Under My Nose

Edward Cullen sets a deadline of six months to find his true love, before he turns thirty. Leaving his successful restaurant to drive a mule-drawn carriage in the French Quarter of New Orleans, he searches for the meaning of true love, because he has yet to understand it. Will he know when he finds her or will she be right under his nose? Can bubbly, buxom Bella tantalize his taste buds with beignets and an abundant

booty?

A/N: Thank you to the readers who review every chapter. There are a handful of you. I appreciate the love, and I find your input very helpful. When we get into further chapters, I will send you another surprise. Again, thank you for your constant support.

And thank you to the readers who follow and favorite that I am unable to send a thank you PM.

Also, want to tell you that the planet Mercury is retrograde in motion which means you can expect delays and many mistakes by me. So, bear with me until the 11th of November.

This is a tearjerker. Prepare to need tissues.

And there are recipes at the end. I know… spoiling you.

Chapter Nineteen:

EPOV: January 5

"Edward?" I barely whisper with my head down.

He slowly removes the manila envelope from my hands and thumbs through the pages. After a few minutes, he exhausts a long breath, running his hands through his hair.

I timidly ask, "Am I adopted?" I finally look up at him.

He drops the envelope onto his lap and wraps his arms around my shoulders, kissing the top of my head. "Yeah Baby, you are."

I lean my head onto his shoulder and freeze. I hold my breath, close my eyes and bite my cheek. As I exhale, I feel Edward tugging carefully at my skin.

He slowly says, "Bella, Aunt Sally is your mother." He holds me close, but I break away and look at him, repeating, "no, no, no. Then, who's my father?" I question.

"Your dad."

With wide eyes, I gasp. "Aunt Sally and my father …" I trail off shaking my head.

Edward interjects. "No, it was through artificial insemination, Bella. Your aunt carried you."

"How'd you…" I ramble off.

"There are medical receipts and procedures in that file. Sally and your dad are your biological parents. Apparently, your mother was unable to carry a pregnancy to full term. There's a history of her losing three, before this decision was made. There are doctors' notes." Edward rubs my back. "They never fucking said anything to you?"

I shake my head. "I don't understand why they didn't tell me. And all the time my mother ridiculed me for being like my aunt." I huff. "God, it's vice versa. This is crazy."

I stand up and pace in front of Edward. "People usually tell their kids they are adopted when they get to a certain age. They said nothing. They allowed me to believe that my mother was this meddling, tyrant who constantly belittled me and tried to command my every move. And I rebelled, as a teenager.

She ...

never ...

wavered."

I shake my head. "As I got older, I allowed her to coerce me into dates to shut her up." I catch my breath. "Aunt Sally was my buffer. She would always come to my rescue." I throw my hands up in the air. "It all makes sense, now."

I pace faster. "And Aunt Sally would dispel all her condescending comments. My God, why didn't I see it? I even walk like her."

"Bella, stop torturing yourself."

"Edward, I can understand my mother wanting to keep this from me, but my dad, and Aunt Sally?" I pause. "Not unless my mother wanted it all hushed up, and dad and Aunt Sally complied." I spit angrily. "She always gets her way."

"Do you want to go talk with your aunt?" he asks.

"You mean my mother!" I huff. "Actually, she and Richard are coming here for dinner tomorrow night, well, the restaurant." I sigh. "I'm too tired to hash this out now."

"Aw crap, what do I call her? She's not my aunt, she's my mother. And my mother is my aunt. How fucked up is that?" I rant.

"Why don't you go lie down, and I'll bring you in a cup of tea?" he offers.

I smile at him, sit down and run my hand over his jaw. "You don't have to do that. But you could hold me?"

He brings me close. "Holding you, it is."

I intake a huge yawn.

"Bella, c'mon." He pulls me up, and we walk hand in hand to his bedroom.

I stand at the foot of the bed while Edward throws the pillows onto the floor and turns the comforter down. Slowly, he walks to me, takes my hand and sits me on the other side of the bed. Once I crawl in, I lay my head on the bed pillows.

Edward walks around to his side of the bed, gets in, leaning against the headboard. I move closer and place my head on his chest. He wraps his arms around me, rubbing my arms up and down.

"Feel better?" he whispers.

I look up at him. "Yeah, I do."

He begs, "Stay with me, tonight. I promise only to hold you."

I nod.

Edward and I cuddle close for a half hour, and we decide to change into sleepwear. Both in sleep pants; Edward with bare chest, oh, what a bare chest, and me in a tank top.

He spoons me with his arms around my middle, and a leg draped over my hips. His chiseled chest touches my bare back and the warmth invites and excites; his every breath in rhythm with my own. The stillness and the silence pull on the both of us.

It's still early in the evening, but the exhaustion and the aggravation lull me into a light slumber, and then to a dead sleep.

Hours later, I awake in Edward's embrace with one hand under my tank top cupping one of my braless breasts, his fingers surrounding my nipple. He is unaware of his close position. His soft snores blow into my ear. I move but an inch, as Edward's grasp tightens, and he kisses my exposed neck, whispering. "Bella."

I whisper back over my shoulder, "Edward, I need to use the bathroom."

He slowly removes his hand and rolls onto his back and mumbles, "Okay."

I pull the covers off and make my way into the small hallway. Once in the bathroom, I close the door and flick on the light. My reflection shows very weary eyes, with mascara stains in streaks down my cheeks. I scrub my face clean with a little soap and water and plant myself on the toilet, looking around the room.

The shower catches my attention. I count all the sprinklers and jet sprays. There is a computerized panel with light, and heavy spray adjustments, temperature control, movement, directions, light dimmer, and others things I don't know about.

I gaze up to the skylight and watch the clouds rapidly move from one side to the other. A storm rushes in, and the pitter-patter of the raindrops start out light and slow, but continue until hard and forceful, like stomping soldiers beating on the roof.

There is a slight knock on the door. From the other side, Edward asks, "Bella, you okay?"

I smile. "Yeah, c'mon in."

Edward carefully opens the door, scrutinizes my face, and walks over toward me. He sits between my legs at my feet and grabs for my hands with his arms resting on my thighs. "When I woke up, you weren't there. I checked throughout the apartment. I thought you'd left."

"You don't remember me telling you I had to use the bathroom?"

He plays with my hands. "No."

"Then, you don't remember your hand under my tank top cupping my boob?" I taunt.

He stares at me. "Fuck, no." He thinks. "I was copping a feel?"

I raise an eyebrow and smile. "A pretty good one."

He grins. "Man, and I fucking missed it."

"You had your fingers wrapped around my nipple." I boldly play with him.

He groans and looks at my breasts.

"Emmett's right," I tease.

"Bella, I didn't know. We were fucking wrapped around one another," he defends himself. "I didn't know.

"I know you didn't, but your maleness did!" I pout.

He slyly looks at me. "Did it feel good?"

"Edward, I woke up and your hand was on me. You weren't groping me. You just had your hand on me. It was very protective." I try to reassure him. "You were holding me close."

He rubs my hands. "The guy in me wants to fucking remember how you felt, and the gentleman wants to keep his promise."

I bend down and kiss his lips, smile and place his hands on my breasts.

"I'm feeling generous."

Edward looks up in absolute shock. He doesn't remove his hands, but he's very still.

"Edward, if you want to cop a feel, I suggest you do it, before I change my mind," I giggle.

He swallows and gently moves his hands over my creamy, white mounds. I close my eyes, and hear him take in a deep breath as he continue kneading my skin.

Edward gets up on his knees, releases my breasts and wraps his arms around my waist. His lips on my neck and he chuckles, "I've never seduced a woman on the john."

"Just think if I was…"

He interrupts, "I want to be close to you, but not that close, Bella."

"Isn't that some kind of voyeur thing?" I tease.

"Paraphilia is not my cup of tea." He shakes his head. "Now, if you want me to watch two women?"

"Yeah, what is it about two women getting it on that turns guys on?" I ask.

"It's very sexy." He continues to kiss my neck and jawline as I run my hands through his hair.

"Let's go back to bed. I promise to behave," he whispers and gives me a chill.

We get into bed, and Edward is on his back. I get on my side and lay my head on his chest while he wraps his arms around me.

"You feeling better?" He rubs my arms barely touching me, more chills.

"I'm not all weepy, just pissed. I can understand the why they did what they did, but I can't understand why they didn't tell me eventually." I yawn.

He moves the hair out of my eyes and hovers over me. "Well, you can ask her all about it tonight. How about we do dinner here in the apartment, it will be more private." He lightly kisses my lips.

I smile. "Thank you." I kiss him. "That's very thoughtful of you. I kiss him.

"We can cook together?" I kiss him. He has such broad shoulders.

Edward takes my last kiss and deepens it. We're in bed, almost naked, kissing passionately, breathing heavily, and hands roving quickly. He moans.

I groan.

Something pokes me, and Edward backs away.

Out of breath, I stare. Out of breath, he glares. "Woman, you're fucking killing me."

"I'm … sorry." I shrug.

He huffs and runs his hands through his tangled hair. "Okay. Let's get some sleep."

"Edward, thank you." I squeeze his hand.

We settle in, spooning. "We'll work all of his out." He reassures.

All is quiet. Our breathing is calm. Edward holds me close.

He softly says, "Bella?"

My sleepy voice. "Yeah."

"I liked your boobs."

"I liked your poke."

I giggle. He laughs.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Edward and I spend most of the morning side-by-side chopping veggies, cheeses, and preparing spices and an herb bouquet for the Beef Bourguignon.

We split the meal in two, with Edward preparing the entree and me, yes, doing the dessert; a simple, chocolate almond cake.

We have one sweet bottle of Pinot Bris to serve with French cheeses, fruit and crackers, two lovely bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon to compliment the beef, and two, light, rich bottles of Madeira to sweeten the dark chocolate of the cake with a hint of caramel and hazelnut/almond. I just want us all to get nice and drunk, before we discuss the adoption papers. Coffee and tea are not an option.

I dress in the third bedroom while Edward readies himself in his room. I put on a cream colored, cable sweater that fans long and full over a pair of chocolate brown leggings with matching socks. My hair is down and swept to the side. My makeup is smoky brown with beige highlight. Yes, I have to match.

I meet Edward in the hallway and smile. His dark green sweater brings out the green in his eyes while the tight jeans contour his muscular thighs. We do assess one another and smile.

His hands reach into my hair. Oh, who cares about the hair. He leans down for a stolen kiss. "You okay?"

I kid, "Never been better."

There's a knock at the door.

I shrug. "Showtime."

Edward takes my hand, and we walk to the front door. We do the simple greetings and hugs, and escort Aunt Sally and Richard to the living room.

On the coffee table, we spread out the platters of cheeses, fruit and crackers. Edward pours the wine; we sit on the parallel sofas, and talk about the day and the move.

Edward gives a small tour of the apartment. Richard, like every other male, falls in love with the shower. Aunt Sally absorbs everything.

We take our seats at the dining room table and indulge ourselves with the Beef Bourguignon and warm French bread. The wine flows, and the glasses are full. By the time we are ready for dessert, we all have double vision; my plan exactly.

After Aunt Sally eats a few bites of the heavenly chocolate cake, I get up, bring the photo-adoption box to the table, and place it near her. She looks at it with every ounce of color draining from her face, turns to Richard with pleading eyes and then to me. "Where did you get this, JujuBee?"

"It was accidentally moved with all of my boxes, Aunt…" I trail off biting my cheek as my eyes begin to tear.

She places her fork on her plate and looks down. "I'm sorry you had to find out this way." Her bottom lip quivers and tears fall in rivulets down her cheeks. "I tried to reason with them." She cries.

Richard moves, but she raises her hand to a stop, and he remains in his seat helpless, as she whimpers.

I rise and kneel in front of her. She wraps me in her arms, and we both cling to one another.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Sorry for the angst. I am not a fan of it, but it was needed. You will understand

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

A/N: Thank you to my Beta, Sunflower Fran. I appreciate her time, her proper grammar and quick pen. Another great find by PAD!

To Robseve and Postapocalypticdepository (PAD), my pre-readers that give their unselfish time and creative input. Both of these ladies are inspirations and true friends.

Now, let me rec Postapocalypticdepository stories, since she so graciously rec'd mine.

Never Judge by the Cover: 9056924

Boys Will Be: 8868006

Rude Awakenings: 8876785

It's a New Dawn, It's a New Year: 8862243 (complete)

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

And thank you to all the readers, whether you review or not. I enjoy every comment and suggestion. Yes, NOLA (New Orleans, LA) is an exciting place to live. And to combine the old world with the new is a challenge, but the humor is quite a serious business. My objective is for all of you to smile, after each chapter.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Recipes:

Beef Bourguignon

1 6 oz piece chunk bacon

3 ½ teaspoons olive oil

3 lbs lean stew beef, cut into 2" cubes

1 onion, sliced

salt and pepper

2 tablespoons flour

3 cups red wine, young and full bodied

3 cups beef stock

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 cloves mashed garlic

½ teaspoon thyme

1 bay leaf, crumbled

20 small white onions

3 ½ tablespoons butter

herb bouquet (4 parsley sprigs, ½ bay leaf, ¼ teaspoon thyme, tied in cheesecloth)

1 lb fresh mushrooms, quartered

preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Remove bacon rind and cut into lardons (sticks 1/4-inch thick and 1 1/2 inches long). Simmer rind and lardons for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 quarts water. Drain and dry.

Sauté lardons in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a flameproof casserole over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly. Remove to side dish with a slotted spoon.

Heat fat in casserole until almost smoking. Dry beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and sauté until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the lardons. In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the excess fat.

Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes. Toss the meat again and return to oven for 4 minutes (this browns the flour and coves the meat with a light crust). Remove casserole and turn oven down to 325 degrees.

Stir in wine and 2 to 3 cups stock, just enough so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic, herbs and bacon rind. Bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cover casserole and set in lower third of oven. Regulate heat so that liquid simmers very slowly for 3 to 4 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.

While the beef is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter with one and one-half tablespoons of the oil until bubbling in a skillet. Add onions and sauté over moderate heat for about 10 minutes, rolling them so they will brown as evenly as possible. Be careful not to break their skins. You cannot expect them to brown uniformly. Add 1/2 cup of the stock, salt and pepper to taste and the herb bouquet. Cover and simmer slowly for 40 to 50 minutes until the onions are perfectly tender but hold their shape, and the liquid has evaporated. Remove herb bouquet and set onions aside.

Wipe out skillet and heat remaining oil and butter over high heat. As soon as you see butter has begun to subside, indicating it is hot enough, add mushrooms. Toss and shake pan for 4 to 5 minutes. As soon as they have begun to brown lightly, remove from the meat is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan.

Wash out the casserole and return the beef and lardons to it. Distribute the cooked onions and mushrooms on top. Skim fat off sauce in saucepan. Simmer sauce for 1-2 minutes, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly. If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons stock. Taste carefully for seasoning.

Pour sauce over meat and vegetables. Cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce several times. Serve in casserole, or arrange stew on a platter surrounded with potatoes, noodles or rice, and decorated with parsley.

Chocolate Almond Cake

cake:

4 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons rum or coffee

½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature

⅔ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided

3 large eggs, separated

pinch of salt

⅓ cup almond flour/meal

¼ teaspoon almond extract

½ cup cake flour, sifted

icing:

4 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

4 tablespoons rum or coffee

¾ unsalted butter, at room temperature

slivered almonds for garnish

To make cake:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 8" round cake pans and line with parchment paper.

Combine the chopped chocolate and coffee or rum in a small bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir as the chocolate melts and remove from heat as soon as it's smooth. Set aside to cool.

In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and ⅔ cup sugar until pale and creamy. Add the 3 egg yolks and beat until thick. Add cooled melted chocolate. Stir in the almond extract and almond meal/flour and mix until just combined.

In a separate bowl and with a whisk attachment, whip the 3 egg whites and salt on high speed until foamy. Slowly add the tablespoon of sugar and whip to stiff peaks.

Add ¼ of the whipped egg whites to the batter and fold gently until combined. Add and fold in the remaining whites in 3 additions, alternating with the sifter cake flour. Fold only until the streaks of egg whites disappear, do not overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake until the edges are set but the center still jiggles when the pan is bumped, about 25 minutes.

icing:

Combine the chopped chocolate and coffee or rum in a small bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir as the chocolate melts and remove from heat as soon as it's smooth.

Add the butter a tablespoon at a time and use a whisk to beat it into the chocolate. Whisk until smooth.

Let the icing cool to spreadable consistency, stirring it every 5 minutes or so. It should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

Spoon icing on the top of the cooled cake and spread it to cover. Garnish with almonds.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Next up: BPOV