Author's Note:
Hello everyone! I had some time so I thought I'd post this really quickly before bed.
As usual, thank you all for reading and commenting. I love reading everything that you guys are thinking. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Let's get onto the chapter and see how Bella holding up.
-Lisa
Chapter Thirteen
"Hello?" Bella answered the phone in her apartment being only half awake. She didn't know how long she had been sleeping nor know the time. She could tell from the sunlight peeking through the blinds that it was at least the morning.
"Bells," Edward started. "I couldn't get in touch with Carlisle but I figured you could let him know I want to keep the kids an extra night. They wanted to see this Christmas light thing in Seattle and I don't mind taking them. It actually looks pretty cool and I'm looking forward to it. We can have our movie night another night."
Yawning and finally sitting up, Bella replied. "I don't know."
"Well put Carlisle on and I'll ask him," Edward encouraged.
Hesitantly Bella answered him. "He isn't here. We- we had an- um, fight last night and I think we broke up. I haven't seen him or heard from him since last night."
"What? Where is he then? I just figured he was with you. He isn't answering his house or cell phones."
"I don't know." Bella paused briefly and then made a decision. "I'll go and find him. You keep the kids and have fun."
"Call me when you hear from him? Are you okay? For real Swan you have to tell me." Edward asked in a voice full of concern.
"Don't start with that. You are going through something much worse Edward. I refuse to talk about me. Of course I'll call you after I find him."
Bella quickly ended her call with Edward and got Carlisle's voice mail. "Carlisle, it's um, well, its me. Edward said he tried to reach you but couldn't. Call me when you get this."
She continued to call his house and even his office numbers and got the voice mail on all of those lines. She got out of bed and threw a sweatshirt on over her yoga paints. She brushed her teeth and left to drive over to Carlisle's house. As she pulled into the driveway, she noticed a car park outside of Carlisle's side of the garage. She put her car in park in her usual spot and stayed in the car for a moment. She gathered her thoughts, took the keys out of the car and went into the house through the side door. Quietly she entered the kitchen and placed her keys on the counter. She could hear Carlisle speaking. She noticed as she got closer to the room Kate was sitting next across from Carlisle. She smiled as she sipped the mug. Kate was wearing skinny jeans with heels that were resting upon the ottoman. She wore a tight sweater that hung from one shoulder exposing her black bra strap.
Although Bella couldn't see Carlisle, she could faintly hear the conversation the two were having. Fear, rage and anger swept through Bella's body.
"Kate, thank you. That means a lot to me," Bella heard Carlisle's gentle voice.
Smiling, Kate reached across and gripped Carlisle's hand. Her eyes were full of lust. "It isn't a problem. Thank you for everything. This, just the two of us here was really nice. It brought back some memories."
Bella began to shiver. She wondered why this was happening to her again. She automatically assumed that Carlisle ran to Kate after their break up the previous night. Break up? Did they actually break up, she wondered.
"It was no problem. It was um, nice," Carlisle responded.
"We should do this again. Let's make plans to do this again."
"Um, sure, I'll call you," Carlisle said as he came into Bella's view. He was wearing a pair of flannel pants with no shirt. "Let me walk you to the door."
Kate stood up and saw Bella in the kitchen looking at her. Kate smiled and wrapped her arms around Carlisle's waist. "Take care Carlisle," Kate said kissing his cheek. She then whispered in his ear as she looked at Bella.
As Carlisle closed the door and turned around, he was surprised to see Bella standing before him. He took a breath and felt relief that she was there. He didn't like how things ended between the two of them the previous night. He began to walk towards Bella when she held her hand up and shook her head.
"What's wrong? You look upset. You look like you are on the verge of tears. Bella?" Carlisle asked as he walked closer to Bella.
Still holding up her hand, Bella shook her head again. She spoke in a low voice. "You weren't answering any of your phones. Edward tried calling you."
"I think my cell is wrapped up in my blankets in my room. I wonder where the cordless is. Are the kids all right?"
"Yes. He wanted to keep them an extra day. You should call him," Bella relied the message as she turned to leave.
"I will," Carlisle spoke up. "Can we talk?"
Scoffing, Bella turned. "About what? I think everything has been said Carlisle."
Carlisle really looked at Bella and she looked upset. "Are you really okay?"
"I'm great, wonderful even. I think I have the word 'sucker' written on my forehead."
"What are you talking about?"
Unamused, Bella looked at him. "First Jacob and now you."
"What do you mean?"
"What do I mean? Really? What do I mean? You slept with her."
"With who? Bella you aren't making any sense. What are you talking about?" Carlisle questioned trying to make sense out of Bella's statements.
"With Kate! You slept with Kate!"
"What? No!"
"I find that hard to believe."
Carlisle walked closer to Bella. He put his arms on her shoulders and he made her look at him. "Bella, nothing happened."
"Do you expect me to believe that? You are wearing no shirt and she was all smiley and happy. She looked at you like she wanted you."
"She can want all she wants to. She finally returned her engagement ring. She woke me up. I was sleeping on the couch. This is what I sleep in, you know that. We had breakfast, well, just coffee. I didn't think she'd ever leave."
Bella smelt him. "You don't smell like sex."
"It could be because we didn't have sex." Carlisle paused and looked at Bella again. "I'm not him Bella. I'm not Jacob. I would never do anything like that. Care to tell me why you are acting crazy?"
Bella pulled away from him. "Why do you care? It's not like your boyfriend or you even care."
"This is about our conversation last night. Let me call Edward back and then we'll talk."
"No Carlisle, you said everything that needed to be said last night. I got the message."
"Come on, we should be able to talk. I am your boyfriend."
"Really? Because last night you didn't know what you wanted."
"I was caught off guard yesterday by the conversation and your unexpected visitor. I was a little surprised. It wasn't right for me to assume that shutting you out was the best thing for you. The topic was brought up we should have discussed it instead of me losing it. Instead I freaked out and I apologize for that. It wasn't fair for you. I'm sorry."
Bella was silent. She absorbed what Carlisle was telling her. She was willing to accept his apology but it didn't change the outcome. He didn't want more children. She did. Bella took a deep breath and walked over to the chair that Kate once occupied. "I know we are still early in our relationship and I didn't want to freak you out by talking about children. We have been together since June. I don't think I'm legally divorced yet. I would like and was hoping to build a future with you. I really thought it was too early to talk like long goals. Maybe that is my fault and I should have brought it up." She paused and was trying to fight back tears. "Now that you know where I stand on more children and how I would like to have one of my own one day, would that be a deal breaker? Does that really change things that much?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Carlisle shoved his hands into the pockets of his pajama pants. He sat in front of her on the ottoman. "I have never thought about it to be honest. I just took things as they came. Elizabeth had a miscarriage after Peter. She always wanted one more. I was willing to give her one more but it never worked out. Kate obviously wasn't mother material so that was never a concern of mine with her." Carlisle sighed. "I spent the whole night thinking. I couldn't sleep. I regret the way I participated in our conversation. As I said, I thought and thought and I came to the conclusion that any relationship is about compromising. There are little and small sacrifices. This is a big one and I would never want you to miss the opportunity to be a mother. You are so kind and loving with mine. You deserve to be a mother.
"With that being said, I am willing to compromise but you have to be willing to compromise with me."
Completely shocked, Bella looked at Carlisle. "Wh-what?"
"If we are going to do this, if you are going to have a baby it has to be soon."
"Soon?"
Nodding Carlisle explained his reasoning. "While we can't guarantee how long we are on this planet, longevity and good health runs in my family. I plan on being around for a long time, but I don't want to be a super old father. I'm forty five. We have to be done having children by the time I'm fifty."
"Carlisle are you saying….." Bella's voice trailed off as she stared at Carlisle.
He grabbed her hands and kissed them. "I'm saying let's have a baby, soonish. Not today or next week, but within the next few years. I love you and I can't deny you what you really want in life. If you want a baby, then we'll make a baby."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Bella hugged Carlisle and kissed him. She pulled away and looked at him. "So you see us long term?"
"Yes I do," Carlisle pulled her onto his lap. "One little argument isn't going to scare me away that easily. I love you too much to let you go."
Sighing, Bella leaned into Carlisle's arms. "I don't think you know how much that means to me. You don't know how happy you have made me."
"No, I don't think you know how much happiness you have brought to me and the kids. My god, I think Peter loves you more than he loves me some days."
Laughing, Bella nodded. "I think your right!" She paused and turned to look at Carlisle. She placed her hands on his cheeks. "I want you to know I didn't think you were like Jacob at all, but the reality is he made me feel a little insecure about myself. I would never in a million years think he would cheat on me, and we know how that ended. I guess he made me a little paranoid."
Carlisle held Bella closer. "No reason to be. I would never do that. It isn't right. I feel a little guilty because when Kate and I were together I had all of these feelings for you."
"You did?"
"Yes I did. The first time I met you in that coffee shop I knew you would change our lives I just didn't know how. I felt terrible that I was so attracted to you while I was with her, but I can't apologize for how I feel. I'm so glad that you stood toe to toe with me on so many issues with her, epically when it came to Charlotte. You knew in the first two minutes that you met Kate she was bad news."
"It was my instinct and I acted on it. I hated seeing the kids so crazy when she came over, especially Charlotte."
"You have good instincts, go with them." Carlisle brought his lips down to Bella and gave her a smile, sweet kiss. With his lips still resting on hers, he smiled. "I'll tell you what, I'll call Edward while you go back to your place to shower and change. Pack an overnight bag and meet me back here. We'll go shopping for a bit, grab some lunch and come back here. Maybe we can go to this little bar I used to like going to. They have live music. You can spend the night here with me and maybe we can practice that whole baby making thing so when we need to do it for real we'll know what we are doing." He smiled kissing her again.
Laughing Bella nodded. "Is that right? You have the entire evening planned?"
"Yes and maybe I'll even throw dinner in on the deal. How does this sound?"
"It sounds like I can't say no. I'll be quick and then we can hit the mall?"
"Yes," Carlisle replied as Bella went to stand up. He pulled her back into him and kissed her again with more passion. "Hurry back to me, please?"
It took Bella less than an hour to find her way back to Carlisle's house. She let herself in and brought her bag to his bedroom. As she was taking items out of the bag, Carlisle walked out of the bathroom wearing just a towel around his waist.
"This is a surprise. I didn't expect you to be back so soon," he smiled as he leaned over to kiss her. He lost his balance and fell completely on top of her. He laughed. "Sorry for my lack of coordination. That's usually your department."
"Hey!" Bella laughed as she tickled his sides.
"You are getting into a danger zone Ms. Swan. Do you really want to keep doing that?"
"Maybe I do?" Bella said as she continued to lightly touch his sides. She reached above her to pull him into her. She kissed him hard and intense. Her hands wondered down a little lower to his towel. She slowly undid it. "Carlisle, I want you."
"You have me but you do realize you are wearing way too many articles of clothing? We need to change that," Carlisle whispered as he placed his hands on the button of Bella's jeans. Slowly he unbuttoned them. Bella lifted her hips just enough for him to remove the jeans and panties in one motion.
Carlisle continued. "That shirt should really go too." Bella sat up and lifted her arms above her head. Carlisle gently removed her shirt and began to massage her breast through her pale pink lacy bra.
"Should I take this off too?" Bella asked.
"Please allow me," he replied. "I like this color on you. It's not something you wear often. You should wear it more," Carlisle complemented Bella as he continued to caress her breasts. He began to kiss in between them. He left a trail that led down to her belly button. He looked at Bella. "Do you want me to continue?"
Bella pulled him up and stopped him. "Please, let me just feel you. I need you. Please?" She begged.
Carlisle kissed Bella once more passionately and positioned himself. He began to kiss her neck. "We are a little impatient aren't we?"
"Yes! Please hurry."
Carlisle lined himself up with Bella and pushed into her hard and fast. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer to him. Carlisle again focused on Bella's breasts and squeezed and kissed them.
"Harder please Carlisle, harder," Bella begged. She got her wish. "Oh my god, yes. Oh yes. That's so good. God I love you."
"Bella, shit, I'm not going to be able to hold off much longer," Carlisle panted.
"Good, I'm going to come. Come with me." Bella grabbed Carlisle's hands and clasped his with hers. She threw them back next to her head as Carlisle pushed into her one last time.
Trying to catch his breath, Carlisle kissed Bella's forehead. "I love you Bella."
"I love you too but now I have to clean myself up again if we want to leave."
Carlisle kissed Bella again but on her lips. It was him this time who tickled her sides. "Bathroom now. I'll race you!"
After another round of slowly making love in the shower, Carlisle and Bella left the house and headed to the mall. As promised, they stopped for lunch first. They went in and out of stores. Carlisle bought the kids small things for Christmas as he saw them. Once in William-Sonoma, Bella found perfect gifts for Peter. She bought him an apron, which she was going to have his name monogrammed on it. She also picked up a few beginner cookbooks. She also bought him his own bowls, pans as well as measuring spoons and cups. These were things they had in the house but she wanted him to have his own set.
"Bella, he's nine. Don't you think this is a little much?" Carlisle asked as she handed the cashier her credit card.
"He'll appreciate it and like it. I'm going to get him something else but I thought this would be perfect as his big gift," Bella explained.
Carlisle shook his head and chuckled. "You totally spoil him. He loves you so much and your right, he'll love it."
Bella smiled and kissed him. "See, I'm right. Remember that for our next fight."
"Next fight? After last night I don't want to fight again. My bed got too cold and the couch was too uncomfortable. No more fighting."
"Then remember I'm always right and we won't have a problem," Bella laughed as she signed her bill. The cashier handed her the items and they left.
As they walked, Bella wrapped her arms around Carlisle's waist. As they walked past Victoria's Secret, Carlisle slowed down.
"Oh look, do you need anything from this store?"
"That was real subtle Carlisle," Bella laughed. "I'm don't need anything as of now, thank you though for your concern."
"Well, since we are right here I think we should at least take a look, maybe try a few things on, you know to make it worth wild."
Bella shook her head. "We have to keep going. I am not shopping for myself right now."
"No, but I can," Carlisle grinned as he kissed Bella's cheek.
"Let's go please! We need to keep shopping. Maybe someday if you are a good boy there might be a surprise for you from Ms. Victoria's."
"Please let that be a promise."
Shaking her head, Bella pulled Carlisle away from the store. "Your such a dirty old man, you know that?"
"Well after seeing what you are wearing under there, I can't help it!" Carlisle paused. "Fine, where to next chef?"
Bella dragged Carlisle in and out of stores until she finally found what she was looking for. She didn't know she was even looking for it when she stumbled upon it. "Look at this! This is perfect Carlisle!"
"Okay, but for who?"
Bella smiled. "This locket is for Charlotte. You know the picture you showed me the other day of her and Elizabeth when she was a baby? The one on your desk at work? "
"Yes."
"Well, I want to shrink it and put the picture in here for her. I think she'd love it."
Carlisle stared at Bella as she talked to the man working in the jewelry store. He was in awe how much she was in tune with his children. He flashed back to when he was with Kate and wondered how he could have been so ignorant about her treatment towards his children. Bella was the opposite and truly loved his children as if they were her own.
"Are you ready?" Bella asked shaking Carlisle from his trance.
He placed his arm around her and nodded. "Yes, let's continue on."
When they were done with their shopping day, Carlisle took Bella to a little restaurant on the way home. While waiting for their food, Bella brought up another topic.
"So, you know how you want me to move in with you now?"
Carlisle nodded. "Yes I vaguely remember this conversation. Bella, think about it. You wouldn't have to commute and you'd get to work in your pajamas all day long."
"As tempting as it is, no. Esme mentioned something again. She mentioned that her friend's daughter is an interior designer and she owns her own company. Esme said if I wanted she'd call her and ask if she needed work and see if she'd hire me."
"Well, if this means you'll move in with the children and I quicker, than I am all for it." He paused and grabbed Bella's hand. "Whatever makes you happy Bella. Find whatever makes you happy and I will stand behind you."
"You pretty much always know what to say."
"It's a specialty."
They continued to dine and chat. They held hands and shared kisses. When dinner was over, they made their way back to Carlisle's house. They cuddled on the couch for a little while and watched reruns of "How I Met Your Mother." After the third episode, Bella got up to get ready to go to the bar. All she needed was about fifteen minutes to get ready.
About twenty minutes later Bella emerged from the bathroom. Carlisle's eyes looked as if they were going to pop out of their sockets. His eyes raked over Bella's body. She wore tight skinny jeans with boots the hit the bottom of her knees. She also wore a tight blue top that hugged her body. She wore very little make up but spent time to curl her hair.
"You look hot," Carlisle told her honestly.
Laughing, Bella wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Sweet talk will get you nowhere Dr. Cullen. You already got lucky today, twice if I recall."
Carlisle kissed her again. "My parents raised me to tell the truth and I just did. You look fantastic Bella. I'm very lucky that your mine."
Bella gave him one more kiss and pulled away. "Yes I am yours but you have to get ready, go!"
"What one more drink before we call it a night?" Carlisle asked as he rubbed Bella's leg. They were at the bar. Bella was sitting on the stool and Carlisle stood next her. They listened to the cover band playing more recent songs.
"Sounds good to me. I'll have another cranberry and vodka, please."
Carlisle called over the bartender. He placed an order for their drinks. He and Bella were talking when the lead singer of the band caught their attention.
"We know everyone knows this song so please sing along with us," he encouraged. He began to sing. "I've been trying to do it right, I've been living a lonely life. I've been sleeping here instead, I've been sleeping in my bed. Sleeping in my bed."
Carlisle paused as he pulled Bella close to him. He sang along while singing in her ear. "So show me family, all the blood that I will bleed. I dunno where I belong, I dunno where I went wrong, but I can write a song. I belong with you, you belong with me. You're my sweetheart. I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweet."
As the band continued to sing, Bella wrapped her arms around Carlisle's neck again and kissed him. "I love you Carlisle."
"I love you too. I'm glad we worked through our fight. I know we haven't been an 'us' for too long, but I haven't been this happy in years Bella. I love you," Carlisle explained as he pushed a strain of Bella's hair behind her ear.
"I feel lucky too. Everything happens for a reason. I'm glad my path lead to you." She paused as she leaned into Carlisle. "We need to thank Edward. If he hadn't suggested I talk to you about a job then I don't know if we would had met."
"He is a good guy and yes, we'll have to thank him," Carlisle smiled. "I have to go use the rest room. Do you want to leave after?"
"Sounds like a plan to me."
Bella focused on the television and the sports game. She didn't see the man who took Carlisle's spot behind her. She felt a presence behind her. She thought it was Carlisle and leaned back.
"Wow, hi there," the man smiled.
Embarrassed, Bella sat up quickly. "I am so sorry. I thought you were my boyfriend."
"Hey I can be whoever you want me to. I'm Riley."
"Well, sorry Riley. I think right now you are playing the role of the stranger and we are going to stop talking."
"No need to stop what we are starting," he said placing his arm around Bella. He bent down to kiss her. Carlisle saw what was happening as he turned the corner.
Bella quickly pushed him away. "Please take your lips away from me. I told you I'm waiting for my boyfriend."
"That old man who I thought was your father? Come on baby, don't you want to see what someone your own age can do?" Riley asked as he tried to kiss her again.
Bella slapped Riley across the face and stood up. She caught him off guard and pushed him to the ground. "Listen Riley, I am in a happy relationship with my BOYFRIEND. I don't give a rat's ass how old he is or how young you are. He makes me happy so please either go fuck yourself or go hit on a woman who welcome your advances. Just leave me alone," Bella yelled loud enough for other patrons in the bar to look at the two of them. Riley stood up and walked out of the bar.
As she settled once again on the stool, she felt a tap on her should. "I told you to leave me the fu-" she stopped in mid sentence. "Seth Black?" Seth was Jacob's younger brother. Unlike his sister, Seth and Bella were friends and got along as if they were best friends.
"Isabella Swan! How are you chica?" He asked picking her up and hugging her.
"I am fabulous! How are you doing? What are you doing here? I thought you lived in San Francisco?" Bella asked as she looked up at him.
"'Tis the season to visit the family."
"And how is turkey day with the Blacks?"
Seth shrugged his shoulders. "There was a lot of dad yelling at Jacob for being stupid. He misses you Bells. I think dad would trade you for Jacob any day. They got into a huge fight and Jacob left to go back to Leah last night. Mom was a mess." He smiled sadly. He looked at Bella again "Be honest with me, how have you been?"
Bella smiled. "I'm great Seth. I really am. I'm here with my boyfriend."
"Boyfriend? Is he good to you? He has to be better than my brother."
As Bella began to answer, Carlisle appeared. Bella saw him. "Hey honey," Bella said as she kissed Carlisle's cheek. "Carlisle this is an Jacob's younger better brother Seth. Seth this is my incredibly sweet and loving and good looking boyfriend. He's a doctor too!" Bella gushed.
Seth reached out his hand and shook Carlisle's hand. "It's nice to meet you Carlisle."
"It's nice to meet you too," Carlisle replied.
"Bells-" he began as his phone buzzed alerting him that he had a message. He looked at it and then looked at Bella. "It's Jacob. The um, well, the baby was born a little while ago."
"That's nice," Bella said remaining polite. She couldn't help but look at the picture that Jacob had sent. Briefly she thought about how she was going to open herself up and be a parent in that child's life. The idea left her head as quickly as it entered. She did notice that the infant had similar features as Sean. She had Jacob's cheeks and dark hair. There was no doubt she was a beautiful baby.
"Bella-" Seth started.
Taking breath, Bella smiled. "I'm good. I'm really fine.
"I'm sorry I showed you the-"
"Seth, I'm good, no worries, I promise." Bella smiled again. She looked up at Carlisle and tugged his hand. "We were heading out. Let me know when you are home again. I would love to see you again Seth."
He nodded. "Maybe around Christmas time when I am home we can meet up for lunch with dad?"
"Sounds perfect. Take care Seth and don't have too much fun in school," Bella told him as she hugged him.
After Seth let Bella go, he held his hand out for Carlisle again. "Carlisle it was nice to meet you. Take care of her."
Carlisle pulled Bella towards him and kissed her head. "I will. It was nice to meet you too Seth."
Carlisle led Bella out of the bar to his car. He opened and closed her door. The drive back to his house was quiet. Once he pulled into the garage, he shut off the engine and grabbed Bella's hand. "How are you?"
Bella squeezed his hand as just a few tears escaped from her eyes. "I'm fine Carlisle. I was shocked seeing the baby. She looked a little like Sean. I was just taken back but I'm good."
He wiped the stray tears away from her eyes. He smiled. "I saw that blonde guy. He was handsome."
"And a prick! Ugh, and annoying."
Carlisle smiled and looked at Bella. "I think I'll always be insecure when it comes to you and I. You are this gorgeous woman with a huge, huge heart. You are sexy as hell and young. I'm not any of these things. I'm middle aged and getting grey and -"
"Stop right there Carlisle Cullen. You know to be such a great doctor you are a little dense. You don't see yourself clearly. You are selling yourself short because number one, you are so incredibly sexy and handsome. You look like you stepped off some beach in southern California because of your blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. You have a body that any twenty five year old would kill for. Number two, I saw women looking at you tonight."
"What?"
"Yes women were checking you out and I'm okay with that. They can look but they can't touch what is mine," Bella told him as she leaned in and kissed him.
"I think I like this protective side of you," Carlisle told her as he kissed back.
Bella looked at Carlisle as she sat up in her seat. She squeezed his hand. "When are you going to realize that nothing is going to come between us? Nothing Carlisle."