Author's Note:
Hi everyone! Sorry it has been so long. There have been some craziness around my family. I hope peopel are still interested in the story. This is attempt number two to get this story updated. i accidently deleated the entire chapter and had to start fresh again. I am not has happy with this chapter as I was with teh first one, but it will have to do.
I promise to update more frequently however as I said, life is throwing me lots of curve balls. I'm doing my best but please don't think I'm giving up on this. I promise I'm not!
As always, I can not thank you guys enough. Thank you for reading, commenting and adding me to alert/ fav authors/stories lists. Honestly I can not tell you how much it means to me that people enjoy and are anticipating something that I created. I feel blessed, I truly do. I also feel like I am letting you down by not updating as much as i would like. Please bear with me and thank you all so much!
-Lisa
Chapter Twenty Eight
"Carlisle, you didn't say that?" Bella laughed as they sat on the couch cuddling. As promised, Edward and Alice took all of the kids so Carlisle and Bella could be alone for one night. Carlisle was telling Bella about a patient who was a little out of hand.
"I certainly did. I told her that it was best of she changed doctors and that I had someone in my life who I love very much and we created a family together," Carlisle explained as he clasped Bella's hand.
Shaking her head, Bella looked at Carlisle. "But you truly told her to get out of town?"
"I did. I didn't want any lines of communication to be lost."
"You're too much, you know that right?" She smiled as kissed him. She inhaled deeply and changed the subject. "What smells so good?"
"Dinner."
"Where did you get it from?"
"Well," Carlisle began to explain. "I did some research and I kind of made it myself."
Completely flabbergasted, Bella looked at Carlisle. "You cooked?"
"That I did and before you said anything, I did it without Peter's help. I hope it is half as good as yours."
"Even if it tastes terrible, you cooked for me Carlisle. No man has ever done that before."
"Jacob never did?" Carlisle inquired.
"Oh god no. He's worse in the kitchen than you."
"I can't believe that's possible. Do you remember what you saw when you cleaned the kitchen for the first time?"
"Trust me Carlisle, he was worse. He could barely make a sandwich without screwing it up. Cereal was about the best he could do. You have him beat. You can make toast, eggs, grilled cheese, canned soup and now homemade lasagna," Bella teased as she kissed Carlisle. She brought her nose to his. "I don't want to talk about the past. Why when I have you?"
Carlisle pulled Bella onto his lap and kissed her again. "You are so right but you should get ready for dinner. I want to set the table. Take a shower and relax a bit then come downstairs."
"Are you sure you don't want any help?"
"No beautiful, I've got this. Be down in twenty minutes," Carlisle told her.
Bella stole one more kiss from Carlisle before getting off his lap to shower and changed for dinner.
Carlisle worked feverishly in the kitchen to finish dinner. He had a salad chilling and had Bella's favorite sparkling cider waiting for her. He tossed the salad once more and looked around. He was ready.
Bella made her way down the stairs and walked into the kitchen. "This smells really good Carlisle, like really good."
"You had your doubts?" He giggled as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned down and kissed her neck. Bella leaned into the cut lasagna and bit a small portion off. Carlisle watched as she smiled. "You do like it?"
"This is really good."
"It isn't yours but I didn't think it was bad. Let's go eat in the dining room. It's all set up," Carlisle promised as he took her hand.
As the proceeded with dinner, they shared conversation. They made each other laugh. Bella was very impressed by Carlisle's cooking and was proud that he made a complicated meal by himself. More so, she was touched that he went through the trouble of doing it for Bella.
When dinner was done, Bella stood up to clear the table. Carlisle grabbed her dish and looked at her. "Tis dinner is for you. You aren't cleaning any of it up. Please let me do that. You always take care of me, the kids. Let me do it for you, please? Plus I want to bring out dessert."
Smiling, Bella sat back down. "Thank you. You are too sweet."
Carlisle disappeared into the kitchen long enough to place the dirty dishes into the dishwasher, the lasagna and salad into the fridge and to take out Peter's cupcake creations. He took a deep breath and walked out of the kitchen and over to the kitchen.
"I thought you got lost," Bella teased.
"Well, you know the kitchen and I are spending more time together. I have a feeling we'll be friends in no time," Carlisle joked. He looked at the cupcakes in his hands. He placed his down in front of his setting. He looked at Bella's once more. "I'm not even going to pretend to take credit for these. Peter made them. He made dark chocolate and butter cream frosting because they are your favorites."
"Ah, that's sweet of him. Give it here, he makes better cupcakes than me! He also spends more time frosting them."
Carlisle smiled as he placed the cupcake in front of Bella. He watched her as she looked at the sweet Tiffany blue frosting. She looked at the cupcake for almost a full minute before she placed her fork down on the table. She took the shiny object from the desert and held it. Her heart beat fast as she looked up at Carlisle. "Is this a-"
Carlisle pulled his chair close to Bella and took the object in one of his hands. In the other he held Bella's hand. "You know you have changed this house hold. You have made us whole. Even with Charlotte acting the way she is, you still have made us a family again Bella. Then you gave us Emily and I felt really blessed. After Elizabeth died, I felt this hallow spot in my body, in my soul. I didn't know what I was going to do or how to stop feeling so empty.
"We all know the mistake that I made next," he laughed referring of course to Kate. "Thankfully there was someone who was completely honest with me and made me realize I was settling for a woman who didn't love me or my children. Someone who was concerned with the welfare of my children more than anything else. Someone who opened her home and heart to me when I needed a friend," Carlisle reminded her of when he broke up with Kate. "I'm thankful our friendship grew into more and my children became ours."
Taking a breath Carlisle continued. "I once told you that I do believe that we are destined to be together and I love you. I've made some stupid choices in my life and I've learned from them Bella. I've learned what life is without and I don't want to go back to it. I want to show you every day of our lives and beyond that I love you and you are the only one on this earth for me.
"I told you after your accident and after Emily came into our lives that I wanted to make you my wife but I wanted to wait for the perfect moment, when the time is right. Well, there is no time like the present, right?" Carlisle smirked as he opened his hand containing the ring that was once upon the cupcake. "I love you more than words. I am the luckiest man in the world to have you by my side. God knows I've made some awful assumptions. Bella, I love you so much and I can't wait any longer. Will you please be my wife?" He asked as he got down on one knee and held the ring to Bella's finger.
With tears in her eyes, Bella nodded as she watched Carlisle slip the ring on her finger. She stared at the ring that sat on her finger. She didn't know what the square cut stone was.
Carlisle knew that Bella was a little lost with the stone. "It's a rare sky blue diamond. The clearity is so that it looks almost white. Pink saphires line the square cut. The band is a pink gold but it looks a little bronze. It's an antique that dates back to at least the thirties. I know that you don't enjoy the large white stones, so this is a little unique, different. There isn't another one out there like this, kind of like you. You are a one of a kind. It seemed fitting that this belonged to you."
"Carlisle it's beautiful. I'm speechless," she said leaning into him and kissing him. "This-I'm so happy Carlisle. After Jacob left me, I felt like I would never be happy again but you have made me so, so happy. I love you. I love you Carlisle and now you are going to be my husband. I love you so much!" Bella said kissing him once more. She pulled back and looked at him. "Do you know what I want to do?"
"We can do anything you want to do," Carlisle answered.
"Good. I just got a fiancé and I want to show him how much I love him. I want to make love to him."
Without another word, Carlisle picked Bella up and carried her to their bedroom.
Three weeks after the engagement, Carlisle hosted a birthday party for Bella. Carlisle and Bella didn't announce their engagement. Instead they were going to share the news with their circle of friends and family at Bella's birthday party. After Bella blew out her candles she spoke to the small crowd.
"I didn't wish for anything. This has been a great year for me. I have my daughter and now I have a fiancé. Carlisle asked me to marry him and I said yes!"
Cheers and rounds of congratulations exploded around the room. Esme was the first to pull Bella aside. "Engaged?" Esme asked as she hugged Bella. "I know what I said before about Carlisle but I wanted you to be careful with your heart. I didn't want you to be hurt any more, but that man has proved that he loves you! That man would go to the moon and back for you with no questions. He loves you honey and you have my blessing."
As Esme embraced Bella, there was a cough behind them. Bella looked up and saw Ed standing with his hands in his pockets. Bella looked at him. He nodded as he began to speak. "I like that man, but if he hurts you one more time I will kill him and bury his body where no one will find it."
Laughing, Bella looked at Ed. "I don't think that will be necessary but thank you. Ed, I was wondering something. Would you be the one to give me away, again?"
With tears in his eyes, Ed looked at Bella who was his only daughter. He loved her as he would if he had a little girl. He hugged her tight. "I've given you away once before, I don't know if I can do it again."
Understanding his half sarcastic tone, Bella chuckled as she too had tears in her eyes. She reflected on the father/daughter things Ed did with her growing up. "Well Ed you have always been the first man to have my heart."
"With sweet words like that, how can I deny you? Of course I'll walk you down the aisle. I'd be privileged sweetheart."
After sharing another hug with Esme, Edward walked over to Bella. His hands were in his pocket and he shook his head. "Again Swan?"
"What are your you talking about Masen?"
"I'm talking about you! Just like when we were kids you feel the need to do everything I do."
Grinning, Bella continued to question him. "What do you mean?"
"Every time I get engaged you have to get engaged."
"True but I was first to get divorced," Bella pointed out.
"Oh touché my friend." He paused and looked at Bella. "I assume you talked to dad about walking you down the asile."
"I did. He said yes, I knew he would. I am his favorite child after all."
Laughing, Edward put his arm around Bella and hugged her. "You know you are probably right."
"Well you know I couldn't have asked you since you are going to be my maid of honor, again."
Edward scrunched his face. "Man of honor or brides man maybe but I'm not a maid."
Bella continued to tease Edward. "Oh come on, I have the perfect dress for you and everything!"
"You know this is the part that isn't funny because I know you are only partially kidding."
"Ah Masen, you know me too well," Bella agreed as she leaned into Edward. "I don't mean to change the subject but do you know where my darling fiancé and baby are?"
Swallowing, Edward began to speak softly. "After your announcement Charlotte ran off and Carlisle took off after her."
"Well, it was a good run while it lasted with Charlotte."
"Bella you know she will come around."
With tears in her eyes she looked at Edward and spoke softly. "Right. I've been hearing that and saying that for over a year now. I'm starting not to believe it anymore."
"You have to believe Bella."
"Bella!" Peter interrupted the conversation between Bella and Edward. "I'm sorry happy! We are going to be a family, for real!" He said handing a sleepy Emily to her. "This is the greatest news. Is it too early to call you mom?"
Blushing Bella felt like she was going to cry over Peter's question. "I'd love that Peter, I really would but-"
"Charlotte." Peter began. "I know you aren't my real mom, but Bella, mom isn't coming back. I loved her and I will always love her, but she's gone. I'm lucky. I had an awesome mom who loved me but I have another person in my life who loves me like a son. I have another person who takes care of me and wants the best for me. I know you love both me and Charlotte like you love Emily, like we were in your belly too, even though we weren't. We are family. You are marrying my dad, it makes sense to call you mom. Even if you say no, I will always consider you my mother."
Edward and Bella looked at each other before he spoke. "You're really only ten? Jesus, out of the mouth of babes.
Both Edward and Peter looked over at Bella who was crying. She hugged Peter. "Let's talk to your dad about this. I'm fine with it as long as he is too." Bella finally replied as she heard stomping and slamming of doors above her. She could only assume Charlotte was giving Carlisle a hard time.
Peter shrugged his shoulders. "I understand but dad will agree with me, I know it. He knows how I feel."
"Have you seen your father?" Bella asked.
"He was talking to Charlotte. He actually gave me Em to give to you so he could talk to Charlotte. Honestly, I don't know what her problem is. I know you love her and care for her, no matter what, even though she treats you bad. She-" Peter was interrupted by Charlotte looking at him and then stomping way again.
Edward saw how uncomfortable Bella was. "Hey Peter, can you show me where you put Emily down for a nap?" I think she is getting tired," he told Peter as he looked at the happy, smiley baby in his arms.
"Uncle Edward, she just woke up. You want to give Bella and dad time to talk, I get it. Come on, I want to show you something," Peter said expecting Edward to follow him.
"He's an observant child," Edward whispered into Bella's ear.
As Bella held her daughter's hand, she looked at Edward. "Thanks for taking her."
"She really just woke up?"
"She sure did, right after cake and ice cream."
"I'll find Alice so she can get her baby fill. We actually thought she was pregnant, but the test was a false positive."
"It's a blessing Edward, it really is. Get married first and then have the baby. I wouldn't change things for anything but it would have been easier."
"Why Ms. Swan who knew you were such a traditionalist?" Edward teased.
"You're a wise ass Masen! Now take Emily to see Auntie Alice so she can get her fix."
Bella watched Edward walk away. She turned to look for Carlisle. She found him in the kitchen. He was standing at the sink looking out the window. Bella placed her arms around his waist. She kissed his back before resting her head on it. "Is everything okay?"
Carlisle reached for Bella's hand and pulled her forward. He kissed her cheek and held her tight. "Yes, I think?"
"Charlotte," Bella said barely audible.
Carlisle nodded. "How'd you guess?"
"I love her and know she is your daughter but can we talk about it when everyone is gone? Can we just enjoy our company now and talk about it after they leave?"
"Okay, your right. Where is Emily?"
"Alice has her. Apparently she has baby fever."
Smiling, Carlisle looked at Bella. "She's getting her fill then?"
"Yes she is." Bella smiled as she grew quiet.
Picking up on her mood change, Carlisle looked into Bella's eyes. "What?"
"I'm-I'm sorry about Charlotte."
"There is nothing to be sorry about. She will turn around, hopefully. Come on, let's go talk to our guests before they leave."
Over the course of the next few hours, Bella and Carlisle said good bye to their guests and thanked them for sharing in on Bella's birthday celebration. Bella walked around the living room and the dining room picking up the few stray plates and cups that didn't find their way back to the kitchen while holding a sleeping Emily. She walked into Carlisle loading the dishwasher.
"I don't know how to say this, so please let me just say it," Bella started. "Peter asked if he could call me mom."
Carlisle is silent. He knew this day was coming. He and Peter spoke about it often. Carlisle felt that if Peter felt that strongly about his feelings for Bella, than he should call her mom. As he reflected, he looked out into the darkness of the outside. He began to think about Elizabeth. For a brief moment he was overcome with emotions. He felt conflicted. While he loved Bella with every fiber of his being and thanked god for her each night, he missed Elizabeth.
The silence was bothering Bella. She took it as Carlisle didn't want Peter to call her mom. She then started to think that he wasn't really over Elizabeth's death. She knew that he would always love her, she expected it. Unlike her first marriage, Elizabeth didn't have a choice in it ending. After a few moments, she spoke up. "I'm glad I told Peter I had to talk to you about it.
Bella's voice pulled Carlisle out of his thoughts. He looked at Bella and spoke softly. "what?"
"Obviously you are having regrets and are reconsidering things."
After drying his hand with the towel, he walked towards Bella. "What do you mean?"
"Carlisle, you kind of avoided the conversation I brought up. You looked at me like I had seven heads." Bella looked down at her glistering ring. With her free hand, she took of her ring and placed it in Carlisle's hand. "Take this. Keep it until you make up your mind about us."
Shaking his head, Carlisle looked at her. "Isabella, what has gotten into you?"
Almost crying, Bella began to explain how she was feeling. "I can take it that your daughter hates me. I don't know why but she does. I don't like that she hates me but I can accept it. That won't stop me from loving her. I love Peter more than I can ever put into words and I love you more than I could ever show. Obviously you don't like the idea of Peter calling me mom. You looked like you were in pain Carlisle." Bella paused as Emily started to stir and cry. Bella was trying to keep her emotions at bay. She looked at Carlisle and left the room. She left him baffled in the kitchen.
After Bella finished feeding Emily, she placed her in the crib tucked in the corner of the room and laid back down on the bed. Quickly, Bella fell asleep. A few moments later, Carlisle went into the bedroom to speak with Bella. He saw that she was asleep. He pulled the blankets over her and kissed her cheek before settling in for the evening himself.