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Parallel Parenting Chapter 17
Edward POV
I pace the floor trying to calm myself. Who the hell does he think he is? What a fucking asshat. As for that bitch Maggie, she will fucking pay dearly for this damn stunt.
"Edward," Samuel says and I turn glaring at him.
He holds up his hands taking a step back.
"You need to calm down and get back in there."
"That asshole needs to leave that meeting room; this is none of his business."
"I can't make that happen," Samuel states.
"His son hit my nephew, and he threatened Bella in her place of employment. This is nothing more than a ploy to start trouble; he needs to be made to leave and stay out of this."
Again Samuel shakes his head. "I could have done something if he were her lawyer, but he is here acting as a friend."
"He's a conniving bastard," I hiss.
"Edward Cullen!" Bella snaps making me look at her.
"Get yourself together and get your ass in that room and apologize to the court."
My brows rise as I look at her. Is she going out of her mind now, too?
"I don't care what he's done, or is doing; I owe him nothing. I care about those girls, and this game they're playing will only play out in our favor if you kill them with kindness. Now, let's throw them for a loop by going in there, apologizing, and laying it on the line for the judge."
When I keep staring at her, she moves to me.
"Edward, I think we should divide and conquer. Maggie and Buckley want me gone, so let's play it out as if you are going to play their game, that your daughter is more important than Kassie and me. I will work on Charlotte. Mike could come and we could tag team her. Hell, right now I am thinking of asking Rose to go and see Royce, to tell us what we could give her to make her drop this."
I kiss her head pulling her closer to me. "No, we are a team; we'll get through this together. I am not making them think I am giving you up. However, I do agree with getting and dealing with them one-on-one. Okay, let's do this," I say after a brief pause.
I take Bella's hand and we walk back into the courtroom, this time Charlotte is crying with her face in her hands. Maggie is rubbing her back as Buckley just grins at us.
I help Bella to sit down and turn to the person that's been appointed by the court. "I would like to apologize for my earlier behavior. Mr. Buckley has threatened Bella as well as one of our girls. Not to mention, he has spread untrue lies around Bella's place of work, which just so happens to be where our girls attend school. His son had to be removed from the school, due to bullying both our nephew and daughters."
"They're not your daughters! They're Peter's," Charlotte yells and sobs at me.
"No, they are our daughters—we have raised them."
"Miss King, you have been informed more than once that the court will not be removing these children from their homes. Today is to determine if you will be given access to see them. As for you, Mr. Buckley, I will be digging into the matter that has been brought to my attention. I will gather all the information about what I have just heard, and if this is indeed just a ruse for you to gain some form of payback, then I will be reporting it. You know as well as I do that you have been repeatedly told how this kind of behavior is not acceptable in this courthouse."
"With all due respect, Kevin, Charlotte King has some rights in this matter. Her brother wanted her to raise his children, it was agreed—"
"With all due respect, Mr. Buckley, you are not counsel on this matter, and everything you mentioned is nothing more than hearsay, and you know it! In this room, you will not refer to me as if we are old friends—which we aren't—I am Mr. Wahl. Now, if the parties who do have a say in this case are ready, shall we get this meeting started?"
"Mr. Wahl, Mr. Cullen and Miss Swan, would like Miss King to submit to a DNA test to establish proof of her claim that she is the minor children's biological aunt. They are also asking that Miss King be required to submit to drug scans in the form of urine, blood, and hair testing immediately. My clients are also requesting that Miss King have a full criminal background check performed as well as a home study completed before any type of possible visit would take place after substantial proof is met."
"What does my past have to do with his?" Charlotte asks in a loud voice.
"I agree with what Miss King just asked, but because it would also be a violation of her human rights." Buckley states harshly, looking at me.
"What about the girls' human rights?" Bella asks before anyone can respond to Buckley. "I'm asking this because before I became a teacher, my background was checked as were most of the people sitting at this table. Before being allowed to adopt a child, we had to submit to most of these tests, and approval processes as well. Why would this be a violation of her human rights?" Bella asks, making Buckley glare at her.
"She is their aunt!" Buckley growls.
"Alleged Aunt," Bella counters. "Not that all family members have a right to see a child. Some are asked by the court to keep certain members away, and she may likely fall into that category."
"Like you should be near children," he hisses.
"If you would like me to agree to the same tests, home study, and background checks, we are asking of Miss King, I will gladly do so, on the condition that you are nowhere near being involved or even in the vicinity when said tests and checks are done. I have nothing to hide; however, I'm not stupid enough to not assume you'd alter anything you could get your filthy hands on."
"Miss Swan, the court is in no need for you to do that, because you have already fulfilled all the same requirements. Not only when you adopted your daughter, but also when you went through the hiring process of your current employer. I will agree that we will have the State Attorney run a complete background check, DCFS will perform a complete home study, Miss King will have to be evaluated by a psychiatrist of whom the court will choose, and Miss King will be ordered to not only participate in all DNA testing, but all requested drug testing, which will also be completed at a state licensed facility, of which the court will chose. As for you Mr. Buckley, your presence will be unwelcome at any and all of those interviews, testing, and meetings. Miss King, I highly recommend that you follow my instructions, or it will not help your petition see the light of day in an actual hearing. These things will be scheduled in the next week, and we will meet again in six weeks," Mr. Wahl says looking at his scheduling book. "December the 18th," he looks around the table, "at nine o'clock, in this room?"
"But I would like the girls for Christmas," Charlotte says weakly looking at us.
"That is not going to happen," Mr. Wahl tells her. "Even if you were able to meet them now, I doubt very much if they would want to spend time on that day with you."
"They're children—they just do what they are told; they don't have a choice!" Maggie states loudly.
"That's where you are wrong; they are soon to be seven years old, and in this matter they and their parents have all the choice." Mr. Wahl stands up. "If there are no other objections to the date I suggested, I'll see all of you back here in six weeks?"
"Agreed," Samuel states.
"Miss King, you will be hearing from my office no later than tomorrow morning, and if the testing center can see you today, it will be done. The way I see it—that would ensure less chance of any results being altered."
I stand up with Bella and walk out the door, right after Mr. Wahl does.
"Edward!" Maggie yells walking quickly to me. "She's so sad; they're her only family."
"What about Royce, or doesn't he count because he is in prison?"
Maggie looks taken aback that I know this information.
"Yes, well, Charlotte's changed, and has moved on from the young wild child that she was. She just wants to be a family, with the girls who were promised to be hers to raise. I can help if you meet with her, and let her spend some time with the girls." Her eyes flicker to Bella. "I could arrange a time where I could be with her. You could come over and join us." Maggie's hand touches my arm as she smiles. "But, I must insist that she isn't there. I don't trust her, and Charlotte doesn't either. She reminds Charlotte of her old self."
"You and Charlotte have the nerve if you think you can correctly compare the likes of either of you to the wonderful person who Bella is. Furthermore, I don't trust you, and wouldn't want you to be there if I did have to allow her to see my girls, and that will only take place with an order from court. You and your involvement in this stunt, has just cost you and your family dearly, much more than you can ever imagine. When I get to work, I will be dropping your father from my client list. I no longer want anything to do with you or your family, nor will I continue to help pad your bank accounts. I also want to remind you that this is the last time I will ever tolerate you to touch me. If you do so again, I will file a restraining order on you so fast your plastic enhanced face will spin. Don't talk to me, don't touch me, and stay the fuck away from me, am I clear?"
Maggie for the first time looks worried. "But …"
"There are no buts! Stay away from me, Bella, and my family, or I will ruin not only you, but your family as well! Do you understand?" I ask as I raise my brow.
Bella and I both walk away from Maggie not giving her a second glance. I get in my car driving Bella to school. The whole drive is quiet on both sides. I know she's just as pissed as I am about all of these shenanigans, and we both need time to calm the hell down.
"I'll pick you and the girls up at half past four," I say stroking her cheek with my thumb before kissing her lips.
"Can you take more time off work to come earlier than normal?" she asks timidly.
"It's only an hour early, and I will bring some work home with me to do after the girls are in bed," I tell her.
Bella nods at me, and I lean in kissing her soft lips again. "I am fine, and don't worry, Tanya and Jasper are good at taking over my workload when I can't be there."
She kisses me one last time and steps out of the car. "See you later," she waves.
I wink at her and watch her until she enters the building. When I can no longer see her, I drive to work, immediately calling a meeting with Tanya and Jasper.
"How did it go?" Tanya asks as she sets down cups of coffee for the three of us.
"First of all, I want all the ties my company has with Eleazar Peters to be terminated, give them two weeks' notice, per contract. I want to use my personal out clause. As for the meeting, fucking Buckley was there, too. Apparently, he was only there for support. I would like to know how he knows Maggie or Charlotte for that matter," I mutter still feeling angry about it.
"I think I know, but this is just a hunch. It could be our ex-employee Angela."
I just look at Tanya hoping she'll carry on.
"Well, her brother Ben works with Buckley, so she could've given him the information on Bella. She's also met Maggie a few times, when Maggie has attended different company outings and parties with her father."
I hum, it is a possibility, but I want ironclad proof. "Get Jenks on it; see if he can find out anything. Get someone to check her old work records, emails, phone call history, anything that could tie her to this."
"And if she is?" Tanya asks.
"Then I will be making sure she is blacklisted from every company from coast to coast. I'll make it so she will be lucky to be hired to scrub toilets in any fortune-five-hundred business, not to mention flip a burger at a fast food joint. Either way, if she's involved in this, she will pay dearly."
"Besides Buckley being there, how did it go?" Jasper asks.
I take them both through the meeting, and when I am finished, I smile at Jasper.
"Moving on, how much did you know about what Alice was helping the girls do for Bella's and my wedding?"
Jasper just looks at me in shock.
"Ah ... not too much," he stutters.
"The girls have planned Bella's and my full wedding with your wife's input," I tell him.
Jasper chuckles shaking his head, "The only thing I was told was that they wanted Jake to marry you. Other than that, I hadn't heard a word."
"Well, I never expected her to keep a secret, but maybe no other secrets she's known have been big enough for her to keep," I shrug.
He nods and Tanya laughs as we all know that Alice is not known for her ability to keep things quiet. Tanya often says if you want everyone to know, telephone, telegraph, or just tell Alice.
"Well, this is your informal invitation; we're getting married on Thanksgiving."
"What?" Tanya and Jasper both say loudly.
"Not, this Thanksgiving, surely," Jasper states.
"Yes, this Thanksgiving. Call Alice since she has the plans. The only change that will be made is that the wedding will no longer be taking place at my parents' home, instead it will be at the Cullen Cabin."
Tanya and Jasper just look at me.
"That's all," I say standing.
They stand up and Jasper turns back to me. "Do we ... have to be naked?"
I smirk and wiggle my eyebrows at him which makes him worry as Tanya laughs.
"Really? Do you honestly think he would let his new wife be seen in all her naked glory? Or have grown men naked in front of their daughters? Come on, Jasper, use that head of yours, you're not an idiot."
I chuckle as Tanya drags him out.
"Oh, boss, thanks for my bonus so I can buy a nice dress," Tanya calls over her shoulder.
"No problem," I yell back to her.
I get started on my workload, but every now and then my mind slips back to Buckley, Angela, Maggie, and Charlotte. It's not long before I am heading out for the day.
~PP~
"I made the elementary indoor soccer team!" Kassie exclaims with big eyes. "We have our first game, but not until after Santa comes. So, I have a lot of time to train, will you help me?"
"I would love to," I smile down at her, before turning to look at Cordie. "How was your day, Princess?"
"It was good. E-man talked to us today about changing me to Miss Victoria's class. I am going to be in her class in the afternoons the rest of this week, and then next week I will be in there all the time," she says with a pout at the end.
"You like Miss Victoria, don't you?"
"I do, but I'll miss Mommy more."
"You'll still see her loads," Kassie says, "And you'll be with me. Oh, and you forgot to tell Daddy about your spelling test."
"Oh, yeah, I got perfect scores, and E-man wants me to be in the spelling bee."
"That's fantastic," I say pulling her to me.
I help them into their jackets just as Bella joins us.
"All set?" she asks and I nod at her. As we walk out, I wave at Victoria who's getting her own jacket on.
"I thought we should stop off at Alice's to find out what still has to be done for the wedding," I tell them once we're in the car.
The girls squeal and Bella just gives me a smug look. "If Emmett has been kept up-to-date, everything is more or less completely planned. She's been doing it all under the guise of a Thanksgiving party."
I chuckle a little shaking my head.
"This going to be so great!" Kassie yells, making me look at her from my rearview mirror.
We pull up outside Alice's house, to find her standing in the doorway looking worried.
"Hi, big – best brother," she says looking at me. "And you, too, my best – sweetest friend." Alice looks as if she's about to cry.
"We're fine, and we're going ahead with the wedding," I tell her.
As much as I would like to wind her up, I know sometimes, it's not the best idea.
She looks between Bella and me and then leaps into my arms. "Oh, thank, God, but I'm going to kill my husband when he gets home for keeping this from me."
"Wait until we have left, so we are not a witness to said killing," Bella tells her hugging her. "Can we come in?" she carries on as Alice merely stands there.
"Yes, but ..." she stops and looks at me. "You can't go into my office, the girl's and Bella's dresses are in there, at least let that much be a surprise?"
I chuckle but nod at her.
"Can I see them?" Bella asks with a big smile which makes me smile broadly, too.
"Yes, and if you don't mind, I would love for you to try yours on, though it should be a perfect fit."
We walk inside and the girls go and play with Colton. "Okay sis, show me what you have planned," I say before she can run off with Bella.
"Well, I have booked a catering company for the food. However, we will be serving ourselves."
I nod at her in agreement.
"Mom has plenty of plates, glasses and silverware, so we'll just use hers. I bought wine, beer, and alcohol, juice, and soda which should be enough to cover everyone's beverage of choice."
I again nod at her.
"There will be a team the day before to decorate the backyard and make it look pretty. You guys are set to get married in the afternoon. My stylist and her team will be with us girls from ten that morning until two in the afternoon. Be at Mom's, so we can keep an eye on the caterer. You're getting married at three, and dinner is around four. That should take us up to almost six in the evening, after speeches and cutting the cake. Then we could have a small party until around midnight if you want. I have booked a DJ to start playing at six and stay until whenever we decide to call it a night."
I smile at her. "Okay that all sounds good, but we need to tweak just a few small things. We are not getting married at Mom and Dad's house; we want to get married at the Cullen Cabin. I will cover a bus to drive all the helpers, and even pay them overtime or bonuses, whatever. I will also arrange extra bonuses for the stylists and DJ. I will also cover any costs to cancel whatever hotel or resort reservations you have made because Bella and I will be staying at the Cullen Cabin for a couple of days instead."
Alice just smiles at me. "That's where I was planning on sending you; I just told the girls it was a hotel."
I grin and wink at her; she gets up and brings over a pile of papers. "This is the guest list. We have Mom, Dad, Jake—who is marrying you—and his plus one. Tanya and her plus one, Emmett, Rose, Kate, and Garrett. Then there is James, Victoria, both of you, the girls, and my three. Am I missing anyone else?"
"Mike, and his plus one," I say with a smile as Alice nods.
"The one that works for Rose?" Alice asks.
"Yes," I answer.
"He's nice, he helped me free of charge," she mutters looking down as she writes.
"What, when?"
"My car broke down; he pulled over and serviced it. When it was running again, he declined my offer of payment, and said it was no problem. I recognized the number as the one Rose gave me, so I knew it was her shop."
I look at Bella and feel a little guilty of my ill feelings for him at the start. He is really showing himself to be a nice guy. I may have to enlist Emmett and Jasper to help me in making him a little more socially comfortable.
"How much do I owe you, for the caterer?"
"Not much," she says.
I just look at her.
"I asked a college group who is taking catering classes and were not going home for the holiday to help. Mom agreed that they could do it, and she would buy the food. You know Mom, she's so excited you are settling down, she would have gone bankrupt ten times over to make this come true. The college kids are getting seventy dollars each, and of course dinner. Six of them will be there for sure, and another three are going to let me know this week."
"Let me see the menu," I say.
Alice hands me over the menu, and I see that we´ll be having soup, salad, or sushi to start off. Then there will be a full spread of the traditional Thanksgiving feast, a Wagyu Porter House steak with all the trimmings, or a Vegetarian platter for dinner choices. Last is the dessert menu which includes a wedding cake, bread puddings, seven different kinds of pie, and homemade vanilla-bean ice cream.
"I am trying to get people to pre-order what they want to eat. I thought it would be easier that way, but either way there will be a full spread for Thanksgiving."
I look at her. "Have most people already given you their preferences?"
"Just a few, I still have Tanya's, yours, Bella's, Mike's, James', and Victoria's to get."
I tell her my choices, and she laughs. "Your order is almost the same as Kassie's, instead of salad, she went with sushi for her first course."
"Steak, right?" Bella asks shaking her head, and I look to see she's putting the Thanksgiving dinner down as her selection. Though she is mainly a vegetarian, she says the food is one of the things about Thanksgiving she enjoys.
"Yeah, that girl can eat – I'm not sure where she puts it, though" Alice laughs.
"We know. We'll get the others to send you what they want. Have the caterer make extra of everything, so that way there will be plenty of food for the workers to eat, and leftovers too."
Alice just swallows as she looks at me. "So you're not mad at me?"
"No," I say but she looks at Bella.
"No, Alice, this may be happening a lot earlier than I would have assumed, but I am finding that I'm rather fond of the idea."
"Thank, God," she sighs. "Come on, I'll show you your dress. I have had so much fun making it."
As they walk out, I head to check on Colton and the girls. I smile when I get to his bedroom door to see all three of them are playing a card game together.
"How are you three getting on?" I ask walking in.
"Good, Daddy, come and join us," Cordie replies.
I walk in and sit down on the floor.
"What are we playing?" I ask as Colton shuffles the deck of cards.
"Go fish," they all three answer together.
I nod and pick up my cards as Colton deals them.
"Are Mommy and Aunt Alice going to come and join us?"
"I think Mommy is trying on her dress," I answer looking at my cards.
"Oh ... I think we should go and see," Cordie states.
"Naw, I think we should wait it out. It'll be nice to see her for the first time when she's all dressed up," Kassie says.
"I agree," I tell her, before smiling at Cordie.
She pouts a little. "I can't wait to see her," she says quietly.
"Neither can I." I whisper.
"Okay, who's going to start?" I ask, and they all point at me.
We keep playing the game as I hear Jasper calling Alice's name.
"Hi," I say as he looks in the room. "Alice is with Bella in the office, trying on her dress."
He nods at me and walks into the room.
"Can I play?" he asks.
We all agree, and he sits down. Having just finished a game we deal him in right away.
"Do you all want to stay for dinner?" Jasper asks and I look at the girls who nod.
"Sure, it is getting a little late. Are we making it or ordering?"
"We can just order that way we can keep playing, I want to win a game, too," Jasper smiles.
I snort making him yell a "hey," at me. I just look at him; he must know he's pretty much shit at playing card games.
"You just like winning all the games, and I don't mind," he smirks.
I roll my eyes at him.
"It's great watching Mommy and Daddy play, they're so competitive," Kassie laughs.
"I'll go order dinner and give you a chance to win," I grin at Jasper.
I get up moving to the hall and knocking on the office door. It only takes Alice a few minutes to open it.
"Jasper has invited us to dinner; I'm just about to order food. Do you want anything special, or should I surprise you?"
Alice just gives me a look and pushes me back a little. "You're not seeing her in the dress, until your wedding day. Now go away and order a mix of things."
I nod at her and call out over her head. "Nayeli, what do you feel like eating?"
"You know me by now, but chicken doesn't sound bad."
I nod and move to see if I can even get a glimpse of Bella.
"You'll have to wait, Jesus!" Alice says again pushing me back and slamming the door.
"Charming, I thought I was your favorite brother?"
"Not when you're being a pain in my posterior, or trying to get in your own way!" she yells back.
"That's rich; you organized my wedding before I even asked my beautiful bride-to-be to marry me!"
"No, your daughters did that. I just helped, because I am their favorite aunt!"
"Yeah sure you are!" I smirk.
"Go and order dinner, and stop yelling in my house!"
I chuckle moving away from the door.
I call ordering Chinese, and then I call and order a couple of pizzas. I make a third call to get several different sushi rolls.
I go back to the playroom, to join in playing another game of Go Fish.
"Did you win?" I ask sitting back down.
"No," the kids all laugh and look at Jasper which makes me shake my head at him.
"Can we play Old Maid?"
"How do you play that?" I ask Colton.
"We deal out all the cards, and then we look at our own cards taking out all pairs, when everyone is done, we go around clockwise and take a card from the person to our right. If we make a match with one of the cards in our hand, we put it down as a new pair, and if not we keep it in our hand. We go around until one player has one card left, and they are the old maid and lose the game." Colton tells us and I nod at him.
We play the game with Colton keeping us all working by the rules. Jasper is happy when he is the last one holding a card.
"Does this mean I win?"
Colton laughs shaking his head and leaps up with the girls shouting 'old maid' at Jasper who smiles thinking he won.
"Dad, you lost, you don't want to be the old maid," Colton tells him finally.
"So I lost again?"
The kids nod at him and keep telling him he is the old maid.
"I don't think I like this game," Jasper huffs.
We play the game again and this time I am able to follow the card that will be the old maid as it goes around. My eyes look to the kids who are all doing the same thing. The only person who's not seemingly following the card is Jasper which makes me chuckle.
"What?" he asks and I shake my head at him.
"Nothing," I say barely holding back my laughter.
Jasper ends up getting the old maid card again, and the kids tease him ... again.
Before we can start another game, dinner arrives. We leave the kids to clear up the game as we place the food on the table. We are just sitting down when Alice and Bella join us.
The night passes with us all chatting, laughing, and having a good time. My eyes stay mainly on Bella who is getting along great with my sister.
When we leave at the end of the night, I am feeling happier and more relaxed than I was previously. I am especially ready to be married to the woman I am falling deeper in love with as each day goes by.
~PP~
Bella POV
I sit with Edward's hand in mine as the girls again have a DNA test performed. "How accurate will this be?" I ask as I look at Carlisle who is watching the court appointed technician take the swabs from both girls. They are being very thorough, not only doing cheek swabs, but also taking the girls' fingerprints.
"The DNA tests are very accurate when it comes to showing a familial tie. The test results should have a clear answer when they come back."
I nod at him, but have started to feel my own nervousness and panic set in. Edward kisses my head softly and I turn looking at him.
"It's not hurting them, and no matter what their tests come back as, we're still not just going to give up. She'll have a fight on her hands, with each breath she takes, believe me."
"I know … but a part of me hopes that their tests come back that she's not any relation to the girls. Yet—at the same time—that makes me feel guilty as if I am taking something away from them."
"You're not, and you are worried for a good reason. This is about what we need to do to protect our girls, and she is not trustworthy; there is something off about her. I really don't even want them to have to meet her. We're thinking about them, about their mental well-being, so of course, we are both going to worry. She doesn't seem all that bothered by any of this, and I'm not so sure she wasn't put up to this by someone else. Which is one of the reasons I am angry at her. I think Maggie is playing a part in this, and as more than a concerned friend."
I hum and nod. "Did you really cut all ties with her father?"
"That will be happening tomorrow. Eleazar's still trying to come up with some sort of way to stay with my company. I can't see that happening, because the only way I would continue with him as a client is, if he cut all ties with his own daughter. I am honestly fed up with him, and have been for a while. He would make appointments with me, and she would turn up instead. He has allowed her to use his business to spend time with me, and the unprofessionalism of it all is enough for me to terminate his contracts. Honestly, I am done with them both, and I refuse to back down from my decision."
I nod at him, knowing that this is his choice. I do know that he was angry at Maggie's father even before the whole mess started.
"The girls are all finished. Things went well, and the testing was performed under video, so there is absolutely no way that the procedures can be brought into question. I am just waiting for Miss King to come in to have her DNA sample collected. She had to cancel her appointment the last time. The Cook County Sheriff is picking her up in about two hours, without notice, and the warrant is being served giving her no choice but to come in."
We nod at the doctor, and court representative who were speaking to us, before they walk away together.
"Let's get them out of here before she turns up," I say.
We walk out and I don't let out the breath I was holding until we get to the car. For some reason, I kept thinking she would appear out of thin air and try to talk to the girls. Talking to them before Edward or I could stop her would only confuse the girls and they don't need that. I know deep down that Edward wouldn't let it happen, and would go ape shit if she tried, but my mind keeps playing it out in my head.
"I think Bella and you should make an appointment to see a therapist," Carlisle says when we pull up outside the hospital to drop him back off. I look at the girls who are still in the car talking to each other.
"Why?" Edward asks.
"I think both of you are under a lot of stress. It would be better to have a discussion with a professional now rather than let it fester and get out of hand."
"Dad, we're fine," Edward states.
Carlisle sighs. "Edward, stress can do a lot to a human's body, and it's better to just get checked out. This may go on for a long time, and you need to keep your wits and health about you. Not to mention, at least go and learn about how to deal with the stress, so you can control it and it doesn't transfer to the girls, because they will feel it from you."
Edward again goes to argue with his dad, but I step in speaking before he can.
"Okay, we'll make an appointment. I think it is a good idea, too," I reply knowing that his father is right.
Edward looks at me and sighs. "Okay," he says, not that I planned to give him a choice.
Carlisle smiles at me as he hugs me close.
"I am looking forward to having you as a daughter-in-law," he whispers.
He lets me go and hugs Edward before leaning down and looking into the car.
"I will see you girls later; stay warm, it's getting windy."
Edward drives us to Jake's so I can pick up a few more of my belongings.
When we arrive like always, he is in the heated shed working on his crafts. I walk over to him giving a raised brow as I cross my arms.
"What?" he questions.
"So, I hear you are dabbling in weddings now, and on Thanksgiving, you are going to marry Edward and me?" I question and he just chuckles.
"That I am," he says.
"You weren't going to tell me?" I ask.
"To be fair, I have hardly seen you to be able to tell you. Second, I was asked to keep it quiet, from my little wolves, and the spirits told me to just go along with it."
"Really, the spirits told you – that's your reason?"
"Hush now, child, and they'll make sure you have a nice dry, semi-warm day for your wedding," Jake smiles.
I shake my head moving closer to him "You're really going to marry us?"
"Yes. I have a license in the State of Illinois. I used to officiate at all the ceremonies for my tribe, and still do from time to time."
"Thank you," I say as I hug him, knowing that it will be even more special now that I have someone who knows Edward and me performing the service.
"I take it that you're here for some more of your belongings?"
I nod at him.
"Why don't you and Edward head up, and I will spend a little time talking with my little wolves."
"Thanks, Jake," Edward answers for both of us, and drags me up the stairs.
"Maybe we should come back here another night, just you and me?" he says and I simply look at him as I close up the boxes that we are taking.
"We've not having sex here," I say as he hits the sofa. Edward, that is staying here," I say.
"And?" he asks.
"And, I'm not sure if I could sit on a sofa that someone else had sex on," I say and shake in disgust at the thought.
"Who says you haven't already?"
I stop and just look at him.
"Come on, Nayeli, this was primarily student housing for many years. Do you honestly think no one has had sex here?"
"No, Jake bought that sofa new," I say smugly.
"Fine, but you've stayed in hotels right?"
"Yes," I answer.
"Well, those beds have seen more sex than both of us put together multiplied by thousands."
"True, but the covers and sheets are clean," I state.
"Maybe they are, maybe they aren't."
I cross my arm over my chest. "If you're trying to turn me on, you're not; to be honest you're grossing me out a bit."
"No, I am trying to get you to have sex in this apartment a few times. I never got to do it much here, even when I was a student."
I roll my eyes and walk over to the door and lock it. "Drop your pants."
Edward just looks at me.
"I'm not having sex right now, but I will give you a blowjob that will make your eyes roll back into your head."
"I would rather have you hard against the wall, with your nails digging into my back."
Edward steps over to me.
"You'll be saying my name repeatedly through whispered breaths."
Edward pulls me to him.
"Your body will feel alive as I make you come and come. It will be so intense your body will tremble in orgasm harder than ever before." He says huskily against my ear before latching his lips to my neck. My eyes roll shut, and I can't hold back the moan that bubbles out of my chest. His lips kiss my neck making my eyes roll shut. Before I can say anything to him, he has me pinned to the wall, and my skirt is up as his hands move my panties.
"Oh, God, Edward, the girls are right outside."
He moves his hand away, and cups my ass.
"Sorry, I got carried away."
He moves away and goes right back to helping me pack leaving me hot and bothered. I narrow my eyes at him as I start to wonder if this is a new or old game—'let's see how much I can get her panting for me'—he's playing.
"Are you going to help me pack, or just glare at me?" he asks smugly.
I roll my eyes but walk over to him and start to pack the boxes.
~PP~
I am spending time with the girls as Edward makes dinner.
"I am going to miss being in your class," Cordie tells me as she paints my nails.
"I'll miss you, too, but I will still see you loads, and I'll be living with you, don't you think that is better?"
She grins at me nodding.
"Do you think Daddy will let Kassie and I wear makeup for the wedding?"
I open my mouth and then close it. "Maybe a little," I answer feeling unsure of what I am agreeing to, because Edward and I have never talked about this kind of thing.
She does a little fist pump, and wiggle dance, before returning to finish painting my nails. I look in the mirror at Kassie who is brushing my hair.
"We should put some on Daddy, too," she giggles. "I think he'd look cute with red lipstick on, just like E-man did."
I tilt my head at little. "Huh?" I ask and Cordie giggles.
"E-man let us paint his nails, and do his makeup, it was so much fun," Cordie states.
"Sounds like it. I wish I could've seen that."
"Don't worry, Aunt Rose took a photo of him after he put on one of her wigs," Kassie states.
I snort, knowing that as soon as the girls are in bed, I will be asking for one of the photos from her.
"We could put pink on Daddy," Cordie says with a gasp, making me chuckle.
"Well, I think he's pretty enough to handle it," I tell them.
"We could tell him that if he doesn't, then you can invite your boyfriend," Kassie says with a smug smile.
"Boyfriend?" I ask not at all ready for that kind of stuff.
"Just Joey, he said he wants us to get married," Cordie says.
"He does, does he … isn't he in Colton's class?"
Cordie nods at me. "He's my fifth best friend."
I narrow my eyes a little and she rolls her eyes.
"Kassie, Colton, you, E-man, and then him."
"Ah," I say in understanding. To her, Joey is just a friend, not a boyfriend. I will have to figure a way for them to reword it when they talk to Edward about Joey. I don't think he would hear anything after the word 'boyfriend' if they had this same discussion with him. "Do you have a boy who is your friend?" I ask Kassie.
"Just, Colton, E-man, Daddy, and Joey," she says making smile.
I am so happy that she's slowly branching out and making new friends, just like Emmett said she and Cordie would.
"Will Kassie and I get flowers like you to hold when we walk down the aisle in the wedding?"
"Would you like some?" I ask.
Both girls nod at me as they smile, but suddenly Kassie's face gets serious.
"I still think we need to find a job for Colton to do."
"He could be the ring bearer," I say.
"What's that?" Cordie asks.
"That's the person who walks down the aisle holding the rings, keeping them safe, until we need them."
"Yes …" Kassie cheers, "Good idea, Mom. Colton's good at keeping things safe."
"He is," Cordie agrees. "I can't wait to dance, that's going to be so great."
"Talking about music, have or did you girls pick a first song for your Dad and me to dance to?"
They shake their heads at me. "Alice said that's something you would need to choose. But I have one for Daddy and me. Then you and me. And Kassie has picked two songs, too," Cordie adds.
"Oh, what are they?"
The girls giggle shaking their heads at me. "You'll have to wait and see," Kassie says.
"Yes, Mommy, it's a surprise," Cordie adds.
I just hum at them as I try to work out what they have picked.
"How are my girls?" Edward asks as he walks into the room.
"We're all great," I tell him as he leans over kissing me lightly.
"Glad to hear it, but dinner is now out of the oven, if you all want to come and join me."
The girls jump up and hold hands as they walk out of the room. Edward holds his hand out for me, and I take it as he helps me to stand.
"They did a great job on your hair, and nails, love!"
I chuckle. "I know, and I am happy to see you agree because you're next."
Edward's face drops a little, but he then rolls his eyes. "Fine, but not pink or a bright color. The last time she painted my nails neon yellow, and it took a week for it to come off. People were constantly staring at my hands while I was sitting on the Board of Trade for quarterly reviews."
My eyes go to his hands. "Are you sure that was the reason for their stares?" I ask knowing Edward has big hands.
He smirks at me. "Yes, the nail polish just made my hand size more noticeable. I tell you, I don't know how many women asked me if my hands were an indicator of other parts of my body."
"You should have said yes, I have boats for feet," I deadpan.
Edward chuckles before kissing my neck. "I also have a huge cock," he husks close to my ear.
"Yes, I know, it has been inside of me, and I am rather little so it can't be all that big," I smirk.
"We'll see if you say that, when I get you alone, and show you just what a big boy I am."
"Promise, promises," I giggle.
"Oh, Nayeli, this is not a promise—this will happen, and you will be screaming for more, deeper, and harder. I plan to fuck you like you've never been fucked before."
"I like the sound of that," I tell him honestly.
"I know you do, and that's something else I love about you."
Edward moves a little from me and helps me up. We walk to the kitchen and sit down with the girls to eat our dinner.
After dinner the girls get a hold of Edward, and I sit and watch as both of them paint his nails black and give him a makeover. I was quite surprised how much he allowed them to do, and it was also good to see him allow the girls just to have fun, even if it was more, or socially seen as a girl thing.
The girls have a bath, and we read them a story before tucking them in.
After they're asleep, Edward kisses me as we lie in our bed.
"I was thinking that maybe we should redecorate our room, get some new things. We could get a king-size bed and furnishings. After we get our room situated, we can redo the girl's bedroom, too?" He says.
"There's nothing wrong with this room, or bed," I say as I look around.
"I know, but I want you to feel at home. I want to feel your presence when I look around. The same goes for Cordie's room, that's all her. Kassie should feel as if a part of her is in the room, too."
"Are we keeping them to sharing a room?" I ask knowing there is a room that Kassie could have.
"If that's what they want then, yes. We could ask them and then decorate it accordingly. In fact, we should redecorate the whole house."
"Edward—" he shuts me up by kissing me hard.
"Nayeli, I want this to be our home. Please let's make it so it's a part of both of us. I'm not saying we have to do it all at once, and we can even pay someone to do it. I just want us to choose things together as a family."
I sigh and nod at him.
"What about us getting a joint bank account? Are you okay with that, or are we keeping our money separate?" he asks.
"I think we should have a joint account, both of us can put money into it, but I think—if you want—you could have your own account for money that you want to spend on yourself, the girls, or me."
"Will you have your own account?" he asks.
"Sure, for some reason, if I don't want to buy you something from an account that we both put money into, then I can buy it," I shrug and he winks at me.
"What about the money I get each month from my inheritance?" I ask.
"How much of it is yours and how much is Kassie's?" he asks.
"It's meant to be fifty-fifty, but Kassie gets most of it. I put it into a college account for her," I answer.
"Then keep doing that," he states.
I look at him again. "I have an account for Cordie, too, so why don't we look at what they both have and what goes in. After we know what they each have, we'll come to some agreement so that both girls have the same amount when they start their adult life. Does that sound okay?" he asks.
I nod at him, knowing that I want both girls to have an equal footing when they are at college. "Yes, that is perfect, but no more talking about my girls going to college. They're already getting too big too fast."
"Well, anytime you want to have a baby, just let me know, but until then I say we practice, a lot."
I hum in an affirmative as he moves to hover over me. I never want to stop feeling the way I do when he touches me like this, and hope this honeymoon period lasts the rest of our lives.
A/N: So what are your thoughts on how things are starting to unravel?
We want to send out a wish to all our readers, editing team, friends, and families ... Happy Thanksgiving, we hope this holiday season finds you all happy, healthy, and full of hope for the future.
The next chapter may have a bit of a delay, it is still being written, but it is about half way written right now.
We appreciate you all, and thank you for reading and reviewing.
Nikky & Kasi
