Chapter 23: For No Reason

"What do you think, Little One?" I asked, dangling the charm bracelet I had bought for Bella in front of her.

She reached out, grabbing it as she smiled big. I had her sitting on the couch in front of me as I kneeled down. She had fucking mastered sitting up . . . mostly. Sure, she had a few wobbles, but for the most part she was doing amazing. I was a proud dad, let's just say.

"I'm letting you see it, not taste it," I laughed, keeping her from putting it in her mouth. "Do you think she'll like it? I hope she does. Since we're going out later, I figured it be nice to surprise her with something. Well, besides the flowers that Grandma's bringing."

Which reminded me, where the hell was my mom? When I asked her to watch Sofia tonight, she said she'd come get her for me, so I didn't have to drive out there. She was supposed to be here five minutes ago, and I was supposed to be heading over to Bella's soon — with the flowers Mom promised to bring.

I wanted to make this date . . . special, I guess. I had made reservations at the nicest restaurant in town, and I was even wearing a tie — which was a bitch to get on, and I was pretty sure was crooked.

"I didn't really know what kind of charms to get her, so I figured the heart and apple would be good," I said, prying Little One's fingers off of the bracelet and putting it back in the box. "The heart because I love her and the apple because she's a teacher. Lame, I guess, but it works."

Sofia pouted as I set the box on the end table and picked her up because there was a knock on the door. I walked over, opening it to find Mom.

"I'm sorry I'm late," she said as I leaned down, hugging her. "Is my precious girl ready to go?"

"Yeah, I have her bag packed," I said, leading her into the apartment. I laid Little One down in the car seat and buckled her up.

"Here are your flowers. A dozen roses, just like you wanted."

"Thanks, Mom. Can you set them down on the end table for me?"

"Sure . . . Oh!" she gasped.

I looked over to find her picking up the bracelet box. "Open it," I said, lifting Sofia's car seat.

She was grinning as she lifted the lid. "This is beautiful, Edward. What's it for?"

I shrugged. "No reason, I guess. I just figured it'd be nice to do."

She closed it, laying it back down next to the flowers before taking a few steps to close the distance between us. She patted my cheek with a smirk. "I taught you well."

I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "So do you like it? Do you think Bella will like it?"

"She's going to love it. Put it on her wrist, okay? Don't just give it to her."

"Got it." I nodded, passing her the car seat. I kneeled down, getting on Little One's level. "Be good for Grandma and Grandpa, all right? Don't eat anything that's not food."

Mom laughed. "We'll be careful."

"I love you, baby girl." I leaned in, kissing her cheek, making her giggle.

"Ma na!" she babbled.

"Sure, I ma na you, too," I laughed, kissing her again before standing up.

"Have fun on your date!" Mom said as I wrapped my arm around her.

"I will. Call me if you have any issues. I'll be by sometime before noon, okay?"

She nodded. "Sounds great, honey."

I picked Little One's bag up off the couch and Mom took it, putting it over her shoulder. I walked her to the door, asking if she needed help. She said she didn't, of course. Once she left, I put my jacket on and looked at myself in the mirror once more, running my hand through my hair. I grabbed the flowers and put the box in my jacket pocket before heading across the hall.

I lifted my hand, knocking once before the door opened, revealing a grinning, beautiful Bella. "Hey," I said, smiling and holding the flowers out.

She took them as I kissed her cheek, and then followed her into the apartment. "Thank you, Edward. These are beautiful."

"You're welcome. So, Mom has Little One and I said I'd grab her around noon tomorrow. We have the night to ourselves."

We walked into the kitchen, and she grabbed a vase from under the counter, filling it up with water. "Did Sofia go okay? She wasn't fussy, right?"

"No, I think she was happy to be away from me," I laughed. "I think my mom spoils her or something. Sofia was way too happy to leave with her."

"That's sweet." She smiled, arranging the flowers. "And really, Edward, you didn't have to bring me flowers, but I love them."

"Well, then I guess I shouldn't have brought this either," I said, pulling the box from my pocket.

Her eyes went wide, looking at it in my hands. "What is that?"

I smirked, moving around in front of her and opening the box. "It's a charm bracelet. I wanted to . . . get you something nice. May I have your wrist?"

"Edward," she sighed, holding out her left wrist as I pulled it free.

I laughed softly, clasping it. "Are you trying to tell me you like it, but just can't find the words?"

She lifted her hand, pressing it to my cheek. I noticed tears in her eyes as she smiled. "You shouldn't have, but I love it. Thank you so much."

I dipped my head, capturing her lips. I pulled her close, moving my hand to her neck, wrapping it around the back as my thumb caressed behind her ear. She rose up, meeting me and deepening the kiss. Our tongues moved together, slowly at first, but the kiss soon became more passionate. Our lips parted and I pressed my forehead to hers, smiling.

"So I did good?" I asked.

She laughed softly, pecking my lips. "You did very good," she said, wrapping her arms around my neck, hugging me.

. . . . .

With careful planning and help from my brother-in-law, Bella and I were seated at a secluded table near the back of the restaurant. It was dimly lit with a candle flickering between us, creating what I figured was a romantic dinner. It seemed like it at least, and Bella was enjoying herself, which was what meant most to me. I'd have to give Emmett props. If there was one thing he knew from being with my sister so long, it was how to make shit romantic. I didn't know where he learned it, but I didn't care. He set me up with the name and number of the owner of the restaurant and told me what to ask for.

"You outdid yourself," she said, smiling as she lifted her wine glass.

"I had help," I admitted. "I wanted to make this romantic, and since I'm certainly notthe most romantic man, I figured it was better to ask someone for help."

"I would have been happy with take-out and a movie, but this, Edward . . . you worked so hard and I love it. And the tie!" she laughed.

"Is it crooked? I fucking hate these things, you know."

"It's perfect. You look . . . sexy all dressed up." She blushed. "I feel honored that you fought a battle with a tie for me."

"You should. Took me forever to get it right," I chuckled. "Little One picked this one out, actually. I held two out in front of her, and she grabbed this one. Well, then she tried to grab the other, but I went with her first pick."

"Aww, you're making me miss her! I didn't get to see her today." She frowned.

"Did you get your classroom set up, though?"

She nodded. "I did, so I'm all ready for the kids next week. I'm happy to be going back to work, but I didn't expect the summer to pass so quickly."

"Time seems to be flying by, actually," I said, lifting my glass.

"I can't believe Sofia will be seven months old in two weeks! It doesn't seem possible. And the fact that . . ." She trailed off.

"What?"

"We've been dating for three months . . . on the first."

Shit, how hadn't I realized that? I mean, it wasn't like there was a three month anniversary I should know about, right? "I'm sorry."

Her eyes snapped back to mine as she furrowed her brow. "Why?"

"I didn't . . . I forgot."

She sighed, smiling and waving her hand. "I didn't say it because I expected you to remember. It's fine, really. I think you have more important things to worry about."

She wasn't pissed? Nice. "Either way, I'll remember. It's the first. That shouldn't be too hard."

Once our appetizer came and we ate, our conversation drifted back to her work. She told me about some of the things she had planned for the kids in her class, and I listened. I realized teaching kindergarten wasn't as simple as it sounded. A lot of planning went into everything. More than I could have imagined, actually. She had to keep up with multiple kids. Little One wore me out and she wasn't even seven months old yet, so I didn't know how Bella did it.

Our conversation continued once dinner came, moving on to other things, which were mostly unimportant. About halfway through our meal, I decided to bring up things I wanted to know about — things she hadn't told me about yet.

"Can I ask you a question about your past?" I asked, feeling nervous she'd say no.

She nodded. "I had a feeling you wanted to know something, so go ahead."

"Your . . . ex."

"His name was Jacob and he was my first and only boyfriend before you. I had known him for a long time."

"And he cheated? Which was why you left Seattle?"

"I haven't told you something that I probably should have," she said, moving her eyes to her plate and nibbling on her bottom lip.

"You don't talk to him, do you?"

She shook her head. "No, of course not. He wasn't, um . . . just a boyfriend. He was my fiancé."

I stared at her for a moment, unsure of what to say. "When was the wedding supposed to be?"

"Two weeks after I found him in my bed with my maid of honor, Leah," she scoffed, pausing for a moment and shaking her head. I put my hand on the table, reaching for hers. She clasped her fingers around mine and made eye contact again. "I called off the wedding right away. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. There just wasn't a good time . . . and I'm ashamed."

"He sounds like a fucking asshole to do that to you. You don't . . . let me in much, you know? I guess that's why, huh? I mean, I know you, but I don't know you, I guess."

"I'm sorry if I don't open up like I should."

"I guess I don't know how you should be opening up to me. I thought you had, but that's a big thing that you never told me. You were almost married."

"I was stupid. I thought what Jacob and I had was real, but it was convenience, I think. He was comfortable. He was there. I came home from school every few weekends and there he was, wanting to do something. It turned into a relationship, and I didn't even realize it. But then he got a job at a car dealership in Seattle, and we moved in together. We were together for years and when he asked me to marry him, it seemed like that was how things went. So I agreed. I thought I was in love, but . . . he was my best friend, Edward. That's all he probably ever was, but we made it romantic because that's what seemed right."

"You loved him, though."

She nodded. "I did. He was a good guy, and I'm sure he still is."

"He was an asshole that cheated on you."

"He cheated because he was actually in love. He just didn't know what to do."

"You don't hate him . . . or your friend?"

She sighed. "I'm not sure anymore. Do I hate what they did to me? Of course. He could have told me the truth, but instead I walked in on them. But I don't know if I hate them. I've realized something because of you."

I cocked my eyebrow. "What's that?"

"You don't hate Kate, do you?"

"I . . . no. It was as much my fault as it was hers. Yeah, leaving her child in my apartment was shitty, but because she did that, I got Sofia. I can't hate someone who gave me my daughter."

"And I can't hate Jacob because I wouldn't be where I am today if he hadn't done that. I wouldn't have met you or Sofia. I wouldn't really be in love."

"And you really love me? It's not just out of convenience? I mean, we do just live across the hall from each other," I laughed.

"I love you. You try so hard to be a good man. I know it's because of Sofia but . . . I want to believe it's because of me, too."

"It's because of you, too. Bella, I love you. That was such a foreign concept to me, you know? I want you to be happy, and I want to be the person who makes you happy."

I felt like . . . like I was opening up to Bella. Sure, I had thought these things, but telling her was different. It made it feel more real. It didn't seem as ridiculous when I was actually telling her.

"You make me happy, Edward. Just spending time with you makes me happy. When you get home from work and we end up on your couch, talking about what happened that day, it feels good. It's not complicated. It's easy, even though it's actually not. You have a child, which even though we don't talk about it, makes a relationship complicated."

"You know what my biggest fear is?" I asked, sighing. "I'm worried she'll be just old enough to remember you when you leave me because I'll fuck up something."

"And that's . . . that's my fear. I'm afraid you'll get tired of me and move on. I'll lose, not only you, but her, too."

"I don't want to have to worry about that."

"I don't either, but do we need to? Do you honestly believe that you could . . . find someone else? Do you believe that you could, someday, want someone else?"

I shook my head, smiling as I squeezed her hand. "Truthfully, no. I don't think I'll fuck up."

"I don't think you will either, so I think you need to stop worrying about that. You stop, and I'll stop. Sound good?"

"Sounds great. But Sofia does make things complicated, I guess. You know I trust your judgment with her, right?"

"I worry about that, too. I'm afraid to make any decisions about her because you might not have approved of it. For instance, you didn't give me enough diapers a few days ago. I took her with me to the store and realized I didn't check what kind you buy. I actually undid her onesie — in the middle of the aisle, mind you — and looked because I was afraid I'd buy the wrong kind."

I laughed loudly, and she looked at me funny. "I'm sorry," I said, trying to control myself. "Bella, it was a diaper. I really don't give a shit which brand she wears."

"What if the kind I bought gave her a rash or something? Would you have been mad at me?"

I shook my head. "No, because I could have made the same mistake. But if she had a rash, I'd have wanted you to call me. Not because I don't trust you to take care of it, but because I'd want to know."

"I would have called you."

"So we're on the same page? I trust your judgment, so don't be worried about me getting mad . . . Unless you don't tell me if she's sick because I might get upset about that."

"I would never keep that from you. Any accidents or illnesses will be reported immediately as I freak out."

"We can freak out together," I laughed. "I'm thinking of wrapping her in bubble wrap when she starts walking. Seem like a good idea?"

She laughed with me at the absurdness of it, and all heavy issues we had discussed seemed to melt away. I loved her. She loved me. She had been engaged. I had slept around. But all that shit was behind us. This was a serious relationship, and we acknowledged that by discussing things we probably should have already.

. . . . .

Once we had finished dinner, Bella and I walked along the pier for a little while. I held her hand as she rested her head against my arm. I looked down, finding her smiling. She looked so damn beautiful tonight. And the fact that she now wore my jacket? Fuck. Seeing her in my things felt . . . I liked it. A lot.

"It's so pretty out here, you know?" she asked, sighing contentedly.

"Yeah," I said, watching her, "it is."

"You aren't upset with me for basically lying to you?"

I shook my head. "No, Bella. I can . . . see why you didn't tell me. I mean, it definitely doesn't make me feel good, but I understand it. If I ever met that fucker, though, I'd beat the shit out of him for you."

She laughed softly. "I'm not sure you could, but I'll let you believe that."

"I'm tough."

"Sure you are, Edward. Sure you are."

"Does he work out or something?"

"He's . . . muscular. Don't worry about it, okay? I believe you could take him."

"Well, I mean, now my ego is a little hurt. First you said I couldn't and now you're lying to make me feel better."

She stopped and moved in front of me, placing her hands on either side of my face. "You're much better in bed. Does that help?"

I grinned. "I am pretty great."

She slapped me softly, smirking. "I think your ego is just fine."

I brought my hand up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. I leaned down, brushing my lips against hers. "I think we should go," I whispered.

She nodded silently as I took her hand again and we started walking back to my car. Like I said before, she looked so damn beautiful tonight. I wanted to take her home, strip her bare, and touch and taste every inch of her. Over and over. I wanted her to scream my name, beg for me, and come as I watched her. I fucking wanted her, and I couldn't seem to drive fast enough.

As soon as we got in my apartment and I closed the door, I pushed her against it, moving my lips over her neck. I hitched her leg around my waist, moving my hand up her thigh and around to her ass, giving it a squeeze as she giggled. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders, and I lifted her up, moving away from the door and to the bedroom.

I set her on her feet near the bed and moved behind her, lowering my mouth to her ear and whispering, "I want to fuck you, beautiful."

She moaned as I moved her hair, kissing her shoulder. I pulled the zipper down slowly and once it was undone, I moved back in front of her, pushed the straps down her arms, and watched the dress fall from her body. She was so goddamn gorgeous.

She stepped out of the dress, kicking her shoes off. Her hands moved to the tie around my neck. She tugged it, and rose up, pressing our lips together. I lifted my hand, using my thumb to caress that spot behind her ear. She moaned, and I could feel her tugging on the tie, trying to get the knot undone, but she was distracted. I fucking loved distracting her.

"I do love the tie," she said, pulling it free from my neck. She nibbled on her lip, just for me.

I smirked and quickly took off my shirt and pants before we moved onto the bed. I took my time with her, wanting to give her all the pleasure I could. Plus, her body was so gorgeous, and I wanted to take pleasure in every inch of it.

As I pulled the panties from her legs and tossed them to the floor, I looked up at her. "I want to hear you tonight," I said, kissing her hip. "My name, your screams, your moans . . . don't silence anything."

She moaned, moving her hand through my hair, dragging her nails along my scalp. Fuck, that felt good. "I won't," she whispered. "I need you, Edward."

I nudged her legs apart and kissed my way down to her pussy, parting her and moving my fingers into her. She was so fucking warm, and I loved how she felt around them. I moved my lips to her clit, kissing her before circling my tongue over it. Her moans grew louder as I picked up my pace.

"Do you like that?" I asked, moving my fingers in her, finding that spot. I knew I had when she screamed my name. "Yeah, you like my fingers fucking you, don't you?"

"Ed-Edward," she moaned, tightening her grip on my hair. "God, yes."

I kept going, hitting that spot as my tongue went back to her clit. I nipped, sucked, and kissed her. My dick was so damn hard. I wanted in her, but I wanted to watch this more. I could feel her tightening around my fingers, so I pulled my head back, looking up at her as my fingers continued to fuck her. She was close. I could see it — feel it.

"You feel so good, beautiful," I said. "Your warm, soft pussy around my fingers. Come for me."

I used my thumb, circling her clit as I pressed my fingers against her again, pulling them out slowly, adding just enough pressure as I moved back in. That was all she needed. She screamed my name and dug her fingers into my shoulder. I brought her down slowly as I watched her, as I felt her tremble. She was gorgeous, panting softly. After a few moments, her eyes opened, meeting mine. I smiled and kissed her hip again.

"Jesus Christ, Edward," she sighed as I pulled away from her, going to lie beside her.

I laughed softly, kissing her. "I'm taking that as a compliment."

Her cheeks and even down to her chest were flushed as she panted some, still coming down. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

She rested for a few minutes before she rolled over to the end table and grabbed a condom. She rolled it onto me, and then climbed over me. She lowered herself onto me slowly, humming as she did. I sat up and pulled her nipple into my mouth, sucking it as she rode my dick. I held her close to me, wanting her in my arms.

"So fucking good, Bella," I grunted as she picked up speed, moving her body over mine.

She dragged her fingers across my back, moaning my name. I couldn't get enough of her, so I moved my lips up her chest, her neck, and to hers, kissing her with all I had.

There was no fucking way I could ever want anyone except Bella.