Tread

Outtake

from Edward

"I haven't seen your folks in over a month. What… since signing day?" Coach shuffled past, rounding the desk. His large, sun damaged hand splayed against the door, shoving to close.

"Dad's been working like crazy since they added that new hospital wing. He's taking Mom to Portland this weekend to visit my grandmother, though."

"Well, I know how it goes working too much. Second job over at the timber mill's killing me… but we do what we gotta do." His voiced trailed, somber. He knew hardship deeper than my father. Hard spring rain pounded the athletic office window. Ramble of freshman prospects he planned to preen filled our usual Friday afternoon sit down.

Stretching, adjusting to the ache in my shoulder, I noticed Bella peeking through the doorway crack. She bounced on the heels of her plaid rain boots to see and focus. I toed it open further, Billy's voice faded into the background. I winked, coaxing a small smile… barely.

"Edward…"

"Yeah?" Sensing my distraction he pulled the door back, grinning suspiciously. Bella offered a short, humiliated wave.

"There she is," Billy teased, gesturing. "Come in, come in." She moved quietly, teetering on the arm of my chair. "Bella, how are your folks doing?"

"Okay… they're okay, I guess." I nudged at the flat response. "They both work nights now, so I don't see them too much." Billy nodded sympathetically, sighing.

"I bet they're proud of our boy here… letter of intent to UW and all."

"Sure. Yeah, definitely." She forced a smile, I knew. "We all are." Roughly mussing my hair, she shifted to stand, seemingly anxious to escape.

"Alright kids, out you go… let's get the weekend started. See you at practice, Edward."

Bella paced a measure ahead. Tugging her backpack, I slowed her to stop. "Hey…" I smoothed my hand from her back to her neck, gently stroking. Her eyes darted around the hallway as it cleared. "What's going on?"

She blew a deep exhale and quickly kissed my cheek. "Nothing, just tired."

"You've been weird all week. Talk to me," I urged. Her mood was unfamiliar, constant. She looked down, her muddy boot lightly stomping over mine. I lifted her chin, our eyes met. "I know what you need…" I smirked with a suggestive brow. "And we've got my house to ourselves for two nights." Rolling her eyes, she smiled, warming. "I can take my time…" We startled as the school janitor rolled around the corner.

"Come on." She pulled at my grey varsity t-shirt, biting her lip.

"That's what I thought," I whispered at her temple, crushing her playfully under my arm as we headed through the double doors, into the storm.

~BtU~

"So you two get to play house all weekend?" Seth teased, sinking into the dark leather sofa next to Lauren. My hands tightened around Bella's waist. She sat oddly tensed in my lap, peeling the label on a full beer bottle. I tickled along the waist of her jeans, pulling her tighter against me. Nuzzling a soft kiss at the base of her neck, she squirmed.

"Oh, Bella, did you do that roommate preference thing on your housing application for next year?" Lauren asked.

"No… I haven't gotten that far yet. I'm still waiting on financial aid stuff." She shrugged, distant. "Guys, I'm going to go lay down. I've had a wicked headache all day." A lie, I wondered. Her hand slipped from mine as she stood. Seth and Lauren shifted. "No, stay, keep Edward company… seriously."

"Is she okay?" Lauren whispered as Bella disappeared up the stairs. "I totally saw her crying in the library."

"What… when?"

"Yesterday, I mean just a little. Maybe it's something with her parents. My dad says her dad's a complete asshole."

"He's not that bad…" Distracted, I collected take out boxes.

"Alright man, go take care of your girl. We're gonna knock off," Seth said, offering a casual fist bump. "Lifting early tomorrow, right?"

"I'll be there. Hopefully my fucking shoulder will settle down." I stretched, his eyes narrowed.

"Don't fuck around, man. You still gotta earn that fancy full ride."

"Yeah, yeah…" He waved in response, walking down the driveway, jumping behind Lauren as she squealed.

I pulled my t-shirt up and over as I moved up the stairs, lightening, thunder still punishing. Softly opening my bedroom door, I found Bella curled under the down duvet. I worked the buttonfly down on my jeans, dropping them on the carpet and climbed in behind her. She melted as I wrapped around. Long sleeves and sweat pants, I fought to find my favorite flawless skin. "Why are you all covered up in here?" I trailed my nose along her neck, nipping as my hands gently wandered.

"'Cause I'm cold, it's cold… it's always fucking cold here." Tasting, tugging on her earlobe, I waited for the reactive quiver. Instead, she turned suddenly in my arms. "Hey, let's just go. Let's run away…to Florida. It's never cold in Florida. We could just disappear."

I tucked dark strands behind her ear, processing. "Babe, what's going on?" She buried, I cradled protectively. "You better tell me." She shook her head, hidden. "I think its lack of sex." I flipped her over quickly in jest, hovering. Pressing my thigh at her center, I hoped. "Feel good?" I leaned catching her lobe with my teeth, tugging gently. She reactively ran soft hands around my neck, her fingers smoothing slowly, then turned away. "Come on, Bella. It's been days, and we've been looking forward to this." I forced her gaze, stroking my thumbs along her jaw. "I'll go slow. There's no rush tonight. And you can even scream." A gentle kiss, she arched slightly, the faintest giggle. "I'll do that thing you love…" A naughty smirk, I grazed lips at her temple.

"You will not…" A brief challenging smile morphed into a deep exhale. Ignoring the anxious implication, I tucked under the duvet, lower.

"I will. And you'll love it, like you always do." I peppered teasing, wet kisses over and around her navel. Gripping my shoulders, digging nails, she twisted.

"Stop, Edward… please. I'm just not in the mood," she pleaded.

"Okay… okay…" I fell, defeated. "But you have to promise all out drunk sex tomorrow night," I joked, pathetic and frustrated.

"Hold me?" Her voice fragile as she rolled back on her side… away.

"You know I will." Tangling legs, she held tight to my arms around as we drifted.

~BtU~

I felt before I heard… warm hands, fingers feathering through my hair, soft lips at my forehead. "Edward, are you awake?"

"Mmmmm, I love when you do that." My voice and head heavy, but so appreciating her touch. "I am now." She guided my head to rest on her chest. The storm still raged beyond the dark windows. I ran slow patterns under her shirt over her bare stomach.

"Do you think we'll ever have a house like this?"

"Do you want a house like this?"

"I…I don't know."

"Well…" I gazed up, her eyes sleepy. "If everything goes as planned... I'll be able to give you everything and anything you want."

"What is this plan?"

"Well… UW, then probably, hopefully… the majors... the Yankees… a big church wedding… then three boys and one girl." Her fingers dug and pulled, she shivered fighting tears. "Okay, no Yankees. That's right you want to move to Florida." I laughed lightly, but regretted as she heaved.

"Bella, please… Baby, tell me what's wrong," I begged, sitting and grabbing, desperate. I quickly turned the lamp low next to the bed. Her tears were furious, she worked over her flushed cheeks with trembling hands.

"Edward… I'm late. I didn't get my period yet and you have a plan, and you're supposed to play baseball, and we're going to school and I might be pregnant…God, I'm so sorry." Stunned, my heart plummeted. I brought a fist to my mouth, stifling. Pregnant.

She leaped off the bed, tugging at her hair, biting her nails. "Calm down, Bella. Fuck." I stood to hold. "Did you take a test yet?"

"No, but I'm always so regular."

"I should have realized. Shit, baby. I've been so in my own fucking head lately. All these college scouts…" Dread settled low and fierce.

"I was afraid to buy a test anywhere in town, everyone fucking gossips, if my dad found out… god and your parents…" She sat, suddenly so frail and pitiful. "We aren't always careful, Edward. I'm not blaming you, but like in your truck the other day… you were so amped up and horny after that game. Remember?" Panic, fear ignited. I braced, pulling her back to me. She brushed her wet face along my bare chest.

"Okay… shhhh…" I soothed, steadying. I glanced at the bedside clock. Pulling away, I framed her face. "Listen…"

"What are we going to do…" She interrupted, hysterical and terrified, I tightened my grip.

"Listen to me. We're going to drive to Aberdeen, they have a twenty-four hour drug store. My dad calls prescriptions in there after hours. We need to know for sure. Tonight."

I drove just over the limit in silence, save for the rattle of Bella's window. She stared into the darkness, legs tucked. "Come here." I gestured. Sliding over cautiously, she curled into my side. "Buckle your seatbelt." The rain slowed, dancing across the windshield as we barreled down the two lane county road.

"I'm scared."

I leaned to kiss, whispering against her forehead. "I know. I'm here."

~BtU~

Weary from the hour and reality, we stumbled back into the house just before dawn. The stiff brown paper pharmacy bag crackled under my grip, echoing through the foyer. Bella stilled at the bottom stair. I turned, our eyes met. "It's okay." She shook her head, stepping back and away. Dropping the bag, I pressed her to the wall. We stared within a breath, dusting my thumbs under her jaw, calming. Our lips brushed, soft, sure. Reminding, we were us… The next touch a little deeper, our tongues swirled slow, brief before I pulled back, nipping gently at her lower lip. "I promise, it's okay," I mouthed, she nodded, twisting a fistful of my sweatshirt.

I waited, she disappeared, the bathroom door closing behind her. Resting forward, knees supporting my elbows, reality loomed. My worst fear realized in hurting Bella. I promised our first night, never would I hurt her. A life, trophies and wins surrounded and menaced. Surrendering to the weight of worry, I fell back on my bed. Staring at a blank ceiling, I prayed silently… selfishly.

"Should I… bring this out here?" I sat immediately; Bella was frozen in the doorway holding our truth. I held my hand out to her, urging.

"Come sit down. How long do we wait?"

"A few minutes," she mumbled, as I pulled her into my lap. She rested her head against mine, damp eyelashes brushing. We breathed, lost in our own thoughts and wonder, but still, always rooted in each other. I rubbed over her back, caressing, supporting tenderly. The moments would forever impact our lives, our parents… defining us. My scholarship… my pitching, Bella… I squeezed, lacing our fingers.

"Hey," I nuzzled. "We're going to figure this out together. I love you, Bella and this doesn't change anything."

"I don't deserve you, Edward." She shook her head, gasping through her fearful sobs. I kissed her gently, once and again then glanced at the clock.

She opened her palm…

~BtU~

"Is there room for me?" My mother's voice startled. I scooted further down the white painted bench with a brave smile. "No sign of her yet?"

I gazed down the pebbled drive of the church into an autumn sun and shook my head… no. Reactively, my mother wrapped her arm around my back, gently squeezing the perpetually pained shoulder. She stared at the same quiet driveway. "Well, there's plenty of time. Pastor Black's not in any hurry. Especially on a Friday afternoon…"

We sat warmed by a late September afternoon, an Indian summer day of sorts. "Thank you for this… for everything else too. I know Dad gave you a lot of crap. He's disgusted with me. And I know… this is last thing you want to be doing… today… or ever…" She sighed, smiling so calm… a pillar at the most unexpected time.

"Aww. I think we would have been here doing this one day… You're going to be wonderful parents, Edward." I scoffed and shrugged. Falling slowly into a new confidence wasn't easy for either of us. "You know why?" I met my mother's kind, giving blue eyes. "Because you love each other… and because you want to be. You want to be good parents, together."

"I do love her, Mom." We waited quietly, as some soul settling moments passed.

Eventually, I sat alone running idle hands though freshly trimmed hair. Native pines and oaks rustled in a cleansing breeze. I unbuttoned, loosened my dark tie slightly and lingered a finger along my collar. A rumble in the distance, my heart raced. Bella's Honda finally pulled forward, too fast. I met her with an open door. "Why are you alone?" Full cardboard boxes, running shoes, books and a pillow littered the back seat.

"Hello, you look handsome," she greeted, forcibly giddy, ignoring my concern. We embraced, pausing over lips. I smiled against hers, tugging the thick waves down her back.

"Answer me," I insisted, as she smoothed out her short white eyelet dress. I pulled at the yellow sash hanging over her swollen belly. "Where are your…"

"Do you like my dress?" She beamed, blushed and natural. "I actually feel kinda pretty."

"That's why I picked this one. You look beautiful." I held her close, swaying barely. "Where are your parents, Bella?" I whispered at her ear. Pulling back, she straightened my collar avoiding my stare.

"We had a fight." I reactively kissed her forehead, cradling the back of her head. "They aren't coming."

"Okay. That's okay." We held hands, moving towards the small church entrance. I would forever remember her courage in that moment. "Mom's inside with Pastor Black."

"Good. Let's do this."

"Yeah, let's…"

~BtU~

The small, brass bell chimed at the door of Olympic Oven. Bella returned from her car, hurrying towards our small round white iron table in the corner carrying a large, wrapped gift. "For you." Falling into her chair, she leaned close, eager and glowing.

"What's this?" I teased.

"A wedding present."

"From who?" I was relentless, she pinched.

"From your wife."

"Oh. Really? Okay then." I pulled thin, blue ribbon as two slices of butterscotch cake arrived. Bella leaned, gorgeous face resting on her hand, watching. Lifting the top of the square box, I grinned surprised. "This is really great, babe." Smoothing over the black leather collectors album, she blushed.

"You really like it? I wasn't sure which one to get. I know you have hundreds of cards. Maybe you can use it for only the valuable ones. I don't know. This was just so beautiful. Like something that would last forever. You know?" Pulling, dusting wanting, grateful lips, we sighed.

"Yeah… I know," I whispered at her parted mouth. She narrowed her eyes, realizing. We laughed… cathartic, together.

"You're a cheese ball. A sexy, silly cheese ball."

"So, are we supposed to feed each other the first bite of this or what?" I held both forks, digging at each slice.

"We can do that… as soon as Kate pastry puff whatshername quits staring at you." Rolling eyes, I forced a bite.

"Shut up."

"What? She is," Bella mumbled full, wiping the corner of her perfect mouth. "She's been drooling over you since seventh grade."

"I didn't notice. I was too busy staring at another girl."

"Who?" She played along, cleaning her plate.

"Do you want the rest of mine?" Considering, she tightened the sash above her pregnant tummy, twisting her mouth.

"No, I should probably watch my girly figure." Wrinkling her nose, dark eyes danced.

"Hmmm. Speaking of that… you know…" I nuzzled, ignoring the curious customers. "I haven't seen your hot, girly figure in a very, very long time."

"You see my bare, giant belly every few weeks at the doctor." Oblivious, she dove in to finish my slice. I blew gently below her ear, sucking lightly on the tiny pearl drop.

"No, baby. All of you," I hushed, she shivered wide eyed.

"Well, you're in luck." She tasted, nipping at my top lip. "It just so happens to be your wedding night, so…"

"Excuse me, did you need anything else? We're locking up now," Kate interrupted, studying.

"Thanks. No, we're finished." I stacked our plates, sliding.

"Did you guys just get married, for real?" She scoffed.

"For real," Bella mouthed sarcastically, thumbing over her ring finger. I squeezed her knee, smiling at Kate politely.

"We did, about an hour ago."

"Wow. Congratulations. I mean I knew… well everyone knew about the baby obviously… but…" My arched brow quieted Kate's nervous nonsense. Bella stood, clearing her throat.

"Edward, should we take something for your mom and dad?"

"No, they won't be there." We moved to leave, her warm hand in mine. Stronger together, weathering the obnoxious glare... "I have a surprise for you." I grabbed my wife's ass for Kate's entertainment as we walked through the door.

~BtU~

She led, I followed…. moving from room to room as the sun set, silently awed. She took in the simple furniture, warm and ours. "Well… what do you think?" I wrapped from behind as she stared through the picture window in our new bedroom. Her head tipped, rolling.

"It's too much. We can't pay for this."

"It's ours. Free and clear. We have to do the rest, of course. But they wanted to do something to help."

"They?" She turned in my arms, challenging, knowing.

"Fine, my mom…my mom wanted to do something. This house was just sitting empty since they moved my grandmother to the center in Portland. So…" I shrugged, sliding my hands up, tangling through dark waves.

"She's done so much already… the doctor, the ceremony… all we've done is let them down." Teasing thumbs over her cheeks, I leaned lower, capturing a tender kiss. She gripped my waist, balancing close was new and different. I laughed lightly against her lips.

"That's enough of that for now…" Tilting, my tongue made a wet path along her jaw, before gently tasting the sensitive skin below her ear. "Can we… Are you ready?" A faint moan, she nodded slightly. Trailing up her arms, around and down her back, I searched for a row of buttons. She caught my mouth, a kiss more insistent. Tugging my tie, she quickly pulled the half windsor free, letting it fall to the wood floor. Working my buttons open, I still fumbled. "What the hell, baby? How do I get this off you?"

Giggling, easy and painfully perfect, she lifted her arm pointing to the small line of cream buttons down the side. "It's fancy and pretty. Remember, you picked it out."

Growling, frustrated, I batted her away playfully. Finally sliding the eyelet down, I knelt briefly. As my hands moved along curves, I pulled her panties down. Caressing over the swell of our son, I glanced up. Our eyes met, knowing. "God, you're amazing. I…"

Cupping my chin, she urged me to stand. Pushing her thin straps off her shoulders, she quivered as I stared. "I love you…" She breathed. I shook my head, overwhelmed. Where we were, before and then... I traced the shape of her lips as she tugged open my dress pants and pushed my shirt from my shoulders.

My erection evident, strained against the fabric of my boxers, Bella admired with a lip habitually caught in her teeth. I turned us closer to the bed's edge. I pushed my boxers down and away, freeing, stroking over and again before sitting down. Lacing her fingers in mine, I pulled her between my legs. "So how do we do this?"

She reactively covered her belly, shaking with laughter. I stifled mine to taunt. She covered her mouth, wide eyed. "I'm sorry." Soft hands tugged, gently through my hair. "But god… you're right, Edward. It's been too long." She crawled up and over as I pushed further back. Placing legs on either side of my thighs, she inched forward, my cock between. Framing my face, she rested her forehead at mine. Eyes fluttered to close, we just were… intentional in the moment. Dusting my forehead with soft lips, the most gentle kisses, then my nose, over my eyes, finally my mouth as I fell flat. Lifting her hips, reaching between us, she grasped and positioned. We breathed, staring through the connection. She gripped the pillow beneath me, testing, rotating.

"You okay?" I smoothed up her soft thighs, fighting the impulse to thrust, to rush.

"Mmmm, it feels really good… I just, I'm not sure what…" Desperate, innocent in the different, we adjusted.

"Hold my hands." Support to move, to swivel… I stared as she took control, with a slow rise and fall. I reveled in the sight of pink flushed skin, small gasps and that smile… worshipping and grateful.

Needing… she braced behind, fingers digging into my thighs for leverage. "Baby…" She begged, I knew. While she found a comfortable rhythm, pace quickening, my fingers wandered over fuller breasts. I rolled and swirled fingertips over her tender nipples, as the familiar, delicious burn began. "Please… Please, Edward."

My other hand worked lower, rubbing and circling. "Bella…" I whispered as her rocking became erratic.

"Yes… God, yes." Withering over me, moaning softly, she peaked… beautiful. I thrust up, taking over, guiding. My hands trembled at her hips, as I tipped, furiously pulsing as we stared.

Our breathing slowed, she lifted, falling to me. Purple, golden light and shadows set from the early evening illuminated the space. "How was that?" I asked as she tucked under my arm.

"Intense." Feathering patterns across my chest, she laughed.

"You've laughed so much today, it's good to hear." She propped, I pushed damp, wild hair away from my favorite face.

"It's better than all the damn crying I've done the last six months. I've been so annoying." Wrinkling her nose, she cringed.

"Understandable… and I'll take you either way, if we can keep doing that," I teased wide-eyed. A slug to my arm, a wet, sloppy kiss on my mouth… we smiled, exhaled. "I have to work tomorrow to make up for today."

"I know." Facing each other, angled on sides, our fingers lay laced between. "How would you feel about me working at the high school? I mean after the baby's born. Mrs. Hale is apparently retiring."

"That could be good," I sighed. "I know it's not what you want to do. We're going to get you into that nursing program if it kills me."

"Quit thinking about that." She rolled, staring away. "Lauren called yesterday… from UW."

"Yeah? What'd she have to say?" I forced her back, warming my hand over her cheek.

"Wishing us luck for the wedding. That's all. Telling me about her dorm room and a concert…"

"Were you jealous?" I wondered, worried. She shrugged, honest.

"A little… maybe. I don't know." Our sated glow faded, ever so slightly. "Aren't you? Be serious." I paused, measuring carefully.

"Sure. But, Bella, it is what it is. We're here. They're there…" She suddenly smirked, tickling, attempting to salvage the mood.

"And… Lauren doesn't have the two best guys in the world, but I do. So I win." Our hands stacked, soothing over our baby. "He needs a name."

"Yes, he does. Hit me with some… I'll repeat them in my best stadium announcer voice. Just, you know to see how they sound."

"Oh god." She laughed, falling back covering her eyes.

"What? Don't think he won't be on that practice field everyday. I've got big plans for him."

"Well I don't care what he does, or plays… as long as he has your heart." Silence and thought, we burst… hysterical. I pulled her close, licking and tasting swollen lips.

"Now who's the cheese ball? Hmmm?"

"Stop it. You do have the best heart, Edward." Running my nose along hers, I cradled all that was mine. "I love you," she breathed.

"I love you, too. And I really love these and their new… shape…" I teased, appreciating every inch of plumped porcelain skin. Kissing shoulder to fingertip, ankle to thigh in the quiet and peace of our small borrowed home.

And so we'd forge forward, resilient, resolute. Together, we'd navigate the unknown… the new, tending naturally, deeply… always.

a/n

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