Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer.
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author (Emmamama88) is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters, and the original story of Love Rescue Me are the intellectual property of Emmamama88, copyright 2010.
**Edward has something to say…
*****************************LRM***************************
Chapter 9 - Resolutions For The New Year
*New Year's Eve*
I woke with a start the next morning. No sexy dreams filled my night this time. No dreams of Isabella lying beneath me as I kissed her soft pale skin. Instead, I had been plagued all night long with nightmares. These weren't my usual nightmares though, the ones where I was locked up in a cell, with nothing but my self-loathing to keep me company. These nightmares involved Isabella.
In every one, I could see her, but couldn't seem to reach her. There were too many people blocking my path. I literally had to wade through a sea of human bodies to get to her, and every time I got close, she slipped through my fingers. When I stopped to look at the people impeding my progress I saw paparazzi with their cameras in hand, I saw studio executives, I even saw Meghan standing in the crowd attempting to stop me from reaching the woman I loved. Just before I reached Isabella the last time, I heard Tanya's voice 'Edward, stop. The life you built, the one you worked so hard for, is in California, not with her.'
Those words are what catapulted me into wakefulness. I'd never considered Tanya to be an obstacle to my future happiness, but my subconscious obviously felt otherwise. Fear started to eat away at the edge of my reason as I considered that Tanya may not be agreeable to ending our 'relationship'. After all, she'd been the one that enjoyed, almost reveled it seemed, in the attention it generated.
I decided that I needed to phone her before I left for home on Monday.
Okay, seeing that it's only eight a.m., I'll be sure to phone her later.
Instead of dwelling on the dream, I decided to go work out in the fitness room. On my way downstairs, I received a text from Alice.
Brother dear-
We're having brunch at the Fairmont at 11am, with the Whitlocks. Bella will be there. Do you want us to pick you up?
-Ali
I sent a quick response.
Ali-
Thanks, that would be great. See you at 10:30?
-E
She immediately responded.
Edward-
10:30 is good. See you then.
-Ali
After my workout, I decided to phone Isabella. To my surprise, her Dad answered.
"Hi Edward, how are you this morning?" Charlie said. There was no hint of anger or even annoyance in his voice as he spoke to his daughter's admitted stalker.
"I'm good Charlie. Is Bella around?" I asked politely.
"She's in the shower. Been in there a while, I'm pretty sure she'll be out soon."
Oh shit, don't envision Bella in the shower. Stop. Don't picture her lathered up, with water cascading over her shoulders, running in rivulets down over her perfect brea…
"You still there Edward?" Charlie's voice pulled me immediately from my inappropriate mental images of his daughter.
"Oh yeah, I guess I can call her later. I just worked out so a shower sounds like a good idea."
A very cold shower. Happy fucking New Year to me.
"Oh, here she comes now Edward." Charlie said suddenly.
My mind, which had been racing since I'd awoken from that disturbing dream, immediately calmed when I heard Isabella's soft voice come on the line.
"Hello Edward." She said sweetly.
It had only been a few hours since I'd seen her sleeping, but I missed her terribly already. I also felt guilty that I'd spent so much time with her Dad, I hope she knew that I'd rather have spent the time with her.
"Hello Bella. I just wanted to apologize for last night. I didn't mean to ignore you. It's just that I really wanted your Dad to like me. I'm glad he seems to." I tried to explain my behavior.
"That's an understatement Edward. I think he's ready to either adopt you or become your blood brother. And I'm not upset, it's just kind of surreal."
I laughed. "You're telling me, one minute I was sure he hated my guts, and the next he was inviting me fishing whenever you and I go to Forks."
Even after he found out about my stalking tendencies.
I glanced at the time, and realized I still needed that shower. "I guess I'd better let you get ready." I sighed, not wanting to end the call. "I'll see you soon. I love you Bella."
"I love you too."
-V&V-
We arrived at the Fairmont a few minutes before eleven. Mrs. Whitlock was trying to manage the seating at the table like a fucking drill sergeant.
She tried to place me next to her husband, but after some quick maneuvering on my part, I ended up seated with Alice to my left, and an empty seat, Isabella's, to my right.
A moment later the Swans arrived, although I only had eyes for one member of their party. Isabella looked happy and carefree as she walked toward me, her face glowing.
Before I realized what had happened, the Chief charged past Bella and dropped down into the vacant chair beside me. I was flabbergasted, and very annoyed. I had so looked forward to sitting beside Bella, I yearned to be close to her again. On the other hand, I still needed her father to like me, so this would have to be a 'working lunch'.
I heard Emmett guffaw loudly, does he do anything quietly?, as he pulled Isabella to a seat beside him, directly across from me.
I mouthed an 'I'm sorry' to Bella, what else could I say?
The chief turned out to be quite talkative, and as much as I wished to have Bella beside me, I was at least grateful that Charlie's conversation gave me the opportunity to tune out Jasper's mother. That woman never shut up.
I had only met her a couple of times before, the most recent being at Alice and Jasper's wedding. I came away from that event positive that this woman didn't like anyone. She never said anything nice about a single soul.
I wasn't sure how Jasper, Rose, or even Alice were able to stand her. She was the polar opposite of my own mother, who always tried to find the good in people.
"So, when are you heading back to California Edward?" Charlie asked.
"I need to fly back Monday, I have some meetings to attend."
"I see. About your next film?" He asked.
"Yes, I start filming soon." I said as I glanced toward Isabella, she was listening intently to Mrs. Whitlock prattle on.
"That's not the movie with Clint?" Charlie asked with a furrowed brow.
"No, we don't start filming that until September." I answered as I watched Isabella distractedly.
Charlie cleared his throat and then said quietly. "You know Edward, my Bella's a beautiful girl."
I nodded, unable to take my eyes off of her. "Yes she is."
"She is the light of my life. Well, both my children make me proud, but Bella will always be my little girl." I finally turned my head toward the Chief. He was looking at me with one eyebrow raised.
"I would do anything to protect her."
Oh shit, I think that was a warning. "I understand sir."
Charlie narrowed his eyes. "Do you?"
I nodded energetically.
"I know I said I'd give you a chance, and I'm not going back on my word. Just know this." He said as he lowered his voice almost to a whisper. "If you harm her, I will find you, and I always keep my gun loaded."
Fuckity fuck fuuuck. He scares me.
"You have my word Charlie. I will never intentionally hurt Bella. She means the world to me."
His frown softened as he nodded his head thoughtfully. "Just so we're clear."
We both turned our attention back toward the conversation at the table.
"Jasper and Rose, I spoke with Nana Whitlock on the phone this morning. I believe she's starting to lose it." Mrs. Whitlock was blathering on again.
Does this woman even stop to eat? You couldn't prove it by me, I haven't seen her take one bite. Although, my attention was somewhat drawn away when Chief Swan talked about shooting my ass.
"She actually asked me how Francis was doing. At first I thought she was referring to your father, since his name is Frank. Although no one would call him Francis unless they had a death wish." Colonel Whitlock was another scary fucker.
"Then I realized that she was asking about you Jasper." Jasper groaned. I laughed to myself as I remembered how Jasper hated his first name.
Mrs. Whitlock turned toward Bella to explain. "You see Bella, Jasper's name is actually Francis Jasper. Like a lot of Southern families we call our son by his middle name."
Emmett turned out to be just as effective as Christopher in the 'making Jasper feel uncomfortable' department. He tortured Jasper for the rest of the meal.
Alice and I were cracking up. Jasper just looked constipated.
I went back to talking with Charlie about the World War II movie I was about to start filming. I glanced over at Bella to find her watching us. I couldn't help but smile at her. She studied me with the strangest look on her beautiful face.
"Bella, what are you thinking about?" I asked.
The blush I loved so much suddenly appeared. "I was just thinking about Rear Ends, ugh, um, I mean September Ends."
What? No way was Bella thinking about my ass. Wishful thinking on my part.
It would only be fair to return the favor and think about hers.
Immediately my body started responding to that possibility.
Shit. Not with The Chief sitting right next to me. He'd probably have no qualms about cutting off any dick pointing in the direction of his daughter.
Thankfully Emmett distracted me. "Oh, I saw that movie. Kind of a little different than your usual Edward."
"Yes, I really wanted to work with that director, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity." I said as I willed my semi-erection into submission, and took a sip of my coffee.
"It was a good flick. And from one guy to another, but in a non-homosexual kind of way, you got a nice ass."
I spit coffee all over myself to avoid choking on it. I could hear Alice and Jasper chuckling beside me.
I heard Bella giving her brother shit. "Stop it Emmett."
"What? It was a compliment. I'd even consider doing a movie if I could have my stellar ass shown to people all around the world." Emmett grinned.
"Is that the goal you're working toward Emmett? Because as it is now, you 'show your ass' in public daily." We all joined Bella as she laughed.
-V&V-
I reluctantly left Bella and returned to my hotel to get ready for the evening. Before they dropped me off, Alice made sure to remind me to wear my black suit.
"I know for a fact that Bella is going to be drop dead gorgeous tonight Edward, so you need to look spectacular." Alice teased.
"She always looks gorgeous Alice." I replied, which caused my sister and her husband to grin from ear to ear.
"I like this look on you Edward." Alice said as she tilted her head to one side, studying me.
"What do you mean Alice? I'm not even dressed yet."
She giggled. "Not your clothes silly." Then she patted my cheek. "Love". She laughed again. "See you this evening."
I smiled as they drove away.
Bella had told me all about how Emmett planned to propose to Rosalie. It was going to be an extravagant affair. Evidently that was exactly what Rose liked.
I got the impression from Bella that her tastes ran in a much simpler vein.
Supposedly, Rose knew nothing about it. Emmett was planning on surprising her. Knowing Rose for the short time I did, I was extremely skeptical that Emmett would be able to pull this off. On the other hand, he'd known her a long time, and if anyone could do it, it would be him.
All of that mattered very little to me. I only cared that I got to spend time with my Beautiful Bella, hopefully without her father's interference this time.
I was dressed and ready to go an entire hour before I needed to leave for Bella's. As much as I would have liked to get there early, it would not do for Rose to accidentally glimpse me in my suit going into Bella's apartment.
As far as she was concerned, Bella and I were spending a quiet New Years Eve with the Chief.
I had an hour to kill before I needed to dress for this evening. I tried to call Tanya, but was greeted by her voicemail.
"Hey Tanya, it's Edward. I was hoping to speak with you, but, no matter. It's really important that we talk when I get back to L.A. on Monday. I'll try to reach you later to set up a time. Thanks."
After grabbing a beer from the fridge, I settled on the sofa with my guitar and played, all my thoughts preoccupied with Bella as I sang.
.
A long December and there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.
I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leaving, Now the days go by so fast
.
It dawned on me that for the first time in my adult life, I did have a reason to be optimistic. Bella. This new year would be better than the last because I'd found Bella.
.
And it's one more day up in the canyons, And it's one more night in Hollywood.
If you think that I could be forgiven, I wish you would.
.
The thought of going back to my home without her was starting to gnaw at my insides.
.
The smell of hospitals in winter, And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls.
All at once you look across a crowded room to see the way that light attaches to a girl.
And it's one more day up in the canyons, And it's one more night in Hollywood.
If you think you might come to California...I think you should
.
On the one hand I dreaded leaving her, but on the other I was anxious to resolve my 'Tanya' issue, get through my meetings, and come back here. After I confessed everything to Bella, we'd be able to begin a relationship in earnest.
.
Drove up to Hillside Manor sometime after two a.m., And talked a little while about the year. I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower, makes you talk a little lower about the things you could not show her.
And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last….
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell my myself to hold on to these moments as they pass.
And it's one more day up in the canyon, And it's one more night in Hollywood.
It's been so long since I've seen the ocean...I guess I should.
.
My single New Year's resolution would be to make myself worthy of Bella's love.
-V&V-
Soon after I knocked on Bella's door, it flew open. She was a vision in her little black dress. She immediately said hello by throwing her arms around my neck.
"Wow, if I leave and come back can I get the same greeting again?" I teased.
"You're not going anywhere Mister." I'd never seen her this happy.
We took a moment to admire one another. "You look so lovely Bella."
Emmett had spared no expense. The ballroom was magnificent. I had just enough time to get drinks for Isabella and I before we were signaled that the happy couple was arriving.
It was quite a show. Rose and Emmett both seemed to love the spotlight, they were well suited for each other. I felt my mind start to wander as to what kind of proposal Isabella would like.
Really? We've know each other less than two weeks.
It didn't matter, I knew where my feelings for her would eventually lead. It was inevitable.
Jasper had proposed to Alice at the Eiffel Tower. Paris is, of course, Alice's favorite city, so Jasper, knowing her well, had planned the perfect proposal. She gushed about it for weeks afterward.
For the rest of the evening, I couldn't take my eyes off of Isabella. I also felt the need to keep my arms around her as much as possible. It didn't matter that I was certain several of the people attending the party would be taking photos that would end up in the gossip rags within a few days. All that mattered was that I got to hold her in my arms.
Mom and Dad were there, but I didn't see much of them. Every time I glanced in their direction, they were either deep in conversation with Chief Swan, or dodging Mrs. Whitlock's attempts to monopolize them.
My mother really couldn't stand Mrs. W.
At one point, Rosalie dragged Bella off for some private conversation. I stood there alone, just wishing she'd hurry back to me.
I felt an arm drape around my shoulders, and turned to see a very tipsy Jasper grinning at me. "Quite a night huh?"
Returning his smile I said "Yes, the most unusual proposal I've probably ever heard of." I chuckled.
"But it was so Rose. I'm beginning to believe that Emmett knows her better than anyone. Even better than Rose knows herself. I'm really happy for them." He looked at me. "I'm happy for you too Edward. You deserve to finally have found someone." He paused as he looked around the room. "Hell, I'm happy for myself. Your sister is the best thing in my life. Sometimes Edward, I can't believe she loves me as much as she does, that she actually agreed to marry me. You know, I'm still stunned that she agreed to our first date all those years ago." He laughed.
Suddenly he was distracted by something across the room. I followed his line of vision to see Alice had been cornered by Mrs. Whitlock. "Well, I'd better go rescue my wife from my mother. Wish me luck." He grinned and walked away.
Aside from the times she danced with Charlie and Emmett, Isabella and I danced the rest of the evening away. I felt the need to keep my arms around her. Truth be told, I was dreadfully afraid that if I let go, I would miss my chance to have her in my arms at midnight.
During our last dance of the old year, I held her close. "Isabella, would you see the new year in with me?"
"I don't know Mr. Masen, that guy over there was giving me the eye, don't you think he's kind of hot?" She said as she pointed at some middle-aged bald guy with a paunch.
She never ceases to amuse me.
I laughed out loud. "Isabella, you are the most interesting person I've ever met. So unpredictable."
Just then the countdown began…10.…9.…..8.….7.….6
"I love you Bella."
5.…4.…..3.….
"I love you Edward."
2.….1.…..
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
"Happy New Year my love." And then I pulled her into a searing kiss. The electricity always present during our kisses was more intense than ever before. Knowing we loved each other made this New Years kiss even more meaningful.
I knew we were being watched, but as we kissed the rest of the world fell away, and there was only Isabella. And she was mine.
We finally broke apart when I sensed someone standing close beside us.
Emmett.
"Sorry Ed, gotta give my little sis a New Year's kiss." I wanted to growl at him, but he was Bella's brother. He kissed her on the cheek, and wished us both a Happy New Year, followed soon after by Chief Swan and Rose.
I sought out my family and wished them all a Happy New Year and a goodnight.
This had been a memorable evening after a very long day. I could sense Isabella's exhaustion, and we soon left in order to take her and Charlie home.
I said goodbye at her apartment door. "Will I see you tomorrow Bella?"
"Aren't you tired of me yet Mr. Masen?" She can't really believe that.
"Not by a long shot. I want to spend all my time with you." I answered sincerely.
"Come over tomorrow afternoon, I'm cooking dinner for New Year's. Although we'll probably eat in Emmett and Rose's dining room because it's a lot bigger than mine."
"I have to go to Church in the morning. It's a Holy Day." She added.
"Oh?" I couldn't seem to keep up with the Catholic calendar. "What Holy Day?"
Bella chuckled. "It's Emmett's favorite, the Feast of the Circumcision."
What? But I guess it makes sense, seeing that Jesus was born into the Jewish faith.
Isabella must have noticed my puzzled expression. "Yeah, I know, if you're not a Catholic, it's hard to understand. Just be glad you're not going to Church with us, Emmett is sure to be on his worst behavior."
I laughed when I thought about how much fun Emmett probably had with this particular Holy Day. Then I thought about what she said.
I'd love to go to church with her.
"I'd go to Church with you Bella, like I said I want to spend every day with you."
"Maybe another time Edward. Trust me you don't want it splattered all over the tabloids that Edward Masen is turning Catholic. I think we need to go on that date first." She winked.
She really didn't understand that I didn't give a shit what the tabloids wrote about me.
"I can't wait Miss Swan." I smiled and kissed her goodbye.
"I love you and I'll see you tomorrow." I told her.
"I love you too, goodbye Edward."
The perfect words to end a perfect evening.
**********************************************A/N***************************************
A/N If you haven't noticed, Edward's chapters are filled with music. He's a very musical guy, so it was fitting.
Song Rec: 'A Long December' by The Counting Crows
As ever, let me know what you think….please?