Disclaimer: i do not own twilight or any of the well known names i have used. i'm simply borrowing them.
------------------
Chapter 16
Simple Gestures
BPOV
After Edward took me home last night, I spilled the juice to Alice and Rose since they held me down on the couch and didn't let go until I told them what happened. After about an hour of storytelling and then questions and answers I was finally allowed to go to bed.
(Flashback)
I was just lying in my bed staring at the ceiling when my phone rang and the caller ID read Edward. "Hey!" I said after I picked up the phone.
"Uhm, Bella, I have a question," he said, sounding nervous.
"Yes? What is it Edward? Are you ok?" I asked.
"Well, it depends. Uhm, this morning when we made love in the shower we did not use protection. I wanted to know if you are on birth control?" he asked. Oh, Gosh! How could we forget!
"Uh, I'm not on birth control. I stopped about a year ago. But I just finished my period two days if that's any consolation," I answered.
"Oh, ok then, I guess we're fine for now. I'm really sorry and I promise to be more careful," he said but I could feel his uncertainty.
"Edward, if it would make you feel better I'll go back on the pill or have that birth control shot," I told him.
"I… If you would feel more comfortable doing that, then alright. You can visit the Women's Center at the hospital if you don't have a regular doctor."
"Thank you, Edward. You get some rest, I'm sure you must be tired. I love you, good night," I said.
"Good night sweetie, I love you too," he said then hung up the phone. I decided to do it tomorrow since I was due for a site visit at the hospital anyway.
(End of flashback)
So here I was, sitting at Women's Health in the hospital drawing some ideas in my sketchbook for the Hampton houses waiting for my name to be called. I should have thought of this a few months back, but I never expected Edward to want me or actually fall for me. Finally after about ten minutes my name was called. "Isabella Swan?" I raised my hand and gathered my things, following the nurse into the room. She made me sit on the table and said the doctor would be with me shortly.
After about another ten minutes there was a knock on the door, "Come in" I called out.
"Ms. Swan, I'm Dr. Bennett," a lovely black woman introduced herself while extending her hand to me. She was about five-seven, with a slender build, and shoulder length black hair, "What can I do for you today?" she asked.
"Call me Bella please," I said then I took her hand to shake. "I wanted to get a birth control shot." I added.
"Ok, will this be your first time?" she inquired.
"For the shot, yes, I used to be on birth control pills but I stopped about a year ago since I was not having any intercourse at that time," I explained.
"Are you active now? And when was your last Pap smear?" she asked again.
"I just started being active again not long ago. We had a slip up a couple of days back and we both decided it would be best I get back on birth control. But I'm scared that I might forget to take the pill one day so I read up on the net and I heard about the shot. My last Pap smear was about two years ago," I explained.
"Ok, then, well, that is a major advantage of the shot. But you have to get it every twelve weeks. But the way it works is basically the same. They work by preventing ovulation, so no egg to fertilize, no baby. I would also like to do a Pap smear if it's ok with you?" she explained then asked.
"Yes, that would be fine. I used to have one yearly but when I stopped being sexually active I forgot to have one done again," I told her.
"Ok, we'll do that first then I'll give you your shot," she said. She then gathered up the things needed for the procedure as I removed my lower garments and lifted my feet onto the stirrups. The procedure did not take long, just about five minutes. After which she asked me to put my clothes back on while she prepared the shot.
After my shot, I went over to the station and settled my bills. I was to come back after two days for the test results. I knew Edward had the morning shift so I decided to pay him a visit. I made my way to the ER and walked over to the station. There I found a blonde, petite nurse typing on the computer. "Excuse me," I said trying to catch her attention.
"Yes, can I help you? Have you passed through triage?" she asked me with an annoyed tone.
"Oh, I'm not a patient I'm looking for Dr. Edward Cullen. I was wondering if you could help me find him?" I asked nicely.
"And who may I ask is looking for him?" she said to me with a raised eyebrow and she seemed even more annoyed.
"I'm Bella Swan, his girlfriend," I answered her, and she just stared at me her mouth agape. I took a quick glance at her name tag and saw her name was Jessica Stanley. I've seen her before, yes; she was the one who ran after us to have the papers signed. I guess she didn't remember me.
I snapped my fingers in front of her to try to get her attention. "So can you help me or not?"
"Yes, just one moment please," she said the picked up the phone and dialled.
After a few minutes I saw Edward turn from the hallway. When he saw me he flashed me his crooked smile that I loved so much. He came up to me and gave me a hug and a kiss on the lips. I giggled when he pulled away, "Will I get a greeting like that every time I surprise you?" I asked and just he smiled again. "I guess I should do it more often then," I said then we both laughed.
Someone cleared a throat behind us and I peered behind Edward as he turned around. "Oh, Bella, this is Garrett Thomas. Garrett, this is my Bella," he said putting an arm around my waist. Garrett held out his hand and I took to shake it. "It's good to finally meet you. He won't stop talking about you," he said with a laugh.
"Really now?" I said to Edward and cocked my eyebrow.
"What? Is that a bad thing? I want people to know what a great person I have found. By the way, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" he asked me.
"Well, I was headed to look at how construction is going and I came from Women's health," I explained with a smile. It felt so flattering that he liked to tell people about me. It made me feel he was proud of me as well as being with me.
"That's my cue to leave. Nice meeting you Bella," Garrett said then turned to leave. I just waved back at him.
"I got the shot and I also explained to the doctor or predicament and she also said it's very unlikely I'll get pregnant." I said in a low voice. I really did not want to make a scene in the middle of the ER. "Would you like to join me at the site?" I asked.
"I would love to, someone has to make sure your get back in one piece," he said then kissed me again. He turned to Jessica and said, "I'll be at the new wing, page me if I'm needed," she just nodded her head, her mouth still agape.
Edward took my hand in his and we started to walk over to the building site. While were walking his phone beeped indicating he had a message. He read the message and frowned. "What is it?" I asked. "Tanya." He simply said. I stopped then pulled on his hand. He looked at me and I reached up to give him a kiss on the lips. He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.
When we got to the site I quickly looked for the foreman and had a chat with him. We already had the outer structure done. Electrical and plumbing were getting their finishing touches. We walked around and I explained to Edward what was to become of the divisions.
After my walk through, we started to head back and my phone rang this time. "Alice," I said when I picked up. We stopped and Edward pulled me to the corner and wrapped his arms around my waist then buried his face into my hair.
"Bella, Where are you?" she asked.
"I'm at the hospital but about to leave to go back to the office," I told her.
"Oh, good, Rose wants to meet with us about the Jones' building opening," she informed me.
"Ok, Ali I'll be there in twenty. Bye," I said then hung up. Edward walked me out to my car and gave me a good-bye kiss after opening the door for me. I got in then drove back to the office.
As I got out of the elevator on our floor I saw Angela standing by the reception desk. "Hey, Ang," I called out.
"Oh, hey Bella, Rose says to go directly to her office," she informed me.
"Ok, thanks." I stopped by my office and put my bag down then headed over to Rose's. When I got there she was on the phone, and Alice was reading a fashion magazine on her white leather couch. "Hey guys" I said then they both looked up. "Hey," they both said then Rose ended her call and Alice set aside her magazine.
"Ok, well, we have finished with the Jones' project, finally." Rose began. "Opening will be next week and the inauguration will be on Sunday night. Of course we are invited, and we can bring one guest each. It's a formal though so we have to dress up." As she finished explaining Alice was already bouncing in her seat.
"YEY! Shopping time!" she screamed. I just shook my head and smiled. I updated them on the hospital wing and Alice updated us on the parks and the restaurant. Everything seemed to be going well on our end. We then stood up and went to the conference room for our start of the week meeting.
No new projects came up so after the meeting I made my way to my office and started drafting the plans for the Hampton homes. I cleared off my drafting table and spread out a new set of papers. I worked thoughout the day and was able to finish the interior of one house. At about 5:00, I fixed up my things and headed home.
Before leaving I peeked in on Alice and Rose and told them I was heading out since they were still wrapping up some business. I said I would make then dinner and Alice requested Fettuccini Alfredo and Rose wanted eggplant parmesan. I agreed to their requests and realized I needed to go to the grocery for some ingredients.
After gathering my ingredients, I drove back to the apartment and Manuel, our security guy, helped me take my stuff inside. I thanked him as he laid my purchases on the table and made his way back to his post.
I changed out of my suit and pulled on some black gym shorts and a yellow wife beater. I went back to the kitchen and put on my apron. It was red and had "Kiss the Chef" written on the front. I laid out my ingredients and got my chopping board and knife. I started cutting then someone rang the bell. I made my way to the door wondering who it could be.
I opened the door and standing there in navy blue scrubs with a bunch of tulips in his hand was Edward. Before I could move, he scooped my up in his arms and gave me a passionate kiss. When we pulled apart for air I looked at him and he had the biggest smile on his face. "These are for you love," he said as he handed me the flowers.
"Thank you. This is a surprise," I said as I stepped aside and let him in. "Will you be staying for dinner?" I asked him as I went to the kitchen and put the flowers in water. When I had them in a vase I went over and put them on the coffee table in the living room. I found Edward sitting on the couch with his head rested on the back of it, and his eyes closed.
I went over to him and bent down to give him a chaste kiss on the lips but he had other plans. He pulled me onto his lap and one of his hands knotted in my hair. He angled my head to have better access to my mouth and deepened the kiss. His other hand was rubbing up and down my thigh. I threw my hands into his soft bronze hair and started massaging his scalp.
Apparently we were too caught up in the moment because we heard some throat clearing behind us. We pulled away and saw a grinning Rose and a bouncing Alice standing by the kitchen. "Edward, will you please let Bella cook us dinner? You can have her for desert afterwards," Rose said then made her way to her room, I assume to change. Alice did the same.
We both laughed and I stood up pulling him with me. "Now, since you took up some of my cooking time, you have to help me so I can feed my hungry roommates," I said to him and he gladly agreed.
"What are we making?" he asked.
"Well, the pixie requested Fettuccini Alfredo and blondie wants eggplant parmesan. So that's what we're making." I handed a striped blue and white apron to him. He put it on and started pulling out the pots.
As I chopped he started on the Alfredo sauce and got the water for the pasta boiling. I pre-heated the oven and assembled the eggplant parmesan. When we were done and just waiting for the food to cook there was another knock on the door.
Alice came running out of her room and answered the door. She opened it and found Jasper standing there with Emmett. She launched herself into Jasper's arms and kissed him on the lips. I looked at Edward a bit confused. I think he caught my drift and said, "Yes, they're officially a couple as well. Even Emmett and Rose, but we already found that out." He laughed.
We added the pasta to the sauce and I put in some chicken and mushroom, just how Alice liked it. Edward helped me plate the pasta and then brought it to the table. I went over and took the eggplant out of the oven then brought it over as well. Rose had also emerged from her room and was reaching to get the plates. Emmett went over to give her a kiss and helped her with the utensils.
We all sat down and had a quiet dinner, once in a while each of us saying something about our days. Alice then jumped from her seat like she remembered something. She took one breath and started to talk, "Oh, I almost forgot, we have finished the Jones' building and their having their inauguration on Sunday night. We are invited, of course, and we are allowed to bring one date. So since all of us are paired up, I expect you guys to come with us. When we find our dresses, I will find matching ties for you guys. You just have to find a suit but I'm sure you guys already have one stashed somewhere already." She explained all in one breath.
I looked over to Edward and asked, "Will you be able to make it?"
He swallowed the food in his mouth and looked at me, "Of course I can. I just have to move the schedule around," he said.
"Oh, you don't have to do that," I said.
"Love, it's the perk of being the chief resident. Don't worry about it, besides I'd rather be with you than the people in the hospital. And honestly I'm afraid to endure the wrath of the pixie." He laughed.
"What's funny?" Alice asked cocking her eyebrow.
"Nothing," Edward and I said at the same time. After dinner we retreated to the living room and had coffee and cookies. We called it a night at around 11:00. Edward was due early at the hospital and Em, and Jazz had early meetings as well. We all said our good-byes then walked our men to the door.
After they got in to the elevator, we made our way back to our apartment, said our good night's to each other and went into our own rooms. I headed for the bathroom and took a quick shower then pulled on my pyjamas and fell into bed.
*******************
The week went by quite fast. I was able to finish the drafts for Gianna and was able to send it by courier on Friday afternoon. I found out it was not too hard to do. The first couple wanted a simple bungalow beach house with a rear deck, while the other two couples requested a two story vacation house with a small pool and a pool house. Now I just had to wait and see if they would approve my designs.
Today was Saturday and the Jones' opening was tomorrow. Alice decided we needed a girls day at the spa to get us all primped up for tomorrow. "BELLA!" Alice shouted as she knocked on my door.
"What?" I shouted back at her.
"Get up, it's time to go," she said then barged into my room. I looked at my clock and it read 8:00. "Ali, it's a bit early to go to the spa," I told her.
"It is not! We're getting the whole package so it will take the whole day," she said pulling me out of bed. I went to my bathroom, washed my face then brushed my teeth. I dressed in denim shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops.
I made my way to the kitchen to find Alice and Rose waiting for me. "Ok, let's go!" Alice said as she jumped off her stool. She decided to take the XC90, which made me assume that we were shopping after wards.
We arrived at the spa in about fifteen minutes; we found a parking slot then made our way inside. We went up to the receptionist, gave our names, and then she pointed us to the dressing rooms. While we were changing my phone went off, "Hello?"
"Hey, sweetie." Edward greeted.
"Hi, are you at the hospital?" I asked.
"Yup, my shift started half an hour ago. What are you up to?" he inquired.
"Well, I'm at the spa with Ali and Rose. Alice said we had to get primped up for tomorrow," I told him. "Is that Edward?" Alice asked me. I nodded yes. "Ask him if they have their outfits already," she told me. I put up a finger to tell her just a minute.
"Sweetie, Alice is concerned and wanted me to ask you if you guys have your coats already," I asked.
He laughed then replied, "Yes, Jasper is picking them up this afternoon. I think he was scared Ali might go off on him so after the fitting he volunteered to pick them up for us."
"Oh, good, I'm sure Alice will be thrilled," I said with a laugh. Ali looked at me and I covered the mouthpiece and told her Jasper was going to get the coats this afternoon. "I have to go sweetie, we're going for a mud bath or something," I informed him.
"Ok then, I'll see you later. I love you," he said.
"I love you too, have a good shift," I said then I hung up.
I finished undressing then put on the robe that the spa provided. I made my way to the mud room, I think it's called, and got into the tub with Ali and Rose. We had lunch before the full body massage, body wrap, full body wax, and I mean full, and lastly a facial. We were done at about 4:00 in the afternoon.
We took a quick detour in the mall because Alice had to get more lingerie, for what I'm totally not sure. She also threw a few pieces at me and literally ordered me to buy them. After we paid we looked for Rose and found her outside the store just getting off her phone I assume with Emmett . We then decided to just head home and have a girl's night in.
After parking the car we made our way up to our apartment. We greeted Manuel, our security guy, as we passed him in the lobby. He had a huge smile on his face, which was not unusual for him but it seemed there was something behind it. When we got to our apartment, Rose got out her keys and opened the door. We all gasped once we saw what was waiting for us inside.
EPOV
After getting off the phone with Bella, I decided I wanted to do something for her, just a simple gesture to show her how much she meant to me. I was standing at the station pondering on my thoughts when Jasper come up and patted me on the back. "Hey, bro. You seem deep in thought."
"Hey, Jazz, yeah, I wanted to do something special for Bella tonight and was trying to come up with something. Anyway, what brings you to the ER?" I asked him.
"Well, you guys asked for a consult, so here I am to consult. You know that's not a bad idea. Maybe we could surprise the girls at their place. They're at the spa the whole day and Ali said she had to buy some stuff." He suggested.
"That's a good idea. You go consult and I'll get a hold of Em and ask of he wants in on our plans," I told him and made my way to the lounge to call Em.
I dialled his local number at his office and he picked up after three rings. "Emmett Cullen." He asnswered. "Hey Em, it's Edward," I said then explained what I wanted to do for Bella and Jazz wanted in. "So you in," I asked. "Yeah, Bro I'm definitely in, let's meet at lunch to come up with a plan." We agreed to meet at the garden for lunch and I went and caught Jasper after his consult and told him about the meeting.
At about noon we met up with our pack lunches and started to decipher a plan. After about half an hour we were finally able to decide what we wanted to do. I was going to cook pasta and make a salad, Jasper was going to bring desert and wine, while Emmett was in-charge of the candles, flowers and the overall ambiance.
I got off work at 4:00 so I made a quick stop at the grocery to pick up the ingredients that I needed. I decided to make two kinds of pasta since they were easy recipes. I went for an Asiago cheese and spinach pasta and creamy fussilli with mushroom and chicken. For the salad I decided on Asian salad with sesame dressing and basic balsamic vinaigrette.
I hurried home and started on the food. I was done in about an hour. I put the food into serving trays then brought them down to my car to drive over to the girls apartment. When I got there I chatted with Manuel and he let me know that Emmett was already up there. I said my thank and made my way up.
I knocked on the door and Emmett opened it and helped me with the food. I put the oven to low heat and stored the pasta inside to keep it warm. I then put the salads in the fridge to keep it cool so the lettuce wouldn't discolour.
I went over to Emmett and helped him with the placing of the candles and arranging the flowers. We put some flowers and candles in each of their rooms as well. Jasper came about half an hour after me with the deserts and the wine, which he also put in the fridge.
We finished setting up just as Emmett got off the phone with Rose and he told us that they were on their way home. We then lighted the candles and set the table. We also opened some lamp shades to add to the effect of the candles. We then had one flower each for the girls, I had an pink orchid, Jasper had a yellow Freesia, and Emmett had a red Gladiolus.
Manuel called up to us on the intercom to let us know that the girls had arrived. We all got composed and stood by the door. After a few minutes we heard a key being inserted in the lock. When they opened the door and saw us they all gasped. Alice dropped her bags and ran over to Jasper, Rosalie, walked slowly over to Emmett, while Bella was just staring at me with her mouth agape.
I smiled and started to walk over to her. When I reached her I put my finger on her chin and pushed her mouth closed. "You have to close your mouth, love. We wouldn't want you to swallow a fly now would we," I said then placed a hard kiss on her lips. I handed her the flower, "this is for you, it signifies delicate beauty and I got a pink one because it reminds me of your blush. Let's eat. I hope you're hungry," I said then pulled her over to the table.
Rose still clung to Emmett while Alice was attached to Jasper at the lips. I cleared my throat to get their attention and they looked over to me. "So shall we eat?" I asked no one in particular. "We don't have any food prepared," Rose said.
"Something smells good," Alice stated.
"We came prepared with food. I hope you don't mind we used your appliances," Jasper said as he sat Alice at the table. I held out Bella's chair and she took a seat and Emmet did the same for Rosalie. I went over to the oven to pull out the pasta, Emmett got the salad out of the fridge, and Jasper opened the wine.
"This smells wonderful. Where did you get it?" Bella asked.
"My kitchen," I said nonchalantly. I looked up after setting the food down on the table and saw the three ladies staring at me. "What?"
"You made this?" Rose asked with wide eyes.
"Yes, I did. Bella is not the only one who can cook," I answered her with a smile.
When all the food was set we guys took our seats and served portions to the ladies. "Are we celebrating something?" Alice asked.
"No, we just wanted to do something for you ladies to show you how much you mean to us," Emmett explained and Rose leaned into him to give him a kiss on the cheek. Conversation flowed easily through dinner. We talked about our days, the girls told us about the spa, and we finalized plans for tomorrow's event.
We decided to clean up a bit then head to the living room for desert. Bella went to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee, Alice and Rose brought the plates to the sink, and Emmett and Jasper brought out the deserts. We had strawberry shortcake, tiramisu, and lemon meringue pie.
Bella excused herself for a while to go to the bathroom. I finished up the coffee and brought it over to the living area when I heard Bella shout my name, "EDWARD!" I put the tray down and ran to her room. "What is it, love?" I asked with worry in my voice. I found her standing in the middle of the room her eyes wandering around.
"What is this Edward?" she asked me.
"Uhm, Ffowers for you?" I said, but it sounded more like a question.
"Thank you," she said then turned around, jumped into my arms and assaulted my lips. I eagerly returned her kiss and started moving my hands up and down her back. "Hey, come on, you guys can hump all you want later," Emmet shouted from the living room. "Let's go, love, before they send out a search party. Oh, don't tell Alice and Rose about the flowers, they also have some in their rooms," she nodded and we made our way to the living room.
We finished desert at about 11:00. Emmett and Rose were the first to call it a night while Alice and Bella did the dishes. Jasper and I decided to help so we could be done faster and turn in as well. We were done in about fifteen minutes.
We each retreated to our respective rooms and Bella pulled me over to the bed once we were in her room and the door was locked. She took off her shorts and tank and revealed a nude colored bra and thong set. She lay down on the bed and pulled me on top of her. We started kissing and exploring each other, and as they say, the rest was history.
BPOV
Last night was definitely a pleasant surprise. I never thought that such a simple gesture would mean so much to me. It made me feel so loved and appreciated. Then we made love, and Edward was able to make me orgasm six or seven times. I never thought sex could be so good.
I felt Edward stir beside me as he tightened his hold around my waist. I looked over him and saw that it was already 10:00 in the morning. "Bella! Edward! Wakey wakey!" Alice said while banging on our door. "We'll be right out Alice," I shouted back.
I gave Edward a kiss on the lips, "Sweetie, we have to get up."
"NO! Why?" he whined and I giggled.
"Because Alice is up and she won't let us sleep anymore," I explained.
"We don't have to sleep, we can do something else," he said and he started pressing open mouthed kisses along my neck down to my collar bone while running his hand up my thigh. I think I know where this was going.
"Come on let's take a shower," I said pulling him out of the bed and into my bathroom. As soon as we got in the shower he started feeling me up and kissing me. I ended up coming two more times. I could barely stand and he was laughing at me. "What are you laughing at? This is your fault you know," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Am I that good?" he asked with a smirk. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction to answer that question so I just braced myself on the wall and made my way out to the room. He followed after me holding on to my waist. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to laugh," he said then kissed the back of my ear.
I stopped and turned around to face him, "Fine, but since you did this, and I have to wear killer heels tonight, you cannot leave my side since you have to catch me if I fall. And yes, you're that good," I said to him as I pulled some clothes from my dresser.
We walked out hand in hand and saw the others having coffee and bagels in the living room. "About time you guys came out here," Rose said without looking up from the paper. We did not answer but Edward and I went over to the kitchen to cook some brunch. We made omelettes and fried up some sausages, bacon, and potatoes. After the meal the guys left to do their thing and they were to come get us at 6:00.
After they left Alice immediately started to put out the clothes we were to wear. I was going to wear a royal blue empire cut sleeveless dress which had a low 'V' neck line, Rose's dress was a one shoulder black silk gown with a blue flower like pattern, while Alice was going wear a brown floor length gown where the straps formed a 'V' from her shoulders to the middle of her chest.
Alice did my make up first while Rose did my hair. When they were done with me, I put on my navy blue lace thong and the dress after that. I slipped on my silver strappy jimmy Choo sandals then gathered my phone, keys and wallet to put in my clutch. When I was done I decided to wait in the living room. At about 5:45 there was a knock on the door. I stood up to open it and found Edward in a black Armani suit with a black polo underneath.
"Oh, Edward, you're here. This is yours," Alice said coming out of her room and handing Edward a royal blue silk tie that matched my dress. I helped Edward put it on and as we finished Jasper and Emmett arrived as well. She handed each of them a tie, brown for Jasper and charcoal for Emmett. When we were all ready we made our way to the elevator and down to the lobby.
When we got to the lobby I saw three cars that I had not seen prior to tonight. Emmett guided Rose to a Gray car, Jasper brought Alice to a silver one, and Edward lead me to the black one. He opened my door, as he always does, and closed it once I was settled. "Where's the Volvo?" I asked as he got in.
"It's at home, this is my special occasion car," he answered me.
"Your what?" I asked.
"My special occasion car, it's a Lamborghini Gallardo Nera," he explained.
I nodded and asked again, not understanding, what he said, "What is the special occasion then?"
"I get to show everyone that I am with the smartest, most beautiful woman in the world," he said as he took my hand and kissed my knuckles. And to that, of course, I turned three shades of pink.
The drive to the school was quiet but not awkward. Edward never let go of my hand and was rubbing circles on it. When we got to the school there were valets waiting at the front. Edward quickly got out of the car and went over to my side to help me out. He whispered something to the valet and handed him a bill. He put his hand on the small of my back as we went inside. Alice and Rose arrived about five minutes later.
Edwards seemed to have recognized someone because he suddenly was pulling me towards them with a smile on his face. "Bella!" somebody shouted and I was suddenly being hugged. I pulled away and saw that it was Esme. "Hello, Esme, how have you been?" I asked.
"I've been very well. How has my son been treating you?" she asked me as she turned to Edward and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"He treats me very well. I can't complain," I answered.
"That's good to hear. I have raised him well," she said smiling and tapping his cheek lightly. "Carlisle, this is Bella, I'm not sure you have officially met," she said as a tall, blonde man, with blue eyes came to stand by her.
He then held out his hand and I took it. "We have actually. Beautiful building, I must say. Edward made a good choice to have chosen you for the new wing and as his partner I presume," he said then shot a glare at Edward.
"I'm sorry Dad we just finalized things about a week ago," he said as Carlisle let out a laugh. "I'm teasing son, your mom had kept me updated," he said then patted Edward on the back. Emmett came along with Rosalie and Jasper with Alice. They were introduced to Carlisle and we went over to our table as the program started.
Dinner was served as the program went on. The contributors were introduced, as well as the teachers, and finally our firm was recognized. After all was said and done people started coming over to us, some complemented us some asked for our business cards for future projects. Some wanted us to redo their house, some wanted vacation houses done.
We were able to get free at about 11:30. "Edward, I'm tired. Would you mind if we leave already?" I asked him.
"No love, we can go if you want, this is your event after all," he said as he took my hand and hooked it on his arm.
"Ok, let me tell rose and Alice," I said as we went off to find them. I found Alice talking with a couple by the stage. "Excuse me, Alice, Edward and are going to head out I'm really beat," I told her.
"Oh, ok, Bella, will you be home tonight?" she asked me.
"I'm not sure, but if I'm not there you know where to find me," I said.
She hugged me good-bye and said, "Ok, don't do anything I wouldn't do," then she winked at me. Edward had found Rose as well and told her we were leaving. He then took my hand and we walked out of the school and waited for the car at the steps.
"Spend the night at my place," he whispered in my ear, though I wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement, I agreed.
"Ok, but I have to pass by my place first to get some clothes," I told him. He said it wouldn't be a problem then helped me into the car, after which we drove off to my apartment. When we got there I hopped out of the car and made my way up to and gathered some clothes and my toiletries and put them in an overnight bag. I went back down to the car and hopped in then Edward drive us the ten minutes over to his place.
--------------
the ladies dresses can be seen in my photobucket account. link is on my profile
