Chapter 18: Flowers Fix Everything

Small disclaimer: I do not own 'Twilight' or any characters from it. I just play with them.

Bella and I didn't go any further that night on my couch. We hadn't gone further since, actually. Hell, we hadn't even done that again. Over the past three weeks, we spent more time together . . .dating. I had taken her out three times since, twice with Little One coming along, and once alone. I learned more about her, like her fear of birds.

We spent a Sunday afternoon at the park near our apartment building since I was on-call. It was her idea, actually. She packed a lunch and we sat near the duck pond with Sofia. At the time, Bella scared the hell out of me, but it quickly turned hilarious. A flock of birds came down and one tried to take the sandwich from her hand. A heart-stopping screech left her lips as I was looking at Little One, giving her a bottle. I swear to God, I thought she was being murdered or some shit. When I looked up, she was hurrying off the ground, running around like a chicken with their head cut off. When she finally calmed down and sat again — nearly in tears — she explained what the hell happened, making me laugh my ass off. Turned out, she once had an encounter with seagulls attacking her. She hit my shoulder, telling me it wasn't funny, but seriously, it was fucking hilarious.

I learned other things, too. For instance, her favorite flowers were lilies and besides her love of romance novels, she enjoyed mysteries, too. The Sherlock Holmes books were her favorites. I found out she was thinking about going back to school someday so she could teach high school literature. She loved teaching kindergarten, but a part of her wanted to share her love of literature. She said she just wasn't sure, though, because she really loved little kids.

Tonight we were going out again — bowling this time. Little One was, once again, spending the night with Mom and Dad. They were keeping Ben too because they wanted to spend time with their grandchildren. It was fine by me, Rosalie was happy, and Emmett was fucking ecstatic, actually. I didn't want to hear it, but he was basically singing about the fact he was "getting some" as he left work tonight.

"So, bowling," Bella said as I pulled into the parking lot just after eight. "I'm not sure this is a good idea."

I laughed. "Bad bowler?"

"Horrible coordination, actually."

I smirked. "Well, good thing you have a doctor nearby, huh?"

She laughed softly, shaking her head as I shut the car off. "I am actually a bad bowler, too."

"Would you like to use bumpers?"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not four. I might be bad, but I think I can manage without bumpers."

I got out of the car, moving to her side to open her door. I held my hand out, and she took it with a smile. "Thank you," she said.

I locked the doors and slid the keys in my pocket, moving my other arm around her waist as we walked inside. Since it was a Wednesday evening, the bowling alley wasn't too crowded. We quickly got a lane, our shoes, and two beers. While Bella was tying her shoes, I put our names in the board.

When she noticed the name I gave her, Bella smacked my arm and said, "Nibbles? Really?"

I laughed. "Well, I can't change it now."

She narrowed her eyes, pressing her lips together into a thin line. "Asshole."

"Hey! I'm letting you go first. That's nice, right?"

She rolled her eyes, stood up, and grabbed her ball without a word. When she got up to the line, she looked back. "No laughing, got it?"

I nodded, holding up two fingers. "I will not laugh unless you do. Scouts honor."

"You weren't a boy scout," she said, turning back to the lane.

She didn't throw it straight in the gutter, amazingly, and managed to knock down a few pins. She came back with a smile, waiting for her ball to come out. Again, she knocked down a few more pins for a total of eight. When it was my turn, she made sure to tell me she'd know if I was letting her win. I had actually considered it, so I made sure to do my best, earning a spare. We continued playing for a few frames. Bella did throw a few gutter balls, but she laughed at herself, which meant I could. Since I was ahead of her — clearly going to win — she decided to distract me. The chick said something about her boobs, causing me to fuck up and send a ball straight into the gutter.

"That was cruel," I said, sitting back down.

She laughed. "Did my talk of my boobs distract you? I'm sorry."

"I'll get you back," I said, lifting my beer to my mouth.

"I'm soscared!"

"Also, that little trick worked once. It won't work again, and as you can see by that screen," I pointed, "I'm still going to win. One frame left, Nibbles. You can't beat me."

She titled her own bottle to her lips, shrugging. She set it down and stood up. "No, but I can have fun."

She picked up her ball and walked up to the lane. She wiggled her ass for me, looking back and winking. I stayed silent, plotting my revenge for the next game. Amazingly, she managed a strike. She jumped up and down, clapping her hands. I laughed my ass off, as I had been doing all night. She looked so damn . . . cute, thrilled beyond words.

Once that game was over — which I won, obviously — we had pizza and nachos before playing again. She was determined this time. She said the first game was a warm up, and this time she'd kick my ass. Every time she went up, she looked back, thinking I was going to exact my revenge. No, I was waiting for the perfect opportunity. Halfway through, I found that opportunity. She let her guard down. She didn't look back, so I yelled, scaring the hell out of her. Her feet slipped from under her as the ball flew into the unused lane beside ours. I heard the crack of her head hitting the floor before I could jump from my seat.

I ran to her, calling her name. She didn't move. She didn't make a sound. I kneeled down beside her, pressing my hand to the side of her face. I was scared to death.

"Bella," I said. "Open your eyes . . . Shit, open your eyes."

She didn't, though. Not right away, at least. As a worker was on the phone with 911, and I had my fingers pressed to her neck, a soft moan escaped her lips.

"Bella, can you hear me?" I asked, caressing her cheek. "Open your eyes, baby."

She squeezed her eyes tightly, and then slowly opened them. "Ow," she groaned.

"Don't move," I said, stopping her from rolling over. "You hit your head very hard, knocking yourself out. You probably have a concussion. An ambulance is on its way. I'm so sorry, Bella."

She blinked a few times, grimacing. "No ambulance. The room's spinning."

"Head injuries do that to you. How many fingers am I holding up?"

I held up two, and she squinted her eyes. "Um . . . two, I think, but maybe more? It's pretty blurry."

"It is two, actually. What's your name?"

"Bella Swan."

"What happened?"

She looked up, meeting my gaze. "I slipped. Edward, no ambulance, please? I'm not saying no hospital, but no spectacle, all right?"

I sighed, trying to find the will not to give in to her, but I couldn't stop myself. She was alert, moving — even though I told her not to — and didn't appear to have injured her neck. I checked first, though, before taking the phone from the bowling alley worker. I told them who I was and that an ambulance wasn't necessary — I'd take her myself. I returned to Bella and slowly helped her sit up. She blinked, trying to clear the dizziness that was obvious. I lifted her, carefully, and set her in one of the chairs, pulling the bowling alley's shoes off of her before doing my own. She tried to tell me she could walk, but I didn't let her. I carried her outside and quickly drove us to the ER.

. . . . .

"I can't believe I didn't even try to protect my head," Bella said, closing her eyes as I drove us back to the apartment building.

We had spent the last two hours in the ER. She was diagnosed with a mild concussion, and I may have talked her doctor into ordering an unnecessary CT scan. I just wanted to be sure it was only a mild concussion. For the next twenty-four hours, Bella had to be watched for complications, so I planned to stay with her. She wasn't aware of that yet.

"I mean, I didn't even attempt to put my hands out," she said, looking over at me. "I told you this wasn't a good idea."

I smiled. "You did, but this was technically my fault."

She turned her head, opening her eyes slightly as a small smirk played on her lips. "So, I should send the bill to you then?"

I laughed, pulling into the parking lot. "Sure, why not?"

She moved slowly, walking up the stairs and into her apartment. I hovered, watching her carefully, ready to put my arms out if she needed help. She managed, though, wincing every once in a while.

We entered her apartment, and I closed the door behind me. "I'm all right, Edward," she said. "You can go."

I shook my head. "You need to be woken up every few hours — to be sure you're still responsive. I can . . . crash on your couch," I said, laying her purse on the counter for her.

"That's ridiculous. Go home." She smiled softly. "You don't have Sofia, so you need to sleep."

Again, I shook my head. "You should go lie down. Do you need help getting undressed?"

A short, soft laugh escaped her lips. "Why, Dr. Cullen, are you trying to take advantage of me in this fragile state?"

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "No, I think I could get you naked without these circumstances."

Not that I have yet, I thought.

"I'm good, Edward, really," she said. "You can go." Her hand gripped the counter as her eyes closed tightly. "Ow."

"Go get in bed," I said, putting my arm around her waist. "And stop arguing with me. You're a terrible patient."

She shifted away from the counter, laying her head against my chest. "Fine," she sighed. "I give up. Do what you wish with me."

I smirked to myself, helping her toward the bedroom. "The doctor in me says that's probably not the best idea."

"You're horrible, you know that?"

"Maybe a little," I said, helping her to the bed and sitting her down. "I'm pretty sure you'd rather be comfortable, so . . . shorts, pants?"

"Shorts, over there." She squinted her eyes, nodding her head toward a chair in the corner.

I grabbed the shorts draped over the arm and brought them back, laying them beside her. She lay back, moving her hands to the button on her jeans. She managed to get them undone before sighing.

"My head pounds more with every movement," she said, bringing a hand to her head — to the massive welt that was forming.

"Do you, uh . . . want some help?" I asked. "I'll be a gentleman."

She looked up at me, nodding. "Just pull 'em off."

I tugged them, pulling them down her legs — which by the way, were verynice. Once they were off, I might have taken a peek. I fucking knew it. They were tiny, they were pink, and they had a bow. I found this entirely unfair. Then again, this was probably karma's way of getting me back for all the shitty things I had done to women in the past. I looked away, grabbing the shorts from beside her and sliding them up her legs. She lifted her ass with a groan, and I slid them the rest of the way up.

"And the shirt?" I asked, helping her sit up.

"I have a tank top on, just pull it off," she said, lifting her arms.

Once she was comfortable, I helped her get situated in bed before grabbing ice and Tylenol for her head. She drank a few sips of water with the pills before laying her head back against the pillows, sighing as I pressed the ice to her head.

"You're not going to leave, are you?" she asked, opening one eye.

"No." I smiled. "You're stuck with me. You can sleep — you should sleep — but I'm going to be waking you up in two hours."

"I've had a concussion before. I know the rules."

"Good . . . well, not good, but at least you understand."

"Why don't you lie down?" she asked, patting the bed. "If you're staying here, you might as well be comfortable."

She took the ice from me, and I walked around the bed, sitting down next to her. I propped a pillow up and lay back as she turned her head toward me.

"I'm sorry for ruining our date," she said.

"You didn't, Bella. You need to sleep."

"Head still hurts too much. Maybe in a bit." She moved over a little, resting her head on my shoulder. "You know, even though I was somewhat confused and in pain, I heard you tell that doctor what to do," she laughed softly.

"I'm bossy by nature. Plus, I care about you, so I had to make sure you were okay."

I noticed the small smile on her lips. "I care about you, too. And I kind of liked the bossy you."

I smirked. "That's good to know."

"I would have won."

"The game?" I asked and she nodded. "Because you're hurt, I'll let you believe that. You won that one, but we're never bowling again, so I guess we'll always be even."

"Good, maybe next time we should just do dinner and a movie."

"Sounds like a plan. Has the pain lessened any?"

"Not really, but I'll be okay. Again, not my first concussion."

"Taken a few blows to the head?"

"A couple, but I swear I'm still all there. This is only my second concussion, and I forgot how much it hurts." She frowned.

I kissed her forehead softly, moving my arm around her shoulder. She moved down on the bed, laying her head on my chest as her hand rested on my stomach. I heard her sigh softly as I took the ice from her.

"Now are you going to sleep?" I asked.

"Maybe," she said. "How's Sofia doing with teething?"

"So far not too bad. She's cranky, but it's manageable. I'm a little afraid of what's going to happen as it gets worse."

"Afraid of the sleepless nights?"

"Yeah, but mostly about her being in pain. That ear infection scared the shit out of me, what with her screaming in pain. I'm not looking forward to that."

She lifted her head, smiling a little. "Aww."

I cocked my eyebrow. "Huh?"

"You're turning into such a softy. It's sweet."

I chuckled, pulling the blanket over her shoulders. "I'm not a 'softy'."

"Sure you're not," she teased. "You're not a bad pillow, either. A little hard, but I'm comfortable."

"Good," I said, pulling my phone from my pocket. I set an alarm for two hours, since I could tell she was about to fall asleep. "So, even after giving you a concussion, I get another date?"

She laughed. "Yes, but nothing physical."

"Dinner and a movie, like you said."

"Can't wait," she sighed.

I fell asleep not long after Bella did. When the alarm went off, I woke her up, asking a few questions to make sure she was still coherent. She was, of course. I did learn she wasn't fond of being woken up, though. She grumbled and scowled until I let her go back to sleep.

. . . . .

"So, you gave your girlfriend a concussion," Jasper laughed before shoving more food in his mouth.

I rolled my eyes, grabbing my water. He, Emmett, and I were eating lunch in the cafeteria. I had been nonstop busy since I got here this morning, so I was just trying to enjoy the fact I was sitting down, but both of them were going on about what happened the other night.

"Is it bad I really want to see a video of how she fell?" Emmett asked. "I mean, you make it sound hilarious."

"She flailed," I said, trying not to laugh. It really wasn't funny when it happened, but thinking back on it I couldn't help but find the humor. "But somehow, she couldn't manage to get her hands out in front of her. She smacked the floor so damn hard that I about had a heart attack."

"I can't believe she's not pissed at you," Jasper said. "You caused her to fall."

"I was just getting her back for doing the same thing. How was I supposed to know she'd spook?"

"You did apologize, right?" Emmett asked. "If I did that to Rose, I'd be groveling with flowers."

"I should get her flowers?" I asked.

He nodded. "Hell yes. I realize you're not used to being in a relationship, so let me help you. You fuck up . . . she gets flowers. Simple."

That seemed reasonable, so why hadn't I thought of it? "She likes lilies."

"There you go!" he laughed. "I usually give Rose a card too, but I doubt the gift shop sells 'sorry I gave you a concussion' cards."

"So every time you do something wrong, you give her flowers and a card, and she's fine? Really?"

"If I really mess up, like when I missed our anniversary because of work, it takes more. But you'll be fine with flowers."

Emmett probably wasn't the person I should have been getting relationship advice from, but he and Rosalie had been together since high school. He had to have been doing something right.

"Women aren't that simple," Jasper said. "I doubt she's actually pissed, but when you really do piss Bella off, I don't think flowers and a card will work."

"It calms them down enough so they talk to you again," Emmett said. "Once they're talking again, though, it does take more."

"Well, it's not like she's mad at me," I said. "It was an accident. Though, I think she'll like flowers."

"I give Rose flowers just because, too. Women love that shit. It's part of being romantic."

I smirked. "I'll have to remember that."

"We're still on for Tuesday, right?" Jasper asked.

I had told him weeks ago we'd go to the batting cages, but I had been spending my time with Bella. A few days ago Jasper reminded me, so I asked Bella if she'd mind watching Little One Tuesday night. To my surprise, she offered to keep her all day, so Sofia didn't have to go to daycare. She made it seem like I was doing her a favor, which was just absurd.

"Yeah," I said. "Bella is watching Little One, so we can even go get a beer after, if you want."

He nodded. "Great. I wanted to talk to you about something anyway."

"What?"

He smirked. "It's not bad. Stop flipping out."

"Well, you can't just say that and expect me not to be curious."

"Emmett, are you able to come?" he asked.

"I'll ask Rose," Emmett said, shoving more food in his mouth.

. . . . .

Before I headed home that night, I stopped at Mom's shop and picked up a bouquet of lilies for Bella. Of course Little One was fascinated by all the flowers. I grabbed a pink rose and held it up to her, letting her touch it.

"Now that's sweet," Mom said, smiling as Sofia played with it. "Here's your bouquet."

I looked at the extravagant bouquet she had made for me. "That's a little much. Why the roses?"

"Her favorite flower might be a lily, but trust me, honey, women love roses, too."

I laughed. "I'll trust your judgment. Thanks, Mom."

"Oh, no, Sofia!" she said, reaching out to pull my hand with the flower away. Little One had a rose petal in her mouth. I quickly pulled it out and checked her mouth to make sure she didn't have anything else.

"Oops," I said as Mom laughed.

"Flowers are nice to look at, baby girl, but not to eat," Mom said, kissing Sofia's cheek.

"How much do I owe you?" I asked, getting my wallet out.

She waved her hand. "Don't worry about it. Just let me know how she reacts."

"Mom, I have to pay," I said. "You're running a business."

"It's one bouquet. I give Emmett free flowers for Rosalie all the time."

I laughed. "No wonder he gives her them just because."

"Oh, no," she said. "He always has a reason. Trust me."

"I knew it," I said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Thanks, Mom."

"You're welcome. I love you."

I picked the flowers up, keeping them away from Little One, who was reaching for them. "Love you, too."

Little One cried most of the way home, probably because she could see the flowers and couldn't have them. When we got home, I changed and fed her before heading across the hall. I set Little One's car seat down, put the flowers behind my back, and knocked on Bella's door. She opened it with a smile, and I pulled the flowers out.

"I'm sorry for causing you to get hurt," I said as she took them.

"You're sweet," she said, putting them to her nose. "And these are beautiful. Thank you."

I kissed her before picking up Little One and heading inside. Bella went to her kitchen and pulled a vase out. I put the car seat down and picked Sofia up. Of course her eyes were glued on the flowers. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Someone likes the pretty flowers," Bella said, cutting the stems. "Your daddy is so thoughtful, isn't he?"

I nodded my head. "I am, aren't I?"

"And a little full of himself," she laughed, picking up a flower and coming closer. "Do you want to touch it?"

"No," I said, holding Sofia's arm down. "She'll eat it. She about devoured a rose in the flower shop."

"Oh, then I'm sorry for teasing you, sweetie. Maybe when you're older you can touch flowers again."

"So, are they . . . do you like them?" I asked, shifting Little One to my other arm.

She nodded, standing on her toes to kiss me. I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers, enjoying the moment. My thumb caressed behind her ear as the kiss deepened. "They're beautiful," she said as we parted. "You didn't have to, but I love them."

"Good, and how are you feeling?"

She went back to the flowers as I sat down on a bar stool. "I'm okay. The bump isn't very attractive and hurts still, but it's getting better."

"That's good. And you're still beautiful." I smirked. She blushed, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth. "So, would you like me to cook?"

"Oh, no. I ordered pizza. It should be here any minute. I just didn't feel like cooking."

"Are you sure you're feeling okay? The effects of a concussion—"

She cut me off. "I'm fine, Edward. Really."

"All right, as long as you're sure."

She smiled, putting the flowers in the vase. "I am."

When the pizza came, we ate on her couch and started a movie. Little One was playing with a toy in the portable crib, keeping herself happy and content. I sat at one end of the couch, and Bella sat next to me with her legs over my lap. The entire scene was . . . comfortable.

This was comfortable and it had gotten comfortable too quickly, it seemed. I went from single and happy, to being a father, to being a father with a girlfriend in a matter of months. But honestly, I was happier now than I ever was before.

And that fucking freaked me out.