Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer wrote Twilight. I wrote this, implementing some of her characters. Missrebecca checked, as usual.
Chapter 12
Edward
About 2 months later
Glancing at my phone to check it was still on silent, I noticed I had a new text message. It was probably from Bella, and I itched to read it, but I was already running late for an important meeting as it was. I would just have to be patient. As I pocketed my phone, it vibrated with another incoming text message, and I smiled. I secretly loved how impatient she was in her texting. The day after the wedding, I had reluctantly extricated myself from Bella's arms and the comfort of her bed, because I was due back at work in Chicago the following day. By the time I had gotten off of the plane back home, I already had five messages waiting for me.
We intended to stay in touch and do the long distance thing, so we tried to talk as often as possible while looking for the opportunity to meet up again. However, once we had gotten home, our lives had crashed upon us both, keeping us insanely occupied, forcing us to stick to text and e-mail, with the occasional Skype date. The way my schedule looked right now, I wouldn't be able to fly out to Seattle until mid-summer, and frankly, I didn't want to wait that long. I just hoped Bella would be able to fly out here sooner than that.
As soon as I got out of my meeting, I opened up my messages, skipping over the one from my mother. I knew it was probably another dinner invitation that I would have to check my schedule for, anyway. Instead, I scrolled straight to the first new message from Bella.
Hey sexy, how is your day going? – B
Shit! I'm sorry! I forgot you had that meeting today! I didn't interrupt, did I? – B
Anyway, just wanted to let you know I won't be able to Skype for the next few days. Visiting my parents and they only have dial-up :S But I sent you an e-mail. Please wait till you're home to read it. - B
I smiled again at her rambling and thoughtfulness and typed out a quick reply.
Hi beautiful. Don't worry, had my phone on silent. Meeting was just shop talk and regulations; pretty boring. Curious about your e-mail. Have fun at your parents! I miss you. – E
By the time I reached my car, I got a response.
Passing through Port A right now. Might be out of range at times, jsyk. – B
No worries. Drive safe. – E
Oh and I miss you too! - B
o.O.o
I hurried home and heated up some of my mother's lasagna while I powered up my laptop. I fixed a plate and took a seat at my desk, eager to read Bella's words. Experience had taught me that she wrote the way she thought, and I loved those glimpses into her mind almost as much as I loved seeing and hearing her on Skype.
Dear Edward,
Before you continue reading this e-mail, I advise you to sit down and make sure you have a strong drink at hand. You're going to need it.
.
.
.
.
.
You're still in the same spot, right?
I chuckled to myself. She knew me so well; it was hard to believe we had only spent one week together, and were limited to long distance means of dating. I got up and poured myself a Bacardi 151 on ice. What could be so important that I'd need it?
Now that you're settled, let me start at the beginning.
Meeting you in Aspen was… wonderful. I never expected to meet someone I would connect with while on a job. You must know by now that I was incredibly flustered by my attraction to you, and when you appeared to feel the same, I was elated. I'm also glad you understood I was working, and were willing to accommodate that.
I need to stress, though, that I'm not one to jump into something like this. I don't do 'casual', I'm generally responsible. So when I went with you to your cabin after the rehearsal dinner, it was a big deal for me. Yes, there was an insane amount of lust involved, but I wouldn't have followed through on that if I didn't think it could become something more.
How she could have doubted my feelings for her and my intentions was beyond me. I was crazy about this girl, had been from the moment I had laid eyes on her.
I'm so happy you seem to agree with me, and I really do want to make this thing between us work. In time, we'll need to discuss the practicalities of our situation, but allow me to reminisce for a little bit. (It's relevant to why I'm writing you this e-mail, I promise.)
That night, you made me feel special, coveted, and desirable. I hadn't felt that way in a long time. But the way you looked at me, and how your hands ghosted across my skin… I felt nothing but want and passion.
I briefly closed my eyes, her words bringing my own memories back to the surface. I remembered her, alright. Her soft, creamy skin, her luscious lips, her dark eyes gazing up into mine… I groaned and adjusted myself before continuing to read.
As I'm writing this, I'm looking at some pictures from the wedding. I'm hoping to send you some of the official ones soon, as I've met with James and Victoria, and they've proofed their selection. I hope you received the few I sent you.
I looked at the picture of the two of us on the mountain. It sat in a frame on my desk. Another one, taken at the wedding, graced the desk in my office at the hospital.
Do you remember how we danced to Built to Last by Mêlée? I can still hear the music and the lyrics, and the way they seemed to speak to us. Was it the same for you?
I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat and nodded, even though I knew she couldn't see me. Everything she said, I felt that too. When we had been dancing that night, I hadn't wanted it to end. She had felt so right there in my arms, and I had wanted her to stay there.
I remember those two freckles on your upper left arm. The way your muscles would flex and how I would bite down, licking those freckles. The way you bit your lip when I did something you particularly enjoyed. Kissing your shoulder before tasting you again, and making love once more.
I remember it all, Edward, and I long for it. I long for you.
Now even more than before.
My eyes welled up at her admission and in that moment I wanted nothing more than to get on a plane and see her. I craved her presence as much as she seemed to crave mine.
You see, last week, Alice and I met up with Victoria and James, to go over the wedding pictures. They were very happy with the results and I think I'll be able to make a beautiful wedding album for them.
Victoria served us some delicious pastries with our tea, and normally, I can't get enough of that. I have quite the sweet tooth. However, this time, they tasted off, and I had to excuse myself and step outside for some fresh air to settle my stomach.
I frowned. I didn't want her to be sick.
To be honest, I haven't been feeling well for a while. I figured it must be stress from being so busy, and my allergies acting up. It is spring, after all. Alice and Victoria were worried, though, and when we got home, Alice forced me to do some backtracking.
Long story short, and the reason I've been trying to call you these past few days: I'm pregnant and it's yours.
As soon as I read those five little words, I was on the phone.
'Hello, yes? I need to be on your next available flight to Seattle.'
