Not mine.
Chapter 23
As Edward departed, Bella, Kate and Beth returned to the farm and the daily life they led there.
The girls chatted happily together in a language only they knew, no semblance of English to be found. Standing and bouncing made way to tentative steps with the firmest, and wettest, grip on larger fingers.
Emmett began making more frequent visits to the farm. He had been given a large section of the environs to patrol in a handsome new wagon. He some how managed to always arrive in time for a meal and was more than willing to dine.
Bella found herself with her first male friend. While there had been boys at the orphanage most did not stay for very long, they left either apprenticed or adopted before a real friendship could be formed.
Bella, while intimidated initially by Emmett sheer size, had no fear of the man and soon came to have a jovial relationship with him.
She noticed, however, something troubling about her new friend. Whenever Rosalie, the charwoman, was in the same room, Emmett would cease his conversation and any sign of frivolity.
He became very serious, his quiet voice even more so, but he seemed to stand taller and make more of a physical presence than when they were just the two.
Bella wasn't sure why but it seemed as though something about Rosalie unsettled Emmett. She didn't know if it was Rosalie's spinster status or her demeanour or if she and Emmett had had a past encounter that disturbed him.
For her part, Rosalie simply went about her tasks as if Emmett was not there, not quite ignoring him, for she always greeted him when he came in the room, but just not caring enough to notice him further.
Bella was uncomfortable asking either if them what the issue might be so resolved to watch and learn.
The children's first birthday passed, unfortunately, without their father's presence. They were feted at their grandparent's home with many gifts and a small white cake each. Both girls ended the afternoon sticky with sugar and sleepy from excitement. The promise of another party in two weeks time upon their father's return had the household waiting with anticipation.
Edward arrived, as scheduled, with many little gifts from foreign shores as well as bolts of fine fabrics to make lovely little dresses. He had followed his mother's instructions to the letter.
Edward was slightly saddened to see the growth of his children and longed to experience it in person. The fact that he was missing so much of their childhood weighed heavily on his mind.
He found himself looking at the young lady who had so changed his life in such a short period of time in a new light.
Edward started to notice the gentle manner in which Bella treated his children, the joy that filled her face with serenity, the grace of her movements as she swayed with a sleepy girl on her shoulder. He found himself entranced by the trim little figure in demure clothing and the intriguing way the bow of her pinafore trailed down her skirts.
He had had to introduce himself to Beth again and earn her trust. Kate was still busy and had little time for cuddles with Papa. He couldn't help but want to be with them all the time so he didn't have to start anew with them every few months.
This nostalgia and melancholy lead him to a conversation that was premature and ill advised.
He waited until the girls were abed and asked to have an audience with Bella. Perhaps if he had a better hold on the ones he was forced to leave behind, the leaving would be easier.
"Bella, there are no words to thank you for everything you have done to change my life and the life of my daughters. Every day I wonder what it is that I can do to repay you for your kindness. It could by jewels and trinkets by the dozen but that would only be a fraction of what I owe to you. There is only one thing I can really think of to recompense."
He paused to gather his thoughts and drew a deep sigh.
"Marry me, Bella"
Bella gasped in surprise. She shocked even herself with the answer.
AN: Hehehehehe