A/N: Hi again! Thanks so much to everyone who's read, reviewed, alerted my story. It means so much to me to know my story is being appreciated. This chapter is a lot more fluffy than the previous two, so enjoy. It's been horrendously hot here this last week so I'm glad I managed to get any writing done!
o-o-o-o-o-o
"I'm so glad we're finally going," said Edward, giving Bella a wide grin as he drove them towards Seattle.
Bella grinned back. "So am I," she agreed with a heartfelt sigh. "What a week!"
"Well, we can relax, unwind and enjoy the concert tonight. I really can't wait to see the orchestra," enthused Edward, his voice full of excitement.
Reaching out, Bella softly stroked his cheek, smiling at his child-like excitement. "I love you."
Looking at his beautiful face, she couldn't imagine her life without Edward in it. He was her whole world now. And if she didn't love him desperately before, the last few weeks since Billy's death would have proven to her that she never wanted to be without him. His actions, his care of her also showed her how much he loved her. When he smiled tenderly at her words, her eyes filled with tears and she suddenly wanted to set a wedding date. At this very moment, she wanted nothing more than to be married to Edward, to know that they belonged to each other, in every way possible.
Keeping his eyes on the road, Edward took her hand from his cheek and brought it to his mouth, kissing her palm reverently. "I love you too, baby. More than you know."
Bella decided that sometime during this break, she was going to talk to him about setting their wedding date. She didn't really care if they got married in a registry office at the moment. She just wanted to marry him. Unfortunately, Alice would have a fit if they did that, and in her delicate condition…
Noting the sudden quiet, Edward turned his head and saw that Bella had fallen asleep, her hand still in his. Poor baby, he thought tenderly. She really did need this mini break. It would be good to relax and enjoy their time together, without worrying about work, Jacob or Victoria.
The day after they had rescued Victoria, Carlisle had called them into his office to give them an update.
"Esme called me a short while ago. Charlie came around and Victoria said she felt up to giving him a statement."
"How is she?" asked Bella.
"She had a good night's sleep, which she really needed. Esme let her sleep as long as she wanted to. She's stiff and sore from her bruising, but that will improve over the next few days. Esme says she's very quiet and withdrawn, but that's understandable after everything she's been through."
"What's happening with James?" asked Edward.
"Apparently, Victoria told Charlie about his abuse, which has been happening since the beginning of their relationship, by all accounts."
"Poor girl," murmured Bella, not surprised at that information.
Carlisle nodded in agreement. "When they arrested him, they searched the trailer and his car and found a quantity of drugs. He'll probably be charged with drug possession as well as assault and battery."
"Good," said Edward, vehemently. "The longer he's put away for, the better."
After work, they went to Esme's house to see for themselves how Victoria was holding up. When they got there, Victoria was sitting out on the back verandah, lost in thought. Her eye was still swollen and the purple bruising was getting darker. Over the next few days it would gradually fade. The mental scars would take longer.
"Hey," said Bella softly, not wanting to startle her.
Victoria turned her head and gave them a small smile. "Hi."
Bella and Edward sat down on the nearby lounge. Esme came out with a pot of tea and several cups. She passed around the cups and sat down beside Victoria.
"I told Victoria that tea is much better for her at the moment. It helps to relax and has a lot of antioxidants," said Esme, smiling at Victoria.
"I've never really had tea before," said Victoria quietly. "I like it."
"How are you feeling?" asked Edward.
"A bit sore, especially my eye, but I'm ok," she replied, taking another sip of the soothing tea.
"Carlisle told us that my father came around earlier," said Bella, watching her face carefully.
Victoria nodded and sighed deeply. "Yes. He was so nice to me. Didn't push me, let me take my time."
"Yeah, he's a good guy," smiled Bella.
"I told him everything. About all the times he hit me, the drugs he took, even the robberies he's committed." Tears sprung into Victoria's eyes. "I feel so ashamed."
Esme took her hand and squeezed gently. "Dear, there's nothing to be ashamed of. You didn't do anything wrong."
"But I knew about his crimes and I kept quiet."
"You were powerless, Victoria," reassured Edward. "You have no family except James. He kept you reliant him by not allowing you to make friends and by using fear that he would hurt you if you disagreed or went against him. You are the victim here. It would take an extraordinarily brave person to try to escape from that situation without any sort of support whatsoever."
Victoria looked around the three of them, tears still falling down her face. "Why?"
"Why what, Victoria?" asked Bella.
"Why are you all helping me like this? Why would you help a total stranger?"
"You're not a stranger, you're our patient," smiled Edward.
"Who you've only met a handful of times. It just doesn't make sense," she cried.
Kindness like the Cullen's were showing didn't make any sort of sense to Victoria. From all her life experience, no-one did anything for anyone unless they wanted something. She couldn't remember a time when she hadn't been in foster care. All she knew about her family was that her mother had died of an overdose when she was only three. No-one knew who her father was. Since then, she had been in foster home after foster home, some good, some bad, some downright horrific. Just when she would get settled in a decent home, something would happen and she'd be moved on. This continued until she was sixteen and she met James.
At first, he seemed like a gift from some long-forgotten merciful god. He was handsome, sexy and gave her the attention she desperately craved. He made her feel beautiful, loved. He was five years older than her and it hadn't taken much for him to convince her to leave with him. Knowing that the authorities really wouldn't give a damn, they had thousands of other pressing cases, she'd packed her meagre belongings and left.
For the first few months, life had been as idyllic as Victoria had ever known. He initiated her into the delights of sex and if he was a bit too rough at times, Victoria accepted it as part of their lives together. And if she was often left unfulfilled, well, she knew no better and assumed that was what it was like for everyone.
The first time he hit her was a few months into their relationship. They were living in a trailer park in Nebraska and James was drinking with some of the other residents. Victoria got tired and left to go to bed. Shortly after, James followed and was in an amorous mood. When she said that she was too tired for sex, James struck her across the face. Victoria looked at him in shock and when he demanded sex, she acquiesced. Having been beaten in a number of foster homes, Victoria again assumed that this was how it was.
Nearly a year later, Victoria found herself pregnant. When she told James, he went into a rage and beat her up. During the night, she started bleeding. With the death of that baby, something in Victoria died as well. James successfully beat the will out of her. After that, she gave in to all his demands and accepted his punishments. She had nowhere to go, no-one to care.
When she fell pregnant again, Victoria felt the first stirrings of hope in her soul. She was determined to protect this baby with everything she had. She tiptoed around James, desperately trying to avoid his anger. She kept the news to herself as long as possible which was wise as he flew into a rage when he found out. This time though, Victoria fought back as much as she could. Surprised, James let it go, telling her that the brat she carried was hers and not to expect any help from him. She tried to do the best she could for her baby, eating as well as she could, getting check-ups when possible. Then somehow they had ended up here and now she was in this beautiful house, surrounded by people who seemed to care what happened to her and her baby. All her life, no-one had really cared.
Last night, as she cried, she had felt Esme's hand stroking her hair, soothing her, and Victoria wondered if that was what it felt like to have a mother's love. Amidst her tears, she had felt a warmth that she'd never felt before. Looking at Esme, Victoria wondered what her life would have been like if she'd had a mother like her.
Esme took hold of Victoria's free hand and gave it a squeeze. "It doesn't need to make sense, dear. Just know that you are welcome to stay with us as long as you want. It's been a long time since my children left home and I'm going to enjoy your company."
"I can't repay you," she whispered. "I don't have anything, any money."
"Now don't be silly. Does it look like we need money? You can pay me back by getting better, looking after yourself and having a healthy baby. And keeping me company. After the baby's born, we can see what you want to do."
"Did you ever have a dream of something you wanted to be when you were little?" asked Bella curiously.
Victoria smiled briefly before answering. "When I was a girl, I wanted to be a school teacher. To little kids, I mean. I always liked being around little kids. They didn't tease me because I was wearing clothes that didn't fit or were out of style," she said wistfully. Then she sighed sadly. "But I didn't even finish high school, so that's impossible now."
"Hey, nothing is impossible, Victoria," said Edward. "You can finish school by correspondence while the baby's little and then try to get into college."
"With what money?" she asked a little bitterly. Nothing was possible with no money. She'd be needing to find a job to support her child, not trying to reach some unattainable dream.
"Let's not worry about that now, ok dear? You're looking tired. How about a nice bath and I'll bring you some supper in bed? Or you can join Carlisle and I," suggested Esme.
Victoria nodded and left the room, thanking Bella and Edward again for helping her.
"Are you ok with all of this Mom?" asked Edward, worried that he was imposing too much on his mother's kindness.
"Of course it is. Like I said, I've been a bit lonely since you and Alice left home. Poor Victoria's never known a mother figure and she could do with a little mothering at this time. I just hope we've seen the end of that no good man who hurt her."
"Me too," agreed Edward.
Bella talked to Charlie about what was happening to James.
"I'm trying to find everything I can on him to build a case to get him locked up for as long as possible. Victoria gave us a lot of useful information and I'm contacting police in other states where she claims he committed crimes."
"So you think she'll be safe from him?"
"Well, I'm applying for a protection order for her. There'll be no problem getting that as it's obvious what he's done. The only thing I worry about is that he'll get bail."
"Surely not!"
Charlie shrugged his shoulders. "You'd think not, but he just has to get in front of some bleeding heart judge who thinks scum like him can be reformed or that they'll meet bail conditions and he'll grant it."
"When does he have his bail hearing?"
"Apparently there's quite a backlog of cases so it could take two to three weeks at least. In the meantime, he'll sit in jail where he deserves."
"The longer the better," commented Bella, with feeling.
Edward was brought out of his musings as he entered the busier Seattle traffic. They would be at the Fairmont soon. He'd made reservations for dinner at an upmarket restaurant after the concert. Then he planned to take Bella back to the hotel and hopefully spend a good part of the night making love with her. The thought brought a smile to his face.
As he neared the hotel, he reached out and brushed the hair off Bella's face. "Bella? Baby?"
Bella stirred and opened her eyes, slightly disoriented. "Huh? Where are we?"
"We're only a couple of minutes away."
Sitting up, Bella ran her fingers through her hair and checked herself in the mirror. No way did she want to walk into the Fairmont with drool on her chin. Happier that she was looking way more presentable than the last time she was here, Bella began getting excited for their getaway. It would be good to see Renee and even better staying the night here. She had some fond memories of this place and was looking forward to making more.
The sleep she'd had in the car seemed to have given her a boost of energy and she was fairly bouncing with excitement as Edward unlocked the door to their suite.
"Just like I remembered," she sighed happily as she entered the room, going straight to the bedroom. Edward watched her rediscover their little haven, an indulgent smile on his face.
Bella turned and reached up, curling her hands into his hair, pressing herself close. Edward's hands immediately closed around her waist, pressing soft kisses on her temple.
"You know what I feel like doing?" asked Bella coquettishly.
Edward felt his body stir at the tone of her voice. God, she could turn him on like a light switch! "What?" he smiled back.
Reaching up, she delicately licked his bottom lip with her tongue before taking it between her teeth and gently pulling. Edward groaned softly at her provocative move. Letting his lip go, Bella pulled back slightly. "I want to kick off our holiday by making love with you in that heavenly bed. Now," she demanded huskily.
With a soft growl, Edward quickly stripped them of their clothing and proceeded to fulfil Bella's every wish.
o-o-o-o-o-o
Putting the phone down, Edward walked back to the bedroom. "That was the concierge," he called out to Bella who was finishing putting on her makeup in the well-lit bathroom. "The limo will be here in five minutes."
"Nearly ready," she called out.
Rather than driving and struggling to find parking near the concert venue, Edward had hired a limo to chauffeur them around for the night. It added a romantic touch to their evening he thought. He even entertained the thought of making out with Bella in the limo. He'd never done that before. It sounded like fun.
He shrugged into his tuxedo jacket and was straightening the lapels when he heard Bella's footsteps behind him. "I'm looking forward to..." Edward's words petered out as he caught his first glimpse of Bella in her evening finery. "God, you are incredible!" he breathed in wonder.
Bella was dressed in a black, cocktail length dress that hugged her figure in all the right places. It was strapless, with a heart shaped bodice that hugged her breasts like a lover's hands. The satin showed off her curves and ended just above the knee in a scalloped edge. Around her waist was an ultra-slim diamonte-studded belt which seemed to accentuate her breasts and hips. Her legs were covered in sheer black stockings with black stilettos. She wore the earrings and necklace he'd given her for Christmas and her hand was simply adorned with his ring. She'd softly curled her hair so it hung down her back in waves. Her makeup was light but effective, her gorgeous brown eyes the highlight.
Bella nearly laughed at the look of astonishment on Edward's face which quickly turned to desire, his green eyes burning as he took in every inch of her. She had to admit that Edward looked delicious as well, in the tuxedo. She was tempted to suggest they stay here but instantly dismissed it. The sexual tension would add a delicious touch to the evening, especially if she let out little hints of how they would end the night.
"Is it time to go?" she asked innocently, enjoying his star-struck gaze. "Mmm, I hope this dress stays up like it's supposed to since I'm not wearing a bra." She delighted at Edward's soft groan as she subtly teased him.
Deciding retreat was the better part of valour at the moment, Edward led her out of the bedroom before he stripped that little black dress off her and ravaged her. He would have to be patient and wait until later for that. God, it's not like they hadn't made love only a couple of hours ago. She made him as horny as a teenager. Especially looking like that.
"Ready, love?" At her nod, he took her hand and led her down to the lobby, drawing the eyes of many of the other guests there. He wanted to growl at some the men who openly ogled Bella as they passed. The doorman opened the limo door and Edward handed her in, settling himself next to her. As requested there was a bottle of champagne and some flute glasses. "Champagne?" he asked, holding up the bottle.
"Yes please." Bella giggled as she took a sip of the bubbly liquid. "I feel so decadent, Edward. Champagne in a limousine, a chauffeur and a gorgeous man at my side. I must be dreaming."
Edward chuckled and kissed her gently. "I'm the one who's dreaming. You look so beautiful, you literally took my breath away."
Smiling seductively, she ran her fingertips over his bow tie, teasing the buttons on his shirt. She leaned over and placed a kiss on his throat, just above the neckline of his shirt, taking a long breath of his delicious scent. "Mmm, you smell nice," she said throatily.
Not wanting to mess up her makeup, Edward reciprocated by nuzzling her shoulder and placing small, teasing kisses on the base of her throat, delighting in the sound of Bella's accelerated breathing. Good, a little payback for getting him hot and bothered was in order. Licking the skin just below her ear, he heard her soft gasp of pleasure. "Like that?" he whispered against her skin.
"You know I do," she breathed, already aching for him.
He continued his ministrations on her throat and shoulders as his hand slowly traced over the silk covering her legs. His fingers luxuriated in the softness as they moved higher, over her knee and onto her thigh where they met the hem of her dress which had ridden up. Slowly, his fingers edged under the dress and began feeling higher as her breathing got more ragged. By now, Edward had a raging hard on and he knew he'd have to regain control of himself before they got to the concert hall, but he was enjoying himself too much to stop right now.
His fingers inched up and he was about to sit back in order to regain some sanity, when they came into contact with her skin, even softer and silkier than her stockings. He drew in a sharp breath as he realised she was wearing suspenders. The image was so erotic he had to pull his hand away and get some distance between them before he lost all control. Breathing heavily, Edward moved away from Bella, telling his body to calm down, trying to think dampening thoughts.
"What's wrong, honey?" asked Bella, her breathing heavier than normal. She knew full well what was wrong. She'd worn the stockings and suspenders deliberately. She was in seduction mode tonight.
"You know full well what's wrong?" he retorted, slowly pulling himself together. "I don't think you want me walking around in public with a raging hard on, do you?"
Bella giggled at his disgruntled expression. "Oh, poor baby. I wish I could make it better," she teased.
"You're the cause, and you know it, you minx."
The concert was as fantastic as they'd hoped although Edward was distracted several times during the evening when Bella would lay her hand on his thigh and delicately rub her hand in small circles. She was winding him up so tight and they still had dinner to get through. The restaurant was only a few minutes away so there was no time to fool around. They took their time over their meal although Edward had a hard time keeping his eyes off Bella's cleavage, especially when she leaned forward, giving him a glimpse of the heaven that lay beneath the material.
When he couldn't take any more of her seduction, he signalled for the bill. "Let's go. You're driving me crazy," he growled softly into her ear. Bella simply nodded in agreement.
Edward asked the driver to drive around until instructed otherwise and closed the screen, giving them total privacy.
Pulling Bella close, he kissed her hungrily, his pent up sexual tension leaving him aching. "God, you've got me so worked up, baby," he murmured before he indulged in their hot, open-mouthed kiss, over and over. Finally pulling his mouth from hers, he trailed his lips and tongue down her throat and over her shoulders.
Bella lay back against the seat, her body shivering with pleasure as Edward kissed and caressed her skin. "Oh Edward," she breathed as his hand moved up to cup her breast, smoothing the material over her naked skin. She tunnelled her fingers into his hair as he sucked gently on the skin of her throat.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered against her skin. "You take my breath away. Every morning that I wake up next you, I have to tell myself that I'm not still dreaming. I love you so much Bella. I adore you. I worship you."
His words had her pulling his mouth back to hers, needing to taste his essence, show him how much she loved him back. His hand was now moving more urgently over her body, skimming her waist and down her leg. By now, they were almost lying down on the long seat, the soft velvet cool against her heated skin.
Without warning, Edward's hand reached up and pulled the bodice of her dress down, exposing her breasts, her taut nipples tightening even further at the sudden cool air. The material bunched underneath, effectively lifting her breasts up for his pleasure. Edward looked at them, sucking in his breath, his pants painfully tight. Unable to resist their allure, he took one nipple into his mouth, suckling urgently on it while rolling the other between his fingers.
"Oh god!" cried Bella, her head falling back as sharp bolts of desire shot through her. She was so turned on that she could feel herself close to an orgasm. Every lick, every bite, every touch of her breast wound her tighter and tighter. "Edward, I...I...god...I think...I'm going to come."
Edward's body jerked in response to her words and it took all his control not to succumb to his orgasm then and there. She had never come close to climaxing from only having her breasts fondled and he desperately wanted to watch it happen tonight. "Let go, baby. Let it happen," he urged, resuming his ministrations. Bella's breathing was jerky and uncontrolled as he squeezed and rolled, burying his face between them. Pushing them together he licked from one nipple to the other before taking one and gently biting and pulling on it at the same time.
"Ohh!" moaned Bella, the invisible cord between her nipples and her centre winding tighter with his every movement.
"Yes, baby. Come for me. I want to watch you," he urged. He began licking and blowing on them, now painfully tight. "I love you," he muttered as he sucked hard.
Bella cried out softly as the cord snapped and a rush of pure pleasure shot through her as she climaxed, her pulse racing crazily. Edward watched her face become suffused with pleasure, her mouth open as she struggled for breath, her body covered in a blush. He didn't think he'd ever see anything more beautiful in his life. Gently stroking her skin, he helped her come down from her high, delighting that he'd given her pleasure.
Trying to regain her senses, Bella kissed him languidly before resting her forehead against his. "That's never happened before," she told him, awe in her voice.
"Did you enjoy it?" he asked, knowing the answer full well.
She grinned at him. "What do you think? I didn't think it was possible."
Gently palming her breast, he heard her catch her breath again. "Neither did I but I'm sure glad it was. Your breasts are incredible."
"God, I love you," she breathed against his mouth. Her hand reached down and cupped his erection.
Edward hissed at the heat of her hand. He was so hard it was painful. "Bella, please. Let me love you," he pleaded. Bella undid his zipper and put her hand inside his trousers, taking hold of his erection and squeezing lightly. Edward groaned and bucked into her hand. "Please baby. I'm so close and I need to be inside you," he breathed, taking her hand from him, knowing a few more strokes and he'd be gone.
Taking pity on him, Bella pushed him back so he lay down on the seat. Watching the taut desire on his face, she pulled open his trousers and pushed them and his underwear down his legs. His erection sprang free, taut and aching. Unable to help herself, she leaned down and kissed the tip of his penis before taking just the head into her mouth.
"God, baby!" he groaned, pulled her mouth away. "I'm too worked up and I want to come inside you." Deciding they had all night, Bella smiled at him and leaned back. Seductively, she pulled up the skirt of her dress, revealing her creamy thighs encased in black lace, the suspenders holding the stockings up. Edward's heart nearly leapt out of his chest as he saw the lace panties that barely covered her. His manhood twitched in anticipation of being buried in her heat. "God baby," he muttered. "Those should be illegal."
Bella giggled, delighted at his reaction. "Then you wouldn't reap the benefits of them making me feel so sexy, would you?" As she spoke, she pulled down the panties and took them off. Edward felt like his heart would burst out of his chest as he watched her, her womanhood surrounded by black lace, glistening with desire for him. Reaching for her, her pulled her down over his body, both of them gasping as his erection brushed her centre. Their tongues duelled as she rocked against him, driving them both wild.
"Bella!" he gasped as her centre nearly scalded him. "Please. Take me inside you."
Sitting up, Bella lifted herself up as she took him in her hand and guided him into her body, both of them sighing with pleasure and relief as he smoothly filled her. When he was fully buried, Bella stopped moving, letting herself savour the feel of him, the gentle rocking of the car as it moved through the city streets, adding a touch of decadence to their lovemaking.
"You feel so good, baby," breathed Edward. "So good."
Bella wordlessly nodded in agreement before rolling her hips in a circle, enjoying Edward's moan of pleasure at her movements. His hands caressed the skin above the stockings before moving up, pushing the material of her dress up so he could touch the skin of her stomach. Bella's breath hitched in her throat as his fingers traced the contours of her stomach and hips while her movements became more urgent.
Looking down at him, Bella realised that for all intents and purposes, they were both still fully dressed. Edward had taken off his jacket but he was still wearing his bow tie and shirt, as well as his trousers, even if they were pushed down to his feet. As for her, she was only missing her panties, although her dress was only a scrap of material at her middle. She found the image so erotic that she began riding him harder, shivers of pleasure coursing through her body.
Edward bit his lip in order to stop himself coming straight away. She looked so sexy and hot over him, her breasts bouncing from her movements, her stocking covered legs touching the skin of his waist, driving him wild. Wanting her to come again before he allowed himself his orgasm, he took one breast in his hand, his thumb flicking over her nipple while the other moved down, grazing her nub with his fingers.
"Ahh!" breathed Bella as she moved frantically over him, his length caressing her inner walls with every movement. Combined with his fingers, she could feel her body getting closer and closer to its peak. Unable to stop the whimpers of pleasure that emerged from her mouth, she leaned down and put her hands on his chest, in order to gain more leverage. Looking into his passion filled face, she bucked up and down urgently, ripples of pleasure beginning to radiate from where they were joined.
When Edward took hold of her hips and pulled her down forcefully while thrusting up into her at the same time, the tension snapped. Bella cried out as the ripples became a tidal wave that rushed through her body as she climaxed violently, her whole body shaking with the force of it. As she felt Edward lengthen even further inside her, wave after wave of pleasure kept surging through her, stealing her breath as the overload of sensation left her lightheaded.
Edward knew the instant that Bella's climax began, her walls tightening rhythmically on his engorged member. It was too much, and he groaned loudly as he lengthened even more before jerking violently and spilling himself into her. He felt his climax in every pore of his body, the pleasure almost painful in its intensity.
Feeling utterly boneless, Bella flopped down onto his chest, both of them struggling to draw breath into their deprived lungs. Edward's arms closed over her waist as he kissed her hair before laying back. The movements of the limo were lulling them to sleep and Edward had to fight to keep his eyes open.
"Baby?" he whispered.
"Hmm?"
"We have to go back to the hotel before we fall asleep."
"'kay" she mumbled into his chest but didn't move.
Smiling tenderly, he struggled to sit up. Without much help from her, Edward leant back against the seat, Bella still wrapped around him, her head on his shoulder. He kissed her cheek and tried to rouse her again. "Come on baby," he said gently. "We need to get ourselves straightened before we get back."
Bella sat up and smiled sleepily at him, giving him a soft kiss. "Mmm, I love you."
"Oh baby, I love you too," he replied against her lips. "Come on, you can sleep when we get back."
"Mmm, you wore me out."
Edward chuckled. "You were the one calling the shots, baby. You wore me out."
Laughing, Bella got off him and looked around for her panties. She was about to put them on when she felt Edward's hand on her arm and turned to him, puzzled.
"Leave them off," he asked throatily.
Despite her weariness, Bella's body instantly responded to his request. It was going to be a long night. Not that she was complaining.
Not taking his eyes off her, Edward asked the driver to take them back to the hotel and they straightened their clothing.
Pulling her onto his lap, they kissed languidly all the way back to the hotel.
It was the early hours of the morning before they fell into an exhausted sleep.
o-o-o-o-o-o
"Ready for the full 'Renee Experience'?" joked Bella as the plane's captain announced they were descending into Jacksonville.
Edward lifted her hand up to his face, kissing each finger before answering. "Of course. How much different can she be in person?"
"You have no idea," she laughed.
"I'm looking forward to it," he grinned back.
Bella gripped Edward's hand as the plane skidded onto the runway. She hated this bit but Edward's comforting presence made it bearable. Bella yawned widely as they got their bags from the overhead lockers. It was very late here and all those hours of flying, combined with their very late night had made her extremely sleepy.
"Here, I'll take that." Edward's hand reached up and grabbed Bella's bag and followed her up the aisle towards the exit.
Edward knew the instant that Renee spotted them. A woman's squeal from amongst the crowd awaiting passengers alerted them to her presence.
"Oh God. Brace yourself," warned Bella, half-jokingly.
Sound advice as Renee pushed her way through the bodies around her and grabbed Bella in a hug then turned to Edward, wrapping her arms around him, nearly knocking the breath out of him.
"Ahh Mom? If you want us to actually get married, you'd better let him breathe," came Bella's wry observation, accompanied by Phil's chuckle as he hugged Bella.
To Edward's relief, Renee let go and stepped back, grinning from ear to ear.
"It's great to finally meet you both," said Edward, shaking Phil's hand.
"Oh, I'm so excited you're both here!" cried Renee, taking both their hands in each of hers. She took a good look at Edward before turning to Bella. "Well, baby, you hit the jackpot with Edward here, didn't you?"
Bella groaned inwardly, an embarrassed blush washing over her. "Mom!" She looked at Edward's amused face as he read her expression.
"I think I'm the one who hit the jackpot, Renee," argued Edward.
Renee looked at him and sighed. "Handsome and charming." Curling a hand around both their arms, she led them out of the airport. "Come on, you two lovebirds. It's late and you both look worn out."
It was a lovely, balmy night and Bella was glad that she had worn a t-shirt.
"Have you been to Jacksonville before, Edward?" asked Renee.
"To Florida, but not Jacksonville."
"Well, there are some nice beaches nearby. I'm sure you and Bella would enjoy spending a few hours in the sun and relaxing."
"That sounds like heaven. It's been a hectic few weeks," agreed Edward, taking hold of Bella's hand.
"I was sorry to hear about Billy. How's Charlie taking it?"
"Better than I expected although I know he misses Billy a lot," replied Bella, deciding to keep mum on the subject of Kara. She didn't think Charlie would appreciate her gossiping about his burgeoning love-life.
"They were friends for a long time," said Renee sadly.
Back at Renee and Phil's, Bella briefly wondered whether she and Edward would have to sleep in separate bedrooms and was ready to argue her case against it. Unsurprisingly, Renee told them that her room was all ready for them.
"It's late and you're both tired, so go to bed and we'll catch up on all our gossip tomorrow morning," she suggested, giving them both a kiss and hug goodnight.
As they got into bed, Bella turned into his arms. "Don't take this the wrong way, but do you mind if we don't make love while we're here?" she asked, looking at him. "It's just that I'd feel really weird doing it in the same house as my mother."
Edward chuckled and held her closer. "Of course not, love. I know what you mean. As long as I get to hold you close, that's enough for me. Until we go home, of course," he qualified with a sexy grin.
"So, you had a small taste of the phenomenon that is Renee. What did you think?" she asked curiously.
"I loved your mom. I'm looking forward to getting to know her over the next few days. I doubt I'll be bored."
"That you won't," agreed Bella, closing her eyes.
Giving her one last kiss, Edward turned off the lights, both of the drifting off the sleep within moments.
o-o-o-o-o-o
A/N: Hope you liked that. Let me know.
To my fellow Aussies - happy Australia Day on Tuesday, have a good one!