Alice slept with Bella that night when the storm came through. Alice did not like the thunder just like all other children, but Bella hated the storm because it brought back memories from the night of the accident. Alice's small body wrapped with hers in the blankets helped Bella get through the night and when morning came there was a dampness to the air outside that suggested the rain may not be over.
It was a Saturday and Alice and Bella spent most of the day inside, going to the main house for lunch with Esme and Carlile. Carlile played with Alice until he left for work. Bella helped Esme get the boys rooms ready for their visit. Bella asked why Jasper wasn't coming and Esme told her that poor little Jasper was sick and his parents thought it best they stayed home. The boys arrived before supper was on the table and Bella was lifted into a pair of arms that were as round as her waist. She laughed because she knew it was Emmet and he swung her around and growled his laugh until he threw Bella over his shoulder and she latched her arms around his neck, piggy back. Emmet walked into what Bella thought was the living room with Bella on his back and Esme laughed to see her children together.
"Hey, Emmet, stop hogging Bella!" Edward's voice was winey and it sounded funny to hear it from a grown man. Emmet put Bella down and Bella heard Alice's giggle fill the room. Edward's arms wrapped around Bella and she hugged him back, burying her nose in his collar to smell the cologne she got him every Christmas.
"Done smelling me yet Bella?" Edward joked with her.
"No. So stand still and let me finish." Bella joked right back, inhaling deeply once and stepping back. She sensed Edward going tense and put a hand up to his face, feeling the frown line in his forehead gently.
"Hey, stop being so serious. Its making you wrinkle. And I would know."
Edward's face pulled into a smile under Bella's fingertips. "I'll work on that."
Edward carried Alice back to the cottage around midnight and Bella led the way humming. She pulled down the covers of Alice's bed and Edward pulled off her shoes and socks and tucked her in. Bella kissed her goodnight, turned on the nightlight and stayed until she felt the light-bulb warm up, assuring her it was on. Edward closed the door quietly they made their way into the main room.
"Thanks for bringing her back for me Edward. I'm gonna hit the sack as well I think. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"No problem Bella. Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well Bella."
She smiled. "You too Edward."