A/N: SM owns Twilight, bless her. Thank you all for the follows, favourites and most especially for the reviews. I really enjoyed writing this chapter, it's a long one so pull up a comfy chair. Love you all.
Chapter 36 - pre-wedding jitters
Esme and Carlisle brought Lil Bit home from her sleep over late Sunday morning so we decided to invite Alice and Emmett to join us as well to enjoy a family Sunday lunch at our place.
Emmett was on his own since Rosalie had to study for the final exam of her business course. Emmett, Bella and Esme were all immensely proud of Rosalie's achievement with her course. I didn't know Rosalie's whole story because she is an intensely private person.
What I have pieced together is that since running from her abusive ex leaving everything she owned behind her, she has rebuilt her life but has struggled with anger, trust, depression and feelings of low self-worth. According to Bella, Rose didn't believe she would even be accepted to her business degree course no mind actually complete it. Yet here she was completing the final assessment and was about to not only complete the course but she has performed at a very high standard, top of her class.
Bella and Rosalie have grand plans to duplicate Bella's Bakery on the other side of town. The hope is that not only will Rosalie manage the other store but that with the money she has been saving she will one day be able to become an equal partner with Bella.
Emmett and I have already agreed that we would help financially as a graduation present. Emmett and I would just give Rose the money but he knows how independent she is so we agreed that we would match her savings dollar for dollar and that way it is a reward for her efforts rather than some form of 'charity'. Bella thinks it is a good idea and she knows Rose better than anyone.
Emmett would marry Rosalie tomorrow if he could but he knows that although she loves him it will be a longer journey for her. My brother will wait, he'll be patient and he'll move at her pace. He loves her I see it every time he looks at her and speaks about her. It is almost reverent.
Her love for him is just as clear on her face and in her words, but she has been betrayed in the past in the worst possible way by a man she loved and trusted. A man who should've cherished her, beat her repeatedly until she was broken physically and emotionally. Thinking about Emmett's harsh childhood and all that he was exposed to in foster system combined with his protective, loving nature, it is pretty clear that he is the perfect person to patiently draw Rosalie out and to show her just how precious she really is.
Alice was on her own as well because Jasper had declined the invitation, probably because of the scene we'd made at the Club the night before. He thought he should give Emmett and I some 'space.' I felt bad about that and resolved to reach out to Jasper to show him there were no hard feelings on my side anyway.
When Alice arrived, it was clear she was not happy with us. When Emmett and I went to greet her at the door she burst straight into a speech she'd obviously been practicing before she arrived.
"Jasper is in my life and I intend to keep him there. I love him and he loves me. It's fast, I realise that but just like you with Isabella," she poked me in the chest before turning to Emmett and giving him the same treatment, "and you with Rosalie, I just know that he is the one for me.
"He is a good man, a hero actually. Not that he told me about any of that he is not boastful or proud but I have seen his citations and medals."
Emmett burst out laughing, "You've already seen his medals have you?" I tried to hold in my laughter but failed miserably.
Alice narrowed her eyes advancing on both of us and we backed up until our we were against the wall. I couldn't help smiling at her. I loved seeing Alice like this, she was small but damn she could be fierce. She had her hands on her hips and had us trapped in a corner of the room. I thought she was going to yell at us but instead she leaned into us speaking with a soft but desperate tone of voice. She was seeking our support. Emmett and I looked at her with guilty expressions, both of us sincerely sorry that we hadn't been more supportive to our little sister who had finally found a mate.
"He is smart, funny and sweet. When he kisses me I can see my future... marriage, kids, house, the whole thing. I never thought I would have that but now I truly believe I can have it all with Jasper."
Esme gasped and we all turned to see her in the doorway with a huge grin on her face. She'd obviously heard Alice's heartfelt words. She came forward with her arms open and grabbed all three of us into a group hug. Alice giggled then we all chuckled and hugged each other all the tighter.
"My babies are all in love," Esme laughed. "I am so happy for you all."
Bella came in the room already talking with Carlisle, "Oh no I'm fine really. I've just whipped up this batch of Clotted Cream Biscuits, some soft Macaroons and a batch of Marzipan Biscuits. I'll just put them here to have with our coffee."
Our little love-in pulled apart as we watched Bella bustle in, place more food on the already overloaded coffee table and bustle back out to the kitchen again. Before following into the kitchen Carlisle raised his eyebrow at me as if to say 'what is going on?'. I sighed, Bella was over-baking again, something was wrong but I had no idea what it was and she wasn't sharing.
Honestly, I loved this woman so fucking much but she was so used to being alone and solving all her problems by herself that when she was worried or issues arose she closed off keeping it all to herself. My only sign of trouble was her obsessive baking. I mean I love her cooking but when she started covering every flat surface in our home with food clearly there something was up.
Emmett leaned over to whisper to me and not let Bella hear him, "Bro' your woman is over cooking again,"
"Thanks Captain Obvious."
Emmett looked to the doorway she had exited through, "What's she worried about?"
"Well I don't know Em, it could be that we are getting married in less than two weeks and we haven't locked down the details yet. It could be that we've just found out that I have a son I didn't know about. It could be that she is pregnant for the first time and she has had pretty horrible morning sickness for weeks. It could be that she is about to start a national venture with Vicky that is huge business enterprise. It could be that she is about to turn twenty years old even though she already has the responsibilities of a woman twice that age including having spent the last three years as the single parent of her sister "
They all turned and looked at me all realising the same thing as I did as I listed off all the possibilities.
Alice spoke softly, "Anyone one of those things would be enough to worry someone, collectively it is a miracle she isn't a screaming Bridezilla."
Esme nodded, she and Alice had seen their share of crazy Brides with their event business. "Yes, instead she's internalizing her needs and focussing on looking after everyone else."
I resolved to speak with her and find out what was wrong, "I will try to talk with her later today but for now baking helps her to relax. I'm not going to stop her but you guys are taking some of this food home with you or I am going to have to do two workouts a day instead of one!"
"No problem, Bro'. I'll take the case, I am more than happy to take this delicious food off your hands."
We all chuckled, of course Emmett would be fine with taking food home.
We'd agreed not to talk over lunch about anything that might add to Bella's worries so we kept the conversation light and airy.
Esme, Alice and Bella made plans to meet on Monday to go through the wedding to do list. Emmett and I discussed some of the work we needed to complete to integrate the Volturi staff with the Cullen & Masen crew. Carlisle shared some good news stories from the Hospital and Bella laughed at his antics with his interns and residents.
Before everyone left Bella surprised the hell out of me in the best possible way when she invited Esme to join us for our baby doctor appointments starting with our first one which was scheduled for later in the week. My love for Isabella Swan grew even more in that moment as I realised she was sharing an experience with Esme which had been stolen from her by her abusive husband. It was a kind and loving gesture which I should not have been surprised by from my sweet one.
Esme hugged Bella so tight I was worried she'd crush her. "Thank you Bella. Thank you so much, I'd love to take this journey with you." Esme's eyes were wet with emotion and she hugged Bella and I once more before she left.
While Bella and Lil Bit said goodbye to my family I ran Bella a deep scented bath with some mellow music piping into the bathroom. I left her to relax and clear her thoughts. My sweet one liked to think things through and I would give her the space to do just that.
Lil Bit and I spent the afternoon in her room enjoying some fun Daddy/Daughter play time. We built a fort with sheets from her bed then sat inside it reading stories and playing with puzzles. Bella had checked in on us at one stage but then left us to it as she headed back into the kitchen again. I could only imagine what she was baking.
By the evening Bella was much more relaxed and a little embarrassed by the amount of food she'd prepared.
"Don't worry love, after we've eaten I will grab some boxes from the bakery, pack this all up and drop it over to the Shelter. I'll just let Rev J know when I will be heading over. It won't go to waste."
Over dinner, we discussed Mrs Cope's upcoming first day working with us here at Bella's and how our routine would work. I was glad Mrs Cope would be here to take over some responsibilities from Bella which would be increasingly useful as the pregnancy progressed.
"Momma, will you wead Tickle Monsta to me pwease."
"Of course, sweetheart. Let's clean up after dinner, then it is bath time then stories."
I leaned down and gave Lil Bit a kiss on the head, "Bella after we clean up I'll pack up the food and head over to the Shelter. I won't be long and I'll be home in time to sing to my little love."
Jacob and Leah met me at the drop off area outside the Shelter and happily helped me unload the food. Of course as soon as Leah saw how much Bella had baked she immediately asked what was on Bella's mind to set her on a baking binge. She knew my sweet one so well. I ran through a similar list to the one I told my family and we all agreed that perhaps over-baking was a reasonable therapy, especially if the current residents of the Shelter benefitted with delicious treats to enjoy.
Leah promised to come to the meeting with Esme and Alice on Monday to help with the wedding plans. I thanked them both and headed back home. I loved heading home to my girls.
When I arrived Lil Bit was snuggled into a sleeping bag in our fort.
"She said she wanted to 'camp out' tonight and I didn't see any harm," Bella told me as we tag teamed in Lil Bit's doorway. I climbed in with Elizabeth and sang a few songs as she dropped off to sleep. She was wearing a little 'tickle glove' which came with the book from Nonna and Poppa. I carefully removed the glove and put it with the Tickle Monster book. I have no idea where Ma gets all these wonderful books but I am grateful for them and Lil Bit loves them.
I kissed her little head and crawled out of her fort to go find my sweet one and see if she was ready to talk.
I walked into our room and she was putting away some laundry. I stood in the doorway silently and watched her for a few minutes. I loved to watch her but I couldn't resist for too long. I made my way over and circled my arms around her waist from behind and drew her into me. She smelled amazing after her scented bath and all that baking; vanilla, cinnamon and Bella, delicious.
I kissed down her gorgeous neck, "Hmmm, delicious. How are feeling love? Ready to talk to me and tell me what all that baking was about today? Hmmm?" I lightly nipped at her neck and she moaned a little. I had to stop soon or we'd never talk and we really needed to, so I turned her in my arms and kissed her chastely. "Let's snuggle on the couch love and we'll talk." She nodded so I took her hand and we moved over to the large love seat couch in our bedroom.
"So ...?"
She looked at me thoughtfully for a moment and frightened the shit out of me, "I think I'm having pre-wedding jitters."
I swallowed hard and nodded, "Are you having second thoughts?" I was terrified of her answer.
She giggled, "Not about marrying you silly man. Just about getting it done in time, arranging flowers, food, and our honeymoon - what about Elizabeth, there's so much to do and I just don't think I have time."
I blew out a breath I didn't realise I was holding. Fuck. She really can't scare me like that. "Oh sweet one, I can help break it all down for you and we can work everything out, okay."
"Tomorrow Mrs Cope will be here and she can start taking over some of the household stuff including supervising the cleaning teams and doing the household shopping." I'd spoken in a stern tone to make it clear that this was not up for any further debate. She nodded. Good. I thought she'd fight me more on that like she did when we first discussed it but she's come around to my way of thinking. She has too much on her plate and we need to sort that shit out.
"Now tomorrow Leah, Vicky, Ma and Alice are going to come and talk through the wedding and we'll let them know what we want and then THEY WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN. We should invite Rosalie and Zafrina to the meeting too don't you think?" She nodded again. Good.
" This is what they do for a living love, well not Leah or Vicky obviously, but between Ma, Alice and Zafrina they can do a small wedding like ours standing on their head. Okay?"
"Okay." She smiled a genuine smile at me.
"Now as for the honeymoon, I know it is tradition for the groom to surprise the bride with the honeymoon trip but I just think that's silly. Half the fun is the planning and thinking about what we can do and I want to have that fun with you." She smiled an incredibly happy smile at me and I knew I had made the right decision. By making her a part of things she would worry less so long as she knew I had it all under control.
" Now there are two important things about the Honeymoon I want to discuss. One is Lil Bit. I want her to come with us and..." My sentence was cut off when Bella leapt into my arms and kissed me passionately. I was so shocked by her intensity but I wasn't going to resist, I met her passion with my own and we were lost in each other. She was straddling my lap and I pulled her closer to me so that we were practically dry humping on the couch. Eventually we broke apart and she had tears in her eyes.
"Isabella, not that I am complaining love but we are supposed to be talking. What brought that on?"
She was placing small kisses all over my face, jaw and neck, "You are the sweetest man in the world and I love you more each day. I am so glad you want Elizabeth to come with us. I couldn't bear to be away from her for more than a couple of nights. I was so worried. thank you baby."
We kissed again with warmth and love but with less intensity, we really needed to talk.
"Can we come back to this after we've finished talking, love?"
She giggled and slid off my lap.
"Now where were we? Oh yes, firstly Lil Bit is coming with us on our honeymoon and secondly we are going to France, well Paris to be exact."
She gasped and was back in my lap again. In one quite impressive move, Bella straddled my lap and had her tongue down my throat as she gripped the back of my head. Fuck it. We could talk tomorrow. I kissed her with everything I had, I stood up lifting her with me and we made our way to our bed. The rest of the evening was spent making love until we finally fell asleep. Bella's legs were wrapped around mine, her head was on my chest and my arms were wrapped protectively, and I admit possessively, around her. It was the best night's sleep I'd had in ages.
The next morning we went into our normal weekday routine. Bella woke up at some ungodly time of the morning had a quick shower and headed downstairs to the bakery. At a more respectable hour I got out of bed and took a run in the gym since I wouldn't have time today to go for my usual session with Lauren. I then showered and dressed just in time to wake up Lil Bit who was still clutching her Tickle Monster book.
"Good morning little love, time to see what Mrs Cope is making us for breakfast!"
"Yummy time!" Lil Bit was always keen to eat in the morning.
I chased her with tickle fingers as she giggled and toddled down the hallway to the kitchen.
"Good morning Sunshine. Good morning Edward. You are both just in time for breakfast."
I smiled a huge grin to find coffee brewing, the table laid, chopped fruit and a bowl of yoghurt already on the table.
"Good Morning Mrs Cope, how are you today?"
"Fine thanks Edward and having a lovely time in this heavenly kitchen. Your Isabella has certainly set this up beautifully."
I smiled at her reference to my Isabella and realised that my sweet one was due at any moment.
"Oh, let me grab some coffee real quick and then we should turn off the machine. Sometimes coffee makes Bella a little queazy."
"Momma sick in da mawnings, Messes Cope."
"Is she sunshine?" Mrs Cope gave me a grin and I rolled my eyes at her. "Well, we'll try to make sure nothing in the kitchen makes her sick in the mornings, okay?"
"Oh-kay" Lil Bit was climbing up into her chair and Mrs Cope strapped her in. I sat down and enjoyed my coffee while I could.
"Would you like banana pancakes Elizabeth?"
"Wes, pwease. Pancakes are yummy."
Isabella walked in the room smiling, she gave me a smile and placed a small kiss on Lil Bit's head, "Yes they are sweetheart, can I have banana pancakes too Mrs Cope?"
Bella sat next to me and I kissed her softly on the lips. I know how hard it is for her to watch someone cooking in her kitchen and I was proud of her for making Mrs Cope feel comfortable there.
"Make that three Mrs Cope," I held up three fingers and winked at Mrs Cope who was practically humming with joy to be here with us.
"I free Daddy," Elizabeth was holding up one hand and trying to just hold up three fingers but it was proving tricky.
"Yes you are. I held her hand and counted with her as I kissed her fingers, just as I had done the first day I met her and we were riding in the ambulance with Isabella. "One. Kiss. Two. Kiss. Three. Kiss." I leaned down and kissed her nose and then handed her a half glass of juice.
I turned then to Bella, "Do you want me to get rid of the coffee love?"
She shook her head and said she was fine, so I enjoyed the moment and the delicious morning coffee. After our pancakes, Bella offered to help clean the kitchen but Mrs Cope shooed her away telling her that she didn't have to do that and that is why Mrs Cope was here in the first place.
Bella took Lil Bit to get her changed for the day and I went in the office to do some work while we waited for the ladies to arrive to start on the wedding plans. Time flew by and before I realised it I had worked for two hours.
I went looking for Isabella and found her in what can only be described as a gaggle of women. Rosalie, Alice, Esme, Leah, Victoria, Zafrina and Bella were all sitting around the kitchen table laughing hysterically. I would never say this out loud but they sounded just like a gaggle of geese. Beautiful, powerful, scary geese but geese none the less.
"Hello ladies, I didn't realise you were all here, have you made all the wedding decisions already? Did I miss out?" There was a hopeful tone to my voice that I simply couldn't hide.
Vicky jumped up and gave me a hug, "Hey Edward, silly man, we weren't talking about the wedding we were talking about fuck hot sex!"
Oh shit, I freaked out at the idea of my mother and my fiancé sharing sex stories.
"Oh Eddie, you should see your face right now," Vicky slapped my shoulder. "I was only teasing. We were actually telling your mother about you punching poor Jasper to save him from being punched by Emmett. The so-called logic of men, fucking impossible to understand!" She took her seat again with the rest of the gaggle who were now laughing hysterically.
I couldn't defend myself against seven women at once so I decided to just divert the topic, "If you've done laughing at the groom's antics perhaps you could tell me where you are up to with the wedding arrangements, hmmm?"
Ma looked down at her notes and proceeded to dazzle me with her professionalism, "So far, we have the date, time and the church sorted. Alice has designed some beautiful invitations, menu cards and place-name settings. Since the guest list has been cut back to immediate family and close friends Bella has asked that we have the reception here. Zafrina is organising the catering team to look after the set up, the catering, service and clean up. Zaffy also has some beautiful ideas for the look and theme for the reception. Bella knows an excellent photographer and we have booked him already. We have Bella's dress and she just needs to have a final fitting with the designer. Rosalie will be the only bridesmaid and her dress is all set as well."
I loved to watch Ma when she was in business mode. She's an amazing woman.
"Well sounds like I'm not needed here so I think I'll head in to the office." I turned as if to leave when Esme called me back.
"Actually dumpling, here's your list." She handed me a piece of paper. "You are in charge of flowers since apparently you have a florist on speed dial so that shouldn't be problem. You need to organise suits for you and your best man. I am assuming that will be Emmett?" I nodded. "You also need to purchase rings."
"Already done," I announced proudly. I bought them when I bought Lil Bit's engagement ring necklace.
"You are in charge of the wedding cars and of course all the arrangements for the honeymoon."
"Actually Ma, I've already told Bella we're going to Paris and that we're taking Elizabeth with us. Alice said she'd help with the arrangements. You still okay to help us with that Alley?"
"Of course, I'm excited to share all my favourite places with you. I'll help you with the suits for you and Emmett too."
Leah added, "Edward, both you and Isabella will need to have a couple of pre wedding sessions with Jacob to organise the ceremony and to discuss your vows. So you better add that to your list."
"Okay, well if you think of anything else let me know. Thank you all ladies for helping us with the arrangements, I know bringing the date forward has caused it to be a rush but I cannot wait any longer to be married to my sweet one," I leaned down and planted a chaste, soft kiss on Bella's lips to a rousing chorus of awws and ahhs.
Vicky waved me goodbye, "Bye Bye Edward, now piss off to work, we want to get back to our conversation. We were just going to talk about masturbation!"
I almost tripped as I left the room and all the women laughed hysterically again.
I headed into the office and spent a crazy busy day working on the business integration plan bringing the Volturi staff, clients and business policies into the Cullen & Masen family. There were some really good people in the Volturi team and Emmett had done a great job of weeding out any negative or unscrupulous staff members. So I had high hopes for the future of CMV as we were now known.
I took Emmett out to lunch to thank him for all his hard work and I took the opportunity to ask him to be my best man. He hugged me and lifted me up in the middle of the restaurant causing quite the scene but I laughed because that was just so Emmett. My wingman. We talked about the wedding and my plans for the honeymoon.
"I'm a little jealous Bro' but me and Rosie will get there one day. I know it. I love her and she loves me but she's had a tough road so I won't push her but we will get there."
"She's my angel Edward. She's going to be my wife and the mother of my children some day. Meanwhile, I can support her with opening another Bella's Bakery and we can practice with your kids until she's ready to have our own."
"If anyone can help her Em it is you but I have to say she's helping you too. I don't think I've ever seen you so happy and so centred as you've been since Rosalie came into your life. Anyone looking at the two of you together can see that you love each other. "
After a fairly quick lunch, we went straight back to the office as I had back to back meetings before my last meeting of the day with Jane, Alec and Bella to talk about my son Anthony.
The afternoon flew by and I didn't realise it was time for our meeting until Bella arrived. Rosalie and Emmett were looking after Lil Bit and it reminded me of Em's words at lunch about practicing with our kids. I guess that's started already.
Once Jane arrived. The four of us sat around the meeting table in my office and we got straight down to business. The report from the investigator came in earlier today and I asked Jessica to prepare four copies so that Jane, Alec, Bella and I could read it individually. I hadn't read it before the meeting. Honestly, I was nervous about what would be in the report and how I might react. I didn't want to react emotionally, I needed to be level-headed about this so I waited until we could all read it through together.
Jane agreed to walk us through the report as we each read it. "So Anthony is four and half years old which is certainly consistent with the timeframes you provided Edward. He is living with his grandparents Bob and Carroll Williams, Kate's parents, in Portland. The Williams are quite well off, money from steel manufacturing apparently.
"Kate has been in New York for the past six months with her new partner Felix and their daughter Sasha. Kate is working at a large computer company and Felix is running a personal trainer/fitness gym which Kate's parents paid for. Sasha is a produce of Kate's and Felix's affair while she was still married to Eleazar her college professor."
I scoffed at this, some things never change. She cheated on me with her college professor and then she cheated on him with her personal trainer. Eleazar her ex husband was apparently now living in Spain living with a woman named Carmen, another former student. I shook my head.
Jane continued, "It appears that she has only visited Anthony twice in the past six months."
My heart sank at this news. Was he sad to be away from his mother? Was he happy with his grandparents? I had to know.
Bella gasped and put her hand over her mouth, I looked over to see that she was looking at some photos which were in the report. They were of Anthony playing in the park with Kate's mother.
"Oh Edward," she said holding up one particular image of Anthony smiling as he watched some ducks in the pond, "I don't think we really need a DNA test to know this is your son. Look at him. He is just a mini you. I can't wait to meet him."
I picked up the photo and then all the other photos. I was relieved to see that he was smiling in each and every photo and I was ecstatic that he was the spitting image of me at his age. I put the photos down and looked to Jane for advice, "What should we do now?"
"Edward, going by what you've told me and what is in this report. I think you should do several things. First you should ring Kate, her contact details are in the report. You need to ask her straight out if Anthony is your son. Second, you should contact the Williams. They seem like good people and Anthony looks well cared for. You should explain the situation and you should ask to visit.
"If you meet any resistance then we'll go down the legal route but it is better for all concerned especially that little boy if this can all be done in a personal way and not a legal way."
I looked at Bella, raised my eyebrow in question seeking her thoughts. She stood up and grabbed my office phone, brought it over to the meeting table and handed me the receiver. "No time like the present."
She was right. I had already missed four and half year's of my son's life. It was time to do something about it. I decided to take Jane's advice and call Kate first. I dialled the number listed in the file for Kate's mobile phone as it started to ring Jane mouthed to me 'speakerphone'. I put it on speaker and sat the phone on the table. Jane placed a recording device next to the phone while Alec had his pen at the ready to take notes from the phone call.
"Hello?"
Kate. It had been so long since I'd heard her voice.
"Kate? This is Edward Cullen."
There was several moments of silence.
"Edward?"
"Yes, Kate. It is Edward."
"Wow. Um. Long time... what can I do for you Edward?"
Fuck. I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle her. Bella reached across to me and held my hand, calming me.
"Well Kate. You can start by telling me why you hid my son from me for almost five years."
She gasped and I could hear her cuss under her breath, "Fuck. Edward. How did you... ? um... I don't know what to say."
"Look Kate it doesn't matter what you say. I know that Anthony is my son. Nice name by the way. Did you husband know you gave your son my middle name? No matter. Why did you hide him Kate?"
"Edward... I can't... I didn't know I was pregnant when I left you and when I found out I thought it was Eleazar's... "
"You know what Kate. I don't want to hear this. One look at that little boy and anyone would know that he was mine. I want you to admit to me that he is mine. I want you to tell me why you hid him from me even after your marriage ended. I want you tell me that I can see him and be part of his life.
"Because trust me Kate and I need you to hear this loud and clear, I am going to be a father to my son with or without your 'permission' but I would prefer for Anthony's sake, to do it with your co-operation and not have to threaten you with legal action."
"Oh."
Silence.
"Is that all you have to say Kate... 'oh'... ?"
"Yes." Her voice was flat and lifeless.
"Yes what? Yes that's all you have to say? or Yes, he is my son and yes I can see him and yes I can be a father to my son without having to take you to court?" I was struggling to reign in my anger. Jane gave me a warning look and Bella squeezed my hand.
More silence.
Then finally she spoke, "Yes. Yes he is your son. Yes I hid him from you to protect my marriage and after my divorce to protect my relationship with Felix who thinks Anthony is Eleazar's son. Yes, you can see him. He is with my parents but you probably already know that don't you Edward?"
"Yes," was all said to her. She admitted it. Anthony is my son. I mean I knew it looking at the photos but to hear her admit it was an earth shattering moment for me. I have a son.
Jane spoke up then, "Mrs Nieves, my name is Jane Anderson and I am Mr Cullen's legal counsel. You have been on speakerphone and we have recorded this conversation in note form and electronically. I need to inform you that I am recording this part of the conversation also. I want to confirm with you that you are admitting that Mr Edward Cullen is the biological father of Anthony Nieves."
"Shit. You had me on speakerphone Edward? Are you kidding me? ... Yes, Edward Cullen is the biological father of my son Anthony." She was clearly furious that our conversation had been recorded. Fuck her. I am furious she stole my son's first four and half years from me.
"Mrs Nieves, I need to inform you that Mr Cullen is seeking full parental rights of his son Anthony."
I could hear Kate sigh, "Yes I understand."
"We will be in contact with you tomorrow Mrs Nieves with paperwork for you to sign to acknowledge Mr Cullen's paternity, agreement to his paternal rights, and agreement to have Anthony's birth certificate changed to identify Mr Cullen as the father and also to change his name to Cullen. Do you wish me to send the paperwork directly to you at your office or would you prefer me to send them to your legal counsel?"
"Send them to me." There was a loud sigh, "I won't fight you Edward."
Bella smiled at me and I smiled back at her. I sent up a silent prayer of thanks. This was the first hurdle.
"Thank you Mrs Nieves. I will be in touch with you tomorrow."
"Good-bye Edward."
I hung up. I had no interest in talking with Kate for a second longer than necessary. I grabbed Isabella, dragged her into my lap and kissed her hard and furiously. She moaned in pleasure and played with the hair on my head. I pulled away and looked in her eyes. "I have a son."
"Yes you do baby." Fuck I loved it when she called me baby. I was about to dive in and kiss her some more when Alec cleared his throat loudly bringing us back to the moment.
"Congratulations boss. You are a father twice in one day." He slid an envelope over to me and when I opened it I found the finalization papers for my adoption of Elizabeth and for her name change to Cullen. Oh my god. I have two children, a son and a daughter. I looked at Bella with tears in my eyes and handed her the paperwork.
She smiled as she read them. "We should have these framed Edward."
I laughed and laughed. I was so ridiculously happy.
Jane handed me the phone receiver again and raised her eyebrow in challenge at me, "Are you ready to approach hurdle number two Edward?"
I took a deep calming breath. Bella squeezed my hand and with the other hand I dialled the Williams, once again I put the phone on speaker.
"Hello?"
Here we go. "Hello Mr Williams. This is Edward Cullen."
"Edward Cullen? What the hell do you want?"
"Mr Williams, I am calling about Anthony."
"I bet you are. I suppose now that he's older and not a baby any longer you want to know your son but I am telling you mister any man who'd desert his fiancé when she is pregnant with his child and then never lifts a finger to help with looking after that child is no man at all in my opinion."
What the fuck? Kate. That fucking bitch. She's obviously spun a web of lies to her parents.
"Um... Mr Williams, I have no idea what you are talking about. I only found out Anthony existed less a month ago and I only found out for sure that Anthony is my son about ten minutes ago when Kate confirmed it to me."
"What are you talking about Cullen? You left Kate alone and pregnant in the last few weeks of your studies at Dartmouth. You told her then that you couldn't have children because of your plans for your career and I see from the business pages that you are still obsessed with your hot-shot career. I suppose that now you want a son to complete your picture of success. well you didn't want him then and we don't want your now! Good bye."
Mr Williams hung up on the call and we all sat silent, stunned by the ferocity of Mr Williams attack on me. Kate had obviously done of job on them to try to explain why she split up with me and why Anthony looked so much like me and not Eleazar.
I turned again to Jane for advice, "What do we do now? Bob obviously hates me and believes me to the worst kind of man."
Jane leaned across the table and took up the phone, dialled and then put the phone on speakerphone and turned on the recording device. She held her finger up against her lips signalling to me to be quiet.
"Hello?" Bob Williams sounded very wary when he answered the phone, obviously worried that it might be me calling him back again.
Jane spoke "Hello Mr Williams, my name is Jane Anderson and I am Mr Cullen's legal counsel."
"Oh, so he couldn't get past me so now he's brought his lawyer in it. Proud of yourself Ms Anderson, to be representing a man who walked out on his fiancé and unborn child and never once looked back?" Mr Williams voice was full of venom. I dropped my head to the table hating to hear this undeserved anger towards me. Bella comforted me by stroking my hair.
"Mr Williams, I need to inform you that I have spoken with your daughter Kate, and that she has admitted that Mr Cullen is Anthony's biological father and that she hid his existence from Mr Cullen trying to pass off the child as the biological son of Mr Eleazar Nieves."
"That's rubbish. My Kate told me all about how Cullen tried to get her to have an abortion but my Kate would never do that."
"Mr Williams I can assure you that your daughter has in fact admitted that Mr Cullen had no idea about the child. I have recorded her admission with her knowledge. I can play it for you if you like."
Silence.
More silence.
"Play it for me then."
Jane fiddled with the recorder and rewound to my conversation with Kate. You could hear a pin drop as the recording went through to the end, including her telling us that she hid the truth to protect her relationships with Eleazar and now with her man Felix.
Silence.
Jane pushed, "Mr Williams as you heard your daughter volunteered the truth and has promised not to fight Mr Cullen in his petition for parental rights."
A heavy sigh could be heard over the phone and I thought I should speak, "Mr Williams, sir, I had no idea I had a child. I've already missed four and half years of his life, please sir, I don't want to miss any more."
Another sigh.
"What do you want Edward?"
"First of all, I want to meet him. Can we come out to visit him this week please?" I looked at Bella who was smiling and nodding at my suggestion we visit Anthony.
I don't want to threaten legal action, this man obviously was caring for my son and I wanted to show him respect.
"Okay. You can come on Thursday, we are all here on Thursdays."
I smiled, "Thank you sir. Is 11 o'clock on Thursday convenient?" It was an almost three-hour drive from Seattle to Portland so meeting at that time would give us plenty of time.
"Fine. You have the address?"
"Yes sir," I said looking at the file with all the information from the investigator.
"I need to speak with Kate but come on Thursday. Will you be coming alone?"
I looked to my sweet one and she whispered, "Whatever you need baby, we'll do."
I smiled and squeezed her hand, "No sir. My fiancé Isabella and our three-year old daughter will be with me."
"Daughter, huh?"
"Yes sir my daughter, Elizabeth." I loved saying that. Elizabeth Cullen, sounds perfect.
"See you Thursday." And with that he hung up.
I released a huge sigh of relief. I didn't realise how tense I had been through that conversation.
I looked at my sweet one, kissed her forehead and whispered, "Amazing isn't it, today I officially became Elizabeth's father so we now have a daughter and Thursday we will meet our son."
My cup runneth over.
A/N: Just like Edward my cup runneth over. I am so humbled by your continued support for my story. I thought it was so sweet when Bella asked Esme to join them at their baby doctor appointment. I also fell a little more in love with Edward when he decided Lil Bit was coming on the honeymoon with them, I think Bella liked it too. Baby doctor visit next chapter (TwiSagaLover reckons they are having twins, what do you think?).
Also, I have been collecting travel books on Paris to work out some places they might go. I have never been to France, have you?
Au Revoir my lovelies! *mwah*
Book Credit:
Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett (Author), Kevan J. Atteberry (Illustrator)
Publisher: Compendium (August 15, 2008), ISBN-10:1932319670, ISBN-13: 978-1932319675