How could one three-letter word cause such overwhelming joy? I feel like a young man again. This woman said the three-letter word that would bind us together until I woke no more. My only wish is that God takes me first because it has already been proven that there is no way I could survive without her by my side.
When Bella walked into my life, I knew my grandmother's ring would look perfect.. As I slipped it onto her finger, my body tingled with anticipation. There would no longer be she or I, but we. I envisioned us not just being a married couple but a team in our personal and professional lives. I needed to contact Marcus to begin the legal process of adding her name to all my holdings and accounts. What is mine will be hers as well.
She is on the phone calling her friend Rose. I haven't met her yet, but how Bella talks about her reminds me of my friendship with Jasper and Emmett.
"Yeah, I know. It is a good thing I was too busy to get rid of the boxes. Great, I'll see you tomorrow then." When she disconnects the call, a bright smile is on her face.
"So, is Rose going to help?" I ask.
"Yes. She knew it wouldn't be long until we moved in together. I can't wait until you two meet."
"Any friend of yours is a friend of mine. You are already a part of the tightest friendship I have. Hell, I think Emmett and Jasper like you better."
"Maybe so," she said as the edges of her lips turned up.
With one quick motion, I leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss. I savor the delicious taste of her lips—the sweet nectar of honey combined with a flavor that was uniquely hers. Never in my life had I ever tasted anything like it, and I couldn't believe I would be able to enjoy it for the rest of our lives. With a groan, I pulled away. "I love you, Mrs. Cullen."
Her eyes opened, giving me the pleasure of seeing her golden ambers ablaze. She reaches up and places her smooth hand against my jaw, prickling the hairs of my five o'clock shadow.
"I love you too, but I'm not Mrs. Cullen yet," she says, her top lip turning upward.
"In my heart, you were as soon as you said yes. Which leads me to ask, when do you want to get married in the eyes of God?"
"As soon as possible."
I lean in once more for a quick kiss, then take her hand and lead her to the couch. I sit down and pull her onto my lap, causing her to stick out her bottom lip. She opens her mouth to comment on her weight, but I shake my head.
"Now, tell me your dream wedding," I say.
"This is going to sound weird, but I never dreamed or imagined what my wedding would be like. My parents were married at city hall with their parents by their sides. When I watch movies where girls spend years planning the perfect wedding, the thought makes me sick. Why would anyone want to spend all that time and money on an event which is more like a show for their guests than the union of themselves?"
"So, how and when do you want to do this?" I ask, understanding her feelings.
"City Hall is out because it would turn into a three-ring circus if someone recognizes you."
"Me?"
"Yes, Mr. Number Two of the richest men in the world."
I reach out and begin tickling her sides. She squeals and tries to wiggle away from my fingers.
"Stop, before I pee on you," she giggles.
"Fine, Ms. Snarky. As much as I hate to admit it, you are right about City Hall."
"Of course," she says, her eyes dancing mischievously. "I don't want to go to Vegas either. So, is there any way we can get married here?"
My mind raced with how and who I could get to marry us in our home. I had been away from New York for a long time. We need someone who can legally marry us. But who? "I can't think of anyone. However, I feel sure Mom or Dad know someone."
Biting her lower lip, Bella brings her eyes to mine. "When do you want to tell your parents?"
"Well, since I want to marry you as soon as I am able enough to make love to you, why don't we tell them tonight? Hell, let's invite our friends and tell everyone at once. I feel sure mom is having enough food delivered to feed a small army."
Her face displays a wide array of emotions until a broad smile breaks out. "Alright, let's do this. However, I need to run downstairs and pick up a few things, and there is no way I am announcing my engagement in yoga pants and a t-shirt."
"But I think you look sexy in yoga pants," I say as I run my hand up her thigh and cup her round ass. "They show off your delicious curves."
She slapped my arm and jumped from my lap. "Oh no, mister, you are going to use those magical fingers on me. We have guests to invite, and I am going to my apartment to get appropriate clothes."
I sit in amazement at the woman, who isn't afraid to tell me what to do. For years, no one ever told me what to do, yet now I would happily give her control. "Yes, Mistress Bella."
"Hmm, I like the sound of that. Now, call your parents and friends…slave," she says with a giggle.
Hearing her carefree laughter sets my own free. All of the past months' worries floated away on the sounds of our combined laughter. I was going to be okay, and our future was going to be filled with joy. I pull my phone out of my pocket and call Mom's phone. She answers on the second ring.
"Hey baby, how are you feeling?"
"Really good, Mom. Bella is taking good care of me."
"I knew she would."
"We were wondering if you and Dad would like to come over to dinner?"
"Sure. I have dinner coming from the little Greek restaurant we go to all the time," Mom advised.
My belly growled with the memory of the Souvlaki and paximadi. "It sounds wonderful, Mom. However, can you call them and have them add extra? Emmett, Jasper, and Bella's friend Rose are also coming over for dinner."
"I'll get on it right away. Is six okay for the delivery?"
I turn toward Bella. "Do you think six will be okay with everyone?"
Bella looks at her watch, and I can see her calculating the time frame. "Rose closes the shop at five. I'll just have her come over early."
"Mom, six will be fine."
"Great. We will see you then," she says.
I did not doubt the amount of food would be enough to feed a small army. I shoot off a text to both Jasper and Emmett, inviting them up for dinner. A message from Jasper wanting to know what we were having. He was a picky eater, unlike Emmett, who would eat anything. One of the things Jasper would eat was Mediterranean cuisine.
Good thing it wasn't sushi, because Jasper couldn't even be in the same room if someone was eating the raw seafood. I was witness to it one time when we were on a business trip in the south of France. We walked into a five-star restaurant after closing a multi-million dollar deal. I hadn't researched what type of restaurant it was, only taking the advice of the car service. Jasper was pumped about the deal and didn't pay attention to his surroundings until it was too late. We were standing in the middle of a fresh catch sushi restaurant. He looked up and saw a man stuffing a piece of fish that was still flapping. The next moment vomit spewed, flying out and covering a well-dressed woman. The woman stood screaming as the vomit continued to fly. I yelled at Jasper to close his eyes and lead him out of the restaurant. I placed him on a bench and went back inside to clean up the mess. Fifty thousand dollars later and a promise we would never set foot in the establishment ever again, I walked out. From that day, I made sure we never went anywhere where sushi was being served.
"Here is your afternoon protein drink," Bella said, handing me a tall glass. It didn't look like the ones I had been drinking in the hospital. It was thicker looking with a dollop of whipped cream on top, reminding me of a milkshake. I sucked in a large gulp. The protein drinks in the hospital weren't bad, but this was so different. It was creamy and rich, with a richness to the chocolate flavor.
"Damn, baby, this is great," I said with a moan.
"I'm glad you like it. I added a few extra ingredients to improve the taste."
"Well, I don't want the other stuff when I can be drinking this." I lean down and place a kiss on her lips. Mine were cold from the drink, which just made her lips feel even warmer than they normally were. "Thank you for taking care of me."
Her face glowed with a slight pink hue breaking out across her cheeks. "I plan on doing so for the rest of our lives."
I place one more kiss on her lips before pulling back and gazing down into her soulful eyes. "Just as I plan to take care of you."
After my drink, Bella ushers me to the bathroom to do a weigh-in. Today I feel more energetic and not as tired. I am able to walk to the bedroom a little slower than normal but better than I was in the hospital. The dizzy head no longer haunts me. I step up on the scales and look down. When the flashing of the numbers stops, I smile. "I've gained another pound and a half."
"What?" Bella asked as she stepped forward. "Wow, that is great, baby. You are doing so well."
"All thanks to you."
"Not just me, but your family and friends."
She was correct. My parents and friends had been right by my side through this tough time. When I get back to a healthy weight, I need to do something to say thank you to all of them, what I don't know. "Thank you for reminding me. You really are more intelligent than me in everything you do."
A bright hue of pink blossoms across her face. This was something I was going to help her work on. She needed to learn how to take a compliment without blushing.
"Thank you, but," she began, but I placed my finger on her lips to stop her from finishing her comment.
"Don't complete that comment. You are everything I said and more. I can't wait to see you in front of a boardroom full of men when you take over their company," I say. I lean close and whisper into her ear. "And on that day, I don't want you to wear any panties."
She jumps back and gasps. "Edward, there is no way I am ever going not to wear panties to an important meeting."
I reach up and cup her face. "Yes, you will, and it will make me so fucking hard that I will have to wear one of my longer suit jackets to conceal my arousal." My mouth slants over hers in a kiss of promise and passion. When I pulled back, I gazed down at her stunning face. I must have done something right in my life to be able to call this exceptional woman mine. "But seriously, baby, I have no doubt of your abilities. You have such an incredible mind. You were born for this."
"Edward, I hope I never let you down," she says.
"Never, my love, never." It was then I remembered the office I had set up for us. "Come, I have another surprise for you."
"Edward, I need to go to my apartment to get some clothes for dinner."
"It won't take long. I promise." I take her hand and lead her toward the office. After Felix and I had found the extra floor, I decided to have the home office in one of the rooms. I chose the one with a view of the city and was large enough for two desks. We arrived at the door and opened it. As we walked in, I was once again amazed at how good the office turned out. Felix was a master at design.
"Oh my, God, this is unbelievable," Bella said with a gasp.
I had to agree with Bella. The office was unbelievably beautiful. The floor was covered in carpet with a geometric design. Above, the design continued on the ceiling on translucent frosted glass. New York City was in view through the floor-to-ceiling window that spanned an entire wall. Two matching desks and chairs were positioned side by side. Just like we were. A team who will work side by side in both our professional and personal lives.
"I hoped we could share this office when we needed to do work at home," I say.
She walks over to the window and looks out. I began to worry if I had gone too far. Was this too much? With unsure steps, I close the gap between us until I am standing behind her. The hum of the energy which flowed between us crackled with our closeness.
"When my parents died, I thought I would be alone for the rest of my life. For years, I got up each day and looked out my little window. Even though the neighborhood wasn't the best, it appeared better as the sun began to find its way through the buildings. However, all too soon, the harsh rays uncovered the ugliness of the streets. I longed for the same kind of affection my parents shared, but deep down, I knew it was something I could never attain."
"Bella, I too longed for a love like my parents," I say as I wrap my arms around her and pull her close. "Never did I find anyone who makes me feel like you do."
She turns and looks up at me with her eyes full of tears. "Even if you never told me you loved me, I could tell by the things you have done. This room is an example. It shows me you want to share your life with me. Edward, I love you so much."
"I love you."
Bella jumps and takes out her phone. "It is the front desk. Rose is here already."
"Make sure to put her on the list and give her a key to access these floors."
She leans up and kisses me quickly. "Thank you. I'll be back soon. Why don't you look around and see if you can find something to wear?"
"Okay," I answered. She walks toward the door but stops and looks around the room.
"I think we need to give Felix a bonus," she says with a smirk and walks out.
I couldn't stop smiling. She said, WE.