Everything Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.
No copyright infringement is intended.
Since this is technically the end … I'll let you get on with it but please see the notes at the bottom.
When You Least Expect It
Epilogue
Edward
Eighteen months later …
"Edward! Edward! Over here, Edward!"
"Edward! Can we get a shot with you and Bella?"
Bella and I were attempting to make our way down the red carpet. It was our first Academy Awards together, and I was so happy to have Bella there with me. Last year, I'd been in the middle of filming – not that I'd been nominated – so we didn't attend. We stopped along the carpet to appease the photographers.
"You okay, baby?" I asked, kissing Bella's temple.
"Mmmhmm, I'm good," She smiled, cradling her protruding belly.
I caressed the soft fabric that lay across Bella's stomach. As if she knew my touch, my daughter kicked; causing both Bella and me to smile. I'd worried that Bella would be too uncomfortable to accompany me – she was seven and a half months pregnant, but she assured me she was fine.
Bella looked beautiful in a pale blue satin and chiffon Greek style gown. Being pregnant for her first Academy Awards wasn't ideal for her, but the pregnancy took us by surprise. Bella went through fertility treatments to get pregnant with Kaden, but this pregnancy took no effort at all and we couldn't have been happier.
"Bella, you look gorgeous! Who designed your dress?"
After my first interview where I'd admitted that I did indeed have a girlfriend – a very serious girlfriend, I allowed the photographer to take a couple photos of me and Bella. Thankfully, both the media and the fans took to her immediately. They may not have seen exactly what it was that I saw in her, but they seemed to love her regardless. I told the story of how we met without going into too much detail- I didn't want to embarrass her or bring too much attention to Bella's heartache.
"Thank you," Bella said shyly. "It's by Donna Karan."
"Well, it looks absolutely gorgeous on you. When is the little one due?"
"May." I beamed, unable to quell my excitement for the arrival of my daughter.
"Are you ready to be a dad, Edward?" One journalist asked.
"I already am. We have the most amazing five year old at home. Being a dad is the best job in the world," I grinned, looking into the camera. "Hey, Buddy. Love you and we'll tuck you in when we get home."
Kaden started Kindergarten the previous September and he was flourishing. Our relationship had grown and we were closer than ever. Except for formalities, Kaden was my son in every way.
Our life together wasn't perfect. We had to work at it. When Kaden started his last year of preschool, I started filming a new project a few days later. I was working in L.A., so it meant early mornings and occasionally a late evening. For the most part, I was home to enjoy dinner with Bella and Kaden.
That fall, Bella was busier than ever. She was working with Rob Pattinson and me – albeit silently, on opening a lounge. Bella was handling the kitchen and had created a fantastic menu. She was so excited about the new venture and poured her heart and soul into it.
The opening of the lounge meant that Bella would need to spend a few nights a week at work. I pushed for keeping the lounge closed on Sunday and Monday if only so Bella could have a couple days to rest and spend time with me and Kaden. The opening went off without a hitch. Critics sang praise to Bella's menu and cuisine, saying it was 'out of this world without being pretentiously overpriced'. The band that opened; happened to be some friends of Rob's and we had a sell-out crowd. Our lounge and restaurant seemed to be a smashing success.
Although it was late, we celebrated the one year anniversary of Bella and Kaden in my life by spending the day at Disneyland. Emmett and Doug dutifully followed along as we roamed the park. Bella and Kaden were happy and carefree as we went from ride to ride. Our day was exactly the break we needed. Kaden rode Peter Pan with Emmett, allowing me to ride with Bella. Like the first time, I watched her face we flew over London – seeing her that way would never grow old.
We spent the holidays with our families. Charlie made the trip up to Napa with us twice – at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. We could have entertained at our house, but because Bella was so busy at work, it would have been overwhelming for her to organize our family gatherings. The renovations on the guest house hadn't gone as quickly as we planned and we had to postpone a couple of things because the timing with the contractor didn't match up with our schedules.
After the holidays, I went back to work. I was committed to a project that was filming in Toronto and it took the entire break between films to psych myself up enough to go. The fact that Bella understood why I was leaving didn't make it easier. Since she and Kaden 'officially' moved in, we'd fallen into a routine. Waking up and falling into bed with Bella was two of my favorite things. Putting our son to bed together at night followed close behind.
Sitting alone in my hotel room in Toronto, starting at the photos of the three of us, brought me little comfort. I missed them with my entire being. Knowing that Kaden was spending the evening with Charlie while Bella oversaw the kitchen at the lounge; eased my mind a little. It helped to think that they weren't aching over my absence. In an attempt to busy myself, I decided to unpack my suitcase and settle in for the long, nine week shoot. I reached into my suitcase, knowing that I had stuffed a script into it that I had promised Jasper I would read, I found a small square envelope with Bella's elegant script on it. I'd seen the envelope before; Bella had me stick it in my luggage before I left for Morocco. I put it back in my bag so that I wouldn't forget to take it home after I read it, but I had forgotten about it completely.
I lifted the seal from the worn ivory paper and pulled it out to read it once again.
Edward,
You came into my life when I was least expecting to find someone. I was scared and I felt vulnerable, but the more I got to know you, those feelings started to go away. You helped me to feel strong and you do your best to protect me and somehow I get the feeling that you always will.
I know writing this instead of telling you isn't the most mature approach, but I'd never forgive myself if something happened and you weren't aware of the fact that next to my son, you are the best thing to happen to me. You mean more to me than I can possibly express, so please take care of yourself while you're away from us.
We will see you in a few weeks, but until then, know that we are thinking of you and miss you so very much.
Love,
Bella
Bella told me she loved me long before she ever said it out loud. Her heart knew what her mind and mouth weren't ready to say. I smiled at the letter in my hands and picked up the phone needing to hear her voice.
"Edward?"
"Hey, baby." I sighed.
"Is everything all right? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, or at least I am now. I was missing you and then I found the letter you made me stick in my bag before I left for Morocco."
"Oh. You kept it?"
"Of course, I kept it. Why wouldn't I?"
"It was just a silly letter, Edward."
"It wasn't silly, baby. You said you loved me and it meant the world to me to see it on paper even if you weren't ready to voice it yet."
"Oh, Edward …."
Bella's voice was soft and breathy – her emotion clear.
"I love you and I miss you too. The house feels empty without you. Our bed is too big and cold."
I could tell that Bella was on the verge of breaking down and that was the last thing she needed to do while she was at work. I attempted to change subjects before either of us could get too melancholy.
"I know, baby. How's work?"
"It's busy tonight. We've got a couple VIP tables so I'm taking care of them personally."
"Oh, well, I didn't mean to interrupt you, baby. I'll let you get back to work."
"Edward, you know you can call me anytime. If I was too busy to talk, I wouldn't have answered. Both tables are eating now, and I'm going to go check on them here in a few minutes. Besides, Kristen is here tonight to help out since Rob's not around."
"Good. I'm glad that we haven't left you there to represent everyone. Who are the VIP's tonight?"
I tried to think back on the schedule and remember who was performing. It was Wednesday, and open-mic night. We tried to showcase the up and coming artists from L.A., and Rob was usually very picky about who got on the list.
"Adam Levine is here with some of his people. He's here for Katie. She's going on in about twenty minutes."
"Really? I can't wait to hear what he thinks. Katie's really good. Rob wouldn't put her up there if she wasn't."
"I know. This is the break she's been waiting for, so I hope good things happen for her tonight."
I could hear another voice in the background, and I knew our phone call would have to be cut short. I reminded Bella that I loved her and asked her to tell Kaden that I loved him too and ended the call. I would have called him myself to tell him, but I was sure that he was already in bed fast asleep.
Four weeks later, Bella and Kaden surprised me by flying into Toronto for a long weekend. To say I was happy would have been a gross understatement. To have them in my presence and back in my arms was the greatest feeling – even if it was only for a few days.
By the time I returned home from filming, the lounge was running like a well-oiled machine. Rob and I had been lucky and found some incredible people to help us run it. Bella remained the executive chef, but had hired someone to help her out as well, allowing her some time to relax and stay home with Kaden and me.
We decided that since we both had some time, that we'd start looking for a new house. I wanted to stay in the same area because it was close to Kaden's school as well as the lounge. It took us a while, but we finally found a house that we absolutely loved. It was in a gated community and it was perfect for us. There was plenty of room for Kaden and Koda to run in the yard; the kitchen had been newly renovated, with a state of the art range and refrigerator, brand new cabinets, and gorgeous new granite countertops. Bella fell in love with the kitchen immediately. The house had six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a music room, and a large office. The living room was large and comfortable and Bella said it would look great with a huge Christmas tree in the window. Bella joked that she bought me a house for my birthday, but it was all for her.
Later that summer, we went up to visit with my parents for several days. Bella thought we were going because we hadn't seen much of my parents since the holidays but I had an ulterior motive. I had a little blue box in my pocket and it was wearing a hole in my pants.
Bella had come so far in the time that I'd known her and since we'd moved in together. She was a fantastic mother, the best friend that anyone could ever ask for, and she was an amazing girlfriend. I couldn't wait to make her my wife – now all I had to do was ask her and hope like hell she'd say yes.
My parents were going to watch Kaden for us, while we went out to dinner. I made reservations at my favorite winery, carefully choosing a menu of Bella's favorite foods and wines.
"This is delicious, Edward," Bella beamed, as she patted her lips with her napkin.
"Good, I'm glad you like it, baby."
"Mmmhmm!" She emphatically agreed.
Bella looked beautiful. She wore a strapless dress, in the deepest shade of purple I'd ever seen her in. It looked breathtaking against her sun kissed skin and highlighted the soft lines of her shoulders. Her legs looked a mile long – accentuated by the heels on her feet.
We shared crème brulee for dessert, and Bella enjoyed a glass of Muscat. I sat back and watched her as the spoon fell from her lips and the look of sweet satisfaction on her face. She had truly enjoyed dinner, but I wasn't through with her yet.
"I have a surprise for you."
"You do?"
"Mmmhmm, but first you need to close your eyes."
I rose from my side of the table and walked over to her. She did as I asked and closed her eyes as she folded her hands in her lap. I gently took her hands and helped her up from her chair.
"Keep your eyes closed and come with me."
I wrapped my arm around her and led her away from the dining area and out into the vineyard.
"Edward …" She giggled. "I wasn't done with my wine yet."
"I know, baby. You can have some more when we get where we're going. Keep your eyes closed. We're nearly there."
When we arrived at our destination, I scooped her up in my arms, making her squeal, but she kept her eyes closed tight. I stepped into the waiting basket and set her on her feet.
"No peeking," I reminded her as we began to ascend up over the vineyard.
"What's that noise? Where are we?"
"You'll see," I murmured, pulling her to my chest.
"Edward …."
A few moments later, we were high above the vineyard and could almost see out over the bay. The sun was setting and the sky was a myriad of colors – the perfect backdrop for what I was about to do. I gently kissed her lips and stepped back to kneel in front of her.
"Edward, what's going on?"
"Open your eyes, baby."
Her lids fluttered open and my favorite hazel eyes gazed down at me as she gasped.
"Bella, you came into my life just when I needed someone the most. You listened to me without judgment and worked your way into my heart in a way that no one ever had before. My heart felt empty until I met you and now it's brimming over. Maybe it's silly but it's the little things that I love about you most. I love the way your hair smells when you take it down after having it up all day, I love how you put three and a half teaspoons of sugar in your tea because three isn't enough but four is too much. To me, you're the perfect amount of sweet and I can't imagine my life without you. I want you and Kaden, forever. Isabella Swan, will you marry me?"
I struggled with my words, wanting them to be exactly right for her. Bella deserved nothing less. I watched her face as tears stained her cheeks.
"Yes," She whispered. "Yes, yes, yes!"
I rose up and pulled her into my arms, the open ring box still in my hand.
"Can I put this on for you?" I asked.
"Oh my God! Edward! It's beautiful!"
The incredulous look on her face was everything I'd been waiting for. The ring I'd chosen was beautiful and exactly Bella. I wanted to give her something beautiful, so I ended up with a one and a half carat cushion cut diamond with smaller diamonds around the band. The wedding band matched the engagement ring.
Bella held out her hand and I carefully slipped the ring down her finger. It looked amazing on her and I couldn't hold back my smile.
"Edward," Bella breathed. "You brought me on a hot air balloon ride and asked me to marry you."
"I know," I grinned. "And you said yes."
"I did."
Bella smiled against my lips and kissed me long and languidly.
"It's gorgeous up here," Bella murmured, as we watched the sun fall behind the horizon.
She shivered a little in my arms and I held her a little tighter.
Our guide announced that we'd begin our descent and we returned to the vineyard. I booked a room at a little bed and breakfast not far from the winery – my final surprise for Bella that night. It had been so long since we'd had any time alone together and it was the first night that we'd been away from Kaden in several months. The vineyard sent us with several bottles of the Muscat that Bella adored and we settled into our room with glass of wine in our hands.
As much as I loved Bella in her dress, I couldn't wait to get her out of it.
"Have I told you how heartbreakingly beautiful you look tonight?" I whispered against her skin, kissing her softly.
"Mmmhmm … but I won't stop you from telling me again."
Bella twined my fingers with hers against her stomach and ghosted her fingers against my forearms. We were sitting on a loveseat on the balcony of our room. Bella was laying against my chest – still wearing the dress that was taunting me.
"We have to tell Kaden first," Bella murmured. "We have to tell him before we tell anyone else."
I chuckled lightly, muffling it against her warm skin.
"He might know already, baby. I asked him if it would be okay for me to ask you to marry me. We had a little chat about it."
"You did?" She asked incredulously, turning in my arms to face me.
"I did," I nodded. "I thought it was only right, Bella. I mean, I asked your dad too, but I felt that I needed to ask Kaden."
Bella cupped my face in her hands and kissed me sweetly.
"I think I fell in love with you a little more just now, Edward Cullen. Today … has been so incredible. Before you, I never knew that this … existed. I feel like you've swept me off my feet, but at the same time, you keep me grounded. It's your love that does that, and I'm so blessed to receive it."
"I love you so fucking much, Bella."
I pressed my lips to hers once again and kissed her like I needed my next breath. She shifted on my lap and the next thing I knew, she was straddling me and her hands tangled in my hair. I rose to my feet with Bella in my arms and carried her inside to the sanctuary of our room, so I could love and worship her privately.
Warm lips whispered words of love back and forth as we spoke softly. Gentle, eager fingers peeled clothing away to reveal heated skin. When I pushed into her, a feeling of home surrounded me and there wasn't anywhere I'd rather have been.
Our bodies rocked against each other, the rhythm familiar and exciting. No matter how many times we'd made love, every time it kept getting better and better. Now that she'd given herself to me completely – it meant so much more.
"Oh, God, Edward. I can't …."
"It's okay, beautiful, I don't want you to. Let go for me … let me see you."
"No. Together … always, together. Please, Edward." Bella whimpered.
Together, we fells over the edge we'd been so precariously hanging on to. Wrapped around each other; heart, mind, body and soul. Bella was my everything and there was nowhere else I wanted her to be than right there in my arms.
"Edward … can you tell us anything about your upcoming wedding?"
I shook my head, both in reply to the journalist asking questions and to shake myself from my memory.
The night that Bella agreed to marry me was one of the very best nights of my life – in more ways than one. That was also the night we conceived our daughter.
About a month after we got engaged, I was coming home for a long weekend. I was working on a project in Vancouver, and Bella was busy at home with Kaden and a new project of her own. The lounge had done better than we ever could have dreamed of but the hours were getting to Bella. It took her away from home in the evenings – the time she wanted to be home the most. So it was with a heavy heart that she gave up being executive chef and she ventured out on her own. She opened a small café along Vermont Avenue, and I couldn't have been more proud of her. Bella did everything by herself without any help from me financially. It wasn't because I didn't want to – Lord knows I did, but she wanted to do it on her own – and she did.
I came home late on a Friday night. I took the first flight I could after the director yelled cut for the day. I unlocked the door, hoping that Koda wouldn't bark and wake Kaden up. I found Bella sound asleep on the couch. There was a basket of laundry sitting at her feet and there were movie credits rolling on the TV. She looked beautiful and my heart panged because I had missed her so much.
"Bella … baby, wake up. Let's go to bed."
"Edward? You're home." She smiled. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too, baby."
I kissed her softly and helped her to her feet.
"Whoa …" She said, grabbing my arm to steady herself.
"You okay there?"
"Yeah. I've just been dizzy a lot lately."
I looked at her concerned, trying to find any sign that she was coming down with something. I held her hand as we walked up the stairs and peeked in on our son.
"He can't wait to see you," Bella whispered.
"Tomorrow, baby. Tonight, I'm all yours."
We didn't make love that night. Instead, I settled for wrapping my arms around my beautiful Bella. She was exhausted and I knew she'd sleep better just because I was there. The next morning, I was up before both Bella and Kaden. I let Koda out to do her thing and I made coffee while I waited for her. I was looking out the window when I felt warm arms wrap around me.
"Mmm, morning, baby."
"Morning, handsome. I'm so glad you're home – even if it's only for a couple days."
"Me too. How 'ya feeling this morning?"
"I feel fine, why?"
"Because you had that little dizzy spell last night and when you fell asleep not fifteen minutes later you were dead to the world. World War Three could have happened and you would have slept through it."
"I was tired, I guess. I slept great though. I never sleep well when you're gone."
"I'm sorry, baby."
"I don't know, Edward. Maybe I am feeling a little off."
I raised my brows at her, waiting for her to explain.
"My period is late, I get dizzy sometimes – maybe I'm starting menopause. Am I too young for menopause?"
I ran my fingers roughly through my hair.
"I don't know anything about menopause, baby, but surely you're too young for that. You're barely thirty-one."
"Maybe, but what else could it be? I couldn't possibly be …."
"Possibly be what, baby?"
Bella's eyes widened in surprise and I could almost hear the gears working in her head.
"No … no, it can't be."
"What can't be?"
By this point, I was completely confused. I didn't understand what she was mumbling about.
"Baby … maybe I am pregnant."
"I thought …."
"Yeah, I thought so too," Bella murmured, interrupting me.
"Would it be the worst thing in the world?"
"God, no. But … I'm … we …."
"How about if I go and get a test and we find out for sure?"
Bella nodded and I grabbed my keys and wallet from the counter before kissing her soundly and promising I'd hurry back. That was the longest trip to the store – ever. By the time I got back, Kaden was up and playing in the living room while he watched cartoons. Bella was sitting at the breakfast bar trying to keep her mind off of what I had gone to the store to purchase.
"What if it's not?" Bella asked worriedly. "I don't want us to be disappointed."
When I looked in her eyes, I saw that she knew the heartache of a negative test too well. She'd been there before and I hadn't. I wasn't sure what to say to comfort her but I had to do my best.
"We'll deal with it, Bella. Whether it's positive or negative – we can handle it."
I played with Kaden for a few minutes and promised him that I would be back in a few minutes to have breakfast with him.
"I've got something to take care of with Mommy, Buddy. I'll be back down in a few minutes, okay?"
"Okay. Then we can watch TV togedder?"
"Yeah, Buddy. Then we can watch TV together."
I followed Bella up the stairs and patiently sat on the bed while she slipped into the bathroom. It wasn't long before she stepped back into our bedroom. I watched her carefully, but she showed no emotion on her face. My beautiful Bella had an incredible poker face. Her arms were slack at her side and just when I thought she was defeated, the most brilliant smile crossed her face.
"It's positive! I think we're gonna have a baby!"
"Yeah?" I asked, pulling her into my arms.
"Yeah," She smiled against the skin of my neck, placing a warm kiss against my flesh.
"God, I love you, Isabella."
"Edward! Edward! Are you going to Cannes this year?"
No, Cannes was definitely not on my 'to-do' list. With any luck, the film I was starring in that would be premiering there would do just fine without me. My daughter was due right around the premiere date and I'd rather miss a premiere than my daughter's debut. Not to mention, my fiancée would have my ass on a platter.
Bella's pregnancy had gone off without a hitch. She didn't have any morning sickness thankfully, but as the days leading up to the Oscars drew near, she fought Braxton Hicks contractions.
"Bella," My dad laughed, "It's all that ice you're eating!"
"But it tastes good!" Bella whined.
My parents had come down to visit and celebrate with us. I was nominated for Best Actor and the film for which I had been nominated Fields of Grey was nominated for Best Picture. I knew the moment that I read the script that I had to do it. I played the leading role which was a man in his mid-twenties, not far from my actual age who was battling PTSD in the wake of the loss of his brothers in the war in Afghanistan.
"You know what they say about people who eat ice," Emmett grinned.
Emmett and my sister, Rosalie, were officially dating. Rose had relocated to Los Angeles and it was nice having her close by. She'd come over a couple times a week for dinner and to hang out. Usually Emmett would tag along. Bella was only too happy to have them. After her condo was broken into, she and Emmett got closer. He became a bit of a big brother to her and they had a great relationship. It was fun to watch them – they'd give each other shit, but at the end of the day they were thick as thieves.
"Fuck you, Emmett," Bella grinned. "There is no frustration in my life. Zero - even if I do look like a beached whale."
"You don't look like a beached whale, baby. You look beautiful."
Bella was beautiful. In fact, unless you were looking at her face to face, you'd never know she was pregnant. Well, unless you saw her walking. She had the most adorable waddle.
"I can't wait until she's here," Bella whispered, as she put in the earrings I'd bought for her to wear with her dress.
"Me either, baby."
I imagined holding my daughter in one arm and my wife in the other with our son on her lap. Our son. Two months after we found out Bella was expecting, Bella surprised me with an incredible gift. She handed me a plain, manila envelope.
"Edward … I know we really haven't talked about it, but I've given it a lot of thought. Inside this envelope is everything you'd need to make Kaden officially yours. We don't need papers to tell us that you're his dad – because you already are in every way. I wanted to give this to you and give you the option - to adopt him – give him your name if that's what you want."
I wanted it more than anything.
"Of course that's what I want. I didn't know if you'd ever be ready for something like that."
"I thought I'd surprise you when you least expected it."
"Edward, how are you feeling tonight? Nervous?"
I nodded.
"Yeah, but I've got my beautiful wife-to-be here with me. She's my good luck charm."
The journalist laughed.
"How do you feel about being a good luck charm, Bella?"
"I'll be whatever Edward needs me to be."
I leaned in and kissed her temple softly, smiling against her hair because she was everything I needed her to be.
"And the Oscar for Best Actor in a Motion Picture goes to ... Edward Cullen!"
A/N: There you have it. I hope that you have enjoyed this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. It's been my pleasure to share it with you all. Thank you again to everyone who has read, reviewed, rec'd, pimped, facebooked, tweeted, etc. this story. It means SO much.
Talk about going out with a bang … When You Least Expect It has been nominated for Fic of the Week over at – it would be awesome if you could take a minute to hop on over there and vote ;)
Thanks to my fabulous team of friends who double as betas and a pre-reader. Kimberly, Jill and Teresa … you guys are an AMAZING trio of women and I am fucking blessed to call you my friends. I can't thank you enough for the time you've given to read and edit for me, and for all the encouragement that you've offered so freely. THANK YOU.
As of now, there are three outtakes in the works for this story … one has been donated to Fandom4Oklahoma. If you want to see what Mike's take is – a $5 donation will get you those answers and a whole lot more. If you can't donate, I completely understand, and that outtake will post on FFn September 1st. I am still working on Charlie and Kaden's POV – they seem to have a lot to say so I'm attempting to be patient with them, and I'm sure y'all won't mind a 30 page outtake right? (I LOVE Charlie btw ….) I also have a Nick/Lauren outtake outlined but I won't start that until Kaden and Charlie are done.
Anyone going to TFMU Chicago? I will be there and I can't wait to meet fellow readers and writers! If you're planning on attending, I'd love to have the opportunity to say HI! =)