Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. However, I do own this plot and storyline. I also own my own original characters.
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, products, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any franchise. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's Note: **Tissue warning**
Chapter 16: Summertime
EPOV
I am exhausted, I think to myself as I lean against the kitchen counter, looking out the window towards the barns.The last few weeks have been really busy for everyone. Jasper just added to his crew, which now consists of four additional men, besides Sam and Tyler. They're working on the fishing dock while Jasper and Bella meet with the architect, who's in the final stage of completing the blueprints for the new courtyard equine center. Seeing Jasper in action makes me proud to be his brother. Once word gets out that Swan Lakes Ranch is expanding, the calls and quotes will start rolling in. That leaves Jasper, Bella, and Billy to weed through them. The job is big and everyone wants a piece of it, especially with the economy the way it is.
Bella and I are unofficially dating. However, I'm planning to rectify the unofficial part very soon and today seems like the perfect time. I'm standing at the stove in the kitchen preparing lunch while she's sitting at the breakfast bar with her laptop open. I steal a quick glance in her direction and smile.
"Are you ever gonna tell me what you want for your birthday?" she asks, clearly annoyed that I've yet to give her an answer. Every day for the last week, she's asked me the same question.
"Will you be my girlfriend?" I blurt out, smirking at her pout.
"What are we? Twelve?" she asks, shaking her head. "Edward, Cassie's and your birthdays are a week away, and I need to know what you want."
"Will you be my girlfriend?" I huff out. "That's what I want. For you to answer my question."
"So, you want a 'yes' or 'no' for your present?" she inquires, pouting dramatically. "That's all you want?"
"Fine, yes," I concede, with an exaggerated sigh. "I want you to be my girl for my birthday."
"Okay," she states, shrugging her shoulders and going back to her laptop.
"Okay? That's all you're gonna say?" I ask, now the one annoyed. "Okay!"
"Yep, Okay," she answers without looking up, but I hear her little giggle. "I'll be your girlfriend, if you tell me what you want for your birthday."
"That's blackmail," I grouse, throwing my hands in the air. "I want you to be my girlfriend, but only if you want to be."
I guess we're both lost in our little bubble because we don't hear anyone else come into the kitchen. "Bella, put the boy outta his misery and answer the damn question. You're as stubborn as a mule, just like your dad," Billy barks out, as both Bella's and my eyes go wide. "It's just a damn label. We all know you belong to each other."
"Fine, yes. I'll be your girlfriend," she answers with a soft smile then turns to Billy, who's grabbing a beer from the fridge. It's not even noon. "Who the hell put spikes in your boots?"
"Dumb ass salesman," he mumbles, taking a pull from the bottle. "Jasper 'bout punched 'em. Should've let 'em, too."
"This is ridiculous! Meeting. Now," Bella demands, clearly frustrated. "I want everyone at the pavilion in five minutes." She slams her laptop closed and jumps down from the barstool, storming off toward her office. Billy and I share a wide-eyed look before he walks out to round everyone up.
Five minutes later, we're all sitting at the tables under the pavilion as Bella walks up to stand in front of us.
"I'm done with the pushy salesmen and vendors. We're gonna use King. I want groundbreaking to start by next week. They can do everything we want and still come in under budget. Plus they're not assholes. Call 'em, set it up, and get it done. Have the contract on my desk by tomorrow," she commands, before walking off in a huff.
It's dead quiet. My dad takes a deep breath and looks around the table. "That right there, had Charlie Swan written all over it," my dad comments, shaking his head, but with a smile on his face. "She's just like him."
"That she is," Billy agrees proudly. "One and the same."
"Edward, if you don't mind bringin' lunch down here, I think we need to get all the details worked out so that King can get the contracts prepared today," Jessica requests softly. "It takes a while for her to calm down."
"Not a problem," I answer, getting up to go finish lunch. "I'll be back in a little bit."
The afternoon is spent under the pavilion, ironing out all the details of the building. Jessica and Jasper take note of any changes or suggestions from everyone. Sarah and my mother leave to go pick up Cassie from school, this being her last day before summer.
Dinner is quiet for the first time that I know of. Even the dogs are behaving, although Dasher hasn't left Cassie's side since she got home from school, and I soon learn why.
I'm just fixing to take a bite when there's a crash, making me look up. Bella is lowering Cassie to the floor, kicking the broken plate of food out of the way, as Dasher whines next to her. "I got 'er, boy," Bella whispers. "Momma's got ya, baby, you can do it. Come on, baby, it's almost over."
As some of us just sit at the table in shock, I'm sure, Sarah, Jessica, Billy, and even my dad are up and moving. Jessica runs back into the dining room with a small, red bag while Sarah starts cleaning up the mess from the broken plate on the floor. My father and Billy kneel next to Cassie as Bella holds her.
"Two minutes, Bella," Jessica states softly. Bella continues to whisper to Cassie until Dasher stops whining. They all then let out a collective sigh.
I hear crying next, and Bella lifts Cassie up from the floor and walks out of the room with Jessica, Dasher, and my dad following.
"She has absence seizures?" Angela asks quietly, not really acknowledging a specific person.
"She has both," Leah answers, just as quietly. "She has the absence seizures more frequently than the grand-mal ones, but she's had a few of those over the last couple of years."
"Does she take a preventive?" Angela inquires, but this time it's Sarah that answers.
"They tried her on a blocker," Sarah states with a frown. "Worse thing I ever saw. It made that baby crazy. Now she has diazepam gel, which we only push if she can't pull herself out of it within four minutes."
"Is she gonna be all right?" Emmett whispers, clearly upset by what we just witnessed.
"Cassie will sleep the rest of the night and probably be lethargic tomorrow," Sarah answers with a frown. "But she'll be okay. Bella won't leave her side, either. It's how Bella deals and reassures herself that her baby girl is all right."
"Does Dasher feel Cassie's seizure or something?" I ask, amazed at seeing him act in that way.
"It's unknown how a dog knows when their owner is going to have a seizure," Alice explains. "It could be anything from Cassie's body language to her body odor changing."
"He'll stick by her side, which alerts us to an impending seizure, and then whine as soon as it starts until she comes out of it. If she has a grand-mal seizure, he'll hold her down if someone isn't near her," Sarah continues.
"So you knew she was going to have one?" Jasper asks, anger surprisingly lacing his voice. "Why didn't you stop it then?"
"You can't stop 'em, sweetheart," Sarah comforts, patting his arm. "God, I wish we could, but you can't. There's no cure for epilepsy."
"It's when the neurons in the brain don't fire right," Angela explains. "They just have to re-set themselves."
"Does it hurt her?" he asks in a softer tone this time. "She was crying."
"It scares her, but it doesn't hurt," Leah explains. "She gets disoriented and loses focus. That's what scares her."
I notice my mother is quiet the whole time, along with the others. I go sit next to her, grabbing her hand under the table in comfort.
We don't see Bella or Jessica for the rest of the night. My father returns, looking worn out. "They're sleeping. Lleu's curled up next to Cassie, so I would suggest you just leave him there for the night."
I just nod in agreement as I finish cleaning the kitchen. Once in bed, my mind is restless and it takes me a long time to fall asleep.
The next morning, I wake up later than usual and hurry to get ready. When I walk into the kitchen, though, breakfast is already done. It looks like everyone's already eaten. I make myself a cup of coffee and head to the living room where Bella and Cassie are asleep on the couch. Not wanting to disturb them, I head to the barn office to see what's going on for the day.
Lleu greets me as soon as I walk in, trying to climb up my leg. I reach down and scoop him up. "Hey, little man. Did you sleep well?"
"Are Bella and Cassie still asleep?" Billy asks with a tired sigh.
"They are," I answer as I walk over to sit at the table with him and Jasper. "What's going on?"
"Just waiting on the final contract so Bella can approve it," Jasper states, never looking up from the plans in front of him. "I wish they'd hurry so we can get these to the permit office today."
"We'll get it done," Billy replies. "Don't stress 'bout it."
"Where's everyone?" I ask as Jessica sets a stack of papers on the table, perking up Jasper as he grabs them and starts reading.
"'Round here somewhere, except Esme and Sarah," Billy remarks, reaching for the other stack of papers. "They went shoppin' for party stuff."
I go back to the house to check on Bella and Cassie, taking Lleu with me. I leave it up to them to work out the kinks of the contract.
As I walk in, I hear crying and immediately follow it to the kitchen, where my two, tired girls are in a standoff, "Baby, momma doesn't know what you want. So either show me or tell me."
I pick Cassie up off the floor, where she's sprawled out crying, and then wrap my other arm around Bella, kissing her temple, "I think my girls need a pick-me-up. How 'bout we make popcorn and watch a movie?" I voice with excitement.
"Yeah," Cassie agrees, laying her head on my shoulder as Bella sighs, leaning into my side.
"Baby girl," I address Cassie. "Go pick out a movie while I get the popcorn made."
She runs off when I set her on her feet. I kiss Bella on her sweet lips. "Go get the blankets, pretty girl, and I'll be right there."
We spend the afternoon watching movies as both my girls doze on and off. All three of us are snuggling on the couch. We only stop for lunch, which is leftover soup. When dinnertime approaches, I ask Rose if she'd mind running to the diner to pick up burgers for everyone.
"So you think you can slack off since you're dating the boss?" Emmett bellows from the doorway. There's a resounding smack heard around the room, and I don't even turn to see who the lucky culprit is.
"If I didn't give birth to you, I'd swear you were someone else's child." My mother's voice carries, as Bella and I stare wide-eyed at each other. "Get your crass ass in the kitchen."
"Come on, Rose, I'll ride with ya," Leah declares. "Since Edward's buyin', I wanna milk shake."
"Hey!" Bella hollers after them. "I wanna cherry coke, easy ice. Oh, and onion rings with the zesty sauce."
"Damn, woman," Leah giggles. "Ya want me to get an order pad?"
"Naw, but get Cass a baked potato, please," she answers with a smile toward her friend.
"Will do." She waves Bella's thanks off.
"You gonna share your onion rings with me?" I ask, kissing her softly.
"I guess," she sighs dramatically. "If I hafta."
I tickle her, which earns us both a scowl from Cassie. "Fine, Miss Priss, we'll be quiet."
We're still snuggling on the couch, waiting for them to get back with the food, when the others start joining us. Even a sulking Emmett, who apologizes for his comment.
Jasper takes a seat, looking a little nervous, until Bella smiles his way. "You get it all worked out, Rocky?"
Jasper just laughs, as do the others. "Yes, ma'am. They're ready whenever you are."
"Good," she commends, "and I wanted to smack a few of those guys myself."
Sarah sits in the chair across from us, holding her arms out to Cassie. "Come give me some lovin', baby girl."
Cassie untangles herself from the blankets to get up and crawls into Sarah's lap, snuggling close, as Sarah whispers to her.
The weeks leading up to Cassie's and my birthday are pretty relaxing, at least for the two of us. Maybe it has something to do with the fact we're both shooed away at every turn. So the two of us bond by spending time together exploring the ranch, swimming, and playing. We'll let them have their secrets, for now.
The morning of our birthday is weird to say the least. As soon as I make it downstairs, Bella kisses me sweetly before stating that Billy is taking Cassie and me to breakfast in town.
I'm silent as we ride to town until Billy turns to get on the highway. "I thought we were going to the diner?"
"Nope. Gotta pick somethin' up in Bryan, so I thought we'd have breakfast there. More to choose from," Billy answers with a smirk.
"Takes longer too, huh?" I question with my own smirk. "Cassie, I think they're all tricking us."
"Yeah," she whispers from the back seat as she continues bopping her head to the music.
"Just let them have their fun, son," Billy comments, never taking his eyes off the road. "There was a time Bella wouldn't even celebrate her own birthday after Charlie died, much less anyone else's. I still can't believe you and baby girl have the same birthday."
"That's 'cause we're special," I remark, making him laugh. I couldn't believe it either. June 20th would always be our special day.
We pull into Cracker Barrel an hour after leaving home. Apparently, Cassie likes this place because she starts clapping her hands in excitement as I help her out of the truck.
We enjoy a home cooked, country style breakfast with way more food than any of us can finish. But it's a treat, nonetheless.
After Billy pays and buys Cassie some candy she wants, we load back into the truck. Our next stop is the pool supply store.
As soon as we walk in, Billy heads for the counter to speak with the salesman. I pick Cassie up and place her on my hip, because honestly, the store is crammed with all things pool related, and I don't want her tripping. We walk around looking at just … stuff, and half of it I can't even tell you what it's used for.
"Hey, Edward," Billy calls, as he's signing the sales slip. "I'm gonna pull around the back so they can load up our order. I'll come back to get y'all in a minute."
I nod at him in acknowledgment since Cassie is reaching to grab something off a shelf.
"Baby girl," I sigh, moving her away from the shelf. "You're gonna pull that down on your head if you're not careful."
"Mine," she rebuts with a pout.
"If you want something, you need to ask," I explain carefully, not wanting her to have a meltdown in the store. "Now, show me what you want and we'll see if it's Cassie approved."
She starts pointing at a box and I take a closer look. The contents of the box are light-up balls that float in the pool. I grab a couple boxes, after sitting Cassie on her feet, and carry them to the register with her following.
Billy is pulling back up to the front of the store by the time I complete the purchase. I take the bag and Cassie's hand, leading her out of the store.
Billy just shakes his head as I load her and the huge bag into the backseat. "Bella will have your ass if you get her everythin' she asks for."
"It's her birthday," I state, shrugging. "And they're cool. They're light balls that float in the pool and change colors."
"Ball," Cassie whispers, causing Billy to smile.
When we arrive at the ranch, Billy pulls around to the back where there's a gate that leads into Bella's backyard. Emmett, Jasper, and Jake are waiting for us. I get out and pick Cassie and her bag up, carrying them over to the shut gate.
"Y'all can't go in yet," Emmett announces with his arms across his chest, reminding me of a bouncer.
"Um, okay," I stutter out, confused as to why they are blocking us. "When will we be able to go in?"
"In a minute," Jasper answers as he starts looking through the items in the back of the truck.
We stand there for a few minutes before Bella emerges through the gate, motioning us to follow. As we round the corner of the tree line, there a collective "SURPRISE!" screamed at us.
Everyone is standing around the decorated backyard with big smiles. They descend on Cassie and me, wishing us "Happy Birthday."
Cassie's grip on my neck tightens as they all rush us. "Whoa, don't crowd her."
"Damn, Bella," Billy remarks. "He's as protective as you. Everyone wait until they get settled before Cassie chokes him."
"Hey, baby girl," Bella states softly, calming her. "Did you have fun with Edward?"
"Da," Cassie whispers in response. "Ball."
"Oh, really?" Bella questioned, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. "Did you get a ball?"
"Yeah," Cassie answers, pointing at the bag in my hand. "Ulers."
Bella looks to me for an explanation. "They're light balls that float in the pool and change colors."
"Why don't we go see everyone and eat some lunch," Bella concedes, shaking her head and leading us to the patio where everyone is gathered.
They decorated the entire backyard with balloons and streamers. There are two large signs wishing each of us happy birthday along with all the tables covered in bright colors.
"Lunch is served," my mother announces as she and Sarah start placing platters of food on a buffet table set up alongside a table filled with presents and two cakes, one chocolate and the other strawberry.
There's so much food. The smells of grilled fish, fried shrimp, steak, and all the sides hit my palate as I survey the platters. "Your momma said you like surf and turf," Bella remarks quietly as she cuts Cassie's shrimp in half. "I hope this is all right?"
"It's perfect," I state excitedly, giving her a wide smile. "Y'all didn't have to do all this, but thank you," I finish as I lean over and kiss her gently on the lips.
"No kissy face at the table, bro," Emmett boasts, interrupting our moment. In response, Bella does what any mature woman and mother would do, she sticks her tongue out at him.
Lunch is absolutely wonderful and I'm so full I can barely move. I lean back in my chair, draping my arm across the back of Bella's chair, playing with her hair.
This has to be the best birthday ever, I think to myself as I listen to the lighthearted banter.
I'm brought out of my inner musings as Cassie climbs into my lap. "Ball."
"Okay, baby girl," I agree, making her smile. "Let's go put the balls in the pool."
"Presents are gonna be after we clean up," Bella reminds me softly as Cassie and I make our way to the pool. "And if you need batteries, there are some in the kitchen drawer."
I set up the pool lights with Cassie as everyone else cleans up from lunch. We're sitting on a lounge chair, watching them float around, when my mother calls that it's time for gifts. Cassie must like the sound of that because she's gone in a flash toward the present table.
"You're amazing with her, son," my mother says softly as she sits down next to me. "I'm so proud of the man you've become. You have a wonderful thing here. Please, don't let go of it."
"Wanna know a secret?" I ask softly. "I love them. Both of them."
"That's only a secret to her, sweetheart," she whispers, a glint in her eyes. "We can see it every time you look at her. I believe she loves you, too. But I'd wait a little while before telling her."
"Yeah," I agree, knowing she's right. "I wanna take this slow. I want both of us to be ready."
"Let's go open some presents," she directs as I help her up from the lounger. "That little girl isn't gonna wait long."
As soon as we make it over to the table, Cassie is ripping paper off the presents. "Whoa, baby girl," Bella chides gently. "Those aren't all for you."
"Hey, baby girl," I interrupt softly. "You wanna open them together?"
"Yeah," she whispers as we both start opening the presents. And there are a lot of them.
Cassie gets everything from clothes, toys, movies, and books. Surprisingly, the books seem to be her favorites. She grabs a few and climbs in Rose's lap, saying "book."
They sit in the chair and read while I finish opening my presents. A few cookbooks, iTunes gift cards, and clothes. Bella slides me an envelope after everything is opened and thanks have been given out.
I guess the shock is written on my face as I open the envelope and read the contents because everyone starts asking what it is. I ignore them and look over at Bella with tears in my eyes.
She gives me a soft smile, "Now you can fulfill some of those dreams on your list," she whispers.
"You're amazing. Thank you," I respond, still in shock at what she did.
"What is it, son?" my father demands, concern lacing his tone due to the wide-eyed, shocked look on my face.
"It's lessons to become a certified scuba diver and a gift certificate for diving gear," I answer, glancing up at everyone.
"That's just … wow," Jasper stutters out. "Now you'll get to do all those things you've always wanted to do."
"And Bella will have someone to go divin' with her," Jessica states with a smirk.
My head snaps around in Bella's direction at Jessica's remark, and she's smiling coyly. "What does that mean?"
Jake laughs as he answers for her. "Bella is a master diver. She actually takes a divin' trip every year. Now maybe she'll quit askin' us to learn how to dive so she doesn't have to go by herself."
I just shake my head and lean over to kiss her. "Thanks, pretty girl. This means a lot to me."
"You're welcome, handsome," she replies, smiling. "Now I'll have a dive partner."
She'll have a partner all right! Soon, Edward, just a little while longer, I tell myself.
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