A/N: Well, I can't believe my first work of fan fiction is complete! I hope you guys enjoyed the ride, and I would love to write another story one day soon.
Please, if you've read this entire thing, and NEVER left me a note (ie a review), then please leave one after this chapter! I'd love to know how you liked Blue Eyes and Bella. Hugs and kisses to all!
SM owns twilight.
Chapter 31 – Endings and Ever Afters
I reached out and grabbed Edward's hand. "Oh my God, you are shot?"
The paramedic was holding pressure against the upper left side of his chest. I couldn't tell how bad he was injured, but I feared the worst.
"It's just a shoulder wound, Doc, no worries," Edward teased me between grimaces.
I looked to the medic for confirmation. He nodded in agreement. "He should be fine, Dr. Swan."
A huge sigh of relief escaped me. "Don't scare me like that – ever again!" I wanted to punch him but I controlled the urge.
Once the bandage was wrapped, we helped Edward stand. He refused to accept the stretcher, insisting on walking outside on his own two feet.
"Bella!" Charlie called across the room. He grabbed me in a bear hug which took my breath away. Rio was wagging his tail as he circled around us, but still seemed on edge. He was now on a leash in Charlie's hand.
"Dad! I can't breathe." I managed to whisper.
Charlie sat me down and placed both hands around my face. "A place of respite and peace, huh?"
I laughed at my own words which he was quoting from months before. "Well, I think I've used up the excitement quotient for the next decade, so we should be good."
"Yeah, yeah. You always have an answer. Are you alright, Edward?" Charlie kissed my forehead as he turned his attention to Blue Eyes.
"Yeah, I'm ok." Edward insisted on minimizing his injury.
"Well let's get you guys out of here." Charlie handed me the leash and reached over to help Edward maneuver the furniture and the increasing number of cops.
I bent down and hugged Rio, who began licking me uncontrollably. "You got 'em, boy, you got him." He stood triumphantly as he looked back at my dad and Edward. I imagined him saying 'yeah, I did'.
When we exited through the doorway of the cottage, I saw James lying on a stretcher at the bottom of the steps. I wasn't sure if he was alive, until Rio bristled up again, snarling.
I know the feeling, Rio.
I grabbed tightly onto the leash and held Edward's good hand as we made our way past Creepo.
"Bella," James whispered as I passed.
If I never heard my name from those lips again, it would be too soon. My mind told me to ignore him, but I couldn't. I wanted him to see me as I walked away with the love of my life. Edward and Charlie flanked me on each side as I turned and made my way over to the stretcher.
"What is it, James?" The hatred was dripping from my lips.
"I'm sorry," he managed to whisper again.
"Whatever." I had no patience left for his raging psychopathic tendency.
"And you," he continued, but he was now looking at Edward. "You will never be good enough for her, music man." Even amidst the gurgling and pain, James was still taunting us.
I watched Edward's jaw flex while he leaned in over James' twisted face. He was mere inches from him, eye to eye. "I will be all she ever needs, you ass. And I'll kill you if you come near us again." Blue Eyes turned to walk away, but stopped. He turned and moved in closer for one last word. "Oh, and, James – it's Dr. Cullen, to you. When the judge orders a psychiatric evaluation, don't call me."
We turned and strode into the crowd of onlookers. Alice, Jasper, Carlisle and Esme were waiting for us. They surrounded us immediately with attention and love.
Alice grabbed me by the neck as she nervously giggled. "I'm so glad you're ok, Bella."
"Me too." I nodded. "I'm just glad Dad picked up on the phone call. I was worried he had believed me."
"Well I let the terms of endearment go, but I knew you'd never leave Rio behind." Charlie smiled.
"Especially not with Mike," Alice chimed in. "You know I'm his Godmother!"
Everyone laughed in relief. "Let's get you guys out of here," Carlisle spoke. "You can stay at our place this evening."
Before we left, I took one last glance back towards James. I relaxed in the realization that I would never have to see him, or Tanya, again.
#####
I held the picture of Tanya from the news clipping in my hand as I walked into my session with Landie. She had slept all night due to the sedatives and was sitting quietly in the chair. Carlisle had begged me to take the day off and I had agreed, except for Landie. I couldn't leave her alone another day, especially with her believing that she had experienced another psychotic break.
"Landie, how are you feeling?" I was nervous on how much to expect after yesterday.
"Ok," she answered. Her eyes were once again downcast. She seemed defeated.
"Well, I have something I want to show you. It's a picture of a woman, a criminal. She was found on the grounds of the Retreat last night. May I show you?"
Landie's demeanor changed as she became hesitantly more engaged. Nodding, she spoke up, "Yes, I'd like to see it."
I handed the newspaper photo over. The look of recognition in her eyes changed from shock, to fear, and finally to relief.
"This, this is real? It's a real person?" Her words were shaky.
"Yes, Landie. It's real. You weren't hallucinating," I encouraged her.
She jumped up and hugged me with tears streaming down my face. I was taken aback by the contact, but was thrilled to share the truth with her.
"I'm not going crazy," she repeated to herself over and over.
"No, you're not. And you're going to be just fine, Landie." We sat down and discussed her entire encounter with Tanya, now that Landie realized it wasn't in her head. Hearing her recollection of the frightening conversation made me ill all over again. It was amazing that Edward and I had survived.
I didn't tell Landie about Tanya's death, or that she had come to kill me. Thankfully she didn't ask. Her resilience and ability to rebound from the recent stressor was amazing. Near the end of our time together, she asked about the possibility of a family session. Reuniting her with her parents, especially her Dad, would be crucial in her road to recovery.
As I left the Retreat that afternoon, I knew Landie was going to make it.
#####
"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered in my ear.
Five more minutes.
"Bella, I saw your eyes open. You can't sleep the day away!" Edward's velvet voice was refusing to allow me another second of sleep.
"Rio! Rio! Come here boy!" Blue Eyes called out from the bed.
No!
That is not fair!
A large pounce on the bed left me trapped on both sides before Rio began licking all over my face.
"Payback is going to be hell, " I mumbled from underneath the covers as I tried to block the assault of Rio's kisses.
"We're just excited, baby." Edward commanded Rio to jump out of the bed and peeked under the covers. "Merry Christmas, Bella."
He kissed me softly on the lips and my irritation was gone. "You're like a sex goddess in the morning, you know that?" His words were full of seduction.
I laughed out loud, rolling myself over to straddle him. "Do you use these lines on all the girls? Or just the ones you harass at six in the morning on Christmas day?" I teased.
He placed his hands on my hips and grinned. "No...Just you, Doc. But should I?"
"Should you?" I repeated, leaning over to kiss his chin.
"Yeah. Does it work?" He started nibbling my ear as his hands traced their way along my back.
"I'm afraid it does. Merry Christmas, Blue Eyes." I chuckled as I wiggled against him. My gyrations caused him to toss me over in return.
Edward pulled my camisole off and pinned my hands above my head with one hand. My silk shorts were discarded next. I devoured his neck in the process, but it was no distraction for his assault. His mouth met mine with an insatiable hunger. Every time we made love seemed like the first time.
His chest was flush against mine as I looked into his eyes. I saw my reflection in the depths of his blue gaze. The woman I saw was complete. I had found everything I needed in the connection with this man. With every one of my breaths, he took it away again. Edward entered me, slowly, in a sweet torture. He bit my bottom lip, causing me to gasp in return. We explored each other's body, competing for the opportunity to increase the pleasure.
The rest of my life would never be enough time for enjoying Edward. I needed eternity.
We held each other, spent, as the morning light filtered across the room.
"Was that my Christmas present?" I sighed.
"That was your Christmas Hors D'oeuvres." He smirked as he slapped my backside.
"Ouch!" I squealed. "Well I'm excited to see the main course."
"Well hurry up then, sleepy head. Esme will have Christmas brunch ready soon. She'll be furious if we're late." Edward hopped out of bed like a school kid.
"I'm up! Can't I bask in the afterglow, time czar?" I whined.
Edward ignored me as he pulled the duvet off of my naked body and onto the floor. "C'mon, Rio! Let's go for a walk while Sleeping Beauty gets ready."
#####
We arrived at Carlisle's with fifteen minutes to spare. Rio was wearing another new collar which had been left by Santa Edward under our tree. I chose an evergreen sweater dress which clung to my curves. Edward seemed to approve, since he begged me to go back inside when I had met him in the car. He wore a black blazer and slacks, insisting that he be dressed for the occasion.
"Merry Christmas!" Esme and Carlisle welcomed us at the door.
"You too!" We shared hugs and kisses on the threshold.
As we made our way inside, I noticed a roaring fire and a buffet that was fit for royalty. Hot cider was steaming on a silver serving tray. Charlie was standing by the hearth with what I assumed was his standard black coffee. "Morning, sweetheart."
"Morning, Dad." I kissed his cheek. "Merry Christmas."
Rio ran over and took his seat in a brand new dog bed that Esme had purchased. He seemed just as excited to find a few new toys waiting.
Within minutes, the rest of the family arrived. Rose and Emmett came in glowing. One wink from Rose and I knew that it wasn't from a morning walk.
Alice and Jasper arrived last, but with flare. She had so many gifts in tow that I couldn't see Jasper from behind the pile. "Let's get this party started!" she shrieked in excitement.
The food and fellowship was worthy of a Norman Rockwell portrait. Every one shared their favorite stories of past holidays as we ate our fill. But when it was time to open the gifts, my anxiety mounted. I hoped that Edward would like his gift. It wasn't exactly something that could easily be returned.
Alice had of course arranged an order for the present exchanges. We all gave our gifts to the parents first. Emmett and Rose gave Carlisle and Esme a framed print of the Retreat. Alice and Jasper opted for a more intimate gift, giving them a weekend getaway in Lake Tahoe.
Edward and I presented our gifts to them last. For Charlie we chose a year's subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket. He was ecstatic. We picked an antique chest for Esme, which matched a set of end tables she had acquired before moving to the Retreat. Edward had found it months ago in Seattle, but he gave it from both of us due to the expense. Esme never wanted others to indulge on her behalf, and he didn't want her complaining because of the cost. For Carlisle we gave him an apothecary mortar and pestle to add to his collection. It was a growing hobby for him to find medical antiques. They were more than pleased with the gifts.
Esme began to cry from all the love in the room. "Is it our turn, to pass out presents?" she asked Alice as she wiped away a tear.
"Not yet," Edward interrupted. "I have another gift for you, Dad." He handed Carlisle a long rectangular box.
Carlisle opened it slowly. He was watching Edward with genuine curiosity. Inside was a folded packet of papers, which he removed. As he began reading, his eyes also became misty. "Edward, are you sure?"
"I'm positive," Edward confirmed.
"What is it?" Emmett asked with an envious tone. "Don't leave us all in suspense!"
"Its," Carlisle paused, "It's a signed contract to work at the Retreat, as our second psychiatrist." He beamed.
"Well it's about time!" Emmett praised. "But you always do like to one-up on the gifts, don't ya bro?"
Everyone was thrilled at the news. I grinned at Edward as he tried to shrug off the attention. He had told me of his decision shortly after the night of Tanya's death. In the end, Edward had realized that Tanya's illness was not his responsibility. With her death, he buried his own culpability.
"Are you ok with this, Bella?" Jasper asked in a teasing manner.
"I'm more than ok with it. As long as he remembers who the Chief is." I shrugged.
"I don't have a problem being submissive," Edward chided.
My blush appeared instantly, along with a room full of cat calls from Emmett and Jasper.
"More cider, anyone?" Carlisle laughed and changed the subject.
The morning passed, and so did most of the gifts. Almost everyone had opened their presents, almost.
Esme and Carlisle beamed as they handed me a wrapped, tube shaped, package. "This is for you and Edward, together," she explained.
I smiled shyly as I began to open the gift. Edward sat still beside me. When I glanced at him, I realized he was grinning boyishly. The gold wrapping fell to the floor, leaving an architectural map tube. I opened the cap and pulled out a set of blueprints. When we unrolled the papers, I realized it was the cottage, but redesigned. The center wall was removed and the entire floor plan was revamped to create one large living space.
"Edward had mentioned that you loved the cottage, and didn't want to move," Carlisle explained.
"I hate wasted spaces," Esme added. "This will allow you guys more room. And of course, I'd love to help design it, if you like."
I was thrilled at the gesture, but was suddenly nervous about Charlie. Even though I was an adult, he was still my Dad, and a cop. And I hadn't told him I was living with Edward on a daily basis.
"Thank you, Esme, and Carlisle," I managed, "That's so thoughtful."
Blue Eyes sensed my unease instantly. He placed his hand on my knee. "Bella, I guess this is the perfect time for my gift to you, before your Dad pulls out his shotgun."
I looked over to Charlie who was grinning and nodding at Edward's words.
Oh my God.
I was frozen with the anticipation of what was coming. The gleam in Edward's eyes informed me that he had planned this precisely, and that our parents had been co-conspirators.
"I promised your Dad that I would take care of you. And I'd like to do that, forever, if you'd let me." Edward knelt down on one knee beside me.
"I'd love to work with you every day, and be with you every night. I want to share the rest of my memories with you – only you. I can't imagine enjoying another moment unless I have you beside me. You challenge me, excite me, and at times infuriate me, Dr. Swan. I love you." His words caused my heart to swell.
Edward pulled out a black box from his blazer. "Bella, will you marry me?" He held out a ring in his hand as he reached for one of mine. The ring was familiar in the band, but the diamond was a large solitaire, cut in a pear shaped design.
I looked up with tears in my eyes. "This ring…"
"The band was your grandmother's," Edward explained. "Charlie gave it to me, with his blessing."
I was speechless as he held the ring to my finger.
Edward finally spoke softly, "Bella, I know that shrinks love silence, but an answer would be really great right now."
I realized he had been holding his breath, and that I hadn't given him an answer. "Oh, Edward. I'm just stunned. Of course I'll marry you! I love you, too, forever."
He slid the ring on my finger as I slid into his arms. Everyone in the room started cheering and congratulating us on the engagement. I didn't really notice. I was too enamored by the kiss of Blue Eyes, my fiancé.
In all the excitement, I almost forgot that we still had two gifts to open. "Wait!" I spoke up. "We still have a few more gifts!"
Alice squealed as she jumped up. "Yes!" She kissed Jasper on the cheek as she pulled me from the room. We had been discussing the presents for our two men for weeks.
She took her large box into the room first. I could see the intrigue, and fear, in Jasper's eyes. When he opened the box, he yelled a profanity and jumped from the couch.
Emmett and Edward started laughing hysterically.
"What is it?" Rose asked.
"It's a python!" Jasper exclaimed. He slowly walked back over to Alice, who was pouting.
"Aw, I'm sorry. It just startled me, baby. I love it," he finally spoke. He slowly lifted the snake from the box which made all the women squirm.
"Well, you seemed excited about me wanting a pet snake, so I thought it would be great to have one together," she crooned. "Plus, I will come over and help you feed it every night." Alice winked.
That was all it took for Jasper to be thrilled with his gift.
Edward continued to chuckle.
"Wait a minute," I teased. "I have your present, too."
Alice helped me bring in my large square box. It was wrapped with a separate lid and had holes in it.
"Please tell me this is not a snake," Edward joked.
"Just open it," I challenged.
Edward removed the lid to find a twelve week old boxer puppy with a ribbon tied to her collar. Her ID tag was engraved with 'Blue Eyes' Baby.' The puppy instantly whimpered and stood on both hind legs. She placed her front two paws on the edge of the box.
Edward picked her up gingerly. Once the puppy settled in his lap, she started licking his hand. Edward was smitten. "She's gorgeous," he said. "Her coat is warm and brown, like the desert."
Rio trotted over to check out the new arrival. He seemed skeptical, but was thrilled once he realized she was a girl. As long as his alpha male status was intact, he was happy. She pawed at Rio's face with her right paw. I knew that they would be the best of friends.
"Do you like her?" I asked Edward. I was nervous.
"I love her," he said. "I'm going to call her Sierra.
"I like it." I beamed.
Watching Edward with Sierra, and Rio by our side, I knew we had started our family.
######
We sat on the patio Christmas evening, looking across the lake. An outside heater and a blanket wrapped around us kept us warm. Edward held my hand as he kissed my ring finger. He was very quiet.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"Hmm. Just about what we have, in each other. We've got something between us that nothing can change. Do you feel it?" Edward waited for my answer.
"I do," I agreed. "I'm scared by it sometimes, to be honest. I found my place in this world, when I found you."
"I know." Edward kissed me softly as he looked in my eyes. "And I found mine."
"How did God make you so perfect?" I teased, but I meant it.
"He made me for you, Bella."
A/N: Well, that's the story. I have read fanfiction for over a year, and was excited to try my hand at my own story. But let me tell you, this was the most challenging thing I've done in a while! Especially the lemons! They are always much hotter in my head. I appreciate you reading this with me, and all the support. Even the negative reviews have made me a better writer, and I can't thank you enough.
I'm going to take a break for a bit, but have another couple of ideas for the future. One is an Edward/Bella vampfic. Stay tuned~!
xoxo
Jeans