One Night in Vegas

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Edward's Point of View

I stared at the back of my office door for what seemed like hours after Bella had slammed it in my face. It was in those excruciating silent moments that I had realized I had taken things a bit too far. She had wanted to talk about what was bothering me, but I was too caught up in myself to be bothered with that. I was feeling hurt and obviously didn't stop a moment to consider her feelings. Without communication our marriage, like countless others, wouldn't make it, and when that happens I won't have anyone to blame but myself.

A soft groan passed my lips as I forced myself to turn away and go back to my desk, knowing full well that I should go after her. But I wasn't going to. Not until I figured out, what, exactly I was going to say to her, which shouldn't be all that difficult. It was all running through my head. It was all I could think about and it was driving me crazy. So, why not track her down and get this all off my chest now? Because I'm insecure, and damn it all to hell I haven't felt this insecure since high school. I couldn't stand it! I'm not that lonely little boy that allowed everyone to walk all over him anymore! I became someone; someone most of the world envies. May it be my social status in the world, my money, or the off chance they actually know me and like me for who I am; it's still there, and I think that scares me the most. I don't want Bella to love me for my money or the status I can give her in society. I want her to love me for me.

I eased myself back down into my leather desk chair and closed my eyes for a fraction of a second. I'll talk to Bella about my fears, but not now, perhaps later after our families leave. Scooting my chair forward I reach out for my laptop and pull it toward me, lifting the screen back up. It only takes a second for the screen to light up, showing a local realtor's webpage.

A soft knock on my door caused me to push the screen back down, and just as I looked up my mother entered. I felt my lips curl into a frown as I half hoped it was Bella, deciding to give me a second chance at explaining myself. I watched as my mother pressed her lips together in a fine line, and I instantly knew I was in for it. "What is going on with you Edward?" She asked as she crossed the room, arms crossed over her chest. "You are being absolutely cold and rude. This isn't how I raised you!"

I sunk down into my chair not knowing what to say to her. I knew that my feeling hurt was no excuse for my behavior. "I know, mom." I said softly, staring down at my now cupped hands in my lap. What else could I say? I couldn't change the past no matter how recent it was, and not to mention I had no doubt in my mind that I would have reacted the same way given the opportunity to do it all over.

"Your father would be completely disappointed in you if he saw how you were reacting, adding unnecessary stress to your pregnant wife." My mother huffed as she hoisted herself on the edge of my desk. "What the hell was all of this about anyway? If I don't understand there is no way Bella does."

I sighed, slouching down a bit in my chair at the mention of my father and unborn child and the stress I was adding to Bella. I hadn't thought that far ahead, thought of the potential harm I could be causing her and our child. And to be completely honest I hadn't thought what my father might think of all this, but now that I gave myself a moment to I knew my mother was right, not that I thought otherwise. He would be disappointed, but he wouldn't have interfered. He would have made it known he didn't approve of the way I was going about things, but at the same time he would have stood by my side.

I looked up at my mother as she began to tap her foot on the floor, waiting for me to being my explanation. I pushed myself up and sat straight in my chair. I wanted to appear to be a man, not the child I was acting like, and that was exactly what my mother was going to see when I told her exactly what I was feeling. "I think Bella what's to get back with her ex-husband." I stated simply.

In the years of running my father's business I've learned that sometimes it's best to say less, no matter what point you are trying to get across because the chances are the more you speak the more desperate you look, and though desperate was how I felt I didn't want to come off by looking that way.

My mother stared at me a moment with a blank look on her face. The same look she gave me as a child when she knew I wasn't telling her everything. The look that always had me telling her things I wouldn't necessarily tell her to begin , for example, when she caught me masturbating for the first time. At the time I was fifteen and I had liked to believe that one little event had ruined my life. After that one little incident came a dozen little conversations all sex Ed based that no child wants to hear, especially not from their mother.

I continued to stare at her a moment before I lost my resolve. Why I had thought, even after all of these years, I could with stand my mother's stare was beyond me. "Alice followed her the other night when she stormed out of her house, though she stayed far enough behind Bella that she didn't realize. When Jacob Black approached Bella… kissed Bella… Alice said she didn't move. She didn't even try to push him away." I looked away from her as I spoke, not wanting to see any kind of facial expression she may have plastered on her face. I didn't want pity, disapproval, or indifference. I wanted to be understood, but most of all I wanted Bella to want me for me.

"Edward Anthony," My mother's soft tone had me looking up at her, her eyes soft and understanding. It wasn't at all what I was expecting to see. Slowly she got to her feet and rounded my desk. "Bella loves you; even I can see that son. So, her ex-husband's untimely visit shocked her, and I'm positive that is the only reason he was able to get as close to her as he did."

I opened my mouth, wanting to disagree, but she pressed her finger to my lip and silenced me and I knew she was right. "You need to talk to her son. You need to explain yourself and in return let her explain to. Don't ruin something so perfect over something so petty. And don't get me wrong son, I'm not saying your feelings are petty, just the situation. I'm sure you will come to realize that this was all a misunderstanding." I nodded as she leaned down and pressed her lips to my forehead. "I've got some packing to do if I'll be heading out this evening. I'll let you get back to doing whatever it is you were up to."

I nodded and took a deep breath, watching her as she headed toward the door. "Thanks mom." I said softly. At first I wasn't even sure if she heard me, but then she turned to face me with a soft smile on her lips.

"You're welcome Edward. I love you."

"I love you too."

I stared at my office door once again as my mother closed it behind her, feeling a lot better than I had since I had woken up this morning. I also knew that somehow this conversation I would be having with Bella would go a lot better than I had initially had thought.

I spent most of the day in my office staring off into space. What else could I do, especially after how I acted this morning? I stayed put and gave Bella the time she needed with her family, and every once in awhile my mother would come in and join me with a cup of tea and we would sit in the silence together. Every now and then I would glance at the small clock on the right corner of my desk just to be sure I didn't let too much time pass us by.

When noon approached I emerged from my hiding spot virtually unnoticed and headed up stairs. It had only taken about thirty minutes to gather everyone's things being as they had already had everything packed, only thing I had to do was carry it downstairs and put in the cars which my mother helped me with. After I made sure everything was together I headed back into the house and toward the living room. My eyes instantly fell onto Bella's small frame as she leaned against her mother with her eyes closed, a small smile curling her lips. Even now, she was the most breathtaking woman I had ever seen.

"I've got all your luggage in the car. We should head out to the airport soon." I said softly, my eyes never leaving my wife's form, even as I felt her family's eyes upon me. I watched as her lips curled into a frown as she glanced across the room at the clock on the wall, no doubt wondering where the time went. I felt my lips mimic her as her mother thanked me before telling me they would all take one last look around the house before they left.

I stepped aside as they all left the living room one by one, leaving me alone with Bella who still sat silently on the sofa, eyes on the clock frowning. "Bella," I said softly, taking a step forward.

"Not now Edward," She said softly, her eyes falling to an invisible speck on the carpet. "We can talk about this later. After my family leaves, alright?" I watched as she pushed herself up of the sofa, my frown deepening.

"Alright." I merely whispered to myself as she walked pass me.

So, as you can see I'm back. Well, sort of. I don't know how often I'll be able to update for you all, but I'll get it done as often as I can, and hopefully I can start making my chapters a bit longer. I want to thank you all for sticking around while I took some time off for personal needs. Things are starting to pick up and get better for me and for the first time in months I feel like writing again. So, I don't know what else to update you all on. Please as always R&R. Love you all.

-AnnaMarie

PS. Sorry no beta right now so stick with me for a !