Author Note: Hey all, so this wait was slightly shorter than the last. Thank you all for your reviews and adding this story to your favorites! You all inspire me to continue.
Special thanks to Twilightsonefan Pattinson – she is my wingman… well wing-woman! I asked her for 10 horse names and she came back with 50! She also helped create the fabulous lemonade you'll be enjoying below ;)
Also, huge thanks to my lovely pre-reading/beta team: BlackHale82, PixieKat7, Billie Cullen, Laura Pattinson Cullen and Miss MoMo – You ladies ROCK my socks!
And of course I can't forget Alice Sweetcheeks, who totally saved my ass with my dumbness when it comes to horses! She gave me some extremely valuable information… thanks darling!
I think/hope that's everyone! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
*Eifeltwr*
Previously…
Edward chuckled. "I think it's time we try out the shower."
Bella sighed as Edward slipped out of her and slowly released her legs before placing her carefully on her feet, steadying her quickly when she lost her balance. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Cowboy. I seemed to have gotten dirty and sweaty from my long drive and I don't think I have the strength to wash my own body. Know of anyone who can help me out?" Bella asked before she made a mad dash for the stairs.
Second Chances Never Looked So Good – Chapter Eight
Bella paused as she reached the base of the stairs; she glanced over her right shoulder and winked towards Edward, who stood gloriously naked with one arm braced against the wall. Her body burned as she felt his eyes scan her backside slowly from top to bottom and up again. Bella bit her lip and gave Edward what she hoped was a smoldering come-hither look before she scrambled up the stairs, giggling the whole way.
Edward remained against the wall as he watched his beautifully naked Bella quickly ascend the stairs. She was everything he remembered and more. He found her tempting beyond words with her defined hips, flat stomach, and deliciously round breasts. Not only did he find her incredibly beautiful, but sexy as hell. She was his own Aphrodite's - his very own Goddess of love and beauty.
Edward chuckled deviously as he started to chase after her and raced up the stairs. He found her in his bedroom where her tiny frame was resting stomach down on his large king sized bed, her face nestled in the crook of her arm.
At first glance she looked to be asleep. Edward leaned against the door frame admiring the view. His gaze swept over the soft expanse of her long back, the curve of her beautifully firm, plump bottom, and her long, sexy legs. They were stretched out, but bent at the knees with her ankles crossed.
She looked like an angel lying there as he climbed up onto the bed next to her and stroked his hands along her thighs. He glided his fingers up over her delicious ass, moved along her back and over her shoulder to her pink blushing cheek. Bella's eyes fluttered as he stroked his index finger down the ridge of her button nose and rubbed his thumb across her full bottom lip.
Bella smiled and let out a delicious moan at his gentle caresses. He knew he had her then, if he had his way he'd never let her go. "How about we head into the bathroom and soak in the tub. We'll get you all washed and relaxed so I can hold you all night long in this big bed of ours," he whispered into her ear.
Bella sighed as she rolled onto her back and stretched her body like a Cheshire cat, her chest arching up teasingly towards Edward.
Edward climbed off the bed before he got too distracted by her breasts coming towards him and extended his hand. "Bella," he whispered in invitation. She smiled, placed her tiny hand in his much larger, stronger one and followed him into the master bathroom.
Bella caught sight of the large bathtub, nestled against a large bay window. The ledge of the window held several pots of flowering plants, scattered amongst them were dozens of candles of all shapes and sizes. On the edge of the tub Bella noticed an assortment of bath soaps and shampoos, and placed at the base of the tub was a large wicker basket containing different colored towels and washcloths.
Bella glanced from the tub to Edward with an arched eyebrow. He shrugged his shoulders nervously and gave her his best crooked grin. "I bought all these bath things for you after you left. I wanted you to have a relaxing bath the next time you came to visit."
He is so damn adorable, she thought, and looks so sexy in all his glorious nakedness. She wanted him again, she could get used to having him all to herself and never letting him go.
Edward came up behind her rubbing his firm, rough body against her soft silky behind. He brushed the hair way from her neck and shoulders, and started nibbling at the newly exposed skin. Edward took notice that she smelled differently from her usual cocoa butter, it was now a combination of citrus, mango, and tangerine.
"Hmm, baby, you smell so sweet, what are you wearing?" he questioned while biting gently on her earlobe.
"It's a new shampoo and body wash Alice bought me to pick up my spirits. I've been sad and lonely without you and missing you so much," she mumbled while being mesmerized by the sensuous feel of him behind her. His lips attacking her senses and making her loose all train of thought.
Edward nuzzled his face into Bella's neck. "I like it, although I'm quite partial to the cocoa butter."
Bella hummed. "I'm ready for my bath now."
"Anything for you, Beautiful," Edward's husky voice answered. He pulled away from her and started the water, then added some wonderfully scented bubble bath. He held his hand out once again as he stepped into the large tub. Bella smiled, took his offered hand and climbed in with him.
Edward sat down and pulled her between his strong legs. Bella rested against his glistening chest and nestled her head along his shoulder. Using his thumb and index finger, Edward turned her chin so she was facing him and pressed an eager kiss against her soft, plump lips, sucking and biting her bottom lip before pulling away.
Bella panted for breath as she watched Edward reach over the side of the tub and grab one of the rolled up washcloths before he lathered it with a sweet smelling body wash. He started rubbing her neck, swirling over her shoulders and across her chest. He gently cupped her breast before moving on to the other. Her nipples responded to the touch, becoming taut.
Edward once again reveled in the sexiness she exuded. God, he wanted to take her, but he had to prove to himself he was in control even though he was a mess on the inside. No other woman had made him feel the way Bella did. She was everything he ever wanted.
He continued the gentle caresses as he lathered up her body, taking time to wash each arm before moving down her sides, across her navel, and down to the apex of her thighs. He lightly massaged her clitoris, causing Bella to let out a low moan.
"Does that feel good, baby? Do you like it when I touch you here?" his velvety voice sounded in her ear, causing her to fall apart in his arms.
He wrapped his legs around hers spreading them further. His mouth assaulted her neck and jaw with desperate, hungry kisses and soft nips, before licking from her collarbone up her neck and jaw with his long, wet tongue.
Bella could feel the tension building up as Edward's fingers continued to work her sensitive bundle of nerves. She was going to find her release soon.
"That's it, baby, feel me, feel how I make you feel. I love making you feel so good. This here…" Edward stated, feeling a sense of possession as he rubbed the cloth more firmly against Bella, "this is mine, Beautiful. I never want it to leave me again," he whispered with a sense of longing.
"Yes! Yes, yours Edward, all yours… always. I want you always," Bella responded as her body gave into his command, convulsed and quivered as she rode out her orgasm.
As Bella came down from her high she could feel how aroused Edward was, the firmness of his erection pressed against her bottom and lower back. Her body was tingling and singing with anticipation for what might come next. She wanted to give back to him what he had made her feel. She sat up, flipped the lever to drain the tub, and turned around to face him while straddling his legs, a devious smile playing along her lips.
Edward arched an eyebrow at her expression, his eyes turning dark reflecting his lust and arousal for her as she held his gaze, her tongue slowly licked along her bottom lip. Edward's breath hitched at the sight, his eyes never leaving her mouth.
Bella grasped his thick hard length in her hand firmly, stroking up and down. Edward hissed before he clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, his head coming to rest against the back of the tub. He relished in the exquisite feel of her hands on his throbbing cock.
Bella leaned down, watching Edward's face, as his eyes remained shut. She never took her eyes away from his gloriously long lashes as they fluttered against his cheekbones. Her tongue dared out and gently circled the tip of his cock, tasting his freshly washed and cleaned skin. He felt so soft and yet his skin was so rigidly taut. She took him into her mouth fully.
"Bella, oh my God." Edward's eyes darted open as he grasped Bella's head with both hands, softly rubbing his fingers through her hair, before he gathered it together and wrapped it up in his right hand. He gently guided Bella's head up and down as she sucked forcefully on his engorged cock.
Bella' took Edward in deeper, licking and swirling her tongue around his length as she moved up and down his cock, sucking him in and out of her mouth. Each time she'd pull him out she'd lightly kiss the tip of his cock before she'd suck him back in, wrapping her lips tightly around her teeth as she felt him go deeper until he hit the back of her throat.
Edward was enthralled by the sensation of being wrapped in the warmth of Bella's mouth, as she sucked and teased his cock with the gentle nipping of her teeth. "Jesus, Bella, fuck that feels so damn good baby," Edward groaned out while trying to catch his breath.
Bella moaned her appreciation of his words, sending a vibration along his thickness as she sucked him in before hitting the back of her throat once more.
Edward could feel the pleasure building up in his gut and making its way to his groin. It took all his efforts to try and hold back, she was giving him so much pleasure that he didn't want it to end.
"Bella, I can't hold off much longer, I'm going to cum. You need to stop if you don't want it in your mouth," he stated through tightly clenched teeth.
Bella was eager to finish what she'd started. She continued licking and sucking him deep into her mouth as her tiny hand stroked up and down his length. On the last stroke Edward tightened up and jerked, clenching her hair firmly to hold her head still as his warm release pulsed into her mouth, shouting her name as he rode out his high.
Bella swallowed what he gave her, tasting his salty and unique flavor. She sat up licking her lips and wiping the remaining wetness off her mouth with the back of her hand. She smiled shyly. "Was that okay?" she asked, a little unsure.
Edward grinned from ear to ear. "Beautiful, it was beyond anything I've ever experienced. I wouldn't want to change a thing if I'm ever lucky enough to experience that pleasure again." He leaned over and kissed her with the utmost appreciation. She was his and his to stay, if only she'd accept his offer.
He stood up in the tub, pulling her with him before he stepped onto the mat. "What do you say we head to bed now? It's really late." Edward spoke softly as he wrapped a plush towel around his waist and another around Bella's body, twisting it close with a corner tucked in to secure it tightly.
Once in the bedroom they dropped their towels as Edward pulled back the covers of the bed. They both climbed in naked. Edward reclined on his back, while Bella molded her body to his side and draped her leg across his thighs.
"I love you, Handsome," Bella said softly as she drifted off to sleep.
Edward kissed the top of her head before replying, "I love you too. Always have, always will."
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
Smooth velvety skin, that's all Edward could think of as he ran the tips of his fingers along Bella's naked body. She was sleeping peacefully in his arms, her warm body covering most of his, and their legs twined together. Edward felt himself grow hard again as his mind played through the memories of how his beautiful, naked girl had looked pinned against the wall with him buried deep inside her.
Bella gave a small sigh as Edward's fingers threaded through her still damp hair. She snuggled her face deeper into the warmth of his neck. Her fingers slowly ghosted across his chest to rest above his heart. She brought in a deep breath as Edward's arms pulled her body more firmly into his - naked flesh against naked flesh.
Edward groaned as Bella's calf brushed against his hardest and most prominent piece of anatomy. He needed her. He knew he had to find out if she was awake. His need for her was growing with each passing second.
Bella's body was pressed closer to Edward's and with that proximity she could feel every part of him. His arousal was very evident pressing up against the calf she had draped across his waist. Just feeling his erection rubbing against her stirred something instantly inside her. She felt the need for him to be inside her once more. This new feeling of closeness was intense.
She decided she needed to muster up the courage to take control of her feelings, which wasn't always easy especially after the harsh words from Jacob. She pushed the thought from her mind, Edward was different, he made her feel beautiful, wanted and appreciated. She moved her hand down between their bodies and started stroking his firm hard length. He was so large it was hard for her to fathom how well they fit together, but they did and she wanted to feel it again.
Edward cleared his throat, essentially gaining Bella's attention. "Is there something you want, Beautiful?" he asked as he stroked his rough calloused hands up and down her soft and silky back, stopping at her perfectly firm, round bottom. He squeezed his hand tightly around one of her delectable cheeks, startling Bella causing her to let out a squeak.
Bella felt Edward's chest rumble as he chuckled under her. "Hmm… you feel so nice. Tell me what you want, anything and it's yours. I'd do anything for you," Edward's velvet voice moaned into Bella's ear as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"You," was all Bella could get out between ragged breaths.
She was so shy all of a sudden, quite a change from the sexy vixen she'd been earlier in the evening. Edward decided he was going to have to change that, he enjoyed spending time with aggressive Bella.
"What part of me? You have to be more specific," Edward chided as he thrust his hips towards her tiny hand. Bella only moaned, but he wasn't going to take that for an answer. Faster than she could comprehend she was flipped over with Edward hovering above her.
He started licking and nipping at her throat before asking again, his patience waning, "Is this what you want?" Without another word his knee moved between her thighs spreading them so he could move his body closer to hers. He pressed his warm, hard erection against her wetness, teasing and taunting her.
Bella's breathing became quicker as she reached both hands up to his face and pulled him to her. "Yes, Edward… that's it, Cowboy… I need you… please," she gasped out before kissing him with abandon.
She wasn't holding back, her tongue darted out, swiping his bottom lip. Edward opened his mouth as their tongues wrestled for dominance, both of them panting and needing to pull away to catch their breaths.
Edward was the first to pull away, he looked down at Bella's angelic face, all flushed from the intense kissing and the scruff along his jaw. He decided to ask one last time. "You need to tell me, Bella, how do you want me? I need to be inside you now."
"Yes, Edward, love me," she wailed as she pulled him down on top of her.
Edward hitched her leg onto his slim hip and in one smooth stroke slid deep inside her. He stalled as they both gasped at the exquisite feeling of him buried deep inside her warmth. "Shit, Bella, you're so tight, baby. Are you sure you're ready for me?" Edward asked concerned he may have moved too quickly.
Bella nodded before lifting her hips up to meet Edward's, encouraging him to continue. He took that as his cue and began moving in and out at a steady pace, his eyes never leaving the beauty of his Bella.
Edward's expression was filled with love and adoration for Bella as he repeatedly filled her, moving slowly and steadily, causing Bella to arch her back in ecstasy. Edward's thick cock was pure pleasure to her and he knew how to use it, he was relentless in his penetration, picking up speed and urging Bella closer to her release. All that was heard was their bodies meeting each other with each powerful thrust and their breaths coming out in ragged pants.
It wasn't long before Bella felt the familiar tingle in her belly, every time Edward moved deep inside her he hit her G-spot. She cried out, "Edward, oh God… I'm going to cum!"
Moisture began pooling around Edward's cock as Bella began to quiver and shake. "That's it, Beautiful, let go… feel me inside you," Edward hissed as he continued to pound into her passionately. "Milk my fucking cock, baby. I want to feel you cum for me."
Edward's words drove Bella over the edge, she clinched around him, arched her back and rode out her climax screaming his name.
"Yes… fuck yes!" Edward howled as he continued to move inside Bella with three more thrust before his orgasm shot through him, spilling his seed deep inside her. He shouted her name as his eyes bored into hers.
Edward caught his breath. "You are fucking amazing. You've put me under your spell." He kissed her swollen lips appreciatively.
Bella stroked Edward's glistening chest. "Beautiful, I've been under your spell since high school." She smiled at her sexy cowboy.
In one swift move, Edward pulled out of her and rolled onto his back, pulling Bella with him so she was snuggled in his arms, with her heard resting in the crook of his neck. They fit together perfectly as if they were made for each other, each the perfect half of the whole.
Bella's breathing mellowed as she drifted off to sleep, perfectly stated and properly fucked. Edward felt pride in his love for Bella. He pressed a tender kiss to his temple and whispered his love as he too drifted off to sleep.
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
Edward awoke the following morning with Bella's body still snuggled securely against his. His eyes locked on her peaceful face, a small smile gracing her lips. His gaze moved from her beautiful, sleeping form to take in the sunrise coming through the windows of the French doors that led to his private patio. The sky was painted in blues, pinks and purples. Edward knew he'd move heaven and earth to wake up like this every morning for the rest of his life.
Glancing at the clock on his bedside table, Edward saw it was almost seven o'clock. He reluctantly pulled himself away from Bella so he could go help Joe tend the horses. Edward usually had his ranch hands feed the horses, however on the weekends Edward and Joe to took care of it since most of the ranch hands had those days off.
Bella's arms tried to pull Edward back to her as he moved out from under her. In hopes of not waking her he slid his pillow into the spot where his body had been. Bella snuggled her face into the pillow and sighed his name.
Edward pulled on a pair of well worn Wranglers and a clean Chambray work shirt. He tried to push the events from the previous evening out of his mind in hopes he could get through the morning without a hard on. He quickly grabbed a t-shirt and a pair of boxers and placed them next to Bella in case she woke up before he returned, as her overnight bag was still in her truck.
As quietly as he could, he opened up his bedside table and pulled out a pad of paper and pen and quickly scrawled Bella a note. He tucked the note next to the clothes and traced his finger along Bella's arm. She stirred slightly and sighed. Edward couldn't believe his luck in life that this girl was his, and that she was as in love with him as he with her.
He quietly closed the bedroom door behind him and walked down the hall, stopping at Lizzy's room. She was sprawled out across her bed sideways, her legs hanging over the edge. Edward chuckled and made his way into the room. He gently turned her and tucked the covers around her before his placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
"I love you, Lizzy-Bear," he stated softly.
Edward headed down the stairs and chuckled when he reached the bottom, clothes were strewn all over the floor. Whoops! Edward thought as he bent to start picking everything up. His heart began racing when he came across a matching navy blue, lacey bra and panty set. How did I miss these last night? I'm seriously going to have to pay better attention.
Edward shook his head to clear the thoughts as he placed the pile of clothes on the kitchen counter before he headed towards the back door where he pulled his shit kickers on before he headed outside.
Edward whistled an unknown tune, even to himself, as he strolled towards the barn.
"What in the hell has ya' so bloody chipper this mornin'?" Joe drawled as Edward came towards him.
Edward just shrugged his shoulders and grabbed some hay.
"Ya' blimmy son-of-a-bitch… ya' got lucky, didn't ya'? Is that Miss Bella's truck I see parked outside?"
Edward winked towards Joe and continued feeding. He was having fun playing with Joe, making him guess, especially since he wasn't one to kiss and tell.
"Ya' ain't gonna tell me anythin' are ya'?"
"Nope, except I will tell you that is Bella's truck. Now let's get this shit done so I can get back to my two beautiful girls."
"Yes sir," Joe said as he tipped his Stetson towards Edward.
The men continued to work; Edward fed the horses while Joe made sure each horse's automatic waterer's were working.
"Ya' mind if I make a observation?" Joe asked.
Edward huffed slightly and turned his gaze towards Joe. "Go ahead, you're going to whether I want you to or not."
Joe lifted the brim of his Stetson and peered at Edward. "Now don't get all huffy, boy. I was gonna say ya' have changed since Miss Bella."
Edward raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What do you mean I've changed?"
Joe refrained from smacking Edward with his hat. "Ya' are happy now, that's all I was gonna say."
Edward relaxed a bit as he processed Joe's words. "I'm very happy now, old man."
Joe chuckled and went back to work.
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
Bella was jerked awake by a soft banging at the door.
"Daddy… door… daddy…"
Oh fuck, Bella's mind screamed as she quickly scanned the room for Edward. He's not here, where'd he go? Bella caught sight of the note and clothes.
Beautiful, I've gone out to tend to the horses, I'll be back soon. Look after my heart, I've left it with you. Love you always, Edward
Wow, he really knows how to make a girl swoon, Bella thought as she quickly tugged on his clothes. Getting lost in the moment, Bella brought Edward's shirt to her face and took in a deep breath of his scent. She instantly felt at peace. Her thoughts were disrupted by Lizzy's tiny fists pounding on the door.
Bella made her way to the door and opened it, standing in front of her was Lizzy, clad in Dora the Explorer pajamas and clutching her purple blanket. Bella couldn't help the smile that filled her face as her heart swelled with love. She could feel how easy it was to love this little girl, Edward's little girl. She had captured her heart and Bella would fight like hell to make sure it stayed that way.
"Hi sweetie-pie, whatcha' doing?"
"Bewwa, where daddy?"
Bella was grateful that Lizzy didn't seem to mind finding her instead of her father; she sank down on her knees and ran her fingers along Lizzy's sleepy face. "I think he's in the barn feeding the horses."
"Otay," Lizzy said softly.
"Are you hungry?"
Lizzy nodded.
"Well how about we go down and surprise your daddy with breakfast. Do you think he'd like that?"
Lizzy's eyes light up. "Mickey pankes."
"Mickey pancakes it is," Bella chuckled as she stood back up.
"Bewwa, up?"
Bella's heart melted at the simple request of Lizzy asking to be picked up, she tried to hold back the happy tears that threatened to flow. "Sure, sweetheart," she said as she scooped Lizzy up in her arms.
Bella led them down the stairs towards the kitchen. Her cheeks tinged a deep red when she spotted the pile of clothes Edward must have picked up, sitting on the kitchen counter.
Thank goodness Lizzy isn't old enough to understand what that pile of clothes represents. Shit, Bella, be more careful in the future, what if Lizzy had come downstairs looking for Edward? Her dad pressing me up against the wall, naked, would not be a good thing for her to see.
Bella stopped her internal ramblings when she realized what she'd said - the future - her future with Edward and Lizzy. She glanced at the little girl snuggled in her arms. Lizzy's casted arm dug into her back while her head was nestled against her chest, and the blanket tucked under Lizzy's other arm. Bella wanted this to be her future. She wanted more mornings of waking up with Lizzy and Edward. Of making Mickey pancakes while Edward fed the horses.
She wanted to live in this house – it felt like home, her home. She took a moment to glance around. The long wooden table sat in the large open dining room. In the corner was a wood stove with its black cast-iron kettle perched on top and basket of firewood next to it. A painting of galloping horses and a large, overstuffed brown leather chair.
The kitchen had marble counter tops, perfect for baking, and oak glass-door cabinets. Along with black and stainless steel appliances, and a large double oven, and great overhead lighting.
Bella made her way to the kitchen. "Do you want to help me make breakfast?" she asked Lizzy who nodded enthusiastically.
"Good, because I'm not sure I can do it without you." Bella set Lizzy down on the kitchen counter. "Can you sit really still and not move while I gather everything?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure? I don't want you to fall off and hurt your other arm."
"I sure."
"Okay," Bella said a little warily as she started going through the cabinets looking for ingredients, bowls and griddle.
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
Once the morning chores were complete, Edward quickly made his way back to the house, in hopes of making breakfast before the girls awoke. As he rounded the house, Bella's truck came into view and he decided to grab her overnight bag, knowing she'd need it when she woke up.
His senses were inundated with wonderful smells as he walked into the mudroom and removed his boots, he could smell pancakes and coffee. He heard Bella and Lizzy's giggles coming from the kitchen. Edward decided to spy, so he quietly made his way down the hall.
He glanced around the corner and saw Lizzy sitting on the counter with Bella standing next to her, holding a bowl of mix. Lizzy had a huge wooden spoon gripped in her tiny hands as she tried to stir the batter. Bella let out a full belly laugh as Lizzy lost grip of the spoon and batter went flying.
"I sorry," Lizzy said quietly as Bella wiped the gooeyness from her face.
Bella saw how sad Lizzy looked so she set down the bowl and pulled her into a hug. "It's okay, sweetie, it was an accident," she said quietly before she placed a kiss on the top of Lizzy's head. "Let's finish making these Mickey pancakes before your daddy comes back."
Edward watched as the girls went back to making breakfast. He reveled in the fact that Bella and Lizzy had such a strong connection for only knowing each other for a short amount of time. He wanted to come in every morning to see them giggling and playing in the kitchen. He imagined birthdays and holidays where the three of them were together, where they were a family. He wanted… no needed to make Bella a permanent fixture in his life.
Edward decided to make himself known, so he stepped away from the wall and went around the corner. "Morning," he drawled.
Bella jumped when she heard Edward's velvety voice, her mind quickly playing over the events of the prior evening. A blush formed on her cheeks.
"Daddy," Lizzy yelled as Edward pulled her off the counter and into his arms.
"Hey, baby girl, are you having fun with Bella?" Edward asked as his eyes grazed Bella's form, standing in his boxers and t-shirt.
Lizzy nodded as she fought to get down from his arms, he gently placed her on the floor before she scampered to the living room. A few moments later Edward heard the TV come on.
Bella continued to blush as images of a naked Edward flashed through her mind.
"Morning, Beautiful," Edward said softly as he grabbed Bella's shirt and dragged her into his embrace. Bella snuggled against his warm, hard body and felt at peace. She placed a kiss on his chest before she lifted her eyes to meet his. Bella could see the love he had for her, she snaked her arms around his neck and pulled his mouth to hers.
Edward moaned as Bella's tongue met his. Edward angled his head to deepen the kiss as his fingers threaded through Bella's hair before coming to rest at the base of her neck.
Bella pulled away panting, keeping her forehead pressed against Edward's. "Good morning, Handsome," Bella said, before she pulled from his embrace and continued to make breakfast.
A short while later, after breakfast had been consumed and the kitchen had been cleaned Edward and Lizzy decided to take Bella out to the barn and give her a tour.
Bella started heading upstairs before she remembered her bag was in the truck. She started making an abrupt turnabout when Edward stopped her, her bag dangling from his fingers.
"Thought you might need this."
Bella sighed; this man was really too good to be true. "You are amazing," she said softly as she placed a soft kiss against his lips.
They were quickly interrupted by Lizzy giggling. Edward pulled away from Bella and started tickling the little girl in his arms. "You think that's funny Lizzy-Bear?" he laughed as he placed a dozen or more kisses all over her face.
Lizzy continued to giggle and squirm in Edward's arms. "Stop, daddy…"
Bella watched in awe at the father and daughter in front of her. They were so beautiful together, so loving towards each other. Bella couldn't help but feel a little sad as she never had that kind of relationship with her own father.
Before she knew it, Edward and Lizzy had finished their tickle-fest and were ready to get dressed for the day. Edward ran his fingers over Bella's cheek. "How about you get dressed and I'll help the little one? We'll meet you downstairs?"
Bella grabbed Edward's hand and kissed his palm. "Sounds good, Cowboy."
E&B*~*~*~*~*~*E&B
Bella helped Lizzy zip up her coat before Edward helped her with her own. Bella felt like swooning at the simple gesture, he was so considerate and so patient and loving. How could she give this up for a life back in Forks, a life without Edward?
Lizzy quickly ran ahead as Edward laced his fingers with Bella's and strolled to the barn. Bella took in the sounds of the horses whining and shuffling their feet. She was slightly overwhelmed by the sweet smell of hay and was surprisingly happy she couldn't really smell any manure.
"Wow, I never knew a barn could smell so good," Bella commented as she peered into the stall closest to her.
Edward chuckled as his gaze followed Lizzy as she ran in circles through the barn. "We take pride in a clean environment. Every stall is cleaned daily while the horses are out being worked, trained or to pasture."
Bella's eyes eagerly took in their surroundings. Along one wall were large, neat stacks of hay bales, while another side of the barn had a long row of stalls. The ceilings were high and the walkways wide.
"How many horses does this barn hold?"
"Well, this one holds fifteen, but right now we only have ten."
"Are they all yours?"
"Not all, I have eight horses, but we have a total of 32 right now. Most are here for some form of training, while others are boarded here year round."
Edward heard Joe's distinctive walk as he entered the barn. "Howdy, Miss Bella," Joe drawled as he swept off his Stetson.
"Hey Joe."
Lizzy ran straight to Joe and clung to his leg, he chuckled as he bent down and picked her up. "Howdy to you too Miss Lizzy. Do you want to see some horses with me?"
"Yeah!" Lizzy screamed.
Edward nodded towards Joe in approval before Joe and Lizzy turned and left the barn.
Edward returned his gaze to Bella. "Would you like to meet the horses?"
Bella nodded as Edward took her to the first stall. "This is Whiskey."
Bella chuckled as Edward quickly moved to the next stall. "And here is Dreamer, and next to her is Junior, followed by Vixen and Stripes."
Edward continued to lead Bella through the barn naming the horses when he stopped at the last stall. "Bella, this is New Moon, she's our newest resident."
Bella gasped as she peered over the stall door and saw protruding ribs, matted hair and sad eyes staring back at her. "Oh my God, Edward, what happened to her?"
Edward sighed. "The Oregon Humane Society got a phone call from a young lady claiming her grandfather had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The family went out to his property to move him to a care facility when they found New Moon. They couldn't tell us how long this poor mare had gone without proper care. According to them they didn't even know he had a horse on the property." Edward looked pained as he explained.
"Mare?" Bella asked confused, "Is that a breed of horse?"
Edward chuckled. "It means female adult horse."
Bella's face flared red as she brought her hands up to cover her face.
"Don't feel embarrassed. You've never really been around horses, so I wouldn't expect you to know everything right away."
Bella cautiously peeked out from behind her fingers. "I'm willing to learn," she stated.
Edward decided he loved her even more in that moment, more than he had just two minutes prior. He took a hold of her wrists and brought her arms around his waist before he rested his forehead against hers. "I love you so much, Bella," he whispered.
"I love you too, baby," Bella said as she snuggled her body into Edward's warm embrace.
"So, what happens now with New Moon? They aren't going to press charges against that poor old man are they?" Bella turned slightly to watch New Moon shift from one hoof to the other while he nervously looked around, his ears pinned back.
"I don't know. The OHS is investigating, but I doubt charges will be pressed. My plan is to help New Moon get acclimated back into society."
Bella laughed at that. "Acclimated back into society, huh? How exactly do you plan on doing that?"
Edward's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh you know… a few dates. I've got a couple of Stallions hanging around."
Bella giggled.
"Seriously…. my first step is to get her to calm down when she's around people and other animals. She freaks out when we take her to the corral or just try to walk her. If you didn't notice, she needs some serious grooming, her hair is matted. I have a feeling she was on her own for quite a while."
"Is she healthy?"
Edward sighed. "She's as healthy as she can be for being half-starved. The vet's been out a few times and sedated her once to give her shots and look at her hooves. So, I'm going to just work with her slowly."
Bella stepped away from Edward and closer to the stall door. She reached her hand slowly towards New Moon.
"Bella, be careful. She doesn't react very well."
Bella stared into New Moon's eyes, she knew she had to try and help this poor creature. "It'll be okay, Edward. Trust me."
Bella's hand slowly crept towards the horse; she said a silent prayer that she wouldn't get her hand bitten. New Moon's eyes went wide and her ears started going back.
"It's okay," Bella cooed. "You're safe here. You're okay."
Edward watched in fascination as Bella's hand crept closer and closer to New Moon.
Bella's soft voice kept reassuring the horse that everything was okay. Her fingers got closer and closer until she lightly touched the horses muzzle.
"See, you're okay. That's right," Bella continued to coo as her fingers moved up and down the horse's nose.
After a few minutes of petting Bella slowly retracted and hand and turned to Edward with a triumphant smile. "See, she likes me."
"Baby, you are amazing. How'd you do that?"
Bella shrugged her shoulders and peered up at Edward. "I honestly don't know. I think she's just scared. Can I help you with her?"
"Of course you can. You're amazing with her. I think you're exactly what she needs. Now, baby, why don't you get comfortable on this lovely bale of hay while I get a little work done." Edward said as he placed a saddle blanket over the hay to make it more comfortable for Bella to sit.
Even though no real work needed to be done, Edward decided he wanted to show off a bit for Bella. So, he rolled up the sleeves of his work shirt and put on some gloves. He started hauling hay bales from their proper location to across the barn.
Deciding it might be fun to take Bella riding later; he headed to the tack room and grabbed a saddle. He hefted a couple out of the room and placed it on a bale next to Bella.
Bella giggled in amusement at Edward, she could tell he was showing off for her benefit and decided to let him have his fun. Although, she was more than willing to watch his muscle flex under his shirt. Her mind began wondering what he'd look like doing this work without a shirt.
Bella's mind started going wild with naked images of her cowboy pinning her against the stacks of hay and burying himself deep within her. Her breathing started getting shallow and fast as her heart stated to race.
Bella let out a squeak in surprise as Edward's arms snaked around her waist and pulled her to her feet.
Bella placed her hands on the chest of his dampened shirt. A few streaks of dirt lined his forehead and his breathing was ragged.
"Did you know…" Bella's voice trailed off as she caught sight of the golden chest hair along the collar of Edward's shirt.
Edward lifted Bella's chin so he could look into her eyes. "Know what?" he prompted.
Bella returned her focus to Edward's beautiful, sweaty face. "That I find you incredibly sexy right now. All dirty and sweaty from working… it's such a turn on."
Edward growled deep in his chest as he crushed his mouth against hers.
Author Note: Oh, a roll in the hay… perhaps! ;) So, what did ya'll think? Let me know! The next chapter is already outlined (which is a first for me) and I hope to get it written fairly soon! Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement. Please hit the review button below!
Thanks!
*Eifeltwr*