Sorry for the delay, but on the up side as I post this, the next chapter is already sent out to the beta team. HUGE thanks to the great group of ladies who keep us readable: AWayWithWords, EdwardsFirstKiss, and LaPumkle.
Parallel Parenting
Chapter 16
Edward POV
I slam my door closed, walking right over to Maggie. "You've got some nerve coming here," I seethe with clenched teeth.
"What? I didn't know, I swear I didn't," Maggie says with a sob as her hand comes toward me.
I grip her wrist as she barely grazes my face. "Keep your hands off of me," I sneer and release her wrist, pushing it away.
She just stares at me open-mouthed.
"Get off of my property and don't come back here again. You're not welcome, nor were you ever for that matter," I state.
"I didn't mean any harm. Jesus – Edward, you've never been so angry when I've touched you before." Her eyes move to the side of me. "I think someone has changed you, and not in a good way."
"No one has changed me, and I've never liked you touching me in any way, shape, or form. You've just been too obtuse to understand or pay attention to me when I've told you to stop and that I wasn't interested."
Maggie rolls her eyes at me. "You're so touchy. I'm only a little girl really, Edward. Do you honestly think I could hurt you? Okay, I mean, I would, but only if you asked me to," she purrs the last part.
"Okay and this is making me feel sick," Bella says moving, so that she is between Maggie and me. "It's women like you that are the main problem in this world. Women who think that just because they are a female they can sexually harass a guy and get away with it. It doesn't matter if you play the I-am-a-little-weak-woman card, it is still sexual harassment. If a guy does the same thing—I do mean the same thing that you just did—while hitting on you it would be a lawsuit instantly or harassment charges. You making suggestive comments are just as bad as a man doing it to a female. If a man you did not like, or want touching you did the things to you that you do to Edward—and trust me, it is completely unwanted, and undesired the way you talk to and try to touch him—you'd be screaming sexual harassment, and how you're a poor little woman. Here's a newsflash for you, in case you have missed my point, women are equal to men, and women are as strong as men. Why don't you take a moment and try to understand that? Just in case you are not clear, let me make this simple for you and your miniscule brain ... if you touch Edward one more time in a sexual manner, then we will be filing charges against you. Do you think you can grasp that, or do you need me to help you get it into your thick skull some other way? The fact you are using our girls—."
"Cordie is not yours, and Kassie isn't his!" Maggie yells cutting Bella off.
"Shut up, twat, we are a family, and I will kick your ass if you don't back off. If I find out that this is your ploy to try to get him to be with you—which is stupid, by the way—I'll likely put my boot in your ass. Not to mention, what makes you think he would consider you if he lost his daughter because of you? Have you even thought about that? Probably not, considering you seem to only think of yourself. Just for the record, and listen closely, you aren't allowed near here again. I hope I am clear, because I will not miss you with the pile of charges I will place on your ass, and that's after I beat the ever living shit out of you, for messing with my family!"
"What?" Maggie says just looking between us. "Edward, are you going to allow her to threaten me like this?"
"You've been told, now leave!" I say without looking at her.
I walk into the house, pulling a still angry Bella into my arms.
"Nayeli, you have to calm down before we see the girls. I am mad, too, but they shouldn't see this."
"I know, but she's starting to piss me off. It's not like you've ever shown an ounce of interest in her, much less anything other than frustration towards her."
"She's just a rich girl that's used to getting what she wants. That's all; I've become a challenge to her."
Bella just hums and I kiss her lightly. "Come on; let's go spend a little time with our girls."
Bella and I walk into the living room, smiling.
"They're upstairs playing," Alice says as she walks over to us. "Did it go okay today?"
"It went as well as to be expected," Bella answers.
Alice just nods at us in understanding. "Okay, well, I'll get Colton and head home to my man."
I smile as Bella moves to Alice hugging her. "No need to run straight off, Alice," she tells her.
"No, it's fine … Jasper's taking us bowling so I need to get changed."
We all walk upstairs together; Alice gets Colton and heads back downstairs as Bella and I take the girls downstairs to my office.
"We have to talk to you girls, and you both need to listen closely. If you don't understand something, then ask right away so we can explain things better and you don't get confused."
Both of the girls nod at me.
"We have two bits of news. One piece of news I think you'll both be happy about, but first I'll get the other piece of news out of the way." I am confusing myself, but again the girls nod at me.
"You both know that we"—I stop and point at myself and Bella—"adopted you?"
"No, Teddy, my gran and papa adopted me, and left me to my mom." Kassie states with a roll of her eyes.
"That's right, baby, but I had to adopt you after they died," Bella says softly.
"Does this mean you are adopting Cordie, and Teddy is going to become my daddy?"
I shake my head chuckling over how quickly Kassie jumps in searching for information.
"Kassie, baby, I wouldn't need to adopt you, but if you want me to be your daddy, I will. Just the same as Bella would be Cordie's mom."
Kassie smiles hugging me to her. "So, I can call you daddy, too? And Cordie can call Mommy, mommy?"
I watch as Cordie climbs into Bella's lap, and my eyes move to Bella who smiles but still has a deep worry in her eyes.
"You sure can – both of you. Now I need to move off this topic just for a little bit, but we'll return to it soon."
I take a deep breath.
"A lady has come forward, and said that she knew you from the lady and man that brought you into this world."
Both Cordie and Kassie just look at each other.
"She said that she was promised that you both could live with her."
As the words come out of my mouth, both Cordie and Kassie jump up and hug each other.
"I won't go!" Kassie says. "This is because of that Maggie isn't it? She said she would get rid of Cordie."
I frown as I pull my brows together.
"What?" I say with more anger that I meant.
Bella moves off her seat and kneels down in front of Cordie.
"Baby, when did she say this? What did you two hear?"
Cordie just shrugs. "I heard her, at a party, just before we met you. She said that she wanted Daddy, but she didn't want me. Another woman said she should send me to England to a boarding school."
"You should have told me, Princess," I say as I pull her to me, hating Maggie a little more. "And I would never send you away. I asked for you, and I want to spend as much time as I can with you," I try to reassure her.
Cordie simply nods.
"Don't let her take us, please, Te– Daddy," Kassie pleads with me.
"We won't, but we had to let you know as she has been on the news talking about it," I again try to assure them both.
The girls seem to just be confused by this. I am grateful they are still a little young to fully understand just how much of an impact on their lives this could be.
"That means that boys and girls at your school might have seen it and may ask you questions about it," Bella says nicely.
I snort quietly knowing full well that it wouldn't be the kids asking but the parents.
"Is that why E-man sent out another letter today?" Cordie asks.
"Yes," Bella answers making me look at her.
"I'll show you later," she mouths to me, and I nod at her.
"Okay, the other news is that your mommy and I have been dating," I say.
Both the girls look happy at this.
"And before you ask ... yes, we are moving in together, and we're getting married," I add.
Both Cordie and Kassie just look at us and run out of the room.
"Be back soon," Kassie yells and I turn to look at Bella who shrugs.
The girls come back in with a book. "We've been planning your wedding," they say together, placing the book down on Bella's lap.
"Alice has taken your needed documents to the courthouse to make sure you can get married," Kassie carries on, as Cordie opens to the correct page in the book.
"I know Mommy wants a big wedding. She wants one in the garden, and we thought granny and papa Cullen's' house would be perfect." Kassie tells us showing us a picture that has been drawn.
"Yes, and we thought that Jake could marry you, because he has a license," Cordie says as she nods.
This is making me smirk because they had the same idea as I did in regard to Jake.
"Alice said she would make your dress. I showed her the ones you like," Kassie tells Bella, showing her another drawing, only this time I know that Jake must have drawn it.
"Oh, wow, that is very pretty," Bella says with a smile.
"This is what Kassie and I are going to wear," Cordie tells us excitedly.
"Have you picked something out for me?" I ask with my eyebrow raised.
"Of course, Daddy," Cordie smiles, and flicks to the next page.
"I can't wait! This Thanksgiving is going to be the best!" Kassie fist pumps.
"Eh?" Bella and I ask together.
"That's when we want you to get married," Kassie says in her duh tone.
"That's only three weeks away," Bella answers sounding as if she is going into shock.
I lean into her with a smile. "Just go with it, Nayeli."
Bella looks at me and Kassie moves to her. "Nayeli means love; it's from Jake's people's language. He said it is what they say to their wives."
Bella's head turns to me and I feel my face heat up just a little, and I chuckle, winking at her.
"Can you please get married on Thanksgiving?" Cordie pleads.
"When were you planning on telling us about this wedding?" Bella counters.
"On Thanksgiving day," Kassie says with a smirk. "Alice said that way it would be harder for you two to say no."
I snort and then chuckle shaking my head. "Is this what you have been planning with Alice?"
"Yeah, and Aunt Rose, too," Kassie adds and then looks at Bella wide eyed. "I wasn't supposed to tell you that."
Bella just hums. "I can't believe those two allowed you girls to plan all of this! But you have done a great job; everything is exactly what I would have chosen. That's a good thing, because I would dread to think of what they would've come up with if you both hadn't helped."
"Pink, so much pink," Kassie says crossing her eyes, making me chuckle.
"I like pink," Cordie says as she crosses her arms.
Kassie looks over at her and narrows her eyes.
"Okay girls why don't you take us through your plans for the wedding," Bella says quickly before they can argue over the color pink.
"Alice said that Daddy would have to stay somewhere else the night before. When we said no, she said that was so Bella could do girl stuff. So we decided that Daddy should stay and just be one of the girls for that night." Cordie says with a smile.
"The next day we all get ready and go to gran and papa's, where they would be, along with Colton, Jasper, E-man, and Jake," Kassie tells us.
"I want Kate and Garrett to come, too," Cordie tells me.
"Yes, and I would like Victoria and James to come, too. They're so much fun," Kassie adds on.
"Add Tanya," Cordie giggles.
"Okay, so family and some close friends – what next?" I ask moving us along.
"Well, Alice said that normally Mommy's daddy would walk her down the aisle, but ..." Kassie looks at Bella and I can see a little sadness there.
"So, I thought Kassie should do it," Cordie says with a smile hugging Kassie.
"And I thought that as we were a family, Cordie should also walk Daddy down the aisle."
I look to Bella who looks very touched by what the girls have said.
"The next thing was hard!" they say together after exchanging a look.
"What was that?" Bella asks them.
"Alice told us that your best friend had to be your maid of honor."
"And Daddy's best friend was his best man," Cordie adds.
"But you two are each other's best friend, and Alice said that you couldn't do that for each other since you were getting married to each other," Cordie says sounding confused about it. "Luckily, Kassie had a great idea," she tells us. "Alice said Kassie could be your best man, I could be Bella's maid of honor, isn't that a great idea? Alice said it was, and that granny and papa could help us by signing the papers, whatever that means."
"Yeah and Jake has some special thing that says he can marry people, so he gets to marry you. We thought that would be great, since he knows all of us," Kassie giggles.
"What's funny?" Bella asks her sounding amused.
"He told Alice when she asked him, that it had to be a Betazoid wedding."
I snort and cover my mouth as Bella shakes her head clearly getting what he was insinuating.
"Alice said no way, but Jasper said if that were true, then he was going to the gym?" Kassie says.
"What does that mean, anyway?" Cordie adds.
"Nothing, baby, Jake was just telling a joke. Betazoid is something from Star Trek, princess," I tell them.
"Oh," both girls say with a shrug.
I lean in to Bella whispering in her ear. "So, is that a yes on the naked wedding?" smiling happily that this seems to be working out for us.
"If it's next month that would be a 'no'. I need to be in the gym for a least a year for that first," she laughs.
I run my eyes up and down her body. "I don't agree, you're sexy as Hell," I tell her quietly.
Bella blushes as she rolls her eyes. I look back at the girls who seem to be smiling even bigger than they were earlier.
"What happens after we get married?" I ask.
"We have a party and eat a nice Thanksgiving dinner," Cordie says.
"Yeah, then Cordie and I stay with Rose and E-man for the long weekend, and you and Mommy have to stay at a hotel we've booked. Alice said that's a must."
I chuckle again at how much they seem to be organized. "How much of this was Alice's idea?" I ask.
"None," both girls say together. "She just told us about weddings, and we told her what we wanted and she did it."
I hum looking at Bella. "Is there anything you need to talk about or ask, right now?" Kassie asks almost pleading with us.
"Yes, we're getting married. Yes, we'll be a family, and I swear that I will move earth, heaven, and hell, before anyone will take," my eyes land on Bella, "any of the three of you away from me."
"Girls, your dad and I are working this issue out, and if you need to talk about it or you are worried, then come to us. If you don't feel that you can talk to us, still come to us and we will book an appointment with Mary for you," Bella says softly to them.
Cordie and Kassie nod. Where they're clearly happy, I know they are worrying about this, and that's just another reason to be angry at both Maggie and Charlotte.
"Go play, and Mom and I will make dinner."
The girls hug us before walking out of the room.
I wait until I hear them on the stairs before turning to Bella, but before I can speak she does.
"Thought you said Alice can't keep a secret? I'd say she kept a really big one."
I snort. "I guess there is a first for everything …" I swallow feeling more nervous than I was when I asked her in my office. "You do want to do this? Get married, next month? I … I'll find a way if it's too soon?"
The whole time I am speaking, my eyes are on hers and I can see she's apprehensive about the suddenness of this wedding.
"They planned very well," she says picking the book back up.
"They have," I agree that they have done a great job.
Bella chuckles and I frown looking at her. "What?" I ask.
"Their choice for the meal," she says showing me what they have done.
"Sushi for an appetizer… well, that is a given I suppose," I say before letting out a chuckle.
I look further and see besides the full Thanksgiving spread, there is steak listed for Daddy and Kassie, and chicken or fish for Mommy and Cordie.
"Clearly, Kassie had a lot of say in this," I comment knowing that out of the two girls, Kassie likes red meat as much as I do.
Bella lets out a long breath. "Looks like we're getting married in three weeks."
I kiss her lips smiling happily. "Then I'll have something to be really thankful for this year."
"Wait until we've been married before you get too thankful; you may regret it," she says.
"Never," I say knowing that Bella and Kassie have been the missing pieces in my and Cordie's life.
Bella looks back to the book and I go into deep thought.
"We're doing the right thing by fighting, by keeping this woman at arm's length, right?
"Do you trust Mike?" I counter.
"Yeah, whereas I didn't know that he helped put Royce away, I know Rose trusts him. So if Rose trusts him, then I do, too. One of the reasons I wasn't mad at Rose for trying to set me up with him, was because I knew Rose really trusts him. I know Rose would never try to set me up with someone who was not a good person."
I nod at her, and she smiles a little. "Yeah, I am getting that feeling, too; he's just a tad strange."
Bella nods at me clearly getting that he's socially challenged. "We should invite him to the wedding though. I think even Kassie would like that. I think her dislike of him, was because she was not a fan of the idea of him and me dating, but neither was I."
Smiling, I nod at her. "Yeah, I would like for him to come, too."
Bella hits my arm as she stands up. "Why do I get the feeling you are saying 'hey, I am marrying the girl you wanted,' more than having him there as a friend?"
I shrug not even denying that is the reason I want him there.
The night still feels a little tense, but Bella and I keep the topics light or on the girls' wedding plans for us. They seem calmer when we put them down for the night.
"Emmett put out another letter?" I ask as we sit down on the sofa.
"Yeah, he saw the same thing as I did. More parents were dropping their children off. Whether it was because of the summons I was served or the broadcast, but he figured it needed to be headed off at the pass. Since both were the same topics, he sent a letter out reminding parents that we are dealing with younger children. He won't allow anyone to bring unnecessary harm to them by telling tales, or unneeded questioning of or about his staff. Any parents found trying to gain information from the children will have to find another school."
I just raise my eyebrow at her.
"Emmett gives people a chance, but he doesn't like other parents thinking they can tell him what to do. Anything that could harm a child, he's quite direct about it, even if that means barring a parent from school. If things get out of hand, he will go as far as removing a child from the school. He puts his kids' well-being, and those who are victims first and foremost. He doesn't agree that a child who gets bullied should be the one to change schools. He's quite the representative for the innocent."
I nod having a whole new level of respect for Emmett.
"Sounds as if I definitely picked the right school," I smirk. "Not only does Cordie have a great headmaster, but her teacher's pretty great, too. In fact, I may be biased, but I think she's the best teacher there is."
Bella chuckles but keeps the smile on her face. I watch her as she narrows her eyes a little and bites her lip. I wait patiently knowing she is thinking about something.
"You do realize that Kassie will likely get her way now, at school anyway … well, kind of."
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"You know how she wanted to be in the same class as Cordie?"
"Yeah?" I answer questioningly.
"Well, once I become Cordie's parent, she will need to switch to another teacher. It is not against the law or anything, but it is really unheard of to have your own child in your class if there is another non-family member teaching another class in the same grade."
"Oh, yeah, that does give the girls what they wanted of being together, but now Victoria will have them both. Do you think Cordie will do as well with her, like she does with you?" I ask worrying my girl will revert back to being more withdrawn.
"I think Cordie would do fine with Vickie, besides Kassie would be right there, too."
"You're right; our girls will be fine as long as they're together."
I smile at her and can see she has yet another thing on her mind.
"What's causing you to think so hard?" I ask.
"You really want more children?"
"I do," I say kissing her hand. "Whether we have them, or adopt them, I want to add to our family."
"Do you think the girls would be okay with us having a child? I mean, do you think they would feel pushed out?"
"Did you ever feel pushed out?" I ask her.
She shakes her head at me. "No, never, but …" Bella chuckles a little.
"What?"
"My parents said to never treat a child that you adopted like you have adopted him, or her. They said you should always treat all your children as if you gave birth to them. So if I had a child, I wouldn't treat it any differently. Cordie and Kassie, and any child brought into our family would be treated no differently than I treat our children now."
"Absolutely my thoughts, too." I say grateful for the way her parents instilled this true love in her.
"As for the girls, I think they would enjoy having younger siblings. I know we can and will make sure we love them just as much. Between us, we have loads of love to go around," she says.
"Yes, we do," I smile.
Bella smiles again and nods at me. "Come on, it's time for bed." At the end she wiggles her brows so that I know just what she's in the mood for.
There is no doubt, I'm more than happy to oblige.
~PP~
Bella POV
I wake feeling happier and more able to undertake the fight we're about to tackle.
"Good morning," I say as Edward's eyes flutter open.
"Morning, Nayeli."
I tilt my head at him. "Does that really mean love?"
Edward bites his lip. "It does."
I feel my mouth drop open.
"It suits you," he adds.
"When were you going to tell me what it means?" I ask.
"I was planning on doing it; I was getting myself used to saying it first."
"You are lucky that you're cute."
"Hey, I am more than cute. I think ruggedly handsome, fits me better, thank you kindly."
"There's no level to your ego is there?"
"Nope, I think I am hot, therefore I am."
I chuckle shaking my head. "What about what everyone else thinks?"
"Why should their opinion of me count? I am the one that lives with my body, my face?"
"I need to live with you," I counter.
"And do you like it?" he asks in a sexy tone.
I give him a hum which makes him move on top of me as he tickles me. "Nayeli, I know you like what you see."
"Yes, Uncle!" I screech in laughter.
Edward looks at me and holds my hands up over my head, raising his brow.
"I more than like what I see, okay?"
"Yep, so again, why should anyone else's opinions count?"
"It shouldn't," I agree, making him nod at me.
Leaning down he kisses me thoroughly. Pulling back he winks and moves off to get his shower.
"I'll start on breakfast," I say feeling a little happy that it's now the weekend.
I am nearly halfway through breakfast when Edward wraps his arms around me, kissing my neck softly.
"Do you think we should take the girls out today or just stay here and hide?"
I sigh feeling unsure. "If I were to pick, I would say run away for a day or two," I say with a smile. "You know, just get away from everyone."
"Okay, I'll get everything booked; you get breakfast finished and then pack."
I turn looking at him.
"What … we don't need to go too far? In fact, we can go to my parents' cabin. It's a three hour drive, so if we head out soon we can be there by two."
As I look at him, he walks slowly to me.
"It's in middle of nowhere so we'll need to take food with us. We'll be all alone, and the kids can play in the fenced-in yard. It's peaceful and quiet there, perfect for us."
I nod at him. "Sounds like it is just what we need."
Edward smiles at me. "I'll call my parents and let them know we'll be at the cabin. Then I will get the girls up to eat."
~PP~
We pull up to Edward's parents' cabin a little after two that afternoon.
"This is beautiful," I say looking around in awe. It's just as Edward said. The place is quiet, surrounded by woods, and nature. The yard is huge, and well maintained, and fenced in to keep stray animals away from the house.
"Maybe we should have the wedding here," Kassie says as she looks around.
"That's a great idea, and then the guests can leave, and Mommy and Daddy can stay here for the long weekend." Cordie adds as she walks toward the front door with Kassie.
"That sounds perfect to me," Edward whispers in my ear. "That way I can see how loudly I can make you scream my name."
I shrug. "I can make you scream louder," I smile at him.
"Nope. You can sing higher than me, therefore, you will be the one who screams the loudest."
Edward opens the front door and Cordie pulls Kassie with her into the cabin.
"So you'll take a win, by male default?"
"Nayeli, I will take a win by any means. Take a look around and I'll get our bags and the groceries carried in."
"I can help you with the bags," I tell him.
"I know you can, but I want you to look around. I'll be with you in a few moments."
I watch as Edward walks out and then starts to look around.
The cabin is one floor. The main area is an open floor plan with the living room, blending in with the dining room, followed by the kitchen. Off of the dining room is a hallway which has two bedrooms, and a large bathroom.
I walk back to the room where the girls are chatting. "Are you two okay?" I ask both of them who turn smiling at me.
"We're fine," Cordie says.
"Okay then. I'll go and help out your dad with our bags."
I greet Edward at the door with a smile. "This place is beautiful."
"Glad you like it," he says before kissing my cheek.
"Why don't you pass me the bags and you can light the fire," I say as my hand moves down to take the bags.
"Sounds like a good plan. Dad said there was wood in the shed round back," he states.
I pout my lips a little making him look at me with a tilted head. "Oh, I was looking forward to watching you cut wood. Those manly guys in the movies always look so sexy chopping wood."
Edward grins largely wiggling his brow. "I'll still cut some up for you, if you want. I love seeing you look at me with hunger in your eyes."
I roll my eyes laughing lightly. "It's you who looks at me with hunger."
"And I always will, Nayeli."
Edward kisses my head and walks away with the bags in his hands.
"Aren't you meant to hand them to me?" I ask him as I follow him.
"I have to go through the kitchen to go out the back door, so what's the point in letting you take them?"
Edward places the bags down and walks out the back door. I start to unpack our shopping, not that there is much as we're only here for one night. When I have everything unpacked, I see that Edward has already started on the fire.
"Could we go for a walk?"
Edward turns a little to me.
"What I mean to ask is, is it safe? Are the animals the fence is keeping out anything to worry about?"
Where I grew up in Forks, there were wild animals in the woods, but none of them would come to the edge of the towns, woods, or near my home. As far as I can see, this is the only home for miles.
"There are some animals in the woods, Nayeli, but we'll be fine as long as we don't travel too far into them."
I nod walking over to him. I put my arms around his neck kissing him softly.
"How often have you been here?"
"My parents came here every summer throughout my childhood. In addition to summers, they came two or three times a year, for some alone time. I try to come up at least once a year. July was the last time I was here, but that was with my dad, and Jasper, for some male bonding time."
I nod at him, and his words have me thinking?
"Was it always a girl you wanted?"
Edward checks the fire as I ask the question.
"What do mean, Nayeli?"
"Cordie, was it a girl you asked to adopt?"
He shakes his head at me. "No, I had no preference; I just wanted a child, one that needed a new home, and a family of their own."
I nod a little. "My dad would have loved a son, not that he treated me or Kassie any differently. I still think he wanted a son to bond with and teach how to be a man."
Edward nods at me as he gets my meaning. "I understand. When they gave me Cordie, I decided that I would show her how a man should always treat a woman. I wanted to show her that whether the woman is a man's daughter, mother, sister, wife, girlfriend, friend, or just someone he meets on the street, how she should be treated."
I move into his arms. "That's how I tried to be with Kassie, too. I want her to see that she shouldn't let anyone mistreat her."
"You have done a great job, Kassie is amazing."
"So is Cordie," I tell him.
Edward smiles at me. "I know but I had help, a lot of help. You've brought Kassie up almost alone. I know Rose and Emmett have been there, but it's mainly just been the both of you."
"Not anymore," I remind him.
Edward shakes his head. "No, not anymore—never again."
Edward presses his lips onto mine, kissing me softly. I can't help but pull him closer; he has the ability to make me lose myself in his kiss. Every one of them makes me feel loved, wanted, and cherished.
"Come on, let's go for a walk," Edward takes my hand as he calls the girls' names.
We all get bundled up taking some drinks and snacks with us before walking out the back door. We go out the back gate and walk along a trail.
Edward, the girls and I walk for just over a half hour when we come to a meadow. As we are getting into the fall, the plants, flowers, and trees have a great range of colors. They give off a warm and welcoming feeling. We sit on the grass as the girls run around. "This is so pretty," I tell him feeling again stunned at how nice it is. "What's it like in bad weather?" I ask feeling unsure if it looks so good because it's a nice day.
"It looks amazing in winter, more so when it's been snowing. Even when it's raining there seems to be a magic about this place, but I think it's more because it has been left nearly untouched."
~PP~
The girls are asleep in bed when Edward presses me into the bed in our room. The way he slowly takes his time kissing, touching, and loving me makes my eyes tear up. As we come together, he kisses away the tears as his own join mine.
"I love you, Nayeli, you're my forever," he moans as he empties his seed deep inside me.
I wake feeling relaxed and happy. I turn looking at Edward who is still asleep. I smile over the fact that he seems to still be smirking over the fact he was so easily able to give me multiple orgasms the night before. We made love in many ways last night. We started soft, and romantic like we were one unit together. That was followed by hot, and heavy, deep, and sensual, and of course, rough, and dirty sex. I can't help but still feel the tremors of pleasure ripple between my legs. I am turning into an easy one-click-and- I-come girl. That's something I have never been before, and I'm not sure if it's because I have been having loads more sex than normal, or the fact that there is just something about Edward. He may be arrogant at times, but he always wants to make it good for me, no matter what.
I move his hair that's getting a little long out of his face.
"Why are you staring at me while I am sleeping?" he asks sleepily.
"It's the only time I can study your face," I answer causing him to open one eye and look at me.
"We've been through this before—I am perfect."
I snort but nod at him. I sigh a little and he opens both eyes looking at me.
"Do we have to go home?" I ask.
"Sadly we do; court is tomorrow, and I want to see this woman, and find out what the hell she is up to. The girls also have school, and I don't think they should miss it."
"I know and I agree, but just while we are here, can we pretend that there's nothing going on?" I ask.
"We'll come back," he stops and smiles. "I love my parents' home, but I think we should get married here. That way, I will have you all to myself afterwards. There will be no way for anyone to interrupt us."
"Just you, me, and the bed," I say.
Edward grins nodding at me.
"You know that I love you," I tell him suddenly hit with the need to let him know.
"I know."
His hand moves to my face pushing my hair out the way.
"I know that I didn't treat you very well the first two times we met, but I am really grateful that you came into my life. I'm even more grateful that you gave me a chance to show you how sorry I was, and that you showed me the woman that you are. However, nothing in this world can touch how happy I am that you have allowed me to fall in love with you, and more so for you falling in love with me."
"Best decision I've ever made." I grin at him.
I move so that I am on top of him. "I know you were worried about losing Cordie. Remember that my family was told the same information as you. It was clear from Kassie's medical information that her mother was on drugs. I knew that you thought I was her mother. Whereas, I was pissed, it was a reasonable conclusion to make."
"Maybe so, but I still hurt you. It was my outburst that gave Buckley the armor he used to act the way he did against Kassie and you."
I shake my head at him. "I think he would have said what he did no matter what."
Edward just hums.
"Come on, Edward, Emmett has that under control. The question is, who would have talked to him? Most of the staff dislikes the man."
"I am not sure, but when I find out, there will be hell to pay," Edward states.
I sigh kissing him hoping that it will calm him down.
When I hear him softly sigh, I pull back from him. "Just make sure you have all the facts before going off on someone, okay?"
"I will," he promises me.
Edward and I share a shower and then get dressed before we wake the girls. We spend the best part of the morning and early afternoon talking and playing family games. All of us seem a little sad about leaving when we get in the car to go home.
~PP~
Edward and I drop the girls off with Emmett who promises to keep an extra eye on them. We arrive at the courthouse and Samuel ushers us into a room.
"Charlotte is here along with Maggie," Edward whispers.
"I swear I will punch her if she keeps this up," I hiss making both men turn my way.
"That wouldn't be advisable," Samuel says.
I roll my eyes at him. "I have spoken to her lawyer, but he refused a sit-down meeting. Lucky for us the judge has demanded it," Samuel says.
I look at Edward who clasps my hand.
"So, if you'll follow me I'll take you into the meeting room."
We follow Samuel to a room that is a few doors down from the one we were in. Samuel walks in first and my eyes go to Charlotte, who sits at the table looking like a small, innocent young girl.
"He's not fucking going to be allowed here," Edward yells making me jump.
I turn to him to see that he is clearly angry.
"Mr. Cullen!" My head snaps around at hearing that voice.
Mr. Buckley just smiles smugly at me.
"It appears you can't seem to keep your temper in check," Buckley sneers.
Edward moves forward and I push him back a little and turn.
"You can't take this case; it's unethical," I say crossing my arms, but again he just smiles at me.
"I am not; I am merely sitting in at Miss King's request."
I move my eyes to Maggie who's just looking at me.
"What the hell is your game?" I ask.
"This is your entire fault. All of this wouldn't have happened if you weren't here," Maggie raises her voice.
I raise my brow at her.
"She wouldn't have known that they were his girls, and it was you showing up that made her realize it," Maggie sneers.
I shake my head not wanting to get into this debate with her.
"Are we ready to start this meeting?" Buckley asks still fucking grinning.
"Go, fuck, yourself!" Edward yells and walks out. I look at Samuel who looks taken aback and then runs out after Edward knowing that those three in there are playing a game.
It's clear that both Buckley and Maggie seem to have the same agenda to make me leave, but it's Charlotte's game plan that we have to work out. After all, she is the one that holds the cards.
A/N: So that just happened ... how do you suppose this will work out from here? Jin us on Facebook at: TeamAllTwilight & AndTAT Fan Fiction.
