AN: I want to welcome all the new readers. I've been bombarded with Alerts the last few weeks.
Edward talks to Kate and Irina this chapter, Carlisle and Esme are visiting, and Bella becomes a single woman.
Stephenie Meyer created the wonderful world of Twilight. She owns it all, I only own my storyline, and am borrowing her characters, using them with care. No copyright infringement intended.
How Can I Help You?
Chapter 25
EPOV
As Bella and I walked into the house, we were bombarded with questions by Kate and Irina. Bella took Riley up to put him in bed as I ushered them into the den. We had phoned both girls as we drove to the hospital following Emmett and Rose, to let them know what was going on. Bella had offered to call Shelly to ask her to meet the girls at the house, but I knew we'd be home at some point before it got too late, so putting well deserved trust in my daughters I told them to be home by 11 and that Charlie would check on them until we were able to get home.
"Dad, what did Rose have? Is the baby ok?" Kate was excited about another baby in the family.
"Did Em pass out? Is he full on baby-talking yet?" Irina wanted anything that she could tease Emmett with.
"Settle down girls. Bella is putting Riley in his room and we really don't want him to wake up right now. Rose had a girl, she weighs just over ten pounds and her name is Emmaline Belle. We weren't able to see her because it was so late, but after we all get a good night's rest we'll go see them tomorrow. Bella and I want to hear all about your nights, but let's do that in the morning when we're all more rested."
The girls took off for their rooms after giving me kisses goodnight. Bella passed them on the stairs, wished them sweet dreams, and then she met me at our bedroom door.
"Are you sleepy, love? We've got a long day tomorrow with Mom and Dad coming to town. Don't forget that I'm taking Kate and Irina to lunch tomorrow. Will you and Riley be alright entertaining my parents for a few hours?" She looked up at me and for a moment I thought she was going to whack the back of my head a la Rose and Emmett.
"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, I adore your parents and have no problem 'keeping them entertained' so you can have some bonding time with Kate and Rin. Besides your mom is going to divide her time between Baby Em and Ry. I won't need to do anything but tell them about the cottage."
Oh crap! I knew there was something I was forgetting. "If you wait until tomorrow afternoon, we can take them over together and tell them. That way we can show mom the nursery set up and ask her to babysit on Tuesday when we go to the lawyer's office to file all of the paperwork to change Riley's birth certificate."
We were getting settled in bed, all the excitement of the day had us both exhausted. "When are we going in for the blood tests, baby?" She asked as she settled into my side.
"Dad pulled a few strings and we can go to the lab tomorrow morning. They are putting a rush on the results and they will have them ready for us Monday afternoon. Forks thankfully doesn't have a backlog of DNA tests to perform, so we won't have to wait."
I pulled Bella closer, and heard her quiet sigh. "What's wrong, love?"
"Nothing…"
"Sweetheart obviously there is something, what is it?"
I looked into her eyes, those deep chocolate pools that I just wanted to drown in.
"Tell me, please."
"I just wish I had listed you there in the first place. I hate that it's going to take so long for you to have your rightful place on his birth record. I could have saved us all this trouble if only I hadn't been a chicken shit. I'm so sorry, Edward." She buried her face in my chest and I could feel the wetness from her tears. I wiped them away with my thumb and nudged her chin up so I could see her face.
"Bella, love, we have to let that all go. We can't keep rehashing it over and over. I know why you did it, but it doesn't matter anymore. We have to move forward and leave that behind us. We'll talk to the lawyers, file the papers and everything will be right, it will just take a little time. Time is something we have a lot of, we have forever. If I had to I would wait forever for you, I'm just glad I don't have to."
I turned onto my side, urging Bella to roll over so I could sleep wrapped around her.
"Sleep, love, we've a long day tomorrow." I kissed her hair as I felt her relaxing and heard her breathing deepen.
"Love you, Edward." She sighed as she fell into sleep.
"Forever, love."
~O~O~O~
"Dada Dada UP!" I came awake to little pats on my face. I saw my same eyes looking back at me as I slowly opened my own.
"Morning little man. Where's Mama?" I sat up, pulling Riley with me and setting him down on the floor.
"Mammaa!" Riley took off for the closet as Bella stepped back out into the bedroom.
"Here, baby. I see you got Daddy to wake up." She was just pulling on a caramel colored sweater over dark brown leggings.
"Morning, love, you're up early." I reached for her just as she was grabbing her boots.
"Edward…we don't have time this morning. You better get moving. Kate and Irina were up two hours ago and made breakfast. They want to head over to the hospital as soon as you are ready." There was an edge to her voice this morning.
"Bella, what's going on? Despite Kate and Irina's impatience, there really is no hurry today. Mom and Dad are coming in around noon, I should be back with the girls in time for dinner with everyone, and we're going to tell them about the cottage at dinner. Take a breath love, everything is fine."
I wasn't sure why she was suddenly stressed. Perhaps her hormones were just out of whack.
"I'm sorry, baby. I really don't feel like myself lately. I guess it's just PMS. I sometimes get crazy this time of the month." Riley was pulling on Bella's legs. "Go Mamaa go go."
She laughed. "The girls have been asking to go for a while now, so he started doing that too. Get in the shower while I fix your breakfast." Bella and Riley walked out of the room as I walked into the bathroom. I decided not to worry about shaving this morning and after a quick shower I toweled off and walked into the closet to dress.
Bella had already pulled clothes for me. There were my favorite jeans, a long sleeved t-shirt and my navy sweater. After dressing I walked into the kitchen to join my noisy family.
"Is he ever going to be ready?" Irina complained.
I walked into the kitchen, right behind Irina and spoke into her ear. "Just let me get some coffee and food and then I'll be ready."
She jumped, backing into me and catching my chin with her head.
"Sorry Dad! Are you ok? Kate and I just really want to see little Emmaline."
I shook my head to clear it a bit. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Like I said just give me a few minutes to eat and then we can go. Grandma and Grandpa should be here soon."
I went to get a cup for coffee, but Bella told me to sit she had everything ready for me.
"Cheese omelet, toast and fruit…looks good, love." Riley was sitting in his highchair munching on cheerios.
"Dada…Dada" He was reaching for my plate.
"You want some, buddy?" I cut a small piece of melon and watched as he chewed it and then spit it out. "I guess you don't like cantaloupe, huh?" Bella cleared his tray and wiped his face and hands before letting him down.
"Kate, will you take Riley into the den to play while I get his bag together?" She went to pass me, but I grasped her wrist and pulled her into my lap.
"I'll be finished soon, love. Thank you for breakfast, for loving me and my crazy kids."
"Pfft, like I could help it. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold. We'll meet you outside when you're done."
I was ready to go ten minutes later. I double checked that I had everything: phone, wallet, keys, then locked the house before walking over to where Bella and the kids we all waiting in her Navigator.
We arrived at the hospital the same time as my parents. Mom immediately took Riley from Bella's arms before hugging and kissing Kate and Irina. Dad was a little more subtle in his quest for his newest grandchild. He kissed Bella's cheek, gave the girls hugs then faked my mother out. She thought he was just going for a tummy tickle for Riley, but Dad had him in his arms and lifting him up to 'fly' before my mother was even aware of it.
Bella was laughing at my mother's face. She looked like she was ready to throw a tantrum. "Why don't we head in and see if Rose is up for visitors." That distracted her enough to have her turning around and heading straight for the maternity ward.
"Why don't you and Bella head for the lab. I'll bring Riley while the girls go in to see Rose and then we can have our turn."
I nodded, taking Bella's hand and pulling her in the opposite direction. "Edward, what are you doing? Rose is the other way."
"Let's get the blood work done first. Dad has Riley and is bringing him down to take his blood sample. We can't all go in to Rose's room at once and this way they can get started on the tests and have them to us that much quicker." The only thing I hated was the way it looked for us to have a paternity test done. There was no doubt in my mind, but I could see the looks some of the techs and nurses gave us.
It was none of their business why we were having blood work done, but small towns existed for the gossip.
"I can't watch him, Edward. Every time Riley gets an immunization or gets stuck with a needle, I cringe. Please, baby. Will you hold him while they do it?"
I took Riley from Bella's arms and then wrapped my other arm around her shoulders. "You look a little green there, love. You ok?"
"No, I really can't stand the sight of blood."
"Don't worry, we'll all go together, you just look at me, and keep breathing. He'll be fine, Bella. We'll be in and out in just a few minutes then we'll go meet the newest family member."
~O~O~O~
Thirty minutes and one sniffling baby boy and mommy later, we all made our way towards Rose's room. I could hear Kate and Irina cooing over the baby from outside the door.
I pushed it open to allow Bella and Riley to enter ahead of me and Dad. Mom was sitting in a chair beside Rose's bed holding baby Em and surrounded by everyone else.
"How are you feeling, Mama Rose?" She shot me a dirty look.
"I will never be as bad as that mother from Gypsy. Emma is going to do whatever she wants when she's older. If she wants to dance or sing or play music or run the country, I won't care and I won't push her into anything."
Whoa. New mother hormones… how on Earth did I forget about that.
"Sorry Rosalie. I didn't mean anything." I was scared to open my mouth after that. Mom vacated the chair and let Bella sit, taking a sleeping Emmaline. Riley wanted down, so Mom offered to take him to the cafeteria for a snack and let him walk part of the way. Kate and Irina followed her so that the room wouldn't be too noisy.
Bella looked so serene holding little Em. I couldn't wait to see her with another baby. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted it, but that was another topic to broach with my daughters later in the day. I didn't think they'd be unhappy at the idea of another brother or sister, but I wanted to talk to them about it.
"She's beautiful, Rose. Emmett you're going to have to get a gun. She's too precious and looks just like her momma." Bella whispered softly, so not to disturb the baby.
"She really is lovely guys. You did well Rose. Thankfully she's all you, nothing of my oaf of a cousin in her." I pinched Em on his cheek before giving him a hug.
"Congratulations, man. She's beautiful."
We stayed and visited for another hour, but Rose was tired and needed to feed the baby, so Bella and I told them to call if they needed anything.
Mom was sitting in the waiting room with Riley and the girls when Dad, Bella and I walked over.
"Thanks for watching him, Esme. Rose is going to take a nap right now, so why don't I take you and Carlisle to lunch or back to the house to rest a while before we come back over here. Edward is taking the girls out for the afternoon, so I'm at your disposal."
Dad looked over at me and all I did was nod. He knew what I wanted to talk to the girls about. "Let's go into Port Angeles for lunch, Bella. Esme's been talking about Italian since we left home."
She quickly agreed, kissing me much too briefly for my liking, so I pulled her close, deepening the kiss. "I love you. Go have fun with Mom and Dad. By the time you're home, the girls and I will be back as well."
I gave Riley a hug and kiss saying, "Be good for Mom, buddy and take good care of her. She's a special one, Ry."
I watched as my parents left with Bella and Riley, and then turned to my girls. They stood there with goofy grins on their faces. "Pitiful, Dad, just pitiful. You can't go a few hours without Bella around, can you?"
Kate and Irina were trying to hold their laughter in, but failed.
"Sure I can, I just don't want to. However, I have the pleasure of my daughters' company all to myself today. Let's go. We still need to stop by the house to pick up some things."
Once back at the house I asked Irina to get the picnic basket from the garage while Kate went in search of the blankets that were specifically for use outside.
I walked into the kitchen and started pulling the containers of pasta and fruit salad out along with the sandwich meat and cheese that was bagged and ready to take with us. I had wanted to have the girls' undivided attention when we spoke about the future, so I planned to take them to the meadow we had discovered years before.
"So where are we going, Dad? Obviously we're having a picnic, are we going to the beach?" Irina asked as she placed the basket on the counter.
"No, I want us to go back to the meadow we found. I need to talk to you and your sister, and that was always a place where we were honest with each other."
I had just finished packing our lunch and adding the water bottles that Rin handed me, when Kate came back down with two large plaid blankets.
"It took forever to find these. They were in the upstairs guestroom closet. So where are we going?"
"We're taking a walk through the woods. You remember that meadow we found when you were little? I want to go there."
~O~O~O~
As we walked into the meadow, where we first found solace after Tanya's death, I was reminded of the first time I brought Bella here. This spot has always been a magical spot, but I had a hard time coming back here after I sent Bella away. This had always been an open and honest place, that's why Bella and I never made it here that day. I couldn't lie to her in such a special place.
"Kate, pass me the blanket and Rin, you and your sister unpack the basket, please."
Once we were all settled and had our plates filled, I broached the subject I was most excited and nervous about.
"There have been a lot of changes in our lives the last several weeks. I know we've all had things to deal with and go through, but I think we've all come out better. I wanted to ask each of you how you felt about having Bella and Riley live with us the last few weeks. Is it bothering you? Are you happy to have them there?"
Irina was looking around the meadow, a soft smile on her lips. "It's been too long since we've been here, Dad. Have you even been back since Bella left for school?"
I nodded, "I did come back once, about two years ago. It was actually just before I drove to Seattle to visit Renee Swan. I felt the need to come here, and just sat, thinking about everything that I wish I could change."
Kate passed me a bottle of water as she looked at her sister, before speaking directly to me. "You're going to ask Bella, aren't you Daddy? You want to marry her." The last was not a question, but a statement. Irina was nodding her head at me.
"I would like to ask Bella to marry me, but I first needed to get your blessing, because Bella wouldn't just be marrying me. She'd be marrying all of us. You know she loves both of you. Will both of you be alright with Bella marrying me and becoming a Cullen?"
I didn't understand why my nerves we so on edge. My daughters loved Bella, they adored their baby brother, but this was something all together different than just having a girlfriend. This move would solidify our family, make us whole, permanent, unbreakable.
I wasn't prepared to be tackled by both Kate and Irina. "When?" They asked at the same time.
"How are you going to ask her?"
"Do you have a ring?"
"Does this mean more babies?"
They were firing questions at me one after the other.
"Whoa, settle down, one at a time, please."
They each sat back in their spot on the blanket and waited for me to speak. They were so much like their mother. I knew Tanya was looking down at our daughters and beaming with pride for the lovely young women they have become.
"Alright, I was thinking of the cliché, Christmas morning. Maybe have Riley hand her the box? I don't know… I may just do it when we go away at the end of the month. I'm not sure yet how I'm going to ask her, but I'd love some suggestions. Let's see: Do I have a ring? Yes. Your grandmother gave me a ring that was my grandmother's. It's the one that I wanted to give Bella before." I pulled a soft velvet pouch from my pocket and removed the ring from inside.
"This was my Grandmother Elizabeth's ring." It was a simple ring, but it was definitely Bella. The setting was white gold, the center stone a 1 carat round sapphire with small diamonds circling it.
"She's going to love it, Dad. It's so pretty."
"You don't think I should buy her a new one?" Both girls shook their heads. "No, it'll mean more that it was your grandmother's ring. So, does this mean we'll get more brothers or sisters?"
I put the ring back in to the pouch and returned it to my pocket. "This is something I really wanted to discuss with you both. Irina you mentioned back when you first found out about Riley that you were worried that I'd create a new family, leaving you behind."
I saw her dip her head, "I'm sorry, Dad. I really didn't feel that way. I was just hurt by everything. I know you won't forget about me or Kate."
I reached for her hand then took one of Kate's. "Nothing can ever replace you girls in my heart. You are my babies, my princesses. I want to be honest with you, and get your honest reaction. Bella and I have been talking about it, and we want to try to have a baby as soon as we get married. You've always had each other and we'd like to have at least one other baby so Riley has a playmate. I'd like to say you got a real vote in the matter, but it's what we want. I do however want to reiterate that no one will ever take your place. We will just be expanding our family."
Kate was the first to speak. "Honestly Dad, I think it's great that you and Bella are making it official."
Irina added, "And Riley needs a little brother to play with. I think we've got enough girls."
I had to laugh at that. "Well we'll try to get the 'order' right for you. It is a fifty/fifty chance of one or the other."
The afternoon carried on bringing the sun and giving us a nice day to spend time talking. Kate said that the dance was a lot of fun and that everyone behaved, surprisingly. I didn't think it was so shocking, after all the Chief of Police was monitoring what was going on, and no one wanted to risk being arrested.
Irina said that the bonfire down at First Beach was fun, just people talking and dancing. Jared and Paul had taken turns dancing with Irina until Collin, the other boy from school, got the courage to ask her to dance.
I had a feeling Bella would get more information from the girls about their dates than I got, but at least they told me something about their night.
When the sun started to shift in the sky, I checked my watch and noticed it was getting close to five o'clock. Bella would be back at the house waiting for them to arrive.
"Time to head back. We still have to tell your grandparents that the cottage has been set up for them to use at anytime."
BPOV
Carlisle, Esme and I had a great time together. After we left Edward and the girls in the hospital parking lot, we drove into Port Angeles. Esme was positively giddy at the prospect of spending time showing off her grandson.
I directed Carlisle to what was becoming a Cullen tradition, La Bella Italia. Thankfully I had brought food for Riley. We had a pleasant lunch just catching up on what everyone had been up to. Riley was enjoying the attention his grandparents were showering him with, and happily chattered along with us.
Since we were in Port Angeles anyway, we stopped briefly in to see Jasper and Alice. My mind kept drifting to thoughts of Edward and what he and the girls were up to. I was happy that they were getting some alone time. They had not had much of that since our reunion.
"What do you think, Bella? Are you up for it?" Alice asked me.
"Sorry, I must have spaced out for a bit. What were you asking me?"
Esme laughed before explaining. "We were just discussing Thanksgiving. I had been planning to host the family's dinner at Edward's this year, but since it is now your house as well, I wondered if you would be upset about having it?"
I shook my head, "No, as a matter of fact I would love for all of us to celebrate at the house. I don't mind cooking at all, as long as I get some help from you and Shelly, Esme. I also need to start planning for this little guy's birthday. It's the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, so I wanted to have just a little dinner party for the family. At least everyone will already be here."
"Bella, you have to let me help with the decorations, the cake, party favors," Alice started rattling things off.
"Stop, Alice. It's his first birthday. He's not going to even remember it, and there won't be any other children with the exception of Emmaline. I'd love your help, but it doesn't have to be a big production. We can save that for his third birthday."
It's not that I didn't appreciate her enthusiasm, but I wanted Edward and I to do it our way. We did discuss Thanksgiving, who would be in charge of what dishes. Alice was a little put out that Edward was taking me away the day after Thanksgiving and I would not be able to go with her shopping on Black Friday. Something I was infinitely grateful for, though I thought she was nuts for braving early morning shopping before dealing with her own shop.
Emmett called Carlisle just before three to tell him that Rose was sleeping and asked us to allow them some quiet time until the next day, so we just headed back to the house.
After putting Riley down for a nap, I asked Esme if she and Carlisle would like to sit outside on the deck to enjoy the afternoon. Carlisle opened a bottle of wine, Esme took the glasses, and after preparing a fruit and cheese platter we all settled into the deck chairs waiting for Kate, Irina and Edward to return. To see Edward walking into the yard with Kate and Irina leading the way, I knew they had been to the meadow. They were all wearing smiles and laughing, so I knew the day had gone well.
I stood to greet them as they made their way up the stairs onto the deck. "Did you have a good time today?" Kate and Irina nodded then each gave me a kiss before saying hello to their grandparents. Edward sat the basket on the floor before pulling me to him. "It was a great afternoon." He kissed my nose, causing me to giggle. "We missed you and Riley, though. How was your afternoon?" He raised his voice before adding, "Mom and Dad didn't bore you to death, did they?"
"We had a lovely time, Edward, and Bella has agreed to host Thanksgiving for all the 'Crazy Cullens'."
Esme winked at me, "She even managed to rein in your sister's inner party planner. Alice wanted to plan this over the top birthday party for Riley, but Bella nixed her ideas in lieu of a more subtle family dinner."
He looked at me, shocked. "You are a miracle worker, love." I shook my head, "No, I just delayed her for a few years. I guarantee that his third and fourth birthdays will be out of this world."
We all walked into the house and Edward noticed his parents' suitcases. "Um, Mom, didn't Bella tell you that you aren't staying here?" At Esme's shocked look, I elbowed Edward in his side.
"It's not like that, Esme. What your son so idiotically started to tell you was that we have the cottage next to Emmett's house ready for you. We thought you'd like your own space when you come to visit, which we hope is often."
Edward nodded, rubbing his side, "Yeah, that's what I was saying. Bella had already leased the cottage and furnished it before we decided that we couldn't stand to be apart any longer, and instead of returning everything, she thought it would be a great place for you to stay. It has a nursery all set up so you can keep Emmaline whenever you want, or for Riley when you kidnap him."
Esme glanced over at Carlisle, "It would save us the time and hassle of building." He nodded. "Sounds great, son, we'd love to stay there. By the way, you are still letting your mother and I 'kidnap' the kids Monday, right?
Edward had asked them to keep Riley Tuesday, during the day so we could meet with the lawyers, but I didn't know they were taking him Monday night along with the girls. "Edward, what are you up to?"
He kissed my temple. "I want you to myself Monday night. We have some celebrating to do, so I asked mom if they would mind keeping the kids Monday night and then we could pick Riley up Tuesday afternoon after we meet the lawyer. Besides it'll give you a test run for when we leave them for three nights at the end of the night."
I wanted it, more than I'd readily admit to, but I still had not been away from my baby overnight, ever. It was a good idea. I knew I'd be miserable on our trip worrying about Riley and if he was ok, but it was hard to think of leaving him.
"Alright, I guess it'll be ok. Do you think Riley will miss me too much?" Esme wrapped her arm around my shoulders.
"It's always difficult to leave them at first, but you know he'll be fine. Kate and Irina will be there, and I've raised my share of children." She and I walked into the kitchen to start preparing dinner.
"I know Riley will be fine, but I've just never left him overnight. It's not that I don't trust you and Carlisle. I do, with my life, with Ry's life."
"Its fine Bella, I do understand. The kids will be fine and I promise that if Riley gets too upset, I will call you."
I gave Esme a hug and my thanks. We prepared a salad and heated a couple of French baguettes in the oven while I reheated chili for our dinner.
Edward volunteered to take Esme and Carlisle over to the cottage while I bathed Riley and got him ready for bed.
We spent the next day dividing our time between getting Em and Rose's house ready for their homecoming and helping Carlisle and Esme get settled. Esme and I were preparing meals that Emmett would have no trouble reheating for Rose. By the time we were finished, their freezer was completely full. Rose's parents would be flying in later in the week, but until then it would just be Emmett and Rose home with baby Em.
We stayed to visit with the new parents for a couple of hours, but trying to keep everyone quiet was difficult. After reassurances to both Rose and Em that not only was Esme next door, but I was only a phone call away and willing to help however they needed it, we all left them to enjoy life as a family of three.
"Bella, I'd really like another brother." Irina's eyes were dancing with laughter. "Really? Well you need to talk to your father about that."
"Well Dad said you two talked about it, and we'd both really like another brother…or sister. Riley needs a playmate." Kate was nodding her head, looking like a loon.
"Well alright then…we'll uh…get right on that. Won't we Edward?" He was laughing now, too.
"Sure love, just as soon as we get home."
"Ewe! At least wait until we go to sleep!" Both girls said.
Riley thought we were all hilarious and he was clapping and laughing at us all. "Ok, that's enough of that conversation."
Later that evening after everyone was in bed, I turned to Edward asking him about what the girls had brought up about babies. "You really talked to them? You asked them how they felt about us having another baby."
He ran a hand down my side, hooking my leg over his hip. "Yes, love. We talked about a lot of things yesterday. I wanted to tell them what we had discussed…they are more than ok with the thought. You heard them, Rini wants another brother, Kate doesn't care, but she's happy for us. They love you and are happy we're together."
~O~O~O~
The next morning after taking Kate and Irina to school, Edward and I took Riley out for breakfast, where we saw my father.
"Hey Daddy!" Charlie turned three shades of red.
"Morning Bells, Edward," he kissed Riley's head, "What brings you guys out this morning?"
I noticed there was another plate set across from Charlie.
"Oh we just took the girls to school and wanted to have breakfast out before we drop Ry off with my parents. I'm taking Bella out to celebrate tonight." Edward said before someone approached and caught his attention.
"Bella…oh sweetheart, it's so good to see you." Sue Clearwater said as she gave me a quick hug. "Edward, it's nice to see you, as well."
Edward winked at me as I watched my father fumble for words. He looked so cute, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.
"Sue, you look lovely, it's great to see you. You're out early on your day off Dad. Do you two have plans for the day?"
Sue spoke up, "We had a late night, but were up early this morning and your dad wanted pancakes, so here we are." I thought I was going to pass out, and that Charlie was going to have a heart attack.
"Oh, um that's great. Enjoy your breakfast. We need to order before Riley goes crazy."
Edward was trying not to laugh at my expression. As we settled into the booth I said, "It's not funny, Edward. I could have gone a lifetime without knowing my dad likes pancakes after a night of sex. You won't be eating pancakes this morning. Get an omelet, waffles, French toast, anything but pancakes."
"Awe, Bella, and I really wanted blueberry pancakes. Tell you what, you make them in the morning for me and I'll order French toast right now. Seriously, love, he looks happy."
I looked over at Charlie and Sue. They did look cute together, and I wanted him to be happy. "They do. I just don't ever want to think about my dad and sex, just no."
We all ate a nice breakfast; the only pancakes to be eaten were by Riley. We had just arrived at the cottage when my cell phone alerted an incoming text.
~Ms Swan, Just to let you know, your case was the first on the docket this morning. Judge has signed the papers. You are now a single woman. Happy Divorce Day! ~G
"Ha! I have a laugh riot as an attorney."
"What's that, love?" Edward asked.
I showed him the text from Garrett Sanders, my attorney in California. He attended the divorce hearing for me.
"It's finally over, Edward. I'm free of Jake." Edward opened his door and hurried around to my side of the car. I took off my seatbelt before he pulled me out and into his arms.
"How do you feel? Are you ok with this?" He was so sweet to ask, but I could see his happiness reflected in his eyes. I reached up, threading my fingers into the hair at his neck. "I'm fabulous, now come here." I stepped up onto my tiptoes as he lowered his head to kiss me.
The last obstacle holding us back from forever, was now gone. Each moment from this one forward, there was nothing to keep us apart, nothing to keep us from truly being together as a family. We were free to enjoy our life together.
~O~O~O~O~
Ok decided to end it here, but will show their date night and private celebration of the divorce in the next chapter.
This story is winding down now. There are about 4 chapters and an Epilogue left. Next chapter will be up next Wednesday.
Thank you so much for all your reviews and support of my little story. How Can I Help you has been nominated for a few categories over at The Sunflower Awards. There are a lot of fabulous stories nominated, and I love that it's specifically for those 'under the radar' fics. Voting is open until May 25th.
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