I want a Mommy!
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. The plot, along with a few of the characters I add here and there belong to my ruthless muse.
Chapter Thirteen
…
"The jet is ready for our departure," Antonio stated, slipping his cell back into his inner jacket pocket.
Edward shook his head. "I'm overreacting! Cancel our plans, tell the pilot we'll leave tonight." His gut twisted—his instincts told him to take his family and lock them in a safe house until the threat had been eliminated. His eyes scanned the photos on the computer screen and blew out a deep breath.
"We're going to lunch; have the car ready in forty," he ordered as he moved toward his son's room. "EJ, I'm coming in," Edward announced before opening the door and stepping inside. The room was cluttered with toys and clothes that had been thrown around the room in a fit of rage.
"I hate you," EJ sniffled. "You ruin everything," he added, burying his face into his pillow.
Edward forced back a smile as he sat on the edge of his bed, "Well, then I guess you don't want to ride Spider-Man," he commented.
EJ sat up, wiping his tears away, "I do, I do, I really, really want to ride it. Tanner rode it twice!" He held up his fingers to show the injustice.
He chuckled as he lifted EJ up onto his lap, "I apologize, EJ, I'm sorry I ruined your afternoon at the park. When Marcus couldn't find you, it frightened me." He admitted to his child, moving EJ's brown hair out of his eyes.
"Really?" EJ asked, amazed that anything could frighten his father.
"Yes, really, EJ," Edward chuckled, tapping the end of his nose. "And because I was scared, I overreacted and had your guards bring you home to me where I knew you'd be safe," he explained firmly.
EJ chewed on his lip thoughtfully, "But you yelled at my Bella?"
"I did," he sighed, not denying his despicable behavior. "I wasn't very nice at all," he corrected. "What happened wasn't her fault; but sometimes when I get scared, I get angry, too, and that was wrong the way I spoke to her," EJ nodded slowly, as he focused on his father's apologetic eyes, "and I apologize for that. Sometimes your father makes mistakes, but I never want one of those to cause me to lose you or Isabella."
EJ hugged him tightly around the neck and pulled back to place a kiss on his cheek. "Now, why don't you watch cartoons and rest, and we'll all go out in a little while." He promised, turning on the television and placing EJ back against his pillows.
"Okay," EJ agreed, his attention quickly turned to the talking dogs attempting to rescue a boy. Edward handed him his stuffed giraffe and placed a reverent kiss to his forehead, before leaving him alone to rest.
Edward moved across the living room and entered the master suite he shared with Bella. He found her standing at the large window; he moved up behind her and ran his hands gently down her sides before pulling her back against his chest.
"Edward," she murmured a touch of sadness in her voice.
"Hush," he ordered, turning her in his arms. "You did nothing wrong, Isabella. I overreacted and behaved as a neanderthal."
Her lips quirked upwards in a smile. "Well, yes," she agreed with him, eyes shining with tenderness and amusement. Moments like these—private moments between them—it was easy for her to forget who he was when he stepped out of their bedroom.
"It made me crazy. I've never felt fear like that before." He admitted stiffly, "not only for EJ but you as well." He stroked her shoulders soothingly. "I have very few precious things in my life," he whispered, caressing her cheek, "and I don't want to lose them." If anyone could make his family, a real one, it was Isabella Swan. It was terrifying and it was exhilarating, and Edward found himself impatient. "May I?" He asked, softly tilting her head up to meet his heated eyes.
Her breath hitched in her throat as her gaze locked on his green eyes, "You don't have to ask," she whispered, warmth pooling in her stomach.
"Thought I should," he replied, his lips quirked upward as the air of forgiveness washed over them as his mouth pressed down against hers.
He caught the bottom of her dress in his hands, and he tugged it up over her body. He watched as it fell to the floor. His pupils flared, "I wonder if you have any idea just how much I want you," he said lowly as one of his hands trailed up her exposed stomach. He cupped her right breast in his hand, his thumb brushing against the soft material of her bra, need roaring through his veins as her nipple hardened against his thumb.
"I want you, too," she returned his words softly as her lips found his, her fingernails scraping against his scalp. "Door locked?" She asked breathlessly as she stepped back as he removed his shirt, throwing it to the side as he pulled her back into his arms.
"Door's locked," he confirmed; he nudged her toward the bed, smiling as she fell backward onto it. His eyes were bright as he laced his index fingers into the waistband of her yellow, cotton panties, and pulled them slowly down her legs. She leaned up and kissed him; he growled hungrily against her lips. He slid his hands between them and into the moist, velvety flesh of her pussy. He stroked over her clit until she moaned, opening her mouth to him.
"Feel good, love?"
"Yes," she breathed out. "So good."
There was no thinking. Only the slick, hot feel of her, safe and sound beneath him.
…
"You guys ready yet?" EJ hollered, knocking on their bedroom door. "It can't take that long to say sorry." Bella laughed quietly into Edward's shoulder.
"Just a minute, Bud," Edward called, tugging on his briefs before gently yanking Bella out of bed. He kissed her soundly before handing her, her dress. Together, they scrambled to get dressed, handing each other socks, underwear and trading shoes as they found their missing garments.
"Are you guys kissin' in there or something?" EJ asked through the door, ignoring Marcus' quiet snicker as he led him back to the living room.
Bella blushed as they made their way back out to the living room, "Antonio is waiting in the car," Marcus informed them, as she took EJ's hand and looked him over to make sure he was ready.
"Let's head out then," Edward instructed. He wrapped an arm around Isabella's waist as he led her down through the hotel and out to the awaiting car.
After he shut the car door on Isabelle and EJ, he turned to Antonio and Marcus, "I want the man that was fucking stupid enough to tail me and my family. The man that had the audacity to turn around sell their photos to the media," he said with a quiet viciousness. "I want him located—" He cut himself off in case they were being listened to.
"We're on it," Marcus nodded unflinchingly.
He raked a hand through his hair, before circling around the car and climbing in the back with Isabella and EJ. He reached out and curled an arm around Bella's shoulder, tucking her into his side. EJ smiled at him as he pressed a tender kiss to her temple as Antonio merged onto the highway.
EJ's laugh was adrenaline-packed as Edward jerked back as the large fireball hurled at them making their faces warm as the ride twisted and turned through the track. "One more time," EJ demanded as they climbed off.
"We've already ridden it three times," Edward laughed, ruffling EJ's hair.
"Please, last time. I promise," he bargained and held out his pinky finger to swear on his promise. Bella grinned as Edward scooped EJ up and piggyback carried him back around to go once more through the FastPass line.
"Did you see Marcus's face?" EJ giggled gleefully, looking up at his father as they made their way back to the car. "He was green, like the Hulk green. He so almost puked up his guts on that lady."
Bella let out a surprised laugh as Marcus lifted EJ up from behind and flipped him upside down, "What was that Little Mate?"
"Nothing," EJ squealed, "put me down," he demanded, and with a careful twist of Marcus's arms, he spun him around and placed him in the vehicle, buckling him in as Edward held the door open for Bella.
Edward turned to Marcus and Antonio. "No one outside of the pilot and us three is to know of the change in our flight plans," he ordered, leveling both men with a calculated look.
"Understood, Boss," Antonio nodded seriously, opening the car door in turn for him. Edward slid past him into the backseat.
EJ shrieked with fright and hid his face in Bella's legs as the group stepped into the large dinosaur-themed restaurant. Bella smiled and knelt down to his level. "Shh… it's okay," she said gently, "it's just a robot," she assured him, "Look," she said, stepping back so they could get a better view of the huge robotic T-Rex that greeted customers with a roar.
"It's just a robot," EJ repeated, as he watched from the safety of Bella's arms. She picked him up, "Come on, let's go pick out a stuffed dinosaur while we wait for our table," she said, carrying him back to the Build-A-Dino store. Edward's hand rested possessively on her lower back as he guided her through the crowd of people.
They circled the store a few times before EJ settled on a striped green brachiosaurus. Bella took pictures as Edward helped EJ through the stuffing process. Their meal was spent pointing out different dinosaurs and creatures, as they enjoyed barbecue ribs and juicy burgers. Afterward, EJ entered the Paleo Zone, where he played in the sand, digging for bones and searching for precious rocks. Edward tugged Bella into his lap; they traded a few kisses as they watched EJ play happily with another boy his age.
"EJ, we've got to go or we'll miss our flight," Edward said, standing up and holding out his hand to his young son, who waved goodbye to his new friend before taking his father's offered hand. "Remember?" Edward asked quietly, as he pulled out a few index cards out of his jacket pocket and handed them over to him.
"Yeah."
"Good," he nodded proudly, as they meet up with Isabella.
Edward wrapped his arm around Bella's waist as they walked out onto the boardwalk.
"C'mon Dad, Bella," EJ said suddenly as he tugged them toward a photo booth.
Bella quirked an eyebrow at Edward, who leaned over and kissed her, "You heard the Boss," he chuckled deeply, holding the curtain open for her.
"Look at me, Lovely," Edward whispered as he turned Bella's chin, so they were looking at each other instead of the camera. EJ beamed into the camera and held up the first index card that read: 'Will,' as the first picture was taken. Edward and EJ both pointed playfully at Bella as EJ held the next card: 'You,' as the second picture was captured. Edward reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a ring box as EJ held up another card: 'Marry Me?'
EJ quickly handed her two cards. Bella laughed as she held up 'Yes.' In the following picture, EJ's face was scrunched up in disgust as his father and Bella traded a kiss. Edward held up the final card; the camera caught Bella's surprise, "Tonight?"
"Edward," Bella frowned incredulously. "You can't be serious."
"I am," he said as he looked her in the eye as he cupped her cheek; she made him reckless, impulsive, and he refused to wait any longer to make her his. "Marry me, tonight?" He repeated.
She floundered for a minute. "How… where?" She asked, trying to wrap her mind around his impulsivity.
He gave her his most charming grin. "It's been arranged," he promised.
Bella's eyes darted back and forth between EJ's and Edward's faces, both wearing matching pleading expressions, "Will you?" EJ asked excitedly. "Please."
"But the wedding," she said, her nose curling up at the monstrosity of a wedding his mother was planning for them.
He threw his head back and laughed.
"Edward," she stressed his name with a soft frown, "I'm serious – your mother."
"I know," he sobered, "we'll let her host an extravagant reception party."
They were quiet as they headed back to the car. Bella knew she should be worried, that her heart was tangling her into a dangerous mess; for all her logical sense, she kept barreling forward.
"Well," he asked, his voice taking on that stiff tone he used to have with her.
"Yes." She whispered, lacing their fingers as they headed for the airport
...
Edward carried EJ up onto the small, luxury plane; it took him a minute to get him settled into a captain's chair with his iPad. "Try to get some rest, sonny boy—we've got a long night ahead of us," he instructed, checking his buckles.
"I will," EJ promised, briefly glancing up from his tablet.
Bella curled into his side as he joined her on the sofa for takeoff. He relaxed with a glass of scotch as she rested her eyes for the first few hours of the flight. He gently nudged her awake, "What?" she blinked awake, rubbing at her face and whipping at her chin.
"We land in an hour," he whispered huskily against the shell of her ear.
She smiled softly and stretched. "I'll go get ready," she said, kissing the corner of his mouth before getting up. He watched her with heated eyes as she slipped back into the bedroom with her luggage. She stopped, startled as she spotted her gown laid out on the bed. She picked up the ivory-colored dress with shaky fingers—it was a strapless, sweetheart gown with lace appliqués and a hand-beaded, crystal belt.
She stripped down and pulled on the lacy undergarments that coordinated with the dress; she applied her makeup with care. She stared at herself in the mirror as she ran a brush through her hair. She added a little more product to make the waves in her hair a bit more pronounced.
She forced herself to calm her racing heart as she opened the Tiffany & Co. jewelry box. Inside was a stunning pearl necklace with matching bracelet; at the clasp of both was a golden heart that resembled Venetian, cast-iron, window gates. She tried not to think of the price as she put the jewelry on with a romantic sigh. She stepped into the dress, "Andrew," she called.
Edward stepped into the room a minute later with a thunderous expression, "You called for Andrew?" He asked heatedly, his eyes roaming over her.
Bella whirled around and sucked in a breath; he was dressed entrancingly in a designer tux, she couldn't name but knew for a fact the tux hadn't come from Men's Wearhouse. She blinked at Edward; of course, he wouldn't follow tradition. "Zip me?" she requested, lifting her hair out of the way.
He stepped forward and ran a finger down the exposed flesh before slowly zipping up the dress. He pressed his lips to the sensitive flesh behind her ear, "I can't wait to get you out of this dress once you're Mrs. Cullen."
She shivered at his bluntness. "Come, the limousine is waiting," he said, lacing their fingers and leading her off the plane and to the awaiting vehicle.
Bella couldn't conceal her look of wonderment as they drove down the Strip. She kept turning her head as she tried to take in all the vibrant lights and attractions.
Edward squeezed her shoulder softly, watching her tenderly. "We'll come back soon," he promised, as they pulled into a private entrance to a resort that Bella was certain had to embody Vegas luxury at its finest.
"Welcome back, Mr. Cullen." An older gentleman greeted him with a wide charming grin, as he offered him his hand, "Everything has been arranged as you've requested, and your brother and Mr. Whitlock are waiting in the private garden."
"Thank you, Benjamin," Edward said, shaking his hand firmly. "My son EJ, and my stunning bride, Isabella." He introduced them.
Bella smiled politely as Benjamin took her hand and kissed her knuckles, "Stunning is correct," Benjamin complimented cheerfully.
Bella retook EJ's hand and followed them into the hotel. She watched as Edward spoke to Benjamin, with a casual friendly air. She adjusted EJ's bowtie as they paused outside of Aqua.
"We increased security for the nightclub," Bella overheard Benjamin tell Edward. She swallowed her shock as she realized the owner of the casino had made a point in greeting them himself.
"Have there been any problems?" Edward asked, his tone all business and none of the gentleness he displayed with them.
Benjamin shook his head, "No," he assured Edward as he walked them through the casino floor and out to the private garden. "I wish you the both the very best."
This was it, Bella thought, closing her eyes as she listened to the music start, she could feel her entire world change as she stepped through the door. She smiled as she walked slowly out to the beautiful gazebo in the middle of the private garden, where EJ and Edward stood patiently. Warmth traveled through her, sending pleasure into her heart at the sight of them.
Edward stiffened with pride as he watched her walk toward him; her chin held up confidently as he took her hand in his.
EJ smiled up at both of them as the minister spoke of love and commitment, and the hard work everlasting marriage took. Bella turned to Edward and vowed, "I believe in you and the person you've grown to be, and the family we've become; with my whole heart, I take you as my husband. I acknowledge and accept your faults and strengths as I hope you do mine." She took the platinum ring from EJ and slid it onto Edward's finger.
Edward cleared his throat and pledged firmly as he placed Bella's wedding band onto her finger, "I promise to be faithful, I swear to always make our family's safety and happiness a priority. I will be yours always as you'll be mine, in failure and triumph." He crashed his lips down upon her as the minister announced them man, wife, and family.
They broke apart as Emmett's whistle rang out through the garden.
"M'gonna bloody murder him," Edward grumbled against her ear. Bella smiled widely as EJ hugged her enthusiastically, for a few minutes they indulged the photographer, taking a series of pictures.
Edward lifted EJ up, "You're going to fly home with Uncle Em and Jasper tonight," he explained as he carried him over to his brother and brother-in-law.
"What about Bella and you?" EJ asked scrunching up his nose as his smile started to slip.
"We'll see you for brunch tomorrow at your Aunt Alice's house," Bella promised, "you need to get home and tell Tanner all about your trip."
"Are you my mom, now?" EJ whispered, glancing between his father and Bella expectantly.
"Yes, she's your mother now," Edward assured him. "I know for a fact she loves you, no matter what. She'll keep you safe and tuck you in at night," he said.
Bella picked up where Edward trailed off, "and I'll always check under the bed," she promised, kissing EJ's cheek lovingly. "But tonight, you're going to head back with Jasper and Emmett, your father and I will meet up with you tomorrow."
"Promise," he held his finger out to Bella.
She wrapped her pinky around his, "I promise! Now go have fun with Tanner," she said, handing him over to Emmett.
"Congratulations, you brave fool," Jasper laughed.
"Fool is correct," Emmett teased, covering EJ's ears, "Mother's going to have your balls."
"Language," Bella scolded, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Sorry, Madam," Emmett apologized, uncovering EJ's ears with a sheepish grin. "Say bye E," he instructed, "before your mom decides to roast me."
"Bye Dad…" EJ said and added hesitantly with a large grin, "bye Mom."
"Be good," Bella smiled, her heart melting as she kissed his forehead. She briefly wondered if she ever had a choice. Jasper squeezed Edward's shoulder before following Emmett out.
"So," Bella whispered once they were alone—her voice low and seductive.
Edward realized she was flirting with him, in a suddenly shy and adorable way as if she was uncertain of how to do so now. He felt an intense rush of excitement, triumph. She was his: name, ring and all. He walked her to the nearest elevator that went up to their floor and swiped his card.
"What do you want, Isabella?" He asked, his gaze became all the more intense as his free hand played with a curl of her hair.
Her eyes lit up as she undid his tie, "You," she whispered, "my husband." Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes.
Author Note...
Thanks.
To my Pre-Reader and Beta - Bobbi