AN: There is a lot going on in this chapter. A little citrus surprise that just wouldn't wait plus a little family time, some of the Forks residents' reactions, and let's not forget time to rid ourselves of Chelsea.
How Can I Help You?
Chapter 19 Confrontations
BPOV
I woke the next morning and attempted a full body stretch, only to be pulled closer to Edward's warm body. The feel of him against my skin was like a soothing balm. It had been too long since we were together this way. Our bodies fit together like two halves of a whole.
"Morning, love. Did you sleep well?" I didn't think there was anything sexier than Edward's sleep roughened voice.
"Hmmm…well the three hours I was able to get were fantastic, not that I'm complaining."
I turned in Edward's arms, running my hand down his side and settling over his bare hip.
He chuckled, "Yeah I think we officially shot the 'taking it slow' approach to Hell."
Edward pulled me closer and rolled us so that I was lying on his chest. He wore a cocky smile this morning and I wiped it from his face as I leaned forward to kiss him. He hissed as his erection was caught between us.
"Edward…we don't have much time this morning. Kate and Irina will be up for school soon and Riley will want to get up. We need to be dressed or at least out of this room before one of them walks in."
He groaned as I moved over him. "Bella, love, please…"
I pushed myself up so that I was sitting on his thighs. I tried to keep my eyes on his, but couldn't resist looking at his body. His chest muscles were nicely defined, and the spattering of chest hair was just enough to tug playfully on to get his attention. His abdominals tensed as I trailed a finger down his chest past his belly button to lightly trace the seeping tip of his cock.
"It's terrible having to be a grownup, I know baby. I would like nothing more than to lock us away for a week, but with two teenagers and a baby, we can forget about it. I promise we will pick this up later though." I wrapped my hand around him stroking him from base to tip before getting up.
"Bellaaa, don't tease, love. It's been too long." I bent over him, kissing his sweet mouth.
"Check on Ry while I'm in the shower?"
Edward swatted my butt as I turned towards the bathroom. "We will revisit this later."
As I stood under the warm spray of the shower, I took stock of my body. Everything felt loose, like my joints and muscles had turned to goo. The only area I felt any discomfort at all was between my legs. I guess that was to be expected, besides giving birth, the last action there was with Edward before I flew back to California. Thoughts of last night ran through my head.
O~O~O~O
As we walked towards his room after checking the children, Edward stopped me.
"Are you sure, love? I promise to be good; I don't want to push you… I just want to hold you in my arms and in my bed."
I cupped his cheeks in my hands, pulling him to me. "I want to be in your arms tonight. It's where I've wanted to be since Mom died."
He led us into his room and handed me one of his t-shirts to wear. I changed quickly in his bathroom and after borrowing his toothbrush I walked back into the bedroom. The sight that greeted me, stole my breath. Edward was lying on his bed, propped up on pillows against the headboard, with the blankets folded down by his feet and wearing only his black boxer briefs. 'He's trying to drive me crazy,' I thought to myself. I couldn't stop the sound escaping from my mouth as I looked at him.
Edward looked up and opened his arms waiting for me.
"I've missed this." I said as I snuggled into his side.
"I've missed you, Bella." Edward wrapped me in his arms and we lay together just breathing in the other's scent.
Just the feel of Edward lying against me all warm and hard, was too tempting. I ran my hand down his smooth back, over his muscles and down his spine. I didn't hesitate as I reached his waistband, my hand moved to grab his glorious ass.
A memory of Angela teasing me about staring at Edward's ass while we were working, struck me.
"Bella, honey, why are you shaking?" He pulled back far enough to see my face.
"What has you trying so hard not to laugh? Is my butt that funny?"
Only then was I aware that I was still kneading the muscles of the glorious ass.
"N- nothing, it was just an old memory of when Angela and I worked in the store. I would have loved to have been free to grab your behind whenever I wanted and Ang used to tease me about it."
His killer smirk lit up his face, "Grab away anytime you want. This ass is all yours."
He nudged my chin with his nose, tilting my face up for his kiss. He started slow and easy, just an affectionate kiss, but I am the one that lost control. My tongue demanded entrance and no sooner had he parted his lips than our tongues were battling for dominance. I pulled on his hips wanting him closer, and Edward rolled us so he was hovering over me. He ran a hand beneath the shirt I was wearing and trailed it up my stomach, stopping just below my breasts. He looked into my eyes, searching for permission. I could feel how much he wanted me, and I was burning for him. My hips moved against him seeking the much needed friction from his body.
"Please Edward, please touch me." His eyes darkened with his rising passion and he didn't hesitate to cup my breast. His callused musician's fingers played my breasts as he would his instruments. Edward rolled my nipples and gently tugged as he moved the shirt up my body.
The memories of our previous times together paled in the reality of his hands on me. I was lost in the heat of his touch, the warmth of his mouth on mine. We moved together, driving each other higher and higher. Edward lowered his full weight onto me pressing his cloth covered cock right where I needed it most. There were no thoughts of stopping in my head, but as he promised, Edward regained his control. Breathing heavily and with difficulty he lifted himself from me.
"Bella, if you want us to wait we need to stop. Now!"
For the life of me I couldn't remember why I wanted to wait. Edward was all I had ever wanted. I loved him, he loved me.
I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him back to me. "No, no stopping. I need you Edward, I need you in me now."
He stared at me trying to decide and then I felt his full weight on me once more. He trailed kisses down my neck and across my collar bone as his hands lifted the shirt further up my body only removing his mouth from my skin long enough to pull the shirt over my head.
"Oh Bella, you are perfect. I've missed you so much." His hands glided down my sides as he trailed his lips over my chest taking first one then the other taunt peak into his mouth. My body arched against him seeking relief. I had not felt sexy in so long, especially my breasts. Edward had always paid special attention to them, but nursing Riley for over seven months made me feel like they would never be sexy again.
I hadn't realized it would only take Edward to make the feeling of being worthy come back. Just a look from him and I felt sexy, having his mouth on me was bliss. I writhed against his hard form, "Please baby," He nipped at each breast once more before moving further down my body, placing open mouthed kisses and nips all along my body to my panties.
"Bella, love, I need to taste you. I feel your heat, how wet you are for me, baby, but it's been too long since I had a taste of you."
My legs fell further apart as he removed my underwear. I knew my body no longer looked the way it had the last time he'd seen me, but he gave me no time to be self-conscious about the changes. Edward placed kisses on each of the remaining stretch marks left from my pregnancy before spreading my legs wider to give him better access.
"You're so beautiful Bella and I've missed this." He placed a gentle kiss on my pubic bone, as I moved against him I felt his tongue dip between my folds and move up to circle my clit. I was falling apart quickly. "More, Edward…ummm, so good." He lapped at me, working me into a frenzy as he hooked my legs over his shoulders, giving him more control of my movements. He pressed his tongue into me, rubbing his nose around my over sensitive clit again and again. When he looked up at me, I could just see his eyes, glowing with desire, he worked his mouth over me, but I shattered completely when hit gently bit down. He lapped at me until I was so sensitive I could no longer stand it. I pulled him towards me and he moved up my body taking my mouth in a searing kiss. I had never realized how erotic it would be to taste myself on Edward's sweet mouth. I needed him inside me and couldn't wait any longer.
"Now Edward…" I was pushing at his boxers trying to free him. There was a growing wet spot on his briefs and I wanted what was beneath it desperately. He stood up and rid himself of the last barrier between us. His cock sprang free standing tall and proud from his beautiful body.
I reached for him as he moved back onto the bed, whimpering to him, "I need you now, Edward. I can't wait anymore." He reached into his nightstand drawer, pulling out an unopened box of condoms. He flushed when he caught me looking.
"I knew we would get to this point eventually love, and I wanted to be prepared."
As much as I wanted nothing between us, I was grateful he thought ahead. I would need to make an appointment soon to get back on birth control.
I watched as he deftly opened the wrapper and sheathed himself in the latex. His gorgeous emerald eyes searched mine as he settled back against me.
"I love you, Bella." I felt like I would explode with the need I felt for him. His words just filled me with more warmth and love for him.
"I love you, too." Edward's fingers grazed my core as he lined himself up and with a deep thrust he filled me.
"Gahhh, Edward…so good." He dropped his head to my shoulder holding himself still, giving me time to adjust to him and I realized I felt complete for the first time since we parted.
My hands drove into his hair, holding him to me as my eyes filled with tears. Edward pulled back, brushing the wetness from my eyes. "Are you alright, my love? I didn't hurt you did I?" He tried to withdraw from me, but I held him firm with my legs around his waist.
"Don't go...I'm fine, just so happy." He kissed me gently as he started to move within me. The fullness I've only had with him brought such pleasure. "So good, love, so good."
Edward pulled me up, forcing my head to the side as he licked up my neck, kissing me behind my ear. His movements increased becoming more erratic, and I knew he was close. It had been too long since we were together for us to last very long. He drove me up and up until I could not go any higher. I felt Edward nip at the junction of my neck and shoulder and a jolt raced through me, when he bit down hard I screamed his name as I shattered completely, convulsing around him with the most powerful orgasm I've ever had. Edward continued his powerful thrusts until he erupted calling my name.
What felt like hours later, Edward moved off of me, removing the condom and throwing it in the trashcan by the bed. He turned back to me and pulled me into his arms. "God I love you, I can't say it enough. I love you Bella, I always have and always will."
I pushed myself up onto his chest and looked down at the man I have loved for most of the last decade. His skin was glistening in the moonlight from the window; our bodies were covered in sweat and the essence of us. "I love you to, Edward. I'm so glad to be home."
I snuggled back into his arms and drifted off.
O~O~O~O
We came together 4 more times before exhaustion finally caused us to sleep.
I had just finished washing my body and was wetting my hair when Edward joined me in the shower.
"He's still out. I think Kate, Irina and Shelly wore him out last night." Edward took the shampoo bottle from me and told me to turn around. He worked the shampoo through my hair, massaging my scalp.
"Feels good, you may end up putting me back to sleep with that." Edward smacked my ass, "No falling asleep, Bella- I've got plans for us later." He rinsed my hair and as I put in the conditioner, Edward washed his hair and my body. It was going to be hell trying to keep away from him today. I tried to return the favor by washing him, but he only let me wash his chest and back, stopping my hands from going lower than his waist.
"You're the one that reminded me the kids would be up soon. Let's get to the cottage and do what needs to be done. We'll have time for us tonight after they are asleep."
It's so hard to be a responsible parent sometimes. I rinsed quickly then left Edward to finish his shower. I dried my body before wrapping my hair in the towel and walking naked into the bedroom. I was just putting his robe on when Edward walked into the room. "I brought your bag down this morning. It's on the chair." I walked over and pulled out the jeans and t-shirt I planned to wear, but found my eyes wandering back to his body. I couldn't look away as he pulled out briefs and dropped his towel.
"Mmmm…"
He looked back at me and smirked. "See something you like love?"
Evil man…just evil. "Nope, but I see a lot that I love." I got dressed and pulled my hair up into a ponytail.
"I'm going to check on Ry, he should be up by now." I was hoping that Kate and Irina wouldn't see me leaving Edward's room, but as I turned towards the stairs I heard, "Morning Bella." I could feel my face heat with the dreaded blush. Kate and Irina were coming down the stairs. Riley was in Kate's arms.
"Mammaaa!" His whole face lit up when he saw me.
"Morning." I decided to go with my new strategy; I'd play ostrich until they said anything.
"He woke up about 15 minutes ago and when we didn't find you in your room we changed him and got him ready for you." Kate had an impish grin on her face and Irina looked like she was trying not to laugh.
"Yeah I was in the shower. I guess he woke up after your dad checked on him. Thanks for the help." We made our way into the kitchen so I could get breakfast for everyone.
Kate sat Riley in his highchair and I gave him a handful of cheerios with a bottle of formula.
"What would you two like for breakfast?"
I felt Edward's arms wrap around me as he said, "How about we all go out for breakfast this morning?" He pulled me back against his chest as he looked at his daughters. Kate and Irina rushed to get ready and I leaned back into Edward as we watched Riley eat his cereal.
"We've got a couple of hours before we have to be at the cottage, and about an hour before the girls need to be in school, lets have a family breakfast at the diner."
I turned in his arms and wrapped mine around his waist, pushing myself up on my tiptoes to kiss his lips. "I love you."
By the time Riley finished his cheerios, Kate and Irina were back downstairs with their backpacks and I had his diaper bag ready for the day.
As we all got into Edward's Volvo, it became apparent that we really didn't fit comfortably in his car. "Yeah, I think I'm going to have to get a bigger car." Riley's seat was behind Edward and Kate was behind me with Irina in the middle pressed between the bulky car seat and her sister.
"You're going to have to get a family car that has room for more than 4 people, Edward."
"We can manage for another few months Daddy, by then I'll be 16 and I can drive Rini around in my car," Kate offered. Edward visibly paled.
"Katie, you're giving your father grey hair. Next time we'll just take my Navigator."
Edward drove into the parking lot at the diner. It was surprisingly crowded for an early Friday morning. An older woman greeted us and ushered us towards a larger booth in the back of the diner. Kate and Irina asked if they could sit beside Riley, so after Edward brought over a highchair we each moved to the inside seats as Kate sat beside Edward. Irina smiled as she sat down next to me.
I was amazed by the quick change I was seeing in Irina. There had been no hostility towards me since everything had come out, and she adored Riley. We were all supposed to meet with Maggie in a few days to just talk over everything. I knew we were experiencing a kind of 'honeymoon' phase and that we would have some setbacks, but I was so encouraged by the last few days.
We had just ordered when a cute boy about 14 or 15 walked over to our table. "Hey Rin, how've you been? Who's this little guy?" He crouched down and was playing with Riley.
Irina looked at me and then Edward before answering him. "Jared, this is my little brother, Riley." Jared's eyes bugged out a little. "Brother? When did that happen?"
"Let me introduce you, okay? I swear you were born without manners." Jared looked up and I guess he just realized we were all looking at him. "Sorry."
"Bella, this is my best friend Jared. He's the one I'm going to Homecoming with. Jare , this is Bella Swan, she's Dad's girlfriend and Riley's mom."
"Oh, so he's not really your brother, just your Dad's girlfriend's son?"
Edward decided to interrupt. "No, Riley is my son, Rin and Kate's brother, and we've known about a week."
The entire diner had gotten quiet enough to hear a pin drop.
"Cool, he's cute. So, I need to run, school starts soon. See ya later, Rin?"
She smiled, "Sure Jarhead, see you in biology."
Jared left just as our breakfast arrived. "I think it's safe to say you're going to be a little late girls." Kate was happy about missing her morning Lit class, but Irina was quiet and looked sad.
"What's wrong?" I asked, leaning into her ear so no one else would hear. "I'm sure your dad won't mind getting our food to go so you won't miss any classes."
She shook her head, "No, it's not that. I just feel bad that I outed you and Dad."
This girl... she has it in her to be completely obnoxious at times, but she's so sweet and caring and she's worried about the reaction people will have to Edward and I.
Not even thinking about how she'd react I pulled Irina into my arms. "Rin, don't worry about me or your Dad. Everyone will know about your brother soon enough. I'm sure the gossips were already talking about us. I don't mind. I love Riley with all that I am, he's the light of my life and I want us all to be a family when we are ready for that."
She looked into my eyes, hers glistening with tears. "You're already a part of our family, Bella. I'm just sorry that I was the reason it took so long."
Edward was staring at his daughter as she wrapped her arms around me.
"Girls, would either of you be too upset if I kept you home today?"
The twin grins that lit their faces at the prospect of skipping school were fantastic. "Really, we can stay home today?"
I had to laugh; skipping school was something neither Tanya nor Edward allowed. For Kate and Irina this was like an early Christmas gift. "I want to spend the day with my family. Is there something wrong with wanting to spend time with my love and my children?"
A very familiar and nasal voice drifted over to us. "You mean besides the fact that your 'love' is a married woman and one of your children is a bastard?"
Jessica Stanley Newton stood at the end of the table beside my happy baby, looking down at him with a sneer on her face.
"Rin, trade places with me. I need to get up." She pulled her legs up and moved behind me so that I could slide out of the booth. Edward was trying to get out himself, but I held up a hand telling him to wait.
Jessica just stood there looking at me. I grabbed her arm, "Come with me Jess. Do not even think of making a larger scene today." I pulled her behind me into the ladies room.
"Who the hell do you think you are, speaking to my family like that? What gives you the right to speak such horrible things? You were once my friend, Jess. Why would you attack me or my family?"
"Ha, friends? Seriously Bella… we ceased being friends after you seduced Mike when I was visiting my grandparents." She was completely serious. I never realized she was so delusional.
"Jess, I have never been interested in Mike. He made my skin crawl, but that still doesn't give you the right to say things like that about my family. For your information, I will be divorced in less than 3 weeks. I've been in love with Edward for years and my son is not a bastard. Riley is a sweet, beautiful child who is finally getting to be with his father and sisters. Run back to your precious Mike and remind him that his copy is due Tuesday and I will not tolerate late submissions. You also better keep him on a leash, Jessica. I'm not interested in Mike, but from what I've heard he's been asking lots of questions about me. Tell him I'm already spoken for."
I left her opening and closing her mouth like a fish, washed my hands and left the restroom. I could see conversations stopping and starting as I made my way back to the table. Kate had switched sides and was currently hugging on her sister. Riley was ripping a pancake apart with his hands and shoving little pieces in his mouth. Edward looked concerned as I sat beside him.
"Is everything alright, love?" I just leaned into him, glancing over at the girls before kissing him quickly. "I'm fine, I just needed to speak to Jessica. Let's enjoy the rest of our breakfast and not discuss the pests in this town."
Kate and Irina were staring at us, Riley was laughing and Edward wrapped his arms around me. "They are okay with this Bella. Irina was talking to me while you dealt with the pest."
I looked over to Irina as she smiled and said, "I just want both of you to be happy, Bella. I want you with us and I promise that I will knock before coming into your room from now on." Kate laughed like a hyena as I turned red. The girls entertained Riley while I finished my breakfast. Brandi, the waitress from our last breakfast out, walked over. "Morning Cullens, did everyone enjoy their breakfast?" She was looking at me for once. "Everything was fine Brandi, thank you."
She brought our ticket over explaining that our server was taking a quick break. After Edward paid the bill and we had Riley cleaned up, Irina asked if she could carry him out to the car. Kate led the way, stopping to say hello as they were greeted by various people. Edward and I were stared at, but a few people said hello. As we reached the door, my father walked in. He said hello to the girls and kissed Riley's head before hugging me and shaking Edward's hand. "Fine looking family you have, Edward."
Edward pulled me close wrapping his arms around me. "Yes Chief, they are. We were just heading over to the cottage to meet the delivery trucks, so we need to head out." He handed the keys to Kate so they could put Riley in his seat.
"Dad, will you come by the house later tonight? I'll cook dinner for all of us and we can have some family time." He looked at me, "Sure, Bells, I'd love to. Now, do you mean to Edward's house or yours?"
"Um, Edward's I won't be ready for guests until later next week." I gave him one more hug then Edward and I walked over to the car. Riley was in his car seat and already falling asleep.
"It doesn't take much to knock him out. Give him a full belly and the promise of a car ride and he'll be out for a couple of hours at least."
Edward drove us to my new house. I'd loved it from the minute Rose let me in the door, but returning to it now I knew living here would only be temporary. I carried Riley while Edward got the pack 'n play and the girls carried the diaper bags in. I had brought a second bag to leave at the house until we were completely moved in. "Edward, Riley's room is at the end of the hallway. Just set up the play pen and we'll let him sleep while the furniture arrives." Edward took Riley from me after he assembled the playpen. I took a blanket out from the bag and laid it out for him. We stood there staring at our sleeping angel until Kate called out that a truck was there.
My furniture had arrived. I walked the guys through the house telling them where I wanted everything placed and then went into the kitchen where Edward and the girls had pulled out a deck of cards. "Where did those come from?"
"I had them in my backpack. Study hall gets boring at times." Irina was dealing out the cards. "Want to play rummy?"
We played for the next hour as piece by piece my house filled up. Riley woke up as soon as the baby furniture arrived so I had Kate and Irina watch him in the living room while Edward and I got the crib put together. I was ready to call it a day and go back to the comfort of Edward's house for the night. "I hate moving. I am so over this and I still have shopping and unpacking to do on Sunday."
Edward pulled me into his body. "Don't worry, I'll help you get settled on Sunday and we'll all stay with you. How does that sound?" I think that was part of the reason my mood had turned so sour. I didn't like the thought of being away from Edward at night and the closer I got to being settled into the cottage, the closer we got to sleeping in separate beds.
O~O~O~O
Later that evening the Cullen house was full of laughter and love. Dad had come by around 4 o'clock and had been enjoying time with not only Riley but with Kate and Irina. They loved picking on Charlie about the women in town and he was kidding them about all the boys at the high school.
"Edward, you're going to have to watch out for these two. There are a few bad boys at the high school right now and your daughters are too pretty for their own good. I'd be happy to take you to the gun range to practice."
"Dad, stop it- Kate and Irina are good girls and Edward has raised them well. They are too smart to fall for slick lines and bad boy images." I sent the pair of them a sharp stare that just had them rolling with laughter.
"Oh well, at least Riley will grow up listening to me." Edward laughed then.
"Love, once the hormones hit him around 13, that's what he'll be listening to. Not to me and not to you."
I was not ready to think of my baby as a teenager.
"You get to be the one to give him the 'Talk' when he's older. I want no part of that."
"Oh no- you two are going to scar him for life. Dad, please don't try to give the talk…I had to bleach that conversation out of my head." Kate looked horrified by the prospect of a sex talk.
I looked at my father. He was sitting back on the sofa just taking in the interactions between me, Edward and the girls. Riley was passed out in his arms. It was after 8:30 and I needed to get him up to his bed.
"I'll take him up, Bella. Stay with Charlie for a little longer." Edward took Riley from Dad and Kate and Irina followed him up to the nursery.
"A lot has changed in the past week, Bells. Don't you think it's moving a little fast?" It was my biggest fear that we rush into something and it end terribly.
"I worry about it, but there is something about the relationship that Edward and I have, it's always been on fast forward. We've always had powerful feelings for each other. I just want us to reach a balance where we can grow as a couple, yet be responsible parents. Where we are right now is where we would have been if things had gone the way they should have. If Chelsea hadn't lied to Irina, if Jake hadn't lied to Edward, if I had just flown up here to tell Edward regardless of what I thought had happened… I could 'if' the last two years away. We are where we are and we love each other. Edward has wholeheartedly accepted Riley, the girls love him. Carlisle and Esme adore him. Edward and I could go on like this for years, but why do that to ourselves? I'm moving into the cottage and will keep that for six months. At that point we'll see what we should do, but we both know that we are it, we will be together the rest of our lives."
Charlie had fishing date with Billy in the morning, so after telling Edward and the girls goodbye, he headed home.
"Riley's down for the night, what would you like to do, my love?"
"Honestly, I want a bath and then want to sleep. I'm exhausted."
I felt bad that I was shutting his plans for the evening down, but after the day we had and the limited sleep the night before, I could barely keep my eyes open.
I told Kate and Irina goodnight then went into the bathroom where Edward had drawn a warm bath for me.
"Will you join me?" He nodded and stripped his jeans and shirt off as I removed my clothes and sank into the water.
"Heavenly."
"Not yet, love, but it will be." Edward sat behind me and pulled me so I could lean back against him. I sat enjoying the soothing water, Edward drawing circles on my legs with his fingers. I was drifting off until I felt his hands massaging my thighs and moving further up my legs.
"Edward?" His fingers were teasing my folds now.
"Just relax, love. Let me do this for you."
Jolts of desire went through me and straight to my core. The heat that his touch brought me was smoldering.
EPOV
I knew Bella was tired, but I wanted to touch her badly. I knew that after a release she'd be that much more relaxed so I gently traced a path to her sweet pussy.
Last night had been the most amazing night of my life. I had thought we would never get there. I hoped we would, but I honestly wasn't sure it would happen.
I told Bella to relax and enjoy my pleasuring of her. I trailed my fingers through her moist heat, and it had nothing to do with the water in the tub. She was always so responsive to me and I moved one hand up to cup her breast while my other hand cupped her sex.
"Let me Bella, let me love you." She spread her legs a little and I ran my fingers up her slit. I pressed her swollen clit with my thumb as I eased two fingers into her. She came up out of the water as an orgasm over took her.
I had always loved how she responded to my touch. I spent those weeks in Seattle with her learning every inch of her body. I knew just how to touch her to make her shake and the pressure needed to cause her to explode in my hand.
After bringing her one final orgasm, I stood, lifting her into my arms. Bella was drifting to sleep as I dried her with a bath sheet. My cock was aching, but I had no desire to give myself relief, instead I climbed into bed and pulled my sleeping love into my embrace. With a kiss to her neck I fell asleep quickly.
O~O~O~O
The next morning I awoke to an empty and cold bed, meaning Bella had been up for a while. I used the bathroom and then pulled on a pair of sleep pants.
"Bella?" I called out as I walked into the living room, no one was there. The kitchen was empty, but the coffee pot was on and full.
I went up to the nursery and found Bella with Riley in the rocking chair. "Hey, how long have you been up?" She looked over at me and I could see the strain in her face.
"Riley woke up about 5 this morning, and I couldn't get him back to sleep. Maybe he sensed my stress about today."
I didn't want Bella to worry. This afternoon was going to be pleasant. I knew the entire meeting with Chelsea wouldn't take more than 15 to 20 minutes at most.
"Bella, love, don't worry about today. Just think of this as a visit to Seattle with the kids. We'll see my parents, you get to take the girls shopping this afternoon for dresses, and in between those times we get to tell off a bitch. It'll be fun." A smile was making its way onto her face.
"I see that smile, come on, baby let it out." She laughed and handed Riley over to me.
"Here, you get him dressed while I get his bag together." I laid Riley on the changing table and removed his pajamas. No sooner had I removed his wet diaper and slipped a fresh one underneath him than my son finally got me. I didn't cover him quick enough and a stream of pee hit me right in the center of my chest.
"Christ, Riley, why?" He's giggling and kicking, I'm soaking wet, and Bella is laughing hysterically.
Bella handed me a towel to wipe myself dry and to mop up the urine lining the changing table. After cleaning that, I threw the old wet diaper as well as the new wet diaper in the diaper genie and had just gotten another diaper when he did it again. This time he peed straight up and it rained down on him, getting his chest and his mouth.
"Bella! Help!" I grabbed Riley, a diaper and another towel and ran down the stairs to take a shower. I figured Riley needed a bath now as well so we'd kill two birds with one stone.
Bella followed us down bringing a change of clothes for Riley as well as his baby wash.
"I'll take him once you're finished, babe." She was still laughing at me. "Bella, it's not that funny." Even to myself I sounded like a petulant child.
"Yeah, Edward it really is that funny. Riley finally realized you hadn't been baptized into the wonderful world of changing a boy's diaper. Number one rule- always make sure his 'winkie' is covered by either a wipe, a cloth or a diaper because they will get you when you least expect it."
"I never had this happen with the girls." I stepped beneath the shower spray and Riley was not a fan. "Nooooooooo. Daddaad noooo. Mammaa!" I washed him quickly and rinsed the soap from him.
"Ready Bella? He's clean." She opened the curtain and took him out to the bedroom. I quickly showered and shaved before walking out into my room. Bella had changed into a beautiful blue sweater and black slacks. She was curling her hair while Riley wandered around the room.
"He's going to be running before we know it." Riley was dressed in jeans and a plaid flannel over a Henley tee. "Your Grandma isn't going to let you go. She's going to hold you all day, so go easy on her."
I dressed quickly in khakis and a blue oxford, Bella put on a light dusting of powder and lip gloss and we were ready to go. Bella carried Riley as I put the pack n play, stroller and Riley's diaper bag into her truck.
"You know it makes more sense to drive in the Navigator, Edward. We'll all be more comfortable, Kate or Irina can sit in the back seat, and the other can sit in the middle with Riley. There is plenty of room for what we need to bring and room for all of the shopping bags the girls and I will be bringing back."
"I know, love. I don't mind taking your truck. You're still ok with me driving, right?"
She just laughed, "Yes dear, you can drive. I'll just end up falling asleep anyway."
She was out within 40 minutes of leaving Forks.
"How does she do that, Dad? I can't sleep in a car even if I wanted to." Irina was sitting beside Riley, keeping him entertained.
"Bella has always been able to fall asleep in a car. She says if she's not driving and the drive is longer than 30 minutes she's out. I don't think that she slept well last night. She'll be fine after we see Chelsea."
I hope so anyway. We made it through telling her father, my parents, my sister- and that was stressful for her. If we make it through Chelsea today, the only person left to deal with other than pests like Mrs. Newton, is Jake. I have a feeling that is not going to be easy. Bella had trusted him and he twisted the situation to his benefit. I don't care what Bella says, she's not going alone to meet Jake. I just have a bad feeling about it all. I'm going to talk to Charlie and get his take on everything, but it's my job to protect my family.
We arrived at my parents' house around 11:00. Mom was rushing to the car before I could even stop. "Bella love, we're here."
She stretched just like a cat and blinked her eyes at me. "mmm, hey…" I couldn't resist so I kissed her just as Mom opened the rear door. "I'm so glad you are all here! I love Grandma Time!"
These were the times where you could see where Alice got her hyper personality from.
Bella came awake with a jolt. "Ooh, we're here?" "I just told you that, baby. Still sleepy?" She shook her head and opened her door. Kate and Irina were already following Mom into the house. Bella and I got his gear and trailed behind them.
Dad had set up a safe play zone for Ry in the living room. They put a bumper on the coffee table, all of the knickknacks were moved up out of reach and they had toys laid out across the floor.
"Looks like Carlisle decided to share his blocks with Riley, baby." I loved that she was comfortable enough to tease my father, and every time she called me baby, my heart flipped.
We settled in for a visit, Bella becoming more nervous as time passed. It was after 1:00 when my phone received a text from Chelsea. "1:45 Space Needle, Sky City."
"Bella that was from Chelsea, we're meeting her at Sky City at 1:45. We should get ready."
I left Bella giving unnecessary instructions to my mom and went to freshen up. I hoped this would be over quickly.
Bella grabbed her purse and we said goodbye to the kids.
"It's going to be alright love." She just nodded.
"Edward, how are we going to confront her in a restaurant like Sky City? She's going to cause a scene."
I looked quickly over to her before looking back at the road. "I think the easiest thing is to text her and ask her to meet me outside on the observation deck, that way we don't have to get trapped at a table with Queen Crazy."
I was looking forward to this. I had an entrance all planned and as I explained it to Bella she started to giggle. "She's going to completely freak out, Edward, it's too bad I didn't bring my camera."
After finding a parking space down from the Space Needle, Bella and I entered and took the elevator up to the observation deck. I left Bella standing just inside as I walked out to join Chelsea.
"Eddie!" Her grating voice got me every time. "Hi Chelsea", she tried to hug me but I sidestepped her advance. "What have you been up to? Working in Los Angeles still?"
"Yeah, I have a trip that's planned for the week before Christmas, but I've been spending a lot of time at home with the kids, especially this last week. Kate and Irina are great; as a matter of fact Irina is acting like she did when she was younger, no sulking or brooding, no angry outbursts for almost a week now." Chelsea's eyes got big, "Really? What caused the change?"
I stepped back from her as I said, "I'm sure it has everything to do with the woman I am involved with. She's a great mom and the girls are enjoying spending time with her." Bella walked through the doors and over to my side, she wrapped an arm around my waist and I bent down to kiss her before looking back at Chelsea. Her jaw had dropped. With my arm around Bella's waist I turned her so that Chelsea could get a good look.
"You remember Bella Swan, don't you, Chels?" I kissed Bella's temple and sneered at Chelsea.
"She's the woman you helped remove from my life. You lied to my daughter, twisted her feelings for me and caused her to blame Bella for the death of Tanya. I always knew you were sick, but I never thought you would damage my children for your own gain."
Chelsea paled before composing herself. "Are you still chasing the babysitter, Edward? Isn't she getting too old for you now?"
"I see you're still the petty girl, striking out after being rejected. Why could you never accept that Edward didn't want you? You could have found someone that wanted you years ago, but you became so fixated on your cousin's husband that you missed out. You can't come between us anymore. You are nothing to us; you are nothing to our family."
"Kate and Irina are my family, you whore. I will always be in their lives."
I tried to hold her back, well maybe I didn't try that hard. The slap sounded very loud, drawing the attention of several patrons. "You are nothing to them. Kate and Irina know what you did and how you lied. Irina wants nothing to do with you, and Kate never has wanted a relationship with you. You will stay away from my children or I will end you." Whoa, Bella's starting to lose it. I grabbed her hand to check it over and she laughed at me. "I'm fine Edward. She's not worth breaking a hand over. Can we go see our son now?"
"S-son?" Chelsea was holding her cheek staring at Bella.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you Bella and I have a child that your own childishness kept me from seeing until a week ago. Don't ever contact my family again. I will not hesitate to take a restraining order out against you, and I have some pull with law enforcement." Bella grinned widely at me, "I can make your life extremely difficult if you mess with me or my family again."
I took Bella's hand and led her into the building, "Bye, Chels…have a nice life." Bella laughed all the way to the elevators. Once inside we were alone, so I pulled her to me, kissing her until we were both out of breath.
"That went well, don't you think?" She was radiating happiness.
"The only reason you think that went so well was because you got to hit her." Bella placed her hand on my cheek. "Edward, if you had struck her, she would have had you arrested. Let me do the hitting and you can lie to the cops to get me out of trouble."
"Why Ms Swan, I don't know what I'm going to do with you. You've got quite a violent streak…its hot!"
I held her close as we walked back to her truck. "Since we didn't eat, how about lunch, love?"
"Sounds good, but please take me anywhere but here."
"As you wish."
OoOoO
So Chelsea is done…Edward and Bella dumped the slow route, and Bella's semi moved into her house. Next chapter will cover the two weeks leading to Jake's return.
Let me know what you think. Please leave a review.