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 in bringing those review numbers up.
And thank you to the readers who follow and favorite that I am unable to send a thank you PM.
Chapter 31:
EMPOV: February
In between all the heavy breathing and moaning from the two, lovely sirens, I hear Edward mention my name, and I poke fun of my clandestine, carnal escapades in the back of the room. "I'm making out in the corner with a few chicks!"
Of course, everyone laughs.
Then, I hear him talk about Bella.
My ears go up. "Son of a bitch, he has a set!" I mumble, as I excuse myself from these lovely ladies, and head to the front of the room. I palm my mouth, wiping my face, and straightening out my tux jacket in the front. "Down BOY!"
I see the crowd part as this stick of a brunette, barrels through with a vengeance. To my surprise, it's Bella's, adoptive mother.
Medusa then shoves my mother to one side and questions my brother. No one … attacks my family.
I stand with Jazz and Alice. "What's going on?"
Alice is in fight mode with her hands on her hips and a death stare on
'Mommie Dearest'. "Renee just interrupted Edward's proposal. Aunt Sally is calling her on her crap."
I mumble to myself again, "Hey, hey, he did grow balls."
We watch the dualistic mother and aunt duking it out verbally. I like the fact that Aunt Sally protects Bella from Cruella de Vil, but there's some harsh shit going down.
Bella shakes her head and groans, "I have to get out of here."
As she walks out of the room, Edward follows. I turn my head to see Maleficent shove Aunt Sally to the floor. Richard comes from out of nowhere helping Sally to her feet. But this evil she-devil has other plans and grabs for Sally's hair screaming her fool head off. This sets me into motion as I run up, and grab her around the waist, and pull her from Sally.
"Put me down, you barbarian!" She kicks and tries to pry my hands open with her claws, then, beats me with balled up fists. "Unhand me!"
Never underestimate the power of Esme Cullen. Once my mother checks on Sally, she turns to me. "Emmett, put her down!"
Dad stands with Alice and Jasper with a big smile on his face.
"Okay, Mama." I release Renee, but stay to one side.
Renee straightens herself up and looks at my mother. "Well, thank you for getting me out of his …" She points to me. "Grip."
"I didn't do it for you." Mom hisses. "You'd probably have my Emmett arrested for assault."
Aunt Sally walks up to Mom. "Esme, I am so sorry about all of this."
Mom smiles sweetly at her, "Oh Sally, there's nothing for you to apologize for. You didn't ruin my son's proposal. Those poor kids are out there somewhere, probably so upset by what happened." She glares at Renee.
Renee stares. "It's your son who wants to marry my daughter? What kind of a man takes a private, intimate moment and parades it like a circus act?"
Sally faces her sister. "He's a man who loves Bella with all of his heart, and wanted to share that love with an entire room of family, friends and associates."
Renee huffs. "I should have known you would have approved of this kind of bazaar conduct. He's not for Bella."
I look at my mother and see the fire in her eyes. "And you know this how?"
Renee rolls her eyes smoothing her fingers through her hair. "Well, look around, one of your sons attacks me, and your other one has no social graces."
"Why you…" Mom slaps Renee across the face. "How dare speak about my sons like that! They could buy and sell you a hundred times over."
Renee cups her cheek and haughtily glances at Mom. "Money doesn't create breeding."
"Then, what is your excuse?" Sally growls through clenched teeth.
She begins to lunge for Renee, but Richard grabs hold of her.
"She's not worth it, Sally," he grunts.
"I should have you up on charges," Renee threatens Mom.
Sally retaliates, "And I could do the same to you."
Renee lowers her head. "I'm your sister."
"Only by birth. Now, get out. I don't want you here when Bella returns."
Renee turns, walks toward the doorway and over her shoulder she says, "I will talk with my daughter."
Richard places a hand over Sally's mouth. "Not worth it." Sally sighs and relaxes in his arms.
But Mom warns, "You'll have to go through my son!"
Renee continues to walk out, laughing. Through the deafening silence, all eyes follow her retreating form.
And then, Ms. Evie casually walks towards Renee and trips her. Renee straightens herself and glares at the other woman.
The room roars with laughter.
I grimace, "I can see why Bella ran away from her."
Alice grabs Mom. "Oh Esme, you were amazing." She looks at the crowd. "Wasn't she?"
Everyone cheers.
Alice grabs Sally's hand. "And Sally, Bella's going to be so proud of you."
Sally smiles, shakes her head and announces, "Look, it's a party. When Edward and Bella come back, we'll really celebrate."
My father winks at me, puts an arm around my shoulder and moves us near the food. "I'm proud of you, Emmett."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Next time, deck her! Now, let's go find some cookies.
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
EPOV:
Bella storms out of the front door shoving them behind her as she exits. A cold gust of wind blows her hair around her face and she shivers.
I run to catch up to her. "Bella. Baby, wait."
She stops at the edge of the porch with her head down. I pull my jacket off and wrap it around her shoulders, leaning down to her ear. "You okay?"
"I don't mean to be childish, but I just can't stand being in the same room with her." She shivers. "Edward, she ruined your…"
I interrupt her, "Doesn't matter. Don't say anything." I place my hands over her lips. "I'll go back in and get our coats. No, I won't let anyone see me, I promise." I cross my heart, and she smiles. "Just stay here and I'll be right back."
"But the party?"
"We'll come back when they've cleared the fucking trash." I kiss her forehead. "Trust me?"
She smiles up at me and nods.
"Good."
I walk back into the front foyer, go into the large closet, retrieve our coats and find Bella still on the porch between the columns.
She hands me back my jacket as I hold her coat for her to slip into it.
We escape the grounds and find Emmett's Vette at the end of the driveway. I reach into my pocket and pull out his keys.
"Your chariot awaits you, Baby." I smile. "Emmett gave me his keys so I could move his car in the back."
"Won't he mind?" she asks.
"Not this time."
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Once I get to the parking lot, we both get out of the car and walk towards Cafe du Monde.
She giggles. "Yeah, a coffee would be great."
But I walk us into the street.
Bella questions, "Edward?"
The plan is coffee, but I recall the night she touched me, worried if I burned my hand.
I pull her forward and drag her to the middle of Decatur.
"Edward, why are we standing in the middle of the street?"
All the carriage riders look at us, people on the sidewalks stare in our direction, and the cars stop.
No one honks.
Time stand still.
The only sound is a low howl of the wind.
I drop to one knee as Bella covers her mouth with her hands in surprise.
"This is a far better place." I look up at her and take the small box from my pocket. "This is where I truly saw you for the first time. You touched my hand, and I felt something in my chest. And when you walked away, swishing your ass for me ... Yeah, I knew you were giving me a fucking show, Lady … I felt this pull. I didn't like the distance. I didn't like you walking away."
"Oh, Edward." She bites the inside of her cheek.
"I'm not getting up to pull on you, I'm busy here." I laugh.
A tear runs down her cheek, but that radiant smile makes my heart pound even harder.
"I love you, and everything I said in the ballroom holds true. I don't want to wait. We can learn as we go, Bella. Marry me? … Please?"
From the crowd on the sidewalks, a voice belts out, "Say, 'YES'!"
And the crowd begins to chant, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
Bella looks around. She smiles and laughs loudly. "This is wild!"
The chanting continues and Bella drops to her knees. "Oy, this is cold." She looks into my eyes, wraps her arms around my neck and says, "yes".
I take the ring out of the box, place it on her finger and kiss her with all that I have. She cooperates.
The crowd explodes and multitudes of people surround us, congratulating us on our engagement.
The carriage drivers toot their horns. Then, the cars start blaring theirs and we move to the side and traffic resumes with each driver waving and wishing us well.
Bella turns to me. "Well, Mr. Cullen, I'd say you put on an amazing show for a proposal. Wow." She beams.
I think she's happy.
I know I am.
Now, I need to see my other girl.
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
As we walk into Julia's stall, we find Hank brushing her down.
"So this is what was so important you couldn't come to the party?" I rag Hank.
He turns and smiles. "Hey, Mr. Cullen. You know I ain't a party goer." He nods at Bella. "Hey, Miss Bella."
She wiggles her fingers. "Soon to be Mrs. Cullen," she screams."
Julia walks to Bella.
Hank congratulates us, and leaves to go and get more grain.
"Oh Julia, I get to be your mummy." Bella says as she pets Julia and rubs her head talking baby talk to her. "You like that?"
I run my hand down Julia's neck and over her back. "Hey girl." I look over at Bella. "Do you think she'd make a great 'flower mule'?"
And Bella runs with it. "I was thinking of 'mule of honor'."
I laugh. "Yeah, Emmett could walk down the aisle with Julia."
"She has to be a part of the ceremony somehow." She kisses Julia's nose. "Don't you pretty girl?"
"I agree. We'll think of something."
I grab Bella's hands placing them on my shoulders and wrapping mine around her waist. "Despite Renee showing up, this has been a fucking, great night."
"It has." She looks at her ring. "Thank you, Edward. It's so beautiful." She bites the inside of her cheek.
I pull, "Damn woman, you're killing me."
Julia bumps us, bringing us closer together.
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
When we get back to Aunt Sally's, we find the place is hopping. The music is loud. Masks are on the floor. Emmett dances with Mom and Aunt Sally. Dad and Richard sit at a small table eating desserts.
Alice and Jasper run up to us all excited. Alice sees the ring on Bella's hand and screams. "You did it!"
Jasper hugs me.
Alice hugs Bella. They bounce up and down.
We switch. Jasper and Bella jump up and down.
I look at Alice and shake my head; not going to fucking happen.
Mom sees us and floats over dragging Sally by the hand, drunk on their asses.
Emmett grabs me, shakes my hand and hugs me. "Man, you grew a pair."
I smile and just hug him.
Then, he grabs Bella and swings her around. "Sis!"
Everyone starts talking all at once, so we get the full lowdown of Mom and Sally's encounter with Renee. I have to admit I'm sorry I missed the cat fights.
Bella grabs my hand. "I know this isn't the end with her."
I hug her. "We'll hand it."
Sally stares at the doorway, stumbling a little, but catching herself. "Oh my."
I follow her gaze to see a tall, dark-haired man with a very distinctive mustache standing in the doorway looking throughout the room. Bella focuses on Sally's stare and wildly runs into his arms. He holds her tight and kisses the top of her head.
"Daddy."
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
A little late, but Charlie shows up.
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
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)
And a shout out rec to: BURN 8999279 by compass54
And to: Midnight-Confessions 9182601 by ohgeefantasy
Careless Hearts 9881551 by ohgeefantasy
And to: Edward Cullen FBI Special Agent and Psychic by 9626040 Dinia Steel
Also, found this story: Finally in Phoenix 9987411 by laughablelamb
AND: A Crack in the Door 8874295 by jane-with-a-y
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:
Chocolate Chambord Cookies
1 cup flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 tablespoons Chambord liqueur
Chocolate Chambord Drizzle
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 ½ tablespoons Chambord
For the cookies. Combine flour, cocoa and baking soda in a small bowl and whisk until fully incorporated, set aside. In your mixer, combine your butter and sugar, mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in your egg and mix for another minute. Add in your flour mixture, then your Chambord and continue mixing until all is incorporated. Cover and chill for at least an hour (or overnight) allowing the flavors to deepen.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The dough will be thick and fudge-like. Use a spoon your or your hands to grab a walnut-sized portion of dough and roll into a ball. Place on sheet and press down just a little. Bake for 9 minutes or until cookies are cracked a bit on top and cooked through. Allow cookies to cool for a bit on your baking sheet, then place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
Once your cookies are completely cooled, prepare the drizzle by combining the powdered sugar, cocoa and the drizzle to firm up before storing the cookies (to speed it up, chill them a bit).
Emeril's Raspberry Thumbprint cookies
1/2 cup raspberry jam or 1/2 cup jelly
1 tablespoon Chambord raspberry liqueur or 1 tablespoon kirsch
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets.
In a small bowl, combine the jam and Chambord.
Stir to combine.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk to blend.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
Beat in the egg yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla.
Add the flour mixture in 2 additions and beat just until moist clumps form.
Gather the dough together into a ball.
Pinch off the dough to form 1-inch balls.
Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1-inch apart.
Use your floured index finger or 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to create depressions in the center of each ball.
Fill each indentation with nearly 1/2 teaspoon of the jam mixture.
Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes (start watching the cookies at about 12 minutes though esp. since each oven is different).
Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Chambord Fudge Cookie Bars Recipe
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12-ounce package)
2 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Chambord liqueur
2 (18-ounce) rolls refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 Tablespoons butter or shortening
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with non-stick foil
In a double-boiler over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Heat until chips melt, stirring often. Remove from heat. Add Chambord, stirring to combine. Let cool for 15 minutes.
Slice 1 ½ rolls of the cookie dough (refrigerate the remaining half roll) evenly on the prepared pan. Cover with a sheet of plastic wrap. Use your hands to spread and press the dough into an even layer over the bottom of the pan. Remove and discard the plastic wrap. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture evenly over dough in pan. Crumble remaining 1/2 roll of cookie dough over the filling (easier if the dough is very cold).
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until top is lightly browned. Cool completely to room temperature.
Topping:
Gently melt 1 cup chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons butter in microwave or double boiler, constantly stirring to blend. (Do not overheat or the chocolate will seize up and become hard.) Pour into a ziptop bag, squeeze out the air, and seal. Cut off a tiny corner of the bag and drizzle the chocolate over the top of the cooled bars in a zigzag pattern. Refrigerate 15 minutes to set, then slice into bars.
Creamy Hot Cocoa
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
⅓ cup boiling water
3 ½ cups milk
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup half-and-half cream
Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.
Candy Cane Cocoa
4 cups milk
3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 peppermint candy canes, crushed
1 cup whipped cream
4 small peppermint candy canes
In a saucepan, heat milk until hot, but not boiling. Whisk in the chocolate and the crushed peppermint candies until melted and smooth. Pour hot
cocoa into four mugs, and garnish with whipped cream. Serve each with a candy cane stirring stick.
Hot Buttered Rum Batter
1 pound butter
1 pound brown sugar
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Blend in brown sugar and confectioners' sugar. Remove from heat, and whisk in the ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour mixture into a plastic container, seal, and freeze.
In a coffee mug, measure 1 tablespoon Hot Buttered Rum Batter and 1 fluid ounce of rum, then fill cup with boiling water. Stir, and sprinkle top of drink with nutmeg.
Mexican Hot Chocolate3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
¼ cup milk
¾ cup boiling water
In a large mug, mix the hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and chili powder. Pour in the milk. Add the boiling water and stir.
Kahlua Hot Chocolate
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
1 ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
mini marshmallows
salted caramel
chocolate syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Kahlua.
Garnish with mini marshmallows and drizzle salted caramel and chocolate sauce over the marshmallow.
Hot Irish Mocha
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp milk
5 cups strong coffee
⅓ cup Grand Marnier
1 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
Combine first 3 ingredients and warm over stove in a medium pan. Add Grand Marnier and Bailey's Irish Cream and continue heating. Onced warmed, serve in cups.
One Hot Lady Godiva1 ½ ozs chocolate liqueur (Godiva original, Godiva chocolate cream)
¾ oz Baileys Irish Cream
4 ozs coffee
whipped cream
chocolate sprinkles
Combine liqueurs and coffee in a mug and stir.
Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.
Baileys Afternoon Delight1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
½ ounce caramel vodka
½ ounce Kahlua
1 teaspoon sugar, or to taste
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
4 ounces strongly brewed Italian roast coffee
2 tablespoons lightly sweetened whipped cream
Grated chocolate for garnish
Mix the Baileys, vodka and Kahlua in the bottom of a coffee cup.
Add the coffee, chocolate and sugar. Stir well.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated chocolate.
Chambord Hot Cocoa4 tablespoons hot cocoa mix
8 ouncesboiling water
1 ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur
whipped cream
chocolate shavings
Combine hot cocoa mix and hot water.
Add shot of Chambord. Stir well.
Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Next up: BPOV