Author's Note:
Hello everyone! Because I have received some mixed reviews about James, I worked on this chapter to explain him and his past. His time in the story is almost over. He isn't going to be major. He was needed to be kind of a (for a lack of a better word) messenger for Bella. Read the chapter, you'll know what I mean. He really does open his eyes.
Warning: This chapter is what I think is my longest chapter in any of my stories. I'm sorry it's so long. There is a lot that happens and it didn't seem right to split it into two chapters. Also, there is some sexual language (that's why the story is rated MA). As many of you know I don't particularly enjoy writing the sexual stuff so please be kind! Lastly, James says he was a bartender right after high school. While the story takes place in Washington state, I'm not sure what their alcohol laws are. I live in Massachusetts and here a person can serve alcohol at eighteen and that's what I based James' experience on (it's kind of a dumb law when you think about it. You can prepare drinks for other people but you can't consume it yourself). I think that's it.
Oh, there was a guest who asked: :How come bella believes in a second chance for James but not for carlisle? He should confront her about it because it's unfair she won't give him a second chance but will possibly put their child in danger to give someone else there second chance.
A simple answer which is kind of selfish but I think is honest: James didn't hurt Bella. James has been kind to Bella at the doctor's when the other nurses talk about her behind her back and have said snide remarks. James has been extremely kind and caring to Bella. Bella is willing to give him a chance because he hasn't hurt her physically or mentally. She has seen a side to him which Alice has not. She isn't willing to forgive Carlisle so easily because he personally hurt her. I hope this clearefies things for you.
I worked very hard on this chapter and would love feed back on it.
Have a good week!
-Lisa
PS- Again, get comfy. Pop some pop corn and shut off the phone. This is a long chapter!
Chapter Twenty Two
"Thank you for meeting me Bella, you have no idea how much this means to me," James honestly told Bella has they sat in the booth at the diner.
"You're welcome James. I promised you I would give you a chance. Please don't give me a reason to regret it. I have a lot of people angry with my decision," Bella honestly told him as she picked up the menu.
Soon the waitress came over to take their orders. "I'll have a hamburger and fries with a Coke please," James ordered as Bella still decided.
"Ummm," Bella said looking at the menu. "I'll have pancakes, French fries and a vanilla milk shake please. Oh and a lemonade. Thank you," Bella smiled.
Shaking his head, James laughed. "Really? All of that?"
"One of the good things about this diner is that they serve breakfast all day. Oh please, you can't deny my baby and their cravings, can you?" Bella asked.
"I guess not," James responded with a smile. Silence filled them until he spoke again. "It means the world to me that you agreed to meet me here. I know after Alice saw me the other night you have questions and I want to answer them. I'm going to start from the beginning. I don't want you to think that I am making up excuses for the things that have occurred in the past because of me.
"Growing up as a child things were great until I was about six. I had a twin brother, Leo. We were the best of friends. When we were six Leo developed leukemia. He died less than a year later and things in my house were never the same again. My mother began to distance herself and my father started to drink. I was lost. I just wanted my best friend back. I think even as a child I had survivor's guilt. My dad was angry all the time. His anger was directed at me most of the time. He would tell me the wrong boy had died and he wanted his real son back. At night, I heard him hit and I think rape my mother. She still won't admit to the abuse today, but I know what I heard. I grew up fast and began to take care of my mom. She became a little isolated and depressed. When I was old enough I cooked and cleaned. I tried to make up for the things she didn't do any more so my dad wouldn't hit her or scream at her. He'd come home late at night. He was a lawyer but I think he cheated on my mother throughout their marriage.
"I was a loner. I had no friends. I went to school and home to do the chores. Then it changed in high school. Alice was the first person who noticed me. We were assigned as partners for a social studies project. She was cute, funny and smart. I had no idea why she was paying attention to me, let alone flirting with me. Her parents were great. She had the life that everyone wants. Two parents who love her, who did well in their careers. Their house was nice. They went away on vacations and loved each other. I wanted so much to be part of that."
James paused and took a deep breath. Bella could see he was reflecting about that time. "Her friends didn't understand why she liked me, let alone want to marry me right after high school. Looking back, it was stupid. I wasn't mature enough for a relationship, let alone marriage. She was such a bright, smart girl who was ready to conquer the world. I thought we were going to live happily ever after, but that was short live.
"I got my bartenders license and things started to go downhill. I lied about my age so I would be allowed to stay after hours with a few of my buddies so we could drink as we cleaned up. When I drank, I stopped caring. I broke down. I'm sure Alice told you all of the terrible, awful things that I did to her, so I will spear you hearing those things again." James sat back in the booth and closed his eyes. He roughly moved his hands across his face. "She never deserved any of those things. She was the only one who ever showed me that they cared about me and what did I do? I almost killed her, numerous times." James began to cry. He wiped the tears and looked up at Bella. "I'm honestly not a monster, I'm really not. I wallowed for days after she left. I never even went after her because I knew she would do better without me. I started drinking again. I almost lost my job because I was drunk all the time.
"Then my mom called to tell me my dad died. He had a heart attack. My mom wasn't sad or depressed any more. She was relieved. After years of abuse, she was happy he was gone. She didn't live in fear any more. It made me stop and really think. Alice would have felt the same way if I had dropped dead. There would have been no one to mourn me. The experience made me really sad and I realized I had to change. The night we buried my dad I told my mom everything that I had done to Alice and the drinking. At twenty-three I had a nervous breakdown from the stress and the guilt. I ended up in rehab and attended intense therapy sessions for the abuse. I know I will never be cured of alcoholism and I will always have to work on my temper, but I am getting better. I still attend group sessions as well as see a therapist weekly. My father's death was my wakeup call that I had to change.
"When I finished my treatment, my mother and I moved to Port Angeles. I began to attend classes and I worked my ass off. I graduated with my nursing degree in three years. I'm taking courses now towards my master's degree. I honestly had no idea Alice was here. All of our communication is through our lawyers. My mom married her new husband earlier this year and she is happy. I need to concentrate on being happy. I'm twenty eight years old. I need to try and live my life now, not start when I'm in my late fifty's like my mom."
Bella had tears in her eyes as James finished his story. "Wow," she managed to say. "I had no idea that was going to be the story you told." Bella reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "As a new friend of yours, I have to say I am proud of your recovery. You're working very hard towards it and your right, you will never be cured. You will always have to work towards it."
A bashful smile formed on James' face. "We're friends really?" He paused to watch Bella nod. "I haven't had a friend since Alice. You have no idea what that means to me."
"You said you had an ex-girlfriend who you bought the concert tickets for."
"Yea, about that," James paused as he looked embarrassed. "I actually bought the tickets for my mom and her husband, but they went away from the weekend and wasn't going to be able to use them. I was too ashamed to tell you the truth. I felt lame."
"You need to promise me one thing. No more lying or feeling lame. There is no reason for it."
"I promise. I pray that over time Alice will forgive me, but I've spoken to my therapist about her and I know she probably will never, with good reason."
"Never say never James. She was shocked to see you standing outside Edward's door." Bella explained. "You did put her through a lot. She has to work through that."
"I hope so. Honestly I had no idea that you knew her or she was living in Forks."
"I believe you," Bella told him as their food arrived. Their talk turned to less heavy conversations. Bella also found out that James played the piano and liked hiking. He told Bella he hiked a lot while being a loner in high school.
"So Ms. Swan tell me your story," James said as he dipped his fry into ketchup.
"There isn't much to tell. I was orphaned by the time I was a preteen. Edward's parents became my guardians, they were good friends of my parents. I have a brother who I am kind of estranged from, but am trying to rebuild a relationship. For all intents and purposes, Edward is my brother. That's how I look at him. We are beyond just friends. He has been there for me when my brother couldn't be bothered married right after college. The bastard not only had an affair but he also slept with a friend of mine, got her pregnant and then pretty much kicked me out. Then I met Carlisle."
"Carlisle is the baby's father and you guys aren't together any more, correct?"
Shaking her head, Bella began. "No, we aren't. Before I found out I was pregnant, we had a huge falling out. Basically he was jealous that I was spending time with someone else, a man. He is just a good friend who needed me because of a painful divorce. Instead of realizing that, Carlisle got jealous and moved across the country without notice right away. "
"How are you folks doing? Would you like anything else?" the waitress asked as she cleared away their plates.
"Yes, we'll have the large banana split with two spoons please?" Bella asked as James looked up at her. "What? I need extra calcium."
"So moving on, you and Edward aren't involved?"
"No way! He is happily dating Alice. There will never be any romantic feelings for him."
"Will you give Carlisle another chance now that he moved back here?" James asked innocently as the waitress delivered the sundae.
Sighing, Bella froze for a moment. "I really don't think so. He didn't trust me. He knows all about my relationship with Edward. He knew about it before we even met. Trust is a big issue with me and he kind of blew it in that area."
James licked his spoon and looked at Bella. "Can I tell you what I've observed, as an outsider?"
"Sure."
"I see a man who seems like he is still completely head over heels in love with you."
Another round of tears formed in Bella's eyes. She placed her spoon down and looked up at James. "You know I have been wondering lately if I am making the right decision. We are having a baby together. I wonder if I'm doing the baby justice if-" she paused and began to burst into full blown tears. James got up and sat next to her. He placed his arm around her as she placed her head into his shoulder. "I'm sorry. Tonight wasn't supposed to be about me."
James reached over and squeezed Bella's hand. "Really because I thought tonight was about getting to talk to my new friend. Isn't this what being friends is all about? Being there for each other when we need it?" Bella shook her head in agreement. "Now friend, would you like to know what I think?"
"Sure," Bella said sitting up and wiping her tears away.
"I think you are thinking logically with your brain. You don't want to get hurt and you are playing it safe. You are totally right that it isn't just you that you need to think about. You have that little one too. I think your brain is trying to protect your heart because you are afraid of being hurt again."
"I am afraid," Bella admitted.
"Part of you thinks you should stay away from him. That's why it seems like you are kind of punishing him for his lack of faith in you. Another part of you just wants to crawl into a hole and just forget about him. When you get down to it, either way, you want to forget how much you still are in love with him. He isn't the only one who looked totally in love at the appointment," James explained to Bella.
"Oh my god," Bella said as she cried again. Words were never so true. She realized that James was right.
Bella was pacing around the kitchen. A dinner of steak and backed potatoes were in the warmer while a salad sat in the fridge beside the cake dome that contained an angel food cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. She knew she shouldn't feel nervous but she was. She was taking deep breaths and was just waiting. She really wished that Edward hadn't left yet to spend the night at Alice's. Her thoughts were inturpted but the ringing of the front door. She took a deep breath, stood up and walked towards the door. You can do this Swan, you can."
"Hi, I'm glad you could make it," Bella stated as she looked at Carlisle.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine," she almost honestly answered. "Just come in, I wanted to talk to you about something. Follow me to the kitchen."
Carlisle closed the door behind her and followed her to the kitchen. She sat across from him and was about to speak when he beat her to it.
"I'm assuming you wanted to talk about the arrangements?" Carlisle guessed.
"What?"
"Well I assumed that you wanted to talk about the arrangements for after the birth and how we are going to work it out."
Bella stared at Carlisle. She was speechless. He looked tired and defeated. "Why don't we have dinner? I have some steak in the warmer and made desert too."
"Steak?" Carlisle questioned as Bella took the plates out of the warmer. "You don't like red meat."
"No," Bella said as she took the salad out of the fridge and placed it on the table. "I've been craving it with this one," she told him running her stomach.
Carlisle smiled. "You must be craving it because of the iron."
"Maybe. Would you like something to drink? We have beer, wine, milk, water, soda."
"A beer would be great," Carlisle replied as he watched her walk back to the fridge. She was beaming and beautiful. She glowed with their child sitting in her womb.
Bella brought his drink to him and sat down. They began to eat in silence. Carlisle was the one to break it. "So, how are you going to do this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Is and co-parenting. How is it going to work? I want to do as much as I can together. As the baby gets older it will be easier but in the bgeining it will be harder. A newborn needs its mother, but I still want to be around. I want to help you and do as much as I can. Edward said he'd give me a short paternity leave, like two weeks."
"That's generous of him"
"I thought so too." Carlisle said as he moved his fork around. He lifted a piece of potato to his mouth and looked at Bella. "Will you be breast feeding?"
"What?" Bella asked a little shocked.
"I want to help out and I was just wondering. If you are, I can't help out with that. I was just wondering.
Taking yet another deep breath, Bella looked at Carlisle. "This isn't the reason I invited you over."
"Isn't it?" Carlisle asked confused. He threw his fork down. "Bella, I told you that I wanted to help out. I promised and-"
Bella pushed her empty plate away and looked up at Carlisle. "I've been doing some thinking."
"You don't want me to be in the baby's life, do you?" He asked disappointed.
"No, this isn't about the baby."
"I don't understand. You said you were okay."
"And I am," Bella reassured him. "I went out the other night with James-"
"The abuser?" Carlisle yelled.
"Just listen to me, please?" She asked him staring into his eyes. "He told me something about himself and honestly, I trust him full heartily."
"Bella-"
"Let me finish, please? He openly talked about the abuse and was very candid with his life style and how he has received help. He also asked me about you and me and what our story was. I told him some of the things, omitted the things that weren't relevant. When I finished telling him. He gave me his honest opinion and do you know what he said?"
"This outta be good," Carlisle rolled his eyes and looked away from Bella.
Ignoring him, Bella spoke up. "He said he things that you are still head over heels in love with me."
Baffled, Carlisle looked at Bella. "Bella-"
Speaking over Carlisle, she continued. "He also said he could tell that I was still in love with you.
Carlisle was speechless. He looked at Bella with a curious look. "What? I mean that's-"
With tears in her eyes, Bella continued to look at him in the eye. "That is the truth. He also said I'm afraid to get hurt by you again, which I totally am, but Carlisle, I love you. I mean I still really, really love you. I-I-I want to try again with you but I'm so afraid. It's not just me but it's the baby too."
"What are you afraid of?"
"You. I'm afraid you won't trust me again. I'm afraid of the lack of communication from both of us."
"I should have just talked to you and listened to you. These last few months would have been so different," Carlisle admitted.
"Yes they would have been," Bella agreed. "I can't keep living in the past. I have to concentrate on the future. I have to move forward." Bella paused before speaking softly. "I would like to keep moving forward, with you."
Carlisle raised a hand to Bella's check and rubbed it. "Are you sure that this is what you want? I don't think I would be able to walk away from you again."
"Yes," Bella paused. "We were so happy together. I loved-no I love you, so much. It hurts to be around you and not being able to touch you, hold your hand. If it didn't then the last several month being apart wouldn't have mattered. I cannot and will not out myself through that pain again. I can't, it's not just me but our children too. Charlotte, Peter and this one on the way don't deserve it. We don't deserve it. Your feelings were kind of unwarranted and if both of us would have communicated better then you wouldn't have moved away from me. We wouldn't have broken up. With this being said, I think as long as we promise to really work on our communication, I'd like to give us a go again. I love you Carlisle. I never stopped, even after you left and hurt me."
Carlisle pulled his hand back and sat back in the chair. "And you are doing this for you, not because of the baby?"
"No. I'm doing this for me. I miss you. I miss us and our little family." Bella reached across and grabbed his hands. "I love you Carlisle so much."
Carlisle leaned forward and kissed her. Tears escaped from his eyes. He cupped her head in his hands once more. "I love you Isabella. I have since the day I met you and I always will. You are like no one else I know or will ever." He stole one more kiss from you. "I love you."
Bella leaned in and kissed Carlisle once again. Lust mixed with love. It was a longing feeling she almost forgot. "I love you too," A few moments past as they continued to kiss. Bella nroke it up by laughing.
"Whats so funny?" Carlisle inquired.
Bella took Carlisle's hand and placed it on her stomach. "Feel this." She said as the baby moved all around. "Someone else seems to like the idea too."
Carlisle wrapped his arms around Bella once again before he knelt down to kiss her stomach. "Hi baby, its daddy. I love you so much and can't wait to meet you. You are so loved baby. Please make sure you don't go too crazy and you let mommy rest."
Bella's hands wondered in and out of Carlisle's hair as he continued to talk to the baby. She longed for this feeling and was loving every second of it. Before she knew it, Carlisle stood back up and wrapped his arms around her again.
"I think the baby got sick of me because it isn't moving around anymore."
Shaking her head and smiling, Bella looked at Carlisle. "Not a chance. There is a lot of daddy love here. I love you."
"I love you too. I'll never get sick of hearing you say those words." He paused as he released Bella. "You go sit and rest. I'm going to clean up dinner and then we can talk some more?"
"Thank you. I have dessert too if you want it."
"Not yet. I just want to talk to you some more. You go sit on the couch. I'll be there in a bit," he promised.
Bella sat on the couch for a few minutes before Carlisle came into the room with another bottle of water for her and sat next to her. Bella quickly cuddled close to him and rested her head on his chest. She locked her fingers with his. "So this is real, right? You are here with me, right?"
"I'm never going to leave you again. I'm never letting go and I will always trust you. I've learned my lesson."
"Good," Bella smiled. "That makes me so happy to hear that." They sat in silence. Bella spoke first. "Where are the kids?"
"At their friens' houses for the night."
"You don't have to rush back to them?"
"Nope, I'm here until you kick me out."
"Fat chance of that happening mister."
Squeezing her closer, Carlisle kissed the top of her head. "Good. I like being here with you"
"What are we going to tell them?"
"The truth that we are together again."
Bella nodded. "Peter will be thrilled, I'm sure. Charlotte won't. She hates me."
Shaking his head, Carlisle spoke again. "No she doesn't. When we were in New York we had time alone. I told her everything that happened was my fault. We'll get it sorted. Maybe tomorrow you and I can tell them we are back together, together."
"I'd like that."
Jumping up, Carlisle looked at Bella. "I just had an idea. Move in with me before the baby is born."
"Carlisle, we've been together for like a half hour. It's a little too soon for that."
"I'm not saying tonight or right now. I'm just saying before the baby is born. We have almost three full months. It would be easier than us driving around and shuffling the baby around. I don't want to be away from either of you. If you are too tired at three am to get up, I want to do it, in a heartbeat. I want to be there."
Bella stood up and walked towards the fire place. She turned around and looked at Carlisle. "I need to think about it. It's a big change in a short amount of time. The baby will be here soon enough."
"At least help me make a nursery at my house for the baby. When is your next appointment?
"Wednesday at four."
"I'll be there. Have you registered for anything yet? We could do that afterwards."
"No. I don't like the idea of telling people what they can buy me. I do know that there is a shower coming up at some point in the near future. Did Edward tell you anything about one?"
Shaking his head, Carlisle began to answer. "No. I know as much as you do. I don't think they'll invite me."
"They have to invite the baby's father, my boyfriend. I'll talk to Edward about it tomorrow. You have every right to be there. This is your baby too." Bella paused and asked Carlisle a question she had wanted to know. "Do you really know if it is a boy or a girl?"
Smiling, Carlisle was more than ready to tell her his answer. "Why, do you want to know?"
"No, I was just wondering."
"I do. I thought I was right and just to make sure I asked your doctor. She confirmed what I knew."
Bella nodded as she walked back to the couch. She looked a Carlisle. "We'll have to talk about names soon."
"We will soon enough." Carlisle promised as he watched Bella yawn. "That is my cue, I should get going."
"No! Stay, please? Just until I fall asleep? I'll grab a pair of sweats from Edward's room."
Raising an eyebrow, Carlisle looked at Bella. "That sounds more like staying the night."
Begging Bella looked at him. "I want you to stay, please?"
Looking at Bella in the eyes, Carlisle smiled and reached for her hand. "I just can't say no to you."
Carlisle helped Bella close the downstairs and followed her up the stairs. She went into Edward's room and grabbed the promised pair of sweat pants. She brought them to him. While waiting for him to finish in the bathroom, Bella changed herself. She put on a nightgown the hit her knees. She sat on her bed while waiting for Carlisle. Soon enough he came out and sat on the bed with her. Bella leaned to him and began to kiss him. Her hands felt his shirtless chest and rubbed it. Carlisle's hands moved up and down her back.
"We should stop," Carlisle suggested between kisses.
"Why? Afraid I might get pregnant?" Bella giggled as she kissed him again. "Love me. Show me you love me Carlisle."
"It's been so long. Once I stop I won't be able to stop," he honestly replied.
"Then don't stop," Bella told him as she climbed on top of him. "I think I'm too big to be on the bottom."
Carlisle pulled himself away from Bella to pull her nightgown off. He quickly threw it to the floor and concentrated on her breasts. "They are so much bigger than the last time we did this."
"They are. Take advantage of them before they go back to their normal size," Bella whispered as she pulled his head towards her nipple. Carlisle sucked mercifully as he rubbed her unoccupied breast. Bella pushed his head closer to her chest as she once again played with his hair. She kissed the top of his head. "I think I need more."
Knowing what she meant, Carlisle gently rolled Bella over and left a trail of kisses leading down to her hot, wet core. He stuck two fingers in her. Immediately her back arched and she moaned with pleasure. "I've missed this so much. I miss being with you, like this."
"Me too," Carlisle assumed as he slipped his tongue into her. He lapped her up like a kitten drinking milk. Bella's body felt like it was going to combust. Bella touched the sheets and pulled at them while Carlisle continued to feast on her. One hand reached up to play with her breasts too.
Heavily breathing, Bella grabbed his hand to get his attention. "I need you, in me. Please?"
Carlisle moved next to Bella. He reached over with hands and pulled her face towards his as he kissed her again. Bella was so excited that she was unphased that she could taste herself on his tongue. She climbed on top of him. She grabbed at his cock. She gave it a few gentle tugs before lining it up to her pussy. As he entered her, they both moaned in pleasure. Carlisle reached for her hand as they continued to move in rhythm. Their hands clasped as they continued in ecstasy.
"I'm cumming," Bella yelled.
"Me too," Carlisle added.
Bella leaned down and kissed Carlisle hard as they both rode their orgasm. Sweat poured off of them as Bella leaned back on Carlisle's legs. He began to play with her breasts again. This time gently touching them, caressing them.
"That was," Bella began out of breath. "Pretty amazing."
"I agree," Carlisle added. "You are stunning."
"I am pretty good, aren't I?" She laughed before leaning down to kiss Carlisle once more. "I'm so glad you stayed."
"Me too," Carlisle said as he began to rub Bella's back again. "You always had good ideas."
Smiling, she nodded. "Oh I agree!" In between her legs, she felt Carlisle rebound from their first round of making love. "I can't believe you are ready for another round."
"It's the effect you have on me," he honestly told her as he kissed her again. Bella crawled off of Carlisle. She sat at the base of his feet. "What are you doing down there. You should be up here."
"I thought you deserved special treat too," she spoke him as she started to play with his tool. She gently rubbed him. "How are you feeling?"
"So far do good," he said as he watched her lean into him. She took him into her mouth. "My god, I forgot how good you are at that." Bella held onto his hips and continued to suck. Carlisle could hardly contain himself. He placed his hands on her head. "I'm not going to be able to hold off much longer." He huffed again and caught his breath. "I'm cumming but I want to cum in you."
Pulling him out of her mouth, Bella once again got on top of Carlisle and helped him push into her. She held his legs behind her as Carlisle pumped in and out of her. All too soon, they were once again spent. Bella climbed off of Carlisle and curled up next to him. No words were spoken. Bella reached for the light and shut it off. Sleep soon consumed both of them.
At eight, Bella turned and looked at the man whose arms she woke up in. She smiled realizing she wasn't dreaming. She and Carlisle were in deed together again. Feeling content, she tore herself out of his arms to take a shower. When she was done, she saw Carlisle still sleeping soundly. She walked downstairs. She walked into the kitchen, turned on the coffee and began to make breakfast. As she grabbed the eggs, she turned to see Edward looking at the coffee pot.
"That is sure a lot of coffee just for me."
"Alice didn't come home with you last night?"
"She did but she had to work early this morning on a project. She's going to come over after work. Do you have a guest upstairs Ms. Sawn?" Edward inquired with a grin already knowing the answer.
Bella rolled her eyes. "You know I do. Carlisle's car is in the driveway."
"Ah, so it is. What is good Dr. Cullen doing here this early in the morning?"
"We talked for a long time and we got back together last night."
Edward was genuinely happy for Bella. "You forgave him?"
"Yes. James and I talked-"
Edward looked shocked. "You not only went out with him after you talked with Alice but you went out with him and didn't tell anyone? What were you thinking?"
"I'm thinking I'm fine, aren't I? He was fine. He told me about his past and he had it kind of rough. He has gotten help and seems to be a good, changed guy."
"I'm not going to tell Alice you said that. Wait, are you and James buddies now?"
Shaking her head, Bella looked at Edward. "Kind of. He has no friends. I can't abandon him."
Edward shook his head. Bella continued to tell Edward of her conversation with James and his observation of her and Carlisle's relationship.
"So, just like that you got back together with him?"
"Kind of. We did a lot of talking, and crying too. He wants me to move in with him before the baby comes."
"It does make sense. What are your feelings on that?"
Shrugging her shoulders, Bella looked up at her friend. "I don't know. It makes sense linguistically because he wants to be there for the baby, but there is still part of me that is kind of guarded and is afraid."
"It's a decision only you can make."
"Oh great advise all mighty wise one," Bella sarcastically told him as she continued to make breakfast.
Author's Note 2:
Sorry to bug you again after reading the really long chapter! I was just curious after my first author's note, how many of you thought Bella was going to sleep with James? Were you surprised that Bella and Carlisle got back together that quickly? Thoughts? Let me hear them!