Sorry I been gone so long, just trying to sort of my personal life. It's never easy being a single mother, especially when you do it all alone, so I just want to shout out all the single parents out there, you are the greatest! To my beta who I love so much, Audrey, just thank you for being an amazing friend to me, I appreciate it more than you will ever know! To my loyal readers, I couldn't ask for better people to share my ideas with, I love you all you make me happy!I hadn't realized it's been since May since I last updated, geez, life has been hectic!
CHAPTER 34
How could anyone be so beautiful? It just didn't seem fair, but there she was looking so perfect. I felt fortunate watching Bella sleeping so soundly next to me on the plane. Our time in St. Lucia was relaxing for us both. It was nice to see how carefree Bella seemed, but I knew the moment we landed all that serenity would disappear.
Maybe James' time in jail rehabilitated him, but when Bella mentioned seeing him on Christmas outside our building, I knew that it was not the case. I had Liam following him full-time. I had to make sure I knew where he was at all times. Bella's safety was most important to me. I promised I would keep her safe, and I'm making it a priority, he steps one toe out of line and he'll be wishing he had never been born.
Things had changed since Bella and I first met. Who would have thought she would have stolen my heart and I hers? I wasn't sure what it was about her that lured me in, but I guess you could say I loved her from the start.
She would be my wife very soon and I couldn't wait to tell my parents and the world. I wasn't sure what kind of wedding Bella would prefer, we hadn't really discussed it. I was trying to not put any pressure on her. However I could imagine seeing her in a beautiful long fitted white gown walking toward me to exchange the vows that would join us forever.
I could feel her starting to stir next to me and I tightened my hold around her frame. She snuggled in closer and I smiled, kissing the top of her head. I looked down at her dreaming face and her eyes fluttered open.
"What time is it?" Her groggy voice asked.
"I believe its 5am." I smiled at her.
She leaned up to stretch out her arms, opening the shade on the window of the plane.
"How much longer till we reach Seattle?" She yawned, placing her head back on my shoulder.
"About 30 minutes." I replied.
"Thank you for taking me to see your house. I had an amazing time. "She rubbed my cheek.
"Well soon it will be your house too, Mrs. Cullen." I winked.
Her face began to turn red, something I think I will never grow tired of seeing. Her shyness mystified me terribly. She was always so appreciative of things I gave and did for her. It was always a pleasure to do things for her.
A about a week has passed since we returned to Seattle. The renovations I had done to Bella's book store are now complete. It would be her first official day as a business owner. Her official first day out of my sight in the last two weeks, not something I'm feeling very comfortable about.
There had been no sightings of James. Liam has been keeping a close watch on him. I learned he lived in Hunts Point, which wasn't too far outside of Seattle. I also learned he was working for a fishing company there too.
"Are you sure you like this dress?" Bella asked looking herself over in the mirror.
"Baby you look beautiful, you always do. Stop being so nervous; you're gonna do great today." I came and wrapped my arms around her waist.
Her smile grew as her arms wrapped around mine.
"What are you smiling at?" I smirked at our reflection.
"Do you know no matter what I wear, you always look best on me?" She giggled.
"I was thinking the exact same thing." I kissed her cheek and twirled her around.
"You make me happier than any person should be." I caressed her face.
"We should go." She leaned up to kiss me, pulling away.
Yes, I was delaying the letting her out of my sight part. I couldn't help it: I was very protective for good reason.
Bella's POV
Since arriving home from St. Lucia Edward hovered over me like a hawk over a dead animal. At first I found it very sexy, but after a while it got to be very annoying. I was not a child. I was grown and I knew how to defend myself. He needed to let me breath.
I didn't want to live the rest of my life looking over my shoulder. I decided I would go back to therapy. Maybe that would relieve Edward's mind somewhat. I didn't want him to worry; I just wanted us to start living our lives.
Being engaged was hard to get used to. Well how used to it can you get when its only been a week? Who would have thought I would be Edward Cullen's fiancé? Definitely not me. Yet I had no doubt in my mind that this was meant to be.
As we drove down the busy morning streets of Seattle I got butterflies in my stomach. It hit me that I was driving to my company. I was the boss and I had this beautiful man sitting next to me to thank for that. I would have never imagined this reality when I pictured myself living in Seattle.
Hell, I pictured myself working behind some desk typing information into a computer all day. In a way I had to thank Rose for that. She brought me here and it opened up a lot of opportunities I never thought I would have.
But it was Edward that gave me the most. He loved me and believed in me. I believed him when he said he would protect me and that's why I couldn't get that mad at his obsession to keep me safe.
"Are you nervous?" Edward asked taking me from my thoughts.
"About what?" I gazed at him.
"Your first day not being someone else's employee?" He smiled.
"A little; I don't want to screw this up. You have put a lot of faith in me; I want to make you proud." I grinned back at him.
"No matter what you do Bella; I will be proud of you. You're wonderful. If you wanted to just sit on my couch all day I wouldn't mind that either." He laughed.
"Oh your grandmother would love to hear you say that." I replied sarcastically.
"I don't care what she thinks. I love you and if that's what you choose to do, so be it. I know you love me, not my money." He leaned over and kissed me.
He pulled back with a huge smile on his face as he picked up my hand kissing my knuckles. I blushed and he opened the door for me. I took his hand as I slid out of the backseat of the town car onto the street in front of my store. My store!
I stared at the building in awe. I just couldn't believe it was mine. I took in a huge lungful of air and turned to face Edward who was leaning against the car watching me. I couldn't help but smile at this beautiful man. I walked slowly to him and wrapped my arms around his neck, inhaling his deep musky scent.
"Thank you." I whispered into his chest.
"I love you." He whispered back.
I faced him then, his smile so overwhelming.
"Have a good day baby. I will try to stop in for lunch, if I can't I will have Leah bring you something." He kissed my cheek and went to get back in the car.
"Edward she doesn't need to do that, I'm more than capable of getting my own lunch you know." I huffed.
"I know, but you may be too busy to have time." He winked and closed the door.
I watched as he pulled away, rolling my eyes with a smirk on my face. Sometimes he could just be a little much, but I loved him.
I made my way to unlock the door and took in the sight before me. Edward had done a beautiful job renovating the place, I barely recognized it. It still had its sweet old charm, but with some updated paint and shelving; it now looked clean and refreshed.
Before Bertha had sold the store to my darling fiancée, she had a couple people already working for her, so I decided to keep them on staff, I might have to change some things, but at least I didn't have to start from scratch with them. I had a feeling hiring and training people was a hassle; I guess that's why Edward had other people to do it for him.
Why did all my thoughts revert back to him? Not that it was such a terrible thing, but I wanted to be able to function independently and he made that very hard. I would start imagining him naked and... Well let's stay focused shall we?
I walked to the back of the store where my office was and hung up my coat. I walked over to my desk and smiled. There a small silver box with a red bow sitting in the middle with a small note attached. My name was written on the front of it.
I picked up the box and opened the small note and it read:
I hope you have a great first day of being a business woman. I'm so proud of you, with all my love, Edward.
My heart warmed and I couldn't help the feeling of love filling my soul. I popped open the lid and inside was a key chain with a book charm on it. The gesture was sweet and so was Edward. I couldn't help but love him just a little bit more.
The phone on my desk began to ring, startling me from my day dream.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Did you like my gift?" I could hear his velvety voice float from the line and melted my heart.
"Are you spying on me?" I teased.
"Not at all, I swear." His voice sounded uneasy.
"I'm just kidding Edward, relax." I rolled my eyes.
"I just thought you would like the gift, you do?"
"I love it, you're always so thoughtful. Thank you for all you do for me."
"Well I won't keep you; just call me when you have time. Have a great day Bella."
"You too Edward." I smiled.
"Oh Isabella, one more thing." His tone serious.
"Yes?"
"I love you." I could hear the smile in his voice.
"I love you too." With that I hung up.
The morning had been busier than I expected. Since I started working here I had never seen this many people. Edward thought while doing the renovations it would be a good idea to add a small coffee shop and a sitting area for the customers. Who knew what a success it would be?
It was around 1:30pm when the crowd settled down. I realized I hadn't eaten since this morning. I decided I would run over to Edward's job just to surprise him. I asked Austin to look after things while I was gone. If he ran into any problems, he could call my cell.
I stopped by a small deli across the street from Edward's office to grab some sandwiches that I knew Edward loved. I made my way to his floor without incident, until I made it to the reception area of his floor.
There was a blond woman sitting behind Leah's desk, typing on the computer. She was very attractive and cleverly dressed in a bright red suit that showed a little too much cleavage. I would estimate she was around my age. I walked past her with the bag of food in my hand when she abruptly stood in front of me blocking the door to Edward's office.
"Excuse me, but you can't go in there." Her tone snobby.
"And you would be who?" I pursed my lips.
"That should be my question." She gave me a stern look holding her hands on her hips.
I wiggled my hand in her face, showing the rather large diamond ring on my finger.
"That means what to me?" Using a very condescending tone.
"It means that I am the only person allowed to just walk into Edward Cullen's office." I mocked.
"I was given strict instructions by Edward to not allow anyone to disturb him." She looked me up and down in disgust.
"God help you if you don't move in two seconds." I warned.
"I'll just call security on you." She folded her arms.
"Okay, that should be amusing." I gestured my hand between us.
"I'd like to go to my fiancée now, so move it before I get you fired." I gave her a death glare.
"Fiancée? Yeah right." She faked laughed rolling her eyes.
"That's it!" I stomped, shoving her out the way and opening Edward's office door.
"What are you doing?" She shrieked.
Edward was sitting at his desk, completely taken off guard by the woman's loud voice and my sudden appearance.
"I'm sorry Edward, she wouldn't listen to me, I told her she couldn't come in here. She was claiming to be your fiancée. I'll call security right away!" Her pathetic plea was nothing more than an annoyance to me
"That won't be necessary Sasha, this IS my fiancée and I think you owe her an apology." Edward's voice stern.
I smirked at her and waited expectantly for her apology.
"I'm sorry." She said through clenched teeth and a fake smile.
"Whatever." I waved her off as she closed the door.
"Well this is a surprise, a very pleasant one though." Edward smiled.
I turned to look at the door and pointed.
"Who the hell is she?" I asked annoyed.
"She is filling in for Leah today. Apparently she has the flu. What's in the bag?" He tried to change the subject.
"Lunch" I let it go and we sat at the small table in the corner of Edward's office.
"So how's work?" He asked taking a bite of his food.
"It's been a busy day, but I love it. How's your day been?" I scooped up a spoon full of the pudding I was eating
"It's been busy also, but it looks like I have to take a trip to Sweden in a few days." He said very nonchalantly.
I could only imagine what my expression looked like. My mouth was hanging open gaping at him. We had only just come back from St. Lucia and he was already taking another trip.
"What for?" I whispered.
"I need to finalize a deal that can't be done over the phone; it has to be in person. I would fly out Thursday and be back by Saturday." He eyed me carefully.
I had just started my new business today, could I already leave and be irresponsible? No I couldn't do that.
"I don't think we have spent any time apart since I moved in." I laughed a little dismally.
"You don't want to come?" He looked at me surprised.
"Of course I want to, but Edward, I just opened my store today. I can't run off so soon. I'll be fine without you for a couple days. It will give us time to miss each other." I teased but he didn't look at all amused.
"I don't have to go." He said seriously.
"Yes you do. You just said they need you in person. I have Liam to babysit me, it's okay." I waved my spoon at him.
"I don't want to leave you here, on your own." His voice sounded worried.
I sighed and put the spoon down on the table, grabbing his hand in mine, giving him a small squeeze.
"I love you and I know you love me. I will be okay; I have been okay on my own for a long time, trust me." I looked him in the eyes.
"It's not you that I don't trust and I don't want it to seem like I have Liam babysitting you either. I'm just scared James will find you and hurt you; with me on the other side of the world." He looked hurt saying those words.
"So you do admit he scares and worries you?" Finally the truth is revealed.
"Of course I'm scared Bella; I'm afraid of anyone hurting you. It's my job to protect you. Nothing in my life matters if I don't have you." He kissed my hand shutting his eyes.
"Edward." I placed my free hand on his cheek, forcing him to open his eyes to look at me.
"I know you care about my safety. You have good people working for you. I'll be fine please, don't worry about me. I'm a strong woman." I tried to convince him.
"I know that you are; it's part of what makes me love you so much." He gave me a small smile.
"Then just have faith in Liam, he will protect me as well as you do, but not as thoroughly if you get my meaning?" I winked and giggled trying to lighten the mood.
"Okay." He kissed me quickly and we finished up our food.
After lunch with my sexy fiancée, the day seemed to fly. I made it home before Edward; he had a lot of work to catch up on. I made us a nice roast beef for dinner. Alice had stopped by to see how my first day had gone.
"So how does it feel to own your own store?" Alice asked as she sipped on some red wine and flipped through a magazine.
"It's surreal. I don't know when it will actually sink in that I own a business." I sighed while I stirred the gravy on the stove.
"Well I think it is awesome for you! I should ask Edward to buy me a store." She tapped her chin.
"I'll pitch the idea to him." I laughed opening up the fridge to grab some broccoli.
"Good! Hey we should all go out this weekend!" Alice bounced in her chair.
"Edward is going out of town this weekend." I pouted thinking about it.
"Well then it could just be a girl's night out. We could go to Eclipse, it will be fun!" Alice said with enthusiasm.
"We'll see Alice." I playfully rolled my eyes.
"We'll see about what?" Edward inquired as he stepped into the kitchen with his tie undone looking utterly heavenly.
"I want to do a girl's night out this weekend. Bella said you were going out of town. I need to keep her entertained." Alice nodded.
Edward looked at his sister than at me. He didn't approve, I could tell.
"I don't think that's a good idea Alice." Edward muttered.
"You can't keep her locked up all the time. She's not a prisoner." Alice huffed, getting off the chair.
Alice went to put her jacket on that she had hung over the back of the stool.
"I don't keep her locked up." Edward mumbled.
"Whatever big brother; Bella call me tomorrow." Alice shrugged her jacket on.
"You don't want to stay for dinner?" I asked disappointed she was leaving so soon.
"I have a date with my man." She winked and walked out the room.
"Let me walk you out." Edward followed behind.
I sighed and finished making dinner.
Edward and I were sitting at the dining room table eating in silence. This wasn't unusual for us to do. I watched him from across the table and noticed that he was moving his food around on the plate, not actually eating any of it. Something was definitely troubling him.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Do you really think I treat you like a prisoner?" He looked distressed.
"Is what Alice said bothering you?" I asked placing my fork on the plate.
"I realize I can be overbearing sometimes, but I never want you to think I'm holding you back." His eyes looking so soft.
"Edward, the last thing you could ever do is hold me back. If anything that would be my department." I shook my head.
Quicker than I could see, he was up and out of his chair in front of me. He placed his hands on my face and gave me a serious look.
"Bella all you have done since the day I met you is push me through shit. You lift me so high; I have never had that before, at least not from a woman. If anything you have improved my quality of life. My life is so much better since you've been a part of it." He smiled so big at me.
I drove at him. Grabbing his face and kissing him passionately. He lifted me off the chair and placed me on the dining room table. But before we could get too lost in what we both wanted, the door bell began to ring over and over. Someone was being very impatient.
Edward grumbled and walked to the door. I readjusted myself and followed him into the foyer. We both approached the door and when he flung it open, shock wasn't the word I would use to describe how I felt.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" Edward growled.
"I have a proposition for you." Carmen gave him a devilish smirk...
I'm so sorry it's been so long since I updated and I'm sorry if this chapter is not as eventful, but I been so busy, I just wanted to get this out to you all! Thank you for the kind words and the understanding. It made me feel so good to know so many people care!