AN: Hey peeps. Thank you all SO much for your reviews and story/author alerts. I am floored. I apologize for leaving the last chapter with such a cliff hanger; I really got an earful about it. I promise that it will all work out. So, without much further ado, here is the next chapter.
Special thanks go out to Mac214 for being a fantastic beta. I humbly bow down to your awesomeness.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Twilight… I just like playing with them.
*Eifeltwr*
Previously…
Edward's eyes became red. "Lizzy's been in an accident. Lauren is with her at the hospital. They are taking her into surgery… oh God." Edward crumpled to the floor and started sobbing.
I quickly jumped from my chair and crouched down next to him, fighting tears of my own. I wrapped my arms around him and swayed him back and forth while running my fingers through his hair. I looked up and saw Carlisle with his arms wrapped around Esme. "I'm going with you," I said quietly.
When Edward looked up at me, the sight nearly broke my heart. "Don't fight me on this, Cullen. I can't let you drive like this."
Edward cracked a small, sad smile. "You aren't in much better shape than I am," he said as he wiped tears from my face.
"We're coming to. We'll drive ourselves, that way we can bring Bella home." Esme said between sniffles.
Edward glanced towards me and I nodded in agreement. "Come on, let's go. We'll stop by my house and grab our things, then be on our way."
Second Chances Never Looked So Good ~ Chapter 5
I leaned in and gave Edward a kiss, mindful we were sitting on his parents' dining room floor and they were watching us. At that moment the whole world could have been watching, and I wouldn't have cared. Right now was about Edward. He needed all of my support and love. He needed to collect himself so when we reached Lizzy, he could be strong for her.
After helping him up off the floor I turned to Esme, "Do you want us to help you clean up the food?"
She looked appalled I would even ask, as if I was asking to have hot monkey sex with her son on her dining room table. "Of course not, dear. You and Edward need to get going. Carlisle and I will clean up and head out when we're done."
Edward clung to me as we made our way to the door. "So, we'll see you in Portland?" Edward asked, looking at his parents.
"Yes, Son, we'll be there soon. What hospital is she at?" Carlisle asked.
"Doernbecher Children Hospital. Do you know where that is?"
"We'll find it," Carlisle assured.
Esme pulled us into a group hug, and we left for my house. Edward and I packed and were back on the road in less than ten minutes. I insisted on driving his truck. I still wasn't convinced he would be able to focus on the drive.
We went through a drive-thru Starbucks not long after merging onto highway 101. Edward looked exhausted; his head was resting against the passenger window. His fingers gripped mine tightly.
"Can you tell me what happened?" I asked softly. Other than knowing Lizzy had been in an accident and had to have surgery, that's all I knew.
Edward brought in a shaky breath. "According to Lauren, they were at a park. Lizzy was playing on the slide, and Lauren said she turned her back for a second and Lizzy had fallen off and landed on her arm. I guess she landed the wrong way. Not only did the bone fracture, but it broke through the skin. They had to do surgery to put in some plates and pins to help stabilize it."
I gasped. "Oh my God. Are there any other injuries?"
"Just some bumps and bruises." Edward's face was pale white with worry.
I squeezed his hand. "Baby?" I asked. He looked over, a slight smile blooming on his sad face.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
"You just called me baby."
"So?"
"You've never called me that before," he said seriously.
I smiled at his words. "Well, get used to it. Now, what was I going to say before I was so rudely interrupted?" I teased, tapping my finger to my chin. "Oh, right. Baby..." I paused for dramatic effect, "you look exhausted. Why don't you try to get some sleep while I navigate?"
"But I don't have a pillow," he said with a pout.
I pulled my hand from his and raised the center console between us, then patted my legs. "Use my lap. You won't be able to spread out very well, but I might be comfier then the cold, hard window."
His eyes lit up at my suggestion, and as he went to unbuckle his seat belt I stopped him with my hand. "No way, leave that seat belt on. If we get into an accident, I would prefer you not flying through the windshield."
He complied with my request, pulling the seat belt loose and laying down across the seats so his head rested in my lap. "See, much better," I said, running my fingers through his coopery locks.
Edward's breathing eventually evened out, and he fell asleep. His face was peaceful – well, at least from the angle I could see. His hands gripped my thighs. He looked like a little boy, so sweet and innocent. I relished the moment. The next few days, even weeks, were going to be hard on Edward.
Wow, what a day. I can't believe Lizzy had an accident, the poor thing. She's so little; will she even understand what happened? How is Edward going to react once we get there? I was pulled from my thoughts when my cell phone rang. Grabbing it from my handbag, I quickly flipped it open without checking the caller ID.
"Hello?" I asked. I smiled when I realized it was Emmett. "Hey, Em. Did you and Rose have a good Thanksgiving? What… seriously? Mom called you about me bringing Edward to dinner? She's that excited about it?" I rolled my eyes. Christ almighty, Mom! "Yes, she embarrassed me. She brought out the baby pictures. I tried to drag Edward out, but he wouldn't budge."
I smiled down at my boy, who was still sleeping peacefully on my lap. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about him. He's great, Em. Well, right now we're on our way to Portland. Yeah, his daughter... yes, he has a daughter. She's almost two. Anyway, she had an accident at her mom's house and is in the hospital. Yeah, I know… scary. I should get going. I'm the one driving. I love you too, Em. Please say hi to Rose." I sighed as I tossed the phone back in my handbag.
I glanced at the truck clock: 9:08pm. We were making good time but still had a couple more hours of driving ahead of us.
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
Around 11:30pm we were driving over the I-5 bridge from Vancouver, WA to Portland, OR. Not having a clue as to where I was going, I reluctantly decided to wake Edward. I called his name softly and ran my fingers along his cheek.
He woke up a little dazed. "Are we there?" he asked, looking around.
"Yeah, I just crossed the bridge into Portland, but I don't know where to go from here."
His head was still in my lap. He nuzzled his face into my thighs before sitting up. Pointing out the directions, we made it to Doernbecher. After parking in a deserted parking structure, we walked into the hospital, hand in hand. Edward called Lauren to let her know we had arrived and find out what floor Lizzy was on.
We made our way up the elevator, walked past an empty waiting room and a nurse's station, and arrived at Lizzy's room. "Maybe I should wait out here," I told Edward quietly.
His face was torn as he looked between the door to his daughter's room and me. "No, Bella, I want… I need you to be with me." His eyes pleaded with me.
I pulled him into a tight hug. "It's all going to be all right," I whispered into his chest. "Let's go in."
Edward's hand gripped the knob, and he pushed the door open. The overhead lights were off, but a soft light shined above Lizzy's bed. She looked so fragile and tiny in the huge bed. Edward froze and stared at his little girl, her left arm sticking out and wrapped tightly in white bandages. His body started shaking; I tried to nudge him further in the room.
Lizzy eye's opened and focused on Edward. She started crying. "Daddy, I boo-boo," she whimpered.
Her calling him must have jolted him out of his shock. He raced across the room and kneeled on the side of her bed. "I know, Lizzy-Bear." His fingers wiped tears from her cheeks; his lips placed a kiss on her forehead. "Daddy's here, baby girl. It's okay."
I hadn't realized I was still standing in the door until a woman pushed past me. "Excuse me, but who are you and what are you doing in my daughter's room?" she sneered. I looked up and saw a beautiful woman with dark blond hair glaring at me. This must be Lauren.
Edward looked up at the commotion. "Lauren, would you knock it off. That's Bella. I told you she was with me."
Lauren turned her attention to Edward. "Oops, sorry," she said in a sickeningly sweet voice and moved towards Edward. What the fuck did Edward ever see in her?
"Oh Eddie, I am so glad you are here. It has been a nightmare. I've been cooped up in this room for hours."
Edward's face turned annoyed. "Oh, well, I'm sorry you've been stuck here, Lauren. Our daughter had a major accident and surgery, but poor, pitiful you." My chest swelled with pride as I watched Edward put Lauren in her place. She really is a bitch.
"That's not what I meant, Eddie, and you know it," she said, laying her hand on his shoulder.
To my glee, he shrugged it off. "You know I hate being called Eddie, so please stop," he said through gritted teeth.
Lauren slinked back into the recliner next to the bed. "Fine… fine. I don't see what the harm is. I mean I've been here all by myself, all day, while you have been gallivanting around with your flavor of the month."
What the fuck is this bitch's problem? I gasped and was about to say something when Edward quickly stood up. He gently ran his fingers along his daughter's sleeping cheek before he turned to Lauren. "That's it, Lauren, outside now."
She sat back further in her chair. "No."
"Yes," he said sternly, grabbing her arm.
"Let go of me," she screeched, causing Lizzy to stir but, luckily, not wake. The poor thing must be used to her mother screeching!
Lauren got up and headed towards the door. I quickly stepped out of her way, but she still managed to hit me with her shoulder as she stalked past. Edward was right behind her; he stopped when he reached me. His hand cupped my cheek, and his forehead came to rest on mine.
"I'm sorry about that. Trust me, I will take care of it."
"No, don't… it's okay."
"It's not okay. She has no right to talk to you that way. Can you please stay in here with Lizzy-Bear?" He asked, placing a chaste kiss on my lips. I nodded and watched Edward leave the room.
I quietly walked over to Lizzy's bed. She really is such a beautiful little girl. Coopery-bronze curls wisped around her face, though slightly matted from the stress of the day. Her cheeks were rosy pink, and her little pouty lips reminded me of Edward. She looked uncomfortable with her arm at her side all bandaged up, only the tips of her fingers sticking through the end of the gauze.
Even though she was sleeping peacefully, I couldn't help but talk to her. "Hi," I whispered. "My name is Bella. I am so happy to meet you, Lizzy-Bear. Your daddy loves you so much." I lightly caressed her hair. "He is so proud to call you his baby girl. His whole world revolves around you. You are such a lucky little girl to have a daddy like him."
I was startled when Edward's arms encircled my waist, my back to his chest. I linked our fingers. We stood, bound together, watching Lizzy sleep.
Edward's face nuzzled my neck. "You have such a beautiful soul," he whispered.
"Thank you, baby, it's easy when you're surrounded by other beautiful souls," I said softly, leaning into his embrace. "Um, where's Lauren?" I asked, realizing she hadn't come back into the room.
"I told her to go home. I'm sorry for what she said to you. You have to believe you mean so much to me. You are not a flavor of the month."
I turned around in his arms, bringing us face to face. "I know, Edward," I said simply as I stood up on my toes to kiss him. A light knock sounded at the door as a weary-looking Esme and Carlisle entered the room.
Esme gasped as she gazed at Lizzy. "Oh, my poor girl. How's she doing?"
Edward tightened his hold on my waist as I tried to back out of his arms. "She seems to be doing okay. I haven't talked with any doctors or nurses yet, but according to Lauren, and from what I've seen, she seems to be resting comfortably," Edward said quietly.
I tried once again to remove myself from Edward's arms and received a stern look from him, so I simply turned myself around so my back was to his chest. "How was the drive?" I asked.
"Not bad," Carlisle answered, making his way to the recliner next to Lizzy's bed. "There wasn't much traffic."
"You two must be exhausted," Edward said as he glanced at the wall clock. It was just after 1am. To prove his point, Esme stifled a yawn. "Why don't you three head out to the ranch for the night. I'm going to stay with Lizzy. I don't want her to wake up alone. Dad, do you remember the codes for the gate and garage door?"
Carlisle nodded. "Where's Lauren," he asked.
"I sent her home. She was tired and cranky, and I didn't want Lizzy to get the brunt of it, "Edward said before leaning down to whisper in my ear. "Baby, I want you to go and get some rest. Sleep in my bed tonight."
"I can sleep on the couch," I said.
"No. I won't have you sleeping on my couch. My parents will take the guest room, and you will take my room. Please, baby, do this for me." His voice was pleading. His hot breath created goose bumps along my neck. Too exhausted to argue, I nodded in agreement.
"We'll be back in the morning, Edward," Esme said as she helped pull Carlisle from the recliner.
"Do you want us to bring you anything?" I asked softly, turning back to face him.
"Just bring yourself, Beautiful. On second thought, can you grab the purple blanket on Lizzy-Bear's bed? It's her favorite, and it might help her feel better."
I placed my hand on his cheek. "Have I mentioned lately what an amazing father you are? What an amazing man you are?"
Edward's cheeks flushed a little. "Every day… now go with my parents and get some sleep."
"I will. Call me if you need anything." I gave him one last kiss and headed towards the door. I glanced back at Edward before I closed the door and saw him stretched out next to Lizzy on her hospital bed. Tears gathered in my eyes. What if something more serious had happened to her? Don't think about that now, Bella! Esme linked her arm with mine as we made our way to the car.
The drive to Edward's ranch took about 30 minutes. I watched out the window, not really able to see much in the dark. The car slowed as Carlisle turned into a driveway. "Welcome to Bella Vita Ranch," he said as he stopped at the gate.
"Bella Vita?" I asked. Beautiful Life.
Esme turned in her seat to look at me. "Oh my goodness, dear, I never put the two together. Edward named the ranch after you."
I stared blankly at Esme. "No… no, he couldn't have," I stuttered.
"Yes, he could. It all makes sense now." A knowing smile filled Esme's face as she turned back around in her seat. Did Edward really name the ranch after me? Maybe his family is Italian. I'll have to ask. That has to be it; he's using his ancestral roots to name the ranch, not me… right?
Carlisle entered a series of codes on a box at the gate, and it slowly swung open. The driveway was long and tree-lined, and as Carlisle maneuvered the car around a curve, a beautiful, two-story house illuminated by security lights came into view.
Carlisle and Esme grabbed their bags from the trunk when I realized my overnight bag was still in Edward's truck, back at the hospital. I sighed… just my luck.
"What's wrong, dear?" Esme asked as she led me into the house through the garage.
"My overnight bag is at the hospital. Do you think Edward would mind if I borrow a shirt to sleep in?"
"Of course he wouldn't. I'll direct you to his room so you can get settled for the night."
As we moved through the house, I noticed how beautiful everything was. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances lined the kitchen. The dining room had a large log-style kitchen table with bench seats. Hardwood floors ran throughout the house, even on the staircase. Everything seemed to be made of natural fibers and woods. It looked so homey, so Edward.
Reaching the second level, Esme pointed out the guest room where she and Carlisle would be staying, Lizzy's room, the bathroom, the linen closet, and finally Edward's room.
"Good night, dear," Esme said as she kissed my cheek and headed to her room.
"Good night," I called after her.
I slowly pushed open the door and walked into Edward's room. I took my time admiring the room. One whole wall was nothing but windows, a French door set in the middle. I peeked through the curtains and saw a huge balcony overlooking the land. Fuck me. Sitting in the corner of the balcony was a hot tub. That may come in handy one day, I mused.
I turned back to the room. A king-size sleigh bed with a navy blue quilted comforter sat against one wall, flanked by a set of night stands on either side. I wandered over to the dresser and perused the pictures lining the top – photos of Edward and his parents, him and Lizzy-Bear on what looked like the day she was born. Edward had a beautiful smile on his face, her tiny little hand wrapped around his finger. Always been Daddy's little girl. She's had him wrapped around her finger since day one.
I brushed at my cheeks and headed to what I hoped was the closet. Bingo. It was huge. I found a stack of t-shirts, and, standing in the middle of his closet, I stripped and pulled one of his shirts on. I brought the fabric to my face and inhaled Edward's scent. I hope he's all right. I hope Lizzy is all right.
I left his closet and found the bathroom. I swear he envisioned our life together when he designed this house. It's perfect. I could really see myself living here, making a life with Edward and Lizzy and becoming a family… maybe having a child of my own. I sighed as I snuggled under his sheets and quickly fell asleep.
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
I tried to roll onto my back but felt hands gripping my waist, keeping me from moving. Edward. I couldn't contain the smile. "Edward?"
"Morning, baby. How did you sleep?" he asked into my hair.
"Better now that you're here. Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the hospital?" I asked, finally turning my body to face his.
Edward's face came towards mine as he licked his lips. "Can I kiss you first?"
Instead of answering, I brought my mouth to his. "That's better," he teased after he pulled away. "I was at the hospital, then mom and dad showed up and sent me home to take a shower and get you."
"What do you mean? What time is it? I thought I was going to go with them? Why didn't they wake me? How's Lizzy-Bear?" I asked frantically.
Edward's hands framed my face. "Calm down, baby. It's just after 10am. Lizzy-Bear is doing beautifully. The doctor said she should be able to come home in a couple of days. My mom said she came in to wake you, but you looked so peaceful she didn't want to disturb you."
"Oh, okay," I huffed.
"Don't be mad," Edward said softly as his thumbs brushed my cheeks.
Grow up, Bella. Put your cranky pants away, and just be happy you are now in bed with Edward. I forced myself to meet Edward's eyes.
"Sorry. I guess I should be happy Lizzy is doing well, and your parents letting me sleep late." I leaned in and nibbled on Edward's bottom lip, sucking it into my mouth. Edward wrapped one hand around the back of my neck and one around my waist to pull me closer.
I twined my leg around his hip and thrust my hands into his hair, grabbing hold. Our tongues met, and it was as if fireworks exploded. So much heat, so much passion. Edward rolled onto his back and pulled me on top of him. I straddled his waist, my hair falling around our faces as if hiding us from the world.
"Baby… baby, we need to stop," Edward groaned.
Holy hell, Bella, you are probably smothering him with your dragon breath. I quickly detached my lips of him and smiled. "Whoops, I should have brushed my teeth first. I am sure my breath is horrid."
"Never. It smells like a rose."
I lightly smacked him on the chest. "You are so full of shit, but thank you."
I was still perched on his waist, Edward's hands holding me tight to him. "God, you're so beautiful, especially in my shirt."
I blushed. I had forgotten I was only in his shirt and a pair of panties. "I left my bag in your truck and didn't have anything to wear. You don't mind do you?" I asked.
"Of course I don't mind. I love seeing you in my clothes, especially when my name is across the back," he smirked.
It is? How had I not noticed that? I pulled both arms inside the shirt and turned it around without taking it off. Sure enough, Cullen was spelled out in large letters across the back. "Huh, well, what do you know?"
Edward leaned up and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a hug. His face was in my neck, his hands tangled in my hair. I looped my arms around his neck and held him to me. My legs were still on either side of him, my ankles locked behind his back.
"Thank you," Edward whispered.
I pulled back slightly to look into his face. "What for?"
"For supporting me, for being here with me, and for being you. Should I go on?"
I chuckled. "No, I get the point. And you're welcome. I wouldn't want to be anywhere other than here with you right now. We should probably get going."
"Yeah, you're right. You take this shower, and I'll use the one down the hall," Edward said as he hoisted us both off the bed. "I put your bag in the bathroom."
"Now it's my turn to thank you," I said.
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
Forty minutes later we were headed out to Edward's truck. Before I slid into the truck, I stopped to admire Edward's ranch since I hadn't had a chance to see much in the dark the night before. I was awe struck this morning. It was beautiful. Three large red barns were scattered around the grounds with a large fenced-in pasture attached to each one. Men milled around, hauling saddles, buckets of grain, hay. It was amazing.
Edward had gotten to the truck before he realized I wasn't following. "What?" he asked.
"It's beautiful, Edward. Absolutely beautiful. Will I get a tour before I leave?"
Edward's face turned to a frown. "Yes."
I instantly realized what I had said. Stupid, stupid Bella. Don't talk about leaving now.
I walked over to him and threw my arms around his waist. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to mention my leaving."
"It's okay. I'm going to be really sad when you go," he said as he nuzzled my neck.
A sharp whistle pulled us both apart. Edward threw a glare over his shoulder and flipped his middle finger up at an older gentleman who was making his way towards us.
"Bella, this is Joe. He's my ranch foreman and has been my right hand man since I started this place."
Joe tipped the edge of his hat towards me. "Mighty glad to meet you, Ms. Bella. This yahoo has been talking about you non-stop for a while now. I was beginning to think you were a figment of his imagination." Edward burst into laughter and slapped Joe on the back.
"As you can see, Joe here has a lot of respect for me," Edward grinned.
"Well, I'm glad someone is around to keep you in line," I said, lightly nudging Edward in the side with my elbow. "It's nice to meet you, Joe."
Joe shook my outstretched hand. "How's Miss Lizzy doing? I heard she had a spill."
"She's going to be okay. She'll be back up and wreaking havoc in no time," Edward said.
"Mighty glad to hear that. I sure do enjoy having her around," Joe mused.
"We should get going, Bella. Thanks for keeping an eye on the place, Joe. Remind me to give you a raise," Edward said.
"I'm going to hold you to that. Nice to meet you, Ms. Bella. Hope to see you soon." Joe tipped his hat and turned back to his chores.
"I really like him," I said as Edward helped me into the truck.
"I do too. He's like the much older brother I never had."
We arrived at the hospital a short time later, finding Esme and Lizzy in a heated game of Candy Land. Well, not too heated since Lizzy was giggling, which in my opinion was a good sign. Even with her little arm all bandaged up, the smile on her face would have been the tip-off life was good.
"Daddy," Lizzy yelled as Edward and I walked into the room.
"Hi, baby girl," Edward said as he gently scooped her into a hug. "Are you having fun with Grandma and Grandpa?" Lizzy nodded her head.
"Who that?" she asked, pointing towards me.
"That's my friend, Bella. Remember me telling you about her?"
Lizzy nodded her head again. "She pretty."
Edward looked towards me. "She sure is."
We spent the better part of the morning and early afternoon playing games. At some point I realized Lauren wasn't there, and Esme informed me she was at work. Thank goodness for that, I thought to myself. There was just something about her that rubbed me the wrong way.
Lizzy and I seemed to get along really well. She was such a delight. Always giggling and constantly trying to slide down from her bed to run around. Not a good thing when her arm had been cut open the day before. I can only imagine what this child is like without having any medical issues. She probably keeps Edward constantly on his toes.
At some point in the afternoon Lizzy decided she wanted to read a book. Esme pulled a few from a bag to let her choose. Lizzy looked between us all as if she were trying to decide something.
She picked up Beauty and the Beast and held it up. "Bewwa?"
My eyes started to tear at her simple request. She wanted me to read her the story. I looked at Edward. He grabbed my hand and squeezed, giving me the silent approval I needed.
I wiped the tears from my face and made my way over to Lizzy's bed. She settled back into her pillows and patted the spot next to her. I climbed onto the bed. Lizzy handed me the book and scooted close to me, resting her head on my arm.
I looked up and saw Edward, Esme, and Carlisle looking at me with wonder in their eyes. Edward walked to us and sat in the recliner next to the bed. I began reading the story. By the time I had finished, Lizzy was passed out, Edward had a hold of my hand, and I was in heaven. Could my life be like this? Could I have a family of my own, one that might include these two beautiful people next to me?
My bliss was broken as the door swung open and Lauren waltzed in. She glared at me. "What in the fuck are you doing? How dare you try to weasel your way into my family."
AN: So, how did you all like it? Please take a moment or two to leave me a review… good, bad or ugly.
Thanks to those of you who have given me your thoughts on where you would like to see this story go. Please keep it up, they are helpful!
Thanks all ~ *Eifeltwr*