Subject: Edward Cullen aka The Womanizer

Chapter Thirty-Five — Surprise

Betaed by: Rachelle & Caroline Z. Masen

Edward

We called my parents the following morning after the discovery of our twins. The amount of squealing and crying from the other end had made my ears ring for several minutes. The same thing happened when Bella called Rosalie and Alice. It was hard to believe in five months that our family would soon include four new members.

The man inside me made me cackle with pride when I realized that Jasper and Emmett would have to catch up to Bella and me.

Unfortunately, Carlisle also relayed the news of a failed inspection on one of our bigger projects. I headed the project, and that meant I'd have to leave early. Carlisle insisted that he could stall for another day.

I would've liked for Bella and me to spend the rest of the day in bed, but she seemed excited about what she had planned for me. So a little after seven in the morning, we were bundled up in warm jackets, gloves and scarves as we made our way to our first destination.

At the front desk of our hotel, Bella spoke in whispers to the manager. The little grey-haired man seemed quite taken with her, blushing every time she smiled or laid a hand on him. It was endearing to see how much she affected people, even though she wasn't aware of it.

She said our destination was within walking distance, but the weather outside was freezing so we took the hotel's limo service.

Bella snuggled up to my side and sighed deeply. "I don't know how I'm going to make it through the next two weeks without you," she whispered.

"Same here," I murmured, wrapping my arms around her tightly. "What we were doing before seemed to work."

"I know you went to work tired, Edward."

"Yes," I said firmly. "But it was worth it. To stay up late, to able to provide you with the comfort you needed. You know if I could I'd drop everything so I could stay, don't you?"

"And you know I could never ask you to do that."

I smiled and kissed her temple. "Just like I can't ask you to give up everything, too."

"We're both stubborn asses," she teased, her hand scratching at my abdomen. She always did this when she was feeling both anxious and frisky. I loved it.

"Hee haw," I said, laughing as I palmed her bottom.

"Ass."

"Exactly."

"I need to blindfold you," she said softly, pulling out a black silk scarf from her jacket pocket.

"Fuck, baby," I mumbled. "You know what that does to me."

She laughed. "Down boy."

"Tease." I slapped her bottom, then soothing it with my hands for a bit too long. She wiggled loose from my arms and climbed onto my lap. "Much better," I said lowly, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively.

"Concentrate," she said with a roll of her eyes.

"Hard to do when you're on my lap and threatening me with a blindfold." I grinned and maneuvered her over my erection.

"What's gotten into you?" she asked in a breathy gasp. "You're hornier than usual."

"I don't know," I answered honestly. "It may be because I'm leaving soon. Or it could be because you're carrying our babies and look beautiful doing it."

"Well, tone it down a little. We won't be able to do anything about this-" she said, grasping me over the material of my slacks, "-until we get back."

I groaned and kissed her roughly, this provided a distraction long enough for her to put the scarf over my eyes. "Cheater," I gasped and nipped at her top lip. She giggled softly against my mouth, indulging in my need to kiss her. After a few minutes, the limo came to a stop. It took a few more minutes for me to calm down enough to get out of the car.

Bella took my hand, keeping me close to her side as she led me somewhere. I heard people murmur around us, so I knew we were out on a sidewalk or something. "Ms. Swan," a deep voice said. "Everything is ready. You and your guest have the place to yourselves for ninety minutes before we open our doors."

Bella thanked him and led me into a building that was considerably warmer than it was outside. I shivered slightly, the last remnants of the chill leaving me. I paid close attention to my surroundings; the smell was remarkably familiar and so was the song that I heard loud and clear.

Slowly, Bella took off my blindfold and when it fell away, I couldn't help but grasp at my chest. It was both painful and heartbreakingly beautiful that she thought of this.

"What did you do, Bella?" She tugged on my hand, leading me down a well-known path.

She lifted her shoulder and let it drop, smiling softly. "I did this for you. You told me once about what your Christmases with your parents were like. I wanted to give you a little of that while you're here with me."

"I can't believe you were able to pull this off," I replied, looking around in wonder. The giant clock that dominated the room cranked out the familiar melody. I took a deep breath and suddenly the memories of my childhood ran through my mind.

There was the look on my mother's face; her bright red cheeks, the smile and devotion in her eyes as she took pleasure in my wonderment. There was also my father joyfully rubbing his hands together, plotting out our course through the entire building.

Bella continued to lead the way and stopped with a smile on her face. I could tell she was enjoying this, and only because she knew it made me happy.

"I know the right people," she said with a gentle laugh. "Go on." She gestured behind her shoulder with a cock of her head. "You know you want to do it. Take off your shoes first."

I smiled and wrapped my arms around her. I spun us around, kissing her until she gasped to breathe. I toed off my shoes and kissed her again. "You look like a little boy that just woke up on Christmas morning," she said as she wiped her lipstick off my lips.

I grinned, carefully setting her on her feet. I turned away from her and broke out in a run. Yes! My socked feet slid over the glossy white and black keys. Bella giggled as I glided over the big piano at FAO Schwarz.

"This looks familiar," Bella teased as she shook her head. I knew by the amused and darkened look in her eyes that she was thinking about me sliding across my hardwood floor back home. I almost stumbled when I came to a stop with that pleasant memory.

"Tell me how you pulled this off," I asked as I started to tap my way across the keys.

"Called in a few favors," she said softly, slipping out of her shoes. "I wanted for us to make this a traditional visit with our children one day."

I smiled and took her hand, helping her step on the piano with me. "I'd love to bring our children here." I kissed her softly and wrapped my arms around her. "Thank you. This means a lot to me. I haven't been here since I was twelve."

"Esme said it was something you always looked forward to, and that you always started saving your allowance in June for your trip here."

I laughed and nodded. "I did do that. I always left with a new toy from my parents and one I bought myself." I remembered something and it hurt that I was so callous after my parents died. "Every time I came, I bought my mom a teddy bear. She kept them in her sewing room, and I have no idea what happened to the collection."

Bella sighed. "Don't worry about it now. When you get back, you can ask your aunt."

I nodded. "Are you going to play a song with me?"

Bella smiled and took her place. "Let's try something simple."

It took a few tries but we successfully managed Chopsticks.We laughed the whole time, giving in to the need to touch each other occasionally. I gently pushed her off of the piano when I told her not to quit her day job.

"You know," she said as she watched me attempt her lullaby. "You're built for dancing."

I cocked an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation. "You're tall," she whispered. "Lean, yet strong. You're graceful. If you couldn't be on Broadway, you would've made one hell of a Chippendale dancer."

I growled and pounced in two easy strides. She tried to run, but I was much too fast for her. I had her fully encased in my arms, thoroughly kissing her into submission. All too soon, an employee of the toy store came over and offered to take some photos. Bella and I had fun posing on the big piano, one including where I was bent down on one knee with her hand in mine.

"You know it'll happen soon, right?" I asked as I stepped off and led Bella to the big, giant bear.

She sighed and squeezed my hand. "I know enough to know that you're going to try to do something elaborate."

"And you're not going to stop me," I teased.

"You don't have to do something big to get me to say yes," she replied. "But it seems to be something you want to do. However, you can just ask and we'll be engaged."

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Where indeed," she said when she saw the horrified look on my face. "I know why you feel you have to do this."

I nodded. When I had asked, I'd been fucking drunk, pissed and heartbroken. I needed to do this. "Thank you," I whispered.

"Come on," she said as she led me to a group of stuffed animals. "Let's get something for our babies."

"Just one thing?" I asked. "We're in a freaking toy store, how are we supposed to limit ourselves to getting them only one thing?"

Bella laughed at this, kissing me soundly. "You're going to spoil them, aren't you?"

"Guilty."

~oOo~

We returned to our hotel room after a quiet stroll in Central Park a few hours later. Bella had informed me that our next stop would require formal attire, but it wasn't set for another few hours. We ordered room service and enjoyed a quite lunch together.

"You know I don't think I know what your favorite food is," I said sadly. "We've been so preoccupied with all the drama that I'm not sure about all the little things."

"You can learn those little things by watching a person sometimes," she said softly as she sat on my lap, skimming a newspaper together. "For instance, I know your favorite food is pasta, especially anything in a light cream sauce."

"You're right," I said thoughtfully. "If you're going by observation, I'd say yours is—"

Bella covered my mouth, grinning. "You were going to say 'my cock' weren't you?"

My eyes widened and I shook my head. "Damn, am I that fucking predictable?" I asked when she let her hand drop.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I just know how your dirty mind works. Think harder and without your dick."

"All right, if you insist." I closed my eyes, remembering all the times we'd eaten together. I thought of her reaction to certain foods and her distaste for others. "You seem to like chicken the most."

"Keep thinking," she murmured, nuzzling my neck with her lips.

I smiled, because she had to know I could hardly think when she was doing something like that. "You like my Chicken Parmesan recipe."

"Bingo. Now, use that photographic memory of yours to figure out my favorite color."

"Red." I remembered the first time I had seen her underwear drawer, there were many various shades of red in that drawer.

"Yep."

"Your favorite author is Stephen King, which I don't understand personally."

"He's my favorite in that genre."

"Fine," I said in mock annoyance. "Your favorite movie actor is Bruce Willis. Do you have a thing for bald guys or something? Because I'm going over your DVD collection, you have quite a few of them."

"I like the idea of rubbing their heads," she teased, laughing when I growled.

"You're right," I said softly and pulled her face up, so our eyes could meet. "I do know you."

"Yes," she whispered, taking my face in her hands. "You do. Nothing is wrong with anticipating each other's needs."

"I like the sound of that," I said, kissing her softly. She returned my kiss and pulled away after a few minutes. It was time to get ready. I helped her to her feet and then swatted her ass hard.

"But it doesn't hurt to surprise you now and then," I said and turned away from her quickly. I barely made it into the bathroom to cut her off, closing the door behind me.

"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen," she spat angrily. "You're going to pay for that."

"Looking forward to it, my dear," I said through the door.

"That fucking hurt," she growled and pounded the door with her fist.

"It barely stung," I said in a sing-song voice. "You got a little extra cushion back there anyway."

"Did you just call me a fat ass?" she whispered quietly and I could hear the tears in her voice.

Fuck. "No!" I said, opening the door. She stood smugly with her arms crossed over the chest. I glared at her. "Truce?"

She smirked and shrugged. "My butt still stings."

I grinned and offered to rub it to make it feel better.

~oOo~

By two o'clock, I was in an expensive black tuxedo, waiting for Bella to finish getting ready. After the incredible morning we had, I had to wonder how she planned to top it. The trip down memory lane was both fun and exactly what I needed. For so long, I allowed the sudden death of my parents' to cloud everything, never truly enjoying anything that reminded me of them.

She had helped me the past couple of months to get back some of those memories and allowed me to share them with her. I couldn't wait until we created fond memories with our own children.

I turned when I heard the door open to the adjacent room. Bella stepped out in a beautiful dark blue dress that hugged her breasts perfectly. The fabric was delightfully snug over her curves and proudly displayed the small baby bump.

I took her hand and spun her around, earning a soft laugh. "You look beautiful, love," I whispered as I pulled her against my chest. "Are you sure we have to leave?" I grinned when she rolled her eyes. I pressed my lips to her painted mouth. I reveled in the small hitch in her breathing as I grazed the sides of her body.

"Stop," she said against my lips, "distracting me."

I groaned and lay my forehead on hers. I looked between us and could see the almost artful display of her chest, a feast for my eyes and mouth. "You in that dress is what's distracting me."

"We'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening after we're done." She kissed me once more and grabbed her evening jacket. The same one she wore to the gala. I froze as I held it for her.

"We can't pretend that the night never happened," she whispered when she realized what had caught my attention. "I'm not going to not wear something only because it has pain associated with it."

I nodded. "I understand where you're coming from," I said softly, slipping the coat over her shoulders. "You need to understand that I can't get over it as quickly. I'm trying, though."

"I know," she said as she grabbed the lapels of my coat. She pulled me closer and nipped at my chin. "All I ask is that you'll talk to me if something is bothering you, and I promise to do the same."

"All right," I said, pressing another kiss to her lips. "If you're willing to divulge everything, have you had anal sex before?"

"Have you?"

I raised an eyebrow and she scowled. "This isn't exactly the conversation I wanted to have before we go to where we're going."

"Fine," I snapped, already guessing the answer. I had no idea why I was angry. I've known that she was more experienced in certain aspects of sex. Fuck, couldn't I have one damn thing over all the assholes before me?

"Edward," she growled. "Stop fucking assuming you know the answer. I'll answer you this, no other man's dick has been in my ass."

She grabbed her small purse and slammed the door behind her. "Fuck," I said through clenched teeth. She said no but she hadn't clarified if she used toys.

Ugh, no wonder she didn't want to have this conversation since I had to adjust myself through my pants. I slipped the hotel room keycard into my pocket and left. I found her waiting for the elevator, her small-heeled foot tapping insistently.

I wrapped my arms around her waist. "I'm sorry," I whispered, kissing her neck. "I love you so much, and I guess I just want something of you for myself and no one else."

"I know," she said softly, stepping out of my arms and into the elevator. "You have my heart, Edward, and I've only given it to you." She fidgeted with her coat, brushing her hands over her stomach. "I'm sorry about how I snapped at you."

"I deserved it. It wasn't the right time to talk about it," I said as I pulled her close. "It's just something I've been wondering for a while."

"Of course, you have, you're a man," she murmured. "The chair will work wonders for making our first time easier for us both."

I groaned. "Fuck," I hissed. "Now when I get home I'm going to imagine that."

She giggled, scratching at my abdomen. Fucking little tease.

~oOo~

Bella had performed the same routine from this morning, blindfolding me while she sat on my lap. And as before she led me by my hand to our destination.

"You're so trusting," she whispered after she safely navigated me though a warm building that smelled distinctly like polished wood. "You don't even take a moment to doubt me when I give you instructions."

"I trust that you won't lead me into a wall or something," I said, smirking. "Besides you like my pretty face." She giggled as my knees bumped into some type of low bench or chair. "I spoke too soon."

"You asked for it," she said through her laughter. "All right, we're here." She positioned me for what I'm guessing would be the greatest impact for her reveal. "I—I wanted to help make one of your mother's dreams come true."

The blindfold fell away to reveal that we were on a stage. Ornate gilded molding graced the soft hue on the walls and high ceiling. I turned to see rows and rows of seats, the red-carpeted aisles and the balcony seats on the right and left of the stage.

I was standing in the middle of the Isaac Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall. I swallowed as the emotions and memories filled me completely. With a trembling hand, I took Bella's and kissed her palm, silently telling her what this meant to me. In front of us stood a black, gleaming Steinway piano under the bright lights overhead.

"I rented the hall for a few hours," Bella said softly. "There's no audience but—"

I turned to her, wrapping her tightly in my arms. "Even if there was, you're the only audience member I'd be playing for anyway." She sniffled and nodded. "Thank you for doing this."

I closed my eyes and just took a moment to gather myself. I slowly slid my hands down her arms and took one of her hands in mine. We walked over to the piano and took a seat on the bench. I held Bella's hand while she took her seat beside me.

I flexed my fingers as I looked out to the seats, picturing my parents in the front row. I felt the pad of Bella's thumb brush a tear from under my eye. "Go on and play," she whispered.

And play I did. I played some of my mother's favorites and Esme's. Soon Bella's lullaby filled the hall, followed by the new one that I'd written for our children. Bella stood at different places on the stage to get the full effect of the acoustics. The look of devotion was clear in her eyes and face as she watched me play.

I was lost in the music for some time before I noticed Bella pull out her music player, and a small stereo from a duffel bag behind one of the stage doors. Once the last notes fell silent, she turned on the stereo and beckoned me with a crook of her finger.

I took her in my arms and immediately brushed my lips over hers. There was tenderness, love and a need to our kiss and touch.

"Do you think we'll come back here again?" I asked, twirling her around.

"I'd bet on it," she whispered. She pressed a kiss on my chin and nipped gently.

"Why do you say that?" I cut across the stage and gently dipped her, earning a soft giggle.

"One day we'll be in the audience watching one of our children play."

We both looked out where rows and rows of seats lay, waiting to be filled with people here for the next performance. "You have quite an imagination."

"Hmm, yes I do," she purred. "Want to see what we can do on a piano bench?"

I shivered at the memory of the last time we playedon my piano back home. I spun her away with the tips of my fingers. "Such a tease," I growled. I quickly pulled her back in, her body instantly melting against my own.

"It's a once in a lifetime chance to make love in Carnegie Hall," she said softly as she pressed a hand over my crotch. My body reacted instantly as it always did to her—only her.

"Someone will catch us," I groaned. I pulled her closer, eliminating the space between our bodies. Her hand stayed trapped against my hip and cock. "Fuck." I bit my lip as my eyes rolled in my head.

"We haven't tried something like this since the office," she said coyly. Did she have to remind me of that time she was under my desk?

I took a quick look around, to see if all the doors were closed. At any moment, someone could walk in on us. That's a bad thing, right? I felt her soft fingertips brush along my jawline and down my neck. My tie loosened and her lips started to kiss newly exposed skin as she unbuttoned my shirt.

"Bella," I gasped. "What's gotten into you?"

She laughed softly and swirled her tongue over my Adam's apple. I cursed and held her close, slowly walking her backward toward the piano.

"I don't know," she whispered, raking her teeth along sensitive skin. "It could be because you're leaving soon. Or it could be the sight of your long fingers stroking all the right notes."

I laughed and lifted her off her feet and took a seat on the bench. "I love you," I murmured and pulled her around so that she straddled me. My hands glided over the soft, smooth skin of her thighs. Her beautiful dress bunched around my wrists as the pads of my thumbs brushed the incredible warmth between her thighs. "You're always so ready for me, my love." I greedily took her mouth, stroking her tongue with my own.

"Edward," she gasped as she ground against me. "Love you, so much." She tugged on my hair for a moment, taking my bottom lip between her teeth and pulling. I growled and grabbed her ass to thrust against her. Her fingers ran down my chest, a fiery trail of desire and heat left in their wake. My tuxedo jacket was tossed on the bench beside us, her fingers working deftly to remove me from the confines of my pants. I groaned as her lips and touch enticed guttural sounds from deep within me.

I swept her panties aside and filled her within moments, dual sounds of pleasure at our lips. "Will it always be like this?" I asked, nibbling on her ear. I bent to lick the hallow at her throat and nip at the swells of her breasts. Fuck, I loved every curve and inch of her beautiful body.

"Yes," she replied breathlessly, slowing her movements above me. The look in her eyes told me she'd always be there for me. She wanted to be with me for the rest of our lives. "I could already picture the graying at your temples," she kissed my temple softly, "the laugh lines that will prove how much you enjoy your life," another brush of her lips at the corner of my mouth, "and face it, with age comes wisdom. By then you'll know how to entice an orgasm with nothing but your voice."

I smirked and thrust hard and fast into her. "I thought I did that now," I whispered against her mouth. "You feel so good."

She leaned further back, her hands on my knees as her hair, brushed the keys of the piano. My hands held her up, my fingers splayed across her back as she moved hard and fast. Her breaths were shallow, a thin layer of perspiration coated her flushed skin, so fucking beautiful. After I thrust up to meet every move, for several minutes, she tightened around me.

A string of profanities left my mouth as my hips lifted off of the bench. I used the piano to support her and stroked hard inside her. She grasped my arms for support, and I came with an incoherent mumble of her name.

We held each other tightly, kissed with reverence and whispered quietly as the high of our release waned. The desire would always be there, the love would only grow, and the adoration I felt for her would only increase with each passing minute.

~oOo~

I closed my laptop a little too hard, startling the passenger that sat beside me in first class. Fuck, I missed her. The morning of my departure from New York, from Bella, was fucking hard on both of us. For ten days I'd be without her again, but walking away from her became harder every time I had to do it.

My beautiful Bella had remained strong, not shedding a tear on the way to the airport. She continued in this manner as I kissed her good-bye at the security area. The first time I looked over my shoulder, her beautiful smile, was still in place. It was after the second time I searched for her that I could see her tears.

Ten days, I told myself as I made my way home. I'd see her again in ten days.

The moment I was on the ground, I sent her a text to tell her that I arrived safely. I knew she was on the way to Philadelphia for another radio show and book signing. I was worrying over nothing, the new security that Rachel hired were very well trained professionals. I also sent a little thank you to God, that she wasn't into heavily muscled men.

Upon my arrival, I was stuck in meetings with city inspectors, engineers and Carlisle. It was too late for me to call Bella when I got home, and I hated that I missed a chance to talk to her. I checked my email and found one from Bella with an attachment.

To: Edward Cullen

From: Bella Swan

Subject: Look at me!

Esme said you'd be in meetings all day. I miss you. I forgot to give you the pictures that Rachel has been taking of me. I hope you like them.

Love Always,

Bella Swan

Mommy-to-Be

I opened clicked on the download all option and instantly pictures of Bella in nothing but a tank top and panties were on the screen. The slide-show started immediately, and I realized what it was. It was a day-to-day progression of how her tummy was growing. I touched the screen for a moment, overwhelmed with the thought of our beautiful children growing inside her.

I quickly decided to compose a message for her.

To: Bella Swan

From: Edward Cullen

Subject: Look at you!

You look beautiful, baby. I can't believe that so much can change in such a short time. I love you, so much. I can see that you're measuring your tummy but forgetting about that delectable chest of yours.

Love always,

Edward Cullen aka Daddy-to-Be