Mail Order Bride
A/N Hey all! I had originally planned to have this story wrapped up in 30 chapters. Not sure if that is still gonna happen. May be a little longer or shorter. Not sure yet. I am skipping the story ahead a little bit, so please don't get mad. As always, review and show the love!
Disclaimer: Lazy me again. Don't own it, just play with it;)
Chapter 19
The first month flew by. Each night, Bella would fall asleep alone. Each morning, she would awaken to Edward's warmth behind her. When she finally asked him about it, Edward told her that he has nightmares and her presence calms him. He also told her that she talks in her sleep. Bella was horrified.
"What do I say?" she got the nerve up to ask him one day.
Edward smiled and pulled her close. "You miss your mother and your family. You say my name, a lot."
"Oh, God!" Bella flushed, her humiliation complete.
"Oh, my Bella. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Believe me, I dream about you, as well," Edward revealed. Bella stared at him in surprise. That was something she hadn't been expecting to hear. Edward also seemed vaguely surprised that he had revealed that to her.
Bella's relationship with Nessie was growing everyday. Edward watched a bond grow between the two. Bella was warm and caring, giving her all to helping Nessie in her struggles. Nessie, in turn, gave Bella a steady feeling of compassion and love. For Nessie had quickly grown attached to her new stepmother. It was common to see Bella and Nessie in the Kitchen, Bella teaching Nessie all the secrets of the Kitchen. She taught her how to make pies and cookies, cakes and candies. Edward was always first in line to sample the goodies.
Emmett and Rosalie had found a little townhouse not to far from Edward's home. Bella had been mildly surprised when Emmett announced his intentions to stay in Chicago. Bella had assumed that Emmett and his family would return to Seattle after her marriage. Emmett told her that she needed some family close by. Edward had been grateful for Emmett's thoughtfulness.
They still shared intimacies, but had yet to consummate the marriage. Edward felt that they still weren't ready. In actuality, he wasn't ready. To him, oral and fingering was one thing. He still mildly felt like he was betraying his wife's memory. Edward tried so hard not to feel that way, but his feelings were still too strong for Tanya. His feelings for Bella, however, were just as complicated.
Edward loved having Bella around. He loved her humor and her way with Nessie. He loved how she could just walk into a room, and his day suddenly brightened. He loved how open and honest and caring she was. Edward loved how quickly she responded to his overtures. She was also a very quick study.
One day, Edward had accidentally walked in on Bella in her bath. Instead of screaming and ducking under the water, Bella had stood up, the water cascading down her body. Edward's clothing had promptly hit the floor, and he had taken her into his arms. By the time they were done, most of the water had splashed onto the floor.
Life was good.
On a bright morning, Edward, Bella and Nessie were strolling. Edward was giving Bella a tour of the city. Nessie ran ahead of them, an ice cream in her hand.
"Nessie, hurry and eat that before it melts," Bella told her. Nessie just smiled and ran toward the General Store.
"Bella? I need to stop in here for a few moments. Could you keep an eye on Ness?" Edward asked her, stopping in front of a tall building. Bella looked surprised, but held her tongue.
"Of course. Take your time. I want to see what the General Store has to offer anyway."
Edward kissed her cheek. "Thank you, my Bella. I'll try not to be gone too long." With that, Edward made his way up the steps to the front door. Rapping sharply, he was admitted inside a moment later. Bella shook her head. Men….
Walking into the General Store, Bella was greeted by the sight of Nessie in tears, and her ice cream currently gracing the front of a respectable looking gentleman. Bella hurried forward quickly.
"Ness? What happened dear? Are you all right?" she asked, bending down to look Nessie in the eye.
"Yes….sob….I'm alright. sob…. I ran into that man….sob….and spilled my ice cream…..wail!"
Bella looked up at the gentleman in question. "I am so terribly sorry, sir. I would like to pay for the damage to your clothing."
The gentleman smiled warmly. "No, that won't be necessary. Your daughter was simply excited and wasn't paying attention. If I had such a delectable treat, I wouldn't notice things around myself, either."
"Sir, you are much too gracious. Please, allow me to pay for the cleaning of your garments."
The man sighed. "If you feel it completely necessary, then I will allow it as a courtesy. However, I would ask that you allow me to know your name. I can't very well have you paying for the cleaning without knowing your name."
Bella giggled. "Oh, I'm so sorry. My name is Bella. Bella Cullen."
The man's eyebrow rose. "Cullen. As in Edward Cullen?"
"Yes. He is my husband," Bella answered, slightly confused now. Did this man know Edward?
"Your husband? Well, my dear Bella. This conversation just got much more interesting."
Bella was now completely confused. "May I ask your name, sir?"
"Ahh, forgive me. My name is Hunterson. James Hunterson."
A/N Hey! Sorry this is a little short. I hurt my back last week, so sitting at the computer for long periods of time hurts. But, rest assured, I am healing. Hope to get the next chapter out soon. Any guesses as to where Edward went? The next chapter is going to get very interesting. As always, review and show the love!