A tiny snippet today. I'm sort of meandering with these guys . . . there are better scenes in my head than this, I just need to get them there first. Your patience is appreciated. ;-)

-Ginnie

Chapter 55:

Heads Up...

The text message shouldn't surprise him, but it does.

On my way.

He's not forgotten, but he's certainly been distracted. New books. Salt on the sidewalk. Phone ringing off the hook. Not only have a few people called to see if they'll even be open today, but his brother and sister have been on the phone with him all morning.

And then she messages him again. Coffee?

"God I love you," he says as he swipes his response and hits send.

"Who are you talking to?" his sister says in his ear.

He rolls his eyes. "How did you even hear that?"

"I'm a mother. I hear and see everything now. Hold on—Colby! Put your cousin down!" A pause. "Because I can hear you guys!" Edward shakes his head, smiling as she continues without missing a beat. "So, is that Bells?"

"Yeah. Well, she texted. She's on her way, and she's bringing coffee."

"Oh, Christ. I hate you both."

Edward laughs. "Admitting you have a problem is the first step toward recovery."

"Har, har. I know I have a problem, hence why I don't even drink decaf, it's a slippery slope."

"Amen to that."

He can hear the smile in her voice. "I really love you. You know that right? There are a million gushy, uncomfortable things I want to say to you right now."

"Thanks for holding them in. And same here."

She sighs. "Look, I better go. The kids are getting restless and so is their Aunt Ro. Not a good mix."

In the background Edward hears, "I heard that, midget!"

"Crap, forgot she's got super-powered mom hearing, too."

Edward snickers.

"So we'll see you this afternoon. Dad, Jazz and Emmett are finishing the driveway now. The kids are dressed, but you have crap for food here, so we're gonna have to stop for lunch somewhere. Then we'll be over."

"Sounds like you have it all worked out."

"Of course I do. I'm more practiced at avoiding Mom than any of you. Now all you have to do is warn Bella."

A flash of rust-colored red catches his attention. Her truck, chains on the wheels, lumbering down the street. "I will," he says.

"You sure? I don't want to rain on your parade."

"Alice, I told you. I got this. You take care of everyone else."

"Fine, fine. See you later."

"Later," he says, watching like a hawk as the truck backs into a spot across the street. He moves to the window and notices she's biting her lip, but she maneuvers the beast with practiced ease.

Letting out a breath, he runs his hands through his hair and shakes off the last vestiges of the confrontation with his mother. The next few hours will have to hold him for a long time to come, and he's not planning on wasting them.

PS: I know it's been a while since it was mentioned, so I'll throw you a bone: Alice is pregnant with twins & should be about 5 & a half months along by now. Hence why she gave up caffeine.

Anyone think Bella will be ticked off next chapter? I'd love to hear your theories. ;-)