CHAPTER 27: Edward's Proposal
Edward runs to me and scoops me up in his arms making me giggle. He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and sets me down gently. "You really have no shame, do you?" I tease.
"No, ma'am," he shakes his head with furrowed eyebrows. "Especially this week." He gives me another kiss except he lets his lips linger a little longer. I can feel him smiling by my ear.
"People are staring again," I remind him quietly.
He finally lets me go and trails his hands down my arms until they're intertwined with my fingers. "So?" he shrugs. "It's our last day." And he's right. With a bold move, I kiss his lips tenderly, the familiar blush gracing my face.
This past week has been amazing. Ever since Jane's phone call while we were at the meadow, I've spent every day on set with Edward. Aro understood how unhappy I was unable to leave the house and stuck there alone for hours on end. So, when Jane talked to him, he agreed. He also knew I wanted to spend as much time with Edward as possible. My uncle is a pretty wonderful man. While on set, he let me sit next to him by his director's chair so I saw what he saw. I'm glad that all the kissing scenes between Edward and Jessica were filmed weeks ago so I didn't have to witness it. I know it's just them acting and playing their roles but seeing it would make me feel uncomfortable nonetheless. She left a couple of days ago after her scene wrapped—one of the last girls to leave.
It was close to ten at night when the filming finally finished. Champagne bottles were popped and flutes handed out to everyone while Aro gave his speech on how appreciative he was for everyone's support, dedication and hard work on his movie. "I know this is only the beginning. While the hard part is over, we still have a long way to go before the release. Again, I thank you." He raised his champagne flute in the air as did we. "Salute!" Aro and the crew yelled. We all clinked glasses and took a sip of the cool, crisp liquid. It felt good down my throat.
"So, what now?" I turn to Edward. The celebration didn't last long. It seems the crew was more focused on breaking things down so they could go out and really celebrate around the town tonight. They began to disperse, tearing down some of the wall props, rolling wires, and shutting off studio lights all around us.
"Well, I have to change first. Alice has left me clothes in the dressing room. After that…we can do whatever you want." He gives me my favorite crooked grin as if to tell me we can have our own private celebration. I suddenly feel excited.
Alice left for Milan four days ago because of some issues with what clothes would go on which model and their lineup. She left early because wants to make sure everything goes well without a hitch. She planned the clothes the actors are to wear for the week and apparently she also planned Edward's attire for after the shoot. In her rush to get to Milan, she promised she'll return for me, and I hope she does because I have no idea where I'm going or staying in this foreign city by myself. The itinerary was never released to me. I told myself the next time I travel I would buy the Rosetta Stone program so I wouldn't feel like a total tourist wandering the streets.
"Thanks again, uncle Aro," I hug him before we leave.
"My pleasure, my dear." He kisses my forehead. "If I don't see you before your trip to Milan, have a wonderful time with Alice." I say my thank you before he moves to Edward, both men shaking hands. "Take good care of her."
"I will," he nods. Aro gives us one last smile and leaves with Jane to talk to his other assistant directors and aids while on location. After we're to ourselves again, Edward turns to me. "So, what do you want to do? Are you tired? Feel like going home?" He's rubbing my arm tenderly.
"Edward." Emmett appears out of nowhere. He looks almost embarrassed disturbing us. "I need to talk to you for a second."
"Alright…" He gives me a short 'I'll be back' nod and walks over to Emmett.
"It won't be long, Bella," Emmett reassures me with a smile. "I know you want Eddie all to yourself." He gives me a wink while Edward scowls at him. I laugh softly while shaking my head. Sometimes I prefer Emmett as my boyfriend's agent rather than his teasing brother. They situate themselves in a corner and commence their discussion. Emmett is shaking his head and Edward's mood turns south. He's frowning and looks very disappointed. It also seems Emmett is trying to explain himself. Edward shoots me a quick glance and finally sighs and nods at him. What was that about?
They give each a brief hug after they're done, Emmett's hand in the air for a short wave good-bye in my direction. "Everything okay?" I ask when Edward is by my side again.
"Yeah," he smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes. I can't read his expression and I don't want to pry so I leave it alone—for now.
"So, Miss Swan, what would you like to do?" He gathers me in his arms and kisses my hair. "We should get out of here to let the crew finish."
I blush, playing with strands of his short bronze hair behind his head, near his neck. I can tell he's distracted by my ministrations. "I'm up for anything."
He pulls me closer with a wicked grin. "Let's get out of here."
Felix is on standby to take us back to the villa. We quickly change into something more suited for the evening since the nights have gotten cooler. The rain's finally stopped but the roadways are still damp and dreary. Aro has allowed us to borrow his convertible again except Edward's placed the top up. We hardly also notice the paparazzi these days since we've finally gotten used to their presence—although we still try to remain inconspicuous and private.
The pictures in the tabloids aren't as bad as I imagined them to be. They've taken pictures of us out in public waking the streets holding hands or eating at a restaurant. There's a few snapshots of Edward kissing my hair or my hand but never on the lips. He refuses to give them that satisfaction because he knows that's the real shot they want. The more intimate moments between us happen behind closed doors. Every chance he gets Edward also sleeps in my bed with me because I'm more secluded in my wing of the villa giving us the privacy we want. The stories and headlines are not so bad either, according to him. The paparazzi said we looked madly in love and one magazine even went as far as to say I was pregnant with twins! After that article came out, Edward and I purposely took shots together at an open restaurant to squash the rumors. We had fun that night but I paid for it the next day. I was slung over my toilet for most of the morning.
"Where are we going? You never did tell me?" It only now occurred to me as we near the gate. Edward looks uneasy. "What? What is it?"
"You'll see," is all he says, his eyes still straight ahead. He takes my hand in his and strokes it gently. The paparazzi are back on the job as soon as the gates open. Don't these people ever sleep?
The drive is familiar and I suddenly wonder if we're heading back to the private area on the beach where he and I first made love. When he turns into the marina, I become more curious. I've never been here before, only seeing it from a distance. Smaller boats are anchored on the different docks, gently swaying in the water. Turning off the engine, he shifts toward me, rubbing the back of his neck. A couple of cars park some distance from us and we know it's the paparazzi. Edward doesn't seem to be effected by them. "I'm not sure how you feel about this surprise I have for you. It's very last minute and on impulse. If you'd rather we do something else, I'll turn the car right around."
"What surprise?" My interest has piqued.
Edward gets of out the car and opens my door for me, helping me out. We walk along one of the winding docks and is met by a man with a white mustache dressed in a light blue dress shirt and dark slacks. He stands up to greet us with a flashlight and a police baton strapped to his belt. "We good, Stefan?" Edward asks. The man nods with a smile and slightly tilts his hat in response. His eyes crinkle as he sits back down to continue reading his book. He seems like a kind person.
We pass by different size boats and stop by a small cruiser yacht toward the end of the dock. The lights in the cabin are on with soft music playing. He grabs my other hand so I have to face him. "Who's boat is this?" I stay staring at the vessel. Edward caresses my hands with his thumbs, drawing my full attention to him.
"It belongs to Marcus. He's letting us borrow it for the evening—but we're not taking it out to sea. We'll only be stationed here on the dock. Stefan is the night guard and he'll make sure the paparazzi stay out of the marina so we have some privacy."
"Oh." I look back at Marcus's cruiser. It's much smaller than his other yacht we were on…that night. But it still looks like a big vessel by my standards. It's white and sleek with Didyme written on the side. If my memory serves me correctly, Didyme was Marcus's wife who died a long time ago. I remember he and Aro briefly mention her once, although I'm not sure how she passed. I just remember Marcus looking so distraught at the mention of her name.
I haven't been back anywhere near a boat since that chilling experience I had on Marcus's other vessel. While Edward and I were on the beach, I felt safe and the thought of my near death experience was nonexistent. A sudden shiver crawls up my spine remembering the cold, suffocating water and how helpless I left. "Hey, you okay?" Edward murmurs, rubbing my arm gently. I blink a few times as he brings me back to the present. "If this is too much for you…"
"No," I shake my head. "I'm fine. I was just thinking about the last time I set foot on a boat. I'm glad we're not out in the open sea."
"So, you're okay with this?" he asks cautiously.
"Are you?" I cock my head to the side as he does sometimes. He's been so overprotective since he saved my life that I'm surprised he'd be comfortable enough bringing me near water again. I thought Edward would be against any depth of water if I can't see or feel the bottom of it. There must be a ton of life vests and water wings he's requested for me so I don't end up repeating my past misfortune.
He chuckles softly, rubbing the back of his neck again. What's he nervous about now? "Honestly, I'm not. After almost losing you that night, I told myself I'd do anything to protect you—keep you safe. I guess that's when it really hit me on how much you meant to me. Seeing how pale and lifeless you were after we got you back aboard…I panicked. Of course, I tried to keep my fright in check to keep everyone else from worrying more than me. I only relaxed a little when you finally coughed up water after I gave you CPR. The anxiety of reaching the shore so we could get you to the hospital was the hard part. I decided to bring you here tonight because I want us to face our fears...together."
The news is shocking. I had no idea how frenzied he felt when I fell overboard. Tears are threatening in the corners of my eyes at how frightened he must have been. Not because it was me, but because he had to witness such an ordeal, which could easily put anyone into a panic and a state of shock. I hug Edward tightly around his neck. He hugs me back with the same force, his face buried in my hair. "I'm here. And I'm safe…thanks to you. I couldn't imagine being here with anyone else," I whisper. He smiles against my hair and kisses me on the neck.
Inside the yacht, there's a small iPod station where the melody of the music is crooning throughout the cabin. There's candles lit around the area even though the lights are on. They give off a nice, soothing ambiance to the room. There's also a table set up with a few appetizers and a bottle of chilled wine. It's simple but very romantic—perfect for two.
We talked for what seemed like hours, sipping on delicious wine, and for once, I have no cares for the paparazzi. It's been forever since I've felt myself truly relax and what a better way to spend it with the man of my dreams. Sometimes I still want to pinch myself to prove that this was real—he was real. My previous incident was long buried in the back of my mind with so many other things to replace it with, that coming here was the first time I was made to really think about it and how frightening it was. But looking into Edward's beautiful green eyes and how invincible he makes me feel with him, all those scary thoughts just melts away.
Suddenly, he gets up, straightening his pants. He extends his hand out to me with a shy grin on his face. "Dance with me."
"Dance? I don't dance." I look nervously up at him through my lashes. He rolls his eyes playfully, taking my resistant hand and pulls me onto my feet. "You know how disastrous this can be, don't you?"
My Greek Adonis lifts me slightly so my bare feet are resting on his Converse shoes. I place one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand, which he holds close to his heart. He's swaying me around like a puppet with his movements and I can't help but laugh. "See…you're dancing," he grins wider.
"I guess I am." I agree, trying to suppress my own amusement. This man can be so wonderfully cute, charming, seductive, and playful all at the same time. He is definitely a catch and he's all mine. I silently thank the gods above for letting me stumble into his life. When the song ends, he dips me gracefully, kissing my throat before he puts me back on my own two feet. "You're a very good dancer."
"Thank you," he bows with his head. "I'll be sure to tell my mother. Actually, you'll probably see her in Milan with Alice. You can tell her how enrolling her rebellious children in dance school has finally paid off," he chuckles with a shake of his head.
I blush and my mouth goes dry. "I'm going to meet your mother?" She's not just the mother of one of my close friends and boyfriend, but she's also a well-renowned fashion designer. There's not a corner on this planet who doesn't know E. Evenson. And it never occurred to me that E. Evenson wasn't her real name so I didn't connect her with Alice.
"She'll love you, don't worry. My mother is anxious to meet you."
"What? Me?" My heart is off racing in a marathon again.
"One thing you have to understand about my family is that we're always in constant communication with each other, especially with our parents. Alice and I don't really need to talk to each other that frequently here since we see each other often enough. And I'm usually always with Emmett. All my mother's heard on her calls with Alice are probably about her clothing line and you."
"And what about you? Have you mentioned me to her?"
He snorts at my question. "Of course I have. She's thrilled that I've finally gotten the courage to show my feelings to you." He grins at me seductively. I blush even more. I had no idea how close he and his family were. The Cullen siblings are always teasing each other but you could tell they had a lot of love and respect for one another. "Because I won't be able to go with you…tell them I say 'hello' and give Alice a hug for me."
I frown and rest my head on his chest. "I wish you could be there," I whisper. He holds me tightly in arms and sighs.
"I was hoping to be…but other things came up."
Confused by his words, I look up at him. He has to loosen his hold so he can see my face. "What do you mean?"
It was his turn to frown. "I know I'd miss you too much while you were in Milan with my sister so I made arrangements to stay there with you. It was going to be a surprise. But, Emmett just told me earlier a spot they were hoping I'd get in a tv series was green lit so I have to meet with the producers next week. I have go through the script in L.A. before the meeting."
"Oh, that's what Emmett talked to you about."
"Yes."
No wonder he didn't look happy about the news. "It's a good opportunity for you." I know he needs to put his name out there and getting another project so soon is always great for an actor. I am slightly disappointed that he can't join me in Milan but I already figured he couldn't even before his sweet, thoughtful surprise. "I'd miss you, too…but it's only for a few days."
Edward takes my hand and flips my palm open and kisses it. "Do you like living with Aro…in L.A.?"
His question catches me by surprise. It's something I never really thought about. Living with Aro was automatic since he's my uncle and the only family I have out there. "Umm…yeah," I shrug. "Even though I rarely see him and it feels like I have the house to myself half the time, I don't plan on living with him forever. Once I have enough saved I plan on finding a place of my own nearby." Aro could easily pay my rent anywhere I chose to live but I want to make my own living without his financial help. I've had enough saved for sometime now but immediately moving out never really crossed my mind. I guess I just wasn't ready to leave my uncle—my family.
"I live nearby," he murmurs, still softly kissing my palm and fingers. The idea makes me smile. That means we can easily see each other and not have to drive across town to do so. Alice is about twenty minutes away and for her that's a far drive. For me, it was a short distance. Edward suddenly looks pensive about something, his focus on my hands he's holding and caressing. When he finally looks up, he seems nervous. "I guess what I'm getting at is…I'd like for you to move in with me, Bella. Please?"
The blood from my face has drained and my legs feel like Jell-O again. Did he just say what I think he said? No, it couldn't be. My mind is clearly playing tricks on me as it often likes to do. "Edward," I chuckle softly in disbelief, "you don't know what you're saying."
"Of course I do." His tone is serious as he gazes at me, trying to read my thoughts. "I know we've only known each other a short time but I can't imagine not having you around. Waking up with you in my arms every morning is the best feeling in the world. And I want to take care of you…give you everything you want." He cups either side of my face, never breaking eye contact. "I know you must think I'm saying this out of haste, but Bella…I've never felt this way about anyone. And most importantly, I trust you. I've never really trusted anyone except for my family. My parents always taught me to go with my gut instincts and that's what I'm doing."
I can't do anything but stare back at him in my stunned position. This is a lot to take in. What would Aro say? Would he be mad? We've only just met and even though we've talked about a few personal things, we still have a long way to go in this relationship. I love him with every fiber of my being but I can't help but feel hesitant on the idea. "Edward…"
"Just think about it, please. Discuss it with Aro if you must. We can even move closer to him if he and you want. Please think long and hard about it. Whatever you decide, I'll comply."
"Oh, Edward," I sigh into his chest. "All I want is you. And it's not that I don't want to move in with you, it's just…don't want us rushing into anything and running into hiccups along the way before we're ready for them."
"So, that's a 'no' then?" I can hear the disappointment in his voice.
I look up again with a half-smile. He's pouting like a little school boy. "It means I'll think about it—long and hard, like you said."
Edward kisses me fervently, coaxing my mouth open with his tongue. I guess that answer will do for now. He presses his body tightly against me. I can feel his arousal growing as I moan into his mouth. "I have something else long and hard for you to think about," he says against my mouth. I'm sure he can feel me blush. He sounds so seductive and sexy and it brings an all too familiar tingling down there. This boat will definitely be rocking tonight…
Author's Note: Did the title throw you off a bit? LOL. Think Bella will really move in with Edward once they're back in L.A.? Guess you'll have to stay tuned!
And don't forget to review! Thanks.