This sucks.
"Are you about ready, love?"
I jump at the sound of Edward's voice. I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn't even hear him approach.
"Almost."
I can barely speak above a whisper. Get some balls, Bella, seriously!
I turn back to my mirror and finish applying my make up. I can hear Edward sigh and leave the room. I'm probably making him nervous. But damn it! I can't help it!
I finish my make up, pick out some shoes, and walk out into the living room. And there lies Edward in all his glory.
Don't jump him, Bella. Now is not the time to jump him. Don't jump him, Bella.
But he looks so damn hot in his blue button up and black pants.
Edward looks up from his spot on the couch and sees my expression. 'I'm horny' is probably stamped on my forehead. Edward smirks and gets up and walks to me slowly.
Danger! Danger!
"You look beautiful."
I blush and start to slowly back away. He continues to stalk towards me, matching my slow pace.
"Edward."
My tone is clearly a warning, and hopefully he didn't hear the lustful undertone. He raises his eyebrows in response. I keep walking backwards until I run into the wall. Fuck!
Mayday! We have a level one alert! I repeat, a level one alert!
He continues to stalk forwards, still sporting his cocky smirk. He finally reaches me and puts his arms on both sides of my head, successfully trapping me. I drop my head in defeat and Edward chuckles.
"As much as I would love to ravish you, we're going to be late if we don't get going."
I look up at Edward in surprise.
"Then what the hell was that all about?"
Edward laughs. Jackass.
"Gotta keep ya on your toes."
I roll my eyes and go grab my purse. We head to the restaurant in total silence, which isn't helping my nerves. Edward grabs a hold of my hand and rubs soothing circles on it. He's here, I can get through anything.
When we arrive at the restaurant, Edward opens the door and wraps an arm around my waist, providing the comfort I definitely need. He's here, it'll be ok.
I need a shot.
I barely notice Edward speaking to the hostess, or the flirtatious looks she's sending his way. She leads us to a table and there they are. Esme and Carlisle Cullen.
I don't know if I want to shout, scream, or cry.
All bad options, I'm sure. Esme stands up and gives Edward a hug while Carlisle comes and greets me.
"You look lovely, Bella."
I nod.
"Thank you, Carlisle. I've been hearing some good things about Cullen Enterprises."
Carlisle smiles in all his blond haired, blue eyed glory. Screw George Clooney. You want an older man to fantasize about? Two words: Carlisle Cullen.
"Things have been going well."
He reaches over and shakes Edward's hand and I'm now face to face with Esme Cullen, and I have no clue what the fuck to do.
She smiles brightly.
"You look absolutely lovely, Bella."
"Thank you, Esme."
Be strong, Bella! Speak up!
Edward pulls out a chair and guides me into a seat. Thank God. I begin to fidget nervously in my seat, praying there's a fountain of alcohol somewhere. I can feel all eyes on me.
Hey! I'm not the one who called this meeting, damn it!
I hear Edward clear his throat beside me and I turn to look at him. He's looking at his mother expectantly. I follow his gaze and she's glaring back at Edward until she turns to me, wiping the glare from her face.
"So, Bella, I hear you're an executive editor now."
I am slightly taken aback. Are we skipping the apologies? Are we getting to that later?
"Um… Yes, I work for Harmony Publishing."
She nods.
"And you've managed to work your way up to executive editor in only five years?"
I nod though I'm not sure what she is implying.
"Yes."
"Well, from what I've heard, it can take nearly a decade to reach that high up."
I'm about to jump on the defensive, but Carlisle beats me to it.
"What are you implying, Esme?"
She turns to her husband with an innocent expression.
"I'm not implying anything. I'm just amazed that Bella managed to do such a thing in half the time it takes everyone else to."
My voice is hard and warning when I respond.
"I'm excellent at my job. All of my assignments have been worked to perfection. I worked my way up the ladder like anyone else would. There were just more openings than usual on my way up."
I can see Esme is slightly taken aback by my tone of voice. Not many people speak to her like that, I'm sure. She's Esme freakin' Cullen. But I'll be damned if I let her imply that I slept my way to the top.
Edward grabs a hold of my hand and speaks to his mother in a warning tone.
"She's very good at her job. I've seen her in action."
Esme raises an eyebrow.
"I'm sure you have."
I stand up so fast my chair is knocked to the ground.
"What is your problem?!"
I'm barely aware that I'm making a scene in the restaurant, or of the frightened waitress standing to my right. My eyes burn holes into Esme's head while I wait for her to respond. Her surprise turns to a glare, daring me.
"I'm protecting my son."
I ball my hands into fists.
"Why? Because I'm so bad for him? Because I would betray him? Hate to break it to you, Esme, but it was your precious Tanya that betrayed him and yourself. Want proof? Watch the fucking video!"
Esme stands up slowly.
"Come on, Carlisle. I don't have to deal with this."
Carlisle makes no move, just continues to sit in his seat not even looking at Esme.
Esme's face drops.
"Carlisle!"
He looks up at her with a calm expression.
"She's right, you know. You have no reason not to trust her. She got your proof for you. In fact, she protected Edward better than any of us had. We all supported this marriage to Tanya when in all reality Tanya was the worst thing for him.
You called this meeting to apologize to her and yet all you have done is antagonize her. She obviously makes Edward very happy and the least you could do is try to make peace."
Edward stands beside me and wraps an arm around my waist while I stand there in total shock. I hadn't expected Carlisle to defend me. Edward, sure. But not Carlisle.
"They're both right, mother. Bella is a remarkable woman and the best person in my life. Had it not been for her, I would still be with Tanya. You know, Tanya, the one who sent the information to the tabloids. The one who outed your secret. In this whole situation, Bella is the biggest victim. Think about everything we've done to her! Everything!
We could start with you punching her, or how about you screaming at her in front of all those people! I left her! We basically had her shunned in her own hometown! The least you could do is apologize!"
Esme glares at both Carlisle and Edward defiantly, making no move to apologize. When I speak to her, I speak in a whisper.
"What's the real reason you don't trust me?"
Esme looks at me in surprise, probably not expecting me to know there's a whole other reason behind her behavior. Hell, I surprised myself. After I said it, it all started to make sense. She's still holding a grudge though it's proven I'm innocent. How she's trying to find anything she can to split us up. I mean, really? Sleeping my way to the top?
Her surprise turns to a glare, her voice deadly.
"Because I believe you are poison for my son. Edward damn near lost his will to live when you split up. Leaving me to pick up the pieces. I barely managed to convince him to get with Tanya, to move on. And I had to stop just short of bribes to get him to propose. When this doesn't work out, it'll be me picking up the pieces once again.
A mother never wants to see her son on the brink of death. And thanks to you, I'll have to see it twice."
I'm about to speak up. Defend myself. Tell her it was hard for me, too. But Edward beats me to it.
"Bella is the antidote for any poison in my life. Don't you think some of the reason I was so upset was your fault? Damn, mother! My father was ripped from me! You lied to me my whole life! Everything and everyone I held dear in my life was ripped from me in one fucking minute! And whether you want to believe it or not, at the end of the day it was your fault!
You shouldn't have kept that secret from me! Or from dad! Protecting us or not, lying to us was still wrong! And because of your secrets, the person I love more than anyone or anything else in the world was ripped from me! On our wedding day! And yet you're cruel enough to try to keep us apart once again! Do I even know you at all?!"
The entire restaurant is completely silent at this point. All eyes on us. And yet, I can't even be embarrassed. I'm trapped in my shock. It's not that I would never expect Edward to defend me, but I would never expect him to yell at his mother like that. And in public. Thank God there aren't any paparazzi around.
I look to Esme and I can see the same shock displayed on her face. Like she can't believe Edward said any of that. Like she can't believe Edward yelled at her.
"Mother, I love you. I really do. That's why I never once yelled at you about this. But for you to be on a high horse in this situation is blasphemy! You taught me that when you're in the wrong you apologize, but look at you now. Absolutely refusing to apologize.
And what scares me more is how sincere you sounded on the phone. What was it you said? Oh yeah. "After everything that has happened, I can not think of two better people who deserve that life." You had me so convinced. And that scares the living shit out of me! What else have you lied about?"
Esme remains still as a statue, still in shock.
"Edward, Bella, I would like to speak with you in private if that's ok?"
I look up to Carlisle and I see him trying to hide his pain away. He comes around to my side of the table and picks up my chair. He grabs a hold of my hand and begins to lead me away. I look to my side to see Edward coming along. I look back to see tears streaming down Esme's face.
The reality of the situation comes down on me at this point. Tears stream from my eyes, seeing the pain in sorrow in her eyes. I don't feel any guilt, but in that moment, I feel her pain. Her husband and son are walking away from her after yelling at her, and publicly at that. Her son, her Edward, told her it was all her fault.
She had said herself, "No mother wants to see her son on the brink of death." Edward just told her that it was entirely her fault he was like that.
We reach the outside of the restaurant and both Edward and Carlisle guide me to the car.
"I'd like to meet you at your place if that's ok?"
I turn to Carlisle and hug him. I can't help it. The pain and sorrow in his eyes. Just because he is older doesn't mean he doesn't need to be comforted, too.
"You're always welcome in our home, Carlisle. Always."
It came out a little muffled in his chest, but I know he understands me when he hugs me tighter.
"Thank you, Bella."
I pull out from the hug and nod. I look up into his eyes and see them swimming in tears.
Edward guides me into the passenger seat and shuts my door. He exchanges a few words with Carlisle then gets in the car and begins to drive.
We are completely silent the entire drive home, completely lost in our own thoughts. I can't even imagine what Edward must be feeling right now. When we pull in the driveway, followed by Carlisle, Edward gets out right away. He opens my door and I latch myself to him.
"I'm so sorry, Edward."
He hugs me back tightly.
"None of this is your fault, Bella. None of this. This had to be done. She's had this a long time coming, trust me. She's always played this victim in this situation. And we let her get away with it because we love her."
I nod and pull back as Carlisle meets us. I lead us to the door and let us in. I can see Carlisle looking around in the corner of my eye, but I pay him no mind. This is, after all, his son's new home. I lead the men into the living room.
Once there, Carlisle scans the shelves upon shelves of pictures. Pictures of Edward and myself, of our family. I can see the slight smile gracing his face. He remains staring at a picture of Edward and I in front of the Cullen mansion. I'm on Edward's back, our faces smashed together, huge smiles across our faces.
It's surreal almost. That was so long ago. So much has happened since that moment. And yet here we are. Together.
"I remember taking this picture. I had been up in my office, trying to get who knows what done for Cullen Enterprises. But I couldn't concentrate because all I could hear was your laughter. I wanted to be annoyed, but I couldn't. You both sounded so happy."
He turns to face us and I can see he's lost. Lost in another time. A time where we all believed Edward was really a Cullen, a time where we hadn't been ripped away from each other.
"I eventually went outside to investigate. You wouldn't stop laughing, so I figured you were torturing Alice or something. But you were messing around, just joking and wrestling a little. I went back up to my office and grabbed my camera. This was a moment of pure happiness, a true kodak moment.
I came back outside and you were still messing around, but you noticed me after you jumped on Edward's back. I still have a copy of this picture on my desk at work."
I freeze. Still have a copy on his desk at work? After he believed I betrayed them?
Carlisle looks directly in my eyes.
"After witnessing a moment like that, I just couldn't believe you would do such a thing to Edward. Or even to myself to be quite honest. Happiness radiated off the both of you in waves. But after catching you two in your own world together, I just knew you couldn't do that. You would die before ever hurting a hair on his head.
I fought for you, Bella. I really did. But all my contacts came up with was your email address. I couldn't do anything else for you at that point. But I knew you were innocent. And so I kept the picture. Because Bella, you're my true daughter. You haven't married my son yet, but you have always been a part of my family.
It's my fault Esme knew about your job. I had checked on you many times throughout the years. I knew of any hospital visits, any special events. I was so proud of you, Bella. So when Esme called me and told me what Edward said, I gloated. I gloated like any proud father would. I just had no idea Esme would misconstrue your accomplishments in such a way. I'm so sorry, Bella."
Carlisle looks down in shame. I move from my frozen spot and hug him. He latches on to me and I feel a tear fall into my hair. I realize how rare of a moment this really is. Carlisle Cullen, master of business, head of the most powerful empire in the world is crying.
I hug him tighter and rock us side to side for a moment. Once I feel him calm down I step out of the hug.
"Don't be sorry, Carlisle. Ever. I had no idea you believed me. Even though you were silent, knowing you were on my side means the world to me. Sometimes a silent cheerleader is the best kind. And I would never want to come in between you and your family."
Carlisle nods and smiles while he puts a strand of hair behind my ear.
"And Esme will come to her senses, I believe that. Though wrong in this matter, she has a good heart. Her reasons are right, she's just fighting the wrong battle."
I nod and step back and turn to Edward.
"Are you ok, Edward?"
He looks back at me and smiles.
"You're here, of course I'm happy. I've got you, I've got family, I've got my own practice. What more could I need?"
I smile and hug Edward until we're interrupted by Carlisle's shocked voice.
"You're own practice?"
Edward pulls out of the hug and smiles at Carlisle.
"This little lady right here got our friends together and they got me my practice."
I hit Edward on the arm.
"You weren't supposed to know it was my idea!"
Edward laughs.
"You're the most selfless creature on the planet. It was obvious, love."
I blush and lean into his arm and we turn to Carlisle.
"Well, damn. There goes your Christmas present."
Edward tenses and I smile a smile a mile wide.
"You know, Carlisle. You're more than welcome to help out. He can't be entirely pro-bono right now. Only select cases. But with your help, I'm sure we can make that possible."
Edward automatically starts to tell him no when Carlisle raises his hand to silence him. Carlisle Cullen is the only man I know who can silence an entire room with just a raise of his hand.
"I'll one up you, Bella. Allow me to pay all of you back as well as cover the full costs. As a gift to you as well for all you have done. There are better things you can do with your money, Bella. And I'm assuming Rose and Emmett helped out as well, and he's only on a cop's salary. Allow me to do this, to express my gratitude."
"No, Carlisle, I can't ask you to do that."
He smiles his one of a kind smile.
"You're not asking. I'm asking. Like I said, I was getting Edward his practice for Christmas since he's too old for trust funds. If you don't take this for yourself, think of Emmett and Rose. I know they had been saving that money up for a bigger home. Or that's what Rose told me a few months back."
I look at him in shock, but before I can question him, Edward speaks.
"You still speak to Rose?"
Carlisle nods.
"Of course, she's like my third daughter. My 'in' with the Swan family. A few weeks after everything went down, I called Rose to see how Bella was doing. Rose has known all along how hard I was trying to help Bella. I still speak to her every other week or so."
I'm shocked.
"Well, damn. She never said a word to me."
"I asked her not to. I didn't want to make this situation any harder on you than it already was. And I knew speaking to me would be hard."
I nod. It's true. It would have broken my heart to know that Carlisle was on my side and couldn't do anything. If Carlisle Cullen can't do something, then no one can.
"So please, let me do this. Like I said, they were saving up for a bigger house. They plan on starting that family soon."
I smile at the thought of nieces and nephews running around. Mini-Rosalies and mini-Emmetts. I shudder at the second thought.
"They never told me about the house. I never would have asked them to join in if that were the case."
Carlisle rolls his eyes.
"Do you honestly expect them to tell you they're saving for a house when their money could go to Edward's practice? Please at least pretend you know them, Bella. This is probably the greatest thing they could ever do for Edward. This would make them happier than a house any day."
"Well played, Carlisle, well played. You know this is the only way I'll accept your money."
Carlisle laughs.
"I was named 'smartest man of the century' for a reason, Bella."
I laugh. It's true. Fortune magazine had named him 'smartest man of the century' when he topped the richest man in the world list for the millionth year in a row.
"Alright, you win. I'll give you the bank information later."
Carlisle smiles in victory while I roll my eyes. I let the Cullen men get away with everything!
There's a knock at my door. I scrunch my eyebrows together and look at Edward. He looks just as confused.
"You weren't expecting anyone?"
He rolls his eyes.
"We had plans tonight, love. Of course I wasn't expecting anyone."
I nod and head to the front door, leaving the men chatting in the living room. I open to door and freeze in complete shock. Looking as lovely and elegant as only she can, stands Esme Cullen.
"Bella, may I have a word with you three?"
I nod and step back, allowing her entrance into my home. I shouldn't do this for her, I really shouldn't. But everyone deserves a second chance. And I can see in her eyes, she knows she's in the wrong.
I lead her to the living room and Edward and Carlisle's conversation trails off while Edward stares at his mother in shock.
"Mother?"
"Edward. Carlisle."
I walk around Esme and join Edward's side. I can see the heartbroken expression in Esme's eyes. I look over to Carlisle and he looks happy. He knew this would happen. 'Smartest man of the century' just may be an understatement.
"You were all right. All of you. I've been blaming Bella for so long that I, like an idiot, blamed her for all of your heartache, Edward. But I betrayed you, too. I lied. And I can't imagine what kind of pain you felt at that.
You're supposed to be able to trust your mother. Without question. Just like your partner in life. I still believe my heart was in the right place, but I was still wrong.
And you, beautiful Bella. I can not even fathom how I can apologize for what I did to you that day. You must have been so humiliated to be standing in front of your entire family and all of your friends and be yelled at like that. And I struck that beautiful face of yours.
One thing I can do is first thing in the morning I am issuing a public apology. I want the world to know how sorry I am, and I want them all to know you're innocent as well. The whole world believes you're a traitor, when really, you're better than all of us. But I would like to tell you face to face that I am more sorry than I can ever express. And you're the best person for my son."
I smile and step forward and hug Esme. I don't want to be plastered all over the news, all over newspapers. But she's right, the world does believe I am a traitor. I walk down the street and am sneered at constantly. I do my best to ignore it, but it can be hard at times.
"Thank you, Esme."
She hugs me tighter and it feels so good to be in her arms. My mother is a part of my life, a small part at that. But Esme, she has always been that substitute. But more. She was the mother I never had. And it seems I got her back. Tears stream from my eyes at this realization. I now have all of my family back.
I step back and she wipes the tears from my eyes. She leans forward and kisses my jaw, the same spot she punched five years ago. And just like that, she made it feel better. It doesn't still hurt, obviously, but she did what a mother does. She kissed the pain away. Even if it's five years too late.
I release Esme when I feel Edward's presence behind me and let them hug. Carlisle walks up and puts an arm around my shoulder.
"You know, this place has Alice written all over it."
I laugh and nod at his random statement.
"Ain't that the truth. I've lovingly dubbed her the design nazi. She just doesn't know it."
Carlisle busts out laughing causing me to shake with him from the weight of him arm on my shoulder.
"You should see my office. Took me hours to talk her out of a floral design. Manly or not, there's no way in hell my office is going to have a floral design."
I bust out laughing at Carlisle's statement then stop and blush when my stomach grumbles. Edward turns and looks at me adoringly, making me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Chinese delivery?"
"I knew there was a reason I picked you."
Edward laughs and whips out his cell phone before getting everyone's order. Esme starts to look around.
"Your home is absolutely lovely, Bella."
I smile.
"Thank you. Carlisle and I were just discussing Alice's design."
Esme rolls her eyes, something you don't see often. It's impolite, so a woman of her status isn't permitted to do so often.
"Force of nature, my daughter is."
I laugh.
"Understatement, Esme. Understatement. Though I have yet to find the right.. term of endearment."
Everyone laughs with me. I proceed to give them a complete tour of the house, including Edward's piano room with his piano now put in. It arrived Thursday evening and Edward played non-stop for hours. It was like he was missing his child. But it had been so long since I heard him play, I sat there for hours swimming in the tones of his music.
After the tour we eat our dinner and catch up on what we have missed in the past five years. It feels good to have all of my family back. We retreat into the living room with our glasses of wine when I see a message on my answering machine. Not thinking much of it, I push play.
"Edward... it's Tanya. I didn't come over because I didn't want to be attacked by Bella. Edward, I'm... I'm pregnant. Bye."
I look up at Edward in shock. He stares back at me wide eyed, not breathing.
What the fuck are we going to do?
Again, a special thanks to my beta justme317. She takes a lot of time out of her day to help me out with this.
I know, I'm evil for leaving ya hanging like this. And I had a few of you guess this early on.
I'll update soon, I promise. Review the damage!