Author's Note: Thanks everyone for reading :) I love reading the comments you guys leave. Keep them coming! I appreciate you guys taking the time to read my story.
Thank you!
-Lisa
Chapter Five
"Am I too late? Did he play all ready?" Bella asked as she sat next to Carlisle on the benches. She was running late to Peter's soccer game.
"No, they actually haven't started yet. How are you?"
"I'm good. And you?"
"Good, thanks. Charlotte can't wait to go back and have her nails done this afternoon. I think you might have gotten her addicted to pampering herself," Carlisle smiled.
"It's all good. I like spending time with her. I figured we'd go out for lunch too."
Carlisle nodded. "In case I haven't said it before, thank you for everything you have done. Please let me give you some money and-"
Shaking her head Bella looked at Carlisle. "No money. This is my treat for her. If I didn't want to do it I wouldn't. Please don't worry about money."
"I don't know what to say."
"I think you covered it all with thank you," Bella smiled.
The game started before Carlisle had a chance to reply. Throughout the game he couldn't help but watch Bella. She was excited when Peter scored goals. She stood up and cheered. Kate had never showed interest in the children, let alone attend their events. Carlisle shook his head and got out of his clouded thoughts and watched his son play the game.
After the game, as promised, Bella and Charlotte left to get manicures. They laughed and enjoyed each other's jokes. They even got matching nail color, deep purple. After their nails were dried, they went in search of a new shirt for Charlotte. They walked into Gap Kids and found a cute sleeveless shirt with a pink and orange print. They then continued to lunch at a nearby restaurant and the chatted away. Charlotte had admitted that Jane wanted her to sleep over soon so they could have girl time. Bella encouraged her to have fun.
Once they were back in Bella's car, Charlotte felt bold enough to play around with Bella's radio. She did it until they both found a song they liked. They sang along to "Call Me Maybe," as Bella pulled into the driveway. Bella was the first to stop singing when she noticed Peter outside pacing on the porch. Slowly, Bella got out of the car.
"Hey Pete, what's going-"
"I'm supposed to be your fucking fiancée Carlisle. You are supposed to love me. What the hell are you thinking?" Kate shouted from inside the house.
"They have been going at it for almost an hour," Peter said. "She hasn't been very nice to dad."
"You're a fucking idiot Carlisle. You can't do this! You can't break up with me! You are actually choosing your children over me? You're a god damn asshole!"
Bella looked around. "You know what, why don't you two get in my car and we'll head to the store to buy some cookies and some things for dinner. What do you guys want to get?"
Peter and Charlotte looked at each other, then Bella. They heard what sounded like glass breaking. Peter spoke up, "How will dad know where we are?"
"I'll send him a text. I think we need to give them-"
"Your children? Your fucking children? They are nothing but no good, worthless rugrats-"
Bella grabbed both Peter and Charlotte by the wrist before they could hear more. "Come on guys, I think we should go."
They drove in silence to the grocery store. Peter wanted macaroni and cheese while Charlotte wanted hamburgers. Bella let them both throw the food into the cart while she texted Carlisle.
Charlotte and I got home and saw Peter looking worried on the porch while you and Kate talked. I took them back to my house for dinner. They can spend the night if you need time. No worries. I just wanted to let you know where they were. She pressed send and then without hesitation she added, Call me if you need anything.
Once back at Bella's house, Peter quickly went to work boiling water and mixing a cheese sauce. Bella was impressed that he was making everything from scratch. Charlotte asked if Bella had ingredients for a salad. Bella nodded and Charlotte went to work on that salad. Bella kept looking at her phone. She received no word from Carlisle, which worried her.
The night progressed as they trio finished dinner. They next cuddled on the couch to watch a movie. About half way through it, Bella's doorbell rang. Neither child acknowledged it because they were engrossed in the film. Bella looked out the window and noticed an upset Carlisle. He looked tired and Bella made note of the bandage on the side of his head.
"Hi,"
Offering a sad smile, Carlisle looked at her. "Hi. How are the kids?"
"Come on in," she smiled. She pointed out the kids who were both fighting sleep on the couch. "They are fine. They cooked a feast but are fine. Would you like some mac and cheese? A little salad? Maybe a burger?" Bella smiled. Carlisle quickly accepted whatever Bella was willing to give him. As the food heated in the microwave, Bella looked up from the fridge. "Would you like wine, coffee, beer or a soda to drink?"
"Beer, please?" Carlisle asked with no hesitation in his voice.
Bella brought the drink and the food over to him. She paused before she asked. "It is really none of my business, but what happened this afternoon?"
Carlisle sat back in the chair and looked up at Bella. "I broke it off with Kate. I've had a few weeks to think about it and she isn't what I want any more. I have no idea why I thought I wanted someone like her. What was I thinking? I can't believe I was so blind. She doesn't like children, let alone like or god for bid love my children. I can't over look the things she said about them. While we were on the break, I thought a lot and I couldn't do it anymore. I didn't want her to be hanging on. Even when we took a break, she was still texting and emailing me things about the wedding, and I don't know. She couldn't pause and look around what she had said and did. She couldn't even remember that I was widowed. She thought I was divorced! I can't be with someone like that. I guess I just miss being part of a couple. I miss coming home to someone to talk about my day with and to share stories about the kids and have someone really get it. I still miss Elizabeth so much. I don't even know if this makes any sense. I'm sorry I'm babbling."
Smiling Bella looked at him. "No worries. I'm sorry that she wasn't the one. I'm sorry she caused you so much grief."
"It's better to realize it now than after the wedding," he smiled back.
"What happened to your head?"
"Oh this," he said as he touched his wound. "This was one of the dinner plates meeting my face. Kate got angry and threw it."
"Ouch."
"That's what I said." Carlisle smiled sadly again. "You might have to go to the store and buy new dishes. I don't think there are any left."
"No worries, the kids and I will hit the mall on Monday. There are some paper plates in the pantry. Just use those until Monday night."
"Thanks and thank you for coming here with the kids. I didn't know that Peter had come home from Alec's house and was on the porch."
"He was shaken up, I did what I thought was right. Have you thought of what you are going to tell the kids?"
Laughing, Carlisle looked at Bella. "Are you serious? They'll be out celebrating. They really hated her, with good reason."
Before either one could say another word Peter walked into the kitchen. "Dad? What are you doing here?"
"I got Bella's text about you guys being here. I also just got done eating your mac and cheese. You let us have takeout food for so long and never told me you could cook! Peter, it was delicious."
"Thanks dad but I have a good teacher who is teaching me everything she knows," Peter explained as he looked at Bella. "Bella said we could have ice cream. Can we still have it?"
"Of course," Carlisle replied.
"I'll dish it out, you go back to your movie," Bella smiled.
As they watched Peter go back into the living room, Carlisle looked at Bella and chuckled. "What, he didn't make desert too?"
"Oh I thought I'd give him the night off," she laughed. "Would you like some ice cream too?"
"What kind do you have?"
"Mousetracks."
"Of course. Peanut butter and chocolate and ice cream. Sound like a good plan to me. Let me help you."
Bella and Carlisle made pleasant conversation as they dished the ice cream out. They each carried two bowls in. Bella sat next to Peter on the end of the couch while Carlisle handed Charlotte her ice cream. She sat on the oversized chair. Carlisle sat on the opposite end of the couch as Bella.
The kids filled Carlisle in on the movie they chose to watch. Within a half hour of eating their treat, they both had fallen asleep. Peter's head rested on Bella's lap. She softly stroked his hair even as he slept. Carlisle watched as Bella interacted with his sleeping son. It made him smile to know that his children were most defiantly loved by that woman.
"Are they both asleep?" Bella asked bringing Carlisle out of his thoughts.
Carlisle looked over to Charlotte who was also asleep on the chair. "I think so. I don't know how I'm going to get them home."
"Don't worry about it. I'll grab a few blankets and they can sleep here for the night." Bella paused as she looked at Carlisle. "You could, um, stay too. I have a guest room upstairs."
Not knowing what to say Carlisle was silent. Before he had a chance to protest, Bella looked at him again. "It's getting late and it will save you a trip in the morning. You need to rest and maybe staying away from your house for the night, away from everything you encountered tonight will be a good thing."
Nodding and smiling, Carlisle agreed. "Thank you Bella. It is very considerate of you."
Bella gently lifted Peter's head and placed a throw pillow under it. She grabbed the throw on the back of the couch and tucked him in. She reached the chair and grabbed the blanket on it and covered Charlotte up. They shut the lights off and Bella led Carlisle to the guest room.
"I have bottles of shampoo and soap on the dresser with towels if you need them. Oh there is toothbrush and toothpaste too," Bella explained.
"Thank you Bella. You seem to be very organized."
"Well, my brother was supposed to visit so I was prepared for him but he canceled at the last minute. Instead he went away with his girlfriend to some island. His loss is your gain, I guess."
Carlisle nodded. "Seriously thank you for everything. It really makes me feel good that the kids can depend on you and I can depend on you. I haven't really had a whole lot of people to depend on since Elizabeth passed. Her family doesn't live close and I don't have any family around. Thank you."
"I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's fine. I do love those kids. They are really great."
Over the next two weeks things went back to normal. The kids were officially on summer vacation. Carlisle seemed to be happier since the incident with Kate. Charlotte had helped Bella organize and paint her bedroom. Carlisle was impressed. Peter couldn't wait for his turn.
Bella was finishing up dinner as Peter played outside with Alec. Peter loved soccer and took his soccer seriously. He chose to attend soccer camp during the summer. Charlotte did spend a lot of time with Jane and chose not to attend any summer camps. Carlisle was just happy that she was spending time outside of the house.
"Hello?" Carlisle said as he entered the house. He was home almost an hour early, something he tried to do more often. "What smells so good?"
"Hi," Bella smiled. "I made a blueberry pie. I hope it's as good as it smells. I tried a whole wheat pie crust instead of using bleached flour. I don't know how it will be."
"Well it smells great. What is for dinner?"
"I was grilling some fish and veggies. I just started the grill so they should be ready in forty minutes or so."
"Sound great. Thank you. I'm going to grab a quick shower and then see what I can help you with," Carlisle promised.
Laughing Bella looked at him. "You don't have to help with anything. I like doing this."
"You will be staying for dinner tonight?" Carlisle asked.
"Yes, I can stay. Go shower, I'll finish up down here," Bella continued to smile.
Once dinner was ready, everyone sat down. "Hey dad, Jane asked if I could go to the beach with her family and sleep over on Saturday night. Is that all right?"
"What?" Carlisle asked surprised. It had been a long time since Charlotte had asked to spend the night with her friend. "I mean, yes. I will need to talk to her mother first but I see no reason why."
Peter looked at Bella. "I have a game on Saturday morning. Could you come to it?"
"I would love to. I like watching you play. You are really good at it," Bella responded without thinking twice.
"Great. I can't wait!" Peter smiled.
"What am I? Chopped liver?" Carlisle asked in a joking matter.
"No, you're just my dad, you have to come. I just like having Bella there," Peter explained.
"I know I'm not late this time," Bella smiled as she got out of her car. She parked right next to Carlisle. He watched as she held two drinks in her hand. "This is for you. An iced skinny chai latte. These," she said motioning to the boxes she had in her hands, "are for the kids. I called one of the moms and asked what I could bring. I made an oatmeal crasin with whole grains and agave nectar, a little healthier than the average cookie, but its still a cookie. These are for the boys. Oh and some fruit too," she told Carlisle. He picked up the boxes and carried them to the field. "I asked the parents last time if the boys had any dietary restrictions. One of the boys, Ben I think, has celiacs so I did a gluten free recipe too. They aren't too bad."
Carlisle was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe that Bella took the time to do something so thoughtful for Peter's soccer team. "Wow. When did you do all of this?"
"Last night. It was no big deal. I had fun doing it and I wanted to surprise Peter. I think he will be." She said still smiling. "Oh, and I know that it's Saturday but I have a few things that I left at my house that I would like to bring to yours today. I went food shopping last night and picked up a few things for you guys during the week. Plus, Charlotte asked if I could do her toe nails since she doesn't have time to get them done before she goes away with Jane later this afternoon. Is this okay?"
Speechless, Carlisle looked at Bella. "Um, yes, yes of course. I do have to go into the office for just a few hours. What do you have to bring over?"
"I picked up some food that I wanted to bring over. Some fresh fruit and veggies. I chopped them all up so all you have to do is grab them if you want a snack."
"That was thoughtful of you, thank you," Carlisle said. He couldn't think of anything else to say. When the game started, Bella immediately got involved in the game. She cheered and yelled sitting in the stands. Carlisle couldn't pay attention to the game. He felt overwhelmed sitting next to Bella. She was amazing. There was no doubt about it.
"How was Peter's game?" Edward asked as he and Carlisle were getting ready to leave.
"It was great. His team won and he scored two goals," Carlisle replied.
"I am going to the next one, tell him that. I would have been there today if I wasn't called into the ER for a consultation."
Carlisle smiled. "He'll love that his Uncle Eddie will be there."
"Hey! Only children can call me that. It's not open for discussion with adults," Edward jokingly said pretending to be angry.
Carlisle laughed. He was a little nervous with the topic he was about to bring up with Edward. "So, um, well, Bella."
Edward raised his eyebrow. "What about Bella? Has she been a wise ass? She has the tendency to do that sometimes. I should have warned you about that a while ago."
Chuckling, Carlisle shook his head. "No, she is pretty great actually."
Nodding in agreement, Edward spoke. "That she is. She is one of the strongest people I know. As you will recall, she is like my sister. We're closer than she is with her own brother."
"Why is that?" Carlisle asked. He had noticed Bella talk about him in passing. She even looked a bit disappointed when she mentioned he canceled his visit.
Edward shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Jasper is a good guy; I think it's his girlfriend that is the issue. She is snobby, which Bella has never been and of course isn't. They have kind of just grown apart. He lives in Seattle, so he isn't too far away but they never get together."
"I would just think after going through the family tragedy of losing both of their parents, they would want to hold onto each other. Was he around when Bella moved back home?"
"He was supposed to make an appearance at the dinner Tanya had for Bella when she moved home, but he had to get be to Seattle." Edward paused and looked at Carlisle again. "What's with all of the curiosity about Bella? Carlisle, level with me. You know she's like a sister to me," Edward repeated before looking at his friend's face. "You like her, don't you?"
Shaking his head, Carlisle looked at Edward. "No, no, no. It isn't anything like that." He paused and then looked at Edward. "Well, it's more complicated than that."
"Why is that?"
Letting out a humorless laugh, Carlisle looked at Edward. "I just broke up with my fiancée and-"
"She was a horrible person Carlisle," Edward added.
Laughing, Carlisle looked at Edward. "Well, I guess she was. Anyway, my kids adore her. I don't want to ruin that for them. She has actually made progress with Charlotte. She is social again and is acting like my daughter again." He paused as he reflected on the morning they had spent together. "There is something about her that I can't put into words. This morning when she came to Peter's soccer game she brought me my iced latte, the way I like it. She also baked cookies for his team. She even made them according to the allergies of some of the boys on the team. My fiancée didn't give a shit about my kids let alone go to their games and bake for them. Bella always has dinner ready even though I told her she didn't have to, especially during the summer. I don't want her slaving over some stove or outside roasting in the sun on the grill. She is always thinking of the kids first."
Edward began to laugh when he saw Carlisle in such distress. He was surprised because of the age difference but lived to tease his friend. "So you're crushing on her, aren't you?"
"No. No I'm not." Carlisle paused as he looked at Edward. "Yes, yes I am." He paused again and looked at his friend with a pathetic expression. "I don't know. She really loves the kids, which make me automatically really care about her. She's so protective of them. When everything was going down with Kate, she had no problem telling me what the issue was with her and quickly defended Charlotte. She enjoys being around them and spending time with them, even when she is off and she doesn't have to. Charlotte is changing and I have Bella to thank for that. She smiles and is happy again." He paused before he continued. "My children are acting like children again. They are smiling and enjoying life again even though their mother isn't here with them. I haven't seen them like this since Elizabeth was still with us. Edward, they are both happy."
Edward grew serious as he sat next to Carlisle. "You don't think this is a rebound from Kate, do you? You guys have only been broken up for a few weeks."
"I actually think Kate was the rebound and fling. For the record, I think it was over in my eyes when she talked about sending the kids away Ihad no idea she felt the way she did. She always appeared to care about the kids and neither one of the kids felt they could come to me and talk about the hell and torment she put them to. She told Charlotte she was fat and told Peter he was worthless and never going to amount to anything." Carlisle stopped and doubted himself. "I just don't know Edward. Bella is way out of my league. She's smart and so beautiful. I'm so much older in comparison."
"You aren't that much older and she isn't that young you know."
"She's twenty nine and I'm pushing forty five. That's sixteen years. Technically I'm old enough to be her father. I highly doubt she'd be interested in me." Carlisle stopped and looked at Edward. "I know, I'm pathetic. I don't think she'd be in interested in me because of our age difference, am I right?"
Taking a deep breath, Edward looked at Carlisle. "I don't know what to say. Bella has that likable personality. She's a great person, as good as they come."
Nodding in agreement, Carlisle began to speak. "I realize that. She's so sweet and kind and god, she is so timelessly beautiful. She barely wears make up and yet she is breath taking. She can be so sexy and not realize it."
"Okay, remember you are still talking about someone who is like my sister to me," Edward tried to joke. When he saw that Carlisle was still at a crossroad, he grew serious again. "Okay, so it appears to me that you are attracted to her and like her. What are you going to do about it?
Sadly, Carlisle shook his head. "Absolutely nothing."
Looking surprised, Edward questioned Carlisle. "What? Why not?"
"Like I said, she fixed my children. She got Charlotte to talk and trust her. She brought my little girl back to me. I don't want to jeopardize that relationship. She made Peter act like a little boy again. Edward, he is such a good cook. He cooks better than I can. He's nine! He used to love cook with Elizabeth. Bella brought him back and has fun with him. I can't take that away from them. Their happiness is what matters to me. I realize with Kate I took what little happiness they had after their mother died away from them. I won't do it again."
"What about your happiness Carlisle?" Edward whispered. "Does that matter?"
Carlisle grew silent while he tried to formulate his thoughts. He knew Edward wouldn't understand his reasoning. He wasn't a parent, he didn't understand. Before he had the chance to speak, Edward spoke again. "Carlisle, you are a great father. You love your kids, no one would ever question that." Edward now paused as before he continued. "I think you know that as unfortunate as it is, Elizabeth is gone. You've been doing extremely well and you have two awesome kids who are equally as awesome, because of you. I love that you allow me to be their uncle and I hope I do a good job doing my job as fun Uncle Eddie. You deserve to be happy too Carlisle, you have more than earned it.
"My only issue is that I am about to speak as Bella's older brother and not your friend. She has been given a rotten deal too, like you. She needs someone to make her happy. Her fucking asshole ex husband nearly broke her by destroying her faith in people. He hurt her, as you can imagine. You are a good guy, the best they come. You aren't just my mentor, but you are also my friend. I stride to be like you not only professionally but also personally. When I become a father I hope I am half the father you are. With all of this being said, I respect you but don't want to see her hurt."
Carlisle shook his head. "No, I would never hurt her. I don't know what her ex's issue was but she didn't deserve whatever she got from him. She didn't deserve to lose her baby. She would and will someday make a remarkable mother, I've seen it. She is so caring with my kids and it is so effortless. She didn't deserve to have her husband sleep with her friend and get her pregnant. I don't want to hurt her Edward.
"She has brought such a warmth and happiness in my life. I haven't been this happy in some time. My children haven't been this happy. The four of us sit down for dinner and it just feels like family. It feels like home, which we haven't had since before Elizabeth passed. We never felt the sense of family with Kate." Not knowing how Edward would respond to what he wanted to say next, Carlisle continued slowly. "I can see us in the future you know. I can see her helping Charlotte with her make up for the prom or cooking a holiday dinner with Peter. I can see her acting like a crazy soccer mom cheering him on from the side lines. I can see her helping Charlotte decide on a college. I can picture us on the couch on lazy Sunday mornings reading the paper. Me reading the news and her catching up on the sports. I can see us making pancakes in our pjs and laughing with no cares in the world. I want it Edward, I want it all with her."
Edward nodded his head. "It sounds like you've thought about this."
"I have. I have fantasized about her being a part of my family, even when I was still with Kate." Carlisle paused as he let doubt enter his mind. "You know, I want to try it. What if I let her get away? She could be the one. If I stand back and play it easy, I could lose her. What I think would be worse than losing her is if she said no to me and say she isn't interested in trying for an us."
"I understand your conflict. Just remember, no matter what you decide, if she gets hurt by you there will be hell to pay."
"I understand. I don't want to hurt her or make her feel uncomfortable."
"Did you think about if your feelings changed?"
"I have and I will cross that bridge when I get there. I don't think they will though. When we met in the coffee shop all those months ago to talk about the position I had for her, I knew there was something special about her."
Edward leaned back against the wall and looked at Carlisle. "I think you should talk to her."
Surprised, Carlisle looked at Edward. "You do?"
"Yes I do. I little birdie might have figured out she might be slightly attracted to you too."
Carlisle smiled nervously. "A little bird?"
Now laughing, Edward looked at his friend. "I might have questioned her feelings a little while ago."
"What did she say?"
"She denied everything but I can tell when she lies because she isn't a good liar at all. I don't think you have anything to worry about." Edward took a deep breath and focused on his friend again. "So, when are you going to talk to her?"
"Later today. In the event that you are wrong, I want the rejection over with sooner than later."
"Hey, your back," Bella said as she smiled at Carlisle. She was just closing the fridge door.
"I am, how long have you been here?" He asked.
"For about a half hour. I was seeing if you had everything for a dinner I wanted to make next week. It's a new recipe. Oh, the veggies are put away too. Peter did stop by briefly before going back to Alec's house. He asked me if he could sleep over, I told him he would have to talk to you."
"He did call me on my way home. He'll be coming by to get his stuff. Where's Charlotte? Did she leave for the beach with Jane's family all ready?"
"She did. She said that she wanted to go to the bowling alley next week with Jane. She asked me to do her makeup but I told her that would be something she'd have to ask you of course. I'd do it very light, nothing crazy. She doesn't need it. Maybe just some nude lip gloss and a little mascara, she's twelve she doesn't need anything else. Jane's mother lets her wear makeup, but I think she's too young."
"Wow," Carlisle said surprised. "I'm baffled and excited. She actually wants to go out? I'm most certain she does because of you."
"Thank you but honestly I don't think it's me."
"I think you're wrong. You helped her create a positive self image. I'm so excited for her and incredibly thankful for you."
"Carlisle, it wasn't-"
Carlisle smiled. "Stop it, yes it was."
Bella changed the subject back to his daughter. "Will you let her go?
"I think I will. We will have to work out all of the details, but I don't see why not." Carlisle paused as he looked at Bella. "As a thank you for everything you do for me, for us, I would like to take you out for dinner since it would appear I will be childless tonight."
Shaking her head, Bella looked at him. "No Carlisle, you don't have to do anything crazy. I'm just doing my job. I do love those kids, they really are great."
"Thank you, I think so too, and yes, you deserve this. You made my kids realize that it's okay to be kids again. That is more than I could ever do for them. I'm just so thankful for you. Dinner doesn't seem like it is enough but it is a good start. Please let me show you how thankful I am for you with just this small token."
"Well, I guess when you put it that way, how can I say no?" Bella laughed softly. "You do know it's completely unnecessary though, right?"
"It's really the least I can do. I'll make reservations for the Italian place and I'll pick you up about seven?"
"That sounds, okay; I can be ready at seven. I'll see you then."
Carlisle watched Bella walk out the door. As it closed, he took a deep breath before panicking. What did I just do?