Not my puppets, just my theatre.

Chapter 34

Beth woke, bright and happy, while Katie slept in Bella's arms. Edward hesitated before entering Bella's bedroom but wanted to leave the note he had written informing Bella where he and Beth had gone. He did not want her to wake and not know where Beth was.

Beth refused all but a cup of milk. Her poor appetite aside she was much improved. Edward bundled her in a warm blanket and took her outside for a short walk. Beth's eyes were wide and bright, taking in the glory of the early afternoon sunshine. Together they did a circuit around the house and the out buildings.

Behind the larder Edward found a gay collection of wild flowers. He, careful to make sure she was still wrapped tight, put Beth on the ground in the middle of the flowers.

Beth managed to wriggle out one hand from her cocoon and grabbed at the nearest stem. Edward started to gather a few flowers to make the nursery brighter. They had a heady scent when put together. He gathered as many different colours as he could while still keeping an eye on Beth. Beth had managed to pluck and strangle the flower she had been reaching for.

When Edward was satisfied with the collection, he stole a ribbon from Beth's cardigan hoping that he did not ruin the garment. Sure Bella could repair it in a trice, he tied the ribbon around the posy and stood, juggling a squirmy Beth and a bunch of blossoms.

They made it back to the house without destroying the flowers, much to Beth's dismay for she really wanted to hold them. However, Edward knew that if he wanted to give Bella the flowers, entrusting them to Beth's safe keeping would be a grave mistake.

Bella and Katie were just entering the kitchen after their nap when Edward and Beth came in the door. Bella blushed to see the man who's cheeks were ruddy from wind, his hair, which her hands had known the night before, tousled about his head.

Edward was pleased that Bella was up from her nap. Perhaps a good sleep would make her more receptive to his attempts at courting. He laid the flowers on the table and set about unwrapping Beth from her swaddling. Beth still clutched her mangled flower in her fist.

Katie noticed that Beth had a flower and wanted one of her own. She let out a very disgruntled command as she flung her hand out to Beth. Beth, not wanting to be parted from her prize gave Edward a look that could only mean he had to share his bundle, now.

Edward chuckled at her, plucked one stem from the bunch and passed it to Katie in her chair. He kissed her cheek and pet her hair. With Katie and Beth now satisfied he turned to Bella.

Nervously he presented his offering to her. She recognized the ribbon and looked over at Beth to examine her clothing. Her smile was wide at the sight of Beth missing a ribbon. She looked at the flowers and then chanced a look at Edward. She was stunned at the vibrant colour his eyes were, not sure if it was because of the walk or of the presentation.

She dipped a curtsey and said thank you. She was unsure of how to properly thank him. Not wanting to seem ungrateful but also not wanting to read too much into the gift, she took a step towards him.

When the youth on the porch gave his flowers to his girl, she had rewarded him with a kiss. But they were a courting couple, could this, perhaps, mean that Edward was trying to court her? She dearly hoped so but was concerned that it was just a token for caring for his girls.

Bella decided, for the first time in her life, to throw caution to the wind. She took the final step forward and reached up on her toes. She quickly placed a kiss on one cheek and stepped back before Edward could realize what had happened.

He looked at her in wonder, she had kissed him. She had kissed him. Maybe he was doing the right thing. Maybe he didn't need to consult his mother. Maybe he could court her on his own.

Bella had lowered her head, hoping against hope that she hadn't ruined the moment. She held the bouquet to her nose and breathed in the scents. Just as she turned to find a vessel to put the flowers in, Edward reached out his hand and gently cupped her cheek.

She looked up at him in shock as he slowly lowered his head and kissed her other cheek in return. He was smiling as he pulled his head back, happy with his success.

AN: Edward found some game in the woods.