27

11:03 a.m.

Bella and I hang out, window shopping around the area while we wait for mom's necklace to be done. It's fun, and low pressure which are two things I didn't know shopping could be with a woman, though to be fair, my only experience has thus far been shopping with my mom and one of my cousins, who both consider shopping their one true sport.

Bella and I stroll in and out of shops, laughing and joking, keeping the conversation interesting but light.

When I get a text to head back toward the jewelers, we mosy back, taking our time.

I'm starting to regret that in less than two hours, we're going to have to part ways so I can go to my mom's birthday party.

I've never known anyone—male or female alike—that I wanted to hang out with this much.

We're just leaving the jewelers and heading back to my car when I hear someone call my name. I turn, feeling myself go pale when I see my mom waving at me.

"Mom," I choke out, glancing at Bella. She gently takes the purchase from me and hides it behind her purse.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing here?" Mom asks, pulling me into a hug when she's close enough.

"Happy Birthday," I tell her, not answering her yet. She pulls back and smiles, patting my cheeks like she used to when I was little.

"Thank you, Sweetheart." Her eyes fall to Bella, and I see her light up. "Edward, who is this lovely young woman?"

Before I can say anything, Bella is smiling at my mom.

"I'm Bella, a friend of Edwards," she says, offering mom a hand.

Mom's face lights up. "Bella? It's so lovely to meet you, dear. Are you a new friend?"

"Mom," I say, trying to slow her down.

"I am," Bella says, cutting past me. Her hand lands on my back. "But I think we're getting to know each other pretty well."

I can't help smiling at her.

"Oh, my dear, you should come to our little get-together this afternoon," mom says to Bella. Bella turns to look at her in surprise.

"Oh, I couldn't intrude," Bella starts. Mom cuts her off.

"Nonsense, I insist. It's my birthday, so the boys have to do what I say today." She shoots Bella a wink, and Bella grins back. "It wouldn't be a problem, would it?" Mom asks, turning to look at me. I feel Bella's gaze shift to me too. I shake my head, looking at Bella.

"I'd be happy to have you there," I tell her honestly. Is this abnormally fast for her to be meeting my family? Sure, but somehow, it feels okay.

Bella's hand shifts up, rubbing my back gently. It feels good.

"I'll be there," she says, looking back at mom. "Can I bring anything?"

Mom claps her hands once. "No, my dear. Just bring your beautiful self and my handsome son."

Bella giggles, leaning into my side. "I think I can manage that."

Mom is positively beaming. "Wonderful. I'll see you two in a couple of hours. I have to finish a few last-minute shopping things." She leans over, kissing my cheeks before leaning in to kiss Bella's cheeks. "Ciao, darlings!"

She's gone again before we can say anything. Bella and I are left standing on the sidewalk, a little dazed in the wake of the storm that is my mother.

"I like her," Bella says finally. I look down at her.

"Don't let her bully you into coming if you're uncomfortable," I tell her.

Bella frowns a little. "I don't bully easily," she says shaking her head. "Are you really okay if I come?"

I wind my arm around her shoulders. "Surprisingly, I am. I don't usually…" I pause, unsure how to phrase it. Bella squeezes my waist gently.

"I get it," she says quietly. "I never introduce people to my family."

I nod. From what she's told me, Bella keeps her personal and family lives as separate as I do.

It doesn't make sense that not even 48 hours after meeting this girl I'm ready for her to meet my family, but I am.

I guess when it's right, it's right.