Chapter 28: The Brunch
Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!
Chapter 28: The Brunch
I had to go to work the next day. School had been canceled the day after my car accident and I was so grateful for that. I didn't need to use a sick day. However, I needed to be at work the following day for a staff meeting. I was doing a presentation to the staff about the latest reading strategy our district was using. I was the expert, supposedly. Alice showed up to the house early to style my hair to hide my garish cut on my forehead. She said that I would look cute with bangs. But the first thing she did when she saw me was grabbing my left hand and stared unabashedly at my engagement ring.
"Holy fuck, Bells. This is huge!" she gushed.
"Tell me about it," I chuckled. "I can't believe it's on my finger."
"My brother has exquisite taste," Alice said, winking. "This is more gorgeous than the ring he got for Tanya."
"Not to compare, but what did that look like?" I asked.
"A princess cut diamond in a platinum setting. Her wedding band was a princess cut eternity band," Alice answered with a wave of the hand. "It was much smaller than this."
"I was also much poorer, Mary Alice," Edward laughed from the kitchen. "Residents get paid shit."
"But you weren't a typical resident, Edward Anthony," Alice sang. "You made your first millions."
"Doesn't mean that I want to flaunt it," he said, poking his head into the bedroom.
"What do you call this?" Alice asked, waving my hand.
"An investment in our future," he said with a smirk. "I've got to go. I love you."
"I love you, too, baby brother," Alice chirped, holding her hand over her heart.
"Not you. Bella," Edward laughed. I snorted and hid behind my hand.
"You wound me, Masen," Alice said, tossing a hand towel at Edward. "Go save lives or file something."
"Bye, Elf. Love you, Bells."
"Love you, too, Edward," I winked. He waved and darted out of the bedroom. Alice finished giving me my mini-makeover. I got dressed in a pair of corduroy pants and my snow boots. I figured if it was snowy and icky out, I better be prepared. Also, the extra support from the boots was necessary with my gimpiness. On top I wore a black sweater and a simple long necklace with matching earrings. Alice and I went to school; me driving the Volvo and Alice in her Audi. We parked our cars and headed to our respective rooms. I put up my agenda on the board and waited for my classes to come into my room.
As I was doing some grading, Jake popped his head in. "Hey. I just wanted to thank you and Edward for setting up me and Ren. He's fucking awesome," he gushed.
"Oh really?" I asked. "Do tell, Black."
"I think I'm in love," Jake said with a dreamy look in his eyes. "He's so sweet and handsome and generous and yeah…"
"Have you…told him…about…?" I said, wrinkling my nose.
"My HIV status? Yeah. He understands. However, we're taking the physical part of our relationship slowly," Jake said. "We're barely past the hugging and chaste kissing stage. But when he does kiss me, my toes curl."
I smiled and tucked my hair behind my ear. "What is that?" Jake asked.
"What's what?" I retorted.
"That shiny, sparkly thing on your left hand. Holy crap, Bella. ARE YOU ENGAGED?" Jake squealed.
"Um, yeah," I said with a sheepish grin.
"Let me see, let me see, let me see," Jake asked, flapping his hands flamboyantly. I put my left hand into his and he immediately dragged it up to his face, examining my ring. "Holy crap. It's like three carats, yeah?"
"I think so. I didn't ask him when he put it on my finger," I said with a wry grin. "I gave him grief about it being a small planet."
"Heck yeah," Jake said, further inspecting my engagement ring. "When did this happen?"
"Um, early yesterday morning," I replied. "I was the administrator for Alice's concert and I got into a car accident. My car was totaled and was taken to the hospital. Edward had a heart attack. As soon as I woke up, he proposed. His charge nurse gave him grief about the proposal because supposedly he did it initially while I was unconscious."
"Shut up," Jake laughed. "Really?"
"Yep. Only Edward," I giggled. "Anyhow, we're planning on a destination wedding over spring break."
Jake squealed again and wrapped me in a tight embrace. He squeezed me a little too hard and I grimaced. "You okay, Bells?"
"Yeah…no…sore," I grumbled. "I have a huge bruise across my chest and waist from the seatbelt. I also have this," I said as I held up my new bangs. "I think it's fifteen stitches."
"Holy hell. That sucks, Bells," Jake said, frowning. "Did you get in the accident because of the snow?"
"It didn't help. However, some asshat tapped my rear bumper and then sped up, stopping abruptly in front of me causing me to crash into their car. I hit my head on the steering wheel and then the windshield shattered. Hence the fifteen stitches."
The bell rang and quickly students came pouring into my classroom. Jake rolled his eyes and trudged to his room. He told me that we would discuss my dress at lunch. I groaned inwardly at the prospect. My students were all abuzz about the snow day yesterday. I decided to use that in my lesson. For their journal, I had them write about what they did on their day off, using their most descriptive words they could imagine. They also could put it in the form of a short narrative or poem. Some of the entries were really good. I would seriously have to submit a few of them to the literary magazine for the school.
The rest of the school day went by uneventfully. I was exhausted by the time the staff meeting rolled around. My head was pounding and my eyelids were drooping. I sat through the first part of the meeting and waited to do my presentation. Mrs. Cope called me up and I set up my power point in the presentation station. Alice and Emmett passed out the worksheets that I prepared for the staff. I gave my presentation, trying to sound enthusiastic about the whole thing but was failing miserably. After my presentation, I skulked back to my seat and collapsed. I put my head on Emmett's shoulder, groaning.
"You did good, Bells," he chuckled.
"Thanks, Em," I yawned. "So tired. My head is killing me."
"Your head? I'd figure your hand would be in pain, since you've been lugging around that rock," he teased, picking up my left hand. "Congratulations, Swan. You did good with him."
"I know, I did," I said, giving Emmett a wink. As Emmett and I spoke, Mrs. Cope released us from our meeting. I was packing up my belongings when Mrs. Cope approached me with a friendly, motherly smile on her face.
"Do you have a moment, Ms. Swan?" she asked.
"Of course," I smiled. She led me into her office and I sat down in one of the cushy chairs in the welcoming room. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, as you are probably aware, I'm retiring at the end of the school year," she said. "Nearly 40 years as an educator, it's time for me to spend with my grandchildren."
"Sounds lovely," I smiled. "I'm jealous."
"You'll get your retirement, Bella. Anyhow, I wanted to discuss your future. I know you recently completed your graduate degree in educational administration. I was wondering if you were considering in throwing your hat into the ring for my position?" Mrs. Cope asked.
"I don't know. I mean, it's unprecedented to have a novice administrator get a job as a principal," I said, blushing slightly.
"Rare but not unprecedented. Apply, Bella. I've seen some wonderful things with you this year. It's been a struggle, but you are poised, well-spoken, even tempered and would do a hell of a job as a principal. You'll have my full support if you do," Mrs. Cope said with conviction. "I'll write you a glowing letter of recommendation. You would be perfect for this position. The teachers and support staff respect you, as do the students and parents. Do it, Bella."
"I'll think about it," I muttered. "However, I do need to get home. I was in a car accident on Tuesday evening and I'm still recovering."
"Oh dear! Are you alright?" Mrs. Cope asked.
"I'm fine. Just a little banged up and some stitches on my forehead."
"How did you get to work?" she questioned.
"Um, my boyfr…erm, fiancé let me use his car," I said, blushing furiously.
"Fiance?"
"Yeah. It happened the night of my accident," I said, holding up my left hand. Mrs. Cope reached for my hand eagerly and she gasped when she looked at my ring. "It's huge, I know."
"It's exquisite. Your fiancé has fabulous tastes," she said with a sly grin. "I'm so happy for you, Bella. You deserve happiness. So much happiness."
"Thank you, Mrs. Cope," I said with a sincere grin.
"Sherrie. If you're going to take my job, call me Sherrie," she tittered. "You have a good night, Bella. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thanks and good night, Sherrie," I said as I got up out of the chair. I walked to my classroom and gathered my bag. I slid my heavy winter coat over my shoulders and checked to see if Emmett or Jake were in their rooms. Jake was talking on his cell phone and I gave him a wave. He indicated he'd be one minute. I plopped down on the stool near the entrance to his door.
"I'll talk to you later, Ren. Maybe we can double with Bella and Edward," Jake said smiling sweetly. "Have a good shift." He hung up his phone and gave me a smirk. "Gawd! He's so dreamy AND a doctor."
"They are useful. It'll be nice when I have to get these out, I won't have to go to the hospital. Edward can do it at our kitchen table," I giggled. "Can you walk me out?"
"Of course, Ms. Swan," he said gallantly, offering me an arm. I snorted and accepted his arm. We walked out to the car and it was snowing, again. I fucking hate snow. Have I mentioned that? "Are you and Edward available to go out for dinner at some point? We want to thank both of you for setting us up. Ren and me."
"I'll check with Edward and I'll let you know," I said with a smile. "I'm happy you're happy with Ren. He seems like a wonderful man and he makes you giddy."
"He does, doesn't he?" Jake said with an impish grin. "Drive safe Bella. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, Jake. Thanks for walking me out," I smiled. I opened Edward's car and eased into the driver's seat. I turned it on and let the sleek Volvo warm up. As sad as I was about my poor Pilot meeting its demise, this car was a lot of fun to drive. I felt safe in it. Which surprised me. I liked to be higher up off the ground. The Volvo had more of a race car feel to it. I eased the Volvo out of the parking lot and drove home, swinging by the grocery store to pick up a few necessities. I could feel my body become cranky with me and I was PMSing. I really don't like being a woman. Stupid period. I needed chocolate and lots of it. So, I picked up some chocolate cake and some other things. I pulled into the garage and saw that Edward was home. I balanced my book bag and other bags as I walked in. "Hello? Edward? Can you help?"
"Sure, love," he called out. He jogged into the garage and took my bags, kissing my lips. I followed him into the kitchen and put the roasted chicken that I bought on to the counter. "How was your day, Bells?"
"I'm exhausted. Hence the chicken," I said, pointing to the bird. "Too tired to cook. Too tired to think. Too crampy to do anything."
Edward scrunched his nose and pulled me into a hug. "Sorry, beautiful girl. If I could make you feel better, I would," he said, kissing my cheeks.
"Why don't you hit me while I'm down," I grumbled. "First a car accident, fifteen stitches and Aunt Flo? Fucking A!"
"Aunt Flo? Nice," he snickered. "Other than exhausted, how are you?"
"Fine. Mrs. Cope, who is retiring, pretty much told me if I apply for her job, she'd fight for me to take over," I said, leaning back against his chest. "I don't know if I'm ready."
"Obviously if Mrs. Cope thinks you're ready, then you are," he said, turning me in his arms. His soft lips caressed mine and he held me securely against his muscled chest. "You are a wonderful teacher and obviously she sees something in you that indicates that you will be a fantastic administrator. I agree. You are poised, self-assured, and cool headed. Hell, I'd love to have you on my team as an administrator. You're logical. I think that when doctors become department heads, they take a test that removes all logic from their minds. It's so funny."
"I used to say that about administrators," I snickered. "Anyhow, do you mind if I take a nap? I'm dead on my feet."
"Sure, my sexy, beautiful, intelligent fiancée," he said, kissing me after each word. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too, handsome," I said, weaving my hands into his hair. I nibbled on his lips and pulled away. Edward gave me the most adorable pout as I went up to the bedroom to catch a few Zs. I stripped off my clothes and put on a pair of yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I curled up under the covers and as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out.
xx AFS xx
"Beautiful Bella," Edward crooned.
"Ungh," I groaned, pulling the pillow over my head. "Unless you are covered in chocolate laced with pain killers, go away."
"Um, no," he laughed. "How are you feeling?"
"My uterus is kicking my ass," I grumbled, curling in a ball. "My head is pounding and I fucking want chocolate."
"Well, I'll get you chocolate in a little bit, but you need to eat, my love," Edward said, placing a tray on the bed. I looked at him warily and saw the tray filled with chicken, some mashed potatoes and a salad. Next to the plate was a small cup filled with three small pills. I arched a brow. "Three ibuprofen, Bella. I don't think stoned Bella would be welcome at school."
"Probably not," I said, sitting up. I grimaced at the movement and put the tray over my legs. "Thank you for dinner." I dug into the chicken and smiled at the simple meal in front of me. Edward kissed my cheek and he darted out of the bedroom only to return with a slice of chocolate cake. I grinned widely at the cake and scarfed down my dinner. Edward gave out a large belly laugh as I greedily reached for my cake.
"I've never known you to be such a chocoholic," he sniggered.
"Only when I have my little friend," I said, stuffing my face with the chocolatey goodness of the cake. "What some?"
"Oh, no. I wouldn't want to deprive you of your chocolate," he giggled. "Christ, woman."
"You love me," I said, waving my fork in his face.
"I do. Very much," Edward said with a loving smile. "More than my own life, Bells."
"Speaking of love, Jake and Ren want to go out on a double date with us," I said as I finished my cake. "Do you want to go?"
"Definitely," Edward said as he tucked a hair behind my ear. "When?"
"I don't know. I'll coordinate with Jake and I'll send you a text."
"Sweet," he said, kissing my lips. "Hmmmm, chocolate and Bella. Great combination."
"Have you talked to Carlisle or Esme?" I asked.
"Yes. I invited them and Alice and Jasper over for brunch on Sunday. They'll be so pleased to hear about our engagement," Edward said with a crooked smirk. "They already love you."
"I love them, too," I said, moving the tray and curling up against Edward's chest. "I've always loved your family. Esme was like the mother I should have had. Carlisle was my caregiver in all of my gimpiness."
"I can imagine that's a lot," he laughed. I smacked his belly and he hissed. "What? You are clumsy."
"You're supposed to love me. Flaws and all," I wailed.
"And I do. I find your clumsiness to be endearing," Edward said, brushing his fingertips along my cheeks. "I have my own clumsy moments. When I'm tired and dragging, I have a tendency to kiss the floor at times."
"Edward, you are freakishly graceful for a man," I said, arching a brow.
"You should have seen me when I was trying to relearn how to walk. That was a fucking joke. I felt like I was dragging my feet through mud," Edward said with a theatric eye roll. "You can still see a slight limp when I've been on my feet for more than forty-eight hours."
"Edward, anyone would have a slight limp if they were on their feet for more than forty-eight hours," I said dryly.
"Well, duh," Edward chortled. "However, as an ER doctor, you have to pull insanely long hours. Or do you forget when I worked essentially for five days straight?"
"Oh, I remember. It was right after I moved in," I said, kissing his chest. "Right before Alice's wedding."
"Best decision you ever made," Edward said, cupping my chin. He leaned down and kissed me. His tongue traced my bottom lip and I groaned quietly at his assault on my mouth. "You are the best kisser, ever, baby. Perfectly pouty lips."
"That would be you," I whispered against his mouth. Edward moved the tray of food and pulled me over his waist. I straddled my legs of his hips and we had several moments of a heated make out session. I could tell Edward wanted to do more, but my current physical condition hindered said activities. I pulled away from our embrace. Edward sighed and pouted. "Sorry, baby. I'm too sore from my accident and you know."
"I know. Doesn't mean that I don't want you," he grinned seductively.
"About a week, hornball," I said, kissing his cheek.
"Ugh, fine," he said, pulling me into a hug. "Let's watch a movie or something. Try to distract me from the lack of sex we aren't having."
"Insatiable."
"Only for you."
"Hornball."
"Damn straight, woman!"
xx AFS xx
It was Sunday morning and I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Carlisle and Esme were coming over to brunch today and we were going to announce our engagement. I know they like me, but would they think that I'm good for Edward? Fuck. I'm so nervous.
I was putting finishing touches on the breakfast casserole and the cinnamon rolls. I turned on the Christmas lights in the living room. Edward and I spent the afternoon yesterday putting up the decorations he had from his parents in his basement. I made sure that the table was set and looked nice for Edward's family. I had sent Edward out on an errand to get some flowers and more coffee. I was panicking in his home while he was gone.
I smoothed my dress and fluffed my hair. I paced the length of the kitchen nervously. Why the fuck am I so anxious? I really needed to calm down but I didn't know how. Maybe I should do a shot of something. That should calm my nerves. Right, Edward doesn't have any alcohol. Only wine. I decided to the next best thing besides get lit.
Clean.
I scoured every inch of the kitchen, family room, dining room, and living room. I was nearly finished with the laundry room when Edward came in with a huge bouquet of flowers and the necessary supplies. I looked up at him and he noticed the crazed look in my eyes. "Bella, what's wrong, love?"
"They're going to hate me," I mumbled. "I'm not good enough for you."
Bella, stop it," Edward said, taking the washcloth out of my hands. "You are perfect for me. Absolutely perfect."
"No, I'm not," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm tainted."
"Bullshit, Bella. You are not fucking tainted," Edward growled. "What is up with this insecurity?"
"I don't know," I wailed. "I just feel so inferior."
"Why, Bella? Why?" Edward asked, cupping my face with his. "Carlisle and Esme love you. They already think of you as a daughter. They see how much you make me ecstatically happy. How much you complete me. I already have a sneaking suspicion that they know. The meddling little elf may have spilled the beans, but they can't be more thrilled. Bella, I love you. They love you. We honored to be a part of your family. Don't let your brain tell you otherwise."
"I don't know how to not feel this way," I mumbled, staring into Edward's piercing green eyes. "I'm afraid that I'm going to lose you."
"You're not. You're stuck with me until we're old and gray, shitting in our adult diapers," he said, arching a brow. He pulled me into an embrace, crashing his lips against mine. His tongue danced along my lips, begging for entrance. I moaned quietly and opened my mouth. His tongue moved languidly, sliding into my parted lips. His hands moved down to my back, one resting on my ass and the other moving along my spine. Our kiss was cut short by the doorbell. I jumped out of Edward's arms and blushed furiously. Edward chuckled and kissed me sweetly before jogging to get the door. I took a few cleansing breaths before grabbing the flowers and bags that Edward brought in from the garage. I deftly arranged the flowers into a vase and put them on the dining room table. I walked back into the kitchen to be greeted by Carlisle and Esme.
"Hello Bella," Esme said, giving me a warm hug. I smiled and returned her embrace. "You look good. How are your injuries healing?"
"Fine. The bruising on my torso is a lovely green color and Alice gave me a makeover of bangs to hide my sutures in my forehead," I answered. "I'll be happy when they're out. Quite itchy."
"Probably tomorrow," Edward winked. "Then no more itchy forehead."
"Hi, Bella," Carlisle said. He held out his hand and I eagerly shook it only to be pulled into another embrace. He rubbed my back and gave me a warm grin. "I'm glad you are healing well. You had us extremely worried. When I got the text from Edward that you were in a car accident, my heart stopped. I'm glad it was not serious."
"No, not serious," I replied. "Would either of you like anything to drink?"
"Some coffee would be delightful," Esme said.
"Me, too," Carlisle said with smirk. I scurried off and grabbed two mugs from the cabinet, filling them with the coffee I had made before they came. I poured myself a cup and eagerly drank the bitter liquid. Edward got himself a glass of water and he plopped down on the stool next to where I was sitting.
"Do you know if Alice and Jasper are on their way?" Edward asked, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. I settled between his legs and inhaled his comforting scent. His chin rested on my shoulder and he kissed my earlobe.
"Alice is experiencing extreme morning sickness this morning," Esme said. "It's questionable at best of they are coming."
"Oh," I mumbled. "Well, I hope you're hungry. I made enough for an army."
"It smells delicious, Bella," Carlisle said.
"Thank you," I blushed.
"So, I bet you're wondering why we invited you," Edward said with an impish grin on his handsome face. God, he's so fucking gorgeous. And mine.
"Well, it's been a long time since we've seen you at brunch at our house, Edward," Esme chastised. "Perhaps this is making up for all that lost time."
"Esme!" Carlisle said, arching a brow. "Ignore her. We know that you've both been busy."
"No, we have been neglectful in spending time with our family," Edward admitted. "We promise to do better. Right, love?"
"Of course," I agreed.
"Anyhow, we have some news that we want to share with you," Edward said, squeezing my waist and kissing my cheek. "The night that Bella had her car accident, I nearly had a heart attack. Okay, let me rephrase. I did have a heart attack. It was my worst nightmare. It was at that moment that I knew that I couldn't be without her." Edward picked up my left hand and he gently kissed my knuckles. "After she woke up, I asked her to marry me and she said yes."
"What?" Esme asked, a huge grin over her elegant face. "Oh, Edward! I'm so happy for you! And for you too, Bella!" She scampered over to me and hugged me fiercely. I grimaced as she hit a few tender spots on my body from my accident, but eagerly accepted her embrace. "Welcome to the family! Have you set a date?"
"Yes, we have. It'll be a destination wedding while I'm on my spring break," I said. "April 4th."
"Where?" Carlisle asked, his eyes sparkling.
"Cancun, Mexico," Edward said. "And I promise no sun poisoning."
"Good. Because that would just suck," Carlisle laughed. "Being on your honeymoon and hooked to IVs."
"Well, the wedding is going to be at a tropical destination that is not the honeymoon. I'm planning on taking Bella someplace special once she's done with school," Edward said, twining his fingers with mine. "So, obviously, we need you both to be there."
"Of course," Esme gushed. "We'll help out with anything that you need."
"It's going to be a small affair," I insisted. "Probably you two, Alice, Jasper, the baby, Emmett, Rosalie, my dad, Jake and Ren if they're still together."
"Don't forget Angela and Ben," Edward said. "I also want to invite Rhonda and her husband. We are naming our first born daughter after her."
"That's right," I giggled.
Congratulations were offered all around. Carlisle hugged Edward, saying that he was proud of him. He did the same for me, welcoming me to the family. We spent the rest of the morning, planning and talking about our wedding as we ate our brunch. Esme said that she'd assist with the details. However, I didn't want anything huge. Just me and Edward, on the beach at sunset. No huge blow out. Just us. Esme was not having any of that. She said that it will be understated and elegant. She told me to trust her and she looked so much like Alice when she did. We also were invited to the annual Christmas Ball for Craven Memorial. All of the doctors and their wives were expected to attend. Carlisle personally delivered Edward's invitation.
Sometime in the early afternoon, Carlisle and Esme headed out. Carlisle had an evening shift at the hospital and Esme had a meeting for some committee that she was on. After the dishes were washed and the food put away, I had to do some major grading. My students had turned in their persuasive papers and I was so behind on reading them. Edward lit the fire in the fireplace, pulled my feet up into his lap as he read some medical journal and I did my grading. Some quiet, jazzy holiday music wafted through the house and I felt so happy. Never had I felt this happy or content. Every so often, Edward would kiss my cheek, squeeze my foot or do something to remind me that he was sitting with me. My little touches were not so innocent. My toes grazed his crotch, nibble on his earlobe and gently palm his ass. Edward growled lightly with each touch that I gave him. I just giggled and continued grading. We were still on a sex embargo due to my little friend, but it would be soon before we could jump back into the saddle.
I couldn't wait.
I missed feeling Edward inside me.
Making me come.
I really need to stop thinking about this.
"You okay, love?"
"Fine. Perfectly fine," I squeaked. "I'm going to get some water. You want any?"
"Sure, baby," he grinned and pulled me into a sweet kiss. I hopped up and went to the fridge. I got the water bottles and walked back to the couch. Edward was lying down and he opened his arms to me. I nestled with my back against his chest, spooning with him. With his arms safely around me, I felt so loved. So blissful. So protected. "I love you, Bella Masen," he cooed in my ear.
"Hmmmm, I love you more, Edward Masen," I smiled as I snuggled against him.
Life couldn't get any better than this.
A/N: A bit of a filler chapter. Esme and Carlisle know about the engagement and are happy. No babies yet. Up next the Christmas Ball and possible angst with Aro…dun dun dun… leave me love! MUAH!